Well, the handbell monstrous piece is over – finally over – and at least out of our folder of music (although I fear it will return). We played it OK – but not our best – probably better from the director’s position than from mine. I gave us a C. Now we race to prepare a piece for an upcoming November service (1 more rehearsal), followed by the hectic month of December with the Christmas services.
Congratulations to the Houston Astros for winning baseball’s World Series. What a great thrill for a city still a long way from recovering from Hurricane Harvey.
The double elimination on Dancing With the Stars most definitely was a Halloween surprise.
I’m making headway with the vacation posts; so one may appear this weekend.
Many of heard the saying “all politics are local.” We attended a Meet the Candidates night of city council candidates. Even local politicians seem to have a way of not answering questions. Yep – I say, Throw the bums out – so I will not be voting for any of the 3 incumbents.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn initial assessment, I like the Republican idea of decreasing contributions to 401(k) accounts. As a matter of fact, I could be more aggressive. But they seem to have given up on the idea.
Last week I listed 10 verbs of President Trump’s leadership style. Here’s one more – forgetting.
Republicans say tax reform would grow the economy by 10%. News Flash! Growing from 1% to 1.1% will not take care of the tax reform plans debt. Therefore, 3-to-5% growth in the current GDP (from President Trump’s own Council of Economic Advisors) through the corporate tax cuts would be minuscule … and all that is different than tripling the growth to 3% (said by others). So then, why the disparity – even within the same party?
For those wanting President Trump’s impeachment, I say, Be careful what you wish for.
I will not be surprised if the newly released Kennedy assassination papers indicate Obama was at fault … Who else could have work with Oswald in such secrecy? Now that’s a powerful and destined 2-year-old.
Embed from Getty ImagesTo lead you into this week’s dose of satirical headlines, The Onion identifies the most popular Halloween costumes for couples.
Weekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)
Delirious koala hasn’t slept for 72 straight minutes
Most incompetent office worker once again shines at office Halloween party
Startling reports indicates Democrats may have attempted to influence 2016 election
Man wouldn’t have worn costume to work if he’d known he was getting laid off
Alpha trick-or-treater established by third house
Interesting Reads
Protestantism 500 years later
Leonidas of Rhodes
Dark matter & Halloween
Making Mt. Rushmore
Hardy spuds
Spanish Celtics
For your weekend entertainment, fortunately those no longer with us left their music. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Just in case you heard the rumours Frank, Eric Clapton isn’t dead. Isn’t that a wonderful piece of music. I’m a bit behind on DWTS, must catch up! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pauline,
Good one … and I knew that … Many stars on that stage, and I think GH is the only one not with us. I think DWTS has 3 weeks left.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somewhere in my old VHS tapes I have a video of this Harrison and Clapton concert, I believe. I think it’s the same one. I have always swooned over this piece. 🙂 I’m sure you worked very hard to perfect the handbell piece to the extent possible in the amount of time you had, and I’m sure the congregation appreciated its beauty. You undoubtedly do have a strenuous rehearsal schedule coming up! We were disappointed in the Dodgers, but also happy for Houston. The best team won, and now we look ahead to next year! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Debra,
When it comes to this week’s music selection, it seems you aren’t alone! Cheers to that!
That handbell piece seemed to be in our folders forever … yep … I even think that was the first song we played in late August coming off the summer. Count me in as one who is glad it’s over!
Your Dodgers had a great year … no doubt about it! Houston seemed to be destined.
LikeLike
Congrats to your bell choir for performing such a worthwhile and challenging piece. My guess is that the audience detected less the one percent of your individual and collective mistakes.
I look forward to finding out the reasons you like the Republican idea of decreasing contributions to 401(k) accounts?
My recent trip to Belgium and France, along with the Pew Research Center read: “500 years after the Reformation, 5 facts about Protestants around the world,” spur me on to learn more about the Thirty Years’ War.
A splat from “Alpha trick-or-treater established by third house.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tim,
As you well know, most audiences don’t have an understanding about piece or its difficult – so are appreciative of good efforts. Meanwhile, glad to welcome you back with a splat. I also invite you to go backwards to see the posts you missed – including other OITS.
LikeLike
I weep when I listen to this song.
And when I read the newspaper….
LikeLiked by 3 people
Pam,
Oh my my …. your comment is quite the commentary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do, too, Pam!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Be careful what you wish for indeed…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lenora,
Oh yes … it seems life can do that to us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was pretty mean to do on DWTS. Not sure Vanessa should have been one of the two to go. Glad I’m watching this season though. It’s a good one. But I’m kind of getting sick of all the over-the-top set designs and back-up dancers. A little is fine, but sometimes I have trouble seeing the competing couple! Uh oh, now I sound like Len.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Carrie,
The double elimination was a surprise …. and I’m with you about Vanessa. Thought she had a chance at the final 3. On the other hand, she probably doesn’t have a big fan base – after all, she’s best known for being married to her husband. The “popularity” aspect about DWTS I don’t really like … but it happens.
Agree – the productions can be over the top … I guess that’s a way the pros compete against each other. On the other hand, I’ve heard non-Americans say they enjoy our version because of the all-out glitz (something their version doesn’t do).
LikeLike
I do like the glitz, just not so much of it. The dance with all the fake fog was hard to see. 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
You mentioned Len, … and I think he is right a very high percentage of the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great images and video! I love the Onion headline about the Democrats trying to influence the election–not very effective were they?! Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Patti,
Glad you enjoyed various aspects of this post. The Dems definitely weren’t effective their attempt – oh well, at least they can blame others.
LikeLike
Loved the blame on a toddler. Still, sticks since he should have known better. Nice job, Frank
LikeLiked by 2 people
John,
Absolutely he should have known better! At least I was able to uncover this Kennedy assassination tidbit right here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice scoop. Will footnote you on this subject on my dissertation titled, “The real world of Barak Obama and his lasting effect on modern sociological mores and motor cycle gang behavior.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
On handbells… considering the difficulty, “OK” sounds fine!!!!
Thank you for that beautiful -classic- song. Never ages [like all good music].
Enjoy a beautiful weekend, my friend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Marina,
Fortunately, our audience is not only appreciative, most don’t really know the difficulty … in other words, they are easy to please! 🙂 Yes, considering the difficulty, OK is fine. Enjoy your weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
Have a great weekend, Frank!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Listening to “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” …. I really love it.
I think many Canadians wish for trump to be gone. I do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Resa,
The song is a classic, and this version includes many top musicians. In terms of wishing Trump was gone, even to the Canadians I say – be careful what you wish for.
LikeLike