a southern gal in the north

Oh I am too jealous for words!  Jessica writes:

But in the Broadcasting House foyer (where, my dears, you see everyone who is anyone), I bumped into Mitsuko Uchida, who was on her way to Radio 3 to appear on In Tune. Now there’s one truly great artist – a pianist you couldn’t fake if you tried. Her playing could never have been anybody else’s. I’ve often felt that for her, the piano is like a second voice box. It’s part of her, indivisible from her personality, indeed her soul, and that’s how it ought to be.

She’s playing Mozart piano concertos with the LSO and Colin Davis at the Barbican on Wednesday and Thursday. Further details here and here. UPDATE: BOTH CONCERTS are now sold out. Earlier this evening, there were seats available for Wednesday, but…

Jessica Duchen’s classical music blog.

However I did listen to the IN TUNE broadcast and heard her in live chat with Sean Rafferty.  Listen to it here or to my podcast

Just in from the Wall Street Journal (3:42 pm)

Satellite-Radio Rivals XM And Sirius Agree to Merge
By DENNIS K. BERMAN and SARAH MCBRIDE
February 19, 2007 3:42 p.m.

XM Satellite Radio Holdings and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. are merging into a single satellite-radio giant, the companies announced Monday.

Mel Karmazin, currently chief executive of Sirius, would be chief executive of the combined company, and Gary Parsons, currently chairman of XM, would be chairman of the new entity. The companies would merge as equals, with both companies getting the same share of the new company. The company would keep offices in both New York, where Sirius is based, and Washington, D.C., home to XM.

The merger may have hurdles getting approved by antitrust and communications regulators. Already Federal Communications Commissioner Kevin Martin has signaled some resistance to a coupling of the two services, which feature rival menus of sports, music, and talk-radio programming.

But the two sides are likely to argue that the proliferation of Internet-based radio, digital music players, and new HD-radio formats creates a vigorous competitive market for such media. Indeed, in surveys, consumers rarely can differentiate between the two companies, which have spent hundreds of millions trying to appeal to them.

Word of the talks was first reported by The New York Post.

As of Friday, Sirius carried a market capitalization of $5.2 billion. XM was valued at about $3.8 billion. Word of the talks was first reported by The New York Post.

Text of Announcement

From Playbill

The Bald Soprano: Dawn Upshaw Returns to Stage Following Cancer Treatment
By Matthew Westphal – February 14, 2007

Dawn Upshaw
photo by Dario Acosta

Dawn Upshaw is back.

Last November, the soprano discovered that she had breast cancer, and withdrew from her engagements through the end of 2006 in order to pursue aggressive treatment. Those dates, unfortunately, included the world premiere of Kaija Saariaho’s La Passion de Simone in Vienna and high-profile performances of John Adams’s El Niño with the Boston Symphony.

Happily, she seems to have come through the regimen well. She returned to the concert stage last Thursday (February 8) in Portland, Oregon in the first stop on a recital tour, singing a program ranging from Lieder by Schumann and Wolf to songs by Stephen Foster to contemporary American music by William Bolcom and Osvaldo Golijov.

David Stabler reported for The Oregonian that Upshaw’s performance “reinforced all the reasons we love this down-to-earth diva: her moonbeam voice, her enchanting acting and her generous ease of purpose. But we had another reason [to love her], too: her vulnerability … no one at the concert could fail to be moved by the sight of this acclaimed soprano standing before us with a shaved scalp.”

Upshaw suffered the same effects of chemotherapy that most cancer patients do — and she wasn’t afraid to let her audience see the result.

“I didn’t know what might happen tonight,” Stabler quoted her as saying to the Portland audience. “You gave me a great gift.”

Dawn Upshaw gives three more recitals over the next two weeks: tonight in Santa Barbara,California, February 17 in Eugene, Oregon, and February 25 in Boston. She sings Benjamin Britten’s Les Illuminations with conductor David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony March 16-18 at the orchestra’s home, Powell Symphony Hall, and on March 31 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Two weeks later, she and Golijov return to Carnegie for workshops with young artists, culminating in performances on April 14 and 15.

