An Owl In The Night

Hello one and all! Okay, so I have been incredibly busy as of late, and I apologize for not posting daily. I will continue to do my best to post daily, but if I miss a day here and there, please don't hold it against me :P

So, as I was leaving my apartment earlier this evening, I saw an owl perched on a fence post that surrounds the pool. At first I thought it was fake, and that someone had set it on there. However, as soon as I stopped to look at it, it turned it's head and looked at me. I stood there for a few minutes just admiring. It's not very often that an owl is so low to the ground, at eye level, and you are able to observe it's movements. While staring at this creature of the night, I started thinking of my grandmother who passed away from alzheimer's a handful of years ago. She loved owl's. I have very vivid memories of being a child and going to visit her. Throughout her house were owl pictures, pillow's with owls on them that she had made, as well as cloth cupholder's, and candle place mat's she had made as well. Since I was young at the time, I never got the chance to ask her why she liked owl's so much. I wish I would have had the chance. Everytime I see something with an owl, or simply think of an owl, I am reminded of her smile, warmth, and love.

I miss her everyday, and think of her often. I just want to encourage you to never waste a moment, or opportunity to ask your grandparents, parents, relatives, friends etc, questions about their life, and their story. In turn, never hesitate to share your own story when asked. It's crucial that we enjoy the limited amount of time with the one's that are close to us. It is something we should never take for granted.

I hope your week is going well.

-Nick

Short and Sweet

Hello one and all. First of all, I apologize for not posting the past couple of days. I have had a very busy weekend, and wasn't online at all. I'm going to keep this entry short. I have decided since this is a daily blog, to include you all. I am looking for any ideas you might have that you would like me to blog about. Though I have many ideas usually floating around in my head, I value and appreciate interaction, as well as ideas. So please feel free to leave you idea(s) in the comment section under this entry...I will be very greatful! I promise I will return to normally scheduled blogging tomorrow (Monday). I hope you all had a great weekend. Until tomorrow.....


-Nick

It's All The Hype!

After seeing the events of today's "balloon boy" incident, I felt the need to write a post about how the media can hype up anything. First of all, I have to say I am glad there wasn't actually a boy who floated away in a balloon. Secondly, I can't help but to wonder if the whole incident wasn't just a publicity stunt. I mean, is it really a coincidence that the family of the "balloon boy" just happened to be on the television show Wife Swap? Some people will do anything to get, or stay, in the limelight. Look at "Octomom." After having way to many kids, she not only got to have dozens of interviews on big name shows, but also received her own show, and a hefty paycheck.

One thing we have to realize is that the media will do anything, and everything, to get the best ratings possible. This includes ridiculous stories like "Bigfoot found", "Octomom", and now "balloon boy." I get annoyed when I see such stories getting all the media attention. Especially when we have such things as war taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan, the health care debate, and problems with our economy. How come such stories as a suicide bomber killing 49 people gets minimal coverage, whilst some story about a boy who wasn't even in a balloon, but hiding in the garage attic, gets top headlines? It's the same reason you don't see very many good natured stories in the top headlines. It doesn't generate ratings, which in turn doesn't generate money. Those are the top two goals of any news/media outlet. Another reason we don't always see such stories, is that they take place on the other side of the world. We have a horrible habit in this country of, "if it doesn't affect me, then I can turn my eyes the other way."

Even when David Letterman admitted to having multiple affairs, the media turned him into the sad victim. Instead of focusing on his behavior, bad decisions, and how hurt his wife must feel, the media put the focus on how he was the victim who was trying to be extorted for money. This all occurred while his ratings shot way up.

How sad have we become as not only a nation, but as a human race, when we simply laugh off, or even promote such immoral acts? When we favor bogus stories, over serious news, and when we would rather see only negativity and death in the news over something positive? It seems to me that Satan surely does have his grip on this world.

I will leave you with a piece of advice-Don't always believe everything you hear about in the news. Even though it really is, "all the hype!"

-Nick

A Tale Of The Impersonal, Weary, Cashier.

