You don't want to do this !

As Adam Duritz of Counting Crows pleadingly instructs  in Murder of One "You don't want to waste your life!" Hmmmm, of course we don't want to waste our life, especially given that so many caring, talented people die young , and others with great potential live in countries where their skills are repressed or bring punishment.  

But remember what Spider man taught us, that "with great power comes great responsibility."   

In the good ole' US of A, pretty much everyone's potential is unimpeded by external forces , although money, connections and the proper ethnic profile certainly help. 

You can pick and choose how you want to give back, to charities, or embracing volunteerism in many ways, be they religious, political or cultural.  One could argue that by giving back, contributing to the greater good, we can securely conclude that we do not waste our life.  I beg to differ.  

"Now some guys they just give up living, start dyeing little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up, and go racin' in the street." This Is Bruce from Racing in the Street  off the Darkness album.  I do believe it is true that when you ignore what your talents are, and stop doing what truly gives you your identity, then yes you do start dyeing, or at least that magical force inside you that makes you unique starts to die.  So keep racing in the street, even if it is en route to the early bird special at Red Lobster.    

I had an ancient history teacher at Manhattan College who was asked by an engineer why he needed to know anything about ancient history.  Professor Hazeltine responded: "when you graduate and get a job you must decide whether you want to come home from work each night and watch TV and drink beer in your tee shirt. Is that a satisfactory life?"  I guess the point was that we must be open to all types of knowledge and never stop learning.   

We are in violent agreement with you Adam, we don't want to waste our life ! 

To distill all of the above into one  sentence, y'all better fulfill your potential by doing what you do best to the nth degree and in the process make this world a better place. If, ny ding so, you happen to make 12 trillion dollars and became a national hero/heroine, then God bless you.  

Murder Mystery:

Only recently did I come to know that a "group" of crows is called a "murder of crows".  Thus the autobiographical "Murder of One" mentioned above. The whole crow story in the song also sounds like a reference to Don Juan from the Carlos Castaneda books, who did happen to turn into a crow.

Basil Report:

Normally it is mid-May when I feel safe from the frost to plant my precious veggies. Given 

the recent insane temperatures, this year it may be June or July. 

Keep the faith brothers and sisters.

Sent from my iPhone