The Itinerary,What's Left on My List?

Everyone has a list of things they want to do or places they want to go before they die.  I am no different.  I have to say I am not fond of the term “bucket list” but to avoid a diatribe that does not belong in this post, I will keep it moving.  So, my bucket list is more of a, places I want to go rather than things I want to do list.  I have no desire to jump from a plane, cliff, building or anything else for that matter.  I do not need to go through a military style boot camp.  I am an adventurous eater, but have absolutely no need to take a Bizarre Foods road trip.  I don’t burn to climb Mt. Everest or swim the English Channel. 

I have to say that I have had the opportunity to fulfill many of the items that would be on most people’s lists.  If you don’t see the typical visit the Grand Canyon or the observation deck on the Empire State Building, it could be because I was there already.  I have been fortunate to have traveled quite a bit, at least through North America.  I have quite a few check marks already.

No, my list is much more simple.  Most people would probably call it boring.  But I like it.  Please note that this is my list today.  It could, and probably will change in the future. So, without further ado and in no particular order…

Visit Poland.  This is the place of my heritage.  Growing up I listened to my grandmother speak Polish and a bit of Ukrainian.  I listened to the stories of my family and how they made the voyage to America in the early 1900’s.  My family has even been fortunate enough to have a few of our relatives living there come for a visit.  I would like to do the same.  Poland has a rich history and I would like the chance to experience it firsthand.

Visit Ireland and Northern Ireland.  This is the place of my wife’s heritage.  Her family hails from County Cork, County Down and County Armagh.  I would like to see Ireland for all of the same reasons I want to see Poland.  I want to take in the history and beauty of the country and the understand the personal connections to this place.  Plus, I would have a much easier time communicating in Ireland than I would in Poland.

Visit St. Andrew’s Scotland.  While I am in the British Isles, I want to make my pilgrimage to the birthplace of golf.  I have been a golfer since the age of five.  I have loved my time on the course playing the only game that can simultaneously be the most relaxing and frustrating one on earth.  I am not alone having this location on my list.  Anyone who has chased a little white ball around with a crooked stick has dreamed of The Old Course and the town itself.

If you have read my past posts, you know that I love golf, but I am obsessed with baseball.  To that end, I have a few baseball related places on my list.

Visit two Halls of Fame.  I have been to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY, as a child.  I want to go back as an adult.  I also want to go to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO.  The first museum will always have a gap in its history, the second fills that need.  I want to experience the entire story.  Yes, I love the game, I can’t help it.

I want to experience a baseball game in Japan.  The game is as big in Japan as it is in the United States.  However, since baseball has been there for close to a century, it has evolved differently.  The game is played with the same set of rules, but the traditions are different and unique.  The fan experience is also very different there. The same holds true for South Korea and Taiwan.  I want to take it all in.

I want to experience a baseball game(s) in the Caribbean.  Baseball is one of our sports in the US.  In much of the Caribbean, it is the sport.  They live baseball.  I want to witness this firsthand.  I dream of seeing games in Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Cuba, Curacao and while technically not Caribbean, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, and several other nations as well.

I want to visit all fifty states and a few territories.  I have visited forty states to date.  I have no particular location in mind, I just want to make it there.  I would also like to include a few of our territories like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. 

I would like to do the same with our neighbor to the north.  I want to visit all ten Canadian Provinces and three territories.  I am a bit farther behind on this list.  I only have three provinces checked so far.

I want to experience the New Orleans Jazz Festival.  I have been a lifelong jazz fan dating back to when my grandmother first played her old 78s for me.  You can keep Mardi Gras, I will take the Jazz Festival.

I want to experience Philadelphia’s Mummer’s Parade as an adult.  I have been there but I want to see it through my adult eyes to better appreciate the spectacle of it all.

I want to look down into the crater of a volcano.  As a child, I wanted to become a volcanologist.  I am still fascinated by science involved with a volcano.  I would like to see one up close and personal.  I am not particular.  I would be satisfied with an ash spewing giant like Mt. St. Helens or an active cauldron of lava from Mt. Kilauea. 

