One of the great things about David Johansen is that he came from theatre, so he knew life was about playing a part, and play a part he did. And coming from a less-than-privileged background, he had to play that part FANTASTICALLY to get noticed. David didn’t follow The Yellow Brick Road. He walked the same broken sidewalks and rode the same disgusting subway cars as the rest of us.
God Bless David Johansen. He brought happiness to those of us dumb, lucky, or smart enough to find it.
David Johansen also knew that he was playing a part; he didn’t become the character offstage unless it was necessary for promotion. He separated the stage from the private, and he could also play many roles onstage. He was there for the NY Dolls, Buster Pointdexter, whatever the situation called for.
I once saw Morrissey in concert because the girl I was dating was a gigantic Smiths fan. I can’t remember much of the concert, except that Morrissey covering Trash by the NY Dolls was the highlight.
What scares me is when artists can’t separate onstage from offstage.
Morrissey epitomizes that inability, as do people like Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye. Maybe Steve Albini failed to separate the stage from real life and dropped dead of a heart attack as a result.
Extreme examples are the idiots who dropped dead, acting like rock stars. A lot of them I like, a lot of them I hate.
But being onstage means just that: ACTING.
I think what David did was the American Dream. He crawled out of nowhere, worked his ass off, made a name for himself, inspired countless others, and will be remembered.
The people you left behind wish we were cool as you, Mr. Johansen.
Thank you for the gift you gave us, David Johansen. RIP, Dear SIR.
There would be no Pistols without you, no Clash, no Dead Kennedys. Heck, not even any Butthole Surfers!
During a delay in a recent baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Montreal Expos1, Ghostbuster Bill Murray made his thoughts known about the Canadian national anthem.
After going through the lineups for both teams, Mr. Murray, an obvious Cubs homer, was asked about hearing two national anthems before enjoying an afternoon filled with peanuts, Cracker Jack® and “The Great American Pastime“.
“Frankly I love the O Canada national anthem because there’s only like 10 words to it and I wish they’d let me sing it” opined Murray during the delay.
“It’s one of the goofiest national anthems I’ve ever heard”
You’d think that that would be enough, but the Stripes star continued with military precision, apparently buoyed by the $241 million box office success of Tootsie in which he co-starred with Dustin Hoffman. Referring to O Canada, he said:
“It’s one of the goofiest national anthems I’ve ever heard. It makes the national anthem of the United States sound like Beethoven’s 9th. It’s just ridiculous.”
Mr. Murray’s Little Shop of Horrors continued, feeling a bit like long, slow root canal. Referring to Canadians and their anthem, he kept up the assault:
“They’ve only got five words in the song, and they just keep saying them over and over again” continued the man famous for singing Do Wah Diddy Diddy.
Backing away somewhat from The Razor’s Edge, and perhaps even offering some actionable insights, the Chicago Cubs fan had this to offer:
Did Ontario leave a bad taste in Bill Murray’s mouth?
Maybe Bill Murray ate some bad Canadian bacon while filming Meatballs in Ontario, but by gosh, this is one story that isn’t going away any time soon!
American actor, comedian, and sportscaster Bill Murray in Meatballs, perhaps the highest grossing “Canadian” movie of all-time..
1The game between the Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos was played on April 17, 1987. In addition to Bill Murray’s incendiary words, the Cubs would add insult to the Canadian side’s wounds to win the game 7-0.
Even worse, Cubs pitcher Rick Sutcliffe threw a complete game, allowing only 4 hits. 3 years removed from his Cy Young year, Sutcliffe, also known as The Red Baron added 2 hits (a single and a double) resulting in 3 RBIs, an incredible feat for a pitcher. Sutcliffe even had a stolen base, so he was in the Shohei Ohtani stratosphere that day.
If you or somebody in your family need hearing aids, there is a good chance you will need help paying for them. That’s because the price of behind-the-ear hearing aids or even the best cheap hearing aids can easily cost anywhere from $2000-$6000. In this article we will discuss hearing aid financial programs, hearing aid companies that provide financing, hearing aid financing options for people with bad credit, and other programs to help you pay for and enjoy the benefits of having hearing aids.
Many Americans have less than $2000 in the bank, and neither Medicare nor Medicaid typically offer any financial assistance for hearing aids. Medicare states it rather bluntly: “You pay 100% of the cost for hearing aids and exams.” In other words, there is a real need for hearing aid financing programs.
So why doesn’t Medicare offer financial assistance for hearing aids?
Well, when Medicare came into being in 1965, hearing aids were excluded from coverage because people believed Americans didn’t live long enough to need them and because hearing aids were cheap.
Well, times certainly changed. These days hearing aids are expensive, and millions of Americans could benefit from quality hearing aids, especially if they are tuned and fitted by an audiologist. And quite frankly, it is always a good idea to visit an audiologist if you have experienced hearing damage. That’s because even if your audiologist determines that you do not need hearing aids, they can diagnose and treat hearing and ear conditions. Your audiologist can diagnose and treat everything from something minor such as wax buildup to something more serious, such as ear infections or balance disorders.
