My Prayer; The Return of The Supplicant

ORIGINALLY SUBMITTED APRIL 1, 2009

Dear Mr. God:

As we know, I have not complained much about getting older. Time has been reasonably kind to me and I am particularly grateful that when I shower and look down, I can still see my toes and other appurtenances, so all praise to you and so on and so forth.

I will admit that while I am often quick to damn (oops!) things when they don’t go my way. On the other hand, you must admit that when I do, I usually have pretty darn ("darn". I said, "darn") good reasons for doing so.

A Street Car Named Desire - the highlight reel

Seven minutes of one of the most searing performances in the history of cinema featuring an legendary performances from Marlon Brando as Stanley and Vivien Leigh as the deeply disturbed and tragic Blanche.  

Stanley:  "Take a look at yourself here in a worn-out Mardi Gras outfit, rented for 50 cents from some rag-picker. And with a crazy crown on. Now what kind of a queen do you think you are? Do you know that I've been on to you from the start, and not once did you pull the wool over this boy's eyes? You come in here and you sprinkle the place with powder and you spray perfume and you stick a paper lantern over the light bulb - and, lo and behold, the place has turned to Egypt and you are the Queen of the Nile, sitting on your throne, swilling down my liquor. And do you know what I say? Ha ha! Do you hear me? Ha ha ha!"

This scene explains why Stella could never leave Stanley - and why Marlon was the most incendiary film actor of his and, quite possibly, any other generation. 

T.S. Eliot reads The Wasteland

THE WASTELAND (1922)

BY T.S. ELIOT (1888-1965)

"April is the cruellest month, 

The Left Banke were out of time

The Left Banke's music was out of time; never booming, bawdy or boisterous, it was melancholy but not brooding; soothing and intimate, not raw or rough, tender, elegant and sophisticated - and their only two hits are enduring. There should have been more.

Walk Away Renee

Pretty Ballerina

When I woke up this morning, You Were On My Mind.

"(T)he biggest change that has taken place in the entertainment business is the speed with which stars are born". Fred Astaire - who saw more than a few come and go, including every performer associated with this song. 

Van Morrison pours some Tupelo Honey - 1980

Van at Montreux with Pee Wee Ellis - 1980

Kid Creole and The Coconuts were a wonderful thing, baby.

Kid Creole and The Coconuts 1982

They were real wiseguys, but Kid Creole were also a wonderful band and the only proof I have that I was still a hep cat in the1980's. 

Annie, I'm Not You're Daddy

(Inspirational Verse: "If I was in your blood, then you wouldn't be so ugly")

I'm a Wonderful Thing, Baby

(Inspirational Verse: Come on, Give me your blessing, You're still the first in line")

Van Morrison Moonshine Whiskey Live Performance 1973

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Not only were they the greatest singing partners I ever heard, but they could lip synch like all get out!

Bruce Springsteen Stands By U2

Bruce Springsteen wants to play Bono's guitar 1982