I want to tour every Smithsonian Institution Museum.  Just limiting myself to the Washington DC area museums, there are eighteen.  I have made it to thirteen.  I was almost there but they opened a few more and that gives me a few new ones for the list.

I want to attend the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, NY and the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, England.  I am an unabashed dog lover.  These are the Super Bowl and the Olympics respectively.  What else needs to be said here.

Then there is the one that I will never see come to fruition.  Space.  I, like most every other person on earth, has dreamed of traveling to space.  I did try to take it a step further.  I applied to Space Camp.  I did not make it, but in my mind, I always thought I could become an astronaut.  I follow NASA, the European Space Agency, the International Space Station, and several more.  I can still dream, can’t I?

Well, there you have it, my list. (For now) Like I said, not that exciting to the masses, but thrilling in my mind.  What does your list look like?  I would love to hear.  You can let me know in the comments or try me on Twitter @TWR_Individual.

Dear Santa - One Last Gift for Everyone

With the holidays upon us, I thought I would lend a helping hand.  Tis the season to pitch in and make yourself feel good about ignoring those in need for the past eleven months.  So, I thought I would volunteer my services to and finish up those last-minute gift ideas for you.  The ones that you forgot you needed or were just too shy to ask.  Everyone has their list for Santa Claus.  You may not want to admit it, but you do.  Some of these suggestions are semi-serious, some are light hearted.  None of these deal with particularly heavy subjects.  Without further ado, here are my additions to everyone’s Christmas lists.

Dear Santa,  

For every middle-aged office worker who goes to the holiday party thinking, “I can still tie one on like I’m in my twenties” I wish for them a little common sense.  The sad truth is, you can’t.  Slow down and realize, the consequences you are facing once you walk back into the office Monday morning.  Even if you can still bend your elbow with the best of them, you will probably make a complete ass out of yourself.  Then, when the holiday party is cancelled next year for “budgetary” reasons, everyone will be looking at you.  Moderation is the key my friends.

For the movie industry, I wish for a new idea so we can move on from super heroes.  Yes, I know the masked and caped dual identity do-gooders make billions for Hollywood.  I know there are millions of fans out there who wait with great anticipation for the next one, but come on already.  First, how many times can we go back to the well with the big three.  Batman, Superman, and Spiderman have been done to death.  Second, does every legend of comic book lore need to make it to the silver screen?  How long until the Wonder Twins are touching rings?  Please, studio executives, implore your writers to create something new.

For the music industry, I would like to gift you with forgetting you ever found auto-tune.  This device has made many a so-called singer a star.  If this is truly the music industry and you are supposed to have talent to succeed, then go sign talent.  I have grown so tired of hearing everyone’s voices digitally adjusted I want to scream.  A completely pitch perfect scream, mind you.  Let’s face facts here.  I can sing well enough to get close to a melody.  Should I be a rock star?  Hell no.  If your artist cannot sing on key, or in Randy Jackson’s favorite criticism, “A little pitchy”, don’t sign them.  Look a little harder, dig a little deeper and find singers.  By the way, if some of the stars currently on the charts can really sing, we can’t tell.  Let their talent shine.  Please.

For Facebook, Twitter, and all other social media companies.  A series of pre-post buttons.  These buttons are created for the sanity of everyone OTHER than the person posting. 

1.      Are you sure you want to post this now?

2.      Did you check it for spelling and grammar? (Not that anyone cares about this any longer.)

3.      Is this a photo you will regret posting later? (Like when you interview for that next job.)

4.      No, really, you need to re-read this post. 

5.      Okay, but you will rue the day….

One can only hope this will still stop those who did not get the memo that duckface and deuces has gone out of style.  Maybe the complexity of the posting will eliminate some of the drunken 3:00 AM rants about how Tom Brady got screwed or how the draft (pick our sport) is rigged.  I think this one is a lost cause though.  This may be out of Father Christmas’ wheelhouse. 

