Mr. Holland's Opus

"Mr. Holland's Opus" is my favorite movie because he struggles with so many different obstacles in his life. He becomes a teacher because he seems to have nowhere else to turn to. Then he learns that his son Cole has a 90% hearing deficiency which is ironic because he is a music teacher. He works for 30 years (until 1995) when the entire music department at his high school is cut. Over those 30 years he's been working on his "American Symphony" and some of his former students perform the piece much to his surprise at his "encore" appearance. I believe that the title has a double meaning: 1. his symphonic masterpiece which at the movies end finally becomes a reality. 2. the positive legacy he left with so many of his present and past students! I think that students, fellow teachers and others were influenced positively just by knowing him as a teacher, a composer and an overall person!

Daniel

Mr. Holland's Opus

Tender was the Night

            Tender was the night this past Sunday night when I had the privelege of seeing Mr. Jackson Browne in concert in York.  He came out and opened with the rememberable "Barracades of Heaven" and a hearty round of applause.  Later in the show he sang a classic hidden favorite "These Days" where he says, "today I sit on cobblestones, and count the tones in quartertones".  His last three songs were in this order: "Doctor My Eyes", "The Pretender" and the expected "Running on Empty".  Of all the concerts I have seen, this was one of the most memorable.  Now I can finally say, Jackson, my eyes have seen the years, and the slow parade of tears."
            Daniel

October Birthday's

October 3rd:  Lydias's Birthday
October 14th:  Dale's and Teresa's Birthdays
October 19th:  Ray's Birthday
October 21st: Josh's, Duane's, and Andy's Birthdays
October 23rd:  Stew's Birthday




October Birthdays are shared by both Libra and Scorpio. Libra in the first half of the month, and Scorpio in the second half.
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Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Libra is the only zodiac symbol that's neither animal nor human -- but surely that doesn't make you any less human. In fact, Libra is among the most sociable of the signs. As scales of old were really "balances," so to do you seek balance in all that Libra does. You respond to situations with grace as Libra attempts to put others at ease. Artistically, Libra tries to balance form, content, colors and elements, and for this reason can be drawn toward creative endeavors.

Scorpio (October 22 - November 21)
Scorpio is the only sign that has three animal totems. First, there is the well-known Scorpion with its active tail. Second, as the Scorpio learns to master its passion and hold its instincts at bay, it changes into the Eagle. The Eagle has more perspective, for it flies high above the surface of circumstances, swooping down with its power only to kill prey for food. In its third form, the Scorpion becomes the always-peaceful dove. The real meaning of Scorpio is thus shown. Scorpio is about metamorphosis. Scorpios transform the painful poisons of possessive passion into a higher consciousness based on universal love.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/horoscopes/astrology/libra/

Cut Footloose!

           As a devout music lover, I have had the opportunity to listen to and analyze many albums.  That being said, I think that one of the best soundtrack albums of the early 1980s is  "Footloose."  There is a very wide array of similar yet different songs on it;  everything from the almost gleefully thematic-like "Let's Hear it For the Boy," to Ariel Moore's desire for her "Hero," to the reality-checking "Somebody's Baby" to the movies' love theme song done in duet-form harmony, "Almost Paradise."   The extended version of the soundtrack also includes John "Cougar" Mellencamp's "Hurts so Good" and Foreigner's love song, "Waiting For a Girl Like You."  I am a fan of both the movie and the soundtrack so next time you have a "Footloose" experience; cut loose!

To Kill a Mockingbird

            When I was in 8th grade, the book we read for English class was "To Kill a Mockingbird."  The story is about a lawyer, Atticus Finch, his two children, Jem and Scout (Jean Louise), their friend Dill, and other selected townspeople such as creepy Arthur "Boo" Radley.  In the story, Mayella Ewell is murdered and negro Tom Robinson is arrested for it.  Atticus Finch does his best to defend Tom, but in early 20th century Alabama, the somewhat prejudicial people of the town find Tom guilty despite Atticus' valiant effort not only to clear Tom, but also to almost undeniably point the guilty finger at Mayella's father, Bob Ewell.  This should be, I believe, required reading for all American students.  I, for one, very much enjoyed the classic American novel and highly recommend it to all.