Keeping it Real

It’s that time of year again, joyous for some and difficult for others. Please don’t be fooled by unscrupulous businesses selling knock off or counterfeit goods. This time of year tends to bring out the greed in some of these businesses taking advantage of our urgency to find the perfect gift.

Anyone who really knows me, knows that I can’t stand fakes. I’ve never had a fake Christmas tree nor will I ever. If it’s not real, then I don’t want it. I understand that there are some circumstances where that is the only option. I saw an ad last week for a fake palm tree with lights strung on it! Give me a break, really, you’ve got to be kidding.

“Designer” clothes, purses and accessories seem to be everywhere. Even at the local convenience store! I just don’t get it, why would you want a knock off? It’s probably made by poorly paid “slave” like employees in horrendous working conditions.

Recently a dear friend offered me a DVD of a movie I had expressed interest in. It cost her 2 bucks. The disc was obviously a counterfeit and I said “no thanks”, I just wouldn’t watch it. The money from that disc gets funneled to organized crime gangs which in turn creates more societal problems when those gangs become responsible for the illicit drug trade.

The above are just a few examples of the fakes out there. Last week, the American Music Awards was on the telly. Talk about fake, all of the acts were lip-synched and the dance moves were more important than lyrics or playing an instrument. While these artists (I use that term lightly) may be at the top of the charts, I’ll bet that within two years many of them completely forgotten.

It is refreshing to see that the largest selling artist of the last two years, Adele, is totally real, building a career based on her incredible voice. Mumford and Sons are another band that are keeping it real. New music by established artists are always a safe bet for reality. Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Donald Fagen and the list goes on. Many of these albums are truly great but at least they have one thing in common; real music by real people.

Here’s a suggestion for you to keep it real this holiday season. Go to a grocery store and buy a bag full of non-perishable food that YOU would actually eat. You can drop off donations at my store or a few others throughout the village. Make a cash donation to the Salvation Army. They need it desperately due the heartless actions of some people who stole over 2 million dollars worth of toys and money.

Help someone if they are in need, say hello to a complete stranger, wish them well.

To quote a partial lyric by one of my favourite bands, Jethro Tull, “remember, Christmas spirit is not what you drink”

Wishing you all,

Health, peace and prosperity

Ric