There is some good news though. Currently states such as Arkansas, Illinois, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut mandate hearing aid insurance for adults, and some other states mandate coverage for children. But in general, if you need hearing aids chances are pretty good that you will need financing or some other form of assistance to cover their costs.
Hearing aid financing programs
When it comes to hearing aid financial programs, there is more bad news. in addition to Medicare and Medicaid not offering help with hearing aid costs, neither do most private medical insurance companies. However, many offer optional hearing aid plans, so be sure to check with your health insurance provider before visiting an audiologist.
However, there is some good news. While your health insurance may not cover hearing aids directly, you might be able to use any funds you have in your Health Savings Account (HAS) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA) to help pay for your hearing aids. Once again, check with your health insurance provider before visiting your audiologist to know where you stand in terms of your hearing aid financing.
There are also other hearing aid financial programs available. These include credit cards that offer lower interest rates for hearing aids than standard credit cards. Some even offer 0% financing if you pay off your hearing aids within 6 months, so it pays to shop around. Your audiologist will be up to date with the best hearing financing programs for your situation, so be sure to ask for their advice when you have your hearing checked or are fitted for hearing aids. Some of these include:
Wells Fargo Health Advantage
At the time of writing this article this credit card offered 12.99% APR and is accepted by not just audiologists, but also by dentists, optometrists, and veterinarians across the country.
CareCredit credit card Similar to the Wells Fargo Health Advantage card, the CareCredit credit card offers flexible payment structures and can be used for hearing aid financing, hearing exams, tinnitus care, hearing tests, and implants. You can apply online and there is an online payment calculator that can provide peace of mind and reduce any stress you feel from your hearing aid financing program.
Veterans Administration benefits If you are one of the 16.5 million veterans in the United States and registered at the health Administration/enrollment section of the VA Medical Center of your choice you may qualify for help with your hearing aid cost. If you are VA eligible and an audiologist determines that you require hearings aids, you may qualify to have your hearing aids, repairs, and batteries provided to you at no cost.
Also, according to VHA Directive 1034, your hearing aids will be replaced if they become ineffective or damaged or if your hearing condition changes. Your hearing aids may also be replaced if they are lost or damaged through no fault of your own.
Hearing aid companies who provide financing
One of the newer developments in terms of hearing aid financing and eliminating the financial barrier that prohibits many from getting hearing aids is hearing aid leasing programs. Hearing aid leasing allows you get a hearing aid for little or no down payment. Simply pay a monthly payment and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of having hearing aids. Leasing plans also cover remote support, cleanings, annual screenings, and coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged hearing aids.
If you have a school-aged son or daughter who suffers from hearing difficulties, but you don’t have $2000 or more on hand to pay for their hearing aids, leasing can be an excellent option for providing them with hearing aids. And once they are fitted for hearing aids at an audiologist, you are likely to notice improved grades at school, better social interaction, and more smiles. Down the road that can mean greater success throughout their lives, whether in school, college, or in the working world. Who wouldn’t pay $100 a month for something like that?
Phonak Freedom subscription-based program
Phonak has been at the forefront of hearing aid technology for decades. Their hearing aids are chock full of features, offer great voice recognition, and appear on numerous best-of lists. Phonak is also the biggest hearing aid brand in the world by market share, accounting for 24% of all hearing aid sales.
Phonak has also recently emerged as a leader in terms of hearing aid companies that provide financing. Their innovative Phonak Freedom subscription-based program allows you to enjoy the benefits of wearing hearing aids for around $100 to $175 a month. That can be comparable to your monthly credit card payments if you finance your hearing aids through that method. However, choosing the Phonak Freedom subscription program through your audiologist offers benefits that buying your hearing aids outright through financing does not, such as:
Ability to enjoy the best current hearing aid technology available by replacing your hearing aids with new ones every 3 years
Easy follow-up services such as tunings and cleanings
Full warranty against loss, theft, and damage
Knowledge of what your monthly payments will be
The Phonak Freedom subscription program is a bit like your cell phone or internet plan and a bit like leasing a car. It can be a great option for those who like stability, the ability to have routine maintenance easily provided by your audiologist, and who like having the latest technology. The con of the Phonak Freedom subscription program is that you don’t really get to enjoy the pride of ownership, but for many people who wear hearing aids, this isn’t an issue at all.
Hearing aid financing option with bad credit
If choose to finance your hearing aids and have a bad credit score you may wind up paying higher interest rates or even be declined credit. If you check your credit score online and it is low, you can take steps to improve it. Paying down your revolving credit balances is always an excellent idea. That will not only save you money in the long run but also improve your credit score. You can also ask your credit card company to increase your credit limit. Another way to improve your credit score is to have negative entries that have been paid removed from your report.
