What makes an actor charismatic?

Yes, Tom and Brad are excellent actors. Also, very versatile. I like Clooney too, I have to say. But I still haven't figured what charisma is yet...?

I just saw my first Clooney film and I still am not a san. I guess I never will be,Charisma is that thing that makes you want to see the person. The thing that a person has that when they come into the room, everybody stops to look. Their personality is that huge. I heard Henry the 8th was that way. ps. This is totally off topic. What is Guy Fox Day?

For most Clooney has it, but not for me. I prefer Clive Owen,I just thought of another artist that had"it', Marlon Brando,he could fill a room with his presence.And Elizabeth Taylor has it too. you are born with it.

I'm still not 100% sure what charisma is. For a time Brando was a massive hero of mine as a small boy. Talking about those epics? As a kid in the '60s I couldn't get enough of them; and believe me there were alot. My dad used to take me to see them. Brando blew me away in "Mutiny on the Bounty". I was highly precocious; and his relationship with Maimiti really touched a deep chord. She was so lovely. And he so dashing. They went on to marry of course. I liked alot of his performances; I liked the care he took over little things. But when it comes to '50s icons, Montgomery Clift was always my favourite (James Dean; and of course Newman maybe 2cnd; 3rd). I just loved the searing intensity of his performances. But even he needed a good movie to be at his best: for me, even the greatest actor flounders in a poor movie. Clooney has great charm in my view. Brad Pitt is one of the most gifted actors of his generation; and yet strangely still under-recognised as such. Liz Taylor? A true star; did you see "The Mirror Crack'd"? Great performance. I was an extra in that. Guy or Guido Fawkes was the man who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He was apprehended and put to death. Every November 5th, many still celebrate Guy Fawkes day with fireworks.

Thanks love. Id ruy Fawkes day the only time you have fireworks?Everyone you mentioned has that "it" factor. Why one person has it and others don't is so hard to explain.I have seen The Nirror Crack'd but it has been a long time. I think I have it on tape.What is your favorite Liz Taylor role?I have a tie, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

OK...:o)
Favourite Liz Taylor role? Hmm...
I like her in "Mirror Crack'd" very much because her vulnerability is very upfront, and she plays a character close to her.
"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is one of her most iconic roles, ditto "Who's Afraid..." and "Butterfield 8".
Do you remember "The Sandpiper"? I haven't seen that for ages; but I used to love it, I love the theme song ("The Shadow of your Smile").
I think maybe "A Place in the Sun" is my favourite ever; I just love the scene where she first meets Monty Clift playing pool. What a couple.

One of the best entrances on screen. I love how she just says " Wow!".I must confess. i think I saw The Sandpiper but it was so long ago I don't remember . Do you know that Liz didn't like the her role in Butterfield 8?she didn't like it but got the Oscar.All this talk is making me want to put together a Elizabeth Taylor film festival.I have to look and see where my copy of The Mirror crax'd is. when I do find it, I'll write so you can re tell me where you are in the film.

Well you barely see me in the film. If you blink I am gone! Ddi you ever see "Raintree County"? A second pairing of Monty and Liz? A tragic project because of Monty's terrible accident. Its genesis was hard; ironically its genesis into publication was equally painful; you wonder why so much conspired against this story!

Poor Monty. I am so glad we didn't lose him in that accident. Yes I have seen Raintree county. It was okay but it is hard to top A Place in The Sun.

I agree. Monty was at the top of his game in "Place in the Sun"; I also like him best in "The Heiress" and "From Here to Eternity". He looks out of place in "Raintree"; not suprising given that his accident took place during filming. He did make some good post-accident movies though; just that "Raintree" is not one of them. Did you ever see the strange Quebec-based movie "I Confess"? An uncomfortable pairing of the sensitive Clift and dear old Hitch? Clift was excellent; but the film has been all but forgotten.

I loved The Heiress.That last scene is one of the greatest final scenes of a movie.I have tried to see I Confess. It is not the best film.His best filom Is From Here To Eternity.You get to see All of Monty's talent. He is a romantic lead, a powerful leading man, and can do action.From Here just aired on Turner Classic Movies, my oldoi cablr channel.But did I tape it? No.I own The Heiress. It is a classic.Are you feeling the same way I do? With all this talk, I want to see these films.

"I Confess" is weak, and Monty Clift dressed head to toe in a cassock is so constrained. Monty's tortured method style would not have gone down well with Hitch. But "The Heiress" is terrific. I love everyone in it; Sir Ralph, Olivia, and above all Morris Townsend at his most caddish! It was based on a novel by Henry James "Washington Square", and in the book, Morris never returns, and Catherine never turns bitter; but "The Heiress" (originally a play) is a much better story with a much better ending. "W. Square" was made into a movie, but was nowhere near as good as "The Heiress"; yes I'd love to see it; I wish I had a copy. I've a copy of "Eternity" though: I bought it as a VHS video for a song. Great deal! Did you ever catch the movie "Washington Square"?

I think I saw Washington Square. Did it star Helen Bonham Carter? It is times like these, I want Scotty to beam me with my copy of The Heiress. it Has to be on DVDI did have a chance to tape Eternity but like ab idiot, I didn't.

It starred Jennifer Jason Leigh, an actor I've always admired. And Ben Chaplin. I think I saw parts of it but I can't remember it really. Who can forget Monty and Olivia de Havilland? They were so marvellous. You've got me thinking...maybe I'll check out "The Heiress" on Amazon. They might be selling "Eternity" there too...usually very good value on both VHS and DVD.

Good Luck Love. I wish you had Turner Classic Movies. It is the cable channel over hear for older movies. And what I love is that you can request films at their site. So for me, getting a copy of Etrnity will be a little easy. Cheers.

Thanks Sarah...:o)
Good luck with "Eternity"...I think Monty was nominated for an Academy Award, wasn't he? One of four times; each time he lost...isn't that sad?
Well at least Frankie won!

Kirk Douglas and Peter O Toole haven't won a competitive Oscar either. I think they both have honorary ones.I have two questions for you. As an actor, isn't harder to play a character who is still and keeps all his emotions inside?As I write this, I am watching Matt Damon act is a$$ off in the movie The Good Shepard, His character says very little and show no emotion and I think I am looking at his best work. And is it hard to cry on cue.?I have heard of great artists that could cry at the drop of a hat. They say Joab Crawford wiould ask which eye did the director want!

Great questions!
I will only of course be telling you my theories, not certain facts.
I think you're right; some of the greatest actors are internalisers. You could say this is the essence of the Method. The ones who can suggest a whole world of emotion while barely seeming to actually emote. Acting is harder than it looks; so you have someone who doesn't seem to "act"; like Clint Eastwood or Harrisson Ford or Michael Caine, but they are all three incredibly gifted screen actors. Their stillness is their genius. The stillness of the great actor, yes including Matt Damon at his best - conveys so much, while the stillness of the non-actor, is statue-like, nothing comes through: it's just physical awkwardness. I've heard about Crawford's legendary ability to cry on cue. In my view grief, and especially when manifested as crying are the most difficult of all emotions to portray, both theatrically and cinematically. Al Pacino is famously good at anger, but he can do grief like no one on earth. And anger is not easy to do well. But grief is hardest. In my career - which has been on hiatus for some time now - I never cried, and was only asked to once, but opted out. Were I ever to be asked again, I think it might be a different story. I'd like to test that theory one day.

Thanks Love.I thought so but I wanted to hear it from you. I am not an actor. I think it is the hardest art to perform, dancing is second.Everything, Everything has to come from you, your emotions. That's so hard.As an outsider with a healthy temper, I I know I could express anger the best, but love or grief would be hard. Has youseen The Good Shepard? It is a thriller/drama directed by Robert De Niro. It is about the birth of the C.I.A. And matt is brillant.Warning it is like the movie JFk. It is over 2 hours long but the way it is filmed and edited, it doesn't feel that long.so if you rent or should I say hire?, it give yourself some time.An actor is an actor forever, I hope, if you want to, that you get the chance to cry in character.

Have we talked about Peter O'Toole? He has ""it" too. The camera Loves him. And he is so wonderful.I love, love his walk. It has such dignity. He walks better than Prince Charles! Do you like comedies? If so, check your Dvd rental place for the movie Creator. it was made in 1985. ge steals the show.

Hi...yes I think we've talked about Mr O'Toole. I've just been reading a book about O'Toole, Harris, Burton and Reed (Oliver Reed). Fascinating. They come across all four as rough diamonds, fundamentally nice guys, but wild as anything. All Celts (Irish/Welsh), except Oliver, who was upper bracket English. Reed had chances to be a massive international star, but it didn't work out until "Gladiator", his last film. Burton could live the party life, and then be word perfect early in the morning. He and O'Toole has massive Hollywood careers; for Richard H. it was more of a struggle, but he still did well. For a time Burton and O'Toole were indestructible! O'Toole gave up serious drinking about 30 years ago. Burton gave up too; but his last few years were quite painful. Peter is still with us, bless him; and yes as you say: a real star of the old school. Long may he be so. Just wondering Sarah, did you ever catch his version of "Goodbye Mr Chips": controversial casting; but he was nominated for an Academy Award; and the movie has grown in stature. Today, it almost has minor classic status. And O'Toole really tried hard at singing. For me, there's a real poignancy in his voice...

Yes . in fact Peter's version is the only version I have seen. You are right, there is a truth to Peter's singing voice. He is no Ricard Harria but then again Mr. H isn't as good an actor. The director, went for the best Actor for the part, not the singing. Here in thr States, we would have dubbed his singing voice, That's what happened to Natalie Wood in West Side story. It wasn't that she couldn't sing, it was that she didn't have a strong enough voice.I am glad Peter is dry. Soesn't he have a young son?

I'm not sure about a young son, but he certainly does have a son. I like the way he "sings" in "Chips", and there was great chemistry between him and Pet Clark. You are right about his grace; many see him as the archetype of this. And yet it could've been so different. His childhood was I think quite happy...but very tough. He has done well, hasn't he, bless him...

His type of grace you are born with. He has "it" too. His personality can fill a room. One of my favorite role is King Henry in The Lion in Winter.so delicious, this film reminds me of Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf in period dress.Have you seen it? This is Anthony Hopkins first film.

I was just thinking about the compete opposite. what about the actor who can dissappear when he or she comes in the room but when they are on stage or in front of the camera they come alive.How about Gabriel Byrne? He seems like a guy who could walk into a pub and blend in . All the guys could talk to him and not know until they see his new movie or show that he is famousWhat do you think?

I agree with you. It has served him well. Back in Peter's day, many actors were from tough backgrounds like him, but if they had the right look, they were trained in a real sense at drama schools, how to speak and so on. O'Toole was raised on a council estate (housing project) in inner-city Leeds in the north of England; another would be Roger Moore, the son of a policeman from tough south London; and yet he too had natural grace that ensured him a career playing exquisite gentlemen. Gabriel Byrne is good isn't he..he can do any accent; and is not a household name despite many high profile roles. Another modest Irish character actor is Stephen Rea. Do you remember him in "The End of the Affair"? He was Henry the husband of Julianne Moore...?

If they had the right look? I should say: if they had the talent. The right look was what made them stars of a certain kind... And then of course in the '60s, a new breed came along who kept their accents...notably Michael Caine, Terence Stamp, and others.

Thanks Love, I read the name Stephen Rea but I went blank, I knew I had heard the name but I couldn't remember the face.He is great. So Roger Moore, my favorite James Bond is a son of a Bobby . That's great.So in the 60's while here in the States we were seeing the change from classic Hollywood acting to the " method" in the U.K. actors were keeping their true accents and not using the " BBC" accent?

That's right. We had a similar sea-change. As a new breed of natural actors emerged in the US, so the same happened here. With the rise of the Kitchen Sink drama (so-called) which showed northern English life; Welsh life etc. in a realistic way...so came brilliant actors like Albert Finney, and Alan Bates, northern actors both. And from London, Michael Caine and Terry Stamp were genuine Cockneys...despite "refined" roles (cf. Mike in "Zulu"); these guys were obviously not posh, and they thrived as such. As for Roger (yes he was fun as Bond; always liked him): he looked such a gent, it seemed churlish for him not to play these roles despite being the son of a south London bobby. Did you ever see "The Sins of Rachel Cade"? It starred Roger with Angie Dickinson at her most striking and the brilliant Peter Finch? Made in the '50s, it was part of his "first" US career. Before he came back to England to make "The Saint". This made him a TV star. And then he was offered Bond ca. 1973. I think he had a part on US TV too in the early days, in "Maverick"? I used to watch that as a kid. I loved all those cowboy shows.

Oopss..."The Sins of Rachel Cade" was from 1961, not the '50s. But it looks '50s, and effectively was '50s. The "real" 1960s didn't really get started until the whole youth revolution of 1963-'64. That's what I think...

My first Michael Caine movie was Alfie. My first Alan Bates film wasGeorgy Girl, Now I must confess I didn't see them in the thearter, alas I am too young, but I saw them on television in the mid 70's,I have them both on tape somewhere. I love true cockney. One of my favorite scenes from To Sir With Love is when sidney goes to the market.Classic, As for Stamp, of all his work, there are two roles that stick out for me, Terry in drag in The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of the Desert and the Limey.Have you sen the Limey? It is a revenge drama with violence so if you haven't seen it, you may not want to these days.Anyway he has a thick, cockney accent and it was glorious. ps. Fun, that's why I love roger Moore's bond. H Out of all the Bonds, he seemed to be in on the jokes and he was having the most fun.Sean is okay but at times a little too serious. Tim was brooding and intense and daniel is more of the same . It is the fun I miss, Ta, I couldn't put my finger on why I wasn't happy with the new Bond.

An actor who does both stillness and fire well is David Caruso.Do you know him? He is now on CSI Miami, a hit t.v. show.He also was in the movies Kiss Of Death and Jade.He is a redhead. I love redheads.I first got to see his work on the t.v. show NYPD Blue. He is one of those actors that can say paragraghs without saying a word. Plus, when he gets angry, his voice gets softer and lower. That's hot1 Anyway remember when I said I have no feelings toward the work of george clooney? Well it all started when Caruso wanted out of his contract with Nypd Blue 14 years ago. The producers didn't want to give him time off so he quit the show.Clooney was a t.v.star back then too and said that Caruso shouldn't want to leave his show to do movies. But he did the same thing a year or so later. I never forgave Clooney and I never did see any of his films until this year. David forgave him years ago but not me. so I never will see whatever magic clooney has.

I'm too young to have seen "Georgy Girl" too. I was aware of those swinging '60s movies; they were all the rage in London back then. I loved Terry in an early role; the Hollywood version of "Billy Budd": sea stories (love 'em). By my real knowledge of he and Alan Bates came through "Far from the Madding Crowd", John Schlesinger's moody brooding Swinging Sixties take on the Thomas Hardy novel also starring '60s icon Julie Christie. I've seen "The Limey". I loved the Bonds as a kid, but can remember going off them in the late 1970s; never to really feel the same way again; but Rog was fun; he never seems to take much seriously, and is so charming. Sure I know Caruso...I always wondered why he never became a really big name. Yeah...red-headed guys can be cool. We have a wonderful red-headed actor called Damien Lewis, who should have been massive! (perhaps like David); but things didn't quite work out as they should. Let's hope they do because for me he's exceptional. Have you heard of him?

No I haven't heard of Damien lewis. Was he in a film I would know?

His big breakthrough was as the lead in "Band of Brothers"; he was so like Steve McQueen. Then a recent US TV series called "Life". But his real second wind breakthrough role is forthcoming...opposite John Malkovich and Peter O'Toole in something called "Love and Virtue". Not bad for a boy from the Guildhall School...

I haven't seen any of these. the Peter O toole part sounds good. I 'll look for it, Ta.

That's OK.

Did you get to see Mistresses last night? I finally got her name, the character's boyfriend I lik,, She is tudi.Speaking of Trugi, the blonde, she isn't the small size most actresses are trying to be.I love it!, She has curves.The whole cast is grest. And I will be watching On Demans. BbC America is cutting little but important plot to make room for commericals.

Thanks for the best response! The other day I was stomped. I didn't hear or realise that dordan Ramsay was scottish.Hiddins I am not,Oh well.It wasn't like I just heard him once, I have been watching his shows and I didn't know he was Scottish until he mentioned. Yikes!

The characters in "Mistresses" are to me all recognisable modern British women that you might meet any day of the week in offices and so on. Not posh, not cockney, just average women; but then British TV is like that. In a lot of movies however, the presentation is different. Sarah, don't worry about not knowing Gordon Ramsey is Scottish; for some reason this tough Glaswegian has lost all trace of his original accent!

Thanks love! The south Must have corrupted him. I bet there was a meeting where a posh t.v. exec encouraged him to pick up the BBc accent so All of The U.K could understand him.I really thought I had missed his accent all together. besides the the stiorylines, I love, love to hear all the girls talk on mistresses. I assume it is set in London but each actress has a different accent.It is so beautiful. Okay mate, I have been grilling you about London and you haven't asked me anything about The states. Is there any question I can ahswer for you?

I really don't know how Gordon Ramsey did it, but his voice is totally convincing; as is his whole manner. He seems like any educated guy you'd meet in London; and yet his background is remarkable and very tough. I'm not sure where "Mistreses" is set, but I guess it could be any provincial town anywhere in the UK. The women and men are so recognisably everyday British, but then as I said, it may be that as everyday people watch these programmes, this is how they like them. They like to see people like themselves. The US? We Brits are in alot of ways spiritually American, because we get so much US culture on the television and in the movies. We use a lot of US expressions, and are very influenced by America. The same could be said to some extent of Europe, but as we are anglophones, the UK most of all. I know so much about America.....and yet I'm the only member of my immediate family who has never been who has in fact never been outside of Western Europe.....is that not odd????

Wow, I feel so much better now Ta, I am the only member of my family who is interested in British history.I have never been out of North America.i would love to visit London one day. I hope you make it here to The States.I really appreciate all your help and your patience with all my questions.I just hope I can repay you by helping you with Anything you want to know about The U.S.

No Sarah, that's fine...however, if I ever think to ask, I'll do so.

i have two acting questions. first, is ther a role you wished you got to play and secomd, is ther a play that yo have been in that you can watch now Without critiquing it? i am not an actor buy i did play in an orchestra . When ever I hear a piece of music I had played, I am more of a critic than a listener.

When I saw Jane Fonda interviewed she mentioned a scene in where she needed to seee Henry's eye because she was method but when she asked if Henry could see her, he said he didn't need to, It made me never thought of Henry as one of the great non method actors .think about all the clashes that come up with method vs non method.When I think of a great non method actor it is Spencer Tracy.How about you? Who is the best non method actor yuthink of. Or who is the one actor that comes to mind when you hear great non method actor?

