Good morning Music fans, I trust you had a wonderful weekend. I had a few interesting experiences, especially at a hockey game. I certainly didn't take enough time to listen to music. I need to book some time for that over the next week.
I'm continuing to use Canadian musicians for the rest of this month and I hope you like the tour. This artist was born out west in Manitoba and is quite an accomplished musician. The artist has had a difficult journey through some of the periods of life. The joy and pain that was experienced is demonstrated in the music. This song was part of this artists 5th album and was released in 1994. The artist is quoted as saying: "the music I am creating is a result of travelling down that road and picking up all manner of themes and influences".
And so it's there, my homage's due
clutched by the still of the night
and now I feel you move
every breath is full
I will try to give some hints on Wednesday, stay posted and see what shows up here.
I would like to know:
The artist.
The name of the song.
The name of the album.
Where the artist lives.
Have a great week. I am anxiously anticipating seeing many of you this week.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hockey with a six year old
I went to a hockey game last night with some friends (Thanks Dan). One of them was a six year old who was attending his "very first" live hockey game ever. I'm not so sure about the amount of hockey he has seen over his six years, so it was lots of fun to "see" the game as he "saw" it. We watched the game as he downed a huge bucket of popcorn and drank a large Pepsi. What an experience. I had so much fun watching him enjoy all the sights.
It was great to hear his observations and comments on the game that most of us would take for granted. Having watched hockey since 1969 (wow that's almost 40 years), I think I have a good handle on the game. Trying to explain the game to a youngster was so much fun. He had a very interesting reaction to the two fights that occurred in the game. Having not been indoctrinated in the game like most Canadian kids, he did not scream and cheer as the two pugilists bashed their bare knuckles on the opposing players helmets. He actually didn't notice the cheering throng, he just said, "it's not good to hit like that, is it?".
I restrained myself from pontificating on it "being part of the game" and maturely said, no it's not good to hit each other like that. He really liked the body checking though and since he's going to start hockey in a week, I made sure that he understood the rules that body checking would not be allowed until he is older.
He cheered for both teams, a noble gesture, but I think it was because I was cheering for the Leaf rookies and his Poppa was cheering for anyone but the Leaf rookies (in this case, the Pittsburgh Penguin rookies).
All in all, we had some fun, learned a bit about the game, got soaked as we walked to the truck(thanks for driving Rick) and got home before 8:30. You know, it just goes to show that quality time can be spent anywhere and last night was some good quality time at the rink with a six year old. I'll watch the game more carefully from now on, just to be able to take in the experience more and "see" the game as my little friend does. Maybe we'll do what most proper Canadians do and make Saturday night a night to watch the game and have a bit of fun.
Looking back over the years, I remember every time my kids went on the ice as either a player, a member of the staff or as an official, I said two words to them, "have fun". From this point forward, I'll say those same words to my little friend, and I'm sure he will.
It was great to hear his observations and comments on the game that most of us would take for granted. Having watched hockey since 1969 (wow that's almost 40 years), I think I have a good handle on the game. Trying to explain the game to a youngster was so much fun. He had a very interesting reaction to the two fights that occurred in the game. Having not been indoctrinated in the game like most Canadian kids, he did not scream and cheer as the two pugilists bashed their bare knuckles on the opposing players helmets. He actually didn't notice the cheering throng, he just said, "it's not good to hit like that, is it?".
I restrained myself from pontificating on it "being part of the game" and maturely said, no it's not good to hit each other like that. He really liked the body checking though and since he's going to start hockey in a week, I made sure that he understood the rules that body checking would not be allowed until he is older.
He cheered for both teams, a noble gesture, but I think it was because I was cheering for the Leaf rookies and his Poppa was cheering for anyone but the Leaf rookies (in this case, the Pittsburgh Penguin rookies).
All in all, we had some fun, learned a bit about the game, got soaked as we walked to the truck(thanks for driving Rick) and got home before 8:30. You know, it just goes to show that quality time can be spent anywhere and last night was some good quality time at the rink with a six year old. I'll watch the game more carefully from now on, just to be able to take in the experience more and "see" the game as my little friend does. Maybe we'll do what most proper Canadians do and make Saturday night a night to watch the game and have a bit of fun.
Looking back over the years, I remember every time my kids went on the ice as either a player, a member of the staff or as an official, I said two words to them, "have fun". From this point forward, I'll say those same words to my little friend, and I'm sure he will.
Friday, September 12, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Sept.8/08
Good morning music fans. I heard from a few more of you this week, you must be back at work and "working hard" at stuff. Speaking of work, I'm returning to work next week and I'm both very excited and somewhat scared about the whole thing. Due to my setbacks I'm not where I would like to be, but I'm far from where I was.
On to the music, the Canadian theme brought some different people out into the game this week.
