With the recent, posthumous release of Mortality by Christopher Hitchens, I thought I’d share a video clip of his advice for writers. Enjoy!
Christopher Hitchens On Writing
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Tag Archives: M.C. James
Poem: Music
Day after day, you fill my life with hope and carry me away.
You’re an enchanting enigma, and I’m spellbinded by your complexity.
When I’m down, you make me smile. And sometimes I can’t get you off my mind.
You’re infectious and magical. I peel back your layers and continue to learn something new.
You fill me with elation and embody my soul. A life without you isn’t worth living, for you make me whole.
You make me laugh, cry and chill me to the bone. As long as we’re together, I know I’m home.
Our love affair is 27 years old, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. You’re profoundly beautiful…you’re my everything.
Hal David: Grammy-Winning Lyricist Dies At 91
I woke up this morning and read that Hal David died from complications related to a stroke. Working with Burt Bacharach, he wrote innumerable songs for a variety of recording artists, but their most memorable material was sung by the incomparable Dionne Warwick. Bacharach, David and Warwick defined the 1960s with hits such as “I Say A Little Pray,” “Don’t Make Me Over” and “Walk On By.”
To celebrate 50 years in show business, Dionne Warwick’s upcoming album, Now, produced by Phil Ramone, will feature four new songs written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach. While I look forward to hearing the rest of the album, these four songs will serve as a reminder of the magic these three musical giants created when working together.
Below is a 14-minute medley by Dionne Warwick, in 2000, during a tribute to Burt Bacharach and Hal David, as well as a lesser-known, but beautiful Bacharach-David song, “Sunny Weather Lover.” Enjoy!
Lee Child’s Jack Reacher: A Wanted Man
Lee Child’s 17th Jack Reacher novel, A Wanted Man, was released in various countries around the world today, and it’s coming out in the U.S. on September 11. I’ll be in New York the day it’s released to meet Lee Child and hear him talk about his new book. Speaking of which, below is a taste of what’s in store for Jack Reacher.
Official Description:
When you’re as big and rough as Jack Reacher and you have a badly-set, freshly-busted nose, patched with silver duct tape it isn’t easy to hitch a ride. But Reacher has some unfinished business in Virginia thanks to the intriguing voice of a woman he’s only met via phone, so he doesn’t quit. He’s picked up by three strangers, two men and one woman. But within minutes it becomes clear they’re all lying—about everything—and then they run into a police roadblock on the highway. There has been an incident, and the cops are looking for the bad guys.
Will they get through because the three are innocent or because the three are now four?
Is Reacher just a decoy?
Supermarket Stories: Bucket Hat
I just got in from a late night at the supermarket, so I thought now would be the perfect time to share another supermarket story.
Nearly five years ago, I set off to work and moved at a feverish pace so as not to be late. With the balmy breeze mussing my hair, I was in a delightful mood. My shift started off as usual and things were going well. Being a cashier, I have plenty of time to talk to customers, and this day was no different. I’d rung up a slew of my favorite customers as well as some that were new to the neighborhood. But one customer in particular caused a scene over sales tax.
My favorite line is express because it allows me to get people in and out at a quick pace, without having to spend an enormous amount of time bagging. When I saw that my next customer, an elderly man sporting a bucket hat, only had a six-pack of Pepsi, I was pleased. Such a small order would take no time at all. Boy was I wrong.
As the old man’s long, gaunt face peered up at me, he yelled, “That’s supposed to be $1.99!”
I replied, “Sir, the Pepsi is on sale, with a discount card. Do you have one?”
After failing to answer my question and staring at me suspiciously for several seconds, I said, “Here, I’ll use mine. The total is $2.12.”
“It’s supposed to be $1.99,” he barked, as spittle sprayed from his three-toothed mouth.
“Sir, there’s sales tax, which is why it’s $2.12.”
“F*%k sales tax! I’ll take you outside and kick you in the balls!”
At this point, other customers were staring at him and telling “Bucket Hat” he was being rude. Realizing I was in a no-win situation, I called the manager over to complete the order so I could walk away and calm down.
Following the incident, I came to two conclusions: First, this guy was passionate about Pepsi – although, considering his lack of teeth, he probably should have been buying Diet Pepsi. Second, his resistance to paying sales tax, more than likely, wasn’t linked to an unhealthy obsession with Henry David Thoreau. Instead, I realized, the cheese slipped of this guy’s cracker a long time ago, and there wasn’t anything I could do to help him find it.
