[Harp-L] Fame, Alcohol, and Tobacco

["Richard Williger" <rlwilliger@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

	I think it's funny how the "fame" thread has evolved.  It's one of
the better exchanges I've seen on this list.
	I think it's also funny how so many seem to exchew "fame," without
defining it.  Is it recognition?  If so, recognition where?  In front of a
stadium crowd?  On record (CD)?  In the movies?  At a SPAH convention?  In
your own little world?  I'm not sure where the "fortune" side of it came in,
but again, that's relative:  how much constitutes a "fortune"?  But, this is
a smart crowd, always has been - I'm sure you get my drift.
	One of the reasons I think it's funny is because, in many of the
messages, I read that "fame" is not the goal, just a potential by-product of
devotion to what many consider "our" instrument.  I think a little more
self-honesty is necessary, though.  What started as clearly a joke from Mike
Kennard (and yes, he might be "my canard," a la The Simpsons, or that might
be his name - I knew a guy named Harry Schmuck - cruel parents) has evolved
into everything from advice to poo-pooing, to a side discussion of alcohol.
I do know musicians who say they play only for "the music";  in fact, I
believe that music moves them.  I can't help thinking, though, that if
that's really true,  why take it public at all?  To "share" with others?
Well, that's nice, but doesn't that mean that the player is seeking some
type of approval?
	I just think it's disingenuous to claim a lack of desire for
recognition.  And if I ever truly met anyone who really, really, in their
little heart-of-hearts, ~didn't~ want money, I think I'd have to marry her.
Or him.  At that point, I wouldn't care.  My wife would understand, I'm
sure;  after all, we'd be at the beginning of a new religion.  
	So, where am I going with all this?  I'm hacked-off because I'm not
a whiskey drinker, and don't not a malt from a hops (hop?), red wine gives
me a headache, and I don't like the taste of beer;  no one has yet
branched-out into MY vice:  tobacco!  Cigars, specifically!  I know there's
a lot of "no tobacco" thoughts out there these days;  may I remind you all,
though, that Prohibition was once the law in the United States!
	So, having said all that, which I admit doesn't all follow very
well, but it's Sunday morning, and who makes sense on Sunday morning, I'll
begin by saying that I don't miss all the smoke in the bars, which is mostly
where I still play.  Ohio and Illinois (I live both places) have gone
smokeless,  but I still enjoy a cigar on the way home from the
airport/office/gig.  My personal favorites are Montecristo Vintage 1999, A.
Fuente Rothschild, and any Cohiba with a ring size of at least 50.  I'm also
partial to a good Baccarat, and on occasion, some type of Drew Estates Acid,
especially with a good glass of tawney port.
	I think I'm going back to bed.