Hey look! Every time you turn on the TV, it's possible to get just a little frightened these days. (Don't be. We'll all be okay. We have each other.)

But, maybe the fact that Spiritually-bankrupt people who just "don't get it" have gotten the whole world into this financial mess is one reason why the intrinsic value of music, Hope, laughter and a cool little community like "The Hill" in Central Park will be of that much more real value in this world.

I have no idea. Who knows what the future holds. None of us do. But, it is my intention this Spring to show up at "The Hill" in Central Park for the 18th season in a row, to share music, laughs and Life with you guys. There is even an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker who wants to make a movie about all you people coming out there every weekend. I'm hoping for a really fun season.

Now... I did the all official paperwork back in December, wrote checks for all the Special Events Permits for every Saturday starting in May (rain or shine) and sent it all in to the Permit Office of the Parks Department. (Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly this year.)

The Special Events Permits are only $25 each. It's non-refundable, though. So, I pay for 'em all up front. Then the Sound Device Permits from the NYPD are $45 each. No big deal. The guys in the NYPD have been GREAT! But, then I gotta get the equipment there and back, and of course.... Ha! There are the Kudos Granola Bars! So in case you were wondering, that's where my webmaster and good friend James Marino came up with the figure of about $100 a day to get out to Central Park to do what I do.

I figure that's about right... Ha! (Not including the hot dog day and pizza day!!!)

So like every year at this time, I kinda ask if you guys wanna help out a little. It's time for the...

BUT... this year is NOT like every other year.

I KNOW YOU'RE ALL A LITTLE BIT SCARED AND I KNOW YOU'RE ALL HURTING!

Thanks to a White House and politicians on both sides of the aisle who allowed de-regulated capitalism to cannibalize itself with greed, the economy is really in the pooper. As usual, it's the little guys who are taking it in the neck. So, I completely understand if you wanna take a pass on the Permit Fund this year.

But if you can afford to throw a few dollars, it's always really appreciated. Just remember... YOUR COMPANY is much more important to me than your money. It's all about the music and the laughs.

I love the company.

Cool?

I close EVERY update with the basically same thing...

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING.