A page in the life of Larry

Coming to an end

2008-08-02T20:33:00.002-04:00

I can no longer sustain this blog w/ school and upcoming baby responsibilities. It has been a brief but fun adventure. This will be the last week that it's here. Ciao amici,

Larry

Maher pronounced like car

2008-04-21T20:43:00.001-04:00

I attended a Matt Maher concert in Virginia last week that was really awesome. As the vibrating pre-show music and undulating lights suddenly froze and faded, a spokesman emerged from the shadows beyond the stage to spotlight the sponsor of the event, Catholic Relief Services. We were touched to hear of their great mission to “the most vulnerable members of the human family.” If you’re interested in issues of sustainability, education, emergency relief, and world peace, I think you’ll be impressed with the breadth of their work. I plan to plug into some of their public policy resources, and I’ll try to share any gems I gleam.

Peace.

Snips in Health Policy News

2008-03-27T11:11:00.003-04:00

You may be aware of the funding chasm that novel drug candidates must cross in order to make it to US markets. Most drugs never see the light of day because of this multi-billion dollar hurdle and the rigorous testing that follows. In an effort to do this job more efficiently, the FDA has made slight modifications, which I'll try to blog about in greater detail at some point. A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that quicker may not be safer.

I have not read this yet, but USAtoday has an article comparing the presidential candidates' health care plans.

Holy Thursday

2008-03-20T18:10:00.005-04:00

Happy Holy Thursday to all. The above picture is Simon Ushakov's The Mystical Supper, which you can find a tidbit more about by clicking the picture.

Moving in the Right Direction
In recent news, UK's Royal College of Psychiatrists is recognizing the potential mental health risks involved in abortion. A review of the available literature has caused a revision of their previous 1994 statement. A Times article sites that greater than 90% of the abortions performed by British physicians are based on the doctors' belief that carrying the child to term results in greater mental anguish for the mother. In the past week, I've heard several anecdotal accounts of a woman's suffering post-abortion. This woman's story, featured in the article, is indeed heart-wrenching.

May this Easter Triduum be a time of prayer, reflection, and expectation for you and yours.

Regresaremos

2008-03-10T12:19:00.002-04:00

I'm back. After conferring with friends and reading more of my favorite blogs, I've found a type of focus for this online forum. I hope to get into a groove and eventually take this inchoate blog to full maturity.

In science policy:

Mismanagement of Medicine Among the Elderly
For those of us with elderly friends and family, this article is especially disconcerting. Patient compliance with a doctor's prescribed drug regimens is often problematic for many reasons. It's easy to get tired of constantly taking pills for chronic conditions and often people are not aware of the reasons to complete a course of antibiotics even though they feel better. This article draws attention to the particularly difficult circumstances of our elderly. I think this article is especially pertinent as we consider the state of health care in the US.

Don't Drink the Water
It's amazing how prophetic Dave Matthews can be at times. I heard this on the news this morning and found several papers reporting the story. Sex hormones, mood stabilizers, and antibiotics are being detected in our drinking water. While I've heard many voices in the past 1.5 yrs speaking of the "ridiculous" billion dollar H2O industry when we perfectly good drinking water in our sinks, this certainly seems to suggest a case can be made to the contrary. It may be early to link this with the prevalance of any conditions we now see, but according to the EPA's assistant administrator for water Benjamin Grumbles this is a recognized concern that they are "taking seriously."

Sources: Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle

2008-01-22T18:20:00.000-05:00

Hola friends. Not sure what to do with this space... (thinking)...

Absence makes...

2007-08-13T15:02:00.000-04:00

... this blog look as if it's being disregarded. Sorry about that.

This weekend was fantastic. I was blessed to spend time with a wonderful couple passing through the great city on their way to Boston. I hope to blog a little about our dinner Sunday evening. K and I walked the Skyline Caverns on Saturday (1.5 miles long) after early morning yoga with a soldier turned instructor. Yes, a bit painful but enjoyable. I have pics of the cave up soon.

In the meantime, I give you musings and points for reflection from some friends:

"No really, pink and green look good on you." - Nathan C. of the Quincy House

"Right and Left Leave No Right Left" - Brendan S. of the House of the Inklings

"Points to Ponder" - Great Scot of The Beehive

UneasyOctopus.blogspot.com

2007-07-17T15:38:00.000-04:00

Ciao tutti!

Just wanted to spotlight the most incredible blog I've come across in sometime. A good friend of mine, Killa T, is traveling through India. She's teaching art and really living! Sample some of her tasty, eastern adventures that are full of heart and excitement.

TASTE AND READ.

