If you become overwhelmed by negativity, it’s because you’re allowing it to happen. You are in control of it, so I hope you will fill those spaces with good stuff before you become physically ill.   I have experienced the negative energy out there and I ran to the hills just to breathe and regroup. It overtakes everyone at times without even knowing it.  You need a day away with the dogs in a quiet and serene place, and fortunately you still don’t have to travel far to find it.    Bruce Cockburn sang “Open up the window, let the bad air out ” !!

BLC wrote:  ’TRIBULATIONS. STRESS. NONE OF US ESCAPES IT. THE MONEY WORLD IS JEOPARDIZING ITSELF. IF TODAY I HAVE TWENTY DOLLARS AND I BUY A TOASTER, TOMORROW WHEN I WAKE UP I HAVE A TOASTER. IF I PUT MY TWENTY DOLLARS IN A BANK, AND THE BANK FAILS TOMORROW, I HAVE NOTHING. MAYBE IT’S BETTER TO HAVE THE TOASTER.
THE TOASTER CAN BE AN ANALOGY FOR “OTHER THAN MONEY”. MONEY IS TRUST. WHEN IT BREAKS DOWN, IT BREAKS DOWN. ARE WE SEEING THAT RIGHT NOW ?
POWERFUL PEOPLE ARE SAYING THEY’RE SCARED. WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE REST OF US ?
EARTHLY “PUNDITS” OFTEN REFER TO THE “ILLUMINATI” RUNNING THINGS, PURPORTING THAT A SECRET SOCIETY HAS SURVIVED SINCE THE 1700′S, ORIGINALLY FOUNDED IN BAVARIA. I DON’T KNOW, I THINK I HAVE AN EASIER TIME GRASPING THE CONCEPT OF A SUPREME BEING “WATCHING AND TAKING NOTES”…
NEITHER CONCEPT THRILLS ME…
OH BROTHER…’I can relate!  It definitely scares the hell out of me.  Trying not to worry, but that is easier said than done.  

BLC wrote:  ’TRIBULATIONS. STRESS. NONE OF US ESCAPES IT. THE MONEY WORLD IS JEOPARDIZING ITSELF. IF TODAY I HAVE TWENTY DOLLARS AND I BUY A TOASTER, TOMORROW WHEN I WAKE UP I HAVE A TOASTER. IF I PUT MY TWENTY DOLLARS IN A BANK, AND THE BANK FAILS TOMORROW, I HAVE NOTHING. MAYBE IT’S BETTER TO HAVE THE TOASTER.
THE TOASTER CAN BE AN ANALOGY FOR “OTHER THAN MONEY”. MONEY IS TRUST. WHEN IT BREAKS DOWN, IT BREAKS DOWN. ARE WE SEEING THAT RIGHT NOW ?
POWERFUL PEOPLE ARE SAYING THEY’RE SCARED. WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE REST OF US ?
EARTHLY “PUNDITS” OFTEN REFER TO THE “ILLUMINATI” RUNNING THINGS, PURPORTING THAT A SECRET SOCIETY HAS SURVIVED SINCE THE 1700′S, ORIGINALLY FOUNDED IN BAVARIA. I DON’T KNOW, I THINK I HAVE AN EASIER TIME GRASPING THE CONCEPT OF A SUPREME BEING “WATCHING AND TAKING NOTES”…
NEITHER CONCEPT THRILLS ME…
OH BROTHER…’I can relate!  It definitely scares the hell out of me.  Trying not to worry, but that is easier said than done.  

You’re a very wise old soul………even in your younger years.

You’re a very wise old soul………even in your younger years.

Well, my playlists look like that of an “old guy” too, I guess…..I’m 24…and female! One of my graduate professors has been talking to me about this very thing for about a year now….this feeling of impending doom or, at least, overwhelming change that has surfaced all over the world. Scary. It scares me that so many intelligent people, who I admire, are beginning to feel this. It’s odd that it (whatever it is) seems completely out of any human being’s hands, which is something I’m not sure I’ve thought about before. Scary.   

Well, my playlists look like that of an “old guy” too, I guess…..I’m 24…and female! One of my graduate professors has been talking to me about this very thing for about a year now….this feeling of impending doom or, at least, overwhelming change that has surfaced all over the world. Scary. It scares me that so many intelligent people, who I admire, are beginning to feel this. It’s odd that it (whatever it is) seems completely out of any human being’s hands, which is something I’m not sure I’ve thought about before. Scary.   