When I saw Jane Fonda interviewed she mentioned a scene in where she needed to seee Henry's eye because she was method but when she asked if Henry could see her, he said he didn't need to, It made me never thought of Henry as one of the great non method actors .think about all the clashes that come up with method vs non method.When I think of a great non method actor it is Spencer Tracy.How about you? Who is the best non method actor yuthink of. Or who is the one actor that comes to mind when you hear great non method actor?

oops. I am sorry the there are two of the same post.

A role I wished I'd played? So, so many. When my auditioning petered out a few years ago, I used to perform pieces from movies rather than plays. I was just indulging myself, but it may have seemed strange. I'm on hiatus now; but it'd be fun perhaps to make some kind of return one day. Sometimes it amuses me to see old plays of mine revived, but I rarely see them these days, not even on TV, not that plays are often on TV in the UK; it's mainly series and movies. I watch movies these days; little more. Unless a series looks really good. Non-method actor. Many of our great Shakespearean/Classical actors I'd say. In terms of old school Hollywood: Spence as you say was a terrific pre-Method player. Bogie of course. Lancaster. Alot actually; there was some great acting back then; it was different but it gets better with age, like fine wine. Among women, I used to like all the greats from the 30s and 40s.

It has been so long since I picked up a violin or guitar.I am more retired than on hiatus. I will never go to se an orchestra concert if they are playing Anythinng I played. I don't enjoy the concert. I critique it.But I love, love Chopin so I would go hear his music. There once was a cable t.v.channel that aired plays but now it airs t.v. series.How sexist can I get? I totally forgot the great actresses! Garbo, both Hepburns, Ms. Davis, and Joan Crawford were both stars and fine actresses.You know what I mean? A star will protect the only persona his or her audiences want to see them as. But an actor or actress will play any role and have themselves dissapear into any role.My only true example are between two male stars, forgive me. John Wayne played John Wayne in every role. While Burt Lancaster dissappeared into every role he played.Okay. May I asked what role is your audition piece?

We are similar in that respect then. I acted solidly for 20 years. In my last role in 1998, I was passionately encouraged by my cast members, one especially; I was offered one more part, but turned it down, because I was working in an office. After that, it just faded, I mean...the hunger. I continued to audition, but for my own fun, and only a few times. I trotted out a scene from a British movie called "The Rebel" for a while; I loved doing it because I loved the actor involved Tony Hancock. But no one was impressed, because few people know him. It was just for fun. There's freedom in no longer "trying". But one day, I may return from the wilderness.

I agree...Garbo was amazing; ditto Joan; Bette, and so many others. My mother introduced me to Garbo when I was still a teenager: she effectively said: you have to see this woman. In the 70s, there was a season of her movies, and my mother and I: we saw them all together. I was blown away. She also introduced me to Dean, Clift, many others.

Check out: You Tube. Type in: "The Rebel" Tony Hancock, and watch the introductory scene; it is glorious. For an anglophile, it is very bliss!

rats! They only have the sculpture scene at You Tube; I'll check at Google videos...

Bummer. I hope the hunger returns. It seems our muses are on vacation. If she were here, no way a desk job would have gotten in the way of a acting gig.Your Mum sounds great. Both my parents loved movies but I really didn't know. I feel into them baturaally. On rainy sundays I would watch old films on television from 10 am to 8 pm.Don't fret about The Rebel. I will request it on tcM and keep a look out for it on all my cablr ststions. Cheers.

Yes. When I was a young man in the 70s and I knew I was going to be acting that evening, I would be ecstatic. I just couldn't wait to get onstage. When I was offered that part I turned down, it was unpaid, and I would have had to have given up a good job, but it was in a very prestigious theatre, with "name" actors in it, and would have been excellent for my career. I was advised to give it up, and it seemed sensible; but as soon as I'd done it, it was as if a line had been crossed; for the first time in more than 20 years, I wasn't prepared to fly to my muse like some giddy starry-eyed lover man. My acting muse flew away, but my music and writing muses didn't. I'm not a classical musician like you (or my dad): I'm a crooner. I've written some songs too. Did you ever hear me sing online? If not, I can direct you to where I can be heard. Let me know...

I think "Grand Hotel" was the first Garbo film my mother and I watched. I was entranced...by Garbo, of course, but als by Crawford, and Barrymore. It was a whole new world for me, and I loved what I saw. I was about 16? 17?

Don't make me sound like Itzhak Perlman! I played some classical pieces in highschool, a lifetime ago.They say it takes 20 years to become a violinist and it is true. If I were to pick up my violin, it would take a shorter time to get warmed up, The last time I played, what was hard is now easy.It's strange. And don't call yourself a crooner, You either can sing or not. I would love to hear you sing. What type of music do you sing? Me, most of the songs I know on the guitar are country. but I can sing almost anything without a guitar.

" I want to be alone". Garbo says these few words and you can feel the pain in every syllable.Grand Hotel is one of my favorites.Great storylines, fine acting, And to see the Barrymore brothers together. I can see it over and over.Finally wehave found a movie genre we both can watch together.how about Camille? have you seen this film?

Did I mention john Wayne? Well, last night I saw a documentary about wayne and john Ford.for a lover of westerns it was great. I know you said westerns isn't the genre you like but had you ever seen The Searchers? It is a morality play disguised as a western, I mean it is " wholesome"

Question.If you never acted again would you be satified with your acting career? I know that if I never play the violin again, it would be okay. I got to play some beautiful pieces and it was fun.But I would miss playing the guitar.

No, if I never acted again, I most certainly would not be happy with my acting career far from it; I'm not happy with any of my careers; but I'm proud of the good work I did do. I am a crooner, but not just a crooner; I sing all sorts of styles, and yes I can sing all right. But I'm definitely not in any way Classical. They tried to teach me Classical piano and guitar, but I didn't want to know. My dad started playing while little more than an infant (violin); by the time he was 9 he was already a soloist in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It's easy to find me online!

You Have to act again then, You need to beckon your muse back to you. MyIsn't London like New Yor, she has many levels of theater?my wish for you is that you win the perfect role, the one you have always wanted.You dad was a child prodigy? wow. I was singing around the house whe I was 3 but I didn't learn the violin until I was 9.I played for fun,I am so glad I wasn't pushed into it. If I were, I would have refused a long time ago.I think we finally have a British- American English break down. When I hear the woed Crooner, I think of thouse lounge lizards that play weddings. They try to sing but they don't really make it. I know you are better than that.Do you have a fav video I should look for?Do I just type in your username?

For us, a crooner is a singer who pioneered an easy melodic romantic way of singing: Bing, Sinatra, Nat Cole, Bennett, are all considered crooners. But it is not seen as derogatory. Having said that, evidently Sinatra didn't like the term; and it doesn't sound very complimentary, and these singers are so much better than that word. To hear my singing, you can either visit one of a couple of sites featuring Jim Hughes, Carl Halling and the London Swingtette; or you can just google my name, which will lead you to many sites where I can be found including music ones, or just click on the Carl Halling Home Page link, at my mylot homepage, all of which'll eventually lead you to some music of mine. Sadly, I've some songs as yet not uploaded, and I should get them together in a day or so to make the songs completed. Sooner or later though you should hear my voice! As for the acting...the enthusiasm is gone. The energy. All that. Sadly, that's the case.

Some to think of it, We would call singers crooners in the 40's. But it is a bad term to me. Frankie, Bing and Tony are great singers, they deserve a better term. There is alway hope the acting bug will return.it would be a pity not to use yur gift. But being a man and English, the older you get, the better your King Lear will be.Am I wishing fir too much? Did you want to do Shakespeare? I am sorry. Am I prshing too much? For myself, I have no ambition but for my dear friends I dream big.Forgive me?

Yes, forgiven of course. Sure, Shakespeare would be cool. But the fire is gone. Even ten years ago, while I didn't enjoy acting any more, I was still willing to overcome that to tread the boards: ambition still extant. But it was very hard. These days, I just love peace and quiet...it's not a good way to be. For some maybe; but for me...it doesn't seem right; although I have no desire to change.

Ikay.I could hear myself doing my best Lady Macbeth and we aren't even married. Let's change the subject.Yesterday was anthony Quinn's birthday. I saw Lust For Life and The Greek Tycoon.Do you like Anthony? Do you have a fav?

Lady...? I can't say the name (old actor tradition). Great part though. Yes, I do like Tony Quinn; very stylish actor. My fave Quinn role? Hmmm...a hard one that. Some of the ones I recall (prompted by imdb) include "Guns of Navarone", "Zorba the Greek" (of course), "Lawrence of Arabia" "High Wind in Jamaica", "Lust for Life", "The Magus" (very troubling movie by one of our major 20th C. writers John Fowles), "Secret of Santa Vittoria", "Revenge" (very violent movie; but Quinn was outstanding)...but he had incredible eyes didn't he...they could be soft, tragic and sentimental, they could be mysterious, magnetic, they could be terrifying. Great presence indeed...

This may seem strange but...in terms of my career: I have no desire to change...but I'd like to acquire the desire to change...I like being how I am, but part of me doesn't like...liking being...how I am, and would like to be how I was, but only in terms of drive and energy. In other ways, I prefer being how I am now, as distinct to how I was, I mean...far prefer. I would like to go back in time; but as I am now; but enjoy the energy levels of the man I was.

Opps. I'm sorry, I As you see I am not an actor. SShe was the first woman I could think of that had too much ambition for her husband. I guess I should have said Livia, Augustus' wife, I didn't and don't want to push you into Anything. so All I can do support you anyway I can.I understand, it isn't strange at all.You need you muse to come. I feel not only does she help you with your art but she gives you that drive to make it.don't be hard on yourself, you may wake up one day and just want to go an audition,Changing the subject. Have you heard that the Nfl is thinking of bringing The Super Bowl to London?

you weren't to know...I was just playing really...:o)
That said, we Thespians (actors) never say the M word!
But it is sweet of you to try and encourage me.

Yes, I did read or hear of something of that kind...

The M word is my least favorite of Shakespeare's plays. I hate the plot and it didn't help that I had to study it Instead of Hamlet in school.I will back anything you want to do, What are mates for? Cheers!

Question,Gordon Ramsay used this expression," last bite of the cherry". What? can you explain. Ta.

I finally got to hear Jim Hughes and the Swingettes . I love Isn't It A Shame. Yu remind me of a singer over hear but I don't know whom. If it comes to me, I'll write. You sound good. IO think of you as a torch song singer.

I'm especially pleased you like that song, because I wrote it myself (in the late 1980s). That recording though dates from about 2004 or 2005? We recorded it at a friend's house on his computer. I'd like to record it again one day, finances allowing. I've written many songs, but getting them recorded is always tough. One day...
I'm not sure what Mr Ramsay means by that...

You wrote it? Wow. Forget the acting, go into music. If you ever get to re record it, get a full orchestra. It is rich song, it deserves a big band treatment.Thanks with the dslang. It must be a Scots thing.ps. Did you ever see the T.V. show The Love Boat? Well it had a beautiful theme sung by Jack Jones. you remind me of him, with a British accent.

I'm so glad you like that song, and thanks for the compliment, that is encouraging: I am gratified you singled that one out it being mine and all. Jack Jones is great; I like him: his dad sang in the Marx Bros movies; his name was Allan Jones I think. Do you mean I sound like him? If so...that's a compliment; he is a great singer. Do you remember he was romantically involved with the English actress Susan George? They were quite a gilded couple...weren't they...

That's what I am saying, your sound reminds me of Jack. I remember waiting for Saturday night to hear him sing The Love Boat theme.Sometimes I wouldn't even see the show, I would just hear the theme.No I didn't know he went with Ms, George.You learn somethinf everyday. ps. I just saw a behind the scene show about Mistresses and they were on location at the bristol City Centre.Do you know it? Is it in London?

Yes, Jack and Susan even cut a single record together. They were seen as a beautiful golden "it" couple: great singer, Mr Jones, and Susan was a big star. I might see if it's on youtube. I know Bristol well! It's a big city-port in the south west of England. I was there for several months back in the early 1980s, with the Bristol Old Vic theatre, doing "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It's a big city, with its own history, very beautiful in parts, with large areas of deprivation; a tough town like most sea-ports. Oh so they film "Mistresses" there...I didn't know that...

Jack Jones Special Part Two. They are on a beach singing "You and Me Against the World". But the record they cut was "That's the way I always heard it should be". Sadly not on youtube.

so The Old Vic is in Bristol. it has been ages since i have seen A Midsummer's Night Dream.The we talk, the the longer my england trip becomes. To go to either The Old Vic and or The New Globe and see a Shakespeare play.That would be great.is there a Shakespeare play you always wanted to play but haven't yet?If it is you know what, just type M and I iknow what you mean.

I just saw Susan and Jack on the beach. They seem to be a cute couple. Jack and you both have a easy delivery that is so smooth.But you have a beautiful Brtish accent and that 's a great plus in my book.

Jack Jones cut such a dashing figure back in the 70s; I'd forgotten that: he was so cool, and what a voice. Thanks for re-introducing me to him. He and Susan George were so close: I remember how the press made such a fuss of them: golden couple and all that; and yet their romance few remember today; and they both married different people. How time flies.

Thanks for introducing me to Jack. I only knew that he sang The Love Boat theme. I gues I was either too young or I was into a different genre when he and susan were together.

I was too; I never listened to him at all until a few days ago I never liked him but I do now; but the affair with S. George was made much of in the press...

You didn't like him? Wow. I am glad you took what I said positively Like I said it was the delivery that got me.Today is Gary Cooper's birthday. I know you are not into westerns but there is a film you should see iof you haven't.in fact there are two. Meet john Doe and Ten North Frederick.they are both wholesome.

In the early '70s, I was totally into Rock and the more decadent the better, so had little patience with what I perceived as Easy Listening, although I did like Pop and Jazz and Swing, just not too much Easy. But I realise now I was utterly totally wrong about Jack Jones: he was terrific. Very stylish and charismatic, and a great singer, far better than I thought: thanks to you I have rediscovered him. We British had a great singer too: Matt Monro; but I never bothered with him either, but I love him now: he sang the great theme tune to "From Russia with Love" so wonderfully well. I've come to appreciate really great great singing. Did you know Coop's parents were both English-born? He was a first generation American.

It is never too late to get into any type of music.I am so glad I could help. While you were rocking out in the 70's ., I was into both R and B and country. My mom loved country music and my dad loved R ab . He also liked big band music and jazz. My mom blues. so listened to all these Plus easy listening before I was 13.And I played classical from 9 to 18. But when I got to be 13, that's when I got my rock and roll heart. My first obsession was Def Lepard. I love, love,love them.But I also listened to air supply. By the 90's, There was Metalica and Creed and Nirvana, and gone was most of the soft rock.Don't get me wrong, if I were to hear You light Up my Life, I will sing along but I can't and won't listen to Barry Manilow any more.so it sounds like you are going the opposite way.

Hmm...I'm not sure...it's really hard to define me musically; sorry to seem awkward but I've always loved all kinds of music including Classical from quite an early age and still do and was a massive Soul fan in the '70s as well as innumerous other things. I've never been a big fan of Manilow's, although some of his music is really good: he set some old lyrics by a great American composer whose name eludes me some years ago, and one of these "The Last Dream Home" was covered by the great Jazz singer Nancy Wilson, and I loved it to very distraction. I think I already said, I discovered Led Zep at about 13 or 14, and it was love at first listen. But I never listen to them now. In the late '70s, in reaction to Punk, there was a New Wave of British Metal, but I didn't get into it beyond the first Iron Maiden single when they had a different singer. However, Grunge and American Alternative music in the early '90s I did like very much. In about '94, I bought "Melon Collie" by the Smashing Pumpkis but realised for the first time that Hard Rock was starting to make me feel uneasy; so I stopped listening. I didn't stop liking it...just listening. I listen to music now; on special occasions; like a kind of rite...not constantly in the background like I once did.

Jonny Mercer! That was the songwriter; and Barry set music to lyrics he left behind when he died: two albums I think were the result, one for Barry himself, and one for Nancy Wilson.

I love Led Zeppelin too. What is go great about them is they have a blues qualitay to them. I was getting my mom to listen to them just before she died. I thought that she would like them because of her love of blues.Asa for New Wave, I love that too. Depeche Mode and Modern English and all the other bands I really loved.I even liked disco back in the day.The only two types of music I wasn't into were oprea and rap.But even that is changing. I have seen Carman and thanks to the movie Hustle and Flow I got to get into hip hop.When Frank Sinatra died, I went back to listen to his work, And along the way=I got into Tony Bennett and Bobby DarinSo I guess we both should just say we love all types of music.

I forgot some great music that I came to late. I was born during Woodstock but I was in diapers,American for nappys yes? Anyway, I call them My holy trilogy, jini, Jmi, and Janis.Please forgive me anmy Christians who are reading this. Hendrix is the best guitarist to ever live. Morrison brought poetry and jazz to rock and janis was blues singer who just happen to hook up with some rock musicians I may not always want to hear alice in Chains but I will Never, never tire of hearing my trilogy.

i have been thinking. Do you like Cole Porter? If so, I bet you could do a great version of Delovely.with your styling it would be great.

What! Being a Christian (I'm one) doesn't prevent you from appreciating Jimi, Jim and Janis! I've loved them too in my time. Being a Christian is a complex affair; there is conflict involved, apart from (maybe) some of those lucky ones who converted as infants; but even they are not immune to conflict. I first saw Hendrix in 1967 on TV, and was blown away...so I was in on the act pretty early!!! I am quite an authority I think. I can still listen...some of Jim's ballads I still like, special favourites of mine were always "Yes the River Knows", "Spanish Caravan" and the title track of "Strange Days", but there were many. I have quite a passage in my memoir devoted to the Doors; maybe you can check it out sometime. Of course I love Cole! You knew that...:oD Mind you, I don't listen to that much music any more...sorry if I come across as dull!

PS. Opera is great! I like real avant garde 20th C. stuff best...some Italian is nice though.

Last word: Mind you...'twas Robbie who wrote "Spanish Caravan" and "River"; but it was Jim's voice that made them great.

Last last word: I recorded a version of "Hyacinth House" on guitar in about 1971: it was awful! I still have it...:oD

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Oh...now I see. Trilogy is not offensive, and I could see nothing offensive in what you said: you avoided saying Trinity. So I felt fine about it. Thanks for being sensitive about it. No one could dispute the ballistic talent of those three, and their work had a spiritual dimension and of course all three were as you say haunted by the often tragic and desperate spiritual music of the Blues. Thanks for what you said about me not being dull, and about my singing and acting. Yes, I love Cole Porter; he is my favourite songwriter of the Great American Songbook: his Torch songs are especially wonderful: Ella Fitzgerald recorded a whole album of his work and it was sublime. I haven't seen the movie; was Kline good? He doesn't look like Cole, who had great big dark doe eyes; but he's a fine actor. Was it a good movie? Did they include his awful riding accident? Thanks for rushing to my defence...you are a loyal friend.