For all students, I would like to clear a few things up.  Wikipedia is not a legitimate reference tool.  Pi is not 3.  Physical education does not involve video games.  There are fifty states. Benjamin Franklin did not “invent” electricity.  Not everything needs to be abbreviated.  If you are young and were offended by this because you know better, thank you.  You are the ones I want caring for me when I am old and cantankerous.  That may be in just a few weeks.

For the scientific community, no matter your field of expertise, my wish for you is patience.  Persons are smart, people are stupid, reactionary and unwilling to listen.  Keep working on the individuals and the people will come around.

For the sporting world, another year like the one we just had.  We saw long droughts end, old favorites ride off into the sunset, and unexpected champions the world over (yes, you Leicester City and Ottawa). The global community came together again for more successful events.  As long as you keep thinking of the fans in the seats, at home and in person, your game will improve.   Kudos to the NBA and MLB for keeping the peace and the game on the field.

For everyone who is addicted to social media, a book.  A book is like Twitter if you didn’t have a character limit, had spell check, full words, no hashtags, coherent thoughts, sensibility, and a point.

For people who do not text and drive, a forcefield to keep those who do away from us.  If you are a person who texts and drives, stop.  You are not as good at it as you think.  I know, you think you are the exception.  You are not, you suck at it.  Stop.

For all the people in any store who feels like they have the entire place to themselves, awareness.  No, you cannot park your cart on one side of the aisle, stand on the other and pretend that no one else is trying to get past you.  Wake up and smell the frustration. 

To certain hipsters, a bar of soap and some shampoo.  You know who you are.

For our heroes, the real ones, our first responders and members of the military, safety.  Enough said.

For every shelter animal, everywhere, a forever home.

For NASA, ESA, RSA, and every other space agency, courage to take the next step. 

For the medical community, more power to heal.  More and better research that will lead to cures and treatments. 

For all those celebrities who are famous for being famous, self-respect and humility.  Your self-esteem should not rely on us. Because we only need you until the next thing comes along.  Get a grip.

For Minor League Baseball, better name choices.  Jumbo Shrimp, Baby Cakes, really?!?

For those who take everything too seriously, a laugh.  You can still be a crusader and take a moment to smell the flowers.

For those who take nothing seriously, a sense of responsibility.  Some of us are getting tired of carrying you.

To everyone, a happy holiday.  No matter if it is religious or secular, I hope it is healthy and safe for you and your family.

Sincerely,

The Well-Rounded Individual

Should an Artist’s Signature Song Define Them? (My Way Isn’t the Only Way)

Anyone who has been reading my musings over the past several months knows I love the big picture. But at the same time, I love to revel in the minutiae. I have stopped and started a few posts on another favorite subject of mine, music.  The reason I stopped was because I kept going for the grand tour of my musical palate.  So, I have decided to cut smaller swaths and discuss a smaller subject in more depth.  For today’s swath, I want to open a discussion that I have had many times with many people about various artists.  Many singers and bands have a signature song.  It is the one that starts to play in your head.  You know the one that every television show will use as an introduction.  It is usually their biggest commercial hit.  

Is the signature song their best song?  In many cases, I don’t believe so.  Now when I say best, I am referring to the entire package.  The music, lyrics, presentation are all part of the song.  A great hook does not make a great song.  I want to make another distinction.  I am also not referring to a favorite song.  I have many favorites that are not an artist’s best work.  I am looking for the best an artist has to offer.  Let’s explore.

I will start with a classic example, Frank Sinatra.  The Chairman has an extensive catalog from a half century of recording and was a giant in the industry.  He will forever be tied to My Way.  (Sorry, unless you are a Yankee’s season ticket holder, it is not New York, New York.)  Is it his best song?  I say, no.  I have two personal favorites, You’re Getting to be a Habit with Me and Fly Me to the Moon.  I think the latter is possibly his best song.  Among my other candidates for best Sinatra tune are: All the Way, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Come Fly with Me, and I’ve Got the World on a String.  I believe these songs showcase the best of his music. These vocals and arrangements are his best.

