Good Riddance to 2020

When I first heard of the Coronavirus and the subsequent shutdowns in early 2020, I figured we'd be inconvenienced for a month or so and then things would go back to normal. Boy, was I ever wrong! So, here we are about to usher in the New Year and we're still dealing with the effects of COVID. And sadly, we likely won't come out of our new, restricted world until mid-way through 2021 at the earliest!

Putting it mildly, 2020 has been a unique year. We have all been affected by COVID in some way. We all know someone who has had it. And we all probably know someone who passed as a result of it. One of my good friends lost her mom shortly after she tested positive for COVID earlier this year. Due to COVID restrictions, only immediate family members were allowed into the funeral home. We had to pay our respects in the form of a drive-by viewing. From inside of our car, we did our best to express our condolences as our friend stood next to her mom's casket and waved to us from the inside. It's hard enough to lose your mom, but to be so isolated during the grieving process seemed to be especially cruel. 

Working in the healthcare industry, I have seen some of the folks who work on the front lines. The respect that I have for these people can not be measured. They have worked countless hours throughout this pandemic, putting their own health at risk to care for others. Seeing death and despair day after day has a way of mentally defeating even the strongest of us. But the healthcare workers still get up and do it, time and time again. Amazingly,  I have heard people say that "this is what they signed up for". What a heartless thing to say. Where would we be if people "didn't sign up" for jobs like this? These people are heroes in every sense of the word, in my book. 

When Time Magazine prepared to name their "Person of the Year" recently, I thought that the healthcare worker would have been a shoe-in. But Time thought Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were more deserving. I personally think they got it wrong. But that's just my opinion..

The COVID vaccines were manufactured and released at a record pace. The Pfizer and Moderna versions have already hit the streets with AstraZeneca's on the horizon (maybe it's already out?). While it's probably too early to tell how effective the vaccines will be, at least it gives us a little hope for the future. The drug companies take their share of criticism. But I think they deserve a lot of credit for expediting these vaccines.

The next round of stimulus checks are due to be received in the next week or so. This will be a bit of welcomed relief to those who are struggling to make ends meet. But why are checks being sent to people who have not been financially affected by the COVID shutdowns? Maybe Congress should have spent more time trying to get money into hands of struggling Americans instead countless other pet projects. Yeah, I know... that's the way Washington works. But it certainly doesn't make it right....

On a positive note, the stock market is somehow at a record high. When the market tanked earlier this year, I thought it would take years to get back to even. But amazingly, stocks came roaring back and most people's retirement funds are up considerably since the beginning of the year. I've been investing for a long time and this has been the craziest year I've ever seen. If things start opening back up by mid-2021, we could see another economic boom. But things don't always goes as planned, so be careful.

We will progress into 2021 with a degree of uncertainty. Will COVID run it's course and finally leave us alone? Will a second strain come along and set us back even further? Will the vaccine rollout be effective enough to transcend us back to the "old normal"? When, if ever, will we be able to wander around in public without that damn mask?

The last thing I'll say to 2020 is, "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!"

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year and hope that 2021 will be a much better year than it's predecessor. As we move forward, let's try to help each other out instead kicking each other when we're down. Never underestimate the impact of simply being nice. If we all work together, there's little that we can't accomplish. Wishing you and yours the best for the upcoming year!

kw

My List of Great Cover Songs

Through the years, there have been countless songs covered by a slew of artists. In a lot of cases, the covered version pales in comparison to the original. However, there are also plenty of examples of songs being elevated to another level when performed by a modern band. Of course music, like most other art forms, is subject to interpretation. With this being said, here are a few of my favorite cover songs that I believe were well worth the effort....

"All Along The Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix 

While Bob Dylan is known as one of the most prolific songwriters of our time, I think most of you would agree that he doesn't exactly have a velvet voice. Sounding like he has a mouth full of marbles at times, the passion of his music seems to get lost in his performance. I know I'm walking on sacred ground here but like I mentioned, it's all in the interpretation. Anyway, Jimi Hendrix electrified the Dylan classic and made it his own. 