Soooo...I failed to make a post yesterday. Sorry about that. I had a day jammed packed full of spending time with friends, as well as several hours of band rehearsal. However, since I want to make sure I post something everyday, I will make two posts today (the second one coming this evening).

There is something I have noticed the past few year's that has been bothering me. What could be bothering me you may ask? It has to do with courtesy, friendliness, and interaction. I have noticed several times over the past few year's, that cashier's have become quite rude. I usually make a point to go out of my way and ask how the cashier is doing etc. Now when I ask this, I really am interested in knowing how they feel, whether good or bad. However, there have been several occasions where when I asked, I was left with only silence. It is almost like I haven't spoken a single word. The other thing I have noticed is when the cashier say's to me "Hi! how are you today?" When asked this question I will typically answer honestly and say, "I'm doing quite well, good, or fine." I then always follow that up with, "How are you today?" Nine out of ten times, I don't recieve any answer at all, once again nothing but silence.

It seems to me that asking someone how they are isn't a legite question, it has simply become a way of saying hello. This frustrates me a lot. If I didn't geuninely care about how you are doing, I simply wouldn't ask. I only ask the quesiton, because I really care. Over the past decade as we have become more introverted due to technology, and fear, we have seemed to also lost our sense of compassion. Now, I'm certainly not saying everyone is guilty at all times of being rude in this fashion. But, there is a good majority of people in my experience who are.

I want to encourage you all to go out of your way today to be friendly to a cashier. Ask them about how they feel, and how their day is, and really mean it. I can understand while cashier's may be weary, and hard pressed to answer your question of how they are doing. They are on their feet for hours at a time. For that reason alone, I have a great deal of respect for cashier's. So if you are reading this and you are a cashier, I salute you, and I also really care for you.

It's time we put an end to this form of impersonal communication.

Thank you for reading,

-Nick

Get Him A Body Bag!

I had a great conversation tonight regarding classic 80's movies, as well as the classic lines that came from them. The movie I have picked for this post, is The Karate Kid. Perhaps no movie was so classic in the sense of the "classic 80's flicks" (well, perhaps Back To The Future?!?!). This is a movie that actually has a good theme: If you are good at karate, you can kick some butt! Okay, well that's not really what the film was about. It's about being the odd man out, searching for hope, and searching for love. I think we can all relate to those struggles. I know I have certainly been there myself. I believe there is a little bit of Daniel LaRusso in all of us. Though I have never quite had a sensei like Mr. Miyagi, I do feel that God acts as my sensei. He is full of wisdom when I'm seeking answers, full of encouragement, when I feel hopeless, and understands the principles of life better than I do. These are all the virtues I see in Mr. Miyagi (though I won't begin calling him God!).

Along with the lessons taught in this film, come perhaps the most classic line in all film...okay, well at least in all of 80's flicks! The line occurs during the final fight scene of the movie, when Johnny's friend and fellow karate student yells out: "Get him a body bag!" "yeahhhhh.....hahahahaha!"

So in honor of this classic scene, I now present it to you courtesy of youtube:





-Nick

Music Is Life

As a musician, just like with writing, sometimes I find myself without inspiration. However, I have noticed when I buy some new albums to listen to, song ideas seem to flood into my head (Even if most of them are at 2am!). This has been the case for me lately. I have written several new songs in the past month. I have also bought a handful of new albums in the past month (See the pattern here?!?!). So I have decided to share with you a list of new albums I have been listening to lately, as well as some that are constant rotation in my collection. So here it goes....

