Don's Theatre

Good luck!

2008-11-04T09:27:00.001-06:00

Today is election day in the USA.

I can only hop people use their brains and vote wisely.

It's between the old man and the hockey mom,
and the dynamic and distingished.

Chapea Obama and Biden for the way you both took the elections to a higher standard.

For the world, I hope you win.

.

Fundraising and shopping in one.

2008-11-03T06:42:00.004-06:00

Fundraising and shopping are a good combination.
I buy special stamps to raise funds for projects for children, I buy gifts at a special shop where a percentage is put aside for hygeniec projects in Africa.

Now I've found a means to do the same when shopping online.

All what needs to be done is downloading a small piece of software called AidMaker.
I'm paying the normal store price for a product but the retailer donates part of the purchase to the cause I have choosen. 75 percent of the total purchase price will then go to charity.
It automatically starts, so nothing else needs to be done after installing. When you want to change things, you can do so.

5000 online stores take part.

It's organised by aGoodCause.com.
This is a global partnership between 700 of the worlds most important NGOs - charities like Save the Children, Red Cross, Amnesty International, OXFAM and many others aimed at improving animal welfare, human rights, poverty and climate.

aGoodCause is a global system, launched now in 8 countries.

To take part, go to www.eengoedezaak.nl, and choose your country at the top right.
USA and England are included, as are Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Italy, The Netherlands and France.

I can't think of a better way to shop online.

a halloween after all

2008-11-01T06:37:00.002-06:00

We're not used to celebrating halloween here, so it was no problem when I got a last moment invite to play at a halloween party.

I was asked to enter the building from a backyard gate and a kitchendoor, so people wouldn't see me in my normal outfit.

Within 20 minutes I was changed into an ugly looking vampire, and within half an hour I was rehearsing a couple of songs with weird texts.

They were written in a large font and glued on the floor, so I could have a peek when performing.

The girl and guys of the band were very professional so when we went on stage we all felt confident.

We made the performance into a real blast.

I had such a good time that I stayed there until the end.

Leaving through the front door, just as all the other ghosts and gouls.

I've changed

2008-10-28T09:42:00.002-06:00

Many things have changed the past year and I didn't like it.

There was not enough room to do what I really like and what I'm good in.

I loved teaching, in a way.

It was dealing with young people I liked, but the whole schoolbusiness with all the meetings, took to much from me.

Another problem was that it didn't pay too well, so I had to get a second job to pay my bills.

Last month I decided to take up my former life of a full time musician and I've spend a lot of time to get new contracts.

I succeeded and I'll be on the road again.

In the meantime I've also decided to start giving music lessons to young people to teach them the joy of creative expression.

I know my former pupils will regret I'm leaving school, but I have to do it to stay true to myself.

Helping the elderly

2008-10-27T10:19:00.002-06:00

The weather is changing and it's getting colder.

I've helped the old people in the street the last weeks to get their gardens ready.

A lot of pruning needed to be done.

I can't understand their families won't take one saturday afternoon off to do it all together.
It's fun.

Because I didn't want any payment, I got a couple of free meals.
I've eaten things I haven't had in ages, because some things one doesn't cook just for one person.

I didn't know it would be such a good experience.

unconscious mutterings 300

2008-10-26T09:48:00.001-06:00

Contemplate :: thinking deep

In the house :: there's the mouse

Classical :: music

Quest :: for life

Best friend :: my music

1991 :: got a new guitar then

Never will :: stop making music

Fool :: on the hill

Unhappy :: happy

Best man :: I was a few months ago

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posting by mail

2008-10-25T10:31:00.001-06:00

Posting by mail didn't work for me.

I must have done something wrong, or the gods were just against me.

I've saved the texts, so I'll put them here.

Feels silly.

Now I have to find out what has gone wrong.
When anyone has dealt with the same, please let me know your findings.

Got a gig

2008-10-24T10:23:00.000-06:00

I managed to get a gig in a town nearby.

Extra income! Woohoo!

I haven't seen some friends in ages, so I called a friend who lives there and he offered me a sleepingplace too.
So there won't be a need to go home in the middle of the night.

This feels so good and I'm looking forward to it.

unconscious mutterings 299

2008-10-18T09:51:00.000-06:00

Magical :: Illusion

Shrimp :: and shromp

Project Runway :: uh?

Economy :: The macro economy isn't doing well.

Porch :: and porc

State of affairs :: situation

.com :: dot com

Fifty cents :: good music at times

Ripping :: yea, they're ripping me those taxpeople

Bull :: and cow

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Trains

2008-10-15T10:27:00.001-06:00

I've been lucky last week.

For my work I had to go to a meeting in the west of the country. By train.

