1. The Riots- A symbol of a crumbling society (the fall of the Roman empire was caused by internal strife," R. O’R.) where out of desperation we almost turned to that paranoid little tyrant H. Ross, and where we finally put that twerp (Danny BOY) back on the streets, or in his case, the country club where he belongs.
2. Night 5 of 5 nights in ecstasy with Bob Dylan. "Every Grain of Sand" and "Visions of Johanna?” Get out Man!
3. Best Release: Dylan's Good As I've Been To You (an obvious choice but could there be another?) To hear him sing "Frog Went' A-Courtin" (ah hah)- Get out Woman! Consolation Prize: L7's Bricks Are Heavy, "The Pentagon turns us on."
4. Best Song: Shakespear's Sister's "I Don't Care". Want to hear what life is really about? Consolation Prize: Consolidated's "Infomodities.” Want to hear what politics is really about?
5. Best Movie: A League of Their Own. Who would have thought the merger of two of my loves, Madonna and baseball, would also include Tom Hanks muttering the line, "Baseball players don't cry."
6. Best Book: I forget the title but it had a silver metal cover and a whole bunch of pictures of naked people on the inside.
7. Best TV Show: The Simpsons. Hey, did you know they're just cartoons?! Consolation Prize: The Howard Stern Show. (RIP) Made from the finest things in nature.
8- Best Business Move: The Newsletter. Consolation Prize: A1 finally fulfilling his vision of the ultimate store, Landfill Records. Next year perhaps he will realize another dream, the combination sushi bar/bait shop-
9. Best News: Kirby re-signs, Winnie signs, Westie is gone, and Herbie has another beer.
10. Worst News: The Catholic Church caving in to public pressure and admitting Galileo might have had a point after all.
Monday, December 21, 1992
Monday, December 14, 1992
Holiday Notes
This was the first time in 28 years someone hasn’t come up to me on December 7th and made some kind of comment on Pearl Harbor Day. Might be because that day I was speaking on Asian American issues in front of 14 liberal women at that bastion of open mindedness, Macalester College. Leave it up to Dad and Mom though to come through with a wonderful story. Seems a dear friend of theirs invited them to a breakfast over at the Roseville American Legion Post. Later on, the same friend discovered the breakfast was being held as a memorial for that infamous day of 51 years ago. Mom and Dad didn't particularly feel it appropriate to have two elderly (but kind) oriental folks sitting amongst all the Veterans of the post. So they ate at Perkins instead.
********
A couple of comments from previous articles.. . A few weeks ago, Daryl, you mentioned George Harrison's (Billboard's Man of the Century) Wonderwall album. Back in the days when I collected -all things Beatle, I secured a copy of the album. Excited over my purchase (I had after all just listened to the Paul McCartney scored soundtrack to the movie The Family Way starring that koketish-SP? and what does that word mean anyway?, Hayley Mills), I put on side one. Shortly after I took off side one. Sounded suspiciously like someone was torturing cats with some hot table forks. My next Beatle related purchase was Ringo's The Fourth produced for the nose by Arif Mardin, bringing a Beatle into the Disco era (pre- "Goodnight Tonight" although post "Silly Love Songs"). Suffice it to say my interest in all things Beatle took a sudden nose dive.
********
I agreed with everything on your list, Emmett, with the exception of number three which read, "There never has been (and probably never will be) a song or a piece of music that everybody thinks is good." My nomination is McCartney's "This One". I defy anyone to truthfully dislike it. And if you say you do, it's your own loss so there…
********
DAVID'S X-MAS STORY: So a friend tells me to get into the mood of the season and buy myself a Christmas tree. We decide artificial was the way to go otherwise Max the Cat would probably gorge himself to nirvana. So I find myself in our friendly neighborhood Woolworth's looking at some really cheesy Christmas decorations. I had two choices in front of me: One was a four footer, a plain green effort. The other was a two footer complete with lights, ornaments and a star on top. So I settle for the more festive smaller version. Having just received my only ornament from my favorite mother of two, I place her gift on the tree and it nearly pulls the whole damn thing over. It is beginning to look a lot like ....
******** *
On our anniversary (which could be one of the few) I would like to take this space to thank all of you who have contributed. Keep up the great work! I would also like to thank the top brass of this company for not pulling the plug (yet) and for your continued support, Personally I would like to thank those of you who have commented on (and seemingly enjoyed) my musings. It's always nice to hear someone finds something in what you write. It's been a great outlet for me and J hope more of you take advantage of this space in the future.
********
A couple of comments from previous articles.. . A few weeks ago, Daryl, you mentioned George Harrison's (Billboard's Man of the Century) Wonderwall album. Back in the days when I collected -all things Beatle, I secured a copy of the album. Excited over my purchase (I had after all just listened to the Paul McCartney scored soundtrack to the movie The Family Way starring that koketish-SP? and what does that word mean anyway?, Hayley Mills), I put on side one. Shortly after I took off side one. Sounded suspiciously like someone was torturing cats with some hot table forks. My next Beatle related purchase was Ringo's The Fourth produced for the nose by Arif Mardin, bringing a Beatle into the Disco era (pre- "Goodnight Tonight" although post "Silly Love Songs"). Suffice it to say my interest in all things Beatle took a sudden nose dive.
********
I agreed with everything on your list, Emmett, with the exception of number three which read, "There never has been (and probably never will be) a song or a piece of music that everybody thinks is good." My nomination is McCartney's "This One". I defy anyone to truthfully dislike it. And if you say you do, it's your own loss so there…
********
DAVID'S X-MAS STORY: So a friend tells me to get into the mood of the season and buy myself a Christmas tree. We decide artificial was the way to go otherwise Max the Cat would probably gorge himself to nirvana. So I find myself in our friendly neighborhood Woolworth's looking at some really cheesy Christmas decorations. I had two choices in front of me: One was a four footer, a plain green effort. The other was a two footer complete with lights, ornaments and a star on top. So I settle for the more festive smaller version. Having just received my only ornament from my favorite mother of two, I place her gift on the tree and it nearly pulls the whole damn thing over. It is beginning to look a lot like ....
******** *
On our anniversary (which could be one of the few) I would like to take this space to thank all of you who have contributed. Keep up the great work! I would also like to thank the top brass of this company for not pulling the plug (yet) and for your continued support, Personally I would like to thank those of you who have commented on (and seemingly enjoyed) my musings. It's always nice to hear someone finds something in what you write. It's been a great outlet for me and J hope more of you take advantage of this space in the future.
The State of Us
I don't know, is it just me? Does anyone else feel the world has become less stable and safe since Superman died?
Yes, the newsletter has reached its half year anniversary. Time for some reflection and introspection, and our state of the newsletter address.
Last week the question was raised on what the focus of the newsletter is. I'll be the first to admit we have a slight problem with this vision thing. Early on I ran a survey asking for feedback, what people wanted this sucker to be. Let’s just say the response I got back was a little less than overwhelming. I know as editor one of my major weaknesses is generating ideas, shape and focus for the newsletter, I've asked people to contribute and the answer I get back most is, "What should I write about?" You want to see a scared, blank look... My philosophy has been to let people write about anything they want to. Hence in theory, it should be easier for people to write. The strength of this is people should feel they can write about what interests them, which in turn will produce their best writing. So if we all get to learn more about hemp, or the best summer of our lives, or Bob Dylan, so be it. I think a major purpose of the newsletter is to get to know our co-workers better and on that level-, I think we have done a good job. The weakness of this over riding philosophy is the newsletter has been a hodgepodge of recipes, silliness and way too much David.
So what should people write? I think a good example was included last week. Emmett's article on what he has learned over the past year while working at Cheapo was well written, pertinent, funny and entertaining. Daryl, Mark and Jason have been consistent contributors and their articles are always worth reading.
One more note: When I first interviewed for this position with Scott and I asked him what he expected from the newsletter, he said (and this is a quote/paraphrase), "If it turns into a place where people complain about Al and me, that's fine." Being an expert at making mistakes, I can say the best thing about them is it is one of the best ways to learn. I don't want the newsletter to focus solely (souly?) on things people don't like about working here. But I think that has a place in these pages. We are all lucky to be working for this organization. I see a sincere effort from the people on top to make this place a decent and worthwhile job for all of us. But if you, the employee, see an area that needs improvement, I think it is something everyone should be aware of; that only makes us all better retail personnel.
Yes, the newsletter has reached its half year anniversary. Time for some reflection and introspection, and our state of the newsletter address.
Last week the question was raised on what the focus of the newsletter is. I'll be the first to admit we have a slight problem with this vision thing. Early on I ran a survey asking for feedback, what people wanted this sucker to be. Let’s just say the response I got back was a little less than overwhelming. I know as editor one of my major weaknesses is generating ideas, shape and focus for the newsletter, I've asked people to contribute and the answer I get back most is, "What should I write about?" You want to see a scared, blank look... My philosophy has been to let people write about anything they want to. Hence in theory, it should be easier for people to write. The strength of this is people should feel they can write about what interests them, which in turn will produce their best writing. So if we all get to learn more about hemp, or the best summer of our lives, or Bob Dylan, so be it. I think a major purpose of the newsletter is to get to know our co-workers better and on that level-, I think we have done a good job. The weakness of this over riding philosophy is the newsletter has been a hodgepodge of recipes, silliness and way too much David.
So what should people write? I think a good example was included last week. Emmett's article on what he has learned over the past year while working at Cheapo was well written, pertinent, funny and entertaining. Daryl, Mark and Jason have been consistent contributors and their articles are always worth reading.
One more note: When I first interviewed for this position with Scott and I asked him what he expected from the newsletter, he said (and this is a quote/paraphrase), "If it turns into a place where people complain about Al and me, that's fine." Being an expert at making mistakes, I can say the best thing about them is it is one of the best ways to learn. I don't want the newsletter to focus solely (souly?) on things people don't like about working here. But I think that has a place in these pages. We are all lucky to be working for this organization. I see a sincere effort from the people on top to make this place a decent and worthwhile job for all of us. But if you, the employee, see an area that needs improvement, I think it is something everyone should be aware of; that only makes us all better retail personnel.
Monday, November 30, 1992
How To Talk to a Drunkard
Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving (who got the wishbone?) and more importantly i hope you all survived the day after (and when I say 'you all' I mean everyone in the music business/industry.) Just how did we all do? We all have plenty to be thankful for so let's take a moment and give thanks…
OK. The newsletter wishes to congratulate the winner of two weeks ago's caption contest, Dave Brean. Dave's entry read: "Sorry your husband’s correct. This one's not a keeper. Look’s like
We’ll have to put it back," Dave got his entry in on time but someone at the newsletter office/warehouse misplaced i t . You might have noticed we previously announced another winner. What’s going on? How can we have two winners? Because as far as one person is concerned (and admittedly that ain't very far) everyone who participates in these pages is a winner!
Last week, my epitaph was delivered to me by a fellow employee in our organization. Upon our introduction, he said, "'So you’re the man who knows everything and reveals even less." At the time, my brain couldn’t decipher whether I should be flattered or insulted. Upon consultation with my guru {my Dr, Eugene Landy if you will), she assured me I shouldn't have spit on the deliverer's shoes.
********
Maybe what disturbed you most about the encounter was the reflection; when you looked at him you saw a possible version of yourself. Your paths crossed in that brief moment, an inevitable meeting. Yet in an indefinable way, the crossing changed both of your lives from that moment on.
The last you saw of him, he was being taken away. His chapeau covered head was all you could see in the police car. Slowly it disappeared from your sight. Out of sight out of mind.
How did it start? Where did he come from? You were working comfortably in the warehouse, pricing a stack of ripe records when you saw him stumble through the front door. You sensed something was wrong by the sway in his walk, He stumbled back to you and said those unforgettable words, "Igottapeee." You politely but scornfully show him to the bathroom, wondering if you would have to clean up after him. You hope not.
Moments later he asks you if he could use a phone. You pull yours out (meaning the phone) from behind the counter. Placing it on the counter, you figure he would call someone and leave the store. You return back to your station and resume marking a big “X”on the labels of the records. He doesn't seem to be talking to anyone and you notice he seemed to punch a lot of keys. You worry that he is making a long distance call to New Zealand.
Your fears are partially dissuaded however when you hear the annoying mechanical tone of someone who hasn't hung up the phone. He still has the receiver thing in his hand so you glare at him in the best Ted Koppel face you can muster. He stumbles back to you and says either, "Igottacallmywife," or "Howdoyacallmywife." You look at him and shrug. He looks around the store. "WhereamI?" " Landfill 6r you notify him knowing you might as well have said "Lexington Kentucky." "Yougotanytempatationsrecords?" he asks. You point him to your fabulous R&B section.
He stumbles over to where the only other customer in the store is. This customer has seemingly been oblivious to your new friend. Your friend begins to touch the pile of records the other customer has pulled to purchase. He slaps the man's hand. You quickly step out fearing someone is about to be decked and it might as well be you as anyone else in the room. "Get him out of here," the now disturbed customer says. So you tell your friend to leave. He stumbles out of the store only to reappear a short time later.
