Like most guys I recognize and I'm disappointed to know that I can be pretty selfish, but I do believe that one good turn deserves another. My most recent pathetic example of altruism was displayed a couple of times last night. The first being my willingness to accompany Deb to see the iconic Morrissey at the House of Blues. Quite a sacrifice, huh? Even though the Jambalaya and bourbons were nice and the band was tight, I'm just not a big fan of his music, so this was labeled "a chore" in my book.
Like Deb hears similarities in most of Dave Matthews' songs, I hear no distinction in the whiny vocals of this legendary depression inspiring crooner. It was fun to see her singing, clapping, and shouting all while I swayed back and forth to the music surrounded by a fair representation of Boston's gay community. It was pretty cool to see the passion displayed by Morrissey's following. People pushed forward and crawled over one another risking life and limb to touch the man. I have to admit I was a bit stymied by the collective gasp and cheer when Morrissey pulled off his shirt and threw it into the audience. His bare torso was a fair comparison to that of a movie star. Remember E.T.?
When the show ended, we left the venue, got into our car and headed back home. We were traveling north on Route 1 and pulled into a brightly lit Hess Station to get some much needed unleaded. The quiet of the desolated filling station was disrupted by a large Dodge Caravan that pulled in on the opposite side of the pump I was using. A voice called out of the vehicle asking, "Excuse me sir, I'm hoping you can help me." He stated that he was out of work and was heading toward Augusta Maine where his mother in law was currently laid up in the hospital. He and his family were going to stay with her. Being a veteran of working in Boston I was cynical of his tale but reached into my pocket and gave him a five dollar bill. He thanked me and continued to tell me that he was a mechanic and could not find work. I peered over his shoulder and saw a few kids, and his wife sleeping in the vehicle along with a number of possessions packed in the back of the S.U.V. My heart sank. I reached back into my pocket and pulled out another bill, this time a twenty. I handed it to him and wished him luck. I got back in my car and told Deb what had transpired. She seemed surprised that I handed over that much cash, and her tone indicated that the man's tale was genuine. After thinking for a second, she said, "You're a good man, Jack." The truth of the matter is that we've both been in a situation where cash was tight, but nothing like what I believed he was facing. I regret not filling his tank. If I had caught him earlier in the night I would have tried to cheer him up by giving him a free Morrissey ticket.
This morning I headed out to work, but had to make a stop at town hall to register Deb's car. Like the other twenty or so idiots who waited till the end of the month, I waited in line for my turn to hand over more cash to Dover and New Hampshire. Live Free Or Die, but driving will cost you... As I got closer to the front of the line I became impatient and started to fill out the first of two checks I would have to write. The renewal form displayed one fee for the city and one for the state. I filled out the check for the $111 for the city then went to fill out $43.50 check for the state. When I flipped to the next check I my heart sank as I saw not a check, but the deposit slips that occupy the back of most check books. I looked up thinking, "Oh no" and saw the sign stating, "NO DEBIT OR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED." I immediately searched my wallet for the $43.50, then my coat pockets, then my pants. How much did I find? $42.00.
Hope he made it to Augusta...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Questionable Parental Influence? Pogue Mahone!
I was away a good part of this week and Deb has been immersed in her schoolwork so we were both feeling the need to spend some quality time with the kids. We decided a little field trip would do the trick and allow us to reconnect. A trip to a museum probably would have been nice or maybe a nature walk would put things back in perspective. No, neither of these would suit our needs. What did we do instead? We took them to see the Pogues at the House of Blues in Boston. What better way to bond with Zach and Vanessa than to bring them to a loud crowded concert filled with Boston's Irish drinking and fighting elite.
If you're unfamiliar with the Pogues, you should give them a listen. They're a great mix of traditional Irish music mixed with a punk edge that bestow the virtues of a good drink, a good fight and a tad bit of profanity. If you take a look at their tragic, humorous, lovable leader Shane Macgowen, you'll understand why there aren't any songs about the benefits of brush, floss, and a consistent six month cleaning.
The show and the venue itself were brilliant. The Pogues walked on the stage to the tune of "Straight To Hell" by the Clash and once settled and tuned, broke into songs themselves with "Streams Of Whisky". Their set was paced just a bit south of a Ramones gig with the Pogues' hits coming fast and furious and without pause aside from the more than occasional libation by Shane Macgowen. He had a little table next to his mike stand which held a small cup of water, a glass of Tanqueray and a full bottle of what appeared to be Chenin Blanc. The glass of gin never seemed to get any emptier even though Shane was continuously imbibing. I suspect that the roadies for this band also must possess responsibilities in the area of mixology.