New music:

Muse- The Resistance
Landon Pigg- The Boy Who Never
Pillar- Confessions
Skillet- Awake
B. Reith- Now Is Not Forever
Relient K- Forget And Not Slowdown

New album's coming soon that I will be getting/listening to:

The Swell Season- Strict Joy
Jamie Cullum- The Pursuit
Silverchair- As yet untitled
Fiction Plane- As yet untitled
30 Seconds To Mars- This Is War

Albums in constant rotation in my play list:

The Jackson 5- The Ultimate Collection
The Jackson 5- Love Songs
Jeff Buckley- Live At Sin-e
Jeff Buckley- Sketches For My Sweetheart The Drunk
Jeff Buckley- Grace & Grace Around The World (2 separate albums)
Michael Jackson- Number One's
The Beach Boys- Pet Sounds
Silverchair- Diorama
The Police- Message In A Box
Phil Collins- Hits
Fiction Plane- Everything Will Never Be Ok
Fiction Plane- Left Side Of The Brain
Genesis- Platinum Collection
The Swell Season- Once Soundtrack
The Swell Season- Self Titled
Dishwalla- Opaline
Landon Pigg- Self Titled
Nirvana- Self Titled
The Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness
Jamie Cullum- Twentysomething
Revis- Places For Breathing
Sting- All This Time

Sting- Fields Of Gold: The Best Of Sting 1984-1994

Fleetwood Mac- Greatest Hits

Stan Getz- A Life In Jazz: A Musical Biography
Ella Fitzgerald- Pure Ella: The Very Best Of Ella Fitzgerald
Billie Holiday- The Legacy: 1933
Clifford Brown- Brown And Roach, Inc


Until next time...

-Nick

Reflections By The Fire

At this moment (2:32am), I am sitting next to the fireplace in my living room, laptop, well exactly where it is supposed to be according to it's name-on my lap. I have always been fascinated by fires that burn in a fireplace. I grew up in two homes during my childhood that had fireplaces. Not only does a fire provide warmth, to me it also provides a sense of comfort. No matter what stress is taking place in life, I can sit next to a fire and all seems right with the world. Sometimes I will read a book next to the fireplace, or sometimes just simply sit and stare as the flames rise, and the wood crackles.

As I was watching the fire tonight, a thought came over me. Life is kinda like a fire. We as humans are born into this world, thanks to God's craftsmanship, only when the right ingredients are in place. The same is true for a fire. To make a fire, you need the right ingredients, such as wood, a spark, oxygen and so on. Without all the ingredients in place, a fire will never start. A good example of this is in the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks. In the film, after the plane he is traveling in crashes, he finds himself stranded and utterly alone on a remote island. He attempts to make a fire in order to cook his food, as well as stay warm. Several minutes go by in the film where he attempts to start a fire. He has some wood, and is rubbing sticks together in hopes to spark the fire to start, but all he sees is some smoke rising. He knows he is so close to starting a fire, yet try as he may, it won't start. Finally he realizes he needs oxygen in the mix in order for the fire to start. It's the same with us humans. In order to come into existence, we need the right ingredients, especially the key ingredient oxygen. Without it, we are not brought to life, or allowed to live and thrive. The same is applied in the case of starting and maintaining a fire. The amazing thing about a fire is just when you think it's about to burn out, you can stoke the fire by simply using the poker, and it will come back to life.

I can relate to this in my personal experience with life. There have been times of despair when I felt all hope was lost in life, or when I have lost hope and faith in God. But just as soon as I begin to do so, God puts forth the things in my life (sometimes I don't realize it till much later), let's call them the ingredients, that begin to give me hope in life, and faith in Him. So in a sense, God stokes the fire inside of me, and ignites my hope, thus reaffirming my faith.

I once had a man tell me, you can step out of the will of God, but never out of the love of God. Out of all of the sermons I have heard, churches I have attended, times I have been burned or let down by other believers, these are the words that have stayed with me, and meant the most to me. They are the words that remind me that God does love us, no matter how much we screw up, rebel, curse Him, damage our own bodies, and so on. It also reminds me that God, and belief and faith in God, go way beyond the religious rituals that exist in the world that are human made. I can understand why people turn away from God, or become angry at a church. Sometimes while the right intentions may be meant , the real focus and purpose can be lost. This is something I have experienced personally in my faith as well.

