There's Whole Lot of Hatred Going On

I looked on the Merriam-Webster dictionary to see if there was a stronger word than "hate."   The results suggested that "detest"," loathe," and especially "abhor" were even more intense, where "abhor" is defined as "to regard with extreme repugnance: hatred, loathing..." (Merriam-Webster)

I have found the "h-word" permeating through many of the news sights as of late.  In my observations, it seems that the political left is keen on using this word to describe their feelings towards people such as Donald Trump, the late Charlie Kirk, and Ben Shapiro.  The left doesn't just disapprove of what they say, they hate these people for saying what they do. 

I have experienced this expression of extreme distain first-hand from folks within my own social community.  One liberal musician stated flat out that he "hates Donald Trump" in the same tone as if he was ordering a cup of coffee.  Another suggested we are on the track to becoming the next Nazi Germany.  When I inquired from the latter if this wasn't a bit too strong, he lashed out, saying that I am blind to what is going on.

Political passion being what it is, I am nevertheless disappointed by this extremism in terminology.  I especially find the comparisons to the Nazi state abhorrent (there's my use of the word) because comparing Trump or any one on the moderate political right to the evil that once was, diminishes the legacy of true suffering that was perpetuated on the population, especially those of Jewish origin.

If you disagree with Trump, Kirk, or Shapiro, fine.  But keep the discourse civil.  Decide if they are really worthy of your hate.

If you have to loathe someone, save it for Hitler, Stalin, or any of the other actual murderers in the world.  Trump et al may not be worthy of your respect, but they certainly don't deserve your hatred either.

The Culture of Mediocrity

Is quality even a thing anymore?

It seems that in this day and age, we as consumers are paying way more for way less.  That is not just in terms of quantity, but of quality as well.

A number of years ago, my wife and I had our main bathroom completely overhauled: new shower, vanity, the works.  I had just retired from my full-time job and this upgrade was a gift to ourselves.  We went through the usual process of auditioning contractors and we finally made our choice  Long story short, the finished product was only adequate; this, in spite of their promises and the tens of thousands of dollars we paid.  And...their "lifetime" warranty became moot when they suddenly went bankrupt.

Another point: As a musician, I have to watch my hands so when it comes to car repairs I have it done by professionals.  I went to my automotive specialist and had my summer tires installed.  At home, I discovered they made a mistake that forced me back to their garage on my own time and dime a few days later.  I did get an apology from one of the attendants, but when I was requested to send feedback to the manager, I heard nothing.  I know that no one (understandably) wants to be told that their job is less-than-stellar.  I just wish contractor and service industry folk would realize it for themself.  Is craftsmanship of product or service a thing of the past?

Right now there are renos we could do around the old homestead, but I'm apprehensive.  It seems if you want quality you have to either: find a way to teleport back to the 1950's when contractors actually cared; or, pay huge bucks for high-quality work that should by rights be standard for anyone who sells their expertise.

No wonder so many people are opting for the do-it-yourself approach.  

After all, what choices do we have?

Twenty-Fifth Year Anniversary

Coming into the New Year of 2025, I am reminded that we are celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of Y2k.

Remember that year?  2000 was the start of a new millennium (which actually began in 2001 to be precise) and one of the big concerns was that our new found friend (or enemy), the computer, was going to crash and wreak world-wide havoc.  Oh the concern!  Oh the horror!

But through foresight, or sheer luck, the year 2000 rolled in rather uneventfully for most of us and we carried on, marveling at the first year ever that didn't start with a "1" but instead a "2."

So now that we're about a quarter way through the first century of the next millennium, we can look back and say, boy did this world ever get screwed up.  So much for ending wars, poverty, and decaf coffee.  Instead, all are still with us in full force.

Will we do better in the next 25 years?  I'm guessing there will be advances in technology that will astound us.  Maybe we'll end up on Mars, who knows?  But I'll bet you we'll still have the same problems, same worries, and same type of troublemakers that we have now.

And I'll bet decaf coffee will still be around.  

Happy New Year!

Now You See It, Now You Don't

Recently, I made one of my regular trips to my local music store.  It was a typical occurrence and while I was selecting some material for the upcoming fall semester, the owner casually mentioned that he may close the print-music part of his business. The reason?  Online competition.

