In economic downtown, more across Texas, U.S. choose to volunteer
06:54 AM CDT on Monday, April 20, 2009
Applications are up for the Peace Corps, Teach for America and AmeriCorps as Texans turn to service organizations in increasing numbers during the economic downturn.
The state numbers mirror national figures that show year-to-year increases beginning in 2007. Initial numbers of applicants this year are far outpacing those for any previous year.
Jim Guittard, who returned in late 2008 from a two-year mission for the Peace Corps, isn’t surprised.
“With the economy the way it is, people are looking for other things,” said Guittard, who lives in northeast Dallas. “They’re searching for a more satisfying or fulfilling life.”
Officials with the Peace Corps are still tallying the number of applications received in February, but according to the Dallas office’s Shannon Borders, it will probably be a record for one month.
AmeriCorps tripled the amount of applications it received in February this year compared with last.
Kerci Marcello Stroud, Teach for America’s regional communications director, said more people mentioned the economy during the just-completed application period than in years past. Some applicants told her the economic downturn made them re-evaluate what was important to them.
“There’s a growing interest among young people to engage in public service,” Stroud said.
The vast majority of applicants for AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps and Teach for America are recent college graduates.
Of the 35,000 applications Teach for America received this year, 25,000 were from graduating seniors. The remainder was split between graduate students and young professionals less than five years removed from graduation.
Sandy Nunez volunteered for Teach for America after graduating in spring 2007 from the University of Texas at Austin. She thought about joining the Peace Corps or other service organizations before deciding she could be most effective teaching children in underperforming schools.
“It seemed like a very appealing way to get involved,” said Nunez, who is about to complete her two-year commitment in the San Benito schools.
She recently decided to stay on for a third year, saying the state of the economy was a small part of her decision.
Borders said the Peace Corps targets recent college graduates. The median age of its volunteers in 25. There is no age limit, however, and 5 percent of the volunteer force is over 50. The oldest current volunteer is 84.
Guittard joined the Peace Corps 10 years after graduating from college. He had worked at an insurance company among other jobs and decided he wanted to take his life in a different direction.
“In college, I had considered the Peace Corps,” he said. “I didn’t want to have regrets in my life, so I decided to go apply.”
Guittard wound up teaching English to high-school-age students in Bulgaria for two years and taking away an appreciation of how tight-knit families were and how tough his students’ lives were.
He said people who apply need to have the maturity to handle being the situation they are entering.
That vetting is part of the application process, said Borders. She said the biggest surprise is people finding out it can take six to12 months to complete.
But it’s worth it, according to Guittard, who said, “I learned a lot and I’m more appreciative of what I have.”
JUAN GARCIA/DMN
Jim Guittard taught English to high-school-age students in Bulgaria for two years.
Jim Guittard Talks With ‘Tangra Mega Rock’ Radio
Back on September 30, 2008, I was interviewed for Sofia, Bulgaria Internet Radio Station ‘Tangra Mega Rock’. Radio DJ Vassil Varbanov ran the show. Various tracks were played and I got a chance to explain the real scoop behind my 3 Psychedelic/Folk-Rock albums, living in Bulgaria as foreigner, and my previous work teaching as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Pernik. The Albums are:
2008 ‘Busted in Bulgaria’
2004 ‘The Notorious G.I.D.D.’
2002 ‘California Daze’
Listen here for radio show.
You can download all three albums for free at:
Free Albums
“Busted In Bulgaria” Album Commentary Podcast Part 1
This is part 1 of a series of commentary about my album, “Busted in Bulgaria”, that I recorded while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Pernik, Bulgaria. From April 2006 to July 2008 I taught English in the Bulgarian high school. It was while confined to my Post-Soviet style block that I documented my whereabouts through song.
The songs comment on life outside America and are in the Psychedelic and Folk-rock genres.
In this episode are the following tracks:
1. Breaking the Language Barrier
2. Gangster
3. Hoola Hoop Girl
4. 8A Class
5. Be Real True
6. Babas On Their Bench
7. I Wanna Go To The Moon
8. Kakvo Pravish?
Stay tuned for part 2.
You can listen to Part 1 of the podcast here:
Podcast 1
You can subscribe to my podcast at ITunes under “Jim Guittard”.
Chords for “Pernik”
Pernik
Intro
A G D A 2x
A G D A
Az znam malko Bulgarski.