I encourage you all if you get a chance, to take the time to simply sit by a fire and reflect. Life can be so busy and stressful, that sometimes we lose sight of ourselves, and what life is really all about. Even if you aren't able to sit by a fire, take a walk through your neighborhood and reflect on life, and the goodness that exists around us. Sometimes we simply just need to take the time to stop, reflect, relax, and take in the simple, quiet moments of life.

Until next time...stay stoked!

-Nick

Sleep (or lack thereof), Honesty, and Other Fun Things.

So here I am at 4:02am, and day 3 since I decided to make this a daily blog. As you can tell, my sleep schedule is still out of whack. Or is it? I started pondering this the other day after I posted my blog about my "crazy" sleep schedule. Perhaps my schedule isn't "crazy" after all. To be totally honest, it feels quite normal and natural to me. The only thing that makes it seem "crazy", is the fact that most people sleep during the night. I feel this is largely due to the fact that most people have to get up in the morning for work, or to take kids to school. Have you ever noticed when you don't have to get up in the morning for anything specific, that you tend to stay up most of the night? I feel that perhaps most people are wired to do so, but don't normally have a chance to stay up because they need to adhere to a structured sleep schedule; one that fits accordingly with their daily lives. The truth is, in the past when I did have to get up in the morning, it was hard for me to always fall asleep at a decent hour in order to get a decent night's sleep. I have never been a big sleeper in terms of hours slept.

I have to admit that it is during the late night hours (meaning between 1am-6am) that I am the most creative. I write 99% of my songs during that time, as well as this blog, and the novel I am currently working on. But I will also admit, it can be a lonely time as well. Since this is a time when most people are sleeping, there is rarely anyone available to talk or chat with. Sometimes I desperately need someone during these late night hours. I think this helps to add to my feelings of loneliness.

I once read a Michael Jackson interview in Rolling Stone from 1983. In the article, Michael mentions how when he wasn't touring and was at home in Encino (where he lived at the time), he would go for long walks in the evening around his neighborhood, just hoping to find someone to talk to, yet never did. You have to remember this was during the height of his fame, right after Thriller came out, and made him the biggest star on the planet. I found what he said about taking the walks very sad, but I could also relate to it, for I have done the exact same thing myself. No one at the time would have ever thought that the most famous person on the planet, would also be one of the most lonely. It seems that happiness and success don't ever really seem to go hand in hand.

I had a friend recently who told me that I was a bad friend, and that she felt like she didn't even really know the "real" me. After she told me this, it really got me thinking. I have to admit, she was right, I haven't been a good friend to her. Which more than likely means I haven't been a good friend to others. If you are one of my friends who feel that way, I sincerely apologize. Please blame it on my head and not my heart. I know I tend to not share myself, and who I am with everyone. I have had a crazy life full of hurt, sadness, anger, pain, abuse, heartache, fear, and loneliness. I'm not afraid to admit that to you all now. After my conversation with my friend, I decided that I need to open up and share myself a little more with you all.

So, I have decided that's what this blog will be all about. It will be about my thoughts, and feelings. Sometimes it will be silly, sometimes serious. I want to share my journey with you all. This will include my music, and my writing. The most important thing is that I'm always honest and true to myself. I know there will be days where I won't feel like blogging, or that I may sit and stare at the screen looking for something to write. But I will do my best to always be me, even if I don't have much to say.

I really do value all of you for reading my blog. I finally figured out I had a glitch in the settings, which required people to sign up in order to post a comment. I have now changed that and posting a comment is open to anyone, even if you want to post as anonymous. So please, feel free to leave me a comment. I will read them all, and respond to the one's that require so.

I hope you all have a great weekend. Until tomorrow....

-Nick

A Reflection of Autumn

As promised, I am posting a poem that I published 3 years ago. I have decided to finally start making this a daily blog, so be sure to come back daily, and please tell your family and friends. I am looking to make this a blog with a good size reader audience. Hope you like the poem. Enjoy!

