I love pretty much everything about this song: the groove, the lyrics, his voice, and the production. Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Marketers to the Super Bowl audience:
You, yes, you on the couch. We've never met. But we've been working months to show you that we get you.
If you're a guy, you're two-dimensional. You're part-baboon. You have no intellectual interests. You really, really, really like beer. In fact, that and a naked woman (together or separately) are enough to motivate you to do anything. You feel threatened by the fact that women have leveled the playing field and are asking you to be more than a paycheck. We recognize this in overt ways by telling you your best shot at holding on to your masculinity is to drive our car; or in subtle ways, by playing to your ego and casting you in the dominant role in every single commercial.
If you're a woman, you're also two-dimensional. You are annoying. You're not worth addressing with any of the millions of dollars at our disposal. You fit into this event as comic relief -- but don't expect to write or crack the jokes; the laughs will be at your expense. The only way you get to shine is if you're 88 and willing to be tackled to sell a candy bar. Otherwise, your place is in a hot tub, on a massage bed, or passively standing beside your husband as he tries to fight fees with the concierge. We are wholly unconcerned with the fact that we kowtow to the XY chromosomes in the room and flip the bird at you in the process. You'll get over it. You should be used to it by now. And you'll come back to buy our stuff anyway because, honestly, would you expect anything different from us on such a male-centric event? I mean, who do you think you are? Let the boys be boys, and let us make the money how we do. Go back to the hot tub. Oh, and on your way, get us a cold one.
If you're a guy, you're two-dimensional. You're part-baboon. You have no intellectual interests. You really, really, really like beer. In fact, that and a naked woman (together or separately) are enough to motivate you to do anything. You feel threatened by the fact that women have leveled the playing field and are asking you to be more than a paycheck. We recognize this in overt ways by telling you your best shot at holding on to your masculinity is to drive our car; or in subtle ways, by playing to your ego and casting you in the dominant role in every single commercial.
If you're a woman, you're also two-dimensional. You are annoying. You're not worth addressing with any of the millions of dollars at our disposal. You fit into this event as comic relief -- but don't expect to write or crack the jokes; the laughs will be at your expense. The only way you get to shine is if you're 88 and willing to be tackled to sell a candy bar. Otherwise, your place is in a hot tub, on a massage bed, or passively standing beside your husband as he tries to fight fees with the concierge. We are wholly unconcerned with the fact that we kowtow to the XY chromosomes in the room and flip the bird at you in the process. You'll get over it. You should be used to it by now. And you'll come back to buy our stuff anyway because, honestly, would you expect anything different from us on such a male-centric event? I mean, who do you think you are? Let the boys be boys, and let us make the money how we do. Go back to the hot tub. Oh, and on your way, get us a cold one.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A song for today
Aside from the freaky close-up and the Italian lyrics, check it out. I'll work on posting the translation when I don't have a snowbank asking to be shoveled off my car. :)
Update: Translated lyrics below
Tutto questo tempo a chiedermi cos'e che non mi lascia in pace
(All this time to ask myself what it is that's not allowing me to be at peace)
Tutti questi anni a chiedermi se vado veramente bene cosi
(All these years to ask myself if I was really doing well like this)
Come sono
(As I am)
Cosi
(As such)
Cosi, un giorno
(Like this, one day)
Ho scritto su un quaderno "Io faro' sognare il mondo con la musica"
(I wrote in a journal "I will make the world dream with music")
Non molto tempo dopo quando mi bastava fare un salto per raggiungere la felicita
(Not too long afterward it was enough that I make a leap to rejoin happiness)
E la verita e' che
(And the truth is that)
Ho aspettato a lungo qualcosa che non c'e'
