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Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Not quite sure. . .
. . . how we can ever stop such ridiculousness as the Terry Jones/Koran-burning/Afghanistan riot/killing or whatever you want to call it.
The situation provides a vivid illustration of what can be achieved when ignorance and reactionary violence are combined. . . death.
Of course some parties involved not only have no objection to the resulting death, they actually welcome it.
Since I clearly see which side of THIS argument is the correct one - NEITHER side - I won't belabor any point here at all.
I only want to use it as another opportunity to repeat what I believe to be a lesson learned, or more importantly, a preventative measure to such nonsense-induced tragedy - EDUCATION.
Take the time to LEARN. I mean real objective LEARNING. This would and should entail the consultation of MULTIPLE sources (and not merely or exclusively one or another 'holy' book), discussion (objective, non-emotional discussion) followed by some REAL thinking. . .
although I wonder now if the number of human beings truly capable of such educational endeavor is, of late, dwindling. . .
The situation provides a vivid illustration of what can be achieved when ignorance and reactionary violence are combined. . . death.
Of course some parties involved not only have no objection to the resulting death, they actually welcome it.
Since I clearly see which side of THIS argument is the correct one - NEITHER side - I won't belabor any point here at all.
I only want to use it as another opportunity to repeat what I believe to be a lesson learned, or more importantly, a preventative measure to such nonsense-induced tragedy - EDUCATION.
Take the time to LEARN. I mean real objective LEARNING. This would and should entail the consultation of MULTIPLE sources (and not merely or exclusively one or another 'holy' book), discussion (objective, non-emotional discussion) followed by some REAL thinking. . .
although I wonder now if the number of human beings truly capable of such educational endeavor is, of late, dwindling. . .
Coming April 5th - ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Some divine. . .
. . . musical chops from Mr. James Carter, this fine Sunday morning. . .
That saxophone had to be smokin' by the end of this solo. Does anyone know the name of the gentleman to James' right? (looks like Phil Woods, possibly) Watch the video twice, but keep an eye on that man the second time. His reactions to the solo are very entertaining.
That saxophone had to be smokin' by the end of this solo. Does anyone know the name of the gentleman to James' right? (looks like Phil Woods, possibly) Watch the video twice, but keep an eye on that man the second time. His reactions to the solo are very entertaining.
Coming April 5th - ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Saturday, April 2, 2011
More money. . .
. . . issues. (Root of all evil? Maybe not ALL, but MANY!)
The Wall Street Journal ran an article last week about why it's a 'BAD IDEA' to tax wealthier folks at a higher rate.
A former economic forecaster for California, said that the state was overdependent on its wealthier citizens. Upon encountering a group protesting state spending cuts whose signs said "We Love Jobs!", this forecaster thinks THEY are missing the real problem. California, he says, depends upon the top 1% of 'earners' (important choice of words on his part, don't you think?) for almost half of its income tax revenue. That's the guys making more than $490,000 per year.
But do you know why this forecaster thinks that's a PROBLEM???? It's because theses unfortunate 'earners' have "especially volatile incomes." They are the state's most unstable income group, according to this financial wiz. (Such a sad story, isn't it????)
He further 'justifies' his argument by stating that New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Illinois being the states most heavily reliant on taxes from the rich are now among those with the biggest budget holes.
The top federal tax rate—which applies to joint filers reporting $379,000 in taxable income—is still twice as high as the rate for joint filers reporting income of $69,000 or less. But alas, as they've grown, the incomes of the wealthy have become more unstable. That unconscionable growth of income, read GREED, is how we got into this economic mess in the first place. Between 2007 and 2008, the incomes of the top-earning 1% fell 16%, compared to a decline of 4% for U.S. earners as a whole. But they didn't tell us about the rise on the other side of the 'mountain.' As they've grown, the incomes of the wealthy have become more unstable. (I think I'm gonna cry!) Because today's highest salaries are usually linked to financial markets—through stock-based pay or investments—they are more prone to sudden shocks. Again, I think our problem here is obvious and this 'street' dog is barking up the wrong tree.
