Beethoven's Ninth
The most misunderstood symphony in history was Beethoven's Ninth. Even if you're not into music, the story of Beethoven's 9th symphony is fascinating. For over 150 years, critics mistakenly assumed that Beethoven must have been lying when he said it was his most unique and complex piece. Though powerful, the work seemed to have no unity, so the critics assumed the 9th was merely a compilation of earlier works. The critics blew it off as garbage.
Then, a few musicians in the 20th century began to note all the sub themes running throughout the music. And as those themes were noted, the whole symphony opened up in all its beauty and power. Ultimately, the composition became recognized in all its greatness. Beethoven's Symphony #9 was understood as a unified whole. And once the unity was understood, the impact became remarkable.
When the European Union wanted to select an anthem to represent all of European civilization, Beethoven's 9th was the obvious choice, particularly the final movement - the Ode of Joy. Further, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony appears to have influenced the development of the compact disc. Philips and Sony were the companies that had started work on the new cd audio format in 1979. As they experimented with different sizes, Sony chairman Norio Ohga insisted that the CD be able to contain a complete performance of the Ninth Symphony. Since the longest known performance of Beethoven's 9th lasted 74 minutes, that became the longest playing time of a CD. A diameter of 12 centimeters was required for this playing time. Therefore, a cd is 12 cm around because that's what it took to fit all of the 9th on one.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Internet Scavenger Hunt
Let's play a game ..... an Internet scavenger hunt.
Find the following items somewhere on the net and post the links for everyone to see.
1. A copy of Captain Kirk's Log.
2. World Record for chewing the same piece of gum.
3. A free version of the final episode of Cheers.
4. An article detailing the demands of the occupy movement that actually makes sense.
5. Weird Al's 2011 concert schedule.
6. How many criminals were shot by citizens in Texas this year.
7. How many Alabama politicians have served jail time after being elected.
8. Eddie Murphy's I Got Your Ice Cream Routine. I think he was wearing his red faux leather
jumpsuit.
9. Video of Robert Tilton preaching. Gotta love those facial expressions.
10. The end of the Internet.
Find the following items somewhere on the net and post the links for everyone to see.
1. A copy of Captain Kirk's Log.
2. World Record for chewing the same piece of gum.
3. A free version of the final episode of Cheers.
4. An article detailing the demands of the occupy movement that actually makes sense.
5. Weird Al's 2011 concert schedule.
6. How many criminals were shot by citizens in Texas this year.
7. How many Alabama politicians have served jail time after being elected.
8. Eddie Murphy's I Got Your Ice Cream Routine. I think he was wearing his red faux leather
jumpsuit.
9. Video of Robert Tilton preaching. Gotta love those facial expressions.
10. The end of the Internet.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Republicans Don't Care Who Wins the Presidency
Republicans don't care about the presidency. They are not interested in winning the White House because the power in our country is in Congress. The conservative movement is of no concern or interest to the elite Washington establishment.
Power = Money
The Republicans want control of Congress because they want control of the money ..... our money.
Does it seem strange that every Republican candidate that challenges Mitt Romney has been attacked from the left and right? The Republican establishment in Washington believe that Romney as a candidate gives them the best change to gain seats in the Senate. With control of Congress, the Presidency becomes irrelevant. The money and power is in Congress.
The crazy, psycho Republican race has been orchestrated by the Washington elites who want to control our money.
Republicans have bought into the European, progressive movement that does not work.
AND .....
President Obama is now trying to reinvent himself as a moderate, progressive .....
How stupid ...... He's a liberal.
Power = Money
The Republicans want control of Congress because they want control of the money ..... our money.
Does it seem strange that every Republican candidate that challenges Mitt Romney has been attacked from the left and right? The Republican establishment in Washington believe that Romney as a candidate gives them the best change to gain seats in the Senate. With control of Congress, the Presidency becomes irrelevant. The money and power is in Congress.
The crazy, psycho Republican race has been orchestrated by the Washington elites who want to control our money.