(I waited for so long for something that doesn't exist)
Invece di guardare il sole sorgere
(Instead of looking at the rising sun)
Questo e' sempre stato un modo per fermare il tempo e la velocita'
(This was always a way to stop the time and the speed)
I passi svelti della gente, la disattenzione, le parole dette senza umilta'
(The quickening steps of people, the carelessness, the words said without humility)
Senza cuore
(Without heart)
Cosi'
(Like that)
Solo per far rumore
(Only to make noise)
Ho aspettato a lungo qualcosa che non c'e'
(I waited for so long for something that doesn't exist)
Invece di guardare il sole sorgere
(Instead of looking at the rising sun)
E miracolosamente non ho smesso di sognare
(And miraculously I never stopped dreaming)
Miracolosamente non riesco a non sperare
(Miraculously I continue to hope)
E se c'e' un segreto e' fare tutto come se vedessi solo il sole
(And if there's a secret it's to do everything as if you only saw the sun)
Un segreto e' fare tutto come se, fare tutto come se vedessi solo il sole
(A secret is to do everything as if, to do everything as if you only saw the sun)
Vedessi solo il sole
(As if you only saw the sun)
E non qualcosa che non c'e'
(And not something that doesn't exist)
Update: Translated lyrics below
Tutto questo tempo a chiedermi cos'e che non mi lascia in pace
(All this time to ask myself what it is that's not allowing me to be at peace)
Tutti questi anni a chiedermi se vado veramente bene cosi
(All these years to ask myself if I was really doing well like this)
Come sono
(As I am)
Cosi
(As such)
Cosi, un giorno
(Like this, one day)
Ho scritto su un quaderno "Io faro' sognare il mondo con la musica"
(I wrote in a journal "I will make the world dream with music")
Non molto tempo dopo quando mi bastava fare un salto per raggiungere la felicita
(Not too long afterward it was enough that I make a leap to rejoin happiness)
E la verita e' che
(And the truth is that)
Ho aspettato a lungo qualcosa che non c'e'
(I waited for so long for something that doesn't exist)
Invece di guardare il sole sorgere
(Instead of looking at the rising sun)
Questo e' sempre stato un modo per fermare il tempo e la velocita'
(This was always a way to stop the time and the speed)
I passi svelti della gente, la disattenzione, le parole dette senza umilta'
(The quickening steps of people, the carelessness, the words said without humility)
Senza cuore
(Without heart)
Cosi'
(Like that)
Solo per far rumore
(Only to make noise)
Ho aspettato a lungo qualcosa che non c'e'
(I waited for so long for something that doesn't exist)
Invece di guardare il sole sorgere
(Instead of looking at the rising sun)
E miracolosamente non ho smesso di sognare
(And miraculously I never stopped dreaming)
Miracolosamente non riesco a non sperare
(Miraculously I continue to hope)
E se c'e' un segreto e' fare tutto come se vedessi solo il sole
(And if there's a secret it's to do everything as if you only saw the sun)
Un segreto e' fare tutto come se, fare tutto come se vedessi solo il sole
(A secret is to do everything as if, to do everything as if you only saw the sun)
Vedessi solo il sole
(As if you only saw the sun)
E non qualcosa che non c'e'
(And not something that doesn't exist)
On the lighter side ...
Loved, loved, loved this ad!
(I do not have any connection with Audi, nor is this an endorsement of their product.)
(I do not have any connection with Audi, nor is this an endorsement of their product.)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Fighting wrong with right
Special spotlight on Ne-Yo's efforts to fight relationship abuse by presenting a healthy model in his new song called "Heroes," which you can download for free at Macys.com/Ne-Yo. For each download, the clothing line Alfani will contribute $1 (up to $50,000) to support the RESPECT! Campaign.
See him perform it on Letterman (and remember the song sounds better in download version, so get a version at Macy's website, spread the word and pat yourself on the back for boosting a good cause!)
See him perform it on Letterman (and remember the song sounds better in download version, so get a version at Macy's website, spread the word and pat yourself on the back for boosting a good cause!)
Processing pain
I've never identified with Eeyore. While I feel for him and always hope I'll get to see him having a good day, his negativity grates on me.