I believe there is a higher being and I believe that everything we say and do here, we will have to account for. I tried to write last night about this very thing. I read the posts on YOUR blog and there is such honesty from you and your fans/readers. I believe that we were all drawn here–how’s that for your thinking? It’s one thing to be a believer, but it’s a step more to put it out here for all of
http://www.com to see. 
I worked with a police officer that believed in nothing. We had several talks about it and I always felt so sad afterward, He is not going to budge and neither will I.  He is a great friend and I have gone to him for advice on several things. He can even tell you the exact amount in his checking account without looking. I have often wondered where does my friend and others go when they need to cry or do they cry? What do they do?
I told him this. As far back as I can remember I was taught about Heaven,God and Jesus. I have built my life on the understanding that there is another time and place after this one. If I didn’t believe this, I would see no reason to endure ALL that I have. I would end it all now or probably would  have ended it all long before now–if THIS is all there is. Why suffer? But, I KNOW that this is not about me. It is about what is to come.For whatever reason, in 2007, my  big, healthy, non-smoking and non-drinking brother died and I lived. I believe that one day I will get all the  answers from the ONE that is in charge. To agree with my friend would be saying that my entire life has been built on a lie. Sorry, that’s just not true. I’ve prayed and felt comfort afterward. I said prayers and seen them answered. And I’ve had dreams–we won’t go there,,:)
I also believe that if I write one thing on here that is not given to me to write, I will have to account for it– “Remember,Sharlet back in 2011 when you wrote on BLC ‘s blog?”. That’s why we must be careful what we do say.
There are so many that are weaker and are followers.
YOU are a strong person and people follow you. I appreciate the fact that you take your writings seriously. “Remember,Burt,back in 2011 when you wrote on your blog?”    I know that .I’m still a work in progress–and I know God has a sense of humor..He made ALL things,you know.  I know there are lots of times he just shakes his head when he sees what I’m up to. I don’t wear it on my sleeve and I don’t think I have to constantly tell people who and what I am about, but like I said before, I REALLY believe ALL of us are drawn here,
PEACE TO YOU BURTON….and I feel it is…
Oh–and I turned 61 in June..and I can relate to the play list–and offer no apologies and give no excuses.

I believe there is a higher being and I believe that everything we say and do here, we will have to account for. I tried to write last night about this very thing. I read the posts on YOUR blog and there is such honesty from you and your fans/readers. I believe that we were all drawn here–how’s that for your thinking? It’s one thing to be a believer, but it’s a step more to put it out here for all of
http://www.com to see. 
I worked with a police officer that believed in nothing. We had several talks about it and I always felt so sad afterward, He is not going to budge and neither will I.  He is a great friend and I have gone to him for advice on several things. He can even tell you the exact amount in his checking account without looking. I have often wondered where does my friend and others go when they need to cry or do they cry? What do they do?
I told him this. As far back as I can remember I was taught about Heaven,God and Jesus. I have built my life on the understanding that there is another time and place after this one. If I didn’t believe this, I would see no reason to endure ALL that I have. I would end it all now or probably would  have ended it all long before now–if THIS is all there is. Why suffer? But, I KNOW that this is not about me. It is about what is to come.For whatever reason, in 2007, my  big, healthy, non-smoking and non-drinking brother died and I lived. I believe that one day I will get all the  answers from the ONE that is in charge. To agree with my friend would be saying that my entire life has been built on a lie. Sorry, that’s just not true. I’ve prayed and felt comfort afterward. I said prayers and seen them answered. And I’ve had dreams–we won’t go there,,:)
I also believe that if I write one thing on here that is not given to me to write, I will have to account for it– “Remember,Sharlet back in 2011 when you wrote on BLC ‘s blog?”. That’s why we must be careful what we do say.
There are so many that are weaker and are followers.
YOU are a strong person and people follow you. I appreciate the fact that you take your writings seriously. “Remember,Burt,back in 2011 when you wrote on your blog?”    I know that .I’m still a work in progress–and I know God has a sense of humor..He made ALL things,you know.  I know there are lots of times he just shakes his head when he sees what I’m up to. I don’t wear it on my sleeve and I don’t think I have to constantly tell people who and what I am about, but like I said before, I REALLY believe ALL of us are drawn here,
PEACE TO YOU BURTON….and I feel it is…
Oh–and I turned 61 in June..and I can relate to the play list–and offer no apologies and give no excuses.

