For the worldwide debut of the first album of His Holiness the Pope Benedict XVI called “Alma Mater”, on 2 nd December, the Vatican Choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform in a concert together with the solo singer Yasemin Sannino , and exalted in her charming voice by Italian Michele Miglionico’s  Alta Moda.

To celebrate the worldwide release this album on 30th November, The English record label Geffen / Universal ( already Elton John, John Lennon, Peter Gabriel, Cher’s label) has organized - on 2 nd December 2009 at 7pm  - a concert at Westminster abbey in London, live broadcasted by Classic FM radio.
On that occasion, the Vatican  choir will perform, for the first time in the United Kingdom, and  then Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with e contribution the solo singer Yasemin Sannino who, for the occasion, will wear a long Haute Couture evening gown realized by the Italian designer Michele Miglionico.
The Italian-Turkish voice, ranging from Eastern to jazz music, (voice of  soundtracks  films “Le Fate ignoranti ” by Ferzan Ozpetek and “Barbarossa” by Renzo Martinelli, voice of the TV dramas soundtracks “Sex and the City”, “Secrets of Moana “by Riccardo Schicchi and cartoons in English and Turkish fairys” Winx “), is the only solo singer in the album” Alma Mater “to sing with the help of the Holy Father Benedetto XVI ‘s voice in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German , in the Marian prayers of the song “Regina Coeli”, a song composed by Maestro Stefano Mainetti.

The album contains eight original tracks of  prayers, litanies and marian songs  with some contemporary pieces of classical music performed by the Accademia Filarmonica Romana ,the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and by the composers Simon Boswell, Nour Eddine and Stefano Mainetti.

The designer Michele Miglionico has chosen for this special event to wear the singer Yasemin Sannino realizing a Haute Couture evening dress from the line to siren with a double red scarlet gazar. The skirt is trimmed with chantilly lace and iridescent organza, the bodice has a rounded neckline completely made with flat pleats.

The proceeds from the sale of the album will finance some projects of musical education in favour of poor children around the world.

Michele Miglionico Couture

Email: press@michelemiglionico.it

Website:www.michelemiglionico.it

More info:

Website:www.musicfromthevatican.com

akala mo naman ang buhay pagiging senyorito ko ang ikukwento ko, di noh..malayong mangyari, sa pagbuga pa lamang ng apoy ng bunganga ng aking magaling na mudra at ang mga matatalim na pangil ng aking ama ay baka hilingin mo na sana hindi ka na lang nabuhay..pero, itong ishe-share ko ay ang highschool life na din..basa na..english? pasensiya kung barok, sorry ka na lang din kung ikaw ang marupok, payo lang kaibigan, igoogle mo lang..makukuha mo din..^_^( adik na ko sa google..itry mo na din ang yahoo at kung anu-ano pang search engine sa tabi-tabi diyan, baka magselos sila eh..^_^)..siya..ayan..

DEDICATION

The scent of the blissful dawn had been able to wake me up even if I was discontentedly enjoying a deep sleep that just started last midnight. Though my eyes were partly closed, it felt like my body is moving on its own and got dressed in just a blink of an eye. As a part of my daily routine, I always go to a nearby coffee shop to indulge myself in a cup of coffee so my adrenaline will get back to work. I ordered a cup of it and some gingerbreads and sit on the wooden stool beside the counter. The aroma of the morning drink circled my senses that made me relaxed and feel like the time had just stopped. That calm experience made me think, remember the past- the high school days. The life that we lived through in that phase is, indeed, one of the ecstatic experiences I had ever lived. And after some time, while many things were floating in my mind, I found myself looking in that half-filled cup. I pondered and remembered the things that give this delightful drink the perfect blend that can not be compared to anything else.

What made it soothing after I drank it?

Is that the CREAMER? This ingredient lessens the bitterness of the brew so we can drink it without hesitation. It is like our PARENTS, when we encounter the difficult times in our four years of struggle. Even if we disobey them sometimes, we would always find ourselves going back to them, maybe to cry or to seek protection from failures and problems, waiting them to shower their love to us. And like the creamer, as it lessens that bitterness, the parents lessened our burdens and made us surpass the difficulties of our lives.

Is that the SUGAR? This also helps the brew to be drinkable. Without it, only bitterness would fill our mouth and it would make us vomit all we had eaten. And just like this ingredient, our TEACHERS, for us, are very essential. Without them, what will we learn? We acquired a great knowledge from them and we must not waste it for it will help us achieve our dreams. And of course, we must include in that “knowledge” the values that we learned from them. We must feel thankful of leading us not to the disastrous labyrinth but to the woods of grace.

Is it the HOT WATER? We know that without it, we will not be able to drink and appreciate the rich blend of the brew. It is like the school, our ALMA MATER, ANGONO PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL. We are raised by our parents and one of the things that they do to us is to send us to school, so we can learn the things we may not know in our home. This institution had given us a precious treasure that will never be forgotten. Like the hot water, we will not forget the comforting feeling of the coffee and its relief.

Is it the main ingredient, the COFFEE? It is none other than us, GRADUATES. The coffee bears the real flavor of the brew. We bore the real challenge that has to be accomplished, or the task that has to be finished. And the more the coffee bits we pour in our cup, the great the flavor it produces. Just like our friends, the more of them, the less we feel worried. We must be also thankful to them for this will not become an adventurous and wondrous rollercoaster ride without them.

After thinking that factors, I almost forgot the most important of all, the CUP. And to whom will I compare it? It is GOD. The cup makes us able to drink what we want, not just the coffee brew we drink in the morning. And of course, without God, all of the things all over the world will become useless. Because of God, we are able to understand that we need Him to fulfill our mission in life, to understand every part of it. We must glorify Him for his abundant blessings that have been given by Him and the guidance and protection that He provided is incomparable and astounding. We must thank him for he always dwells in our hearts, not leaving us even just for a second.

Oh, I just came up with a conclusion that all played their part. All the ingredients had helped me feel this serenity I was enjoying right now. All the people, parent, teachers, graduates and friends had done what has to be done. And with help of our alma mater, and God, we had a spectacular finish and this had made us ready to the next path that we will go through.