A G D A
Az iskam da oocha Bulgarski.
A G D A
Sega az jivaya v Pernik.
E D A
Moje bi posle ste znam minogo Bulgarski.
E D A
Moje bi posle ste znam minogo Bulgarski.
Break
A G D A 2x
A G D A
I know little Bulgarian.
A G D A
I want to learn Bulgarian.
A G D A
Now I live in Pernik.
E D A
Maybe later, I ll know a lot of Bulgarian.
E D A
Maybe later, I ll learn a lot of Bulgarian.
Break
A G D A 2x
A G D A
Az znam malko Bulgarski.
Words and Music by Jim Guittard 2006
I Am Releasing 2 Albums On Jamendo For Free
2008 – “Busted In Bulgaria”
2002 – “California Daze”
“Busted In Bulgaria” is a collection of songs that document living in a strange land. During a two year period, the tracks were all recorded in a raw stripped down way on a laptop using Adobe Audition 2.0. The songs range from psychedelic, shoegaze, folk-rock to experimental. The album is full of sound effects to add a creative vibe. Some songs even have the actual sound from students in the Bulgarian school where I have taught English in Pernik. I also sing a handful of songs in the Bulgarian language.
“California Daze” was recorded in Hollywood, California around 2002 by me on my 4-track recorder and later mixed with Adobe Audition 2.0. The songs pay tribute to the birth of the Neo-Psychedelic scene that emerged beginning in 2000 in Silverlake, California with groups such as the Beachwood Sparks, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Quarter After, smallstone, the Warlocks, the Tyde, and the Belle Isle.
I play the shaker, drum machine, and sing all lead and background vocals with the help of friend Vladimir Maskov for bass. Brian McKay engineered the recording of the Beach the acoustic version. I also play all lead and rhythm guitars. The song Beach is co-written by myself and Dominic Campanella of the Quarter After.
The “Swing Tune” and “Jazz Tune” are instrumentals I wrote while attending the Musicians Institute from 1999 to 2000. Here I play the lead guitar with session bassist and drummer. On the rhythm guitar is a guy from Brazil named Reginaldo. He was a student with Jim at the school. You can hear the teacher, “Mr. Lupo Groinig” giving a critique after the instrumentals end.
2008 – Busted in Bulgaria
2002 – California Daze
Please download both albums for free:
Enjoy!
Songs Written In Bulgaria
Three of Clubs is a special place A E A
There people dress with fine taste A E A
It stands in L.A. Town. D A
It has a sign of a clown. D A
Three Of Clubs is a special place. A E A
Hip bands pack the place out. A E A
Inside you can order big stout. A E A
The lighting is a bit dark. D A
But the club has left its mark. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
SOLO
Jimi Hey is the regular dj. A E A
The hipsters listen and stay. A E A
He may spin the Byrds D A
Or he may spin something else. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
The hipsters smoke in the room, A E A
Mill about, wander and wish to bloom. A E A
They talk about peace. D A
The chaos never does cease. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
Step back in time at the 3 of Clubs. A E A
It’s not just a normal pub. A E A
It’s a meeting place for the hip. D A
To stand with stout and sip. D A
Three of Clubs is a special place. A E A
8A Class
8A is the best class of the day. Dm C G Dm
The kids run around with something to say. Dm C G Dm
Alexander always says, “Teacher, Teacher!” Dm C G Dm
I say, “You’re a strange creature.” Dm C G Dm
There’s a girl named Marina. C FMaj
She’s at the front always with Kristina. C FMaj
I say, “Go sit down, now.” C FMaj
They laugh and ask, “How?” C FMaj
I say, “Sit down and shut up!” Dm C G Dm
Most people don’t listen up. Dm C G Dm
It’s a zoo but some people Dm C G Dm
Do have a clue. Dm C G Dm
There’s Iva and Vladislava who do work. C FMaj
And there’s Iliana too and Svetlin. C FMaj
It’s a zoo and hard for all. C FMaj
Every class one asks, “Can I go to the toilet?” Dm C G Dm
I say, “Go ahead, make like a jet!” Dm C G Dm
They ask again, “Can I go to the toilet?” Dm C G Dm
I say, “Whatever, I don’t care.” Dm C G Dm
There’s a girl named Diana. C FMaj
We have the same GSM. C FMaj
And Mirella who won the school beauty contest. C FMaj
And was the best. C FMaj
Oh well, it’s sometimes hell. Dm C G Dm
But that’s so very swell. Dm C G Dm
It is something to tell.
