Category Archives: Music

Cold War – The Film

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The Polish film “Cold War” (2018, Director: Pawel Pawlikowski) is a masterful depiction of the imposition of socialism in Poland after World War II and the impacts this had on peoples’ lives. It is musically powered, well-anchored initially by the traditions of the Central and East European region. Subsequently, this musicality provides openings to take the plot to points beyond, including Berlin and Paris.

Cold War is incredibly evocative of a certain time and place in history. The film interprets the cold war through the prism of a love story and a select group of performers. Mainly set in the 1950s, it presents a scenario with sex, the emergence of rock & roll, and — in one scene — a particular type of drugs. There is way too much smoking by today’s standards.

Pawlikowski shot the film in black and white, which conveys the mood of the time. The dialogue in Polish, with a bit of French and German, reinforces the authenticity. That is, the audio corresponds to the geography of the film. (Viewers can opt for English subtitles.)

The movie provides insights into the historical record for Poland. But, it is also relevant as a lesson and contrasting example in today’s geopolitical context more broadly. The viewer may infer the exceptional value of freedom and openness from the negative experiences presented. And, as depicted, the depth of actual trauma from the socialism of the real cold war should serve to chastise those who would trivialize the term “socialist” to slander their opponents in the US today.

Here is a link to the trailer: Cold War. In the US, it is available for free to Amazon Prime members.

Białowieża Forest, Poland Photo (C) Doug Lippoldt, 2017

Patti Smith and a song about Easter

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A song for the journey

Oh my, it has been forty years. For a few decades now I have had a tradition of pausing on Easter morning to listen to Patti Smith’s song Easter, from her album by the same name.  Released in March 1978,  the album is a collection of poetry set to music. At various points, the songs convey rage against the system, existential-angst-inducing emotion, and transcendent spirituality. But, even with such a bold pallet of colors, the song Easter stands out. The sound envelops a room with a Leslie-speaker sort of tonality. It immerses listeners in a vibe that is like a warm bath on a cold day. The music has depth. Somehow it is positive and reassuring despite raising the issue of the finite nature of life as we know it.

As Stephen Webb put it in a 2015 blog post on the Theology of Patti Smith,

“‘Easter’ (1978) is a masterpiece of lyrical lament. Smith imagines Rimbaud walking to church with his siblings on Easter Sunday, trying to convey to them his own awakening into a dark, yet hopeful destiny.”

Over the years, Patti Smith’s writing, music and art have returned again and again to interconnected themes from history, theology, and the philosophy of life. (I have noted these points previously in a Q4TK blog post, here). And, the song Easter is emblematic of such linkages.

Now, that is saying something

Communicating a spiritual message via a lyrical presentation of a fictitious incident involving a poet who died more than 125 years ago, having spent the last 11 years of his life living in Ethiopia, and making the connection relevant to present day life in a post-punk song, one that has a sense of currency that persists over a few decades, well that is quite a remarkable achievement.

So, my hat is off to Patti Smith for this gift to the listener. Patti Smith’s song Easter has made a difference to me, delivering a helpful anchor point from time to time. It is a window that offers a helpful perspective into broader contexts. And, I say to her, “Thank you so much for sharing this all those years ago.”

At a B&B in Castle Grove, Ireland

Through a window (©Doug L., 2015-2018)

 

 

Listening to a poet

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“There are days we live
as if death were nowhere
in the background; from joy
to joy to joy, from wing to wing,
from blossom to blossom to
impossible blossom, to sweet impossible blossom.”

Excerpt from the poem, “Blossoms”, by Li-Young Lee
from the collection entitled Rose, BOA editions, 1986.

It seems to me that I make far too little time for poetry. Sometimes, I am reminded that I regret this. On those occasions, I seek out an opportunity to pause and make space for listening to a poet. Bill Moyers, for example, reminded me of this with his reporting on the Dodge Poetry Festival in 2009. Often, when poetry connects for me, it is about experiencing a moment: something I know or something I am seeking or something new to me.