A Reflection of Autumn
By Nick ladish

The sun is setting and the earth seems to be still. And at this moment, all of life seems content to just be. To be alive, to be itself, there is real beauty that surrounds us everyday, if we just take the time to look. It's a crisp autumn evening, the kind where the wind gently blows against your face and you feel alive. Throughout the neighborhood, are the sounds of another day coming to an end. The smell of those who eat late dinners, children playing outside, fighting against the setting sun for just one more moment of daylight. There's the occasional loud engine, or lack of muffler, from a car driving down the street, a barking dog, a chirping bird, and the wind in the trees, making them rustle and stealing yet another leaf to the ground. It's the time of year to pack away the summer clothes, and exchange them for jackets, sweaters, and scarves.

There is something special about this time of year that sets it apart from all other seasons. Perhaps it's the air, or the anticipation of the upcoming holidays. Or maybe, it is simply a time for us to reflect and ponder over a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cider. To reflect upon the year that has already passed like an old memory. Whatever the reason, I will embrace this moment and try to hold on to it, wishing it would never pass by, while reflecting on life and the joy that can be found.

Tis the season to be sleepless and beardy

Hello one and all...

So once again it's been a while since I have posted an entry. It is now Fall, my most favorite season of all. I have been keeping busy with many things, and overall life is good, though at times crazy. For those of you who don't know, I have a really crazy sleeping schedule. Well, it's really not a schedule at all. Some nights I go to bed at 1am, others at 8am, as well as anything and everything in between. I have been trying desperately lately to find some sort of regular pattern/schedule, but so far have failed. Some of my friends think my sleeping schedule or lack thereof is nuts, and even funny, however, for me it's very frustrating. Laying in bed for four hours, unable to sleep is not my idea of fun or even funny. I have noticed it even seems to alter my mood on some days. There are times where I feel quite happy and sociable, and other times where I am sad, depressed, and feel very isolated and alone. I know this entry is a lot different from what I have been posting on here this year, but I felt the need to just be me.....nothing clever or witty, just my thoughts, and real emotion.

In addition to all this, I haven't shaved in two and a half months (though I have trimmed around my lips, dinner with a side of beard is nasty!). I have a friend as well as one of my brothers who aren't shaving as well, and we are having a contest to see if we can make it till January 1st of 2010 without shaving. So far, so good, though I must admit there days and times I just wanna shave it off, or at least trim it. In addition to the beard, I haven't had a hair cut since mid April. My hair is getting quite long. I fear that soon people will mistake me for a homeless man, or some kinda of weirdo, and turn away their glances at me, or be afraid to talk to me. So far this hasn't happened....perhaps it's just all in my mind?

I really am wanting to make this a regular (as in daily) blog. In doing so, it will definitely take a commitment on my part. I hope that in making it a daily blog, that I will get more readers, as well as comments. I'm kinda surprised I haven't had a single comment all year on this blog. So feel free as dirty hairy would say, and "make my day" by being the first to comment..it really would mean a lot to me!

I will post a poem about Fall that I wrote a few years ago tomorrow....until then....peace and love.

-Nick

Whoomp here it is! (Bacon anyone?)

It's been forever and ever since I have posted..oh dear blog whilst thou forgive me?!?!

So, I have been doing some thinking lately. I'm not sure anyone really cares what I have to say, but I've decided I'm going to say what's on my mind anyway. The past few days have been filled with lots o' rain and thunder. As a matter of fact, I just heard a loud BOOM!! a hundred yards from where I stand. Okay, I'm sitting as I type, but you get the point! Have any of you ever tried to type on a laptop whilst standing?! Yes silly, I know I used the word whilst, and not while...I find it to be more proper and civilized.

Things I dislike currently:

Bugs (well most, I still have love for ladybugs and rollie pollies)

Thugs

Mean people

War

The current presidental administration

People who lick their fingers while (see there I used it!) eating

Being rick-rolled (come on youtube peeps, enough is enough)

When I see someone sad

When I see someone homeless

When I take a shower, step out side whistling zippity do da, and a bird shits on my head!

Things currently like:

Hugs

Mugs (of the coffee variety)

Friends

Family

Having my nieces spend a weekend with me!