You repeat your last orders, "I don't want you in here," you say to him. He puts out his hand as if he wants you to shake it in a show of good will, You don't touch people. You again politely ask him to leave but he stands in the doorway wobbling. You're afraid he is about to lose his innards. You've lost yours a long time ago, It wasn’t pleasant. You offer to dial a cab company for him but insist he speak to the dispatcher because you don't know if he has the fare or not and you don" want to be responsible. You look up the number and dial handing the phone over to the man. He takes it and begins punching in more numbers. From your experience on the phone you know this isn't the way it works. You try again and he repeats his actions.
You stare at him (this time with your best Brenda Walsh glare) until he turns and heads to the parking lot. You watch him from your window. He stumbles between parked cars. He appears to be returning to the store. You decide further action is needed. You call the police (non-emergency number), They send a car. You continue to watch through the window like some TV show you are remotely controless to change, The police arrive, see the man and gently escort him into the back of their car. They seem to sit there for an eternity, Then they leave. The man is gone from your life. Neatly disposed of.
"You did him a favor," the other customer says as he checks out with $ 5.00 in scratched green tags.
OK. The newsletter wishes to congratulate the winner of two weeks ago's caption contest, Dave Brean. Dave's entry read: "Sorry your husband’s correct. This one's not a keeper. Look’s like
We’ll have to put it back," Dave got his entry in on time but someone at the newsletter office/warehouse misplaced i t . You might have noticed we previously announced another winner. What’s going on? How can we have two winners? Because as far as one person is concerned (and admittedly that ain't very far) everyone who participates in these pages is a winner!
Last week, my epitaph was delivered to me by a fellow employee in our organization. Upon our introduction, he said, "'So you’re the man who knows everything and reveals even less." At the time, my brain couldn’t decipher whether I should be flattered or insulted. Upon consultation with my guru {my Dr, Eugene Landy if you will), she assured me I shouldn't have spit on the deliverer's shoes.
********
Maybe what disturbed you most about the encounter was the reflection; when you looked at him you saw a possible version of yourself. Your paths crossed in that brief moment, an inevitable meeting. Yet in an indefinable way, the crossing changed both of your lives from that moment on.
The last you saw of him, he was being taken away. His chapeau covered head was all you could see in the police car. Slowly it disappeared from your sight. Out of sight out of mind.
How did it start? Where did he come from? You were working comfortably in the warehouse, pricing a stack of ripe records when you saw him stumble through the front door. You sensed something was wrong by the sway in his walk, He stumbled back to you and said those unforgettable words, "Igottapeee." You politely but scornfully show him to the bathroom, wondering if you would have to clean up after him. You hope not.
Moments later he asks you if he could use a phone. You pull yours out (meaning the phone) from behind the counter. Placing it on the counter, you figure he would call someone and leave the store. You return back to your station and resume marking a big “X”on the labels of the records. He doesn't seem to be talking to anyone and you notice he seemed to punch a lot of keys. You worry that he is making a long distance call to New Zealand.
Your fears are partially dissuaded however when you hear the annoying mechanical tone of someone who hasn't hung up the phone. He still has the receiver thing in his hand so you glare at him in the best Ted Koppel face you can muster. He stumbles back to you and says either, "Igottacallmywife," or "Howdoyacallmywife." You look at him and shrug. He looks around the store. "WhereamI?" " Landfill 6r you notify him knowing you might as well have said "Lexington Kentucky." "Yougotanytempatationsrecords?" he asks. You point him to your fabulous R&B section.
He stumbles over to where the only other customer in the store is. This customer has seemingly been oblivious to your new friend. Your friend begins to touch the pile of records the other customer has pulled to purchase. He slaps the man's hand. You quickly step out fearing someone is about to be decked and it might as well be you as anyone else in the room. "Get him out of here," the now disturbed customer says. So you tell your friend to leave. He stumbles out of the store only to reappear a short time later.
You repeat your last orders, "I don't want you in here," you say to him. He puts out his hand as if he wants you to shake it in a show of good will, You don't touch people. You again politely ask him to leave but he stands in the doorway wobbling. You're afraid he is about to lose his innards. You've lost yours a long time ago, It wasn’t pleasant. You offer to dial a cab company for him but insist he speak to the dispatcher because you don't know if he has the fare or not and you don" want to be responsible. You look up the number and dial handing the phone over to the man. He takes it and begins punching in more numbers. From your experience on the phone you know this isn't the way it works. You try again and he repeats his actions.
You stare at him (this time with your best Brenda Walsh glare) until he turns and heads to the parking lot. You watch him from your window. He stumbles between parked cars. He appears to be returning to the store. You decide further action is needed. You call the police (non-emergency number), They send a car. You continue to watch through the window like some TV show you are remotely controless to change, The police arrive, see the man and gently escort him into the back of their car. They seem to sit there for an eternity, Then they leave. The man is gone from your life. Neatly disposed of.
"You did him a favor," the other customer says as he checks out with $ 5.00 in scratched green tags.
Monday, November 23, 1992
Top 10 Reasons to Shop at Landfill
1. Reserved parking and spacious shopping. Wide aisles, so there is no need to worry about bumping into other customers. Fast check out service, no standing in lines!
2. Everyday low prices. No gimmicks- everything is priced to move. A wide variety to choose from everything from Martin Denny to Neil Sedeka and more Donny Osmond records than were actually recorded!
3. One stop shopping. Blow your big shot in your game of pool? How about a really scratched up record to remove your blues? Plus our records come with the bare essentials: no need to worry about that cumbersome packaging- NO INNER SLEEVES!
4. Recent arrivals every Tuesday and Friday! (Be sure to get in quickly while the supply lasts!) In participating locations only.
5. Grubby but friendly sales help, (The sales people no longer wear the masks they used to wear to protect against' black lung disease.)
6. Two words: 'Cities 97!"
7. Best eight track selection in the entire Twin Cities Metro area!
8, Free water!
9. A really fine moldy religious selection!
10. Tired of all those lonely nights? Try our huge selection of Harlequin Romance novels!
NEW FEATURE: WHY I'M BUYING SOMETHING FROM APPLAUSE (or CHEAPO)-
Last summer on my trip west with my sister we had a bet (a CD of our choice) over which state's license plate would be the last one we saw. We discounted Hawaii (although we ended up seeing one early on) so she chose Vermont and the little guy took Mississippi. Tension mounted as one by one the states were crossed off from our list. Sure enough the last two survivors were our two choices. Somewhere in Arizona a beat up Oldsmobile zoomed past us with a Mississippi license plate. Donna called me last week and told me she wanted Eric Clapton's Unplugged because she likes that song, "Tears from Heaven" (which I can't stand because it is a wimpy drippy powerless ballad) so after I'm done with this week's issue I’, marching straight upstairs and fulfilling my side of the bet. Just thought you all would like to know...
Family Values Part Two:
Why were we so successful in our predictions of state license plates you ask me? It runs in the family. I was recently over visiting my 4 year old nephew, Matti. He got a globe for his birthday last May. My sister told me to ask him to find any country. So I says, "Egypt" and without hesitation he turns the globe and points straight to Egypt. "Japan," I barked out. Straight to the homeland, "Kansas" I says. Kansas it is he points to. Thinking I'd outsmart him I say, "Des Moines" and smugly smiling at my sister I look back at young Matt and his lil'finger was smack in the middle df Iowa (although it was closer to Davenport than Des Moines).
2. Everyday low prices. No gimmicks- everything is priced to move. A wide variety to choose from everything from Martin Denny to Neil Sedeka and more Donny Osmond records than were actually recorded!
3. One stop shopping. Blow your big shot in your game of pool? How about a really scratched up record to remove your blues? Plus our records come with the bare essentials: no need to worry about that cumbersome packaging- NO INNER SLEEVES!
4. Recent arrivals every Tuesday and Friday! (Be sure to get in quickly while the supply lasts!) In participating locations only.
5. Grubby but friendly sales help, (The sales people no longer wear the masks they used to wear to protect against' black lung disease.)
6. Two words: 'Cities 97!"
7. Best eight track selection in the entire Twin Cities Metro area!
8, Free water!
9. A really fine moldy religious selection!
10. Tired of all those lonely nights? Try our huge selection of Harlequin Romance novels!
NEW FEATURE: WHY I'M BUYING SOMETHING FROM APPLAUSE (or CHEAPO)-
Last summer on my trip west with my sister we had a bet (a CD of our choice) over which state's license plate would be the last one we saw. We discounted Hawaii (although we ended up seeing one early on) so she chose Vermont and the little guy took Mississippi. Tension mounted as one by one the states were crossed off from our list. Sure enough the last two survivors were our two choices. Somewhere in Arizona a beat up Oldsmobile zoomed past us with a Mississippi license plate. Donna called me last week and told me she wanted Eric Clapton's Unplugged because she likes that song, "Tears from Heaven" (which I can't stand because it is a wimpy drippy powerless ballad) so after I'm done with this week's issue I’, marching straight upstairs and fulfilling my side of the bet. Just thought you all would like to know...
Family Values Part Two:
Why were we so successful in our predictions of state license plates you ask me? It runs in the family. I was recently over visiting my 4 year old nephew, Matti. He got a globe for his birthday last May. My sister told me to ask him to find any country. So I says, "Egypt" and without hesitation he turns the globe and points straight to Egypt. "Japan," I barked out. Straight to the homeland, "Kansas" I says. Kansas it is he points to. Thinking I'd outsmart him I say, "Des Moines" and smugly smiling at my sister I look back at young Matt and his lil'finger was smack in the middle df Iowa (although it was closer to Davenport than Des Moines).
Monday, November 16, 1992
News From Landfill
During the week when your seasoned newsletter editor turned twenty eight, he experienced a few moments he now would like to share with you, his beloved readers.
Last Sunday, I had my most philosophical conversation in many a year, with two black men who had just finished shooting a round of pool down in Louie's. The end result, their conclusion was if I wanted to establish my "true" identity, and find some balance, it was imperative I go live in Japan for a while and get in touch with my roots. Properly inspired, I will be giving my first college lecture on that very topic, 11:30, Tuesday, December 8 at Macalester College in Dr. Professor Janet Carlson's freshman seminar, "Asian Americans" class (11 women). Visitors are welcome (especially if you are of the male persuasion).
********
Yesterday, three young boys came into Landfill and asked if there was anything they could do to earn a dollar. "We'll do anything," they said collectively and individually. "No thanks," our polite but aged sales clerk replied. "Two words, 'any thing'," one of the lads said. The clerk slowly looked up and said, "That's only one word but I'll answer you in three. Sorry, no thanks."
********
When a big rock "star" decides he's above a respected institution like MTV, the result might as well be chaos; all rules go out the window. When Bruce Springsteen played Unplugged, plugged and with his band, he violaged the integrity and concept of the show. So in an attempt to land a job on Jay Leno's writing staff, the following is my attempt at some comedy. The concept of the piece is "what would happen if other TV shows didn't follow their established premise?" Gee... I wonder what that would be like...
When America's Most Wanted decides to be America's Least Wanted for a week, it gives us a chance to see a bunch of geeky high school students stufy for their "big" chemistry final.
Life Goes On- not after tht town's nuclear power plant blows up. Special guest appearance by Homer Simpson.
Wednesday night's episode of 48 Hours is extra special as we follow Dan Rather and his staff on the weekend Daylight Savings Time switched back to Standard Time, thus giving us 49 Hours.
Beverly Hills 90210 becomes Beverly Hills 90666 for a week and we are taken from Beverly Hills to Watts, or the other side of the tracks. The laughs never stop with those wacky antics of kids from Central High. Will Bobbi Jo spend her welfare check on ammunition for her boyfriend, or on potato chips for her daughter who has complained of a stomach ache? A poignant episode.
Saturday Night Live- It's a retrospective offering, guest hosted by Gilda Radner and John Belushi, thus the misnomer.
Rescue 911- misdial a number and for a week we get Rescue 411. Follow the exciting careers of phone operators giving out information to their callers.
Star Trek: The Next Generation- We go back (actually technically forward for the viewer) and see how, when, and why the Klingons developed the bulbous forehead. What caused the metamorphosis from the old devilish look on the original show to the reptile scale look (see Worf) on the Next Generation.
Crossfire- a change in image (and administration) prompts the boys to do a haunting a cappella version of "How Do You Talk to an Angel?"
I expect to be hearing from Mr. Leno any day now.
********
A note about our front page... Once upon a long ago, to avoid naming the newsletter something dorky, I decided to give it a different album's name every week. At first it seemed like a cute idea, but I think its become rather annoying. We will come up with a "real" name someday (how about "Something Dorky?"). As for the volume and issue number, the astute and awake among you pointed out some disrepencies in our numbering system. Hopefully we have corrected that, and have gotten back on track. A wise person once told me, "If you can't be good, at least be consistent." So we will.
Last Sunday, I had my most philosophical conversation in many a year, with two black men who had just finished shooting a round of pool down in Louie's. The end result, their conclusion was if I wanted to establish my "true" identity, and find some balance, it was imperative I go live in Japan for a while and get in touch with my roots. Properly inspired, I will be giving my first college lecture on that very topic, 11:30, Tuesday, December 8 at Macalester College in Dr. Professor Janet Carlson's freshman seminar, "Asian Americans" class (11 women). Visitors are welcome (especially if you are of the male persuasion).
