25 Comments

First Tune

I ever heard was Love Me Do

On the radio from

Southeastern PA to

Western Ohio

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May we all reflect on what makes for a life well lived….

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Thank you Jesse! Your work is inspiring.

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Jesse, first I just want to say thank you for all the work you put in to these posts. I don't always

comment but always read them - and each one leaves me with lots to reflect on.

As for Dec. 8 - in 1980 I was living in London. Word of John's death was an unbelievable blow

and I remember all I wanted was to be in NYC. Hard to believe that was 44 years ago. Thinking

of his family today, as well as his larger "family" that grew out of love and admiration for his

words and music - and for the man, warts and all.

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I see a renaissance afoot....thank you for this post, Jesse, and for your part in the ongoing transformation....sending love and peace to all.

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Remember the day we lost John Lennon……it still hurts.

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Thank you Jessie. How wonderful to have good friendships. It's a rainy weekend in the Northwest. Looking for a break to take my dogs for a walk.

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I still remember the day the death of John Lennon was announced. I was living in Scotland at the time and my mother and I were getting our hair cut at home. My mother was disabled so the hairdresser used to come to her. The only reason I remember such a trivial occurrence is because it was punctuated so heavily by the DJ on the radio station we had playing stopping everything to announce the news. We were in shock. Indeed the nation was in shock. One can never prepare for news like that and I remember it as well as I do the night it was announced Elvis had died.

Today I stopped by Union Square to film a talented musician who I featured on my podcast in the summer. This afternoon I plan on finishing my new Substack - it has taken me all week to write nothing! However, today I am determined:)

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Thank you for being here Jesse, I always remember John on this day as in 1980 I’d just left an abusive relationship so I was on my own with my two children, broke but happy. I was so thrilled to hear him & Yoko discuss their new album on the radio, that was on the 7th, then on the morning of the 8th I heard the shocking news of his murder. I went out and bought the only album I could afford, from a charity shop, his Rock & Roll album which has remained a favourite of mine, and I always play it on this day. Bless you John, also thinking of Yoko Julian and Sean today too. Luv to you and your mum xx 🤔🩷☮️

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Jesse, Your post and all these videos, especially People Have the Power, gave me such a lift this morning!!! I watched the video three times myself, and forwarded your post on to several others. PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER...yes indeed. The sun is shining in Boston today. I've already been on a long early morning walk through wintery woods and meadows with my dog. Now to work on a correspondence course I am teaching at a California prison. I will be thinking of all your remembrances and birthdays. Very grateful for your writing, the memories and observations you share, and the issues you bring to light.

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Ohhhh thank you so so much - your words made me smile and full of good energy. Thank you :))))

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Thank you for sharing this. It is always a sad and joyful mix for me on 12/8. My grandmother died that day in 1980 like John Lennon and I envision him singing to her. Love and light to you

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Ohhh this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. What is your grandmother's name? Thank you again :)

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Hi!

Her name is Betty. She hated to cook but loved to feed guests. If you came to visit she would make to tea and slice you a piece of store bought cake. Thank you for asking, Jesse

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Thank you, Jesse. Peace to you in the day of remembrance for dear John and throughout this special season. Great video. Thinking of you and your mom!

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I especially love the “People Have the Power” video! Made in 2020 - and we need it now.

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thank you, jesse. the people have the power video is perfection. thank you for sharing it with us.

peace to you and your mum.

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Thank you for this lovely post, Jesse, and warm birthday wishes to your friend, Bill.

I am working this morning and will take a walk this afternoon. For health reasons, I can’t be in the crowd that will gather at Strawberry Fields, but I’ll be nearby, thinking of John Lennon on this mournful anniversary.

Wishing you and everyone good health and great joys, even as we keep in mind the troubles of the world.

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In spirit with these honors today. Beads of kindness and light, one and all🌟

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Thank you for this post. As well as your commitment to/focus on Climate Change. I recently finished John Vaillant's brilliant (and horrifying) Fire Weather. I thought I understood the issues confronting us (specifically why the 'nature' of fire is so dramatically different now, post-Petrocene age), but after reading that book, I realized that at best, I had the understanding of a neophyte. And I have to admit, with the incoming administration, my Defcon Anxiety levels have risen to a 1. Thanks again for your commitment to these issues, and for the time you invest in your newsletter.

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