Why Ziggy Stardust Still Matters; A Listener’s View

Every so often my Face Book posts include a reference to David Bowie. This is then followed by a comment in which one of my friends will say something about Ziggy Stardust. This is not surprising as music critics often rank “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust” as one of the best albums of all time.

So who is Ziggy Stardust? Is he an alien? Is he Jimmy Hendrix? Is he a savior? And does it really matter? In a sense, it does not matter. Ziggy Stardust is all of these things and much more. In the end, Ziggy is who you want him to be. This is the beauty of the concept album. You determine who Ziggy is.

Throughout the short history of modern music, the concept album has always been an enigma. Typically, the concept album will center around one theme. This sounds simple enough. However, in most cases musicians prefer to veer in a variety of directions. Subsequently, there are not many “true concept albums”. One of the most famous concept albums is “Tommy” by the Who. Pink Floyd also made several concept albums, which include Dark Side of the Moon and the Wall. Springsteen has produced a few concept albums. In 2002, he produced “The Rising” which depicted our society in a post 9-11 era. “The Rising” was considered such a powerful statement that every democratic presidential candidate would seek Springsteen’s endorsement.

Never the less, in recent years, the concept album has become a dying art. This makes sense as most people cherry pick their favorite songs and create their own playlists. Of course during the 1970’s, concepts albums were all the rage. One of my favorite concept albums is David Bowie’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust”. Ziggy Stardust is a fictional rock and roll star/savior/Martian adored by millions all over the world. This background information serves as a metaphor for the real theme in which Bowie explores the dangers of excess through Ziggy Stardust. Nowadays two of my favorite songs are “Star” and “Ziggy Stardust”. “Star” chronicles a regular person who suddenly transforms into this superstar and is enjoying the rush generated from this experience. The following lyrics speak about the excitement of acquiring sudden fame;

I could make a transformation as a rock n roll star

So inviting - so enticing to play the part

I could play the wild mutation as a rock n roll star


Get it all yeah!

This song is then followed by Ziggy Stardust which speaks of how Ziggy starts to become overwhelmed by this sudden fame as he feels that everyone wants a piece of him. In the end though, it does not matter. This is how I view Ziggy these days where as 10 and 20 years ago my take on Ziggy was very different. In those days, it was about lost innocence and the changes we face in our lives. I was no longer a kid; as in 5 years I would be an adult. I suppose this is the beauty of the concept album. You can let your imagination run wild and let it be about anything.

Conversations with my Mother; Circa 1990

About 20 years ago I travelled to Boston on a weeklong trip to be with my mother. As it turns out she was there for close to a month as my grandmother was getting treated for cancer. Prior to my arrival, my uncle had been had been in Boston helping out. Apparently, he needed to head back to NY as per orders from his boss.

At the time, I was about 18 years old finishing my freshman year at college. Naturally, I did not know what to expect. Much of what happened 20 years ago I have long forgotten. During this week, my mom and I visited my grandmother in the hospital everyday. In an effort to keep kosher in Boston we were rather inventive; lots of tuna cans, cereal, and anything with a kosher symbol. Every night at 2 AM my mom and I watched some awful comedy show. I honestly don’t remember what it was. I do remember it was the same awful show we watched in NY. We also watched old Star Trek reruns and make fun of the terrible acting. More importantly, we had many deep conversations about the future, life, and so on.

Unbeknownst to me, my mom had been fighting cancer for close to 5 years at that time. In fact, while I was helping my grandmother in one room, my mom was getting treatment elsewhere in the hospital. I would not learn about this until 6 days prior to her death. Many people have found this bit of information shocking. They ask me, “are you angry that your mother hid this from you?” I have always said no. At the time, I was the oldest of 4 brothers in my family; with my youngest brother being 12 at the time. My mom did not want our childhood to be burdened in anyway. She said, “Why make them suffer now?” When I think of what she sacrificed I am awed by her selflessness and bravery. She was always concerned about everyone else’s welfare first.

As I look back at this and other events, I am thankful to have known my mom for 18 years and for those 2 AM conversations. There is no question in my mind that a very deep bond was developed at that ungodly hour. Of course, there are many other things I recall about my mom; too numerous to mention here.

Who could forget her relentless drive to assure that her children were successful in their endeavors? There are so many examples of this. For starters, she was a tough woman with unlimited passion for her children. She would never let anyone mess with her children and did not tolerate it from inept administrators; or anyone. With every once of energy, she was the unstoppable warrior fighting for her children and anyone under her care. This includes the many patients she was responsible for over a 20-year medical career. In fact, till this day patients treated by her and doctors that worked with her speak of her work ethic, ingenuity, and kindness. I believe this is why she did not want us to know of her illness a she truly feared it would jeopardize our future in school and in life. Subsequently, she never complained to her children about her pain and suffered in silence.

