Category Archives: Personal ruminations & essays

Cohorts

Posted on December 17, 2012 by barczablog

At one time in Ontario there used to be something called “Grade 13”, the last year of high-school before one went on to University.  My online reading tells me that, while there were a few other places where one had … Continue reading →

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Nut Cracking

Posted on December 15, 2012 by barczablog

Life goes on.  The assertion is banal and boring in good times but a comfort the morning after a day of madness.  Parents and grand-parents suddenly recognize blessings they’d forgotten.  So what if our kids aren’t perfect (and who wants … Continue reading →

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Music Lovers

Posted on December 2, 2012 by barczablog

Ken Russell died almost exactly a year ago this weekend.  It’s reported online November 28th and 29th 2011 (although I don’t know exactly which day he passed away). I’m watching The Music Lovers, wondering if the film’s critical reception at … Continue reading →

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The prettiest love duet

Posted on November 30, 2012 by barczablog

During the COC Ensemble Studio competition, I discovered that someone else –John Gilks of operaramblings and I share similar views about a particular piece of music. Saturday the Met High Definition broadcast will be Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, and … Continue reading →

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Incidental words

Posted on November 28, 2012 by barczablog

A “CD launch” or a “book launch” is a fascinating phenomenon.  I say that even though, cough cough, I’ve never really been very fascinated by them. Books and CDs are art objects we usually experience in private rather than as … Continue reading →

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Celebrate

Posted on November 27, 2012 by barczablog

Do you need a reason? If so –that you can’t simply CELEBRATE, but do need a rationale– I can toss a few your way: If you’re a Torontonian you may be rejoicing in the victory of the Toronto Argonauts in … Continue reading →

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Mish mash season

Posted on November 8, 2012 by barczablog

Maybe you can tell i am hungry.  I am thinking about comfort food as I write this.  Comfort food? Nothing effete or fancy, but food meant to satisfy: Goulash or stew Shepherd’s pie All-day breakfasts What farmers eat to keep … Continue reading →

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Urban myths

Posted on November 6, 2012 by barczablog

For Halloween and All Saints I blogged some lists.  It may seem that I’m in a rut.  I love lists, don’t you?  No? But I am only using a list as a kind of rhetorical smokescreen.  This time the list … Continue reading →

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5 for All Saints

Posted on November 2, 2012 by barczablog

Halloween (or “all hallows even”, on October 31st) is the day preceding All Saint’s Day (November 1st).  Depending on your faith background, the two days are understood as inter-connected celebrations.  I am no expert. But this is the other half … Continue reading →

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5 for Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2012 by barczablog

It’s October 31st, a date that, depending on your context, could mean an occasion to dress up an occasion to pig out an occasion to be outrageous Some people do that every day of the year, and I won’t deny … Continue reading →

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