Yankee gone Yorker

Well folks,...

...this Yankee's gone Yorker.


Nothing can be more painful for a devout New Englishman than to abandon his beloved region of the country, in favor of a...less than adequate one. Of course, I mean New York state.

But there is one good thing in New York. I've finally moved to/begun graduate school in Houghton - specifically at Houghton College, a small christian liberal arts school. This is an all-too familiar model for me, and I appreciate it very much. For those that have read previous posts, I am also pleased to announce that I am moved in (and settled) at the lakeside cottage - which, from henceforth shall be referred to as "The C. Scottage", for obvious reasons. And, I'm already booked for two and a half months, as far as weekend visits from friends and family.

Today (oddly enough, labor day) is the first day of classes. College Choir is just before noon today, and I just can't wait. It's definitely very good to be back in the music field - Lord knows I've missed it a great deal. Faith is in the waiting, my friends - and the wait has been long. But the present and future look great.

Anyway, this brevity is unlike me, but this post just serves as an update on the infamous Connecticutian's life.

One thing that hasn't changed is my heritage - my Scotch-Irish heritage. So please enjoy the new music selection, "Frisky Jig", a traditional Scottish dance, as performed by "McBain's Scottish Dance Band".

And I assure you, as time permits, I have many great posts coming. Controversial, perhaps. But then again...what am I, if not controversial?


The fact that I willingly moved to New York proves that...

I'm not in Kansas anymore...

Actually, I never was...

...but I was in New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania - all over the course of 7 days and 6 nights. If any of you have ever considered going on a roadtrip, take my advice - as long as there are great friends involved, DO it. Details regarding said trip may be acquired as you inquire within.

The past month has been a whirlwind. I'm preparing to go to Houghton College soon (I move into my cottage in 10 days). The bank still exists, though my duties therein are now somewhat limited from what they used to be. Every little bit helps...

And Gramps turned 92 on August 1st...Joe Bro on August 5th. Vacations, parties, work, planning. As I said, whirlwind.

Before continuing, here are a couple items, not the slightest bit germane http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/germane.
1) The newly updated sound clip is Reingold Gliere's "Russian Sailor's Dance" from the Soviet ballet "The Red Poppy". It was the first Soviet ballet with a modern revolutionary theme. It is (sort of) a theme and variations - meaning that it begins with the main theme, in the cello section, and each subsequent portion of the song is an elaboration on said theme. Very rousing. I think you'll enjoy it.
2) Yep - that picture is me. Kindergarten. 1989. I recently discovered the picture, and believe me - I was just as amazed as you probably are.


Anyway, along with being estranged for a couple weeks, I have also found myself having greater and greater epiphanies of all sorts. Vague, I know - but I really have - about Jesus, family, friends, time, music...to name a few. If I may elaborate further on but one of these - friends.

I have been so impressed and inspired by my body of friends. It is uncanny how much they have been in my thoughts and prayers lately. I miss many of them, though I stay in somewhat regular contact with all of them. And yet, I find myself wanting more. You see, friendships are key in life. Good and solid ones. Ones that edify Christ. Ones that better you as a person. I think people of this world too often think of Jesus as "a god" or "superior being" or "removed yet an authoritative master/leader". And He is all of these things. However, He is also the greatest friend you'll ever have. You aren't His servant. You can confide in Him, in good and bad times - in everything. His yoke is easy, His burden light.

As Caleb Vits put it to me (in recent conversation), 'a servant doesn't know his master's plans or thoughts. But Christians know God's/Jesus's plans.' Not down to the day-to-day plans of our individual lives (obviously since these plans are revealed to us at appropriate times, for our own good), but definitely the plans for our salvation in Him. It is something that can be simply described as "amazing. And this saving God is your friend.

I would encourage everyone to strive to see Christ through people - your friends to start. He is in them, for they are of Him. And I guarantee you that with these Christ-centered/emphasized friendships, you'll find that, (as far as earthly relationships, not of an intimate nature, between two people are concerned), there is none to equal.

And blessed are those who are saved/who help save others. You aren't in Kansas anymore, nor are you in your 'earthly' life.