Babas Sitting On Their Bench
The Babas are sitting on their bench. C FMaj
They’re talking about their life. G C
I pass by and say hi C FMaj
To the Babas on their bench. G
The Babas are drinking their boza.
They always offer me some.
I always say ‘uh, yes.”
To the Babas on their bench.
The Babas are laughing up a storm.
About the days of old.
I watch and listen
To the Babas on their bench.
Bridge
Babas are the cooks of the town. Am Em
They work the fields all day. Am Em
Listen to them and you’ll never go wrong. Am G
The Babas are canning for winter
So we can eat.
So say thanks
To the Babas sitting on their bench.
The Babas are lighting candles.
For all the town’s people
Hoping for a good future
And a good life for all
Be Real True
In a far off land
I saw some band
They played Rock & Roll
They had soul
I spoke with them
I said, “my name is Jim.”
They said, “you should play here.”
I said, “well, I have some fear.”
It’s been so long
Since I sang a song
God help me along
To be real strong
What else can I do?
But be real true
and follow you
For a better clue
Breaking the Language Barrier
I walk around the town D A
To see what’s around. E A
The people sit in cafes D A
And all I say is “hey” E A
Then I ride the bus D A
To the center for some lunch. E A
I order some Tzsatza D A
And some Zagorka beer. E A
Chorus
Breaking the language barrier is hard. Bm D A E
Almost as hard as the sound barrier. Bm D A E
I listen to the people talk. D A
Wish I could respond. E A
Later I will know more. D A
Enough to open the door. E A
Now I’ll take it in. D A
That’s the way to begin. E A
It will be easier D A
After awhile. E A
Chorus
Breaking the language barrier is hard. Bm D A E
Almost as hard as the sound barrier. Bm D A E
I’ll move around the town. D A
So that I’ll be found. E A
It’s just a start. D A
It’ll be my part. E A
Don’t Know Jack
This was a strange day.
A lady came to stay.
She said, “I’ve come to live with you.”
I said, “Who are you?”
She said, “I’m Bertha from Canton.”
I said, “Well, I don’t know you.”
She said, “My son told me to come. Don’t you know Jack?”
“No m’am I don’t know Jack.”
“You don’t know Jack?”
“No I don’t know Jack. I don’t know Jack!”
“So I’ll bring in my things.”
“Gosh lady I don’t know you.”
“Jack said it’d be okay.”
“Man, lady I don’t know Jack. I don’t know Jack.”
Chaos song, chaos song.
Gangster
Az sam gangster.
Az jiveha za istinata.
Imam bakembardi.
Imam nujda ot pricheska.
Oti sto!! Oti sto!
Idvam tuk, otivam tam.
Opitvam mnogo novi nesta.
Ne sam murzel.
Az sam genialen chovek.
Taka li e?
Kakuv e otgovora?
Slushaite me.
Ne sam tupak.
Ne mrazete.
Samo obichaite.
Sprete glupostite.
Jivete sega.
Ne gledaite nazad.
Vurvete napred.
Koi e nai-dobur?
Az sam nai-dobriqt.
Az sam nai-gotiniqt.
Az sam nai-silniqt.
Az sam nai-opasniqt.
Taka li e?
Taka li e?
Az sam gangster.
Az jiveha za istinata.
Az jiveha za istinata.
Imam bakembardi.
In English
I am gangster.
I live for the truth.
I have sideburns.
I need a haircut.
So what!
I come here, I go there.
I try many new things.
I’m not lazy.
I’m a genius person.
Isn’t that so?
What’s the answer?
Listen to me.
I’m not stupid.
Don’t hate.
Only love,
Stop the nonsense.
Live now.
Don’t look back.
Move forward.
Who’s the best?
I am the best.
I am the coolest.
I am the strongest.
I am the most dangerous.
Isn’t that so?
Isn’t that so?
I am a gangster.
I live for the truth.
I live for the truth.
I have sideburns.
