A "Grateful" Dream Realized

    When I was about 12 years old MTV was HUGE, my sister and I would watch for hours on end. One day a song called "Touch of Grey" came on from a band I had heard of but never actually heard, The Grateful Dead. I knew my Auntie Mary Lou was a "Deadhead", but I really didn't know what that meant at 12 years old. The song itself mesmerized me with it's catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, and the music video with the skeletons dressed as the band drew me right in. From that moment on I LOVED the Grateful Dead, and wanted to see them in person one day.

   Once I became old enough to buy my own music, I purchased my first (of many over the years..) copy of Skeletons in the Closet. Scarlet Begonias, Truckin, Uncle John's Band, Mexicali Blues...Holy shit the album just blew my adolescent mind. The songs had such positive messages, and a sound I couldn't get enough of. A friend introduced me to the album American Beauty not long after this, and I discovered RIPPLE..That was the day I offically became a "Deadhead". The lyric, "Let There Be Songs To Fill The Air" would forever be a part of my soul.

   When Jerry died, I felt I would never experience his greatness in person and it really sucked. I wore a black arm band for weeks. Even at 20, his music had made an impact on my life in a serious way. I still listened to as much Dead as I was exposed to, and life went on it's merry way. Then YouTube came along and changed everything for me.

   For some reason, while I was a fan of the Dead, I was never exposed to the live recordings. Of course I had heard the live studio albums, but the infamous bootleg cassettes never crossed my path. YouTube changed all that with videos of all the old shows. I got hooked on 18 minute versions of Sugaree and 80's Dead almost immediately. Brent Mydland on the keyboards and his amazing chemistry with Jerry just blew my mind. There were audio recordings of shows that happened before I was born that I LOVED. I even found an app with EVERY Dead show from the 70's on. Live Dead became the shiznit for me..Then I heard of Dead and Co.

   When I first learned about Dead and Company, I honestly shit all over it. I thought John Mayer was a douchey pop star, and couldn't replace Jerry in ANY way. I was convinced to give an honest listen, and I could concede that Mayer is a talnted guitarist. I fell in love with the band as a whole over the pandemic. I did a couch tour of every Mass and CT show, as well as suggestions from YouTube on other shows. I subscribed to a channel called "Something Like Mayer" and watched EVERY clip. Johnny really grew on me in a big way, he has a lot more depth and nuance than I originaly gave him credit for. I actually have versions of Sugaree that I prefer over Jerry's. At this point I knew the dream of a 12 year old girl was possible and HAD to happen, I had to go to a Dead show.

   Of course the pandemic made this tricky. The original plan was to take the commuter train to Boston for the Fenway show. This tour was of course Covid cancelled, so once again man plans and God laughs. I was hell bent on seeing them live any way that I could. I had to experience Shakedown Street, be amongst other people who feel this music in their souls the same as you, that vibe you only get at a Dead show, I wanted to close my eyes and get lost in the music as it was being played live. When the 2021 tour dates were announced, I saw they were playing Hartford and knew THAT was my show. I got an oppoutunity to go and I took it...

   To say the show was AMAZING would be a vast understatement. The boys played their hearts out, and I fell totally in love with keyboardist Jeff Chimenti as well as John Mayer. Dancing and singing along to China Cat Sunflower just brought pure joy, I almost cried. The people were just as entertaining as the band  with every walk of life brought together by the music. The only true downside was that venue totally sucked. The 2 hr wait to get in made us miss the first set, there was way too much walking and climbing stairs, and they weren't taking cash, but every silver lining has a touch of grey, and I was elated to just be there. I still managed to buy both an official and lot t-shirt, have water, and eat enough carbs to keep from passing out thanks to my friend. Totally blown away by the entire experience to be honest, I fulfilled a dream I had since I was 12, a dream I thought was lost with Jerry. I no longer feel as if I'm not a "Real" Deadhead because I never saw them live. I closed my eyes and got lost in the music..Lost in the entire experience. I can't wait to see my next one...