You're in eternity. With the greatest friend you can possibly imagine - and then some.

Grandmother Aitken

I thought I would take a moment and leave a few thoughts here regarding grandparents.

Today would have been my paternal grandmother's 92nd birthday. Marvelous. For certain, Sara "Sally" Ella Tiedeman Aitken was a remarkable woman...and I miss her dearly.

She was born in 1916 - I just can't imagine that; it seems so long ago. And she entered God's arms on the evening of July 26, 2006. Those of you who know me well, know that I speak of her often, and with great pride, by virtue of the fact that she was my grandmother - emphasis on GRAND, to be sure.

Gramps will be 92 on August 1st. And my, how he misses her dearly...how we all do.

I will not go into depth now by sharing moving and sentimental anecdotes, but should you be interested, you are more than welcome to contact me. I am more than welcome to share. But I will however share with you some thoughts that I have on grandparents/grandparenting - thoughts that, should God bless you with extraordinary grandparents, you will find most refreshing and yet all too familiar at the same time.

Firstly, 'Grandparent' means exactly what it says it means. GRAND. A grandmother or grandfather has done its due in the parenting role, and is thereby free to ignore all established parenting rules, much to the parents' beseeching and imploring otherwise. I guess your parents are never on your side. Even when you're the parent. I can't wait.

But anyway, you know what I mean - the extra candy bars, the skipping of 'mandated' afternoon naps, the roadtrips, the unmerited presents and the lazy enforcement of such rules as "Finish your green beans." Grandparents rule.

They do have the important rules down though - You're on your honor, Make me proud, Listen to your mother and father, Practice piano, Be the peacemaker, Go to church, Say your prayers, Don't sweat the small stuff. These are all rules that Gramma lived by and consequently taught me. Far more important than green beans. Goodness, I really do miss her. Are you crying yet? Because I am.

Secondly, a grandchild never sees his grandparents through adult eyes; he always sees his grandparents through child's eyes. Grandparents never seem to get any older (in fact, in partial response to having grandchildren, I think they get younger...). And you never imagine life without them. But that day does inevitably come. Here's my example:

I just turned 24. A few days after, I realized (and said to myself) that my father was 24 when he had me. I am now as old as my father was when I was born. I don't consider myself to be 'old', but I have always imagined my father as 'old'. However, I never imagined Gramma Aitken as 'old'. And I still don't think that Gramps is 'old' at 92 this August. I guess it is, judging by everyone's reactions when I tell them of his impending age. Human perceptions of time and age are quite intricate and intriguing, especially when you relate the two.

So in short, realize sooner than later (if you haven't already) that your grandparents are wonderful people. You, as the grandchild, are the fruition of every hope, wish and desire that they have ever had and for which they have lived and prayed. Don't parents want this too, you're asking? Sure they do. But it is inexplicably different. You are them, literally and figuratively, two generations later. They want the best for you, and they want you to learn everything that you can from life. Gramma taught me so much, even in her death - profound to be sure. It is almost as profound as her love of life, family and me...and mine for her and Gramps.

So here's to Sara Ella, Donald Francis, and all grandparents out there. Remember - with having you as grandchildren, your grandparents get to be kids again. What a gift you are to them!



Here's a clip of "Irish Tune from County Derry" aka Londonderry air/Danny Boy, composed by Percy Grainger, a wind band composer and saxophonist of Australian descent. Gramma loved this song. Happy Birthday, Gramma...

Stuck a feather in his hat...

Please consider this the two-hundred thirty-second time someone has wished a "Happy Independence Day" to our great nation.

And Happy 4th of July to you too!

I'm always moved by this memorable day, one that marks the occasion where the Continental Congress finalized their draft of the Declaration of Independence from England. A myth is that it was actually signed and approved on July 4th, 1776. In fact, the legal separation from Britain was two days prior - July 2nd, 1776. The Declaration itself was approved as a document on the 4th. It wasn't actually signed by all members of the Congress until August 2nd of said year.