If you have a bad credit score, have no options for improving it, and still hope to get hearing aids for yourself or a family member, there are still options. Organizations and services such as Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Optimists Clubs, and Easter Seals are sometimes able to offer assistance. There are also charities geared toward pediatric services such as Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Again, it is best to check with your audiologist. They will the best up-to-date information for hearing aid financing options for people with bad credit. They can direct you to organizations and charities that may be able to help with getting your hearing aids and enjoying a better quality of life.
Help with hearing aid costs conclusion
It pays to talk to an audiologist not just to make sure that you get the best hearing aid for your situation, but also so that you choose the hearing aid financing program that is right for you as well.Many audiologists offer financing for your hearing aids that have much lower interest rates than credit cards.
In many cases, interest-free financing is available if you can pay off the full amount of your hearing aids in a relatively short term, such as 6 months. Financing your hearing aids through your audiologist for 36 months at 19.9% instead of 29.9% could amount to significant savings, possibly as much as almost $2000.
Your audiologist can help you navigate the many options that are available for financing your hearing aids. Whether it is a subscription service, a credit card with lower interest rates, help with navigating your private health insurance or VA benefits, or even guiding you to charities that may offer free hearing aids, they are on your side and there to help you.
FAQ
Q: Are there programs other than credit cards that offer help with hearing aid costs?
A: Yes! Companies such as Phonak offer subscription services for hearing aids. These allow you to obtain hearing aids for a monthly fee. Having a subscription for your hearing aids is a bit like a utility bill or leasing a car. You pay a determined amount every month, and in return, you get to enjoy the benefits of better hearing thanks to your hearing aids. Subscription plans generally cover all repairs and tunings, allow you to trade in your hearing aids every three years for new models, and have warranties against damage or theft.
Q: Does Medicare cover the cost of hearing aids or offer financial assistance for them?
A: Unfortunately not. When Medicare was created in the 1960s hearing aids were relatively inexpensive. Also, it was believed that Americans didn’t live long enough to need hearing aids. Medicare still doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids or even hearing exams.
Q: What hearing aid financing programs are available?
A: If your health insurance doesn’t offer assistance with the cost of your hearing aids, your audiologist can likely suggest other options. There are credit cards intended for healthcare spending on things like hearing aids that offer lower interest rates than standard credit cards.
Q: Will my private insurance cover the costs of my hearing aids?
A: If you have private insurance or insurance from work, it is best to check with them to see if your health plan offers any help with hearing aid costs. You might be able to use any money you have in your Health Savings Account (HAS) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA) to help pay for your hearing aids.
Q: Does the Veterans Administration offer help with hearing aid costs?
A: The Veterans Administration (VA) will often cover the cost of hearing aids, hearing exams, batteries, and repairs for veterans. To qualify, you must be VA eligible, and an audiologist must have determined that you require hearing aids. If your hearing changes, your hearing aids become damaged, or are lost through no fault of your own, there is also a good chance that they will be replaced at no charge to you.
In this post I will talk about a Billy Bragg concert I attended, discuss the opening act which was fronted by Michael Franti, and discuss the circle of music, in terms of giving something back to the younger generation and paying homage to the ones that came before us.
I was at a Billy Bragg gig at The Concert Hall in Toronto in Nov. 1991. It was 27 years to the day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Billy interacts with his fans and each concert is unique. He never mails it in, and often changes lyrics to incorporate what is going on in the world.
Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg is an English singer-songwriter who has been making music and supporting workers’ rights for decades. He is an activist and strong supporter of labour unions. He is often a fixture on picket lines. Billy Bragg is a fine human being.
You might know Kirsty MacColl11 who had a top 10 hit in the UK covering Bragg’s song A New England. Kirsty is also the female voice on the Pogues’ iconic song Fairytale of NY.
Oliver Stone’s movie JFK was just out, and Billy had a great rant about how The Beatles killed Kennedy. Some people say America lost their innocence when JFK was killed, and of course The Beatles changed rock and roll forever, while also becoming the biggest cultural influence in Western culture of all time.
In Billy’s rant, The Beatles killed JFK to make America NEED joy and happiness, and only The Beatles could bring that. Killing Kennedy paved the road for Beatlemania and global domination. It was all a conspiracy by the mop tops, just like the dozens of conspiracy theories that Stone brought to light in his movie.
“I’m pretty sure it was George, too. It’s always the quiet one.“ – Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg also changed the line “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to sell, and if you want narcotics, we can get you those as well” in The Marching Song of the Covert Battalions to
“…and if you want Wayne Gretzky, we can get him as well!” – Billy Bragg
(former) Canadian God Wayne Gretzky.
This drew a tremendous response from the Canadians, who were still grieving from Wayne Gretzky being sold from a hockey club in Edmonton known as the Oilers to one in Los Angeles known as the Kings.
Gretzky, also known as “the Great One”, is of course one of the Gods of hockey, and in Canada, hockey truly is a religion.