Hitting The Lotto
Slam on your brakes. C
If that’s what it takes. FMaj
It’s easy if you try. C
Ya won’t have ta die or cry. G
As the person comes, C
Ya gotta scream out, FMaj
“I want big sums!” C
Then call up the cops. G
Chorus
Hitting the Lotto Am
That’s my motto. Em
It’s not too hard. Am
When ya have the right card. G
Sit and wait at home. C
You can’t go on a roam. FMaj
The check will be big. C
You’ll eat like a pig. G
What’s the next scam? C
Something with your fam? FMaj
Oh yeah, they’ve got dough. C
That’s where I’ll go. G
Chorus
Hitting the Lotto. Am
That’s my motto. Em
It’s not too hard. Am
When I have the right card. G
Call up your grandma. C
Get on the list. FMaj
For the big Lotto. C
They’ve got it all. G
Drive over there. C
Say you really care. FMaj
Wait for the money. C
Get it and hop like a bunny. G
Chorus
Hitting the Lotto. Am
That’s my motto. Em
It’s not too hard. Am
When I have the right card. G
Do nothing. C
Look for the Lotto. FMaj
It’s the best. C
Not really, it’s a sham, scam. G
Holla Hoop Girl
There’s this girl I know.
She loves to make the holla hoop go.
She’s bubbly and energetic with the hoop.
Just like little Bettie Boop.
She’s at her best with the ring.
Just as I am when I sing.
We hope always to be our best.
When we face all the rest.
Chorus:
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
Dance for me a few.
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
You are so true.
You hop around to the beat.
With one leg, that’s so neat.
How’d you learn this trick?
I’m glad, this, you did pick.
Keep hopping all the time.
I’ll keep up with the rhyme.
You’re a good good girl.
Rare as a fine pearl.
Chorus:
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
Dance for me a few.
Holla Hoop girl where are you?
You are so true.
I Wanna Go To The Moon
I wanna go to the moon
Away from everyone.
No more stress
or awkwardness.
I wanna go to the moon.
Please take me to the moon. 2x
All these heated fights
All rage in the nights.
Never ceases
Or releases.
I wanna go to the moon.
Please take me to the moon. 2x
All those selfish ways
Keep the path a haze.
Need some sight
Here tonight
I wanna go to the moon.
Kakvo Pravish?
Kakvo pravish?
Nishto.
Toi pravi nishto.
Zasto?
Neh znam. Az chakam.
Kakvo chakish?
Chakam za zakooska.
Toi chaki za zakooska.
Kakvo pravish?
Minogo.
Toi pravi minogo.
Zasto?
Az chakam, legam, cheta, gledam, i govoria.
Kakvo chakish?
Za obayad.
Kakvo ste yadesh?
Dooner ili palachinki.
Kakvo pee-esh?
Pia sok
Toi pieh sok.
Ka’vo?
A ti? A ti?
Nishto!! Nishto!!
Kakvo pravish?
Az igriyah.
Toi igriyi.
Kakvo igriyesh?
Igriyah “Springball.”
Springball e gloopav.
Neh, ti si gloopav.
A ti? A ti?
Ka’vo? Ka’vo?
Nishto!! Nishto!!
Chao!
Here’s the translation:
What are you doing?
Nothing.
He does nothing.
Why?
I don’t know. I wait.
What are you waiting?
I wait for breakfast.
He waits for breakfast.
What are you doing?
A lot.
He does a lot.
Why?
I wait, lie, read, watch and speak.
What are you waiting?
For lunch.
What will you eat?
Wrap or crepe.
What are you drinking?
I drink juice.
He drinks juice.
What?
And You? And You?
Nothing. Nothing.
What are you doing?
I play.
He plays.
What are you playing?
I play “Springball.”
Springball is stupid.
No, you are stupid.
And you? And you?
What? What?
Nothing!! Nothing!!
Bye!
Listen to Your Voice
Revolution is the way.
You sit and do nothing every day.
Rise up from your apathy.
Trust in what you see.
Do what you must.
Throw off the dust.
Take care for the day.
Surely you see the way.
Chorus
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.< P>
You can handle the unknown.
You’re not that alone.
Fight the good fight.
Resist the feelings of fright.
Believe in that which is good.
You will be understood.
Keep your eyes to the sky.
Always give it a try.
Chorus
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.
Listen to your voice.
This is your choice.
Today is the day.
Get up, don’t stay.
Do you want change?
This isn’t so strange.