There was some delay because there was work done at the railway over rather a long stretch, so I missed the next train.

I was lucky.

The train I was supposed to take had a painful confrontation with another train, and even though no people were injured, I would have had an even longer delay.

Now we were informed on the station and they told us precisely how to travel the fastest.

The son of a friend saw the collision happen and he told me all about it.
Didn't stop.

(I hope he won't read this.)

unconscious mutterings 298

2008-10-11T09:55:00.000-06:00

Zoo :: Life is a zoo

Neighborhood :: Mine is OK

Salute :: Say hello

Immortality :: Will we ever get immortal?

Dominion :: Owned land

Rhonda :: Jackson

Parties :: with life music

Prince of Darkness :: and the Queen of Light

Garbage :: rubbish

Standard :: Norm

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3 applepies

2008-10-03T10:42:00.001-06:00

I've spend quite some time making applepies.

One of the neighbours gave me such a great load of apples I had to do something with them.

I don't have a cellar to keep them, like we used to do when I was young.

So I put some music on, got a sharp knife and started working.

I had enough dough for three pies.

One I brought to the happy giver.
He joked that he now had his own apples back and that that was not his intention.
But it was a good reason to invite his grandkids.

For the other I invited some friends for dinner.
We had the applepie for dessert.

The third, the one with the extra cinnamon I divided in half.

One half is frozen and the other half will be eaten soon.

Found a new teacher

2008-09-29T10:37:00.001-06:00

I've been looking for someone who wants to take over my job and I've already found someone who is very enthousiastic.

Lucky me.

The principal will be seeing him next week and take a decision as soon as possible.

The guy can start straightaway, so that means I will tell him everything I know about the job and then he can take it over.

What a relief!!

I'm sure the kids will be surprised, but I'm sure they'll understand.

Insurance will stop

2008-09-26T10:33:00.002-06:00

I've decided to stop with teaching at the school.

Had a long talk with the principal who was reluctant to let me go, but I've convinced him he had no other option.

Ofcourse I'll work until they have found someone else.

During the meeting he informed me that I have to take care of the health insurance the first day after my last working month.

I hope I won't forget.
I'm not as careful with my agenda since I started at school.

In a way I could be lazy, because social securities and insurances were arranged autimatically.

Well, there are pros and cons to everything.

a best man and a wedding

2008-09-06T09:58:00.003-06:00

I've been the best man at the wedding of a good friend.
It was rather a large wedding and I was glad a whole professional team orchestrated the day, so all I had to do was mingle with the people and make them at home.
And ofcourse I had to take part in the official and traditional part of the whole experience.

The bride was gorgeous!

I sure know that my bride to be has to wear what I want her to wear. :-)

She looked like she was on a cloud of lace. Resting on lace, because she kept smiling.
The groom was nice too, but I'm not so interested in him as long as he keeps her happy.

They were married at a small castle where they arrived in a carriage with 4 horses.
The bride nearly broke her ancle getting on the ground again. She was so shaken in the carriage that she didn't feel well, but that soon disappeared when she walked over the bridge.
Her veil was caught by the wind and it looked amazing!

The people waiting for them generated one big sight.

When the wedding was over and the party started they had their first dance walsing through a large hall.
It was a fairytale.

After that we all toasted and then the bride disappeared.
We all though it a bit strange, but when she came back she had dressed herself in another outfit which still marked her as the bride, but it was far more convenient to party.

The castle was a good place for her wedding, because there were different rooms where people could be.

The old people had their own room to sit and sip liquor, the young kids could play outside or in a playroom and they had chips and fried and cola.

It got very late that night, but it didn't matter at all, because each and every minute was pure happiness and joy.

What a way to start wedded life.

reflection on the last summervacation

2008-08-28T10:14:00.001-06:00

This last summervacation hasn't been a success.

because I worked at the school I missed gigs and performances with orchestras, and I didn't have to money to follow the music.
So I missed friend at festivals.

School will start soon and as soon as the admins are open I'll make an appointment with the principal to talk things through.

This is not the way I want to live.

Grand Theft Auto IV

2008-05-14T15:44:00.004-06:00

Recently, meaning on April 29, Rockstar Games presented the eleventh game in a series of Grant Theft Games: Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3.
In case you're not sure:
Yes, it's also called GTA IV or GTA 4.

Fans had to wait a while, but now the first one of the fourth generation of GTA games is available.
More than thousand people united their efforts to create this game that uses RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Gaming Engine).

The result is awesome!!

The graphics are the best untill now, and they are far more realistic.
I like the fact that the individual persons are unique individuals, so you won't see the same "person" over and over again, like in the former editions, which gives a far more realistic feel too.