Music History Vol. I

2007-06-25T08:02:00.000-04:00

Last week, I was speaking with one of my co-workers about the new Maroon5 cd. I expressed that I liked there sound because it had a very funk-infused groove reminiscent of groups like Jamiroquai, to which she replied, "Who?". I'd never experienced the old-age sensation until this moment. I explained that they had a big single in 1996 called "Virtual Insanity" and that they essentially filled the space that the 5 now inhabit. She expressed that she was only 12 at that time while I was in high school. Sigh...

Anyway, for those not as old as I am, here's a few points of comparison between the two. If you follow my links to a Maroon5 video and the Jamiroquai video you'll notice a few similiarities. The first is the predominance of funk bass and piano counterpoint melodies. The 5 makes great use of that in there music, and this is obviously the centerpiece to Jamiroquai's 90's work. Next, you'll notice the R&B-type harmonies that each group employs, especially through the chorus. Lastly, you'll notice the similar tonal qualities in the lead singers voices. They are both a bit nasily and souful. There you have it

Jens Lekman

2007-06-18T09:33:00.000-04:00

Nathan C shared this wonderful video with me last weekend, so I'm passing it along to you. Happy Monday! Enjoy this catchy tune and remember "you are the light":
Click on the picture... or this. Prepare to clap hands!

Jesus of Nazareth

2007-06-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

After reading comments on Joseph Ratzinger's (aka. Pope Benedict XVI) "Jesus of Nazareth", I now feel I must read it. These critics express humble admiration at his dialogue with Rabbi Neusner's recent work. Ratzinger's prose are described as neither irenic or spiteful but honesty rooted in love. It's being added to my summer reading list!

In the collective wisdom of the Quincy House, they are hosting Tuesday Night Summer Movies. Knowing these guys, they'll pull a few gems from a rather eclectic film reserve. I'm sure quality conversations will be had. I highly recommend anyone in the area to join in the merriment. The upcoming Tuesday movie is Danielson. Have at thee.

Another review of Danielson by the good folks at Relevant.

Happy Thursday!

Philly: City of Brotherly Love and Liberty

2007-06-11T10:57:00.000-04:00

A thrilling weekend. Partied with L-Mo from the block and a host of friends from UD that I hadn't seen in four years! It was a BLAST! I can't wait to see the party pictures. I'm sure there are a few already on facebook.

Then we headed north to Philly this weekend and spent some time with friends. We made a stop at the Franklin institute. Here are a few pics from our adventure with King Tut and his family!

Kit and the Magic of McFerrin

2007-06-03T11:25:00.000-04:00

Feeling a bit of musical deficiency... we went to the Baltimore Symphony this Saturday to see Kit Armstrong, 15-year old piano virtuoso and composer, along with conductor and four-octave vocal range-having Bobby McFerrin. Need I say more. The concert was unbelievable. I pretty sure I saw smoke rising from the keys of the Steinway and Son's piano that Kit was playing. Before the intermission, Bobby McFerrin did several amazing acapella jams along with an improvisation with Kit. If you still haven't seen Bobby do his thing -- you're life will not be complete!

Classical Samplings

2007-06-03T11:11:00.001-04:00

So, Thursday night I head to a Pops Concert at the great Kennedy Center.

The Marvin Hamlisch, winner of three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony award, three Golden Globe awards and a Pullitzer Prize for A Chorus Line, directs the National Symphony's Pops Orchestra. Did I mention he is nominated for a Tony Award this year! Along with having a comedic presence on stage, he also has made a few incredible friends. This latest show featured Lucie Arnaz (daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz of the famous "I Love Lucy" show) and Robert Klein (the first comedian to ever have an HBO special -- who has since had eight). The show was spectacular. K and I almost died laughing during parts including Klein's "Colonoscopy song". Here's one of my favorite story-telling moments that Marvin shared with us after the show:

"So, I see my doctor for a stress test every year or so. You do that right"
he asks Klein. "So I ask him, he's a cardiologist, what would you do if you gave
somebody a perfect report, they leave your office and fall down dead instantly
in the middle of the road. My doctor turns around to me and says, 'That's easy!
I'd go out and turn the body around so it looks like he was on his way in'"

Under the Iron Sea

2007-06-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, I showed up for the rock show.

I missed the opening act but made it just in time to work my way near the stage while a Mary J. Blige record shook the walls of this intimate venue. I retrieved my new digital camera from my pocket to realize that I'd left the batteries at home. DRAT!

The lights dim and the intensity shifts in the room. The pianist/song-writer Mr. Rice-Oxley emerges from the back and the crowd erupts in cheers. The drummer also enters from the back and ascends his drum throne. Immediately, I noticed his nice 6-piece Yamaha kit with its plain, white exterior. I'm disappointed... until. Until, the first dissonate chord sounds from the electronic keyboard and the backlit stage turns green. The green light seems to drape the drums in green. To my suprise, throughout the show the drums change color with the back lighting. Awesome.