A trip to NC

Last month, a family member’s medical condition led me to drop everything and head back to the United States for a short visit to North Carolina. This is a state that I know from experience. I have been coming to North Carolina periodically to visit family since 1979. There are many things I’ve come to love about this state. Beaches, wonderful diversity in food and restaurants, kayaking (of the tame variety, on the Neuse River or at the coast), family and friends, book and music stores, bagels, splendid rural settings, folk arts and music (often with poetic lyrics), fine museums, and a tradition of investment in higher education, among others. Although it is a state of contrasts and stresses, sometimes disturbing, I still find joy there in many familiar things and many new experiences.

On my way to the hospital, I tuned into WUNC’s program on the “State of Things”, which features interviews on local developments. First up was an interview with UNC economist Stephen Lich-Tyler whose father had been murdered. The discussion focused on capital punishment and Lich-Tyler’s scheduled participation as a witness at the execution of his father’s murderer. The discussion was thoughtful and moving. Among other things, I was struck by Lich-Tyler’s language, which seemed clear and communicative to me. (Being an economist myself, I suppose this may be due to our shared academic experience, something like a shared tribal affiliation, perhaps?)

An interview with Li-Young Lee

Next up was an interview with the poet Li-Young Lee who had served as a judge in a NC poetry contest and was returning for the awarding of the prizes, where he would give a reading of his own material. His experience is incredibly wide-ranging and rich. Lee’s great-grandfather was an elected president of China. His dad was a personal physician to Mao. After a falling out with Mao, his family fled to Indonesia, where Lee was born. There, his dad helped found a university. During Sukarno’s rule there were ethnic conflicts in Indonesia and his father was persecuted and jailed. Eventually, the family fled to the USA. And, this was just the starting point for Lee’s education and emergence as an award-winning poet in the English language. His poetry relates his experience with careful observation, reflection and clarity.

Li-Young Lee at NC State, April 2014

Li-Young Lee at NC State, April 2014

The discussion

In his interview, Lee was asked about his own story, but instead he first referred back to the previous interview with Lich-Tyler. Lee was moved by Lich-Tyler’s story and the experience of suffering. Here he shared an insight that struck home with me: he thinks that art may help. He characterised art as permitting communication about suffering via symbols that transcend language and culture. This communication may take place via various artistic channels, such as stories, poetry, paint or sculpture. This really spoke to me in the context of my visit.

Lee continued this line of thought referring to martial arts in Asia as well as art more generally. He portrayed the creation of art as working through issues, leading to clarity in perception of the true nature of objects. “Disillusionment” he called it, as in removing the illusion, getting to the essence of something, achieving a clear perception of a reality. Via clarity, one may be more confident and avoid conflict without a fight, perhaps even finding a win-win scenario in peace.

Even better, an in-person event

I was surprised to Iearn that Lee was giving a reading at NC State that very evening. Quickly rearranging my plans, I made space in my life to listen to this poet. I arrived early and was glad I did. Lee spoke to a full house. During his talk he read four poems. He spoke about his wife falling asleep in his arms, lulled by his reflections on life. In turn, he reported on his wife’s reflections during an intimate moment. He noted a blurring of divinity and erotic art in his poetry. I was enamoured with a number of his poems touching on food, fruit, blossoms and associated experience. His reading was delivered with a good sense of humour, but also depth and insight.

While taking a few questions he pointed out that his poems are never finished, but he goes back to revisit and rewrite them. Does he ever face writer’s block? Indeed! The problem is that poetry potential is all around. What not to write is the hardest decision; in writing the first word on paper, the writer takes a very hard step, committing to a certain direction.

My takeaways

For me the experience delivered lots of food for thought. It also confirmed that despite the political stress in NC these days, there is still a rich intellectual current in North Carolina that engages all sorts of folks. The poetry prize winners ranged from students to retirees. It amazed me that I could drop in from another continent one day and land at such a poetry reading the next. This positive and encouraging experience left me hungry, so I adjourned to another experience that I don’t often get in France: a big Mexican dinner of fish tacos and all the complements. Looking out across a big margarita on the rocks, I resolved to make more space in my life for listening to poets.