In any case, it is a historic occasion, which warrants much celebration. The freedom that inspired the founding fathers of this nation is indeed a God-given one, a noble cause even today, nationwide and worldwide. Americans condemn the world to a terrible loss of that unique and beautiful freedom, should we take it for granted.

John Adams said this, in writing to his wife Abigail:
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

God Bless America.

And now on to my musical selection update, to your right - Yankee Doodle Dandy, and my rant, below - New Jersey. "Yankee Doodle" is no doubt a familiar tune to you, at least during your grammar school days. It is a bright and clever song, written partially by the British and partially by the American colonists. It is the state anthem of Connecticut, and the state could not have chosen a better song for the proud connecticutians among us.

It is better than any other state anthem because:
1) It is historic, most definitely, and goes back to the earliest days being an "American", even before our independence was declared, fought for, and won.
2) Most other states have state anthems, but their mediocre titles are simply that of the name of the respective state.

For example,
Alabama's state anthem: 'Alabama'
Arizona's state anthem: 'Arizona'
Arkansas's state anthem: (they change it up a bit - are you ready for this?) 'Oh, Arkansas'

and the BORING list goes on and on...

Georgia chose "Georgia on My Mind", by Hoagy Carmichael. I guess, as a state legislature, you are destined to pick a silly state anthem such as this, given the fact that the composer's mother chose HOAGY for her son's name. What was on HER mind? Loser. Not to mention that Lifetime Television's 'Designing Women' chose it as their theme song. That's enough to ruin it for anybody. So, Georgia - secede, or change the song.

Only 49 states have a state anthem of some kind. But one does not. And which state is that, might you ask? Well, any one of us probably could have guessed this, but NEW JERSEY is the only state without an anthem - and my ventured guess as to the reasoning behind this is as follows.

Merriam Webster Online defines a state "anthem" as:
1) a song or hymn of praise or gladness and/or
2) a usually rousing song popular song that typifies or is identified with a particular subculture, movement or point of view

Firstly, a state anthem is supposed to be uplifting, positive and enthusiastic in making a statement about any given state.
Secondly, the words 'praise', 'gladness', 'rousing' and 'popular' are irrelevant in the case of New Jersey.
Finally, neither New Jersey's legislature nor its populous could find anything uplifting, positive or enthusiastic to say. Actually, no one could, can or WILL...

...excepting "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen. His submission for New Jersey's state anthem, "Born to Run", is still tabled for approval by the state legislature. I suggest that they aptly change the title of Springsteen's submission to "Born to Run - AWAY from New Jersey", though without a doubt, one should run from Bruce's music too.

So Happy Independence Day, Americans. And to you New "Jersey-ans" - pick a better state song and we'll talk.

"C" is for Classicism

IN SUMMATION: the following post is in direct response to a number of instances of late where I have heard, upon something 'crazy' or 'silly' or 'hilarious' occurring, someone heartily exclaim, "That was CLASSIC!"

Now, my friends...first of all, "classic" is defined as prescribed below, thanks to our beloved deceased yet ubiquitous online friend, Noah Webster.

Pronunciation:
\kla-sik\
Function: adjective
Etymology: French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis
Date: circa 1604

1 a: serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value
b: traditional, enduring
2: of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture
3 a: historically memorable
b: noted because of special literary or historical associations
4 a: authentic, authoritative
b: typical
5: of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about a.d. 300–900

Allow me to address these definitions, one by one, as related to said recent occurrences in which the word 'classic' was used, inappropriately, as this post will attempt (with success) to prove.


Number 1. A standard of excellence, of value. Traditional. Enduring.
My friends, nothing - NOTHING - is of a lower standard of excellence or of lesser value than a 'popular' adult cartoon show entitled 'Family Guy'. And yet, time and time again I am stunned to hear of the show characterized and described in this manner. "Ohhh man, that was CLASSIC!" is a familiar phrase to describe a humorous scene here and there. On the contrary, its humor is lewd and its content, cheap. And any 'guy' who desires a 'family' as outlined in this show ought to jump off the nearest bridge in the midst of winter to an icy cold death, to prevent any propagation of his stupidity befalling his progeny and the future of this morally-ill country that is The United States of America.