All of you: to the fellow students, to our dear parents, to our beloved teachers, to our dear Alma Mater, and to the God Almighty, thank you and,

TO THEE WE SHALL RETURN…

After making my cup empty, I went out to the coffee shop going to my next destination- college life-, thinking and remembering the greatness and the sweetness of the perfect blend of that coffee.

“Now, that’s a good brew! Continue and spread your aroma. ”

-inspired by mark salas

Nie jest tajemnicą, że moja biedna Alma Mater spod znaku Radu i Polonu ma problemy finansowe. Co prawda nie są one związane ze światowym kryzysem, dlatego na szczyt w Dawos nikt nie zaprosił jej przedstawicieli, albowiem problem ten trwa jak się nie mylę od początku Trzeciej Rzeczpospolitej poprzez Czwartą i znów na Trzeciej kończąc.

Deficyt jak rak toczy serce mej Wybranej, a z roku na rok choroba promieniuje na wszystkie części jej organizmu niczym dwa pierwiastki jej patronki.

Dlatego też nigdy złego słowa o Uniwersytecie Naszej Wielkiej Noblistki powiedzieć nie powiedziałem. Nawet, kiedy pół roku przyszło mi czekać na podpisanie umowy o pracę od momentu jej wykonania przeze mnie na rzecz Uczelni. Nawet, kiedy musiałem czekać trzy miesiące na wypłatę należności. Nawet, kiedy ta wyplata nastąpiła dopiero po napisaniu specjalnego podania do pana Kwestora. Nawet, kiedy nie mogłem uzyskać karty egzaminacyjnej, gdyż nie zapłaciłem za drugą specjalizację, bo środki na ten cel planowałem uzyskać z pracy dla mojej kochanej Alma Mater… Nawet wtedy!

Ale na szczęście jest nawet nadzieja. Decyzją władz Uczelnianych, a podejrzewam, że pomysł wyszedł od osoby najważniejszej, czyli Jego Magnificencji Rektora, który warto dodać: nota bene już zasłynął w lokalnych mediach, ale ad rem decyzją władz Uczelnianych Uczelnia postanowiła wystawić do przetargu trzy pojazdy.

Pomysł uważam za przedni i godny największych ekonomistów. Sam Balcerowicz pewnie by odszedł gdyby sam nie wpadł na takie rozwiązanie. Bo po pierwsze: po co Uniwersytetowi takie trzy rzęchy, no a po drugie gotówka to gotówka, pieniądz rodzi pieniądz, nawet jeżeli ten pierwszy był poroniony.

Złośliwi pewnie by napisali, że ewentualnie można by zatrzymać te trzy samochody na następne dwadzieścia lat i później je pogonić po cenie zabytkowej byle w aktualnej walucie. Złośliwi pewnie by też napisali, że takie zachowanie bliskie jest sięgania dna. Jak w przypadku rodzin których bieda zmusza do wyprzedaży ostatnich wartościowych rzeczy czy innej szkapy. Ale to ludzie bez serca Ci złośliwi.

Ja natomiast pełen nadziei wkraczam w kolejny semestr i z nadzieją patrzę na przyszłość mojego Uniwersytety. (Proszę wybaczyć za brak skromności, gdy piszę „mojego”, choć przyznam szczerzę, że w jakieś atomowej części uważam go za „swój”). Wierzę nawet, że za dziesięć, dwadzieścia lat nie będzie potrzeby pisania trzech podań, aby dostać ryzę papieru na potrzeby Koła Naukowego.

luty 2009 r.

Pavia 22 Novembre 2009 – Ore 15,30  Aula Foscolo – Università  Presentazione  del Libro-Calendario 2010 Alma Mater L’Ateneo pavese e la sua città nato dalla collaborazione del Cral Ateneo con l’Ufficio Relazioni con il Pubblico dell’Università di Pavia. L’edizione 2010 è dedicata ai Palazzi del sapere: non solo gli edifici storici che attraverso le loro vicende raccontano una pagina importante della storia di Pavia ma anche le più moderne strutture che segnano con forza il legame tra passato e futuro, all’insegna della tradizione e dell’innovazione. Un diario per i tutti i giorni del nuovo anno abbinato a pagine ricche di testi e fotografie che rimarranno nel tempo a testimoniare la ricchezza del patrimonio dell’Università e l’inscindibile vincolo fra l’ateneo e la città che orgogliosamente lo ospita.  I presenti alla cerimonia saranno omaggiati di una copia del libro-calendario.  Seguirà alle ore 16.30, con partenza dall’Aula Foscolo, una visita guidata ai Cortili e alle Aule storiche dell’Università.

Wie kent de sympathieke Robert Mendonck, de grote baas van de Jobdienst van de Universiteit Gent, niet? Jij? Echt niet? Welaan, dan: hier zie je deze correcte man bezig bij het leggen van een laatste hand aan de Gentse Feesten 2009. Deze onberispelijke type neemt ons op zondag 29 november vanaf 14u30 mee op een trip doorheen één van de meest noordelijke deelgemeenten van Gent: Mendonk. Noordelijk doch evenzeer krakend van onberispelijkheid. Een kleine twee jaar geleden hakte ik een aantal belangrijke knopen door in dit dorp, op wandeltocht van de meest noordelijke woonkerk van Gent, te weten Sint-Kruis-Winkel, naar de kern van het midden van het centrum van Gent, te weten mijn kot.

In Klein Turkeye wordt er serieus wat afgebeld door de liefhebbers van Hard Style, striptease en de betere tafeldans.

Frédérique Joos en ikzelf nodigen elkeen met een hart voor Moeder Latijnse, De Beestige Bikers, Robert Mendonck of – dit maakt de potentiële groep natuurlijk een pak groter – voor ons graag  uit op deze activiteit, waarvan we weten waar ze begint, maar niet waar ze eindigt, een activiteit die zelfs de interesse van ons aller Rector wekte op de doctoraatsverdediging van Lientje. We gaan voor een frisse neus en onversneden zondagsgevoel. Robert bereidt alvast “een beetje geschiedenis, cultuur en aanverwanten” voor. En van Robert weet je: weeklacht van meer dan één gesneuveld regenwoud.