No I wouldn't of thought of trinity. To answer your questions about De Lovely the answer is yes. I don't want to spoil the film by telling you any more You have to rent it, better still, if you can buy it, do it. It is great. this is how I found out I had loved cole's work without knowing it. It is times like these my age shows.Did I yell at you for calling nyourself dull? If so, I am sorry . You just push ed my button.Anyway, I hope you see De Lovely real soon.

No, I didn't feel you yelled at me in the remotest bit...and anyway, even if you had that would have been fine, because you were doing so in defence of me. That is good in my book; and it bolstered my self-confidence, so thank you.
I'll hire that movie through my DVD Club forthwith.
I like Cole Porter so much because he was one of the few great American songwriters of the Golden Age who wrote both music and lyrics. Now it's common, but back then most songwriters used great lyricists, like Ira Gershwin, Lorenz Hart, Sammy Cahn, Oscar Hammerstein and so on...

Anytime. I am glad . you should feel good about yourself.You are unique. so am I . I glad, better proud to call you a mate. Please tell me how you like the film. If you love Cole, your should love this film. Not only did Cole write the music and the lyrics, both were/are so smart and rich. I think I have many favs but the two that come to mind are Night and Day and So In Love, I hope I have the title right. It is the one from Kiss me Kate.anyway, it's music is rich and the words are perfect fit.

I need your help again, Where is Bristol? And is Brighton far from London?Thanks again.

That's right..."So in Love"; Ella did a great version. For me "Night and day" is best done by Frankie: he sings it with such passion: not the '40s version; the later one. Wild! Bristol is in the south west of England just across from Wales. Brighton is on the south coast in east Sussex. Neither are too far from London. A few hours in a train...

Ta. What i think I need is a huge, blow up map of Britain so I can really learn.I just saw Gordon Ramsay's show when he went to a soul food restaurant in Brighton.It was the first time he loved the food so he just needed to change how it was being served.You are so lucky to still have a great train system, I love trains, do you?

It's strange you don't have a train system any longer (apart from Subways of course): trains were once such a big part of American folklore, especially in the West. Everyone travels on trains here. I have done so virtually since I was an infant. I used to like travelling into the city as the sun was setting before a night out; that was a real thrill. But these days I have no real cause to use trains. The city has come to suburbia! Only a few miles up the road lies a major Greater London urban centre which has everything you'd want in London. I used to visit quite regularly; I'm sure I'll do so again before too long...

We do have Amtrak but it isn't as vast as it used to be. About 30 years ago, you cold have come in from London at New York and pick up a train and travel across country.And back then there .were more train stations.I guess you still can but Amtrak wouldn't stop at the little cities that you are really interested in. I have to check but I assume it only stops at major cities. Back in 1997, my mum and I took the train south to New Orleans. It took about 12 hours I believe, It was the best trip, I love trains.

I just heard a great song that I think you could really wrap yourself around.It isd My One And only Love. Have you heard Sting's version? It's on You tube. It's a great ballad.I am not trying to be Mrs, you know who, It'd just I could hear you doing this song.

I love that song so very much! It's one of my favourites in the world ever! The only version I've heard though that I feel really does justice to it is Ella Fitzgerald's: she sings it from the depths of her soul and it makes you weep. I'm a Sting fan though and always have been. Oh wow, I'd love to record that song. I just watched "Let's Get Lost", a movie documentary about Chet Baker. Have you ever heard of Chet? I'm convinced you'd like this movie...

No, I haven't heard of Chet but I'll keep my eyes open for Let's get lost. I have the Independent Movie channel and Sundance channel and they air documentaries.Sting's version was my first version I have heard. Is Ella's on You Tube?Fancy that I pick one of your favs.Well the best way to have your muse not only visit but stay is to do what you love, So when you get back to the studio, record My One and Only Love And please, please post it so I can hear it.

Yes, it's uncanny you picked one of my favourite ever songs: it would be a dream come true for me to record it and as soon as I do I'll get it onto youtube. Sadly, Ella's version is not on youtube, but there's a version by Frankie, and it's just wonderful, almost as good as Ella's. I think you'd like "Let's Get Lost": it's very stylish, and Chet Baker was an icon as a young man, described as a cross between Elvis, James Dean and Jack Kerouac. His version of "My Funny Valentine" is definitive: he sings too, and he's great. You'll love it...but it's sad too: Chet didn't survive to see the first screening.

don't kil me but I prefer Sting's version. Frankie's version is more big band and Sting's is more jazz. Have you heard Sting's? Don't get me wrong, there are songs that I won't listen to Unless it is Frankie singing like The way You Look Tonight or the Lady Is a Tramp.do me a favor love, listen to Sting's version and tell me if you like it.Cheers.

I've heard Sting's! And as I've told you before, I've always been a very big fan. Wasn't Sting's version used on the soundtrack of "Leaving Las Vegas"? When I first heard it, I thought...oh no...Sting is singing my favourite song: he can't do that, he's a Rock singer. Don't get me wrong: Sting is one of the greatest Rock vocalists ever: it is not a question of passion: when Sting sings from the heart, he brings me out in shivers (cf. on the last Police CD); I just have a problem accepting him as a Jazz singer. I like Frankie's version a lot, but even he can't bring it off the way I want (you're right: sometimes, the Big Band stylings spoil the beauty of the song). I'm fussy because it's close to being my favourite ever song. Sorry: but you've got to hear Ella. Only she will do. PS. I'll take a 2cnd listen to Sting: so far I've only heard it in the background of that movie.

I heard Sting's version and it serves as an introduction to one of the most beautiful songs ever written; but... I can only urge you to hear Ella's version: it takes the song to a whole new place. Please: Go to Amazon; type in "My One and Only Love" - Ella Fitzgerald: it's there; I've seen it with my own baby blues. Sting sings his own work wonderfully. I'm a massive fan; always have been.

I am just as fussy with my favorite songs. No need to apologize . And you don't have to listen to sting's version again if you don't want to. don't do it for me.Ta. I knew I heard Sting's version watching a movie but I couldn't remember which. When I posted my idea for yo, I had just heard it on either a commerical or another t.v. show. Baby blue eyes? Yum. I will check Ella's version.

Amazon has about 5 different versions and I previewed each. There was one that didn't have strings in the band. I liked that one the best. it was closer to Sting's version. This is the first time I am complaining about having too many strings,I am going to be thrown out of the union. Anyway, in this case I like Sting's the best, Ella second and Frankie third.But if you did it, you would be my favorite.Your voice, Sting's instruments at Ella's tempo would be great. does that make sense? Did I offend you?

hen I read Baby Blues, it reminded me of Elton john's song Blue Eyes. Did you like Sir Elton in the 70's? I got into him in the early 80's and you will never guess how. a character on one of my soaps sang Your Song, then I saw him on MTV a lot,then I went back to his hits from the 70's.How about you?

Sometimes, Rock artists tackling the songwriting greats is just what the doctor ordered: for instance, there is a song called "It Could Happen to You" which I love by Robert Palmer more than by anyone, and Palmer's Jazz voice was a limited instrument (great Rock voice though). Somehow though, Robert managed to nail the pathos in this song. Sting for me misses the mark with "My One and Only..." but this is no reflection on Sting's emotional power: his own songs he sings to perfection. But I don't want to dismiss this version because you like it and that would not be kind: What I will say is that this is a Jazz not a Pop song, and Sting sings it Jazz-style, ie, easy, not over-singing, much in the same way Chet Baker used to sing: Sting after all began as a Jazz musician. So maybe I'm being a bit hard on him. Elton? I kinda liked him in the early '70s: 'round about the time of "Rocket Man" and so on. Since then though I've not paid too much attention, although he's a superb songwriter; and I always did love "Blue Eyes" I have to say; beautiful song.

First I knew of Elton he was this studious looking guy writing serious songs for the singer-songwriting genre and then bam! he reivents himself as a Glam Rocker in the UK, teetering on high heels singing "Saturday Night's All Right for Fighting"...out-Slading Slade...(Slade massive Glam Rock act in the UK in the '70s)

You are not being unkind, you are being truthful and I need that from you at all times.I am just sorry I don't like Ella's version s much as you. I didn't know sting started as a jazz artist, now everything makes sense.My all time favorite Sir Elton, I love using the sir,is Sorry Seems to be The Hardest Word.The music and words are a perfect fit. you can hear the heartbreak in every note. do you have a favorite?

Talk about being fussy about your favorite version of songs, I was at the supermarket and they played Bono and Mary j. Blige's version of One. it is okay but the original U2 version is my favorite. And the video is great . Well wait a minute it had two videos for it, I prefer the video where it is just Bono at a table looking into the camera. Classic.

Question. in the mid 70's were you into disco or rock and roll? Me, i was more into disco. I didn't really hear all the great rock and roll songs from the 70's until the 80's.

I was only an Elton fan in the '70s: I like a lot of his 70s songs, especially "Daniel" "Rocket Man" and a good many from "Yellow Brick Road". "Blue Eyes" as I said, "Someone saved my life...", "Sorry" is excellent (great words by Taupin). "Philadelphia Freedom": excellent! I liked both (Rock and Disco)! I always loved Soul Music. I liked Disco but it was known as Soul not Disco in the UK. I got into Soul music in about 1971 or earlier; especially Philly Soul, then Dance/Soul; all the greats. I even liked Pop Soul (like the Moments; Hues Corporation &c.) It was massive in the UK! London has always been a big R&B centre. As early as '74, dance floors were flooded with R&B. By 77, Soul was increasingly using electronica (start of House music): Donna Summer was a big big favourite. I never knew it as Disco. Bee Gees were labelled Disco but not originally: "Jive Talking" was Soul/R&B as I see it (1975). I disliked travesty like "Disco Duck"; for me that was Disco! I never liked Chic at the time; they weren't cool to me (like Donna Summer); but now I love them! Nile Rodgers; Bernard Edwards...what a team! I loved Soul Music; and liked quite a lot of House/Dance too. It's on the wane in the UK...you know...it's funny...I miss it...I miss the '90s

Mary J Blige's version of "I'm Going Down" was sublime; as good as the Rose Royce original! usually I prefer an original...but in this case...

Sometimes I think we need to write that British English- American English dictionary. Over here, R and B was called soul in the 70's.Soul would have been Diana Ross, Ashford and Simpson, the Jackson Five. While disco was The Bee Gees, Donna summer, Gloria Gaynor and the others.I liked both.I didn't like Disco Duck either.

I didn't know how much I missed the 90's until I heard Extreme's More Than Words.90's mean grunge and great, great hard rock and roll.and the 80's too.I miss Metallica, and Creed, Pearl jam and Nivanna. Thankfully On my T.V. I have music channels and there is a 80's channel and a 90's channel.

Soul grew out of R&B and Gospel in the late 50s/early 60s: by R&B I mean Rythym and Blues. Rock and Roll also emerged from this, combined with Country and other influences. By around '74 (maybe), there was a mutation into Disco. But it was never known as such in the UK. It just continued being known as Soul. It was only towards the end of the 70s that the term Disco was used to describe a strand of Soul, which was particularly commercial. All this of course according to my memory (others may see it all differently)But there was never the same antagonism between Rock and Disco over here, which is why maybe the term was not used much; not as I recall anyway. For example Punks never turned agains Soul; some continued enjoying it; even more so Reggae though. But by the end of the 70s, the term Disco was being used: what with the Disco craze and so on producing terrible novelty records like Disco Duck. Soul continued to be big in the UK in the '80s, in clubs especially, but electronic this time, which anticipated the House explosion. Both R&B and Soul are American musics, so we would have a different view on it; but it's always been very prominent in the UK. Still is. But in the form of (new) R&B these days, not Soul. All these terms are confusing aren't they!

Actually "Disco Duck" is not all that bad and quite funny really; but you know: when you're young you tend to be a terrible musical snob. Even as early as 75, there were comedy Disco records; do you remember Disco Tex?

I liked a lot of early 90s Grunge and Alternative too; but I think I told you I stopped listening sometime in the '90s through conscious choice not taste. I kinda abandoned that kind of angsty rage that makes Rock such fun to play at loud volume: I always loved Rock with a deep Gothic core which was for me always best achieved by the Alternative. And Nirvana were certainly that; although finding themselves mainstream.

You describe dd what I remember, over here when disco became real popular,a war erupted between rockers and disco.I believe it was because of two factors. to play disco, rock was pushed aside and a underlining homophobic feeling about disco.The latter is a guess. I do remember the ' death' of disco.At a pro baseball game, fans were told to bring their disco records and before the game they burned them.That's why I asked the question. At the time I was in the disco camp. And I was listening to country and learning classical violin. That's why i am was about 10 years late getting my rock n roll heart.R and B and country had a child and they called it Rock and Roll.That brings us to the King.I have always thought I was born too late. I just got to hear Elvis and then he was gone. I got to know him in 1977.My friend had Hound Dog and Don't be Cruel on a 45.So I fell in love with his music and him personally years after his death. Were you into Elvis?

No, I haven't heard of Disco Tex.What is your favorite disco/ Soul song? The first one that comes to mind is If I Can't Have You from Saturday Night Fever,

This post is a whole lot of questions . hang in there with me. Did or do you like The Smashing Pumpkins? I love Bullets With Butterfly Wings.it is a dire song and that's why I still love it. I can still rock to it. Do you have a song that still does it to you? Do you like Billy Joel? We talked about one piano man what about the other? How about Patsy Cline.I love, love singing along with her.But I don't when she sings you Cheating Heart or Faded Love. Have you heard either? I get a chill down my spine.two more, are you still with me? Shouldn't Peter O'Toole be knighted by now. And Do you like colin Firth. If so, put Girl In Pearl Earring on your Dvd cue. It is a great film about Vermeer.take your time answering these.They all came to me all at once.

Great posts as always. You've given me plenty to think and write about: I love it.
First, the musical war. In the UK there was no serious war between Rock and Disco: leastwise not that I recall: I am only one witness. Why? R&B has always resonated with the soul of the British young, especially but by no means exclusively in London. Ever since the very early '60s when a group of working class youth known as the Mods took up Blue Beat, and then early Soul or Motown, it has been part of British urban working class life. More so in London than anywhere, but by no means exclusively. In the late '60s, Reggae came in; and then by the mid-70s, there was a sizeable group of working class youth known as the Soul Boys. In the north of England, there was a large scene known as the Northern Soul scene who dug obscure Soul imports. Because it's not our music (unlike Hard Rock which we lay some serious claim to), we have approached it differently. Although in the late '70s, I think there was something of a backlash against its mass-commercialisation; can't recall really. I liked the music from "Saturday Night Fever" but not the Disco craze: I was a terrible musical snob. The Soul Boys wore things like short floppy hair, straight leg trousers, popped collars, pointed shoes: by about '77, the classic Disco "look" was not current in the cool clubs here. There were many heavy metal kids too; they tended to be from non-urban areas; but not exclusively of course: it had always been massive in the Midlands I think. I had a good friend who was into HM in about '77 and he was a nice guy; there was no hostility even though I was into Soul and Punk/New Wave ( and innumerous other things). Hostility existed in about '77 between Punks and fans of old-style Rock and Roll though. Soul music continued to be massively successful throughout the '80s: but without the Disco orchestration, electronic Soul. Some British kids around about that time ('79) could be into dance music; but they could also be into New Wave as I recall: there was a kinda merging; it's very complex I'm not sure if I'm expressing it right but that merging occurred again 10 years later. After its heydey in the early '70s, Hard Rock was never as mainstream again, unlike in the US: there are many Hard Rock fans in the UK though and they have their own look, fave bands, and so on: many young people are into Metal/Hard Rock here. There was a big revival of interest in the late '70s; and then again in the early '90s with the US Alternative: this was very big here. Yes, I liked Smashing Pumpkins and many other Alternative bands: but I stopped listening circa '96: I stopped liking frenzied loud Rock: I just lost the taste. It started making me feel uncomfortable. I have rarely listened to any Hard Rock since. I'm not saying I don't enjoy it: it's just a feeling of it being not what I should be listening to: that I shouldn't enjoy it. My favourite Soul/Disco song: oh far too many to mention. I love so many. In the '70s I loved Stevie Wonder, so anything from classic '70s Stevie would be up there. I loved Philly Soul: Delphonics was the band that first got me into this music: "La la la means I lvoe you" is still a very very special favourite of mine. Stylistics were good too; their first album is still very dear to me. Yes; I do like Billy Joel; not all but a good deal. 52cnd Street was a special fave: "Rosalinda's Eyes" love that. Did you ever hear "The Nylon Curtain"? Yes; I liked Elvis: he was 21 when I died and I remember where I was. I especially like the early Sun Records (Rockabilly) sessions: "Long Train Coming" is probably my very favourite. But it's so sad what happened to him: fame can be terrible to the human spirit. Perhaps it's best I never got that dream after all. Peter O'Toole should he be knighted? I'm not sure if he's British or Irish by citizenship (possibly dual); but that doesn't matter: he can get an honorary one. Colin Firth is a good actor: my mum loves him so yes I love him too...;oD Do you like Colin?

Sorry: I meant: I was 21 when he (Elvis) died. I was in Spain at the time and I think I can recall it coming over the radio. Strange thing is...I used to do a lot of Elvis impersonations back then: perhaps days previously I performed "Blue Suede Shoes" in front of a group of folks which brought the house down.

Wow. and I thought you would be annoyed that I was asking too many questions all at once. don't worry love, you explained perfectly and it makes sense. You Brits have beeter taste in our music than we. Here rock and roll was king and then Disco tried to take over. R and B had its strong hold but only in urban areas.Pop music was what we call the soft rock and folk .But in London, Soul was and still is king. As for punk rock, it remained in the background, a niche offshoot of rock until Nirvanna. Then a slower version of punk was deemed alternative.You were 21 in 1977? I was 10. So you are a little older but we both were too young to have Relly enjoyed Woodstock, damn it! You should enjoy the music you enjoy. I can still listen to Hard rock and love it the same way I did when I first heard it. It still shoots through me like a lightning bolt.But it isn't the most wholesome music to listen to I can understand and surpport your taste chsnge.Forgive me but I can't see you as Elvis. My blonde Blue eye mate who looks like Beau Bridges back in the day as Elvis? Elvis and Patsy Cline are the two singers that can bring a chill to my spine. As for colin Firth, my mum loved him too. She saw him in Pride And Prejudice and fell in love, me, it took until I saw him as Vermeer in Girl In Pearl Earring.Up until then he played the husband or straight laced fellow but as Vermeer, he had long hair and was an passionate artist. Yummy!