You said that better than I ever could. I believe there is a God and we will have to give an accounting one day. We are predestined, but I also believe we have a free will.

“THINGS DO INDEED FEEL MUCH DIFFERENT THAN JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO. SERIOUSLY. OVERWHELMING.”

I have felt it too.  This “new darkness” started with the debt issue.  People have lost all faith and hope in this country.  The riots in England… friends there tell me they feel a different kind of darkness now.  It’s not good.

I wish I didn’t have to live in this time.  I wish I had lived and died before now.

“THIS IS “OLDIES” NOW. MOTLEY CRUE IS “OLD”.”

And things I have owned since my teens and twenties are now referred to as “vintage”.  Sheesh.

“POWERFUL PEOPLE ARE SAYING THEY’RE SCARED. WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE REST OF US ?”

I am *trying* to get to a place where I am perfectly willing to go through whatever God wants me to go through, no matter how bad it is.  I think about death a lot now, and wonder if it will be much sooner than I anticipated, and will I be okay with it, even if it is tomorrow.

I have to trust God.  It is all I have to trust in now.  All anyone has, imo.

“THE MUSIC CAN DEFINITELY HEAL. I BELIEVE THAT WITH ALL MY SPIRIT.”

Burton,
That is exactly what the reviewer said of TGW concert after 911. The soothing music and your words that night did just that. I hope you received that boot of September 14, 2001.

As odd as it sounds I once had a friend say , in this life there is nothing cut and dried. Nothing either black or white. Adding  that there is a lot of gray.There are people I’ve met who do not see that there is any type of crisis going on . Others go the opposite extreme.The truth as I see it is that noone knows whats gonna happen even within the next five minutes much less in the distance.Yes, there are signs of doom all around. It’s scarey,but things can change. I’ve heard my grandparents often speak of “The Great Depression “. Many thought it was the end of time.And for some it was. My grandparents survived with four kids to boot !!! Was it easy ? I would think not , to hear them speak of it.I know you cannot live in denial about things. It helps me to not listen to the news everyday. I can think of no other way to stay sane ! Otherwise, I would need shock treatment  and  Meds !!! Help ! I don’t care if others dislike my musical tastes.I look them in the eye and say,”whats the matter you ? I like basically prefer older stuff.I sound like an old f#*t to my preteen step daughters talking about bands like The Who,ZOMBIES ETC, I agree with a bumpersticker I saw.’It’s not that I’m getting old, your music really does suck ! ‘I don’t like all the things concerning aging. Yet I am sooo glad I am not growing up in this time. I would feel ripped off ! I am reminded of a song by Atlanta Rhythm Section, I’M not gonna let it bother me tonight ‘. The song goes, tomorrow I might go as far as suicide, but I will not let it bother me tonight’. And with this I’ll pass…

In no possible way or form would I think putting out a book of prose is simple.  Writing is not simple.  Putting out albums of music is not simple.  Only we consumers get to do the simple part, enjoy it.  I am a perfectionist as well.  I don’t want any work with my name on it out there unless it meets my personal criteria of “good enough”.  No matter how many others tell me I over-fuss, I still work to meet my own standards, and I still have yet to LOVE anything I have painted.  I can’t wait for the book, though, it has an extra meaning for my life’s journey, since I feel like I was part of your journey in it’s creation.  I remember you talking about the “idea” of a book of prose, and we all commented…”YES YES….PLEASE DO!!!!”  So I figure that’s enough to say I was involved

As for music, I so agree.  When I am feeling really fed up and down, all I need to do is put on some music.  Like when I am painting, a little trap door opens up and I can escape from the darkness, and my heart is filled with sunshine again.  I don’t know if there is an “age” to music.  I just discovered Charlie Mingus this week, WOW…love his stuff.  For me, the power of music IS what keeps us going in the right direction.  It’s the only time when I do feel a sense of a greater and kinder spirit that is guiding us.  It’s the only time when I feel I can understand what life is all about.  Am I just escaping from the nasty real world for a brief spell of time?  Maybe.  But then again, how did music ever happen for humankind?  There definitely has to be something more there than we know, doncha think? 

