Classic(al)

I don't consider myself knowledgeable in regards to classical music. If it's horrible, I probably wouldn't know it..But this I can identify on first listen. It's an original classical composition by Armenian born composer, Gurdjieff redistributed by musician Levon Eskenian. It combines so many heartbreaking instruments-the oud, flute, etc. It's almost like a short travel through the Middle East. I'm glad I stumbled upon this.

Melancholy goodness

Bill Callahan AKA Smog. Loving him today. It's getting darker and quieter a little faster than I had anticipated. He seems fitting for what seems like the first actual fall day I've felt here in Baltimore. It was everything- Windy, a somewhat peeking sun, denim jacket, tomato basil soup at the cafe and a new membership at the neighborhood video store. The season is a combination of settling into a cozy nook in your mind and your home and a sense of ....despair? I'm not sure if that's the right word but there's almost a comfort in the anticipation of a quietly approaching winter depression. This city seems suited for early dark nights.

In the next room..

I have an extra computer(well, not technically mine), another record player that I'm presently enjoying the sounds of Fleetwood Mac too, more books...wait, hold on. There's two record players in here. What I'm trying to say is that I feel lucky today. Terribly grateful. Surrounded by the things(and guy) I love. Yea, they are just things, but these things make me feel good. Kept me happy and connected for the last few months. I'm glad I have a few extra of everything in case my computer dies. Oh, wait..

Feel this. Our house loves The Growlers. Come to Baltimore, won't you?

On the way to this place

Goodnight and good luck

I've been reading all these different "conversations" on Facebook in regards to the occupy wall street protests. For wherever your beliefs lie, I found it really disturbing that some people vehemently believe that we, Americans, are not entitled to anything. At all. Well, hold on, some people need the government's help. Don't be selfish! Banks are people too, they have kids to feed expensive meals too. God.

I read quotes, facts(so called), opinions. It grew. The crazy grew. What an unintelligent generalization that most protesters are lazy students who chose "bad" degrees and should now live with their choices. Broke, hopeless...that's the oucome we should be okay with? I guess don't pursue that public radio career, kids.

Are we to teach young people that their world should no longer be made up of dream fulfillment or interests? And what profession is so secure now that every young person will be encouraged to follow that path? And if they choose otherwise, well....

Make a mistake? Suffer the rest of your life. Get unexpectedly pregnant? No help from anyone(unless you need a billion dollar bailout, of course). Decide to work for a non-profit, low paying or social service job? Well, bad choice in trying to assist the public, we'll be cutting those services drastically. These situations can/do apply to people in different walks of life. Ultimately, does it really matter? If someone needs REAL assistance, should we turn them away under certain conditions? It should apply across the board, in my opinion.

The "suck it up" mentality shouldn't apply when a human being is about to lose their home and live on the street. Um, "suck it up" works to build strength on a junior varsity basketball team. You can't "brush off" losing your job, your home or your integrity.

I respect and understand taking responsibility for your actions. 100%. Yes, times are not easy, you have to do all you can. And more. But shit, if you do all that and nothing comes of it, then what? We are slowly living in a world of hopeless, helpless and disinterested zombies. They need to feed on something..

It just seems this growing mentality and backlash against the jobless has pushed us to lose all sense of human decency and compassion.


Okay, at least this is funny.

George

I love these rare and early photos of George Harrison. He's not conventionally handsome, but he has a complex face, right?

I'm not a huge Beatles fan. I don't seek out unseen live performances or rare photos of the band. But Harrison's solo projects have, in recent years, really grabbed me. It always felt like such a big disovery because he was never the standout member. Like the underdog made the most beautiful sounds that you weren't expecting. You wanted to root for him through every listen.

His new documentary,"George Harrison: Living In a Material World"(after his 1973 album), premieres on PBS tomorrow(Scorsese loves rock stars). I recently read that Harrison never wanted to be remembered. At all. Not as a musician, a husband, a lover of eastern religions...he didn't see the point. This makes the documentary even more interesting in my mind. Maybe we don't fully know who the quieter Beatle was.

It's a two part documentary. Long..pace yourselves, it's 3 1/2 hours. I'm excited to see it, when I download it :)


Always good.

My Baltimore two cents, or three.

I'm on a quest lately to absorb as much information as possible about Coffee. The business, the culture, the product, etc. You see, I plan to own a little spot. Soon enough, meaning near future..I hope.

I'm excited to get a few tips from the cafes I work at. Mostly, what NOT to do. More importantly, my imagination gets to run wild in the quest of decor and taste. Homemade vs. store bought, organic and local vs. non, the cozy environment, the sounds...whatever it may be. I've created a small and tasty business in my mind.

I started work at this fun little spot between two neighborhoods in Baltimore. Hence the fusing of the name, Charmington's(Charles Village and Remington, get it?).It's a lone business in a mostly residential area. It's a somewhat struggling and gentrified location with yuppies, artsy types, students, long-time residents. I feel it represents the general theme of Baltimore, "We are trying, we are not quite there yet..but we are here." It's semi-optimistic, sometimes angry. My feeling about Baltimore is this: The way I feel about Detroit, its promise and potential, It comes from years of believing in something. Do I feel there's something special about Detroit? YES, absolutely. Would I feel that If I didn't grow up there? I'm not sure now. Does the adoration stem from a longtime love, A nourished love, an unconditional love? Maybe. That is how Baltimore is reflected back to me: Not always easy to love.

Young people are making it purposeful, enjoyable and using it as a wide open canvas. Long time residents seem to be shuffling by, sometimes barely living, feeling neglected. I seem to be focusing on the latter. And the latter IS a reality, a product of the city. At the end, I see the poverty, the struggle, the harmful and misplaced anger. I'm wondering with time if I will get it, " Ahhh, yes, Baltimore, you have that something." They have redeeming qualities, they do(I'm not trying to convince myself of that). But, you can't tell the story of a city like Baltimore without stating truths. Yes, they are trying to make it better, but don't put pretty little shades on. Don't make this city "the next brooklyn" because some late twenty-somethings opened a business. It's a steady ride, a work in progress. Allow it to be just THAT. It's totally okay, accept it. I applaud the journey to a better place to live. We see the effort and let's examine that effort years from now. A new story can hopefully be told then (this goes for you too, Detroit).

I don't want to shut my eyes to it and miss something great about this place. It's a regretful way of living. Maybe Charmington's will keep me alert. To remind me to appreciate my surroundings, for what they are and could be..sort of like, Detroit.

I do appreciate their coffee. Counter Culture, show me the way.