Truth in Music: James Blood Ulmer and Phalanx Deliver A Soulful Performance

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James Blood Ulmer

James Blood Ulmer & Phalanx – Live at Fontenay Sous Bois, 31 January 2014

James Blood Ulmer and Phalanx (revisited) delivered a wonderful show last night at the Winter Sounds Festival 2014 (Sons d’hiver) in Fontenay Sous Bois outside of Paris. The music was a blend of jazz, funk and R&B, in finest James Blood fashion. The band was in top form and the small venue was filled with an enthusiastic crowd. Players included: James “Blood” Ulmer – guitar, vocals; Lakecia Benjamin – alto saxophone; Mark E. Peterson – bass; G. Calvin Weston – drums.

While James Blood was the star attraction, each member of the group made an important contribution to the vibe. Mark Peterson laid down a clean, funky base line. Calvin Weston provided the underlying drive and rhythm that held it all together, but with a lot of interesting detailing and nuance. Lakecia Benjamin added warmth throughout, as well as some of the concert highlights (check out the segment at about 19 minutes into the concert for her smooth solo that reaches out and moves the soul).

The festival organisers have posted the full concert on-line in HD. It is available at the link below (starts at about 4m:10s into the video):
=> James Blood Ulmer and Phalanx: concert at the Sound of Winter festival

Check it out and enjoy!

Aachen – A Medieval Gem

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Aachen, Germany, is a wonderful small city near the border with Belgium and Netherlands. Charlemagne, king of the Franks made Aachen his capital in the 790s, in part because of the warm springs that are to be found there. His empire united the two halves of the Frankish people, both the Latin and Germanic oriented populations. Even today, the French and German peoples count Aachen as part of their heritage (though the French call it Aix-la-Chapelle).

However, even though Aachen is just a few hours drive from Paris, it has much different feel. Coming from Paris, the signs along the highway already shift from French to German a few kilometers before reaching the Belgian-German border. (There are a few German-speaking towns in Belgium.)

Once in Aachen, we are always struck by the restaurants, cafes, pubs and bakeries and the obvious gastronomic contrasts with those in our hometown in France. In Aachen, the food and drink are tuned to central European preferences and sensibilities. The beer offering shifts away from the sour and strong brews of Belgium (or sometimes watery beers of France) and towards the lighter but flavorful Pilsners and Koelsches. Goose and schnitzel turn up on the menus. Savory rolls of rye or whole wheat are to be had, along with kaiser rolls decked out with lox, onions and lettuce.

Aachen’s center has a comfortable feel with an extensive pedestrian zone that meanders among the old stones of the medieval city. It offers a balanced mix of museums and sites of historical interest, eating and drinking establishments, shops and parks.

The chapel from Charlemagne’s palace survives and forms the center of the current cathedral. It may be that one of the towers of city hall incorporates another part of the palace, but in any event the city hall is a splendid old structure in its own right. There are several of the original city gates still standing, as well as other interesting architectural features in some of the houses and shops. Together, these structures give Aachen an old and dark, but warm atmosphere.

Aachen has become a traditional destination for my family just prior to Christmas. Each December (through 23 Dec), there is a sprawling Christmas market along the pedestrian zones. The city is decorated with holiday lights and greenery. There is a festive atmosphere with convivial crowds of happy people patronizing stands selling hot mulled wine, stollen, cookies, bratwurst and potato pancakes, as well as all sorts of holiday gifts. Many stands offer handmade and artisanal products. There are brass bands and piped in Christmas music in the city squares, as well as choral presentations at the cathedral and other churches. The weather is often lousy, but the Christmas decorations brighten everything, regardless. It is wunderbar!

Recommendations:

Nobis: fine bakery; eat in (self-serve) or carry out; great for lunch (nice sandwiches), or coffee & cakes, special cookies, gingerbread, and other baked treats.

