Interesting

Have game shows really changed in the last 60 years?

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

This week's quote is from President Coolidge's interview with Henry L. Stoddard on December 14, 1932 regarding how he approached the nation's problems.

"It has always seemed to me that common sense is the real solvent for the nation's problems at all times - common sense and hard work."

Has such an approach been lost in today's society?

Huh?

Need a boost for that next confrontation, ask Roy Rogers what he did.

Marketing hasn't really changed much in the last 60 years, has it?

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

This week's quote talks about the simple truth on the role profits play in civilization.

"Civilization and profits go hand in hand."

President Coolidge has left me, ahem, speechless.

The SPCO Concert 1: Beethoven 5th

This past Saturday night I spent time hosting a gathering of 12 surrounding the first Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) concert that I've decided to host this season.  Here's the lineup.

Johann Sebastian Bach
Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Serenade No. 7 in D Major, Haffner
Steven Copes, violin

Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5
Edo de Waart, conductor

I decided since this was the first concert that some pre-concert activity was in order.  So I decided to delegate that task out (feel free to identify yourself in the comments section) and a picnic on Harriet Island was decided upon.  

On a 80 degree day, the picnic was well put together and went quite well.   Here's a couple of photos I took by the picnic site.

Nice peaceful evening on the Mississippi 

Look! A bigger boat

So at around 7:30 we started the walk from my condo to the Ordway for the concert.   After a beautiful walk that went by sites such as Candyland (yes, i know we didn't stop there), Rice Park and the Landmark Center, we arrived at the Ordway.   

Here's the view I had for the performance, despite the charges of segregation.

 Not a bad view, despite the blur of the camera

The performance itself was quite high quality.  I decided to try to minimize, if not eradicate, modern pieces in the concerts I chose.  From the list above, I was successful here and it was in my myopic opinion to everyone's benefit.  In my myopic opinion, the Bach piece was quite good due to the different textual qualities heard throughout different parts of the piece.  I was following the conductor through the pieces and he did an excellent job in this piece in particular, despite his attire.  The Mozart piece was pretty good, although i thought some of the transitions lacked crispness.  The soloist violin was very good.  However, as one that hasn't been able to appreciate Mozart, I couldn't really get into it.    

After a 20 minute or so intermission, Beethoven 5th Symphony was performed.  Like the preview I witnessed Thursday night, I was very impressed by the execution.  I could feel the different emotions flow throughout the piece quite powerfully.  So powerful, in fact, that a lady sitting next to us emitted a "Wow" after the end of the first movement. But what impressed me was the ability to maintain the high intensity  and high quality throughout the rest of the piece, especially the final movement.  I have to say I was not disappointed.

After post-concert an ice cream social,  we all called it a night.  But what a night it was, I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  It was a great night with great company in any case. Not bad for a opener, in my myopic opinion.

The SPCO: The Preview

After last year's strike shortened season, I'm really looking forward to enjoying a full season of quality musical entertainment in from the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra this season.  Tonight I went to Mears Park in Downtown Saint Paul to enjoy the SPCO play Beethoven 5th Symphony.  Here's some photos:

A view from my seat, wasn't too bad at all.

It's a good crowd on hand

A crowd that spread pretty far

A view from the front (courtesy of the SPCO)

As far as the concert went, while the acoustics were not great in the park, the performance was excellent.  It certainly deserved the standing ovation at it's conclusion.  I can't wait to hear it again (with company) this Saturday night.  

I'll just say, I'm gratified the SPCO is back in business.

Calvin Coolidge Quote of the Week

This week's quote is from a newspaper column he wrong on May 12, 1931 regarding the concept of security

"All through the ages people have been seeking some material security outside themselves.  It has not yet been found.  There is a possibility that the quest is a delusion... In the end the security of nations and men must be sought within themselves by observing the command to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly."

A keen perspective, in my myopic opinion.