Online business is big business.  Who can argue of having the convenience of having items sent right to your home, often with little or no delivery charge is a great thing?  Wait by the mailbox, and presto!

But that encounter with my local merchant realigned my thinking.  This store has been around since 1989 and now they are thinking of closing a substantial portion of their business.  For me, this would not be good.

Why?  Because sometimes I've needed an item or two for my studio right away; not tomorrow and sometimes not even in a few hours from now.  Right away.  And who is there for me?  My retailer who is often quietly working behind-the-scenes, a smile on their face, ready to bail me out of my predicament in moment's notice.  And all it took was a 10 minute trip from my home to their business.

There are somethings that stores just don't seem to carry anymore.  As a movie buff, I still buy re-mastered versions of old movies and that's something my local retailer doesn't carry anymore.  In this case, it's online to the rescue!

But for regular business items, it's back to the brick-and-mortar establishment!  The last thing I want to see is a “for lease” sign in the vacant location where a music store used to be.

The Joy of Music, (I)

Music is an interesting phenomenon.

It's easy enough that many individuals have found that after learning a few chords, they can make their own music.  And truthfully, some of it isn't half bad.

But then...there's the serious stuff.  

As any highly-trained classical musician will tell you, there are compositions that will keep you up at night due to their complexity.  One practise session won't do it, so the musician gathers their instrument - piano, violin, voice, or other - and gets to work trying to get a handle on the piece.  Repetition, deep thought, repetition, frustration, repetition, pursuit of perfection, repetition; the hall marks of the professional musician.  Being able to go over the same sections of a work, over and over, without the requisite bouts of fear and yes, even anger at times, is the hallmark of what greatness will finally occur.

And here's a thought...

Think of a symphony orchestra.  Each member is a highly-trained musician who has spent countless hours perfecting what they do, almost always in solitude and the expense of giving up some perhaps more instantly-gratifying activity.  (Which professional musician hasn't yearned to go outside on a beautiful summer day, instead remaining indoors just to perfect that pesky trill passage?)

Now imagine 40, 50, 60 or more of these musicians gathered in one place to play a single work.  The symphony concert has begun.

Think of the number of accumulated, behind-the-scenes hours of work that are present.  If each person carries a minimum of 10,000 hours to achieve their professional status, well then, you do the math.

Of course it is true that very many other activities require the same amount of work.  But hopefully there aren't too many amateur doctors out there like there are amateur musicians, "performing" on their own."

Next time you hear any type of music, think of the total number of hours that are hidden from view.

Is It Worth Your Time?

As the famous American, Benjamin Franklin, once observed, there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes.

The latter for most of us may be more appealing than the former, even though it can be more frustrating.  (Afterall, once you're gone, your frustration level drops to nothing, right?)

In regards to taxes, let's think for a minute of what they really are.  Taxes are your hard-earned money; but looking at it another way, taxes are a taking of your limited time here on earth.

Time spent in labour is necessary, and those of us who work a full-time job do so so that we can provide for ourselves and our families. Nothing new there.  Most people have no real resentment performing even unpleasant tasks at our jobs if it benefits the family.  But can the same be said if it benefits the government and their spurious priorities?

I am not an anarchist, but I do believe government has a sacred trust to be careful how it spends our money.  It is my belief that I can do more for myself than others can do for me except in specialized circumstances such as medical care, security, fire, and other areas where government control has shown their expertise.  And I know that this costs money.

In this case, I don't mind giving up some of my limited time on earth, exchanging it into money, and giving it to the government.

And that is my point: how much of your time in a labour environment are you willing to give up?  Money that could actually go into your household?

From 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. you leave your family, drive in heavy traffic, arrive to fulfill your quota or what constitutes "work" and then leave.  Next payday, the government takes your time in the form of taxes for about a third of your day.  (So from 8:00 to 10:45 a.m. you worked for "free.")  Then there's more "taking" when you fill up your car, make purchases, or give to the next level of government.  How does that feel, especially when you can't afford a home, a car, or even a once-in-a-lifetime trip?

