Month: September 2021

Nine Inch Nails: “Right Where It Belongs”

There’s always been something different about Nine Inch Nails. I believe it’s the uniqueness of creative visionary Trent Reznor.

The way he can visualize each song and how it should sound through audio and technology are what provides the listener with such a different perspective. He dares to be different and it works. The man’s a genius who has certainly experienced lots of pain and depression through drug addiction and other issues.

Somehow, Reznor has survived and still is around over three decades later when he first arrived on the rock scene with Pretty Hate Machine in Fall 1989. In fact, the 32-year anniversary is closing in. It’s October 20. That was the introduction to the ultra industrial sound that combines the flashy elements of Depeche Mode with an edgier alternative rock style to give it something different than we’re used to.

I’ve listened to many NIN songs and always come away captivated by what Reznor created. He is on his own mountain top standing alone with gray skies overlooking him. That’s how I picture the greatness of a very gifted musician. A true artist in every sense.

I discovered another great song that I think many of us can identify with. It’s called, “Right Where It Belongs,” off the 2005 album Teeth. The 13th track is another play with words that can deliver a peaceful calmness to anyone having a tough time. For whatever reason, the lyrics work because we can apply them to how we feel. Even better, there’s a version 2 that is a bit clearer. It can provide another way of looking at the song.

One of the first comments on the alternate version on YouTube is, “This is not a song. This is my life.” That’s how relatable the material is. Only Reznor can deliver it in such a special way. Of course, the words can be interpreted differently. It all depends on your view.

See the animal in his cage that you built
Are you sure what side you’re on?
Better not look him too closely in the eye
Are you sure what side of
The glass you are on?
See the safety of the life you have built
Everything where it belongs
Feel the hollowness inside of your heart

And it’s all
Right where it belongs
What if everything around you
Isn’t quite as it seems?
What if all the world you think you know
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection
Is it all you want it to be?

What if you could look right
Through the cracks?
Would you find yourself
Find yourself afraid to see?
What if all the world’s inside of your head
Just creations of your own?
Your devils and your gods
All the living and the dead

And you’re really all alone?
You can live in this illusion
You can choose to believe
You keep looking but you can’t find the woods
While you’re hiding in the trees
What if everything around you
Isn’t quite as it seems?
What if all the world you used to know
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection
Is it all you want it to be?
What if you could look right
Through the cracks
Would you find yourself
Find yourself afraid to see?

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Reznor Michael Trent

What if it’s all the world you used to know is an elaborate dream? I think that speaks volumes. We all experience that moment at some point in our lives. Nothing is what it seems. Nobody’s perfect. You can choose the right path and then fall off the cliff just by taking a detour. We are all human and flawed. Even the richest people have skeletons they must face. If they didn’t, there wouldn’t be so many famous celebrities who have battled demons. It isn’t easy to conquer.

And if you look at your reflection is that all you want to be? What if you could look through all the cracks would you find yourself find yourself able to see?

It makes you think. Doesn’t it? Is it saying to you that maybe you thought you reached the pinnacle, but it wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be? That there’s more for you to see. Or is it telling you that your reflection is showing where you are at the moment as a reminder that you can get out of this hole and find your place. Almost like a motivator.

What if all the world’s inside of your head Just creations of your own? Your devils and your gods All the living and the dead.

Wow. That sounds pretty scary. It’s like asking about your imagination or subconscious state. I’ve had some very vivid dreams that have made me wonder sometimes. I guess I can relate to what’s being said here. There’s a lot going on.

I feel like the way it’s written and sang by Trent is with such strong conviction that it plays on our emotions. We can reassess things. The lyrics have a soothing feel to them despite how heavy the topic is. That’s what makes Reznor special. He can take us to another dimension. If we just try, there’s a whole other world out there. Picture it. It’s there to be had.

“The Message”

For anyone that needs it. 💜✨

“The Message”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

I see a place
Full of misplaced hate
A divided empty space
Where it was once great

We must wise up
To what’s around
And not let it continue
By tuning out the toxic sound

I know it’s hard
For us to get by
But we can do it
If we just try

Don’t give in
To all the noise
Show them we can win
By remaining poised

What made the ’86 Mets special? ESPN documentary captures why

Throughout the month of September, they were counting down until ESPN debuted their latest installment of the fascinating 30 For 30 series. This one was worth the wait.

