Many people buy both used and new every year completely unaware of concealed damage caused by floods, crashes or factory defects. Many motorists are not aware of the Carfax service that can at least tell you if the car was salvaged, had an insurance claim, etc. But using that service is not fool proof.
So the recourse for the screwed buyer is to sue the dealership or seller for failing to disclose the damage. As it stands now, they can also can go after the auto auction, "chop shop" or whoever sells the lemon to the car dealership as well.
But the wonderful "slap the people in the face" Republos in Missouri, led by the lame Boy Gov, his multi-millionaire pal and benefactor Mike Kehoe, and other car dealers who have wormed their way in to the Missouri legislature want to protect the chop shops from consumers.
Isn't that backwards?
Not to Repubs since Kehoe is a big contributor to the Boy Gov and Republican hack Brian Nieves, the Majority whip who is also a car dealer. They are protecting us, the self centered Nieves said: "holding wholesalers accountable would add thousands of dollars to the price of a used car". He warned that a vote against the bill is "a vote against the consumer."
Why? Why are these people in power? Because we as electorates don't think. Idiots are elected because they are "pro-life" or "pro-gun" or whatever, not because they have their constituents in mind. These are, remember, the same people who slap us down for voting to ban conceal/carry and support stem cell research by later overturning our votes with their own legislation.
Sometimes I wonder how long the US will last before it sinks into banality and mayhem.
Or is it too late?
Don't bother writing your legislator. This bill sailed through the Repub controlled House, only Democrats voted against it. The same will happen in the Senate. It is not about representing us, it is all about toeing the line for the Boy Gov.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Bushwhacking of America Continues Again and Again
FROM THE NEWS WIRE:
"The economy skidded to a near halt in the final quarter of last year, clobbered by dual slumps in housing and credit that caused people and businesses to spend and invest more sparingly."
YET:
"President Bush said Thursday that the country is not headed into a recession and, despite expressing concern about slowing economic growth, rejected for now any additional stimulus efforts. "We've acted robustly," he said."
BUT MUCH MORE IMPORTANT:
"[Bush] continued a near-daily effort to prod lawmakers into passing his version of a law to make it easier for the government to conduct domestic eavesdropping on suspected terrorists' phone calls and e-mails. He says the country is in more danger now that a temporary surveillance law has expired."
Good Lord, get this asshole OUT OF HERE!
"The economy skidded to a near halt in the final quarter of last year, clobbered by dual slumps in housing and credit that caused people and businesses to spend and invest more sparingly."
YET:
"President Bush said Thursday that the country is not headed into a recession and, despite expressing concern about slowing economic growth, rejected for now any additional stimulus efforts. "We've acted robustly," he said."
BUT MUCH MORE IMPORTANT:
"[Bush] continued a near-daily effort to prod lawmakers into passing his version of a law to make it easier for the government to conduct domestic eavesdropping on suspected terrorists' phone calls and e-mails. He says the country is in more danger now that a temporary surveillance law has expired."
Good Lord, get this asshole OUT OF HERE!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Night of Song
For my birthday on Monday, my neighbors Scott, Will and Marcia took me out to dinner and to the "Open Mic-Opera-Cabaret" event "Night of Song" sponsored by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. This was my first "Night of Song" and will certainly not be my last.
Created by Nathan Granner, Elaine Fox and Silvia Stoner, Night of Song is advertised as an "an impromptu ballyhoo of music". Usually comprising opera, some standards and show tunes, the show is both sophisticated and highly entertaining.
Monday's show was held at Bar Natasha, an upscale nightclub-restaurant in the popular Crossroads district. Gay owned and operated, it is not a traditional "gay bar" but more of a cabaret drawing an upscale, sophisticated audience.
The food was excellent but the menu is limited. "NO bar food here", the person on the phone told Marcia when she made our reservation. But from my limited glance at the menu, there was not much else of substance besides the 2 nightly specials that qualified for a full dinner. For some reason, our cheery and pleasant waitress just could not count that we were four and only gave us one menu. We asked for more and received one more. Ok... to move things along we all ordered the pork tenderloin special with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I got the duck soup as a starter, a slightly bland stock was full of nice duck pieces and some vegetables served "en croute". Scott got the shrimp cocktail, 4 large shrimp in a spicy creamy sauce. They looked good and should be for $14.00. We also finally convinced the lady to get drinks for all of us. They had my Finlandia Mango vodka that I love, but 303 does a better job of serving it icy cold.
But the night was about the music. The three talented singers Daniel Erbe, tenor, Stephanie Laws, Soprano and a third one whose name I did not catch but will find out were joined by the pianist(also unknown to me, hey! I had a couple of martinis by then so when I sober up, I'll get the 411, OK?)who seemingly could play anything they but in front of him. The repertoire was mostly opera favorites, Carmen (Habanera), Handel (Let the Bright Seraphim from Sampson), Manon, Susannah, Butterfly, the ones audiences love. It was fun watching the singers leaf through books titled "101 Great Arias", "The Best Italian Arias for Soprano", "Puccini Favorites", et al., deciding what to sing next. Fully impromptu, elegant and sophisticated karaoke, performed by professionals.
Definitely worth a repeat trip. They sang "Happy Birthday" to me and a couple others. I have never heard my name sound so wonderful!
Created by Nathan Granner, Elaine Fox and Silvia Stoner, Night of Song is advertised as an "an impromptu ballyhoo of music". Usually comprising opera, some standards and show tunes, the show is both sophisticated and highly entertaining.
Monday's show was held at Bar Natasha, an upscale nightclub-restaurant in the popular Crossroads district. Gay owned and operated, it is not a traditional "gay bar" but more of a cabaret drawing an upscale, sophisticated audience.
The food was excellent but the menu is limited. "NO bar food here", the person on the phone told Marcia when she made our reservation. But from my limited glance at the menu, there was not much else of substance besides the 2 nightly specials that qualified for a full dinner. For some reason, our cheery and pleasant waitress just could not count that we were four and only gave us one menu. We asked for more and received one more. Ok... to move things along we all ordered the pork tenderloin special with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I got the duck soup as a starter, a slightly bland stock was full of nice duck pieces and some vegetables served "en croute". Scott got the shrimp cocktail, 4 large shrimp in a spicy creamy sauce. They looked good and should be for $14.00. We also finally convinced the lady to get drinks for all of us. They had my Finlandia Mango vodka that I love, but 303 does a better job of serving it icy cold.
But the night was about the music. The three talented singers Daniel Erbe, tenor, Stephanie Laws, Soprano and a third one whose name I did not catch but will find out were joined by the pianist(also unknown to me, hey! I had a couple of martinis by then so when I sober up, I'll get the 411, OK?)who seemingly could play anything they but in front of him. The repertoire was mostly opera favorites, Carmen (Habanera), Handel (Let the Bright Seraphim from Sampson), Manon, Susannah, Butterfly, the ones audiences love. It was fun watching the singers leaf through books titled "101 Great Arias", "The Best Italian Arias for Soprano", "Puccini Favorites", et al., deciding what to sing next. Fully impromptu, elegant and sophisticated karaoke, performed by professionals.
Definitely worth a repeat trip. They sang "Happy Birthday" to me and a couple others. I have never heard my name sound so wonderful!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Pato: One Year Older
At about 1AM, 51 years ago, Pato came quacking in to the world in lovely (?) Decatur, Il. I know several people born on this day, one a lady I had worked with for years. We called each other and sang Happy Birthday to each other every year. We were twins in someways, we both liked the same things and had similar cynical outlook on life.
I do not share my birthday with a lot of interesting people, but some are fellow Feb 25th-ians. George Harrison (Beatle), Jim Backus (Mr Magoo, Thurston Howell, III), Enrico Caruso (tenor), Pierre Renoir (Painter) and Sally Jesse Raphael (annoying TV lady). History has been less kind, Elizabeth I was excommunicated, Communists took over Czechoslovakia, and Violeta Chamorro became President of Nicaragua. Feb 25th is the National Holiday in Kuwait, being the day the Iraqis were driven out back in 1990.
I do not feel 51.. most of the time. So far my main activity has been to go to my optometrist to get my eyes examined (they are still a mess) and get new frames (a needed improvement). I do have more aches and pains than I used to have, and a nice quiet evening at home is more desirable than a rowdy night of bar hopping anymore.
Anyway, here's to February 25, a fun day in my little pond, no matter what else transpired.
I do not share my birthday with a lot of interesting people, but some are fellow Feb 25th-ians. George Harrison (Beatle), Jim Backus (Mr Magoo, Thurston Howell, III), Enrico Caruso (tenor), Pierre Renoir (Painter) and Sally Jesse Raphael (annoying TV lady). History has been less kind, Elizabeth I was excommunicated, Communists took over Czechoslovakia, and Violeta Chamorro became President of Nicaragua. Feb 25th is the National Holiday in Kuwait, being the day the Iraqis were driven out back in 1990.
I do not feel 51.. most of the time. So far my main activity has been to go to my optometrist to get my eyes examined (they are still a mess) and get new frames (a needed improvement). I do have more aches and pains than I used to have, and a nice quiet evening at home is more desirable than a rowdy night of bar hopping anymore.
Anyway, here's to February 25, a fun day in my little pond, no matter what else transpired.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Joel Osteen Comes to Town
I am not a strongly religious person, even though I attend church pretty regularly. Like many, my skeptical brain can not accept all the contradiction, hocus pocus and the chasm-size leaps of faith inherent in Christian faith. I do, however, believe that someone named Jesus Christ lived, was the most radical revolutionary in all of recorded history, taught a primitive, animal like society how to live in peace and ignited human capacity to love. Thus I go to church to hear this philosophy and try to adapt it to my life. The hocus pocus and literal interpretation, that is for the Baptists.
Thus sets the scene for a somewhat surreal evening I spent with 18,000 others in the vast Kemper Arena listening to "A Night of Hope" a program by the current reigning monarch of TV preachers Joel Osteen. My friend Greg was going and asked if I wanted to join him. Curiosity is a powerful motivator so off I went. The promised treat of Rosedale BBQ before the show (or whatever it is) was the clincher for me.
Osteen is interesting, a bit of different animal than many of the evangelical nuts polluting the airwaves and pulpits of the world. Because of his difference, Osteen has been criticized for preaching too frequently on positive thinking and "the prosperity gospel" which focuses on good health and financial abundance for the believer. His lack of hitting one over the head with out of context Bible verses and hellfire and brimstone is refreshing in the current crop of TV preachers. Now, I am all for being positive; my training in clinical psychology demonstrated to me that our thoughts and beliefs can be powerful motivators and inhibitors. But, it is not the simple catch-all cure-all that Osteen preaches.
Human behavior, both group and individual is much too complex for the simple answers Osteen preaches. As much as I tried to believe and ask to be a millionaire and an end to my diabetes, tinnitus and aching back, I don't think it is happening. That is a bit simplistic in itself, and Osteen and his family say to be cured one has to take your medicine. You see, Osteen even admits he is not so much a preacher but a life coach, using Christian principles for his background. Osteen in fact does not have a degree in theology but rather a degree in Television production, which is telling in and of itself.
Anyway, it is still preaching, it is still Christian Pentecostalism, if it looks and sounds like it, then it must be. Rock concert slick, Jesus would be out in the halls overturning the high priced merchandise tables, chock full of books, t-shirts and CDs. I just couldn't take much of it. Slick (a word I keep coming back to), scripted (I am sorry but I doubted Osteen's crying jag a the mention of his late dad) and with make-up worthy of the Hollywood Westmores (Mrs Osteen has to have had work done), the whole thing just collapsed for me under the weight of the production.
I thought maybe this guy was different. Greg enjoys him and Greg is not a fool by any means. But alas, the simple message, the trappings of wealth and power, the whole prosperity gospel message (God wants you to be RICH!)just grated on me. But by the time we left (early) I could only see the private jets, limousines, fabulous houses, etc. The images on the screen showed largely white, happy, warm climate suburban, hetero families surely not representative of the world I see out my urban window.
Accumulation of wealth and material goods has been and continues to be the major hallmark of this movement, thus counter to much of what I see in Christian teaching. Where is the helping of the poor, quietly and without material reward? Where is the preaching that the accumulation of wealth for one rests on the back of someone else? Humility, service, turning the other cheek? It was all too Amway for me.
At least Osteen is not kicking people in the teeth (at least publicly) like many preachers. But he is really not all that much different and I predict he'll end up irrelevant in Branson someday along with all the others.
(Note the tongue-somewhat-in-cheek tag of "Theatre Reviews I attached to this entry!)
Thus sets the scene for a somewhat surreal evening I spent with 18,000 others in the vast Kemper Arena listening to "A Night of Hope" a program by the current reigning monarch of TV preachers Joel Osteen. My friend Greg was going and asked if I wanted to join him. Curiosity is a powerful motivator so off I went. The promised treat of Rosedale BBQ before the show (or whatever it is) was the clincher for me.
Osteen is interesting, a bit of different animal than many of the evangelical nuts polluting the airwaves and pulpits of the world. Because of his difference, Osteen has been criticized for preaching too frequently on positive thinking and "the prosperity gospel" which focuses on good health and financial abundance for the believer. His lack of hitting one over the head with out of context Bible verses and hellfire and brimstone is refreshing in the current crop of TV preachers. Now, I am all for being positive; my training in clinical psychology demonstrated to me that our thoughts and beliefs can be powerful motivators and inhibitors. But, it is not the simple catch-all cure-all that Osteen preaches.
Human behavior, both group and individual is much too complex for the simple answers Osteen preaches. As much as I tried to believe and ask to be a millionaire and an end to my diabetes, tinnitus and aching back, I don't think it is happening. That is a bit simplistic in itself, and Osteen and his family say to be cured one has to take your medicine. You see, Osteen even admits he is not so much a preacher but a life coach, using Christian principles for his background. Osteen in fact does not have a degree in theology but rather a degree in Television production, which is telling in and of itself.
Anyway, it is still preaching, it is still Christian Pentecostalism, if it looks and sounds like it, then it must be. Rock concert slick, Jesus would be out in the halls overturning the high priced merchandise tables, chock full of books, t-shirts and CDs. I just couldn't take much of it. Slick (a word I keep coming back to), scripted (I am sorry but I doubted Osteen's crying jag a the mention of his late dad) and with make-up worthy of the Hollywood Westmores (Mrs Osteen has to have had work done), the whole thing just collapsed for me under the weight of the production.
I thought maybe this guy was different. Greg enjoys him and Greg is not a fool by any means. But alas, the simple message, the trappings of wealth and power, the whole prosperity gospel message (God wants you to be RICH!)just grated on me. But by the time we left (early) I could only see the private jets, limousines, fabulous houses, etc. The images on the screen showed largely white, happy, warm climate suburban, hetero families surely not representative of the world I see out my urban window.
Accumulation of wealth and material goods has been and continues to be the major hallmark of this movement, thus counter to much of what I see in Christian teaching. Where is the helping of the poor, quietly and without material reward? Where is the preaching that the accumulation of wealth for one rests on the back of someone else? Humility, service, turning the other cheek? It was all too Amway for me.
At least Osteen is not kicking people in the teeth (at least publicly) like many preachers. But he is really not all that much different and I predict he'll end up irrelevant in Branson someday along with all the others.
(Note the tongue-somewhat-in-cheek tag of "Theatre Reviews I attached to this entry!)