Singing in the rain

Driving in my car aimlessly with the music decibel's cranked!

That fall is drawing ever so near :)

A good book

Music (Imagine that!)

People who read and comment on my blog...hey you! yes, YOU! Please comment below..it will make my day! :)

Feel free to share your likes and dislikes. If you do, I promise I will write clever, witty, blogs daily!

And as Porky Pig always says:

-Nick

The High Life and Bucket Bouts Part 5

As she extends her hand to help him up, the telephone rings. The sound of the ring tone makes Amber tremble with fear, and she momentarily forgets why her hand is extended. Mitch picks himself up off the floor and reaches for the phone. "Hello?" he says into the receiver. The only thing he can hear on the other end of the line is heavy breathing. "Who is this?!" he screams into the phone "and what the hell do you"... but before he can finish the sentence, he hears a click and the phone line is dead. "What was that all about?" Amber asks with a puzzled look on her face. "I'm not sure." For some reason, every time I answer the phone, I hear heavy breathing and the person on the other end hangs up." "That sounds strange," she says with a worried look on her face. "Don't worry about it Amb, I'm sure it's nothing." "Let's get out of here." "Okay, but grab your jacket, it's a bit chilly outside," she replies. As Mitch goes to grab his jacket out of the closet, he hears drips begin to hit the floor in the kitchen. To be continued....

The High Life and Bucket Bouts Part 4

As Mitch struggles to get to his feet, his arms suddenly feel week and his head hits the floor. "Just lie still," Amber says as Mitch looks her straight in the eyes. It's moments like these, that he thinks to himself how crazy he is about this woman. "Do you have ice in the fridge?" she says as he watches her walk into the kitchen. "Yes, I do." But before he can finish saying the words, she is already putting ice into a paper towel. "Here, put this on your head," she says handing him the self made ice pack. "I guess all that time spent watching MacGyver episodes finally paid off eh?" he says with a chuckle, as he places the ice pack on the back of his head. "So...what exactly happened to you last night?" she asks. "I, I really don't remember." he replies. As soon as the words leave his mouth, he has another flash in his mind. If only he knew what took place last night, and why he keeps have these flashes. To be continued......

The High Life and Bucket Bouts Part 3

As yet another image flashes into his head, Mitch is left in a state of confusion and panic. He begins to feel his heart race fast, and his palms get sweaty. His stomach is in knots, the same kind of feeling he had when as a kid, he and a friend were busted for shoplifting. Suddenly, the room goes black, and his body goes limp. When he comes to, he sees a figure standing over him. As his eyes begin to focus, he makes out the figure. It's his good friend Amber. Mitch has know Amber since they were both in the 2nd grade. They are the kind of friends that can be in a group, yet they are the only two who understand their own private joke. They are so close, she was the one who was there for Mitch, to comfort him when his mom died in a car accident, when he was 12. Over the past few years, Mitch has fallen deeply in love with Amber, but has yet to tell her.

As his eyes are now focused his throat is as dry as a desert, as he struggles to speak. "Am.. "Amber?" he finally musters enough energy to speak out loud. "Yes, Mitch, it's me" she says back to him. As he stares into her brown eyes, she smiles at him. "Are you ok?" she asks. "I..I..don't know" he says back to her. As he rests his head back on the hard living room floor, he once again has a flash in his head, and feels more confused than ever. To be continued..

The High Life and Bucket Bouts Part 2

As the afternoon settles in, Mitch (as we will now call him) turns on the television, and begins flipping through the channels. After a few minutes of boredom, he turns the television off and picks up the latest issue of Rolling Stone. As he begins to read, his thoughts focus on the flashes from the previous night. The wooden clock on the wall ticks silently in the background. As images flash into his head, he is snapped out of his thoughts by the ringing of his telephone. When he answers the phone and says hello, he hears heavy breathing on the other end. "Hello?" Mitch says out loud into the phone. But there is no answer, only the continuation of breathing, followed by a click. With his heart racing, panic sets in, and suddenly he feels ill. "Exactly what happened last night?" he wonders as he sets the phone down on the coffee table. Instantly, another image flashes into his head. To be continued........