Number 2. As related to ancient Greeks, Romans and their cultures.
I was teaching my cousin to drive recently - and we saw a dilapidated building, about which he commented "That's classic!", and chortled to himself. I seriously doubt that ancient Greeks or Romans, if alive today, would find such a makeshift and horrendously assembled structure to resemble ANYTHING like their classical architectural masterpieces.

Number 3. Historically Memorable.
How many times have we all heard or overheard someone, perhaps a friend, watching another commit some ridiculously inane or idiotic act, related or espoused to some form of self-injury, vandalism, prank or any other sort of tom-foolery? And the bystander's 'classic' remark is something like "Oh man! Dude, that was CLASSIC!" Trust me Bosephus,...nothing was 'historically memorable' about you skateboarding down a railing, slipping and erring on the side of your crotch. Buffoon.

Number 4. Authentic. Authoritative. Typical.
A customer (who shall go unnamed here) at the bank recently referred to a Honda Accord as a 'Classic' car. Now I'm no automobile guru by any stretch, but I know what classic cars are - Ford Model A's and T's, Ford Mustang Coupes, Buick Eight Convertibles, Dodge Chargers, Chevy Camaros, perhaps a vintage Caddy. These are authentic cars, designed and built by Americans. They are the definition of classic in as far as what was and is typical and authoritative in the world of artfully crafted, displayed and heralded motorcars. A Honda Accord is not classic. It is Chinese. And that is all.

Number 5. As related to the height of development in Mesoamerican cultures (e.g. Mayans).
The Mayans used three symbols in their everyday numeration system (math). Dots, lines and TURTLE SHELLS. They're extinct now. Probably because of the turtle shells. Not much is 'classic' about that.

In light of all this, what DOES meet, might you ask, these defintions of 'classic' (with the obvious exception of numbers 2 and 5, since he was neither Aegean nor Mongoloid)?


Answer: Joseph Haydn, and his music. So please enjoy the newly updated music clip on the right, performed by Gautier Capuçon. Many of you know that Haydn is my favorite composer. It just so happens that it was THIS piece, his Cello Concerto no. 1 in C major, that made me fall in love with his music (especially the last minute and a half).

Haydn was known as a composer of the 'Classical' era (1750-1803), where an emphasis was on form, balance, order, symmetry, precision and emotional restraint. Mozart, Weber, Salieri, Clementi, Gluck and J.C. Bach joined him in this effort. The music is pure, tonal, based on simple melodies, but still allows room for the virtuosic performance to stir excitement in the listener. There is more theory behind the classical era as well (which chords are used more and less, if at all etc.) but I shall spare you these details for the time being.

So in short, "C" is for Haydn. And it might as well stand for C. Scott Aitken too.


In other news, I don't yet feel as though I have aged four and a score (that's twenty-four, for you non-Lincoln subscribers), though historical records prove otherwise. Coworkers have suggested to me to "Go out. Have a drink or three." HOW would that make me feel younger or older? HOW would that allow me to have a good time? Isn't all GOOD fun to be had still possible, without the presence of alcohol? More on this in a later post...

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Me!

Thanks to everyone for the well-wishes, phone calls, cards and goodies.

I'm almost a quarter-century old. Cockamamie, that's what that is...

Three weeks and counting...

For those of you who happen to be avid followers of this blog, you will no doubt note that today marks the three-week anniversary of Connecticutian Studies - 101...and my, what a great three weeks it has been.

For those of you who did not know that, I never liked you anyway.

As many of you also know, I do try my best to keep in touch with friends, despite what distance and/or natural barrier may divide and separate us. But I got a wonderful surprise call from Daniel George Behrens this evening. It was good to catch up with him and find out how 'summer' is going thus far. We touched on a few key things related to Jesus, which you may find interesting. I cannot, in the interest of time as well as attention span, elaborate a great deal or recite the colloquy (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colloquy) verbatim, but know full well that the conversation was honest, full and rewarding - and I encourage you all to have a similar one.


