Friday, December 19, 2008

Foggy puffed up English

Here is a quote about "Messiah" from last night's program notes for the performance downtown. In my view, it is an example of how not to write, of putting ones self above the ordinary reader.

"What is obvious, among other things, about Messiah... It's biblical message is not delivered in theatrical manner by dramatic personae ( it must mean actors?), but rather is an anonymous metaphysical discourse by a type of utopian, universal and humanistic church, one that really unites all religions, confessions and weltanschauungen (world views)." by Alexander Weimann

What is he talking about? Couldn't he have just said that Messiah is beautiful and uniting?
grandpathegrump

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sophie Pic's!







We were really bored today so we put my glasses on Sophie and took pictures.

The Snow Returns!











Althought it can be exciting the snow has returned again and sometimes it can get really boring because we cannot go many places. sometimes we will be sitting in the house looking for something to do because we have no school (3rd day off). The snow is now back and now we might have a 3 week break from school because christmas Break starts next week and the snow keeps coming and coming. Here are some pictures from right when the snow started falling today.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Tuba Christmas & crass Christmas list

Beautiful job on the web page, Mad dog. You are a genius.

Hope the kids are enjoying the snow and time out of school. Hope the parents are survivng.

I went downtown Saturday for the annual Tuba Christmas at Pioneer square. It was the worst weather I've seen for the concert (very cold and a litttle snow) yet the apprciative crowd was the largest I've seen. How nice to get off the MAX to the sound of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". Wonder how those muscisians play in the cold weather?

"Dr. John", aka John Richards still conducting at 91 years old. Someone said that almost all the horn players were at one time his students or students of his students. Thursday nite I'm going downtown to a short version of the Messiah. It can't be Christmas without hearing the Messiah.

Ignoring the self-serving crassness of listing my Christmas wish list, here it is: An "Il Divo" music CD, a small bottle of tea tree oil, Applets and Cotlets, an issue of "Outside" magazine, socks (ankle length argyle), a good looking bottle of olive oil ("good looking" means, old Europoean looking or great graphics on the label. Try New Seasons or Haggens, etc.) paperback books about interesting people, emerging ideas, mystery, but NO economics nor politics; tired of both, an electric screwdriver, gift cards appropriate for a "geezer", a 20 guage double barreled or over/under shotgun made only of blue steel and wood; no plastic nor camoflage (sp?); cost $300-$25,000, and/or a mini Cooper; used is OK, and a "zero gravity" flight; cost $3-4,000 and that's about it. (Just kiddong about the expensive stuff). Oh, yes; I also wish for Comrade Justinski to come home, for Courtney to have a "not too bad" pregnancy, and for the continued physical, emotional, and spirtual safety of the beautiful g'children and thier parents.
grandpa the grump

The Comrade Returns!

Justin's official release date is Jan. 21st! He does not have a flight plan yet, but says he should probably be returning to Portland late in the afternoon or evening....so save the time if you want to go to the airport.

I will also host an Open House for him the following Sunday evening, the 25th from 6-9 at my home. YOu're invited!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Snowy Day!






















Saturday, December 13, 2008