We all have to work for the government but it can be depressing to think that one-third (or more) of your life's time is being given to the faceless levels of government.  In order for this to make sense, our taxes have to be seen as having some worth.  Do they?  Or could you do a better job with the time-to-money activity you engage in everyday?

When you spend your life working, who should get the benefit of your time?

Style Over Substance

In politics, it can seem sometimes that the only factor that matters is how a campaign is run.

If you smile, avoid saying too many dumb things, and attend enough events surrounded by many people, you might get enough of the common folks to vote for you, even if underneath, some of your policies may leave something to be desired by some voters.

Case in point: Alberta is currently in the midst of a provincial election.  The choice is a conservative or a socialist party for government. 

Many people, as well as some newspapers, support whoever runs the most error-free campaign.  Skeletons that are sometimes long-buried are resurrected and trotted out in the bright sun of the election. And truth be told, some of these should be brought out.

The New Democratic Party for example, seems to have a number of pro-communist candidates in its ranks including Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse (Edmonton-Rutherford), Rob Loyola (Edmonton-Ellerslie), Girinder Brar (Calgary-North), and others(!), some who advocate an end to capitalism.

Much of this gets little to no news space in the mainstream media often because communism was never given the same weight as Nazism as a great evil.  That's extremely unfortunate since Communism's track record of death is 125 million... and still counting, unfortunately.

Am I suggesting that the NDP is a covert communist party?  No.  It is not.  Yet extremists seem to lurk within its ranks and membership and nothing is being done about it.

The United Conservative Party's Premiere Danielle Smith has said some really dumb things, mostly hyperbolic in nature, but dumb nevertheless.

But she has never taken overtly extremist stances on anything. No new taxes and it would be business as usual.  

Some have suggested that she advocates some type of user-fee for medical services, but his is false.  Plus it would be political suicide.  (As an aside, I would be fine with a small fee at hospitals if it kept people with colds and flus out of emergency rooms, saving it for true life-threatening situations.)

So, the NDP might win.  Their campaign has been slicker, their leader has made fewer gaffs, and truth be hold, Rachel Notley does have a better smile than Danielle Smith.

But the substance of a 30+ day campaign should not be the only criteria upon which to base your vote.  Look under the hood.  See who's running and what the policies are and whether you be happy with at least four years of their programs.

This same NDP was the government over four years ago.  Soon after, folks indicated that they had voter's remorse.

If they win again, will it be any better this time?

Hybrid Canadians - How Odd it is!

Canadians are in a unique place when it comes to measurement.  Officially metric since 1975, we still have an abundance of imperial measurements creeping into our daily lives, no doubt because we live next door to the one of only three countries that still uses the old system ("Myanmar" or "Burma" and "Liberia" are the others).

Think about it.  When we hear the weather forecast, the temperature is in Celsius and we seem to be good with that.  In fact, trips to our southern neighbour can get a bit confusing when we hear that the high for the day is going to be 61 Fahrenheit.  Should we bring a sweater or not?  But, if we know that that's 16 C, the more cold temperature-sensitive among us might just want to bundle up a bit after all.

But what about cooking?  It seem that a number of folks at least still use Fahrenheit when adjusting their oven temperature.  Afterall, we all know what 400 F does when cooking a roast don't we?  Would 204 C be just as familiar?

What about feet and inches?  Us older folks still prefer to know our height in that way.  Same when measuring the size of that new bookshelf or TV (we want a 65-inch flat screen, not a 165 centimetre one lol). Yet, on a larger scale, metric takes over.

In our travels, we use kilometres per hour (km/h) not miles per hour (MPH). A lot of modern cars will allow you to switch systems with the push of a button.  That's a welcome piece of technology! 60 km/h is obviously a lot slower than 60 MPH, which, if you forget, will find you quickly learning all the latest swear words and hand gestures on America's superfast highways.

For weights, it seem to be half and half.  We're okay buying 2.25 kilograms of sugar, and then adding a half a cup to our recipe.  Buying milk by the litre is no problem and we'll pour ourselves an 8 ounce cup to go with our lunch.  Meat and produce from the local grocery can still be tricky so a lot of them print both, although metric seems to have "won" at the deli counter.