"The Sounds of Silence" by Disturbed

This is an odd one because the original Simon and Garfunkel version was awesome. Trying to cover this one would be like making a remake of "The Godfather". But I can remember making my way through traffic on the DC beltway a few years ago when I heard this familiar song. I instantly realized that it was not the original. My radio told me that it was being performed by a band called Disturbed. I really wasn't too familiar with this band nor it's powerful singer. But as the song picked up momentum, the vocals became thunderous! The hair on the back of my neck began to stand up and applaud. If I had to grade this one on a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a 12. Absolutely superb!

"Higher Ground" by The Red Hot Chile Peppers

This is another song that took a lot of balls to cover. Stevie Wonder is, as Eddie Murphy once said, a musical genius. So, how could anyone have the audacity to mess with one of his masterpieces? Well, the Chile Peppers did it. And they did it well. The infectious bass line draws you in right from the beginning and the energy explodes throughout the song. There's also an element of funk that takes this one to another level. I'll bet even Stevie himself would agree.

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" by Great White

Most people probably think that this is a Great While original. But it was originally written and recorded by Ian Hunter in 1975 (the same guy who does "Cleveland Rocks"). While the Hunter version isn't bad, the Great White version has an updated punch. The piano in this one really compliments the traditional guitar riffs. I had never seen anyone play "air piano" until this song came out.

"Proud Mary" by Ike and Tina Turner

The original CCR version was solid and had that familiar bayou groove to it. However, the Ike and Tina version got all up in your face. I loved the bass vocals that Ike Turner added to the song, And Tina Turner was a human spark plug who could electrify any performance. And who can forget the "swim dance" from Tina and her back-up singers during their live performance? If we could only harness the energy here...

"Diamonds and Rust" by Judas Priest

As a big Judas Priest fan through the years, I had to add this one to the list. It's always interesting when a hard rock/heavy metal band covers a folk song. And that's exactly what we have here. The original version, performed by Joan Baez, was a decent enough song. However, her version lacked the energy that it deserved. The original studio cover of this song, found on Priest's "Sin After Sin" album, was a bit lackluster in my opinion. But when they "unleashed" it on their classic live album, the song came to life. Rob Halford's dynamic vocals give the lyrics a shot of adrenaline that they so disparately needed. The song has since become a permanent fixture on the band's set list.

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston

Although I might be jeopardizing my man card with this one, it deserves to be on this list. Whitney Houston had one of the best voices of our generation. Her rendition of the National Anthem during that Super Bowl years ago ranks up there with the best. But when she covered Dolly Parton's classic song, she blew it out of the water. One of the most powerful vocal performances in recent memory. While I'm not a sappy, love-song kind of guy, I always appreciated Whitney's performance on this one. It was recorded for the movie "The Bodyguard" which went on to become the best selling movie soundtrack ever.

"Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin

Originally written by Kris Kristofferson and performed by Roger Miller, this song needed to a kick in the ass. Along comes Janis Joplin and the rest is history. Her version builds the perfect momentum. By the time it gets to it's climax, you feel like jumping up and singing along. Janis was one of those special performers who had the ability to make you feel the lyrics. And that's exactly what she did with this one.

"I Love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Yes, we've all heard this song countless times. But many people don't know that the original version was done by an English band called The Arrows. Their version seemed a bit flat and lacked excitement. So, along comes Joan Jett and adds a heavy dose of black leathered attitude. And just like that, a rock anthem was born. 

"With a Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker

Is it really possible to do a Beatles song better than The Beatles? Well, Joe Cocker ventured down that uncertain path and came out victorious. With his signature gravelly voice, Joe gave this Beatles classic a unique twist. He turned the bubbly, pop-sounding original into a passionate work of art. The harmonious back-up singers are the perfect compliment to Cocker's raspy vocals. 

