President Obama's Slippery Slide

President Barack Obama went to Louisiana yesterday for a few hours to see what was happening on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico following the accidental destruction of an offshore oil well on April 29, 2010.  As the worst environmental disaster in United States of America history, the Deepwater Horizon well, located 5,000 feet below sea level, is spilling between 5,000 and 70,000 barrels of crude a day, along with a mixture of methane.  The low estimate is British Petroleum's (BP) estimate and, according to National Public Radio (2010) on May 14, 2010, the 70,000 number is from researcher Steve Wereley, an associate professor at Purdue University. 

As the president walked the beaches of Louisiana for a short period yesterday with Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana, and other State officials, hundreds of workers were cleaning up the oil-stained beach. The illusion was grand.  BP had hired 300-400 workers for the day to create a picture for President Obama and the nation.  The worst part, of course, is that the company expected us to buy it, just like we do their oil.  They didn't count on our natural, American curiosity.  We question what we see.

The real challenge for us as a nation is that we are watching our president in action.  This is his 9/11.  A disaster is happening and he is in the White House instead of amongst the people.  His ivory tower is growing more tarnished every day he is not creating the images that we need to see of him cleaning birds and raking oil from the beach.  At least, that is what we are beginning to believe.

The truth is President Obama is right where he should be.  He's showing us that he's doing what is necessary, but he's slow. Very slow.  In most major actions that are trying to be accomplished, he is moving at a snail's pace.  One must ask the question, "Why?"

Perhaps we are so offput by this tempo because for the first time in a long time, we have someone leading our country who is thoughtfully reviewing every option.  He is providing his staff an opportunity to create goals that are attainable and methodologies by which we can manifest real changes.  If this is true, then the changes are surely going to last and are going to benefit us.

He is also a team builder, it seems.  He is allowing people to sink or swim based on their own merits.  The swimming lessons are taking time.  In the case of the BP oil spill, though, the environment can't afford that time.

It is past the time when President Obama should stop negotiating and developing and should start commanding.  Even on the BP (2010) Webpage, BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward stated, "The honest truth is that this is a complex accident, caused by an unprecedented combination of failures."

At this point, the citizens of our country should now hear President Obama clearly state that:

• BP Oil must work with other industry experts to resolve this issue immediately, even to the extent of using experimental means to shut off the unbridled spillage;  
• Fishermen who are now out of work in the Gulf must be immediately hired to begin cleaning the sea; 
• Complete transparency must be provided by both the governmental agencies and the various companies suspected to be at fault;
• The American people must know that a response, such as the one that we provided to Haiti following their devastaing earthquake, is being provided to the people in the Gulf states, particularly because we are facing an horrific hurricane season this year;
• Those responsible for this disaster, including the Federal agencies who did not monitor and permit these companies appropriately, will be fully responsible for this unprecedented event.

 The truth is, we have become so image conscious, we cannot allow the leader of our country the freedom to choose how he spends his time.  We want him to do what makes us comfortable, sometimes over what is most efficacious.  Of course we want answers.  That's to be expected.  Shouldn't we, though, understand that this is a dynamically difficult problem and that our president is spending dawn to dusk working on this problem, along with everything else that he is currently facing. 

One last thought:

We are able to view this spill from the heavens, yet, we seem unable to do much about it here on the surface of our planet.  How is that possible?  It is reminiscent of those people who serve lunches to the poor while not making sure their own children have lunches at home.  It may be time to use whatever resources we have for research in other areas and direct them toward ensuring we have a healthier planet.
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References: 

NPR. (2010). NPR - podcasts. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126809525

BP. (2010). BP - press. Retrieved from http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=2012968&contentId=7062374

New York Daily News.com (2010) [Alg Screen-grab oil-spill] Retrieved from  
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/05/28/alg_screen-grab_oil-spill.jpg

The London Telegraph (2010) [Barack Obama Oil 1646675]  Retrieved from http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01646/barack-obama-oil_1646675c.jpg

Treehugger.com (2010) [Skytruth BP Oil Spill Satellite Photo 01] Retrieved from http://www.treehugger.com/skytruth-bp-oil-spill-satellite-photo01.jpg

Joe's Smile

One thing I will say about my wonderful cousin, Joe, is that he had the most amazing smile of anyone I've ever met.  That is saying something considering I've met a lot of people in my lifetime. 