Republicans have bought into the European, progressive movement that does not work.
AND .....
President Obama is now trying to reinvent himself as a moderate, progressive .....
How stupid ...... He's a liberal.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Pay College Athletes ... Not As Students But As Professionals
I'm sick of college sports .... specifically football and basketball ... the only profit centers for universities. Years ago, there was a group of people called student athletes. Today, that group has been replaced with minor league athletes who are exploited, used as institutional slaves and thrown away after winning championships. The problem is greed! Haven't you heard that before? The love of money is the root of all evil. Making money isn't a problem, exploiting others because of the love of money is.
Universities use students in order to make money for the trustees and administrators. The athletes who earn the money never see it. Then they get in trouble because someone pays them under the table. Most of the time, they need the money to live on while in school.
The answer is simple ..... pay the players .... not as university students but as minor league athletes.
The profitable sports should be taken away from the universities and the NFL and NBA should develop farm/minor league systems like baseball. Players could opt to attend college or play in the developmental leagues and earn a living.
Universities use students in order to make money for the trustees and administrators. The athletes who earn the money never see it. Then they get in trouble because someone pays them under the table. Most of the time, they need the money to live on while in school.
The answer is simple ..... pay the players .... not as university students but as minor league athletes.
The profitable sports should be taken away from the universities and the NFL and NBA should develop farm/minor league systems like baseball. Players could opt to attend college or play in the developmental leagues and earn a living.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Risk Rules .....
I’m not a trained economist or financial guru but I know our current American governments view of economics is fundamentally flawed. Since Ronald Reagan left office our philosophy has shifted from economic freedom to economic slavery.
It appears to me that career politicians saw their future at risk. With economic freedom in the hands of the average citizen, their political and financial future was at risk. How have the Washitonians reacted to this fear? They have slowly stolen our freedom and put it back in the hands of the government.
Make no mistake; this is not a liberal, democrat take-over. It has come from the conservatives as well. Both President Bush’s adopted this philosophy by using flawed economic principles to stimulate our economy. The only real way to stimulate our economy is to create an atmosphere of economic freedom where individuals seize the opportunity to assume risk at the hope of earning income.
Risk is the solid foundation of economic growth. Without risk, no one makes a move. People don’t take new jobs, move across the country, have a baby, but a house or start a business without assuming some form of risk. Risk moves our economy. When the government becomes involved with our ability and desire to assume risk, they choke our economic freedom and stall economic growth.
The government’s role should be that of a coach – give us an atmosphere that allows us to pursue our hopes, dreams and goals by allowing us to make the plays.
The Keynesian economic principles that both major political parties have subscribed to does not work. It is a myth to think that taxing during prosperous times and borrowing during recessions helps our economy. True economic growth and freedom come from individuals pursuing their dreams and goals without government intrusion by assuming the risk involved with the pursuit.
It appears to me that career politicians saw their future at risk. With economic freedom in the hands of the average citizen, their political and financial future was at risk. How have the Washitonians reacted to this fear? They have slowly stolen our freedom and put it back in the hands of the government.
Make no mistake; this is not a liberal, democrat take-over. It has come from the conservatives as well. Both President Bush’s adopted this philosophy by using flawed economic principles to stimulate our economy. The only real way to stimulate our economy is to create an atmosphere of economic freedom where individuals seize the opportunity to assume risk at the hope of earning income.
Risk is the solid foundation of economic growth. Without risk, no one makes a move. People don’t take new jobs, move across the country, have a baby, but a house or start a business without assuming some form of risk. Risk moves our economy. When the government becomes involved with our ability and desire to assume risk, they choke our economic freedom and stall economic growth.
The government’s role should be that of a coach – give us an atmosphere that allows us to pursue our hopes, dreams and goals by allowing us to make the plays.
