...yeah, it's been a while -

I just got back from the pharmacy downstairs, on a quarter-emergency run for some pepto (an increasingly good friend as my digestive system becomes increasingly intolerant) and some muscle rub. I noticed that there's always a small sense of shame that happens when I go the pharmacy - maybe it's the whole admitting weakness thing, whether it's muscular or digestive. And there's always discretion used about what brand names to choose. While I was deciding what muscle rub to get, a girl dressed in a catholic school uniform from across the street (she couldn't have been older than 15) chose an item very quickly from the shelf next to me and retreated just as hastily. While I was walking to the counter (I decided on tiger balm over ben-gay... you do the math), I glanced at the shelf... pregnancy tests.

This called my attention on so many levels, but basically I left the store thinking that, relatively speaking, treating an upset stomach wasn't so bad...

This e-mail made my day. I could do Musical Awakenings for a long time. I even got a free t-shirt and a stuffed mini-cougar, as well.

Hi Jonathan,

I received an envelope from Waverly Park Elementary (that was the school that had the deaf kids) filled with notes from the students to you – Thank you notes. 

Here are a few highlights:

-You’re like the best musician I have ever heard. You’re probably better than Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff.

-When I grow up I want to be just like you.  I’m your #1 fan. Do you think I’ll be like you when I grow up?

-My dream is to become a musician too…..That concert you preformed was the best classical music recital I’ve ever heard. Now I want to learn to play the piano.

-You were so good at playing the piano that I thought you were recorded.

-You’re a great and talented musician. We will never forget you and your talent of playing piano. You have inspired all of us with your most beautiful musical talent. Even me. Never change. Keep playing music and be the best.

-You have inspired me to learn to play some kind of instrument. When you played my thought of music changed completely…When you played a song I just wanted to jump up on stage and play it with you.

- Now I have two favorite musicians – you and Mozart.

I thought these would put a smile on your face (I especially liked the one about being recorded!!!).  If you want me to copy these and mail them to you, just send me the address in Canada (I just have your Arlington address).

Enjoy the rest of the semester (Oops I forgot that you will be stressed out).

xxxxx

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/03/10/pharma.water1/index.html

...great news to wake up to...

I might be in the minority in thinking that the bottom-line effect, while certainly present, is probably miniscule compared to the tons of other ways we're manipulating nature. The following line, though, disturbed me the most, because of the unneeded censorship involved so freaking close to home:

"The drinking water in Dallas, Texas, has been tested, but officials are awaiting results. Arlington, Texas, acknowledged that traces of a pharmaceutical were detected in its drinking water but cited post-9/11 security concerns in refusing to identify the drug."

Other cities ponied up the info, why won't you, Arlington?

Such a nerd... This is what I do over winter break (rehearsing on my birthday?)... but I don't know if I'd have more fun doing anything else than recording stuff with Nick and Stirls. Yeah, it's got some rough edges, but there's a sort of raw communal energy that seems to make up for it, I think.


(need to see original post to play clips)

Some thoughts from Mayweather-Hatton:

- Sat at table next to Georges St. Pierre and entourage (who all looked like MMAers themselves). Wasn't quite sure until later - wish I had a camera.

- Was rooting heavily for Hatton pre-fight, but after hearing the English contingent in Las Vegas booing throughout the American national anthem felt much more eager for Mayweather to shut them up.

- Looked much closer than scored by the judges. Even Lederman's card was within two points at the time of KO.

- You don't have to be hurt to be tested. Hatton was fast and aggressive enough to force Mayweather to stand up and fight.

- Didn't realize Hatton was at a size disadvantage.

- Cotto is one of my favorite boxers, but I think a Mayweather-Cotto fight would be much more one-sided than this one.