Column

Dear SSHS,
I live with three boys, my husband and two teenaged sons. I’m always asking them to put the toilet seat down, but because they outnumber me, they don’t think they should have to. What do you both think? ~ Samantha in Dublin

She Said: You know what I think! I’ve lived with men whose mothers didn’t teach them this simple act of courtesy, and it definitely put them in a different category for me. Let’s face it, guys — you’re not always the best aim, so when we gals walk into the loo and see the “fallout,” we’re kind of grossed out. Can’t we all agree that since the ladies ALWAYS want the seat down and gentlemen sometimes need it down, down wins? This simple courtesy makes women so happy…put it down, boys! Okay, boy Shawn, what do you say?

He Said: I say Samantha should consider herself lucky that they at least lift the seat up when they tinkle! I completely agree that it’s annoying having to put the seat down every time you need to use it, but nothing’s worse than guys who don’t even lift it to begin with. Try living with those guys! But to your point, most boys (like yours) who live with women (even Mom) need a friendly little reminder every so often, so try this: take a marking pen and write “Please Put Seat Down” on the underside of the seat. This should help drive your reasonable point home.

Dear HSSS,
My daughter starts college at a prestigious school this month, and we found out her roommate is lesbian and a Goth. I’m afraid this isn’t going to be a good match for her. Should she request a new roommate now or wait until she gets to school? ~ Worried Dad

He Said: What type of message are you sending your daughter off to college with if you let her pass judgment on her new roommate before even meeting her? As a parent, you should encourage her to meet people of different walks of life, as this is what the real world is all about. It’s not that difficult to change room assignments after the first few weeks of dorm life. Let your daughter get settled in first, then let her make up her own mind on whether she likes her new roommate or not. Some of my best friends to this day are college buddies who came from the complete opposite background and culture that I came from.

She Said: Who’s worried, you or her? Young people these days are far more accepting of differences than the older generation, and a prestigious institution only accepts the best and brightest, so they’ve already got that in common. That said, I spoke with my expert, a university RA who happens to be a lesbian, and she advised that your daughter wait to see what happens when she gets there. People from similar backgrounds often can’t live together, so different lifestyles can actually be enlightening and a good contrast. And don’t worry, last she checked, neither the lesbians nor the Goths were recruiting.

Robin Fahr and Shawn “Shizzo” Alikian host Conversations and He Said/She Said seen daily on Tri-Valley TV, Channel 30. Send your questions to www.AskHeSaidSheSaid.com.

Has California Governor Jerry Brown lost his way? Has he gotten so pumped up with some success that he has forgotten how the system is supposed to work?

 

 

 

These questions come from a guy who used to feel that the Oakland Mayor, and then Governor the second time was pretty much spot on regarding most subjects. He seemed to be pretty grass roots and common sense oriented. He usually was able to make sense. I used to interview him every Thursday on the air and it was one of the highest rated segments of our whole week…week after week.

Well he sat down with the editorial board of the San Jose Mercury News and the first issue was water. He has been a proponent of digging the tunnels under the Delta in Northern California and shipping water south to farmers (they need water), and then to Southern California (that one, the jury’s out…they traditionally have gotten water from the Colorado River in Arizona). He helped get a bond measure passed to build more water storage but even his Democratic colleagues didn’t get the twin tunnel Peripheral Canal idea as part of that bond. Now, this is the third time the Brown family has tried to do this. His dad had the idea first. That finally came to fruition as it was put on the ballot in 1982 as Proposition 9. It went down to defeat. It failed again a decade or so later to even get on the ballot, and now Brown has resurrected it. This time he says he will go around the legislature and the voters to do it. He says he’ll just do it. Really?

Seriously, didn’t you Mr. Governor criticize Arnold Schwarzenegger when he called the legislature “girlie men” and went around them to do stuff like the vehicle fee increase. Now you want to ignore the voters? Hmm. He says he wants to do it to protect the Delta. How does digging trenches underground and pumping water around a body of water that already suffers from salt intrusion, help the environment? It robs the natural flow of water from the “high country” through the Sacramento River. Seriously?

He also mentioned that he supports the President of the California Public Utilities Commission Michael Peevey who is accused of cozying up to the utilities that he regulates.

The Governor also says he is going to push through the Bullet Train. The train that leads from Modesto to Bakersfield. A shell of what was proposed and for which we voted.

Maybe we get some perspective in his response to the question of why he won’t debate his Republican opponent for governor Neel Kashkari. He said, “In the big picture, not only am I not indicted (a dig at Texas Governor Rick Perry), but I’m doing a hell of a job.” Wow…even if you do say so yourself. Oh, Mr. Governor, since you brought up indictments, wasn’t Governor Perry indicted on abuse of power charges? Hmm. Be careful of the voters, at least some of us are watching. Make Sense?

