Autumn Colors; Biden And Trump; Three Songs By Joes

Yeah, Another Blogger

I wasn’t expecting to write about autumn for a second time this year, seeing that I pretty well summed up my feelings about this, my favorite season, in an essay that hit cyberspace only last month (click here to read it). But I couldn’t resist. How could I, when colors on many of my neighborhood’s trees finally came alive on the 9th of November? How did that even happen? It was kind of a miracle really, because the leaves had been nowhere near as vivid even the day before. And, soon after the 9th, the colors diminished greatly in effect and stature, as our woody friends were having a contest to see which ones could de-leaf themselves the fastest. Yes, I was in the right place at the right time when I took an early afternoon walk through my community on the peak day.

There’s no doubt, however, that I’d have much preferred to wander among gorgeous trees in a forest, or in a substantial wood. You can truly commune with nature in those landscapes, unlike in most of my suburban Philadelphia region, where nature has been paved-over  and tamed significantly. But forests and woods are anything but around the corner from my house. A car not being at my disposal on the 9th, a visit to anywhere not within walking distance was off the table.

I wasn’t complaining, though, because my neighborhood looked so damn good. Golds, ambers, coppers, russets and burgundies abounded, and I was pleased as punch to roam for 45 minutes, soaking up their beauty, basking in their glory, etc. In other words, I dug the shit out of the color explosions! What’s more, the temperature was perfect (72°F, 22°C) and the skies were as soothing a shade of blue as you could hope for. Days such as that one don’t come around often enough, and are rarities in my part of the globe in normally pretty-chilly November.

I almost always listen to music during the walks that, for exercise, I take each week in one locale or another. But not this time. That gave me the opportunity to do a bit more thinking than usually happens during my treks. And what popped into my head and stayed there for a while? Why, thoughts about Joe Biden, a good guy, and Donald Trump, a f*cking jerk. That’s what!

Yup, I don’t like Trump even a teensy weensy bit, he who shamelessly has been trying to steal a decided presidential election. What is there to like about someone who is a force for chaos and darkness; who sneers at democracy’s principles and structure; who emboldens white supremacists; who can’t go more than thirty seconds without lying; who is callous, vindictive, narcissistic, uncivil, unhinged and a bully? Nothing, in my opinion. Yet, roughly 74,000,000 American voters gave him the OK in the recent election. That’s a highly unsettling and sobering truth for anyone who believes in equality and progress, and is concerned about American democracy’s stability and strength. Fortuitously, for the USA and for the rest of the world, about 80,000,000 voters, and a majority of electoral college votes, went for Biden. As a result, better days, saner days, lie ahead. And, by the way, those who agree with my assessment of Trump owe a huge debt of gratitude to Biden for entering the race last year, because I’m certain that no other Democratic Party candidate for president would have beaten The Despicable One.

As I inch closer and closer to this story’s exit door, I feel compelled to conclude the proceedings with hot, steamy recordings by three guys named Joe, all of whom, sadly, are no longer with us. I’m doing this in honor of Joe Biden, who is strongly with us and poised to undo much of the damage that Trump has inflicted at home and abroad during the last four years. Yo, Joe! — you and Kamala could do a whole lot worse than to boogie down to these tunes at your inaugural balls on Inauguration Day (January 20). They’ll fill both of you with loads of energy and get the two of you even more psyched than you already are to do your new jobs.

As for Donald Trump, these songs are appropriate for him too. They would make a fine soundtrack for him to angrily shake his oversized booty to as he leaves the White House, on the just-mentioned January date, for the final time ever.

Here, then, are recordings by Joe Tex (Show Me), Joe Cocker (High Time We Went) and Big Joe Turner (Shake, Rattle And Roll). Enjoy ’em!

152 thoughts on “Autumn Colors; Biden And Trump; Three Songs By Joes”

  1. roughwighting November 27, 2020 / 7:42 am

    Great song choices. I’m singing along, celebrating that the “naked King” is dead, walking along the White House halls with no clothes on. May those who believe in his charade finally see what he really is – with those clothes (power, bullying, control, money) off. Phew, okay, I got that off my chest. Now let’s sing and celebrate for the upcoming January change. Biden is already doing his best to calm us all down.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger November 27, 2020 / 11:14 am

      Let’s hope that Biden can win over a goodly number of the pro-Trumpers. That will be a challenge and a half.