Rose am Dom: nice restaurant in an old inn (14th century) serving hearty, quality meals. In season, they serve game such as duck, goose, wild boar and venison as well as wild mushroom soup.

Aachener Dom (cathedral): a wonderful architectural gem built to house relics of the Virgin Mary. The heart of the structure is Charlemagne’s octagonal palace chapel, with an amazing, newly restored interior with elements from various periods. Take the docent tour, which offers interesting history and explanations, as well as a chance to see the throne of the Frankish kings possibly dating back to Charlemagne’s time.

Cathedral treasury museum: this is also worth a visit! It contains many interesting artifacts and relics including a marvelous reliquary with part of Charlemagne’s arm (bones).

City hall: Tourists can visit this medieval structure and see the great hall and several other fine rooms. Be sure to check out the city council chamber, which includes portraits of Napoleon and Josephine (gifts from the Napoleon to the city).

Aquis Grana Hotel This hotel is very centrally located, near the cathedral and Nobis, and offers a fine breakfast. Park your car in the city garage across the street and leave it there during your stay. Aachen is a city to explore on foot.

Patti Smith, Mikhail Bulgakov & Emperor Constantine’s Mom

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“…and I trust my guitar…”
Patti Smith

Patti Smith and Me

Patti Smith burst into my world in 1978 via her album Easter. The driving energy and the lyrics fit well with my personal reflections, philosophy readings and humor. It was poetry. It challenged my beliefs. It was wild. I soon explored her music catalog backwards and then forwards. I soaked it in.

Horses, Radio Ethiopia, Easter. This was music that made statements; it delivered existential moments; it energized. Her voice was alternately strident or low and heavy. Much of it moved me. Some of it did not agree with me; some of it did not speak to me. But, even those bits, I respected. Since that time, Patti Smith has drifted in and out of my play lists. Some of her albums seemed more relevant to me than others. I built a digital collection, so that I could focus on what worked for me.

Patti Smith's Exposition at the Fondation Cartier in Paris

Guide to the exposition, presenting her Polaroid Land Camera photos

And out there in the real world she would periodically become manifest in my life in various ways. A few years ago, Patti Smith launched a revival tour with a show in Switzerland and there was a glowing review in the Swiss paper, Neue Zuericher Zeitung, that caught my eye and prompted a revival in my listening. In 2007, she recorded an iTunes Originals album with interviews and new editions of old songs that provided insights into her perspectives on life. In 2008, I visited an exposition of her art at the Fondation Cartier in Paris, a show that was anchored by a long series of photos that she had taken with a Polaroid Land camera. Again, there were parts of the show that really spoke to me (e.g., a lone horse in a barren field) and other bits that I did not “get”. Then, there were a few concerts in Paris that stirred up discussion with some of my friends, but I never managed to get tickets to these sold out shows.

And now, Patti is back with a recently released album entitled Banga (June 2012). The deluxe edition includes a hard cover book of photos, text and lyrics. The book tells the story of the development of the album and its intellectual underpinnings. The project draws on her recent travels and the art and writings that she encountered. The music and poetry of the album provide a fresh sound, at times mellow, but often with a certain energy and strength. It is a wonderful, mature artistic expression.

In accomplishing this project, she pursued some lines of exploration where I lack first-hand experience. For example, she visited sites in Italy associated with St Francis of Assis and she sailed on the Costa Concordia (the same ship that later ran aground and partially sank off of the coast of Italy early in 2012). Nonetheless, reading through the short book gave me goosebumps. Unbeknownst to me, she was also out exploring paths that I’d been down in the last few years in search of Mikhail Bulgakov and Constantine the Great.

Bulgakov Lives!

In Banga, Patti Smith tells of discovering Mikhail Bulgakov’s writings. Bulgakov was a great Russian writer of fiction that spoke to reality during the first half of the 20th century. His classic book The Master and Margarita is a tale of oppression under Stalin, but also Christ’s crucifixion, Satan’s return to the Earth, and a large black cat. At about the same time that Patti Smith was discovering Bulgakov, my dear friend Volodya G was pointing me to Bulgakov as well. The Master and Margarita instantly became one of my favorite books: it made me laugh and challenged me to reflect on history and religion. There were layers of meaning. It was splendid.