Beau Bridges? Well, he is just one of nearly 100 people I have been compared to: I am a chameleon; but if you wish to see me as Beau, that is fine. I like Beau. Also: I hate to admit to this vanity, but until about 1999, I used to bleach my hair. My actual hair colour is actually darker (medium/dark brown) than that of Elvis, who was a natural dark blond before he started dyeing it jet black. And we both have light eyes: I don't ressemble him though of course. As a suburban Brit though, I make no claims to being even remotely like Elvis, a southern kid from Mississippi; but I can sound like him and dance like him (which is all people want: Elvis has an iconic image, easily duplicated): I have always done impressions, and have actually made money from them. But obviously I'm not anything like him; but then that's fine: I'm not a major fan: I just thought he was cool in the early Sun Records days (loved the Rockabilly style): the big ballads of the late years do nothing for me: he loved Sinatra and the great crooners, just as as an actor he loved Dean. I think he could have grown as a singer (just as as an actor): I love "Blue Hawaii": that is the direction he could.should have gone; but some of his ballads were not worthy of him. I do like a lot of the early '60s stuff though; it's fun: like "Such a Night". Oh yes...I feel that rush too: things like "Immigrant Song"; but it's not a rush I feel comfortable with: yes; Hard Rock is dark. The origins: in the London Jazz and Blues scene was not dark: it just got that way. What I love and what I ought to love are two different things: I am not my own as it were.

Sorry: I meant "Slow Train Coming": "Long Train Coming" is by the Doobie Bros. I think. I was old enough to want to be a hippie. I got into all that: I was incredibly precocious. The music; the image...great: I so wanted to drop out. Looking back though: it's not something I feel any kinship with any more. There's an ambivalence: it marked my childhood strong. But I view it now from another dimension, looking on with different eyes (OK still blue but...)...I see its flaws.
Well: I'll love Colin Firth to fit in with you all. OK?

I picked Beau because you look like him in the picture from this post.and blonde from your older avatar.I don't care what color your hair is, you would look bald. It really doesn't matter.But with that said, i love dark haired men with blue eyes. Elvis is King here still. I like his early stuff but his ballads make me lose my breath. I think it is because i am a girl and his voice is so sexy."Love Me" takes my breath away.And are you Lonesome Tonight is great.Don't you dare just agree with me on anything.Keep telling the truth. If you aren't into Colin, that's okay. Mates don't lie to each other, ever.what can I do to help you own what you like. I know yu area gentleman but I am a yank and I rather you tell me straight out what you like and what you don't. You should be proud to like whatever you like, I was born following what I like and I never stopped. sometimes No means never and I am not afraid to say so. If I can help you be a little like me, let me know. you mentioned blues eyes. I hearing Elton john again. Cheers.

I would always say that if I were born early enough, i would have a record for biting a cop during a demonstration. I wouldhave loved to have gone to Woodstock.I am more ativist than hippie but I would have loved to drop out too.Last Halloween I went as a hippie . It was so much fun.do you have a holiday where adults dress up in customs?

Did I snap at you again? I'm sorry. I respect your choice in everything.I may not agree but I do respect iit and I need to know it, your true feelings about everything. what are mates for?So promise me, you won't hold back on anything.

Oops.I meant to say I respect and treasure all your responses. and I was wrong, you look more like Beau in the picture for your original names post.

I am lost for words; sorry but I don't quite know how to answer. I may have to take some time out here. I have too many problems (family illness etc.) to spend too much time here now from now on. But I'll catch you bye and bye.

Get back to me when you can. I hope everything goes okay. if you need to talk shoot me a private message.

Sure thing...

You really should read my memoirs, because the Carl you know from here is not a true flesh and blood impression. In truth I am highly outspoken; Here, I measure every word: I feel I have to online. But I still love being online...it's great...

Funny the only thing that is made up is my username.I wish I were born a Sarah.all I ask is that you be truthful. You don't have to guarded with me.let me have it, I can take it, especially if I accidentally push your buttons.I love all your responses, even when we don't see eye to eye.Is everything okay? I thought itwoud be a few days before I woud hear from you.

I promise you that I will tell you everything save m=the name on my birth certificate. I hate, hate it.

I have been truthful. I have been discreet is all. If we were talking by phone you might find me overbearing once we got to know each other really well. But: I am going out of my way to polite; because this is the internet: I have to be discreet. That is what I feel. others may disagree; but I have been online since 2001: you acquire an internet style. I am sorry: you will not know anything other than a severely muted "Carl" here. Believe me; in real life they don't come more ornery (It's the Celt in me)! Take advantage! (big smile)

I don't respond to Elvis like you; OK granted; but I can still respond to a male voice: I love Sinatra's, and myriad other male voices. I just don't think Elvis was as good a singer as Sinatra (take it from me: there is no Elvis fan club quite like the British one): but then no one wore a pair of pink peg top pants quite like the young Elvis; man that guy was cool. Sorry...yes...I was gonna take some time out...deep discussions are sometimes too much for me. I prefer to write than talk in general; I mean creatively. In life, I tend to hold court: not a good habit! but man, I have so enjoyed our talks.

I hate phones I rather go to a quiet pub and sit face to face so we could discuss things. alas all we have is Mt Lot.Polite is one thing but discrete isn't necessary.Aren't we mates? I kknow what happened. you seem to like Colin just because mum and i love him. don't do that .If you don't like anything please tell me. if you have to be a gentleman online, I don't care just don't go with the flow a truthful, heated response is far better than a polite one.i don;t want to fight or disagree, but if we do clash, it is okay and I want a little od the real Carl to come out if a post irritates or down right angers you.Like when I mentioned basic Instinct, remember?that's all i ask.

Ok your Highness! I have really loved our talks. a break for another creative out is good. A break because of something bad happening is bad. Sinatra had a stronger voice but he doesn't bring chills to my spine.Did you see the movie The Commitments? I love the scene where you are at the house and there are two pictures on the wall, a small picture of Pope John Paul and a Huge picture of Elvis.Classic and fitting.I didn't get into Frankie until 1997.So I am late to the party.

I saw Colin in the play "Another Country" in about 1980, and he was good in that. He's fine; I love the guy. I was just being light-hearted: I was not agreeing for the sake of it; I was just avoiding commitment in a fun way. In real life, I can be emotional even explosive; but that is not right for online. It can lead to complications. Compared to many internet users, I am pretty open I feel. Way I see it: the longer you are online, the more discreet you become; it's been 8 years for me now. Now I weigh every word. It's best.

He brings chills to my spine!!! I love Sinatra's voice; but the same goes for thousands of others. I'm not an Elvis fan. But I still insist that in his youth he was the most photogenic coolest most stylish dude to walk the earth. Hey: I won't be taking time out. I think we have cleared some air here. I like our convos too much to quit!

" What we have here is a failure to communicate." forgive me. Now I understand.I have only been online since 2005.We are a like, I can be explosive too.i was thinking, it is best we don't talk face to face.It would take me about 20 minutes to really listen to your words and not your beautiful accent.I can see it, you would ask a eep question and there would be a pause.I a glad yu cleared this up. don't just leave My Lot on your hiatus without dropping a line. if I have more questions, i'll save them until you come back.

No; I never saw that movie; not my scene! Re. Colin...Colin's a great actor; really. I love the guy and wish him well. I'm an actor too: we have to support each other.

I love them too.your one of my best mates. and besides we have so many different genres of music to dicuss yet.We still haven't even talked about the Beatles or the Stones.

No; there'd be no pauses...I am unsufferably garrulous...if left to my own devices I will dominate every conversation: I have been known to talk for hours while the other person just listens and asks the occasional question or says the odd encouraging thing! That is my favourite way...:o)

Sarah (sorry I know you this way)...can we be friends rather than mates? mates tends to be between guys: and is very "street"; which is cool; it just seems strange between you and me.

Thank you for saying I'm one of your best mates: you are kind to say that. And I do appreciate it, friend, mate, pal...whatever term used, it was a very kind thought.

And what's wrong wit that. If you haven't noticed, I love to hear/read what you have to say.and to hear your accent for hours would be great.you just don't know what an English accent does to me. The Commitments is about an Irish musical group who play R and B.it is wholesome . you will love it.warning, they are sining, better yet playing homage to Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin.Now like yu, I have a fierce loyalty to the original version of songs, with me being so young I better say my first version of a song,believe me they do a great job.Check you DVD rental place they should have it.promise me if you don't like it, just fast forward to the scene at the house, I think it is fairly in the beginning.I don't evr want you to sit through a film I suggest that you initially hate .Life is too short, you could be " Holding Court".

Okay how about best friend?

Besides over here, mate is match with soul and means something completely different.Friends it is. ps. Am I using Cheers correctly.The first time I hear it as a signing off was at work when I help a Englishman.what an accent!

You are not much younger than me; OK you are quite a bit...but I have friends of all ages. No; the Commitments I will never see. I don't like that era of Raw Soul. Arthur Conley; Pickett; Otis; not my scene; although I thought James Brown was the most amazing peformer. I like Soul when it became more "Pop": Motown. I also loved Sam Cooke: he was the beginning of Pop Soul for me. The Beatles were deeply influenced by Motown/Pop-Soul: Lennons' "Please Mr Postman" is even better than the original! Sorry, purists! I am beginning to understand you more: you said in one of your posts that you are intensely loyal to those you like. I am now starting to see this: I am going to have to remember this and respect it. Best friend? I am honoured.

Fair enough.I can't tell you how many times I hear a song and then find out my first taste is a good cover.I should see if the scene I am talking about is on You Tube.Here is another time I wish I could knock you up and pop in my copy and show you the scene and then pop it out.Done.True, if we were dating and my dad were alive, the age difference would be nothing but when it comes to the music you remember and what I finally got into is Huge gap.Did I make you feel old? 'Cause you are not.

I guess so. I have always been strangely childlike; so it's strange to be seen as older than others; but then I am. Yes, the gap is large of course. But few suspect my age: I look at least ten years younger and always have done. But of course you are right: culturally it is there! I am a Baby Boomer; you are an X-er. Although I am not a typical Boomer: I love my generation; but I am very different to many from it. I was always more rebellious, more irresponsible, crazier, wilder, more eccentric, more radical than anyone around: I mean to the point of being a misfit...now: I'm a Christian, and it's so strange to be more conservative than your own once square dad! But that is Christianity: it is often the unlikeliest folks that become Christian. But I wouldn't change it...but it can be lonely.

Your chosen path should bring you joy, not pain.I don't find you a misfit. you are unique. As for me, I have a baby face. People think I am at least 10 years younger than I really am.Gen X is great to be except when I have a hard time telling the difference between The Temptations and the Four Topsnd other plunders i do that show my age.so maybe the Sinatra- Elvis thing isn't just a matter of taste.I fear my age is showing.

I am failing to realise that there is indeed an age-gap: this is the hubris of the generation that invented youth: leastwise we like to think we did. Yes; I was always baby-faced too: I was still being mistaken for 25 at 43! But now: no; I really am starting to age; even that icon photo dates from 2002!
Elvis was a good singer; just not as good as Sinatra in my view but yes it is taste: Elvis could have grown as an artist; but fame was hard on him. But Elvis had it hard, so hard. My theory of fame: many of those who are drawn to it, they have deeply sensitive natures; and fame is the last thing they should have. But their natures crave that love. They come to fame with several skins too few. Elvis was (in my view) such a person, and it was the root of his incredible charisma. Sinatra had charisma too; but it was largely contained in his incredible voice. But maybe Elvis should never have left home...should have embraced a simpler lifestyle...should have sung Gospel and Country rather than Rock...on a smaller scale.Of course the world would have been deprived of the legend; but Elvis: he may have had a happier life.
I can't see how your age is showing in this respect: Elvis and Frankie are both not of your generation and furthermore not even of mine.
But how could a person not be moved by Elvis? He was a sweet guy as a young man: and incredibly handsome: he changed of course: but that sensitivity: was always there. May have contributed to his terrible pain.

Christianity brings pain and suffering: The Bible says...it has to. It is inevitable. But thanks for understanding.

He was a typical Capricorn.I should know, I was due on his birthday but I came a day early. We Capricorns are sensitive, and sometimes volatile, and stubborn. sound familiar. and we are loyal too . But the sensitivity is what can get you in trouble.Frankie was a Sagittarius. They have more of a tougher skin.Maybe it isn't my age, it is just me. I didn't really make a conscious effort to listen to Frankie until he died. I always feel like I am trying to catch up. the only music I feel I was just in time for was grunge. It was the perfect music at the perfect time.Christianity is suppose to bring pain? I don't like that, I don't want my best friend in pain, ever.I want you to be happy. ps. I was just in time for new Wave of the 80's and the rock of the 80's. I loved, lusted and dreamy about Def Leppard.I also like Inxs and Aerosmith of the late 80's early 90's. that's my time, he music of my teen years. classics now.

As you may have guessed, I don't believe in astrology. I used to; in fact: I used to interpret birth charts...not just the sun signs; I mean the whole charts: but when I became a Christian I stopped believing in it; so how did I interpret? I have my theories. You are more likely to listen to me about Christianity than somone who preaches at you: and that is a good thing. We are friends; and you know I came from the world; so I understand it: I do not judge it. You respect my views, as I do yours. I was not raised Christian: my dad is an unbeliever; and my mum was lapsed (she has returned thank the Lord). One thing though I do agree with you: Frankie was tougher than Elvis; a survivor. Elvis was soft-centred and that is one of the reasons why he is so loved. Of course he changed; of course he hardened: but that was to some degree the fame that did that; so many temptations: I feel Elvis desperately missed his youth; his mom; the simple rural life: it is this pathos, this tragedy that makes him so special. Frankie had the better voice: but Elvis's life is like a grand tragedy; it is mythic: so when you say you love Elvis I more than understand: and he looked so great. Frankie had a nice face; but Elvis was out of this world good looking.

You were born January 7?

As a teenager i loved hard Rock and Prog. But my "age" well it was Glam Rock (Bowie et al): this was my Grunge as it were. I was 17 in 1972-73, and this was my first year of freedom after leaving school: the effect it had on British youth was cataclysmic: not that I knew apart from me: I was isolated in my bedroom. I didn't come out of my shell until about '75, drawn by a Disco beat...

Yes that's my birthday, Jan 7 1967.I wasn't born Jewish. My mom was an agnosist, my dad was a baptist but we didn't really practice any religion.I have sen pictures of what I think is my christening.when I was about 13 i fell in love with Judaism, by that time my dad had died and my mom supported my thank G-d. I have been practicing ever since.that is why I love that I get to use the name Sarah here.It is the name given to female converts and I find it more beautiful than the name on the birth certificate, I would legally change it but my real name is my mom's favorite name. I lost her in 2005 and it seemed too disrespectful to legally change my name.

While yu were listening to glam rock in your room, I was running around and listening to the Jackson Five.Around 1975 or so i was into country and R and B. and then Elvis. I was listening to them in my room too. I broke my shell when I got to highschool and got my rock and roll heart and some cool friends.It sounds like we have more things in common.

Believe it or not, I know you will, I loved Elvis' music before I got my crush on him. I started listening when I was about 9 or . Love can about ten years later.Remember the song Black Velvet by Alannah Myles? it says it all.

I am not so into astrology, but when I see traits I share with my fellow Capricorns, i always wonder, are They a Capricorn? we run the gambit from sinner to saint. Capone, Martin Luther King, Elvis, Nixon, and yours truly.What a gang.being curious I saw Frost Nixon and saw my alter ego in Nixon.Our politics are far different but the way we view enemies is exactly the same.talking about a being who should have never been in a public office.It was uncanny. I just sat there on my birthday, two days before his and understanding every more except disrtoying the tapes.So there is some truth to it. it was so weird.

You can take any "sun sign" and run off a list of diverse and extraordinary figures; I share my "sun sign" (don't believe in em) with an equally incredible group of people (heroes and monsters), as does anyone born under a "star sign": I don't think anything links em. Sorry, but that's what I think...

I loved Jackson Five. One of my all time 70s records: "Looking Thorugh the Window...the window of you heart oh baby!" I envied them and Cassidy and Donny Osmond: i wanted that kind of power over an audience. It was so unlike me; and old Prog/Hard Rock man...here I was loving the Pop charts, and wanting to be a Pop star! But no one wanted to know. You collect a lot of reject slips and letters in my game...

That's okay. I like my group of Capricorns, all the fellas tried to rule the world one way or another.Where music is involved, there shouldn't be any shame.Between the two of us, we love All the types of music.Funny i never thought I could or would play for money,I was having too much fun at it.Am I prying, what is your birthday?If you want to keep it a secret, I will understand.

One of my favorite songs just went through my head. did or do you like Ozzy and Lita Ford's duet, If I close My eyes Forever? Great power ballad. Do you like power ballads? I do, they are the perfect mix of the romance of the pop songs I love and the music of hard rock.Inxs' Never Tear Us Apart, winger's Headed for A Heartbreak are others I love. ps.Did you see the movie The Big Chill. is that the era of soul you like? I am confused .Can you give me an example of a group you like and a group you don't and I'll try to keep it straight. Ta.

If I tell you my b'day, you will see me as a certain sign (big smile) It's easy to track down...I am all over the internet...power ballads? I was never keen on the classic '80s anthemic power ballad: but looking at a list of power ballads (for a CD compilation), I am confronted with songs I like and they are: The One I love (REM), Easy (like Sunday morning etc.), Dreams (2 versions; but Corrs one singled out here), Without You - Nilsson (courtesy of Badfinger), Ordinary World - Duran Duran, Drive - The Cars...so I surprised myself. So, yes I do like power ballads...contrary to what I thought.

Soul acts/groups I like would be (apologies when these are not strictly Soul): Delfonics, Moments, Chi-Lites, Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Jackson Five, Detroit Spinners, The Stylistics. Mainly 70s Soul; rather than '60s. I like a lot of '80s Soul too, and lots of Dance music.

Ta. I got it and I wrote it down.Do you like Duran Duran's Come Undone? it was my favorite song that year. I loved, loved the video.when Andy, I think it was andy looked at the camea, i fell in lust.Anyway, It is great song.Have you heard Velvet Revolver's I Fall to Pieces? It is the last current song I love. The video is on you Tube. warning, the video shows drug use but the song is great.

there ar two genres we haven't talked about, folk and country.As I remember it, In 1974 I was listening to country with my mum and soul, mostly current,with my dad.But mostly country.that's why to this day I have more 45's of country than any other genre.Then I got my rock n roll heart around 1980 so i didn't listen as much.Then in the early 90's i returned to hear Alan Jackson,Vince Gill, and all the others who kept up the real country sound.these days the songs sound like pop songs played with a few country instruments.Where is the steel guitars and fiddles?as for folk, I sang some folk songs in elementary school in chorus.How about you Were yu like me," country when country wasn't cool,"?

No; I haven't seen that video. I used to like G&R (pre-Christian days) though. I love Folk, all kinds. Yes I know that song "Come Undone": it's pretty nice. My favourite from Duran Duran from the '80s was "Save a prayer": great song; so escapist. I'd have liked that life oce! Now... Things are so hard over here: financial and health woes. My poor family is being out through it so bad. Ah well...must stay strong.

I'm impressed...you found my b'day...

