Freddie Mercury's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' deemed inappropriate
By K.T. McKee
Frontiersman
Published on Thursday, May 12, 2011 9:39 AM AKDT
WASILLA (Alaska) — When members of Wasilla High School’s symphonic jazz choir heard Friday it wouldn’t be singing the popular Queen hit “Bohemian Rhapsody” at this year’s graduation ceremony after working on it all year, the students couldn’t get their heads around it.
WHS Principal Dwight Probasco reportedly had received complaints from at least one parent that the 1975 hit written by Freddie Mercury wasn’t appropriate for the ceremony simply because Mercury was gay.
“The whole thing was just ridiculous,” senior Rachel Clark said Monday. “They’d played the song on the school intercom and we played it at prom. It’s a great song and the choir was really excited to be singing it. And the senior class felt like it defined them.” Choir member Casey Hight, a junior, was angry enough to contact a gay and lesbian support organization in Anchorage for help. They told her to contact an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union.
“I felt like the school was discriminating for sexual orientation and I felt it was wrong,” Hight said Monday. “It’s so stupid because there’s nothing sexual in the song. There aren’t even any cuss words.”
Although Probasco wouldn’t comment on the issue Monday, Senior Class Advisor Deb Haynes said Probasco has now agreed to allow the choir to sing an edited version of Bohemian Rhapsody that doesn’t include lyrics in one section about killing a man.
“The kids had put a lot of time into the song, but at graduation we really try to accommodate anything that might be a sensitive issue for anybody,” Haynes said, adding she didn’t understand why the song would have been a problem in the first place. “I’ve heard it a hundred times and it’s never bothered me.”
Hight said she believes Probasco decided to put the song back on the graduation program because he didn’t want any problems with the ACLU.
Clark said it didn’t make sense for the school district to tout tolerance for all and then turn around and allow homophobia to dictate something such as graduation music.
“We were joking about singing Elton John’s ‘Candle in the Wind,’ instead,” Clark said. “I guess no matter what you do, someone’s feathers are going to get ruffled.”
Clark said she’s glad the choir will be able to sing the song after all, because several of the singers have solos.
“The whole attitude of the song just seems to fit our class,” she said.
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Link to original story.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Economics
Back in college, I took three Economics courses. I remember hearing about "guns and butter" and tuning out. I was totally confused. Somewhere in my third course, however, I had a breakthrough and suddenly understood the concepts.
I never considered being an Economics major - though I did end up studying for four other majors (Psychology, English, Math, and Business) - before settling on the one that I graduated with - Marketing.
I was thinking about Economics recently because NPR's Planet Money ran a story about the website The Economics of Seinfeld. From the website: Seinfeld ran for nine seasons on NBC and became famous as a “show about nothing.” Basically, the show allows viewers to follow the antics of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer as they move through their daily lives, often encountering interesting people or dealing with special circumstances.
It is the simplicity of Seinfeld that makes it so appropriate for use in economics courses. Using these clips (as well as clips from other television shows or movies) makes economic concepts come alive, making them more real for students. Ultimately, students will start seeing economics everywhere – in other TV shows, in popular music, and most importantly, in their own lives.
I haven't yet read through the seven pages of examples, but the site does bring back the memories of college - and my fascination with Economics.
I never considered being an Economics major - though I did end up studying for four other majors (Psychology, English, Math, and Business) - before settling on the one that I graduated with - Marketing.
I was thinking about Economics recently because NPR's Planet Money ran a story about the website The Economics of Seinfeld. From the website: Seinfeld ran for nine seasons on NBC and became famous as a “show about nothing.” Basically, the show allows viewers to follow the antics of Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer as they move through their daily lives, often encountering interesting people or dealing with special circumstances.
It is the simplicity of Seinfeld that makes it so appropriate for use in economics courses. Using these clips (as well as clips from other television shows or movies) makes economic concepts come alive, making them more real for students. Ultimately, students will start seeing economics everywhere – in other TV shows, in popular music, and most importantly, in their own lives.
I haven't yet read through the seven pages of examples, but the site does bring back the memories of college - and my fascination with Economics.
Awesome Things Video
One of the blogs I regularly read is 1000 Awesome Things.
We can all use some positive thoughts in our life. Here is the accompanying video by the blog's author. Description from the site: Neil Pasricha's blog 1000 Awesome Things savors life's simple pleasures, from free refills to clean sheets. In this heartfelt talk from TEDxToronto, he reveals the 3 secrets (all starting with A) to leading a life that's truly awesome.
We can all use some positive thoughts in our life. Here is the accompanying video by the blog's author. Description from the site: Neil Pasricha's blog 1000 Awesome Things savors life's simple pleasures, from free refills to clean sheets. In this heartfelt talk from TEDxToronto, he reveals the 3 secrets (all starting with A) to leading a life that's truly awesome.