Thank you, Dr. BLC.  I shall take my semi-agnostic not-so-old self to my creativity den now and play some tunes, tune out the bad, tune in the good.  Sounds like a plan….and a really good one at that!

Cruise On!

Mary Ann

Burt, Hope you’re enjoying our beautiful SoCal weather. Nice to see you took a drive past the Roxy, Saw you there when your first solo album came out. You played there twice I think and then at the Palomino on Lankersheim. Those were the good ol’ days. Haven’t seen you since the Guess Who 2001 Tour and I missed you on this last go round. The Coach House and that other place in Agoura (damn, forgot the name, must be getting old) are each a hard drive from where I’m at. Maybe next time (SOON) you’ll play a more central location. Gotta see you one more time before I see the Supreme Being.

THE MUSIC CAME AND TOOK ME TO A BETTER PLACE. A PLACE OF CARING LESS ABOUT THE MYSTERIES, AND CARING MORE ABOUT NOT CARING…THE MUSIC CAN DEFINITELY HEAL. I BELIEVE THAT WITH ALL MY SPIRIT.
Burton, you really do share what is in your mind and soul, and I find that most refreshing, yet challenging as well. Reading your blog over the past few months is like getting to know you, the person. I sometimes wish I could just call you up, and ask you over for coffee or a small bonfire, and we could just talk about life on a less than superficial level. I lost a good friend last year who I knew from the ’70s, and even though our paths went many different ways, we could always just connect at that level whenever we did meet. You feel something like that kind of friend. I identify with the “old guy” musings, and I also know that music comes from somewhere in the realm of soul, so once again let me thank you for your openness and willingness to share so much of yourself with us so often. And if you ever feel like sitting around a campfire with a guitar, let me know.

Sometimes, things are just too much.  I still believe in pre-destiny and pre-arranged, I guess because I believe in reincarnation and that we have to “come back” several times if we don’t finish what we started, so to speak.  My own beliefs really…   But sometimes it’s too much to handle.  Along the line of “too much”, I am now reading Rick Springfield’s Memoir called “Late, Late At Night”.  (Not sure if you would like to read it, it starts off pretty slow…)   Rick speaks of his problem with depression for most of his life, and he tried to commit suicide as a young boy.  He speaks of Mr. D (refers to his depression as Darkness).  Even when he hit it big, married his soul mate, etc., he says Mr. D. was never too far away looking for an entrance.   Probably none of this is connected to your post but I just  wanted to mention it, because although those earlier days were exciting, they must have been overwhelming also.

I don’t know, that playlist looked pretty damn good to
me and I’m not an old guy.
Note, the person with two last names who made that
comment was very familiar.

Rhymes with what a mantis appears to be
doing…rhymes with the name of the Christmas goose.

Ok, I’ve just discovered that I am pitiful at ‘rank
paleisms’!

Thank you Sharon. As My Mamma would say, “Your days are numbered, but you can shorten your days.”
I’m not one of those that wear “it” on my sleeve–like Joyce Meyer says-as soon as you get in the front door, you take all the Jesus pins off and put them back on when you go back out. AND, I don’t believe that a lot of things that
mortal man “thinks” GOD really likes or wants is really that important. “WE” have put a lot of baggage on ourselves and then feel all kinds of guilt when we can’t  live up to the life that WE think we are suppose to be living. A life that WE wrote the rules for. When you strip ALL the nonsense off, it only about LOVE and Faith-nothing more.
That’s how I see it.  Gonna be a lot people surprised-if- they get to heaven and see some of the crowd that’s there and waiting…:)  And thank you for your reply.