Friday, February 22, 2008
I am in a Foul Mood
So I am going to rant:
1) If I read the paper correctly today, the Kansas City Public Schools were given a snow day today. However, it is not snowing. It was because the roads were slick from the snow Wednesday night to Thursday AM. The roads were slick because they were not plowed. They were not plowed as the city is crying they are poor. They are poor because no one wants to live in this screwed up berg. Why? Because the school system sucks. The school system sucks because no one wants to live here. Thus the tax base dwindles, those with money live in Johnson County (where the streets are clear) and the cycle goes on.
2) I broke my damn glasses and I guess have lost or trashed any spare I might have. It is a pain going around blind. I have my glasses, but to use them I have to put a big ass rubber band around them. Look the geek from hell. My optometrist is sick and can't get to me to Monday. So here I fumble around, banging into things, getting into people's faces so I can see who they are and generally being disoriented. I can see the big things, the devil, as usual, is in the details.
3) So John Mc Cain having an affair with a lobbyist is not a big deal, but Bill Clinton got impeached over it. What hypocrisy.
4) The US shot down a wayward satellite this week. The man at the controls of the intercept missile was from Raytown, MO. Raytown gets a bad rap from everyone (think "Mama's Family" the old TV show, it was set in Raytown) due to its lower middle class status. Somehow it is fitting that a Raytowner would be a good shot, probably not much else one can be good at from Raytown. Or Kansas City for that matter.
5) I am going to see and hear Joel Osteen this evening with my friend Greg. I am not really that thrilled about it. Greg had an extra ticket and thus I am riding along. More for curiosity than anything else. I guess a lot of people are paying big bucks to hear him preach his gospel of feel good and prosperity. Wonder when he'll crash and head to Branson like Jim Bakker and the rest of them.
I promise I'll be in a better mood when I can see again.
1) If I read the paper correctly today, the Kansas City Public Schools were given a snow day today. However, it is not snowing. It was because the roads were slick from the snow Wednesday night to Thursday AM. The roads were slick because they were not plowed. They were not plowed as the city is crying they are poor. They are poor because no one wants to live in this screwed up berg. Why? Because the school system sucks. The school system sucks because no one wants to live here. Thus the tax base dwindles, those with money live in Johnson County (where the streets are clear) and the cycle goes on.
2) I broke my damn glasses and I guess have lost or trashed any spare I might have. It is a pain going around blind. I have my glasses, but to use them I have to put a big ass rubber band around them. Look the geek from hell. My optometrist is sick and can't get to me to Monday. So here I fumble around, banging into things, getting into people's faces so I can see who they are and generally being disoriented. I can see the big things, the devil, as usual, is in the details.
3) So John Mc Cain having an affair with a lobbyist is not a big deal, but Bill Clinton got impeached over it. What hypocrisy.
4) The US shot down a wayward satellite this week. The man at the controls of the intercept missile was from Raytown, MO. Raytown gets a bad rap from everyone (think "Mama's Family" the old TV show, it was set in Raytown) due to its lower middle class status. Somehow it is fitting that a Raytowner would be a good shot, probably not much else one can be good at from Raytown. Or Kansas City for that matter.
5) I am going to see and hear Joel Osteen this evening with my friend Greg. I am not really that thrilled about it. Greg had an extra ticket and thus I am riding along. More for curiosity than anything else. I guess a lot of people are paying big bucks to hear him preach his gospel of feel good and prosperity. Wonder when he'll crash and head to Branson like Jim Bakker and the rest of them.
I promise I'll be in a better mood when I can see again.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Vote for Christine
Pato received this message today from Christine Brewer via our friend Pat. So do your duty for a St Louis/Illinois lady and cast your vote today!
"I just received news from my manager that I've been nominated for the BBC Radio 3 Listeners' Award (London) for 2008. The Award honors performers who have made significant contributions to Radio 3 during the past year. The nominees short list was selected by Radio 3 editors, Proms concert producers and Radio 3 producers.
Public voting for the Award runs until March 13 at the online site for the BBC Radio 3, and I've enclosed the link below. Only one vote per person and I would appreciate your vote if you are so inclined! And I don't mind if you want to pass this along to others. Thanks a lot!"
Vote For Christine!
"I just received news from my manager that I've been nominated for the BBC Radio 3 Listeners' Award (London) for 2008. The Award honors performers who have made significant contributions to Radio 3 during the past year. The nominees short list was selected by Radio 3 editors, Proms concert producers and Radio 3 producers.
Public voting for the Award runs until March 13 at the online site for the BBC Radio 3, and I've enclosed the link below. Only one vote per person and I would appreciate your vote if you are so inclined! And I don't mind if you want to pass this along to others. Thanks a lot!"
Vote For Christine!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Is it Good for the Children?
It seems a recent study shows that parental worries about Internet sex predators are overblown. This is not according to some paid for research by a partisan committee but done by the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.
Of course since it is in New Hampshire, it will be immediately labeled as "liberal trash" by Huckabee types.
This whole issue of internet sex crimes, and sex crimes in general has consistently been overblown in the media and by the public. Think about it, sex crimes is the perfect confluence of sex, fear the law enforcement establishment's desire to look good (and get funding) without actually having to do the dangerous work of addressing violent crime.
Of course since it is in New Hampshire, it will be immediately labeled as "liberal trash" by Huckabee types.
This whole issue of internet sex crimes, and sex crimes in general has consistently been overblown in the media and by the public. Think about it, sex crimes is the perfect confluence of sex, fear the law enforcement establishment's desire to look good (and get funding) without actually having to do the dangerous work of addressing violent crime.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Hey Zaine, Guess What??
In the last several weeks, you have eaten turkey pepperoni on a pizza twice!
I know this to be true.
I know this to be true.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Kansas City Symphony, "Women With Issues"
I almost went to another function with a friend last night instead of attending the Kansas City Symphony subscription concert. The coin flipped "heads" and thus I braved the pouring rain and threat of sleet and heard what I feel is the best concert the Kansas City Symphony has performed this season.
Music Director Michael Stern quipped towards the end that since this was St Valentine's week the concert theme was "strong women, all, with the exception of Kanako Ito (the KCS Concertmistress and tonight's solo), with issues". Fitting as the works included Wagner's Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde, Samuel Barber's Suite from Medea, and Richard Strauss' "Dance of the Seven Veils" from Salome.
Ito certainly did not have any issues with the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Flawless technique, tone and power approaching that of some more well known violinists, and a superb understanding of the work, her electric performance thrilled the capacity audience. The orchestra gave its all for their leader and provided dramatic and even tender support to the solo. Especially delectable were the darkly Russian figures for the clarinet in the slow movement and the spot on tuttis of the first movement and finale. The finale was taken at a brisk, yet not rushed, tempo forcing the orchestra to scramble a bit to keep up.
Having recently heard young sensation Stephan Jackiw and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg a few years ago doing the Tchaikovsky in concert plus adoring the classic Isaac Stern/Ormandy recording, I would be quite comfortable in saying Ito's galvanizing yet musical performance could compare quite nicely.
I am now afraid that our secret is out and that big bad orchestras with need of a good Concertmistress or Associate will snap her up.
Opening the concert was a sensuous and well executed Prelude and Liebestod. Missing only for me the soprano, the orchestra only version just can't match the visceral thrill of the voice arching over the huge sound of the orchestra. The melody gets buried too often, as was the case last night; the fault of the arrangement, not the orchestra in this case. Still an incredible thrill and a fine performance.
It took me a while to warm up to Barber's music. Samuel Barber occupied the middle road in American music, less spacious and folksy sound than Copland or Diamond, and less arcane and serial than Sessions or Carter, thus never pleasing the advocates on both sides. It was a performance of Vanessa that did it for me. Next up was the classic Thomas Schippers' Columbia recording of Barber works including the Medea Meditation and Dance of Vengeance, beginning my long admiration of Barber's works. The Medea suite is not often performed or recorded (outside of the mentioned Dance of Vengeance) but should be. Barber's characteristic subtle blend of tonal lyricism and complex harmonies and an always imaginative orchestration makes for a satisfying musical outing. Stern led the orchestra with conviction and care.
Our final woman with issues, the sultry and evil Salome was represented by a seductive and luminous Dance of the Seven Veils, highlighted by some wonderful wind work, and (finally) well tuned and balanced brass.
Bravo to all, and to Miss Ito especially. (Don't you go leaving us now....hear?)
Music Director Michael Stern quipped towards the end that since this was St Valentine's week the concert theme was "strong women, all, with the exception of Kanako Ito (the KCS Concertmistress and tonight's solo), with issues". Fitting as the works included Wagner's Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde, Samuel Barber's Suite from Medea, and Richard Strauss' "Dance of the Seven Veils" from Salome.
Ito certainly did not have any issues with the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Flawless technique, tone and power approaching that of some more well known violinists, and a superb understanding of the work, her electric performance thrilled the capacity audience. The orchestra gave its all for their leader and provided dramatic and even tender support to the solo. Especially delectable were the darkly Russian figures for the clarinet in the slow movement and the spot on tuttis of the first movement and finale. The finale was taken at a brisk, yet not rushed, tempo forcing the orchestra to scramble a bit to keep up.
Having recently heard young sensation Stephan Jackiw and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg a few years ago doing the Tchaikovsky in concert plus adoring the classic Isaac Stern/Ormandy recording, I would be quite comfortable in saying Ito's galvanizing yet musical performance could compare quite nicely.
I am now afraid that our secret is out and that big bad orchestras with need of a good Concertmistress or Associate will snap her up.
Opening the concert was a sensuous and well executed Prelude and Liebestod. Missing only for me the soprano, the orchestra only version just can't match the visceral thrill of the voice arching over the huge sound of the orchestra. The melody gets buried too often, as was the case last night; the fault of the arrangement, not the orchestra in this case. Still an incredible thrill and a fine performance.
It took me a while to warm up to Barber's music. Samuel Barber occupied the middle road in American music, less spacious and folksy sound than Copland or Diamond, and less arcane and serial than Sessions or Carter, thus never pleasing the advocates on both sides. It was a performance of Vanessa that did it for me. Next up was the classic Thomas Schippers' Columbia recording of Barber works including the Medea Meditation and Dance of Vengeance, beginning my long admiration of Barber's works. The Medea suite is not often performed or recorded (outside of the mentioned Dance of Vengeance) but should be. Barber's characteristic subtle blend of tonal lyricism and complex harmonies and an always imaginative orchestration makes for a satisfying musical outing. Stern led the orchestra with conviction and care.
Our final woman with issues, the sultry and evil Salome was represented by a seductive and luminous Dance of the Seven Veils, highlighted by some wonderful wind work, and (finally) well tuned and balanced brass.
Bravo to all, and to Miss Ito especially. (Don't you go leaving us now....hear?)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Kansas City Chamber Orchestra: Baroque By Candlelight
I am not a regular patron of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra (KCCO), and thus have only heard them 2-3 times in the last few years. A pair of tickets, given to me by a neighbor who was out of town for the week, allowed my friend Barb and I to attend "Baroque By candlelight" on Valentine's night at the lovely Visitation Catholic church. As usual, founder and music director Bruce Sorrell conducted.
The woefully inadequate KCCO website never lists the full program. Thus until I was at the venue did I know what was on for the evening besides the advertised "featured" Bach Brandenburg # 5 that sufficed for the last half of the evening. I was pleased to see the first half had some interesting and less well known works, a Telemann Suite in G major "Don Quixote" and the Purcell Suite from "Dido and Aeneas". Sandwiched in was the obligatory Vivaldi, the Concerto For Violin, Cello and Strings in Bb.
The Telemann is a charming work; descriptive. melodic and engaging. This performance, unfortunately, suffered from a lack of variety between the respective movements; "Quixote Awakes" was not much different than "Quixote Asleep". The small orchestra sounded good, especially the violin and cello, but the lack of tempi contrast diminished the dance elements inherent in the work.
The Vivaldi was better played, but the lovely slow central movement was marred by some iffy violin solo intonation. Otherwise a bouncy, serviceable performance; likely the best of the evening.
Purcell's music may have subscribed formally to the Italian and French models that dominated Baroque music but his music also reflects the stately elegance of the English Court plus the folk rhythms and forms of England. Dido is one of the high points of English music, with the famous Dido's Lament "When I am Laid" one of its crown jewels.
The suite of dances, preludes and orchestrated arias includes the famous lament in a version with strings, continuo and winds (flute and oboe). Again, slow tempi made the music dour rather than dramatic and grave. The dances gave some respite and the lament was properly plaintive. I expected a bit more polish and atmosphere.
The "featured" Brandenburg # 5 needs no introduction. Starting off nicely with a well judged, sprightly tempo the first movement promised a more lively second half. Sadly that was not to be the case.
As I was early to the performance, I had the chance to hear a bit of the opening concert lecture. The presenter took great pains as did the program notes, to point out the one-of-a-kind in America, rare and exquisite, super-duper, world class harpsichord owned by the KCCO's harpsichordist. The instrument may be fabulous, well built and authentic, but for the evening's purpose it was tinny, light sounding and distant. I realize a continuo is not in the forefront of the ensemble, but I could rarely hear it (the other instruments were crystal clear); thus it failed in its mission of providing support and filling in the harmonies of the orchestra.
This presented a huge problem in the Bach as the first movement features a long and virtuosic harpsichord cadenza rarely equaled in music. Rebecca Bell labored mightily but the sound was muffled and tinny. It sounded as if it was played in the other room, truly a manifestation of Sir Thomas Beecham's famous quip "The sound of a harpsichord - two skeletons copulating on a tin roof in a thunderstorm". After concert conversation indicated I was not alone in my disappointment of the harpsichord sound.
The second movement of the Bach was a study in motionlessness. The conductor stepped away, allowing the flute, violin and continuo to take it on their own. As if a clock winding down, the movement finally collapsed due to lack of inertia.
The final movement got a back on tempo but the piece was on the whole an amateur performance from a professional crew.
Sadly too, the venue could have had more atmosphere. A constellation of candles was placed behind the performers providing a splendid backdrop. However, the house lights were turned up too high, negating the effect completely. Visitations sanctuary, redone in 2004, is a bit too stark and open, certainly not in a baroque tradition.
A nice concept, a well thought out program, poorly executed. Not one of my concert highlights of the season.
The woefully inadequate KCCO website never lists the full program. Thus until I was at the venue did I know what was on for the evening besides the advertised "featured" Bach Brandenburg # 5 that sufficed for the last half of the evening. I was pleased to see the first half had some interesting and less well known works, a Telemann Suite in G major "Don Quixote" and the Purcell Suite from "Dido and Aeneas". Sandwiched in was the obligatory Vivaldi, the Concerto For Violin, Cello and Strings in Bb.
The Telemann is a charming work; descriptive. melodic and engaging. This performance, unfortunately, suffered from a lack of variety between the respective movements; "Quixote Awakes" was not much different than "Quixote Asleep". The small orchestra sounded good, especially the violin and cello, but the lack of tempi contrast diminished the dance elements inherent in the work.
The Vivaldi was better played, but the lovely slow central movement was marred by some iffy violin solo intonation. Otherwise a bouncy, serviceable performance; likely the best of the evening.
Purcell's music may have subscribed formally to the Italian and French models that dominated Baroque music but his music also reflects the stately elegance of the English Court plus the folk rhythms and forms of England. Dido is one of the high points of English music, with the famous Dido's Lament "When I am Laid" one of its crown jewels.