The Marching Song of the Covert Battalions is from Billy Bragg’s fine album The Internationale. The album is mostly cover versions and rewrites of left-wing protest songs. It needs to be noted, though, that Bragg also writes “tactile” songs that people feel and can identify with, such as “The Milkman of Human Kindness”. He had a US hit with his song “Sexuality” which he co-wrote with Johnny Marr of The Smiths. It is described at a funny, anti-homophobia and generally sex-positive song.
Jello Biafra, most famous for being the frontman of Dead Kennedys, successfully did the same thing with the Phil Ochs’ song “Love Me, I’m a Liberal.” It is from an album Jello did with Mojo Nixon called Prairie Home Invasion, also a favourite of mine. In an interview, Jello said: “The scary thing is that it was so easy to rewrite the song using modern examples!”
The Internationale also holds a special place in my heart because I got to lend it to a colleague I was working with who was still in college. He told me he was taking a class about Russian history, so I gave him my copy and told him: “You gotta listen to this!” Pay it forward, as the Hollywood actors say.
Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy opened the show. I didn’t know who they were at the time, except I did, but didn’t know it. DHOH was formed by Michael Franti and Rono Tse, both of The Beatnigs. Franti later went on to a very successful career with Spearhead.
DHOH had all their instruments and some band members held up at the Canada/US border, so they played a minimalist set. They transformed a concert venue in Toronto into a street corner in NYC, or more accurately, San Francisco.
I recall singing along with DHOH as they played their song Television. As I did, people around me had strange looks on their faces and asked how on earth I knew that song.
Keep on Billy Bragging, Billy Bragg!
*The above is my submission to an upcoming book entitled Billy Bragg – A People’s History. I think it is a brilliant concept, and here is a one sentence description of the project:
“To be published in October 2025 by Spenwood Books of Manchester, UK, Billy Bragg – A People’s History will be a paperback book containing over 400 fan memories of seeing Billy in concert, on a demonstration or on a TV show.”
Exploring NYC’s Smalls Jazz Club: A Lifeline for Artists Smalls Jazz Club in NYC is a lifeline for jazz enthusiasts during the pandemic. A personal account praises the club’s vibrant atmosphere and its transformative impact on music lovers. Through live streams, Smalls introduced a diverse array of exceptional artists. The club’s influence extends beyond NYC, resonating with music lovers worldwide, making it a must-visit destination.
Dick Valentine Takes Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car for a Spin Dick Valentine, frontman for Electric Six, offers a unique take on Tracy Chapman’s iconic song “Fast Car.” Both versions deliver heartfelt intensity and transport listeners, contributing to their widespread acclaim. Valentine’s authentic rendition brings new appreciation to Chapman’s timeless blues hit. Additionally, his cover reflects on the significance of the original song and its enduring impact.
Killdozer Cover Songs: A Unique Musical Experience Killdozer, an independent rock band from Wisconsin, covered a diverse range of songs, adding their unique touch. The band’s covers are a result of extensive “fact-checking” and restoration, making history authentic again. Their noteworthy covers include songs by artists like Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Neil Diamond. These covers shed new light on the original songs, revealing hidden depths and creating a compelling listening experience.
Kirsty MacColl is the daughter of Ewan MacColl, a legendary UK folk singer. He was affililiated with the Communist Party of Great Britain. He wrote Dirty Old Town which The Pogues covered and still brings a tear to my eyes every time i hear it. ↩︎
I loved the first two-thirds of the movie His Three Daughters. I decided to watch it because it made a lot of “Best of 2024” lists. I also decided to check it out because Carrie Coon is in it.
I loved Carrie Coon in Lake George, and I also love her in His Three Daughters. She’s become my current favourite actor – sorry Aubrey Plaza! The character Coon plays in Daughters IS my late wife’s sister – a Mega Bitch that has to be experienced to be believed – at least for the first 2/3 of the movie.
His Three Daughters has incredible acting all around. Natasha Lyonne of Russian Doll fame plays one of the daughters. Lyonne has received an armful of awards for her work in this movie, and she deserves them, too.
His Three Daughters is more like a play than a movie. The emphasis is on storytelling and acting. The plot involves three sisters holed up in a small NYC apartment. It is NOT Christmas material, but it will make you laugh and cry. But maybe this movie is suitable for Christmas viewing, if laughing and crying your way through a box of tissues happens to be your thing.
The fine acting goes far beyond the three leads. There is no weak link in this cast. Jovan Adepo plays the boyfriend of Lyonne’s character, and he might have stolen the show if his role had been bigger.
His Three Daughters might be the ONLY thing produced by Netflix that I like!
The last third of His Three Daughters was a gear shift that the movie did not need, but it is still a solid watch.
Of all the Christmas scams out there, greeting cards are well, one of them. I’ve heard that Santa Claus was invented by Coca-Cola, and part of me believes that. I know Santa is real though, and I just put that down to “haters gonna hate”.
