Back in the 1970s when I was exploring the classical music repertoire, I was especially interested in what was known as program music, i.e., music that attempts to render a narrative or a description of something, as opposed to absolute music which is simply music for the sake of music. So, for example, Beethoven’s Sixth … Continue reading Romeo, Juliet, and Parking Lots?
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How Do You Get To Silent Night?
Of all the pointless wars ever fought The Great War, or World War I as it eventually became known, was one of the most pointless. On the first Christmas Eve, 1914, during a lull in the fighting, with German troops on one side of the trench and French and British troops on the other, the … Continue reading How Do You Get To Silent Night?
One Step Closer
There is an effort underway to do an end run around the idiotic Electoral College. The Electoral College, for those who have forgotten their civics class or for those who don’t live in this country, is that antiquated system designed by the country’s founders who felt the people were not to be trusted to pick … Continue reading One Step Closer
Spinning Wheel
Back in September 1969 I was starting my third year at Penn State, and I see from the archives of the Daily Collegian that the rock group Blood, Sweat, & Tears was coming to campus. As I liked their music, I’m certain that I went to that concert, but I have no memory of it, … Continue reading Spinning Wheel
Brokenwood
I believe I’ve mentioned The Brokenwood Mysteries previously, but as the show has entered its 12th season, I thought I’d give it another shout out. It’s a police procedural set in New Zealand, and while it’s subject is murder mysteries, it always has an ample dose of light comedy. What I especially enjoy about it is … Continue reading Brokenwood
Not What They’re Paid For
It’s that time again!
Vinegars
I frequently try new recipes, and often those recipes call for a particular ingredient, such as a type of vinegar. So I go out and buy that vinegar and then never use it again. Or rarely. I now have a variety of vinegars, some of which, like white vinegar, I use all the time, and … Continue reading Vinegars
A Quick Word on Branding
In case you missed it, John Oliver had some thoughts on branding… On a completely different subject, I filed my income taxes, the federal a little over a week ago and the state yesterday. Each of them went fairly smoothly as for once I don’t have anything complicating the process, just my pension, Social Security, … Continue reading A Quick Word on Branding
David and Steve
David Pogue has a substack blog now and he’s written “Five stories from 50 years” about his interactions with Apple and Steve Jobs that is well worth reading. Not all his interactions with Steve Jobs were happy ones, and when he wrote something in his tech column for the New York Times that Jobs didn’t … Continue reading David and Steve
No Kings Philly
I don’t know why they couldn’t pick a better day for the latest No Kings protest, perhaps some time in April; my curmudgeon side came out as I wended my way through the windy streets to get to City Hall. Still, I made it. At least long enough to whip out my phone and make … Continue reading No Kings Philly