It's a Man's World Baby, and You're Just a Girl..With Morals

    So recently I found myself face to face with a moral dilemma as old as time itself. A guy I was somewhat interested in at work seemed almost too involved with an 18 year old girl. At first I just thought it was just jealousy, I'm kind of known for that, but the more I observed the more I sensed something odd. Well today it was revealed that he was hanging out at the local mall with her and a bunch of other teenaged girls we work with. The dude is 49! Talk about a fall from grace, I lost all respect for him in moments. As a parent this absolutely disgusted me, did these girls parents know about this? Holy shit, I would have the dude's balls and scalp in my purse if any of those girls were mine. Which brings me to the age old dilemma, why do some older people date or find interest in much younger companions?

   I have dealt with it myself; recently a younger person I know expressed interest, and even though he is a great kid, he is a kid. Younger than my own chidren. I feel it is improper for me to have any kind of romantic relationship with someone that young. Had an experience in college where a fellow student asked me out, he was 19, I was 35..I just couldn't go there either. The thought of just chilling at the mall with a bunch of 17 and 18 year old boys would never even occur to me. Yet men have been having it occur to them for centuries. Why is that?

   To misquote someone I can't think of, "It's a man's world"

      Men for generations have always liked the young "chippies". "Barely Legal" porn exists for a reason folks. I get it, they're cute, impressionable, all their body parts haven't been introduced to gravity yet, and they are into some freaky shit. I know my old ass can't compete with an 18 year old girl, and I really don't want to. Shit even Roy Moore was chasing 14 year old girls at the malt shop in his 20's, he claimed it to be biblical. Does it really go that far back? YUP!

     In many religions child marriages are actually seen as holy. Mormons, Muslims, and some sects of Christianity are all known to let young girls marry much older men. They claim that religious doctrine says it is fine and dandy. I am no theological scholar, but I know that there are passages in the bible that depict this..Moses comes to mind. Yet one would think that a more modern society would be less accepting of Bronze age values, but unfortunately this isn't the case and young women are quite often taken advantage of for dowrys, or to even just be a trophy. More modern non-religious men do it for the ego boost, and these are the ones I find most reprehensable.

   To put this into perspective, my friend who is 44, has a daughter who is almost 12. He is 32 years older than his daughter. The dude at work is 49 (50 by the end of the year), the girl is 18. He is also 32 years older. My friend would have to date one of his daughter's current friends in 6 years to maintain the level of douchebaggery that exists here. The dude in question is a total schlub, never married, no kids, an Atheist, totally blue collar Irish, and also very awkward. (My usual dream man..FML) In my opinion he is using this girl to boost his small ego. He must feel like he won the lottery the pathetic bastard. I won't even go into the psychological defects that exist within a person like this...Narcissistic Personality Disorder comes to mind. As for the girls in these ridiculously co-dependent relationships, most of them have serious Daddy issues. These men replace the father figures that either abandoned them or didn't love them enough. They seek validation, and are often more than willing to be used to get it. These are totally parasitic realtionship from both sides, and they disgust me. Yet I was called "crazy" today for openly saying it. I think the crazy ones are the ones that are in these relatioships or enable and excuse these behaviors. Once again we ask why?

It's a man's world baby, and you're just a girl...With morals.

Christmas Review of the Best Christmas Film.

   As I sit here watching my favorite Christmas movie, The Family Stone, I figured I would write a review for it, as I'm trying to get into this kind of writing.  In full disclosure, I think this film is AMAZING! The cast, the plot, the cinematography, the beautiful set, just about every aspect of this film are sheer perfection. Most of all the acting.

   Diane Keaton brilliantly plays the Stone family matriarch, Sybil. Sybil knows this is probably the last Christmas with her children, and she shares some emotionally wrenching scenes with them throughout the film. Her interactions with each of her children portray what a fun, accepting mother she has been, and the deep love she has for each of them. Keaton's acting is quite believable, and by the end of the movie, you love her as much as they do. Craig T. Nelson was also superb in his role of family patriarch, Kelly. An emotional, caring man, whose only Christmas wish is to give his children and wife a happy last Christmas together. Like Sybil, he loves his children deeply, and defends them sometimes fiercely for such a gentle man. This is one of my favorite roles he has played. 