********
Yesterday, three young boys came into Landfill and asked if there was anything they could do to earn a dollar. "We'll do anything," they said collectively and individually. "No thanks," our polite but aged sales clerk replied. "Two words, 'any thing'," one of the lads said. The clerk slowly looked up and said, "That's only one word but I'll answer you in three. Sorry, no thanks."
********
When a big rock "star" decides he's above a respected institution like MTV, the result might as well be chaos; all rules go out the window. When Bruce Springsteen played Unplugged, plugged and with his band, he violaged the integrity and concept of the show. So in an attempt to land a job on Jay Leno's writing staff, the following is my attempt at some comedy. The concept of the piece is "what would happen if other TV shows didn't follow their established premise?" Gee... I wonder what that would be like...
When America's Most Wanted decides to be America's Least Wanted for a week, it gives us a chance to see a bunch of geeky high school students stufy for their "big" chemistry final.
Life Goes On- not after tht town's nuclear power plant blows up. Special guest appearance by Homer Simpson.
Wednesday night's episode of 48 Hours is extra special as we follow Dan Rather and his staff on the weekend Daylight Savings Time switched back to Standard Time, thus giving us 49 Hours.
Beverly Hills 90210 becomes Beverly Hills 90666 for a week and we are taken from Beverly Hills to Watts, or the other side of the tracks. The laughs never stop with those wacky antics of kids from Central High. Will Bobbi Jo spend her welfare check on ammunition for her boyfriend, or on potato chips for her daughter who has complained of a stomach ache? A poignant episode.
Saturday Night Live- It's a retrospective offering, guest hosted by Gilda Radner and John Belushi, thus the misnomer.
Rescue 911- misdial a number and for a week we get Rescue 411. Follow the exciting careers of phone operators giving out information to their callers.
Star Trek: The Next Generation- We go back (actually technically forward for the viewer) and see how, when, and why the Klingons developed the bulbous forehead. What caused the metamorphosis from the old devilish look on the original show to the reptile scale look (see Worf) on the Next Generation.
Crossfire- a change in image (and administration) prompts the boys to do a haunting a cappella version of "How Do You Talk to an Angel?"
I expect to be hearing from Mr. Leno any day now.
********
A note about our front page... Once upon a long ago, to avoid naming the newsletter something dorky, I decided to give it a different album's name every week. At first it seemed like a cute idea, but I think its become rather annoying. We will come up with a "real" name someday (how about "Something Dorky?"). As for the volume and issue number, the astute and awake among you pointed out some disrepencies in our numbering system. Hopefully we have corrected that, and have gotten back on track. A wise person once told me, "If you can't be good, at least be consistent." So we will.
Monday, November 9, 1992
How to Talk to an Angel Even Though She is Telling You the Saddest News of the Week
Down in Kentucky, our southern correspondent, Cindy, alias SuperMOM (although she denies blame fo Super America's doughnuts, the ones stuffed with so much jelly that when you bite into it the jelly squirts out the other side. Just how many shirts have I ruined?) reports that a local radio station was giving away tickets to Bob Dylan's Cincinnati concert. SuperMOM dialed the station adn was the lucky ninth caller. Unfortunately, her boss walked in as she was talking to the DJs so she quickly hung up. WAH!
Monday, October 26, 1992
90/90 Hindsight
Don't get me wrong; I like Bergman films as much as the next person (as long as the next person isn't a member of the Swedish Bikini Team) but the growing obsession with symbolism is giving me a headache.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the furor caused by Sinead O'Connor in comparison with the behavior of the Atlanta Braves baseball fans. The point I was trying to make but made in a sloppy, inarticulate way was the mistake of placing toom uch importance on "symbols" versus being sensitive to the belief of others. THis pas week yet another incident involving a symbol caused a minor uproar.
In Atlanta, before the first game of the World Series, members of the U.S. Marine corps marched out the Candadian flag to present during the traditional singing of "O Canada." Problem was the flag was displayed upside down. The Canadians were displeased. Some even thought the incident was intentional. The anger that followed proved America isn't alone in being overly concerned with the trivial. Silliness knows no boundaries and I guess that is why we fight wars. It wouldn't take much to document the United States' offenisve behavior toward both Canada and Mexico, economically, politically, and in general attitude, but I doubt any ranking official ordered the Marines to demonstrate a lack of respect for the people of Canada. No one ever accused members of the Marines of being too bright for their own good. There are more important things to get riled up over.
We live in a time where nothing means what it means. There are hidden subliminal messaged in everything that is said, written, or done. What does Madonna's new book mean? Is it a symbol of growing sexual freedom in American society or a statement against it? Is the symbolic attitude of Hollywood undermining our traditional "family values?" We can't seem to take anyting at its face value anymore. Pooh to that...
Since I only work in a retail atmosphere two days a week, I'm not exposed to the new sounds, bands that most of the rest of you are, so it is quite an event when I hear something new that I like. A couple of weeks back, "Shakespeare's Sister" appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. It was the best thing I've heard since that Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty duet all those years ago. Their preseentation was grand and fun in the spirit of the best opera (which of course is Paul McCartney's "Liverpool Oratorio"); outrageous dress, glitter and absurd singing and dancing including a soaring female soprano. I bought the CD last week (despite the group's rather pretentious name) and was more than pleased with my purchase. Who knew that former Bananramer, Siohban Fahey was the singer? Can you say the words "heaven" and "nirvana"? The song "I Don't Care" is wonderful. "Walking through the rooms in my head. I came across your image..." "Whenever I fall I land on my feet." References to Cupid, cats, and sex- the major themes of all good rock and roll songs.
So a woman walks up to me in Landfill and says, "Do you have any Animals records?" And I being the musical genius I am says, "We probably don't have any of their records but I know "The House of the Rising Sun" is included on several compilations. You might want to look there..."
"I have a few records with dolphin songs on it," she says as I realize her definition of "animals" is much different than mine.
"You guys got the time?'
"Yeah, they're in the 'T's or with Morris Day."
David's Haiku
Applause and Cheapo (five syllables)
sell much music to people (seven syllables)
in the Twin cities (five syllables)
Why I Like My Job
This past week Secretary of State Joan Anderson Growe asked your friendly neighborhood state employee how he liked his job. "I'm beginning to dislike it immensely," the lil guy replied.
I've been with the state about two years now, and have worked at Cheapo on and off for five eyars. Both jobs deal with a lot of contact with the public. The major difference I see is there isn't a lot of satisfaction in helping the people of Minnesota. I deal with a lot of customers, but even the ones I can help, it doesn't seem to do much good. A lot of the people I try to help have a hostile attitude towards governmental bureaucracy, which in itself is understandable, but being rude to those who didn't set up the system isn't going to accomplish much. In retail on the other hand, we deal with customers who want something we ware all interested in: music. At Landfill yesterday a gentleman asked me my opinion (minimal as it is) about a particular record. We got into a nice conversation about our lives and music and we both left the encounter all the better for the experience and the sharing of opinion. Much as I know retial work can be frustrating, there are moments when it is fun and worth the time. So take the time like David and appreciate the job you are in (or at least one of them).
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the furor caused by Sinead O'Connor in comparison with the behavior of the Atlanta Braves baseball fans. The point I was trying to make but made in a sloppy, inarticulate way was the mistake of placing toom uch importance on "symbols" versus being sensitive to the belief of others. THis pas week yet another incident involving a symbol caused a minor uproar.
In Atlanta, before the first game of the World Series, members of the U.S. Marine corps marched out the Candadian flag to present during the traditional singing of "O Canada." Problem was the flag was displayed upside down. The Canadians were displeased. Some even thought the incident was intentional. The anger that followed proved America isn't alone in being overly concerned with the trivial. Silliness knows no boundaries and I guess that is why we fight wars. It wouldn't take much to document the United States' offenisve behavior toward both Canada and Mexico, economically, politically, and in general attitude, but I doubt any ranking official ordered the Marines to demonstrate a lack of respect for the people of Canada. No one ever accused members of the Marines of being too bright for their own good. There are more important things to get riled up over.
We live in a time where nothing means what it means. There are hidden subliminal messaged in everything that is said, written, or done. What does Madonna's new book mean? Is it a symbol of growing sexual freedom in American society or a statement against it? Is the symbolic attitude of Hollywood undermining our traditional "family values?" We can't seem to take anyting at its face value anymore. Pooh to that...
Since I only work in a retail atmosphere two days a week, I'm not exposed to the new sounds, bands that most of the rest of you are, so it is quite an event when I hear something new that I like. A couple of weeks back, "Shakespeare's Sister" appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. It was the best thing I've heard since that Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty duet all those years ago. Their preseentation was grand and fun in the spirit of the best opera (which of course is Paul McCartney's "Liverpool Oratorio"); outrageous dress, glitter and absurd singing and dancing including a soaring female soprano. I bought the CD last week (despite the group's rather pretentious name) and was more than pleased with my purchase. Who knew that former Bananramer, Siohban Fahey was the singer? Can you say the words "heaven" and "nirvana"? The song "I Don't Care" is wonderful. "Walking through the rooms in my head. I came across your image..." "Whenever I fall I land on my feet." References to Cupid, cats, and sex- the major themes of all good rock and roll songs.
So a woman walks up to me in Landfill and says, "Do you have any Animals records?" And I being the musical genius I am says, "We probably don't have any of their records but I know "The House of the Rising Sun" is included on several compilations. You might want to look there..."
"I have a few records with dolphin songs on it," she says as I realize her definition of "animals" is much different than mine.
"You guys got the time?'
"Yeah, they're in the 'T's or with Morris Day."
David's Haiku
Applause and Cheapo (five syllables)
sell much music to people (seven syllables)
in the Twin cities (five syllables)
Why I Like My Job
This past week Secretary of State Joan Anderson Growe asked your friendly neighborhood state employee how he liked his job. "I'm beginning to dislike it immensely," the lil guy replied.
I've been with the state about two years now, and have worked at Cheapo on and off for five eyars. Both jobs deal with a lot of contact with the public. The major difference I see is there isn't a lot of satisfaction in helping the people of Minnesota. I deal with a lot of customers, but even the ones I can help, it doesn't seem to do much good. A lot of the people I try to help have a hostile attitude towards governmental bureaucracy, which in itself is understandable, but being rude to those who didn't set up the system isn't going to accomplish much. In retail on the other hand, we deal with customers who want something we ware all interested in: music. At Landfill yesterday a gentleman asked me my opinion (minimal as it is) about a particular record. We got into a nice conversation about our lives and music and we both left the encounter all the better for the experience and the sharing of opinion. Much as I know retial work can be frustrating, there are moments when it is fun and worth the time. So take the time like David and appreciate the job you are in (or at least one of them).
Monday, October 19, 1992
What I Did on My Summer Vacation
Random thoughts I had while falling off the deep end of memory lane driving down Robert Street headed past E Upper 55th Street in Inver Grove Heights, thinking to myself I'm cold and sort of lost (where am I heading?).
Excuse the incoherency, and absolute lack of issues here but it's been one of those weeks. After one of those weeks. The first question I have is directed west at either Daryl or Kristina but what the hell does "You're so St. Paul..." mean? I assume it wasn't a compliment but to me calling someone St. Paul has better connotations than calling someone Minneapolis but that's getting back to Catholics and Indians again... Please explain.
Question two is for Denise or Michael. What's the deal with the flying bugs in your office? A guy can't even eat his sausage biscuits (one with egg, one sans egg) in peace. Call the freaking exterminator. (Call him what?)
Thrust number 3: Elsewhere in this issue, Mike Nordgaard (I think it will be page one but I still have to figure that out...) wrote about his experiences at Landfill. I just wanted to add a perspective from the weekend crew. As far as phone calls, the most frequently asked question I have fielded is "I have a bunch of household waste I need to get rid of. Can I dump it there? Oh, you're a record store. Well do you know where I can dump it?" Try a dump pal... Also my experience is opposite of Mike's as far as lunch. I have found Hardees much quicker than McDonalds. Also there is a KFC on University but their customer service is subpar even for a fast food place. One of my biggest book buys was when my sister and her husband and my nephew Eben brought in a ton of ripe, dusty religious books. I paid around $20 and when they left book manager Pete took a look and found one book he said we could probably sell for over $50. So I ripped off my own sister. Quote of the day came from three year old Eben who took a look at the cover of a Sheena Easton album and declared, "Yechhh."
Prong number four: The best summer of my life (a little detour here. Remember when you were a kid and on the first day of school the first assignment would always be what you did with your summer vacation? As they say, I guess school is an ongoing venture.) isn't the flip option/answer/escape clause Mark offered, "It hasn't happened yet," but mine is probably equally flip (surprise!). As in many instances from my life I think I peaked early; way before the "cliceh" years. Actually i can't remember an entire summer I enjoyed from start to finish but there was one where my moods didn't vacillate more than a politician running for the Oval Office (David attempts to be relevant and funny one more time). It was the summer between my junior high and senior high years. The last day of junior high I went on a field trip with several of my classmates to Valleyfair.