Over the past few months my youngest child has vastly improved his vocabulary and has achieved a few other milestones. My wife said to me, “I was really afraid that he never would achieve this.” I thought to myself, “Thank You mom for giving me that relentless drive making sure that I never give up on anything or anyone. Thank you for those 2 AM conversations. Thank you for believing in us and Happy Birthday Mom.” May you continue to give us everlasting strength. I know you are enjoying the antics that your grandchildren are so famous for and are rooting for them.

The Once and Future Emissary, Chapter 35

They say I retired 3 years ago and in a sense I did. As far as the world is concerned, Lightning Man is dead. Haven’t you read the papers? In a blaze of glory Lightning Man takes down the entire Cookie Syndicate including the infamous Mouth. Unfortunately, he dies of internal bleeding.

Of course I secretly fight crime in a number of disguises. However, it’s not the same thing. For 40 years, I was the emissary for the League of Government Heroes. The league is a secret organization funded by congress that deals with a number of international conflicts that never make the paper. As far as the public was concerned Lightning Man was a local crime fighter. The public never new how many close calls we had with missiles, bombs, and other dangerous weapons. As emissary, I have met with every president since Eisenhower and made sure that our national interests were never compromised. Well, that all ended in 1999. As part of my retirement, the position of emissary was given to a new person.

Sadly the need for the league has never been more dramatic since 9-11. Ever since that seminal event, everyone seems to be on edge. It is of course understandable. However, I can do without all the venom spewing these days. In this post 9-11 world even the good guys sound like trouble. Take my replacement for example; Street Smasher. Street Smasher a veteran of the original Persian Gulf War heads a group known as “The Assassinators.” Street Smasher is a good guy whose team has kept or city safe. I actually had a few run ins with him more than 20 years ago. At the time the government was concerned with his vigilante approach to fighting crime. In time, it became clear he and his group were one of the good guys. In fact, I brought him into the League of Government Heroes.

Ironically, he not only inherited my former title at the league he is also fighting my old nemesis; well sort of. “The Mouth” has been replaced by “Son of a Mouth”. Not to be outdone he even adapted as group of super villains known as “Cookie Crumbs.” From what I understand, “Son of a Mouth” sports a similar get up and shares a fascination with blades. I suppose I should be thankful, there are new heroes to pick up the slack. Still I do remember a simpler time when there was a little more civility.

Welcome to the Jungle- A Survivor’s Guide at the Gym

So you made a New Year resolution to go to the gym. Bravo! You’re on your way to living a healthier life. Having said that, there are a number of unspoken gym rules, which will help you enjoy the fitness experience.

1. Marking Your Territory- Everybody wants to use the non-inclined Bench Press Unit. The problem is the average gym only has 3-6 of these coveted units. With this in mind, you can mark your territory either by placing a towel on the bench or by placing a bottle of water along with your cell phone near or on the equipment.

2. The 60 Second Rule- Ask any fitness expert and hey will recommend that you take a 60 second break between weight lifting sets. Therefore, it is OK to take a 60 second break set; but no longer. Otherwise, someone will approach your space and say, “So are you finished yet or what?”

3. How many sets do you have left- Sooner or later, you will be asked, “How many sets do you have left?” This typically happens on a day that the gym is busy. You can respond in one of a few ways, “I’m just getting started”, “4-6 sets left”, or “I’m almost done.” Whatever you do, respond in a friendly and confident way. This is not a time to say, “uhhhhh.”

4. Can I work in with you- On a busy gym day you will be asked, “Can I work in with you?” There is only one correct response, “Sure.” After all, you do not want to be known as a “gym jerk.”

5. Three Feet Rule- When lifting free weights, make an attempt to give your workout counterparts space, as you do not want to bump someone with a dumbbell.

6. Take the Phone Conversation Outside- I think this one is pretty self-explanatory.

7. Give a Hoot- After you are finished using weights, put them back on the rack.

8. Don’t be Anti Social- If someone says hi acknowledge him or her. Similarly, if someone nods to you, nod back.

OK, now that we are finished with gym etiquette, lets talk about safety in the gym and exercise tips.

1. Warm Up Exercise and Stretches- Believe it or not stretches and warm up routines truly help one from damaging body parts.

2. Protective Gear for Weight Lifting- If you are planning of living heavy weights, wear the weight belt and workout gloves. The weight belt will protect your lower back and the gloves will protect your hands from fatigue and other hand related ailments.

