Thursday, May 7, 2009
Scary Anniversary
On May 7, 2008-- exactly one year ago today-- I was in a pretty serious car accident. It was pouring down rain, and I was racing to work. I pulled out at a stop sign and was broadsided by a pick-up truck. The truck's driver did not have his headlights on, so I couldn't see him very well. Anyway, I managed to escape with only minor burns from when my airbags deployed and a very minor back injury. (Yes, folks, I said, "airbags-- plural." I think that was the most traumatic part of the whole ordeal.) My car at the time, a silver 2003 Chevy Cavalier, was a different story. On top of all that, I had to go to court to pay off a "failure to yield" ticket. As for the other driver, he was already in a lot of other legal trouble and was charged with "criminal negligence." If hitting me was what it took to get that maniac behind bars, then so be it. Needless to say, I'm in a much better place today. At the time of the wreck, I was going through an existential crisis. Perhaps in a perverse sort of way, the experience was a life lesson: Sometimes you need to slow down in order to get the most out of life. If you don't heed this advice, it could cause problems down the road-- literally and metaphorically.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
My Sick 'n' Twisted Summer "Pleasure-Reading" List
A few days ago, I mentioned that I'll be required to read Frankenstein in that Brit. lit. class this summer. Well, I also plan on doing a little reading for fun. The following is a shortlist of my summer "pleasure-reading" choices. The selections are characteristically bizarre.
1.) Joyce, Kathryn. Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement. Boston: Beacon Press, 2009.-- This book is highly disturbing, to say the least. Author Joyce discusses the in and outs of the "Quiverfull Movement," an ultra-conservative Christian movement that requires wives to be completely subservient to their husbands and to bear "as many children as God will allow." In other words, birth control of any form is an absolute no-no. What's even more frightening is the fact that the number of Quiverfullers is increasing. According to Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed and This Land Is their Land: "While mainstream America faced the possibility of a female president, a grassroots movement has been quietly organizing to restore patriarchy-- and reduce women to the status of slave-like breeders. Kathryn Joyce gives us a first-ever glimpse into the Christian patriarchy movement, and her riveting reporting makes it all the scarier. If you've been feeling complacent about women's status, read this book!" I concur, Barb!
2.) Robbins, Alexandra. Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities. New York: Hyperion, 2004.-- I'm finding this book to be almost as disturbing as the previously mentioned one. Young women go off to college to ostensibly prepare themselves for adult lives, only to allow themselves to be controlled by highly paternalistic organizations known as sororities. I knew soriority, or "Greek," girls at Eastern, and trust me, that early 90's SNL skit isn't too much of an exaggeration. The New Republic (online) says,"Every parent of a college-bound daughter should read this book." Yeah, they should.
1.) Joyce, Kathryn. Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement. Boston: Beacon Press, 2009.-- This book is highly disturbing, to say the least. Author Joyce discusses the in and outs of the "Quiverfull Movement," an ultra-conservative Christian movement that requires wives to be completely subservient to their husbands and to bear "as many children as God will allow." In other words, birth control of any form is an absolute no-no. What's even more frightening is the fact that the number of Quiverfullers is increasing. According to Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed and This Land Is their Land: "While mainstream America faced the possibility of a female president, a grassroots movement has been quietly organizing to restore patriarchy-- and reduce women to the status of slave-like breeders. Kathryn Joyce gives us a first-ever glimpse into the Christian patriarchy movement, and her riveting reporting makes it all the scarier. If you've been feeling complacent about women's status, read this book!" I concur, Barb!
2.) Robbins, Alexandra. Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities. New York: Hyperion, 2004.-- I'm finding this book to be almost as disturbing as the previously mentioned one. Young women go off to college to ostensibly prepare themselves for adult lives, only to allow themselves to be controlled by highly paternalistic organizations known as sororities. I knew soriority, or "Greek," girls at Eastern, and trust me, that early 90's SNL skit isn't too much of an exaggeration. The New Republic (online) says,"Every parent of a college-bound daughter should read this book." Yeah, they should.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Happy Cinco De Mayo!!!