   This film always makes me cry, as the superb acting and writing make you feel the emotional struggles of the characters, and you can deeply empathize with each situation. Each of the Stone children have a different relationship with their parents, and the way these differences are portrayed will truly pull at your heart strings and your funny bone at the same time. This movie is highly underrated in my opinion, and should be a more regarded Holiday film. It checks every box of emotion, and provides the viewer with a fun, Christmassy feel despite the heavy subplot. 

   As for the bad, my only problem with this film was Sarah Jessica Parker. I will confess to being a Sex and the City fan, but this was not the role for her. Meredith would have been better played by a younger, less typecast actress. Her character is written as uptight and awkward, and I don't believe those traits in Miss SJP. From other reviews I've read of this film, this was a problem for many viewers, and perhaps why it never got the critical acclaim it did deserve.

     If you want a Christmas movie that will make you laugh and cry, often at the same time, The Family Stone is the choice for you. If you can see past SJP at what a beautifully written and acted masterpiece it is, this film will definitely take its place in your Christmas rotation.

***My favorite Stone children are Ben and Amy, for obvious reasons..lol***

Obama Swagger v. The Clown Car

    As we move within 12 days of the most important election ever, things just get crazier and crazier. Between Rudy with a hand down his pants, Trump's continued antics, and the supporters themselves, some like me just feel exhausted. Last night we got a taste of comfort when Barry took that stage. My liberal swagger returned

   First off,  I must say that the concept of Obama's rally was ingenious. Repurposing the parking lot of a sports arena into a drive-in was a marketing win in every way. Not only did it provide social distancing, but it also added a nostalgia vibe to Obama's amazing speech. 

   I still love Barry, and his words last night sang to my shattered heart. Hope has been scarce during the past few months, and his eloquence and swagger was like a hot fudge sundae for my spirit. Contrasting how the GOP reacts to Trump's scandals, to how they would react to him acting as foolish really focused on just how hypocritical the GOP truly are. I also loved how Obama mentioned the pandemic playbook they left, and joked about it being used to level a table. He pulled no punches, and attacked Trump, but in the smooth way only Obama can pull off. This is why he is still my president. Watch for yourself, this is what leadership looks like. 

https://youtu.be/IQnlnk6Y7Kk

   In comparison, Trump was at another super spreader rally, lying and denying his way through as usual. He sang all of his greatest hits, gaslit the audience about Covid some more, and of course the cult cheered loudly through it all. Diaper Don is like the Grateful Dead, touring the country with Donnie's kids, but without the talent, kindness, or sense of any community. These people brag about herd immunity killing millions, there is no empathy for others within the cult. They don't want anyone different to have rights, people to earn living wages, and yearn for their neighbor's healthcare to be cancelled. They have lost their humanity, and are violating the very bible they use to justify their venom. I no longer have patience for them, as can be verified by my numerous bids in Facebook jail..lol

   As for Rudy caught with his hand down his cookie jar. (In more ways than one..lol) I absolutely cannot wait to watch him be humiliated by Sasha Baron Cohen. I'm actually planning to stay up to watch as soon as Amazon drops it. I gleefully anticipate the day his ghoulish ass is thrown in jail. He's the Penguin without the class and warmth. Just another drunk like Bannon, pretending he is in any way relevant. Even his own daughter thinks he's done. 

   The only way out of the reality show/circus we are experiencing is to vote. We need to cone out for Joe and Kamala the way we came out for Obama in 2008. His speech last night only further enhanced why Trump needs to go. Joe has the compassion and empathy we will desperately need in the post Trump era. I'd rather have a beer with Mr Rogers than Caligula, and I voted accordingly. 