      Liked by 1 person

      • roughwighting November 27, 2020 / 11:21 am

        Big time, but I happen to believe in magic, Karma, and sending out GOOD GOOD vibrations!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Crystal Byers November 27, 2020 / 9:33 am

    Neil, you kill me! Thanks for showing me a good laugh, some gorgeous fall, and the Joe Tex.

    My neighborhood is still quite green with the live oaks and such.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. George November 28, 2020 / 4:10 am

    Who couldn’t be inspired by those stunning autumnal colours, Biden’s victory ushering in a new era of hope, and those soulful vibes. Brighter days beckon, heralded with a parade of autumnal splendour!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Librarylady November 28, 2020 / 9:35 pm

    I totally agree and am looking forward to a return to sanity in our world. I have often wondered, as you mentioned, how so many voters could have backed Donald Trump. It’s definitely disturbing to realize this many people might endorse some of his darker themes.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger November 29, 2020 / 7:38 am

      And many governmental bodies, on all levels, contain lots of people who think similarly to Trump. And this has been true for a long time.

      Like

  6. sloppy buddhist November 29, 2020 / 9:52 am

    It’s been brutal to witness…it’s surreal actually…enjoy those colours and all the good things to come Neil…have a joyful weekend ~ smiles hedy ☺️💫

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger November 29, 2020 / 11:26 am

      Morning, Hedy. With Trump out of office, things automatically will seem better. Not only is that guy a total jerk, he can’t keep his mouth shut!

      Liked by 1 person

      • sloppy buddhist November 29, 2020 / 12:00 pm

        And he’s given air time 🤦‍♀️…and yes I listen to the incoming 🤓👌they will have their work ahead of them…but imagine all the goodness and possibility 💫

        Liked by 1 person

  8. alhenry November 29, 2020 / 4:29 pm

    Great Joe tunes, all! At first, I thought you were going to write about strolling your hood on Saturday, November 7th–the day Biden was (finally!) declared the winner. That was also a beautiful day. Ed and I were so pumped up when the announcement came around noon, that we took to the local streets for a walk, It was a scene–people driving by us, waving and honking (I live in a “sanctuary city” so you can imagine how HAPPY we all were/are to DUMP TheRUMP). So though we can’t do family holidays this year, we got our little tree yesterday, and I’m about to go put lights on it. Because lights are hope. And hope is all about tomorrow, and the next year. Vaccines and vacations and family/friend get-togethers. Saving democracy, saving the planet. Embarking on true racial justice. Saying NO to fascism. I think I see the light up ahead. Happy holidays, Neil.

    Liked by 1 person

      • alhenry November 29, 2020 / 6:11 pm

        It will be the first REAL breath I’ve drawn in 4 years.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. grimspound November 30, 2020 / 5:25 pm

    Great piece, Neil! That 74 million is mystifying and deeply unsettling.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Christy B December 1, 2020 / 2:09 pm

    He’ll “shake rattle and roll” right out of The White House soon!

    Like

  11. eden baylee December 1, 2020 / 8:10 pm

    Hi Neil, late as usual , sorry … tRump will be gone, but what of the GOP, many of whom supported him, and stayed (and continue to stay) silent amidst the post-election shenanigans?

    If you get a chance, listen to Sam Harris’s podcast “Making Sense” episode #225. It was recorded before all the states certified their results.

    He is so on point.

    Hope you’re keeping well,
    eden

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger December 1, 2020 / 11:39 pm

      To me, in one way or another there’s something wrong with anybody who likes or supports Trump. And apparently there are at least 74 million people in the USA who like or support him, because that’s how many votes he got.

      Like

      • eden baylee December 2, 2020 / 12:24 am

        I get it. I despise tRump. He’s an awful human being. I don’t live in the US and I don’t envy what your country has gone through the past 4 years.

        The 74 mill who voted for him and those of you who did not — you all live in the same country.

        That is the challenge – how do you live together? Demonizing them as Hillary did backfired.

        Biden will need to lead your country – and that means everyone in it.

