A new source of pride in our economy is what you can do with an internet jukebox.  The game is getting your best value.  That means finding the right mix of music that represents how broad your taste is while remaining obscure enough to keep the plebeians from recognizing the chorus and singing along.  Prices are on the rise, so only real music lovers play this game.  Others use a defensive response to tune it out. Tuning out annoying sounds is a prime survival skill in the city. I’m doing it right now to write this – except I’m not because I paid for the jukebox and Freddie Mercury is encouraging me to go on with the show. 

Not something I’d choose without understanding the idea that my entire life is a performance. Indifference is overrated. It’s only useful if you’re hiding something. Much easier not to use deceit than to pretend you aren’t. That’s evolution. Sharks evolved with dinosaurs and survived due to simplicity and sheer strength.  The insane rambling of a Southern woman in a Seattle bar. A country song comes on after John Lennon and everyone listens to the story of a middle class mom smoking a joint. It’s adorable and universal, just short enough to leave a memory with a twangy conversational tone. Like Janis Joplin doing a pop song.

The walls of a dive represent the personality of the place.  At the Mecca, I see layers and variety with an overall Fuck Off vibe. They could shut off the jukebox, but I doubt they will.  Once given an ounce of power, the line between being a punk and being a prick is subtle.  Age has a lot to do with it.  Patience.  Wisdom.  The ability to discern sheep from cows.  Basically all the same traits as a border collie.  I like my dogs cleaner than I like my bars.  And I like my men cleaner than I like my dogs.

Beside the point.  I have the chance to jump into another loving relationship with someone that has nearly no reason to lie to me.  He’s not perfect but there’s a level of trust developed from youth and empirical evidence that bodes well.  Much like Harry Potter had his Neville Longbottom, there’s another person that’s equally interesting and has as much long-term potential, if not muted.  The other thing I can’t really wrap my head around is the long-term assets.  Kids are a big deal, whether you want them to be or not.  Not in a bad way either…  I want to know all parties involved before I let my heart get invested.