As I was going through my music collection, I came across a song I had not listened to in a long time, but it is probably the best song John Mellencamp has ever done. It is a track from his 1985 album "Scarecrow" titled "Minutes to Memories." Like most artists with a long track record, this is another example of the best being buried on an album from long ago.
The subject matter is an area that has been well traveled: it deals with an old man trying to give a young man advice about the life he is about to live. Though the material is familiar, it is handled with care. For a rock song, it is quite wordy, but it has a lot to say.
I won't bore you with an extended analysis of it. However, the old man gives lots of good advice that many youngsters (and others) should heed today. Life is not a free ride. No one said it would be easy. Family and friends will be the best part of your life. Time passes quickly and tends to sweep away the dreams people have. An honest man's pillow is his peace of mind.
It is a song worth checking out.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Ode to spring
It only got warm a few weeks ago, but spring is already on its last legs. Kudzu, heat, humidity, and all their other summer cohorts are beginning their relentless assault on us. I guess I am part dog because when it turns hot I prefer to lay in the shade and not move. Just give me plenty of water and rub my belly occasionally, and I will be happy.
I don't like summer. I will only mention that about 1,000 times in the next three months, but let me go ahead and get it off my chest. I just don't like it. Bah! The only good thing I can say about it is that it is the gateway to the best season -- autumn.
However, spring is special in many ways. I like the cool weather of late March. The days are often gray and breezy, but they slowly give way to more moderate temperatures.
April is one of the most underrated months of the year. It is the last month until late in the year where a person can comfortably wear a sweatshirt with shorts. It's a beautiful month as well because nature begins blooming in earnest.
May is a tricky month. We still have some cool snaps, but we are starting to make the turn toward summer. Today, it might as well be summer because it is hot. It is 'spring' in name only. It's an imposter just going through the motions until the season officially changes.
So, farewell spring. I know you have a few weeks left on the calendar, but you are already gone. You have gone and left us with summer.
Thanks for nothing.
I don't like summer. I will only mention that about 1,000 times in the next three months, but let me go ahead and get it off my chest. I just don't like it. Bah! The only good thing I can say about it is that it is the gateway to the best season -- autumn.
However, spring is special in many ways. I like the cool weather of late March. The days are often gray and breezy, but they slowly give way to more moderate temperatures.
April is one of the most underrated months of the year. It is the last month until late in the year where a person can comfortably wear a sweatshirt with shorts. It's a beautiful month as well because nature begins blooming in earnest.
May is a tricky month. We still have some cool snaps, but we are starting to make the turn toward summer. Today, it might as well be summer because it is hot. It is 'spring' in name only. It's an imposter just going through the motions until the season officially changes.
So, farewell spring. I know you have a few weeks left on the calendar, but you are already gone. You have gone and left us with summer.
Thanks for nothing.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Will Braves' win get them out of their funk?
The Braves edged Milwaukee today 2-1 in what I hope will be the first step in forgetting about getting swept by the Phillies over the weekend. Atlanta looked out of sync in losing three straight to the Phillies. However, today's game showed glimmers of hope in some areas where the Braves need improvement.
Starting pitcher Chuck James looked sharp today. As I wrote on May 23, James is one of the Braves pitchers that need to step up and he did so today. He pitched six innings and only gave up one run to earn the win
Also, Andruw Jones hit a home run today and has now hit homers in two consecutive games. Today's bomb was important because it was to the opposite field. It just made it over the right field wall, and if he starts hitting with power to the opposite field, he should begin leaving some of his hitting woes behind him. Still, his batting average remains a frosty .219.
The Braves have won only seven of their last 17 games. Until Andruw hits more consistently and Chipper Jones gets back in the line up, the struggles could continue. Fortunately, John Smoltz and Tim Hudson are the starting pitchers in the next two games.
Starting pitcher Chuck James looked sharp today. As I wrote on May 23, James is one of the Braves pitchers that need to step up and he did so today. He pitched six innings and only gave up one run to earn the win
Also, Andruw Jones hit a home run today and has now hit homers in two consecutive games. Today's bomb was important because it was to the opposite field. It just made it over the right field wall, and if he starts hitting with power to the opposite field, he should begin leaving some of his hitting woes behind him. Still, his batting average remains a frosty .219.
The Braves have won only seven of their last 17 games. Until Andruw hits more consistently and Chipper Jones gets back in the line up, the struggles could continue. Fortunately, John Smoltz and Tim Hudson are the starting pitchers in the next two games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