"You Really Got Me" by Van Halen

The song that introduced most of us to Van Halen was originally performed by The Kinks. The original version was a classic in it's own right. But when Van Halen got a hold of it, people stood up and took notice. It's fitting that Eddie Van Halen's legendary guitar solo ("Eruption") leads into this song. You could make the argument that this cover changed the direction of rock and roll forever.

"Black Magic Woman" by Santana

This is another song that many people don't realize is actually a cover version. Perhaps even more surprising, the original was done by Fleetwood Mac. Of course, this was during the pre-Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham days. Peter Greene was Fleetwood Mac's gifted guitarist back then and added his own bit of flair to Black Magic Woman. However, when Carols Santana laid his hands on it, the song instantly found a new home. You can hardly think of Santana without this song playing in the back of your head.

If I had more time, I could come up with countless other examples. However, these are the first few that popped into my head. I love to talk music with friends. So, next time we get together over a few beers, I'd like to hear your idea of a great cover tune. Cheers!

kw

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Anne Arundel County - The Next Round of Shutdowns

 So, with the next round of Anne Arundel County restrictions due to take place on Wednesday at 5 pm, restaurant owners are trying to figure out how to weather yet another storm. As they were already severely compromised at a 25% capacity limit, this next round of shut-downs could be the nail in the coffin that so many had hoped to avoid.

This 4-week shutdown could not have come at a worse time for the restaurant industry. Business usually picks up during the holidays and customers tend to be a little more generous with their gratuities. This Christmas bonus is now off the table.

The profit margin for most restaurants is very thin. They rely on a large volume to make money. Since the COVID restrictions kicked in earlier this year, many local restaurants have been operating at a loss. Although it might seem like a bad business decision to continue to do this, these restaurants are desperately trying to retain their respective customer base during these trying times. Closing their doors for the next few months might save them some money in the short term. However, by doing this, they risk losing their regular customers when (or if) things ever get back to normal.

Another huge profit maker for restaurants is alcohol sales. Although these businesses were granted permission to sell take-out alcohol, most customers will choose to grab a 6-pack of beer or a bottle of wine at the local liquor store.

Most restaurant owners have played by the rules. And many have taken on additional expenses by purchasing outdoor tents and heating supplies. With outdoor dining now being banned, these purchases will translate into another loss for the owners.

Although they don't fit into the category of traditional restaurants, social clubs are allowed to remain open at 25% capacity.  However, they can not serve food or drinks. So basically, you can meet up with your Army buddies at the local VFW, but you are prohibited from knocking back a PBR and a bag of beer nuts. There's just something fundamentally wrong with telling a veteran that he can't have a beer at his local VFW post.

Also, bowling alleys are limited to 25% with not food or beverage service. I bowled in a league not so long ago. Speaking for myself (and quite a few others), bowling and beer go together much like baseball and hot dogs. I bowled some of my best games after indulging in a few adult beverages. But that's a conversation for another day.

But seriously, people have to eat. Why are food and drinks prohibited at these places? Are they afraid that people will drop their mask momentarily to devour a few nachos? It's the inconsistencies that really drive me nuts with these restrictions.

And casinos are allowed to remain open at 25% (with no food/beverage service). Now, if there's one thing that is absolutely essential during a pandemic, it's gambling. See what I mean about the inconsistency?

Gyms will also be allowed to operate at 25% capacity. However, you must wear a mask during you're workout. I have a hard enough time breathing while my fat ass labors on a treadmill without a mask. The mask mandate in the gym gives me the perfect excuse to camp out on my couch with a bowl of Cheez-Its.

On a positive note, there is supposed to be some extra money coming to restaurants as part of a $10 million Restaurant & Food Service Grant Program. Additionally, annual restaurant fees (due in February) are being waived.  Whether it will be enough is the big question.

With all of this being said, please do what you can to support the restaurants and other small businesses in your community. With Christmas right around the corner, restaurant gift cards will make the perfect gift and also help the local business owners. If you're having a small gathering, consider ordering food from these local businesses. These places are the fabric of our communities. And the folks that own and work at these places are our friends and neighbors. Let's continue to do what we can to help them out.