There are other examples. Acres instead of hectares.  With lumber, we're all familiar with 2 x 4's which are supposed to be inches even though they're really not.  Or that 4 by 8 foot piece of plywood, which it actually is.

So the older folk who have learned the metric system later in life will probably stick with their hybrid measurement system for the rest of their days.  The young folk who have been brought up in metric, will probably tip the balance more in favour of that system, being aware that that won't fly when they take that trip to the States.

Yet in spite of the odd nature of how we blend the two systems, it seems to work for us. THAT is Canadian resilience and adaptability,

Happy New Year!

Nuremberg 2.0

One of the very few disadvantages of the fall of Communism in Europe in 1989 is that the true extent of the heinousness of this system was never fully revealed.  The enslavement and annihilation of people, the gulags, and the evilness of the regimes of the past were relegated to secondary status over the elation of the actual fall.

And that's too bad.

After World War II, the Nazis were put on public trial at Nuremberg to answer for their behavior.  They had to account for the suffering, killing, and destruction of Europe and take responsibility for upsetting world peace.  Many of these leaders were hanged, and aside from the acquittals of three minor participants, the rest were given prison sentences, some of them substantial.

After its collapse, Communism was never given such an airing out.

Instead of being held accountable for conditions and actions that often matched or even surpassed that of the Nazis, some communist leaders around 1989 suffered few consequences.  For example, East Germany's Erich Honegger was never arraigned, in spite of his role in the secret police, the "Stasi."  His successor, Egon Krenz, got only four years.  (Granted, some exceptions did occur, like Nicholai Ceausescu's execution in Romania.)

So what should have happened?

Nuremberg 2.0.  Communist leaders should have been forced to stand trial in front of an international tribunal.  The ruthlessness of their actions should have been on display for all the whole world to see.

So... how bad was communism?

The current estimate is that 125 million people perished under that system.  This number does not include those who survived but whose lives were shattered by poverty, abuse and the gulags.  With China, North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, and Laos still involved with this system, the numbers are still going up.

The lack of an international trial had another side effect. Today, Communists are still blatantly active, even in democratic countries (think of "Antifa" in the U.S.).  Somehow, being a Communist has never carried the stigma that the Nazis so rightfully have had to endure.  

Anyone who pretends that communism isn't as bad is a liar and deceiver.  

And they need to held to account for their beliefs.

The Black Book

I am currently reading a remarkable book entitled, The Black Book of Communism which contains contributions by Stephane Courtois, Nicolas Werth and others.  The thing that makes this book so remarkable to me is one of the themes that pervades the tome. 

Communism asserts that it the state and its leader(s) are more important than anything else in the world. The state is more important than individuality, free expression, a free press, family, friends, or even God.  If you do not adhere to this, then you are "an enemy of the state," a "bandit," or even a "parasite" and you have no business living comfortably in this world.  Perhaps even a gulag awaits!

Communism is an extreme form of government and a dangerous one at that.  Perhaps the most dangerous.  To date, it has claimed in excess of 100 million lives (!).  

Diluted types of this left-wing style of government is sometimes called "social democracy" or "socialism," among others.  In the latter forms, most do not advocate imprisonment, or worse, for opposing their ideology.  

Yet is it concerning how convinced how many socialists are that they are right about just about everything.  If you're not one of them, you may be ridiculed, censored, or even harmed physically.

However, they are not right.  Placing the state over the individual is never the right thing.  

Censoring is antithetical to democracy and freedom, yet is happens all the time on social media, university campuses, and the printed medium.  And it's made all the worse when they are government-sanctioned.

Communism may be thousands of miles away from North America but its weaker sibling has already made itself known throughout much of the continent.  Beware of what it stands for.  Stand fast against the thuggery of the anti-democratic; makes sure freedom remains alive and well.

ABBA "Voyage" - A Review

 I have read some rather disparaging reviews from professional critics about this album.  They know not of what they speak, at least in this case.

Oh, and I'm a critic too, should that matter.  Maybe not published, but I have all the letters after my name that suggests I should know what I'm talking about, and speak I do!  I also write and produce pop music.