My Nowhere Man
What will I write?
Maybe something light.
But it’s gotta have some bite.
And be very tight.
It’s my “Nowhere Man.”
I’m listening to a fan.
And I’m making some plan
To eat some good flan.
Tell me about yourself!
Are you an elf?
Flying in a stealth?
With good health?
It’s a good day.
That I’ll say.
But it’s not May.
It’s a little gray.
What will I write?
Maybe something light.
But it’s gotta have some bite.
And be very tight.
It’s my “Nowhere Man.”
I’m listening to a fan.
I’m making some plan
To eat some good flan.
To listen to the music, sway
To the beat and sculpt clay.
Thinking up lyrics as I go along
Is the best policy
Because I don’t have to think at all
Just rhyming, but I’m not a very good rhymer
Oh, well
Oooh
What will I say?
I think I’ll have my day.
In the way.
Dig that!
Pernik
Az znam malko Bulgarski.
Az iskam da oocha Bulgarski.
Sega az jivaya v Pernik.
Moje bi posle ste znam minogo Bulgarski.
Moje bi posle ste znam minogo Bulgarski.
I know little Bulgarian.
I want to learn Bulgarian.
Now I live in Pernik.
Maybe later, I’ll know a lot of Bulgarian.
Maybe later, I’ll learn a lot of Bulgarian.
Az znam malko Bulgarski.
Rico
Rico’s loudly barking
At the door guarding
Only he knows against what.
Could be another mutt.
Or maybe a rat.
There’s something behind the door.
Only he knows what is there
He’s a cool dog you should trust.
He’s a cool dog.
Sleeps like a log.
In the morning, he’s out to jog.
He’s white like a sheep.
Jumps at every beep.
Even from a deep sleep.
He’s a bit hyper.
Would be a good sniper.
He’s as sly as a viper.
Only he knows what is there
He’s a cool dog you should trust.
Now he’s asleep again.
Dreaming with a grin.
What will he do the next day?
Who knows he’ll do something.
Stachkata
Iskame parite.
Chakame parite.
Vsichko ne e nared.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Dai ni poveche kinti.
Dai ni poveche kinti.
Slushaite ni.
Slushaite ni.
Shte pravim stachkata.
Shte pravim stachkata.
Iskame parite.
Chakame parite.
Vsichko ne e nared.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Nie sme uchiteli.
Die ni poveche kinti.
Die ni poveche kinti.
Slooshite ni.
Slooshite ni.
Shte pravim stochkata.
Shte pravim stochkata.
We want the money.
We wait the money.
Everything is not okay.
We are teachers.
We are teachers.
Give us more dough.
Give us more dough.
Listen to us.
Listen to us.
We will make the strike.
We will make the strike.
We want the money.
We wait the money.
Everything is not okay.
We are teachers.
We are teachers.
Give us more dough.
Give us more dough.
Listen to us.
Listen to us.
We will make the strike.
We will make the strike.
Survival Mode
We’ve got to preserve our health.
It is all for ourself.
People are running scared.
Just like they haven’t cared.
Some turn to the booze.
This isn’t what I choose.
Which is the way?
Certainly there’s a new day.
Chorus
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
Arguments and tempers flare.
This I don’t wish to bear.
There’s no point to this.
Better avoid and miss.
We live within our cave.
Wishing only to save.
Our egos cause problems.
With pride we wear our emblems.
Chorus
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
We’re all in survival mode.
We carry big load.
We make shady deals.
so we can eat our meals.
We keep up the front.
In our power hunt.
Have faith in one another.
We’re brother and sister.
Fight through the pain.
We’re all the same.
The Raga Train
Intro D A C G 2X
The Raga train paves the way. D A C G
For all those lost every day. D A C G
We do not give in to fads. D A C G
We make the myths for all the lads. D
Break D A C G 2X
The Raga train takes the curve D A C G
But always careful not to swerve. D A C G
We go slow and then fast. D A C G
Always trying to stay on track. D
Break D A C G 2X
The Ragas will stand tall. D A C G
That will be our call. D A C G
We’re on mission of truth. D A C G
We’ve ridden the dark caboose. D
Break D A C G 2X
Get on the Raga Train if you please. D A C G
There’ll be no one to collect fees. D A C G
Ragas make music of light. D A C G
It’ll bring you more sight. D
Break D A C G 4X
The Raga train paves the way. D A C G
For all those lost every day. D A C G
We do not give in to fads. D A C G
We make the myths for all the lads. D
This Is Random Song
I’m a cool dude.
