In the excellent USC series, Visions and Voices, I was thrilled to hear the excellent performance by Lorenzo Micheli and Matteo Mela, classical guitar duo, SoloDuo. Following each of three commentaries relating to the composer Tedesco, SoloDuo played two Preludes and Fugues from Tedesco's, "Les Guitares bien temperees" op. 199 (1962) for a total of six. My favorite was the last Prelude et Fuges n. 24 in C minor. I was quite complex and challenging for guitar. Their playing was extremely sensitive. Important melodic lines shared by the performers clearly emerged from the overall texture even in pianissimo. Their sense of ensemble was superb; their technical mastery unchallenged.
During the impressive Italian themed reception William Kanengiser, guitar faculty, USC, pointed out that SoloDuo's excellent togetherness could be seen in their seating position, resembling a "V" whereby each musician can view the hands of the other. Kanengiser comented, "You can't hear the sound until the finger leaves the string."
The commentary was spotty. I was quite disappointed hearing USC professor Alessio Filoppi "READ" when the program writes, "...DISCUSSES the ancestral roots of the composer..." Progfessor Head's discussion was lack luster. Finally, Dr. Westby's delivery brought some life, personal experience, and interest to the night.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
Finding and Keeping a Good Dentist
Went through with my 6-month cleaning this morning.
Dental assistant did x-rays. Then Tiffany P. Young, my dentist, started cleaning, probing, scraping. I could see her penetrating eyes above the mask searching earnestly for some blemish. What relief when the polishing began and there were no comments other than, "Keep on flossing, and get in there to your back wisdom teeth."
Dental assistant did x-rays. Then Tiffany P. Young, my dentist, started cleaning, probing, scraping. I could see her penetrating eyes above the mask searching earnestly for some blemish. What relief when the polishing began and there were no comments other than, "Keep on flossing, and get in there to your back wisdom teeth."
I
remember the first cleaning years ago at my first appointment with her.
Coming from other sources who perhaps were more after the cleaning out
of my wallet rather than the care of my teeth, the experience was brutal
and bloody. She scrapped and probed and it hurt and bled. She
complained quite a bit about how I wasn't flossing or brushing properly.
Since
that first visit visits, all subsequent visits, like today, have been a
piece of cake. No pain, no blood. Yes, I probably do floss more
diligently, but maybe those other so called "dentists" were
concentrating on their "other" job.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Predatory Entrepreneurs
My old car is OK. I'm thinking about some upgrades like new seats, cleaning up rust areas, and new painting.
A mechanic I know came by the house several days ago and wanted to know if I wanted to sell my 1979 VW Rabbit and buy another VW old car.
Why in the world would I want to sell a car I am happy owning, one with which I am familiar with all its myriad aches and pains, and trade it, at probably some expense, for a used car with which I am unfamiliar and which most likely has its own problems with which I am unfamiliar?
A mechanic I know came by the house several days ago and wanted to know if I wanted to sell my 1979 VW Rabbit and buy another VW old car.
It is hard for me to have patients with people with a predatory entrepreneur type of thinking. But it was a day after New Years
so I willed myself to remain in a good mood while he was there. But I
managed to be evil in a devious way. I explained at great length why I
would not wish to part with my car. I could see his eyes glassing over. So I kept on explaining and explaining, all the time maintaining a sparkling attitude. By the end of it all I sincerely hope that he regretted asking.
Why in the world would I want to sell a car I am happy owning, one with which I am familiar with all its myriad aches and pains, and trade it, at probably some expense, for a used car with which I am unfamiliar and which most likely has its own problems with which I am unfamiliar?
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Discussion about President Obama with friends on FaceBook
Andrea
Del Regno Thank you, President Obama!
Ronald
A. Kojis I know the extreme right shrugs this
off with the comment they didn't like George W. either; and had one
of theirs been in the white house, these "corrections' wouldn't
have taken so long. They'd add that Obama is soft on world
leadership, irresponsibly ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
and asking terrorists to take over those countries and attack us.
They point out that the health care scam is unconstitutional and a
blatant pandering to the lazy poor. They point out Obama is pro-gay
and anti-gun, an obvious assault on the values of god-fearing
Christians. They hate that Obama and his Muslim buddies are trying to
impose sharia law, destroy Christmas,etc.. How do I know they think
and say these things? I listen to Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and Sarah
Palin.
Mohammed
Elzanaty One thing I know for certain is that
Obama is the lesser of two evils. Had it been a Republican in the
white house, we would have not even had this conversation. We would
have started a third war somewhere and you know the rest. Thank God
for Obama! Happy Holidays, Ron? I miss talking to you.
Ronald
Walcott Ron[Kojis], you said most of it. I
can't listen to Fox News because I have no TV, but I am surrounded by
believers who do. I'm still haunted by their earnest comment
following 9/11, "What if the democrat had been in office!"