The High Life and Bucket Bouts Part 1

The clock reads 11:33 on a late Sunday morning. As the alarm generates it's usual morning buzz, he wipes the blurry haze from his eye and takes a look outside the window. Clouds fill the sky, and the sun is rendered helpless. As each foot staggers to make a path across the bedroom floor, he stops to remember what has caused the dreadful throbbing in his head. As random events from the night prior fill his head, he instantly remembers the 9 bottles of High Life that he downed in a 2 hour period. He then makes his way to the bathroom and looks in the mirror at his disheveled appearance, and proceeds to wash his face. The cold water hits his skin like a winter chill, and instantly his brain is alert. At the same moment, his stomach gives off a horrid grumble and reminds him that he is in need of nourishment, and stat. As he makes his way to the kitchen, he thumbs through the selection at hand. Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, Little Debbie Cakes, and pancakes. After a moment of debate, he decides to trust the years of Wilford Brimley's suggestion and eat a bowl of oatmeal. At this moment in time, all seems right with the world (with the exception of the headache). Little does he know, strange events are about to unfold later in the day..... to be continued

Earth Day 2009

Happy Earth day my fellow earthlings!

Today we celebrate the planet we inhabit called Earth. It's a time for us to appreciate the beauty that our planet has to offer, whilst raising awareness in preserving our planet. Whether it is using a cloth shopping bag at the grocery instead of plastic, walking or riding a bike instead of driving, or recycling aluminum, plastic or newspaper, there are many things we can chip in to do our part. For more information on Earth Day and how you can learn more to do your part please visit: http://www.earthday.net/
I believe we should make Earth Day not a one day a year event, but a daily way of life.
Happy Earth Day!

In other news, my friend Sam Cline and have decided to start our own record label. The name of the label is CSC Records....more info coming very soon!

Transmission complete.....

Nick

Smokey Haze Fills My Mind...

Every morning at around 7am, my apartment fills with a strong aroma. No it's not coffee (that comes later in the morning), it's the gagging, choking, disgusting smell that makes my eyes water and my throat itch: cigarette smoke. This horrible aroma is courtesy of a kind and well-meaning man whom we will call "chuck" to protect his identity. He is a retired man of approximately 70 years old, and he loves his cigarettes. I do speak to him on occasion whilst going up the steps to my apartment, and he is a quite friendly guy. He has also told me the same story let's see....well, every time I see him, but I enjoy the story oddly enough each time he tells it to me. He likes to greet the day with a smoke on his patio. No harm in that, for it's his habit and his life/health.

However, this patio is directly below the front door to my apartment. The smell of his Marlboro graces me at the same time everyday like clock work. It finds it's way through the small crack under my door and for about 10 minutes every morning, my apartment fills with a "smokey haze". Could I say something to him about it? Sure. Should I say something to him about it? Maybe. Will I say anything to him about it? No. I figure he has lived a longer life than I and has a right to perhaps one of the few things that still brings him joy. No, I will not be the "smokey bandit". Now if I could only find a way to hold my breath for 10 minutes.....

Disclaimer: That's not a photo of my actual neighbor, but you get the point!

These Dreams...

So perhaps by now you have the Heart song These Dreams stuck in your head, (if not I bet you do now?!) But this post isn't about the infections 80's ballad. No it's referring to actual dreams. I sometimes dream about music. Some dreams are about songs not yet written, some I remember when I wake up and I immediately go to my guitar or piano and churn out. Other songs are popular songs I have heard throughout my life. This was the case in last night's dream. I was spending time with family and friends in NYC when all the sudden we all break into song. The song you ask? Don Ho's Christmas song, Mele Kalikimaka. Only in my dream we weren't pool side like in a certain movie. ;)

I'm curious about dreams and the meaning behind certain dreams. I'm also curious if anyone else dreams in song or at least has songs playing in their dreams. Perhaps we will never know why we dream and/or what they mean...so until then.... "Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day".......