Music, Culture, and Reality

A psychoactive is defined as that which has a profound or significant affect on the mental processes. Although typically used in the context of drugs and substances, this concept is often extended to anything evoking a seemingly 'mystical experience.' What people describe as mystical experiences are indistinguishable, neurologically and empirically, from deep and poignant religious experiences. Moments of oneness and insight are typical in both cases. In "The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902)," William James describes mystical experiences as ineffable, noetic, passive (rather, a sense of loss of control), and fleeting. From the remote mystics of Sufism and Kabbalah, to modern day 'urban shamans,' psychonauts have sought methods other than imbibement to investigate the cosmos within. Through meditation, breath control, lucid dreaming, sensory deprivation, and a host of other methods, music has stood among cultures in this service probably since early man first danced around campfires.

Ethnomusicolgist Gilbert Rouget explores the connection between music and trance throughout history. Perhaps music is more than simply a mortal construct, rather having cosmic significance. Playing music (and truly appreciating music) forces an individual to focus on the present moment, which in turn is the cornerstone of meaningful experience. This emphasis on the present moment is the consummation of all other psychonautical resources (mediation, entheogens, etc.). Subscribers of the shamanic and mystical often view the passage of time as an illusion of the human mind, and regard a 'perpetual now' as true reality. Interestingly this is where science begins to align with the esoteric.

Quantum Mechanics argues that particles move backwards as well as forwards in time and appear in all possible places at once. String theory proposes that the physical world is composed of little, tiny strings of vibrating energy (It seems appropriate to allude to chordophones). Terrence McKenna, recounting a DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) induced experience, asserts that the constant dance of 'machine elves,' (entities occupying a parallel world) creates reality as we perceive it. Are the rhythms of music akin to the language of reality? Is music a method of staying in contact with the underlying 'Logos,' being the true virtue in which all things exist? Whether it be Spring's hymn of birds and bees or the elegant, geometrical dance of our physical world, music plays the universal tongue in a reality seemingly ripe with babbling discord.

Anthony Pace, a writer, philosopher, and web developer, blogs athttp://philosophy-explained.com

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What's So Great About a Bob Marley Poster?

What exactly is the attraction when it comes to Bob Marley posters? They seem to be very popular amongst the college crowd for one. Walk through any college campus, and check out all the Marley t-shirts for starters. Carry it a little bit further, and start asking questions. I'll bet if you asked 100 students who Bob Marley was, the vast majority of them could tell you. A few could probably name a few of his songs, and if your really lucky a few more could sing you a few words. Your safest bet for this would be to ask the question around the music building. I'd hate to hear a Bob Marley song mangled by some engineering student that was rejected in the first round of American Idol.

Now, I don't suggest this, but if you were able to see what was hanging on the walls of many of those same students dorm walls, I bet there would be more then a few Bob Marley posters, photographs or prints. Why exactly is that? For an artist that hasn't released a single new song in over 25 years that is certainly a perplexing phenomena. Perplexing, but true. The reason for no new material, is that Bob passed away from cancer over 25 years ago. His music, artwork, and image still seem to pervade our culture. Only a few icons seem to have achieved that the way he has. A few others that come to mind would be Mariln Monroe, and John Lennon. The thing they all seem to have in common, is that there was more to them then just their art. They all had a message to was distilled in their work.

So why so many posters for Bob then? Here's some interesting stats for the Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon and Bob Marley. According to Wordtracker, there are approximately 5000 internet searches a day for the phrase John Lennon, approximately 10,000 for Marilyn Monroe, and approximately 18,000 for Bob Marley. Kinda interesting isn't it. What is it that makes Bob Marley almost twice as looked for as Marilyn Monroe, and almost fout times as looked for as John Lennon? Honestly, I don't know.

It definitely indicates an interes in Bob Marley, and all things related to Bob Marley, such as music, lyrics, artwork, videos, photographs and posters. I think a little further research is warranted here, to explain these numbers. Suffice it to say though, that Bob Marley was about more than just Reggae music. There was a tone and timbre to the man that went message deep. But, what exactly was that message. Peace, love, brotherhood, understanding, compasion, passion? Yes, actually it was all the above.

If you like to see my favorite Bob Marley posters, or simply browse through a listing of some really cool Bob Marley posters in your inbox be sure to visit http://foolishmumbles.com/DigitalCameraRecommendations/

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Meet Me In St. Louis

Go West, Back In Time
Venture on the Shores of Mississippi

Intrinsically woven through time, the old and the new, St. Louis abounds with rich color, flavor and taste. Whether you are passing through on historical Highway 66, or visiting on business, St. Louis will whet your appetite for more. More rich, mouth-watering entrees. From southern to soulful. Satiate your appetite with historical finds like Lewis & Clark. Top it off with dozens of cultural and sporting events.