Here are your answers:
The song: I got everything I need (Almost)
The group: Downchild Blues Band
The album: But I'm on the Guest list
The famous covering duo: The Blues Brothers (Jake - John Belushi and Elwood - Dan Akroyd with the most amazing band ever assembled, if you ask Perry D. and I)
The famous establishment referred to on the cover: El Mocambo
The winner this week was Brad F. at 10:42 on Sept.8, he had all the answers correct.
It looks like rain for most of the weekend, the good thing about that(there are several) is that those are the times when I get to just sit and read and listen to music. My new Ipod has been shipped(more on that later). It is also a wonderful time to just sip a nice cup of Irish tea. Now later in the day you may wish to have something a little stronger maybe a drop of poteen (tell me if you know what that is?).
Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy family, friends and loved ones. Make music part of your day and you will enjoy it and grow out of the experience. I look forward to seeing some of you next week and more of you as the weeks pass.
On to the music, the Canadian theme brought some different people out into the game this week.
Here are your answers:
The song: I got everything I need (Almost)
The group: Downchild Blues Band
The album: But I'm on the Guest list
The famous covering duo: The Blues Brothers (Jake - John Belushi and Elwood - Dan Akroyd with the most amazing band ever assembled, if you ask Perry D. and I)
The famous establishment referred to on the cover: El Mocambo
The winner this week was Brad F. at 10:42 on Sept.8, he had all the answers correct.
It looks like rain for most of the weekend, the good thing about that(there are several) is that those are the times when I get to just sit and read and listen to music. My new Ipod has been shipped(more on that later). It is also a wonderful time to just sip a nice cup of Irish tea. Now later in the day you may wish to have something a little stronger maybe a drop of poteen (tell me if you know what that is?).
Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy family, friends and loved ones. Make music part of your day and you will enjoy it and grow out of the experience. I look forward to seeing some of you next week and more of you as the weeks pass.
I remain,
Your musical tour guide (maybe we'll try a different part of Canada next week)
Some days there won't be a song in your heart.........sing anyway
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering Sept.11/01
There are times in my life where the memories are as clear as the last few moments of this morning. I remember when JFK was shot, I remember when John Lennon was shot, I remember the day our family left Ireland. I remember our wedding day and the birth of our children.
I also remember exactly where I was and who I was with on 9/11. I remember listening to the radio on my way to a mediation and hearing the announcer(Pat Marsden, I think) talk about a plane hitting one of the buildings. I mentioned it to the people I met with and went ahead with my meeting thinking it was some small plane.
As I travelled back to the office, more details came out and I remember Bob S. hooking up the TV with some rabbit ears so we could watch the news. I remember that one of our former office colleagues (Ruth) had family in one of those towers and the fear that she exuded.
I just wanted to get home and hug my family. I knew in my heart that something terribly wrong had occurred and I only wanted to be with those closest to me. I knew no one in those buildings however I felt that the world had shrunken significantly that day. This was no longer an us and them situation, rather it was us.
What has happened to forgiveness? When will we learn to "turn the other cheek" and stop taking up arms? I'm sure there is much fault to go around but when do we start to treat our fellow man with the love and respect that we demand for ourselves? What right does anyone have to take another life? I've never been accused of being a pacifist (not that there's anything wrong with being a pacifist), however, the more I read the teachings in scripture, the more I need to demonstrate love and not hatred.
As I sit here and recall those terrible hours on 9/11, I need to be mindful of my attitude towards all people, not just the ones that I agree with. I do not have to agree with your theology or lifestyle, your politics or your approach to life, rather I have to show love in all my dealings with you. If I choose to do that, it will make a difference.
I also remember exactly where I was and who I was with on 9/11. I remember listening to the radio on my way to a mediation and hearing the announcer(Pat Marsden, I think) talk about a plane hitting one of the buildings. I mentioned it to the people I met with and went ahead with my meeting thinking it was some small plane.
As I travelled back to the office, more details came out and I remember Bob S. hooking up the TV with some rabbit ears so we could watch the news. I remember that one of our former office colleagues (Ruth) had family in one of those towers and the fear that she exuded.
I just wanted to get home and hug my family. I knew in my heart that something terribly wrong had occurred and I only wanted to be with those closest to me. I knew no one in those buildings however I felt that the world had shrunken significantly that day. This was no longer an us and them situation, rather it was us.
What has happened to forgiveness? When will we learn to "turn the other cheek" and stop taking up arms? I'm sure there is much fault to go around but when do we start to treat our fellow man with the love and respect that we demand for ourselves? What right does anyone have to take another life? I've never been accused of being a pacifist (not that there's anything wrong with being a pacifist), however, the more I read the teachings in scripture, the more I need to demonstrate love and not hatred.