[I speculate, Maybe no Iraq war and maybe not the longest war in US
history?} But Democrats are funny people. I attend the
Crescenta-Canada Democratic Club and when Obama was first getting
elected the group could talk of nothing else. Now they hardly mention
him and his outstanding achievements, almost like he's an
embarrassment. Someone please clue me in.Yesterday
Ronald
A. Kojis As they say, we're preaching to the
choir. Here's one a little off topic, but not much. This morning's
news reported on a Mom shopping at Walmart. Her 2 year old, sitting
in the shopping cart seat with the Mom's purse, reached in the purse,
took out Mom's gun and shot Mom to death. Seems like a no-brainer
that we'd all agree there is no reason for the Mom to carry a gun to
go shopping at Walmart, especially if she puts the gun within reach
of a toddler, but I guarantee that 50% of the country would not only
disagree, they'd argue that we need more guns in more places (bars,
churches, schools, political gatherings), not less. I flat out don't
get it.
Ronald
Walcott Yes, I don't get it either.
Ronald
Walcott Above I made a few comments about my
local Democrat Club. Today they sent a summary for the year. I
realize the some say all politics are local. But you would think the
club summary would devote at least one sentence to their president,
and further, you would think that two years short of the next
election they would be talking about their next presidential
candidate/s and how the legacy of Obama should be continued. Anyway,
the summary in full is as follows:
Dear Democrat,
As we pause to say goodbye to 2014, awaiting the stroke of midnight
to welcome 2015's arrival, it is worth looking back at the many
successes that California Democrats achieved - even as our brothers and
sisters across the nation faced an unstoppable red tide.
Because we stuck to our
values, our belief in people and delivered a vibrant and progressive
message, rather than running from our beliefs and accomplishments, we
held every statewide office, returned significant majorities to both
houses of the state legislature and even gained a congressional seat,
despite the lowest voter turnout in decades.
As we reflect upon 2014,
we are already looking forward to the battles before us in 2015 and
2016 and the work we must do to make California an even deeper shade of
blue.
The path to victory
lies with you. Your commitment to our Party, our platform and a
positive progressive future are exactly what we need going forward. Let
us quickly reboot, recharge our batteries and engage in the coming year
with optimism, energy and hope.
May your New Year be one of happiness, health and peace.
To keep up with Los Angeles County Democratic Party updates, events, and more, follow us on Twitter @LAdemocrats and like us on Facebook
As we pause to say goodbye to 2014, awaiting the stroke of midnight
to welcome 2015's arrival, it is worth looking back at the many
successes that California Democrats achieved - even as our brothers and
sisters across the nation faced an unstoppable red tide.
Because we stuck to our
values, our belief in people and delivered a vibrant and progressive
message, rather than running from our beliefs and accomplishments, we
held every statewide office, returned significant majorities to both
houses of the state legislature and even gained a congressional seat,
despite the lowest voter turnout in decades.
As we reflect upon 2014,
we are already looking forward to the battles before us in 2015 and
2016 and the work we must do to make California an even deeper shade of
blue.
The path to victory
lies with you. Your commitment to our Party, our platform and a
positive progressive future are exactly what we need going forward. Let
us quickly reboot, recharge our batteries and engage in the coming year
with optimism, energy and hope.
May your New Year be one of happiness, health and peace.
To keep up with Los Angeles County Democratic Party updates, events, and more, follow us on Twitter @LAdemocrats and like us on Facebook
Monday, November 11, 2013
The Changing Face of America - Photo Gallery
The Changing Face of America - Photo Gallery
Just heard this program on Morning Edition, NPR, Monday, Nov 11, 2013. I wanted to read the article which the program indicated would be free and on-line. I tried to register and found out my space (city, state, country) was not a valid location. Maybe I experienced a space-time warp while I was sleeping last night. I wrote to National Geographic and will blog their answer which should come in two days. It may take longer or shorter due to my new space-time.
Just heard this program on Morning Edition, NPR, Monday, Nov 11, 2013. I wanted to read the article which the program indicated would be free and on-line. I tried to register and found out my space (city, state, country) was not a valid location. Maybe I experienced a space-time warp while I was sleeping last night. I wrote to National Geographic and will blog their answer which should come in two days. It may take longer or shorter due to my new space-time.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Dream
I woke up around 5am this morning and went back to sleep. Just before waking at around 7am I had this vivid dream that I remember. Usually I don't remember dreams.
I am viewing a political event where the main politician isbelow on the grass looking up at a kind of rounded balcony. I am up to the side looking down. My vision zooms in on his head again and again. Soon more heads appear in a semi circle below the balcony. At first I think they were the same person. My vision keeps zooming in on faces, sometimes individually, sometimes just one face. I began to see that they are similar faces, but not the same, like brothers. The heads are actively engaged in some activity, maybe a political rally.
Suddenly the scene changes to snow and mountains. Someone, maybe a man, is on skis and makes a elegant turn in the snow and exits the scene. A woman on skis attempts the same turn, but does it badly She looses out control, but does not fall. I'm viewing the scene on a level with the action, but floating in the air looking at the side of the mountain.