My parents raised my sisters and me with an appreciation for empowering oneself and rising above any difficult situation (both of them are political refugees and lost everything only to adapt and rebuild in three countries).
Which is why I hope that those of you who know me can appreciate the distinction between my self and my blog. Scanning the list of titles to prompt my memory of posts, I realize there's a lot on here that's sad, bordering on angry, and working from being victimized to becoming a survivor. I've used this space as a way of reclaiming my voice through the haze of disorientation and pain in the wake of major life changes. I've also dedicated a lot of real estate to domestic violence for healing purposes but also in hopes of raising awareness on an issue that is often kept safely in the shadows with justifications like "It's personal," or "It's just between them." The truth is it's a public issue and it's between all of us because on many levels our society permits it (and will continue to do so until more dialogue and ownership takes place). [dismounting soapbox]
It can be uncomfortable to face the rawness in these situations and disconcerting to see someone's heart laid bare (unless you're an artist who strives to do that as well), but I hope that you'll continue to take this journey with me. If you know me, I hope that you'll also set these soulful struggles within the greater picture of who you know me to be. If you don't know me, well, I hope that my writings resonate and move you on some level. If they give you greater clarity on some situation in your life, I would consider my time on earth a success.
I will continue to write through the process of healing, and embracing the transformative effect of pain. Looking back at legendary artists' lives, I can't help but notice that few, if any, led easy, happy lives. But they found solace in their pain with the opportunity to channel that into self-expression and into leaving some kind of legacy (although most died before earning the public's appreciation). Studying their lives has motivated me not to run from the painful moments but to surrender to them instead.
"I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness, and the willingness to remain vulnerable." (--Anne Morrow Lindbergh)
My parents raised my sisters and me with an appreciation for empowering oneself and rising above any difficult situation (both of them are political refugees and lost everything only to adapt and rebuild in three countries).
Which is why I hope that those of you who know me can appreciate the distinction between my self and my blog. Scanning the list of titles to prompt my memory of posts, I realize there's a lot on here that's sad, bordering on angry, and working from being victimized to becoming a survivor. I've used this space as a way of reclaiming my voice through the haze of disorientation and pain in the wake of major life changes. I've also dedicated a lot of real estate to domestic violence for healing purposes but also in hopes of raising awareness on an issue that is often kept safely in the shadows with justifications like "It's personal," or "It's just between them." The truth is it's a public issue and it's between all of us because on many levels our society permits it (and will continue to do so until more dialogue and ownership takes place). [dismounting soapbox]
It can be uncomfortable to face the rawness in these situations and disconcerting to see someone's heart laid bare (unless you're an artist who strives to do that as well), but I hope that you'll continue to take this journey with me. If you know me, I hope that you'll also set these soulful struggles within the greater picture of who you know me to be. If you don't know me, well, I hope that my writings resonate and move you on some level. If they give you greater clarity on some situation in your life, I would consider my time on earth a success.
I will continue to write through the process of healing, and embracing the transformative effect of pain. Looking back at legendary artists' lives, I can't help but notice that few, if any, led easy, happy lives. But they found solace in their pain with the opportunity to channel that into self-expression and into leaving some kind of legacy (although most died before earning the public's appreciation). Studying their lives has motivated me not to run from the painful moments but to surrender to them instead.
"I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness, and the willingness to remain vulnerable." (--Anne Morrow Lindbergh)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Silent beauty
Pitter, patter
softly falling
snowflakes float
onto the ground
Silent rev'rence
covers cities
like the blanket
on the ground
For a moment
just a moment
there is not
a single sound
But then a boot
pounds down its mark
and with a crunch
does sigh the ground.
December 18, 2009
softly falling
snowflakes float
onto the ground
Silent rev'rencecovers cities
like the blanket
on the ground
For a moment
just a moment
there is not
a single sound
But then a boot
pounds down its mark
and with a crunch
does sigh the ground.