After a decent time we were getting set to return home. As we were waiting for our bus to arrive, the skies opened up and the clouds let go of their rain. We were dumped on; a busload of drenched adolescents, what could be more festive? It was a dark and stormy night... Our moods took a turn for the worse when the bus driver arrived and said he had some mechanical problems (I took it he meant the bus' not his own) so we would have to wait for another bus. They let us sit on the borken down bus to get us out of the rain. I didn't care, didn't really ntoice the discomfort because I was facing my own personal distrubance, seated next to me was the young lass who had recently been on my mind both night and day. For three years I hadn't paid much attention to her (and doubly vice versa) but the last few weeks of 9th grade she seemed to be everywhere (mostly in a young poet's heart). I don't know why she chose to sit next to me that evening and I dont' remember saying much to each other. I do remember she touched me knee and her hand remained there for a bit. For a brief moment the possibilities of life seemed endless. I still don't know if her touch was intentional or accidental/incidental but it doesn't really matter.
That evening set the tone for the summer ahead. The promise of my upcoming high school experience seemed full of potential. I spent most of the summer playing wiffle ball with my brother in our backyard, and attending Twins games (back in the days where one could find an empty section and the solitutde to do some writing). But it wasn't so much the events of the summer that I enjoyed. Looking ahead, my mind was in a peaceful, hopeful state I haven't encuontered before or since. Going back to the piece Melodye contributed a couple of weeks back about the importance of attitude, the best summer of my life wasn't special because of what I accomplished but rather because I looked at life in a different way. Sure, I eventually lost the girl, and headed down the road of a jaded cynic but for a brief period I did believe what France Albert sang, "Fairy tales can come true. They can happen to you..."
Another prong... Has anyone seen Paul McCartney recently? His last appearance/piece of work was on Unplugged (sorry to the person who wanted us to print the MTV show's schedule. I forgot this week. Hold on until next week) and he hasn't been seen since. Maybe Paul really is dead this time. I played his Tripping the Live Fantistique backwards and I could have swore he said, "I'm gettin gold and don't have many more discs in me..." Some of my faith in humanity was restored when my favorite mother of two (now qualified as "one of my favorite mothers of two) attended last Monday night's Kathy Mattea concert. I made her a tape of Ms. Mattea's last CD which filled up one side of the tape so I was left to ponder what to fill the second side with. Not knowing her taste in music, I put a hodgepodge of stuff on and the one song she said she really liked was McCartney's "This One" which is one of my all time favorite songs. That she chose that song to single out means there still is hope for all of us.
Final thrust: Our newsletter is about to make history as I sent off several issues to Washington DC where I have directed our correspondent, Alex, to march them straight to the Smithsonian. I hope they have a recycling bin there too...
Excuse the incoherency, and absolute lack of issues here but it's been one of those weeks. After one of those weeks. The first question I have is directed west at either Daryl or Kristina but what the hell does "You're so St. Paul..." mean? I assume it wasn't a compliment but to me calling someone St. Paul has better connotations than calling someone Minneapolis but that's getting back to Catholics and Indians again... Please explain.
Question two is for Denise or Michael. What's the deal with the flying bugs in your office? A guy can't even eat his sausage biscuits (one with egg, one sans egg) in peace. Call the freaking exterminator. (Call him what?)
Thrust number 3: Elsewhere in this issue, Mike Nordgaard (I think it will be page one but I still have to figure that out...) wrote about his experiences at Landfill. I just wanted to add a perspective from the weekend crew. As far as phone calls, the most frequently asked question I have fielded is "I have a bunch of household waste I need to get rid of. Can I dump it there? Oh, you're a record store. Well do you know where I can dump it?" Try a dump pal... Also my experience is opposite of Mike's as far as lunch. I have found Hardees much quicker than McDonalds. Also there is a KFC on University but their customer service is subpar even for a fast food place. One of my biggest book buys was when my sister and her husband and my nephew Eben brought in a ton of ripe, dusty religious books. I paid around $20 and when they left book manager Pete took a look and found one book he said we could probably sell for over $50. So I ripped off my own sister. Quote of the day came from three year old Eben who took a look at the cover of a Sheena Easton album and declared, "Yechhh."
Prong number four: The best summer of my life (a little detour here. Remember when you were a kid and on the first day of school the first assignment would always be what you did with your summer vacation? As they say, I guess school is an ongoing venture.) isn't the flip option/answer/escape clause Mark offered, "It hasn't happened yet," but mine is probably equally flip (surprise!). As in many instances from my life I think I peaked early; way before the "cliceh" years. Actually i can't remember an entire summer I enjoyed from start to finish but there was one where my moods didn't vacillate more than a politician running for the Oval Office (David attempts to be relevant and funny one more time). It was the summer between my junior high and senior high years. The last day of junior high I went on a field trip with several of my classmates to Valleyfair.
After a decent time we were getting set to return home. As we were waiting for our bus to arrive, the skies opened up and the clouds let go of their rain. We were dumped on; a busload of drenched adolescents, what could be more festive? It was a dark and stormy night... Our moods took a turn for the worse when the bus driver arrived and said he had some mechanical problems (I took it he meant the bus' not his own) so we would have to wait for another bus. They let us sit on the borken down bus to get us out of the rain. I didn't care, didn't really ntoice the discomfort because I was facing my own personal distrubance, seated next to me was the young lass who had recently been on my mind both night and day. For three years I hadn't paid much attention to her (and doubly vice versa) but the last few weeks of 9th grade she seemed to be everywhere (mostly in a young poet's heart). I don't know why she chose to sit next to me that evening and I dont' remember saying much to each other. I do remember she touched me knee and her hand remained there for a bit. For a brief moment the possibilities of life seemed endless. I still don't know if her touch was intentional or accidental/incidental but it doesn't really matter.
That evening set the tone for the summer ahead. The promise of my upcoming high school experience seemed full of potential. I spent most of the summer playing wiffle ball with my brother in our backyard, and attending Twins games (back in the days where one could find an empty section and the solitutde to do some writing). But it wasn't so much the events of the summer that I enjoyed. Looking ahead, my mind was in a peaceful, hopeful state I haven't encuontered before or since. Going back to the piece Melodye contributed a couple of weeks back about the importance of attitude, the best summer of my life wasn't special because of what I accomplished but rather because I looked at life in a different way. Sure, I eventually lost the girl, and headed down the road of a jaded cynic but for a brief period I did believe what France Albert sang, "Fairy tales can come true. They can happen to you..."
Another prong... Has anyone seen Paul McCartney recently? His last appearance/piece of work was on Unplugged (sorry to the person who wanted us to print the MTV show's schedule. I forgot this week. Hold on until next week) and he hasn't been seen since. Maybe Paul really is dead this time. I played his Tripping the Live Fantistique backwards and I could have swore he said, "I'm gettin gold and don't have many more discs in me..." Some of my faith in humanity was restored when my favorite mother of two (now qualified as "one of my favorite mothers of two) attended last Monday night's Kathy Mattea concert. I made her a tape of Ms. Mattea's last CD which filled up one side of the tape so I was left to ponder what to fill the second side with. Not knowing her taste in music, I put a hodgepodge of stuff on and the one song she said she really liked was McCartney's "This One" which is one of my all time favorite songs. That she chose that song to single out means there still is hope for all of us.
Final thrust: Our newsletter is about to make history as I sent off several issues to Washington DC where I have directed our correspondent, Alex, to march them straight to the Smithsonian. I hope they have a recycling bin there too...
Monday, October 12, 1992
Editorial
It’s moments like this that give bald women a bad name. Once again Cheapo is at the cutting edge of the country's consciousness. The Heights troubles with the "Jim and Tammy" advertisement foreshadowed the incidents of the past week. Our store learned first hand how serious people take religious figures. Sinead O’Connor caused a similar ripple of controversy when she ripped up a picture of the Pope during last week's "Saturday Night Live".
Not having seen the show nor knowing the details of her motivation, it's difficult to criticize or applaud her actions. Supposedly the rippage was a protest against the Catholic Church’s continued oppression of women (hardly a news flash); and how O’Connor blames the atmosphere of that oppression for some of the abuse she endured as a girl. The outcry that followed is akin to the standard anger people display after any desecration of a sacred symbol -like the burning of a flag. However this country's hypocrisy was on display the past week during the second straight appearance of the Atlanta Braves in baseball's National League Championship series. Why is the American Indian's protest (led by Clyde Bellecourt) against the Atlanta fan's obnoxious and racist "tomahawk chop" dismissed as silliness from a "fringe" group? Is it that in a sporting arena any activity is acceptable as long as it is i n the name of fun? Or can it be mainstream America still regards the Indians as less than real citizens so the ridicule of "their" symbols is to be tolerated while a serious symbolic protest against a religious figure is seen as blasphemous?
This isn't to say what O’Connor did is on par with the insensitivity demonstrated by the Brave's fans. Obviously she gave much more thought to the response she would get compared to any of the "tomahawk choppers. Still, her demonstration was an ineffective reaction to a serious issue. There isn't anything funny in what she did, nor is it amusing to think there still is a football team named the "Redskins". Perhaps it is time even in the litigious society we live in, to start being more sensitive to the different beliefs and groups of people that form our society. O’Connor obviously meant to stir up controversy. But wouldn't it have been more effective to articulate her concerns'(perhaps in a song -allegedly what she does best) rather than behave in a way which only drew attention to herself, rather than what she was attempting to "say"? The focus of the past week wasn't on the philosophy of the Catholic Church, but rather on O’Connor's continued controversial behavior.
* * * * * * * *
A couple of comments on a few of the past week's contributions. I greatly enjoyed Mark Lethert's article last week. I was flattered to be compared to Glenda Jackson. I also enjoyed Denise's list of restaurants to eat at in St. Paul for less than five dollars. I only disagreed with the Old City Café (what is that stuff?) and would add the Lagoon which is a Vietnamese restaurant (where the waitress sits with you if you are alone) near our State Capitol. I also thought Al's postcards were highly entertaining. I especially was amused by his "rain" story. It sounded like it was a fun trip. Welcome home.
Not having seen the show nor knowing the details of her motivation, it's difficult to criticize or applaud her actions. Supposedly the rippage was a protest against the Catholic Church’s continued oppression of women (hardly a news flash); and how O’Connor blames the atmosphere of that oppression for some of the abuse she endured as a girl. The outcry that followed is akin to the standard anger people display after any desecration of a sacred symbol -like the burning of a flag. However this country's hypocrisy was on display the past week during the second straight appearance of the Atlanta Braves in baseball's National League Championship series. Why is the American Indian's protest (led by Clyde Bellecourt) against the Atlanta fan's obnoxious and racist "tomahawk chop" dismissed as silliness from a "fringe" group? Is it that in a sporting arena any activity is acceptable as long as it is i n the name of fun? Or can it be mainstream America still regards the Indians as less than real citizens so the ridicule of "their" symbols is to be tolerated while a serious symbolic protest against a religious figure is seen as blasphemous?
This isn't to say what O’Connor did is on par with the insensitivity demonstrated by the Brave's fans. Obviously she gave much more thought to the response she would get compared to any of the "tomahawk choppers. Still, her demonstration was an ineffective reaction to a serious issue. There isn't anything funny in what she did, nor is it amusing to think there still is a football team named the "Redskins". Perhaps it is time even in the litigious society we live in, to start being more sensitive to the different beliefs and groups of people that form our society. O’Connor obviously meant to stir up controversy. But wouldn't it have been more effective to articulate her concerns'(perhaps in a song -allegedly what she does best) rather than behave in a way which only drew attention to herself, rather than what she was attempting to "say"? The focus of the past week wasn't on the philosophy of the Catholic Church, but rather on O’Connor's continued controversial behavior.
* * * * * * * *
A couple of comments on a few of the past week's contributions. I greatly enjoyed Mark Lethert's article last week. I was flattered to be compared to Glenda Jackson. I also enjoyed Denise's list of restaurants to eat at in St. Paul for less than five dollars. I only disagreed with the Old City Café (what is that stuff?) and would add the Lagoon which is a Vietnamese restaurant (where the waitress sits with you if you are alone) near our State Capitol. I also thought Al's postcards were highly entertaining. I especially was amused by his "rain" story. It sounded like it was a fun trip. Welcome home.
Monday, September 28, 1992
Editor's Page
Another week has past since the last great Thompson Twins album- oh but what a week it was! On Monday along with most of the nation, I watched thee long anticipated season premiere of "Murphy Brown." Unlike most of the nation, I struggled to make it through the hour; an hour I might add that I will never get back (as if the current administration hasn’t wasted enough of this country’s time).
Later on that same evening our own Melodye appeared on the 10 o’clock WCCO news, interviewed on the unjustified rising price of CDs (see accompanying articles). I had to blink my eyes to make sure Melodye was actually on TV (our newest media sensation) and for a minute I thought it might be the whiskey I was sipping on but she eloquently expressed the outrage I’m sure most of us feel.
What do these two items have in common you might be asking? It might be stretching it a tad (OK I’m no William Buckley) but the principle economic theory of the Reagan/Bush years has been to encourage the growth of businesses to stimulate the economy which will in turn “trickle” down to the working classes making us all healthier, richer, and wiser. Al wrote last week about TDC (thinly disguised contempt) which is what the past 12 years has politically been about. TDC is something which has tinkled down from above. It’s this crossover into “non” issues (i.e. Quayle vs. Murphy Brown), which shows the people running this country haven’t a clue on what this country is facing. The recent attack on Hollywood shows they can’t even distinguish fiction from reality any better than your average fun fact writer.
