On Happiness with a Classical Twist

Vespers, Op. 37 – “Come, Let Us Worship” Sergi Rachmaninov_ USSR Ministry Of Culture Chamber Choir On Happiness with a Classical Twist The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin on the Moat (St. Basil’s Cathedral) Photograph by Christophe Menebeouf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RedSquare_SaintBasile_(pixinn.net).jpg   Even someone without religious convictions can appreciate, I think, the irony of a choir [...]

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Category: At Random

Where Meanings Live

I Wonder as I Wander Anne Sofie von Otter John Jacob Niles Where Meanings Live Harmony in blue and silver: Trouville James McNeill Whistler http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:James_Abbot_McNeill_Whistler_007.jpg The song is “I Wonder as I Wander.” It is a Christmas song. I remember listening to this song while in my senior year of college. It was Christmas time [...]

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Category: At Random

Where Dreams are Found

Sonny’s Blues Jean Redpath Where Dreams are Found A Carnival Evening Henri Rousseau http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Henri_Rousseau_-_A_Carnival_Evening.jpg The song is about a young man who becomes an old man who never pursues his dreams because his mother needs him at home, sort of like Luke Skywalker’s uncle needs Luke about the farm. Later in the song we are [...]

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Category: At Random

How to Read a Map

Man in the Mirror Michael Jackson How to Read a Map Nautical Chart in Portolan Style Probably Drawn in Genoa Anonymous http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mediterranean_chart_fourteenth_century2.jpg There was an article recently in The Boston Globe, “Introducing Ray Bradbury, the Master of Fantasy,” that talks about introducing our kids to the books that were meaningful to us when we were [...]

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Category: At Random

For What It’s Worth

Save the Country Laura Nyro For What It’s Worth   A study table William Harnett http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Harnett_William_A_Study_Table_1882.jpg There is a story by Alice Walker, “Everyday Use”, that revolves around a mother and her two daughters. At the heart of the story are some quilts. One daughter is well educated and prosperous and wants the quilts because [...]

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Category: At Random