Saturday, May 22, 2010

The Perfect World versus the Fantasy World










Steve Raybine:


Blog #100:


The Perfect World versus the Fantasy World






For you avid blogsters that read my previous blog (#99), you read about the world I wished all world citizens would and should embrace for the advancement of civilization. The content articulated within blog #99 would in truth, be my perfect world and my dream world--all we can do as the body politic is set an example and do whatever we can to change the world for the betterment of all people.






Bearing that in mind, if I could also have some of the personal things--known as well-earned "perks" that I've wanted as the result of my hard work as a musician for over 40 years, these would be some of them, but in no particular order. Here they are:






1.) I'd like to own a very fast and sleek "convertible" sports car--preferably black or red. At this point, I'm most attracted to a BMW Z4 or an Audi TT, but who isn't?






2.) I'd like to be fairly wealthy and be able to have the finances to vacation for long periods of time in the South of France or perhaps Tuscany, Italy. Maybe even portions of Switzerland? I'd really like to be near the Mediterranean Sea or Lake Geneva in Switzerland--wouldn't it be glorious? Yes!






3.) Believe it or not, I'd like to own a very upscale quik shop (convenience store), where I could hire all my favorite folks and have a relatively large performance area within the shop where I could keep my vibes. We'd have a grand time.






4.) I'd like to be a part owner of a sports franchise--more than just the one share I own of the Green Bay Packers. I love sports and I love being around the sports environment--just like my son, David and my Dad, Art.






5.) I'd like to own my own swimming "lap" pool to keep in shape.






6.) I'd like to concertize at more jazz festivals playing my music with my band. Moreover, I'd like to get everything recorded that I've composed. Some of this might actually be achievable, however, especially now that I'll be primarily recording singles.






7.) I'd like to be 20-25 pounds lighter. Oh, to be 35 years old again and to have more stamina. I am exercising quite vigorously each day, now.






8.) I'd like my hair back (black) and my black beard back as well. I started losing it during my mid-twenties. Some people think I look "distinguished" with my gray hair and beard, but I'll take volume and black coloring.






9.) I'd like to own a house by the lake or ocean. Someday, I'll inherit my original home by Lake Butte des Morts in Wisconsin, but until then, I'll just live a land-locked lifestyle.






10.) Did I mention that I wanted a fast convertible sports car--oh yeah, I guess I did.






11.) I'd really like to not have to work so hard on so many levels within the music business--it's exhausting and a very tough business.






12.) Although I love my three cats, I'd like to have a dog--small dog.






13.) I'd like to have a roadie for every gig, so that I'd never have to move or lift a vibraphone, sound equipment or percussion instruments ever again..






14.) I'd like to never have to worry about my health--I'm abit of a hypochondriac.






15.) I'd really like to have a lifestyle where I don't have to literally run from one event to the next--I'm wearing out, ladies and gentlemen. However, with the increased exercise regimen, I may really get back into good shape.






16.) I wish that I were more technologically savvy with all of the mobile/cell phone app's and various computer programs.






17.) I'd absolutely love to be able to afford a secretary or personal assistant--I could literally swamp them with endless chores, etc.






18.) No more teaching on the weekends would be my final request for this blog--at least I can achieve this during the summertime.






Copyright 2010 Steve Raybine


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Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Perfect World










Steve Raybine:



Blog #99:



The Perfect World




Before I begin my 100th blog and get back into music education and performance suggestions/tips, I decided to articulate my perfect world in ten steps, so here goes:




A) In a totally altruistic and life-affirming world, the following would be my so-called dream world:


1.) I would have a foundation and would help fund numerous charities and organizations such as:





A.) World Hunger.


1.) It's shameful and a deeply sad situation that so many of our world citizens go hungry everyday. All of us must do much more to help eradicate this world famine issue.




B.) Aids crisis prevention.


1.) All caring Americans should do something to help our fellow man cope-with and overcome aids. Far too many gifted men and women have died as the result of this hideous disease.



C.) Breast Cancer.


1.) Breast cancer has killed more women and some men, too, throughout the world than many other diseases. It is time for all Americans to put their money where their mouths are and contribute their time and talents to helping rid the world of breast cancer. Moreover, cancer in general needs to be stopped, so that boys and girls; men and women can lead a healthy and cancer-free existence.




D.) Diabetes must be controlled.


1.) Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent health-care problems within the United States, primarily due to our eating habits and lifestyle (lack-of-exercise). All people must become more proactive in committing to a more healthy lifestyle in order to decrease the incidence of diabetes in our children and adults as well.





E.) Heart disease is a serious health threat to many thousands of Americans.


1.) All citizens need to reevaluate their eating and exercise regime in order to conquer premature heart disease. It is one of the primary killers of people within the United States and needs to be greatly diminished.






F.) All people need to care for their fellow men (and women).


1.) So many folks are homeless and others are without families. Ask yourself, "What can I do to help these poor, less fortunate people?" Then do it! Begin by becoming more involved within your community.





G. America's political leaders need to be far less polarizing and start working for the greater good--the American people.


1.) Currently, our political system is run by special interest committees/organizations; large corporations and lobbyists. It's time for the great American thinkers and doers to stand-up for their convictions and vote their conscience--not their political ratings. Moreover, the young people need to become more engaged within the political system and not feel so disenfranchised by how government operates--we need you, and we need you now!






H. We must take care of our environment before things become problematic beyond the point of no return.


1.) Our environment necessitates our utmost care and I say that from the perspective of the entire body politic. What we destroy today, may not be fixable in the future. Everyone needs to sign on to this agenda from a global perspective, otherwise we may never solve the environmental problems that confront us today. Need I mention the current oil spill off the coast of Florida and Louisiana? This sort of catastrophe cannot continue to keep happening as it destroys our wetlands; fishing industry and overall quality of life.







I. Education is the final answer.


As a progressive nation, we must embrace the educational challenges of today. Without the proper educational training, our children will be ill-equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century as physicians; teachers; attorneys; engineers; physicists'; artists of various kinds (and yes, art is essential to the enrichment of mankind); politicians; judges; IT workers; computer designers; carpenters; architects; etc. Education is the answer from which all things flow.






J. Exercise religious tolerance for all mankind.


1.) It is time to stop judging the moral and ethical values of our neighbors. Although we may not agree with them, remember this concept, "There are many paths up the same mountain." Religious tolerance is one of the precepts of this country. Lately, it has become compromised by certain people and political factions spewing evil invectives against the beliefs of others. Is this the best we can do or be as a people? It's really shameful and it's time to appeal to our higher selves.






Copyright 2010 Steve Raybine
All Rights Reserved






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.steveraybine.com/


http://www.myspace.com/steveraybine


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Raybine/56070941106/


http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/raybine3


http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Steve+Raybine&search_type=&aq=f


http://www.smoothjazz.eu/index2.php?artist=85


http://www.sonicbids.com/SteveRaybine


http://www.radioindy.com/bands/7188