December 18, 2009
Fairy Tale, meet Reality
December 27, 2009
A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I gazed at the photo of his brother seated on those familiar grooved stairs while playing with their excited Jack Russell terrier. Again I wondered if I hadn't dreamed the five years of love and companionship -- an escape with wondrous and nightmarish aspects folded into one reality.
At its best moments, we were weightless -- freed of all human and earthly constraints. At its worst, it was hell on earth -- a life prison sentence served in solitary confinement. Death Row would have been my exit route, if my cell door had actually locked behind me.
And I realized today that the only way I was able to withstand the abuse and denigration was for the dream-like quality of life as I knew it in Italy. When I was over there, the beauty, warmth and charm blinded me to the grime that coated my future. Once I removed myself from the enchantment, the spell broke. The prince turned into the dragon and the princess was left to fend for herself. It was something I initially could do quite well, but each trip over there he tied my hands a little more. He looped just another layer of rope around my wrists -- not enough to register with me as he did it but enough to weaken me to accept captivity and exile to the ivory tower. There I would remain doll-like, unstained, lonely and aching to take my place in the world. There I would be preserved as his accessory to win praise and admiration for him until my time was up and I was replaced, which I surely would have been.
So you see, the nostalgia was only for the time of soaring dreams and the conviction that believing in something so surely, so deeply would actually bring it to pass. Perhaps it's for my childlike innocence, that moment in time seemingly undisturbed by life's messes, until it became mixed into them in its own good time. For a "slow-mo" moment, it was a daydream paradise, an Eden of sorts, only mine was a built perception of near-perfection instead of actual flawlessness.
"Fairy tales don't always have a happy ending, do they? / And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay" (Fergie)
A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I gazed at the photo of his brother seated on those familiar grooved stairs while playing with their excited Jack Russell terrier. Again I wondered if I hadn't dreamed the five years of love and companionship -- an escape with wondrous and nightmarish aspects folded into one reality.
At its best moments, we were weightless -- freed of all human and earthly constraints. At its worst, it was hell on earth -- a life prison sentence served in solitary confinement. Death Row would have been my exit route, if my cell door had actually locked behind me.
And I realized today that the only way I was able to withstand the abuse and denigration was for the dream-like quality of life as I knew it in Italy. When I was over there, the beauty, warmth and charm blinded me to the grime that coated my future. Once I removed myself from the enchantment, the spell broke. The prince turned into the dragon and the princess was left to fend for herself. It was something I initially could do quite well, but each trip over there he tied my hands a little more. He looped just another layer of rope around my wrists -- not enough to register with me as he did it but enough to weaken me to accept captivity and exile to the ivory tower. There I would remain doll-like, unstained, lonely and aching to take my place in the world. There I would be preserved as his accessory to win praise and admiration for him until my time was up and I was replaced, which I surely would have been.
So you see, the nostalgia was only for the time of soaring dreams and the conviction that believing in something so surely, so deeply would actually bring it to pass. Perhaps it's for my childlike innocence, that moment in time seemingly undisturbed by life's messes, until it became mixed into them in its own good time. For a "slow-mo" moment, it was a daydream paradise, an Eden of sorts, only mine was a built perception of near-perfection instead of actual flawlessness.
"Fairy tales don't always have a happy ending, do they? / And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay" (Fergie)
Knock, knock
You screen whom you open your front door to. Choose carefully whom you allow into your life. They are no less a threat to your sanity, well being, and happiness than a ne'er-do-well at your stoop is to your security.
Toxic relationships weaken you and render you less effective in daily life. They sap you of your energy, reducing you to robotic reflexes instead of pro-active postures. Even those relationships that may not be fully toxic but that do not help you grow into your ideal should be pruned.