The suite of dances, preludes and orchestrated arias includes the famous lament in a version with strings, continuo and winds (flute and oboe). Again, slow tempi made the music dour rather than dramatic and grave. The dances gave some respite and the lament was properly plaintive. I expected a bit more polish and atmosphere.
The "featured" Brandenburg # 5 needs no introduction. Starting off nicely with a well judged, sprightly tempo the first movement promised a more lively second half. Sadly that was not to be the case.
As I was early to the performance, I had the chance to hear a bit of the opening concert lecture. The presenter took great pains as did the program notes, to point out the one-of-a-kind in America, rare and exquisite, super-duper, world class harpsichord owned by the KCCO's harpsichordist. The instrument may be fabulous, well built and authentic, but for the evening's purpose it was tinny, light sounding and distant. I realize a continuo is not in the forefront of the ensemble, but I could rarely hear it (the other instruments were crystal clear); thus it failed in its mission of providing support and filling in the harmonies of the orchestra.
This presented a huge problem in the Bach as the first movement features a long and virtuosic harpsichord cadenza rarely equaled in music. Rebecca Bell labored mightily but the sound was muffled and tinny. It sounded as if it was played in the other room, truly a manifestation of Sir Thomas Beecham's famous quip "The sound of a harpsichord - two skeletons copulating on a tin roof in a thunderstorm". After concert conversation indicated I was not alone in my disappointment of the harpsichord sound.
The second movement of the Bach was a study in motionlessness. The conductor stepped away, allowing the flute, violin and continuo to take it on their own. As if a clock winding down, the movement finally collapsed due to lack of inertia.
The final movement got a back on tempo but the piece was on the whole an amateur performance from a professional crew.
Sadly too, the venue could have had more atmosphere. A constellation of candles was placed behind the performers providing a splendid backdrop. However, the house lights were turned up too high, negating the effect completely. Visitations sanctuary, redone in 2004, is a bit too stark and open, certainly not in a baroque tradition.
A nice concept, a well thought out program, poorly executed. Not one of my concert highlights of the season.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Check in NIU Friends
Pato has several readers and friends at Northern Illinois University where the insane gun laws in this country have allowed more to die. Please check in NIU readers. Please, anyone with a mind and heart, vote in leaders who will lead the USA in the direction of the vast majority of the world and ban guns NOW. This stuff just doesn't happen elsewhere.
Congressional Charade
As I was tootling down the road yesterday, I caught a couple of minutes of the hearings in Washington regarding steroid use in baseball. Apparently for about 3-4 hours, the big tough-guy, holier-than-thou congress members tortured baseball legend Roger Clemens. Their goal: to make a point that they are powerful. To get him to admit he lied about steroid use.
WHO CARES?
Everyone looked bad. Clemens was babbling, his accusers full of shit, doing this for a few minutes of fame and power. The spectacle of former friends publically betraying each other was pathetic. The congress members, as puffed up and pretentiously serious as they were during the Clinton impeachment charade, acted like this was a monumental problem, needing their full attention. I for one, do not believe this is anything congress needs to be involved in. Isn't there just something very wrong with all of that?
Meanwhile, oil prices are causing inflation, job loss, economic stagnation and poverty. Education is a joke, the stupid war in Iraq goes on and on and on and on and on and on. Recession, global warming, lack of healthcare, poor public policy... not important. Making sure "the national pastime" is pure, that is meaningful.
Why is the Senate afraid of grilling Cheney, Bush, Ashcroft and all those liars and pushing charges against them? Why was Clemens, et. al. in front of congress at all?
Simple, self important congress people who masterminded this charade are using this non-issue to divert attention away from the simple fact they are powerless to do anything about anything important and would likely make things worse if they tried. They simply can't do what they were sent to Washington to do in the first place.
What a joke.
WHO CARES?
Everyone looked bad. Clemens was babbling, his accusers full of shit, doing this for a few minutes of fame and power. The spectacle of former friends publically betraying each other was pathetic. The congress members, as puffed up and pretentiously serious as they were during the Clinton impeachment charade, acted like this was a monumental problem, needing their full attention. I for one, do not believe this is anything congress needs to be involved in. Isn't there just something very wrong with all of that?
Meanwhile, oil prices are causing inflation, job loss, economic stagnation and poverty. Education is a joke, the stupid war in Iraq goes on and on and on and on and on and on. Recession, global warming, lack of healthcare, poor public policy... not important. Making sure "the national pastime" is pure, that is meaningful.
Why is the Senate afraid of grilling Cheney, Bush, Ashcroft and all those liars and pushing charges against them? Why was Clemens, et. al. in front of congress at all?
Simple, self important congress people who masterminded this charade are using this non-issue to divert attention away from the simple fact they are powerless to do anything about anything important and would likely make things worse if they tried. They simply can't do what they were sent to Washington to do in the first place.
What a joke.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Coupl'a Things III
1) Except for an illegal but likely delicious King Cake served at a downtown Kansas City office this AM, Mardi Gras is all put away. The beads, hat and mask went to the storage unit today, all nice and stored away until next year. It was odd that my fuddy-duddy church did not have a Mardi Gras dinner and party this year. However, I had a successful one myself with jambalaya, BBQ shrimp, salad, bread and wine and champagne. Fun was had by all who came. Rex Celestis himself came out in his finery to serve the King Cake. Now we have Lent, and all the chocolate makers are suffering for the next few weeks.
2) Thirty-two years ago, 1976 to be exact, I heard the London Philharmonic conducted by the great Bernard Haitink in concert at the University of Illinois' Krannert Center. I remember vividly one work, the "Philharmonic Concerto" by Malcolm Arnold. Written for the Orchestra specifically for the US tour, it was a three movement, colorful piece of music. One section stood out that I have remembered for all those years, a brilliant dialog between a harp and a snare drum. As a 19 year old obsessed with classical music, I was fascinated by the sound.
Finally, after 32 years I heard the piece again as a LSO Live Disc 0013 (there is that damn number again) arrived from the UK via MDT Records in Derby, UK. Sometimes your mind embellishes things, thus past events were not as exciting, elaborate or even as accurate as you have remembered. Thankfully, the wonderful snare and harp passage is really there, I did not imagine it, and it is as fresh and interesting to this almost 51 year old as it was to a 19 year old.
2) Thirty-two years ago, 1976 to be exact, I heard the London Philharmonic conducted by the great Bernard Haitink in concert at the University of Illinois' Krannert Center. I remember vividly one work, the "Philharmonic Concerto" by Malcolm Arnold. Written for the Orchestra specifically for the US tour, it was a three movement, colorful piece of music. One section stood out that I have remembered for all those years, a brilliant dialog between a harp and a snare drum. As a 19 year old obsessed with classical music, I was fascinated by the sound.
Finally, after 32 years I heard the piece again as a LSO Live Disc 0013 (there is that damn number again) arrived from the UK via MDT Records in Derby, UK. Sometimes your mind embellishes things, thus past events were not as exciting, elaborate or even as accurate as you have remembered. Thankfully, the wonderful snare and harp passage is really there, I did not imagine it, and it is as fresh and interesting to this almost 51 year old as it was to a 19 year old.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Human Resources, a career 1983-2008
I hereby declare the profession of Human Resources dead.
Fully realizing I am no authority on professions, careers and such, it seems pretty evident studying our local paper that HR is not in demand. Two jobs were listed. A search of the major online services like Monster.com and Career Builder resulted in jobs open for sure, but mostly staffing recruiter and payroll positions, the employee relations, HR manager/director positions were sadly lacking. Good evidence too that the way to find a job is through online listings and not the old fashioned Sunday paper.
When I was searching for an HR job or contemplating leaving the one I had, I used to find 5-6 good ones in the paper and even more online. I don't think I would apply for a single one this time around.
HR was not what I always said I wanted to do when I grew up. I really wanted to be a Clinical Psychologist, even a Lawyer or the Conductor of the Boston Symphony. But like most careers we take on, I just kind of schlepped into it. I liked people, I wanted to be where the action was. I wanted to know the gossip, who was screwing who, who was getting fired. HR was a busy-body's wet dream of a job.
HR has always been the Rodney Dangerfield of business careers. "We are professionals!!! We are relevant!!!, Really!" That should be the slogan of the HR world. To be sure everyone knew HR was relevant, someone created a professional association and then devised a scheme to make money through certifying "HR Professionals". Most certified HR types I knew were not all that bright, but were good at memorizing factoids and regulations. Give them a real life scenario that involved real people, real world and politics and they would wither into the irrelevance they feared.
"What do you do? Hire and fire?", was the most asked question when I revealed my profession. That and deal with a multitude of legal and government regulations designed to confuzzle the most astute minds on the planet. HR was a perfect job for those wanting responsibility without authority; it was always our fault, even though we could do nothing about it.
Current trends, as I read the tea leaves, show HR is heading back into the glorified clerical position from whence it originated. Keeping files, doing the payroll, processing paperwork, tracking vacations and sick leave is the norm of the jobs I see open. Who is doing the rest, I do not know. Probably falling on the shoulders of the already over burdened manager, frightened that this Friday will be his last on the job.
No wonder corporate America is a mess.
As for me, my non HR job here at the Palace is hardly glamorous. A trained monkey could do it for the most part. But it is safer than most jobs I know, offers the opportunity for me to take a nap in the afternoon and puts a roof over my head. I for one would not trade that for any FMLA, HIPAA or any other alphabet soup issue that HR types face.
Fully realizing I am no authority on professions, careers and such, it seems pretty evident studying our local paper that HR is not in demand. Two jobs were listed. A search of the major online services like Monster.com and Career Builder resulted in jobs open for sure, but mostly staffing recruiter and payroll positions, the employee relations, HR manager/director positions were sadly lacking. Good evidence too that the way to find a job is through online listings and not the old fashioned Sunday paper.
When I was searching for an HR job or contemplating leaving the one I had, I used to find 5-6 good ones in the paper and even more online. I don't think I would apply for a single one this time around.
HR was not what I always said I wanted to do when I grew up. I really wanted to be a Clinical Psychologist, even a Lawyer or the Conductor of the Boston Symphony. But like most careers we take on, I just kind of schlepped into it. I liked people, I wanted to be where the action was. I wanted to know the gossip, who was screwing who, who was getting fired. HR was a busy-body's wet dream of a job.
HR has always been the Rodney Dangerfield of business careers. "We are professionals!!! We are relevant!!!, Really!" That should be the slogan of the HR world. To be sure everyone knew HR was relevant, someone created a professional association and then devised a scheme to make money through certifying "HR Professionals". Most certified HR types I knew were not all that bright, but were good at memorizing factoids and regulations. Give them a real life scenario that involved real people, real world and politics and they would wither into the irrelevance they feared.
"What do you do? Hire and fire?", was the most asked question when I revealed my profession. That and deal with a multitude of legal and government regulations designed to confuzzle the most astute minds on the planet. HR was a perfect job for those wanting responsibility without authority; it was always our fault, even though we could do nothing about it.
Current trends, as I read the tea leaves, show HR is heading back into the glorified clerical position from whence it originated. Keeping files, doing the payroll, processing paperwork, tracking vacations and sick leave is the norm of the jobs I see open. Who is doing the rest, I do not know. Probably falling on the shoulders of the already over burdened manager, frightened that this Friday will be his last on the job.
No wonder corporate America is a mess.
As for me, my non HR job here at the Palace is hardly glamorous. A trained monkey could do it for the most part. But it is safer than most jobs I know, offers the opportunity for me to take a nap in the afternoon and puts a roof over my head. I for one would not trade that for any FMLA, HIPAA or any other alphabet soup issue that HR types face.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Guns Guns Guns and More Guns
Well, the gun lovers are happy again. A crazy gunman went off in suburban St Louis, shooting everyone he disagreed with. Just so easy in this fucked up country to go and buy a gun and take things into your own hands. Oh of course, if everyone had a gun none of this would happen. Or else we'd have a good old fashioned shoot out on Main Street. John Wayne, here we come!
Here in KC, the front page was covered with: "Man Shot to Death in Grandview", "Two Shot in Separate Incidents"... it goes on.
Then the alleged gunman in St Louis' brother said it was justified because he was black and didn't get a fair shake in from the city and the courts.
Now it is fashionable to blame everyone else.
USA, you are sinking fast.
Here in KC, the front page was covered with: "Man Shot to Death in Grandview", "Two Shot in Separate Incidents"... it goes on.
Then the alleged gunman in St Louis' brother said it was justified because he was black and didn't get a fair shake in from the city and the courts.
Now it is fashionable to blame everyone else.
USA, you are sinking fast.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Ted Haggard Redux
Buried among the Obama/Clinton battle and the slow disintegration of the US economy was a short news item announcing that fired evangelical preacher Ted Haggard has prematurely ended a "spiritual restoration" process begun when he was fired for sexual misconduct.
In layman's terms he just couldn't be cured of his homosexuality, despite an announcement last year from his "spiritual team" (torturers and inquisitors more like it) that he was "100% heterosexual.
Ted, give it up. Come out. You are gay, you were made that way, you know it, and so does most of the civilized world not affected by religious bigotry. Yeah, a lot will change. You'll lose friends, your wife, unless they are truly what they say they are and accepting of you no matter what. It is obvious they are not, unfortunately. Dump them if that is the case, they are ready to dump you. trust me on that one.
The gay community may not welcome you with open arms you know. I know that is scary for you too. You did a lot of damage to us, used your pulpit and influence to keep a whole group of society down. Like war collaborators, you will likely be viewed with suspicion. But, I have an idea that you will likely be more welcome here that at the White House, your former church and the 700 Club.
That is if you let yourself really be yourself and finally come out, realize that you are gay and get on with life. Don't fight it, accept it and you'll be surprised how easy it really is.
You'll probably find a boyfriend faster than I ever will.
In layman's terms he just couldn't be cured of his homosexuality, despite an announcement last year from his "spiritual team" (torturers and inquisitors more like it) that he was "100% heterosexual.
Ted, give it up. Come out. You are gay, you were made that way, you know it, and so does most of the civilized world not affected by religious bigotry. Yeah, a lot will change. You'll lose friends, your wife, unless they are truly what they say they are and accepting of you no matter what. It is obvious they are not, unfortunately. Dump them if that is the case, they are ready to dump you. trust me on that one.
The gay community may not welcome you with open arms you know. I know that is scary for you too. You did a lot of damage to us, used your pulpit and influence to keep a whole group of society down. Like war collaborators, you will likely be viewed with suspicion. But, I have an idea that you will likely be more welcome here that at the White House, your former church and the 700 Club.
That is if you let yourself really be yourself and finally come out, realize that you are gay and get on with life. Don't fight it, accept it and you'll be surprised how easy it really is.
You'll probably find a boyfriend faster than I ever will.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
Sorry, No Alexandre Pato News Here
I was thrilled at the sudden increase in readership of my little blog. Average had risen to over 20 a day. I know in most "professional" blogs and the highly popular ones with photos and lots of nonsense, 20 an hour is more like it, but I was satisfied.
The "site meter" service I use tracks each individual visit as to where they are from, their internet service and length of visit, and from where they accessed the blog, ie if they searched for it, got a link in an email or found it searching on a topic. I had noticed a lot of visits from Europe, especially Italy finding my little world by searching for "Pato News". Could it be my fame was spreading throughout the old world? Had they seen my modest work as something of value? Frankly, I was a little concerned, I did not want any fame or notoriety.