1) The most rewarding experiences in a leadership role are found only in an appropriate emphasis on servitude as the priority in said leadership role; leading by serving.
2) Excellence, for the sake of Christ and the furthering of His kingdom, is a noble cause, certainly honest to something more noble than a fault, provided it is not perverted - perverted in that it does not become "excellence for the sake of YOU."
3) Investing in friends is an investment in Christ. After all, the best friendships are forged in the pursuit of great causes. And the greatest of all causes is the cause of Christ.


I got a bunch of new suits, shirts, ties - and even a new silk handkerchief yesterday - no doubt for use at the bank. I really hate working there, which is why the new audio clip (found to your right) is so appropriate. Please enjoy "Sympathique" by Pink Martini. It's jazz and it's french. Therefore, it goes out to Mr. Joseph Riddell, who I assume is finally joining 'Connecticutian Studies - 101' by now...


Countdown to the 24th birthday - a little more than 36 hours.

Hiatus²

So much has been happening that:
1) I have not updated in over a week, and
2) it all runs together - thus I can barely think of things to share.

All that is certain is this: the Connecticutian Studies 101 hiatus is on hiatus. Starting now.

So we most recently had a tornado watch in Connecticut. Litchfield County (mine) was hit the hardest. Seventy mile per hour winds gusted over the state, damaging many a tree, house and the like. Power was out for over a day and almost all workplaces shut down due to said power loss - except Salisbury Bank. We have a 250amp generator. Yay. <----- saaaarcasm. and lots of it.

Also recently (and to much groaning and complaining and harrassing of/by your fellow readers about the following topic, I say "STIFLE yourselves!" And read the course description above, once again), I was awakened by three bees crawling/flying around me when I was lying on my bed. Not pleasant. So I flew out of bed, slapped two of them with my handy swatter and crushed the other between the shade and the window glass, to where it had flown...NO DOUBT in RETREAT. And his corpse now lies on my air conditioner - a COLD and bitter reminder (pun most assuredly intended) of the fierce battle that was fought. Hence, new standings for the Aitken v. Bees Epic Challenge 2008 are as follows:

Aitken - 23, Bees - 0.



Incidentally, it should be noted that the wasps have ceased and desisted. The yellow-jackets, however, are out in full force (the last three killed were yellow jackets - and it was their first sighting this year). Clearly, this elusive 'Queen' bee has rallied all species of bees to her cause - a failing cause at that.



Tomorrow, I am giving my one month's notice at St. Joseph's Church. Catholicsm is driving me crazy (again, more on this in a later post, as soon as I knowledgably skillfully prepare my thoughts.

I also got in to the Berkshire Choral Festival again! The concert this year? Orff's Carmina Burana and Beethoven's 9th symphony. Quite a 'warhorse' repertoire. Jonny Priano is joining me in the fun. Like other things this summer, it should prove to be epic.

I do not entertain the thoughts, comments, conjectures or postulates of readers too often, since...well, you're buffoons. But I will ask for your contributions now -

What suggestions might you have for things to bring to my cottage/college office, come August 16th?

Finally, a very Happy Birthday to Sir Aaron Gottier and Elizabeth "Ilyes" Ridley! My 24th birthday is Tuesday. I was reminded of this today in an unpleasant way - my driver's licence expires and I had to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (aka Hell on Earth) to have it renewed.

And what did I see there? Yep, that's right. An endless parade of human debris.

Then Sing Aloud to God

Alright. First things come first. The Aitken vs. Bees Epic Challenge 2008 (for history of the epic challenge, please see prior post 'In Memoriam')...

There was always this unspoken little rule/regulation that the bees and I had for the duration of the Epic Challenge - "The battles are to be fought at home". Fair enough. And here's why it was unspoken:

1) A fair rule is deserved by all, and the sensical nature of it did not merit a ceremonious "speaking aloud" of said unspoken rule
2) Silence implies agreement
3) Bees can't talk (let alone hear)

THUS, the rule/regulation "The battles are to be fought at home" was duly adopted by all parties.