Friday, May 13, 2011
What My Mother Told Me
In honor of Mother's Day this past Sunday, here are the
Top Nine Things My Mother Has Told Me Over The Years.
1. "No one is looking at you. They are all too concerned about themselves." That thought has helped me countless times over the years. About a stain. About my tripping. About wearing the "wrong" outfit to a party. Her message: Be yourself.
2. From nine years old onward: "Go outside and play. There's nothing to do inside. But be home when the street lights come on." Growing up, our neighborhood was filled with kids. We loved to play Kick the Can, Capture the Flag - in a 12 block by 13 block area - Baseball, Kickball, and Football, among other games. (Carlos hears my stories about the games we played in the streets as a kid and pictures us growing up poor.) Thanks to our older friend Doris who organized them, we even put on three full-production plays (including building the stage) in her back yard.
3. When my sister Christine and I were both young kids (each under seven), my Dad would hang out at Robert's Bar after work. Most nights, after a couple of hours, my Mom and us two kids would drive to the bar. Mom would coach Christine and I with the exact words, and send us in: "Daddy. When are you coming home?" Tears in our eyes were encouraged by Mom. I didn't understand the concept at the time, but my Dad certainly did. He came right home.
4. To me at 11 years old: "Don't tell your swim coach you have an upset stomach. This will be the only time you'll be able to go to Disney World for $100 [via the JCC Swim Team]." Three hours into the bus trip, I vomited all over myself, my clothes, and my seat mate. My swim coach called my mom and was PISSED - but the rest of my first trip to Disney World was fantastic.
5. When I graduated from college, after having worked for Kinko's for almost five years and having turned down a post-graduation job offer from them, I went to work for a Marketing company - my major. After the first day, I came home crestfallen: It was cold call selling of direct mail advertising. I hated it and felt like a failure. Still living at home right after graduation, the morning of my second day, I was ironing my pants getting ready for work - with tears in my eyes. Mom said: "You don't want to go? Don't go. Call them now so you'll get their answering machine. Then don't look back. Call Kinko's. Tell them that you feel bad that you left them in the lurch about the position they offered you and that you have changed your mind. Don't beg for your job. Spin it that you're doing them a favor." I took her advice and was working for Kinko's again that afternoon. I stayed for 10 years.
5. "Do what you love. The money will follow." I have followed that advice since I have started working. My Freshman year in college, I loved music and radio, and wanted to be a DJ on my college radio station - and auditioned to be a DJ. I got a shitty shift, but worked my way up to create The Birdman and Poker Show in Prime Time Tuesday nights. I was also picked by the Station Manager my Sophomore year to be the Program Director of the station. By my Junior year, the Media Council elected me Station Manager - complete with a full college scholarship (room, board, tuition and books!).
6. "I'm shy." My mother has always claimed to be an introvert, though having practiced for many years appearing as an extrovert. Most people who know her don't believe it. I always have - because I understand the base of what she means and that's what I aspire to also. She has always reminded me of Carol Burnett. Carlos says that this video clip is a perfect representation of her personality.
Carol Burnett from "Once Upon A Mattress"...
or Carol Burnett's version from 1964...
7. "Of course you are my favorite. Don't tell your sisters." Growing up, my two sisters and I all felt that we were the favorite child. We know now that there is no Sophie's Choice. Each child is the favorite. Each child is special. Each child is different. Each child is his/her own person - and was rewarded and encouraged toward his/her own path. And all three of us realize how hard that is to pull off by a parent.
8. "You're gay? Oh. Okay." I came out to her around July 2008 - when I was 41. I know. I know. I was old. [A long post on all that soon.] As you know, the opening line is crucial. Mine was, "You like Carlos, right? Well...He and I are more than friends." She was as cool about it as all my friends said for years she would be about it. I should have told her when I was 10.
9. "Carlos wants to buy a house? I'll be his real estate agent." For a year. The two of them - only, without me - traveled the city in search of the perfect house for Carlos. In the meantime, my boyfriend and my Mom bonded. Without me. Invaluable.
Top Nine Things My Mother Has Told Me Over The Years.
1. "No one is looking at you. They are all too concerned about themselves." That thought has helped me countless times over the years. About a stain. About my tripping. About wearing the "wrong" outfit to a party. Her message: Be yourself.
2. From nine years old onward: "Go outside and play. There's nothing to do inside. But be home when the street lights come on." Growing up, our neighborhood was filled with kids. We loved to play Kick the Can, Capture the Flag - in a 12 block by 13 block area - Baseball, Kickball, and Football, among other games. (Carlos hears my stories about the games we played in the streets as a kid and pictures us growing up poor.) Thanks to our older friend Doris who organized them, we even put on three full-production plays (including building the stage) in her back yard.