The Keynesian economic principles that both major political parties have subscribed to does not work. It is a myth to think that taxing during prosperous times and borrowing during recessions helps our economy. True economic growth and freedom come from individuals pursuing their dreams and goals without government intrusion by assuming the risk involved with the pursuit.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tutor Style
It started the same as everyday following a great fall. I woke up with my eyes crossed, my head tilting and the room spinning. Followed by inspection after inspection after inspection. On my fifth and last house, I saw them - dark, sinister and ominous. I cautiously slid my ladder from my truck never taking my eyes from theirs. The stare down had begun – man against beast.
I was scared … Tutor style. With large, fangs showing, they growled, snarled and barked. I growled, snarled and barked back. They slowly turned and walked away. Stupid dogs, I thought.
With precision and confidence, I continued to the house. After inspecting the right slope of the roof, I stepped over the ridge to the left. And that’s when it happened …. The dark, demonic spirits taking up residence inside the pit bull hissed with vengeance. Using my long range super hero abilities, I starred them down again. This time, they won … they circled the house, growling, snarling and barking. You’d think all the noise would have aroused the suspicion of someone nearby – not in this neighborhood.
There I was sitting on the roof, baking in 100 degree heat, wondering how to escape. What goes up must come down. As you know, coming down isn’t my specialty. I sat still in a valley for a few minutes until the hounds lost interest.
Since Delaney was sitting in the truck, I got her attention.
“When you see my ladder come down, open my door.”
“Why?”
“Cuz I’m gonna get chased.”
“Really!”
I was a little surprised by her sudden interest in my predicament. Then I remembered I kinda like watching people in situations like this. I think she was interested cuz she needed to laugh.
I slowly, quietly slid down the ladder and lowered it. I crept toward my truck. When I was about half way across the yard, they saw me. Man, them dogs can run!
I threw my ladder in the back of the truck, Delaney flung my door open and once I slammed it …. They were at the front of the truck ready to attack.
Oh well, just another adventure.
I was scared … Tutor style. With large, fangs showing, they growled, snarled and barked. I growled, snarled and barked back. They slowly turned and walked away. Stupid dogs, I thought.
With precision and confidence, I continued to the house. After inspecting the right slope of the roof, I stepped over the ridge to the left. And that’s when it happened …. The dark, demonic spirits taking up residence inside the pit bull hissed with vengeance. Using my long range super hero abilities, I starred them down again. This time, they won … they circled the house, growling, snarling and barking. You’d think all the noise would have aroused the suspicion of someone nearby – not in this neighborhood.
There I was sitting on the roof, baking in 100 degree heat, wondering how to escape. What goes up must come down. As you know, coming down isn’t my specialty. I sat still in a valley for a few minutes until the hounds lost interest.
Since Delaney was sitting in the truck, I got her attention.
“When you see my ladder come down, open my door.”
“Why?”
“Cuz I’m gonna get chased.”
“Really!”
I was a little surprised by her sudden interest in my predicament. Then I remembered I kinda like watching people in situations like this. I think she was interested cuz she needed to laugh.
I slowly, quietly slid down the ladder and lowered it. I crept toward my truck. When I was about half way across the yard, they saw me. Man, them dogs can run!
I threw my ladder in the back of the truck, Delaney flung my door open and once I slammed it …. They were at the front of the truck ready to attack.
Oh well, just another adventure.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Adventure
These days my days start about the same. Up early, drive to my first inspection and work as fast as possible to avoid as much heat as possible. On Thursday, July 21, things went a little differently. My first inspection was at an Indian Reservation. I met with the tribal chief and started work. The main tribal council building was first – hail damage. The second building we inspected was the casino. It took a little longer … not because of the damage but because I lost a hundred bucks. Finally, we made it to the sweat lodge. These buildings are usually off limits to white men but because I’m 1/62 Indian, the chief made an executive decision to allow me to inspect.
The building was about 300 feet behind the main council building and was set on a 4/12 pitch. As I was completing my final test square, the chief got excited. Apparently, he thought I said there was no damage … Before I knew it; he had assembled the war team. Within seconds, they had painted their faces and mounted their horses.