HOWEVER -

While I was using the bathroom at work the other day, a bee attacked me. I effortlessly and expeditiously eliminated the enemy. Alliteration's the key, friends. Specifically, I crushed the drone between the wall and the tissue box (which was conveniently on the counter) and by gravity's will, his carcass plummeted to the floor.
HENCE:
Aitken - 19, Bees - 0.

Then of course, I launched a counterstrike against them. I chopped down a bunch of flowers that some bees were pollinating. I figured - they attacked me at my workplace, so I can attack them at theirs. So the TREATY IS OFF, my friends.


In other news, I received my three famous composer marble busts in the mail yesterday. Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. Ah yes. These will nicely grace my humble cottage abode next year.

I've been reading a lot about what various friends of mine are doing overseas in missions et cetera, and I've been thinking back on my own life over the past year or so...and all I can do is PRAISE God Almighty. I am blessed, even through the tough times. That is an awesome thing.

Having been thinking about this for a few days, I immediately thought of a chorus from Sir William Walton's "Belshazzar's Feast" (an oratorio for baritone solo, chorus & orchestra that deals with the story of Babylon in Daniel - the story where 'The writing on the wall' comes from). It is entitled "Then Sing Aloud to God", and I thought of it because, well...sometimes, all I can think of doing is SINGING to the Lord. And a wise man once said "To sing well is to pray twice."

Please enjoy Walton's "Then Sing Aloud to God". Rivoting, I assure you.

Exempli Gratia

On this Sabbath day, June the first two-thousand eight, after a 'wonderful' catholic mass (more on this later), a lot of random yet delightfully pleasing things occurred/entered my thoughts, thus prompting me to share them herewith...

1) From approximately 2:00PM until 3:30PM, there were two AEX guys gracing the state of Connecticut with their presences.

-C. Scott Aitken (per usual) and...

-NATE MOORE. I got a wonderful phone call from Nate at 2:00 this afternoon, the purpose of which was to inform me that he was entering the state with the intent of passing through it, on his way to the Massachusetts coastline. Congratulations to Nate for being a part of Connecticutian Studies - 101.

2) I remembered the wonderful cinematic epic tale of "Willow" and watched portions on "YouTube". If you haven't seen the film, you ought to do so and soon. As Aaron Gottier commented, "...the eighties were SO much better at this kind of thing than we are nowadays...", 'that kind of thing' being fashioning quality original fantasy films.



3) After that, Aaron said to me "Let's punch each other in the librarian." Also random.

4) I found my soundtrack from "The Pianist", the 2002 film and winner of three academy awards. Fryderyk Chopin's music is prominent in the film, namely the Grande Polonaise brillante for piano & orchestra in Eb Major, op.22. Quite lovely.

Prayers go out to Mark Sandvig, Will Ross and Chris Martin as they begin their three-week back-packing "vacation" in Denali, Alaska. An inspiring adventure it is indeed.

And in the spirit of adventure, please enjoy the video clip from "Willow" found above, as well as the newly updated audio clip to the right.

...on the horizon

Merriam Webster Online's "Word of the Day" is: Heliolatry...

i.e. Sun worship. Intriguing. So glad we gave that up years ago.

And since this is neither here nor there, let me then begin this entry with something that IS "here", and conclude with something that is...conversely, "there", the locations of which will therefore be revealed herewith (gotta love adverbs).

Here: Connecticut. Head Teller at Salisbury Bank and Trust Company (which will henceforth be referred to as "SBT"). Family.

Since my graduation from Grove City College in May of 2007, it has been a good time overall. Naturally, there are moments where I wanted to stifle people's airways with chainsaws, but...you know. "Can't win 'em all..." (Thanks Kathyrn)

My time here has also proven itself to be a stagnant one. Not spiritually or financially, mind you. Just musically and vocationally, which for me, ideally, ought to be one and the same. I found it impossible to land a teaching job in a primary or secondary school, so I remain at SBT. I have no musical outlet, save the organist/cantor job I have on Sunday mornings at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church - more on this in later posts.

There (and this portion may be NEWS to some of you, which merits the point of the blog entry): New York. Houghton College. Cottage.