The album is ABBA's first in 40 years.  And it is remarkable.  As usual, the music arrangements are the gold standard to which others should aspire.  Lyrically, the music is representative of lives lived and there's nothing wrong with that.  And the women's voices - still beautiful and emotional after all these years.

Having previewed "I Still Have Faith in You" and "Don't Shut Me Down" on YouTube as singles, I was relieved when I heard the old ABBA was essentially back.  Some have maligned this group for not sticking with current musical trends and all I can say is thank goodness for that!  There is, in my opinion, not much worthy in current pop trends that should be emulated, and Benny, Bjorn and the gals had to good sense to stick with their winning formula.  

Some critics have said there's no new "Dancing Queen" or "Voulez Vous" equivalent in the new tracks.  That is debatable, but whether or not its there is irrelevant.  ABBA  members are now in their 70s and their music shouldn't be expected to necessarily light the dance floor.  They've been there, done that.  What they have opted to do instead is provide listeners with a well-thought-out, well-crafted piece of musical art which reflects their style and their age.

"Voyage" may not grab you at first listening.  It is not typical pop-music ear candy that is full of glitter and empty calories.  Rather, it is an album that seems to get better with every listening, much like viewing an old film.  You may surprise yourself at how often you end up randomly humming a melody from "Voyage" whether you want to or not.

It has been said that this is ABBA's final goodbye.  I hope not.  The group has exhibited a talent and maturity that has stood the test of time.  ABBA, let your record sales speak for themselves - people still want you!  Keep the music coming!

The (un)Joy of Music, (II)

All professions have their frustrations and music teachers are no exception.

One of the toughest things for a music teacher is seeing someone with talent, sometimes great talent, being flippant about what they can do.

I have encountered a number of individuals who could have (past tense) easily excelled at music, perhaps even as a career choice.  They exhibited talent and understanding and when coaxed, they accomplished great things.  

And yet in some, there appeared no incentive to accel even when encouraged by teachers, their fellow musicians, or family and friends.  They shrug.  They find ways to excuse themselves from this task of learning with some admittedly clever excuses.

As a teacher this can be heartbreaking, especially since we know of lesser-talented individuals who would love to be be able to soar on their respective musical instruments and create glorious audio art for all to hear.  There is an ecstasy to this which many will try to achieve but not experience.

So for the talented student to disregard this or deliberately throw this away seems incomprehensible to some, including me.  To be able to do something well above the norm is often a cause of elation and self-encouragement.  To ignore that seems tragic.

In some cases, that individual may eventually realize their folly (There! I've said it) and return at a later time.  And better late than never.  Others however, will never return because life got in the way, and that's fair enough; life does have its priorities and everyone should be allowed to make their own choices.

But there are some of us teachers who can't put the decision of others to rest... and that's our problem.

But it's still a shame.

The Best Things in Life Are Free...Except

One of the services I offer as a piano teacher is assisting my students find a decent piano.

In some instances, particularly in those cases involving younger children, parents may be hesitant to shell out the big bucks for a quality musical instrument until they are sure that little Tommy or Suzy actually does want to learn and play the piano.  They may buy a cheap digital keyboard; or they might think about getting one of those "free" pianos that are so commonly advertised on home marketplaces or Kijiji.

And here is where I offer my advice: most of these free pianos are junk.

Unlike some other items, pianos don't "antique" well.  If they have been neglected or are very old, they are often not worth restoring.  Over time, the wood ages and the mechanisms wear out.  Key tops become loose and fall off or the pedal might stop working.  And these are expensive fixes.  So folks who offer grandma's old Heintzman for free (which YOU have to move) may not be as magnanimous as you might think.  Having someone else to move the old clunker out of their house is saving them the expense of paying to have it hauled to the dump.

How sure I am of this?

I used to work in a piano shop.  One thing I noticed was the dozens of old pianos taking up space.  I asked my boss about this.  He just smiled and said they were taken in on trade and they were going to the dump.  Their time had passed.  

Now, there are companies who do specialize in piano restoration and they do a terrific job of it.  An eighty year old piano that has been fixed up from top to bottom can be a great choice, but that will be reflected in the price.  Why? Because restoration experts, like any other professionals, charge appropriately for their skills.  Most of these refurbished old-timers won't be free.  In fact, some of them can rival the cost of a new instrument.