There are far more functions available.
Like the former versions one can play the game solo or with multiple players.

To me GTA 4 eh...Grand Theft Auto 4 is a game to be proud of and a pleasure to play.

Have a try yourself!

Disasters

2008-05-13T16:51:00.002-06:00

I'm really shocked by the disasters that hapened this week.

All those people in Birma who can get no aid, or almost none.

And the people in China, who were confronted with a huge earthquake, killing whole families and even whole villages.

That so many people died in such a short time... awful!

best May weather ever

2008-05-11T16:00:00.002-06:00

We're exoeriencing the best may weather ever.

It's unbelievable!
A few weeks ago we were still shivering with caps and gloves and sjawls.

Now we're dealing summertemperatures.

It's too much at once.

This afternoon I went for a box of icecreams and they were sold out.

Well, the weatherstation has announced more good days.
The watrmest maydays in history.

unconscious mutterings

2008-05-10T16:05:00.001-06:00

Track :: route

Snake :: poison

Assignment :: homework

Blockbuster :: movie

Bombastic :: loud and noisy

Adventure :: expedition

First time :: prime time

Aged :: old

Grip :: get one!

Shortcut :: fast route

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Almost the last schoolday

2008-05-04T16:09:00.003-06:00

One of my groups at school is almost celebrating the last schoolday.
Just a couple of days and I'm sure they have quite a few surprises ready for us, teachers.
I'm not sure if I'll be glad with it.

But I'm sure the day will take their mind of the stress of the final exams.

Two weeks to go and they will all be quiet cattle.
It's always amazing to see how the most noisy figures change into friendly and quiet persons, writing their fingers full of blisters in an attempt to get a high score.

Their ambition is questionable.

Why?

They just want to leave school and move forward.

unconscious mutterings

2008-05-04T16:07:00.000-06:00

State :: statistic

Lively :: energetic

Valet :: Mikkie

Traction :: pull

Official :: legal

Red hot :: Chili Peppers

Powder :: pepper

Replies :: answers

Flagrant :: flamboyant

Tweet :: tweety

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Hurraines in Virginia

2008-04-29T11:38:00.002-06:00

It is terrible what has happened in Virginia.

The force of nature never stops.
It pops-up just at a random place, for no reason.

unconscious mutterings

2008-04-26T01:48:00.001-06:00

Thug :: not my type

Slurp :: not a nice sound

Alley :: backstreet

Sweater vest :: old fashioned

Targeted :: aimed at

Snazzy :: fancy

Oy! :: vey!

Jury duty :: not for me

Low fat :: and you believe that?

Responsibility :: some people don't know what that is.

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rehearsals have started

2008-04-23T01:40:00.002-06:00

Rehearsals have started for some major concertos.

I haven't seen the names of the artists, but I've been told some rumors, and when they are right, we're in for a good season.

It's nice to see people again.

The winterstop makes one realise how fast time and people changes.

One of my collegues has grown a beard so long, while another is almost bald now.

My agenda is on the table again.

Í'm looking forward to a far less settled life.

I love adventure and changes, and performing brings that to me.

Beijing song

2008-04-20T15:47:00.003-06:00

I don't want a discussion about chinese politics.

Acting accordingly to the olympic thought.
Here is the song which signals the 100 day countdown:

Beijing welcomes you.

unconscious mutterings

2008-04-20T01:50:00.001-06:00

Questioning :: asking

Immunity :: vaccines

Online dating :: fun for some

Calcium :: good for the bones

Dressing :: yummy

Bucket :: bouquet says Hyacinth

Stain :: spot

Advanced :: developed

Dramatic :: theatrical

Self-medication :: headache

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I have to make decisions

2008-04-17T01:44:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure I want to teach another year.

It's fun to do and I like the children very much, but getting up the same time every morning makes me feel lost in time.

Day resemble each other so much.
I'm OK with that when I'm 80, perhaps.
But not now.

I have to make some very difficult decisions.

a visitor with a bottle

2008-04-07T01:53:00.002-06:00

I'm glad someone has tacked me down.
Not only did we have a great time talking and sipping from a glass of cognac.
He also left the rest of the bottle and some paperwork on my table.

I've been invited to play in an orchestra for a while, starting in may.

It's for some nice concerts.

I'm so happy he asked me, I can't tell.

the neighbour and his red face

2008-03-21T01:56:00.002-06:00

I've visited a new neighbour.

When he heard I'm a musician, he looked a bit afriad and he started to say something,
Then he stopped and looked trapped.

It was a strange expereince.

I asked him if he was afriad I might disturb his sleep.

His face turned red.

Well, I could put him to ease.
Mainly by telling him that I'm a teacher now.

