Not-So-Deep Thoughts For Summer 2010
As the summer warms up my thoughts turn to the World Cup, BP, and outdoor shows . . . . The World Cup: Every four years, countries from all over the world gather to kick a ball around a grassy field and, more importantly, feign serious injury with as much drama and gravitas as can be mustered (Which is why the Italians are so good at this. And why the Canadians are not. I have no explanation for the Germans). Anyway, beginning June 11, I'll be cheering on our boys from the U.S. I'm a little beside myself really.
BP . . . . I'm about to get on my soap box for a few minutes. Consider yourself warned. There are a lot of people angry these days, and I'm one of them, but it occurs to me that we're sending our anger in the wrong direction. Could BP have averted this catastrophe? Sure, sounds like it--at least for a while. But here's the truth that no one seems to want to look in the eye: this is our fault. We love our lifestyles and, whether pertaining to the cars we drive, the food we eat, or the we tend to make short-sighted, ego-based choices. If we drill for oil in the deep sea, eventually, despite the best of precautions, there will probably be an accident. If we insist on cheap and fast food, eventually our bodies will suffer from disease (the handsome and wholesome hot dog pictured above notwithstanding). If we insist on cheap but luxurious housing (when did a chicken in every pot become a mortgage in every portfolio?), we will suffer the collapse of economic structures. We each make choices every day, and when the sum of those choices leads us to uncomfortable consequences, we get pretty mad and point the finger--at BP, at Goldman Sachs, at McDonalds. None of these companies is without blame or complicity. I guess all I'm saying is let's take responsibility for our own choices. Please? Ok. I'm putting the soap box carefully back into my closet until next year.
Music. . . . oh yes . . . . a new 3-song kid's EP should be out in time for my week-long run at Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre in the Woods July 6-10. The young and beautiful Danny Schwartz will be with me on drums, ukelele, backup vocals, and witty stage banter, and my son Ethan should be making his annual appearance as well (I know how you all like you some Ethan Schaefer). A solo show on July 23 with Jake Armerding at Ashland Coffee and Tea in Ashland, VA should be just what the doctor ordered (at least for me, if not for you). Jake often accompanies Eddie From Ohio on fiddle and mandolin these days and is a wonderful singer/songwriter and a lovely fellow to boot. We'll share the evening before joining Eddie From Ohio at Wolf Trap's Filene Center in Vienna, VA the next evening (July 24th).
That's about all from the suburbs. Remember . . . . hug your parents, kiss your children, floss, repeat.
Love, Robbie
