'I won't ask anyone to move on, but I hope we can all move forward'

'I won't ask anyone to move on, but I hope we can all move forward'

Progress in Northern Ireland. Always good news to my ears: First Minister Michelle O'Neill

Knowledge is Mightier than the Gun

A short news item encountered on BBC News. A rare day when something important, insightful, and uplifting makes it into my news feed. I want to pass it on: The Black Mambas: South Africa's all-female anti-poaching unit

There is Power in a Union

A great example of working people in the Scandinavian region uniting to support each other. Owners and management have lawyers, accountants & consultants at their disposal to make sure their way of life remains the best it can be. So too should their workers. See the concept in action: Tesla's Scandinavian woes deepen 

Financial Times' most influential women of 2023

The year end lists for 2023 have started. This one is comprised by women of influence across the world. The authors offer concise explanations on why they made the list and how they have affected their own lives. Influential women of 2023

Washington D.C's Hidden Architect for America's Future 

Forget the big names in the nation's capitol. This is the person you need to be concerned with changing the country:  We Don't Talk About Leonard

John Williams discusses his Star Wars music

Now retired KUSC legendairy host Jim Svjeda with his good friend John Williams in 23 minutes of fascinating conversation: Jim I am your fan!

The second year has begun in a war that was orchestrated by an evil man. Allowed by those who prop him up, the loss of life is massive and atrocities vast.  

A part of the living slowly dies as loved ones perish. The lyrics speak to a missing son. Daughters, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, aunts & uncles have died in this war as well. 

Gorecki's Symphony No. 3, Third Movement

Where has he gone

My dearest son?

Perhaps during the uprising

The cruel enemy killed him

Ah, you bad people

In the name of God, the most Holy,

Tell me, why did you kill

My son?

Never again

Will I have his support

Even if I cry

My old eyes out

Were my bitter tears

to create another River Oder

They would not restore to life

My son

He lies in his grave

and I know not where

Though I keep asking people

Everywhere

Perhaps the poor child

Lies in a rough ditch

and instead he could have been

lying in his warm bed

Oh, sing for him

God's little song-birds

Since his mother

Cannot find him

And you, God's little flowers

May you blossom all around

So that my son

May sleep happily

Note: I chose this work by Henryk Górecki because it speaks to loss. First heard at the end of a film, it was so moving that I bought the recording. Upon reading the credits, I saw that the soprano who touched me deeply was a childhood school mate.