Praktisch zijn er twee afspreekplaatsen:

• Om 14u30 aan de kerk van Mendonk (Sint-Bavokerk).
• Om 13u20 vertrekt de fietskaravaan aan mijn kot (Hooiaard 14) (het is 15 km fietsen). Iedereen is dus welkom na De Zevende Dag.

Breng gerust lieven, vrienden en (de) collega’s mee!

Mendonk is een kanaaldorp. Vele inwoners stromen er door naar regulier werk.

Ooit vroeg ik aan Koning Boudewijn of hij wist wat Marc Dutroux in een ei is. Dat was een beetje als vloeken in de Sint-Bavokerk.

During this past summer, I was invited to exhibit my illustrations at a community event in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.  The event celebrated the grand opening of the new Ambridge Area Chamber of Commerce building located in the heart of the town on Merchant Street.   Ambridge, like many towns in western Pennsylvania situated along the banks of the Ohio River were once booming and thriving steel towns with many restaurants, bars and mom/pop businesses.   The town is doing its best recover from its image of an old grimy steel town with the leadership of young 19 yr.-old Duquesne University college student from the area named Jeremy Angus.   In August, he became the youngest Chamber of Commerce director in the United States.   The town is looking reinvent itself by cleaning up its image and seeking the ideas and direction of the younger generation to lead it into the 21st century, while still retaining the towns storied history.   The event gave me an opportunity to meet with many notable people in the community, including two other accomplished artists.   The artists included Rick Antolic, who also graduated from my alma mater, Ambridge High School and who was the past president of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators.   The other artist included a pastel artist named Gary Means of Economy Borough, which leads me to this latest blog addition.

For the past several years my heart and passion have focused primarily on the medium of pen and ink illustration.  I have begun to experience though with the application of a whole new direction in my art with the application of color.   I picked up a collection of pastels a couple of weeks ago and have started adding some color to the illustrations I created in the past.   It is amazing at what the slightest bit of color does to bring the illustration to life and give it character.   I will be soon offering the pastel prints as limited edition prints.   The prints will each be signed/numbered and will not exceed 50 so as to hold their authenticity.   More illustrations using this medium will be added to the website in the coming months.

The illustration I have featured is my very first pastel which will be offered and features Three Rivers Stadium.   Three Rivers Stadium was situated on Pittsburgh’s North Shore across from Point State Park/Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle” along the banks of the Allegheny River.   The stadium was home to both the Pittsburgh Pirates & the Steelers during glory days of the 70’s when both were championship organizations.  It is one of the most cherished landmarks amongst Pittsburghers and the spot of many classic sports moments.   Three Rivers hosted the very first night game to be played in a World Series.   The two moments which probably stand out would be Roberto Clemente’s 3,000th hit and Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception”.   Those two athletes are legends in the Steel City and still loved and adored not only for their talents on the field, but their contributions off the field for common man and humanity.

Just as in my pen & ink illustrations and the once smoky city, we find ourselves emerged towards the light, the advent of color and renewed rebirth.   As an artist, you should always look to challenge and reinvent yourself and try new things, that goes for anything in life.   The possibilities are endless, but you will not know until you give it a shot.

Three Rivers Stadium

akala mo naman ang buhay pagiging senyorito ko ang ikukwento ko, di noh..malayong mangyari, sa pagbuga pa lamang ng apoy ng bunganga ng aking magaling na mudra at ang mga matatalim na pangil ng aking ama ay baka hilingin mo na sana hindi ka na lang nabuhay..pero, itong ishe-share ko ay ang highschool life na din..basa na..english? pasensiya kung barok, sorry ka na lang din kung ikaw ang marupok, payo lang kaibigan, igoogle mo lang..makukuha mo din..^_^( adik na ko sa google..itry mo na din ang yahoo at kung anu-ano pang search engine sa tabi-tabi diyan, baka magselos sila eh..^_^)..siya..ayan..

DEDICATION

The scent of the blissful dawn had been able to wake me up even if I was discontentedly enjoying a deep sleep that just started last midnight. Though my eyes were partly closed, it felt like my body is moving on its own and got dressed in just a blink of an eye. As a part of my daily routine, I always go to a nearby coffee shop to indulge myself in a cup of coffee so my adrenaline will get back to work. I ordered a cup of it and some gingerbreads and sit on the wooden stool beside the counter. The aroma of the morning drink circled my senses that made me relaxed and feel like the time had just stopped. That calm experience made me think, remember the past- the high school days. The life that we lived through in that phase is, indeed, one of the ecstatic experiences I had ever lived. And after some time, while many things were floating in my mind, I found myself looking in that half-filled cup. I pondered and remembered the things that give this delightful drink the perfect blend that can not be compared to anything else.

What made it soothing after I drank it?

Is that the CREAMER? This ingredient lessens the bitterness of the brew so we can drink it without hesitation. It is like our PARENTS, when we encounter the difficult times in our four years of struggle. Even if we disobey them sometimes, we would always find ourselves going back to them, maybe to cry or to seek protection from failures and problems, waiting them to shower their love to us. And like the creamer, as it lessens that bitterness, the parents lessened our burdens and made us surpass the difficulties of our lives.

Is that the SUGAR? This also helps the brew to be drinkable. Without it, only bitterness would fill our mouth and it would make us vomit all we had eaten. And just like this ingredient, our TEACHERS, for us, are very essential. Without them, what will we learn? We acquired a great knowledge from them and we must not waste it for it will help us achieve our dreams. And of course, we must include in that “knowledge” the values that we learned from them. We must feel thankful of leading us not to the disastrous labyrinth but to the woods of grace.

Is it the HOT WATER? We know that without it, we will not be able to drink and appreciate the rich blend of the brew. It is like the school, our ALMA MATER, ANGONO PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL. We are raised by our parents and one of the things that they do to us is to send us to school, so we can learn the things we may not know in our home. This institution had given us a precious treasure that will never be forgotten. Like the hot water, we will not forget the comforting feeling of the coffee and its relief.