This environment leads to an atmosphere where nobody is accountable to the people they serve. A business, say a record company, can raise its prices regardless of the actual cost, any time it wants to knowing their customers will pay the extra cost (and they probably will). TDC.
It’s an election year if you haven’t noticed (rock that vote) so the opportunity to make changes exists. As Scott points out effectively elsewhere in this issue, the choices are limited. A change for change’s sake isn’t the best route either, as H. Ross Perot nearly proved. But it is more than merely the President and Vice President we are choosing this time around. All of Minnesota’s House members are up for election as well as all state representatives and many city office positions. We can complain all we want about the choices we are given but we’re the ones that make those choices. Instead of trying to take steps to get better our country seems to be locked into the philosophy of not getting any worse thus the options we create are extremely limited. The lack of participation and interest only deepens the problems.
We live in a convenient society. It is easier to pay the extra dollar to buy a Garth Brooks CD so why protest? We’ve been conditioned not only not to listen to the other side, but to disregard it altogether. Instead of working towards a mutual solution, we’ve become accustomed to doing what’s best for our own interest. In the end, it just leads us to where we are now.
********
I recently purchased my first set of pillow covers. Up to now they have been an item my parents got for me. Upon opening the package I discovered my “standard” pillow covers were about twice as long as my pillows. Does this mean most people have longer pillows than me? Have I been missing something else all these years?
Later on that same evening our own Melodye appeared on the 10 o’clock WCCO news, interviewed on the unjustified rising price of CDs (see accompanying articles). I had to blink my eyes to make sure Melodye was actually on TV (our newest media sensation) and for a minute I thought it might be the whiskey I was sipping on but she eloquently expressed the outrage I’m sure most of us feel.
What do these two items have in common you might be asking? It might be stretching it a tad (OK I’m no William Buckley) but the principle economic theory of the Reagan/Bush years has been to encourage the growth of businesses to stimulate the economy which will in turn “trickle” down to the working classes making us all healthier, richer, and wiser. Al wrote last week about TDC (thinly disguised contempt) which is what the past 12 years has politically been about. TDC is something which has tinkled down from above. It’s this crossover into “non” issues (i.e. Quayle vs. Murphy Brown), which shows the people running this country haven’t a clue on what this country is facing. The recent attack on Hollywood shows they can’t even distinguish fiction from reality any better than your average fun fact writer.
This environment leads to an atmosphere where nobody is accountable to the people they serve. A business, say a record company, can raise its prices regardless of the actual cost, any time it wants to knowing their customers will pay the extra cost (and they probably will). TDC.
It’s an election year if you haven’t noticed (rock that vote) so the opportunity to make changes exists. As Scott points out effectively elsewhere in this issue, the choices are limited. A change for change’s sake isn’t the best route either, as H. Ross Perot nearly proved. But it is more than merely the President and Vice President we are choosing this time around. All of Minnesota’s House members are up for election as well as all state representatives and many city office positions. We can complain all we want about the choices we are given but we’re the ones that make those choices. Instead of trying to take steps to get better our country seems to be locked into the philosophy of not getting any worse thus the options we create are extremely limited. The lack of participation and interest only deepens the problems.
We live in a convenient society. It is easier to pay the extra dollar to buy a Garth Brooks CD so why protest? We’ve been conditioned not only not to listen to the other side, but to disregard it altogether. Instead of working towards a mutual solution, we’ve become accustomed to doing what’s best for our own interest. In the end, it just leads us to where we are now.
********
I recently purchased my first set of pillow covers. Up to now they have been an item my parents got for me. Upon opening the package I discovered my “standard” pillow covers were about twice as long as my pillows. Does this mean most people have longer pillows than me? Have I been missing something else all these years?
Monday, September 21, 1992
Editor's Page
We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who took the time to respond to our survey. Your input was greatly appreciated. There was not a huge response so we will continue to do what we’ve been doing in spite of ourselves. I would like to respond to a few of the suggestions that were made.
1) “I would like to see credit given to where the used news articles come from.” Unlike most things in my life, I actually gave some thought to this issue before the first newsletter was printed. My original reason for not including the contributor’s name was the desire to encourage as much “original” material as possible (see below). We wanted our “bylines” to be something one had to earn. I remember when I was first starting in journalism how proud I felt when my name appeared above an article. That pride was matched only by the fear of my writing would make me look stupid. The thrill of the byline along with the fear of a public display of stupidity is long behind me, but I think it is natural for people to enjoy seeing their own name in print. Also, my original policy decision on “used news” items was based on our breaking of all the copyright laws and I might as well be the one responsible. I don’t’ have a problem with giving people credit for anything they contribute- I hope if you see an article which would be of interest to other employees, you will send it to me (and receive credit).
2) “I would staple the newsletter on the left side like normal people.” Nobody has ever accused me of being “normal” but I will compromise on this one. I’ll staple fifty percent on the conventional although inconvenient side and 50 percent on the margin saving “right” side.
3) “Can we start a personals section?” You give me your personals, I’ll print them. – S.A.M.
4) “I don’t think we should make up ‘fun facts.’ There is something unethical about combining reality and fiction.” – your “estranged friend.” Some of us don’t see much difference between the two.
Last week was the first time we printed an issue of all original articles. Someday I would like to do a few “theme” issues where several people write about the same topic but at the moment it’s beyond me what topics we could devote such attention. Last week Daryl asked for story ideas and I get the impression other people don’t know exactly what to write about. So, the following are a few suggestions (feel free to join me, just don’t touch me…)
-The Nordgaard Route: Write about something you favor, double LPs, box sets, LP artwork, cassette singles, guys or gals named Lou. A list with explanations is an excellent approach.
-The Maeda Way: Find a topic (i.e. Dylan) beat the living tar out of it.
-Reviews: We’re a music store, write about a group, an album you’ve heard that others should pay attention to. Melodye has done this very nicely.
-Comparisons: Monk vs Cecil Taylor, Evie vs Sandi Patti, AC/DC vs Black Sabbath, rubber bands vs paper clips, solar vs wind power… which are better?
-Tori Ryder: Our favorite Applause spokeswoman?
-Lecy Goranson: What’s her future after Roseanne?
-Co-workers: what makes someone easy to work with and what annoys you? Are hands or shoes better first indicators of a person’s true identity?
-Dinner breaks (Jennifer’s idea): What is the best thing and where is the best place to eat in 30 minutes?
-Recipes: Every newsletter runs them.
-Kitchen counters: How do you keep yours clean
1) “I would like to see credit given to where the used news articles come from.” Unlike most things in my life, I actually gave some thought to this issue before the first newsletter was printed. My original reason for not including the contributor’s name was the desire to encourage as much “original” material as possible (see below). We wanted our “bylines” to be something one had to earn. I remember when I was first starting in journalism how proud I felt when my name appeared above an article. That pride was matched only by the fear of my writing would make me look stupid. The thrill of the byline along with the fear of a public display of stupidity is long behind me, but I think it is natural for people to enjoy seeing their own name in print. Also, my original policy decision on “used news” items was based on our breaking of all the copyright laws and I might as well be the one responsible. I don’t’ have a problem with giving people credit for anything they contribute- I hope if you see an article which would be of interest to other employees, you will send it to me (and receive credit).
2) “I would staple the newsletter on the left side like normal people.” Nobody has ever accused me of being “normal” but I will compromise on this one. I’ll staple fifty percent on the conventional although inconvenient side and 50 percent on the margin saving “right” side.
3) “Can we start a personals section?” You give me your personals, I’ll print them. – S.A.M.
4) “I don’t think we should make up ‘fun facts.’ There is something unethical about combining reality and fiction.” – your “estranged friend.” Some of us don’t see much difference between the two.
Last week was the first time we printed an issue of all original articles. Someday I would like to do a few “theme” issues where several people write about the same topic but at the moment it’s beyond me what topics we could devote such attention. Last week Daryl asked for story ideas and I get the impression other people don’t know exactly what to write about. So, the following are a few suggestions (feel free to join me, just don’t touch me…)
-The Nordgaard Route: Write about something you favor, double LPs, box sets, LP artwork, cassette singles, guys or gals named Lou. A list with explanations is an excellent approach.
-The Maeda Way: Find a topic (i.e. Dylan) beat the living tar out of it.
-Reviews: We’re a music store, write about a group, an album you’ve heard that others should pay attention to. Melodye has done this very nicely.
-Comparisons: Monk vs Cecil Taylor, Evie vs Sandi Patti, AC/DC vs Black Sabbath, rubber bands vs paper clips, solar vs wind power… which are better?
-Tori Ryder: Our favorite Applause spokeswoman?
-Lecy Goranson: What’s her future after Roseanne?
-Co-workers: what makes someone easy to work with and what annoys you? Are hands or shoes better first indicators of a person’s true identity?
-Dinner breaks (Jennifer’s idea): What is the best thing and where is the best place to eat in 30 minutes?
-Recipes: Every newsletter runs them.
-Kitchen counters: How do you keep yours clean
Monday, September 14, 1992
Notes
Well I don't know about anyone else (literally) but I for one am a bit "Dylaned" out . (Those astute enough might have noticed last week I said Dylan played 49 different songs but I only listed 48. I forgot his cover version of the Dead’s "Friend of the Devil" and upon further review found a 50th song he did: Night 4's “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue.") It was fun while it lasted (just like Gandhi when. he fasted) but it's time to move on. Next we focus our attention on Wynona Judd; Wynnie and I go a1l the way back to those wonder years- ah yes , I remember them still…
Being the editor of this newsletter, I don't get the comment to comment on things we print , It's not like I can write a letter to the editor without coming across as even more of a goofball. In last week’s issue however there were a couple of items that need further examination.
I have enjoyed Daryl Lanz’s columns as much for their content as their dependability. One week he woke up early Sunday morning to wrie and fax to me his effort. Such dedication is greatly appreciated. As always, last week’s column brough up several good points but I did take exception to one observation. How can anyone use the word “horrendous” and the movie Satisfaction in the same sentence? For me the movie lived up to its title; it was very satisfying. It had a lot going for it especially its cast: TV’s Justine Bateman (or Justine Bratman as the trade experts call her), Julia Roberts (before she was the Pretty Woman or had slept with the enemy), and even an appearance by an incredibly old looking Debbie Harry who looked as if she beamed in from a Star Trek movie for no apparent reason. I actually saw the movie twice in theaters, the second time was the very last showing in the Twin Cities area. I bought the soundtrack (both LP and CD) and video. Yes, I’ll admit those were the days when I used to ask all our new employees who their favorite Bangle was but still…
Speaking of the Bangles, another fine “rock” movie Daryl overlooked was Susannah Hoff’s The Allnighter. OK, the story was a bit weak (could Susannah sleep with someone before she graduated from college or would time run out?), she didn’t sing, and the directing “credit” was given to her mother but my future wife to be did give us that “look” (the thing she does with her eyes) several tmies making the movie a must see. I guess it depends, Daryl, on what you want from a movie.
My choice for the best rock movie (excluding the entire Elvis cinema catalog) is the Beatles A Hard Day’s Night. The movie is full of such energy, style and humor, and it reflects the “Beatlemania” period effectively. They never topped the music in the movie and if they had done nothing else, A Hard Day’s Night would have assured them their place in rock history. To see John sing “I Should Have Known Better” and Paul sing “And I Love Her” explains what some of the screaming was about.
The other item from last week worth a mention was the letter Mark Lethert contributed from the president of Harmonia Mundi, Rene Goiffon. If the price of CDs was determined by their musical value, our stores would be giving away a lot of free music. An Aerosmith disc would have to be priced higher than your average classical disc because I’m sure Aerosmith spends over $60,000 just keeping Steven Tyler’s lips moist. The whole idea classical CDs should be more expensive smacks of what our dopey but loveable Vice President dubbed to be the problem of the “cultural elite.” It’s not as though the person most responsible for the classical music, the composer, can benefit from the increased revenue, because as we all know, all the important ones are dead. I don’t think we should be in a hurry to fill the pockets of some snobby Frenchman either. I did get my own personal revenge on the audacity of Goiffon’s remarks. Last week at the state, our big charitable campaign kick off was held where we decide which charities we wish to donate our money. One of the organizations represented was the Untied Arts which Harmoni Mundi is a part. I told the United Arts representative I would contribute to all the other organizations other than Harmoni Mundi- “let them get their money from overpriced CDs.” Boy did I show that Goiffon guy a thing or two.
Je suis le canard gigantique.
Being the editor of this newsletter, I don't get the comment to comment on things we print , It's not like I can write a letter to the editor without coming across as even more of a goofball. In last week’s issue however there were a couple of items that need further examination.
I have enjoyed Daryl Lanz’s columns as much for their content as their dependability. One week he woke up early Sunday morning to wrie and fax to me his effort. Such dedication is greatly appreciated. As always, last week’s column brough up several good points but I did take exception to one observation. How can anyone use the word “horrendous” and the movie Satisfaction in the same sentence? For me the movie lived up to its title; it was very satisfying. It had a lot going for it especially its cast: TV’s Justine Bateman (or Justine Bratman as the trade experts call her), Julia Roberts (before she was the Pretty Woman or had slept with the enemy), and even an appearance by an incredibly old looking Debbie Harry who looked as if she beamed in from a Star Trek movie for no apparent reason. I actually saw the movie twice in theaters, the second time was the very last showing in the Twin Cities area. I bought the soundtrack (both LP and CD) and video. Yes, I’ll admit those were the days when I used to ask all our new employees who their favorite Bangle was but still…
Speaking of the Bangles, another fine “rock” movie Daryl overlooked was Susannah Hoff’s The Allnighter. OK, the story was a bit weak (could Susannah sleep with someone before she graduated from college or would time run out?), she didn’t sing, and the directing “credit” was given to her mother but my future wife to be did give us that “look” (the thing she does with her eyes) several tmies making the movie a must see. I guess it depends, Daryl, on what you want from a movie.