Joe died today at the age of 50.  He had cancer, the same kind from which my mother died.  Pancreatic cancer is a bitch.  It's that simple.  His condition was complicated, but I'm not ready to discuss that yet.  As a writer, I suspect I should be willing to talk about anything, but as a human being, I haven't begun to grieve yet.

I have a photo on my counter of my brother, four of my cousins, and me at the beach in Capitola, California, during the summer of 1964.  We used to go there nearly every summer.  Our parents, and friends of theirs with children, would rent seaside cottages and we would have the best time.

On this particular day, we decided to bury our legs in the sand.  I don't remember the actual day, but if our faces were indicators, we had a great time.  I was on the far left.  To the right, there were Tom, and John, Joe's brothers, my brother, David kneeling in the back, Joe, and his sister, Caroline.  To me, it's a precious picture because now three of us in the photo are gone.  John died in a car accident at 16 in 1974.  David died in 2006, four months after my mother died.  Joe joined them today.  Tom, Caroline, and I are the ones who remain from that moment so long ago. 

I spent quite a bit of time in Santa Clara, along with all of Joe's brothers and sister, in-laws, nephews, nieces, and his children, taking care of this wonderful soul.  It would be very easy to make Joe a saint in my heart.  He was no more a saint than any of us; although, I will say this:  Joe's smile was not of this world.  Even at 50, he had the smile of a joyful, awestruck child.  He was thrilled by everything.  He lived in a state of grace that I have rarely seen.

When we were younger, Joe and David were joined at the hip when we were all together.  As we grew older, David moved to Washington and Joe and I grew closer.  Out of all my cousins, he, his sister, Margaret, and his brother, Tom, are the ones with whom I am closest.  They are more like my brothers and sister, especially because my own brother is gone now. 

The telling part about Joe is that most people who knew him felt the same way.  He had that innate ability to make everyone feel as though they were the most important person in the world to him.  I'm certain I know why.  He understood gratitude.  He never took anything for granted when it came to giving or receiving love.  He cherished every moment with those he loved.  We talked about that often. 

Between his children, Jackie and David, his amazing surviving siblings, Robert, Margaret, Elizabeth, Thomas, Caroline, and Mary, his brave parents, Joaquin and Caroline, and everyone else who has surrounded him with his best interests at heart, Joe had a lot for which to be grateful... and he was.  He said so all the time. 

The day I left the hospital in Santa Clara for the last time, Joe and I embraced, kissed one another good-bye, and I said that I would see him again soon.  He looked at me with a look that is indelibly scorched into my heart.  He knew we would never see each other again in this lifetime.  I knew it too, but he smiled at me in such a way as to say, it was the way it was supposed to be.

I will miss this beautiful, laughter-filled, spirit-sharing man. My commitment to Joe is to redouble my efforts to validate and appreciate those who are generous enough to love me.  The good news is that I have been very lucky in that way.  I am surrounded by many people who share their love in small and large ways every day.  As Joe would say, "I may not have a lot of money in the bank, but, Jimmy, I'm the richest man in the world.  I have love." 

My faith tells me that Joe was greeted by Johnny, David, Mom, Aunt Mary and Aunt Bea, Nana Rayo, and everyone who went before him.  I believe he is in the light of God and is perfectly happy now, without cancer, without pain, and without worry.  I am happy for him.  I believe, too, that when my time comes to move forward, he will be part of the cadre to greet me. 

I suspect that if there are clouds through which I must traverse on the way to my celestial home, it will be Joe's smile that will guide my path. 

Thank you, Joe, for your friendship and fraternity.  I am grateful for your faith, fearlessness, and strength.  I will love you forever and you will never be far from my memory.  Thank you, too, for adding to my emotional coffers because you have helped to make me the rich man I am today.