Patti Smith’s album title is a reference to Banga, Pontius Pilate’s dog in Bulgakov’s tale of The Master and Margarita. The dog is the one creature to whom Pilate could tell his woes about his blinding headaches and torment.

Entrance to Bulgakov's House

The entrance to Bulgakov’s Apartment House, now a museum and a place of pilgrimage for fans        (© Doug, 2009)

On one visit to Moscow, I made time for a pilgrimage to Bulgakov’s apartment, which is now a museum. The walls of the stairwell are covered with graffiti from devoted fans. The museum presents artifacts from his life. A docent patiently explained a few things to me about the collection despite my broken Russian language skills. I felt right at home. There was camaraderie between the visitors. I would not have been surprised to find a few Patti Smith fans among them.

Constantine and His Mom

Constantine's Throne Hall in Trier

Constantine’s Throne Hall in Trier, Germany            (© Doug, 2006)

Constantine the Great was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. In Banga, Patti Smith tells the story of a painting she saw in Italy that presents a view of Constantine’s dream, a story that is recounted in various ancient sources. It appears that Constantine had a dream or vision of the Christian cross, which encouraged him to emblazon this and symbols for Christ’s name on his army’s standards and shields at a decisive battle for control of Rome. The battle was won and Constantine initiated reforms that greatly improved the situation of Christians. Constantine’s reach was impressive, with military campaigns and periods of residence stretching from Britain to Italy to Anatolia. Thus, his religious reforms helped align the Christian Church with the State and promoted a far-reaching diffusion of its teachings and influence.

Haggia Sophia in Instanbul

Haggia Sophia was the main cathedral in Constantinople (though it was built after Constantine’s time and was converted into a mosque after the Turkish conquest). Image is of a ticket to the museum from a visit in 1996.

Helen, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine, accompanied him during his rise. In Trier, Germany, where he was resident for a time, there are still structures such as the emperor’s throne hall, where Helen may have walked. Sometime during 327-28 AD Helen visited Jerusalem. Legend has it that she supposedly found the true cross from Christ’s crucifixion under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. She is also said to have found Christ’s seamless robe, a relic that was given to the church in Trier. Having visited Trier many times, the connection to Jerusalem really hit me when I later stood in the basement of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. So many have transited the ancient halls and chapels, in effect making the connection between Constantine, his mom, the spread of Christianity, and now perhaps Patti Smith!

A passage under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

A passage under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (© Doug L., 2009)

A chapel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

A chapel in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (© Doug L., 2009)

Fellow travelers

As I look back across several decades of life, it is surprising to me to see how often Patti Smith has cropped up. I have never met her, but I feel that she is a fellow traveler. She is 12 years ahead of me and has in some ways led the way, though at times our paths have also diverged. Still, her music, art and poetry have influenced me and over the years have become something familiar to which I periodically return. Life has taken many turns and, for me, the journey has conflated music, religion, art, poetry, history, and people like Constantine, his mom, Bulgakov and others, in a changing mix. While it can seem dark out there on the trail sometimes, I take comfort in knowing that there are fellow travelers exploring these places and that some of these folks are probably not too distant.

The Beatles and Me

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The Beatles and me in Edison, NJ

The Beatles and me, we go way back. Earlier this month, the BBC and Apple iTunes released a restored edition of the Beatles 1967 movie entitled “Magical Mystery Tour.” This film had not been widely distributed in the USA and its existence came as news to me. Watching it and listening to a newly purchased remastered edition of the corresponding album really “came to take me away” (in the words of the title song) … to Edison, New Jersey, in fact.

Beatles Lao Stamp

© StampGirl / Shutterstock.com
–
This stamp ties together two unrelated dimensions of my life: the Beatles and Laos. Unfortunately, based on a notice from the Universal Postal Union (19 March 2001), it seems that the stamp may be among several that were not officially authorized in Laos and not valid for postal use. (The Union’s notice on this is linked, here: notice.)