I can rest. Seems that there is a new Pato in the pond. I have, through some diligent research, found that the users are looking for news about Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, a Brazilian soccer player now playing for Milan Italy. Born in the Brazilian city of Pato Branco, Brazil in 1989, he is better known as "Alexandre Pato". He is one of the youngest soccer stars to hit that world since his countryman Pele in the late 50's. He was 17 when he played in the last World Cup and became the youngest man to score a goal in the World Cup.
So instead of wanting to hear about life at the palace, Republican nonsense, concerts and my rants, they want to see what their latest soccer star is up to.
I am somewhat relieved; I seek not fame at all. I guess there is room for more than one Pato in the pond.
The "site meter" service I use tracks each individual visit as to where they are from, their internet service and length of visit, and from where they accessed the blog, ie if they searched for it, got a link in an email or found it searching on a topic. I had noticed a lot of visits from Europe, especially Italy finding my little world by searching for "Pato News". Could it be my fame was spreading throughout the old world? Had they seen my modest work as something of value? Frankly, I was a little concerned, I did not want any fame or notoriety.
I can rest. Seems that there is a new Pato in the pond. I have, through some diligent research, found that the users are looking for news about Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva, a Brazilian soccer player now playing for Milan Italy. Born in the Brazilian city of Pato Branco, Brazil in 1989, he is better known as "Alexandre Pato". He is one of the youngest soccer stars to hit that world since his countryman Pele in the late 50's. He was 17 when he played in the last World Cup and became the youngest man to score a goal in the World Cup.
So instead of wanting to hear about life at the palace, Republican nonsense, concerts and my rants, they want to see what their latest soccer star is up to.
I am somewhat relieved; I seek not fame at all. I guess there is room for more than one Pato in the pond.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Super Sports
As is usual, I am not watching the Super Bowl and my TV is not on. I am not at a party nor am I following it online. I simply do not care. Everyone else does; the minister at church mentioned it, even Maestro asked I was going to watch it. I told him I was going to listen to some Havergal Brian and eat a mango I bought at the store. The check out lady at the grocery asked me if I had my grandstand seat picked out. It took me a while to realize what she was talking about. I disappointed her by saying I did not and was not looking for one. Everyone else seemed to be however, there was not a potato chip bag left in the snack isle. Plenty of mangoes however.
Sports obsession is just rampant in the US and everyone assumes you are as well. Here in KC, one is expected to wear red when the pitiful Chiefs play. When I accidentally wear red on a "Chief's Weekend" I change as soon as I can. If the locals would put as much energy over the metro's problems as they do the Mizzou- KU rivalry, we'd be fine.
I did hear one of the teams today has not lost a game this year. I hope they lose, as it would serve them right, no one is perfect and I love an underdog.
Maybe I'll go see how it ends.....
maybe..
Sports obsession is just rampant in the US and everyone assumes you are as well. Here in KC, one is expected to wear red when the pitiful Chiefs play. When I accidentally wear red on a "Chief's Weekend" I change as soon as I can. If the locals would put as much energy over the metro's problems as they do the Mizzou- KU rivalry, we'd be fine.
I did hear one of the teams today has not lost a game this year. I hope they lose, as it would serve them right, no one is perfect and I love an underdog.
Maybe I'll go see how it ends.....
maybe..
Saturday, February 02, 2008
The Emperor Was Here
FINALLY! GW Bush has found an audience to whom he can relate:
He roared down Main Street in sight of the Palace Friday AM. The street was blocked off for a while, then the parade of Army vehicles, Suburbans, vans, police, limos, an ambulance plus the obligatory helicopters made sure all knew the Emperor was present.
Good bye, please do not comeback.
He roared down Main Street in sight of the Palace Friday AM. The street was blocked off for a while, then the parade of Army vehicles, Suburbans, vans, police, limos, an ambulance plus the obligatory helicopters made sure all knew the Emperor was present.
Good bye, please do not comeback.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
In a Field Near Bazaar; The Knute Rockne Memorial
March 31st, 1931, a young Easter Heathman heard what he thought was the sound of automobiles on the crude country roads of Chase County Kansas. Instead he was a witness to a tragic event that came to change his life until his death this week at 90.
The local telephone operator soon called and reported that a plane apparently had crashed near their farm. Easter Heathman, his dad and brothers went out to look for the site. 3 miles southwest of the small town of Bazaar they saw the wreckage of a plane, most of it buried in the soft ground.
They found the bodies, 8 in total, and helped load them into a hearse. One of them was a legend in his own time, Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne.
The Fokker F-10 Super Universal was one of the most advanced planes of its time. But its flaw was wooden construction. The laminated wood was subject to water damage and indeed water loosened the glue that held the wing spar together. The wing fluttered, causing the plane to go into an uncontrolled spin. Not only did the crash claim Rockne and set off a tide of mourning, it changed the way aircraft were constructed forever.Heathman became the caretaker of the site and guided many Notre Dame alum, Rockne fan, biographer and the curious over the years. The site is not public, it is on private property and arrangements had to be made in advance.
One fine summer afternoon probably 1992-1993 I was in Chase County on business, working for a company that had operations there. I wanted to see the place just for the heck of it. The manager of the property there was a long time Chase Countian, knew everyone in the county (easy as there were less than 3,000 total) and soon arranged a tour for me the next day.
Heathman was in late 70's or so, but still agile and friendly. The site is in a remote pasture, flat as all can see, stark and windy. A large stone monument stands with the names of the victims. He recounted the crash for me, much as I wrote it above. It was clear that 60 years later the event still haunted him. He told me then he still could find tiny pieces of glass and wood from the place from time to time. Treating the place with care and reverence, he allowed me to gaze and listen to him recount the fateful day.
I am sure the monument will stand, someone else will ensure that visitors can make the trek to the somewhat remote site. Most will be content with the new sign that is at the Kansas Turnpike Bazaar rest stop. But without Heathman, a connection has been lost, it can't be the same now.
Glad I played "hooky" from work for a couple of hours that day to hear first hand the day Notre Dame football, and aviation changed forever in a tall grass field.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Musical Revoultion
1908 was a watershed year for composer Arnold Schoenberg. His wife had ran off with a painter and had a torrid summer affair. She came back to
As with many revolutions, the victorious oppressed soon become the oppressor and orthodoxy sets in. How many times have we read or even experienced the total rejection and oppression of a musical style other than serialism in schools especially in the 50s and 60s?
A revolution can end violently as it began or can slowly erode and collapse under its own weight. Some may say serialism has run its course and collapsed under its rigidity. I tend to think it still has some life in it.
I do not think the final chapter in this revolution has been written. The revolutionaries in this case have mellowed, allowed some glasnost and perestroika and note that even some of the most tonal and melodic new pieces still benefit from the liberation from strict tonality.
Maybe a new bloody era will come, maybe serialism will peter out completely. Who knows; music sure will never be the same as it was before 1908.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The King of the Blues: B. B. King
Memphis, Tennessee sometime late 1996. My boss at the time scheduled a regional meeting for all of us in his favorite city. The meeting was short, the parties long, as was his style.
We were cruising Beale St after some fine ribs at the Rendezvous and some fun at the Rum Boogie Cafe. We hit B.B. Kings' Place and settled in to listen to the band. A commotion at the back caught our attention. In came B.B. himself. About 72 then but still vital. He waved to us all, sat down and sang and played with the band for about 45 minutes or so and then waved a hearty bye and quickly left. Soon the waitress brought us a round of drinks we did not order. "On the house from Mr. King", she explained. We raised a toast to the "King of the Blues".
B.B. King came to Kansas City last night and I had the chance to see him perform at an 80th birthday bash for the restored Uptown Theatre, just down the street from the Palace. Opening for King was the Brody Buster Trio.
I had not heard Brody Buster before last night's opener and after set in the Uptown's bar. Buster is a 20 something local white boy that can blow a mean blues harp with the best of them (for the uninitiated a blues harp is also known as a harmonica), rivals King on the guitar and possesses a fine blues voice. He was quite impressive and I hope to hear more from him. He apparently started the harp at a young age and has quite the credentials as a blues man.
Anyway, the night was King's and he did not disappoint. Most of his favorites made an appearance including "Let the Good Times Roll", "Rock Me Baby" and of course "The Thrill Is Gone". Quite a bit of the evening (a little too much despite being entertaining) was devoted to his stories of his Mississippi home town and his devotion to the ladies (he supposedly has at least 15 children). Funny and charming, but I longed to just hear him coax some fine tunes from his beloved guitar "Lucille". At 82 and ailing (he is diabetic and must have some vision problems as he was helped on and off the stage and once quipped "I can't see you but I can sure hear you!"), he did play and entertain for almost 2 hours.
I left completely satisfied that I had again seen a legend, maybe not in his prime but sure with a lot of life left in him. As his song went "I am a blues man, and a good man".
Damn straight B.B., and thanks for the drink!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Last Flight of the Gimli Glider
It was one of the most famous or more likely infamous Canadian aircraft ever flown. In many ways just one of hundreds of Boeing 767-200 aircraft built since 1982, C-GAUN is special and will always be better known as the "Gimli Glider". As of this moment, C-GAUN is in Tucson AZ, on her way to retirement and an uncertain fate in Mojave, CA.
Flight 143 was a routine flight for Air Canada on the regular route from Montreal to Edmonton. Just 61 passengers paid the fare that day, July 23, 1983, barely 1/3 of the plane's capacity; plenty of room for them to stretch out and enjoy the flight.
C-GAUN had reached a comfortable cruise altitude of 41,000 ft when, just about over Red Lake, Ontario, warning lights indicated a fuel problem in one engine that soon shut down. A second warning followed indicating another fuel problem. Then an ominous warning, all engines down. A cascade of systems failed as the plane ran out of power as the two engines failed. Only a few battery powered emergency instruments remained. The crew initially declared an emergency and diverted to Winnipeg. With both engines out, it was not likely that the plane would make it to Winnipeg.
One of the pilots was thankfully experienced in gliders and knew enough basics of glider flying to keep the now silent airliner in the air. He was able to glide the big Boeing towards Gimli Industrial Park Airport, a former airbase at Gimli, Manitoba. There was one problem with this; the former RCAF Station Gimli was now a public airport and one of its runways was no longer in use for aircraft. On July 23, 1983 the airport was swarming with people for a sports car race being held on the now decommissioned runway. You can imagine the spectacle the race fans got that day!
Incredibly, the crew landed the plane on the runway, albeit the nose gear collapsed as it was not sufficiently locked in place, with no one killed or seriously injured either on the plane or on the ground. Adding insult to injury, the Air Canada maintenance crew being sent to Gimli from Winnipeg ran out of gas along the highway.
C-GAUN was repaired and flown out a few days later. She flew for Air Canada for 25 more years. Air Canada and the government, as is usual in these cases, investigated everything and blamed everyone. The plane simply had ran out of gas due to improper measuring of the fuel load. A recent conversion from English to Metric measurements had compounded the problem.Corporate training was found to be lacking in many areas, including how to handle an aircraft with no power. Many policies and training procedures were changed for the better after the investigation.
Despite being a blot on the safety record, the event and the plane became a celebrated story in aviation, lucky with a happy ending. C-GAUN became the most followed and photographed plane in Air Canada's fleet. She performed her last revenue service on January 8, 2008.
There is talk of selling her and even placing in a museum. Most likely, as with many elderly aircraft, she will be stripped of useful parts and then turned into beer cans.
You done well C-GAUN. Take care now!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Just Have to Ask
Despite rumor to the contrary, I do shampoo what little hair I have daily. But as one can imagine, I do not splurge on high priced, fancy products... just the basics, generic if I can find it.
At my last trip to CVS, they had VO5 products on sale so that was the one I bought. Again not too picky, I reached for the most convenient bottle. Turns out it is a pleasant shampoo "Vanilla Mint Tea Therapy". Real mint, vanilla extract and chamomile tea. Even though it sounds better than some concoctions I have tried, I have so far resisted the urge to drink it. Some of the other ingredients may make it a tad bitter.
So later on doing some dishes, I note with interest that my new dish washing liquid is made with "Real Lemon!".
So, I just have to ask, why is the lemon juice that I keep for human consumption fake?
Oh, it is all used up for the detergent, silly me.
At my last trip to CVS, they had VO5 products on sale so that was the one I bought. Again not too picky, I reached for the most convenient bottle. Turns out it is a pleasant shampoo "Vanilla Mint Tea Therapy". Real mint, vanilla extract and chamomile tea. Even though it sounds better than some concoctions I have tried, I have so far resisted the urge to drink it. Some of the other ingredients may make it a tad bitter.
So later on doing some dishes, I note with interest that my new dish washing liquid is made with "Real Lemon!".
So, I just have to ask, why is the lemon juice that I keep for human consumption fake?
Oh, it is all used up for the detergent, silly me.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Boy-Gov, "Mission Accomplished"
Well, it seems Mattie Boy Blunt, soon to be ex-Governor of Missouri, is sticking to his story that he has accomplished everything he wanted to and thus being perfect is heading off to conquer something anew. His news conference today really shed little new light on his decision. Underlying it is still a lot of second guessing that he was not willing to face certain defeat, was not up to a long battle and if there is a smoking gun somewhere involving the Eckersley affair.
Of course he felt he was perfect, had made the world a better place and we should all thank him for his benevolence. Just like his hero GW Bush, he can't admit he was wrong, he has to make everyone look bad instead.
The last time a Republican bellowed "Mission Accomplished", the country was on the verge of entering a bloody civil war of our own making in Iraq.
It will take years to undo what Mattie "accomplished" just like it will take generations to undo Bushie's mess.
God help us all.
Of course he felt he was perfect, had made the world a better place and we should all thank him for his benevolence. Just like his hero GW Bush, he can't admit he was wrong, he has to make everyone look bad instead.
The last time a Republican bellowed "Mission Accomplished", the country was on the verge of entering a bloody civil war of our own making in Iraq.
It will take years to undo what Mattie "accomplished" just like it will take generations to undo Bushie's mess.
God help us all.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Bye-Bye Boy Gov!
It must be a biggie for Pato to do two posts in one day but this is great!
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt (aka Boy-Gov) announced that he will not seek re-election!
In his inimitable style, he felt he was perfect had done everything possible and thus was moving on.
So, what does Scott Eckersley have on him??
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt (aka Boy-Gov) announced that he will not seek re-election!
In his inimitable style, he felt he was perfect had done everything possible and thus was moving on.
So, what does Scott Eckersley have on him??
Funk and Frances
The tangled, bitter and nasty mess revolving around
Her membership on the board ignited the racist element in all parts of society. Those in agreement with her lauded her outspokenness and Funkhouser’s choice not to give in to her demands. Some of the more radical minority groups declared war on her and the whole city, giving credence to the notion that the oppressed soon become the oppressor when given the chance. The controversy highlighted the great unanswered question of our time. What right do people have to stop speech and actions they feel are offensive?
While I respect Ms Semler's right to support any organization she wishes, her resignation from a practical standpoint is the correct course of action. This town is a mess, and does not need the divisiveness and distractions her appointment has generated. Streets need to be cared for, my street has never been salted during the recent ice and snow storm. Crime continues to plague the area, jobs are leaving, a downtown is on the verge of being renewed and the bad publicity and pulled conventions do nothing to generate revenue.