Appropriately named Once Upon A Time In Queens, it documents the rise and fall of the New York Mets in the booming 80’s when NYC rebounded from a dark period. Detailing how a once laughingstock traded away franchise pitcher Tom Seaver to the Reds a month before the Blackout of 1977, the Mets turned it around in the 80’s thanks to new ownership and management.

Building through the Draft by landing future stars Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden, the Mets would add the cornerstones to a team that already included holdovers Jesse Orosco and Mookie Wilson. With GM Frank Cashen executing slick trades that added key All-Star veterans Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter along with Ray Knight, the Mets went from a joke to one of the most dominant teams in the game. Such slick acquisitions like Ron Darling and Bobby Ojeda helped turn the pitching staff into the deepest in baseball. Added to Gooden, Sid Fernandez and Rick Aguilera, they became a great team who finally won the franchise’s second World Series in ’86.

It wouldn’t have happened without hiring manager Davey Johnson. His easygoing approach fit perfectly into a very tough team with strong personalities and a partying lifestyle that typified the 80’s. They played hard on and off the field. A team with a never say die attitude meant anyone could contribute to big wins. That included fiery center fielder Len Dykstra, second baseman Wally Backman, Kevin Mitchell, quirky reliever Roger McDowell, backup infielder Howard Johnson and second baseman Tim Teufel.

The ’86 Mets won 108 games to easily win the NL East. They cruised to the division crown with a home win over the Cubs. Pumped up fans mobbed the field in a chaotic scene destroying the field at Shea Stadium. They took whatever they could including chunks of grass that had to be repaired by the maintenance crew. Such a crazy reaction led to tighter security when the Mets finished off a miraculous comeback to beat the Red Sox in seven games. A memorable Game Six being the highlight. They also needed 16 innings to edge the Astros in the NLCS in a classic Game Six at The Astrodome. The wild plane ride back home. The partying lifestyle. The struggles of Gooden off the field due to his cocaine addiction. The hints from Strawberry about his issues stemming from a rough childhood. It’s all in there.

So are some unseen footage that makes the ESPN 30 For 30 documentary compelling for fans who experienced it. Even if you don’t like the Mets, it’s worth the watch. Especially if you love baseball. Analytics be damned as Keith Hernandez references about Johnson having Dykstra hit lefty versus lefty against Bob Knepper to start a three-run ninth inning rally in Game Six. If not, they would’ve faced Mike Scott, who was untouchable. Scuffed baseballs or not as Dykstra all but admitted of the team’s chances had there been a Game Seven.

Listen to A Fan From Staten Island NYC on Anchor above or Spotify below. Thank you!

“Searching For Peace”

Inspired by both a conversation and a Depeche Mode song.

“Searching For Peace”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

It was another lonely day

That suddenly became night

The tears had washed away

From an emptiness inside tonight

It’s been there for a while

Minutes turn into hours

Days drift into weeks

And all I’m left with are rain showers

Wondering why I didn’t play for keeps

All this time, I’ve been looking for something

Even as the clock mysteriously stood still

Sick and tired of feeling nothing

When the truth is as gone as I am, not yet my will

I’ve been searching for peace

In this cold dark place

I’ve been searching for peace

When all I need is just a trace

I know I can get it all back

Even as I’ve fallen off track

A voice tells me, ‘Just pick yourself back up and it’ll all fall right into place’

I know it won’t be that easy

But it’s about one step at a time

Which is better than feeling queasy

I must reach and rediscover that rhythm and rhyme

I’ve never been that good at this

But it’s a place I’ve been before

I only need a hug, not a kiss

Don’t want to start singing knock, knock knockin’ on heaven’s door

There are times where things seem pretty bleak

All I can see is a darkness full of gray

The truth is I’m mentally stronger than I think

I’ll manage to get by yesterday and today

I could feel tears rolling down my eyes

Even if they’re not, the hurt is real

It’s like those moments I was told lies

A numb feeling then, I knew the deal

I’ve been searching for peace

That I know exists

I’ve been searching for peace

That’ll warm my cold fists

I’ve been searching for peace

That I feel deep in my heart

I’ve been searching for peace

That will help me finally restart

When tomorrow, I see the shining sun

Followed by a beautiful sunset

By then, it will be the only one

Follow My Podcast

To follow my podcast, A Fan From Staten Island NYC can be listened to on Anchor, Spotify or Google Podcasts. You can simply click the Anchor link above to catch any podcast.