3. When my sister Christine and I were both young kids (each under seven), my Dad would hang out at Robert's Bar after work. Most nights, after a couple of hours, my Mom and us two kids would drive to the bar. Mom would coach Christine and I with the exact words, and send us in: "Daddy. When are you coming home?" Tears in our eyes were encouraged by Mom. I didn't understand the concept at the time, but my Dad certainly did. He came right home.
4. To me at 11 years old: "Don't tell your swim coach you have an upset stomach. This will be the only time you'll be able to go to Disney World for $100 [via the JCC Swim Team]." Three hours into the bus trip, I vomited all over myself, my clothes, and my seat mate. My swim coach called my mom and was PISSED - but the rest of my first trip to Disney World was fantastic.
5. When I graduated from college, after having worked for Kinko's for almost five years and having turned down a post-graduation job offer from them, I went to work for a Marketing company - my major. After the first day, I came home crestfallen: It was cold call selling of direct mail advertising. I hated it and felt like a failure. Still living at home right after graduation, the morning of my second day, I was ironing my pants getting ready for work - with tears in my eyes. Mom said: "You don't want to go? Don't go. Call them now so you'll get their answering machine. Then don't look back. Call Kinko's. Tell them that you feel bad that you left them in the lurch about the position they offered you and that you have changed your mind. Don't beg for your job. Spin it that you're doing them a favor." I took her advice and was working for Kinko's again that afternoon. I stayed for 10 years.
5. "Do what you love. The money will follow." I have followed that advice since I have started working. My Freshman year in college, I loved music and radio, and wanted to be a DJ on my college radio station - and auditioned to be a DJ. I got a shitty shift, but worked my way up to create The Birdman and Poker Show in Prime Time Tuesday nights. I was also picked by the Station Manager my Sophomore year to be the Program Director of the station. By my Junior year, the Media Council elected me Station Manager - complete with a full college scholarship (room, board, tuition and books!).
6. "I'm shy." My mother has always claimed to be an introvert, though having practiced for many years appearing as an extrovert. Most people who know her don't believe it. I always have - because I understand the base of what she means and that's what I aspire to also. She has always reminded me of Carol Burnett. Carlos says that this video clip is a perfect representation of her personality.
Carol Burnett from "Once Upon A Mattress"...
or Carol Burnett's version from 1964...
7. "Of course you are my favorite. Don't tell your sisters." Growing up, my two sisters and I all felt that we were the favorite child. We know now that there is no Sophie's Choice. Each child is the favorite. Each child is special. Each child is different. Each child is his/her own person - and was rewarded and encouraged toward his/her own path. And all three of us realize how hard that is to pull off by a parent.
8. "You're gay? Oh. Okay." I came out to her around July 2008 - when I was 41. I know. I know. I was old. [A long post on all that soon.] As you know, the opening line is crucial. Mine was, "You like Carlos, right? Well...He and I are more than friends." She was as cool about it as all my friends said for years she would be about it. I should have told her when I was 10.
9. "Carlos wants to buy a house? I'll be his real estate agent." For a year. The two of them - only, without me - traveled the city in search of the perfect house for Carlos. In the meantime, my boyfriend and my Mom bonded. Without me. Invaluable.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, May 06, 2011
Gardening: Year Two, Week Three
The garden is coming along nicely. I am already learning some lessons: Next year, plant only one pack of snap beans. They're growing wildly. I'm interested to see what happens when the cucumber vines start to crawl around.
From last year, I did learn that cucumber vines grow and grow and grow. Thus the addition of the chain fence in the back.
I'm really getting into this gardening thing. I learn new things every year.
From last year, I did learn that cucumber vines grow and grow and grow. Thus the addition of the chain fence in the back.
I'm really getting into this gardening thing. I learn new things every year.
TV Show: Extreme Couponing
This past weekend, TLC had a marathon of their newer show Extreme Couponing.
Basically, puffy-haired women and a few obviously-gay-but-married-anyway men spend up to "35 hours per week" (!) clipping, organizing, and obsessing over coupons. Then, they head to the grocery to buy truck loads of crap they don't need but "stockpile" anyway because they're getting a great deal. You do not need 100 bottles of hand lotion. Ever.
"I bought $1000 worth" of stuff I don't need "for $12".
I was buying into the concept until I saw three of my pet peeves in one episode:
1) The word is pronounced "coupon" not "Qpon".
2) Fifty cents is written 50¢. If you write .50¢, you are saying 1/2 of a penny.
3) Your coupon books did not come "from God just in time to save [your] home". They came in the mail. Your mailman is not God. God is busy smiting people. He has no time for your petty hobby.
I can no longer watch this show.
