KNOW Regrets

To live with 'no regrets' is to be satisfied with knowing that you've learned something along the way from each and everyone of your mistakes, thus not requiring any remorse or second-guessing of your actions, right? As long as you've admitted to yourself your wrong-doings, including anything that has ever hurt anyone in your whole life and you have learned that it was, in fact, wrong - you're in the clear - you've learned your lesson and you can continue to live your brilliant life. In my opinion - no, that's actually terrible. A terrible form of self-righteousness.
For as long as I've been hearing people, I've been annoyed with the complacency in the term 'I have no regrets'. I believe that the complication in the statement is that we tell ourselves that we're good with what we've done when we shouldn't be, we should be more active in calling ourselves out. In fact, it seems that the only time we enable ourselves to feel regret is when we're completely overwhelmed by it, and even then - do we admit it?
With the statement 'I have no regrets', not only do we relieve ourselves of accountability of our actions, we fall into a pattern of repeating mistakes. In order to learn from regrets, first you need to acknowledge your regret and determine what it really is. With repressing our regrets in the form of denying them, we are curbing the practice of self growth. What did you do? Did you hurt someone or yourself?
If you could go back in time and choose to handle the situation differently, would you?
Yup, you're regretful, and the denial comes from being preoccupied with covering your tracks and taking back your words...all while claiming to 'have no regrets in life'. You've gone and turned your regrets into 'memories'. Now I wouldn't consider the occasions that have led to losing friends, hurting family and hurting myself - ahhh memories, that would be foolish and counter-productive. Although I can't change the past, by acknowledging regrets I can make an honest attempt at saving myself and loved ones from hurt in the future. That's all I can do, so I certainly will.
Clearly I'm not your teacher, preacher or parent - if you feel that was my intent, you would probably regret reading this (if you could), and if you've taken something from my rant then I know you feel me.

Make the most of your regrets. . . . To regret deeply is to live afresh.
-Henry David Thoreau

Natalie Cole Quote

“I'm going on record as an artist who is able to critique [Amy Winehouse]. I think she has a great talent, but I don't agree with the Grammys giving her those nods. I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards. It's a slap in the face to musicians and artists who work very hard that they turn around and give it to someone who really obviously doesn't have a grasp of what she has. I've been in this business over 25 years and I sacrificed five years of my own life on drugs and almost lost my life because of it. So I take great offence to almost see someone getting glory out of being in the position that they're in – she needs to get her life together and embrace her craft, she will lose it if she doesn't get it together.”
- Natalie Cole

Grammys 2008

They're a pair that, in theory, are grounds for a spectacular duet, but Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra's opening of the 50th annual Grammy Awards left much to be desired. Wether it was Alicia's fake piano playing (finger-synching?), or the fact that the combo was so visually disconnected, the whole performance lacked any sort of award-worthy appeal. Following the opener was Carrie Underwood's cirque du percussion type performance of her popular song, 'Before He Cheats'. If you saw the performance, you will understand when i say "I liked it better when it was called 'Stomp' and there was no singing". It's no wonder why she comes out with the big hair, short skirt and stilettos (it's the same reason Dolly Parton has that figure), her act has to have some sort of effect, when it otherwise wouldn't, leading me to believe that there must be a strict 'no-impact' rule designated by the Grammy Award officials.
Typically, Rihanna performed with her hit track Umbrella alongside an umbrella carrying crew. At this point in the program I expect Prince and Beyonce to float down onto the stage in fanciful awards show manner (didn't occur at that moment, but they appeared later). Imediately redeeming itself, the awards show takes a massive turn with the honourable Cirque Du Soleil performance of Beatles songs, blending into a moving gospel rendition of Let It Be from the Across The Universe soundtrack.
The show's appeal was diminishing with each expected performance, forcing me to remind myself that I was watching The Grammys and not a more glorifying awards show. The number of downers was not nearly matched by the uppers, yet there were a few. Kanye, for example, seemed to forget he was in a charisma-free establishment and busted out the grandest performance of the night, complete with a tribute to his mother (tears included).
Purposely, i tuned out of much of the remainder of the broadcast, thankfully missing the Beyonce and Tina Turner shit show. I owe that to Fergie, who painfully missed the high note, causing me give up altogether and find something better to watch. Something that, perhaps, doesn't award mediocrity on an annual basis. Not only that, but I was feeling a pit in my stomach for Nelly Furtado, poor girl - her entire styling team must have quit on her last minute, and if thats not the case - they should be fired. I also didn't want to hear another shout-out from Amy Winehouse to her husband Blake in prison, which in combination with her obvious buzz, was not appropriate behaviour during an event where you're being honoured.
My intention was to comment on every act, award and aspect of the broadcast, and although I couldn't make it past the first hour - I don't consider myself a quitter. In fact, I went into dangerous territory and I made it out alive, enduring the battle that is 'Mainstream'. After observing such horror, I still hold hope that there will be incredible music made and recognized in 2008, if anything, for the sake of validity in awards shows!!