Sudden scene change and the same woman is driving a box-like wagon, maybe horse drawn, but I don't see the horses, just the reigns. I'm looking up at the wagon which seems larger and higher than life.
In a stressed voice the woman says that the child is dead. Even if the child is never seen, I know that the child is inside the wagon. This makes me stressed. She says that everything inside the wagon is dead.
Either she reaches inside the wagon and throws down a box, or a box is projected out of the wagon which I seem to catch, but then it's also too large for me to catch. It ends up on the ground.
I'm surprised to see that it's a box of carrots. I think that the carrots look like fresh carrots, but the women, or an abstract source tells me that the carrots are dying. I feel very stressed about the contrast between what I see as fresh alive carrots, and the opinion that the carrots are dying and becoming dead.
I wake.
I remember the dream vividly. I have an emotional connection to the many politicians' heads and wonder about their similarity. I worry about the stressed woman. I remember the bright orange color of the carrots. I wonder why they are considered to be dying, and why I see them as being so alive. And why carrots?
I am viewing a political event where the main politician isbelow on the grass looking up at a kind of rounded balcony. I am up to the side looking down. My vision zooms in on his head again and again. Soon more heads appear in a semi circle below the balcony. At first I think they were the same person. My vision keeps zooming in on faces, sometimes individually, sometimes just one face. I began to see that they are similar faces, but not the same, like brothers. The heads are actively engaged in some activity, maybe a political rally.
Suddenly the scene changes to snow and mountains. Someone, maybe a man, is on skis and makes a elegant turn in the snow and exits the scene. A woman on skis attempts the same turn, but does it badly She looses out control, but does not fall. I'm viewing the scene on a level with the action, but floating in the air looking at the side of the mountain.
Sudden scene change and the same woman is driving a box-like wagon, maybe horse drawn, but I don't see the horses, just the reigns. I'm looking up at the wagon which seems larger and higher than life.
In a stressed voice the woman says that the child is dead. Even if the child is never seen, I know that the child is inside the wagon. This makes me stressed. She says that everything inside the wagon is dead.
Either she reaches inside the wagon and throws down a box, or a box is projected out of the wagon which I seem to catch, but then it's also too large for me to catch. It ends up on the ground.
I'm surprised to see that it's a box of carrots. I think that the carrots look like fresh carrots, but the women, or an abstract source tells me that the carrots are dying. I feel very stressed about the contrast between what I see as fresh alive carrots, and the opinion that the carrots are dying and becoming dead.
I wake.
I remember the dream vividly. I have an emotional connection to the many politicians' heads and wonder about their similarity. I worry about the stressed woman. I remember the bright orange color of the carrots. I wonder why they are considered to be dying, and why I see them as being so alive. And why carrots?
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Without DSL and Other Things
The Issan noodle restaurant in Hollyweird sounds great; after school ends I'm in.
No, I did not give away the cello. I need it for a concert that I play next week.
How is Lisa doing?
I'm now without DSL at home. This is my first day without and I feel like I'm going though withdrawal and drug recovery. Ultimately, it may be good for cello practice.
I listened with sympathy for all the teachers that I know when I heard student cheering about the announcement by LAUSD that there will be no more suspensions for "intentional" disruption. When I was in the trenches in East LA some students told me that three or four of them would plot to disrupt certain classes. It only takes three or four.
Visited the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Station last Friday.
This Friday, today, the person who designed the animation at the beginning of Desperate Housewives, branded Pink Berry from the time it started as a crummy one-store operation, rebranded Hussler sex toys, rebranded the TBS "smile" logo, and now is starting a new essence company gave a talk at Creative Mornings. She is this little Asian-American who looks and acts like a teen. Amazing! All this happened because, fresh out of design school, she refused to accept her first boring, 9-to-5 design job, quit after two weeks and moved on. Impressive "moving on."
Much other news. We'll talk in Hollywierd.
No, I did not give away the cello. I need it for a concert that I play next week.
How is Lisa doing?
I'm now without DSL at home. This is my first day without and I feel like I'm going though withdrawal and drug recovery. Ultimately, it may be good for cello practice.
I listened with sympathy for all the teachers that I know when I heard student cheering about the announcement by LAUSD that there will be no more suspensions for "intentional" disruption. When I was in the trenches in East LA some students told me that three or four of them would plot to disrupt certain classes. It only takes three or four.
Visited the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Station last Friday.
This Friday, today, the person who designed the animation at the beginning of Desperate Housewives, branded Pink Berry from the time it started as a crummy one-store operation, rebranded Hussler sex toys, rebranded the TBS "smile" logo, and now is starting a new essence company gave a talk at Creative Mornings. She is this little Asian-American who looks and acts like a teen. Amazing! All this happened because, fresh out of design school, she refused to accept her first boring, 9-to-5 design job, quit after two weeks and moved on. Impressive "moving on."
Much other news. We'll talk in Hollywierd.
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