Grab your walking shoes, sunscreen, bottled water and camera. You can walk through the botanical gardens, ride on a horse drawn carriage or fly in a vintage aircraft.

The Gateway Arch is an inverted, three-sided catenary curve, gleaming, historical monument which commemorates Lewis & Clarks expeditions. A quick four minute tram ride to the top gives a spectacular view of the city and the mighty Mississippi River. Americas freedom and explorations into Western Territory are methodically illustrated here. Underneath the Arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion featuring 100 years of human history with murals depicting scenes along Lewis & Clarks journey of discovery. Dozens of national treasures including handwritten journals, maps, equipment and other artifacts are displayed here.

After the advent of the steamboat, St. Louis grew into a thriving river city. Then came the railroad and in the 1930s an ambitious local movement led to the purchase by the Federal Government of a large riverfront area and plans were begun for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Due to its industrial and engineering capacity, St, Louis emerged as a leader in aviation and automotive production after World War II and the Korean War.
St. Louis began as a fur-trading outpost on the site of what is now called Lacledes Landing. Named after the French fur trapper Pierre Laclede who began the first settlement, The Landing, is an interesting assortment of shops, galleries, offices and restaurants. At night it comes alive with music and entertainment; Blues, Jazz, Opera, Cabaret, Symphony and Rock n Roll can be heard on the streets.

Music, dance and theatre are plentiful in and around the city. St. Louis launched many talented actors, musicians and writers. Playwright Tennessee Williams lived in St. Lois, as did poets T.S. Eliot and Maya Angelou. Actors; Betty Grable, Vincent Price and Buddy Ebson from the Golden Age, to current favorites, John Goodman and Kevin Kline have all called St. Louis home. From comedy and drama, to Shakespeare, a cultural experience is offered for any age. (www.explorestlouis.com) (One Lewis & Clark Trail
Hartford, IL 62048, Phone: (618) 251-5811, URL: www.campriverdubois.com) Museum of Westward Expansion, Under the Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO 63102, Phone: (314) 655-1700, URL: www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm)

Sports & Recreation

The International Bowling Museum stands proudly adjacent to Busch Stadium endowing the public with a century of history and colorful memorabilia. This is the only bowling museum in the world and offers more than 5,000 years of bowling history.

A team of archeologists from the University of Pisa, Italy, found the oldest bowling alley in a city called Medinet Madi. The Italian team has unearthed an open structure dating back to the Ptolemaic age. The floor is composed of a single large block of limestone with a groove 10 cm deep and 20 cm wide. In the middle there is a 12 cm-square hole. They also found two balls of polished limestone, one of which fits the groove and the other the square hole. The structure is like no other found in the ancient world.
Earlier versions of pins are on display at the museum.

Until medieval period, sports were steeped in pagan rituals. Denounced by priests, a ban was placed on bowling in 1443 and 1447, and was permitted again in 1468. Bowling was popular at festivals, dances, and baptisms with variations. One variation of bowling is Quilles De Neuf (ninepins).
Bowling was first mentioned in Rip Van Winkle, by Washington Irving.
Pinsetters in the 19th century earned .03 to .05 cents per line. The sport prospered in the 1930s and 40s. The poor image was upgraded by the 3 As; automation, architecture and air conditioning. In the 1950s, television turned regular people into heroes. The Womens Professional Hall of Fame is on the third level. And on the lower level, a bowling lane is set up for visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy a few frames with their admission. (Across from Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO 63102, Phone: (314) 231-6340)

Shared Heritage

A candy apple red convertible given to Mark McGwire, has been donated to the city and is on the display in the St. Lois Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum. A plethora of leather worn gloves, home-run tattered bats and printed tickets adorn the glass cases. Young and mature athletes started their careers in St. Louis and leave behind a legacy. Heroes were made from honest, hardworking down-home lads who have a passion for baseball.

Sports are an obsession in St. Louis with active sports centers, loyal fans and professional athletes. St. Louis is home to: Cardinals (baseball), the hockey Blues, and the NFL Rams. St. Louis is one of the few cities to host the summer Olympics, 1906, in conjunction with the Worlds Fair. The U.S. Senior Open draws crowds from every state in the union. A single admission price of $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 5 to 12 covers the entry fee for both the baseball and bowling museums. A joint museum/stadium tour ticket costs only $9.50 for adults and $7.50 for kids. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Hours are extended to 6:30 p.m. before Cardinal home night games.