A Fan From Staten Island NYC covers mostly New York Sports including the Yankees, Mets, Rangers, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Nets and more. The recent US Open made plenty of buzz due to the amazing run of new champion Emma Raducanu. She defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 in one of the most unlikely women’s finals in Open history. Both were unseeded. Raducanu became the first qualifier to win a grand slam, winning 10 matches in total and every set.

Novak Djokovic fell short in his bid to make history. He lost in straight sets I the men’s final to new Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who prevailed over the all-time great 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The 25-year old Russian broke through to give the New Generation a new champion. Djokovic was bidding to win a rare calendar grand slam after winning the Australian, French Open and Wimbledon. His remarkable 27-match winning streak in slams fell one short of joining tennis legend Rod Laver, who did it in 1969. Steffi Graf remains the last singles player to accomplish the rare feat doing so in 1988.

This podcast can be followed and listened to on Spotify. Tune in for any upcoming podcasts. We’ll have more on the baseball playoff race with the Yankees and Mets. Plus some NFL after a disappointing Week 1 for the Jets and especially the Giants, who travel to Hanover Maryland for a Thursday night game at the Washington Football Team.

To listen to my thoughts and observations on Medvedev stopping Djokovic’s great run, you can click the above Spotify link. Thank you for listening!

“A Dedication”

“A Dedication”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

Legends come and go
That we shall always know
They’re unique in what they do
Grabbing attention for being meaningful to you
Shining stars who rise above
Who are smooth like a criminal and fit like a glove
They are as sweet as can be like Nestlé
Always making us happy as can be

Dedicated To Norm MacDonald

“A Cloudy Day”

“A Cloudy Day”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

It stormed the night before

All you heard was the loud roar outside your door

The beating drops made it a sleepless night

The echo of drumbeats beating through the dark light

All you thought was I need some sleep

As the heavy rain began to creep

It cluttered your mind to a state of confusion

As you dozed off, it created a dream of an optical illusion

If only you could get through this puzzling riddle

A vivid dream that made you feel little

Then night turned to day with gray skies

A patchy fog followed to no real surprise

A cloudy day drifted ahead

As you tossed and turned in your bed

No sun for there to be found

Only an eerie silence with little sound

It summed up your somber mood

The previous storm froze time and stood

You don’t know why the gray color upstairs won’t break

Making you think of a peaceful day at the lake

One where few people were outside

It was a lonely day for a random ride

The endless summer beginning to give way to Fall

With the somber weather a reminder of hitting a brick wall

That stopped you completely in your tracks

It was preventing you from moving on, but only back

A cloudy day that wouldn’t go away

Nothing was quite going your way

So it’ll be for now and a little while

As you hope for more bloom ahead followed by a unique style

“Staring Into The Darkness”

This is dedicated to those troubled souls who battle the demons daily.

