Reality TV has crossed over into the real world.  Values are based on entertainment, voting is a ratings war, and fantasy valued over facts.  Of course it is not a reality program, and it is not my intend to demean the genre by comparison to what is currently playing out in our word.   We are in a period where being entertaining, creating a persona is valued over the truth, law, integrity and values.  In the real world the reality TV we see play out daily has consequences.  
Some not realized by the audience before it's too late. 

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I was on my way into the grocery store, (which are now little communities that go way beyond just groceries) to pick-up my prep prescription for an upcoming  colonoscopy.  The procedure no one wants to admit they get.  "The procedure is not bad, but the prep will kill you!!!"  That's all you hear!  So as I entered the store I am greeted by two lovely ladies who asked me if I would like a free sample of grapes, cheese and salami, of course I replied! They then directed me to all the sample stations, I had a pastrami sandwich, sample, a fruit and guacamole sample, then finished in the bakery with a nice cookie sample.  I then went to the pharmacy to get my prescription to clean me out after I filled myself up!  Oh wait, we don't talk about these things, but they are on television?? 

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In a day and age when there is a constant bombardment of messaging through  vast channels of communication, the casualty has been the truth.   Those who grasped this new reality have been able to motivate and persuade by delivering messages their audience wants to hear regardless of accuracy.  A message that aligns with the values of the intended audience.   If the message is questioned for truthfulness, the values are attacked.  Hence, a time where the lines of fact and fiction are blurred. 

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In the home, whether it be a mansion, house, apartment, flat, log cabin or a small shack, the kitchen table was the place where the pulse was.  It was at the table where debates occurred, homework was done, sorrow and joy shared, the day debriefed with family and friends.  There was comfort in routine; Sunday dinner, roast beef, and gravy, Monday meatloaf, Tuesday casserole, Thursday spaghetti, Friday pizza, and Saturday a surprise. Of course, some meals were seasonal and they would change  little, but this is the place where conversations were magic  no matter the time of day or night.  It was the place where we untied through our common threads, and differences. I miss the kitchen table. 

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2025 a new year with many changes ahead.  As in most cases uncertainty can fuel fear. Most fear is created to motivate, manipulate, and control.  Now, this will sound cliché, but the way to overcome fear is through love. Love of your community, family, friends, those less fortunate, the arts, individuals' who may have different views and values.  As President Franklin D Roosevelt stated in his first inaugural address: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  Let's hope 2025 is a year without fear. 

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In this podcast we are celebrating Christmas Eve in the studio.  

Merry Christmas!

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As I entered the parking lot to the grocery store what did I see, a mass of zoned out shoppers in a frenzy.  All in a hurry to get in the store, in hopes their special items were not there no more.  Items required for the traditional dish, past down for generations and never missed.  So charge to the store in 14 degrees, people get out of my way if you please. Tall and short, coats and hats, some in shorts , what's up with that.  Merry Christmas to all, get the Hell out of my way, I have to save the tradition for Christmas day! 

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Growing up when and where I did, the winters could be very cold and snowy.
To take advantage of this season I found myself participating in winter sports along with friends.  My three favorite's were: throwing snowballs at cars, Ski-Doo rodeo, and of course tobogganing.  Well, tobogganing fell off the list after a late night fateful jump on the local iconic reservoir that left four snowmen spread on a hill with a shattered toboggan.   We were no Snow Angels. 

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The minute the last trick-or-treater put's down their bag for the night, the clock begins ticking for Christmas.  We are reminded of the number of days left beginning November 1st.  Black Friday is everywhere you go, there is no escape!  Everyday you are being reminded only 35 shopping days, then only 20, then you better get packages in the mail by 12/15 or you are toast.  Run! only 20 days, get that tree, food, decorations, gifts. Only 10 days, 5 days, where is the eggnog!! ONE day until Christmas Eve, hurry!! Get to dinner, midnight mass, Santa, where is the damn milk, blast off, Christmas!!  
Then, the mad rush to get all this crap taken down!!   
It's the most wonderful time of the year!!

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The holiday season is upon, and Christmas is at the forefront with decorations, the tree, cookies, drinks, shopping Santa, Christmas programs, and specials, it goes on and on.  There is one thing that holds the season together like a bow on a gift, and that is Christmas music.  Christmas music is everywhere and for 6 weeks like a drug.  Rockstar's, popstars, country and classical singers all want the elusive classic timeless song,  There are many types of Christmas music:

• The happy songs, Frosty the Snowman, 
• The lesson songs, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. 
• The sad songs, I'll Be Home for Christmas, White Christmas, Have Yourself a
•  Merry Little Christmas. ( these should not be listened to alone in the dark) 
• The threat song, Santa Clause is Coming to Town.
• The protest song, Happy Xmas (War is Over).   

They are everywhere, then they are nowhere.  

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