Yes, it's May 5. More importantly, it's Cinco De Mayo, a holiday that is cloaked in misconceptions regarding its origin. The common belief is that the occasion is a celebration of Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain. This is actually not the case. According to an article by Sonya Sorich, a journalist from The Columbus (Georgia) Ledger-Enquirer, Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated in September. Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla, which occurred on May 5, 1862. This win was a major step toward Mexican independence. Today, the holiday is more widely celebrated in America than in Mexico. Having grown up in Corpus Christi, Texas, Cinco De Mayo has always been a huge part of my life. Like Mardi Gras-- another Gulf Coast custom I became aware of early on-- Cinco De Mayo has become just another capitalistic excuse to party-- not that I'm complaining! So, pass the enchiladas, margaritas, and/or the Cuervo Gold! It's Fiesta Time in the Ashleyverse! (Note: I'm going to delay Ashleyverse Cinco De Mayo festivities until the weekend. I have to work at both jobs all afternoon and evening today and won't feel much like partying when I'm done.)
Monday, May 4, 2009
40 More Years?
Well, James Carville has a new book out. In 40 More Years: How the Democrats Will Rule the Next Generation (Simon & Schuster, 2009), Carville argues that the Democratic Party will win elections for the next four decades because it has the support of young people. While I don't know if my party will "rule" for the next four decades, I agree with Carville's assertion that the GOP is in big trouble because its platform and leaders are out of touch with the up-and-coming generation, not to mention the majority of the American people.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Realization
It just dawned on me-- I'm starting grad school in a month. How did that happen? It'll be a little nuts juggling school, commuting, and working two jobs; however, I'm (currently) single and don't have kids yet. Thus, it's now or never. Plus, you pretty much need an advanced degree in order to make it in today's hyper-competitive world. I guess the name of the game in the Ashleyverse is: A busy life is a good life. I need to have a lot going on, or else I get weird. Therefore, I'll just be busy!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
What I'm Listening to on My Road of Life
As y'all already know, I love music. The following is a list of my "Lucky Seven" CDs. When I listen to these while cruisin' up (or down) Rt. 130 in my Volkswagen Passat, there's absolutely no way-- especially when the weather's great-- that I can have a bad day. The list of CDs I'm currently listening to, along with characteristic commentary, in my car is as follows:
1.) Bob Marley and the Wailers-- Legend (Island Records, Inc., 1984): I listen to this truly legendary reggae compilation when I'm in a lame mood in order to pick myself up. Songs like "Is This Love" and "Three Little Birds," as well as "One Love/People Get Ready," always do the trick. The CD also features the awesome live-from-the-London-Lyceum version of "No Woman No Cry." I prefer to play this CD in the wintertime as a reminder that better days are ahead. I was first turned on to Marley by two college friends, cute male foreign exchange students from the Caribbean and the Netherlands, and was immediately hooked.
2.) The Black Crowes-- Greatest Hits 1990-1999: A Tribute to a Work in Progress... (SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, 2000): Y'all probably guessed I'd throw some good ole Southern rock in there! You can't go wrong with the Crowes' cover of Chris and Rich's fellow Georgia Boy Otis Redding's (Mr. "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" himself) "Hard to Handle," "Twice As Hard," "Jealous Again," & every Dixie Gal's theme song-- "She Talks to Angels."
3.) Cat Stevens-- The Very Best of Cat Stevens (Universal-Island Records Ltd.-- a division of A&M Records, 2000): This one has a lot of sentimental value for me. My dad, who owned a record store in the early 70s, used to play Stevens' tunes "Moonshadow" and "Morning Has Broken" around the house when I was little. (This was done to mellow me out! LOL!) In addition to those beautiful songs, I love "The First Cut Is the Deepest," "I've Got a Thing About Seeing My Grandson Grow Old," "Wild World," "Where Do the Children Play?," "The Wind," "Peace Train," "Oh Very Young," and "Another Saturday Night."
4.) Various Artists-- Elizabethtown: Music from the Motion Picture (SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, 2005): I've oft rhapsodized about this soundtrack and the film it accompanies. My fave tunes have got to be Ryan Adams' "Come Pick Me Up," Elton John's "My Father's Gun," eastmountainsouth's "Hard Times," Patty Griffin's "Long Ride Home," Jeff Finlin's "Sugar Blue," Tom Petty's "Square One," and I Nine's "Same in Any Language." The perfect roadtrip-across-America CD!