I’ve never been sued.
I like different food.
I’m not rude.
I like to sit in parks
and hang with the larks.
Listen to dog barks.
Eat with the sharks.
I’m a musical man
Without a big tan.
Eat kachamak
From a pan.
Chorus
This is random song.
I think up the words.
Now
I like olive paste.
It has a good taste.
I don’t waste
Or use in haste.
I live in Europe.
I eat peanut butter cup.
I wish to say, “What’s up?”
Now I can say “Kavo sta?”
So the song’s over.
Look for the four-leaf clover.
And the dog named Rover.
Chorus
It’s a random song.
Think up the words now.
It’s a random song.
Think up now.
Walls of Jericho
Everyone in our school is insane.
And it is such a pain.
For me to take it.
I just want to spit.
The school is a zoo.
So everyone give a big boo.
Then run away and drink a few.
And just be you.
Rest and have fun with the best.
Tomorrow I’m not prepared for the test.
But I’m a smart guy and I’m blessed
To be taught by the best.
Chorus.
I study at Simeon Radev
He was a cool dude, cool dude.
I study at Simeon Radev
He was a cool dude, cool dude.
And I think it’s good to study in such a mood.
Everyone in our school is insane.
And it is such a pain.
For me to take it.
I just want to spit.
So to conclude I’ll say.
Forget the school, be okay, don’t stay, get your pay.
Help by Michael Ivanov
What’s Your Role In Life?
A wild goose chase.
We’re out on the loose.
If I could, I’d confess.
Good and loud, nice and slow.
Why oh why must I lie?
We all act.
That’s a fact.
(Get it right.)
Chorus
What’s your role in life?
To be this misguided money grubber?
What I say, I don’t feel.
What I feel, I don’t show.
What I show isn’t real.
Chorus
What’s your role in life?
To be this misguided money grubber?
I don’t know where to start.
There are scars I could show.
If I opened my heart.
Chorus
What’s your role in life?
To be this misguided money grubber?
Money grubber 15x or so
Are you a money grubber?
Truck Explosion Shatters Windows in Pernik
PERNIK, Bulgaria (News.bg) — A truck with 3.2 tons of amonium has exploded in Pernik.
Three people have been injured. So far there are no reports of fatalities.
One man has pieces of glass in his eyes. Another man is in hospital with a serious head trauma, officials announced.
The emergency management unit in Pernik said a truck loaded with ammunitions has exploded
Pernik. Three people were injured in explosion in the residential area of Iztok in Pernik, the National medical coordination center reported. One of the men, aged 49, has a trauma on his head, and was received in the hospital of Pernik without danger for his life. The second man, aged 49, was received in the eye department of the hospital with pieces of broken glass in his eyes. The third person has cut wounds. So far there is no information for other injured people.
(Everything is cool here. I heard the explosion just before noon and my windows sorta shook but nothing shattered. All is intact. Students of mine were concerned about checking their blocks. I let them go. Oh well. Jim Guittard)
Cool Rock & Roll in Pernik
Friday night I went to see this band play in a club/cafe in the center of Pernik. I had been told about this place by a teacher at the school.
I went a couple of weeks ago but I missed the band but this night I saw them play. I was impressed with the musicianship. And the songs were all in English. I knew most of the songs but maybe not all the names but here is a setlist of what I did know:
1. Norwegian Wood – The Beatles
2. And I Love Her – The Beatles
3. Knocking On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan
4. Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival
5. Honkey Tonk Woman – The Rolling Stones
6. Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
7. Who’ll Stop the Rain? – Creedence Clearwater Revival
8. Black Magic Woman – Santana
9. The Midnight Special – Creedence Clearwater Revival
10. Learning To Fly – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
11. American Woman – the Guess Who
12. Jumping Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones
13. As Tears Go By – The Rolling Stones
14. Cocaine – Eric Clapton
15. Stevie Ray Vaughn Song
16. Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin
There were other recognizable songs that they did but I don’t know the names. They played over two hours with breaks. The sounds pleased me very much. The Bulgarians danced to the music and they dug it. The guys said that when I come back that I must play. I better get my stuff together.