Does it really makes a difference what I do for who I am?

Charter internet for life at auction, preregistering means a chance to win a Nintendo® Wii™

2008-03-09T15:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I had the chance to experience a Nintendo® Wii™..
It was fun!

So when I came across the site of Charter.com and saw that people who live in the service area of Charter internet can win a Nintendo® Wii™. I immediately wanted to share this with you.

It's easy and free to create your chance.
Just preregister for the auction they will have on their site this week.

Preregistering enables you to check if you're area is a Charter area.

When you win the prize you'll get a complete Nintendo® Wii™ system.
Including a Nintendo Wii Console, aWii Stand, 5 Sports games ( Boxing, Baseball, Tennis, Golf and bowling), 1 Remote Controller, 1 Nunchuk Controller, 1 Sensor Bar, 1 Wii AC Adapter and 1 Wii AV Cable.
So that's a complete package to play the games.

At March 12 the auction starts for all who can receive Charter internet.
Lowest bid is $10 and there's no reserve.
The bidding is forCharter High-Speed® Internet for Life.
That means the best internet speed which is available in the area, a cable modem and wireless router, and free professional installation.

All Charter internet services come with added extras like firewall, anti-virus, and spam-filtering software and parental controls, 10 e-mail addresses per account, extra online storage, personal Web space.
The helpdesk which is available 24/7.

I hope one of my readers wins.
Don't forget to let me know!

click here!

unconscious mutterings

2008-03-09T15:20:00.001-06:00

Homicide :: murder

Divisive :: arguing

Flash :: I thought it in a flash

Steaming :: engine

Crunch :: cereal

Look out! :: danger

Anticipating :: awaiting

Slim :: delicate

Navel :: center

Help :: Beatles

international women's day

2008-03-08T15:01:00.002-06:00

To celebrate international women's day the women in our group of friends went to a special afternoon. They got a haircut for free, a massage and had their nail done.

We assumed the intention of the organisation was that the men would make dinner.

So a few of us took the little children to an indoor playground, and the others cooked dinner for all.

It was a huge succes, so next year we'll do it again.
Or maybe sooner. Who knows.

friday's feast

2008-03-07T15:41:00.002-06:00

Appetizer

If you could be any current celebrity for one whole week, who would you want to be?

One of the great rock and roll legends.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you enjoy talking on the phone?

7

Salad

Name a charitable organization to which you have donated (or would like to).

I try to donate when I'm in town somewhere to a local non-profit organisation.

Main Course

What is a food you like so much you could eat it every single day for a month?

carrots

Dessert

Have you or anyone in your family had the flu this year?

Oh yes!!!

directing a choir

2008-02-25T03:30:00.002-06:00

Some days are soooo boring, and others are a plain joy.

I just got a call.

A very nice woman asked me if I would consider directing their choir, because they were in the middle of the preparation for easter and the director got appendicitis and was rushed to hospital.

I forgot to ask how she knew I have directing experience.
(I haven't been networking much on that subject!).

Ofcourse I told her not to worry.

Directing a choir in the evenings is a perfect combination with teaching.

So on thursday evening I'm not at home.
I'll be humming the first notes to a rather large choir and see what they've already learned.

Who could have thought that when I woke up this morning?

Online Casinos Reviews

2008-02-25T03:04:00.003-06:00

When you're a beginning online casino player, you have to be careful where you go to play the games.
There are many online casinos which won't pay, have bad graphics or are as slow as a grassmower.

You can learn from the online casino gambling tips, but how to choose the online casino to play safe and secure?

20 experienced editors have written a site about the best casinos worldwide.
They created a list of the top 60 online casino list.
All of them are reviewed, so you can see which games you can play, how high the welcome bonus is, and they've worked out trust scores.

A trust score is a reflection of how trustworthy an online casino is.
Features like: security, certification, fair play, customer support, deposit options and payout speed are rated to give a good insight in the client friendliness of a casino.

When you want to have a quick impression you can go to the main page and see the editor rating, the player rating, the maximum bonus and the payout rate, and you can even get the feel by the look of the site.

Playing at online casinos can be very addictive.
Set yourself some rules and choose well.

At Online Casino Links you'll find the top 60 links to start from.

sleeping in

2008-02-25T02:53:00.004-06:00

It's a monday off.

Well, for the children at school.

We, teachers, are allowed to sleep in and report on duty at 11.00, for a day full of meetings.

It took me untill today to find out I can't sleep in anymore. Not on weekdays.
I'm programmed to be at school in time to welcome those pupils who are in time and those who are too late.

I've never thought I would become as boring as that.

Well, today I'll take my guitar with me to lighten up the breaks.