I'm sorry to hear that, anything I can do or say?i didn't find your birthday. I didn't even look.Birthdays are personal. for some the day is very joyous, I'm like that, but for others it isn't.I asked about Guns and Roses because Slash and the fellas got with the singer from S.T.P. and made Velvet Revolver. I fall to Pieces was their first hit.It' great, power ballad.Oh no, answer me this, is there a rock or hard rock song you still like now?

After further review, I think my favorite 80's Duran, Duran is,, there's a tie, Say a Prayer and Rio.

D'oh1 I meant Save a Prayer.was it their first ballad that was a hit?

Yes, I think it was: it's a power ballad; but also New Wave/Electronica. Duran Duran began life as part of the New Romantic movement which swept through Britain in about 1980: "Planet Earth" their first big hit: I was a kinda fellow traveller as it were, a hanger-on; but I went to the clubs and enjoyed the scene. Check out New Romantic on youtube: Duran's first song even includes the line "Like some new romantic..." yes, there are Hard Rock songs I still like, lots of them, and occasionally I will indulge myself: but it is a guilty pleasure; I always think: I shouldn't be here, but sometimes I find it hard to stop listening: it's seductive. Power ballads is fine though: they are relatively innocent. Thanks for the offer...my poor family is being tormented by illness and financial reversal right now. It's so sad; but life goes on...it has to.

It shouldn't be a guilty pleasure Oh well. Have you heard the music group Creed? they are a rock group that is wholesome. A way of indulging without the guilt I hope.may I say I wish your love ones well.Let's lighten up a little. Do you like Monty Python?Here back in the 8o's they wold air on our public broadcast station.my fav was Eric Idle and then I moved to Michael.I can see the Dead Parrot sketch and recite verbatim.

Creed? I'll have a listen; they may be great never heard em. Mmm...For me before I was Christian the whole purpose of the Rock and Roll lifestyle is that it was a rebel lifestyle. I have been to both extremes. If I am going for wholesome Rock, I'd rather it were some sweet Indie Pop like Prefab Sprout (not much known in the US): Rock is Rebel music; that's why I always loved it so much. I will venture back to the other side from time to time, but as a visitor to a former home. Rock used to send me into ecstasies: it doesn't any more: but I can still understand what it once did: but not wish to stay. Among my fave music: there was a deep Gothic core. I don't mean: Gothic Rock. I mean music...which had a Gothic essence. It's dark. I cannot tarry long; I just can't...I'm a changed man. It's great to talk to you like this: 'cos i feel you listen. I would not insult you by preaching at you: I respect where you are. You are different; not worse, not better. I never judge those who are not Christians: I care for them; not judge. It's the only way to earn respect.

what are true friends for?I think this rock music thing is a age gap thing.Certain songs can play and i get the same feeling I had when it was new.Unlike you, I am still a rebel and I celebrate the dark side.I don't think I will change.i like it too much.i respect you too much to try to pull you one way or another. I think that's why I got so upset when I thought, wrongly, that you were just agreeing with me about Colin.I rather we disagree than either of us politely change a view to keep the peace.I think I understand what you are into now and if I can help yu enjoy some film or music group, it will be great.If you go to You Tube and type in Creed, scroll down until you get to the song Higher. this song is wholesome and yet has a rock feel . The words are great. The only problem is that there are so many entries and I am not sure if the visuals will be wholesome so just listen the first time.

Did mention that I respect the new, wholesome Carl? I meant to.

Oh dear I am not getting through here at all; I am just getting frustrated; this conversation is going round and around and you don't sem to be anywhere near to udnerstanding me: It is nothing to do with an age gap: it's to do with my faith. This age gap thing is really starting to depress me.

I'm sorry but with the best will in the world dark is not what you seem to me: You like some dark music sure, but in general, you seem perfectly nice and decent.

Dark for me is wildness and self-destruction: living on the edge (as I once did): not listening to some "dark" music. Everyone does that! Anyway...I broke free...and I'm happy I did...

Age gap will never be mentioned ever again. Forgive me. The Last thing I want to do is depress you.I enjoy all of this, I hope yu too. If it is faith based that's something different. Religious beliefs and practices are so very personal.I didn't want to pry.I am glad you find me decent but you haven't seen me when I become evil.in the right mood, all my virtues become vices.Sweetness and light makes me homicidal.For my best friends I am the most optimist on the block but for myself, I am a pure pessimist.I listen to dark music at times so I don't self destruct. I great, dark song or film or a great hockey game and I am fine again.Can we change the subject? I have two questions.Oops, I should say a few questions.do you like Roy Orbison? do you like The Commondores?If you could only sing one song, what would it be? If you could only act in one play, what would it be?

Well...I hope not to cross you! I'm a peaceful individual; so don't like to fall out with folks, but I do...it's unavoidable; I hope not you and me though.
Maybe we have a different take on darkness. We all have dark sides: as a Christian I see that as endemic to the human condition. But Darkness (with a capital D) is as I see it to an extent more dramatic than this: it is the wild side; the edge; those that actually risk their lives to travel to the dark side: like Jim Morrison, or his hero, Arthur Rimbaud. Jim sang of "Breaking on through to the other side": many artists do this. I was fascinated by this and it almost killed me, and I almost went...too far. Coming back: I viewed darkness as different: something that can ruin people; and for me one of my missions is to say: it is not as fun as it looks. It is frightening. When this happened I was younger than you are now: 37; that is when I got clean and got saved: I was still pretty back then; now I am just pretty old lookin'...hahaha!
Sure, I love the Commodores; you know I love "Easy". I'd like to sing that song; but F. N. More already did didn't they; I liked their version.

No, I am not that dark,at least not yet. I have a feeling if I had ever started to dr ink, I would have been that dark.I hope we remain the best of friends. I think as long as you tell me when I push your buttons and I do the same, we will be okay.How do I say this? back when you were " pretty" on the outside, you weren't happy and therefore not the beautiful person you are now.I rather you be older and still be here I am glad you have found your path and you are clean, sober And happy.easy is my favorite of The Commodores' songs.i only know their version.

I'm glad you never took to drink, cos I think you once said it is in your family: this is a classic doorway to alcoholism. The version of "Easy" by F. No More is real good; I never was a fan of this band...but theirs is a total duplicate: and a good one too.

If I hadn't have music I would be gone for sure.Did we talk about Musicals? do you have a favorite. there is a song that I love to sing. have you seen Show Boat?it is Can't help Loving that man Of Mine.Another is Emma Lou Harris' Too Far Gone. I learned it on my guitar.Woo. Have you ever done musical theater? You are an actor who can sing.is there a musical you want to do? or has your muse gone on hiatus?

You will never guess what is on t.v.? The Commitments.didn't I just mention it? I am part witch. this happens too many times.I think of a film and it appears, worse I was playing Only the Lonely and it is in the film.so i guess I better revise my remedies. it is a dark song or at least Hard rock that can move me, a good film or a great hockey game. And I have seen/heard all three tonight.ps. I was wrong. It was a small picture of Elvis above a picture of a large picture John Paul.And music is okay but right now it is the playoffs of ice hockey.That's where my passion lies these days.do you have a favorite sport?

Yes, my muse has gone on hiatus. I love musicals though and have appeared in some. My favourite classic musical was possibly "South Pacific"; modern musicals is another matter. I feel like you: I have had a long passionate love affair with music, but these days, my heart lies elsewhere: my passion these days is - not in sport like you (I don't spare much time for sport although I do appreciate really great sports men and women) - in writing, thinking, researching: the land of the mind. I love this land; but I am aware that it is a far distant land that you have to travel many other lands to reach a land that lies at the end of other lands a solitary land not lonely lonely is something you can be in the middle of a tumultuous crowd so much as solitary unfrequented desolate.

Uh-oh! I guess is the best time to ask. Am I a welcome distraction or just a whole lot of noise?I do think but I don't write but I love to research.I love these conversations on music and movies but I can change gears.or at least try to.I was thinking everything happens at the right time for a reason.Let's face it, if we had met in London about 10-15 years ago, this friendship would have never worked.I was too shy and I would have admired from a far.From what you said,you would have done All the talking and there wouldn't have been a connection.These days online is much better, we aren't shouting over music at a pub. you aren't tempted to drink, I am not suffering from too much cigarette smoke, I am allergic.It's is just talk, good talk.I love it. This is the type of conversations I was looking for in a pub. The only thing missing, the sound of your English accent.So tell me which topic you want to talk about next.

Oh...for the most part, I've really enjoyed our conversations! Fear not: I don't just research; I need to take time out and that's why I come to mylot; just as I did now...my mind was tired from thinking and I came here to unwind. If we'd met 15 years ago, we may well have gotten on just fine I feel provided our "first impressions" meeting paid off. I was extrovert it's true, and loved to hold forth, but I was sensitive to shyer personalities, and enjoyed their company as they did mine. I liked quieter people: from my experience, they are often interesting, deep, sensitive, and when I wasn't yakking on I liked to listen. I had fellow extroverts as friends too; but a good many friends who were on the reserved side, mainly because my dual nature included sensitivity: sadly since 1993, this side has been all-powerful, and I've become something of a recluse.

Wait a bit...I mean...20 years ago: I cleaned up in '93!

Okay. I was so afraid.whew! I may be deep but not that deep. Okay love, I have been asking all these questions, is there anything you want to ask me? Save the name on the birth certificate.Actually if really want to know I;ll send it to you via private message. wait, I understand. Don't answer this if this is too personal, were these extrovert friends your drinking mates?is this why you say you are a recluse?Because I am living proof you don't have to drink to have a great time in or out.

One or two may have been drinking friends although no one I knew drank like me. I had a very large circle of friends, and loved parties, night clubs, and so on and of course pubs, wine bars, anywhere really. When I stopped drinking, the intensity of the social life effectively went; I kept friends though, but sadly have lost more since, but I know many of my old friends still think of me, and wish I was there: Do you know that song by Pink Floyd "Wish you were Here"? Man, that is sad. When I listen to that song, I think of quite a lot of people. I think it's at youtube. Yes; please do let me know through private Messenger.

I was afraid of that.I missed out, I never drank so I never went bar hopping when I was in my 20's. I was and still am a homebody.A good movie and I was happy. A few years ago I did get to do some bar hoping and I wasn't into it.I guess if I were into alcohol it would have been more fun.Oh well.that's life.Is there a small town here in the U.S. you want to visit? I could se if trains still go there.

For some reason, I always have trouble successfully replying through Private Messenger, but I like that name! Female names resonate differently with men than women. I have a relative (my cousin's daughter) by that name: although Canadian she married an English guy and then they went back to Canada to raise their daughters.

I knew you were going to say that! So now you know.Do you have a name you like for yourself other than Carl?A stage name? i am sorry I'm hoping your muse returns

I hope you don't think I'm just "being polite" because I'm really truly honestly not: if you were called Editha, believe me I'd think of something polite like: Well, that is surely an unusual name. No offence to anyone named Editha. No; I'm always known as Carl. Just Carl; it's like a trademark.

" What's in a name?That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."?No, you being "polite" never crossed my mine. I am glad yu like my name.I wish I did.carl is a nice name.my all time favorite word is a name, David which in Hebrew means beloved.Isn't that beautiful?

Do you like music videos? Did you watch MTV?To this day, thee are songs that i hear and I picture the video.My favorite, there's a tie, both Madonna's Bad Girl and Bed of Roses by Bon Jovi. Talk about a great power ballad. It takes my breath away.i didn't see my version on You Tube. There were two videos for the same song just like One. Maddy's video is, surprise, surprise, a little dark.That's what I did as a teen, I stayed up and watched all these music videos. I have a tape of my favs somewhere.

wait a minute. Tell me that you still have many close, real friends. I don't want to picture you all alone.Party friends are okay but real ones are better don't you agree?

I keep thinking of these great music based questions. tell me when I either frustrate you or pi$$ you off.Do you like John Denver?One of the best love songs ever written is Annie's song.I hear it and, how do i explain? It get butterflies in my stomach. ps. If you like Bobby Darin And Kevin Spacey you should see Beyond The Sea.It is a bio pic/ musical about Bobby.

Madonna, dark? I don't see that leastwise not according to my criteria, but then you are not saying that: you are saying one of her videos is dark. She has also made "light" videos, and varieties of shades in between: that is her; she is a consummate entertainer, and very talented: her work in "Evita" was amazing: only she could have carried this off. I have felt for her as a person in the past: in the end a person has to stop and think: famous people are like us: people with feelings. But I've never been a fan per se: some of the things she's done, I have liked: "Vogue" for example was a great song; and she captured a social/artistic movement perfectly. But much of what she's done I've not liked. I don't watch MTV, cos I don't have a satellite dish or cable or any of that I wish I did, but I am the sort of individual who has to count pennies.

Oh, I'm not sure they were just party friends. Many of them would love to see me now: I vanished into the sidelines; really: I have had the greatest friends anyone could hope for; there was real love there, and still is. But it may be that alcohol (and substance) abuse messes with the natural pleasure-giving functions of the human anatomy. My crack-up was long drawn out and terrifying. You should read my memoir it's all in there. Severe substance abuse and its after effects can lead to all sorts of conditions perhaps (I'm not a doctor nor an expert): Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Major Depression...these can ruin a person's social life.

Bad Girl is a dark video.Now that I have a feel for what you are into now, if I Know something is either too dark or too sexually explicit, I will tell you so you know I am just mentioning it and you won't like it.Maddy was Evita, I heard she took voice lessons. And while filming she found out she was pregnant with Lola.As I can tell I am a huge fan. Did you know that Madonna's birthday is August 16?I have had cable since 1981 thanks to my mom . it is the way I get online. " Give me cable or give me death."One last thing about Bad Girl.it was filmed more like a little movie and it was Maddy's best performance until Evita but it is a little too dark.But that's what I like about it. give me a tragedy and I am happy,Sick isn't it?

Oh my G-d! No wonder my definition of dark and your is soo different. I can see why you want to keep everything positive.it not age, nor language, it is experience.I am so grateful that I got to meet the new Carl instead of the old. But with that said, if I were your mate,a pal with the old Carl when you hit bottom I wold have tried to get you help. I am no Florence Nightingale but I would have, when it was possible, keep in touch and when you were ready for me, I'll visit. The lowest wouldn't have made me leave.I still can't shake that we wouldn't have been friends, me and the old Carl.It wouldn't been because of you or the drug/alcohol, I wasn't ready, I think I would have taken one look, I remember your older avatar,and one sound, and it would be lust not like.I'm glad how everything worked out this way.I am so proud of you. You went through hell .

By no means should you see Velvet Revolver's videos Fall To Pieces. If yu ever get a chance to hear it, please do. Has Delovely come yet? I can't wait for you to see it.tel me what you think. It just it me,The way you were describing Elvis and Frankie, you do understand charisma. They both have it.

Oops, one more thing.I heard another singer I think you will like, Have you heard of Josh Zakerman?if not, go to You Tube and type in Be Real Josh Zackerman and tell me if you like him.

I know Madonna does gothic well: but she is such an all-round entertainer; a Reanissance Woman that I can't see her as truly gothic; unlike some woman artists. I used to love dark imagery to very distraction, and part of me still does. I avoid it not cos I hate it, cos part of me is still drawn to it: BUT between you and me: it can take me down...bring on a bad low. So like fire, I avoid it in case it burns. There have been folks who have said to/about me: why are you Christian? As if it's a waste. They can't understand it and it upsets them a lot. But God in His wisdom chooses the unlikeliest of people from time to time. Thanks for saying such kind things: you really do have a generous heart/spirit: this is not flattery; I mean this. I know you have the other side; but you can be very kind. I do sometimes watch dark videos: I can watch semi-dark. But will avoid uber-dark: like some Metal/Goth/Industrial. But other stuff I am OK with: curiosity will lead me there.

Yes; I knew Madonna was August 16. I'll watch that vid: out of sheet curiosity. For me, Elvis was charming (rather than charismatic): he had a boyish sweetness, but also great vulnerability: this was one of the roots of what makes him so loved; and of course he looked great (always good for "charisma")and he was stylish. But...I do see some as having it...a short list might include...Montgomery Clift...Steve McQueen...James Dean...Judy Garland...Edith Piaf...River Phoenix...Jon Voigt...Martin Luther King...John Lennon...Jimi Hendrix...(more to follow) I'm not saying it's a good thing; nor that those who have it are good, or otherwise; it can be a curse; or a blessing.

It's dark but not that dark. After knowing yur history, Velvet Revolver is the one I don't want you to see.It may take you back to the hell you went through and I never, never want you to go there.What A$4holes to treat your faith like it is a waste of time. I would have said bugger off your bloody b@stards! I'm sorry, that would be the end of the "friendship". A real friend, even if they didn't understand, would be happy for you as I am. I may not be able to follow your path, in fact I know I can't, but that wouldn't stop me from being happy for you.All the people you listed had it. That thing when a person walks into a room, everyone turns.Gandhi didn't have movie idol looks but everyone was drawn to him. ps. Tell me if yo like Maddy's video.

...and Christopher Walken (more to follow).
Guess where I got him from...yes, "Bad Girl"!
Nice tune. Is it dark? The ending is...sure took me by surprise.
But Madonna has made darker ones..."Justify" is very dark; ditto "Human Behaviour". Brilliantly made, but if I were asked to appear in them as an actor, I would say no. No matter the money. Same goes for any risque vid or movie.

Well: those friends meant no harm...they meant: what a waste of a guy; I was still young and good looking; I should have been having fun. That's what they meant. These days: well I ain't so young...but thanks for the loyalty.

Sorry...I meant: "Human Nature"...by Madonna...

I love Human Nature. If you can't feel that beat, you're dead.I love the video but I wouldn't tell you about it because it is too sexually explicit, not dark.I'm confused.

I'm sorry, as you can tell, I have a hair trigger temper . I sometimes think I need a t=shirt or a pendant that says " Warning, I go from nice to b!tch in 10seconds".Where is it written that a Christian Can't have fun?It isn't a waste if it is what you want to do. I better stop, I am getting P!ssed again.

I just had a thought. Do you know why we artists get into ruts or have to go on hiatus? Because our muses are too busy to visit as often, There are only 9 and there are so many artists these days.Doesn't it make sense? You called yourself an artist in the message and I was soo happy. your muse is coming back, I just know it.

"Human Nature" is incredibly catchy as a Pop tune. I first saw the vid when it came out. I don't think it's too per se but I do think it's dark and decadent: it deals with dark realms of human sexuality which means dark for me not arousing: reminds me of Weimar Berlin style or Ancient Rome: superbly well directed vid: But I have to stick up for God and say: I'd never appear in a vid like that..not for love nor money.

I can be volatile; but I'm working to be more peaceable. God wants me that way. More charismatic figures: Michael Jackson, Prince, Gerard Depardieu, Robert de Niro, Glenn Close. For me, charisma is a burden cos it drawn folks to you and you say...I'm not worthy of this power. Maybe.