The Christmas Card Origin Story
Madonna may have been Jesus’ mom, but necessity is the mother of invention, and Christmas Cards were indeed an invention. Englishman Henry Cole had an overflowing inbox and no time to write the required correspondence to the cats in the upper class that he swung with. Ye olde quill pen wasn’t going to cut it. Hank wanted to express himself to everyone, but he needed a timesaver – a hack in modern parlance.
Cole’s solution to being swamped with work was to “drain the swamp”. His hack, his time saver, was to print 1000 cards with the same image (seen above) and send them to everyone on his Nice List. Everyone gets the same – Seasons McGreetings.
Wouldn’t you know it, Christmas Cards went viral, and Henry Cole’s “time savers” are still around to this day. Three cheers for Hank!
Henry Cole – his Christmas Cards have been trending for 150 years (it is unclear if long-time hockey broadcaster Bob Cole was related, eh)
Protecting our kids from social media – and Christmas Cards!
Some people thought that the image used on Hank’s image depicted kids chucking back wine as if they were members of The Pogues. Naturally there was an uproar.
Maybe all of that is why Christmas Cards didn’t become popular in the United States until about 30 years later. And of course it was an immigrant in a “sanctuary city” who unleashed Hank’s invention on the good people of Boston in 1875.
Christmas Cards were invented as a timesaver – ChatGPT is a timesaver. Talk about peanut butter and jelly!
A lot of people fear AI and things like ChatGPT. I love ChatGPT and consider it a massive timesaver, much like Henry Cole considered Christmas Cards to be a timesaver.
Finding the right Christmas Card can be expensive and time consuming. They now do the opposite of what Henry Cole intended. People who receive Christmas Cards spend about the same amount of time with them as ChatGPT spends responding to your prompts.
I say Make Hank’s Cards Great Again! Write them with ChatGPT!
My first attempt at writing a Christmas Card with AI
I didn’t expect much, but the results were stunning. ChatGPT has a sense of humour, and really expanded on my very minimal prompt. I approved of the results, and I think old Hank Cole would too!
First Prompt:
I was surprised that the results were pretty good, maybe excellent when you consider that I was ‘last minute shopping” for a Christmas Card. I asked ChatGPT to tweak the results with this prompt:
The Results – my first ChatGPT Christmas Card!
Front of the Card: 🎄 “Happy Holidays… or should we say, ‘Politically Correct Non-Denominational Festive Season Greetings’?” 🎄
Inside the Card: This year, we’re keeping things inclusive, so let’s not assume it’s Christmas! You might be celebrating:
🎅 Clause-mas (Respecting Santa’s individuality)
🎄 Tree-lighting Day (Let’s not make it religious!)
❄️ Frosty Appreciation Week (Snowfolk have feelings too, eh?)
As for us, we’re declaring our holiday pronouns as: Ho/Ho/Ho (That’s “Ho-Ho-Ho” in the traditional holiday spirit, not Trudeau’s spin. 🎤 Mic drop!)
Speaking of Justin, we hear he’s busy this season wrapping himself in his favorite gift of all—carbon tax proposals.
Meanwhile, Doug Ford’s holiday agenda is a little different. He’s apparently dressing up as the Grinch to steal your healthcare, but don’t worry—he promised to leave the donuts and Tim Hortons gift cards untouched.
So whether you’re sipping sustainable almond nog, dodging Doug’s budget cuts, or decorating consent-given ornaments, we wish you:
🎉 A season as festive as the PM’s latest socks and as laid-back as Ford at a backyard barbecue!
Love and laughter, [Your Name Here]
Here are some of the key advantages of having ChatGPT write your Christmas cards:
1. Customization and Personalization
ChatGPT can tailor messages to suit your unique voice, humor, or sentimental style.
It can include specific references (e.g., hobbies, inside jokes, professions) to make each card feel personal.
2. Creativity Boost
It brings fresh, creative ideas, from witty jokes to heartfelt sentiments, ensuring your cards stand out.
If you want themed cards—whether for jazz lovers, punk rock icons, or politicians—ChatGPT can adapt to any concept.
3. Saves Time and Effort
No more staring at blank cards wondering what to write! ChatGPT generates thoughtful messages quickly.
It handles the mental load, letting you focus on the fun parts like picking out designs or addressing envelopes.
4. Polished and Professional Wording
Say goodbye to awkward phrasing or spelling mistakes—ChatGPT delivers clear, polished messages.
If you’re writing to colleagues, friends, or family, it balances tone to suit the recipient.
5. Humor on Demand
It can craft witty or playful messages, perfect for adding some lighthearted fun to your cards.
Whether poking fun at trends or adding clever wordplay, ChatGPT ensures the laughs keep rolling.
6. Versatility
From formal corporate greetings to quirky family updates, ChatGPT can shift its tone and style effortlessly.
Got a mix of recipients? It creates unique messages for each one.
7. Inspiration for Unique Themes
If you’re stuck on a theme or concept, ChatGPT can help brainstorm creative ideas for your cards.
It’s perfect for coming up with memorable taglines, holiday puns, or even song lyric-inspired messages.
