Category: Uncategorized

  • Lessons from Ichiro: Mastering Baseball Focus and Movement

    Ichiro’s exceptional dedication and focus set him apart in baseball, transforming the game through his relentless movement and mental strategy. He continuously inspires players, as seen in his current work with the Seattle Mariners and promotion of baseball in Japan. Ichiro’s impact remains profound, energizing teams and captivating fans.

  • Why Sharing Ideas on Social Media Matters

    I just read an eye-opening NYT piece by Kim Scott — “What I Learned From My Days in Russia: Silicon Valley Needs to Start Speaking Out About Trump.” Scott lived in Russia when Putin rose to power and sees chilling parallels today: Trump cozying up to tech billionaires, billionaires staying quiet to protect their fortunes,…

  • K-pop for Winos: A Play for Creative Minds

    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.

  • K-Pop for Winos 2.0 (Tom Waits Style)

    “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.

  • Ozzy’s Legacy: The Impact of a Simple Street Sign

    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.

  • Finding Joy in Simple Moments: A Bus Stop Anecdote by way of a Dusty song

    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.”

  • Finding Joy in Frigid Days: A Personal Story

    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.

  • Affordable Hearing Aids: Financing and Assistance

    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.

  • Billy Bragg’s Unforgettable Toronto Concert in 1991

    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…

  • Deja Voodoo all over again! Gerard Van Herk at The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto Sept. 28, 2024

    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.