Next, let us look at the Rolling Stones.  Think of them and think of Satisfaction.  I love this song and Keith Richards opening riff is one of the all-time great intros in rock history.  It is not their best song.  Paint It Black and Sympathy for the Devil are both better songs but they only vie for number two.  Gimme Shelter is not only their best, but I feel one of the best rock songs ever.  The give and take between Mick Jagger and Merry Clayton is what drives the song but the music behind it is every bit as good.  I want to throw out 19^th Nervous Breakdown, not as their best but one of my personal favorites.

Billy Joel not only has a signature song, he is so associated with it that it has become his moniker.  He is the Piano Man.  While I do love the song, I don’t think it is even close to his best.  He tells a compelling story and yes, his piano sounds like a carnival, but he has so many better songs.  I will start with Just the Way You Are.  This has a depth of feeling Piano Man does not and the music is better composed.  For my money, this is number one.  I want to offer a few others I feel are still better than his signature: Movin’ Out, Only the Good Die Young, My Life and The Downeaster Alexa.  Okay, okay Joel fans, I know I did not include Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.  I love all seven and a half minutes of it.  It is just not his best work. 

Purple Rain is regarded as Prince’s signature.  Much like Billy Joel, Prince is tied to the song more because of how it relates to his persona than for the greatness of the song.  I think everyone agrees that When Doves Cry is his best effort.  Musically, emotionally, vocally, it is superior.  For Prince, I also think Let’s Go Crazy and Sign O’ The Times and Kiss are better songs. 

David Bowie is linked to Space Oddity. It is the song that made him a star.  I don’t think this is even a top ten song for Bowie.  Allow me to give a short list of better works from the Thin White Duke: Fame, Heroes, Modern Love, Young Americans, Rebel Rebel, Ashes to Ashes, and One that fits the bill for two artists, Pressure.  Yes, Pressure is not only better for Bowie, I say it is better than Bohemian Rhapsody for Queen.  Not by much mind you, but better.

I hope you can see where I am going with this now.  Let me jump into a list of artists, their signature, and what I believe is better.

Aretha Franklin – Respect

I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)

Do Right Woman, Do Right Man

Madonna – Like a Virgin

               Like a Prayer

               This Used to be My Playground

               Crazy for You

Otis Redding – Dock of the Bay

               Try a Little Tenderness

Elton John – Rocket Man

               Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)

               Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

               Nikita

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven

               (About half of their catalog)

Michael Jackson – Anything from the Thriller album

               Anything from the Off the Wall album

My lists could go on and on from Elvis to Donna Summer, The Supremes to Coldplay, Chuck Berry to Metallica, The Beatles to Mariah Carey, Marvin Gaye to Usher.  You get the picture.

I don’t want you to think I feel this way about every artist.  There are many where their signature song is probably their best.  The Eagles - Hotel California, Gladys Knight and the Pips - Midnight Train to Georgia, Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire.  But even these great ones can be up for debate.  And that is exactly what I want.  I don’t want some DJ or iTunes telling me what the best song is from any particular artist.  I like to talk about it. 

Now I want to take a moment and explain the choice of artists I used for this post.  I stayed away from most current artists for two basic reasons.  First, I am nearing fifty and the artists above are what I listened to growing up and they are part of my core.  There are many others, but mostly in the same eras.  While I do keep up with much of today’s music, I have limited favorites and I don’t want to short change great talent by making a stupid comment because I am uninformed.  The second reason is that most of these artists have already put out the bulk of their catalog.  Can Madonna or the Stones come out with another album with the greatest thing they have ever recorded?  Sure, they can.  That would be incredible and I will take my copy on day one.  Rihanna, Adele, Drake, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, and Niki Minaj all have many years to create that one song that will define them.  I think it is too early to assign a song to them now.  Let’s give them all a few more decades and we can include them.

So now, I want to hear from you.  Do you agree with any of my examples?  If not, that is okay with me.  What are your thoughts on the best they created.  If you have other artists you feel fit the bill, please share them.  I love great discussion.