My choice for the best rock movie (excluding the entire Elvis cinema catalog) is the Beatles A Hard Day’s Night. The movie is full of such energy, style and humor, and it reflects the “Beatlemania” period effectively. They never topped the music in the movie and if they had done nothing else, A Hard Day’s Night would have assured them their place in rock history. To see John sing “I Should Have Known Better” and Paul sing “And I Love Her” explains what some of the screaming was about.
The other item from last week worth a mention was the letter Mark Lethert contributed from the president of Harmonia Mundi, Rene Goiffon. If the price of CDs was determined by their musical value, our stores would be giving away a lot of free music. An Aerosmith disc would have to be priced higher than your average classical disc because I’m sure Aerosmith spends over $60,000 just keeping Steven Tyler’s lips moist. The whole idea classical CDs should be more expensive smacks of what our dopey but loveable Vice President dubbed to be the problem of the “cultural elite.” It’s not as though the person most responsible for the classical music, the composer, can benefit from the increased revenue, because as we all know, all the important ones are dead. I don’t think we should be in a hurry to fill the pockets of some snobby Frenchman either. I did get my own personal revenge on the audacity of Goiffon’s remarks. Last week at the state, our big charitable campaign kick off was held where we decide which charities we wish to donate our money. One of the organizations represented was the Untied Arts which Harmoni Mundi is a part. I told the United Arts representative I would contribute to all the other organizations other than Harmoni Mundi- “let them get their money from overpriced CDs.” Boy did I show that Goiffon guy a thing or two.
Je suis le canard gigantique.
Monday, September 7, 1992
Too Much of Nothing
Oh me oh my, oh mercy. Elvis has left the building! The final totals are in and it was a good week for Minnesota born singer/songwriters. Prince signed his record breaking deal and Bob Dylan sang 49 different songs in five nights to over 14,000 people (number of different people not available at press time).
HIGHLIGHTS: (and there were almost too many for one grinning fool to remember) Night 2's "Idiot Wind"- He sang the line "I couldn't believe after all this time, you didn’t know me any betttterrr than that..." with so much venom he drew blood. Night 5's "Every Grain of Sand”- that the following "Times are a Changin" got more applause than his inspired reading of this song means people are more into nostalgia than that which is eternal. Night 5's "Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”- this is still his best “protest" song and when he delivered the punchline "...now-is the time for your tears" it nearly brought down the house. Night 4's "I Don’t Believe You" and Night 5's "I Believe in You" shows the range of emotion, depth, growth and amount of ground covered by one writer over thirty years. Nights 1,3,4,5's '"Boots of Spanish Leather”-this is one of my favorite songs of his he was so mesmerizing in each performance It brought me back to one who is now far away. Night 5's "Visions of Johanna- who would have thunk it? He sang the line which rhymes "freeze" "geez" and "knees” with phrasing which proves there may be more than one reason why Mona Lisa is smiling. Night 2 and Night 4's "Cats in the Well" and "Under the Red Sky"- two songs which belong in his rotating repertoire.
LOWLIGHTS: Night 1’s "Silvio”- sung with such indifference I was left to believe there is nothing "only dead men know." Night 2's "Stuck Inside a Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again”- rambled, the band wasn’t together, and it all but fell apart, at the end. Night 3's "Gates cf Eden”- he skipped several verses and made an already monotone melody even more monotonous. Night 4's "All Along the Watchtower”- he performed this all five nights and it was pretty clear people respond more to the Hendrix version than the original. On this night be didn't even "howl" or "growl." Night 5's "Union Sundown”- it was nice to hear the song no matter how politically incorrect but he left out the best line, "I can see the day when even a home garden will be against the law."
IRONY: Each night the song that got the masses on their feet and dancing was “Unbelievable”- which contains the best line he has written in the 90’s: “It don’t matter no more what you've got to say, it's unbelievable it go down that way." If I understand the meaning of "irony" right, (and like another I may not) it seemed a bit ironic that people began bopping around on the song where Dylan was singing that, no one was listening to what he has to say anymore.
SEMI-AMUSING QUOTE HEARD FROM AN AUDIENCE MEMBER: "Hey, isn't that Donovan? (cleaning up the stage)"
MISC. NOTE: By the last night I vowed if I saw one more person doing the "funky chicken down the aisles of the Orpheum, I would go lodge an official protest at Macalester Colleqe- the place bad dancing is taught for credit.
A LIST OF SONGS PERFORMED (* In parentheses is the number of nights the song was played ) : Peggy-O (2), Don't Think Twice (1), Hard Rain(1) Blowin in the Wind (1), Girl from the North Country (1), Times are a Changin (4), Hollis Brown (1), Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll (1) John Brown (1) , Boots of Spanish Leather (4), Little Moses (5), To Ramona (1), I Don't Believe You (1), It Ain’t Me Babe (4) , Mr . Tambourine Man (1), Maggie’s Farm (5), She Belongs to Me (1), Gates of Eden (1), Positively 4th Street (1),Ballad of the Thin Man (1), Highway 61 Revisited (5), It Takes a lot to Laugh It Takes a Train to Cry (1), Rainy Day Woman (2), Stuck Inside a Mobile (1), Just Like a Woman (2), Visions of Johanna (1), I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight (1), All Along the Watchtower (5), To Be Alone with You (1), Watching the River Flow (1), If Not For You (l), Tangled Up in Blue (2), Idiot Wind (1), Shelter From the Storm (1), Simple Twist of Fate (3) I Believe in You (1), Lenny Bruce (1), Every Grain of Sand (1), I and I (1), Union Sundown (1), I'll Remember You (1), Silvio (3), Man in the Long Black Coat (3), What Good Am I? (2), Everything is Broken (2), Under the Red Sky (1), Cats in the Well (1), Unbelievable (4)
HIGHLIGHTS: (and there were almost too many for one grinning fool to remember) Night 2's "Idiot Wind"- He sang the line "I couldn't believe after all this time, you didn’t know me any betttterrr than that..." with so much venom he drew blood. Night 5's "Every Grain of Sand”- that the following "Times are a Changin" got more applause than his inspired reading of this song means people are more into nostalgia than that which is eternal. Night 5's "Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”- this is still his best “protest" song and when he delivered the punchline "...now-is the time for your tears" it nearly brought down the house. Night 4's "I Don’t Believe You" and Night 5's "I Believe in You" shows the range of emotion, depth, growth and amount of ground covered by one writer over thirty years. Nights 1,3,4,5's '"Boots of Spanish Leather”-this is one of my favorite songs of his he was so mesmerizing in each performance It brought me back to one who is now far away. Night 5's "Visions of Johanna- who would have thunk it? He sang the line which rhymes "freeze" "geez" and "knees” with phrasing which proves there may be more than one reason why Mona Lisa is smiling. Night 2 and Night 4's "Cats in the Well" and "Under the Red Sky"- two songs which belong in his rotating repertoire.
LOWLIGHTS: Night 1’s "Silvio”- sung with such indifference I was left to believe there is nothing "only dead men know." Night 2's "Stuck Inside a Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again”- rambled, the band wasn’t together, and it all but fell apart, at the end. Night 3's "Gates cf Eden”- he skipped several verses and made an already monotone melody even more monotonous. Night 4's "All Along the Watchtower”- he performed this all five nights and it was pretty clear people respond more to the Hendrix version than the original. On this night be didn't even "howl" or "growl." Night 5's "Union Sundown”- it was nice to hear the song no matter how politically incorrect but he left out the best line, "I can see the day when even a home garden will be against the law."
IRONY: Each night the song that got the masses on their feet and dancing was “Unbelievable”- which contains the best line he has written in the 90’s: “It don’t matter no more what you've got to say, it's unbelievable it go down that way." If I understand the meaning of "irony" right, (and like another I may not) it seemed a bit ironic that people began bopping around on the song where Dylan was singing that, no one was listening to what he has to say anymore.
SEMI-AMUSING QUOTE HEARD FROM AN AUDIENCE MEMBER: "Hey, isn't that Donovan? (cleaning up the stage)"
MISC. NOTE: By the last night I vowed if I saw one more person doing the "funky chicken down the aisles of the Orpheum, I would go lodge an official protest at Macalester Colleqe- the place bad dancing is taught for credit.
A LIST OF SONGS PERFORMED (* In parentheses is the number of nights the song was played ) : Peggy-O (2), Don't Think Twice (1), Hard Rain(1) Blowin in the Wind (1), Girl from the North Country (1), Times are a Changin (4), Hollis Brown (1), Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll (1) John Brown (1) , Boots of Spanish Leather (4), Little Moses (5), To Ramona (1), I Don't Believe You (1), It Ain’t Me Babe (4) , Mr . Tambourine Man (1), Maggie’s Farm (5), She Belongs to Me (1), Gates of Eden (1), Positively 4th Street (1),Ballad of the Thin Man (1), Highway 61 Revisited (5), It Takes a lot to Laugh It Takes a Train to Cry (1), Rainy Day Woman (2), Stuck Inside a Mobile (1), Just Like a Woman (2), Visions of Johanna (1), I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight (1), All Along the Watchtower (5), To Be Alone with You (1), Watching the River Flow (1), If Not For You (l), Tangled Up in Blue (2), Idiot Wind (1), Shelter From the Storm (1), Simple Twist of Fate (3) I Believe in You (1), Lenny Bruce (1), Every Grain of Sand (1), I and I (1), Union Sundown (1), I'll Remember You (1), Silvio (3), Man in the Long Black Coat (3), What Good Am I? (2), Everything is Broken (2), Under the Red Sky (1), Cats in the Well (1), Unbelievable (4)
Monday, August 31, 1992
A Review (Don't Look Back)
In answer to the question Daryl Lanz asked in last week's newsletter, for the record my favorite local band is Tina and the B-Sides (Movement). As the man would say, she's a close personal friend of mine plus she was kind enough to offer some encouraging words about my great unpublished novel. And the band sounds good too. Off the record, and I don't know if he qualifies as a local band because he's from the Iron Range, the only person I "Have" to see if he's in town, strangely enough is in town.
Bob Dylan wandered on to the Orpheum's stage Saturday looking every bit as confused and old as he did on David Letterman's Anniversary Show last February. He stumbled through two songs from Oh Mercy, "Everything is Broken" and "Man in the Long Black Coat" uttering some unitelligable rhyme to the word "trip." but the band kicked it up a notch with "All Along the Watchtower" and Dylan sang "Just Like a Woman" with so much authority, one had to believe someone was on his mind.
The highlight of the show was the acoustic portion where his performances on "Boots of Spanish Leather" and "John Brown" were spellbinding. "Boots..." of course is one of his better love songs full of self pitying lines like "I know your mind is a-roamin, I know you're thoughts are not with me but to the country to where you're going" which he milked for every ounce of feeling he could. "Joh Brown" is a still unreleased song (it appears on several bootlegs, Ten of Swords among them) about a mother proudly sending her "soldier son" off to war. It is every bit as powerful song as "Masters of War" and the embelishments from the band (three acoustic guitars and a non-electric bass) made the song sound as relevant today as it did back in the 60's. Dylan's vocals were inspired.
Although as his custom, he didn't say anything to the audience during the entire show, he was more animated than his last appearance here (at the 1990 State F word) and at times was downright playful. (He rapped a verse of "Tangled Up in Blue.") the band was gith, the arrangement of the songs and the song selection was comparable to other concerts on the Never Ending Tour. "Simple Twist of Fate" was given a countryish, Hawaiian style reading complete with a slide guitar.
Dylan closed the show with a three song encore which will give the people who analyze everything he does, some ammunition. Two of the songs, "What Good Am I?" and "It Ain't Me Babe" were among those that can be interpreted as written both to a woman friend and to his audience and critics. One has to wonder if there was a message he meant to deliver to the authors of the articles which appeared in the Twin Cities press last week bemoaning his "continuous decline" into self parody. "What good am I if I'm like all the rest?" "You say you're looking for someone who promises never to fall..." Dylan proved Saturday night he may not be the legend anymore, a title he never wanted in the first place, but he can still put on a meaningful show.
Bob Dylan wandered on to the Orpheum's stage Saturday looking every bit as confused and old as he did on David Letterman's Anniversary Show last February. He stumbled through two songs from Oh Mercy, "Everything is Broken" and "Man in the Long Black Coat" uttering some unitelligable rhyme to the word "trip." but the band kicked it up a notch with "All Along the Watchtower" and Dylan sang "Just Like a Woman" with so much authority, one had to believe someone was on his mind.