Plenty for Kids

Forest Park offers a Zoo, (www.grantsfarm.com), (www.purinafarms.com), Art Museum, Science Center, History Center, skating and more, at little or no cost for the little ones. Petting farms, botanical gardens and butterfly gardens (www.butterflyhouse.org) also bring young ones up close, presenting educational opportunities as much as fun! Wild rides, cool waves and family fun at Six Flags St. Louis. The Spirit of Thrills! (www.sixflags.com) Explore rivers, caves (caves will be in another article) and wine, Mount Pleasant Winery , 5634 High St. , Augusta, MO 63332, Phone: (636) 482-WINE
Toll-Free: (800) 467-WINE, URL: www.mountpleasant.com as you tour charming villages from Louisiana Purchase territory, vintage Cathedrals and unique historic towns. Visit Mark Twains historic boyhood home, museum and a live imitation, in Hannibal. Cruise on nostalgic riverboats.
Picturesque, sun-drenched rolling hills can be toured by bike, skates, car or canoe, Trailnet - Hiking and Biking Trails, Various Trail Locations, St. Louis, MO 63125, Phone: (314) 416-9930, URL: www.trailnet.org

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, on of the worlds longest pedestrian and biking bridges and a Route 66 landmark, offers breathtaking view, with occasional spottings of bald eagles.

Another roadside attraction is the Wax Museum, in LaCledes Landing. More than 150 life-size wax mannequins dressed in period costumes, depict their culture, our history. Beware of the shop of horrors in the basement.
The noble Budweiser Clydesdales are the most recognizable symbols of Anheuser-Busch. Known for their size, strength and beauty, they can be seen at the flagship brewery of Anheuser-Busch. Witness state of the art technology and historic architecture at the corporate office and brewery; open for tours daily, year round. Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours and Gifts, I-55 & Arsenal St., St. Louis, MO 63118, Phone: (314) 577-2626, URL: www.budweisertours.com

Shopping, golf, theatre, dance, music, museums, sports, day trips, fine dining and recreation are abundant and worthy for the whole family in St. Louis, Missouri.

Loretta Lynn is a freelance writer, editor and publisher residing in central Florida, yet keeps her sanity with frequent excursions.

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For the Love of the Game

While many baseball players look forward for their time off after the long season is over in the fall, many of them do things that couldn't do during the season. Some of these things are to enjoy their time off, being with their families, taking vacations around the world or just relax. Who wouldn't like to do these things when possible? But some continue to play ball.

That's right. Some players look forward for the off-season so they can go back to their home countries and be the major-league superstars they already are. Most of these players are from the Latin American countries where baseball is the passion of many. During the winter months of December, January and February, there's a baseball league going on in countries like Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico where the weather is not less than perfect for baseball - around 80 degrees. Stars like Miguel Tejada, Ronnie Belliard, Francisco "The Kid" Rodriguez, and the newest Detroit Tiger Miguel Cabrera are few of the ones that return home to play in their native country's professional league.

What many people don't know is that in these countries, baseball is not only a past-time; it's what everyone talks about - at the job, at school, with friends and family. Especially at the end of January, when things are heating up and each country's league is playing the final games to determine who will carry the flag and represent the country in the Caribbean Series. But you wonder why would major league stars risk their careers by playing at their home countries? Remember, most of the Latin American players in the major leagues came out of their home countries' winter league system. That is why the number of Latin baseball players is growing and are wanted more by the MLB teams. Now it's the time for the already-major-league-stars to inspire the upcoming talent and help them reach the highest level in baseball.

If you want to know what baseball is like in Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico or Mexico, then combine the feelings of the NCAA Basketball Final Four, a soccer match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, a Yankees - Red Sox game at the end of September, and any rivalry you can think of. Now, add to that, salsa music, the sound of drums and whistles playing and people dancing and chanting everywhere, some beer, and the great talent these players have to play ball. Imagine that, and is exactly what baseball is all about in these countries.

And you wonder - why do major- league-stars want to go home and play during their off season? I think you can answer that for yourself.

If you have any comments, please visit The Fit Palace's Baseball section. More interesting articles to come.

TheFitPalace.com - for sports fanatics only

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The Quest for Online Jazz Guitar Lessons

There are many books on jazz and jazz lessons available at online shopping sites like Amazon, but these books can be somewhat cold for the learner, because there is no communication between the author of the method and the student. This is just one of the reasons people turn to online guitar lessons.

Why people prefer online courses as opposed to conventional books:

1. Some Online courses are paid for in monthly instalments which are usually much cheaper than paying a jazz master for weekly classes. This is thanks to the amount of people they can reach worldwide. The more students they have, the less they need to charge each student to cover their operating costs and salaries. Some courses are even a one time payment, so you will not be charged again!

3. You get unlimited access to lessons whenever you want to study, and just like with books, the added advantage that you can learn at your own pace. ...Even at 3 o'clock in the morning.

4. Most guitar online courses have contact information for you to use if you need help with anything you do not understand, or something you are having trouble with.