Even more suprising, I hear the piano start... the drums join in as does the bass, string section, and a host of other interesting sounds yet the only remaining figure to emerge from the darkness of the backstage is the lead singer adorned with NO instrument. That's when I notice the Powerbook laptop next to the keyboardist. The lead singer has an awesome range. In many parts of Keane's recordings Tom seems to go to falsetto, yet in concert it was clear that he could hit those notes just as well in full voice. Fun show! I can't get the songs from their latest cd out of my head now!

Extra Extra. Keane Rocks the District

2007-05-30T09:47:00.000-04:00

WOW. I just saw Keane last night. Will blog more about the experience... Fantastic

Friday FEVER

2007-05-25T18:21:00.000-04:00

I love Fridays. Not only because they herald the cessation of one type of work, but that they often involve undertaking an alternate set of tasks that I find enjoyable. This weekend I've made plans to spend time with some fantastic people. Our good friends T&T are living in the area this summer, and tonight we're all getting together to hang out. I'll be seeing plays, eating bbq, and making music this weekend as well. Can't get enough...

Despite all of this I've made it my goal to experience a bit of silence this weekend. K pointed out to me that I really enjoy noise. I like having music on, singing or talking during each part of my day and multi-tasking. Prayer can be such a refreshing time of basking in silence. I'll let you know how that goes. Blessings on your weekend...

Loving the oppressed

2007-05-24T10:11:00.001-04:00

Imagine being so passionate about protecting the rights of others and the earth, that enemies would seek your demise in the interest of clearing land in the Amazon for their own commercial use. This was the life of Sister Dorothy Stang, a religious of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur order. She is often mistakenly referred to, as noted in the U.S. News and World Report article that first brought her to my attention, as a nun. (For a better understanding of the Religious Sister vs. Nun distinction see this wikipedia entry). Even after threats of death, this woman --who had given twenty years in the service of poor settlers in Northern Brazil -- remained steadfast in challenging the illegal logging practices in the Amazon and aiding these landless farmers. She was shot in the back six times by gunmen in the rainforest of Para. Recently, one of the gunmen was convicted. May we all have the strength and courage of Sister Stang in pursuing the good. Many sources have the story. You can read it here, here, and here among other places.

On a related note I had the blessed privilege of assisting my wife in coordinating the Confirmation of over 100 youth at our parish (When I say assist please read -- did something incredibly easy and not-at-all as difficult as truly coordinating the entire thing). I thought the Bishop's homily was inspirational as he described that there are many threats to proclaiming the good news and living a holy life, BUT we are now empowered to rise above them because of the Holy Spirit. It was a challenging message given in sincerity and with a pastoral quality that I imagine the apostles would have carried while exhorting believers in the early days of the persecuted Church. I had to resist from giving a resounding "AMEN!"

I hope you're enjoying this Seventh week in Easter. I'm really looking forward to Pentecost Sunday! Happy Thursday

graduation

2007-05-22T15:51:00.000-04:00

Just a few pictorial highlights from our Dallas trip this weekend...

Thursday Music Feature

2007-05-17T10:51:00.000-04:00

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra

An interesting Afro-centric, funk-driven ensemble that really drives. The congas and walking bass line alone transport you to the days of Shaft, sprinkled with a very jazzy upswing that keeps pace with the big bands of Woody Herman and Buddy Rich. While predominately instrumental, their music is also punctuated with lyrics that tend to be quite political. Have at thee...

the petting zoo

2007-05-16T15:04:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to Mea for sharing this amazing art. These pics of painted hands are from artist Guido Daniele of Milan, Italy.

Skittles

2007-05-15T11:23:00.000-04:00

This is the glamorous diaper cake, which I had the distinct honor of helping my wife to make! When you first hear the words "diaper cake" a host of odd and absurd things take shape in your mind. You can imagine how relieved I was to discover that it was not edible!

In funny news, a man discovers that crime doesn't pay, especially if the loot you're trying to lift is $250,000 worth of Skittles. Taste the rainbow...

Kool Aid Pickles

2007-05-10T16:22:00.000-04:00

Sounds like an interesting idea on such a day as this! What goes well with a juicy, Kool Aid pickle? No idea. Get the story on this southern inspired delicacy!
Have at thee.

2007-05-03T21:27:00.000-04:00

los momentos finales de mi semestre...
... Bendita Tú eres entre todas las mujeres y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús. Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros...

Sing me a song

2007-05-02T12:36:00.000-04:00

Okay, so maybe "The Da Vinci Code" book and movie massaged a few important archeaological details and grossly exaggerated a few others by relying on the truthiness of the matter rather than the actual historical record, but it did re-vivify the field of cryptology.

A father and son team have cracked a musical code, of sorts, embedded in the ceiling of the Rosslyn Chapel in Edinburgh, Scotland. Check out the story and the fascinating musical system, cymatics, used to uncover the meaning of the notes.

Dah-du da duh ......