8. Always Available
Last-minute card writing? ChatGPT is here 24/7, ready to help whenever inspiration (or time) is running low.
Using ChatGPT ensures your Christmas cards feel thoughtful, engaging, and uniquely you, without the stress of coming up with the perfect wording!
Deja Voodoo was a two-piece Canadian band from Montreal. Gerard van Herk played 4-string guitar and sang, while Tony Dewald played a minimal drum kit that excluded cymbals.
Being a minimalist two-piece sludgeabilly band, Deja Voodoo could pack all their gear into a couple of hockey bags. That helped to make it financially feasible to play locations that didn’t see many touring acts in those days, including weirdo backwoods places like St. Catharines, Ontario.
Deja Voodoo were active in the 80s and wrote short and deceptively simple songs. Deja Voodoo albums would have about 24 songs, whereas a typical album had 12. I suspect that Deja Voodoo might have been winking at the James Last 28 Hits Für Ihre Party records that could be found in every house in the world in those days.
Deja Voodoo and OG Records were pillars of Canadian garage music
Tony and Gerard also started OG Records. OG released dozens of albums by Canadian bands who likely would have never released any music otherwise.
In the US, labels would put out “samplers” that would have a couple dozen songs from a couple dozen bands. OG had an It Came from Canada (ICFC) series that was similar. ICFC records would include a dozen bands from Ontario and Quebec that wouldn’t have a record otherwise. Cowboy Junkies who would become a platinum selling band appeared on It Came from Canada Vol. 4.
In the pre-internet days, being on a record meant that radio stations could play those records, and kids could listen to them in their parents’ basements.
Looking back, Tony and Gerard were kind of the CBGB of Canada. They did more for CANCON than any bought-off politician. They deserve a star on Yonge Street AND Canada’s Walk of Fame!
When Deja Voodoo split up, they SPLIT UP
When Deja Voodoo split up, they really split up. Drummer Tony Dewald became a brewmaster of note on the West Coast. Gerard Van Herk became a linguistic professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sadly, Tony passed away earlier this year.
In M*A*S*H terms, that is a bit like B.J. going to Marin County, California after the Korean War and Hawkeye returning to Crabapple Cove, Maine.
Professor Gerard Van Herk now
The Gerard Van Herk gig at The Horseshoe in Toronto
Inside The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, people wore Toronto Blue Jays hats and jerseys. There was a Bo Bichette standing next to a Vladdy Guerrero Jr. at the back bar. When I saw that nonsense, I became ashamed for not wearing my Detroit Tigers 1968 World Series Champions commemorative jersey.
We only got to see the last 2 songs of The Wabi Sabis, which was a letdown. Next up was Bloodshot Bill, a unique one-man band you might expect to run into in an alley in New Orleans.
I say that because seeing Bill perform reminded me of walking down Frenchman Street in Nawlins and witnessing a man playing music in the window of a bar. The man was sitting down, playing a guitar with his hands. Nothing unusual about that, but the artist on display also had bare feet and he was playing a bass guitar lying on the floor with them.
Musician Gerard Van Herk then
The iconic Gerard Van Herk joined Bloodshot Bill and spread a whole lot of bliss by playing a bunch of Deja Voodoo favourites including:
Gerard’s stage banter and sense of humour are still in fine form. He joked about seeing a Depend® ad behind the urinals in the men’s room “Wow they really know their crowd here.” He also mentioned that he now plays with 6 strings on his guitar instead of 4 and that it was the 10th gig he has played in 35 years.
Today I took the 11 bus up Bayview to take advantage of advance voting in the by-election in my ward in Toronto. It was a sunny Sunday, and the Buffalo Bills game didn’t start until 4:00 PM, so why not?
Voting took less than 5 minutes, much less. It took longer to walk across the street to catch the southbound bus back home.
Some guy mildly annoyed me as I boarded the bus as I scanned for an empty seat because he was half blocking the aisle.
Busking on the Bayview Bus
Once we started moving, I noticed that the front half of “Mr. Aisle Blocker’s” pants were covered in sequins. Snazzy!
Slowly raising my eyes, I noticed that he had a harp on his lap. It was about 3 feet in height and looked brand new. The harp wasn’t fancy, and I thought that it may have been built from a “harp kit” picked up at IKEA or something.
A real image of “Harpeux”
The next thing I know, the harpist plays the first 12 notes or so of Amazing Grace. And it didn’t sound half bad!
That was when I noticed that his hands were like a mechanics – they looked dirty/greasy, and it was clear he had been doing some manual labour. Maybe those are what harpist hands look like?
Was that “Buffalo Bill” on the Bayview Bus?
“Harpeux” was also wearing what looked like stage makeup. I kinda thought he looked like a different Buffalo Bill than one who plays football in Orchard Park, NY – Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs!
Simon Northwood who played Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs
Before long Harpeux started speaking French. Not a monologue, but like he was having a conversation with someone. I couldn’t tell if he had an earpiece or not, so the person on the other end of the conversation could have been real or imagined.
