Day 6 - 59 -- Genes

Between meetings today, I attended a lecture on nutritional genetics -- how food and nutrients can affect gene expression -- positively or negatively. It brought many questions about the degree of evidence available as it is still in its infancy as science goes. Other hot topics included the lack of regulation of companies offering genetic testing with advice and interpretation that isn't always accurate and can be totally false. When dealing with health advice, this becomes a major concern. One of my questions came from the ethics of handling personal genetic material. Will the company involved dispose of it as requested or does it sit somewhere in a repository to be shared with who knows who? Without regulations, this becomes a major ethical dilemma. Some solid understandings of food and genes do exist, with the caffeine metabolism rate the best known of these. If we remove caffeine more slowly from our systems -- based on our genetic makeup -- it can increase our risk of heart attack. If we reduce intake to equivalent of two cups of coffee daily instead of the general recommendation or four cups per day, this will reduce that heart disease risk. So -- the testing process isn't without its benefits. It depends on who is providing the information and what degree of raining they have in the science and do they keep up with the newer research findings.

We chatted about genealogy and genetic testing to tell you where your ancestors came from on this planet. I've often been flummoxed by the advertisement noting that the family with an Italian family history actually tests as Scottish -- something that seemed surprising to the family involved. Yet, humans have migrated around the world often. Scottish soldiers and sailors would have traveled to Europe and other continents intermingling along the way. Knowing where our genes originate is in its infancy, too. When new technology like this comes along, commercialization occurs almost instantly. This can lead to overstating what little is currently understood.

While washing my hair tonight, I was working through some of this topic.  The song chosen to share arrived when I asked myself a question. <smile> Enjoy!

Who are You? -- The Who 

Day 6 - 58 -- Early Mash-ups

The day brought two meetings and a night class. I walked to the office, out to meetings and home from class. The wind was wicked with gust that impeded one's progress against it. I expect many people felt like mimes walking against the wind today. Temperatures were very cold and the wind made things bitter. By evening, the winds were more manageable -- cold, but not pushing me off my  intended path. I shoveled snow -- again -- when I got home. It was light to move. I dressed for the outdoor weather and still have a couple further layers that I'd wear when living on the prairies. In fact, there is a coat that I have never worn in the maritimes.

In class this evening we began discussing progressive (prog) rock, which treated rock as art rather than commerce -- hence the term art rock. One concept that intrigued me was the use of classical music played as rock music -- as done by Emerson Lake and Palmer -- or the use of classical styles within rock -- like heard in Bohemian Rhapsody. Other forms of prog rock used jazz, ethnic or traditional folk music as major influences on song writing. Songs became longer than the usual 3-4 minute radio play length. Yet, many of these longer formats received extensive radio play despite the length. Many bands ventured into this genre while others 'dabbled' in it. Experimentation and use of different instruments than drums, keyboards and guitars led to some interesting sounds and some that were more difficult for listeners. It wasn't everyone's cup of tea <smile>. Which bands walked this road? Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis (the early days), King Crimson and Rush are just a few band that focused on prog rock. The genre hit a zenith in the 1970s, but can still be found.

Tonight I share a song from an early group in the prog rock scene -- in the 1960s as groups. This song falls into the symphonic rock sub-genre. Use of the mellotron, an electro-mechanical keyboard that was used for other prog rock stylings, including the Beatles and Genesis. In this selection, the instrument was used to produce a synthesized orchestral sound. I've enjoyed the classical style of this song. Now I can deconstruct that a bit more and understand why I found it so appealing. <smile> Enjoy!

Knights in White Satin -- The Moody Blues

Day 6 - 57 -- Wild Visitor

Winds continued to blow with major gust throughout the night and all day long. The sun shone for much of the day, so I took time to shovel the show from overnight -- about 2 inches, but it drifted to 6 or 7 inches in some areas. Due to the colder temperatures, it was fairly light to move. Difficulties arose when the slush I shoveled yesterday had frozen under the fresh snow -- no shovel will move that. I walked out to two short errands in the sun, as well. there was a need to be dressed for the cold and the wind. Doing so made the walks rather pleasant.

While shoveling, I noted tracks in the snow that made me smile. We have a resident crow who comes from parts unknown. Yet, each day he walks into the yard from the town sidewalk. He strides -- no hopping around for this fellow. He does an interesting crisscross pattern through the yard. I've watched  him from the window a few times, but see his tracks most days. There is nothing in the fresh snow for him to find. After a deeper snow fall last week, I headed out to shovel and didn't see his foot prints. When back inside I happened to glance outside and there he was walking down the freshly shoveled walkway with snow as tall as him on either side. He looked very grand and important. He has a mission that remains a mystery to me. He is always alone. I wonder what he tells his pals about these treks through my yard when the local crows congregate at sunset. His escapades bring me a smile maybe others find humour in his explorations, too.

I share the title song from a Grammy winning album -- the artist's first. This instrumental reminds me of the dude in the front yard -- lively, bright and upbeat. The version chosen to share has several other artists accompanying the musician-songwriter on Letterman a few years ago. Enjoy!

The Crow -- Steve Martin ft. Bela Fleck & Tony Trishka (banjos) & Brittany Hass (fiddle) 

Day 6 - 56 -- Following Your Passion

I've encountered similar stories from two people lately. During the Oscars, Lady Gaga noted that winning wasn't the goal. Instead she presented not giving up as the goal noting that developing a and working with a passion shouldn't be stopped by rejection. On the morning show today, author Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give & On the Come UP) told viewers that her first book had been rejected 150 times. She kept writing and just released her second novel after an award winning first novel. The theme to these messages struck me as 'follow your joy' and 'commit to your passion'. Each stated that one should not give up. Love what you do and you will find a place in the world. Just be you without changing to meet someone else's vision -- work to your own goal.

