Ambassadors of Harmony – 2009 International Barbershop Chorus Champions

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmDGntpZC3I

Be sure to watch the whole video. Lots of great stuff in here. Bravo!

The Barbershop Harmony Society is proud to present your 2009 International Barbershop Chorus Champions performing their uptune ‘Seventy-Six Trombones’ by Meredith Wilson and arranged by David Wright. Representing the Central States District, under the Direction of Dr. Jim Henry…..the Ambasssadors of Harmony! (www.aoh.org)

Christopher Hitchens on Art

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrDOfJNND2Y

This interview is very dry and slow, but I think Hitchens has excellent comments on the role of art and music as aesthetics for inspiring people beyond the ordinary and every day. He also mentions how the work of people like Stephen Hawking and Einstein also provide an inspiration.

From the First Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney, Australia. Presented by the Sydney Opera House and the St James Ethics Centre.

Maurice Sendak on Being Scary

Reporter: “What do you say to parents who think the Wild Things film may be too scary?”

Sendak: “I would tell them to go to hell. That’s a question I will not tolerate.”

Reporter: “Because kids can handle it?”

Sendak: “If they can’t handle it, go home. Or wet your pants. Do whatever you like. But it’s not a question that can be answered.”

Continue reading “Maurice Sendak on Being Scary”

The Bard on Doubt

Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.
William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, Act 1 scene 4
Greatest English dramatist & poet (1564 – 1616)

Cirque Performer Dies of Injuries

A sad day today for our Cirque family. This is the first time a Cirque artist has died while rehearsing/performing their discipline. Here in Macau at the ZAIA show it’s very quiet today. Artists are thinking of the family and their pain, as I’m sure artists in other Cirque shows worldwide are also doing today.

The Canadian Press
Date: Saturday Oct. 17, 2009 8:18 PM ET

MONTREAL — A Cirque du Soleil performer, who fell off a trampoline during a training session Friday, has died of his injuries. The company said Oleksandr Zhurov (Sacha) died in a Montreal hospital Saturday.

Continue reading “Cirque Performer Dies of Injuries”

Cirque du soleil performer suffers head trauma after fall

cirque-ovo

Performers take part in the closing act during a Cirque du Soleil OVO pre-opening show for family, friends and members of the media Wednesday, July 29, 2009 in Quebec City. A Cirque du soleil performer was injured after a fall on Friday.

(Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS) The Canadian Press Date: Friday Oct. 16, 2009 2:34 PM ET MONTREAL — A Cirque du soleil performer was rushed to hospital with head injuries Friday morning after falling off a trampoline. The 24-year-old performer was doing exercises for the world-famous circus when the incident happened.

Emergency-services workers say the man was unconscious when they arrived on the scene, and they rushed him to hospital. The performer’s condition in hospital is not yet known. The incident happened at a Montreal facility where the international troupe rehearses for shows. Cirque du soleil spokesmen were not immediately available for comment.