3. Protective Gear for Running- Futuro Kneepads might be one of the best inventions ever. It’s a stretchy kneepad, which includes a hole in the middle so that the kneepads give your protection, lets your skin breathe, and does not become too tight. Please keep in mind the kneepad is necessary only if you start to feel light pain in your knees. If you do start to feel aches in your knee area, it is important that you get protection immediately as the inflamed area will only hurt more with repetitive stress injury. Naturally, you should invest in the appropriate running sneakers. If you are running everyday, you should also replace your sneakers every 3 months or every 300 miles; whichever comes first.

4. Don’t Cheat During Weight Lifting- Its important that you lift the dumbbells with your arms only. Another words do not use your back for an assist. If you do not trust yourself, proceed to lift dumbbells while sitting on a chair. It will make an honest weightlifter out of you and your back will thank you.

5. Take a Breather- Make sure to breathe in and out at the appropriate times during weight lifting activities and take mini breaks to give your body time to recover.

6. Change is Good- It is well known that we are creatures of habit that will repeat the same exercises day in day out. A more effective workout could be accomplished by changing your routines every so often.

7. iPod- If you have not tried working out with music you do not know what your missing. The iPod not only allows you to enjoy music of your choice, it also allows you to watch your favorite movie and TV shows.

8. Elliptical- If you have weak knees, the elliptical will allow you to build up your legs without putting any strain on them. However, the elliptical is very boring. Therefore, tip 7 will come in hand; you know the iPod.

Well, that’s it for now. Congratulations on deciding to join the gym. Remember, to stick with the fitness routine meaning you should visit the gym at least 3 times a week. Finally, I wish you much success at the gym.

Chapter 34, Lightning Man’s Last Stand

In recent years, the profession of being a superhero had become increasingly dangerous. With the advent of new technology, your street criminal could now track you to private whereabouts and essentially spy on you. Even worse, computer genealogy and imaging software could help them figure out who my siblings are. Luckily the government has been working with me to develop a number of sophisticated tactics to evade the host of predators. In fact, my government liaison never seemed to be worried about these threats.

This all changed in 1999 when “the Bolt” broke out of a maximum-security prison. It had been 10 years since we put him away for working with the Cookie Syndicate, along with 20 counts of manslaughter, 35 counts of armed robbery, and 72 counts of domestic violence. Additionally, he was responsible for aiding and abetting the Cookie Syndicate, which included a gang of 28 very dangerous criminals with scoundrels like the Mad Bomber, Eclipse, and Ninja acting as his lieutenants. As it turns out, “the Bolt” lived a double life. For years, I knew him as “the Mouth”; leader of the Cookie Syndicate and a man who eluded federal authorities for close to 3o years. Prior, to his arrest, Mouth was only known by reputation. Mouth was known for wearing a pinstripe suit, his shoulder length over hair, a black over coat, and always sported a large dark grey hat. This get up made it almost impossible to identify who he was. Of course, no one knew that he was masquerading as my partner. By the grace of g-d, I never revealed my identity to him. Nor did I share much of my personal life with him. However, the little that I shared was probably too much.

A little later that day, I received a very disturbing phone call. Apparently, Mouth hacked into several government databases and my identity was definitely compromised. An emergency meeting would be held in 30 minutes to discuss next steps, which would include relocating my family and deciding how to take down the Mouth. This meeting was to never take place. An emergency SOS indicated someone had broken into my house. Fortunately, my wife was away on business and the kids had moved out several years ago. Nevertheless, agents were dispatched to locate my family and ensure their safety. In the meantime, I followed a military escort to my house. As we approached my house, some kind of pulse weapon took down the military plane following me. I contacted the government to inform them of this news and then continued to pursue the Mouth.

A few minutes later, I came head to head with the Mouth. I quickly used my lightning weapons to fry his weapon. He then threw a boomerang at me, leapt into the air, and attempted to slash me with a handsaw. In order to protect myself I turned my body into pure lightning figuring that his handsaw could no longer harm me. Suddenly, he pulled out what appeared to be a 2-inch gun and shot me with a mixture of bromine vapors. This put my body into shock and caused me to collapse. Mouth then proceeded to stab me with his stiletto shoes. No doubt this man had a thing for knives. I tried to roll away from his attack. However, it was not easy. I was 10 years older and my recuperative powers were not as great. It was as that moment, I realized that I had only one option. I was going to have to harm him possibly take him down. In short, I was going to have to use lethal force; something I have never done as a superhero in 40 years. Still… what choice did I have? This guy was on the verge of killing me. So… with all my might, I shot a flame ball at his face. No doubt, this took him by surprise. Unfortunately, he was wearing some kind of flame retardant. He then proceeded to continue to kick me around. This did not look good. My last ditch effort failed. I no longer had the energy to conjure another flame ball or burst of lightning. I was also losing blood. It was clear that he could have killed me. However, now that I was incapacitated, he seemed to take joy in terrorizing and torturing me.