Of course not, It isn't your style.I have just finished watching a PBS profile on Andy Warhol and this quote was said. " If you don't want to die, you have to be hip enough to be square." Isn't that great? I thought of you and me as a teen. It has never been hard for me to say no to anything.I never suffered from peer pressure.and now you seem to be the same, hip enough to be square.

Okay, let me see if I have this correct. Tragic endings are okay. But if a movie or show is too violent, has too much senseless violence,or is too sexually explicit,you won't like it.Right?

The more I talk to you, the more I understand that I need the dark side to keep the good side. If I Had to be nice or was forced to be nice, I would be more evil.I would lose my temper more often.but these days I am nice because I want to . But the dark side will surface if it is needed.Does this make any sense?

Do you like the melodramas of the fifties/ Do you like Lana Turner? If so, check out your DVD rental for By Love Possessed.

It's not my style; but only because God doesn't want it that way; actually I think it's a cool vid: but I cannot endorse it for personal reasons: Christians are fighting with themselves; they don't necessarily become easily shocked: I should be even MORE easily shocked. I forever seem to be out of step; when young I was too outrageous for many, now too prudish for many, but oh man never square or uncool (no one changes that much); prudey yes; folks have called me that...Today, rebellion is everywhere; it's almost impossible to shock with art; back in my day the cutting edge still shock'd, and I was part of all that kraziness. But: I do find things shocking...like real life. Real life can be hurtful...which is why I feel art should not reflect this: in case it can hurt which hurts God. You may well ask what does or doesn't offend me what kind of end theme and so on I confuse myself sometimes...but mylot is not the place to work all that out; what am I doing getting all heavy anyway! This is supposed to be fun!

I wouldn't say I'm "nice" per se but I can be compassionate. Before I was a Christian, I was a charmer; but there was labyrinthine complexity. I've had to deal with that and become a simpler person. And dealing with it and a lot of the other things Christians have to undergo...has taken the edge of my sweetness. I wear my heart on my sleeve and am outspoken: people find me very hard to handle; only very placid people can relate to me well; also ordinary people relate to me well: I have the common touch and love the average people that just do their best everyday to feed their families: I love the people in a wide sense: simple average people going about their biz. But I keep my distance and avoid being known. I try so hard to fit in and be nice and please...but: I've gone from the most popular man around...Mr Golden boy...to knowing what it's like to be...on the outside. It's a good lesson. I love those who suffer on the outside of things...I feel for them; especially those who are hard done by. Right; no more heaviness!!!

Heavy? no, I would say deep but not too deep.I wanted to say thank you.as for being prudey, I don't agree.You are trying to turn from R to PG lifewise and that can be hard. If you were a Real Prudey, you wouldn't have wanted to watch Madonna. A real prudey just dismisses All of Madonna's work. As for being out of step and being outside, I could write a book.I was never part of the in crowd.But I still had fun and had and now I can say have good friends.You are still charming and i find you a sweet gentleman.The sweetness is still there.I guess I Can talk about things other than music and film.

Wait a minute1 Did you say hard to handle? You don't seem that way to me.maybe the others haven't taken the time to really listen to you.Another thing we have in common, I keep my distance too, I rather just sit and listen.But where we differ is that " trying to please," I have never done that,ever.I hope you are trying to please yourself a bit.Okay.I agree, this is a little too deep.

Well all I can do is describe everything I think you would like and you tell me yes or no.I don't want to either lead down the wrong path or shock you, or worse trigger a flashback to the old Carl.

Yes, I'm very hard to handle; not on the internet because I present my best self out of due internet caution; but in real life, I am not an easy person: there's a lot of boiling intensity in me: I have a very low boredom threshold. I'm restless; not a good patient listener; although I love to draw sensitive people out and can be a considerate and deep conversationalist: did I mention I'm contradictory? I think you got that one already...hahaha!
But yes you're right...I can be sweet I won't deny it: I suffer for the hurting, and cry very easy; I'm grossly sentimental.

I think I could say...I try to please as much as I do...because I please with such difficulty: this is my intensity; folks can find it too much. It's an extraordinary force, almost seismic. Having a lot of empathy this hurts me: to displease. So I try even harder; but then I withdraw to avoid all this. This is the antithesis to the old Carl...who pleased everyone without even trying: I was the Personality Kid like you wouldn't believe...what happened? No; I'd never return to the old Carl...I'm too past that: it's been 16 years. But I'll visit: looking at some vids I can say: the old Carl...he would've loved this! And he would've...part of him may still do: but he needs to be mastered. Uh-oh...that's controversial...

I don't believe it. All you have been here is a good, patient listener.Intensity is very attractive to me, here or in person. It shows passion." Grossly sentimental?"Men! Being able to cry and to be sensitive isn't " grossly sentimental"and the new Carl drew this sensitive person out and I am grateful. The difference between us is I may empathize but I never try to please, save my mom. I would try to make her happy but when I couldn't, I would feel bad but not that bad.See I was born stubborn, another trait of most Capricorns, and I used to assume everyone was as stubborn as I and that whatever I wasn't going to do, would end the relationship, but it didn't and I would be surprised every time.

Well OK...but I've had to bite my tongue a few times (I know you won't like to hear this): but I don't like discord especially when on a public forum. But that said, I'm proud and pleased you see me as patient: patience is a wonderful quality. Grossly sentimental...well i cry at the drop of a hat; but you know I was being a bit light-hearted there: I'm an emotional guy: like Elvis was (smile).
I try and please to avoid being "stung": it hurts when folks look at me angry or disapproving and it's happened so much these last few years; I've lost the ability to please in a general sense and so avoid anger; what you might call social facility: I have gone from having magnificent social skills to well not being socially adept at all. But in general: I am not mr smiley or nuttin: I wander around like some kinda mysterious loner, with eyes cast down. I can switch on the charm sometimes: I love ordinary people like I said: I reside in a pretty humble suburb; folks here are not rich and I feel good around them; but many of them are just as taciturn as me; there is shared respect. But I am always there for the hurting: I love underdogs and hate to see the weak, the hurt, the suffering go under and get kicked.

It sounds like you are trying to return to your shell. But don't. especially with me. you have let me vent, you desreve to vent too. don't hold back but say it all in a private mesage or at my yahoo address. That way it isn't as public, It will be just you and me.You are now more the way I was at school, trying to avoid conflicts.I used to just hold everything inside and became suicidal.Now I don't hold it in and now can be dangerous at times.Being mysterious is okay but a loner? no don't be, you have good friends on both sides of the pond.

I'm fine really: I'm OK in my shell I have friends; mainly internet ones including folks I knew years ago: some of them have tried to arrange meetings. Most days, I'm pretty content: I don't need to vent: I express a lot about my past through my writings; although they're not angry or anything: I have anger sure, and that's apparent to those who know me well, and it's been remarked upon in no uncertain terms: but it's not something I believe in indulging or encouraging. One of these days I may send you a link to these writings of mine now I have your e-mail address. I am a loner, but I like it that way; I'd like to modify this a bit, but it may never happen. I'm really fine...I may come across as a little stiff here; I AM 53 (I know: that seems quite old...it IS quite old); and of course I'm British: but I'm more of a Celt in behaviour than an Anglo-Saxon and can be puckish, childlike, playful, eccentric and mercurial...I've never really assumed any responsibilities in life.

I try to avoid conflicts...but they often find me, sadly. Sadly I've alienated folks...never meant to, never wanted to...just did: sometimes I feel like Quasimodo: he had a big heart, but he alienated through his appearance. Of course, my appearance is still good: the alienation comes from something else: some strange burning intensity that radiates from my eyes like an Old Testament figure. But all along I'm saying...please...give me a chance.

I am glad you are okay.Alone is good but lonely is bad. As long as you are not lonely then I won't worry bout you.I don't want to pry but i woulud love to read anything yo want to send me.53 isn't That old. when 80 year olds are going back to school and gettin degres, 53 isn ancient.You still do Anything you want to.Don't tell me that your baby blues are intense at time and they will say paragraphs. If so, We have something else in common. mine are dark brown but I can and do give a look that says . don't f*ck with me.my mum said when I was in the pram, I would give strangers a look that said, I didn't give you permission to speak to me! And I guess I still do.You don't come across as stiff.i won't let you say that about yourself.You are polite but that's not being stiff.if you don't need to vent, that's great.if yo feel the need to be careful here, that's okay.how does that song go, "Don't change your hair for me, not if you care for me."I like this Carl.

I am getting the feeling I am getting to be more like the Old Carl, Save the alcohol and drugs, and you are getting to be like I was a decade ago?So maybe if we both remain in the middle everything will be okay?

(Smile) this has happened to me a lot. Way back when, some quiet people tended to be a little wary of me, although intrigued. In the last sixteen years, I have found myself drifting from left field to centre and then beyond...while those who I'd once have seen as quite conventional are now far more rebellious than me: it's scary. "I'm like...hey, I was wilder than you once!" I have passed many folks on the drift away from left field: sadly I think you and me may have met in the middle some years ago now, but you're far more left field: we can agree on neutral art, but cutting edge? We have traded places! It's lonely over here: but I wouldn't dream of heading back centre. In fact, I'm still drifting...but it is a melancholy process at times...thanks for being understanding though: you have made a real effort and I appreciate that. It's not easy, and yet you've tried.

wait a minute, do you mean left is avant garde and rebellious? Center is middle of the road? And right is conservative?I respect you way too much to want you to do or be anything you are not comfortable with.if you need me to stop trying to get you to the center, tell me. Lonely? That's what you shouldn't be, I Will continue to make sure you are not lonely.Wary? I think I could see me watch you from afr as yu held court.The old me, would have just watched. The new me? I wold have come closer and tried to become one of the courtiers.I just want to make sure the new Carl is happy.

I have more music questions. Do/Did you like Pearl jam? Is their song Jeremy just tragic to you or dark?And which David Bowie is your favorite, before 1983 or after?And have you ever hated a song when you first heard it but after time, you like it?The one and only time this happened was with Spin Doctors two Princes. Do you remember them?

"Two Princes" was very stylish. I had their "Kryptonite" album; the guitarist was excellent: almost Jazzy; I always rated Spin Doctors. Yes that's it...left field, for me is radical but artistically rather than politically; while centre is yes mainstream. We in Britain we always felt we kinda lost Bowie for a while after "Let's Dance": his influence on British society ca. 1972-'72 was cataclysmic: it is difficult to even believe let alone describe today; to a degree he divided the nation as the Stones had once done. But in the US, his influence was strongest in the '80s: as you say; post-'83. I couldn't "see" "Let's Dance" nor any of his subsequent work although some of the songs have been cool. As you will appreciate, I see him differently to how I did in '73: but back then, it was fanatical, not just for me but for thousands of British youth. Being such a small nation, a star could do that back then: far more difficult for a massive country like the US. My favourite of his was probably "The Bewlay Brothers" (Hunky Dory CD): it still makes me shiver although for reasons you know I would not listen much today...I would call this song dark...almost sinister. Also somehow strangely desperately sad.

The first time I saw David Bowie was in the 80's. My mom liked Let's Dance and so did I. do you mean back in the day yo had a music war over Bowie?Now it's my turn to see if I can hear The Bewlay Brothers.Sinister? Sounds great.

Do you see me as a rebel? Thanks, I like that.I see myself as in the center leaning left.leaning so far I am about to fall.Have I fallen? Great!

For me to state you are a rebel would be rude of me. I'd say: compared to me, you are but then most people are including members of my own family who would once've seen me as the family's pet arch-iconoclast while I would have seen them as conventional: I was rebellious when few were quite as "out there" as me: the world today has to some extent been fashioned by the rebels of the past few decades. To me, rebellion is fairly natural to humanity, but it was suppressed for so long: once only artists were true rebels. Well: back in '73 it was genuinely shocking to look like Bowie, and many were outraged by his appearance. But many of we European young loved it: it was mesmerising to me; especially since only recently I'd been into denim and stubble and I wanted to dress like him. There was a sense of daring; of breaking down barriers. But needless to say, I view it wholly differently now. Bowie created what could be called a following in the true sense...he created a stir which would be difficult if not impossible for a musician to do today. "Bewlay" is allegedly part-autobiographical; Artistically, I think it's incredible: songs like that were what made Rock so alluring; dangerously so at times. Yes...that is what draws people; that's the whole idea. But my job is to warn: it's what i do; and I know this troubles folks. It happens time and time again; I just have to get used to it. It's what I do.

Rude? You? Never!You have to understand I was always deemed a square but I never was. Maybe it is a cultural thing but being called a rebel is a badge of honor I wear with honor. So thank you.i think it is a sign that you care that you warn me about things.That's what I try to do. If I think you should stay away from something, I will warn you. Warning a person is different than forbidding a person to watch or do something.So thanks again.did you see the movie Velvet Goldmine? I think it was a bio pic of David in a way.So i think I understand what happened. Denim? I live in, I love being comfortable.
Are you into art? Do you have a favorite artist.Tell me if this makes sense. Guess who is my favorite artist? Van Gogh, an artist who went his own way, A intense yet sensitive person.

Rebel is a badge of honour many I know and care for wear which upsets; as this makes me feel out of key, which saddens me very much because there is conflict and often not from me: I say join me...join me...but they don't wish to and make this very very clear to me, which can be very hard to bear but hey who ever said life was easy. To some degree this may be payback for the fact that once I was a rebel and made folks very very very very sad by being so, including people who loved me very much. I was there in '73: "Velvet" was good at first: the Christian Bale character rang true and was a little like how I was. But for me it later lost some reality (although I was only 17 and knew the Punk days far better): England was still quite a conservative nation in many respects in '73 and music was still largely dominated by denim Rock/Prog and all: people didn't want to change: but Glam presented a serious challenge. Most dressed conservative as per the day: long hair and denim. I wanted to break out of it; and all this eventually led to Punk. But Bowie-mania was somehow more startling; because newer. During my naughty days, I liked Modigliani a lot and his lifestyle. Van Gogh is cool.

Please don't be sad for me.Being a rebel means I am my own person.it doesn't mean I will start being destructive or disrespectful.I can't follow your path . It just means we are different. I/m sorry that making me feel great, makes you feel sad.

Funny you mention Modigliani. I just got into his work a few months agao, How?By watching the film Modigliani starring Andy Garcia.It is a great film but it is too dark? It follows his last days. I like the film mostly for the art.But none of the art is real.Before the movie they run a disclaimer stating that all the art work wasn't painted by the real artists. So all the works I liked I can't uypload or see in a book so I finally got it on tape. so I went to the library and looked and found a real Modigliani I like.It is Landscape In Midi. As for van Gogh . I knew of him but I didn't fall for his work and him until I saw lust For life.My favorite of his is Crows In a Wheat field

I agree with you about Velvet Goldmine.It runs a little too long. Do you enjoy spy capers? If so, have you seen The Russia House? It is a Sean Connery film where he doesn't carry a gun but there is suspense and a great jazz rendition of what Is This Thing Called Love? I think it is one of my favorite Cole Porter song. Warning,this isn't the best spy film ever written, In fact many critics didn't like it but I think they saw Connery and thought this would be a Bond film. It isn't.What it is these days is dated.with that said if you want to see a character do the right thing for the right reasons Without bloodshed and you like Connery and Michelle
Pfeiffer, add this to you DVD cue.

It's not just you who makes me fee sad, it's everyone who has left me behind on their rebel course and who I make feel uncomfortable by not being one. I explain my feelings on things, but sometimes I feel it's all in vain. "Modigliani", dark? Yes, I suppose it is; mind you I never saw the whole flick...my player was on the hummer at the time so never got to find out. But I ordered it didn't I?

I will never leave you behind! Best friends, real ones, don't leave.Remember West Side story when Biff and Tony said " Womb to Tomb?" That's how I feel.The only way to get rid of me is you telling me to go.with me, explaining your feelings isn't vain at al, At times it is necessary.with that said, if we start to talk about ant subject that is too painful to talk about, just tell me. I 'm good at changing the subject.is there a way you can check what is on your film cue? Over here we have Netflix and, if I remembering correctly,not only could you check your cue, you could change the order.I remember you said you ordered De Lovely but that is all.

I'm afraid to ask. Are you interested in The Russia House?

I've not seen "The Russia House" I don't think. I forgot to order "Delovely"; that's been rectified as of today...

Great! A little Cole Porter is good for ails you. I hope you love this film as much as I.write me after you see it. I thought of two more music questions. Do you like Al Green? He sings one of the best covers, how do you mend a Broken Heart. i have that on vinyl and this is the one time I heard it when it was popular, It was the music I heard with my dad.and did you like Girl Rockers like Heart, Pat Benatar,or Joan Jett, and Lita Ford?

D'oh. I meant what ails you.

I just heard and watched The Bewlay Brothers on You Tube.It is dark but I loved all the photos of the young David Bowie.Velvet came real close.Thanks.Oh,did I describe The Russia House too much? i usually don't want to ruin any plot.

Yes; in spirit, for me "Velvet" wasn't bad at all in depicting early '70s London especially in the first 45 mins or so, but how do you duplicate the incredible musical genius of David Bowie? My hand didn't slip when I said genius. Obviously, I view him differently to how I did in '73 for a whole host of reasons...but...the sheer talent of the man is breathtaking; and never more than on this song, supposedly autobiographical which makes it all the more haunting...

it is a haunting song.As I hear it, I was picturing sitting crossed legged on a mat wearing tie Dye and incense.I know it was written in 73 but it had a late 60's feel to me.

Yes, I do like Al Green: he did "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted"? Love that; and of course "Let's Stick Together". Bewlay is from '71: Bowie was in transition phase. In the late '60s, he was a little bit of a Folkie; but as I see it he was toughening into a Rock Star by the new decade: The '70s was a harder decade: I remember how dangerous London seemed to me circa '72: full of menace. Things were somehow more "urban". It was a new decade and it was mine for better or worse and I was gonna have some fun! None of it was any good for me...
I've never been mad on vocal groups: although exceptions occur: weren't Man Tran great! They were mixed of course; but I loved the voice of one of their singers...Laurel Masse...sadly she left early...do you remember them?

What am I going on about...you asked about Girl groups...not vocal groups...in Paris in the '80s, they often played "Love is a Battlefield"...

Sorry: Jimmy Ruffin did "What becomes..." (slaps head!)

The name man Tran doesn't ring a bell . what was their hit song? As i write this on the T.V. at the hockey game is playing Joan Jett's I love Rock N Roll.Do you remember this one? Yes Pat Benatar did Love is a Battlefield. Did you know she used to sing opera before she got into rock? My kind of girl.

I know...the radio annoucer told me; mind you I had no idea who she was: a lot of '80's Rock didn't take off this side of the pond. I sort of liked the song though and recorded it on my cheap cassette recorder. But I missed the '70s in the '80s. But I had just as much fun in the '80s. It was the decade when a lot of the pinoneering "work" of the '70s started percolating into the mainstream.