As I do not support the Minutemen, I do feel we need to address illegal immigration and but the emphasis back on the illegal part. Setting up vigilante groups and taking laws into our own hands is not the answer. I was also not surprised that Semler's appointment highlighted the fact that La Raza and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (two groups who tried to blackmail the city into firing Semler and are still not happy even though she resigned) are racist and arrogant organizations that feel they are above reproach and can foist their agenda on anyone by crying “racism” when they do not get their way.
Good-bye Frances and good luck. At the very least you made us think and help sow the seeds of Funkhouser's demise.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Kansas City Symphony, Joshua Bell
The stage at the Lyric Theatre was almost inadequate to hold the musicians that presented the latest concert in the Kansas City Symphony Classical season. Music Director Michael Stern directed with Joshua Bell as violin solo. The full program included the rarely heard Silvestre Revueltas “La Noche de los Mayas”,
I, and most concert goers, know Revueltas mostly through the short tone poem Sensemayá, his most popular work. Despite his short life, (1899-1940), Revueltas was a major force in Mexican classical music with his vigorous, rhythmically complex and distinctly Mexican oeuvre.
La Noche de los Mayas (The Night of the Mayas), composed towards the end of his life in 1939, was actually a film score for a movie of the same name. Revueltas' score was arranged into a suite for large orchestra in 1960. The score includes a full accompaniment of winds and brass, 14 percussionists, piano and a conch shell horn. The four movements, La Noche de los Mayas, Noche de Jaranas, Noche de Yucatan, and Noche de Encantamiento are all atmospheric tone paintings evocative of the ancient Mayan people. The last movement is a virtual fiesta of percussion, braying horns and driving, primal rhythms. Although the last movement and the piece in general may go on for bit to long (about ½ hour) it is great fun and Stern led a lively, yet controlled performance that pleased the capacity audience, many likely hearing their first but hopefully not last Revueltas composition.
Joshua Bell needs no introduction as one of the major and most popular violinists of our time. His consummate artistry and communication (he actually plays as the many pictures of him show, with an intense concentration and athletic demeanor, a real showman but with the chops to back it up) was highlighted in three pieces, the Corigliano Chaconne from the Red Violin (which Bell played on the sound track) the Chausson and the Saint-Saëns. All were brilliantly performed, showing off the incredible tone of both
Respighi’s familiar Pines of Rome completed this full evening. The orchestra’s bright and brassy tone perfectly fit Respighi’s concept. The more contemplative “Pines of the Janiculum” demonstrated the orchestra’s tender side and was marred only by a tentative entrance of the important clarinet theme. The stage was full again, now with organ, piano and 6 additional brass to add heft and grandeur to the final “Pines of the
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr pt 2
A cold weekend... it got down to about 2 deg F or -17 C for the rest of humanity. Puggles has the right idea:
Friday, January 18, 2008
Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
It is 12 degrees outside right now, arctic air has invaded us for a few days. Everything outside creaks and groans in the cold, metal seems brittle, glass seems a touch more fragile. The snow from earlier in the week lingers on, no heat to melt it, even the sun can't put a dent in it. I am sure I will see the flock of doves huddled by the building in the AM. Puggles goes outside and looks at me as if to say "you have to be kidding???!!!!"; potty breaks are quick. Breath freezes, hands get numb, the tears of your eyes freeze. Good time to set a nice bottle of vodka outside, in no time it will be cold enough make a great martini.
Bruce and I were going to see a movie tonight, but decided it was too damn cold. Staying in with a nice glass of wine, some wonderful music (Roger Sessions Symphony # 2, just got it in the mail today from ArchivMusic), Pug settled on her throne. All is well in the warm Palace.
Bruce and I were going to see a movie tonight, but decided it was too damn cold. Staying in with a nice glass of wine, some wonderful music (Roger Sessions Symphony # 2, just got it in the mail today from ArchivMusic), Pug settled on her throne. All is well in the warm Palace.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Birdbrained
I could be a good Buddhist. I generally love all living creatures, even some of the more slimy and creepy ones. A notable exception is the spider; they can do what they want outside but get near me inside.... we have a problem.
My favorite creature of the wild are the birds. Birds are so fun. Besides bettering us in the ability to fly and challenging us to finally conquer the air, they are usually attractive. Reds, blues, deep purple-blacks, soft gray, most slim and sleek and usually on the cute side, not like a spider. Their songs brighten the most dreary of day and lighten any dark mood. How can one be sad when the birds are singing?
Even the smallest of these remarkable beings are hardy and vigorous. When I have traveled to Nicaragua in the winter, my poolside lounging is accompanied by the warbles and twitters of the sparrows, wrens and finches that have made the same journey as I, but on their own power and with out a map. As well the largest of the species possess a majesty unmatched by most mammals. Soaring hawks, eagles and condors evoke the spirit of freedom and never cease to arouse awe and admiration.
Soaring eagles did not inspire this post, rather it was the antics of a few of our more mundane backyard feathered friends.
A frosty windy morning dawned on Kansas City last week. Strong north winds blew arctic cooled air, freezing all in its plunge south. The sun was bright and thus on the protected south side of the towers, a flock of doves, too numerous to count had taken refuge on every ledge of the building. Tiny gray bundles of feathers huddled in groups of 3 and 4, basking in the sun and protected from the icy blast on the north. A few flew here and about, but most stayed, softly cooing and waiting out the frigid storm. Smart little guys they, like most animals, have the ability to find the warmest spots. I can only hope they brought their well known ability to foster peace to the towers, embroiled in controversy as always.
A few days later, I noted a bright red male cardinal sitting on the rearview mirror of the pick up truck of one of the construction guys. He was fluttering and flying back and forth, pecking at the mirror and at the window of Chris' car. Chirping wildly, I could imagine he was fighting off the imagined invader of his territory, battling his own reflection.
A couple of days later, he was back at it. It dawned on me that I had only seen this bird do this when Chris' truck was parked there. Other cars park along the street and have mirrors but the bird seems to like his truck.
"Chris, do you keep birdseed or something in your truck?", I asked upon seeing Mr. Cardinal pecking wildly at the car window. "No, but that damn cardinal thinks so. He comes every day I park. I am barely out of the car and he flies over from the tree and starts pecking at the window. He must be nuts".
Chris is not here today. But Mr. Cardinal was spied in the magnolia tree waiting patiently.
Birdbrained? Or is he smarter than the rest of us?
My favorite creature of the wild are the birds. Birds are so fun. Besides bettering us in the ability to fly and challenging us to finally conquer the air, they are usually attractive. Reds, blues, deep purple-blacks, soft gray, most slim and sleek and usually on the cute side, not like a spider. Their songs brighten the most dreary of day and lighten any dark mood. How can one be sad when the birds are singing?
Even the smallest of these remarkable beings are hardy and vigorous. When I have traveled to Nicaragua in the winter, my poolside lounging is accompanied by the warbles and twitters of the sparrows, wrens and finches that have made the same journey as I, but on their own power and with out a map. As well the largest of the species possess a majesty unmatched by most mammals. Soaring hawks, eagles and condors evoke the spirit of freedom and never cease to arouse awe and admiration.
Soaring eagles did not inspire this post, rather it was the antics of a few of our more mundane backyard feathered friends.
A frosty windy morning dawned on Kansas City last week. Strong north winds blew arctic cooled air, freezing all in its plunge south. The sun was bright and thus on the protected south side of the towers, a flock of doves, too numerous to count had taken refuge on every ledge of the building. Tiny gray bundles of feathers huddled in groups of 3 and 4, basking in the sun and protected from the icy blast on the north. A few flew here and about, but most stayed, softly cooing and waiting out the frigid storm. Smart little guys they, like most animals, have the ability to find the warmest spots. I can only hope they brought their well known ability to foster peace to the towers, embroiled in controversy as always.
A few days later, I noted a bright red male cardinal sitting on the rearview mirror of the pick up truck of one of the construction guys. He was fluttering and flying back and forth, pecking at the mirror and at the window of Chris' car. Chirping wildly, I could imagine he was fighting off the imagined invader of his territory, battling his own reflection.
A couple of days later, he was back at it. It dawned on me that I had only seen this bird do this when Chris' truck was parked there. Other cars park along the street and have mirrors but the bird seems to like his truck.
"Chris, do you keep birdseed or something in your truck?", I asked upon seeing Mr. Cardinal pecking wildly at the car window. "No, but that damn cardinal thinks so. He comes every day I park. I am barely out of the car and he flies over from the tree and starts pecking at the window. He must be nuts".
Chris is not here today. But Mr. Cardinal was spied in the magnolia tree waiting patiently.
Birdbrained? Or is he smarter than the rest of us?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Some Things I have Noted
Some things I have noted:
1) Expect your favorite cocktail or bottle of wine to go up up up in price soon. No, there are no new taxes on liquor, no shortage of grapes and no major increase in production cost. Attribute it to a new university study. Researchers at California Institute of Technology and Stanford University have found a direct correlation between the pleasure of tasting and the wine's advertised price. The higher priced the wine, the better they thought it tasted. That was even true when the test subjects were given the exact same wine but told one sample was $10/bottle and the next one was $90/bottle.
Now really, this was nothing new. Restaurants have known this forever. Just compare the price of a bottle of wine at a store and what you pay for the privilege of ceremony and service.
Some die-hards will dispute this notion. My friend Bruce for example swears his gallon size box wine is better than any chardonnay he has ever had.
2) A couple of weeks ago, a blog called MissouriPulse controlled by Repub power monger John Hancock went off line for a while. According to FiredUP Missouri (see link to the side of the blog page, after a few days a message appeared saying the site was being updated.
It seems MissouriPulse is back online now but...and here is the big but... the site has been altered to change some remarks made on the site about Scott Eckersley, a former state lawyer who was fired for whistle blowing Boy-Gov's deleting of email and violation of records retention laws. FiredUp covers it well, so look at their site for the full details.
Do, however, look at Mr. Hancock's entry of 10/28. He missed something.
Do these people have any shame??? Or brains?
3) In the basement of our house in Decatur sits a vintage 1949-50 Crosley Shelvador refrigerator. Round topped, non-frost free freezer, it was however state of the art in its day. It still works, daily. Never been out of service it seems since it was first plugged in almost 60 years ago. Keeps everything nice and cold. The only thing broken is the handle. Has been as long as I can remember, a screwdriver was inserted in the holes and you pull on the end of the screwdriver to open the latch. Not too far from the Crosley sits a working 1950's vintage Filter Queen vacuum. Testimony to the fact things are not built as they used to be.
I mention that because I am ready to trash my 6 month old GE cordless phone that refuses, even with a new battery, to keep a charge for more than 10 minutes, thus limiting my phone calls, and an unknown brand desk lamp whose switch is gone after about a year.
Both likely made in China and not by Crosley.
1) Expect your favorite cocktail or bottle of wine to go up up up in price soon. No, there are no new taxes on liquor, no shortage of grapes and no major increase in production cost. Attribute it to a new university study. Researchers at California Institute of Technology and Stanford University have found a direct correlation between the pleasure of tasting and the wine's advertised price. The higher priced the wine, the better they thought it tasted. That was even true when the test subjects were given the exact same wine but told one sample was $10/bottle and the next one was $90/bottle.
Now really, this was nothing new. Restaurants have known this forever. Just compare the price of a bottle of wine at a store and what you pay for the privilege of ceremony and service.
Some die-hards will dispute this notion. My friend Bruce for example swears his gallon size box wine is better than any chardonnay he has ever had.
2) A couple of weeks ago, a blog called MissouriPulse controlled by Repub power monger John Hancock went off line for a while. According to FiredUP Missouri (see link to the side of the blog page, after a few days a message appeared saying the site was being updated.
It seems MissouriPulse is back online now but...and here is the big but... the site has been altered to change some remarks made on the site about Scott Eckersley, a former state lawyer who was fired for whistle blowing Boy-Gov's deleting of email and violation of records retention laws. FiredUp covers it well, so look at their site for the full details.
Do, however, look at Mr. Hancock's entry of 10/28. He missed something.
Do these people have any shame??? Or brains?
3) In the basement of our house in Decatur sits a vintage 1949-50 Crosley Shelvador refrigerator. Round topped, non-frost free freezer, it was however state of the art in its day. It still works, daily. Never been out of service it seems since it was first plugged in almost 60 years ago. Keeps everything nice and cold. The only thing broken is the handle. Has been as long as I can remember, a screwdriver was inserted in the holes and you pull on the end of the screwdriver to open the latch. Not too far from the Crosley sits a working 1950's vintage Filter Queen vacuum. Testimony to the fact things are not built as they used to be.
I mention that because I am ready to trash my 6 month old GE cordless phone that refuses, even with a new battery, to keep a charge for more than 10 minutes, thus limiting my phone calls, and an unknown brand desk lamp whose switch is gone after about a year.
Both likely made in China and not by Crosley.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Kansas City Symphony: Alberich Saved, plus Janácek and Beethoven
This place is packed! Thus exclaimed my friend Barb as we tried to meet at intermission during Saturday's Kansas City Symphony concert. Indeed I had not seen such crowds at the Symphony since Yo Yo Ma last season. The draw? A triple bill of Janácek, Christopher Rouse and Beethoven. Colin Currie was featured solo in the Rouse "Der gerettete Alberich", Fantasy for Percussion and Orchestra. "Taras Bulba" by Janácek and Beethoven's 7th Symphony rounded out this energetic program. Music Director Michael Stern conducted.
"Taras Bulba" received a warm and detailed performance, highlighting Janácek's often transparent scoring of his large forces. Highlights were an especially elegant opening English horn solo and several excellent string and wind solos. All in all, Stern led with authority and imagination yet allowing the orchestra to faithfully convey the drama of the tale.
Percussion concerti can really sound much the same, especially if the concerto is written for a battery of unpitched percussion. Kalevi Aho's wonderful 11th Symphony, featuring a quartet of percussionists, blends the percussion into the whole fabric of the work as does Ellen Taafe Zwillich's "Rituals" which the KCS performed last year. Some percussion showcases such as Chen Yi's "Concerto For Percussion" solves the problem by using non traditional instruments and mallets to maintain interest and contrast. Christopher Rouse (who was in attendance this weekend) approached this problem by giving the percussion soloist a persona. Thus the inventive and dare I say "fun" Rouse Concerto-Fantasy "Alberich Saved" (sometimes translated "Alberich Unleashed") musically fantasizes on the great unanswered Wagnerian question: what happened to the malevolent dwarf Alberich after The Gotterdammerung?
"Der gerettete Alberich" begins as "The Ring" ends, literally with the final bars of "Gotterdammerung" and "redemption through love motif". Slowly the soloist (in this case the phenomenal Colin Currie, it was written for Evelyn Glennie) makes his way to the percussion battery splayed across the front of the stage in 3 stations. A few raspy scrapes of a guiro represents Alberich awakening from the apocalypse, emerging from the fading rumble of the thunder. As the orchestra enters, weaving other Alberich motives from "The Ring" through the sound fabric, Currie manages to energetically and dramatically (and certainly without needless kitch) portray the devastation and anguish of Alberich's now godless world. A static string and marimba interlude follows; a stunned and speechless Alberich surveys the ruined Valhalla. But Alberich shakes off the gloom, he is now alone god and revels in his domain. As Currie takes a seat at a drum set, Alberich transforms to a god-rock star, laying down as sexy, sophisticated and driving a drum beat as any Gene Krupa, Keith Moon, or any other rock drummer could imagine. Great fun and the orchestra and audience got deep into it!