“Staring Into The Darkness”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

I saw it oh so suddenly

Looking right at me

It tore my emotions crumbling

As I panicked from the misery

I didn’t want to face this alone

I only wanted help from those I love

Or maybe someone to call on the phone

To tell me it’ll be okay if I look above

Maybe I could use an escape like the night sky

Admire the sparkling stars and full moon to get by

Instead of feeling trapped in a timeless lie

Feeling so low instead of so high

The emptiness just comes and it stands still

Can I ever leave this cold place of hell

Find the inner strength within me to will

Or maybe I’ll be awoken by the ringing of my alarm bell

This numbing pain would finally be over

Maybe I could get to an ocean nearby

And find my destiny, a long lost lover

Instead of feeling like I need a good cry

Loneliness can be felt even when you’re surrounded by those who care

I know full well from experience the sadness I felt

Friends were there but it wasn’t enough to end the despair

It’s like that one time I liked someone I shouldn’t and thought I’d melt

The sudden change in emotions leaving me unable to eat or sleep

A crush caused anxiety and grief because it felt wrong

I’d come home dazed and confused like a total freak

What happened that kept my mood so down for so long

I truly didn’t know what was going on

Only that I couldn’t seem to comprehend my feelings

All I could hear was a sad song

It repeated a bit later in more inner dealings

The emptiness leaving me lost in a maze

I would chill and take some hits of purple haze

Anything to free my mind and clear my head

Rather than feel such dread and look Halloween dead

I’m only human I’ve heard sung before

Born to make mistakes due to loss of self control

So I write poetry and lyrics creating some folklore

To try to stay sane and not let this mental breakdown take a toll

I am full of love, compassion and heart

Unselfish and caring as can be

Despite everything, I will always be as sweet as a tart

Wanting the best for those I love to feel free

It’s my salvation along with that other dimension

I know it exists because I’ve seen it plenty of times

An alternate world beyond the level of comprehension

It’s why I can write and express myself in rhymes during hard times

Here I am staring into the darkness

Not knowing what lies ahead

Here I sit stuck in the darkness

As I lie awake in my bed

All I wish is to be free from this torture

For things to calm down

And not feel the stress or pressure

To finally smile instead of frown

We all get caught staring into the darkness

Sometimes, it’s inevitable

Looking into the darkness

Can make us feel incredible

In a way we never want to see

Only to sneak away to a safe place

Without the cloudiness, fog or mystery

To finally slow things down and not have our hearts race

We all need to find something we can call our own

To finally erase the numbing pain

No more minutes, hours and days of feeling helpless and all alone

Just bright sunshine finally over depressing rain

I know it’s tough sometimes

But we can’t ever give in

Hold on and find the signs

To get ahead and finally win

Only then will we be truly free

Of the sudden darkness that haunts us

Open our eyes and we will finally see

I love you all forever and ever more

Djokovic Aiming For Historic Calendar Grand Slam at US Open

In all my years following tennis, I’ve only seen one player win a calendar grand slam. It was the remarkable Steffi Graf in 1988 when she swept all four slams to make history as the only female player in the Open Era to accomplish the significant feat. Her 22 slams rank right behind Serena Williams, who will turn 40 later this month. Williams is still trying to chase down Margaret Court by winning number 24. Setbacks have put that chase in serious doubt.

While the women’s draw remains more wide open despite top ranked Australian Ashleigh Barty and two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka being the favorites, the men’s draw is all about one great player aiming to make history. Before the year began, Novak Djokovic lost his head by getting defaulted at last year’s Open and then got blown out by Rafael Nadal at the rescheduled French Open. He entered 2021 trailing both Nadal and Roger Federer by three slams for the modern record 20.

A more determined Djokovic won again in Australia and then out-grinded Nadal in a long semifinal before rallying from two sets down to win his second French Open over Stefanos Tsitsipas. That put him within one of the ailing Federer and worn out Nadal, who eventually withdrew from both the Olympics and final major in New York City. The wear and tear catching up to the 35-year old Spaniard. Federer opted for a third knee surgery. At 40, his days of winning slams appear over. As for Djokovic, he has continued his assault on catching and passing his two rivals. By winning at Wimbledon over Matteo Berrettini in four sets, he tied Federer and Nadal for the men’s grand slam record with 20 majors. The only question is can he make history by becoming the second male player in the Open Era to win a calendar grand slam since legend Rod Laver in 1969.

Even without Nadal, Federer or 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem, there are still a few top young players who pose threats to Djokovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium. They are second seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev, third seed Tsitsipas and number four seed Alex Zverev. Each have been finalists at majors. Medvedev giving Nadal all he could handle in a five set epic at this very event in 2019. Zverev blowing a two sets to none lead last year without fans to Thiem. Finally, Tsitsipas who also had Djokovic on the ropes at Roland Garros before coughing it up in five sets. They’re all capable of winning a first ever slam. But do they have the heart and guts required to win a potential semifinal or final versus the dominant 34-year old Djokovic. That remains to be seen. Ditto for Berrettini, who was a semifinalist here a couple of years ago. The heavy hitting Italian could see Djokovic in the quarterfinals.