Your time is not infinite. Time invested in those types of situations is squandered and irretrievable, an extended period of missed opportunities for growth and enrichment. Don't make the mistake of coasting through these relationships simply because they're not classified as a bio hazard or because they give fleeting moments of excitement or gratification. Long-term, you lose. Choose wisely whom you let into your life.
December 23, 2009
Toxic relationships weaken you and render you less effective in daily life. They sap you of your energy, reducing you to robotic reflexes instead of pro-active postures. Even those relationships that may not be fully toxic but that do not help you grow into your ideal should be pruned.
Your time is not infinite. Time invested in those types of situations is squandered and irretrievable, an extended period of missed opportunities for growth and enrichment. Don't make the mistake of coasting through these relationships simply because they're not classified as a bio hazard or because they give fleeting moments of excitement or gratification. Long-term, you lose. Choose wisely whom you let into your life.
December 23, 2009
Unexpected impact
One of man's most costly mistakes is doubting that he has immediate impact on the web of people surrounding him and, by consequence, the web of people extending beyond his immediate circle.
If humanity realized that each decision taken permanently alters the social fabric, there might be more thought put into those choices. Their significance might increase in the decider's eyes and the incentive to do the right thing might rise a notch, although I suspect that a substantial bit of society wouldn't want to surrender their romantic notion of "just-this-once" that frees them to make whimsical, reckless decisions.
But take George Bailey's life, for instance. Here is a big dreamer who fantasized about shaping his world in a large-scale, visible way (skyscrapers, airports, etc.) and to experience the exotic. He never got the latter nor did he leave a footprint in the ways he intended, but he did undoubtedly shape his world in a tangible way.
Just by doing his best to make the right choices each day, by settling to work in "ordinary" circumstances, he did extraordinary things. By living each day with integrity, he empowered others to live with dignity.
December 24, 2009
If humanity realized that each decision taken permanently alters the social fabric, there might be more thought put into those choices. Their significance might increase in the decider's eyes and the incentive to do the right thing might rise a notch, although I suspect that a substantial bit of society wouldn't want to surrender their romantic notion of "just-this-once" that frees them to make whimsical, reckless decisions.
But take George Bailey's life, for instance. Here is a big dreamer who fantasized about shaping his world in a large-scale, visible way (skyscrapers, airports, etc.) and to experience the exotic. He never got the latter nor did he leave a footprint in the ways he intended, but he did undoubtedly shape his world in a tangible way.
Just by doing his best to make the right choices each day, by settling to work in "ordinary" circumstances, he did extraordinary things. By living each day with integrity, he empowered others to live with dignity.
December 24, 2009
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fog
Shimmery ghosts dance before my eyes
unfazed by the headlights that pierce them
Streetlamps give an eerie incandescence
They play tricks on my tired eyes
straining to discern sensory deception vs. reality
Slick, shiny puddles complicate those efforts
I'm partially entranced and irritated
The artist and the pragmatist battle in the moment.
Relief as I turn off my ignition.
December 26, 2009
unfazed by the headlights that pierce them
Streetlamps give an eerie incandescence
They play tricks on my tired eyes
straining to discern sensory deception vs. reality
Slick, shiny puddles complicate those efforts
I'm partially entranced and irritated
The artist and the pragmatist battle in the moment.
Relief as I turn off my ignition.
December 26, 2009
Transformation
December 16, 2009
I reread the emails from him today. The tendencies to control and manipulate are so pervasive in his psychology that he can't utter a sentence in his defense without putting down somebody else.
To you, ghost from the past, here's how I'm different since the last letter:
*I am aware of the abusive designs of your conversation.
*I've seen that life can be so much more peaceful, stable, maneuverable and rewarding without your policeman-like presence.
*I feel hopeful about the future.
*Love will be a part of my life.
*I've picked up the pieces of my shattered self and handed them over to God, who's whipping up a new mosaic and guiding me to become that.
*I'm much stronger than before and not afraid to set boundaries. You step over the line? You get buzzed. I set that boundary, enforce it and walk away. If you're discouraged by that, you're not the type I want beside me.