But as we know, glory is fleeting and Alberich realizes his domain is a ruined one, a mere shadow of its past glory. He descends his mock throne and takes his frustration out on everything he sees. The orchestra and soloist along with the considerable orchestra percussion section create a great driving wall of sound as Alberich descends to his own Valhalla, a few raspy scrapes of his guiro voice fade away to dark and soundless void.
I doubt few contemporary pieces (Der gerettete Alberich was written in 1997) can instantly bring a Midwestern audience to its feet as did this stunning piece. Rouse, Currie, Stern and the orchestra enjoyed and deserved the long and enthusiastic ovation. "Der gerettete Alberich" has been recorded by Evelyn Glennie in an Ondine recording with Segerstam and the Helsinki Phiharmonic, a must hear for percussion fans.
Beethoven's 7th Symphony carried the energetic theme forward, ending the full evening with a taut and elegant performance of this masterpiece of rhythm and dance.
"Taras Bulba" received a warm and detailed performance, highlighting Janácek's often transparent scoring of his large forces. Highlights were an especially elegant opening English horn solo and several excellent string and wind solos. All in all, Stern led with authority and imagination yet allowing the orchestra to faithfully convey the drama of the tale.
Percussion concerti can really sound much the same, especially if the concerto is written for a battery of unpitched percussion. Kalevi Aho's wonderful 11th Symphony, featuring a quartet of percussionists, blends the percussion into the whole fabric of the work as does Ellen Taafe Zwillich's "Rituals" which the KCS performed last year. Some percussion showcases such as Chen Yi's "Concerto For Percussion" solves the problem by using non traditional instruments and mallets to maintain interest and contrast. Christopher Rouse (who was in attendance this weekend) approached this problem by giving the percussion soloist a persona. Thus the inventive and dare I say "fun" Rouse Concerto-Fantasy "Alberich Saved" (sometimes translated "Alberich Unleashed") musically fantasizes on the great unanswered Wagnerian question: what happened to the malevolent dwarf Alberich after The Gotterdammerung?
"Der gerettete Alberich" begins as "The Ring" ends, literally with the final bars of "Gotterdammerung" and "redemption through love motif". Slowly the soloist (in this case the phenomenal Colin Currie, it was written for Evelyn Glennie) makes his way to the percussion battery splayed across the front of the stage in 3 stations. A few raspy scrapes of a guiro represents Alberich awakening from the apocalypse, emerging from the fading rumble of the thunder. As the orchestra enters, weaving other Alberich motives from "The Ring" through the sound fabric, Currie manages to energetically and dramatically (and certainly without needless kitch) portray the devastation and anguish of Alberich's now godless world. A static string and marimba interlude follows; a stunned and speechless Alberich surveys the ruined Valhalla. But Alberich shakes off the gloom, he is now alone god and revels in his domain. As Currie takes a seat at a drum set, Alberich transforms to a god-rock star, laying down as sexy, sophisticated and driving a drum beat as any Gene Krupa, Keith Moon, or any other rock drummer could imagine. Great fun and the orchestra and audience got deep into it!
But as we know, glory is fleeting and Alberich realizes his domain is a ruined one, a mere shadow of its past glory. He descends his mock throne and takes his frustration out on everything he sees. The orchestra and soloist along with the considerable orchestra percussion section create a great driving wall of sound as Alberich descends to his own Valhalla, a few raspy scrapes of his guiro voice fade away to dark and soundless void.
I doubt few contemporary pieces (Der gerettete Alberich was written in 1997) can instantly bring a Midwestern audience to its feet as did this stunning piece. Rouse, Currie, Stern and the orchestra enjoyed and deserved the long and enthusiastic ovation. "Der gerettete Alberich" has been recorded by Evelyn Glennie in an Ondine recording with Segerstam and the Helsinki Phiharmonic, a must hear for percussion fans.
Beethoven's 7th Symphony carried the energetic theme forward, ending the full evening with a taut and elegant performance of this masterpiece of rhythm and dance.
Friday, January 11, 2008
It's the Thought That Counts
Not being critical or overtly nosy, I asked one of the denizens of Faulty Towers why there was a large cardboard box about 1/2 full of sticks between their cars. The box had sat through some rain and weather and thus was wet and sagging. As I was curious as to the contents I looked in it the day before.
"Oh!", shaking her head in amusement, "do you think the trash would take that?" Mrs. S asked. "Well, we can try."
"You know I have a rather crazy sister.... it was our Christmas present. She gathered some sticks and twigs and bark and gave it to us so we can light our fireplace", she said with a straight face. I had to believe her.
I have not checked if the trash service hauled the box away. I guess if not I can take it back to Mrs S and say:"Looks like you have to take it back to the forest where it was gathered. Do you have the receipt?"
I guess the dust cloths my sister gave me don't look as bad after all, at least she bought them.
"Oh!", shaking her head in amusement, "do you think the trash would take that?" Mrs. S asked. "Well, we can try."
"You know I have a rather crazy sister.... it was our Christmas present. She gathered some sticks and twigs and bark and gave it to us so we can light our fireplace", she said with a straight face. I had to believe her.
I have not checked if the trash service hauled the box away. I guess if not I can take it back to Mrs S and say:"Looks like you have to take it back to the forest where it was gathered. Do you have the receipt?"
I guess the dust cloths my sister gave me don't look as bad after all, at least she bought them.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Primarily Speaking
The fine folks in New Hampshire, possessed of one of the most stubborn streaks of any group around, confounded the pundits and gave a boost to Hillary and Mc Cain in the Primary last Tuesday. Hillary's win and Obama's strong second after a win in Iowa gives the Dems a 2 person race. With Mc Cain winning in New England and Huckabee in Iowa, the Repubs are wide open. Mitt Romney looks weaker and Guliani looks like a joke now. Mc Cain tanked in South Carolina in 2000, will he do it again? Will Obama's courting of Blacks in SC give him the edge? Will Hillary's "cry" gain her sympathy or be the kiss of death, igniting "women are too emotional and weak to govern". Tell that to Maggie Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Helen Clark (New Zealand) or Benazir Bhutto.
What about NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg? Is he a spoiler in the making?
Damn, we haven't had so much fun in years!
What about NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg? Is he a spoiler in the making?
Damn, we haven't had so much fun in years!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Dag Nabbit and Shoot, no Cussing in Bars
Further example of what happens when Republicans become entrenched in your area: a council person in St Charles, MO (one of the "reddest" of the St Louis suburbs) wants to ban cussing in bars. Dag nabbit, and shoot all to heck, and no table dancing or drinking contests either. Both of the latter are highly unusual due to liability issues.
But of course, this right minded, "for the children and decency and God and Constitution" Republican wants to make a political issue over nothing. Grandstanding to win votes and higher office and being a perfect sop to the church goers who likely are the bar's biggest customers (and cussers for that matter). Who cares if it is in violation of the 1st amendment? The Constitution, like the Bible, can be used to justify almost anything. Who cares if it makes the place the laughing stock of the nation? Being "right" to your loyal constituents is more important.
To show how magnanimous the nice city council man is, read his comment taken from a TV interview:
"I actually think there are things that people wish I was doing that I'm not going to do like shutting down the bars and stuff and that would be being the fun police."
Go back to school and learn how to form a sentence, dumbass. Whoops! Thankfully I am no where near St Charles, or I would be in trouble!
But of course, this right minded, "for the children and decency and God and Constitution" Republican wants to make a political issue over nothing. Grandstanding to win votes and higher office and being a perfect sop to the church goers who likely are the bar's biggest customers (and cussers for that matter). Who cares if it is in violation of the 1st amendment? The Constitution, like the Bible, can be used to justify almost anything. Who cares if it makes the place the laughing stock of the nation? Being "right" to your loyal constituents is more important.
To show how magnanimous the nice city council man is, read his comment taken from a TV interview:
"I actually think there are things that people wish I was doing that I'm not going to do like shutting down the bars and stuff and that would be being the fun police."
Go back to school and learn how to form a sentence, dumbass. Whoops! Thankfully I am no where near St Charles, or I would be in trouble!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Still Haunted
It is STILL haunting me, that damn number 13. I do not think there has been a day since this past Summer that I have not failed to note a digital clock reading 13 minutes after the hour. I just happened to glance up at my computer screen and it was 8:13AM. Since I awoke at about 6AM, it was the third opportunity of the day to see it, and I took advantage of it. ARRRRRRGH.
I am not alone in this, in response to an earlier post on this, (Haunted) I received two responses from people with similar phenomena. Coincidence? Maybe, as "nuahcerpel" suggested, instead of modeling Devil's Tower from mashed potatoes, as in "Close Encounters", we are receiving a signal from something more powerful than us.
If the aliens, the end of the world, George Bush being proclaimed ruler for life, or other awful events are near, please come quickly. I am getting tired of this.
I am not alone in this, in response to an earlier post on this, (Haunted) I received two responses from people with similar phenomena. Coincidence? Maybe, as "nuahcerpel" suggested, instead of modeling Devil's Tower from mashed potatoes, as in "Close Encounters", we are receiving a signal from something more powerful than us.
If the aliens, the end of the world, George Bush being proclaimed ruler for life, or other awful events are near, please come quickly. I am getting tired of this.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Virtue of Doing Nothing
It is Sunday 5:30PM.. I have nowhere I have to go...nothing I have to do. No chores I have to do, no anxiety, no deadline, nothing. Well, there is a barking Pug telling me it is supper time for her.. There, that is taken care of, one Pug happily chowing down.
I could do something, but I don't want to. I am officially vegetating. A nice long swim this eve is in order....turn on the steam room to soak some warmth....
Hopefully no one will bother me. If my sister calls, I am not answering.... If you call I am not answering either.
I could do something, but I don't want to. I am officially vegetating. A nice long swim this eve is in order....turn on the steam room to soak some warmth....
Hopefully no one will bother me. If my sister calls, I am not answering.... If you call I am not answering either.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Do All of Us a Favor
Someone, please put this little You-Know-What out of her (and our) misery....
Thank you.
Britney Spears Goes Nuts
Thank you.
Britney Spears Goes Nuts
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Iowa in The Spot Light
Thankfully, tonight will see the end of the relentless campaigning in the poor state of Iowa. I can imagine Iowans are weary of all the media, hoopla and intrusions by Barak, Hillary, Mitt, John, Mike, Rudy, et al. Tonight, good Iowans, mostly the same ones who did so last time, will meet and decide who gets the delegates to next year's Presidential nominating convention.
I guess in this case it is good to be first, Iowa sure gets a lot of attention, but is it really worth all the fuss? I heard that most candidates spend $200 per eligible voter in Iowa, far more than anyplace else. Money wasted? Something like 5% of eligible voters come out to the caucuses. Most find out it is a drawn out affair, lasting 2 hours and not all that exciting. It is not like going to the poll and casting a vote in 10 minutes. This keeps the participants down to a few diehards and party regulars. The novices, it has been reported, find the process tedious and tend to stay away. Younger "gotta have it now" types just don't make the effort.
With the White House wide open, this year's caucus is even more hyped. The winner comes away broke but with momentum. Frequently that propels them into the nomination. Just as frequently it does not. 2004 boosted John Kerry who went on to win the nomination and then to be robbed of a win by another Bush coup. It spelled the end of Howard Dean and some other minor candidates. With Bush as President, the Republican caucuses were non events.
Could we get a surprise tonight? Will Iowans go for John Edwards as kind of an anti-Hillary, anti-Obama? Will the fundies propel Mike Huckabee forward? What about Rudy?
To me, anyone, that is besides Huckabee and Romney would be better than the blathering idiot Emperor we are saddled with now. I do not see much of a surprise tonight, I can imagine Huckabee will be a hit with the conservatives that tend to get out on these things. I suspect Obama will win the Democrats with Edwards surprising Hillary.
Who do I support? Not telling. Besides, I don't live in Iowa.
I guess in this case it is good to be first, Iowa sure gets a lot of attention, but is it really worth all the fuss? I heard that most candidates spend $200 per eligible voter in Iowa, far more than anyplace else. Money wasted? Something like 5% of eligible voters come out to the caucuses. Most find out it is a drawn out affair, lasting 2 hours and not all that exciting. It is not like going to the poll and casting a vote in 10 minutes. This keeps the participants down to a few diehards and party regulars. The novices, it has been reported, find the process tedious and tend to stay away. Younger "gotta have it now" types just don't make the effort.
With the White House wide open, this year's caucus is even more hyped. The winner comes away broke but with momentum. Frequently that propels them into the nomination. Just as frequently it does not. 2004 boosted John Kerry who went on to win the nomination and then to be robbed of a win by another Bush coup. It spelled the end of Howard Dean and some other minor candidates. With Bush as President, the Republican caucuses were non events.
Could we get a surprise tonight? Will Iowans go for John Edwards as kind of an anti-Hillary, anti-Obama? Will the fundies propel Mike Huckabee forward? What about Rudy?
To me, anyone, that is besides Huckabee and Romney would be better than the blathering idiot Emperor we are saddled with now. I do not see much of a surprise tonight, I can imagine Huckabee will be a hit with the conservatives that tend to get out on these things. I suspect Obama will win the Democrats with Edwards surprising Hillary.
Who do I support? Not telling. Besides, I don't live in Iowa.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A Baker's Dozen of the Best Recordings 2007
A poster at www.classicalmusicguide.com forums challenged us to come up with our 13 best recordings for 2007. Not necessarily newly issued this year, but also recordings that were new to us in 2007. Here is my list of the recordings I found to be the best of 2007.
1) Jon Leifs: "Edda: Part 1 Creation of the World" Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Schola Cantorum Reykjavík, Hermann Baumer conductor BIS 1350
2) Leifs Three String Quartets, Yggdrasil Quartet BIS 691
Leifs' music has been my major discovery this year. "Edda" is simply stunning. The Quartets are powerful and evocative.
3) Grechaninov Passion Week op 58 Kansas City Chorale/Phoenix Bach Choir, Charles Bruffy Conductor Chandos CHSA5044
4) Gordon Chin Double Concerto & Formosa Seasons Lin Cho-Liang, Violin, Felix Fan, Cello, Kansas City Symphony, Stern Naxos 8570221
Two homegrown favorites. The Grechaninov garnered 5 Grammy nominations and the Chin introduces a fine Taiwanese composer in the KCS' first recording in years.
5) Beethoven Triple Concerto & Septet Bronfman, Shaham, Mork, Zinman Zürich Tonhalle Orchestra Arte Nova 640150
On Arte Nova, cheap as all get out and stellar soloists and performances
6) Stravinsky, Works Stravinsky/Craft et al Sony 710311
22 discs of indispensable and in most cases definitive performances at less than $40
7) Roussel Symphony # 3 & Bacchus et Ariane, Deneve, Royal Scottish Orchestra Naxos 8570245
8 ) Myaskovsky Symphony # 15 & 27 Russian Federation Academic SO, Svetlanov Alto ALC 1021
So thrilled this former Olympia series is continuing on Alto records
9) Bach Viola daGamba Sonatas, Daniel Muller-Schott Cello, Angela Hewitt, Piano Orfeo C693071A
Purists may want a harpsichord accompaniment but Hewett is superb on the piano
10) K. A. Hartmann Sinfonia Tragica & Concerto for Viola, Piano and Wind Orchestra Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Marek Janowski Conductor Capriccio 71112
11) Bruckner Symphony # 7 Chicago SO Haitink CSO Resound 90704
The Chicago SO strikes out on its own in house recording venture. This is the second issue after a Mahler 3rd from last year. Great sound and performance. The CSO brass still have it!
