This weekend, we enjoyed some of the sites of an event that brings out many people to explore their city, Doors Open. This was the 10th anniversary of this event. People explore structures throughout the city. Some have historical value or other interesting architectural aspects. Many cities and towns in Ontario sponsor weekend of Doors Open, a wonderful way to get to know a town or city better. It is free!
If you have never been to Toronto's Doors Open, mark the weekend after the May long weekend on your calendar.
We visited the Albany Club, home of Conservatives, Sir John A. McDonald was their founding chair. Many other conservatives have and are members. This club is not one that I would be asked to join but it certainly seems to be a lovely place to have a meal or drink. Always interesting to see how the other half lives. Another location, we managed to get to was Stantec former home of McGregor Socks. Interesting to see a factory converted to office space.
If you have never participated in this event, I highly recommend it.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Self-esteem vs. achievement
Did I already write about this? Well here we are again. Working my way through my back-log which resulted from some very important commitments receiving my attention instead of the blog. I am amazed that I managed to get other things done at all.
If I already wrote about this, those who read this blog know that I am fascinated with the concept of self-esteem and how distorted it has become. Somehow, people have been convinced that telling young people they are wonderful will encourage them to do better. Why should they? They are already wonderful! Research which has followed not led the introduction of the concept indicates that the self-esteem movement which started many years ago is mis-guided.
In some cultures, especially Asian ones, high self-regard is thought to be a flaw, not a virtue. Our culture used to believe that too. We used to call such people "conceited" or "full of themselves" One problem is that these people have trouble seeing the world as it really is. They imagine that other people share their high opinion of themselves, even when other people think they're jerks. "People who have elevated or inflated views of themselves tend to alienate others" wrote social psychologist Roy Baumeister, who used to believe in the importance of self-esteem until he reviewed all the research.
Hopefully, some of those people who still support self-esteem for its own sake will review the research before more damage is done.
If I already wrote about this, those who read this blog know that I am fascinated with the concept of self-esteem and how distorted it has become. Somehow, people have been convinced that telling young people they are wonderful will encourage them to do better. Why should they? They are already wonderful! Research which has followed not led the introduction of the concept indicates that the self-esteem movement which started many years ago is mis-guided.
In some cultures, especially Asian ones, high self-regard is thought to be a flaw, not a virtue. Our culture used to believe that too. We used to call such people "conceited" or "full of themselves" One problem is that these people have trouble seeing the world as it really is. They imagine that other people share their high opinion of themselves, even when other people think they're jerks. "People who have elevated or inflated views of themselves tend to alienate others" wrote social psychologist Roy Baumeister, who used to believe in the importance of self-esteem until he reviewed all the research.
Hopefully, some of those people who still support self-esteem for its own sake will review the research before more damage is done.
Why we Play-Comparing Music and Tennis
I was just looking through a recent isssue of a newsletter that I receive and to my surprise, I found an article that I wrote. Wonderful since I had been angry with myself about not doing much writing recently.
Hope that you enjoy.
Why we play?
The latest issue of the ACMP newsletter mentioned that some musicians were picking up their instrument after a gap of many years, as much as 50, and the focus of the articles was their disappointment with how they were received by the music community. This stemmed from the fact that not everyone welcomed them openly and did not invite them to participate in music making. Over time, I have found that there are usually two sides to any issue. As a tennis player, I regularly come across a similar problem. We want to play with players who challenge us to be better but do not want to get on the court and be trounced so badly that we want to hang up our racket and give our tennis balls to nearest friendly Labrador retriever. At the same time, we do not want to play with some one so new that we are able to beat them without any effort and are not challenged to do our best, in fact we become poorer players when playing with the beginner too often. Musicians are like athletes and we need to examine and understand why we play. Hopefully to enjoy music but we must also realize that we can not always expect to play with others who are superior players. It can be a frustrating experience for both.