*I'm closer with my friends.
*I'm grateful for the freedoms and possibilities of the USA.
*I cringe at jealousy and flinch at disrespect. My advice to women dealing with that is "FLEE! It's hard to think about but you will be better for it. You will have a chance at Life finally. Your mind was meant to be used freely. You will discover fear does not have to be a part of each day. You were designed to live in community. Say goodbye to suppression, intimidation, and isolation. Break free!"
I reread the emails from him today. The tendencies to control and manipulate are so pervasive in his psychology that he can't utter a sentence in his defense without putting down somebody else.
To you, ghost from the past, here's how I'm different since the last letter:
*I am aware of the abusive designs of your conversation.
*I've seen that life can be so much more peaceful, stable, maneuverable and rewarding without your policeman-like presence.
*I feel hopeful about the future.
*Love will be a part of my life.
*I've picked up the pieces of my shattered self and handed them over to God, who's whipping up a new mosaic and guiding me to become that.
*I'm much stronger than before and not afraid to set boundaries. You step over the line? You get buzzed. I set that boundary, enforce it and walk away. If you're discouraged by that, you're not the type I want beside me.
*I'm closer with my friends.
*I'm grateful for the freedoms and possibilities of the USA.
*I cringe at jealousy and flinch at disrespect. My advice to women dealing with that is "FLEE! It's hard to think about but you will be better for it. You will have a chance at Life finally. Your mind was meant to be used freely. You will discover fear does not have to be a part of each day. You were designed to live in community. Say goodbye to suppression, intimidation, and isolation. Break free!"
Gratitude
December 30, 2009
I fell asleep last night counting my blessings instead of sheep. I'm reminded of just how blessed I am each day for various reasons.
Yesterday I felt acutely aware of the blessings of freedom I take for granted every day, and sympathetic to the struggles of people around the world who have taken a courageous stand against tyrants.
As the icy rain tapped against my windowpane, I also was aware of all those who were fighting for a bed in a shelter or facing a bitterly cold night on the sidewalk.
My stomach was grumbling as I closed my eyes, which reminded me of all those around the world who hadn't eaten in days (and may never know what a full stomach feels like).
So I started a list of the many reasons I am so grateful.
I fell asleep last night counting my blessings instead of sheep. I'm reminded of just how blessed I am each day for various reasons.
Yesterday I felt acutely aware of the blessings of freedom I take for granted every day, and sympathetic to the struggles of people around the world who have taken a courageous stand against tyrants.
As the icy rain tapped against my windowpane, I also was aware of all those who were fighting for a bed in a shelter or facing a bitterly cold night on the sidewalk.
My stomach was grumbling as I closed my eyes, which reminded me of all those around the world who hadn't eaten in days (and may never know what a full stomach feels like).
So I started a list of the many reasons I am so grateful.
- Shelter above my head that I can call home
- Three meals a day (or more if desired)
- Heater
- Warm clothes (that even have style) as opposed to whatever's available in the donation bin (or none)
- Shoes
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of the press
- Freedom to worship as I believe (and the gift of faith)
- Gender equality (more or less) in comparison to the situations many other women face. American women largely face economic inequality and violence on the streets and in their homes (still unacceptable), while other women face a whole host of evils solely based on gender: stonings, acid attacks, burnings, genital mutilation and honor killings, or they're killed in the womb simply because they don't have the right "parts" and are deemed worthless or a burden.
- A job
- A loving, healthy family
- All five senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing - a pretty awesome combo!)
- A body that moves and becomes the vehicle to enjoy my passions (dancing, writing, music, cooking, being outdoors)
- An education
- The gift of literacy
- Travel experience
- A loving kitty (shout-out to her foster parents!)
- A set of wheels
- The opportunity to create a life for myself
- The resilience of the human spirit
- The gift of HOPE
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