Was the harp player on his way to entertain the troops?
He’d point out and describe buildings that we were going by. When he started talking about Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, I thought “Maybe he is on his way to entertain those who we owe so much?”
Nope, Harpeux stayed on the bus and told whoever was on the other end of his conversation (and the entire bus) about how he helped install the railing at CNIB as we went by.
Every once in a while, his conversation would be accentuated with those same 12 notes of Amazing Grace.
Was it political performance art?
At one point Harpeux seemed to be agitated. I think he was discussing politics briefly and he may have mentioned Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
I dunno! Harpeux could have been on his way to a Halloween party, but on a Sunday? Maybe he was just another homeless person with mental health issues. Where was he coming from, where was he going to? He continued on the Bayview bus after I got off at Eglinton, so I assume he continued on and got on the subway going downtown. Who knows?
I was walking down Bayview Avenue in Toronto recently when I saw a sign for Jason Stevens who is running for councillor in a By-Election in Ward 15, Don Valley West.
The sign put a smile on my face (no small feat, especially in 2024) and I shared it on social media with a sarcastic comment “Austerity candidate, I guess.” I intended to share a chuckle with friends.
I thought that would be the end of it, but over the last few days, I have been thinking about that sign a lot. And I have actually been communicating with the candidate. Again, no small feat in 2024, when most candidates want nothing to do with voters once “the cheque clears”.
Stevens reminds me of Jello Biafra in some ways
As you can see from the photo above, the sign is pretty much the epitome of DIY/grassroots politics, something I have been on board with since being introduced to the esteemed teaching of Jello Biafra.
Biafra, most famous as the frontman for seminal rock band Dead Kennedys, ran for mayor of San Francisco and finished a respectable 4th.
Jello took on ‘the Big Business Corporate Dictatorship’. He was one man, alone, fighting against that “deep dark night”, but he inspired millions around the world. He looked the devil (Dianne Feinstein) in the eye and raged. “this is not America”.
Biafra continues to rage, and we continue to appreciate the fierce defender of America that is Jello Biafra.
Why Jason Stevens’ sign represents Democracy
Democracy, by definition, means by and for the peoplei. Democracy is NOT “by people with enough money to hire marketing and design firms to serve Bay Street and Corporate Interests.
When I first saw the sign, I smiled because I thought “Here is somebody who cares enough to make their voice heard.” I imagined them creating the sign and many others like it, then travelling throughout the ward, pinning them to telephone polls.
It struck me as a labour of love. So many people have a hard time just getting out of bed these days. Worse yet, some people don’t even have beds to get out of! Here is someone, I thought, of meagre financial means, willing to devote their limited time and resources to the greater good.
In short, we are very fortunate to have a candidate who cares enough to campaign on a shoestring budget.
Is Jason Stevens embracing The Butterfly Effect?
The butterfly effect basically says that everything is related, no matter how small. For example, a butterfly flapping it’s wings in China may eventually alter the weather patterns in Toronto.
Stevens probably realizes that his odds of winning the race are non-existent, but by running and engaging they might make the world, at least Ward 15, Don Valley West, a better place. It seems like an example of “the butterfly effect” – the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state.
To see a sign created with human hands, instead of a slick, glossy product made by an expensive downtown marketing firm was life-affirming.
Stevens running for councillor in By-Election in Ward 15, Don Valley West will likely have very little effect on the election. However, being a by-election, the entire city of Toronto will be watching, and his inspired, shoestring campaign will inspire others to become more engaged in politics on a municipal level. More people will vote and pay attention to local politics as a result of him running for office.
Let me contrast Stevens’ DIY signs with failed mayoral candidate Josh Matlow
Josh Matlow ran for Mayor of Toronto in the last election. He lost, and he lost “hugely” as they say in some political circles. That is a shame, too, because I had hoped he would become mayor and be excellent in the position. Instead, we have someone serving as mayor who was elected by saying “We can all afford to pay a little more.”
Instead of a serious person with real plans, ideas, and solutions, we have a 67-year-old “party girl” with a dress for every occasion, begging the provincial and federal governments for more money. *SIGH*
As soon as I saw Matlow’s signs, I knew it was over for him.
If you “read” the image: the words flow down, and it looks like “TO” (Toronto) is going over Niagara Falls.
What were they thinking!
Also, one of the most famous political soundbites of recent years was issued by Michelle Obama, who proclaimed “When they go low, we go high!”
Matlow was telling everyone he was going LOW with his signs.
Again, what on earth were they thinking?!
Big Matlow money, Big Matlow loss
Matlow’s signs cost a lot of money and were created by an expensive consulting firm. Matlow’s signs also put a frown on my face. Some of the things I thought were:
Matlow was, and is an excellent councillor. How could he run such a flawed campaign for mayor of Toronto?
How could Matlow have possibly approved this?
How bad were the signs he said no to?
By contrast, small Stevens money, big Stevens win!