During the summer, my club organizes Social Tennis, bi-weekly round robin sessions with players regrouping with new partners and opponents every ½ hour. This past summer, a new player whose first racket sport was badminton joined the mix. She became the subject of a great deal of discussion and frustration. When she was able to get the ball over the net, it was always with the same soft high shot, lobs for those who play tennis. Because she did not move on the court, something tennis players need to be able to do, it was very easy to win points against her and her opponent. Players were willing to play one ½ hour with her but after that begged off and wanted to play with others who would provide challenging and interesting games. Players hope to play with others who will challenge their skills, raising the level of their game in the process but generally not play others who are so good that they win every point and neither side enjoys the experience.
Many years ago, when I was fresh out of school, I was asked to join a group of musicians for a reading session. Within 20 bars, I was lost. The group did not stop and wait for me to regroup because that would have been frustrating for them. I understood this and was very impressed that they played the music at this level. I was not surprised that I was not asked back. After many years of playing music that challenged me and hours of practice, I am now able to play like those musicians. I understand how frustrating they must have found my playing and how patient they were. I had the luxury of many years to improve my skills and reach the level that allows me to play music that is challenging and organize groups of musicians who are A and B level. I can hold now my own. I understand the disappointment when time does not stretch out in front of us and we might not always be able to play with A level players.
We have to ask ourselves why we play. I play tennis for the exercise, challenge and camaraderie. I play music for the joy of the experience of playing great music with others and performing; I love the challenge of playing music that is the work of geniuses and I am pleased that I am able to perform the music for others and also appreciate the camaraderie of other musicians.
Music groups like ACMP and CAMMAC understand the challenge of providing satisfying experiences for musicians at all points on the continuum; not an easy task. ACMP has started to address this issue. CAMMAC offers a variety of musical experiences at its camps in Ontario and Quebec. The Greater Toronto Area is blessed with many large ensembles that offer playing opportunities to players of a variety of skill levels. Chamber music is more challenging than large ensembles and requires individuals able to find music and organize groups that provide a learning and rewarding musical experience. We must continue to try to find ways of connecting musicians and encouraging them to take advantage of programmes like the ACMP coaching programme which provides funding for coaches for ensembles. As difficult as it is to be inclusive, it is a goal worth striving for so that everyone can participate in a wonderful experience at an appropriate level.
Nora Mular-Richards, ACMP and CAMMAC members
noramr@sympatico.ca
Hope that you enjoy.
Why we play?
The latest issue of the ACMP newsletter mentioned that some musicians were picking up their instrument after a gap of many years, as much as 50, and the focus of the articles was their disappointment with how they were received by the music community. This stemmed from the fact that not everyone welcomed them openly and did not invite them to participate in music making. Over time, I have found that there are usually two sides to any issue. As a tennis player, I regularly come across a similar problem. We want to play with players who challenge us to be better but do not want to get on the court and be trounced so badly that we want to hang up our racket and give our tennis balls to nearest friendly Labrador retriever. At the same time, we do not want to play with some one so new that we are able to beat them without any effort and are not challenged to do our best, in fact we become poorer players when playing with the beginner too often. Musicians are like athletes and we need to examine and understand why we play. Hopefully to enjoy music but we must also realize that we can not always expect to play with others who are superior players. It can be a frustrating experience for both.
During the summer, my club organizes Social Tennis, bi-weekly round robin sessions with players regrouping with new partners and opponents every ½ hour. This past summer, a new player whose first racket sport was badminton joined the mix. She became the subject of a great deal of discussion and frustration. When she was able to get the ball over the net, it was always with the same soft high shot, lobs for those who play tennis. Because she did not move on the court, something tennis players need to be able to do, it was very easy to win points against her and her opponent. Players were willing to play one ½ hour with her but after that begged off and wanted to play with others who would provide challenging and interesting games. Players hope to play with others who will challenge their skills, raising the level of their game in the process but generally not play others who are so good that they win every point and neither side enjoys the experience.