Many republicans advocate a flat tax in California to reduce volatility and keep high-earners from leaving the state. Instead of a steeply disproportionate income tax rate, a flatter, broader tax rate would help stabilize the most volatile of California's revenues, they say. The other camp says, and I think rightly, that the volatility problem can be solved by making sure citizens are fully employed and decently paid. Progressive tax systems are the best way to equalize the rising riches at the top and rising poverty at the bottom. Flattening the tax system only adds to income inequality.
So in short, the Wall Streeters and conservatives would prefer a different system. . . tax the poor people whose incomes (if they have incomes) are not as 'volatile' as the rich people and, VOILA!!! Problem solved.
Is it me or is something wrong with that picture??????????
br>
The Wall Street Journal ran an article last week about why it's a 'BAD IDEA' to tax wealthier folks at a higher rate.
A former economic forecaster for California, said that the state was overdependent on its wealthier citizens. Upon encountering a group protesting state spending cuts whose signs said "We Love Jobs!", this forecaster thinks THEY are missing the real problem. California, he says, depends upon the top 1% of 'earners' (important choice of words on his part, don't you think?) for almost half of its income tax revenue. That's the guys making more than $490,000 per year.
But do you know why this forecaster thinks that's a PROBLEM???? It's because theses unfortunate 'earners' have "especially volatile incomes." They are the state's most unstable income group, according to this financial wiz. (Such a sad story, isn't it????)
He further 'justifies' his argument by stating that New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Illinois being the states most heavily reliant on taxes from the rich are now among those with the biggest budget holes.
The top federal tax rate—which applies to joint filers reporting $379,000 in taxable income—is still twice as high as the rate for joint filers reporting income of $69,000 or less. But alas, as they've grown, the incomes of the wealthy have become more unstable. That unconscionable growth of income, read GREED, is how we got into this economic mess in the first place. Between 2007 and 2008, the incomes of the top-earning 1% fell 16%, compared to a decline of 4% for U.S. earners as a whole. But they didn't tell us about the rise on the other side of the 'mountain.' As they've grown, the incomes of the wealthy have become more unstable. (I think I'm gonna cry!) Because today's highest salaries are usually linked to financial markets—through stock-based pay or investments—they are more prone to sudden shocks. Again, I think our problem here is obvious and this 'street' dog is barking up the wrong tree.
Many republicans advocate a flat tax in California to reduce volatility and keep high-earners from leaving the state. Instead of a steeply disproportionate income tax rate, a flatter, broader tax rate would help stabilize the most volatile of California's revenues, they say. The other camp says, and I think rightly, that the volatility problem can be solved by making sure citizens are fully employed and decently paid. Progressive tax systems are the best way to equalize the rising riches at the top and rising poverty at the bottom. Flattening the tax system only adds to income inequality.
So in short, the Wall Streeters and conservatives would prefer a different system. . . tax the poor people whose incomes (if they have incomes) are not as 'volatile' as the rich people and, VOILA!!! Problem solved.
Is it me or is something wrong with that picture??????????
br>
Coming April 5th - ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Friday, April 1, 2011
Rambling. . .
. . . about everything
It's supposed to rain all day and if the day looks anything like yesterday, it's going to be an awful, depressingly, gloomy affair through which it will be difficult to stay awake and soberly engaged in a professional capacity. Gaddafi is saying that western leaders should resign, not he. Strange dude, man. I always thought the actor Stewart Margolin bore a resemblance to Gaddafi. He's the guy that appeared on the Rockford Files in the 70s with James Garner, as the character Angel. I think he should be cast as the Libyan leader should anyone decide to make a movie about that troubled North African nation. My wife asked if I might be interested in seeing the stage production of the Addams Family, prospect of which I have been, up until this point, somewhat lukewarm. She left a browser open on the laptop last night that involved the current touring production of that show and I must say, I was attracted. Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth (who are in it on Broadway) are quite funny in the scenes I watched. Of course, as usual with me, when pondering the prospect of a remake of something from my childhood, I search YouTube to watch the old versions. Wish Nathan and Bebe were in the touring company. And, as quite often occurs, I find that the original is really not quite as wonderful as my perception would have me believe. The Addams Family printed cartoons, of course, the exception to this rule. The television show, case in point. I love John Astin and Carolyn Jones and Jackie Coogan. Somehow, the YouTube episode I briefly viewed moved at a fast and jerky pace, at least faster and jerkier than I remember, making it look like an old silent movie WITH sound- if THAT makes any sense. And the laugh track, as all laugh tracks, was hideous. I fell asleep before I could look at clips from the movies with Raul Julia and Angelica Huston. I KNOW they're great though. I'm thinking about my music and ANOTHER SHOT and how difficult marketing what I do actually is. As Capt. John Quincy Taggert says in Galaxy Quest - NEVER GIVE UP!. . . but I think it's time to give up this blog for now.