So if you are tempted to get a "free" piano, consider paying for a piano technician to join you at the prospective give-away to see if it's a decent piano.  If it is, then you'll be in a positive position to think further on this.  If it's not worth it, you just saved yourself a heap of money...and frustration.

The Enemy Within

COVID-19 has been with us for over a year now, and in spite of promising new vaccines, it still doesn't appear that it will fade away anytime soon.

Stringent isolation protocols are still in effect in most jurisdictions and while that, along with wearing face masks, has had some impact, the numbers are still too high according to some government health agencies.

And the effects to society are really starting to show.

Even the most amiable of folks are starting to become irritable, resenting that they can't go anywhere beyond their immediate surroundings (government members apparently excluded).  Even worse are the sacrifices these same folks are making by not visiting friends and family.

So what do we do?  Do we continue down this isolationist road?  Businesses, including mine, have taken a huge hit.  Will we continue to survive?  At this rate, some of us will be presented with two choices: close up shop, or open up on the sly hoping we don't get caught.

Or there might be a third way:

Target and isolate the most vulnerable to ensure their safety and open up the rest of society.  

This was an idea proposed by Emergency Expert Lt. Colonel David Redman (https://www.calgarysun.com/news/local-news/corbella-10/wcm/dae297ae-4fbe-4035-a467-68a05ec2ba4e)

Is this controversial?  Is it THE answer?

Society is ill right now, not only with just COVID, but also with the effects of constantly being at home and away from other people.

What do the numbers need to look like before we are given the "all clear" by government? Will we ever be totally rid of this pestilence?

So what is the answer?  Should we isolate the few most at risk and open up society once again, accepting COVID as a part of life like we do the flu or the cold?  Or do we stay the course for however long?

Something has to change.

Why I Will No Longer Recycle

Some time ago, I watched CBC's "Marketplace," a rather unusual occurrence for me since I normally avoid "Canada's broadcaster."  But in this case, I made an exception and I'm glad I did, because what I saw not only surprised me, but it also caused me to re-think about something I thought was under proper government control.

For years and decades, I felt I was doing my bit by recycling.  When the blue bins were introduced and my monthly City bill went up, I grumbled because now I was paying for something I was already doing.  Nevertheless, I had no choice, so every week the usual paper and plastics went into the bin.

But no more.

Paper is still fine but leftover plastics now go into my regular garbage.  Why?  Because it's not recycled, or at least not very much of it.

According to "Marketplace," only 9% (NINE PERCENT) of all Canadian plastic is recycled.  The rest is either tossed in with the landfill (surprise!), incinerated (ick!), or...

It is sent via boat to Malaysia where it clutters their forests.  Piles and piles of it.  Just one storage area of plastic was two stores high, about 50 feet wide and 100's of feet long.  In amongst the plastic were shopping bags from Superstore, Canada Safeway, various Co-ops, and Canadian Tire.

Not all the plastic in these dumps are from Canada, but it angered me to see that we were well represented.

In Malaysia, much of the post-consumer plastic is illegally obtained with false permits and bogus shipping labels, and of course, corrupt businessmen on both the shipping and receiving ends.  Burning the plastic, which is common in that country, causes horrible conditions for the workers and the surrounding population.  Toxic gases and sicknesses abound and workers are often denied basic safety protection when working.

Honestly, I don't what Calgary's record is on this issue, but I'm taking a small stand.  No more plastic recycling me for.  But if we are to continue to keep using plastic instead of alternatives, then it's at least going to stay in Calgary where it belongs.

It's not going to Malaysia.

The Unwelcome Shadow

The times of freely consorting with your fellow human being seems so far in the past now.  Gone are the days, for many of us, of dropping in on family and friends without the special accommodation of wearing a mask and keeping about six feet apart.

The shadow of COVID-19 is now a part of life.

Governments have, in varying degrees, tried to cope with this menace.  In addition to social distancing and masks, many businesses have either voluntarily or been mandated to restrict access to their premises.  And in some cases, the result has not been a pretty one.  Small businesses, large businesses, and even iconic businesses who we all thought would be around forever have shuttered their doors for good.