God bless you, Cousin.  I know he blessed us with you for half a century.  For that, I will always be grateful.  Godspeed on your journey home.

Love,

Your cousin, Jim

An Evening Off

When one works seven days a week on one's various projects, one gets tired.  It's simple math, really.  Excessive energy expenditure+Too little time+Inadequate intake of food and water+Advancing age=Exhaustion.  See?

Tonight, I have a night off of work.  Of course, as is always the case, I have personal plans, but they will be a great way to blow off some steam.  Tonight, I plan to watch television with friends, piss and moan if Lee DeWyze wins American Idol, or dance around with glee if Crystal Bowersox is selected number one. I'll be able to check in with my friends if we go over to their house for this event. It's all about fun.

The truth is, though, I feel a little guilty for not working.  How is that possible?  Guilt?  First of all, that's not like me at all.  I have few regrets about my life.  I know that all my experiences have brought me to the place I find myself today, so why regret any of the choices I've made.  I've decided to learn something from those choice that have been more challenging. 

On a larger spectrum, I have to ask a question.  With so many people out of work and seemingly having more time to relax, I wonder what the balance is between those who are working and those who are not?  Although I have mere twinges of resentment for those who have ample time to chill out, to use the common vernacular, are there a growing number of people who look at those without work as slackers?

I suspect it's not as cut and dried as all that.  I suspect the pressures on those who are not working are significant and it may be that they are suffering with being out of work in a way those of us who are working will never understand.

Being faced with losing a home or lease, having one's car repossessed, not being able to feed one's family, or possibly having the electricity turned off must feel like an unbearable weight to those who are home watching television.

Those who are faced with these grim situations, even though they may spend adequate time seeking work, may feel compelled to escape the realities of their lives by jumping into the pool of electronic stories on the tube.  Once there, they may become nearly paralyzed by the freedom from worry they experience while delving into Judge Judy, Lost, or the Housewives of New York.

As reported by Hoare and Machin in an article in the Australian Journal of Career Development (2009), a foundational study by Austrian psychologist Marie Jahoda recognized that not only did unemployment affect a person's ability to earn an income, it also affected that individual's, "sense of collective purpose, opportunities for contact with others outside of their immediate family, a sense of social status, enforced activity, and a structure to their time. Jahoda found that unemployment reduced or deprived people of those five psychosocial benefits, causing them to experience significant distress."

There are coping benefits attached to leisurely pasttimes that include physical activities, visiting with friends, and other interactive choices for relaxation.  The challenge arises when one has a more pessimistic general view of life and become paralyzed by their fears.  Often, it is then that individuals become glued to their televisions.

Hoare and Machin (2009), in this same article, suggest that a positive outlook amplifies one's ability to select stress-relieving activities that can be more productive rather than becoming increasingly isolated and stagnant in one's activities. 

While intervention techniques tend to work with those adequately motivated to seek work, it may fall on those around the unemployed to support him or her in renewing a focus on finding work, reintegrating into the community, and finding a more positive attitude toward life, even in the face of such daunting difficulties.

So, tonight as I sit in front of the television, trying to quiet my mind from the week's acitivities, I will likely offer a silent prayer of gratitude for having the opportunity to work and not suffering from the stress of worrying about our income in the same way others must.  I will also send out a message to the Universe to request jobs for those who are ready to work.

Oh! And, "Go, Crystal Bowersox!" 

Reference:

Hoare, P., & Machin, M. (2009). SOME IMPLICATIONS OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF UNEMPLOYMENT. Australian Journal of Career Development, 18(3), 57-61. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.

P.S.  Crystal came in second.  I suspect she will have an amazing career nonetheless.  :-)
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The Differences in Educational Focus

When I began college in August, 1976 at California State University, Sacramento, it was a month after my 17th birthday.  I had graduated a year-and-a-half early from high school and was ready, I believed, to take on the world. 

