Some things never change.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The news. . .
. . . includes Blagojevich, violent video games, justification for bombing Libya and Pakistan, Greek debt, Iranian missiles reaching the U.S., economists and a brighter second half, a debt ceiling, presidential elections, Bachman, Romney, Overdrive, a forecast of rain and fires in New Mexico. FIRES??
Some things never change.
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ANOTHER SHOT
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Some things never change.
download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
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Monday, June 27, 2011
But I only want to. . .
. . . SING!! NNNAAAHHHHHH! Not really.
Joe, of the American Flyer mentioned above, was himself branching out from country into other types of music. And Joe was also, in fact, a guitarist, which naturally led to a musical collaboration. Electric guitar and accordion. And no vocals. Although not striking me at the time, I find it amusing, in hindsight, that I never attempted (thankfully) vocals (of course, POST-Wyatt Earp [see prior blogs]). While all, or most, kids who play guitars, drums and various forms of keyboards as young bands in garages and basements or an occasional backyard in the summertime, want to and do sing, I quite naturally shied away from vocals. I did play with vocalists but never seriously attempted vocals after about the age of eight.
And of course, after hearing folks like this years later, why even try? I do attempt vocals on recordings these days, but this is merely in the interest of 'demoing' the songs since I do write lyrics quite frequently. It's not something I'm very comfortable with nor very adept.
download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
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Joe, of the American Flyer mentioned above, was himself branching out from country into other types of music. And Joe was also, in fact, a guitarist, which naturally led to a musical collaboration. Electric guitar and accordion. And no vocals. Although not striking me at the time, I find it amusing, in hindsight, that I never attempted (thankfully) vocals (of course, POST-Wyatt Earp [see prior blogs]). While all, or most, kids who play guitars, drums and various forms of keyboards as young bands in garages and basements or an occasional backyard in the summertime, want to and do sing, I quite naturally shied away from vocals. I did play with vocalists but never seriously attempted vocals after about the age of eight.
And of course, after hearing folks like this years later, why even try? I do attempt vocals on recordings these days, but this is merely in the interest of 'demoing' the songs since I do write lyrics quite frequently. It's not something I'm very comfortable with nor very adept.
download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
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Saturday, June 25, 2011
In the beginning. . .
. . . there was Adam, then Eve. . . or was there?
"The story of Adam and Eve is not a story about the first man and woman. It is the story of every man and every woman who has ever lived. Everyone who reads the Adam and Eve story needs to be reminded that they are not reading history. Rather they are reading an ancient story that seeks to explain why things in life are the way they are. . .
. . . People who try to read the creation and Garden of Eden stories as history will always be chasing rabbits that do not exist. Myths can never be read as history. Myths do not conflict with history. History attempts to report the facts of what has happened. Myths attempt to explain why things happen the way that they do. . .
. . .The Israelite tradition says that the experience described in the Garden of Eden story is repeated by every human being. We human beings keep making the same wrong decisions over and over again. One would think that we would learn and change our ways. But we do not. The Israelite tradition says that life is unrelentingly consequential. But we constantly avoid and deny this truth. Profoundly, I believe the Adam and Eve/Garden of Eden story. People who deny it, do so at their own peril. The writing of this column was triggered by the current argument about whether or not Adam and Eve were historically the first man and woman on earth. The brief summary that I have shared is taught in every non-Fundamentalist seminary in America. I cannot fathom why ministers do not share with their congregations what they have learned in seminary. Meantime we avoid the hard truths of the stories and engage in silly discussions."
(excerpts from ADAM AND EVE ARE YOU AND I by Howard Bess
The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister, who lives in Palmer, Alaska. His email address is hdbss@mtaonline.net)
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"The story of Adam and Eve is not a story about the first man and woman. It is the story of every man and every woman who has ever lived. Everyone who reads the Adam and Eve story needs to be reminded that they are not reading history. Rather they are reading an ancient story that seeks to explain why things in life are the way they are. . .
. . . People who try to read the creation and Garden of Eden stories as history will always be chasing rabbits that do not exist. Myths can never be read as history. Myths do not conflict with history. History attempts to report the facts of what has happened. Myths attempt to explain why things happen the way that they do. . .
. . .The Israelite tradition says that the experience described in the Garden of Eden story is repeated by every human being. We human beings keep making the same wrong decisions over and over again. One would think that we would learn and change our ways. But we do not. The Israelite tradition says that life is unrelentingly consequential. But we constantly avoid and deny this truth. Profoundly, I believe the Adam and Eve/Garden of Eden story. People who deny it, do so at their own peril. The writing of this column was triggered by the current argument about whether or not Adam and Eve were historically the first man and woman on earth. The brief summary that I have shared is taught in every non-Fundamentalist seminary in America. I cannot fathom why ministers do not share with their congregations what they have learned in seminary. Meantime we avoid the hard truths of the stories and engage in silly discussions."