Basically, puffy-haired women and a few obviously-gay-but-married-anyway men spend up to "35 hours per week" (!) clipping, organizing, and obsessing over coupons. Then, they head to the grocery to buy truck loads of crap they don't need but "stockpile" anyway because they're getting a great deal. You do not need 100 bottles of hand lotion. Ever.
"I bought $1000 worth" of stuff I don't need "for $12".
I was buying into the concept until I saw three of my pet peeves in one episode:
1) The word is pronounced "coupon" not "Qpon".
2) Fifty cents is written 50¢. If you write .50¢, you are saying 1/2 of a penny.
3) Your coupon books did not come "from God just in time to save [your] home". They came in the mail. Your mailman is not God. God is busy smiting people. He has no time for your petty hobby.
I can no longer watch this show.
House Painting
Time Line -
Before:
Friday, April 22: Scraped and power washed entire house
Saturday, April 23: Painted my house behind the fence - so I could practice before I went in full view of my neighbors to...
Sunday, April 24 (Easter Sunday): Pained my house in front of my house and in front of the prying eyes of my neighbors
Sunday, May 1: Painted the trim (I guess that's what it's called. I painted all the non-white stuff.) Touched up everything else.
After:
Professional Quote from Painting Company: $1300
Cost of Doing It Myself: $300
Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sunburn: Priceless
Before:
Friday, April 22: Scraped and power washed entire house
Saturday, April 23: Painted my house behind the fence - so I could practice before I went in full view of my neighbors to...
Sunday, April 24 (Easter Sunday): Pained my house in front of my house and in front of the prying eyes of my neighbors
Sunday, May 1: Painted the trim (I guess that's what it's called. I painted all the non-white stuff.) Touched up everything else.
After:
Professional Quote from Painting Company: $1300
Cost of Doing It Myself: $300
Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sunburn: Priceless
Friday, April 29, 2011
Music Challenge: Producers
Carlos and I were talking a few weeks ago about prominent record producers.
Among the ones we brought up in the conversation were:
Shep Pettibone
Mutt Lange
Todd Rundgren
Nile Rodgers
He offered me a challenge -
Create a mixed CD of your favorite producer's product. I agreed and figured that he'd pick Shep Pettibone, since he'd produced many of Madonna's singles - who Carlos loves though he is definitely "NOT DEFINED BY MADONNA".
He picked Nile Rodgers.
I picked Todd Rundgren. After some research, I have found that Todd Rundgren has produced 58 albums including some of my favorites, and the reasons I picked him:
Badfinger - Ass (though only two of the songs)
Grand Funk Railroad - Shinin' On
XTC - Skylarking (great album!)
Badfinger - Straight Up (One of his best producing efforts)
--------------------
Once Carlos and I both present our compilations to each other, I'll post them here.
How about you: Do you follow certain producers? Who are your favorite producers? Do you feel (strong) record producers shape a band?
Among the ones we brought up in the conversation were:
Shep Pettibone
Mutt Lange
Todd Rundgren
Nile Rodgers
He offered me a challenge -
Create a mixed CD of your favorite producer's product. I agreed and figured that he'd pick Shep Pettibone, since he'd produced many of Madonna's singles - who Carlos loves though he is definitely "NOT DEFINED BY MADONNA".
He picked Nile Rodgers.
I picked Todd Rundgren. After some research, I have found that Todd Rundgren has produced 58 albums including some of my favorites, and the reasons I picked him:
Badfinger - Ass (though only two of the songs)
Grand Funk Railroad - Shinin' On
XTC - Skylarking (great album!)
Badfinger - Straight Up (One of his best producing efforts)
--------------------
Once Carlos and I both present our compilations to each other, I'll post them here.
How about you: Do you follow certain producers? Who are your favorite producers? Do you feel (strong) record producers shape a band?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
New Discovery: The Decemberists
A quick one while we're away...
At work, we alternate among many radio stations including the local Progressive college station, WTUL.
On most Friday afternoons, the DJ plays The Decemberists, especially this song...
Here is my other current favorite song of theirs...
I guess I am very particular: Songs by the Decemberists that have an apostrophe in the title.
For those in New Orleans, they're playing at Jazz Fest on the "First Sunday". I am still working out mentally if I can venture out into the world on a Sunday. We'll see...
What a great song. What a great band.
At work, we alternate among many radio stations including the local Progressive college station, WTUL.
On most Friday afternoons, the DJ plays The Decemberists, especially this song...
Here is my other current favorite song of theirs...
I guess I am very particular: Songs by the Decemberists that have an apostrophe in the title.
For those in New Orleans, they're playing at Jazz Fest on the "First Sunday". I am still working out mentally if I can venture out into the world on a Sunday. We'll see...
What a great song. What a great band.
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