I had a different movie review written. I just couldn’t run it. This month had to be dedicated to the amazing Robin Williams. Whatever the circumstances of his death, he was a talent that will live forever in our hearts. So, this month I will share with you a review of my personal favorite.

I went to a wedding the other day. It was a beautiful summer day and I was listening to the heartfelt vows of some dear friends who probably didn’t expect to find new love in their golden years. The garden location was perfect and as we went inside for the reception I was taken back to 1993, not because of something that happened to me, but as a reminder of a movie that was filmed in this very location, Mrs. Doubtfire. We were seated in Bridges Restaurant in Danville, California.

Weddings tend to make you think. Oddly enough, I wasn’t thinking about a knight in shining armor or even a marriage gone bad, I was thinking about the film Mrs. Doubtfire and what changes have come about in our court system in the last 18 years. I bet when you watched it all those years ago you probably weren’t thinking about custody rights, at least not in retrospect.

Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is a kind, loving father. He is also a poor disciplinarian and a generally shaky role model for his three children. Miranda (Sally Field), his wife has definitely had to take on the role of “bad cop” in the family. After quitting or losing yet another job, Daniel picks up his kids at school and throws together an impromptu birthday party for his son. Miranda is called home by a neighbor to find a huge petting zoo parked on her quiet San Francisco street with ducks and geese, little horses, and rabbits inside and outside her lovely home. The police have just arrived and her husband and children are dancing on the fancy dining table. This is the final straw, there is no room left in her life for the eccentric, fun loving actor who specializes in dubbing cartoon voiceovers.

Miranda goes to divorce court and gets custody of the children. Daniel has ninety days to redeem himself. Now 90 days isn’t a lot of time when you’re unemployed and homeless, but Daniel finds a small apartment and gets a boring job. It really gets interesting when he hears that she is going to hire a Nanny-Housekeeper for his children and Daniel applies for the job; basically in drag…enter Mrs. Doubtfire.

Mrs. Doubtfire is an elderly woman created by Daniels brother, Frank a special effects make-up artist, and she gets the job. Frank does such an amazing job that no one seems to recognize Daniel. Life is beautiful. Miranda has an amazing Nanny. The kids have someone they adore and Daniel finally figures out how to be a parent.

Oh yes, there is the resident hunk, Stuart (Pierce Brosnan). He’s an old friend, new client and wannabe new mate for Miranda which really steams Daniel. Back to Bridges. There is an incredibly funny scene at our local restaurant where Daniel is doing what Robin Williams does best, mastering chaos.

All in all, Mrs. Doubtfire is a poignant romantic comedy where Robin Williams will keep you in stitches with his improvisational antics. Sally Field will totally endear you and the children have some of the best lines. But back to the court system, my thoughts ran to how different our world is today. No longer are Dad’s relegated to Saturdays at 2pm, more and more are successfully sharing custody and loving every minute of it. I’d like to think that this sweet movie may have been a tipping point. Watch it again and tell me what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com

Symphonic music – called many things including art music, serious music, classical music, and long-hair music, has dominated the world of orchestral symphonic music for hundreds of years.

Can an upstart form of music namely jazz, developed in the early years of the 20th Century, primarily in the United States, be part of and combined with symphonic music successfully? The answer is, a resounding “yes!”

The influence of jazz on serious composition can take a number of forms, including particular dance rhythms, special types of syncopation, new instrumental combinations and special types of instrumental and vocal techniques. A signature characteristic of jazz is, of course, improvisation.

In the last hundred years, a number of forms and styles of jazz has evolved: rag-time, blues, swing, hot jazz, commercial (sweet) jazz, progressive jazz and boogie-woogie, among others.  Jazz in symphonic music came of age in the 1920s. Four of the many leading composers who combined classical music and jazz were George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein.

Gershwin, (1898-1937) one of the most talented pianists and composers, was born in Brooklyn, New York. His fame and fortune began to increase with an early published song, Swanee. Al Jolson sang it and it became an instant hit. Gershwin was one of the first composers to utilize the jazz idiom in serious symphonic compositions. It was said that he was the link between Tin Pan Alley and the concert stage. Gershwin’s most notable compositions using elements of jazz are: An American in Paris, Concerto in F, the folk opera, Porgy & Bess and the incomparable, Rhapsody in Blue.

Paul Whiteman (1891-1967) an American band leader in 1924 in New York, presented a program, “An Experiment in Modern Music,” where Rhapsody in Blue, with Gershwin playing the piano solo, had its premiere. A year later the first performance of Concerto in F, again with Gershwin playing the piano part, was first performed.

The Concerto in F was the most successful of the many compositions incorporating jazz techniques in traditional forms. Some of Gershwin’s notable songs are: Summertime, I got Rhythm, and Who Could Ask for Anything More.

