Inspired by a fictional debate between Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon on what makes a good Hobo Blues song, then put to music. (Verse 1) In the neon haze of this smoky dive, I'm just a broken man, trying to survive, Whiskey in my glass, and a cigarette in hand, Lost in a … Continue reading The Travails of Self-doubt – – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards
The Burning – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards
Inspired by Midnight Oil’s “Beds are burning”. Reimagined as a punk anthem using Leonard Cohen word-style. (Verse 1) The sands of time, they're slipping fast, Injustice reigns, shadows cast. Our mother weeps, her wounds bleed deep, Yet silence reigns, as we sleep. (Chorus) Lands are burning, the flames ignite, In the dark, we'll rise and … Continue reading The Burning – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards
Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards: 57 Songs from the roads taken in my imagination
For decades, I’ve loved cover versions of songs, especially those that deviate from the originals in style and interpretation: jazz versions of hard rock songs, blues versions of alternative or pop songs, and literary works interpreted as lyrics. Along with the sheer laughter brought on by misheard lyrics, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed how we each perceive … Continue reading Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards: 57 Songs from the roads taken in my imagination
Lesson Plans I wish I could do… Understanding the Inappropriateness of Profanity
Objective: Students will develop an awareness of the negative consequences and societal implications of using profanity, and will learn alternative ways to express themselves respectfully. Grade Level: Middle School (6th-8th grade) Materials: Whiteboard and markers Chart paper and markers Handouts with appropriate language alternatives Scenarios depicting situations involving profanity Clips from media (TV shows, movies, … Continue reading Lesson Plans I wish I could do… Understanding the Inappropriateness of Profanity
Exploring the relationship between using profanity and emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively use one's own emotions, as well as the ability to empathize with and navigate the emotions of others. Profanity, or the use of vulgar and offensive language, can be seen as both a reflection of and an influence on emotional intelligence. Emotional Expression: … Continue reading Exploring the relationship between using profanity and emotional intelligence
The Erosion of Impact: Analyzing the Diminished Effectiveness of the F-Word in Emphasizing Emotions
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the impact of profanity, particularly the use of the F-word, as a tool for emphasizing emotions. Once a linguistic taboo, the F-word has progressively lost its power to evoke strong reactions or convey intense emotions. This transformation can be attributed to several cultural, societal, and … Continue reading The Erosion of Impact: Analyzing the Diminished Effectiveness of the F-Word in Emphasizing Emotions
The Banality of Profanity: Exploring the Widespread Use of the F-Word in Contemporary Literature
The ubiquity of the F-word in contemporary literature has reached a point where its constant use has led to a sense of banality and predictability. While profanity has historically played a role in literature to express strong emotions, challenge societal norms, or provide authenticity, the overreliance on the F-word has diminished its impact and robbed … Continue reading The Banality of Profanity: Exploring the Widespread Use of the F-Word in Contemporary Literature
Midweek Poems – Strange Welcoming
Strange Welcoming There’s yellow danger tape across the Church’s front door There are many small signs spread throughout the grounds telling to not walk there There’s a big No Parking sign warning fines if ignored There’s a Wet Paint sign on the bench outside the front door There are words carved and weatherworn into the … Continue reading Midweek Poems – Strange Welcoming
Midweek Poems – Canadian Waiting
Canadian Waiting Waiting for the rain to stop Waiting for Tim’s Double-Double to get cold Waiting for Sherry Ulrich to finish her playlist on the CBC, while she rhapsodizes the great merits of Dave Gunning, and he is great! Waiting for my little family to finish volunteering at the bird rescue center Waiting to understand … Continue reading Midweek Poems – Canadian Waiting
Midweek Poems – Hierophants
Hierophants Ancient fur-rimmed hat sits smoking Extra longs Fumbling with her brand-evident keychain Arthritic hands, shaking Sipping medium steam coffee Tossing her ashes to the floor Looking up at the Observer Snarling her anger at the intrusion Defiant eyes return to the Sunday tabloid Sighing in smoke and wetting her red lips At the juicy … Continue reading Midweek Poems – Hierophants
The New Renaissance Mindset 