Many years ago, when I was fresh out of school, I was asked to join a group of musicians for a reading session. Within 20 bars, I was lost. The group did not stop and wait for me to regroup because that would have been frustrating for them. I understood this and was very impressed that they played the music at this level. I was not surprised that I was not asked back. After many years of playing music that challenged me and hours of practice, I am now able to play like those musicians. I understand how frustrating they must have found my playing and how patient they were. I had the luxury of many years to improve my skills and reach the level that allows me to play music that is challenging and organize groups of musicians who are A and B level. I can hold now my own. I understand the disappointment when time does not stretch out in front of us and we might not always be able to play with A level players.
We have to ask ourselves why we play. I play tennis for the exercise, challenge and camaraderie. I play music for the joy of the experience of playing great music with others and performing; I love the challenge of playing music that is the work of geniuses and I am pleased that I am able to perform the music for others and also appreciate the camaraderie of other musicians.
Music groups like ACMP and CAMMAC understand the challenge of providing satisfying experiences for musicians at all points on the continuum; not an easy task. ACMP has started to address this issue. CAMMAC offers a variety of musical experiences at its camps in Ontario and Quebec. The Greater Toronto Area is blessed with many large ensembles that offer playing opportunities to players of a variety of skill levels. Chamber music is more challenging than large ensembles and requires individuals able to find music and organize groups that provide a learning and rewarding musical experience. We must continue to try to find ways of connecting musicians and encouraging them to take advantage of programmes like the ACMP coaching programme which provides funding for coaches for ensembles. As difficult as it is to be inclusive, it is a goal worth striving for so that everyone can participate in a wonderful experience at an appropriate level.
Nora Mular-Richards, ACMP and CAMMAC members
noramr@sympatico.ca
Harvey's Hamburgers is 50!
Today after doing groceries and preparing to do some house and garden work, we stopped at Harvey's for a quick hamburger. Little did we know that today Harvey's was celebrating 50 years of preparing hamburgers and assorted complimentary food like fries and onion rings. As part of the celebration, customers were offered a free hamburger. The line up was to the door and when we left, the line was out the door. There was an official greeter, staff and guests were taking pictures.
What was nice about the gesture was that Harvey's did not celebrate with just staff but offered something to customers. Too bad other companies do not think about sharing like that.
This was a nice start to the afternoon!
Let us all remember to celebrate and to share with others.
What was nice about the gesture was that Harvey's did not celebrate with just staff but offered something to customers. Too bad other companies do not think about sharing like that.
This was a nice start to the afternoon!
Let us all remember to celebrate and to share with others.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Iron Lung for 60 years
This was beyond my comprehension! I read science fiction and often tell my students that real life is more interesting than fiction. Recently, an article in the obituaries described Marsha Mason and the fact that she survived in an iron lung for 60 years.
Ever since the 1940's, when she was a girl in a small Southern town, Martha Mason dreamed of being a writer. But it was not till nearly half a century later, with the aid of a voice-activated computer, that she could begin setting a memoir down on paper.
Published in 2003, Mason's memoir, Breath is not well-known outside the U. S. Southeast, or perhaps even outside North Carolina, where she was born, grew up and died. It was published by a small regional house, Down Home Press, and was not widely reviewed. But the truly significant thing is that the book was written at all.
Mason died last week at her home in Lattimore, N. C. She was 71 and had lived for more than 60 years in an iron lung.
Mason must have come from money because it would have been impossible to live at home without the finances to support such a situation. It boggles my mind that she survived like this. I have helped care for a number of people who are bid ridden and there are health issues related to resting in one place. How did she manage and for this remarkable length of time?
I will see if it is possible to find a copy of her book.
Ever since the 1940's, when she was a girl in a small Southern town, Martha Mason dreamed of being a writer. But it was not till nearly half a century later, with the aid of a voice-activated computer, that she could begin setting a memoir down on paper.
Published in 2003, Mason's memoir, Breath is not well-known outside the U. S. Southeast, or perhaps even outside North Carolina, where she was born, grew up and died. It was published by a small regional house, Down Home Press, and was not widely reviewed. But the truly significant thing is that the book was written at all.
Mason died last week at her home in Lattimore, N. C. She was 71 and had lived for more than 60 years in an iron lung.