Aaron Copland (1900-1990) another New Yorker, was known as the “Dean of 20th Century American Composers.” He was also a strong voice for new American music and influenced many young composers. Copland was given many awards including a Pulitzer Prize. Some of his early works were classified as neo-classicism.

Copland was influenced by Stravinsky and the famous French teacher, Nadia Boulanger. His works incorporating jazz idioms were: Piano Concerto, El Salon Mexico, Billy the Kid, the film score Of Mice and Men, Our Town, Rodeo, and Appalachian Spring. Copland’s compositions were both exceptional and innovative.

Igor Stravinsky, (1882-1971) although born in Russia, is also considered a French composer having lived in Paris after 1918, becoming a French citizen in 1934.

Stravinsky lived in the United States after 1939. He studied with the noted composer Rimsky-Korsakov in Russia. Stravinsky showed interest in jazz dance rhythms of American popular music. No composer had a greater impact on modern contemporary art music.  Stravinsky was a prolific ballet composer, writing, Firebird, Petroachka and The Rite of Spring. A riot ensued when The Rite of Spring first premiered in Paris, shaking the music world to its foundation because it was so unconventional. It is said that no piece of music had a greater influence on 20th century composers. Stravinsky’s ballet music put him on the musical map. “He turned western musical thinking on its head,” said Marcus Weeks, in his book, Music: A Crash Course.

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts and studied at Harvard. He later became conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Bernstein was a distinguished composer, piano soloist, conductor, and orchestrator. He was a major force in promoting American 20th Century music. Bernstein was a genius at synthesizing popular jazz with established symphonic elements.

Some of Bernstein’s most noteworthy compositions are On the Waterfront, Candide and his most popular, West Side Story. He was a master at bringing jazz to the symphony orchestra. For many years Bernstein’s “Young People’s Concerts” were produced on television bringing good music to children in an entertaining and exciting way. William Schumann said, “Bernstein is an authentic American hero, a new breed of hero, an arts hero showing that America does honor her artists.”

Duke Ellington, (1899-1974) formed a big band in 1923 to primarily play jazz that previously was performed by smaller groups. He revolutionized jazz by bringing it to symphonic proportions with his complete scores and improvisational patterns.

One can see that from this small sample of noted composers that indeed jazz can be assimilated into symphonic music quite successfully; making great music even greater for all to enjoy.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

Even if you have only read me every other month (or less) chances are pretty good that you know my penchant for Mediterranean food. In few words…I LOVE IT! It is clean, fresh, quick, and follows a healthy eating regime.

Picture how over the moon I was when I heard that Danville was getting another place to get my fix. Yes, there are a few, and I do not deny that I reserve the right to regale you with tales of hummus, gyro, and falafel from these place at a later date however, I am certainly glad that I came across Yannis and am writing about it before a couple of the others. You see, I do not take my responsibilities lightly. As stated, many times before, I will not give you any negative reviews. I only get to talk to you once a month, and we have enough mud flying in our day-to-day lives than waste a whole article on more, but that does not mean I don’t have my favorites. A place really does need to be “article” ready for me to tip my hat. This place is ready!

First of all, Yannis is tucked down the little alley way across from the “New” Danville Veterans Hall. I have always loved this small-town’s side alley of commerce, and now the end building is reserved for food greatness.
Secondly, they have a shady outdoor patio in front that allows for wonderful nights eating great food and gazing down this story-book little alley. A great place for an Italian mobster, as nothing can approach from the back.
Thirdly, the inside is rustic, perfectly lit, and cozy. There are hard floors with coffee colored/high back leather chairs, exposed dark beams of wood against the cream yellow walls and lower ceilings. Huge picture windows allow for a view of the outdoor diners and natural light to come pouring in. The atmosphere is far deeper than the price point suggests. They almost don’t match, but I am afraid to say that too loud for fear they might change their prices. I would certainly have it this way than the other way around (of which there are places like that all over Danville…dammit…mud).
I am no longer a drinking man (buy my book and learn more) but if I were, this bar is exact place that I would seek. Almost square with seating on two sides, in plain view of the large screen TV (playing the A’s on the night we went, extra bonus points for that), separate from the dining room by a half wall allows any patron to feel a part of the dining experience as a whole, but still have their privacy. Again, the low ceilings, and decorative low hanging lamp shades, the tile back splash and full view of servers coming and going, making espresso, pouring wine. Awesome place to misplace an evening for dinner.

Yannis is brought to us by a husband and wife team, Anthony and Voula. Anthony was there the evening we went with an ear-to-ear smile, watching the comings and goings and personally touching tables. The type of hospitality that comes from Greece, and sure enough after investigation I found they both come directly from Piraeus, a costal city in Atica! This is not some team from New Jersey that decided they make a pretty good falafel. This is the real deal people.