I am not sure what happened next as I woke up in the hospital. I am told that I am lucky to be alive and that I will be walking in 4 months again and that a unit of 10 military soldiers took down the Mouth. I was also told that for national security purposes the public was told that Lightning Man was murdered. I am not sure how I feel about this. I suppose given the recent events it is for the best.

Chapter 33, Betrayed

I will never forget the day of betrayal. I was on the verge of taking down the Cookie Syndicate fighting side by side with my partner in justice “the Bolt”. We were travelling underwater in the process of uncovering illegal explosives kept in an underwater lair. Suddenly “the Bolt” stabbed me with a Kershaw knife; the ones used by sea hunters. He proceeded to remove my scuba gear and then left.

I was losing blood fast and was at the bottom of the ocean that was 400 feet deep and the nearest mass of land was approximately 10 miles away. I knew my traditional lightning powers would not work underwater and that without my scuba gear I was working with limited oxygen supply. This left me with very few options. Luckily I had a quasi-functioning first aid kit under my cape. I quickly wrapped the wounded areas and was able to stop the bleeding. Well… sort of. I then swam to the top of the ocean. Naturally, I was feeling woozy. As I continued to swim, I sent an SOS signal to the police commissioner. At the same time, I scoped the area looking for dry land. This was critical, as my lightning powers would help me expedite a much-needed visit to the hospital.

Unfortunately, my luck was about to get much worse. A shark was pursuing me. I tried to hit it with a lightning bolt. The shark was not impressed and whacked me with its tail hoisting me 10 feet into the air. Ironically, this gave me the opportunity I needed. For 5 brief seconds my entire body was no longer immersed in water. Additionally, the sun was shining brightly allowing me to access my lightning powers. With all my might I attempted to fly away from the water. At first I was a bit shaky. However, within 2 minutes I continued to gain my strength and flew to a secret government hospital. Their doctors have been responsible for my well being for close to 30 years and they knew exactly what needed to do ensure my recovery. I suppose working for the government has its advantages.

A few weeks later, I was working with the government to put a stop to the Cookie Syndicate. The government advised me not to do any public appearances. They were hoping my disappearance would encourage the Cookie Syndicate to act arrogantly and make a mistake. I also had an active tracer that pinpointed the whereabouts of “the Bolt”. Sure enough, my tracer, lead us to “the Bolt” and the Cookie Syndicate’s new hideout. With in 24 hours one of the greatest crime rings was taken down.

The newspapers and the local media would talk it about for many months and would tout it as one of my greatest triumphs. However, somehow I wasn’t feeling so invincible. My trusted friend of 13 years was working for the enemy the entire time. How could I have been so blind, so naive? In retrospect there were a number of hints dropped along the way. I kept saying to myself, “no you’re being paranoid.” I suppose our perceptions of what is are often colored by what we want it to be. One thing is for sure; I don’t think I will be mentoring another aspiring superhero anytime soon. This series of events is simply too painful to repeat again. I suppose time will heal the physical and emotional wound. Still… the lessons learned from this episode will linger for a long time to come.

Chapter 36- Cloudy Illuminants

Most of us have jobs we work at for roughly 30-40 years with a plan of retirement. For the hero, it doesn’t work like that. There is no 401K plan, retirement incentive, stock options, or pension plan. Forget about health care. We do what we do because no one else can. There is no rest for the hero. At night we worry about the fate of our world. Yet in our hearts, we know the time will come to hang up the cape.

For me, the issue has been lurking as of late. During the past few years, my powers have grown weak. It seems that my power of flight is now dependent on the sunlight. Embedding a solar energy receptor on my lightening bolt emblem has helped. However, real sunlight is preferable. Fortunately, my super speed and ability to shoot rays of light from my fingers seems to be unaffected by my advancing age.

Sometimes, I wonder where do these criminals come from. They say that our crime rate is at an all time low. Not from my perspective. A lower crime rate would imply less work for me. Let me tell you, business unfortunately has not slowed down. This worries me. From a logical standpoint I cannot continue this crusade forever. I still can’t believe that I have been doing this for 45 years.

For the past 5 years I have been combating crime under a host of aliases. This became necessary as I faked my alter ego’s (Lightening Man) death at that time. It was not one of my proudest moments as a superhero. I will admit that I miss the spotlight. It wasn’t long ago that the paper always covered my exploits. These days my crime busting efforts often go unnoticed. I suppose fighting crime secretly does have its vices. However, it was the only way to protect my friends and family. At the time, I looked at the problem, took to its logical conclusion, and determined this was the best way to go. With this in mind, I have no regrets. Once again, I don another disguise and help someone in the guise of anonymity and through the luminosity of our sun make sure we all shine a light.