The truth was that only five months before, my girlfriend had given birth to our daughter and we were to be married that next January.  The reality of fatherhood and marriage were weighing heavily on my mind and heart and what I really wanted was to escape.  The move 200 miles away from my hometown was just that ticket. 

My first semester after matriculation was pretty good, actually.  My second semester, after my marriage, not so much.  With concerns about money, issues of parenthood and being a husband, and adjusting to life as a nearly-adult young man with very-adult responsibilities was taking its toll on my time at school.  My grades dropped, I began drinking, and by the end of my third year, I dropped out of college.  I wasn't even bright enough by that point to withdraw to keep my classes intact.

Although my parents were generous enough to pay for everything for those three years, I couldn't rationalize them paying for my wife and now two children any longer, especially because I wasn't doing very well.  I decided it was time to go to work.  Another three children later, returning to school became just a distant memory for me.

I tried to return twice.  Once in 1982, I attempted to return to Sac State, only to find my youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, which would require a three year chemotherapy and radiation commitment.  It was more than I could do emotionally, so I once again left school.

The next time I tried to finish my degree was several years later at which time I had a mild heart attack. It appeared my returning to school was simply not in the cards for me.

After all my years at Sac State, I had completed nearly all my core work. Admittedly, I spent more time on my major in theatre and minor in music, but miraculously, I did seem to get some of the work done, albeit with glitches in my grade point average.

At the end of 2009, I decided I would try a different approach by going to an online school so that I would have a bit more freedom to complete my education.  The University of Phoenix was the perfect choice for me.  I could study communications in my home office, and they would accept my core credits from Sac State.

My first, five-week class began in March 2010 and went swimmingly.  I actually had a grade of 100% by the end of the course.  I was just about to begin my second class when I got the call that one of my closest cousins was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.  I had to be a part of the support team.  After all I had taken a leave of absense from work to care for my mother who eventually passed away from the same disease.  I knew what was ahead.

Since that class began, I've been to Santa Clara twice, for nearly a week each time.  I've gotten my work done, but it's suffering for the time away.  The difference now, though, is in my mindset. 

Although it is difficult, I'm also 50 years old and my ability to structure my schedule and adapt to challenges has changed. My priorities now dictate that I continue plodding down my educational path, if not receiving a score of 100% for this class, at least passing as I continue helping to care for my beloved cousin.  It will not be for long, sadly, and I can get back to the business at hand when his journey is complete.  I wouldn't miss this time with Joe for anything.

I keep thinking of the Kathy Bates' character, Evelyn, in Fried Green Tomatoes, when she had a parking space stolen by a couple of girls in a small car.  When Evelyn complained, one of the girls said, "Face it, lady. We're younger and faster."  They laughed and headed into the Piggly Wiggly supermarket. 

Evelyn had heard the story of Idgie Threadgoodes' alter ego, "Towanda," from Idgie's cousin, Ninny, played by Jessica Tandy.  Towanda was nearly a legendary hero for her bravery and sense of adventure in the tiny town of Whistlestop.  Bellowing the name, "Towanda!" Evelyn backed up her car and bashed the girls' car six times.  As the girls screamed in protest, Evelyn drove off, smiling and saying, "Face it, girls. I'm older and have better insurance!" (IMDb 2010)

That's the way I feel now; only, my version of this statement is, "I'm older and I have better self-assurance."

I know I can complete my education this time around.  The total time I have left is under two years.  At this point in my life, that's equivalent to 20 minutes.  I can work, go to school, and still help with my cousin's care.  I'll be tired, but what I lack in stamina, I've gained in wisdom and planning ability.

I've had a great career and my children are now 30 to 42 years old.  I have ten grandchildren.  My husband is happy and so am I.  It's time.

I haven't suffered for living this long without my degree, really.  I've had a great time and been able to support my family all these years.  It's just that knowing I haven't completed my degree has stuck in my craw as something I never completed.  It's not a good feeling. 

It's time to finish what I started 34 years ago.  Who knows?  Perhaps this degree will lead to another adventure.  I do so love an adventure!

