New Order in Concert....Everything is In Order

Being a huge fan of new wave, punk, electronica and indie rock, when I accidentally stumbled across the fact earlier this year that New Order was going to perform at Radio City Music Hall, I of course hyperventilated a few minutes straight at a stop light, then pulled myself together, and walked with a calm that one can technically only achieve via yoga, to the Box Office and breathed a sigh of relief that tickets were not yet sold out.  I repeat Not Yet.

Since then, I counted down the months, then weeks, then days to Thursday, Apr 13th.  I prayed that nobody at New Order would catch a cold and call in sick.  Thankfully, the show was on, and SOLD OUT.

Nothing beats being around people who have a love and appreciation for these music genres I just described above.  I mean, it's like I could just be myself, and not ashamed that I absolutely adore them.

The doors opened at 7:30am, with the show scheduled to start at 8pm.  Of course, I knew this meant New Order would take the stage at least 1hr later.  Between 8 to 9pm, a DJ played some 1980s songs.  Very loud.  I could feel a headache and ear pain coming along.  So to try to remedy this, I took some foamy earplugs (courtesy of Lufthansa) and popped them in my ears.  It didn't really reduce the sound much, but at least it had some impact.

9pm - The show started.  And it was quite a show.  The music was some from their latest album, but what really excited the crowd (and myself) was when they played this 1983 hit - "Blue Monday."  I saw a couple not far from me, getting very lovey dovey (must have been their 1st date song).  Anyway, almost everyone was on their feet at that point, and swaying and dancing.  I tried to record the song without moving my body, but that was nearly impossible....not with this beat.

Another pleasant and unexpected surprise was when Bernard Sumner announced they would play a song they'd never played in New York before.  I held my breath, because I thought, maybe, just maybe they would play my personal old-time favorite called "Vanishing Point."  But no, it was not meant to be.  I was not disappointed though for they played something so deep, dark and moving called "Decades."  I later researched this....it was a song that had been written by former band member, Ian Curtis (before he had committed suicide in May 1980).  New Order was paying tribute to him, and I found the song very moving and so intense.

A few other more upbeat songs were played, including old time "Bizarre Love Triangle."  Show ended around 10:50pm.  A wonderful, exciting, and nostalgic evening.  Would love to post the videos; unfortunately this blog site only allows up to 100MB uploads.  So, will have to find a reputable software to do some cutting and editing beforehand before uploading.  Stay tuned.

Fans streaming out after the show.....

For My Aunt

My aunt was a genuinely kind and decent person.  Even though our paths did not cross daily due to living in different countries, I have very clear memories of my visits since I was a little child.  She taught me compassion and empathy toward those who have had hardships.  She also taught me that even when times are tough, to be strong and never give up.  I am so grateful to have had her in my life. 

Today on March 4, 2017, she passed away.  She had been sick for the past few weeks, and I had hoped very much that she would recover.  But unfortunately she did not make it.  I miss her very much.  I will never forget her spirit, her childlike innocence, and her patience.  I know she is in a better place, without pain and suffering, and is now with my grand-ma and grand-pa.  I hope they are happy in heaven.  God Bless you, my aunt.  May your soul rest in peace.  I love you very much.

Throwback Tennis

Throwback Tennis

History was made in Melbourne,
Where tennis balls the color of corn,
Were hit in styles various,
In some instances rather creative and hilarious,
At the Australian Open 2017,
Like never before seen.

But what made this year extra special?
Which made many stop and mull?
Let's talk about first the Ladies match,
Which was a fan-favorite catch.
Two sisters, by the names of Venus and Serena,
I kid you not,
It isn't a dream-a.

Tennis is now a more long-term career,
As long as you don't burn out,
Have no fear.
Both in their mid-thirties,
Makes many a fan want to cross the seas,
Even if the flight is more than a 23 hour trip,
Which would make any sane person flip.

In the End,
Serena walked away with her 7th Australian Open trophy,
But more importantly,
Now has a record 23 Grand Slam wins,
Which must lead to many grins,
For she has the 2nd most of any player,
And she's not done yet,
We will see her in more tournaments
This year later,
And perhaps tie the record of Margaret Court's 24,
Doing so,
Would surely not be a bore.

Now on to the Men's side,
Many fans were delighted,
To be part of this amazing ride.
We're talking old-time favorites from Switzerland and Spain,
Who could draw a huge audience be it shine or rain.
Federer and Nadal,
Were to compete and enthrall,
In an exciting 5-set match,
That was many sponsors' lucky catch.

In the End,
Federer won,
What a trend,
Making his total Grand Slams to 18,
The most of any player male,
He can take a mini break,
And sail,
Before the French Open starts,
And again bring joy to many tennis fans' hearts.

The End.

Nostalgia, Time Travel, The Past...

Greetings!  It's been over 1 year since my last blog post.  For some reason, I skipped 2016 completely.  Well, I think I know why....a lot of stuff happened in 2016, and the time just ran out.

Anyway, we're now in 2017.  I thought I'd address the topic of nostalgia.  I don't know why this word makes me think of a nose, rather than it's true meaning, which is a sentimental longing for the past.  I prefer a similar German word for it, called Sehnsucht.

What makes me nostalgic?  Anything that evokes a memory.  This could include:

- Songs that you listened to while growing up
- A special type of cake
- A German/French movie
- Seeing someone who meant a lot to you from your past
- Eating certain types of food
- Your favorite retired tennis player making a guest appearance
- Hearing the news that one of your favorite childhood books is being made into a Broadway show or movie.

If time travel existed (for real, not in movies or sci-fi books), I think I'd use it for a day or two and visit some of the most memorable moments that made me happy.  If I could go back in time for a visit, I'd be very observant, and just take it all in.

If I was forced to go back to a time that was not so pleasant, and actually be myself (not an observer), I would change something that I regret not saying.  I would let someone know that she was wrong, not everybody hated her.  I think she knew, but I would have liked to clarify it.  I was alone, and found the "clique" to be a bunch of cruel bullies and a bunch of gossips, and personally had zero respect for them.  Some days were so unpleasant, I don't know how I survived.   I admired that she was strong enough to not show outward that she was affected.  For me, it was torture.  I couldn't wait for it to end.  But she had a goal, a focus that she strived for, and ultimately succeeded.

I'm relieved we both got away from an unpleasant place, and have moved forward.  But yes, if I had to communicate one message to her on that one specific day in 2003, I so would.  Anyway, I digress.  This is not nostalgia, but more like regret.  But frankly, I NEVER EVER would want to time-travel to that time in 2003.  I'd much rather that our paths would cross today, and I could let her know, and we could laugh about it, and move on.  Since it's unlikely this will happen, am sending good wishes to her.