We had the hummus and pita for our two year old, the falafel wrap for me and a veggie gyro for my wife. With no drinks the total was around $23.00. See what I mean….shhhh! But of course it was also how it was delivered. Rachel was our server and she brought water in a sippy cup for the boy before we even got settled. Never stopped smiling and was everything you want in a server.

I am very excited about this place. You should be as well.

Yannis Greek Taverna, 120 E. Prospect Avenue, Danville, Ca.
925-820-7700

 

I have been furnishing this nonsense to Alive magazine for a few years. At the time I began, a very good friend, Paul Hirsch, also worked regularly with Alive, providing excellent pieces on sports—particularly Baseball. Paul and I became friends 30 years ago when he wandered into the great watering hole in Oakland, Kings X. Kings X was the Bay Area home of Trivia from 1978 to 2002, when it closed.

Paul and I became friends, largely due to our mutual love of Baseball. Another good friend, Mike Tormey, along with Paul and I appeared regularly on the Ron Barr Sports Byline radio show, answering call-in questions from listeners who tried to stump us with Sports Trivia questions. Thanks to Paul and Mike, we acquitted ourselves very well. During that time, Paul and I became special friends.

Along with being a gifted writer and Sports expert, Paul was a devoted family man, who never failed to make his youth league games faithfully. It is with great sadness that I learned, a few days ago, that Paul had died much too soon of brain cancer. What a loss, particularly for his family. At my age, I am becoming used to friends passing away, but it should never happen to someone as young and vibrant as Paul. I hope you forgive me, but this month we do Baseball as a tribute to my friend.

1. Who was the manager of the Giants in their inaugural season of 1958?

2. Who played center field for the A’s in their inaugural season of 1968?

3. Paul had a Baseball card of him in a Dodger uniform. That was his team and his idol was Sandy Koufax. Koufax threw a perfect game in the 60’s against the Cubs. The Cub pitcher threw a one-hitter in the same game. Who was he?

4. In the 1957 World Series, one of the pivotal plays occurred when a Milwaukee Braves batter proved that he had been hit by a pitch by showing the umpire evidence of shoe polish on the ball. Who was that batter?

5. Twelve years later, a New York Met batter did the same thing for the NY Mets. He had the same last name as the player in question five. Who was he?

6. What was the name of the little fellow about three and a half feet tall who batted for the St. Louis Browns on the last day of the 1951 season?

 

Paul Hirsch

August 12, 1957 – July 26, 2014

I had a conversation with a friend recently about religion. Well, not religion really, but about God. I differentiate the two in that religion is a human invention—God, and one’s relationship with God, on the other hand, is something very much different.

I know, I know, I’m in dangerous territory here. Many people become defensive; critical, even hostile sometimes, when someone brings up religion or politics. I am sure the hair on some atheists’ necks out there is standing at attention about now. I also imagine that those who consider themselves to be (based on my willingness to confess a belief in God) my intellectual superiors, are scoffing or chuckling as they read this.

I’m very familiar with the arguments “against” a belief in God: “Who’s to say which God is the God,” and, “Look at all of the pain and suffering caused by religion throughout history. Aren’t those ‘terrorists’ claiming to be acting on behalf of their concept of God.” And then there’s the “I just cannot honestly say that I can believe in (a) God, if He allows such suffering in the world.”

These are all valid points that deserve answers. In deference to the space limitation here, I will attempt a short answer—these all concern the topic of religion, not God. The question is not about whether one goes to church or follows some set of rules. The question is: How is your relationship with God? Can you step out of your ego; out of the evil shadow of fear, long enough and to recognize Him?

It’s not my intention to offend anyone or make anyone feel uncomfortable; on the contrary, my earnest hope is to connect with someone who may be reading this right now—anyone—who might just be feeling a little like, oh I don’t know, maybe how Robin Williams was feeling in the hours before he made the tragic decision that he made.

I have a message for anyone feeling lost at this very moment—you are loved. You have choices, and there are very good reasons to choose and affirm life. God’s love is so real and so pure, that he has freed us completely. He does not force us to have a relationship with Him. To my way of thinking, that is the proof of His existence, and I encourage anyone who might be in pain right now to ponder that point. Accepting His love is the liberating choice you seek.

So, what about science? That’s a long conversation for another time. Suffice it to say that all of the psychology, medicine, technology, counseling, and yes, even religion, were apparently of no use to Robin Williams at the point where he came to that last, final decision.

A good friend recently passed away. He was a brilliant man—a columnist for ALIVE, named Paul Hirsch. We had a long and sincere conversation several months before his passing. He basically called to say “goodbye.”

In that conversation, I asked Paul if he believed in God. His reply was, “I do now.” I knew at that moment that Paul had made the most important choice of all—he chose life.
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.  Deut 30:19 (KJV)