Lynette, I agree about the honesty.  It’s everywhere on here. I don’t think you will find other blogs with the same tone.
It’s almost like Burton and all his fans have suckered us in with the music and then we are captured–can’t and won’t leave..:)

Burton, I’m a Winnipeger too and damn proud of it.  I remember the thrill of hearing you sing Laughing on the radio in London England when I was 14 years old while on holiday with my family.  “Hey folks those guys are from my hometown!!! – WooHooo.”   Fast forward 40 odd years later and I’m now involved in an advisory role with a comapny that is about to transform the music industry.  One of the co-founders of the company has his name on a star in the music walk of fame – like you, and another one of the founders is credited with one of the biggest business and technical successes over the past few decades which is credited with transforming the technical side of the industry.  They already have several of the more prominent rock legends involved with them and as a fan, a businessman and a proud Winnipeger, I told them that they should really talk with you.  They said that they would love to, and this is my crude attempt at reaching out. I would love for you to listen to what they have to say.  If you want to follow this up, I’d love to give you their phone number so that you can hear what they have to say.  If not, then that’s OK too . . . I’ll just crank up the volume on my “American Woman” and enjoy.  Take care and thanks for listening.

I would just like to say that I like the “old guy”. He’s
much more interesting than the “young guy” who hasn’t got the life seasoning,the incredible history and the wisdom of experience.  Through your blogs and posts I have learned a
ton about a lot of things (fascinating musical history I had no clue about, the
importance of having peace within yourself and many other life lessons).  On top of all that, I get the pleasure of
listening to the most beautiful singer I have ever heard and truely enchanted by.
Thank you for all that.  I’m turning 40
this year and it scares the heck out of me. 
Seeing you at 63 and how awesome you are is helping me to be ”okay” with
getting older.I f we want
to choose an “old guy”, let’s go with Mozart…now he’s old.
Peace and postive energy coming your way
Annie 

I like your post ! I want the t-shirt that says “I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands”. Anyway, life is a gray area!!! Wow, this could be exactly right. Some also say that nothing is real, it’s all just an illusion. That could also be true. But one thing that I do clearly understand is that there is much much more around us and within us that we cannot perceive with what we have been given.. But we can feel if we allow ourselves to. Sometimes that’s all we really need.  Your post got me thinking. Best wishes to you, Tonya.

HEY B.C.  SUPREME BEING-ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT WAS MY MOTHER!  NACSA LINES,CHAROITS OF FIRE.TO THINK WE ARE THE ONLY SMART ASS BEINGS IN OVER FIVE BILLION GALAXIE’S,PRETTY NAIVE.  I HOPE IN MY SHORT TIME ON THIS SPINNING BLUE MARBLE  HUMANITY JUST SMARTENS UP AND STOP KILLING THEMSELFS OVER IDEA’S. STOP RANTING GORDO.PEACE TO ALL WHO DESERVE IT,G.

Burton excellent blog.I don’t like getting “blogged” down in the age or faith,as I believe we all can choose our our path or voice thats what make us all individuals,thats what makes it all so interesting in life.I find it harder with age, to be able to listen and spin my thoughts to anothers,and derive their way of being,but I still try.It opens the eye,and often gives clarity when you come back to your own thoughts. Interesting if you can just shut off your own mind from time to time.
I was watching Oprah and her guest Shirley MacLaine, whom I’ve often admired as an actress,but found to be so very spiritual. She seems very intune with nature and is convinced on the “visitor’s”. Even seeing them from her home.
Though I am not totally convinced myself I like to dip a toe in the water to see for myself. The point being, she stated that on the show that she thinks that every several thousand years there is a shift in the universe, in the planets.The negative atmosphere,and weather may all be aquainted to this shift, and that in the New Year we might possibly see a differant light on the human race,which could only be for the better…

“Nature is reminding us where her power resides with floods, fires, torrential rains, unseasonable hail storms, earthquakes, and volcanoes. 
She is telling us that we must find our power and go within. Connect to your higher self and find your inner power.”
For this I may believe in crossing my fingers. I love my country of Canada,but workplaces are often harsher,more so than even 20 years ago. Incorporating a kinder society would make the negativity certainly lessen,and the trickle down would be for the better.
 
Going up north shortly,I  cannot wait to hear and see nothing but nature and not be held within the grid….for at least a week, there is certainly something to that.To quiet the mind,to relax the soul. My only worry will  be to cross paths with a bear or moose.Should that not be what life should be about?