5. These courses also make use of multimedia tools like mp3 downloadable backing tracks and examples of the exercises being learned; videos so you can see the exercises being executed by a real teacher or teachers, and software helpers like chord finders and tuners, which often come free with your subscription.

Final words

The best way to learn jazz is, no doubt, having your own private mentor to show you what you need to learn, when you need to learn it, and the best way to achieve your end goals. But conventional lessons are expensive and many wanting to expand their musical skills may have obligations which limit their being able to attend lessons at conventional times. Thanks to Internet we have the perfect alternative: the online lesson.

Ruben Cardos has been a live and studio musician as well as sound technician, electronics technician and sporadic guitar teacher for well over 25 years. Check out the ultimate Online Electric Guitar Lessons reviews at: BandSuccess Guitar Lessons Reviews

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!

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Take Advantage Of The Economic Downturn - To Become Your Own Boss!

It is that phase in the economic cycle when people do a reality check. Uncertainty looms ahead, and managements drive themselves crazy figuring out where the next big check is going to come from to keep the wheels of the organization running. Cowering in our own cubicle or workbench, we never know when they will hand us our proverbial pink slip and bid us goodbye.

There are two alternatives to handle this economic condition. The first is the tried and tested. Dignity in one pocket and resume in the other, we knock at the doors of the other companies whose outward facade conveys an impression of everything being hunky-dory inside. And get rejected by the people who aren't sure when they themselves will get the boot.

Let us consider this alternative from a different angle. When we were born, we used to be cleaned and washed, fed and clothed and generally taken care of. We used to look up to somebody to do all that for us. Haven't we continued with the same pattern, of looking up to somebody, of expecting a job to become available that we can perform, which will feed us and clothe us and generally fulfill our material needs? Isn't it time we grew up?

As kids, we were given an extra dollop of ice-cream for being good. Remember the visits of the Santa Claus every year? Now we expect somebody to pat our ego and nurse our pride with lofty-sounding designations and nifty little perks - the corner office, that special parking space, the vacation with the family, the topped-up bonus and that ESOP handout, the promotion that gives us the opportunity to look down upon people who once were peers, thank you. And when these goodies are not forthcoming, we sulk and we pout and we go look for another Santa Claus. Tell me really, have we grown up at all?

And so let us see what the second alternative looks like. Here it is!

Which is to use the season of doom and economic gloom to go inward and realize that this actually is an opportunity to get out of the rat race once and for all and do our own thing. Set up our own shop. Be our own boss. Hoist our own flag. I am running out of symbolism, but you get the idea.

Returning again to the kid analogy, remember the things that we enjoyed doing when we were young and not yet entered the rat race, the things that thrilled us the most? When we did what we did because we liked doing what we were doing, and not because we had to do what we ended up doing because that was what the boss wanted us to do. Or else. There is money to be made, you know, in doing things that we enjoy and are passionate about. It is only a question of figuring out how. Let me also tell you, that the figuring out how happens only during times of economic recession, and not when the going is good and everybody is smiling and doing the rumba.

"Realize your own potential" becomes a cliche when the HR boys and girls use it while dangling the golden cage before us. It becomes a mantra when we use it to really understand how far we can go when we are on our own. Have we forgotten life outside the cage? Have we forgotten - or worse, never ever known? - what it means to be free and to do our own thing? To set our own goals, to make our own targets, and to soar as high as our wings and our ambitions can take us?

Or have we become rather addicted to our inner child's needs being taken care of by that neatly-suited-booted HR manager and his / her team of cohorts and headhunters and detectives, spying on every move we make outside the office and trying to figure out what must be going on in our mind, so that we can be, uh, appropriately manipulated?

Or have we rather come to enjoy the performance reviews where the senior takes malicious pleasure in nitpicking the omissions and commissions that we may or may not have indulged in throughout the year? Like the stern teacher handing over the grades in class. The armpits used to sweat the same way then too, didn't they?

Or have we rather come to relish the politics and the backbiting and the gossip and the bitching in the office and the workplace? The latest news about this affair and that, the latest news on who is in favor and who has fallen out of favor, the devil who is badmouthing about us behind the back ... oh, won't we miss them all?

Let's step out of the world we have immersed ourselves in and become comfortable in. And step into the world of freedom. Let's find the vocation that we enjoy the most. Let's learn the right skills that are needed to survive and thrive in the market. And take the plunge with faith and belief in self. Success and prosperity are waiting to be ours, if only we reach out for them. Let us be brave for a change. Let's reach out! Now!

Sanjay Agrawal is a writer and self-development enthusiast. Enjoyed reading this piece? Find more on his blog here: http://success-nirvana.blogspot.com

Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and give author name and blog name credit.

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