Perry's Pen
A showcase for George Perry's writing
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The author shares a humorous reflection on the creative process of developing a “K-pop for Winos” concept with a friend, highlighting the importance of precise prompts when using AI like ChatGPT. The narrative explores the interaction between personal experiences and technology, culminating in a one-act play that blends whimsy and gritty reality.
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“K-Pop for Winos” blends Tom Waits’ narrative style and imagery to portray a melancholic scene of outcasts. The song’s lyrics, which touch on themes of lost dreams and hardship, incorporate K-Pop elements, delivering a haunting melody that captures the essence of life on the fringes.
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Years ago in Detroit, a friend showed me a high school stop sign spray-painted with “OZZY”—a symbol of teenage rebellion. Subtle yet powerful, it had survived decades. After Ozzy’s passing, I heard a DJ say he’d had a living funeral. That sign, like him, embodied defiant joy and endurance.
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At the bus stop, a person enjoys the sun and waits for the bus while carrying groceries and beer. They meet another man, “Sandals,” and an older man, “DJ Grandpappy,” who plays music. After sharing thumbs up, they bond over the song’s identity, revealing it to be Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.”
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The author reflects on an unusually cold April morning, reminiscent of January, and the strange disconnect between seasons. Despite the weather, nostalgia and moments of joy emerge, especially when witnessing a determined little girl who embodies hope and spirit. The narrative intertwines everyday life, weather frustrations, and poignant memories.
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Hearing aids can be costly, often ranging from $2000 to $6000, and financial assistance through Medicare or Medicaid is typically unavailable. Various financing options exist, including health savings accounts, credit cards, and subscription programs like Phonak Freedom. Audiologists can assist in finding suitable financing options and resources.
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In November 1991, at a Billy Bragg concert in Toronto, he humorously asserted that The Beatles orchestrated JFK’s assassination to create a demand for joy, linking it to Beatlemania. Bragg also modified a song lyric to resonate with local sentiments about Wayne Gretzky’s trade, while opening act Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy delivered a unique, minimalist…
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Deja Voodoo, a Montreal-based two-piece band active in the 80s, featured Gerard van Herk and Tony Dewald. They were known for their minimalist sound and prolific songwriting, producing short albums filled with numerous tracks. After the band split, van Herk became a professor while Dewald was a notable brewmaster until his recent passing.
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The writer recounts a Sunday outing on the 11 bus in Toronto for advance voting and encounters a quirky harpist, nicknamed “Harpeux,” who engages passengers with music and French conversation. Despite appearing eccentric, possibly with mental health issues, his presence prompts reflections on life, art, and the unknown.
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The CKWR radio station in Canada plays alternative music, and on holiday Mondays, they have an all-request program hosted by Pete Fowler to support the local community. During the show, he encouraged listeners to donate to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, which I did. I also learned about ways to maximize the impact of…
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