As I sit here and recall those terrible hours on 9/11, I need to be mindful of my attitude towards all people, not just the ones that I agree with. I do not have to agree with your theology or lifestyle, your politics or your approach to life, rather I have to show love in all my dealings with you. If I choose to do that, it will make a difference.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesday Musings Sept.9/08
This is the first in a series called "Tuesday Musings" which are random thoughts that just won't go away.
Does anyone else feel guilty about all the destruction in the world and the relative calm that we live in? There are wars, rumours of war, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and all kind of natural and man made disasters. Yet, here in South Western Ontario we live in relative comfort with cool houses in the summer and warm in the winter. Am I the only one that wonders when our time will come?
We (generally speaking) fixate on the dollar and forget about the widows and orphans (figuratively speaking). I'm sure that some of us give a little but to try to assuage our guilt but I don't think it really works. Can we really put our head on the pillow and sleep soundly knowing that there is so much need and we drive our new cars and watch our big TV's and cluck our tongues at the tragedy in the world?
I believe that a reckoning is coming. I think that the fall of the big banks in the U.S. is just the beginning. I am no prophet (put down your stones) I just wonder when the other shoe is going to drop. What then, if all our security is in the dollar so fixated upon, then what? I have no interest in walking around with a sandwich board saying the end is coming because it's coming for me too.
I need to review my priorities and see what I am doing that can be eliminated and in turn begin to do things that benefit others not just myself. Is there anyone else out there that thinks like this or am I just spittin' in the wind?
Does anyone else feel guilty about all the destruction in the world and the relative calm that we live in? There are wars, rumours of war, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and all kind of natural and man made disasters. Yet, here in South Western Ontario we live in relative comfort with cool houses in the summer and warm in the winter. Am I the only one that wonders when our time will come?
We (generally speaking) fixate on the dollar and forget about the widows and orphans (figuratively speaking). I'm sure that some of us give a little but to try to assuage our guilt but I don't think it really works. Can we really put our head on the pillow and sleep soundly knowing that there is so much need and we drive our new cars and watch our big TV's and cluck our tongues at the tragedy in the world?
I believe that a reckoning is coming. I think that the fall of the big banks in the U.S. is just the beginning. I am no prophet (put down your stones) I just wonder when the other shoe is going to drop. What then, if all our security is in the dollar so fixated upon, then what? I have no interest in walking around with a sandwich board saying the end is coming because it's coming for me too.
I need to review my priorities and see what I am doing that can be eliminated and in turn begin to do things that benefit others not just myself. Is there anyone else out there that thinks like this or am I just spittin' in the wind?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Heading back to work
Finally, I am going to give it a try. I have permission from all involved to start my return to work program. I will be returning on Sept.15/08 on a graduated return to work program and am truly looking forward to getting "back in the saddle" so to speak.
I really have missed the professional experiences that occur on a daily basis as well as the many interactions with colleagues and clients.
I'll keep a daily log as to how it goes. I'm somewhat nervous as I will have been away from the place for ten weeks when I finally return.
I really have missed the professional experiences that occur on a daily basis as well as the many interactions with colleagues and clients.
I'll keep a daily log as to how it goes. I'm somewhat nervous as I will have been away from the place for ten weeks when I finally return.
Obscure Lyric for the week of Sept.8/08
Good day music fans, it's bright out there this morning and chilly. I hope you had a great weekend even though some of it was rainy.
I have a great song for you this week. The song was written by a Canadian band and made into a hit by another duo, one of whom was a Canadian. The song was originally released as part of an album on January 1, 1982. Here are the lyrics:
I got friends who like me 'cause I got lots of dough
The people recognize me wherever I go
I don't got trouble gettin' high
but if I don't get you, I believe I will die
This is definitely not progressive rock. I have never had an album of this bands music, although I did have an album from the covering duo with this song on it. This group was founded in Toronto by a pair of brothers and a bunch of other musicians in 1969.
I need to know:
The name of the song:
The name of the group:
The name of the album:
The members of the famous covering duo:
The name of the famous establishment referred to on the album cover:
Have an awesome week, I hope to see some of you on the 15th which means I need to see Scott G. sometime this week to get my pass.
I have a great song for you this week. The song was written by a Canadian band and made into a hit by another duo, one of whom was a Canadian. The song was originally released as part of an album on January 1, 1982. Here are the lyrics:
I got friends who like me 'cause I got lots of dough
The people recognize me wherever I go
I don't got trouble gettin' high
but if I don't get you, I believe I will die
This is definitely not progressive rock. I have never had an album of this bands music, although I did have an album from the covering duo with this song on it. This group was founded in Toronto by a pair of brothers and a bunch of other musicians in 1969.
I need to know:
The name of the song:
The name of the group:
The name of the album:
The members of the famous covering duo:
The name of the famous establishment referred to on the album cover:
Have an awesome week, I hope to see some of you on the 15th which means I need to see Scott G. sometime this week to get my pass.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The big reveal for the week of Sept.1/08
Good morning music fans, it appears that the remains of Gustav have arrived. I am so thankful that we do not experience the kind of weather that 'nawlins does or others in that area. Then again there is the snow. I'll leave that for another post.
