Royal Conservatory System

It is fascinating that the United States decided that they would use the Royal Conservatory System of exams and teaching. The United States has a mishmash of systems and recently at a conference of music teachers held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin it was decided that they would use the Royal Conservatory System. A system which has been in place for quite a number of years. The goal is to increase participation in music throughout the U.S. partly by emphasizing music's central role in the development of innovative, healthy and happy societies. "It comes back to the goal to make participation in music, a central part of the daily lives of every person,"said Peter Simon, president of the RCM. Carnegie first commissioned consultants to explore the appetite for creating national exams and curricula. The study showed that schools, teachers and parents were eager and tapped the RCM as having the most reputable and applicable system. The two had no formal relationship but Simon flew to New York last fall and discussions moved quickly. Carnegie's education program is substantial and expanding through an ongoing $200 million (US) renovation which will carve out a 5,600 square metre education wing. The project has similarities to the RCM's recent revamping of its own building in Toronto. If the U.S. partnership proves a success, both parties envision establishing the examination system in other countries, notably China. "It's very clearly demonstrated that programs such as this are real motivators. You create an aspirational pathway for people. These things become beacons."

Knit Your Own Royal Wedding

Sometimes, I think that some people have the most unusual hobbies or too much time on their hands. I can not decide which. Fiona Goble Andrews McMeel has written a book Knit Your Own Royal Wedding. The reviewer suggested that people might purchase this book which is only 64 pages for $21 as a coffee table book to amuse visitors. The book has instructions and patterns for knitting your own royal wedding party, including Wills and Kate (of course) but also the Queen and Prince Philip, Charles and Camilla, Prince Harry, the Archbishop of Canterbury and as many footmen and corgis as you want, as well as a miscellany of extra suits, dresses and hats. Guess, if you are tired of knitting scarves and baby cloths this is a good alternative. What do you do with the knitting after the wedding?

Winklevoss deal!

My goodness, there really Winklevosses and they lost to Mark Zuckerberg. The Winklevosses lost in court to Mark Zuckerberg and will only get $65 million. My goodness, if I got that amount of money I would be quite content. Interestingly, the courts ruled that the twins had received their fair deal since they were backed by sophisticated lawyers who made the best deal for them. I was fascinated that the Winklevosses are actually the good looking twins who went to the Olympics in 2008 and now among other things are following up on the deal they had made with Mark Zuckerberg. What I find interesting is that the twins deal was settled by the judge because they had expensive help who got the best deal that they could. Wonder what would have happened if they were not wealthy twins. Probably would not have gone to court since they could not have pursued the case due to lack of money.

Working?

I have to go to work for the third day in a row. Wow, I woke up this morning and was ready to tackle my Saturday routine. That was great except that it is Friday. Do not know why I thought it is Saturday but in my mind I was thinking about what I had to do. Laundry, practise because I have a gig Saturday afternoon, and the other errands that need to be done like banking. I was sure that I was going to get these things done. It did not occur to me that the papers were here early for a Saturday and that Michael would not wake me up so early. Have to run and get to work. Hope that you are ready for your day.

Passwords

I am finally going to bite the bullet and set up a record of passwords. I can not believe how many I have: 1. my g-mail account 2. my regular e-mail account 3. my facebook account 4. my Linkedin account 5. my bank account 6. my tennis membership account-thank goodness-they actually post my numbers when they send e-mail 7. my blogs-I have two, a personal one and one for my chamber group Those are only some of the accounts. The ones that I can remember quickly. I know that my newspaper has a password and so on. Wish that I had a universal password that would work for everything. It would make life so much easier. How many accounts do you have?

Mailing labels

How many mailing labels do you receive? Today, I received more. I do send a great deal of mail in other wards all my communication is not by e-mail. However, I will still never be able to keep up with all the labels. It is amazing that so many charities decided that mailing labels would be the item of choice. One charity actually sends labels, cards and a pen in one mailing. I would love to give but there is a limit. I give once a year to a number of charities and my pile of charitable donations that I just took to the accountant suggests that I give to many charities. However, labels do not convince me to give. It is the work that the charity does. There are many charities worthy of consideration but I can not give to them all. Do you use your labels?

News?

Wish that I had something new to tell you. The only real news is that a friend's mother passed away this morning. Sad but she had a good life and celebrated her 90th birthday this past fall. That was worth noting and celebrating which the family did. Winter is slowing moving aside for spring which is wonderful and time to start taking pictures and posting pictures of the many flowers that are starting to bloom. The crocuses are blooming already. Back tomorrow with more news. Enjoy the lovely weather.