musical. personal. vocal.

Archive for November, 2008

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Pirate balloon at the parade.

Bring on the balloons!


First Impressions

This is a picture of the buildings across the street from our room in New York.

I need only two words to characterize my first impression of New York City, "well worn." Roadways dotted with numerous potholes that have been filled only to be cracking again, buildings that look lived in and worn out, brick walkways that have obviously been trampled by millions of pedestrians, even the disposition of the locals gives me the feeling of wear and tear. New Yorkers have squeezed and squeezed this town until there is room for nothing else, and now it is sitting and aging.

As we meandered through the city on the way to the hotel we were greeted with a mix of Christmas music accompanied by a chorus of honking horns. I watched as the owner of a dry cleaning shop hung shirts outside the store where more space was readily at hand. I saw my first ever double decker bridge. Stores were stacked on top of shops that were stacked on top of offices that were stacked below apartment housing. The buildings never end. New Yorkers are masters in the art of utilizing space.

Don’t get me wrong. I love this place. I have loved the thought of this place before I came here, and for all the reasons listed above, I love this place even more now that I am here.


Do you like pizza?

California Pizza Kitchen

Looking for a good place to eat pizza? I know it’s been around for awhile, but I just recently tried California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), and have to report a great experience. Good pizza, good salad, and a good price make CPK a good choice.


Delta City Blues (live)

Michael Brecker may be the greatest musician to ever play the saxophone. A generation of musicians have spent countless numbers of hours, days, and years studying him to reproduce his musical style. In January 2007, after fighting a long battle with leukemia, he passed away at the age of 57. I hope this video will give you some insight into the genius that was Michael Brecker.