 

Good lighing is essential for good knitting results – we all know that!  And paying attention to dyelots as in all the same is a golden rule of knitting too. 

Well, I learned my lesson but GOOD with dyelots and good lighting (or the lack thereof) last night!

Ever notice that RIPPING is R.I.P.?  That is ALL too painfully obvious to me after last night’s discovery.  Read on for the sad story.

Remember the Aran I am working on – Kathy Zimmermanns OLD FRIEND (its at the Interweave Knits website) – so on Friday night I finished the back and I was SO proud cause I had ripped back from the shoulder edge and reknitted it so that the rows would work out with a closed cable at the shoulders.  I was so happy with it.  And merrily started the front (same as back except a little neck difference)

Then last night a knitting friend came over and we knit, and talked and ate and daink – we had a grand time.  Halfway thru the evening, I pulled out my freshly completed back to show her – I was SO proud – and, well, see the photo below for the sad discovery:

see it… the DARK BAND across the middle  – ARGH.ARCH.UGH – I couldn’t believe it – thank goodness for a friend being there – I needed some one to help me thru the grief!

So out come the ball bands – and wouldn’t you know it – there were FIVE alike and ONE different lot – I cant even imagine how that one got there -as they were from the exact same purchase at Smiley’s a few years ago (you know bags of 5 for sale).   This is Patons Classic Merino Wool…. Blue Storm.

I have never seen such a difference between dye lots – its almost another SHADE!

Now why didn’t I see it before last night?  The Chandelier in the middle of the room had just been fixed about two weeks ago – and most of the knitting is done at night with that light off, its a very dark room (see the dark blue walls) and the lamps have CFL bulbs so unless I turn on the chandelier (its a small one but has real light bulbs) there is not really good general light.  So I hadn’t looked at it with that on nor had I taken it outside… nor did I suspect there was that stray dye lot.

Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on me!

Never again will I use a skein/ball without checking the dyelot!  No more Mindless Knitting! Argh.

So after a bit of back and forth of discussion – I realized I would NEVER wear it – even if it is on the back – I ripped the entire thing and the front (only 10 rows) and at 2 in the morning wound all the yarn into nice little balls with my yarn winder.

sigh!

That offending Dye Lot ball has been SEGREGATED to its OWN bag never to meet the other balls again. 

And then I debated about abandoning that sweater entirely – that was the SECOND start as it was – and pulled out all my Alice Starmore books – and looked at St. Brigid and Irish Moss and Na Craga and a few others.  By then I was so tired and too annoyed at myself to think straight. so off to bed.

Today well, I don’t feel any better about the loss – but I am thinking I am going to start ONE MORE TIME – three’s the charm so they say – I do like the patterns and the only other sweater I really wanted to do was Cromarty which is similar.  I may swatch for it tonight anyway……. it is a beautiful design and different enough from this one.

so now I have 10 skeins of one dye lot (I CHECKED EVERY ONE) and then five of one dye lot and the offending one dye lot.  We figured out that it was about 2.5 skeins for the back so with five and then maybe a skein each for arms – thats aobut 7 skeins total – I will be fine with the same dye lot of the newer yarn.

As for the five – well, Berkshire sister requested sweaters for Berkshire nephew -so guess what yarn will be used?

off to grocery shop for Village Sister (the one with the newborn and toddler) in my new VERY USED car.

more on THAT experience later (it took ALL Friday).