(excerpts from ADAM AND EVE ARE YOU AND I by Howard Bess
The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister, who lives in Palmer, Alaska. His email address is hdbss@mtaonline.net)
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ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
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Groucho Marx said. . .
. . . (among many other hilarious things) . . . "I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members."
MEMBER OF THE CLUB
Who doesn't want to belong to something; a need that's bigger than us. You feel it deep in your heart, desire for attention; a little trust; a little trust. Now I'm a member of the club and I'm not really sure how far it will get me. And I'm not really sure how far I will go.
I felt it so many times, that yearning to be a part of it all. I couldn't understand why I didn't fit into your kind of style; your kind of style. Now I'm a member of the club and I'm not really sure how far it will get me. And I'm not really sure how far I will go.
I'm an outsider from so long ago; a solo performer on my own road, on my own road.
Why so much serious doubt consumes me I can't begin to describe. Just when I thought that I found a greater confidence I want to hide, I want to hide. Now I'm a member of the club and I'm not really sure how far it will get me. And I'm not really sure how far I will go.
MEMBER OF THE CLUB
©2011 Raymond M. Jozwiak
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ANOTHER SHOT
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MEMBER OF THE CLUB
Who doesn't want to belong to something; a need that's bigger than us. You feel it deep in your heart, desire for attention; a little trust; a little trust. Now I'm a member of the club and I'm not really sure how far it will get me. And I'm not really sure how far I will go.
I felt it so many times, that yearning to be a part of it all. I couldn't understand why I didn't fit into your kind of style; your kind of style. Now I'm a member of the club and I'm not really sure how far it will get me. And I'm not really sure how far I will go.
I'm an outsider from so long ago; a solo performer on my own road, on my own road.
Why so much serious doubt consumes me I can't begin to describe. Just when I thought that I found a greater confidence I want to hide, I want to hide. Now I'm a member of the club and I'm not really sure how far it will get me. And I'm not really sure how far I will go.
MEMBER OF THE CLUB
©2011 Raymond M. Jozwiak
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ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
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Thursday, June 23, 2011
Nothing. . .
. . . is easy.
The late comedian Morey Amsterdam used to say that nothing is impossible, except getting toothpaste back into the tube and getting off a mailing list. I don’t know about getting off of a mailing list, but my wife proved to me that it is NOT impossible to get toothpaste back into the tube. Way back before we were married, when I first heard Morey’s line, I used it quite frequently in conversation. My wife ‘to-be’ said that she thought that the back-end of the toothpaste tube could be opened, and the toothpaste could be returned to the tube using a spoon or a table knife, then re-sealed. She actually tested her hypothesis with successful results. The ‘guinea pig’ tube of replaced toothpaste was caste in plastic for the ages and made into a paperweight, which she still has to this day, many years later I might add. Of course the mailing list is a different animal that has now evolved into a cyber-being. I’ve had mixed results with attempting to disengage myself from these things, so I guess it’s not really impossible, just difficult, and certainly not consistent.
But no matter where you stand on these crucial issues of the day, in the end I think we can all agree that nothing is easy. At least most things aren’t. Most certainly those substantial ones, like raising children, working full-time, buying a house, getting a job (for many these days), having a civil discussion on your political views with one of the other ‘camp’, maintaining calm while driving on the highway, reconciling your spirituality with the world, maintaining a happy marriage, dying and marketing your music on the internet . . . ARE ALL ANYTHING BUT EASY!
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The late comedian Morey Amsterdam used to say that nothing is impossible, except getting toothpaste back into the tube and getting off a mailing list. I don’t know about getting off of a mailing list, but my wife proved to me that it is NOT impossible to get toothpaste back into the tube. Way back before we were married, when I first heard Morey’s line, I used it quite frequently in conversation. My wife ‘to-be’ said that she thought that the back-end of the toothpaste tube could be opened, and the toothpaste could be returned to the tube using a spoon or a table knife, then re-sealed. She actually tested her hypothesis with successful results. The ‘guinea pig’ tube of replaced toothpaste was caste in plastic for the ages and made into a paperweight, which she still has to this day, many years later I might add. Of course the mailing list is a different animal that has now evolved into a cyber-being. I’ve had mixed results with attempting to disengage myself from these things, so I guess it’s not really impossible, just difficult, and certainly not consistent.
But no matter where you stand on these crucial issues of the day, in the end I think we can all agree that nothing is easy. At least most things aren’t. Most certainly those substantial ones, like raising children, working full-time, buying a house, getting a job (for many these days), having a civil discussion on your political views with one of the other ‘camp’, maintaining calm while driving on the highway, reconciling your spirituality with the world, maintaining a happy marriage, dying and marketing your music on the internet . . . ARE ALL ANYTHING BUT EASY!