Is it the main ingredient, the COFFEE? It is none other than us, GRADUATES. The coffee bears the real flavor of the brew. We bore the real challenge that has to be accomplished, or the task that has to be finished. And the more the coffee bits we pour in our cup, the great the flavor it produces. Just like our friends, the more of them, the less we feel worried. We must be also thankful to them for this will not become an adventurous and wondrous rollercoaster ride without them.

After thinking that factors, I almost forgot the most important of all, the CUP. And to whom will I compare it? It is GOD. The cup makes us able to drink what we want, not just the coffee brew we drink in the morning. And of course, without God, all of the things all over the world will become useless. Because of God, we are able to understand that we need Him to fulfill our mission in life, to understand every part of it. We must glorify Him for his abundant blessings that have been given by Him and the guidance and protection that He provided is incomparable and astounding. We must thank him for he always dwells in our hearts, not leaving us even just for a second.

Oh, I just came up with a conclusion that all played their part. All the ingredients had helped me feel this serenity I was enjoying right now. All the people, parent, teachers, graduates and friends had done what has to be done. And with help of our alma mater, and God, we had a spectacular finish and this had made us ready to the next path that we will go through.

All of you: to the fellow students, to our dear parents, to our beloved teachers, to our dear Alma Mater, and to the God Almighty, thank you and,

TO THEE WE SHALL RETURN…

After making my cup empty, I went out to the coffee shop going to my next destination- college life-, thinking and remembering the greatness and the sweetness of the perfect blend of that coffee.

“Now, that’s a good brew! Continue and spread your aroma. ”

It’s traditional for the Notre Dame Band to play the Alma Mater for students and the team after a home football game.

Students link arms and sway while singing, the alumni get teary-eyed, and the team members remove helmets and proceed to the student section, where they join in the song.

It’s unfortunate this tradition can’t be continued during away games.

I understand that the cost of transporting some 400 Band members, plus their instruments and uniforms, to every away game would be prohibitive. But how about sending a trio of trumpet players (or even one?) That way, those students and alumni attending the game, along with the team, could still enjoy a bit of tradition even far from home.

After all, the cheerleaders and leprechaun accompany the team to away games. Why not let one Band kid? It would be an honor to represent the University and the Band — perhaps it could be a rotating honor among senior students — and it could serve as a recruitment tool, too.

Obviously, one person can’t put on a halftime show or even provide sufficient sound from the sidelines to overcome stadium noise. Nor can we expect an opposing team’s band to play Notre Dame’s songs with the same passion as our musicians. But wouldn’t it be grand hearing a trio of Band members harmonizing, or even a solitary trumpet playing, the haunting tune to “Notre Dame, Our Mother?”

At Notre Dame, there’s cohesion among the students, the team, and the alumni. What better way to provide continuity of tradition than to send even a tiny part of the Band to away games?

Last Thursday was a very interesting and productive day. My Alma Mater – Vermont Academy held a gathering at 212 Restaurant to welcome the new Headmaster of Vermont Academy, Sean Brennan. It has been over a year since I have gotten connected with my old High School. I got to see a few of my former classmates along with a few of my favorite teachers; Ms. McIntosh a.k.a. Ms. Mac (She was my prom date senior year). Dont worry, nothing serious, just good clean fun.

 Former Classmates R to L (Gizelle Sanchez, Candace Hanson, Me)

Along with a few classmates being there. The Vermont Academy Trustees were there with open helping arms. They loved that the alum were thriving to become entrepeneurs and were willing to help in tremendous ways. The networking experience was something to remember; along with not forgetting to make those phone calls…

 Administrators R to L (Two Trustees, New Headmaster – Sean Brennan)

Risley

Ananth and Supriya were busy packing their stuff and selling all household items, since they were travelling onsite the next day morning, with their 12 year old son Krish and Ananth’s father. Krish was busy talking to his friends about the US and missed even his lunch. Ananth’s father had his breakfast, read his newspaper fondly remembering that he has been reading the same newsprint for 50 years.

By that afternoon Ananth’s house owner came to collect the house keys, that’s when Ananth realized that his dad was not at home. He sent Krish to look for his dad at Retd. Brig. Dev’s house, but Krish came alone. Ananth and Supriya started panicking and searched wherever possible, in friends’ places, with relatives etc, but the answer was no.

Towards evening, they shifted to a hotel near the airport as planned. Even there, Ananth expected to meet his dad. They checked in and immediately started searching again, and Krish suddenly told Ananth that grandpa could have gone to the orphanage near their house. But Ananth and Supriya paid no heed to Krish’s suggestions and finally Krish was very sure about the orphanage search that Ananth had to listen to him.

The trio started to the orphanage. Except Krish, the couple wasn’t convinced about the orphanage visit instead wanted to search in hospitals and police station. They agreed that they will go to the police station straight from the orphanage if the visit is not fruitful.

The cab stopped in front of an old iron gate which bore a name board “Little angel orphanage”. Ananth was very sure that his father wasn’t going to be there. The trio stepped in to the orphanage, and walked towards a well lite room. Ananth heard his dad’s voice there, “I don’t know what to do” and another unfamiliar voice saying “Sir, you have to atleast inform your son that you are here, they would be searching for you…”

Ananth, in sheer disbelief went to the room from where he heard the voices and saw his father sitting in front of the manager’s desk. The manager was a man in mid sixties, clad in a white dhoti and a half hand shirt. He rose from his seat on seeing Ananth and his family, Krish ran to his grandpa and hugged him. Supriya had mixed emotions, whether to scold him for making them search all the day or to be happy that her f-i-l is safe.