Jason Stevens’ signs say All you need is imagination, drive, some art supplies, and maybe a clean driving record
Stevens’ signs send a different message. It is a positive message of “You DO matter, and you CAN make a difference.” All you need is imagination, drive, and some art supplies!
You don’t need Rogers’ money to run for office in Toronto. You don’t need to be endorsed by a disgraced person who was run out of office for having an extramarital affair to run for office, either.
On October 16, 2012, Bailão was charged with impaired driving. As per Bailão, she was driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.130%, over the legal limit of 0.08%. The charge of impaired driving was dropped.
Of course I am referring to failed mayoral candidate Ana Bailão, a woman who was charged with impaired driving yet saw the charges dropped. If this sounds similar to the Michael Bryant incident, it is because it is similar.
Michael Bryant, a Liberal MP in the same government as Kathleen Wynne, was also charged with impaired driving after killing a cyclist. His charges were also dropped.
The difference between Bryant and Bailão is that somebody died in the Michael Bryant incident.
Speaking of welfare for politicians and Don Valley West, let’s talk about Kathleen Wynne, former MPP for Don Valley West
Yes, THAT Kathleen Wynne, the former Premier of Ontario. The same Kathleen Wynne that the Angus Reid Institute reported to have a job approval rating of 12 per cent, the lowest ever recorded for a Premier of Ontario.
Wynne “represented” the provincial riding of Don Valley West, which has the same geographic boundaries as By-Election in Ward 15, Don Valley West, from 2003-2022.
Kathleen Wynne “won” Don Valley West by less than 200 votes in 2018, and the Liberal Party of Ontario, the party she lead, was wiped off of the political map of Ontario.
Think about that – the Premier of Ontario “won” her riding by less than 200 votes.
Think your vote doesn’t matter? Think voting for Jason Stevens means throwing your vote away?
In effect, Don Valley West had zero representation at Queen’s Park for 4 years because of Kathleen Wynne’s vanity.
Now Kathleen Wynne is suddenly concerned with Don Valley West because Anthony Furey is the frontrunner in the By-Election in Ward 15, Don Valley West. This is probably the first time that Wynne has ever paid attention to Don Valley West.
Don Valley West has seen your work, Kathleen, and we don’t like it.
Oh yeah, The Liberal Party of Ontario is still largely irrelevant. And it deserves to be. Justin Trudeau is doing the same thing to the Liberal Party of Canada as you read, and they deserve it too!
Maybe Jason Stevens is doing something that nobody thought possible for a long time – getting voters somewhat interested in politics again after Kathleen Wynne. Perhaps not engaged, but maybe not so dismissive and nauseous as we have been since Kathleen Wynne was our MPP.
Behind the signs, Jason Stevens is a caring, intelligent person
As I mentioned earlier, Stevens actually engages with voters and constituents. Most of the time, one is lucky to get an auto-reply when bringing a serious concern to the attention of an elected official. Here is something he posted in response to me sharing a picture of his sign on Bayview:
“On the serious side, I think we live in a culture that convolutes leadership or quality with wealth. Well, PM Trudeau has $100 million so certainly he is richer than I am.
Nevertheless, most baristas I’ve met would have over the last nine years probably served Canadians better than Justin.” – Jason Stevens
Police and Thieves and John Tory and Rogers and the World Cup
On a municipal level,Olivia Chowraised property taxes by double digits, and caved in a massive campaign by the Toronto Police, giving them all the money they wanted. On top of this, 1/3 of the $380 million (and growing) budget for the soccer games Toronto will be hosting as part of World Cup 2026 will be going towards “policing and security”.
So, in addition to more money in the budget, Toronto Police will be getting $100+ million to chaperone a couple of soccer games. Nice work if a Cop can get it.
Furthermore, another big beneficiary of the soccer games will be Rogers. The previous Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, made almost $700K from Rogers while mayor while also serving as mayor, and Tory was the one who pushed through the World Cup deal.
Anthony Furey, one of the people Jason Stevens is running against in the By-Election in Ward 15, Don Valley West, wrote the story about the former mayor of Toronto, John Tory, double-dipping that I linked above.
In conclusion, Thank you for running for Councillor, Jason Stevens. Thank you for reading. Now vote!
You will not win, Jason Stevens, but your intestinal fortitude keeps my faith in humanity alive in these difficult times.
I respect and encourage all people running in elections who are doing so for altruistic reasons, and not simply to further entrench themselves in The Corporate machine.
Both John Tory and Kathleen Wynne have come out strongly against frontrunner Anthony Furey. Wynne doing so is the most she has paid attention to Don Valley West ever.
I do not know anything about Mr. Furey, but if he is someone who rattles the cages of the tiny group of inbred people who control Toronto and Canadian politics, that is reason enough for me to vote for him.
Stay thirsty my friends. And Vote wisely.
[i] (from Ancient Greek: δημοκρατία, romanized: dēmokratía, dēmos ‘people’ and kratos ‘rule’).
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