I wrote this song about that night.
Be Real True
In a far off land
I saw some band
They played Rock & Roll
They had soulI spoke with them
I said, “My name is Jim.”
They said, “You should play here.”
I said, “Well, I have some fear.”It’s been so long
Since I sang a song
God help me along
To be real strongWhat else can I do?
But be real true
and follow you
For a better clueWords and Music by Jim Guittard 2007
It was cool to shoot the breeze about cool music. I told them I would turn them onto the cool psychedelic scene in California that I know about: the Beachwood Sparks, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Tyde, the Quarter After etc. The drummer said he just loved Psychedelic Music. So it seems that I met some people with common interests. “Pretty neat, pretty neat, pretty good, pretty good, all right.”
Chao
What’s the Deal? You’re not an Iraq War Fan?
A month back maybe, I was eating at a little restaurant outside and a late 50s overweight man kept saying Amerikanetz (American in Bulgarian) and pointing and carrying on. After much uproar, he finally came over and just sat with me and was drinking Rakia and he bought me a beer. He seemed a bit angry and cursing under his breathe. I had heard the words before by kids at the Black Sea.
I sat there and gave the guy the benefit of the doubt. Eventually, he got on the subject of Iraq. And in my broken Bulgarian I tried to say that I wanted peace and didn’t like conflicts and that I was there in Bulgaria and not Iraq. And that yes America does have problems. It was a strange encounter. He kept toasting me but it felt like he didn’t like me or Americans. He kept saying this word that sounded like “Боклук”. I was quite curious so I took out my dictionary and searched for a word sounding like “Боклук” but I couldn’t find it.
To ease his mind, I started to talk about the Beatles and Bob Dylan and how they were very much for peace back in the day. We left the restaurant and as we were walking he said that his life was the Beatles. As we walked through the streets it felt like I was in a parade and the object of attention. The man asked old babas (grandmas) sitting on outside benches, “Do you know the Beatles and Bob Dylan?” And he said this guy is American. I heard the old ladies say “Beatles” and “Bob Dylan.” Very weird.
Two days ago, I was at another restaurant and I saw him again. I was across the room. When I saw him come in I was like “oh no, not again.” He motioned at me and I hesitated to go over but he kept motioning. So I went over and sat with him again. I quickly noticed that the guy had the same attitude and still muttered “Боклук.”
A few minutes into round two, some of the restaurant staff began laughing. I wasn’t embarrassed. I really just wanted the guy to leave. I didn’t feel threatened. He said it was his birthday. And I finally heard him say тръгвам. So he was leaving. I was so curious about this word he kept saying, “Боклук.”
So I texted a Bulgarian and Боклук means “trash” or “garbage.” So I think that I will avoid this guy if I see him again. I don’t know if he was calling me trash or America or what. He did say Hitler at one point. Doesn’t seem like a pleasant kinda guy. But anyway, “What’s his deal?” I’m like the most peaceful non threatening guy around.
The highlight of our friendly conversation was when he said, “Ti si pich.” Meaning: you are a dude. And I told him that in English and so the guy kept saying in two syllables “duduh.” And not just dude. I still laugh about this drunk guy trying to say “dude” but saying “duduh.”
It is interesting that this guy said his life was the Beatles. I can only hope that others would follow suit. There is too much chalga influence here and not enough influence with substance.
I did find that there are a few Beatles fans here.
Punk Kids At the Black Sea
I went to Lozenets for 9 days and it was very nice except for the 3 punk 14 year old kids I had to room with. Lozenets is a Black Sea town in Bulgaria.
Things they did:
1. Pissed in the bed because one was so drunk
2. Played porn at all hours of the day on GSM and in my ears.
3. Passed out drunk on the floor.
4. Tried to fight me
5. Lost pieces to my board games I brought
6. Washed the floor with my jean jacket
7. Threw sunflower shells all over the floor and on my bed
8. Stole post cards from an outside vendor
9. Endless stupid jokes
10. Tried to cheat me on a bill at a cafe b/c one thought I could not understand the bill.
11. Woke up with a dog in the room b/c one drunk kid left the door open
Supposedly maybe some of the kids will be expelled for acting in this horrific way. Be prepared for kids such as these. I did meet some good students and took some nice pictures but wow what a rollercoaster experience.
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