Ananth politely asked his dad when did he come here and why didn’t he inform them. Ananth’s dad didn’t answer…. Not happy with what happened, Ananth told his dad to start from there as their flight is on the early morning and they have to sleep for atleast a couple of hours before that. Ananth’s dad broke the silence and said

“I am not coming with you guys. I will stay here in the orphanage” Ananth and Supriya were shell-shocked to hear this. Still Supriya asked her f-i-l “Why did you decide to stay here? How can we leave you here and go peacefully? What is the reason for your unhappiness? We have always done our duties and we love you a lot, without you our family is incomplete. Please come with us. All these years we have done whatever best a working couple could do to their parents”

Krish said “Grandpa, why are you not coming with us? There will be orphanages there as well, where you can spend your time and I promise you I won’t sit in front of internet and play games, but will obey you. Please don’t ask us to go alone”

Ananth couldn’t talk at all. He was not yet out of the shock. Ananth’s dad went next to him and told him “I don’t have any problem in coming with you, but my need is more here. My father passed away when my mother was expecting me.  My mother also passed away when I was just 4 years old. Since then, my elder brother and I were brought up and educated here. This is my alma mater. I have seen my happy and sad days here. Last week I saw a little fellow joining this school. His background was very similar to mine. The orphanage management wanted to name that kid after me, as a tribute to me. Then I realized where my happiness lies and where am I needed more. I have raised you and your kid all these years. The rest of the days I don’t want to spend idling, instead, I want to take care of a few needy children here. You people go to the US, lead a good life with all my blessings. Supriya, you are my daughter and nothing else to tell about you. I absolutely have no complaint, but I have realized where I am going to be happy. Please leave me here and go. Please do visit me whenever you come to India. Keep calling on the orphanage’s landline number. Whatever it is I will miss you.”

Hearing such stubborn words, Ananth and Supriya couldn’t refute. The orphanage’s manager assured them that he would either try to send his dad before they start next morning or will send him to the US in a month or so. They left the place with broken hearts, still hoping that their loving dad would come with them sooner or later……

…. this school at Mint street has seen 155 years of service and that many children passing through them to go on to higher studies. Some of their alumnae are Vallalar, Dr S Thanickachalam and many more.

But this school currently is in a bad shape due to their inabilities to raise funds and sustain the running of the school by their trust. So as a result from 2500 students at its peak now the strength is 350 odd students. Hopefully their alumnae will come together and see their Alma mater tide the difficult times.

The other view, of the school.

E o show dos Moscas Volantes rolou no Porão neste sábado que passou! Foi o evento inaugural do Coletivo de Rock de Ribeirão Preto, e tivemos o privilégio de poder tocar com duas ótimas bandas: Alma Mater e Plano Próximo. Infelizmente a chuvarada que caiu naquela noite espantou um pouco o público, mas quem foi, com certeza curtiu pra caramba o som das três bandas. E aproveitamos o show para colocar três músicas novas no repertório, que já estamos ensaiando há alguns meses.

Set list:

1. The KKK Took My Baby Away
2. Ain’t talkin’ about Love
3. Hash Pipe
4. Fool For Your Lovin’*
5. Bichos Skrotos
6. I Believe in Miracles
7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
8. Zombie
9. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door*
10. My Way
11. I’m 18
12. I Want to Break Free*
13. Poison Heart

(*) Estreias

As fotos do show ficaram por conta da Cristiane G. Nosso próximo compromisso será no Bronze Night Club, dia 19 de novembro, com as bandas O Mínimo e Pensei Que Fosse Alguém. Até lá!

E pra quem quiser ouvir a gente tocar, estaremos no LiverPower/Porão no próximo sábado, a partir das 22h! O evento está sendo organizado pelo Coletivo Cooperock Ribeirão (nome provisório), que é uma proposta para formar uma associação/cooperativa de bandas para que haja uma maior união e mais shows para as bandas da cidade. Venha conhecer e prestigiar!

This past weekend was very interesting in more ways than one. It started off with me going to Durham on Friday to help out with the homecoming events. I had the honor of meeting and sitting at the feet of some of the class of 1959. They were at the Sheraton celebrating their 50^th year class reunion. One gentleman stopped me and asked if I was a current student. I told him that I’d graduated May 2007 and that I hope to be able to celebrate my 50^th year reunion someday. He began to tear up as he shared how his journey hadn’t been easy but how he was thankful that he along with so many of his other classmates had made it to see this day. Ya’ll know I’m one of the biggest cry babies so it took everything in me not to let my tears fall, but Mr. Warren really touched my heart. I really could have stayed there all night just listening to their stories about our Alma Mater. Speaking of which they knew every word of the Alma Mater without looking at the paper. All I ever knew was the refrain…SMH I’m embarrassed. I felt like a bad alumnus, so my goal is to learn the entire song by next homecoming!

Verse I

The sloping hills, the verdant green,
The lovely blossoms’ beauteous sheen
Surround our college proud and gay,
Where wave our colors, Maroon and Gray.
What matters it how far we roam?
Our thoughts will oft return to home,
And hearts will e’er be true to thee,
Our Alma Mater, N.C.C.

Refrain

Then Rah! Rah! Rah! For our colors so gay!
Dear old N.C.C.’s Maroon and Gray;
Thy sons and daughters will honor thee,
Dear old N.C.C.

Verse II

We’ve gathered here to fit our lives,
As from the darkness light revives,
So let us hail, both night and day,
Our glorious colors, Maroon and Gray.
We’ll ever love and honor thee,
For thou hast taught us loyalty.
Then let our watchword “service” be,
To Alma Mater, N.C.C.

Verse III

You send us forth with hearts of love;
So like a blessing from above,
And from the path we’ll never stray,
Our dear Alma Mater, Maroon and Gray.
We’ll work and fight, we’ll win our way.
When duty calls, we shall obey.
And may we e’er return to thee,
Our Alma Mater, N.C.C!

            As Mr. Warren and I were talking one of my former teachers whom I didn’t realize was an alumnus, walked by. He and I both looked at her and chuckled. This lady is still walking around rocking a curly afro and a rat tail. Yes a rat tail! I had to do a double take. It was nice to see that although our generations differ in so many ways, he too found a rat tail in 2009 to be funny.