The hits kept coming: "If I Should Fall From Grace of God", "Pair of Brown Eyes", and the sing a long. "Dirty Old Town" were all played with precision and even our untoothed and unsober hero never seemed to miss a lyric or cue. They even played "Bottle Of Smoke" and "The Sickbed of Cuchulainn" with the one of my favorite lines, "Then they take you to Cloughprior and shove you in the ground , But you stick your head back out and shout we'll have another round." a great lesson for the kids indeed!
If there was anything more questionable from a parenting standpoint than the band it was the crowd. The place where we were standing was in line with the side of the stage and an exit behind us. Security continuously walked by us with bloody and sweaty stage divers, crowd surfers, fighters both victorious and defeated each covered with their own sweat, vomit, beer, and occasionally blood.
there was a small young woman standing in front of us who commented repeatedly how cute she though it was that we were their as a family. Then she repeatedly bumped and spilled beer near or on us as she danced, spun, kicked and occasional fell. Our kids thought it was so cute how she responded to her unimpressed boyfriend by calling him a "no fun prick" who was ruining her night as usual. I have to claim my share of embarrassment as she put her arm around my neck and pulling herself toward me to let me know how "f*ck*ng proud of me she was that we brought our kids here and we were keeping it real. " In truth I really liked this girl. She had great energy and was intent on having a great time regardless of those around her and their insignificant f*ck*ng opinions. I hope all goes as planned for her.
We stayed the entire set and headed home, all of us excited and satisfied. It was a classic night of Calabrese family fun. Deb stated to the kids that years from now the kids will be able to tell their friends that they saw The Pogues which I suspect will be met with, "Who?" No matter. The important thing to me is that they'll look back at the experience of the cool things we did as a family.
If you're unfamiliar with the Pogues, you should give them a listen. They're a great mix of traditional Irish music mixed with a punk edge that bestow the virtues of a good drink, a good fight and a tad bit of profanity. If you take a look at their tragic, humorous, lovable leader Shane Macgowen, you'll understand why there aren't any songs about the benefits of brush, floss, and a consistent six month cleaning.
The show and the venue itself were brilliant. The Pogues walked on the stage to the tune of "Straight To Hell" by the Clash and once settled and tuned, broke into songs themselves with "Streams Of Whisky". Their set was paced just a bit south of a Ramones gig with the Pogues' hits coming fast and furious and without pause aside from the more than occasional libation by Shane Macgowen. He had a little table next to his mike stand which held a small cup of water, a glass of Tanqueray and a full bottle of what appeared to be Chenin Blanc. The glass of gin never seemed to get any emptier even though Shane was continuously imbibing. I suspect that the roadies for this band also must possess responsibilities in the area of mixology.
The hits kept coming: "If I Should Fall From Grace of God", "Pair of Brown Eyes", and the sing a long. "Dirty Old Town" were all played with precision and even our untoothed and unsober hero never seemed to miss a lyric or cue. They even played "Bottle Of Smoke" and "The Sickbed of Cuchulainn" with the one of my favorite lines, "Then they take you to Cloughprior and shove you in the ground , But you stick your head back out and shout we'll have another round." a great lesson for the kids indeed!
If there was anything more questionable from a parenting standpoint than the band it was the crowd. The place where we were standing was in line with the side of the stage and an exit behind us. Security continuously walked by us with bloody and sweaty stage divers, crowd surfers, fighters both victorious and defeated each covered with their own sweat, vomit, beer, and occasionally blood.
there was a small young woman standing in front of us who commented repeatedly how cute she though it was that we were their as a family. Then she repeatedly bumped and spilled beer near or on us as she danced, spun, kicked and occasional fell. Our kids thought it was so cute how she responded to her unimpressed boyfriend by calling him a "no fun prick" who was ruining her night as usual. I have to claim my share of embarrassment as she put her arm around my neck and pulling herself toward me to let me know how "f*ck*ng proud of me she was that we brought our kids here and we were keeping it real. " In truth I really liked this girl. She had great energy and was intent on having a great time regardless of those around her and their insignificant f*ck*ng opinions. I hope all goes as planned for her.
We stayed the entire set and headed home, all of us excited and satisfied. It was a classic night of Calabrese family fun. Deb stated to the kids that years from now the kids will be able to tell their friends that they saw The Pogues which I suspect will be met with, "Who?" No matter. The important thing to me is that they'll look back at the experience of the cool things we did as a family.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Birthday/Resolution Check In
Happy Jack History Month! Yes, I celebrated my birthday on the 1st of March and I think it's a great time to check in and gauge how I'm doing on my New Year's resolutions, but first a few comments about turning 44:
I recall when my mother turned a certain age we sat together and she told me that although many years have passed she still felt like she was 18 years old. This is clearly the case with me although, 18 may be a bit of a stretch. Here's what I mean. The other day I was planning a very busy day in the office and I was about to embark on my usual journey of "adult stuff" (I'm referring to adult stuff as in grown up stuff, not like adult as in movies, magazines or bookstores.) Anyway, feeling very mature and responsible I began to get dressed and threw on a pair of pants. I could feel something in my pocket and upon investigating, pulled out a small wad of melted Starburst that had been left in my pocket, gone through the wash and were now stuck to the lining of my jeans. High powered insurance executive? I think not.