The highlight of the show was the acoustic portion where his performances on "Boots of Spanish Leather" and "John Brown" were spellbinding. "Boots..." of course is one of his better love songs full of self pitying lines like "I know your mind is a-roamin, I know you're thoughts are not with me but to the country to where you're going" which he milked for every ounce of feeling he could. "Joh Brown" is a still unreleased song (it appears on several bootlegs, Ten of Swords among them) about a mother proudly sending her "soldier son" off to war. It is every bit as powerful song as "Masters of War" and the embelishments from the band (three acoustic guitars and a non-electric bass) made the song sound as relevant today as it did back in the 60's. Dylan's vocals were inspired.
Although as his custom, he didn't say anything to the audience during the entire show, he was more animated than his last appearance here (at the 1990 State F word) and at times was downright playful. (He rapped a verse of "Tangled Up in Blue.") the band was gith, the arrangement of the songs and the song selection was comparable to other concerts on the Never Ending Tour. "Simple Twist of Fate" was given a countryish, Hawaiian style reading complete with a slide guitar.
Dylan closed the show with a three song encore which will give the people who analyze everything he does, some ammunition. Two of the songs, "What Good Am I?" and "It Ain't Me Babe" were among those that can be interpreted as written both to a woman friend and to his audience and critics. One has to wonder if there was a message he meant to deliver to the authors of the articles which appeared in the Twin Cities press last week bemoaning his "continuous decline" into self parody. "What good am I if I'm like all the rest?" "You say you're looking for someone who promises never to fall..." Dylan proved Saturday night he may not be the legend anymore, a title he never wanted in the first place, but he can still put on a meaningful show.
Monday, August 24, 1992
Conventionally Speaking
I'm not one who usually aligns himself with either one of the two major political parties (like there is a major difference between either one) but after witnessing this past weak's (too easy to pass up) convention, I was just about ready to sign up for a lifetime membership in the Michael Dukakis fan club. ("Yes honey, I've been Dukakarized.") In face of some serious economic troubles, I wonder how one party can attempt to frame itself as "pro-family" while labeling the other party as "anti-family." Even my even keeled ethical balance was exasperated by the repetitive mention of the words "family values." How can the party that through the years stated it is the party which wishes to keep the government out of the lives of the people put in its platform such sweeping language on its moralistic religious beliefs especially when it comes to the issue of abortion? Even the wishy washiest members of the audience could see a bit of hypocrisy in the Republican's words.
One having proclaimed Pat Buchanan as my favorite member of the McGlaughlin Group, I would now have to say Pat's speech at the convention almost single handedly (with a little help from his friends Ronald Reagan and Marily Quayle-yikes!) spurred me to want to vote for the other side; a protest vote I will call it. Buchanan proved he doesn't just play a lunatic on TV, he actually is one. No Pat, we shouldn't be proud of how "our" patriotic young "white" military force of men clubbed back that unruly, angry, "black" mob in L.A.- that sort of misses the point altogether.
Our alternative of course is putting Tipper Gore in the White House which doesn't seem like much of an option. That it is probably the better choice says a lot about our current state of affairs.
FUN FACTS
If Rush's Alex Lifeson would have been a member of Styx, the 70's would have been an entirely different decade.
In a poll of elementary school girls, the professions of "nurse" and "teacher" remained the most popular choices for possible careers. Surprisingly, in third place was the dream to be the tambourine player for the Fall.
Nowhere on any Bachman Turner Overdrive records will you hear the words "deep thought" spoken or sung.
One having proclaimed Pat Buchanan as my favorite member of the McGlaughlin Group, I would now have to say Pat's speech at the convention almost single handedly (with a little help from his friends Ronald Reagan and Marily Quayle-yikes!) spurred me to want to vote for the other side; a protest vote I will call it. Buchanan proved he doesn't just play a lunatic on TV, he actually is one. No Pat, we shouldn't be proud of how "our" patriotic young "white" military force of men clubbed back that unruly, angry, "black" mob in L.A.- that sort of misses the point altogether.
Our alternative of course is putting Tipper Gore in the White House which doesn't seem like much of an option. That it is probably the better choice says a lot about our current state of affairs.
FUN FACTS
If Rush's Alex Lifeson would have been a member of Styx, the 70's would have been an entirely different decade.
In a poll of elementary school girls, the professions of "nurse" and "teacher" remained the most popular choices for possible careers. Surprisingly, in third place was the dream to be the tambourine player for the Fall.
Nowhere on any Bachman Turner Overdrive records will you hear the words "deep thought" spoken or sung.
Monday, August 17, 1992
Notes
JOB OPENING: Last week Melodye wondered if 280 was going to be open by Fair time. As a resident of that area I have wondered the same thing all summer. As a person who works near downtown St. Paul (the city construction has made it all but impossible to get into and out of), the various detours and one lane roads caused by construction is getting a wee bit frustrating. I'll also have to admit I've never been to the Minnetonka Cheapo becaues the last time I tried to get to Ridgedale the construction on the freeway was so bad I just gave up. thus we here at the newsletter decided what we rally need is a traffic reporter. The job includes giving us updates on the various road projects MNDOT has started and finished or started and not finished. You don't get a helicopter but you do get free paper and a pen to use. Anyone interested should contact David immediately.
The editorial staff would also like to bid a fond adieu to Kevin O'Connor who is one hell of a human being and a nice guy to boot. We wish you good luck Kevin although we feel some trepidation for your departure. It's merely speculation but we have to wonder if part of your decision to leave was caused by our cow report last week which made you itch to head back out west...
********
The visitor met his second cousin in Seattle. He was given a tour of the city by the 71-year-old woman. She asked him what he wanted to see and he responded in his typcial mono-syllabic manner, "Uh record stores I guess." So she showed him to as many stores as she knew and after having visited a few she asked the visitor a question. "Why do you like records?" she asked. It was a farily straight forward question and the visitor, never one to give straight forward answers scratched his hatless head in utter bewilderment. How do you answer such a question? What is a good explanation for a life long interest?
As a child the visitor called anything round "a record." he even read his first words off the label of a Burl Ives' 45. He looked at the woman in front of him and said, "I like to watch things go round and round." it didn't seem like much of an answer but it did its job. It ended the conversation.
Upon hi sreturn to Minnesota, the visitor's favorite mother of two told him her youngest daughter was spending a lot of time sitting in her room listening to a Randy Travis tape, reading the small lyric sheet insert, while singing along. (Who did this remind him of? the visitor wondered.) That a metropolitan child of eight could relate to and find enjoyment in the music of a multi-millionaire "traditional" country singer provided a little more insight into the question the visitor had skillfully avoided. Music while universal is also individual, bringing together people together in a personal way.
Presumably all of us working here have some type of interest in music on "records." Is there an adequate answer to the question why? "It occupies my time..." It's a diversion... an expression... a release..." "It makes me dance..." "I don't know what it means Mervyn but it sure makes my feet tap." Maybe some things are better left unknown. Do we know why a cat purrs? Why a saw buzzes? Why the mega mall was built?
The visitor spent an hour or so watching the wheels spin round and round and decided his next step was to write an Andy Rooneyish (emphasis on the word "ish") column. He was tired but it was a good kind of tired.
The editorial staff would also like to bid a fond adieu to Kevin O'Connor who is one hell of a human being and a nice guy to boot. We wish you good luck Kevin although we feel some trepidation for your departure. It's merely speculation but we have to wonder if part of your decision to leave was caused by our cow report last week which made you itch to head back out west...
********
The visitor met his second cousin in Seattle. He was given a tour of the city by the 71-year-old woman. She asked him what he wanted to see and he responded in his typcial mono-syllabic manner, "Uh record stores I guess." So she showed him to as many stores as she knew and after having visited a few she asked the visitor a question. "Why do you like records?" she asked. It was a farily straight forward question and the visitor, never one to give straight forward answers scratched his hatless head in utter bewilderment. How do you answer such a question? What is a good explanation for a life long interest?
As a child the visitor called anything round "a record." he even read his first words off the label of a Burl Ives' 45. He looked at the woman in front of him and said, "I like to watch things go round and round." it didn't seem like much of an answer but it did its job. It ended the conversation.
Upon hi sreturn to Minnesota, the visitor's favorite mother of two told him her youngest daughter was spending a lot of time sitting in her room listening to a Randy Travis tape, reading the small lyric sheet insert, while singing along. (Who did this remind him of? the visitor wondered.) That a metropolitan child of eight could relate to and find enjoyment in the music of a multi-millionaire "traditional" country singer provided a little more insight into the question the visitor had skillfully avoided. Music while universal is also individual, bringing together people together in a personal way.
Presumably all of us working here have some type of interest in music on "records." Is there an adequate answer to the question why? "It occupies my time..." It's a diversion... an expression... a release..." "It makes me dance..." "I don't know what it means Mervyn but it sure makes my feet tap." Maybe some things are better left unknown. Do we know why a cat purrs? Why a saw buzzes? Why the mega mall was built?
The visitor spent an hour or so watching the wheels spin round and round and decided his next step was to write an Andy Rooneyish (emphasis on the word "ish") column. He was tired but it was a good kind of tired.
Monday, August 10, 1992
Shooter
DON'T PRINT THAT
Thanks to Al for putting together the newsletter and maintaining the tradition last week during my absence. Last week's issue was far and away the most informative. Good job Al.
All of us here at the newsletter staff also wish to congratulate Denise and her husband on their recent marriage. At the risk of taking a controversial stand on an issue (heaven forbid) the editorial staff has decided to declare we are pro-marriage and beyond that pro-love.
JOTTINGS
Las Vegas, Nevada- Life on the road teaches one how dependent on others one is while away from home. While flying in here from San Francisco, your friendly neighborhood editor had a bit of an anxiety attack. I came upon the realization my life was literally in the hands of complete strangers. What did I know of my pilot Bob and his first officer Dennis? What if they had been drinking? What if one of them held a grudge against the city of Las Vegas for his gambling debts and decided to take it out by driving a large aircraft into a populated casino? What if one of their hearts had been broken in Vegas and the return trip was too much to handle? My heart raced like a little bunny rabbit.
On a more sensible level, when one is in a foreign city, the businesses you rely on are most likely stumbled upon by nothing more than outward appearances. Yet you depend on their services to make your trip more enjoyable. One nice thing I found in Seattle was the general friendliness of the retail personnel. It impressed me that in nearly every store I found myself in, someone would greet me and ask if I needed any assistance. (Most have been my naturally confused look.) I've never been one to get excited about all these "new" retail philosophies where clerks are trained how to treat their customers. I've always been one to stick to simplicity and treat the person across the counter the way i wish to be treated. But you really notice a difference in your perception of a city, or a business when the help you receive is indifferent and lacking in the most basic courteous behavior. For example, in a Berkeley book store while purchasing a book, the salesperson maintained a conversation with another employee the entire time he was ringing me up not even interrupting himself to give me the amount of my purchase. The entire experience left me bitter for days.
While in Renton Washington, my family and I checked into a Motel 6 where we found the sheets in our room full of hair and food crumbs. My sister called the front desk and requested new sheets. The manager came up in a storm, "Those sheets were changed this morning. I was here when they did them. It's only dog hair... if you don't like it here you can stay at the Red Lion..." By the time he was finished changing the sheets he was screaming at my father and even I, usually the last to catch on, realized this probably wasn't the best way to treat a customer. So if you're ever in Renton, I would suggest staying at the Red Lion. It might be a little more expensive but I think clean sheets are probably worth it....
Thanks to Al for putting together the newsletter and maintaining the tradition last week during my absence. Last week's issue was far and away the most informative. Good job Al.
All of us here at the newsletter staff also wish to congratulate Denise and her husband on their recent marriage. At the risk of taking a controversial stand on an issue (heaven forbid) the editorial staff has decided to declare we are pro-marriage and beyond that pro-love.
JOTTINGS
Las Vegas, Nevada- Life on the road teaches one how dependent on others one is while away from home. While flying in here from San Francisco, your friendly neighborhood editor had a bit of an anxiety attack. I came upon the realization my life was literally in the hands of complete strangers. What did I know of my pilot Bob and his first officer Dennis? What if they had been drinking? What if one of them held a grudge against the city of Las Vegas for his gambling debts and decided to take it out by driving a large aircraft into a populated casino? What if one of their hearts had been broken in Vegas and the return trip was too much to handle? My heart raced like a little bunny rabbit.
On a more sensible level, when one is in a foreign city, the businesses you rely on are most likely stumbled upon by nothing more than outward appearances. Yet you depend on their services to make your trip more enjoyable. One nice thing I found in Seattle was the general friendliness of the retail personnel. It impressed me that in nearly every store I found myself in, someone would greet me and ask if I needed any assistance. (Most have been my naturally confused look.) I've never been one to get excited about all these "new" retail philosophies where clerks are trained how to treat their customers. I've always been one to stick to simplicity and treat the person across the counter the way i wish to be treated. But you really notice a difference in your perception of a city, or a business when the help you receive is indifferent and lacking in the most basic courteous behavior. For example, in a Berkeley book store while purchasing a book, the salesperson maintained a conversation with another employee the entire time he was ringing me up not even interrupting himself to give me the amount of my purchase. The entire experience left me bitter for days.