Those four younger players are the biggest contenders who could challenge Djokovic as he chases history. On Day Two of the final major, the top seeded Serbian needed four sets to dismiss a cramping 18-year old teenager Holger Dune, 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1. Dune showed a lot of grit just continuing despite being in pain the final set and a half. He could’ve tapped out. But tried his best despite limited movement. Once, it was a teenaged Djokovic, who was in all kinds of trouble in a lengthy five setter against Gael Monfils. He called the trainer multiple times leading to criticism from the same analysts who sing his praises. Back then, the rules allowed for such injury timeouts for cramps. Not anymore. Players can only receive treatment during changeovers. It was tough sledding for Dune, who looks like he could be heard from in the future. When Djokovic served out the match, he had some nice words for Dune. A good show of sportsmanship.

“I just told him that he handled himself extremely well,” Djokovic told the Associated Press of what he told Rune. “He didn’t want to stop. I thought he’s going to stop at the end of the third. He just kept going with dignity, finished off the match. He deserved, definitely, my respect—the respect of a lot of people.” 

Despite how unbelievably consistent he is, Djokovic hasn’t been nearly as popular with fans like the crowd pleasing Federer or Nadal. Maybe it’s due to his fiery demeanor. The man shows his passion when things don’t go right. That can include temper tantrums. He’s an emotional champion. Sometimes, he hasn’t gotten the kind of overwhelming support of the other two great champions. The Big Three are part of a remarkable era. Nobody has even seen anything like it. With the exception of Andy Murray, whose valiant effort on an artificial hip replacement fell just short of a mammoth upset against Tsitsipas in a near five hour first round marathon, there haven’t been too many other slam winners. Murray has won three along with Stan Wawrinka, who is nearing the finish line. Marin Cilic has a US Open to his credit when he blitzed Federer. But Federer avenged that defeat by winning at Wimbledon. What if Juan Martin Del Potro had stayed healthy? Astonishingly, he made a run a few years ago by reaching his first final since winning the Open against Federer. But Djokovic was too tough. You wonder if both Del Potro and Murray could’ve avoided injuries. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic would have less slams. How many who knows.

So, can anyone stop Djokovic from making history? The best bet is Medvedev. He’s had success in the Big Apple. He has the kind of big game and variety that could give Djokovic problems. That’s if form holds and they each reach the final. Who wouldn’t want to see number two versus number one with history on the line? Of the younger generation, Zverev has the biggest game. As evidenced by his unbelievable rally to stun Tsitsipas after puking off the court between points, the big German is a dynamic player with a gigantic serve and wicked ground strokes. However, he isn’t without controversy due to his former girlfriend Olya Sharapova who accused him of assault at this very venue at a hotel they stayed at before the pandemic. You have to wonder why the ATP Tour didn’t fully investigate it. Tennis needs to get more serious about such accusations. The major sports have. It’s serious business.

Are there any dark horses who could make runs? If he can get over his crushing close three set semifinal loss to Djokovic, perhaps Canadian Denis Shapovalov can be a factor following a much needed straight sets triumph. His first victory sincd Wimbledon. You have a few floaters like American Taylor Fritz and Reilly Opelka. Both who are good exciting players American fans can get behind. Fritz is the shorter of the two who finally got his first career win over 14th seeded Aussie Alex de Minaur by out-grinding him in four sets. Fritz is in the same section as Djokovic. If he can put it together, a Round of 16 match could await in Week Two. That would be fun. Opelka is the big imposing serve and volleyer who can finish points quickly. He’s hard to break. He could see Shapovalov in the fourth round.

The other potential contender is Andrey Rublev. The big serving Russian is seeded fifth. He’s in the same bracket as Tsitsipas. Rublev has made the quarters in NYC twice including last year. This is his best major. It fits his huge game which includes a big forehand. A quarterfinal against Tsitsipas would be interesting. That’s if form holds. You never know what might happen. Tsitsipas probably should’ve lost to Murray, who accused him of cheating due to a long bathroom break between the fourth and fifth set. Zverev recently made accusations that his father was coaching him by sending texts on his phone. Who knows what goes on. Breaks shouldn’t be longer than five minutes. That comes down to tennis becoming stricter. I don’t recall all these delay tactics in the 80’s and 90’s.

If Djokovic wins slam number 21, it’ll be special. As he gets closer, figure the crowd to be more into it. He might finally have the support he’s always wanted. We’ll see if the all-time great can get it done under the spotlight.