My Addled Brain

Perhaps I am one of those jaded people that refuses to dwell on the past. Remember it, yes. But I don’t need to hold ceremonies every year to remember tragic events. I’m sure that many people who had closer ties to those who died on September 11th may not agree with me, but as an American, all I can think to do to honor the memory of those that died, and those that serve, is to continue living in the best possible way I know how.

This does not mean we cannot mourn our more recent losses, however. John Ritter died of sudden heart problems - and as much as each and every one of you hates to admit it, you’ve laughed at a TV show he’s been in, even if it was a side note to staring at Suzanne Somers rack as a younger lad. And I hear he had a fairly successful TV show going these days as well, but I wouldn’t know since I can’t possibly turn off Law and Order when it’s on, and it’s ALWAYS on somewhere.

And while not quite as tragic due to his known health problems, the passing of Johnny Cash saddens me deeply. For a man who was as popular at the height of his career, and perhaps more so, than The Beatles at that time. I wouldn’t call the man in black the antihesis to Elvis, but his music was certainly more in touch with the people he wanted to reach. And also unlike Elvis, he was able to overcome his addictions, although he always fought with some personal demons all his life. His web site was down at the time of this post, but I’m sure will be up sooner or later. And if you haven’t heard it, The Man Comes Around is an incredible album, and his cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” has the most profound sense of grief I have ever heard in a song.

But like I said, I plan on honoring by carrying on with my life. However, as a tribute to those who have just passed, I plan on moving in with a couple young girls, pretend I’m gay, and learn to play the guitar. Or not. Actually, I have more than enough trouble handling the one young spitfire I have now. Two would, most likely, cause me to join John and Johnny in that last great mystery of the universe.