
♫ I’m Still Standing ♫ (Redux) | Filosofa’s Word
When I played “Crocodile Rock” on Thursday, Pete Springer mentioned two of his favourite Elton tunes in a comment, and one of them was this song, which then embedded itself in my head, and has been looping in there ever since! Oh, what the heck … I last played this in 2020, so it’s time to dig it out of mothballs and let it be heard, right?
As with so many of Elton’s songs, the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin. The song is directed at a former lover, as Elton sings about how he is still standing strong without this person. While the song is often seen as a statement of Elton’s resilience, Taupin says he wrote it with a specific person in mind …
“It’s perhaps one more example of the original idea being interpreted by everyone into something quite different. I think people see it as an anthem based on Elton’s strong sense of survival in the face of adversity. Which, believe me, is perfectly fine by me. In fact, it’s probably infinitely more interesting, perhaps, than what it was initially written about. Which, if my memory serves me correctly, it was a sort of kiss off to an old girlfriend. You know the sort of thing, ‘Don’t you worry about me, I’ll be perfectly fine.’ Unlike George Jones’ ‘She Thinks I Still Care,’ where, in fact, he really did, I really didn’t.”
The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, was shot in Cannes (InterContinental Carlton Cannes) and Nice on the Côte d’Azur in France and features the colours of the French flag.
Bruno Tonioli, later a judge on the hit shows Strictly Come Dancing for BBC (UK) and its American adaptation, Dancing with the Stars for ABC in the US, appears as one of the dancers in the video.
It was due to be shot over the course of two days, but a camera full of the first day’s film was ruined when Mulcahy accidentally fell into the sea with it. Therefore, it had to be filmed again on another day. During the shoot for the video, John came across Duran Duran. He complained he was exhausted at having been up since 4 o’clock in the morning. Simon Le Bon decided John should have a martini. “So I did,” John later recalled, “I had six.”
This hit #4 in the UK and #12 in the U.S., but made it all the way to #1 in Canada.
I’m Still Standing
Elton John
Abortion Access & Protecting Women’s Health – Sherrod Brown
Sherrod has always believed that a woman’s medical decisions are between her and her doctor – not politicians.
Both before and after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Sherrod fought to restore abortion protections for women across the country. He’s also fighting for women’s access to affordable birth control and family planning services and is standing against attacks on organizations like Planned Parenthood and fertility treatments like IVF.
In 2023, Sherrod supported and campaigned for the Ohio ballot initiative that protected abortion in the state’s constitution.
Source: Abortion Access & Protecting Women’s Health – Sherrod Brown

Two Precious Jewels – Kaushal Kishore

Let me share a tale this weekend that conveys a moral message.
While strolling through a bustling animal market, a merchant spotted a magnificent high-bred horse for sale. He decided to inspect the horse and negotiate with the seller. After some hard bargaining, he finally struck a deal. Pleased with his new acquisition, the merchant walked home, proud of the latest addition to his stable.
Upon reaching home, the merchant asked his servant to help remove the horse’s heavily padded and cumbersome saddle. As the servant struggled, he discovered a small velvet pouch hidden beneath it. Opening the pouch, he found it brimming with precious jewels.
Excitedly, the servant exclaimed, “Sir, look what we got for free with this horse!”
The merchant was amazed at the sight of the sparkling jewels. “I bought the horse, not the jewels,” he said. “We must return these to the seller immediately.”
The servant, bewildered by his master’s decision, argued, “Sir, no one will know if you keep them.”
But ignoring his servant’s advice, the merchant went back to the market and returned the pouch to the horse-seller.
Overjoyed, the seller exclaimed, “I had forgotten that I hid these jewels in the saddle for safekeeping! Please, choose one as a reward.”
The merchant responded, “I paid a fair price for the horse alone. I don’t need any reward. Thank you.”
Despite the merchant’s refusal, the seller insisted.
Finally, the merchant admitted with a sheepish smile, “When I decided to return the pouch, I had already taken the two most precious jewels for myself.”
The seller, puzzled, emptied the pouch to count the jewels and found none missing. Confused, he asked, “Which jewels did you take?”
“The two most precious ones,” replied the merchant. “My integrity and my self-respect.”
A person’s true worth is measured by their integrity and self-respect. Ethical behavior builds trust and credibility. Doing the right thing often requires sacrifice but offers the greatest rewards. Material wealth is not as valuable as moral virtues.
One key aspect to notice is leadership by example. The merchant sets an example for his servant and others by demonstrating the importance of honesty, integrity, and fairness.
Let me conclude with the two beautiful quotes on this subject –
1. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis
2. “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” — Warren Buffett
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–Kaushal Kishore
Songs I Like (50) | beetleypete
Songs I Like (50)
There are times when I dearly love an emotional ballad, especially when it is sung well and has some great sax playing. This was one of those times, in 1991.
Love is a hunger
That burns in my soul
But you never notice the pain
Love is an anchor
That won’t let me go
I reach out to hold you
But you push me away
You always convince me to stay
And I wonder why
We hold on with tears in our eyes
And I wonder why
We have to break down to just make
Things right
And I wonder why
I can’t seem to tell you goodbye
Yeah, I wonder why
I’m no angel
With my selfish pride
But I love you more every day
Love is an anger
That builds up inside
As the tears of frustration
Roll down my face
Why does love always have to turn
Out this way
I don’t want to fight again tonight
About the little things please baby
I just want to find my way
Back to love
And I’ll meet you there, baby
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Curtis Stigers / Glen Ballard
I Wonder Why lyrics © Concord Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Source: Songs I Like (50) | beetleypete

Wild Life in the Stream!
Speak Kindly

“It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.” ~ Anne Sexton
Speak Kindly
Saturday Smiles

Another sunny day, and more old paintings memes. I’m smiling!
Saturday Smiles
Portuguese and Running: Gramática de português, P. 73

If this verb is the same as it is in both Fr and Es, it will mean running, but I am wary of false friends, now, and too tired to look it up and …
Portuguese and Running: Gramática de português, P. 73
The Harmonium’s Melody

It is 1980, a contrasting era of political turbulence and cultural vibrancy in the bustling city of Calcutta in the Indian subcontinent – a boiling …
The Harmonium’s Melody

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