It looks like the Canadian theme shook the tree a bit and I received a few replies. The winner this week was Steve B. at 9:51 a.m. on Sept.2/08.
Here are your answers:
The name of the artist: Corey Hart
The name of the spouse: Julie Masse
The name of the song: Sunglasses at Night (check the video bar)
The album it was released on: First offense
Have a great weekend, hopefully there will be more than rain, however "into every life a little rain must fall". Enjoy family, friends, go see Mats (don't get me started on that one) or just enjoy a little break from the daily grind.
I remain,
your musical tour guide (for the next few weeks we're staying in Canada)
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without
It looks like the Canadian theme shook the tree a bit and I received a few replies. The winner this week was Steve B. at 9:51 a.m. on Sept.2/08.
Here are your answers:
The name of the artist: Corey Hart
The name of the spouse: Julie Masse
The name of the song: Sunglasses at Night (check the video bar)
The album it was released on: First offense
Have a great weekend, hopefully there will be more than rain, however "into every life a little rain must fall". Enjoy family, friends, go see Mats (don't get me started on that one) or just enjoy a little break from the daily grind.
I remain,
your musical tour guide (for the next few weeks we're staying in Canada)
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Chasing the Wind
I've begun to read the book of Ecclesiastes as part of my daily Bible reading. I remember several years ago sitting in a small group study of this book. Most of us were frustrated by the word usage, metaphors and the utter "meaningless" statements. A voice piped up, rarely heard, who stated "this is some of the most beautiful poetry I have ever heard". In an instant, the tenor of the conversation changed and we were once again challenged to see and hear the words differently.
And so, I began today to read these words again. How timely. It's usually a few chapters a day of old and new testaments as well as a portion of a Psalm and one or two lines from the Book of Proverbs.
Most of you will recognize the Byrds song, "turn, turn turn". This was taken directly from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1 through 8. The writer, King Solomon (of the book, not the song) talks about the meaninglessness of life without God. He tried everything and discovered that it was all just meaningless (or vanity, another translation writes: vanity, vanity, all is vanity) and was about as helpful as "chasing the wind". Later, in Chapter 12, Solomon gives an answer: "fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty".
I've just given a "readers digest" version of the Book of Ecclesiastes. There is much more than what I've seen or read. I'm planning on doing more than "chasing the wind" as I look forward to re-establishing relationships particularly at work and other areas.
And so, I began today to read these words again. How timely. It's usually a few chapters a day of old and new testaments as well as a portion of a Psalm and one or two lines from the Book of Proverbs.
Most of you will recognize the Byrds song, "turn, turn turn". This was taken directly from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verses 1 through 8. The writer, King Solomon (of the book, not the song) talks about the meaninglessness of life without God. He tried everything and discovered that it was all just meaningless (or vanity, another translation writes: vanity, vanity, all is vanity) and was about as helpful as "chasing the wind". Later, in Chapter 12, Solomon gives an answer: "fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty".
I've just given a "readers digest" version of the Book of Ecclesiastes. There is much more than what I've seen or read. I'm planning on doing more than "chasing the wind" as I look forward to re-establishing relationships particularly at work and other areas.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Obscure Lyric for the week of Sept.1/08
Good morning music fans. I'm writing this on Monday, most of you will see it on Tuesday. To be fair, I will only accept guesses after 8:30 a.m. on Sept.2/08. I hope you had a great long weekend. I certainly did and am beginning to feel quite well and I am now considering how soon I can return to work. I received a gift from one of you recently (Making Music, Profiles from a Century of Canadian Music) and I'm going to use it for inspiration for the month of September. So get your Canadian music thinking caps on and here we go:
Keep track of the visions in my eyes
While she's deceiving me
it cuts my security
Has she got control of me?
This song is from an album released in 1983, the artist was between 20 and 21 at the time of the release. That's pretty young don't you think ? I think this is their most famous song. The song went to number 7 in the U.S. and number 24 in Canada. The artist was born in Montreal and is married to another Canadian musician.
I would like to know:
The name of the Artist.
The name of the spouse (googling allowed for this one).
The name of the Song.
The name of the Album it was released on.
Have a musical week.
Keep track of the visions in my eyes
While she's deceiving me
it cuts my security
Has she got control of me?
This song is from an album released in 1983, the artist was between 20 and 21 at the time of the release. That's pretty young don't you think ? I think this is their most famous song. The song went to number 7 in the U.S. and number 24 in Canada. The artist was born in Montreal and is married to another Canadian musician.
I would like to know:
The name of the Artist.
The name of the spouse (googling allowed for this one).
The name of the Song.
The name of the Album it was released on.
Have a musical week.
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