I think Manhattan Transfer's biggest song may have been "Chanson d'Amour"...

Man Tran? We never called them that over here. Of course I remember Manhattan Transfer. Great voices.What "'work' of the 70's started to penetrate the mainstream."?like Punk?

This Monday is Memorial Day. The day we remember all the veterans we lost during war.that got me thinking that All the great generals have had been charismatic. They had to be to get the unit to follow them through anything.From Nelson to Washington, from Hitler to Stalin. and of course my favorite mad man, Napoleon.So it isn't just actors.what do you think?

I think you're 100% right; it isn't just actors...far from it. We only have hearsay that Napoleon was charismatic; but he clearly was: he also had an extraordinary common touch: his men loved him. The same applied to our Lord Nelson. In more recent times, apart from the obvious charismatic leaders, our own Queen Mother (Mother of the current Queen) had incredible charm and magnetism: during the war, the bombed out East End of London loved her. And who can forget Churchill? That's right: In the '80s, the cutting edge started percolating into the mainstream...to varying degrees, with Punk an especial influence: In the US (all those wierd and wacky '80s movies; alot of fun some of em) but same thing happened in Britain. In the '80s in the UK, lots of young people wore wierd and way out clothes: as I recall this didn't happen in the '70s. By the mid 1990s, outlandish clothes were out! Everyone started dressing down again. I couldn't believe it. I'd always loved to dress up!

Us Yanks corrupted you yet again? Here no one dresses up, the fun way, except club kids. They wear the sparkling, glitz to the clubs. The rest of us Only dress up the formal way.and even then only for weddings, funerals,for church or temple,and proms. do you have proms? Here each year seniors in highschool have a formal dance. chicks in gowns, guys in tuxedos.forgive me, I forgot Churchill.He had of course. So did FDR.People just gravitate to them. Just hear the speeches and it is there.I loved The Queen Mum.She looked like a nice person.

I just saw a great profile on a great "punk" band Green Day.Do you remember them? they hit it big in the mid 90's and they are still rocking. i love these quotes from the piece, they explain it fully."Punk rock for grown-ups." " Brass, aggression of political change." The thing that I thought you should know is although they play punk, they are still three nice guys from near Oakland California.the lead singer sings with a slight British accent.they have a great song. It is a little slower than traditional punk but that's why I like it, I can really understand the words. My mom is proud of me for that, She liked music where you could understand each word sung.anyway the lead singer and the bassist are happily married with children and still live in their home town. The bassist is part owner of a restaurant named,Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe. Isn't that wild? a family reastaurant named after a Clash song. There are two ballads I think you would like. one is Time of your Life and Wake me when September Ends. The first is my favorite of theirs. it is not dark but sad. The type of sadness you get when you come to the end of a beautiful day.and the second is an ode to the lead singer's father.

Do you like well written capers? If so, rent Heist. It is written gy David Mamet.The plot? your basic robbers set up a gig but the lines in this movie are great. My favorite is " why did the chicken cross the road? Because the road crossed the chicken."There is some violence and sexual contant but not too much.Do you like David Mamet

I'm not sure! Americans can be great dandies too; remember the original Rock'n'Rollers? Elvis? Jerry Lee? Richard? Flam-boyant!!! We Brits only dressed flamboyant for a brief period: I think cutting edge culture went quite mainstream from towards the end of the '70s for about ten years. Most folks feel safest dressed down. I liked Punk from about 1977 to '79, but haven't really been into it since. Green Day are talented; but I've never paid much attention: they are popular here, especially among young teen Punk fans I'd say (but I'm no expert). Mamet has done some good work: Did you see "The Spanish Prisoner"? Good piece of writing that, with a fairly rare serious turn from Steve Martin.

No one is as dandy as the old Rock and Rollers these days I'm afraid. Everyone is trying to look like Rappers. Oversized t-shirts and baggy pants, that's what the kids wear or what I call nouveau hippie. Long hair long flowing skirts and flared, yes flared jeans. No dandys.I tried The Spanish Prisoner but I didn't see the end. I don't know if it was because I had to leave or I just wanted to leave.I'll try it again.My nephew mentioned a feel good film named Big Fish.Tell me, is Green Day as good as the punk rocker of old? I thought since their music was played slower, punk purists wouldn't like it so I thought I would ask.

This is what the kids are wearing

From what I've observed, Green Day are great musicians, very tight, a lot better than a lot of the punk bands of yore. But it's hard to duplicate the old bands for raw fury: not that I'm sating that's a good thing mind. Far from it. You're right: those old Rockers had the edge on everyone in terms of sheer dandy cool: great combination of Country + Rythym and Blues flamboyance. Even the Beatles and Stones were drab in comparison, although things soon got flash as the '60s wore on. I think the dandy thing went as far as it could so that by the end of the '80s it had worn itself out. I wonder if it'll ever be revived?

Back in the 50's everyone was in a suit.So in the 60's they kept up with a twist . But when the hippies took over, casual too over and I don't think it will come back with the flare it had.Thanks for your insight about Green Day. I thought if I like this, a person who wasn't into punk that much,a purist shouldn't.but then again, the suits David Bowie wore in the 80's just may come back.Most fashions do come back

Only Bowie could reinvent himself as a major international Pop star ten years after his breakthrough and get away with it. Mind you, he only looked about 25 in the "Let's Dance" video.

Agreed. He looked hot. That was the first time i saw him so it took me a while to get used to the younger Bowie.

I found is strange ca. '83, when Bowie became a heart throb/pin-up to some of the young generation; because in the UK, he had long been an artist on the absolute cutting edge. As the '80s went on, he became more international. But it was all forgiven when he made a tentative return to the cutting edge. But I have not heard much of his later material. He still looks eerily youthful, don't you think?

I have a friend who has his later CDs. Some good songs...but I've always preferred the work of Rock artists in their earliest days. On youtube, I like to occasionally listen to Classical; American Popular song; but also quite a lot of Smooth Jazz; do you know Pat Metheny? He's great. I revisited "Bewlay" yesterday...but it had been a long time. My heavy Rock listening days are long long long past me. It's all really a part of my past now.

I think it was yesterday...

He must be living well. The last I heard he was married to the model Iman. Do you know her? And they have a daughter.I haven't really listened to heavy rock in some time . but every once in a while, something triggers a power ballad memory and I either bring out the tapes or better still, I go on You Tube and I am back in time or better still these songs touch me the same way.Through the years the main changes have that I can listen to both hip hop and opera, the two I wouldn't have let's say 20 years ago.with all that you told me about your dark past,it is good the music doesn't move you anymore.Not all music is linked with a good memory.

yes, I know Iman; she's done some acting; one of her more prominent parts was as Sean Young's best friend in "No Way Out"; did you see that classically '80s movie? David and she have been happilly married for many years now. His son Duncan Jones is a movie dirctor who'll be releasing his debut feature "Moon" in June of this year! I hope it does well for him...

I didn't see No Way Out but I saw her in Out Of Africa. She didn't have any verbal dialogue but the expression on her face at the funeral said paragraphs. And David was great in The Hunger. Guess what I just saw? A Documentary on the No Wave movement in New York in the early 80's, i.e. Punk.They talked to a Sonic Youth member and others about the scene and then they talked to the new kids in the "punk" scene,I put quotes around it because I am not sure it is the real thing.Their music is okay but they aren't as independent as real Punkers. The real punk did music for himself and if people like fine. The new kids want to be " The best rock group on the planet." This was made in 2004 and low and behold I saw one of the band members was wearing a suit.

I wasn't mad on the Hunger; although Tony Scott is a talented director. Did you ever see "Revenge"? I love the start of that movie; although too violent for me as a whole: But that wonderful sense of release; escape as Kev Costner heads off to Mexico: I love the idea of that kind of absolute freedom; no ties; just heading off into the glorious sun...well conveyed by Scott, a fine visual director.

The Hunger was okay. Ir is a thinking man's horror film, i don't usually like horror but I did like this one and Interview With A Vampire, But that's it.I love violent films. And payback ones are the best.

I thought it was a bit long (The Hunger). I used to like horror: but psychological thriller horror. Part of me still does...but you know how I am...avoid avoid avoid! I like payback movies like the best of 'em: but like horror I don't think they're good for the soul: although innocent ones are OK like say "Double Indemnity" and other noirs; but violent ones? No...not in my view. I was listening to a message today: the guy said: be careful what you watch; listen to; read...your soul is being affected. Man that guy was so right. For me: it's a battle. There's a testimony site online about Christians who come to the faith from usually dark backgrounds: I think for them there's a greater battle; they are also the ones who need the most looking after, care, healing and so on...it's not easy for them. I'd say they are in the minority; but they're a significant minority. The soul is precious. It has to be cared for.

Question though...do I always avoid the movies &c. I feel I should avoid? No. I get bored and watch things I shouldn't. Believe it or not, most wholesome movies bore me. It's a battle. But I have to keep striving...it's a process.

I understand. I will try not to lead you down the wrong path.You are so much better than I. If a type of film bores me, i don't watch it, Some " feel good" films make me feel worse.That's what I avoid. Usually it is " made for the whole family." I am not the "whole family".Don't feel sad about this last sentence, please. My soul is as intact as it will ever be.Great action or violent films prevent me from becoming violent myself. It is one of the best ways to relax. Film noir is okay? I love film noir.Have you ever seen Double Indemnity and The Postman Always Rings Twice back to back? I have them both on tape.Great double feature.I am into and remember and/or hear about films that are good and yet not boring like Heist I mentioned before.Then there are films that are okay except for a scene or two, If I know the film well, I can tell you what to avoid and still keep the plot a mystery.But I will not let you dwell in the type of film. I have your back like any other good friend.with that said if you want a "guilty pleasure" film title, I can help there too.

Me, better than you? I would not say this; not never: I was not born good: no one is of course, but some kids are more full of "old scratch" than others (to quote from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"). You don't know what struggles I have in my head: the best I can say is that I do struggle against the negativity there, but that's God's work in me not me. I may grow as a Christian person...I hope so...because that is a command...a process called sanctification; but it's a struggle. Paul of the Bible described himself as "The Chief of Sinners"...

"Feel good" films? tell me about 'em!

You don't think saints are born good? I think that some of us are born good, others evil and the rest of us,somewhere in between.Don't take this the wrong way but I don't regard Paul at all.He is the most antisemitic of all of Jesus Apostles so I ignore him. With that said my favorite is Peter.Of course you are growing and trying to be a better person.Of the things you told me and from the other things you are not telling me I can tell you have gone through hell and you are healthier now.I am proud of you. Everyone has negative thoughts and that you are fighting against is great.so I don't think you were Born bad.You have, in the past, been bad but that different. A true evil person wouldn't have wanted to change.like we agreed before, you are changing into a more wholesome person and I am a little more bad than you but that doesn't mean we can't be the best of friends.

" Feel Good " movies are the films with an happy, uplifting ending.Sound Of Music is one.It's A wonderful Life is another.The problem with me is I have to be in the mood for these films or I will end up feeling worse after seeing them.I love films with realistic endings or tragic yet romantic endings.They make me feel good.in other words, I prefer Hamlet and romeo and Juliet to Much Ado about Nothing.so I am you polar opposite when film is concerned . If the film is too wholesome, it makes me sink into a deep dark place where I become evil.But a great thriller and I am all goodness and light like Father Christmas.Weird?

Is there a film that you can see after a bad day that makes you feel better? Then That's your feel good film. I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours.

Well to address a few of the issues raised: I don't think anyone is born good: one of the essential components of Christianity is that we are all born in sin. Some children have more of a tendency than others I think to sin: they are like little Cains: but they can be saved. I was an unusually intelligent child, but also devious, and capable of cruelty: it was said I'd turn out wrong, criminal. A saint is just a common or garden word for a Christian, that is to say in evangelical terminology. Many of the worst of humanity become Christians, the worst criminals and so on. This is documented, many become converted in prison. Many Christians believe that a true Christian can lose their salvation and become worse than they were before, which is to say lost without any chance of salvation. Peter was certainly a great fellow, and very flawed: Paul is more controversial; he could talk tough, and was on the surface a bit hard on some converts: but he was born a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin. And was very protective of his race.

I am still puzzled as to why you think I like wholesome movies; I don't. I can't stand them. I am not winning here at all. Time I gave up!

Even more scary...the Bible makes it clear that merely calling yourself a Christian is no guarantee you are one: we are told to consistently test ourselves in the faith in the most urgent terms. So often we find ourselves coming terribly short...I know I do... Christianity is not an easy ride: it certainly has not been for me. But I for one would not have it any other way...

A while back, i think when we talked about Basic Instinct, you mentioned that you were looking for wholesome films to see. I am so glad you aren't into them.I thought the key thing that makes you a True Christian is loving everyone, including your enemies. That's what I can't do. So I am on the outside. Plus I don't believe babies are born in sin.You cruel? I can't see it.But I do believe what you say.The old Carl would have been interesting to meet but I don't think the friendship would have lasted or even started. the closest I get to being cruel is wishing a person ill.All early Christians were Jewish first. So it must be Paul's delivery that rubs me the wrong way. But then again he isn't talking to me.So it doesn't matter.

I just checked: I said I "should" prefer wholesome movies; because they tend to be the ones promoted by Christians; but I don't prefer them, not at all...should do! Yes, Christians are commanded to love their enemies: but not in a sentimental, warm fuzzy way: we don't need to invite them 'round to hang out; no: it's a more spiritual love: It's like when someone you have had serious differences with is in dire trouble: you feel bad for them despite all; and you pray for them; you should wish that one day they see the light: you don't want them to be condemned by God. But that doesn't mean to say you can't hate their behaviour if it's awful, and tell them in no uncertain terms it is: Jesus could be very outspoken; same with Paul; but not in a hostile way; they still loved. Love is not weakness or passivity; not at all.

Loving enemies: is not natural to human nature. If a person is to do this, they need spiritual help...but even at that it's something that needs to be worked on. Christians get hacked off like everyone else. The truly forgiving Christian is a rare treasure.

It must be hard to follow Christianity but if it is what you want, you can do it.I may not be able to follow it myself but I respect your path and if there is anything I can do to help, let me know. Question? What is your favorite film noir film?

Feeling sorry for any downfall my enemy has is the one thing I can not do. I would feel like a hypocrite.I wish ill to all my enemies always.It would hurt me if I were to to wish them well.being forced to be that forgiving would make me more evil than I am naturally.That's why I can never be a christian. But like all things I can't do, I respect people who can.Or ones who try to reach that level.

The Bible makes the point that we are all evil and each of of us has the ability to sink to the very abyss of depravity. Christianity tends so often to come to those who reach absolute rock bottom not to nicey niceys. Among those who've become Christian have been people who would by common consent be considered worse than most. Christians are tempted like everyone else to do all the bad stuff including wish their enemies harm: but the Spirit of God prevents them from wallowing in the depths of depravity. That said, many Christians miss the mark and return to their former state: it's very easy to do because the Bible makes it clear that Christians will suffer persecution...sooner or later it will come. It may be that some Christians are under such unspeakable pressure that they lose the plot. If they can ask God for forgiveness, and mean it, they can be restored...but it may be possible ( and the Bible hints at this) that there'll come a point when a Christian will no longer care to be forgiven. They are then in a whole shipload of spiritual trouble: the end will be worse than the beginning. The things you say are not unusual: most folks think the way you do even when they pretend not to: you can be honest here with me but most would not be as honest as you leastwise not in a public setting; this is an internet forum where most can be honest (me less so because I use my actual name): believe me if the world knew what kinds of thoughts lodge themselves in our heads all of us including me it'd be shocked; but that's normal. We are all like that.

If I don't post here for a while forgive me please...I'm not too well. I had something of an attack in the night, and may not be well. So won't be posting here for some time. Until then...take care.

The one thing I will Never do is lie to you. If I liked my real name I would have used it . But here at least I get to be Sarah, the real me.The one thing I will always do is defend my view, while respecting all others.

There is nothing to forgive. I am sorry I had to respond to your post so late The one night to have computer problems!I wish you well and talk to you later.

Thanks for being understanding. I'm resting up to try and make a quick recovery. I don't think it's serious (hope not); but I feel under the weather. Take Care.

You will never guess what I saw the other night? On the Biography channel I saw a profile of David Bowie.And as I write this there is a profile of Metallica.I am in heaven. I love these guys. earlier today I saw about Graham Nash.There rockers here.I remember you said you were into Soul in the 70's but what about Crosby Stiles and Nash and Neil Young?Or did you like Chicago or Seals and Crofts?I remember hearing If you leave me now by Chicago when I was about 7. I loved it then but I really get it now.

Another few questions.do you like Bobby Darin?If so, you should see the movie Beyond The Sea. It stars Kevin Spacey.It is another musical/ bio pic like Delovely.Did you like Don Henley's version of Come Rain or Come Shine? I know i had heard another version but I like his.

Okay, I need your help. Please tell me your favorite film and your least favorite. with these titles I can gauge which films I should suggest and others I shouldn't. I am glad you feel the same way I do about Some " wholesome" films.

Do you like the films I call Neo Film Noir like L.A. Confidental or Body Heat?

I was never really into Crosby, Stills and Nash (like them now: Graham was from Manchester of course: "Marrakesh Express" awesome!) as a kid, but that is more about happenstance than anything else. As a boy at military school (naval), one of my main loves was Hard Rock (Zep, Purple &c.), but there were kids into Soft Rock (I think we may've call'd it), and one was very gentle in trying to get me into it I recall: but I was resistant. Although I did like Carole King's "Tapestry"; it was real popular over here. I also loved Paul Simon's first solo album: that was a real passion. Later, I went on to love Joni Mitchell; I am still a real big admirer of especially her '70s work: did you ever hear "The Hissing of Summer Lawns"? I saw Seals and Croft live on a bill in 1975 that also included Yes: love "Summer Breeze" (of course); but prefer the Isleys' version. I like Neil Young a lot; did you ever hear his bizarre electro album, "Trans"; it is amazing to listen to; so ahead of its time; SO unlike Neil: he evidently wrote it with his son in mind. Of course I also like the more orthodox material too. I remember hearing Chicago (great band!)'s "25 or 6 to 4" as a kid...the LONG version! Awesome! I love the '70s ballad "Wishing you were here"; but "If you leave me now"...I never liked that in the '80s; Good song mind: and I can appreciate it more now...but it wasn't where I was at in the '80s (too sweet for me); when I was deeply into what they call dark romanticism hysterical wailing into the night stuff: not now mind (Not because I don't like it, it's...oh you know what I mean!). Films I love and films I hate? There are two types of films I love...films I will officially admit to loving, and those I won't (which are more like...from the past): this is confusing I know. As for those I dislike...well: I can appreciate a good "dark" film; and will patiently list its virtues. While being unable to endorse it. I am pretty fair when it comes to flicks! Bobby Darin? Never paid much attention; good voice, mind. I'll watch the neo-noirs you mentioned; and have seen both you spoke of: they are well-made for sure (I am ambivalent of course especially about "Heat": like the twisty turny plot though: classic noir). One scene I'd like to audition is Mickey Rourke's star-making turn from "Heat"; I've often thought I'd like to use it as an audition piece. He only had a few minutes; and he just nailed it. Remember it?