Locally, it was August 1st, 2020 when the government decided to make masks and social distancing mandatory in public spaces.  A bit inconvenient perhaps but for the greater good.  And this seemed fine to many provided we could stamp this pestilence into a manageable part of our lives.

But what has happened?  As of this date, October 23, there are still over 3500 active cases with 427 new cases reported.  And there will be more to come.

How can this be?

Even with the minority failing to adhere to any regulation, it was thought the masks and social distancing would help.  Yet the numbers seem to suggest that very little has changed pre-mask to present day.  Are these two measures actually doing any good?

Don't get me wrong.  I have no problem with the government-imposed regulations (in this case!) and I am happy to follow them provided they really do make a difference.  But are they?  Are we going about this the wrong way and if so, what is the right way?

We have turned our economy on its head with record unemployment; we have also accepted self-isolation as our new religion.  There is depression, loneliness and even hopelessness.  

If we have to do these unpleasant things to our society, at least let the measures taken show that they are making a difference.

Because right now, the numbers don't bear this out.

The (un)JOY of MUSIC, (I)

Have you ever heard a wonderful piece of music, performed to near perfection, that left you emotional?  Perhaps it made you happy or even sad, but sad in such a way that you'd happily go back for seconds if you could.

Such is the wonder of music.  It has the ability to move you.

And a good deal of credit goes to those practitioners who have developed their art to allow the listener to experience such emotions.

But let's look under the hood.  What will you see?

You will see the dedicated artist.  He or she will spend the majority of their available time attempting to master their craft.  If they are a performer, they will spend countless hours working on their instrument trying to achieve a mastery and fluency that few achieve.  And it's not exciting.

Hours are spent on technical exercises; numbing, and often boring, but necessary nonetheless.  More hours are spent on repertoire that can be so complex as to be discouraging, yet the performer carries on.

And like I said, it is BORING.

But that's the thing about music.  It's not about instant gratification for the performer.  If you want an instant music high, listen to the radio where the work has already been done by someone else.  There are no shortcuts.  If you wish to be a master of your craft, you have to put in the time.

I have encountered folks who think there is a shortcut.  However, in every successful music circumstance there is someone who has "done their time," whether they are out front performing or behind the scenes calling the shots.  And music in particular is a harsh master where near perfection has to be the goal or it doesn't fulfill the listener.  Think of how many lousy performers are out there.

Music is an endeavor that will seem to be joyless at times, especially in the learning phase.  It will frustrate as you try to master the nuances.  It may even cause you to pace restlessly as it did Chopin when he was writing some of his finest works.

But with focus, determination, and an openness to criticism, a performer can achieve an ecstasy and present a work of art that cannot be achieved in any other way.  And that is what music is all about.

COVID-19 Self-Isolation: A VERY Unfortunate Male Side Effect

The recent mandates from all levels of government to self-isolate due to the effects of the Corona virus, or COVID-19, has led to one particularly unsettling consequence.  Many men, especially those in the 50 - 85 year old range, are now sporting man-buns.

Guy Schroeder, a senior from Peace River, Alberta, thinks back about making this controversial decision:

"There wasn't much choice," says Schroeder. "It was starting to grow fairly heavy back there below my bald spot and I had to do something.  My barber closed down and I was desperate.  After the way my wife trimmed the hedges a few weeks back, I wasn't about to let her get close to me with no cuttin' tool."

Another senior, Abe Mollen from Medicine Hat, Alberta, tells a similar story:

"I just turned 76 when the pandemic really hit.  I was due for a cut, but my barber closed up. My wife left me about three years ago, so what was I going to do?  There was a beauty parlour still open, but I couldn't bring myself to going there.  It was so pink.  And they'd probably try and give me Hinshaw bangs."

Arnie Rochminster, current president of the "Alberta Man-Bun Optimists' Society" (AMBOS) is thrilled.  "It looks like we're going mainstream!" exclaimed Rochminster.  "After years of snickers, finger-pointing, and date-free weekends, men are now looking to us for support.  It's an exciting time for us here at the AMBOS. Our total membership numbers have recently soared to the mid double-digits."

But not everyone is happy.  Elsie Schroeder, Guy's wife, recalls seeing her man with a bun.