Burton,

 I dont know if I want to cry or throw up after reading and thinking about the state of things in this world. I will say, that I do believe that there is “Power in Numbers” and we have to try and stick together and move forward. I dont know what the outcome will be, but I never give up on anything. Even when it comes to “Death”  …… which is permanent, I keep the memories alive in my mind of that person…….Always move forward and never lose faith in yourself. Thank goodness for family and friends…… and never feeling alone. Because we`re not alone……none of us………

I love your openess Burton and your honesty.  I always have!
At times in my life i had periods of  doubt.  But, most times than not i believed and felt that there is a God
and Jesus is His only son and there is a Heaven.
As Keith Green once said: (the following are not his exact words, but, my interpretation)
For if i am wrong i have nothing to lose in doing so.  Yet, if I am right, then, my, my, my, what awaits me is
much more plentiful.  In either case senerio have i lost anything!
I must say, Believe!

There seems to be a personal delight in the reverence of notable moments we treasure from the past and when one is aged fifty and beyond I guess those moments locked in the recesses of our mind perchance to occasion become keepsakes to have and hold forever and ever, amen. I had occasion to embrace some of those moments today as we said goodbye to a dear old friend in Vancouver. While waiting for the ferry home bound I slipped away, weary and saddened yet comforted that today we celebrated something we cherished for such a long time…a friendship with one who truly enriched our lives by their presence. Things fall into perspective when our focus shifts to a seemingly greater importance and significance. Having read this tonight Burton I find a greater positive to dwell on, especially after the day we had today. It’s all relative. And to reek of ‘old guy’ is surely not so bad. I hope that whomever or whatever is running things smiles upon my dear friend Jack tonight. He saw and did much in his lifetime and embraced each new day with a reverence I have yet to understand fully let alone embrace. I too am still learning…and that’s not such a bad thing either. Cheers.

I enjoyed reading what you wrote, as it is a fine example of how a creative, sensitive, artistic person questions or observes the world, people and surroundings. I appreciate unconditionally what your perspective is, because it is different and interesting.  Thank you, for taking the time out of your busy life to share your thoughts with us.     

Like your post ! The situation scares myself and everyone around me. How long do you suppose this whole mess has been going on? Can’t help but notice that everyone points the finger at someone else. Someone will have to take responsibility for this mess  or it’s over for  U.S and the many other countries                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                . 

…oh my… some days i feel like a stranger in a strange land…

my sister and i, growing up, when asked where we were from,  always answered “the stars”…  funny, we just somehow
always felt like visitors here… still do

the negativity is around.  i see it.
i feel there are people who benefit from keeping us doubtful and afraid.
they are making us their product.
i will not be a part of it.

i shall reach for those stars until i am home

keep to the higher frequency my friend

Hi,
I’m a lurker who has finally decided to post, based on your latest entry.  Not only am I fascinated by the contemplation of higher powers, I also recently read a tongue-in-cheek twitter from Adam Lambert about the illuminati.  I have been a serious fan of exactly two singers in my life – Burton Cummings and Adam Lambert. As I listen to BC on my ipod I am constantly reminded of Adam – I think the two of you have a lot in common – fabulous voices, intelligent and articulate. Similar feeling in your songs, everything from rock to ballad.

Read “The Field” by Lynne McTaggart..about such a thing as a life force

Greetings and best wishes to you my friend ! Burton draws such fine itellectuals like us ! LOL!

Burt:

I’ve got to give you points for posting this last entry in your blog.  In this day and age, with so many segments of society being “anti-religious”, it takes an immense amount of courage to lay your heart and your beliefs out for public display, like you did.  But, then, you’re the fellow who wrote and recorded “I’m Scared”, in a time when songs about religion hardly had a ghost of a chance of making it into Billboard’s Top 100.  (And I listen over and over to the lyrics of that song, and hear the gut-level questions being asked.  The answer is simple.  He’s out there, and He hears you.  And you’ve already HEARD His “call”.  It was the stirring in your soul and spirit that birthed that song out of you and into the world.  So, don’t ever think He’s not listening…)

In his song, “When Will I See You?”, Michael Been (of “The Call”) paraphrases first, the Apostle Paul, and then Christ himself, with
“We witness not a fallen world, but falling every day – and nature joins our great dissent with quakes and hurricanes.  But I’ll meet you on that stormy sea, and I’ll hold the winds at bay, and we’ll pull the oars inside the boat and gently sail away…”

I’ve been thinking a lot about those lyrics, this week – for those of us here on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, a 5.8 earthquake on Monday, followed by a potential Category IV hurricane bearing down on us?  How often does that happen?