It'll be fun to enjoy the other teachers singing.
I expect them to.

And I think they will.

We have to sit many hours, talking about the results and progression of all students.
Then we can write the reports.

This evening I have to call the parents of the students who are not living up to expectations.
Luckily I'm assigned just one group, and they do all quite well.
So maybe there's no need to call someone.

I hate telling people bad news on the phone.

unconscious mutterings

2008-02-25T02:52:00.002-06:00

Protocol :: rules,guidelines

Girlfriends :: can enrich life

Shoulders :: to cry on

Coming home :: to enjoy my own world

Let it in :: and let it out

Honor :: I don't like the pride that goes with it

Tyler :: Burns

Thriller :: Agatha Christie

Angela :: Lansbury

The winner is :: Oh no! Not the oscars again....

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Online casino links

2008-02-25T02:22:00.004-06:00

A friend just called and told me it's the allergy season again.
To him it means he has to stay indoors and keep his attantion away from his itching eyes, and all the other symptoms of a bad pollen allergy.

He always warns me, because i can take my meds just in time to escape the main part of the problem.

We talked a bit and he said he kept himself bussy at an online casino.
Diverting his attention works best for his allergy, and it also means some nive gaming and gaining.

He's found a great site: Online Casino Links, that provides a lot of information, so he can choose between the good and the lesser online casinos.
The site offers direct visible information about the payout rates, the bonusamounts and the ratings by players. A larger review for each casino is just one click away.

All casinos accept US players and players from other countries too.

On the list there's also a poker site.
Playing poker is on the rise, and many people enjoy the game.

I had a look at the site and was quite impressed.
There's a lot of information, including a beginners guide for online gambling, so people can have basic knowledge about the way an online casino works.

Online casinos can be a great place for people who know what they are doing.
And my friend does.

giggling girls

2008-02-21T11:09:00.002-06:00

I never expected to be an old fashioned teacher.

Well, I'm not.

I guess the girls are just old fashioned.

The chattering, throwing notes to each other when I turn my head, gazing out of the window for ages and the giggling.

They know their stuff, though. Perfect homework, so they're interested in the subject.

This week they were ytalking so much that they didn't even realise they were talking louder and louder.

I warned.

Warned again...

And then I got so very mad that I threw them out.

Ugh...

unconscious mutterings

2008-02-17T10:45:00.000-06:00

Passport :: travelling

Small world :: it's a small world after all!!!

Radio :: turn the button to find a world of sounds

Marine :: navy

Wall :: Pink Floyd

Wanna be :: dreamer

Pigtails :: Do you know they cut them?

Hyphen :: the stripe in between

9.99 :: 10-0,01

Unrated :: unscored

old neighbour

2008-02-15T11:01:00.002-06:00

I'm getting new neighbours.

The old man is moving to an old people's home.

I think it's sad.

Moving there means moving to the last station before death.

I can understand he needs to go there. He can hardly walk, and he's almost deaf.

But still... he needs to leave everything that's familiar.

So sad...

friday's feast

2008-02-15T10:53:00.000-06:00

Appetizer

Name one thing that is unique about you.

Pfff, I'm not unique. But I'm a music freak!

Soup

Fill in the blank: My favorite _________ is __________ but I like _________ too.

My favorite instrument is tha guitar, but I like other instruments too.

Salad

What type of wood do you have for your home’s furnishings?

Light wood.

Main Course

Who do you talk to most often on the phone?

A friend, Richard.

Dessert

What level of responsibility do you have in your job?

Well, I'm responsible for my income.
I have to plan all my performances adn such. I can't makle mistakes there.
Now I'm teaching I'm responsible for the kids at school.
I want them to enjoy music.

unconscious mutterings

2008-02-10T10:48:00.002-06:00

Score :: the winner

Luxurious :: relaxed and rich

Party :: music

Limited edition :: that's special

Security :: to keep people safe

Betty :: oh oh Black Betty

Under construction :: in the making

Pest :: that was a disease

director :: OK, I'll listen

Express :: fast

Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa Del Sol: vacation!

2008-02-05T17:09:00.000-06:00

The geographics teacher from school came for a cup of coffee and a talk.
He apologised for wanting to talk about one of his groups, but he couldn't sleep well.

I have to say, that group is a pain for other teachers too. I'm glad it's not one of mine.

After trying to find some solutions for individual pupils we bowed our heads over a diffent content of the curriculum.

I can understand those young people completely. The book is boring.

I suddenly got an idea and we sat down in my study and switched on the computer.

Do you know that Benidorm was just a small fishing village in the 50ties?
In 1952 there was such a big drop in catches that people needed other means of excistence. In 1956 the council agreed to build for the tourist industry. And how!