Your birth date : November 16
Your Sign :    Monkey
Your Element :   Fire 

People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
=====
Monkeys are always alert and can feel surroundings even as they are thoroughly engaged in conversation. Monkeys are sociable and have an active outside life. Monkeys sympathize with people and they in turn trust you with their secrets. Monkeys can forgive, but never forget and can be revengeful if somebody wrongs them several times. They wait their turn for the perfect opportunity and nothing can stop them from achieving a goal. They have a lively love life. Monkeys are good at making people comfortable and even the most shy individuals open up to them. Having a very attractive openness, and as a partner they are reliable, adaptable and cheerful. Inherently brainy, monkeys very rarely fail in their mission. They are good at assessing risk and financial problems. Monkeys are intellectual and their memory is incredible. They don't care what opinions others may have of them. They know they are lucky, and they also know they have the power to change things when convenience calls. Monkeys are virtually unsinkable! If people try to trick monkeys, they will probably catch them. They never make a move without a plan. They are great strategists. They can spot an opportunity in any form. They never miss a trick! They improve and try to do things better, and often amaze even themselves. They are the ultimate diplomats and slip in and out of difficulties with ease. Monkeys are always out in front! Dragons and rats will match up with the monkey. Famous people like Will Smith, Julius Caesar, Lord Byron, Elizabeth Taylor , de Vinci,Harry S. Truman, and Jennifer Anniston are signed under the monkey.
=====
The Monkey is the most versatile sign of the Chinese zodiac. Such people are often inventors, plotters, entertainers and the creative geniuses behind anything ingenious, including mischief. They have natural quick-wittedness which enables them to understand what is happening and then make a right decision. Even during a conversation a person born in this year is aware of what is going on around him/her, and then makes a mental note of who said what and stores it away for future reference. In general, with their agile minds and multiple talents, monkey type of people can master any subject. They are reliable and honest people so that any secret is safe in their hands. These people are also honest in their dealings. Monkey people are very good at problem-solving. Monkeys know how to listen closely and work out solutions at the same time.

As with the Rat, the Monkey spends a lot of time in their heads. They are often artistic, clever, and/or intellectual. On the downside, they think and worry too much. When young, Monkeys tend to be overly naive, eventually getting burned. Some then become overly suspicious and unable to trust people. Because monkeys are great at making the rest of us happy, they are even better at making themselves happy.
======
Fire brings extra energy and determination to the Monkeys. What stamina , what daring and what a uniquely inventive mind the Fire Monkey possesses!. These people always strive to gain the upper hand and like nothing better than a position at the top of the tree. They also love making conquests among the opposite sex and can be very fickle – just Monkey fun, of course but this does not always get appreciated by those who take life and love more seriously. At the same time, the Fire Monkey fells strongly about his or her own aims and ambitions in all aspects of life. Fire Monkeys should remember that there is a saying in the East: "The further up the tree a Monkey goes, the more you see his bottom." If they use their talents and vitality well, they can be highly successful, popular with all and loyal to and loved by their chosen partner.

Your birth date : November 16
Your Sign :    Monkey
Your Element :   Fire 

People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
=====
Monkeys are always alert and can feel surroundings even as they are thoroughly engaged in conversation. Monkeys are sociable and have an active outside life. Monkeys sympathize with people and they in turn trust you with their secrets. Monkeys can forgive, but never forget and can be revengeful if somebody wrongs them several times. They wait their turn for the perfect opportunity and nothing can stop them from achieving a goal. They have a lively love life. Monkeys are good at making people comfortable and even the most shy individuals open up to them. Having a very attractive openness, and as a partner they are reliable, adaptable and cheerful. Inherently brainy, monkeys very rarely fail in their mission. They are good at assessing risk and financial problems. Monkeys are intellectual and their memory is incredible. They don't care what opinions others may have of them. They know they are lucky, and they also know they have the power to change things when convenience calls. Monkeys are virtually unsinkable! If people try to trick monkeys, they will probably catch them. They never make a move without a plan. They are great strategists. They can spot an opportunity in any form. They never miss a trick! They improve and try to do things better, and often amaze even themselves. They are the ultimate diplomats and slip in and out of difficulties with ease. Monkeys are always out in front! Dragons and rats will match up with the monkey. Famous people like Will Smith, Julius Caesar, Lord Byron, Elizabeth Taylor , de Vinci,Harry S. Truman, and Jennifer Anniston are signed under the monkey.
=====
The Monkey is the most versatile sign of the Chinese zodiac. Such people are often inventors, plotters, entertainers and the creative geniuses behind anything ingenious, including mischief. They have natural quick-wittedness which enables them to understand what is happening and then make a right decision. Even during a conversation a person born in this year is aware of what is going on around him/her, and then makes a mental note of who said what and stores it away for future reference. In general, with their agile minds and multiple talents, monkey type of people can master any subject. They are reliable and honest people so that any secret is safe in their hands. These people are also honest in their dealings. Monkey people are very good at problem-solving. Monkeys know how to listen closely and work out solutions at the same time.