As a kid living in New Jersey during the 1960s I had a transistor radio that enabled me to listen to AM rock and roll broadcasts emanating from across New York harbor. One of my staple programs was the Cousin Brucie Show from WABC, a show that often led me to stay up beyond my bedtime (rock and roll corrupting the youth?). I would also listen to more distant broadcasts when the conditions in the ether permitted me to capture radio waves from another state or even Mexico. The Beatles were at their prime at this time and across these various radio platforms they often had a hit in the top ten, sometimes two hits simultaneously.

At one point, our cousins came to stay with us while their new house was being constructed nearby. One cousin was an older teenager who shared with me his insights on the latest Beatles developments and let me listen to his copy of Rubber Soul. Wow! Shortly thereafter I purchased my first albums and Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was on the list. That album marked a real breakthrough as the Beatles had begun to mature musically and push the limits of recording technology. It was different and amazing.

Do you believe in Beatles?

My vinyl collection then expanded to include subsequent Beatles albums and old 45s purchased from yard sales. Although I moved to Maryland and my musical tastes broadened to include other genres, I still played the Beatles’ music with special attention. I played tracks backwards in search of their embedded messages. I tried to mimic riffs on my guitar. I studied the lyrics. I looked for clues to meaning in the album covers (well, not the White album). Notably, the quasi-classical or country interludes in the later Beatles tunes were part of what helped me to be open-minded about music from other genres. I played the orchestral bits for my parents to show them that this stuff was really okay.

In 1973, I bought Some Time in New York City, an album from the Plastic Ono Band. In the song “God”, John Lennon says “I don’t believe in Beatles.” That line really troubled me. Not that I saw anything God-like in the Beatles, but surely their collective accomplishments were phenomenal. They had attained excellence. I understood from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Pirsig, 1974) that pursuit of excellence was a worthy cause. John’s statement seemed to reject all that was good from the Beatles, to throw the baby out with the bath water. It took an act of David Bowie three decades later in his song “Afraid” (2002) to set the record straight. In that song, Bowie sings out “I believe in Beatles!”

Rock on

Thanks to the remastering and re-release of much of the Beatles catalog, most is now available digitally, including many previously unavailable tracks and related materials. Settlement of the long-running Apple Corps-Apple Computer trademark legal battles made it possible to distribute many Beatles tracks via iTunes. After loss or damage to most of my vinyl collection over the years, these developments have helped me to resuscitate my Beatles collection.

Listening to the Beatles’ music as I draft this post, I am really struck by the quality of the recording and the continued relevance of much of the music to my life. Unlike me, however, it has aged well. While there is other music that has since moved me or given me more profound insights or made me laugh, the Beatles influence on my music world remains substantial. We have lost George and John, but their contributions live on.

My recent tour of old interviews, hits and films with the Beatles and their associates is yielding new insights for me into the era in which I grew up. As a kid, naturally, I was much less aware of the context leading up to those times and the larger world surrounding the music. Understanding this context now is helpful in knowing where I came from. Not that the times were idyllic, but the context was richer in meaning than I knew back then. Knowing more about the past helps one to think more clearly about the future. And, so, with that in mind, it is time to rock on.

Impressions and photos from a visit to Korea

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Impressions and photos from a visit to Korea

Rounding out my recent series of blog posts, I would like to offer a few further impressions and photos from a visit to Korea (Republic of Korea). During our trip, we toured the periphery of the country and then spent a couple of days in the center (Andong) and a few days in Seoul, as well as taking a tour to the border with North Korea (i.e., the demilitarized zone, DMZ). Based on these travels, I can recommend the Haerang Rail Cruise and Rak Ko Jae traditional B&B stays to anyone seeking an authentic experience in Korea.

We have a few connections to Korea through my work (Korea joined the OECD in 1996), my wife’s family (who lived in Korea for several years), and via friends. This gave us some insights and notions as to what to expect, as well as some contacts. Still, Korea is developing and changing rapidly, so much of what we encountered was new to us and there is — in any event — a tremendous amount for a traveler to explore and discover.