Towanda!

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Reference:  Internet Movie Database, 2010, received from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101921/

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Where I Saw the Light Tonight...

The girls where listed as, "Whores" and "Factory Workers."  The boys included a "Pimp," "Sailors," and criminals.  The best part is that they sang so beautifully! 

We began rehearsals for Les Miserables at the Woodland Opera House tonight with nearly the full cast.  These young people, to the individual, had this gleam in their eyes that startled me.  They looked happy to be together, pleased to be singing this music, and they appeared to be genuinely thrilled to be working on this project. 

I have to admit, it's becoming more common to see this level of joy in the young folk around me.  I don't know why everyone seems to engaged, but whatever the reason, I'm so glad they are.  They even seem thrilled to be adding to their educational background in musical theatre and history. 

Who knew that a very long musical, based on an enormous book by 19th Century author, Victor Hugo, about a guy who stole bread and silver from a priest would incite such animation in teenagers born in the 1990s?  Or is it that at all?  Moreso, I'm beginning to think that our teens are beginning to recognize their own value and hear their own voices.  They are growing in hope and a self-awareness that what they are doing is going to make a difference. 

This level of creative energy is immensely infectious, even in a jaded, middle-aged man who has been doing this type of work for a very, very long time.  I've won awards.  I've received recognition from the newspapers and the audience.  I've had many wonderful experiences in this work.  Suddenly, though, I'm asking myself, "Am I finding a renewed thrill in musical theatre?"  It could be. 

If this is the case, I attribute it to a couple of causes.  I found a terrific creative home at Woodland Opera House.  Jeff Kean and his entire team has made being there a wonderful place to ply my avocation.  The biggest reason, I think, is that light in the children's eyes.  That light shines so brightly that I can actually feel the warmth from their retinal suns.  I can see these remarkable children, with such hope and anticipation in their faces, look toward a show well done.  Their pride in their work is both humble and satisfying to them.  Who couldn't become addicted to this level of utter happiness?

So, as we prepare to open Les Miserables at the Woodland Opera House on July 16, 2010 (which happens to be a day before my 51st birthday for those who want to start shopping early), I can only think that our young performers truly are an inspiration to me.  Their light makes my days just that much warmer.  I live in gratitude for their gifts.

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American Idol - My Crystal Ball

Kelly Clarkson. Ruben Studdard. Fantasia Barrino. Carrie Underwood. Taylor Hicks. Jordin Sparks. David Cook.  Kris Allen. These are the winners of the last nine seasons of American Idol. 

Unless one has been living in an alternate universe, everyone in the United States of America has heard of American Idol, the television show where people between 16 and 29 vie for a recording contract, automobile, and a variety of other prizes and cash.  They sing their little hearts out every week until, finally, one person is selected as that season's American Idol.

Clarkson, Barrino, and Underwood are the only three winners who have become actual stars.  Others contestants, including Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, and Adam Lambert have moved forward in their careers in huge ways; however, the other winners have had moderate to little success along the way. 

All this is to say, here we are again.  Next week we will see another person crowned as Season 10's American Idol.  The two contestants are Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox.  Both are unique and powerful personalities... sort of.

As a vocal director and music instructor, I would like to take a minute to look at each of them as performers and to address their vocal qualities.

Lee DeWyze is an enigma.  He seems to have very little self-confidence; yet, there is something I intuitively sense about his ability to manipulate the public with his humble persona.  DeWyze never seems to find a comfort zone with his music.  It's almost as though he is afraid we will discover his vocal skills really aren't that good.  His gravely voice clearly will not last beyond two or three more years.  He will most likely develop nodes on his vocal cords and require surgery.  His inability to stabilize his pitches without sounding like sandpaper on metal makes very little sense for him to win.  This is not the end of the story, though.

Crystal Bowersox is a powerhouse, internally and vocally.  She has an understanding of her craft that belie her 24 years on this planet.  Her self-assured defiance of some of the judges recommendations have served her well.  She continues to make the right choices week after week.  The clarity of her sound and her understanding of her vocal instrument ensures many years of successful singing ahead of her. 