Mikey steals the show.I love tosee his scene.Ifell upon it flipping channels one night,I watched himand then I changed the channel.Military school! Forgive me,Ithink that is aformof child abuse.I love sailors but that's a little harsh.Go RN and The U.S.Navy!I haven't heard of The Hissing Of Summer Lawns.Wishing you were here is a great song. I was into soft rock in the early seventies.It was agreat bridge fromcountry to pop.Then Igot into rock.That is why I still love these songs.Iwasn't a rocker first and wasn't looked at sellin out or going soft.

As for films,tell me what youlike Now.The new Carl's favs and dislikes.What you really like, regardless if it is good for you or not.But if it is a genre youare trying toavoid,please tell me. Idon't want totell you about agreat film in agenre youare trying to avoid.A guilty pleasure is fine but trying tobring you down into something youShouldn't see is bad and agood friendsShould Never do that.To me it is just asbadas taking youtoabar and insisting you have alcohol.

He did! Mickey really did. It was like he stamped that movie with one word, star! But he lost it...only to regain it. I was sad he didn't get the oscar; he deserved that. I like Soft rock a lot now; but I was an adolescent boy: Hard Rock is meat and drink to scruffy adolescent boys; and boy I was that. And I was in military school, for weeks at a time. We kids lost ourselves in Rock: it was like another world...of escape. The kids into Soft Rock were the nicer kids; like this pal of mine: he was no push over, but he was a sweetheart. He tried so hard to get me into Soft Rock; like he was trying to help me; that's how my imagination sees it. You forge very close friendships in military school; I've never forgotten it: never will. You are sweet to think of me, but really, it's not that bad: I will not be poisoned by darker than dark movies; if things are too awful, I pull out. But really: it's not that serious: booze could kill me. Not flicks. Movies that are very dark spiritually: I might be tempted out of curiosity; but sense should prevail. But you know...I have seen some very dark movies even as a Christian. There are dark movies I think are artistically good; and ones that are artistically bad; according to my view. But it's just opinion. I should be wary about recommending ANY movie; but I do this...and music. But I have to ask myself? Should I have done that? I feel it's what God wants me to do: safeguard other peoples' souls.

I grew to love American Adult oriented Rock of the real Classic kind throughout the 70s and 80s: did you ever hear the music of Judee Sill; she was part of the Laurel Canyon sound; but she had a lot of problems. She was so incredibly talented.

Joni wrote "Ladies of the Canyon" about that era; and I believe Nash wrote "Our House" about it too when he was with Joni. He was in a British Invasion band called the Hollies, and he was talent-spotted for CS&N. That's the tale I heard.

I can't help it. I like you . Your are a close friend so I will worry about you at times.No, I haven't heard of Judee Sill. And yes you are correct, Graham was with Joni when he wrote Our House.It is always hard when recommending movies to people. I am into many different genres. That is why if you can please tell me your favs so when I come across a great film, I can tell you about. I always try to warn people if anything is too racy or violent.But watching a film should be ebjoyable and worth your time. To me, the movies made for the whole family isn't worth my time.I remember you said you like film noir.Do you have a favorite?

Thanks for the kind words! I have a strong feeling you'll like Judee Sill: her music was a blend of Rock, Folk and Classical. Just like Joni branched out into Jazz in the 70s, so Judee in her own way broke out of the Folk Rock mould. Don't worry about recommendations; I watch innumerous movies, several a week. Many I like, many I don't, but I'll sample anything. I record them off the TV in bulk, and then watch them. Or watch em through my DVD club. I watch most but not all of them all the way through, and will sometimes fast forward, or bail out: darkness is not always the reason. Recently I bailed out of a movie due to lack of period accuracy: it was becoming painful to watch, so I just put it on FFW, and bailed out. It felt good. Didn't I already say what my fave noir was? I think "Double Indemnity" takes a lot of beating. There was a TV remake with Richard Crenna; did you ever see it? It's not held in any esteem, but I enjoyed it fine. It's a strange one to categorise; some would call "The Lost Weekend" and even "Sunset Boulevard" noir: but I always assumed noir had to have the stock situations/characters, including the femme fatale. But that may be too limiting.

Did you ever see "The days of Wine and Roses"? Similar to "Lost Weekend". It's harrowing; perhaps not dark, but dark themes are explored; and yet, very poignantly human. Beautiful movie. Loved Lee Remick; and Jack of course.

You have more patience than I. I have tried a film and bailed for far less. Back in the day, I would watch two great movie critics gene siskel and Roger Ebert. They would review all the new releases and between the two of them, I got to see some grest films and avoid films I would never like in the first place.Double Indemnity was good but my favorite is Criss Cross starring Burt Landcaster. Have you seen it? It is caper gone wrong film.Burt was charismatic. There hasn't been a film where I didn't like his work.but then again I go by my gut feeling about a film.If I feel it isn't for me, i don't watch it.But with that said, I have tried a film one time left for some reason and then tried it again at a later date and I liked it. The last film was Heist, the Mamet film with Gene Hackman. I guess it could be called a Neo Noir with the great dialogue of Mamet.to me Film Noir is more of a feel than a set genre.but most I like deal with a caper or a crime being committed.Okay, if I see a film that i like so much it rocks my world, which is rare these days, I'll tell you about it and then you can tell me if it is your type of film.

I finally saw The Days of Wine and Roses. I had heard the title for years,then I finally got the courage to watch it. Powerful stuff. When Jack Lemon was interviewed years later, he revealed that he was an alcoholic.it was a powerful momet in itself.It was on the show Inside The Actor's Studio,Thee host was talking about jack in character having to say the words, "hello my name is... and I am an alcoholic and Jack said and I am. The host said you are? and Jack said I am an alcoholic.The look in jack's eyes was so powerful.this is one of your favorites?

Days of Wine and Roses was good but I liked Jack better in Save The Tiger and Lee in Anatomy Of A Murder. Have you seen these?

I don't think so. I have seen so many movies it's hard to say, but they don't ring a bell. Yes, "The Days of Wine and Roses" is one of my favourite ever movies, as is "The Lost Weekend". They are both so incredibly powerful, and tragic. They deal with darkness, but they don't wallow, and they have soul. I haven't seen "Criss Cross"; but I'll seek it out. Did you ever see "Angel Face" with Bob Mitchum and Jean Simmons? Excellent noir. Noir is one of those genres that never ceases to intrigue me; but then I'm not alone: it has an enduring popularity. Some movies just hit the spot: it's like Clint Eastwood's westerns; did he make a single bad one? I on the whole am no Western fan (except for "Shane" another of my favourite ever films): but Clint's unpheaval of the genre was so thorough; it's almost like he created a new genre; ably helped by his directors of course. Don't you agree?

Notably Sergio Leone, of course...

Unpheaval? What did I mean...I should have said re-invention...

Funny you mention Clint Eastwood. I just saw him interviewed on the show Inside The Actors Studio.The Sergio Leone westerns broke the western rules like the good was mean at times, he didn't wait for the bad guys to shoot first and he would shoot someone in the back.I love the Man with no name trilogy.Thanks for mentioning The Days of Wine and Roses.That's tell me a lot that you like this film. Now I know what type of film I can suggest.One has come to mind.But first, do you like jazz? If so, you should see the movie Bird. Have you seen it? It stars Forrest Whitaker.it is a bio pic and it is powerful and tragic.Great film.

Uh-oh: I don't like to be too easily defined cinematically or any other way for that matter. Well, "Wine" is one type of movie I like; same with "Lost Weekend"; two powerful films about addiction. Not all addiction movies are to my taste though. These two just happen to be particularly good. I saw "Bird" (Charlie Parker), or bits of it...but for reasons I can't explain it failed to make a big impact: perhaps I need to see it again. I know Clint is a big Jazz fan: as for me, I like some of it, not all. I love Dave Brubeck; do you know his work? I love modern Jazz best. Have you heard the guitarist Pat Metheney: I know you'd love his music: he used to play with Joni in the '70s, together with the great fretless bass player Jaco Pastorius: Joni I feel sure did much to promote the notion of a fusion of Rock and modern Jazz after some years of estrangement between the two giant genres: do you like Steely Dan? (Ever one of my fave bands). But I told you about "Let's Get Lost": that's a documentary about a great Jazz artist, Chet Baker. He was also a singer, and I love vocal Jazz. They were going to make a movie about Chet starring Leo DiCaprio (whom he somewhat ressembled); but it never got made with Leo; I think Josh Hartnett was onboard for a time. There are a lot of Jazz movies that could be made; but few have been which is strange. I think music movies are a hard nut to crack: when you are dealing with such icons, it's so easy to disappoint.

Another Jazz movie is "Round Midnight", partially based on the lives of Lester Young and Bud Powell (similar vintage to poor "Bird" Parker) in Paris. I never saw all of it...can't recall why. It's not always cos I don't like the movie; technical problems can play their part. I believe "All the Fine Young Cannibals" was loosely based on the Chet Baker life/myth. Did you ever see this one? Chet wrote a Lullaby to his recently born young son in Italian which is one of the loveliest songs I've ever heard...I must, must, must get that song on CD.

It's called "Chetty's Lullaby"...it's out of this world!

In no way are you well defined or easy to put a label on.I didn't mean that way. it is just that the type of film you like says a lot about a person. that's all.I haven't heard od either Dave Brubeck nor Pat Metheney.I shold look on You Tube and see If they are there. I think, at least here in the States, Jazz isn't too popular so The suits don't make the films.Clint said that Bird was made for himself, not for box office.It is good to know you can watch a film with addiction as a theme.I thought those were the Main films I wouldn't even mention.I am not a mother but I will protect close friends.It is great to knowI mention Any film.I have heard the name Steely Dan but I am not sure i know any of their songs.Their are many groups know their names and their songs but never made the connection. It is my age showing.Don't take this asI being so much younger,I don't mean it that way.I knew some ofThe Who's work before I put the name and the music together. What is your favorite Steely Dan song?

Steely Dan are classic! I would say they are not age-definable, although their last album of the classic period was 1980 which is quite early on; but then I was not into them until they'd split up myself, early-mid '80s maybe. Few today would know them: My nephew used to be into Classic Rock; but now like so may kids his age he is into Hip Hop and R&B; ditto my niece. They have replaced Rock/Pop as the music genres of choice for the young in this country; although forms of Alternative Rock/Pop have some popularity too. My fave Steely dan song...tough one...I like so many. "Aja" is great; "Black Cow"; "The Royal Scam"; "Throw back the Little Ones"; "Any Major Dude"; "Charlie Freak"; "Barrietown"; several others too; some of their songs are quite dark in fact; so there are always reservations.

In 1980 I was still into country and just about to get into rock.None of these titles ring a bell so I will check You Tube and listen to them. My Nephew plays rock and roll and alternative.Over here Hip Hop is for the teens and what we call pop is for girls between 8-13.You know boy bands and Hannah Montana. I am soo glad I grew upi when I did. There was great music all around me.Thankfully I can just hear 80's music just by turning on my t.v. and it is comerical free.

My nephew is 21; he may have grown out of Hip Hop: I last spoke to him at length in 2007. My niece is still a teenager; I think she likes R&B. In Britain, Pop was the name rock was known as before we started calling it Rock in the '60s: we got it from you guys I think: a more dignified term but in the sixties, Beatles, Stones, Who, were all just Pop. Only now is it seen as a separate genre.

Hard Rock was the term used to describe Zep; Purple et al from ooohh..not sure....'69? It's all so muzzy but as a kid in the '60s it was all just Pop. Heavy Metal was unknown to me as a term until about 1972? But it was used for very simple loud Hard Rock.

My nephew is over 21. I think he is into every type of music . He play bass and guitar and drums. He writes music too. I just talked to him a couple weeks ago.Here pop is a mixture of soft rock and what is on the top 40. Mostly, soft rock mixed with a hip hop and the smooth sound of the boy bands like NSYNC.rock is now the bands who aren't too hard or soft, like Aerosmith. Hard Rock is Metallica.

Led Zeppelin would be just rock these days. Megadaeth and Iron maiden are hard rock . I am sorry all my examples are from the 80's I wouldn't know a new band if they came to my door.

Well: similar categorisations to here, actually. My dad calls it all Pop; makes me mad...but you can see why he does it (apart from the fact that he doesn't think much of any of it): saves all the endless categorisations...hahaha!:o)

Dad, the classical musician? Of course he would clump them all together.Well at least you have your dad to discuss music. I lost my dad when I was 12, just before I got my rock N roll heart.I don't know if he would have liked his little girl being into Metallica. But my mom was cool, as long as I didn't play it too loudly, it was okay. In fact I was getting her to listen a few Led Zeppelin. They had that blues feel that I thought she would like and I was right.My dad was into soul and jazz, and the big bands.So I don't see me getting him to hear Any rock. I coulud be wrong. My mom said if I had asked, Dad would have done anything.

Metallica's music is quite brooding for sure, but they seem nice enough guys to me. I wouldn't buy an album. But they are talented guys.

I just saw a profile of Metallica. They are nice guys.Lars' dad was a tennis pro. Their drug of choice was alcohol.The lead singer is sober and they brought in a therapist to iron out all the beefs and they are happy, centered heavy metal group. That's sounds weird.Have heard their song Nothing Else Matters? It is my favorite, It was my first. It is a power ballad. James said, when it came out. that he got to sing on this album instead of just screaming.It has a great video. I assume it is on You Tube.Check it out. Tell me what you think.

Woo. I forgot to add.Whatever I ask you to try you Do Not have to stick with. In other words, the movie sucks, don't finish it. If a song doesn't touch you, then stop listening. Life is too short to widdle through anything trying to be kind to a friend.My taste is different in many things than yours and that's okay. Nothing Else Matters isn't the typical metallica song. I think that's why I love it.So,if it interests you, and only if that's true, try it and tell me what you think.

Don't worry: I would do what you advise anyway: I have a mind of my own like you wouldn't believe (or maybe you would!)Yes, I know that song; very good in fact. Yes, Lars is one of Rock and Roll's nice guys.

Not only would i believe it, nut I would want to celebrate it. Why else would I get Soo pi$$ed off when I thought, wrongly I might add, that you were agreeing with me just to be polite.You having a mind of your own is one of the reasons I like you And cherish your opinions.

I have more questions.Have you ever seen the movie Touch Of Evil? it is an Orson Welles film. it is film noir. It stars Charlton Heston. It is a masterpiece.Do you prefer Cole Porter to Gershwin?And do you like Lady Day?

It's the internet; I'm going to be polite of course out of sheer animal caution. When I was an internet-baby, I wasn't so discreet. I learned fast to be so; I can't change back: not never. I'm finding things hard; family problems and all; sorry; I'm going to have to take a break for a while, possibly a long one. I'll be back; not sure when...please please please don't worry about me. I'll be fine...and back...not sure when.

But I will answer your qus. before the break: yes, I've seen "Touch of Evil"; it's good...I like Welles, especially "Citizen Kane". I like Gershwin and Porter equally; but maybe Cole a bit more cos he wrote the words too.

Of course I like Lady Day; she was lovely; Diana has a great voice; and I love a lot of her songs; but I wasn't mad on the movie made of Billie's life: again...it's so hard...you are dealing with one of music's most beloved icons.
OK...must take a break (life is hard now); but I WILL be back...maybe sooner rather than later...

You can't help being polite. I can't help but worry. I'll try not to worry Too much but I will worry a little.If you ever need to talk, shoot me an email at my yahoo.I will miss you very much. I hope everything works out.Talk to you soon.

I just saw the middle of The Spanish Prisoner and now I know why I didn't stay the two times I tried it before. I didn't care about The MC Guffiin. Let me explain. Hitchcock called the object the spys were after the Mc Guffin.It really doesn't matter what it is all you need to know is it's importance.In Spanish,i really couldn't understand or care why Campbell was doing everything.Indifference is a Bad, bad sign with a spy flick, so I must have stopped both times.oh well, not all films are for everybody. I had the same feeling trying to watch No Country For Old Men.That's when you should stop and watch something else.

I can't remember a thing about it; I think I thought it was OK.

In one of our talks it came up and I said I started it but didn't finish. Are you back or is this just a short visit? are you doing okay?

That's it, I am taping Leaving Ls vegas only because of Sting's version of My One and Only Love. every time I hear it, I think of how you could wrap yourself around this song. I hope you are taking the time to write and sing. I hope we get to talk regularly real soon.

I'll be back here by and by...Sting has recorded a few other standards. On the whole though I'm none too keen on Rock musicians convering standards, or Standards musicians convering Rock. Exceptions do occur: "It could happen to you" was done v. well by Robert Palmer.

Okay.Let's change gears. Do you like Queen?If so, which is you favorite song?

Used to: 1974-1975.

Freddie had such a great voice. I guess Bohemian Rhapsody is my favorite. No wait, it's These Are The Days Of our Lives.I don't usually stay long enough to hear a good cover but I liked George Michael and Lisa Stansfield's version of it. they got together to sing at Freddie Mercury Benefit.It was great and to me better than Freddie's.Have you heard their version?

No. But like them both as singers.

They sound so good together. if you are curious, check You Tube, they may have it.Did you see The Doors movie?Did you like it? do you like 50's melodrama? If so did you like Madame X/

Kilmer was convincing as the self-styled Lizard King but how many can sing like Jim Morrison? He had one of Rock's all-time great voices; sadly that was not apparent; his ability to scream out loud did though!

He made a great Morrison. like most red-blooded straight female, I lusted after Jim but I also have two of his books of poetry too.Do you have a favorite poet? Knowing that I would ask, I had to think of my own answer and mine is Dorothy Parker.

Morrison was a good poet in my opinion, and is getting more recognised as such today. I'm not sure who my favourite poet would be. I like individual poems by a lot of poets though.

It took me a while to come up with Mrs.Parker.And I don't have a favorite poem I just like her wit. like most things, I was introduced to her by a film. Have you seen Mrs.Parker and The vicious Circle? It is a great film.do you have a favorite poem?

I have seen that movie; I think yes: I really like Jennifer Jason Leigh. I have a few faves; Keats' "La Belle Dame sans Merci" has got to be up there; Wilde's "The Ballad of Reading Gaol"; Yeats' "He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven"; Owen's "Anthem for Doomed Youth"; Eliot's "The Waste Land" would be strong contenders; I also love a lot of French poetry, mainly Romantic.

Wow what a list. You make me want to check out each. Of these I only know of The Waste Land.you are dealing with a poetry novice.I have liked jennifer since I saw Fast Times at Ridgemont High.I just saw her in another film I like very much. It is called The Anniversary Party. Have you seen it?