As with the Rat, the Monkey spends a lot of time in their heads. They are often artistic, clever, and/or intellectual. On the downside, they think and worry too much. When young, Monkeys tend to be overly naive, eventually getting burned. Some then become overly suspicious and unable to trust people. Because monkeys are great at making the rest of us happy, they are even better at making themselves happy.
======
Fire brings extra energy and determination to the Monkeys. What stamina , what daring and what a uniquely inventive mind the Fire Monkey possesses!. These people always strive to gain the upper hand and like nothing better than a position at the top of the tree. They also love making conquests among the opposite sex and can be very fickle – just Monkey fun, of course but this does not always get appreciated by those who take life and love more seriously. At the same time, the Fire Monkey fells strongly about his or her own aims and ambitions in all aspects of life. Fire Monkeys should remember that there is a saying in the East: "The further up the tree a Monkey goes, the more you see his bottom." If they use their talents and vitality well, they can be highly successful, popular with all and loyal to and loved by their chosen partner.

Your birth date : November 16
Your Sign :    Monkey
Your Element :   Fire 

People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn’t be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
=====
Monkeys are always alert and can feel surroundings even as they are thoroughly engaged in conversation. Monkeys are sociable and have an active outside life. Monkeys sympathize with people and they in turn trust you with their secrets. Monkeys can forgive, but never forget and can be revengeful if somebody wrongs them several times. They wait their turn for the perfect opportunity and nothing can stop them from achieving a goal. They have a lively love life. Monkeys are good at making people comfortable and even the most shy individuals open up to them. Having a very attractive openness, and as a partner they are reliable, adaptable and cheerful. Inherently brainy, monkeys very rarely fail in their mission. They are good at assessing risk and financial problems. Monkeys are intellectual and their memory is incredible. They don’t care what opinions others may have of them. They know they are lucky, and they also know they have the power to change things when convenience calls. Monkeys are virtually unsinkable! If people try to trick monkeys, they will probably catch them. They never make a move without a plan. They are great strategists. They can spot an opportunity in any form. They never miss a trick! They improve and try to do things better, and often amaze even themselves. They are the ultimate diplomats and slip in and out of difficulties with ease. Monkeys are always out in front! Dragons and rats will match up with the monkey. Famous people like Will Smith, Julius Caesar, Lord Byron, Elizabeth Taylor , de Vinci,Harry S. Truman, and Jennifer Anniston are signed under the monkey.
=====
The Monkey is the most versatile sign of the Chinese zodiac. Such people are often inventors, plotters, entertainers and the creative geniuses behind anything ingenious, including mischief. They have natural quick-wittedness which enables them to understand what is happening and then make a right decision. Even during a conversation a person born in this year is aware of what is going on around him/her, and then makes a mental note of who said what and stores it away for future reference. In general, with their agile minds and multiple talents, monkey type of people can master any subject. They are reliable and honest people so that any secret is safe in their hands. These people are also honest in their dealings. Monkey people are very good at problem-solving. Monkeys know how to listen closely and work out solutions at the same time.

As with the Rat, the Monkey spends a lot of time in their heads. They are often artistic, clever, and/or intellectual. On the downside, they think and worry too much. When young, Monkeys tend to be overly naive, eventually getting burned. Some then become overly suspicious and unable to trust people. Because monkeys are great at making the rest of us happy, they are even better at making themselves happy.
======
Fire brings extra energy and determination to the Monkeys. What stamina , what daring and what a uniquely inventive mind the Fire Monkey possesses!. These people always strive to gain the upper hand and like nothing better than a position at the top of the tree. They also love making conquests among the opposite sex and can be very fickle – just Monkey fun, of course but this does not always get appreciated by those who take life and love more seriously. At the same time, the Fire Monkey fells strongly about his or her own aims and ambitions in all aspects of life. Fire Monkeys should remember that there is a saying in the East: “The further up the tree a Monkey goes, the more you see his bottom.” If they use their talents and vitality well, they can be highly successful, popular with all and loyal to and loved by their chosen partner.