5.) Bob Dylan-- The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (Columbia Records, 1963; 2003): This is the Bard's socially conscious sophomore effort. It includes classics, such as "Blowin' in the Wind," "Masters of War," "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," "Oxford Town," and "Talkin' World War III Blues." The sound and subject matter might be a bit dated for some listeners, but the themes and message are timeless and as relevant as ever.
6.) George Harrison-- Brainwashed (Capitol Records, Inc., 2002): This collection was released posthumously. The "Quiet One" collaborated with his look-alike/sound-alike son, Dhani, prior to his 2001 death from cancer. In addition to the title track, "Any Road," "P2 Vatican Blues (Last Saturday Night)," "Pisces Fish," "Looking for My Life," and "Stuck Inside a Cloud" are particularly awesome. With its heavily spiritual lyrics, Brainwashed is an ideal yoga CD.
7.) George Harrison-- All Things Must Pass (Capitol Records, Inc., 1970; 2001): The first hit album from an ex-Beatle, ATMP was re-released following Gorgeous George's passing. This two-disc set contains so many great songs that I may have to have a separate post to discuss it. If I had to narrow it down, though, I'd have to say that my faves are the title track, "My Sweet Lord," "What Is Life," "Beware of Darkness," "Awaiting on You All," "Art of Dying," "Hear Me Lord," and "If Not For You," which was written by Bobby D and is the greatest love song ever. There is also a five-song set of guitar jams that showcase Harrison's enormous talent. Like Fab Four bandmate John Lennon's solo masterpiece Imagine, ATMP is a brilliant, Phil Spector-produced effort, complete with the signature "Wall of Sound."
1.) Bob Marley and the Wailers-- Legend (Island Records, Inc., 1984): I listen to this truly legendary reggae compilation when I'm in a lame mood in order to pick myself up. Songs like "Is This Love" and "Three Little Birds," as well as "One Love/People Get Ready," always do the trick. The CD also features the awesome live-from-the-London-Lyceum version of "No Woman No Cry." I prefer to play this CD in the wintertime as a reminder that better days are ahead. I was first turned on to Marley by two college friends, cute male foreign exchange students from the Caribbean and the Netherlands, and was immediately hooked.
2.) The Black Crowes-- Greatest Hits 1990-1999: A Tribute to a Work in Progress... (SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, 2000): Y'all probably guessed I'd throw some good ole Southern rock in there! You can't go wrong with the Crowes' cover of Chris and Rich's fellow Georgia Boy Otis Redding's (Mr. "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" himself) "Hard to Handle," "Twice As Hard," "Jealous Again," & every Dixie Gal's theme song-- "She Talks to Angels."
3.) Cat Stevens-- The Very Best of Cat Stevens (Universal-Island Records Ltd.-- a division of A&M Records, 2000): This one has a lot of sentimental value for me. My dad, who owned a record store in the early 70s, used to play Stevens' tunes "Moonshadow" and "Morning Has Broken" around the house when I was little. (This was done to mellow me out! LOL!) In addition to those beautiful songs, I love "The First Cut Is the Deepest," "I've Got a Thing About Seeing My Grandson Grow Old," "Wild World," "Where Do the Children Play?," "The Wind," "Peace Train," "Oh Very Young," and "Another Saturday Night."
4.) Various Artists-- Elizabethtown: Music from the Motion Picture (SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, 2005): I've oft rhapsodized about this soundtrack and the film it accompanies. My fave tunes have got to be Ryan Adams' "Come Pick Me Up," Elton John's "My Father's Gun," eastmountainsouth's "Hard Times," Patty Griffin's "Long Ride Home," Jeff Finlin's "Sugar Blue," Tom Petty's "Square One," and I Nine's "Same in Any Language." The perfect roadtrip-across-America CD!
5.) Bob Dylan-- The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (Columbia Records, 1963; 2003): This is the Bard's socially conscious sophomore effort. It includes classics, such as "Blowin' in the Wind," "Masters of War," "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," "Oxford Town," and "Talkin' World War III Blues." The sound and subject matter might be a bit dated for some listeners, but the themes and message are timeless and as relevant as ever.