Then on Saturday morning I checked my bank account and realized that another pay day had come and gone and a fellow NCCU alumnus still hadn’t done what they said they were going to do.  So I sent them a text message which stated “Seriously this makes no sense. You said you weren’t trying to eff me over but you are definitely fooling me. If you’re not going to pay me back just say that. Don’t have me expecting something and you not come thru. Bank of rachelle is closed but bank of America is open today til 1. I’d appreciate a deposit.” This person responds back by saying “First I’m not, second I don’t want to argue…third save your f*%&ing sarcasm…shocked you know who I am since u spend your time talking to my friends rather than me.” (Then the issue of money was addressed) Now I’m looking at the phone like “huh” granted I was being very sarcastic in my text, but since September I’ve been told every excuse why the money hasn’t been paid. And what makes it even worse is this person waits until I ask them for the money to give an excuse. As I stated in a previous blog, if I owed someone something, they wouldn’t have time to ask me for anything. They would probably get tired of me calling them to let them know what was going on. But instead of taking that approach, they want to bring up who I talk to. I’m confused…what does who I talk to have to do with you paying me my money. How does you not wanting to argue have anything to do with you paying me my money? In my eyes it’s a simple case…Just pay back the money. Then it dawned on me, this person is a hit dog hollering. (No I’m not calling them a dog.) When a person is guilty, they’ll do anything it takes to deflect the guilt. Even if that means pulling unrelated issues in just so they won’t have to bear the burden of guilt alone. And for the record…I haven’t “talked” to any of their “friends”…I have responded to a couple of their friends (who I actually had met thru a mutual friend who dances) “tweets” so if that’s “talking” to their friends I guess I’m guilty as charged.

Anyhoo, after that pointless text conversation, I went to dance practice, and then I went to get my hair braided. Practice was from 8:30-10:30am and my appointment was at 11am. The lady calls me at 10:45 asking where I was. I told her that I had just gotten out of dance practice and that I’d be there before my 11am appointment. So I walk into the shop at 10:52 and she’s not even ready. She’s still walking around trying to set up her station. So now I’m pissed…how do you call rushing me, but when I get here, you’re not ready? So anyways, she starts on my hair, and then some lady that I’ve never seen comes out from the back and starts working on the back of my head. It didn’t bother me because I was getting micros and I didn’t want to be in that shop all day, so the more people the better. After about an hour or so, the lady who was supposed to be doing my hair just gets up and walks out the shop. I guess the other lady saw the expression on my face because she was like “oh oh she went to the store, she’ll be right back.” Fifteen minutes went by, she comes back and gets something out the back and leaves again. Needless to say I was not pleased. I’m paying you my money to do my hair, I’ve been coming to you since I was 19 and you just leave someone else to braid my hair???? I’m sorry if you had something else to do, you should have said that. The other lady did do a good job, but she was VERY slow. I chopped it up as a cultural difference

On a brighter note…the Mighty Eagles of North Carolina Central University won the homecoming game. And a little bulldog they call an Aggie lost. LOL Who loses homecoming? I don’t care if you lose every game of the season, you better win homecoming. I can hear you Aggies now, and I’ll give it to you…yeah ya’ll beat us this year. But losing homecoming??? That’s almost as bad as asking all your whole family to come to watch you play and you are a bench warmer!

Houden van de UGent (om te beginnen) is toevallig een van mijn specialiteiten. En liefde is een werkwoord. Van Bert De Visscher weet je: hij weet dat. Om te beginnen. Het hoefde dan ook niet te verbazen dat hij in het voorjaar van 2008 Stefaan en mezelf, twee partners-in-crime uit de beginjaren van Student Kick-Off, uitkoos om het idee mee te delen dat hij Jo Vallygewijze in een droom had zien staan – een idee met potentieel om een boost te geven aan de UGentse alumniwerking. De 1e editie van UGent Alumni After Work werd een groot succes. De bewijzen zijn er naar: meer dan duizend alumni, al dan niet in het gezelschap van hun sympathieke partners, gaven er een toek-derop op en lieten zich gewillig fotograferen in Mastertoga.

Op Alumni After Work 2009 krijg je opnieuw de kans jezelf te laten vereeuwigen middels een foto in UGent-Mastertoga. Mét een wit randje. Je zorgt er dus maar beter voor dat je tanden gepoetst zijn.

Hoewel ook tijdens een after work party gezelligheid voorop staat voor Matthias (rechts), veeleer dan geforceerd contacten leggen, heeft hij op het einde van de avond toch telkens opnieuw iedereen in zijn zak. "Croyez-moi, la réflexion est toujours là.", grijnslachte hij vorig jaar.

Voor de 2e editie trekken we naar Culture Club. Met de realisatie van 2 feestzalen, waar DJ’s Zaki, 4T4, Davidov en Maximilian zullen heersen en 1 geluidsluwe netwerkruimte – waar ook een niet-vette bek kan gehaald worden – denken we nog meer op de wensen van de mensen in te spelen. Bijzondere dank gaat uit naar Rector Van Cauwenberge die dit project een warm hart toedraagt en – liefde is een werkwoord, weetwel – ten volle steunt.

Een flyer met een boodschap. Zo zijn er geen 12 in een dozijn.

“Oh. My. God.  So I was cruising my beloved alma mater’s website and what do I come across?  A link advertising an unexpected dance party at Bates.  So of course I decided to watch it…the video shows students doing their thing- eating, chatting, and walking around.  Suddenly, the air is filled with a beat and people jump up on tables and start doing a choreographed dance!  My jaw fell open.” Read more.

AM, or Alma Mater,  have been operating in one form or another for around five years I believe, out of their home base of Garbage Grove, California (that’s right, five commas in one sentence). They play around the SoCal area with all yer other good local bands: Audacity, Thee Makeout Party, Pteradacdudes, The Amazements, Gestapo Khazi, etc. Unfortunately, despite all their DIY efforts  (they showed up with a generator to play for people waiting in line for Fuck Yeah Fest),  are still going unnoticed.

AM have churned out three releases that i know of: two full length albums (1998, and Alma Mater), and a split 7inch with No Paws (No Lions). The tracks I’m uploading are from the 7inch and really show their popindypunk versatilitah! Now to entice you with generalizations about their sound!: Modern Lovers, Replacements, early Wipers, Husker Du, J Church, Ramones

Story is a short….romantic? stomp with clanging guitars, shouted germexican vocals, and it all kinda tornado’s out at the end.

Madison is about a minute longer, which is an eternity in punk years. Nicely spaced stopping-n-starting, whooping back-ups over spoken lyrics, roughly as(…) romantic as Story.

Heirarchy is the third track and it’s equally great, but I’m not uploading it because one of my rules on this blog is not to give away an entire record from a current band.