        Interesting times ahead.

        Liked by 2 people

  12. Paulie December 4, 2020 / 3:25 pm

    Good piece. While it’s a blessing that the reign of terror will be over in a matter of weeks I fear that we’ve not heard the last of Trump. I’m hopeful that Joe Biden will move a fair portion of that 74 mil into a reasonable place. I agree with you that in the end, Biden was probably the only candidate out of the field who could have beaten Trump (a sobering notion).

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, Another Blogger December 4, 2020 / 4:56 pm

      Hi, and thanks for visiting. Yeah, I think it’s possible that Biden will win over some of the Trumpsters. And you’re right that Trump will remain a presence. That guy is demonic.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. jeanleesworld December 5, 2020 / 7:26 am

    Gorgeous pictures! I was so happy to see the colors really pop by us this year. We had some beautiful red maples in our neighborhood especially. Hope you’re well. x

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger December 5, 2020 / 9:44 am

      In my area, there’s some trees still holding on to some leaves. But most trees have empty branches. I kind of like the starkness, but autumn colors are better.

      Liked by 1 person

      • jeanleesworld December 5, 2020 / 9:53 pm

        There is an eerie beauty to the empty trees silhouetted against the dusk and dawn.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Image Earth Travel December 6, 2020 / 8:34 pm

    Gorgeous colours! Italy is the same but where I am in Queensland Australia – sub-tropical – there isn’t much colour changes between seasons.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger December 6, 2020 / 10:34 pm

      There are still some trees hanging on to leaves in the Philadelphia region, which is where I live. But 95% of trees have dropped all of their leaves. Winter, though not technically, has arrived.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Emma December 7, 2020 / 5:28 am

    Excellent piece (and lovely photos). Here in Scotland, my husband and I cried on the Saturday when the results declared for Biden – thank goodness, thank goodness, thank goodness.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger December 7, 2020 / 8:44 am

      Hi. Trump will continue to do his worst, even when he’s out of office. But at least he will be out of office.

      Like

  16. Silver Screenings December 21, 2020 / 10:06 pm

    The colours of those leaves are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing these photos – autumn left us several weeks ago, I’m afraid, so it was good to enjoy fall colours again. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger December 21, 2020 / 11:22 pm

      Hi Ruth. I was fortunate to have seen those trees on what I’m convinced was the peak day for color in my area.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. marymtf January 9, 2021 / 12:34 am

    Trump signed the first step act into law in December 2018, marking the first legislative victory in years for advocates seeking to reform the criminal justice system.
    Trump followed through on his promises to America’s veterans, ensuring they have access to quality care.
    No new wars under Trump’s watch
    Snowballing peace in the Middle East
    North Korea has been tamed
    Trump made the economy boom for the poorest half of America. That hasn’t happened since the ‘60s.
    Last year there were 493 documented riots across the United States: Black Lives Matter, Antifa all supported by Joe Biden. The democrats and Biden encouraged it. Way more violent than what happened a couple of days ago.
    For four years straight and without surcease and without proof of its accusations, the swamp and its followers did its best to oust Trump. Looks like they’ve just about achieved it with a week to spare. It’s one of the reasons I doubt that the election results were honest.
    Joe isn’t up to unravelling all the good that Trump has done, but don’t worry. I predict that basement Joe, that doddering, senile old fart, won’t last a year. Don’t you ever wonder why the bleeding Democrats chose him? Kamala, of course. Cunning plan. You’re going to have to find some Kamala songs for your next post.

    Like

  19. Nothern Alain June 9, 2021 / 9:15 am

    Hi Neil and Sandy, Just found this blog that I let slip by apparently last autumn ! Your fall pictures are spectacular. The trees never seem to have the same reds here. Reminds me of Middlebury, tho the peak for foliage is a month earlier there. Loved the Joe Tex. (Biden seems to be doing well, as you prophesied). Alan

    Envoyé de mon iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yeah, Another Blogger June 9, 2021 / 10:47 am

      Bonjour, Alan. Biden’s doing his best, that’s for sure. But there are SO many backward-thinking and repressive people in the USA, it’s scary. The vast majority of them are Republicans. A sorry state of affairs.

      Like

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