While in Renton Washington, my family and I checked into a Motel 6 where we found the sheets in our room full of hair and food crumbs. My sister called the front desk and requested new sheets. The manager came up in a storm, "Those sheets were changed this morning. I was here when they did them. It's only dog hair... if you don't like it here you can stay at the Red Lion..." By the time he was finished changing the sheets he was screaming at my father and even I, usually the last to catch on, realized this probably wasn't the best way to treat a customer. So if you're ever in Renton, I would suggest staying at the Red Lion. It might be a little more expensive but I think clean sheets are probably worth it....
Monday, July 27, 1992
Notes
Feeling overwhelmed by too much news? Bombarded with too many pertinent images? Relax- next week there will be no newsletter. One week from today the editor hopes to be enjoying himself in the great Northwest, soaking in the ambience of yet another indoor stadium watching those feisty Seattle Mariners battle the odds. For those subscribers who feel tis will make you lose out on your account, don't worry you will be credited and will receive the bonus holiday issue in the fall. For those who can't seem to get enough information about David, a full trip story will appear upon his return.
********
News of the new Cheapo location in yet another suburb brings rise to a few fears. While it is good news we now will cover three different counties (Ramsey, Hennepin, and Anoka for those of you scoring at home) the question is "What is life like out there in suburban Minnesota?" As a new member of suburbia, let me put to rest some of the rumors you might have heard.
1) There is indoor plumbing and fluoridation in the drinking water.
2) Not all the tennagers listen strictly to heavy metal.
3) Most roads are now paved.
4) Although it might seem otherwise, the average family isn't comprised of a mother, father, two kids and a dog named Spunky.
5) Some of the children at one time might have heard the term "record album."
********
Last week MTV requested from the Secretary of State's office 5,000 voter registration cards. Presumeably this is in conjunction with their campaign to get the youth of America interested in changing the system from within. Part of my job at the office used to be sorting through the voter registration cards returned to us and sending them on to the county recorder offices throughout the state. The card itself is fairly simple to follow- you have to give your full legal name, address, birth date, and signature. The amount of cards I saw incorrectly filled out made me wonder if our system doesn't need some serious examination. If you cannot fill out the above information correctly should you be allowed to vote? Do we want people who can't figure out the most basic information about themselves deciding the fate of the country? Granted, the foundation of this country was set up so everyone is supposed to have a say in their government but do we want someone who knows more about Bon Jovi than George Bush electing the next President? (gee Mervin, which lever do I pull?)
********
News of the new Cheapo location in yet another suburb brings rise to a few fears. While it is good news we now will cover three different counties (Ramsey, Hennepin, and Anoka for those of you scoring at home) the question is "What is life like out there in suburban Minnesota?" As a new member of suburbia, let me put to rest some of the rumors you might have heard.
1) There is indoor plumbing and fluoridation in the drinking water.
2) Not all the tennagers listen strictly to heavy metal.
3) Most roads are now paved.
4) Although it might seem otherwise, the average family isn't comprised of a mother, father, two kids and a dog named Spunky.
5) Some of the children at one time might have heard the term "record album."
********
Last week MTV requested from the Secretary of State's office 5,000 voter registration cards. Presumeably this is in conjunction with their campaign to get the youth of America interested in changing the system from within. Part of my job at the office used to be sorting through the voter registration cards returned to us and sending them on to the county recorder offices throughout the state. The card itself is fairly simple to follow- you have to give your full legal name, address, birth date, and signature. The amount of cards I saw incorrectly filled out made me wonder if our system doesn't need some serious examination. If you cannot fill out the above information correctly should you be allowed to vote? Do we want people who can't figure out the most basic information about themselves deciding the fate of the country? Granted, the foundation of this country was set up so everyone is supposed to have a say in their government but do we want someone who knows more about Bon Jovi than George Bush electing the next President? (gee Mervin, which lever do I pull?)
Monday, July 20, 1992
Five Songs Dave Hopes Bob Will perform on His Five Night Stand
1) Abandoned Love- He performed this in 1976 in New York before it was ever officially released and got a great response which is probably why he hasn't performed it since and why if it was up to him it wouldn't have seen the light of day. Inspired verse, "Something's telling me, I love you but you're strange."
2) Never Say Goodbye- From Planet Waves the great Dylan song never performed live. His performance on vinyl is chilling, to hear it live would be a treat. Inspired verse, "You're beautiful beyond words, more beautiful to me, you could make me cry, never say goodbye."
3) Blind Willie McTell- This is another song Dylan never planned to release in a perverse decision (just how good would have Infidels been with the inclusion of this song?) Inspired verse, "Power, greed, and corruptible seed seem to be all that there is..."
4) Where Are You Tonight?- The entire Street Legal LP has sadly been overlooked by fans, critics and Bob himself (as far as live performances). This song is as close to recording a nervous breakdown as one can get. Inspired verse, "I can't believe it, I can't believe I'm alive but without you it doesn't feel right..."
5) Visions of Johanna- This is one of his "big" songs from the 60's he hasn't performed on his Never Ending Tour. The version included on Biograph is possibly the finest live performance ver recroded by anyoen at any time. It's ethereal man. Inspired verse, "Little boy lost, he takes himself so seriously..."
Monday, July 6, 1992
Of Beauty, Beasts, and Clowns
If most of us agree Disney movies are an accurate reflection of society, I have to wonder what their latest animated feature, “The Beauty and the Beast,” tells us about ourselves.
The movie garnered almost universal acclaim, even being honored with a "Best Picture" nomination at this year's Academy Awards. Much of the praise was deserved; the animation was wonderful, the music hummable and the story likable- to a degree. My only gripe was with the ending which betrayed the message of the rest of the movie.
The moral of the "Beauty and the Beast" was beauty comes from within, outward appearances don't account for what is truly beautiful. The movie mostly succeeded in delivering its message in a poignant way. (Personal aside: I saw the movie after enduring a relationship which blossomed over the phone but disintegrated when we met and actually saw one and other. Just one more time, life imitates art.) Why then did the Beast have to be transformed into a “handsome” prince at the end? Didn’t that distort the message into something like “What’s inside is important but it doesn’t hurt to be good looking too?” (Although my niece was one of many to point out the Beast was far cuter than the vain prince at the end.)
We in the retail business can probably relate. We all know often times the way. the product looks is more important than the content itself. Which also brings to mind the recent series of "news" stories which plotted the numerous clown sightings throughout the northern suburbs. The way the sightings were reported bordered on paranoia which played on the fears of parents concerned for their children's safety {this occurred around the time of the disappearance of Corrine Erstad) and members of the professional clown union. No fake clown was arrested, none was charged with any crime other than dressing silly enough to gain attention and impersonating "real"
clowns giving that group a bad name. To add to the surreal nature of the story, at the same time "Shakes the Clown" played at the Uptown theatre, (as reported in this newsletter).
The hysteria raised the question -does any kid find clowns to be the least bit amusing? Most I know are suspicious of not being able to see behind the mask. It’s not until we are mature and wise do we realize the value of not being able to see what is really there. We all saw the Rodney King video tape. We were told what we saw wasn’t what really happened. The chaos that followed was caused by those who lacked the depth to see beneath the surface. Beauty being only skin deep.
The writer of an unpublished novel once wrote, "Sometimes a vision problem can’t be solved with a new pair of glasses. Sometimes it’s a matter of knowing how and when to look at things.” That same writer might now think differently. Maybe it is time for us to get a collective eye exam with a new prescription. The focus grows fuzzier and fuzzier. We are in the midst of a Presidential campaign (the ultimate beauty pageant) and we seem to think with the Disney philosophy, maybe if we close our eyes, things will work out. Maybe our choices can transform into something aesthetically pleasing. In the end, that seems good enough for us.
The movie garnered almost universal acclaim, even being honored with a "Best Picture" nomination at this year's Academy Awards. Much of the praise was deserved; the animation was wonderful, the music hummable and the story likable- to a degree. My only gripe was with the ending which betrayed the message of the rest of the movie.
The moral of the "Beauty and the Beast" was beauty comes from within, outward appearances don't account for what is truly beautiful. The movie mostly succeeded in delivering its message in a poignant way. (Personal aside: I saw the movie after enduring a relationship which blossomed over the phone but disintegrated when we met and actually saw one and other. Just one more time, life imitates art.) Why then did the Beast have to be transformed into a “handsome” prince at the end? Didn’t that distort the message into something like “What’s inside is important but it doesn’t hurt to be good looking too?” (Although my niece was one of many to point out the Beast was far cuter than the vain prince at the end.)
We in the retail business can probably relate. We all know often times the way. the product looks is more important than the content itself. Which also brings to mind the recent series of "news" stories which plotted the numerous clown sightings throughout the northern suburbs. The way the sightings were reported bordered on paranoia which played on the fears of parents concerned for their children's safety {this occurred around the time of the disappearance of Corrine Erstad) and members of the professional clown union. No fake clown was arrested, none was charged with any crime other than dressing silly enough to gain attention and impersonating "real"
clowns giving that group a bad name. To add to the surreal nature of the story, at the same time "Shakes the Clown" played at the Uptown theatre, (as reported in this newsletter).
The hysteria raised the question -does any kid find clowns to be the least bit amusing? Most I know are suspicious of not being able to see behind the mask. It’s not until we are mature and wise do we realize the value of not being able to see what is really there. We all saw the Rodney King video tape. We were told what we saw wasn’t what really happened. The chaos that followed was caused by those who lacked the depth to see beneath the surface. Beauty being only skin deep.
The writer of an unpublished novel once wrote, "Sometimes a vision problem can’t be solved with a new pair of glasses. Sometimes it’s a matter of knowing how and when to look at things.” That same writer might now think differently. Maybe it is time for us to get a collective eye exam with a new prescription. The focus grows fuzzier and fuzzier. We are in the midst of a Presidential campaign (the ultimate beauty pageant) and we seem to think with the Disney philosophy, maybe if we close our eyes, things will work out. Maybe our choices can transform into something aesthetically pleasing. In the end, that seems good enough for us.
Tuesday, June 23, 1992
And Now a Word from the Editor...
HI! Welcome to the first edition of a tradition we like to call the Cheapo newsletter. People have asked me what this is all about. I like to tell them it's about all those boys who became men fighting in the sand somewhere around the world. It's about the courageous women wllo helped bring down a tyrant in the desert, It's about a single soldier who with nothing more than a spool of thread, a bag of Fritos, and a pair of socks plus some good old fashion American ingenuity brought down an entire squadron of Greek sympathizers all by herself. It's about freedom and other American values. It's about all those parades and celebrations and feeling good about ourselves again. We can" promise we will make you think, but we can promise to swell your heart with pride. But if I may be serious for a moment, what you have in front of you is something that is needed here at Cheapo. The goal of the newsletter is to provide a forum, a vehicle to exchange ideas and information, and help meet the communication needs of everyone from the owner all the way down the line (which would be down to me). Some of those needs include recognizing what we do well as well as identifying what we don't do so well and improving those areas. All contributions and feedback are not only welcome, they are truly needed.
As you can see, this first edition is a bit eclectic in both appearance and content. The structure and themes hopefully will become more defined as we go along. There will be several rotating regular features including sections on: V.I.P,'s where proposals both accepted and rejected will be followed up on; news on what the competition is doing that we are not doing but might consider thinking of doing; a "Crystal Ball" section featuring the future direction of Cheapo; monthly measures, the current state of affairs of the company; "Innovations" ideas from employees either through their own imagination and intelligence or perhaps clipped from other sources (as seen in this edition); news on "Hero of the Revolution" and "Grammy" awards; articles on new employees as well as old ones in regards to changing places and new positions; employee surveys and feedback along with customer complaints; upcoming events and new releases; reviews of music and pop culture. These are not only a few of my favorite things but are also features you will see in upcoming issues and hopefully areas you will contribute to. Further ideas or suggestions are welcome. As far as deadlines are concerned, we are going to try and distribute the newsletter as often as possible, so anytime you feel the urge, the desire and the need to express yourself please feel free to do so.
I hope you enjoy this issue as well as learn a little bit more about yourself and your relation to the rest of the world. We hope you have laughed a little, cried a little and improved yourself as a human being. One last thing, please remember there is no smoking in the Metrodome. No smoking. Happy Birthday Mr. McCartney.
As you can see, this first edition is a bit eclectic in both appearance and content. The structure and themes hopefully will become more defined as we go along. There will be several rotating regular features including sections on: V.I.P,'s where proposals both accepted and rejected will be followed up on; news on what the competition is doing that we are not doing but might consider thinking of doing; a "Crystal Ball" section featuring the future direction of Cheapo; monthly measures, the current state of affairs of the company; "Innovations" ideas from employees either through their own imagination and intelligence or perhaps clipped from other sources (as seen in this edition); news on "Hero of the Revolution" and "Grammy" awards; articles on new employees as well as old ones in regards to changing places and new positions; employee surveys and feedback along with customer complaints; upcoming events and new releases; reviews of music and pop culture. These are not only a few of my favorite things but are also features you will see in upcoming issues and hopefully areas you will contribute to. Further ideas or suggestions are welcome. As far as deadlines are concerned, we are going to try and distribute the newsletter as often as possible, so anytime you feel the urge, the desire and the need to express yourself please feel free to do so.
I hope you enjoy this issue as well as learn a little bit more about yourself and your relation to the rest of the world. We hope you have laughed a little, cried a little and improved yourself as a human being. One last thing, please remember there is no smoking in the Metrodome. No smoking. Happy Birthday Mr. McCartney.
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