Mason must have come from money because it would have been impossible to live at home without the finances to support such a situation. It boggles my mind that she survived like this. I have helped care for a number of people who are bid ridden and there are health issues related to resting in one place. How did she manage and for this remarkable length of time?
I will see if it is possible to find a copy of her book.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Venetia Phair dies!
Have you ever wondered who named the planets? Was it a wise astronomer?
Apparently, the planet Pluto was named by Venetia Phair, who was 11 years old when she suggested Pluto as the name of the newly discovered planet. She died in England at the age of 90.
Phair suggested the name to her grandfather at breakfast in 1930.
"My grandfather, as usual, opened the paper, The Times, and in it he read that a new planet had been discovered. He wondered what it should be called. We all wondered," she recalled in a short film,"Naming Pluto" released earlier this year.
"And then I said, "Why not call it Pluto?" And the whole thing stemmed from that."
Her grandfather was Falconer Madan, the retired librarian of the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. He relayed the suggestion to his friend Herbert Hall Turner, professor of astronomy at Oxford, who on that day was at a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society, where possible names for the planet were being discussed.
Turner then passed on the suggestion to Clyde W. Tombaugh, who made the discovery at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona.
When the name was publicly announced on May 1, 1930, Phair said her grandfather rewarded her with a five-pound note.
What a wonderful story about a young 11 year old. How many people her age get to name a planet?
Apparently, the planet Pluto was named by Venetia Phair, who was 11 years old when she suggested Pluto as the name of the newly discovered planet. She died in England at the age of 90.
Phair suggested the name to her grandfather at breakfast in 1930.
"My grandfather, as usual, opened the paper, The Times, and in it he read that a new planet had been discovered. He wondered what it should be called. We all wondered," she recalled in a short film,"Naming Pluto" released earlier this year.
"And then I said, "Why not call it Pluto?" And the whole thing stemmed from that."
Her grandfather was Falconer Madan, the retired librarian of the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. He relayed the suggestion to his friend Herbert Hall Turner, professor of astronomy at Oxford, who on that day was at a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society, where possible names for the planet were being discussed.
Turner then passed on the suggestion to Clyde W. Tombaugh, who made the discovery at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona.
When the name was publicly announced on May 1, 1930, Phair said her grandfather rewarded her with a five-pound note.
What a wonderful story about a young 11 year old. How many people her age get to name a planet?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Music and Memory
For those readers who love music, here is another reason to continue listening, playing and making music. Music provides a way to connect with people with Alzheimer's.
We know that music is a powerful source for healing. Plato and Aristotle believed that music could heal both the body and soul. Music was one of the arts that all people should be involved in!
This belief is being borne out by modern research. Studies have shown that music therapy can provide a number of physical and psychological benefits including reducing pain, stress, rapid heartbeat, depression and sleeplessness.
And now it appears that music therapy-which involves engaging in musical activities with a certified professional may provide a way to reach people with Alzheimer's disease.
According to an article in the New York Times, http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/the-songs-they-cant-forget/researchers and clinicians have found that when all other means of communication have shut down, people can still remember and respond to music. When listening to familiar songs, for example, people with dementia can relate better to others, move more easily and even experience joy.
One explanation as to why music memory is better preserved than verbal memory is because-unlike language-music is not seated in one specific area of the brain but processed across many parts. "You can't rub out music unless the brain is completely gone." Alicia Clari, a music therapist, told the New York Times.
Another good reason why I and others should keep involved in music. Worth considering.
We know that music is a powerful source for healing. Plato and Aristotle believed that music could heal both the body and soul. Music was one of the arts that all people should be involved in!
This belief is being borne out by modern research. Studies have shown that music therapy can provide a number of physical and psychological benefits including reducing pain, stress, rapid heartbeat, depression and sleeplessness.
And now it appears that music therapy-which involves engaging in musical activities with a certified professional may provide a way to reach people with Alzheimer's disease.
According to an article in the New York Times, http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/the-songs-they-cant-forget/researchers and clinicians have found that when all other means of communication have shut down, people can still remember and respond to music. When listening to familiar songs, for example, people with dementia can relate better to others, move more easily and even experience joy.
