Corporate America: Stop Crying, Start Working

An Editorial - March 19, 2009

There is much to discuss these days in America. The excitement and newness of a new president has not yet worn off. However, the shadow of economic hard times, corporate greed (wow, shocking, huh?), and the ever-rising cost of living are enough to make one want to stay in bed and watch cartoons.

The fact that certain corporate executives are getting death threats for receiving hefty bonuses at taxpayers' expense is unfortunate and inexcusable; however, this clearly demonstrates the high level of frustration present among hardworking Americans. We are tired of being lied to and told to be prepared for "tough times," when many of those telling us this continue to live privileged and trouble-free lives (OK, so maybe they had to sell one of their third or second homes... waaah).

The real issue here is that many, if not most, Americans are beyond pinched, crushed, by the cost of living. For us in the middle class, the so-called "backbone of America," our incomes barely cover living expenses, forget about luxuries like cable, eating out, and other fat-budget expenditures. Many of us have been saving and making other wise decisions. Now, with even more of our tax money going to bail out corporations and its executives (so they can maintain their lifestyles), it is starting to feel like we are being tattooed "sucker." We don't like feeling like suckers.

The "powers that be" (whoever that is) and policy makers need to find real solutions to match up salaries and pay with the out-of-control cost of living. Hardworking, responsible citizens are very tired of hearing the crying and complaining of those not successful in a marketplace that they seem to think owes them something. Additionally, the harsh reality of continued job losses and lower factory starts means that "the responsible" and "nearly crushed" middle class will see little relief any time soon, even if they can hold on to their jobs. And, it seems, some among us could care less. We don't need threats of any kind; we need compassion and solutions -- solutions, especially free-market ones, based on human and societal needs, not corporate greeds [sic]. Yes, we can do better.

Are you in Dallas today (Sunday & Monday)? Get Art

If you are in the Dallas, Texas area this weekend, through Monday (Feb. 9), there are some great galleries showing great art. Specifically, a Baltimore gallery is selling amazing pieces by Rauschenberg, Cornell, Hofer, Jasper Johns, Wolf Kahn, Stella, Cy Twombly, David Brown, and Bill Crowley.

Dallas Art Fair

Go, enjoy, buy. It’s a good time to buy art for your home or business.

A Short, Short Story - Flash Fiction .......... Web Exclusive!

Here's one of my short stories for all you avid readers short of time. May it bring a smile (or smirk) to your sweet face:


The Monkey

Coffee is made. It is poured into a mustard-yellow mug with a monkey logo emblazoned upon it. The monkey is the mascot for the That Funky Monkey Café in Monkton, Maryland. He wonders why.

He sips the steaming liquid. He thinks deeply about his (mostly) rich life experiences. He surveys the scene outdoors. A simmering summer sunset. He sighs. Today, he has no purposeful plans so picks up a pen and pretends to plot.

The pen’s ink runs dry and so he makes a movie in his mind: a soaring tale of drama and adventure, where the main character, named Mike, meets a beautiful, but blind, belly dancer, and they travel all over the world, except for Greenland, which takes them seven years. After an evening of itching, she leaves him for a former punk-band singer, who now tells traveling tales and tips.

Heartbroken, he decides to go to Monkton to see if that monkey is real. Turns out, it never existed. The monkey. It’s the owner’s moniker. He drinks more coffee at a mahogany table. This time the mug displays a purple butterfly. He never liked butterflies, until now.

Year's End - Writing News, Books

Hello. It is nearly Christmas 2008. Hope this finds you well.

Currently, I am beginning to revise and rework a very rough draft of my first novel. There’s over 60,000 words to go through and I need to write more. I keep reminding myself that writing is rewriting. Recently, I am assisting a Baltimore-based small press edit some manuscripts. Well, really I am a reader, going through a few manuscripts to find some “gems.” This proves to be interesting and educational.

My other recent writing projects have been minimal but rewarding. A review of My Morning Jacket’s DC-area show is up on Popmatters.com, a well-respected, oft-quoted (by BBC, PBS, NPR…) music and culture website. Also, last spring I was a featured poet-reader as part of Towson University English Department’s Spring Reading Series. That was fun and an honor.
Currently I am reading some inspirational writing: Jon Krakauer’s INTO THE WILD and Bernard Malamud’s THE ASSISTANT. One non-fiction (the story of Chris McCandless) and the other a novel.

As poet Clarinda Harriss says, "Onward!"

Please see the right sidebar for links to my writing. Peace.

My Morning Jacket - DC Show at DAR

To read my review of My Morning Jacket's recent (Sept. 2008) show in DC, click this link to go to PopMatters -- www.popmatters.com

PopMatters is a prestigious e-zine covering all things pop culture, and they are quoted by such entities as BBC, PBS, NPR, MSNBC, and others.

If you care to leave a comment about my review, or My Morning Jacket, there is a link there to do so.

My Morning Jacket Show Review

Endorsing Obama

Now, more than ever, we need confident, forward-thinking, and intelligent leadership. With that thought in mind, this blogger is enthusiastically endorsing Obama for the next President of the United States. Along with the wisdom and experience of Joe Biden, Obama will lead this country in several important areas. First, he will lead us to innovate and invent new technologies that will grow our economy, create jobs, and better the environment. Also, Obama will focus on withdrawing from the Middle East, centering our efforts on diplomacy, turning the leadership of Iraq over to its own people, and bringing home our brave, dedicated military personnel. Additionally, he will lead the effort to expand health care to all Americans, not just a percentage of fortunate individuals and families.

Once again, America can lead in innovation, regain its economic prosperity (unlike our current situation), and work with our world neighbors to create a free and open world economy. The current administration and its supporters have tried and failed. Now is the time for us to embrace change with faith, hope, and confidence. Americans are smarter and more politically savvy than ever. We need leadership that builds upon our dreams and desires, not against them. History reveals the truth and history will reveal the failed leadership – and false slogans and promises (“Mission Accomplished!”) – of the last eight years or more. I invite you to consider the issues and what is at stake for our country’s future. Please vote with your mind and heart rather than solely from loyalty to your party, but please vote. It is our duty and right as an American citizen.

V Fest Baltimore: Cool Temps, Cool Music, Hot Crabs

Hey there, Music Lovers.

If you missed this year's Virgin Mobile Festival (click for the line-up), you missed a lot. Start saving now for next year. If you went, you know, you lived it, you probably loved it ... except for the crowds, who loves all those people? I'm kidding, it was a great time and very well run by the 9:30 Club folks, which is no surprise if you go to concerts there, at Merriweather, or their other venues.

Here's my review of V Fest at the magnetic blog HiddenTrack. Leave me some love (comments) after reading the article. Cheers.

Virgin Mobile Festival 2008 Review

Some of the music acts: Foo Fighters, Dylan, The Stooges, BRMC, KT Tunstall, Paramore, Cat Power, Gogol Bordello, Nine Inch Nails, and many more.

Let me know your thoughts on the festival. How'd you like the line-up this year compared to past years?

- Tim