"I almost fell off my C-P (chamber pot)!  He looked so ridiculous, with like a moldy black-grey cinnamon bun stuck to his head!" She continued, "I think he also tried shining up his bald spot, but I'm not sure."

Elsie plans on taking action.

"I'm going to write Premier Kenney.  This should be illegal.  No one should be forced to see that thing every day, especially when you can't leave the house.  Besides, he didn't even try to do a comb-over."

New-Found Disrespect for the CPS

I never thought I'd write something like this.  It seems out of place for me.  But here it is:

I have little respect for the Calgary Police Service.

And I'm sure it's only temporary, but nevertheless.

So what is that has caused this sudden reduction in the CPS fan club?  

I got caught speeding by a multi-nova camera in a playground zone.

What?? A playground zone? Speeding?? Heavens to Betsy, Mr. Lorne, I can't support your rant on this! What were you thinking?  Is this (hopefully) temporary insanity?? You screwed up!  Admit it!  After all, who will look after the children?!?

And this is exactly what I'd say if it were someone else.  So what's my problem?

I got caught 2/3 the way through the zone while approaching a turning lane.   It has a natural downward trajectory and I let my car gradually speed up.  So I did 42 km/h instead of 30 for less than 100 m.  It was a slip that is now going to cost me $111.00.

Yes, I'm guilty.  

It was a lonely Sunday evening at 7:20 p.m. in a junior high school playground zone where no one was out because of the cold weather.  Kids most inevitably were getting ready for school the next day and I was literally one of perhaps three cars on that stretch of road at the time.  And I went 12 km/h or 7 MPH over the limit by mistake.  I should have put on my brake entering the turning lane.

Oops.

I am all for traffic enforcement, but it has to make sense.  Up the hill from me is John Laurie Blvd where many a lunatic drivers can be found.  And they seem to have free reign up there; I can't tell you how many times I've been tailgated, sworn at (finger wise), and gestured at just for keeping within the limit.  That is one area that could use serious law enforcement.

Yet, instead, the CPS was found at a lonely stretch of road on a cold Sunday night with nary a soul in sight save a few diehards who have to get home from their daily travels.

I find this approach by the CPS to be mean-spirited.  I find it a cash grab. Worse, it can cause poor feelings between the public and law enforcement, and that's not good.  The CPS needs to build community support and not antagonize the nominally law-abiding.  

I reviewed my dash cam footage and by the letter of the law, I'm guilty, so I will pay.  But the ill will created by the CPS toward me will linger for some time.

That's too bad.

The Case for Professionalism

Those who know me well, know that I have been a professional musician for about 35 years.  It hasn't always been smooth sailing, and there were, and still are, more than a good number of bumps that are encountered in the midst of exercising my career.

Nevertheless, one learns and carries on.  And those bumps add up to something that is called "experience."  And presumably, the more experience one attains, the more adept they become at their vocation; this above and beyond the initial pieces of paper one receives after graduating from higher places of learning.

So the combination of these two things creates what may be defined as a professional environment.  Doctors and lawyers have them and so do some musicians, including those who opt to open a studio or music school.

A lot of work has been accomplished behind the scenes.  At times, we may make it look easy, but we didn't get there by accident.  And the lack of acknowledgement to this fact by the lay person can be frustrating.

For example, a parent may want to sign up their child for piano lessons, but they want a "deal."  "Your rate is too high," I might hear or, "This other teacher down the street charges less than you do."  Sigh.  There are reasons some teachers are less expensive, the main one being lack of the aforementioned training and experience.  Another reason is that some folks shouldn't be teaching and do so anyway, muddying the waters for those who are specifically trained to specialize.  (I heard about an extreme case once, where a grade six piano student was hired by a commercial music studio to teach a grade seven piano student.  But at least the rate was cheap!)

During an initial conversation with some parents, I can try to insert my credentials into the conversation stream, but the same question of money comes up again and again.

And the result?  In two out of three conversations, if I don't pony up said lesson rate before said conversation ends, I will not hear from them again, even though I offer to discuss that very thing with them during a complimentary meet and greet.

Isn't experience, education, and success at least as important to discuss as how much I charge?