One explanation as to why music memory is better preserved than verbal memory is because-unlike language-music is not seated in one specific area of the brain but processed across many parts. "You can't rub out music unless the brain is completely gone." Alicia Clari, a music therapist, told the New York Times.
Another good reason why I and others should keep involved in music. Worth considering.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Find what you love!
Over the years, I have learned that we all need to find what we love to do and do it. Find that thing that makes us get out of bed in the morning and face the world. One of the most important things I found was that just stopping and retiring without a purpose does not work. Too often, we have a vision of time spent without deadlines and that I must admit is wonderful. ( I am back at work and trying to arrive at 7:30 for a rehearsal is next to impossible.) How did I manage in the past? Guess I did not have to plan for other peoples' care among other things. However, we still need goals and a purpose. Find yours and enjoy.
The other point of the thing that brings us joyis to make sure that it is not only for you. Bring some joy to others!
Time to head out and get ready to perform at a seniors' residence.
Find your joy!
The other point of the thing that brings us joyis to make sure that it is not only for you. Bring some joy to others!
Time to head out and get ready to perform at a seniors' residence.
Find your joy!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Blogging
After noticing that I missed a whole week of possible blog entries, I resolved that I will post a blog entry everyday. (Will be interesting to see how long I can stick to this.) My group, the Taffanel Wind Ensemble's blog will not receive the same dedicated attention; I will try for once a week. Preparing and researching entries was much easier when I was not working and had time each day to do some research and find what I hoped were interesting topics.
I have resolved to stop working after this stint. That does not mean that I will not do project work but a 9-5 job is no longer in the cards. I enjoy being off too much and I think I have reached the point in life that I am ready to turn to new and old projects and dedicate time to them. I also miss playing tennis 6 days a week.
Today, I am at work of course and will be at the school until 6 p.m. when I take the flute ensemble to Musicfest. The group should be outstanding. Will report on their achievement tomorrow.
I have resolved to stop working after this stint. That does not mean that I will not do project work but a 9-5 job is no longer in the cards. I enjoy being off too much and I think I have reached the point in life that I am ready to turn to new and old projects and dedicate time to them. I also miss playing tennis 6 days a week.
Today, I am at work of course and will be at the school until 6 p.m. when I take the flute ensemble to Musicfest. The group should be outstanding. Will report on their achievement tomorrow.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Spring!
What a lovely day! I went to see Ruth who I help care for. She is now in the hospital. After two months at home the move was necessary. What a lesson in how to appreciate people. No matter what I do she is grateful.
Later, I got out in the garden. The maple keys are busy growing, managed to clear up some of the weeds- the keys, leaves and started to plan what is going into the beds where there is space. I have many perennials and most of them survived. The primula which I will photograph later this week are blooming profusely and today I noticed to my amazement, the irises have buds! Spring is here and summer is coming. Love this time of year.
Want to find time to get back into the routine of blogging. I have returned to work full time and it is surprising how it eats up time. I had forgotten.
I wish everyone a wonderful day and hope that you had time to visit with your mothers.
Later, I got out in the garden. The maple keys are busy growing, managed to clear up some of the weeds- the keys, leaves and started to plan what is going into the beds where there is space. I have many perennials and most of them survived. The primula which I will photograph later this week are blooming profusely and today I noticed to my amazement, the irises have buds! Spring is here and summer is coming. Love this time of year.
Want to find time to get back into the routine of blogging. I have returned to work full time and it is surprising how it eats up time. I had forgotten.
I wish everyone a wonderful day and hope that you had time to visit with your mothers.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Soloist
If you are looking for a movie that is not based on sex and violence at least not too much of it, go and see The Soloist. A very touching movie,based on fact. I googled the characters and found that there is a book which I am going request and also an interview from 60 minutes that you can find on-line with the real persons: Steven Lopez and Nathaniel Ayers. A wonderful story about the power of friendship and helping others. What is wonderful about this is that it has not stopped and that producers and others did not wait for years to produce this movie. This might have a positive impact now!
Go and see it. Be inspired.
Go and see it. Be inspired.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)