6.) George Harrison-- Brainwashed (Capitol Records, Inc., 2002): This collection was released posthumously. The "Quiet One" collaborated with his look-alike/sound-alike son, Dhani, prior to his 2001 death from cancer. In addition to the title track, "Any Road," "P2 Vatican Blues (Last Saturday Night)," "Pisces Fish," "Looking for My Life," and "Stuck Inside a Cloud" are particularly awesome. With its heavily spiritual lyrics, Brainwashed is an ideal yoga CD.
7.) George Harrison-- All Things Must Pass (Capitol Records, Inc., 1970; 2001): The first hit album from an ex-Beatle, ATMP was re-released following Gorgeous George's passing. This two-disc set contains so many great songs that I may have to have a separate post to discuss it. If I had to narrow it down, though, I'd have to say that my faves are the title track, "My Sweet Lord," "What Is Life," "Beware of Darkness," "Awaiting on You All," "Art of Dying," "Hear Me Lord," and "If Not For You," which was written by Bobby D and is the greatest love song ever. There is also a five-song set of guitar jams that showcase Harrison's enormous talent. Like Fab Four bandmate John Lennon's solo masterpiece Imagine, ATMP is a brilliant, Phil Spector-produced effort, complete with the signature "Wall of Sound."
Friday, May 1, 2009
May Day! May Day!
Today is May 1, commonly referred to as May Day. This ancient Celtic celebration was the second most important holiday for the Druids. May Day has a Pagan (pre-Christian) connection. When the Romans occupied the British Isles, May Day was a fertility ritual in which a Maypole or Maytree symbolized, of course, fertility.
Later, the Puritans in 17th-century England discouraged the practice of May Day customs (shocker!). Meanwhile, the holiday was very popular in France during the French Revolution. Here, Maypoles and Maytrees were called "liberty trees."
In the U.S., the Puritans continued to ban May Day rites. Nonetheless, the holiday and its customs-- especially the crowning of a May Queen-- survived in the New Republic.
In modern times, there have been a number of references to May Day in pop culture. For example, 1970s British rock gods Led Zeppelin sang the hit song "Stairway to Heaven," which contained the lyrics: '...It's just a sprinkling for the May Queen.' Lead singer Robert Plant has a lifelong obsession with all things pertaining to ancient Celtic culture. (I got that off Zeppelin's Behind the Music!)
To learn more about the history of May Day and/or other holidays, go to: http://www.theholidayspot.com/mayday/history.htm.
Aside: "May Day! May Day!" is apparently the new official battle cry of the GOP. The party would have to clone Lincoln in order to become relevant again. Even if that were possible, the Republican base wouldn't like its genetically engineered "leader."
Speaking of Lincoln, I've written yet another article about him on Suite101. This one's called "President Lincoln's Generals: The Union Army Went Through Eight Generals Before Civil War Victory." Teaser: During the Civil War, the Union Army suffered crushing defeats under the command of seven different generals. The eighth and final general led the Union to victory...
(See yesterday's post for link.)
Later, the Puritans in 17th-century England discouraged the practice of May Day customs (shocker!). Meanwhile, the holiday was very popular in France during the French Revolution. Here, Maypoles and Maytrees were called "liberty trees."
In the U.S., the Puritans continued to ban May Day rites. Nonetheless, the holiday and its customs-- especially the crowning of a May Queen-- survived in the New Republic.
In modern times, there have been a number of references to May Day in pop culture. For example, 1970s British rock gods Led Zeppelin sang the hit song "Stairway to Heaven," which contained the lyrics: '...It's just a sprinkling for the May Queen.' Lead singer Robert Plant has a lifelong obsession with all things pertaining to ancient Celtic culture. (I got that off Zeppelin's Behind the Music!)
To learn more about the history of May Day and/or other holidays, go to: http://www.theholidayspot.com/mayday/history.htm.
Aside: "May Day! May Day!" is apparently the new official battle cry of the GOP. The party would have to clone Lincoln in order to become relevant again. Even if that were possible, the Republican base wouldn't like its genetically engineered "leader."
Speaking of Lincoln, I've written yet another article about him on Suite101. This one's called "President Lincoln's Generals: The Union Army Went Through Eight Generals Before Civil War Victory." Teaser: During the Civil War, the Union Army suffered crushing defeats under the command of seven different generals. The eighth and final general led the Union to victory...
(See yesterday's post for link.)
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