12) Beethoven Symphony # 1 & 6 Vanska Minnesota Orch BIS 1716
13) Tveitt Prillar & Sun God Symphony Stavenger SO, Ole Kristian Ruud , Conductor BIS 1017
Much of Geirr Tveitt's music was destroyed in a tragic fire. These powerful and engaging works survived.
1) Jon Leifs: "Edda: Part 1 Creation of the World" Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Schola Cantorum Reykjavík, Hermann Baumer conductor BIS 1350
2) Leifs Three String Quartets, Yggdrasil Quartet BIS 691
Leifs' music has been my major discovery this year. "Edda" is simply stunning. The Quartets are powerful and evocative.
3) Grechaninov Passion Week op 58 Kansas City Chorale/Phoenix Bach Choir, Charles Bruffy Conductor Chandos CHSA5044
4) Gordon Chin Double Concerto & Formosa Seasons Lin Cho-Liang, Violin, Felix Fan, Cello, Kansas City Symphony, Stern Naxos 8570221
Two homegrown favorites. The Grechaninov garnered 5 Grammy nominations and the Chin introduces a fine Taiwanese composer in the KCS' first recording in years.
5) Beethoven Triple Concerto & Septet Bronfman, Shaham, Mork, Zinman Zürich Tonhalle Orchestra Arte Nova 640150
On Arte Nova, cheap as all get out and stellar soloists and performances
6) Stravinsky, Works Stravinsky/Craft et al Sony 710311
22 discs of indispensable and in most cases definitive performances at less than $40
7) Roussel Symphony # 3 & Bacchus et Ariane, Deneve, Royal Scottish Orchestra Naxos 8570245
8 ) Myaskovsky Symphony # 15 & 27 Russian Federation Academic SO, Svetlanov Alto ALC 1021
So thrilled this former Olympia series is continuing on Alto records
9) Bach Viola daGamba Sonatas, Daniel Muller-Schott Cello, Angela Hewitt, Piano Orfeo C693071A
Purists may want a harpsichord accompaniment but Hewett is superb on the piano
10) K. A. Hartmann Sinfonia Tragica & Concerto for Viola, Piano and Wind Orchestra Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Marek Janowski Conductor Capriccio 71112
11) Bruckner Symphony # 7 Chicago SO Haitink CSO Resound 90704
The Chicago SO strikes out on its own in house recording venture. This is the second issue after a Mahler 3rd from last year. Great sound and performance. The CSO brass still have it!
12) Beethoven Symphony # 1 & 6 Vanska Minnesota Orch BIS 1716
13) Tveitt Prillar & Sun God Symphony Stavenger SO, Ole Kristian Ruud , Conductor BIS 1017
Much of Geirr Tveitt's music was destroyed in a tragic fire. These powerful and engaging works survived.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
It's That Time
Well, December 23rd. Holiday weekend is here. It snowed, it is cold, my sister is up to visit (and I have not killed her yet, being the spirit of the season and all), we saw the wonderful Magic of Christmas concert from the Kansas City Symphony, eating like horses.... you get the drift.
Must be Christmas, or close there of. Thus, Pato is taking a break. See you soon!
Happy Holidays!
Must be Christmas, or close there of. Thus, Pato is taking a break. See you soon!
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
50th Anniversaries
50 years ago today, I was awaiting my first Christmas. At 10 mos old, I was probably more interested in the boxes and lights than anything else. Across the country in Seattle, on a wet and gloomy Friday December 20, 1957, Tex Johnston Chief Test Pilot for Boeing Aircraft and his crew readied the first production Boeing 707 for its first flight.
The 707 was not the first jet powered airliner, that honor belongs to the De Havilland Comet. The 707 was however, the most successful of the first generation of jet powered airliners, revolutionizing air travel and cutting the world down to size. Europe was just a few hours away, not a day or two as in a slow propeller airliner or a week in an ocean liner. The orient was in reach, Australia opened up. Travel was no longer for the very rich. Richard Nixon wowed the Chinese in his polished 707 Air Force One, Lyndon Johnson became president in one. Over a thousand were built for both civilian and military use.
We who travel by air owe a lot to the 707 and all its sisters up to the new 787. We can see the world, visit family far away and close the gaps between the continents.
50 years later, many are still in service, mostly for military and freight. 50 years later, I am still in service too, and still fascinated by lights and the promise of a box under a tree.
The 707 was not the first jet powered airliner, that honor belongs to the De Havilland Comet. The 707 was however, the most successful of the first generation of jet powered airliners, revolutionizing air travel and cutting the world down to size. Europe was just a few hours away, not a day or two as in a slow propeller airliner or a week in an ocean liner. The orient was in reach, Australia opened up. Travel was no longer for the very rich. Richard Nixon wowed the Chinese in his polished 707 Air Force One, Lyndon Johnson became president in one. Over a thousand were built for both civilian and military use.
We who travel by air owe a lot to the 707 and all its sisters up to the new 787. We can see the world, visit family far away and close the gaps between the continents.
50 years later, many are still in service, mostly for military and freight. 50 years later, I am still in service too, and still fascinated by lights and the promise of a box under a tree.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Eric Volz Saga Continues
Typical of the screwed up, banana republic mentality of Nicaragua, an appeals court in Granada has overturned Eric Volz's murder conviction. Unfortunately he remains illegally detained because of the passive agressive arrogance of judge who, due to fear and stupidity, convicted him in the first place.
This past Monday the court ruled 2-1 in favor of Eric's appeal, throwing out his murder conviction and ordering his immediate release from prison. However, when his attorney went to the convicting judge, Ivette Toruno, at the appointed time, he was told that Toruno had not signed the release papers and that Toruno had left earlier and was not expected to return until today. He was probably told "manana" which in Nica time means "not now".
I was in San Juan del Sur Tuesday November 21, 2006 when the murder occurred. Eric was not mentioned as a suspect. No one had seen him around. The murder scene was chaos; I know I saw it about an hour after the body was found. Eric was framed, the court ruling a sham of justice. Now the newspapers are demanding "people's justice". I shake my head in disgust.
So Eric sits in prison, the US Embassy does nothing, the rich gringos who were his friends sit and drink and Nicaragua slowly goes back to being a cold, hostile place.
I am supposed to go back this March in what will likely be our last dental trip. Sadly, I can see it being my last trip ever. I just don't feel welcome there anymore.
Keep track of Eric's ordeal at Friends of Eric Volz
This past Monday the court ruled 2-1 in favor of Eric's appeal, throwing out his murder conviction and ordering his immediate release from prison. However, when his attorney went to the convicting judge, Ivette Toruno, at the appointed time, he was told that Toruno had not signed the release papers and that Toruno had left earlier and was not expected to return until today. He was probably told "manana" which in Nica time means "not now".
I was in San Juan del Sur Tuesday November 21, 2006 when the murder occurred. Eric was not mentioned as a suspect. No one had seen him around. The murder scene was chaos; I know I saw it about an hour after the body was found. Eric was framed, the court ruling a sham of justice. Now the newspapers are demanding "people's justice". I shake my head in disgust.
So Eric sits in prison, the US Embassy does nothing, the rich gringos who were his friends sit and drink and Nicaragua slowly goes back to being a cold, hostile place.
I am supposed to go back this March in what will likely be our last dental trip. Sadly, I can see it being my last trip ever. I just don't feel welcome there anymore.
Keep track of Eric's ordeal at Friends of Eric Volz
Monday, December 17, 2007
We Three Pugs
As someone who is totally owned and operated by a 25lb (give or take), 4 legged creature, more commonly known as a Pug, this little anonymous lyric sort of sums up the spirit of Pugdom. I don't know who sent it to me now, it was several years ago that it arrived in my email, but I have kept it and trot it out each Christmas to wish all who have been pugged, a Merry Christmas. (We can say Merry Christmas here in MO and not get in trouble, our dear Boy-Gov says it is ok, as is taking health care away from Children).
We Three Pugs (sung to tune of "We Three Kings")
We three Pugs of Orient are,
Snuffling low, we cannot go far.
Bellies dragging,
Tails a'wagging,
Hounding the Milk Bone jar.
Oh-oh
We love treats and we love hugs.
We love all 'cause we are pugs.
Licking, sneezing, snoring, wheezing,
Guide us to the warmest rugs.
We Three Pugs (sung to tune of "We Three Kings")
We three Pugs of Orient are,
Snuffling low, we cannot go far.
Bellies dragging,
Tails a'wagging,
Hounding the Milk Bone jar.
Oh-oh
We love treats and we love hugs.
We love all 'cause we are pugs.
Licking, sneezing, snoring, wheezing,
Guide us to the warmest rugs.
Friday, December 14, 2007
(another) Night Before Christmas
Christmas theatre.... "A Christmas Carol", song filled stories of family and friends, the story of Jesus' birth, warm good feeling, Santa Claus, children. Formula? Usually.
Leave it to the American Heartland Theatre to come up with something engaging, a little off beat but still sticking to a crowd pleasing formula.
"(another) Night Before Christmas" now playing at the AHT (again as I always mention, a wonderful, intimate theatre that allows you to take your cocktails in with you!) through Dec 30th. The plot is simple, but timely and certainly entertaining. The two character musical involves Karol, a disillusioned, cynical social worker and a homeless man named Guy or (Clement Moore, the man who wrote "The Night Before Christmas) who breaks into her loft, takes over, makes incredible crab cakes and tries to convince her that he's Santa Claus. Karol resists but soon has to admit he sure seems like the jolly old elf. With witty dialog and a few hearty laughs along with a few well placed and well written songs, the show breezes along to its obvious and satisfying conclusion.
Karol is perfectly portrayed by Carey Van Driest and Don Forston as a convincing and always hilarious The Guy (aka Clement Moore, Santa Claus...whatever). Neither performance was of the over the top style that will sometimes mar AHT performances. Since this is another Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto collaboration (as in the whitty "Married Alive" and the best production I have seen at AHT "A Dog's Life") the music and whole pace of the production is spot on.
As I mentioned, a crowd pleaser but still a little off beat, humorous but also enlightening. And certainly better than last year's stinkeroo of a Christmas show from the AHT.
Leave it to the American Heartland Theatre to come up with something engaging, a little off beat but still sticking to a crowd pleasing formula.
"(another) Night Before Christmas" now playing at the AHT (again as I always mention, a wonderful, intimate theatre that allows you to take your cocktails in with you!) through Dec 30th. The plot is simple, but timely and certainly entertaining. The two character musical involves Karol, a disillusioned, cynical social worker and a homeless man named Guy or (Clement Moore, the man who wrote "The Night Before Christmas) who breaks into her loft, takes over, makes incredible crab cakes and tries to convince her that he's Santa Claus. Karol resists but soon has to admit he sure seems like the jolly old elf. With witty dialog and a few hearty laughs along with a few well placed and well written songs, the show breezes along to its obvious and satisfying conclusion.
Karol is perfectly portrayed by Carey Van Driest and Don Forston as a convincing and always hilarious The Guy (aka Clement Moore, Santa Claus...whatever). Neither performance was of the over the top style that will sometimes mar AHT performances. Since this is another Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto collaboration (as in the whitty "Married Alive" and the best production I have seen at AHT "A Dog's Life") the music and whole pace of the production is spot on.
As I mentioned, a crowd pleaser but still a little off beat, humorous but also enlightening. And certainly better than last year's stinkeroo of a Christmas show from the AHT.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Welcome Home Shaun!
Dang! I have been busy and a bit under the weather with a cough from HELL! Thus Pato News has been a bit dry lately.
I do have to publish this great, breaking news! My friend Shaun Attwood, aka "Jon" of Jon's Jail Journal is back home in the UK, arriving there sometime this AM US time.
He left me this wonderful comment that could be lost in the shuffle otherwise, so it is printed here:
"Dear Don, Thanks for all of your comments and kind words over the past few years.
With love and respect,
Shaun Attwood aka Jon"
Welcome home Shaun!
I do have to publish this great, breaking news! My friend Shaun Attwood, aka "Jon" of Jon's Jail Journal is back home in the UK, arriving there sometime this AM US time.
He left me this wonderful comment that could be lost in the shuffle otherwise, so it is printed here:
"Dear Don, Thanks for all of your comments and kind words over the past few years.
With love and respect,
Shaun Attwood aka Jon"
Welcome home Shaun!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Happy 99th Elliott Carter
We are, as everyone likes to quote, an aging society. People are living longer, not necessarily better, but certainly longer. I know several active people in their late 80's and 90's. A lady from my church just reached 101. She is in a nursing home, due to weakness, but she is alert and usually in good spirits. The young still sneer at the old folks, but kids, trust me, you are out numbered.
All that was a prelude to recognizing the 99th birthday of US composer Elliott Carter.
Elliott Carter was born in New York city where he met and was encouraged as a young musician by Charles Ives. As with many US composers of the 20th century, he went to Paris to study under Nadia Boulanger. He was also one of Walter Piston's many students. Carter has also taught music as well as physics and math. His music is greatly influenced by physical sound, rhythmic ratios and even categorizing musical pitches in a mathematical scheme related to set theory.
Carter's music is a tough nut to crack. Often austere and complex, it belies its complexity with a rhythmic drive that frequently borders on the whimsical. Most agree that his 5 string quartets are, along with those of Shostakovich and Bartok, among the 20th century's most important works in that medium. Actually some of his later works, such as 2002's Boston Concerto and the Cello Concerto, are easier to absorb than some of the major works from the 60's-80's such as the dry Double Concerto and the Piano Concerto.
At 99, Carter is not slowing down. In 2007 alone he wrote 3 works, including a new Horn Concerto. His first and only opera came along at the young age of 89. Not since Havergal Brian of the UK, who wrote 22 Symphonies after age 78, 9 after the age of 90 has a composer written so many important and large scale works as Carter. And there is likely more, at least one new work of Carter's is rumored for his 100th birthday next year.
I have come to his music late, after not enjoying the dry, academic works mentioned earlier. But, as Carter would likely understand, late is ok.. there is plenty of time.
All that was a prelude to recognizing the 99th birthday of US composer Elliott Carter.
Elliott Carter was born in New York city where he met and was encouraged as a young musician by Charles Ives. As with many US composers of the 20th century, he went to Paris to study under Nadia Boulanger. He was also one of Walter Piston's many students. Carter has also taught music as well as physics and math. His music is greatly influenced by physical sound, rhythmic ratios and even categorizing musical pitches in a mathematical scheme related to set theory.
Carter's music is a tough nut to crack. Often austere and complex, it belies its complexity with a rhythmic drive that frequently borders on the whimsical. Most agree that his 5 string quartets are, along with those of Shostakovich and Bartok, among the 20th century's most important works in that medium. Actually some of his later works, such as 2002's Boston Concerto and the Cello Concerto, are easier to absorb than some of the major works from the 60's-80's such as the dry Double Concerto and the Piano Concerto.
At 99, Carter is not slowing down. In 2007 alone he wrote 3 works, including a new Horn Concerto. His first and only opera came along at the young age of 89. Not since Havergal Brian of the UK, who wrote 22 Symphonies after age 78, 9 after the age of 90 has a composer written so many important and large scale works as Carter. And there is likely more, at least one new work of Carter's is rumored for his 100th birthday next year.