The players on this record are: Karen-Drums (she has her bass drum on it’s side and plays it like a tom), Fonzie-Lead Guitar and vocals on Story (he’s got a rickenbaker now, refuses to pay for it), Felipe-Bass and vocals on Madison, and Bradley-Guitar bringin the beef to the sound.

if you dig these tracks, definitely contact AM via their myspace. they sell their shit DIRT cheap.

I am planning to buy a ticket to my alma mater’s homecoming football game more or less as soon as I get finished with my blog post.  I will be buyuing it with my mother’s credit card. I sometimes do this and pay her back with cash but in this case she is giving it to me as a gift. I feel a sense of obligation to be there and I have often been to Homecoming games over the years. But I have not gotten an invitation to anything except those sent out to all University students and have not had the resources to  initiate much organization although I did start a Facebook group for my classmates nobody joined it. Nonetheless, it discharged another sense of obligation. I do love my school and watching football. However, I certainly am not proud or happy to be going alone and in many other ways in the situation I am currently in at this time.

The bulk of this post is a Facebook note I wrote a while back. I had a really miserable time copying it in here (a process which is often very easy). That means I had more of a chance to correct spelling, mechanical and minor factual errors than usual because I spent longer reworking it. However, I know from experience that there may be a gross error of continuity from pasting parts together and have lots of irritating glitches. I hope not. If you read it and wish to comment I will try to address errors and questions.

I graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in May of 1989 with a degree in English and the honor of a latin phrase after the designation of a bachelors degree. There have been many days since mid May of 1989. Each of them was a bit different from the others. Suddenly I am coming up on 20 years. Sooner or later it had to happen. Actually it had to happen exactly 20 years after I graduated unless I died. It was always likely to make me feel that my life was not exactly where I had hoped it would be. Twenty years ago was a rather high mark in my life. But not a perfect time at all.

In the years since then there have been opportunities to do things that I had not done. Perhaps I resemble some huge portion of the human species in that I would define the last twenty years as having been much better and much worse than I would have predicted. However as a generalization I would describe my last twenty years as being profoundly different from any plan I could have made or discussed in those days. First of all the most important person in my life in those days was Michelle Denise Broussard Summers and I have not seen or spoken with her since about 1995. We had gotten married in December of 1987 while still in college. I graduated in May of 1989 and she graduated in December of 1989.

I think both that we always had our problems and that when I graduated our best years were still ahead of us. But the time of my graduation was a more difficult time than most of our time together up to that point. In those days I still had high hopes for many things that no longer draw forth that response from me. What Michelle’s hopes were becomes less clear to me with each passing day and month and year. I do know that we were very much together at that time. Her support meant a great deal to me. On the day of the Blue Key reception for the Outstanding Graduate award for their colleges and were nominated for the overall award only one person had no guests for company — I was that nominee. I did win the award however. That of course makes the approach of the 20th year anniversary even more ominous somehow. It is harder to measure up to expectations announced in those days. Of course, no matter what I had that happy summer when I had been so honored and before a life I would often categorize as horrible reverted more to the norm and became fairly horrible again. In the years since there have been lots of good and bad times. I have ended up with more self-respect than I would have ever imagined possible and very little else in many ways. Yet also blessed to have lots of people in my life and memory who have meant something to me. The journey has had its surprising joys. Instead of only following a chronology  only I wanted  to kind of set this up as journey story — because it is.

Mary graduates from UL L as I did. A young mom who does not make time for Facebook yet.

Watching one brother Joseph and one sister Mary graduate with higher Latin honors than I earned from my college alma mater has been a joy and a blessing. It has been a joy to see another sister Sarah graduate with a perfect GPA from Louisiana State University where I got my masters degree. It has been a joy to have my middle sister Susanna graduate with honors from the Franciscan University of Steubenville where I won one of two Sophomore Class Awards (one for men and one for women) in 1985. I look forward to having my youngest brother graduate from UL-L which is my renamed alma mater this May. My handicapped brother Simon received his certificate of Academic completion of merit from Abbeville High School when I was working for the school board in which they are located and which administers them. All of those were joyous milestones. But Michelle was not around for any of those events. After my Bachelor’s ceremonies, hers and my Master of Arts Degree graduation we were not to be together much longer.

Michelle and I lived in Abbeville, Lafayette, Kenner, New Orleans and Baton Rouge  all in Louisiana when we were married. We traveled to Mexico but otherwise never left the country together. We did make trips to Arizona, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee,  and Illinois. But all though we were not absolute cave-dwellers we traveled less together than has been typical of my life. In this post I have included pictures of places I have been since. I had many pictures of Michelle and I together and would put some up but they have been among the many casualties of my trips and dislocations. I do not have access to a single image of her and I together or of her as I type this.

These are some of my students and advisees graduating two years after I left.

Front page of an article I wrote about my journey to China and time there. The top photograph is of English Corner which was largely organized and facilitated by Lu Ting ting who is on my Friends List although her name appears in characters I cannot reproduce.

 Soren, Alyse and Anika in Zacatecas, Mexico in the center of town.

Alyse in the mines which were the source of wealth for Zacatecas as a Spanish Colonial City and in the precolumbian days as well.

 

I have also been a bit below the surface of the planet a few times. Mammoth Caves is one of my favorite US National parks and I have enjoyed visiting mines like those in the beautiful Mexican city of Zacatecas. Michelle was not a great outdoors woman and now I seldom participate in the outdoors in Louisiana which were such a huge part of my life before because I have had a lot of bad experiences and am not very happy here in any way but Michelle and I once camped at Mammoth Caves in a very happy exception to the rule of our time together. 

I haven’t been SO focused on self-improvement lately that food has slipped *entirely* through the cracks.

I have been meaning, for example, to blog about the Great Pizza Fiasco of K’s recent(-ish) trip. You see, she had never been to Grimaldi’s before…and if you’re someone who comes to New York from time to time — as K is (or was) known to do — it seems like the kind of place you need to go once. I took my oldest childhood friend on, like, a Tuesday in the middle of the afternoon and we were able to walk right in. So…I thought maybe if we got there *right* when it opened the line wouldn’t be too bad.