Gran Hotel Bali Benidorm

Now most of the Benidorm Hotels are among the most comfortable and luxurious hotels of the world.
The views in some hotels are one of a kind.

Gran Hotel Bali Benidorm

The small village has grown into a tourist giant with a huge choice of places to visit, free cabaret acts like noweher else, and a fibrant nightlife. Families, singles... everyone can enjoy the perfect vacation in the pleasant climate.

Alicante too has grown from a historic Mediterranean port to one of the fastest-growing cities in Spain. The Alicante Hotels embrace the famous beaches.
The town is full of history and there's something to do for everyone.
A friend took short boat trip off the coast of Alicante to the small and tranquil Isla de Tabarca. One can snorkel there. Or take a boat with a glass bottom in the national marine park, where the water is crystal clear. And there is a nice little beach suitable for a romantic picknick.

I asked my collegue if this wasn't a great subject to get those kids interested in geography.

Probably at least one of them has been in one of the Costa Brava Hotels or Costa Del Sol Hotels .

Let them find out everything there is too know!

The Costa del Sol is at the edge of the continent. The seaside attracts all sorts of people, including the rich with their yachts in Puerto Banus. And one can find out the where one can find vulcano sand beaches. (Arena beach in Estepona).

They can write papers about the Neolithic Nerja Caves,the Picasso museum in Málaga and the Andalusian pueblos blancos (white towns) from Zahara de la Frontera to Grazalema or the brave hairpin bends to Moorish Ronda, perched either side of a 150m gorge.

Let them write about the rocks, the eagles.
Let them organise a Spanish week with tapas and olives.

We enjoyed ourselves when I told my experiences with the Barcelona Hotels.

As a musician one is sometimes invited by people who don't mind to spend money on an expensive hotelroom.

Arc La Rambla Hotel Barcelona

I/m sure I helped my collegue find a way to improve matters with this group of young people.

In case you're interested to go and visit this magnificent country full of culture, lovely restaurants, palms, castles and a lot more, you can find the guaranteed cheapest hotels at CheaperthanHotel
The best deal of the day, the last minute deals, but also the year long fixed prizes are well worth your money. Just have a look at the extra features, the hotel descriptions and the photos.

Don't forget to send me a card!

natalee holloway case

2008-02-05T16:45:00.000-06:00

The case of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway of more than two years ago has drawn a lot of attention.

I don't like the way people vent their opinion without knowing the ins and outs of the case.

I can understand people imagine the girl could be their daughter or sister or friend, and that this gives rise to emotions.

But we have all delegated the judging of people to professional people, and when they can't proof anything...

People are convicted when there's proof beyond reasonable doubt.

A kind of forced statement of a stoned student needs to be based on proof.

Do people really think that that young guy didn't think when that grown up man wanted his friendship?

Here are some interesting posts from a friend.

The Natalee Holloway case: Joran van der Sloot and Peter R. de Vries

the Natalee Holloway case solved?

Peter R de Vries, Joran van der Sloot, Natalee Holloway

a lazy day

2008-02-04T22:59:00.000-06:00

It's carnaval here, so I'm enjoying a few days at home.
It's great to sleep in, listen some music and sit down without the need to prepare classes or think about problems young people have and bring with them into the classroom.

This afternoon I phoned a friend and we had a long conversation.
It has been such a long time ago!

After that someone called to ask me to help them out at a performance on saturday.
It's a nice extra he offered, so I said "yes".

An hour later I was at his house, got the music in a nice map, coffee.
We had so much to talk about that his wife asked me to stay for dinner.

What a great cook she is!!!

I'm looking forward to saturday.

unconscious mutterings

2008-02-03T10:51:00.001-06:00

What women want :: diamonds

Epidemic :: a lot of sick people

Taxes :: hmmm

Hello :: goodbye

Confidential :: trusted

Lights :: and sounds

Summation :: stand still!

Hard feelings :: ill feelings

Electric :: sissling

Fresh start :: anew

Family gathering and CheaperthanHotels

2008-01-31T16:34:00.000-06:00

Each year my english aunt and uncle organise an international social gathering for family and friends.

Many, many years they inherited a large amount of money from an unknown family member. Attached to it they have to use the money for such a social event.

To enable everyone to attent the festivity, they book hotels in London, and we all pay what we can miss. That way rich members support the poorer ones.
London can be reached by train, car, boat and airplane without problems, and there are so many events to attent, that none feels left out or bored.

My uncle books part of the hotels almost a year in advance, mainly Central London Hotels.
Using CheaperthanHotels provides them with the lowest prizes which stay the same all year. So there's no risk in booking early.