Most importantly, she seems to know exactly who she is as a person.  She makes no excuses for her methodical analysis of what is happening around her.  She is a thoughtful person focused on growth, manifesting her art, and taking care of her family.

With regard to her presentation, it cannot be understated how important pulling her look together is going to be on a global stage.  She must get her teeth repaired and if she is going to continue to maintain her hair in dreadlocks, she should use more colorful elements, such as scarves and jewelry to create a more finished look.  This, however, is just dressing because her art is where her strength is.  Let there be no misunderstanding - she is an artist. Lee DeWyze - not so much.

The likelihood is that Lee will win American Idol.  He is being perceived as a smoldering sex symbol in the mold of James Dean of yesteryear, and it is this alone that is moving him toward winning this competition.  If all is right in the Universe, however, Crystal will win.  She deserves to be on top.

In this case, I can only hope my view into my crystal ball is wrong and Crystal will win.  I know I'm going to vote next week.

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Why Are We Surprised?

I just read a brief article on CBS News' website about Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) losing his chance to run for re-election to Representative Joe Sistak (D-PA) in the primary election.  The article continued with descriptions of how others are falling in the post-Obama pendulum swing.  It's being heralded all over the news outlets as though this was actually a surprise.  Why is that?

First of all, two years after every presidential election the citizens of this great nation behave as though the new president has destroyed their happy dreams for the future.  This delusion-shattering experience leaves them angry and ready to battle against those that support this sadness-monger.  Elected officials all over the country are swatted down like flies and we, as a country, are satisfied that we have made our voices heard.

Add to this that Sen. Specter changed his party and we have a whole new level of discomfort. Yet, why would this bother us. Don't we wave a flag in honor of our right to live according to our principles. We're not obligated to maintain the same principles for our lifetime. We can grow and change and learn. Isn't that why our young men and women fight and die in the military so that we can continue to enjoy these freedoms?

Balderdash!  That's all I have to say to that... balderdash!

In the twelve-step system, the paraphrased statement is that repeating actions and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.  If that is true, then our entire nation is insane.  We continue to elect people we believe will make sweeping changes, fix what's wrong with our lives, and land us on top of a golden pile of joy.  What a lovely imagination we have.  I suppose I'm being a bit too cynical; however, it is born of a view from history a half-century in the making. 

Nothing really changes all that much.  Occasionally, we see an important movement appear in our society.  We see a new level of civil rights; we have a moment of peace with other nations; we have a burgeoning economy after years of financial turmoil.  The truth is that we are creatures of habit.  We elect people into these offices with all the foibles and strengths to which any human being on this planet is beholden.  It's the way things are.  Superman is a fictional, cartoon character.  He treads the halls of neither the White House nor the Capitol Building. 

I know.  This is bad news.  One would think that as adults, this wouldn't be news either. 

We have 234 years of history in operating a government and we have continued in the pattern of election, reactive election, supportive election, and election every four to eight years since the inception of our Declaration of Independence.  When will we learn? 

Ultimately, we elect the best people we can to do a very hard job.  When we're in the election booth, we don't even realize just how much we depend on these simple individuals to fix our lives.  When they can't do it in the way we imagined they would, we get angry.  Sadly, that's just the way we operate.

Why can't we simply elect these people, like Barack Obama and Arlen Specter, knowing they will do what their integrity and intellect will allow, and that things will remain the same for the most part.  Then, when something really remarkable happens, we will be prepared to gratefully celebrate their accomplishments. 

Our expectations are very high for the people in Washington, D.C.  I know it's because so much depends on them, but how much are we doing to make sure they have the support and input from us?  How much are we doing to actively work to improve our lot beyond our own front door?  When we are all working with a global consciousness, then we can complain if we don't like what's happening.  We are idealists, but we must become activists.  Ideals are grand.  Actions change the world.  Until we realize this, we need to look within before battering those in our nation's and state's capitols.

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