Failing Up

In this episode and continuation on my celebration of Saint Patrick's Day. I reflect on the similarities between Irish music and The Blues.  Their origins and their common themes. Music from the soul, fueled by oppression, sorrow, passion, hope injustice, and love. 

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In the Fall of 1982 I moved to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.   Being alone in the city, living and the Westside YMCA it seem isolating.  Until I was hired by Rosie O'Grady's on 7th Ave and 52nd street.  I discovered Ireland in the Big Apple and was taken in like family! 

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This is the first recording in my five day celebration of Saint Patrick's Day , Irish history,  culture, and the impact it has had on my life and our society as a whole.  In this segment I talk about my own family's journey from a town named Templemore in County Tipperary Ireland to Tipperary Hill in Syracuse NY.  Where the green light is on top!  

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I this episode inspired by the Ukraine  invasion  I ramble on about the tragic horror of war. How is an unacceptable fabric sewn into the DNA of human kind for centuries.  Why can't we give peace a chance?   I really do not make sense, but neither does war!

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Valentine's Day, the holiday of love!  Baloney !!!!!  It is the true commercial holiday.  The only way you win is if you buy stuff.  And! the pressure to get the right stuff to be able to know what the appropriate gift level is.  If you mess up, it could scar you for life!  The pressure holiday!!!   

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Super Bowl Sunday is the true American holiday. And like most holidays the true meaning of the day , (football) is lost on all the actives, commercials, halftime show, dip.   It truly is a reflection of us.  And!  like most holidays the most people don't even know why they are celebrating because for the other 364 days of the year they hate football. 

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Normal is not new!  Normal is established by those pulling the strings in order to manipulate and have control.  As we reflect through history "the old normal" was not that great. Why would we want to strive to achieve it for the sake of false comfort and security for some groups.  There is not such thing as "the good old days." 

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A reflection on 2021 and what New Year's means to me a continued cycle of goodbye's and hellos, endings and beginnings, promises made and broken all in one night!  A micro version of life!   

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In this episode I reflect on how our culture has become addicted to fame.  Fame the fools errand now pursued for the sake of being famous as opposed to the excellence in a chosen endeavor.   And like any addiction once experienced the user can't give it up.  Reality television, social media, people becoming famous for stupid acts.  There was a time when fame was a bi-product of excellence and passion, not a goal. 

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In this episode I reflect on how comedy not only makes us laugh, but creates an awareness. Oscar Wilde said, "If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they will kill you."  Comedy and these  two different forms makes us laugh and becomes more funny as our circumstances become more serious.   From Lenny Bruce to Carlin, and Prior to the Second City and the "Not Ready for Prime" Time Players,  comedy feeds us as it creates awareness, albeit uncomfortable at times. And if too uncomfortable, there is an attempt to censor.  

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