It seemed odd that I'd hear the same message from two different artistic women. Their messages struck a chord by noting that rejection does not equal failure -- not if you are working on something you love. The need to keep moving forward while being yourself was an amazing message, especially when articulated by different speakers. I have tried to follow by passion throughout my career. This was easier in some settings than others, but that showed me that the negative responses to my ideas did not mean they weren't worth working towards -- just might need to hold onto them for another day or place. The research ideas I've had are now being developed with the help of my research partners. There is a time and place, we just need to persevere to find it.

The Oscar winning song from last evening is shared today. The lyrics fit with the messages of these two young women -- be brave and jump into the deep end. Enjoy!

Shallow -- Lady Gaga ft. Bradley Cooper

Day 6 - 55 -- Encountering seering pain

Frustration followed by pain -- pain that made me cry. That was my shopping experience today. In a planned trip to the grocery store, I was frustrated with the clerk who put heavy things on squishable things -- but that was a fleeting emotion. Walking back to the car with the sun in my eyes, I navigated the sidewalk ramp to return to the parking lot. The cart came to a dead stop and then tipped forward depositing my packed bags all over the pavement. I swore - silently -- though anyone with lip-reading abilities would know the utterance. I picked up the bags and put a couple of items back in bags. As I began walking to the car, I became aware of a searing pain on both shins. The pain made breathing difficult. I got the bags in the car and then paused to look. I expected blood, but no skin breaks were present. There were two decided lumps, though. The right was the size of a pea and the left was similar to a robin's egg. I put the cart back in the corral and drove home. There were tears along the way. I got the bags into the house and found ice packs. I sat with one pack alternating on left and right legs. Several hours have passed and things don't throb as badly, but there will be ugly marks there tomorrow -- beyond the bluish marks that were there instantly. My right arm and shoulder are showing some signs of strain now -- must be from the recoil of the abrupt stopping of the cart. <sigh>

Needless to say the plans for the day changed. I'd hoped to get some work done around the house, but found myself sitting with my legs elevated for most of the afternoon. Interesting that this showed again, how life can change in an instant. While my experience was jarring and painful, it wasn't life changing -- just day changing. We can be merrily going along minding our own business and encounter something akin to an attack -- something we have no control over. No matter how careful we try to be accidents will happen. I probably should have gone back into the store to report the incident, but I hurt so much I just needed to hide and cry. I may chat with them later, so they can fill the hole in the pavement right by the sidewalk so this won't happen to anyone else.

The song that came to mind made me laugh -- something I needed while icing the lumps. I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy!

Legs -- ZZ Top

Day 6 - 54 -- Listening to the Blues

The day was sunny but cold. I was inside doing those weekly household chores -- far from my favourite activity <smile>. This evening I attended a fund raising event for the summer theatre festival. The Whiskey Smoke Blues Band treated us to an evening of Motown and other blues. This group comprises five talented members -- three professors (lead guitar, keyboards, and a multi-instrumentalist) along with a bassist and drummer. Three of these men provide vocals, however this night one had a throat infection, so two carried the load well. A jazz saxophonist and two backup singers completed the performers. The show was sold out -- as was the one a year ago by this same group. The marvelous guitar, keyboard and harmonica solos met with major applause. All faces left smiling. Four of us headed to a friend's place for wine and conversation. I got home at 1 AM! I don't recall the last time that happened <grin>.  (so this is late being posted)

I'd been feeling sad most of the day, and hearing the blues songs seemed to help so much. Perhaps this music acted as a celebration of the life of the acquaintance lost this week. He ended his career as a blues artist. Thinking of that made the show much more personal for me. Again, this showed me the power of music -- to relax, to soothe and to heal.

Based on my thoughts about the wonderful music from the show, I chose to share with you the opening number for the evening event. The lyrics sound very personal -- which may have helped lead me down that pathway of pondering. This was used in the blog 46 days ago, but it fit so well today, that I will use it again. Enjoy!

Celebration -- Kool and the Gang

Day 6 - 53 -- Keeping True to Oneself

While shoveling snow and doing paperwork today I found myself thinking of the need to be true to oneself. There is a need to understand your ideals -- in fancy phrasing, your personal epistomology and ontology. Being true to your beliefs and values will leave you with fewer regrets in life. Go against them, and you may find yourself in a hole deeper than you can climb to escape.

I've asked people to articulate their personal stances for themselves and to be able to explain the viewpoints for research and counseling projects. Do the two points of view match well? How far are we willing to go outside our own value system before it is too much? Recognizing why some approaches to work or life don't feel right means that we understand ourselves and know that something on our task list just won't fit. If our stance is different from the majority, we shouldn't be pressured to conform. Being non-conformist isn't always a bad thing.<smile>  Stand up for personal values, but be sure to understand where these originate and the implications of 'rocking the boat'. The world around us need not change who we are unless we want or need that change.

A song that speaks somewhat to these rambling thoughts came to mind while listening to music and shoveling. It was a personal philosophy of the songwriter (and singer in the version shared). Enjoy!

Can You Dig It? -- The Monkees (Peter Tork)