It's supposed to rain all day and if the day looks anything like yesterday, it's going to be an awful, depressingly, gloomy affair through which it will be difficult to stay awake and soberly engaged in a professional capacity. Gaddafi is saying that western leaders should resign, not he. Strange dude, man. I always thought the actor Stewart Margolin bore a resemblance to Gaddafi. He's the guy that appeared on the Rockford Files in the 70s with James Garner, as the character Angel. I think he should be cast as the Libyan leader should anyone decide to make a movie about that troubled North African nation. My wife asked if I might be interested in seeing the stage production of the Addams Family, prospect of which I have been, up until this point, somewhat lukewarm. She left a browser open on the laptop last night that involved the current touring production of that show and I must say, I was attracted. Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth (who are in it on Broadway) are quite funny in the scenes I watched. Of course, as usual with me, when pondering the prospect of a remake of something from my childhood, I search YouTube to watch the old versions. Wish Nathan and Bebe were in the touring company. And, as quite often occurs, I find that the original is really not quite as wonderful as my perception would have me believe. The Addams Family printed cartoons, of course, the exception to this rule. The television show, case in point. I love John Astin and Carolyn Jones and Jackie Coogan. Somehow, the YouTube episode I briefly viewed moved at a fast and jerky pace, at least faster and jerkier than I remember, making it look like an old silent movie WITH sound- if THAT makes any sense. And the laugh track, as all laugh tracks, was hideous. I fell asleep before I could look at clips from the movies with Raul Julia and Angelica Huston. I KNOW they're great though. I'm thinking about my music and ANOTHER SHOT and how difficult marketing what I do actually is. As Capt. John Quincy Taggert says in Galaxy Quest - NEVER GIVE UP!. . . but I think it's time to give up this blog for now.
Coming April 5th - ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Just a Little. . .
Insert Shameless Commercial Plug for ANOTHER SHOT Here. . . Coming April 5th - ANOTHER SHOT by Ray Jozwiak
ANOTHER SHOT is the latest release from Baltimore-based creative musician (composer, pianist) Ray Jozwiak,which will be available through digital distribution only. ANOTHER SHOT contains a collection of eclectic sound essays including a Dead-ish funk-jam, a solo jazz-inflected piano waltz, a Steely Dan-inspired tale of woe (complete with vocal), meditative, ambient, new-agey piano solo (displaying some bluesy, Monk-ish chops), an epic, atmospheric, groove evoking the gamut of emotions (and sampled instruments) from Alpha to Zed, rounded out by a romping, rhythmic celebration of joy.
Contact:
Ray Jozwiak
Website: http://www.rayjozwiak.com
Email: pjozwiak@verizon.net
Phone: 410-369-8463
Snail: 1049 Winsford Road
Towson, MD 21204
USA
Insert Shameless Commercial Plug for ANOTHER SHOT Here. . . Coming April 5th - ANOTHER SHOT by Ray Jozwiak
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Lebowski who???. . .
My son Russell (the filmmaker) was involved in this skit for Funny or Die. (If you're a fan of The Big Lebowski, you'll understand. . . )
(Russell is sitting in the booth, black shirt, white pants, right hand seat in the last scene where Tara says, "I am sick of abiding man!" you see him behind her after she turns. . . )
(Russell is sitting in the booth, black shirt, white pants, right hand seat in the last scene where Tara says, "I am sick of abiding man!" you see him behind her after she turns. . . )
Oh Yeah. . . hear my music TOO, at www.rayjozwiak.com
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