When more members subscribe on the list they book other London City Hotels, leaving the last subcribers the choice between Victoria Hotels and London Piccadilly Hotels.

A group of us gives them assistance by keeping track of the last minute deals, which stretch over 21 days.

My uncle always tries me to stay with a few single mothers with children in what the children call: the dolls house hotel.

Best Western Victoria Palace

It's fun to be together and have the chance to enjoy the children from the family.

For them it's a golden experience, as they come from a couple of countries with different languages. During their play they learn the languages amazingly easy.
The evenings are special for the children, because I play songs on the guitar untill they sleep.

I enjoy these quiet moments while the mothers are off with the rest of the family to IMAX cinemas, West End theatres to intimate jazz clubs, or for a long walk through the city.

Sometimes we enjoy our time together so much that, when we're not bound by work, look up another hotel at CheaperthanHotels and book there at our own expence.
CheaperthanHotels provides guaranteed the lowest prizes and also a lot of other extras.

Last year we managed to get a Today's Special and booked ourselves rooms at the Adara Hotel.

Adare Hotel London

We've had a marvellous time, visiting The Tower of London, Hyde Park and some other wellknown places.

I'm looking forward to our trip.
Already I've been asked to go with a few to the Eye of London... can't wait!!

music at school

2008-01-31T15:01:00.000-06:00

It takes for more time than I thought to teach the pupils to make music together.

They don't listen very well to others.
It made me thingk.

Maybe I'd better give them each one by one a feeling of self esteem.
When they feel secure and confident in their own abilities, then it's time to play as a team.

Even those who didn't want to have tried several instruments to find out which one they like best.

It's a step by step process, but I'm sure we can do it.

storm

2008-01-31T11:56:00.000-06:00

A terrible storm is raging over the country.

I don't really mind.
I like it.

But I know many people don't.

So I took advantage of s spot of clear sky and walked to the old people on the other side of the road and asked if they wanted me to get them some groceries.

The little old woman nearly cried when I came back with bread, vegetables and a little extra: a large box of bonbons.
She was so grateful, and I was hoping she would gain some weight. She can do with a bit more around her bones.

She made me tea, he peeled me an orange,
she showed me photos, he told me about the war.

When I went home it was pouring and I got soaked within seconds.

Right now I get the feeling the storm is less forcefull.

Pity.

I like to sleep with the sounds of storm.

Credit Score

2008-01-28T15:11:00.000-06:00

It's important for people who want a loan to know if they qualify for a loan.
One of the main indicators is the credit score. It represents the creditworthiness based on a statistical analysis of a person's credit files as are kept at credit bureaus and credit reference agencies.

For banks and credit card companies it's an indicator of the potential risk of not being paid back.
Credit scores are used to determine who qualifies for a loan, at what interest rate, and what credit limits.
A trusted system uses credit scores prior to granting credit or access to certain services, like insurances.

There are many "free credit score" scams online, so one needs to be very carefull.

Credit Karma offers free credit score information. And it's truly free. You won't be confronted with later costs or obligations.

So Credit Karma empowers consumers.

Credit Karma shows personalized offers based on your credit profile.
You're asked to score them, give your opinion so future offers can be even more targetted to the consumers who have registered for free at Credit Karma.

Some people aks how they can provide this all for free.
Simple: advertiser sponsorship.

It won't have any influence on your privacy.
Credit Karma is a licensee of the TRUSTe Privacy Program. TRUSTe is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to build users' trust and confidence in the Internet by promoting the use of fair information practices.

To offer you the experience of Credit Karma I'm allowed to give you the invitation code for the limited beta. It's "CKFRND".

I hope this information is useful to you and you can benefit from this knowledge.

real friends

2008-01-27T19:37:00.000-06:00

I've spend part of my day with some friends.

One of them works in a backery and he brought the most delicious chocolate chip cookies.
I've eaten too many of them... too many!

But apart from that I feel quite OK and relaxed.

Being around good old friends is always very inspiring.
Because we know each other so well, we can think along with difficulties.
Sometimes important decisions are made after a weekend like this.

Often I miss someone to talk about important issues, or to share funny moments.
When I've been with them those feelings are gone, and I just feel rich and happy.

Thanks all!

unconscious mutterings

2008-01-27T19:32:00.000-06:00

Booze :: bottoms up

Counter :: icecream

Action :: movie

Trial :: medicine

Wheelchair :: dance

1-800 :: what's that?