I have come to his music late, after not enjoying the dry, academic works mentioned earlier. But, as Carter would likely understand, late is ok.. there is plenty of time.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Emerson, Lake and Palmer, the legendary rock trio of the '70s never left us, they simply expanded and morphed into the "Trans-Siberian Orchestra". I had the chance to catch their performance in the new Sprint Arena here in KCMO, on a very Siberian night.
The TSO blends classical music, heavy metal and a somewhat preachy Christmas theme into a 2 1/2 hour extravaganza of music, lights, fire and narration. I had heard of them before and thought they were somewhat esoteric, but judging from the packed crowd at the second of two shows, many are familiar with this energetic group and came out despite the suddenly Siberian weather.
The first 1/2 of the show is decidedly the weakest. A Christmas-themed rock opera in the style of "Jesus Christ Superstar", featuring a decidedly religious narrative about an angel who comes down on Christmas Eve to rid the Earth of loneliness and makes sure everyone is "home". Soupy, emotional ballads are woven in between the aforementioned narrative. Some of the ballads are so strongly religious that I would not have been surprised to see some of the audience waving their hands in evangelical fervor. The show came alive during their hyper energetic instrumental renditions of popular carols, which served to comment on the story.
The second half dropped most of the references to Christmas and was a tour de force of light, fire and energetic singing and playing. Everything was in the mix from "Carmina Burana", Mozart, Beethoven, to "Proud Mary" and even Vince Guaraldi's immortal "Linus and Lucy" theme from "Peanuts". There's no holding back as the blazing fire, fireworks and lights join the hyper-kinetic players (most notably a violinist that thinks the thing is a guitar, she loves to play it upside down, while running through the audience and flinging it around in the air)to mesmerize the audience.
Certainly enjoyable, a spectacle for all the senses and worth seeing once for sure.
More fun was the chance to see the new arena from the vantage point of one of the VIP suites. My friend Barb's company has one and we were treated to the show and suite. I admit I enjoyed looking down on the "little people" who had no place to hang their coats, a refrigerator full of drinks, chips and salsa and great seats with tons of leg room. If you got bored with the show, there was a TV you could watch or just sit in back and eat and drink. Ah the suite life!
The TSO blends classical music, heavy metal and a somewhat preachy Christmas theme into a 2 1/2 hour extravaganza of music, lights, fire and narration. I had heard of them before and thought they were somewhat esoteric, but judging from the packed crowd at the second of two shows, many are familiar with this energetic group and came out despite the suddenly Siberian weather.
The first 1/2 of the show is decidedly the weakest. A Christmas-themed rock opera in the style of "Jesus Christ Superstar", featuring a decidedly religious narrative about an angel who comes down on Christmas Eve to rid the Earth of loneliness and makes sure everyone is "home". Soupy, emotional ballads are woven in between the aforementioned narrative. Some of the ballads are so strongly religious that I would not have been surprised to see some of the audience waving their hands in evangelical fervor. The show came alive during their hyper energetic instrumental renditions of popular carols, which served to comment on the story.
The second half dropped most of the references to Christmas and was a tour de force of light, fire and energetic singing and playing. Everything was in the mix from "Carmina Burana", Mozart, Beethoven, to "Proud Mary" and even Vince Guaraldi's immortal "Linus and Lucy" theme from "Peanuts". There's no holding back as the blazing fire, fireworks and lights join the hyper-kinetic players (most notably a violinist that thinks the thing is a guitar, she loves to play it upside down, while running through the audience and flinging it around in the air)to mesmerize the audience.
Certainly enjoyable, a spectacle for all the senses and worth seeing once for sure.
More fun was the chance to see the new arena from the vantage point of one of the VIP suites. My friend Barb's company has one and we were treated to the show and suite. I admit I enjoyed looking down on the "little people" who had no place to hang their coats, a refrigerator full of drinks, chips and salsa and great seats with tons of leg room. If you got bored with the show, there was a TV you could watch or just sit in back and eat and drink. Ah the suite life!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Karlheinz Stockhausen
Karlheinz Stockhausen died this week at 79. His legacy of musical avant-garde is decidedly mixed; one of those composers more talked about than played. Some call him Germany's greatest post-Wagner composer, some call him a sham, dated and obsolete. He supposedly influenced many important musicians since the 60's including the Beatles, Frank Zappa, the minimalists Reich and Riley, Miles Davis and John Taverner.
Early works such as "Gesang der Juenglinge" a mixed media (voices and electronics) retelling of the Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace story, "Kontakte" that combined instruments and pre-recorded sounds, and the marvelous "Klavierstuck" series for piano did find an audience and influenced a musical world hungry for new ideas. His later works dissolved into a morass of grandiose theatrics and obtuse philosophies. His magnum opus "Licht" is an opera/theatre piece lasting some 30 hours including a string quartet to be played with each quartet member hovering over the theatre in a separate helicopter. He claimed he was descended from the stars and called the 9/11 attacks "works of art", a statement he claimed was misinterpreted. He became irrelevant.
Whatever side you are on, it is a sure bet he will be talked about for a long time to come. If we ever hear a live Stockhausen performance (I heard Klavierstuck IX years ago), that will be more of a surprise.
Sir Thomas Beecham, British conductor blessed with a sharp wit,inadvertently summed up Stockhausen's legacy best. Beecham was asked whether he had played any Stockhausen. No, he said, but I believe I have trodden in some.
Early works such as "Gesang der Juenglinge" a mixed media (voices and electronics) retelling of the Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace story, "Kontakte" that combined instruments and pre-recorded sounds, and the marvelous "Klavierstuck" series for piano did find an audience and influenced a musical world hungry for new ideas. His later works dissolved into a morass of grandiose theatrics and obtuse philosophies. His magnum opus "Licht" is an opera/theatre piece lasting some 30 hours including a string quartet to be played with each quartet member hovering over the theatre in a separate helicopter. He claimed he was descended from the stars and called the 9/11 attacks "works of art", a statement he claimed was misinterpreted. He became irrelevant.
Whatever side you are on, it is a sure bet he will be talked about for a long time to come. If we ever hear a live Stockhausen performance (I heard Klavierstuck IX years ago), that will be more of a surprise.
Sir Thomas Beecham, British conductor blessed with a sharp wit,inadvertently summed up Stockhausen's legacy best. Beecham was asked whether he had played any Stockhausen. No, he said, but I believe I have trodden in some.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Oh Where, oh Where has my Dreidel Gone??
With the arrival of some snow to blanket the now gray and brown landscape, I have begun to get in a holiday mood. Hanukkah began Wednesday, but unfortunately I have misplaced my dreidel and could not play the traditional games. A dreidel is a toy top, each of its four sides is decorated with a different Hebrew letter: nun, gimel, hey, and shin. They stand for the Hebrew phrase meaning “A great miracle happened there.”
Playing the dreidel is easy. You assemble a pot or "kitty" of treats, and then take turns spinning the top. If you spin a “Nun,” you collect nothing and yield to the next player. If you spin a “Gimel,” you win the entire pot (Gimel stands for “Gesht,” which is Yiddish for “get.”) If you spin a “Hey,” you get half the pot and if you spin a “Shin” you have to put one of your own pieces in the pot. Whoever gets the most wins.
Puggles is not really adept at playing the dreidel, she usually just goes after the treats no matter what letter is spun, or gets bored. So I play against myself. But since it is missing, I guess I have to forgo it this season.
So I am dispensing with being Jewish and turning my attention to my Christmas tree. It is up, a sort of spindly artificial one, but has no decorations. As is the custom, all the little lights that burned so bright last year burnt out in the months of storage. Since it was late and snowy, I will get some new lights tomorrow.
So I am bored, damn it! Where is my dreidel when I need it?
Playing the dreidel is easy. You assemble a pot or "kitty" of treats, and then take turns spinning the top. If you spin a “Nun,” you collect nothing and yield to the next player. If you spin a “Gimel,” you win the entire pot (Gimel stands for “Gesht,” which is Yiddish for “get.”) If you spin a “Hey,” you get half the pot and if you spin a “Shin” you have to put one of your own pieces in the pot. Whoever gets the most wins.
Puggles is not really adept at playing the dreidel, she usually just goes after the treats no matter what letter is spun, or gets bored. So I play against myself. But since it is missing, I guess I have to forgo it this season.
So I am dispensing with being Jewish and turning my attention to my Christmas tree. It is up, a sort of spindly artificial one, but has no decorations. As is the custom, all the little lights that burned so bright last year burnt out in the months of storage. Since it was late and snowy, I will get some new lights tomorrow.
So I am bored, damn it! Where is my dreidel when I need it?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Coupl'a Things II
1)Even I, who pretty much ignores professional and college sports, am aware of the pissing and moaning and calls for change regarding the BCS (everyone else used the acronym BCS so I will too, I had to look up what it stood for)college bowl controversy regarding University of Kansas and the University of Missouri. Missouri claims to have been slighted and Kansas does not deserve a chance at the national title.
Ya know what?? I wish the media and the public in general would get as worked up over the corrupt Missouri governor, the corrupt and out of control persecutor (sic) Phill Kline in Kansas, the coup d'etat that Bush pulled TWICE in getting "elected", the illegal and immoral war he started, the lack of insurance for a growing number of Americans, the rise of inflation, and anything else besides who gets to go to what bowl game.
2)Hang up and drive people. A fool pulled out in front of me and stopped in the lane, prompting a panic stop in the Queen Mary (a sight to behold). He never put down his phone the whole time. Guess the call was more important than his life.
Ya know what?? I wish the media and the public in general would get as worked up over the corrupt Missouri governor, the corrupt and out of control persecutor (sic) Phill Kline in Kansas, the coup d'etat that Bush pulled TWICE in getting "elected", the illegal and immoral war he started, the lack of insurance for a growing number of Americans, the rise of inflation, and anything else besides who gets to go to what bowl game.
2)Hang up and drive people. A fool pulled out in front of me and stopped in the lane, prompting a panic stop in the Queen Mary (a sight to behold). He never put down his phone the whole time. Guess the call was more important than his life.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Heartland Men's Chorus: Christmas Down Home
As an erstwhile member of the Kansas City Heartland Men's Chorus, it was a strange, but enjoyable experience being on the other side of the stage for this weekend's performances of their annual Holiday show Christmas Down Home.
In its 22nd successful season, the HMC is one of the nation's premiere Gay men's choruses. With over 100 singing members, frequently sold out performances and a well organized management, the Chorus is, along with the Symphony, Lyric Opera, Herriman Arts Series and the Ballet, a major cultural icon for Kansas City. The chorus is directed by Joseph Nadeau, now in his at least 9-10th season.
Christmas Down Home was a formula HMC Christmas show. Even though I was not singing, I could predict how the show would progress with relative accuracy. The first half is more "serious" and traditional, with a Hanukkah song thrown in for good measure. The highlight as the first act was a suite of Appalachian Carols accompanied by an ensemble of violin, guitar/mandolin, steel guitar, bass and drums. Some familiar, some not, they were charming, expressive and "simple". The second half is the "funny" part, usually rapped around a story narrated or acted (this time a narration of a country/western "Night Before Christmas") and will usually feature someone in drag, dancing and general silliness. Of course this was no exception. The highlight here was a hilarious and well sung "Jalapeño" Chorus set to Handel's "Hallelujah" Chorus from "Messiah" and a rousing "Thank God I'm a Jewish Boy" set to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy".
The solos were numerous and usually good, but the opening piece "Joy" was marred by two shrill tenor solos that really did nothing to make the song attractive. The frequency of the solos was one of the drawbacks of the program, and of past HMC programs. Although it is wonderful to highlight the wonderful talent of the chorus, the solos are frequently lengthy (as in "Not in Our Town", a poignant true story of Billings, Montana showing solidarity with its Jewish citizens who were being attacked by the KKK, and somewhat in The Appalachian Carols as well), the full power and majesty of 130 talented male voices ringing out in tune is a wonder to behold and not heard often enough. It is also,(speaking from experience)tedious from a chorus member's perspective to be relegated to background chorus. Really only in the last piece did we really get to hear the chorus in full steam, and it was glorious.
I am proud to have sung with this fine ensemble, and will likely do so again. This past year was just too difficult for me to devote the time needed to prepare for the shows. The HMC is a vital part of Kansas City, a great evening's entertainment, and a truly an experience that lives up to their goal of Enlightening, Inspiring, Healing and Empowering.
Great Job!
In its 22nd successful season, the HMC is one of the nation's premiere Gay men's choruses. With over 100 singing members, frequently sold out performances and a well organized management, the Chorus is, along with the Symphony, Lyric Opera, Herriman Arts Series and the Ballet, a major cultural icon for Kansas City. The chorus is directed by Joseph Nadeau, now in his at least 9-10th season.
Christmas Down Home was a formula HMC Christmas show. Even though I was not singing, I could predict how the show would progress with relative accuracy. The first half is more "serious" and traditional, with a Hanukkah song thrown in for good measure. The highlight as the first act was a suite of Appalachian Carols accompanied by an ensemble of violin, guitar/mandolin, steel guitar, bass and drums. Some familiar, some not, they were charming, expressive and "simple". The second half is the "funny" part, usually rapped around a story narrated or acted (this time a narration of a country/western "Night Before Christmas") and will usually feature someone in drag, dancing and general silliness. Of course this was no exception. The highlight here was a hilarious and well sung "Jalapeño" Chorus set to Handel's "Hallelujah" Chorus from "Messiah" and a rousing "Thank God I'm a Jewish Boy" set to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy".
The solos were numerous and usually good, but the opening piece "Joy" was marred by two shrill tenor solos that really did nothing to make the song attractive. The frequency of the solos was one of the drawbacks of the program, and of past HMC programs. Although it is wonderful to highlight the wonderful talent of the chorus, the solos are frequently lengthy (as in "Not in Our Town", a poignant true story of Billings, Montana showing solidarity with its Jewish citizens who were being attacked by the KKK, and somewhat in The Appalachian Carols as well), the full power and majesty of 130 talented male voices ringing out in tune is a wonder to behold and not heard often enough. It is also,(speaking from experience)tedious from a chorus member's perspective to be relegated to background chorus. Really only in the last piece did we really get to hear the chorus in full steam, and it was glorious.
I am proud to have sung with this fine ensemble, and will likely do so again. This past year was just too difficult for me to devote the time needed to prepare for the shows. The HMC is a vital part of Kansas City, a great evening's entertainment, and a truly an experience that lives up to their goal of Enlightening, Inspiring, Healing and Empowering.
Great Job!
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Police Departments, hoping to show their citizens they are "protecting" the children, give perverted, dirty-talking, desk-bound deputies a teenage fantasy life. They are the true internet trawlers, fishing to entrap people even though a crime was not committed. One intelligent judge threw out a conviction of a man convicted of soliciting a 50 year old deputy posing as a kid. He unfortunately got shot down.
So law enforcement goes on creating criminals to feed the hungry prison system by propagating the fantasy that innocent little teens (does such a beast exist?) are dying to have sex with some sleezeball who is old enough to be their daddy.
The reality, according to the study, most abuse is perpetrated by people the kid knows. Most victims meet online offenders face-to-face and go to those meetings expecting to engage in sex. Nearly three-quarters have sex with partners they met on the Internet more than once.
Child sexual abuse is wrong, do not mistake what I or the study is saying. What is more important is to teach your child about being safe, monitoring them, giving them information on sex and sexuality and in general acting like a parent. What is counterproductive are efforts to censor the internet and making criminals out of everyone.