With fierce looks through piercing eyes, they starred my direction. I acted with quick, cat like instincts and climbed from the single story section to the gambrel style second story. They circled the building firing flaming arrows over my head.
Moments later, the building was ablaze. Fortunately, my training as a super ninja worked. I tied a lasso and slipped it around the chimney. And that’s when I snapped a photo of the damaged flashing and flue cap. I tossed the other end of the rope over the limb of a large oak tree.
With arrows flying and the building fully engulfed, I leapt from atop. My do-rag worked great as I slid to safety. Running toward my trusty steel steed, I turned to face my enemy. Three, four maybe six hundred raging Indians were at my heels. I stood my ground, fighting one by one. In my mind I kept telling myself I couldn’t leave until they were completely satisfied.
As I bravely recited our five-pronged commitment, a flying tomahawk struck the back of my head. I felt as if I had fallen on concrete. Blood poured from my skull as the work turned bright white and I felt my eyes fading into a tunnel. It was over. I was finished. A fallen hero lay broken on the reservation.
As fate would have it, our field general came to my rescue. To this day, I have no idea how he did it. All I know is that I’m alive and so is he. I think he must have a secret weapon in that cruiser. Well, maybe it’s a toaster over.
Ok, Ok, it didn’t really happen that way …..
I was on a secret military mission ….. No that’s not it either.
Actually, I’m allergic to gravity. I fell from a roof, busted my head open, lost some blood, got a few staples and a concussion. That’s it.
Funny thing about the day …. Scahufler had to sign me out of the hospital as a responsible adult. I’ll give you a few minutes to recover from your laughter ….. pause, pause, pause. Get off the floor. That’s right, Schaufler is a responsible adult.
The doc told me to keep my head elevated ….. (let that sink in) ….. She looked puzzled when I said the only time I have a problem with that is when I’m upside down bouncing it off the concrete.
The building was about 300 feet behind the main council building and was set on a 4/12 pitch. As I was completing my final test square, the chief got excited. Apparently, he thought I said there was no damage … Before I knew it; he had assembled the war team. Within seconds, they had painted their faces and mounted their horses.
With fierce looks through piercing eyes, they starred my direction. I acted with quick, cat like instincts and climbed from the single story section to the gambrel style second story. They circled the building firing flaming arrows over my head.
Moments later, the building was ablaze. Fortunately, my training as a super ninja worked. I tied a lasso and slipped it around the chimney. And that’s when I snapped a photo of the damaged flashing and flue cap. I tossed the other end of the rope over the limb of a large oak tree.
With arrows flying and the building fully engulfed, I leapt from atop. My do-rag worked great as I slid to safety. Running toward my trusty steel steed, I turned to face my enemy. Three, four maybe six hundred raging Indians were at my heels. I stood my ground, fighting one by one. In my mind I kept telling myself I couldn’t leave until they were completely satisfied.
As I bravely recited our five-pronged commitment, a flying tomahawk struck the back of my head. I felt as if I had fallen on concrete. Blood poured from my skull as the work turned bright white and I felt my eyes fading into a tunnel. It was over. I was finished. A fallen hero lay broken on the reservation.
As fate would have it, our field general came to my rescue. To this day, I have no idea how he did it. All I know is that I’m alive and so is he. I think he must have a secret weapon in that cruiser. Well, maybe it’s a toaster over.
Ok, Ok, it didn’t really happen that way …..
I was on a secret military mission ….. No that’s not it either.
Actually, I’m allergic to gravity. I fell from a roof, busted my head open, lost some blood, got a few staples and a concussion. That’s it.
Funny thing about the day …. Scahufler had to sign me out of the hospital as a responsible adult. I’ll give you a few minutes to recover from your laughter ….. pause, pause, pause. Get off the floor. That’s right, Schaufler is a responsible adult.
The doc told me to keep my head elevated ….. (let that sink in) ….. She looked puzzled when I said the only time I have a problem with that is when I’m upside down bouncing it off the concrete.
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