Seeing that my job search for the year was headed nowhere, I applied for admission to Houghton College as a Master of Music (M.M.) in Choral Conducting (two-year program). The college is in "upstate" New York and is the alma mater of Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Susan Browne of Grove City College. It is a small, private, Christian, liberal arts school, with leading departments of music, theology, and equestrian studies. Well, not only was I accepted in late March but I also received the full tuition graduate assistantship which covers all costs as related to the school. I will also be teaching undergraduate courses and directing a number of choral ensembles, namely the Houghton College Choir. In the interest of spreading out podium time equally and fairly, a M.M. in Choral Conducting is not granted on a whim. There are only a few slots, every two years - and I was granted one, so I am very excited.



Also exciting is my abode. I just recently settled on a fully furnished lakeside cottage on Rushford Lake (hence the 'lakeside') in Caneadea, NY. It has a fireplace, sleeping loft, skylights and a canoe. Incredible. Visits, should you be in the area, are strongly encouraged and welcomed.

This venture begins in late August. And I cannot wait another minute. But faith has been in the waiting, my friends. And it has been a valuable lesson. God is good, all the time. We just have to be content with HIS time and not our own.

Well, that concludes today's material. Check in tomorrow. Much like the 'heliolatrists' would say..."Good things are on the horizon..."

Oh yes, and a few addendums...


1) I don't much appreciate it when the compromising of one's principles leaves me out of the loop, thereby causing me to GAFFE. David Crosby apparently DOES now utilize "The Facebook", no doubt at the behest (i.e. COMMAND) of his lady-friend, "The Mough". Weak, Crosby...weak. AND UNCOOL. Thanks to Joel Pearce for exposing the dastard.


2) Thanks also to Elizabeth Pearce for addicting ME to "Dice Wars", which can be found to your right in my 'Favorite Links'.


3) Miracles happen. Years have past yes, and now...Brian Bain IS finally cool. Brian has gladly taken up Crosby's mantle of shunning "The Facebook". Bless you, Bain. Curse you, Crosby.


4) Michael Lyle - your knowledge is always stunning and appreciated, but I don't care about Sir Eugene "Goose-Me".

In Memoriam

A wonderful Memorial Day, 2008, to everyone!

I should tell you that I usually begin each day (among other things) with a a bit of research. I like to see whose birthday, within the classical composer realm, it is on any given day. So, today being like no other, I looked up May 26th.

1893 - Sir Eugene Goossens.

...


Who?

Nothing MEMORABLE about him, that's for sure.

...

Anyway, Memorial Day - yes, we probably all have some relative, at some point or another, who participated in the military forces of the United States of America. And so, to the men and women who have given their lives for an honorable cause, this day we remember you. I had a great-uncle (Nazi POW) in World War II, and an uncle in Vietnam. Neither lost their lives, but thanks are in order just the same.

Perhaps I should have started "Connecticutian Studies - 101" on Memorial Day - just another memorable thing, I'm sure you will all agree.

Anyway, getting to sleep in, due to said federal holiday, while nice, was rudely interrupted this morning by the sound/feel of a bee, which was buzzing around my room and crawling on my bed. I hate bees. Loathe them. A few months back, I announced the onset of "Aitken v. Bees Epic Challenge 2008". So far, the score (including this morning's ruthless SMOTING) is:
Aitken - 17, Bees - 0.
They're clever, too. And I've executed them with varying degrees of - hold on, there's another one. Be right back...

...

As I was saying,...they're clever. But DEAD too. Revised score:
Aitken - 18, Bees - 0.
As I attempted to kill this one just now, he quickly tried to make his way between my bedroom storm window and the screen. But before he got there, I dropped the open window right down on him, in effect crushing the "bee-geezes" out of him. As I said, EPIC.

Incidentally, Memorial Day is also informally considered the beginning of summer. How convenient, since in my opinion, spring never arrived. Of course, the allergies and the bees still did. But spring was in absentia.

So here's to the memory of: our brave lost American soldiers who protected what we all hold dear, two bees and their recent sunrise insurgency, and the 2008 season of spring.

Please enjoy "Spring Song", by Felix Mendelssohn.