We found the country to be very accessible. Some Koreans have had experience in the United States via their education or work and many others have studied some English. Many signs and menus are in English as well. So, we were able to get by with English and a Korean phrase book. Nonetheless, outside of Seoul, we found it very helpful to have a guide.

Initial impressions

The dynamism of Korea is impressive. Economic growth is modernizing many aspects of life. Construction seems to be booming. Cultural sites and traditions are being renewed. Innovation is valued and is being pushed forward on many fronts ranging from smartphones to K-pop music. Most people we encountered radiated optimism and a healthy confidence, as well as good humor. Other countries in the region have taken note. For example, Korean soap operas and music are popular across Asia and beyond (e.g., this wild K-Pop music video by Psy has had more than 255 millions hits). All of this seems to me in striking contrast with the gloom that in recent years sometimes seems to hang in the air in Western Europe or the United States.

There remain some significant challenges for Korea. Most notably, the terrible situation in North Korea is a clear concern. In addition to the strain on the South from provocations and threats by the North, many people we spoke with were clearly pained by the fate of folks in the North and the separation that has unnaturally split the Korean people.

There are also some economic challenges in the South. For example, productivity growth in agriculture and the retail sector greatly lags that of the industrial sector. Another example is duality in the labor market, whereby workers for large industrial firms benefit from stable and relatively well compensated employment while workers in smaller establishments may face much tougher conditions of employment. However, these are challenges that arise partly because much of the rest of the economy is surging forward.

Our visit to Korea left us with a very positive impression. From the beautiful landscapes, and warm welcomes, to traditional arts, good food and interesting cultural experiences, we found ourselves being pulled in and wanting to see and do more. A main conclusion from our trip is that we need a lot more time in Korea!

Photos

Linked below is a gallery with a sampler of landscapes, cultural sites and food, as well as some glimpses of the economic progress.

(Use the arrows to scroll up or down, click on the photos to see a full edition)

[flagallery gid=15 name=Gallery]

TED Talks and Cognitive Behavioural Modification: A Music List

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I am a regular viewer of TED podcast lectures. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design and the organisers offer thought leaders in various fields from around the world an opportunity to present their cutting edge work in an accessible manner. And, this one on cognitive behavioural modification grabbed my attention.

I was really impressed with a fun and informative TED Talk given last February by psychologist Shawn Achor on The Happy Secret to Better Work. This talk makes a case for cognitive behavioural modification, basically highlighting the power of positive thinking in making the brain function better.

Since that time, on my way home each day, I’ve made it a practice to reflect on three positive things from the day. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes with satisfaction, often with gratitude, I pull out of the smoldering wreckage of many a bad day, a handful of positive gems. This meditation helps me to view the world differently, with hope and a greater sense of the possible. I try to write down each item in a word or two on my iPod. The act is positively changing the way I view and interact with the world around me.

In recently reviewing my notes, I found that music is an oft featured element in the daily lists. Below is a list of the music that has turned up since February, in no particular order, with no particular ranking… just the actual music groups that have come to mind in my meditations. This is music that has a positive effect on me in the hearing:

  • Minutemen – the band (a socially aware, post-punk rock band: great lyrics, very tight), e.g., Theatre is the life of you
  • Isis – Great progressive metal band, e.g., Panopticon
  • Serart – Great world music with Armenian Roots, e.g., Narina
  • Beastie Boys, esp Adam Yauch (rip), e.g., Flute Loop (a mild song from folks with a wild side)

and, finally,

  • High fidelity (not a band, but rather the actual sound quality) – After 20 years of computer speakers, we just got a new, real stereo and we are rediscovering sound. I send out a rec to Bowers and Wilkins for making great speakers (even the ones at entry-level, such as those that we acquired)! What sounds have we been missing all these years!?
Wildflower – Vallée de la Bièvre, France

Cross reference: See my post on Patti Smith.