So…we arrived at 11:30. There was a *bit* of a line, but the restaurant was empty and I figured we’d be okay as long as we got in during the first wave (we had tickets to Billy Elliot at 2:00!). So…we waited. There were some folks carrying in boxes and whatnot…and I thought maybe they were running behind. And then a guy came out with a clipboard and walked down the line, asking how many people were in each party. I assumed that maybe the info on the Web site was wrong or that I had misread it and the place didn’t open until 12:00. We waited patiently — it was, after all, almost noon by then — and then, what do you know? A giant tour bus pulled up right in front…and I thought, “No! This isn’t happening!” And yet it did. An entire tour bus full of people walked right in. And that was it…we only had an hour until we had to leave…so instead, on our way back to the trusty F train, we stopped in the Dumbo General Store (which I was later told is Hecho en Dumbo at night…and is totally a restaurant I have been meaning to try FOREVER).

So, it all worked out in the end and everything, but…I don’t know, Grimaldi’s. Seems like maybe we’re getting a little big for our britches, no? Especially since it isn’t exactly the ONLY place you can get good pizza in this town. So…trying to prove that very point, I tried to take K to Lucali the following night…but, dammit, there was a power outage and they were closed. So. K did not get pizza in New York. We *did*, however, have hot dogs outside the West Side Story theater, appetizers and mojitos with orange girlie doodads at Havana Central (also a tiny little nod to our mutual alma mater…), burritos at my favorite burrito place IN THE WORLD (I can’t believe some of those Yelp reviews. I love this place and I *hate* California Taqueria…so clearly Abigail S. and I find ourselves on opposite sides of the Burrito Fence…in fact, I think the guacamole there is maybe the best part…and the Gourmet burrito makes me pretty much happier than anything else. And why do you *have* to have rice and beans in your burrito, Daniel G.? I don’t get it. If I was a braver person, I’d register and write my own review. Perhaps that will come later in my quest for Sandra Bullock Clarity), and, finally — one of the places K actually wanted to go! — Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft. (Another food connection? She bought me a lewd apron for my birthday. How about that?)

The following weekend I made my way to — gasp! — New Jersey to visit another K. And I was actually pretty shocked that I only had to ride New Jersey Transit for 70 minutes, but felt like I was leaving the city far, far behind. (I was also a little bit in love with the child sitting in front of me who kept calling every body of water he saw “the ocean.”) K II lives in a very bright and airy apartment on the Princeton campus (or pretty darn close) and there are lots of trees and birds and bugs. And we went apple-picking! I was not able to get my standard pie apples, but I’m not so much of a stickler that I wasn’t willing to branch out with three new varieties. I *wish* I could remember all three, but one was definitely Macoun. And…as K II took me to a charming kitchen store in the heart of Princeton (that had a revolving cake platter that plays “Happy Birthday!”) and bought mini tart pans (that’s the difference between the two of us — my tart pan is HUGE), I was totally inspired to make an apple tart of my own. (The recipe I like most on Epicurious, however, calls for cardamom and I did not see any at my local grocery store…but Trader Joe’s in the middle of the day in the middle of the week has sort of become my new favorite place to be…and Joe should have cardamom, right?) She was *also* talking about how much she likes donuts…and she was searching for a baked good to claim as her “thing” and I really, really wanted to be able to find a recipe for baked donuts that would blow her away (she was reluctant to embrace donuts because of all the frying)…but, sadly, I didn’t see anything good in any of my cookbooks (Martha has an interesting one for pumpkin cornmeal donuts…but they, like virtually every other donut in creation, are fried)…although a quick Google search pulled up *these* baked donuts…although they are also quick to note that it’s an entirely different taste sensation. If I was a more industrious blogger, I’d try these recipes out and come back with some original reporting. Which I suppose is *maybe* still a possibility, but…

…the traveling doesn’t stop there! My mother is flying in tomorrow…and we have big plans to eat a lot: Mesa Grill, Grand Central Oyster Bar, The Spotted Pig, Buttermilk Channel…and I don’t know what else. Shake Shack? Blue Smoke? Artichoke? I am sort of the proverbial kid in a candy store here as I pick out all these amazing places I would never go if it was just me.

But, wait! There’s more! Big J and I booked our tickets to Costa Rica today! We leave on November 12. And my guidebook is patiently waiting for me at the Red Hook post office. And surely there will be *something* food-related for me to blog about between now and then. (I am tempted to sign this, “Besos! LL.” But shall refrain.)

Great song by Moonspell.

Peace
Simranjeet Singh
AiM: Kether1985

Mother Tongue speaks to Me
In the strongest way I’ve ever seen
I know that she sees in Me
Her proudest child, her purest breed

She speaks to Me in colours
That I can’t really understand
I only know that they are ours
And to those I’ll proudly bend

For I am your only child
And you my dearest mystery
From an ancient throne I defy the world
To kneel before the Power within.

For I am your only child
And you my dearest mystery
World can’t you see it?
Am I alone in my belief?

Virando costas ao mundo
Orgulhosamente sós
Glória antiga, volta a nós!

ALMA MATER!

Breaking waves announce my Bride
It is the only way the Sea could sing
Legends of Lusitanian pride
He sings the words I cannot spring

At the Moon Mountain six wolves cry
Your lost glory we’ll regain or die

For I am her only child
And she is my dearest mystery
Pagan Gods in conspiracy
For the sword of Tyranny

Mother Tongue has spoke to thee
In the strongest way they’ve ever seen
World can’t you see?
I am not alone in my belief.

ALMA MATER!

Virando costas ao Mundo
Orgulhosamente sós
Gloria Antiga, volta a nos!

ALMA MATER!

Mother Tongue has spoke to Me
In the strongest way I’ve ever seen
I know that she sees in Me
Her proudest child, her purest breed

She speaks to Me in colours
I can’t really understand
I only know that they are ours
and to those I’ll proudly bend

For I am her only child
And she is my dearest mystery
From an ancient throne I defy the world
To kneel before the powers within.

For I am her only child
And she is my dearest tragedy
World can’t you see it?
I am not alone in my belief.

Virando costas ao Mundo
Orgulhosamente sós

ALMA MATER!