Download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Please Visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com
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All's right with the world?. . .
. . . the piano is tuned, Mystic I is well-rehearsed and will finalize Sunday's two performances on Saturday, a break tonight to watch some baseball, a visit to a couple of wineries scheduled for the weekend, a long holiday weekend forthcoming and by the end of the month - vacation!
A Boston gangster is captured on the West Coast after many, many years, the president is ready to bring home troops from Afghanistan, Congress is questioning the president's military action in Libya, Farrakhan is keeping mum about Kadahfi's monetary support of the nation of Islam, it's hot and humid here in the northeast (and I love it!).
Intercourse with the media and potential customers could be better, concerned about a good friend (artist), lots to learn about the web and exploitation of same, concerned about the health of another good friend (and supporter), wondering about the dangers of driving cross-country alone, reading Hitchens' books like they're going out of style, pushing myself to write while expending so many hours BLOGGING!!!
Download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Please Visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com
A Boston gangster is captured on the West Coast after many, many years, the president is ready to bring home troops from Afghanistan, Congress is questioning the president's military action in Libya, Farrakhan is keeping mum about Kadahfi's monetary support of the nation of Islam, it's hot and humid here in the northeast (and I love it!).
Intercourse with the media and potential customers could be better, concerned about a good friend (artist), lots to learn about the web and exploitation of same, concerned about the health of another good friend (and supporter), wondering about the dangers of driving cross-country alone, reading Hitchens' books like they're going out of style, pushing myself to write while expending so many hours BLOGGING!!!
Download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Please Visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Beware the sharks. . .
. . . in the treacherous, music business ocean. (Even attractive sharks referred by 'friends') It all started with. . .
"BMI members Gentleman Hall did and Billboard Pro made it a reality by putting the band on ABC’s 2011 Billboard Music Awards, watched by 8 million music fans. Backed by the strongest name in the music business, Billboard Pro offers emerging artists the analytics, tools, resources, and opportunities they need to help make their music careers happen. Adding Billboard Pro to your marketing and fan management plan puts you in front of Billboard’s extensive industry network and connects you to the millions of passionate music fans who read Billboard publications, websites, and newsletters. Find out what Billboard Pro can do for your career. Start a FREE TRIAL + take advantage of a special BMI member discount today! CLICK HERE "
Dear BMI,
This is very interesting to me, as a BMI member.
Did I miss it, or did they NOT mention the cost AFTER the free trial expires. (I don't want to provide my credit card number for a FREE TRIAL if I don'tknow what the REAL COST will be at the end of the FREE TRIAL period.
I did find . . . "each year on your subscription anniversary date, you will be charged the prevailing rate for an additional one-year subscription renewal."
Can you help me? I can't seem to find the cost of the one-year subscription. If the REAL cost is this difficult to find in the offer, I am suspicious about what other items that could be hidden from one ignorant of the legalities of such matters.
Personally, I am a little disappointed in BMI for promoting an offer such as this, which sounds so enticing, but offers such great potential for cheating the innocent, optimistic, artist, who relies on BMI to HELP them through this maze of a business.
Best,
Ray Jozwiak
Download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Please Visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com
"BMI members Gentleman Hall did and Billboard Pro made it a reality by putting the band on ABC’s 2011 Billboard Music Awards, watched by 8 million music fans. Backed by the strongest name in the music business, Billboard Pro offers emerging artists the analytics, tools, resources, and opportunities they need to help make their music careers happen. Adding Billboard Pro to your marketing and fan management plan puts you in front of Billboard’s extensive industry network and connects you to the millions of passionate music fans who read Billboard publications, websites, and newsletters. Find out what Billboard Pro can do for your career. Start a FREE TRIAL + take advantage of a special BMI member discount today! CLICK HERE "
Dear BMI,
This is very interesting to me, as a BMI member.
Did I miss it, or did they NOT mention the cost AFTER the free trial expires. (I don't want to provide my credit card number for a FREE TRIAL if I don'tknow what the REAL COST will be at the end of the FREE TRIAL period.
I did find . . . "each year on your subscription anniversary date, you will be charged the prevailing rate for an additional one-year subscription renewal."
Can you help me? I can't seem to find the cost of the one-year subscription. If the REAL cost is this difficult to find in the offer, I am suspicious about what other items that could be hidden from one ignorant of the legalities of such matters.
Personally, I am a little disappointed in BMI for promoting an offer such as this, which sounds so enticing, but offers such great potential for cheating the innocent, optimistic, artist, who relies on BMI to HELP them through this maze of a business.
Best,
Ray Jozwiak
Download your
very own copy of
ANOTHER SHOT
by Ray Jozwiak
Please Visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com
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