I Paid Off My Student Loans
I don’t like debt; it hangs over me like a cloud. The only debt I’ve had since graduating college four years ago was my student loans. Compared to some graduates that owed $60,000 or more, the amount I had to pay back was small potatoes. But last night I decided I didn’t want to have this cloud hanging over me any longer, so I paid the remaining balance. While I’m not looking forward to seeing the full amount withdrawn from my bank account in a few days, I’m glad I did it. That’s one less thing to worry about. And now that I don’t have a monthly payment anymore, I can replenish my savings account at a much faster rate.
- How does debt make you feel?
- Have you ever paid off something big (e.g., a car, house or student loans)?
- If so, what did you wind up doing with the extra money?
Feel free to share your answers below.
Sammy Hagar’s Uncensored Life In Rock
Sammy Hagar is one of my favorite musicians. I adore his solo material as well as the tremendous body of work he produced with Van Halen. I was fortunate enough to see him live when he reunited with Van Halen in 2004, and I’ve followed his career ever since. I just finished his autobiography, Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock, and it was a fascinating read.
While the book was slow to start, it kicked into gear when Hagar started discussing his time in Montrose. As one would expect, the bulk of the book is dedicated to Van Halen, and it doesn’t disappoint. Hearing how Hagar joined the band, what drove them apart and what the short-lived reunion was like was fascinating.
Beyond the music, I was blown away by the multitude of entrepreneurial endeavors Hagar has engaged in over the years. He’s invested in real estate, mountain bikes, fire sprinklers, and, of course, tequila. Speaking of which, Hagar sold his tequila brand, Cabo Wabo, to another company in 2010 for nearly $100 million. This is proof positive that the Red Rocker is one of the savviest musicians out there, which makes me respect him even more.
This book was highly entertaining and it felt like I was having a cup of coffee with the author. If you’re a fan of Hagar, Van Halen or classic rock, you should pick it up; I highly recommend it.
For your viewing pleasure, below are two videos: The first one is Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen performing together for the first time, in 1985, at Farm Aid. The second video showcases one of my favorite Sammy Hagar songs, “Little Bit More.” It’s a gorgeous, soulful number from Ten 13.
Journey: When You Love A Woman
I discovered Journey several summers ago while down the shore. It was fitting because the band’s music is perfect for this season; it’s uplifting and infectious. My all-time favorite Journey song is the #1 hit, “When You Love A Woman.” It was the lead single from Trial By Fire, the one and only time the classic lineup, featuring Steve Perry and Steve Smith, reunited for an album. As you’ll see from the music video below, this song is perfect. While the entire band shines on this track, Jonathan Cain’s beautifully powerful piano melody and Steve Perry’s majestic vocal steal the show.
Do you have a favorite Journey song? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
My First 1,000
My blog has been live for less than two months, and I just eclipsed 1,000 visits. While I’m sure this isn’t a big deal for some bloggers, to me, it’s exciting. I’ve come to learn that one of the addictive qualities of blogging is checking my stats page, so passing this threshold was a real treat. Thanks to everyone that’s visited, liked and/or followed my blog thus far. I’d also like to thank those that post comments; I’m always interested in what you have to say, so please keep it up. Here’s to the next 1,000!
Supermarket Stories: The Curious Case Of Facial Hair
I’ve been working part-time at my local supermarket for nearly 11 years. I started off as a bagger and moved up to cashier. It’s provided me with a decent amount of income and benefits throughout high school, college and now, grad school. It’s also provided me with an endless supply of stories; below is one of my favorites.
Several years ago, I was ringing up one of my regular customers – let’s call him Bill. Normally he sports a goatee, but this time he was clean shaven. I told him I thought he looked great, and that, in my opinion, all men look younger without facial hair. Then I jokingly said, “Women look younger without facial hair too.” As Bill and I were laughing at my quip, I turned toward my next customer. To my chagrin, it was a miserable older woman with – of course – a hairy upper lip. Needless to say, I was mortified, as I sheepishly asked her, “Do you have your savings card?”
Do you have an interesting, humorous or flat-out bizarre supermarket story you’d like to share? If so, please feel free to post it in the comments section below.