Genesis

Salutations, all - and welcome to my blog!

I won't say "new blog", because that would be an insult to the apparent - unless of course you're now visiting my "new" blog for a subsequent time and it is no longer "new" to you. Consequently then, you're probably no longer "welcome".

The title of this post is indicative of its nature. Beginning. Created. Origin. Coming into being. Alpha and Omega, minus the Omega. I shall refrain from the phrase "birthing a blog", since I've been told by others (Brian Bain) that it is..."weird."

Having provided that sound and mildly humorous introduction, a shift to expounding on the course material to be covered is necessary - and fair warning - nothing about syllabi is even remotely humorous. Unless it is Dr. Edwards reading it, in which case it takes two and a half class periods. Yeah, still not funny. In any case, I urge you to refer to the header of the blog whilst I expound...

"This course will attempt to clarify, rationalize and/or expand upon the daily affairs, notions and sentiments of the elite Connecticutian,"

-- I get to write about me. You get to read...

"...as well as bring about a greater sense and appreciation for, on the part of the learner, revolutionary concepts such as 'virtual hobnob' with Connecticutians."

-- and LIKE it.

"Whether said Connecticutian offers an approbation for your theses or conjectures as related to the course material is, by nature, irrelevant."

-- No questions, please. Scratch the "please."

Prerequisites: Cantankerousness, General Pugnacity and Ire.

-- I know these are big words, which is why I have included a link (found on the right of the page) to one of my favorite world wide websites, "Merriam Webster Online". Go ahead. Look up words. Learn. It's called intrinsic motivation. And you can play word games too (okay, fair enough - the games are extrinsic)! And since I've used it often enough already, here are links to the definition (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expound) and pronunciation (http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/audio.pl?expoun01.wav=expound) of "expound."

And so, the first post goes something like this...

I'd been thinking about starting a blog for some time. After all, "all the cool kids do it."
Yeah. Right. Those of you who know me know that this is reason enough for me NOT to start a blog. I hold much the same worldview regarding "The Facebook." I only know of two other people that do not utilize "The Facebook", and they are as follows: Aaron Gottier & David Crosby. And they are rightwise "cool"...in as far as the true, intended definition of the word...and at the same time, far removed from what the great bank of "facebookers" claim it to be. What I claim "The Facebook" to be is "uncool." So there you have it - through my first digression, a valid quiz question has emerged: "What is 'The Facebook' and all who use it?"

Your Answer: ______. My Answer: "Uncool."

Now, I realize you can't ACTUALLY write an answer on the space provided. But if you did attempt to do so, leave now.

Continuing on, I opted finally to birth the blog. Oops. Sorry. Not by societal coercion. Not by an overwhelming feeling of being incomplete or left out. No, not even guilt. No sirs, only because of my friends do you now sit and read this. I intend not for any of my friendships to "lose touch" or "fade away". And since I intend to keep up with so many friends, I thought it a novel concept to have a medium, such as this blog, to express my feelings and state my circumstances, whether hourly, daily, weekly or monthly, so that in the recessions of time where I am unable to catch-up/touch-base with my friends, they might find pleasure and ease in checking-in here instead...with a bit of Aitken humor, cantankerousness, emotion and music to boot! Whoops, there I go again! http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantankerous

So anyway, please do so! - as I continue to check in with you on AIM, the telephone, email and/or the Charger frequently (The Charger is my car).

A number of other keen observations/things of note before I sign off and draw this first entry to its close:
1) It is 7 months until Christmas.
2) It is 23 days until my 24th birthday.
3) I have tomorrow off - so Happy Memorial Day to everyone!
4) Please enjoy Antonin Dvorak's "Carnival Overture". Naturally, Aitken's blog is not complete without music and many thanks go to one who understands this: Damon Fereshetian, for so diligently and willingly helping me figure out how to make music on the blog possible.

I'll rotate the selection(s) from time to time, naturally revisiting those that are favorites. Dvorak is in the top five of my favorite classical composers, and this overture is in the top three of my favorite of his pieces. I don't personally see how you could not enjoy it.