   

Vote Mother F***ers

 Now you all knew I would chime in with my humble (LOL) opinion about THAT other Amy at some point. Watching these hearings is like watching the senate scene in Revenge of the Sith on a loop. To quote Padme, "So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause." 

https://youtu.be/DgxZr6LLS34

  I DON'T FUCKING THINK SO!

  Even if that cuckoo Church Lady is pushed through as is expected, I still believe that we can avoid the dystopian nightmare we all fear. To do this we MUST vote in record numbers, make such a blue tsunami that we drown these racist stormtrooper militias, Senator Palpatine McConnell, Darth Trump and the rest of the ghouls and dark side scum in the Imperial GOP. Show them that we aren't taking their shit anymore, and their jobs aren't lifetime appointments. Get these geriatric cavemen out of OUR congress. 

  To do this we need to fight as hard as the Rebel Alliance did in the holy trilogy. If we can win both houses in congress, we can impeach and remove these unfit judges and Supreme Court justices being rammed through. Trump fired federal judges when he was elected, and so can we. Liberals need to stop taking a French tickler to a gun fight, and grow some testicular fortitude. Trump sycophants only know how to play dirty, they're setting the precedent so let's call them on it.

  Many will say that liberals need to keep the moral purity, and to be bigger than the swamp. This will only continue to get us steamrolled, and could even hasten the destruction to our democracy. We can't continue to be the proverbial Charlie Brown having the football pulled away by Lucy Van Pelt. What McConnell has done is abhorrent, and he laughs about it. This should be a slap in the face to every American, especially when this current fiasco has Trumped needed aid to people affected by Covid-19. (Pun intended.) It's nothing more than a gross abuse of power, and it's time for liberals to counter punch.

  Even though The Rise of Skywalker sucked ass, it did depict good people fighting for right and defeating evil. At the end of the saga balance was brought back to The Force, despite the sacrifices made with the losses of Han, Luke, Leia, and even Ben. We may have sustained heavy losses under Orange Vader, but we can overcome just like Rey, Finn, Poe, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance. We just gotta fight, and I've got a burning fire in my belly. (Could be an ulcer...lol)

  On my way out, I'd like to suggest a film about the very issue of voting that is having it's premiere via Facebook this Saturday at 8pm. It's called "Vote, Motherfucker", and you can reach it by using the link below. I'm personally pretty psyched about it, even if I must confess my positive bias of the filmmaker..lol

https://fb.me/e/3E1T8YskE

  

Wake Me Up When the Election Ends...

   What can possibly be said about last night's debate that every pundit hasn't already beaten like a dead horse?

 HOLD MY BEER!

     TRUMPS BEHAVIOR WAS ABHORRENT!

It was a dumpster fire fueled by Trump farts, and then stoked by hatred of anything that isn't stamped with the Trump brand. Refusing to denounce right-wing terror, then doubling down by saying "stand back, and stand by", then tripling down with his rant about Antifa, further prove who he truly serves, and it isn't a good thing in any way.

      ATTACKING HUNTER FOR DRUG USE?

What a pig and hypocrite! Absolutely no class at all. Meanwhile Don Jr is on a cocaine tour of America, spouting his father's venom while appearing higher than Ozzy Osbourne circa 1982. Hunter Biden has worked his 12 steps, made amends, and is in recovery. I applaud him as his father did so bravely last night. 

  All in all there was no winner at last night's debate, as Americans, we all lost. Chris Wallace was impotent as the debate moderator,  and should be embarrased by his inability to properly maintain a hard on for decorum. Biden did his best to debate issues, but without structure or control, his attempts became moot. 

  I apologize for the rant like nature of this blog. I'm pissed off at the way MY COUNTRY looks to the rest of the world, I'm terrified of right-wing domestic terrorism, and fear what the election will bring. I am exhausted by Trump and his merry band of cultists. I try not to see these folks as the enemy, yet the sheer difference in ethics and morals just astonish me. I'm ready to go to sleep and wake up on January 20th 2021. 

