My mother introduced me to music at an early age and whenever I get caught up in my feelings, I always hole up in a quiet place and either listen to, or write my own music. Carrying around anger became exhausting and was preventing me from living in the moment. Most people that I speak to about this will say things like “Well, if they do ever catch him, they need to lock him up and make him pay.” The interesting thing is that over time, I have actually come to forgive this person. I would definitely like to be able to speak with my assailant face-to-face and have a conversation. Whenever the incident comes up in discussion, the first question I am always asked is: “Did they catch the guy?” I would be lying if I said that I have closure. Your assailant was never identified so I imagine it has been hard finding closure. I began to question if pursuing my career could put me in harm’s way again in the future. After I was better, I focused on how lucky I was to be alive, and that I needed to focus on the important things in my life, such as my relationship, and my family and friends. Secondly, the news coverage focused heavily on my injuries. But an important thing that was overlooked was the fact that this horrific event also involved my partner, Peter, who was equally traumatized by the experience. How was I supposed to promote a new album if I was afraid to take the train and go out to do shows and appearances? As an independent recording artist, promoting your music and videos to DJs and performing in bars and clubs is integral to your success. First, I found myself having anxiety attacks taking the subway and being in bars or clubs which made me feel trapped in small spaces. Now I was faced with the fear of whether or not my followers would like and accept of how I sounded on future recordings.Ĭompounding my career challenges were two other major hazards. Another significant point is that my nose was reconstructed, which changed my voice. Obviously, after the incident took place, the only thing I was concerned about was the fact that I had seven broken bones in my face, and I had to have major surgery to ensure I wouldn’t lose my vision. ![]() I felt tremendous pressure to release songs that would match the success of my previous hits and get back on the radar. Frank Coe, for permission to emblazon RAR vehicles with the Oozlefinch, Coe could not resist.When the hate crime occurred, March 2014, I was in the early stages of promoting my sophomore album, Turnt Up. 4 When the commanding general of the RAR sent the image up to his boss, Chief of Coast Artillery Maj. These artillerymen-come-birdwatchers collaborated on an artistic recreation, depicting a single-feathered bird sporting a trench helmet, and a wristwatch on his left leg reading “7:30,” the time RAR began its daily work. In 1918, members of the Railway Artillery Reserve, American Expeditionary Force in France made the second recorded wild Oozlefinch sighting. In 1905, a statue in his image took perch above the mantle in the Fort Monroe Officers’ Club, where he watched over artillery board meetings, and countless raucous evenings of dice games, drinking parties and officer shenanigans. 3 Following Merriam’s encounter, the legend of the Oozlefinch spread rapidly and became a hot topic of conversation among the Coast Artillery Corps. Another says it is because he cares more about where he has been than where he is going. One proposed explanation for the Oozle’s reverse-flight says that he does it to prevent dust and debris from lodging in his retinas. ![]() 2 The most distinguishing feature Merriam noted about the Oozlefinch were his eyes – bloodshot, gawking and without eyelids or eyebrows. Merriam, flying tail-forward across a bar patio. The most popular account holds that he was first sighted during the early 1900s at Fort Monroe, Va., by Capt. There are several rumors about the origin of the Oozlefinch. From humble beginnings to present day, the Oozlefinch has constantly evolved and adapted to fit the espirit de corps of each successive generation of air defenders. 1 On the 50th anniversary of the air defense artillery, a history of its esteemed mascot and guardian is in order. ![]() While there are as many opinions on the Oozle, as there are air defenders in the Army, the relationship between air defense and the Oozlefinch goes back longer than that between Mickey Mouse and Disney. It has disappeared and reappeared more times than scandal-ridden celebrities on social media, an act for which he has become notorious. The chronicle of the Oozlefinch, air defense artillery’s unofficial mascot, is simultaneously well documented and elusive. ![]() The Curious Case Of The Oozlefinch Fires Bulletin | 2018 ADA Special 50th Anniversary Issue
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