Despite the bleak economic outlook, the two wars, global warming and the whole world going to Hell, things are pretty good. Good job, great family, friends, and all the goodies that life has to offer. I don't owe anybody outside of the usual institutions cash and everybody's health is pretty good. In certain aspects I am feeling 44. I just got back from what I call "a cereal run". It's a loose term as there's usually some jogging, walking, limping, spitting and drooling. The "cereal" term refers to my knees and associated joints. In short, there's a lot of snap crackling and popping going on.
As for my progress on 9 in 09:
I've read 5 books thus far (the fact I'm counting is indicative of the fact that I don't read enough.)
9 pounds? I'm not doing too badly but I expect to have a big push once the holiday season is over...
U2 less than 9 times? I love the new album, but they're playing stadium shows instead of multiple dates so I should be okay. No promises though...
Charity and volunteering. I'm working on it...
Less T.V. and more interaction. Definitely less T.V. but not as many games so far. I did manage to play darts and cribbage a few times in a few pubs. I may have to rethink this one as I'm not sure this is an improvement in my character, health or well being.
Hiking and exploring with Deb? We haven't but walking around Ireland wasn't a bad place to start...
More time with the kids? Apparently, I have some communicable disease. This one has been much harder than originally planned. It seems like teenagers like hanging with their friends more than their dad. Strange, huh?
9 new bands? This one will be easy. If you haven't already checked them out, listen to the following:
Seasick Steve
The Hold Steady
Fleet Foxes
Neko Case
The Rifles
TV on The Radio
also, although not new... The new U2 album is a monster but it'll take you a few listens to get into it. There's a lot there and it's not as accessible as their last two discs. The Kings of Leon's last album is incredible and a worthwhile listen. I'm also still hooked on Radiohead's In Rainbows and the last Dylan Bootleg Series.
I'll check the list in a month or so and see how I'm doing. Remember kids, inspect what you expect.
I recall when my mother turned a certain age we sat together and she told me that although many years have passed she still felt like she was 18 years old. This is clearly the case with me although, 18 may be a bit of a stretch. Here's what I mean. The other day I was planning a very busy day in the office and I was about to embark on my usual journey of "adult stuff" (I'm referring to adult stuff as in grown up stuff, not like adult as in movies, magazines or bookstores.) Anyway, feeling very mature and responsible I began to get dressed and threw on a pair of pants. I could feel something in my pocket and upon investigating, pulled out a small wad of melted Starburst that had been left in my pocket, gone through the wash and were now stuck to the lining of my jeans. High powered insurance executive? I think not.
Despite the bleak economic outlook, the two wars, global warming and the whole world going to Hell, things are pretty good. Good job, great family, friends, and all the goodies that life has to offer. I don't owe anybody outside of the usual institutions cash and everybody's health is pretty good. In certain aspects I am feeling 44. I just got back from what I call "a cereal run". It's a loose term as there's usually some jogging, walking, limping, spitting and drooling. The "cereal" term refers to my knees and associated joints. In short, there's a lot of snap crackling and popping going on.
As for my progress on 9 in 09:
I've read 5 books thus far (the fact I'm counting is indicative of the fact that I don't read enough.)
9 pounds? I'm not doing too badly but I expect to have a big push once the holiday season is over...
U2 less than 9 times? I love the new album, but they're playing stadium shows instead of multiple dates so I should be okay. No promises though...
Charity and volunteering. I'm working on it...
Less T.V. and more interaction. Definitely less T.V. but not as many games so far. I did manage to play darts and cribbage a few times in a few pubs. I may have to rethink this one as I'm not sure this is an improvement in my character, health or well being.
Hiking and exploring with Deb? We haven't but walking around Ireland wasn't a bad place to start...
More time with the kids? Apparently, I have some communicable disease. This one has been much harder than originally planned. It seems like teenagers like hanging with their friends more than their dad. Strange, huh?
9 new bands? This one will be easy. If you haven't already checked them out, listen to the following:
Seasick Steve
The Hold Steady
Fleet Foxes
Neko Case
The Rifles
TV on The Radio
also, although not new... The new U2 album is a monster but it'll take you a few listens to get into it. There's a lot there and it's not as accessible as their last two discs. The Kings of Leon's last album is incredible and a worthwhile listen. I'm also still hooked on Radiohead's In Rainbows and the last Dylan Bootleg Series.
I'll check the list in a month or so and see how I'm doing. Remember kids, inspect what you expect.
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