The Surreal World

   I grew up as a Generation X kid, born in the 70's and came up in the 80's and early 90's. We were the first generation with CABLE, and since 1981, kid's like me were completely addicted to MTV. We watched it endlessly, it was like our version of the radio. Not only did we hear the music, but we got to actually see the artists in a short film as well. As an 8 year girl, I thought it was fucking AWESOME. Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Pat Benatar were my new idols. It was a great time to grow up, as we were also the first kids with computers, video game systems, and rap music. In 1992, MTV introduced us to a "new" kind of television called "Reality". "

   The Real World" premiered on May 21, 1992 to astounding success. The lives of, "Seven strangers, picked to live in a house.." became our new eye candy. We all had favorite characters (Mine was Andre..LOL), and we were there watching every time it aired. Most of my late adolescence and early adulthood can be remembered among seasons of the Real World, from New York, to Los Angeles, to San Francisco, to London, to Miami, to Boston, to Seattle, I watched them all. If I dig in my closet, there is actually a picture of me in front of the Boston house. My generation was hooked. I fully admit to watching the marathons whenever they aired, and harbored a crush on David Burns from the Seattle cast. (That Charlestown accent man...Drool.) Due to the success of The Real World, MTV started making other reality shows, Road Rules, the Challenges between the casts, The Osbourne's, and Jersey Shore; all were tremendous successes that leapt their cast members to often scandalous fame and celebrity. The Real World even produced a US Congressman! (Jackass that he is..LOL)

  Of course everyone now wanted in on the cash MTV was bringing in with their reality television, so all of these reality shows started on other networks. Some good, some bad, some REALLY bad, and some that were quite tastefully done on PBS. Shows like Cops, The Duggars, Dog the Bounty Hunter, and several other "gems" were quite popular, but completely turned me off. I got to a point that I thought it was just really fucking stupid. Then along came Mark Burnett...

   Survivor started with a bang. The self- proclaimed "Fat, Naked, Fag" took the top prize that first season, and America was entranced. Nothing like vapid competition to get the blood pumping here in the US of A. Vapid is why Snooki and Mike the "Situation" are names you recognize. Mark Burnett, the producer of Survivor had a big ole hit on his hands, and couldn't wait for another to make more MONEY. Well... Who knows more about money than (You guessed it!), DONALD TRUMP!

   I grew up in the 80's and pretty much knew that Donald Trump was a fucking piece of shit, thought it was common knowledge. My Tri-State upbringing made things front page news. He always came across as a total bastard. He was rich though, and because of this he was a celebrity in America!! Isn't that great folks? I remember seeing him on an episode of MTV Cribs and laughing my ass off at how vain and ridiculous he was. Not soon after that, The Apprentice aired on January 8, 2004. The premise; 16 young executive wannabes compete for a job with Donald Trump, one being fired weekly, until there is one man, or woman standing. The show was a raging success and made Donald Trump a superstar. Everybody wanted to be down with "The Donald", and I admit to getting sucked in from time to time, especially the celebrity editions. He was a household name, and what should a household name do when he's rich, a toxic narcissist, and married to a suspected escort...That's right kids, he should RUN FOR PRESIDENT!? LOL...And here we are.

   Living in 2020 has been completely surreal, everyday we are barraged by a new level of stupidity. I often feel like I am an unwilling contestant on The Apprentice:White House edition. The cast of yahoos like Stephen Miller, Sarah Huckabee, Mnuchin and his cunty wife, and Bill "Flintstone" Barr entertain us daily, in a never ending news cycle on cable TV. It's the Truman Show, and Donald Trump is the star. Reality TV is now our government, and ratings seem to matter more than the American people. How eerie is it that we can trace a good deal of why Donald Trump is president to the history of reality TV? How did filming, "Seven strangers picked to live in a house" go from being an innocent concept, highlighting the angst of the Post Boomer generations, to a fucking lunatic in our White House? Once I grew up, I thought at some point Reality TV wouldn't be good for our society, and I was right. This  season is getting scarier and scarier, and I would really like to change the channel now. I wanted to see cute boys and steamy storylines, not Springtime for Hitler.