Niece's Band Concert

I went to my niece, Jarae’s, sixth grade band concert last night. She plays the flute and seems to really enjoy being involved with band. I don’t expect anyone beyond my parents to really be interested in these clips but even those not interested in the music will find the last one entertaining!

And this was how Keaton was entertaining himself...

Yowza!

There's a fantastic weekly radio program on the local jazz station called Divaville. The program focuses on jazz vocalists from the 20s through the 60s - think Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Betty Hutton and the like. It is a wonderful program and it would be rare to be in my home on a Wednesday and not hear it on the hi-fi. Anyway, Tuesday night I went to a Divaville listener party at a throwback dinner-lounge called Tony Starlight's. It was a lot of fun! Tony did a sit-down interview of sorts with the host, Christa, and then the two of them played some songs and gave prizes for being able to identify the singers and songwriters. I am nothing but a novice so was no sort of contender but enjoyed hearing the music. Brett and I were among the younger attendees. It was fun getting dressed up and doing something completely out of the usual routine. The program is streamed live each week at divaville.org so if you have any interest, you should check it out. Music can be so wonderful and this is nothing like avant-garde jazz music you may be thinking of. To me, that's generally just noise. But hearing Bobby Darin sing about That Funny Feeling and listening to a Danny Kaye and Louis Armstrong duet is nothing short of fabulous.

Trouble Blogging?

Is anyone else having problems uploading pictures? I've been trying to post something for 24 hours now and the pictures just won't load. It's very frustrating. Know what else is frustrating? Trying to contact blogger support. It's impossible to locate a simple contact customer support feature. Argh!

Changing of the Guard

This is a very exciting day! I'm energized thinking of a new president in the White House. Our country has not been in a good place for quite some time. And I thought the weeks between election day and inauguration day would never pass. It is no secret that my political views are different than most of my family and I generally don't talk politics with my friends. Today, though, I can't not address the magnitude of this day. I have never been a person who cares about another's color, race, or religion and think it shows remarkable growth to have an African-American in the highest ranking office of the United States. I realize he has yet to prove himself, but for the first time in years, I feel hopeful and my approval rating is very high! Others have said it in a much more articulate manner, but simply stated, today I feel proud to be an American.

From The Wall Street Journal, I thought this was a fun, good-spirited letter from Jenna and Barbara Bush to Malia and Sasha Obama. Could you imagine being a child living in the White House?

Christmas Pics 2008