Chop :: vegetables

Relatives :: not choosen

Bed sheets :: clean please

Funnel :: no spilling

CheaperthanHotels in English and German

2008-01-27T18:41:00.000-06:00

germany is a great place to be.
I got several cards this week from friend who are spending a ski-vacation in the mountains. The Hotels in Germany are completely equipped for families, pairs and singles alike, to have a dream time.
My friends are getting huge breakfasts with fresh baked bread and tasty cheese and jams. One of them mailed me the other day that they went outside for a walk each morning, just to smell the newly baked bread at the bakery.
They leave to sky later in the morning, taking a large lunch in a rugsack, and when they arrive they can relax after a good dinner which is prepared with love and care.
The apres ski is a joyous event, each day again, and I'm sure I'll have to see plenty of photos.

I'm very happy for them, but it makes me long for one of my favorite Hotels in Berlin.
I love the mountains in the summer far better, so I like to indulge myself in city-life when others are at higher altitudes.

Berlin is never boring. No matter what time of year, there are always concerts, festivals and parties.
When you want to go to Berlin keep in mind that in february it's carnaval, and the The Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival) is held. It's the world’s second largest international film festival.
In April there's a 10 days lasting Festage filled with gala concerts and operas.
In June a big gay event is sceduled: Christopher Street Day.
In August you can find me at the JazzFest Berlin. Which I can recommend, ofcourse.

This is just a small part of the wonderful events.

Berlin is a city for quiet people, for outgoing people and all in between.

You can make it as expensive or cheap as you like.
CheaperthanHotels offers you the lowest prizes available, in all ranges of hotels. Whether you choose a one star hotel, or a 5 star, you'll be impressed by the famous german cleanliness.

Abacus Tierpark Hotel Berlin

Meine Deutschsprechende Freunden können sich für Kurztrips oder Langzeitaufenthalte ein Hotel hier suchen: http://www.hotelsdeutsche.com
Es ist CheaperthanHotels im Deurtschen Sprache. Wie die engsliher Seite mit angebote mit garantierte Tiefstpreise and Bezahlung bei Ankunft im Hotel.

Natürlich kann man sehr schöne Hotels in Berlin antreffen, mit kostenloses extras and detaillierter Hinweise.

Aber ich möchte ihnen auch weisen auf die billigen Hotels in Wien.

Geblergasse Hotel Vienna

Ich habe Schöne Zeiten verbracht in Wien. Die conditereien sind wirklich gefüllt mit überherrlichen Speisen und Kuchen, and ich bin noch niemahls entäuscht gewesen. Die Gastfreundshaft is sehr gross.
Es freut much so sehen das die familiënzimmer im Geblergasse Hotel noch immer verfügbahr ist. Ich habe manche gute Stunde dort durchgebracht mit freunde und familie.

blogspam

2008-01-27T18:38:00.000-06:00

I'm furious!

Today I found 22 comments on an entry.
Which is great!

1 of them was a kind and normal comment from a very friendly person.

The other 21 was blogspam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ofcourse I won't approve of this.
Not at all.

Why bother me with that blogdirt?
It only costs time, for you and for me.

None gains.

ice cream recipe

2008-01-22T02:56:00.000-06:00

Melanie requested a recipe. OK.

Ice cream, peach or strawberry.

Use fresh or canned fruit, but keep in mind that it needs to be soft and ripe.

3 medium sized peaches, peeled, stoned and chopped (approximately 1-1/2 cups) or
1-1/2 cups of chopped strawberries.
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar
1-½ teaspoons pure vanilla
2 cups half-and-half, or 1-½ cups whole milk plus ½ cup heavy cream

In a bowl mash the fruit with the sugar and vanilla. (Smells good)
Stir in the half and half.
Taste.
Add more sugar if needed. (I never do)

Ofcourse you have read the manual of the icemaker and gave it a good rub or clean.
Pour the mixture in the machine and freeze.

When you don't have a machine, stir the mixture every 15 minutes with a fork. Try to make it as smooth as possible.

When the machine is ready pour the ice in a bowl and freeze for an hour.

Use a hot spoon to put it in bowls or on a plate, or put it outside the freezedr for a while.

Sprinkle chocolate on top.

Dreaming of Italy

2008-01-22T02:01:00.000-06:00

Don't think I've left my life as a musician in the past.
Oh, no!

When someone would call me, to come to Italy, for instance, I would book one of the Italy Hotels and a flight for the first vacation.
Which is next month.

Some people think Italy is just a summer sunny holiday country. Well, it isn't.

Take Milan, for example.
It's one of the most buzzing cities of the world. Many even say it's the most innovative town of Europe.
Arriving at Malpensa airport is always a pleasure. Often I came there after a tour through another continent, and I always gave myself the pleasure of going to the laundry and have my clothes ironed.
The Italinians know fashion, and value good clothing.
I love Malpensa airport. The architecture is so interesting!
I'm never bored waiting there for someone of the hotel to pick me up and bring me to one of the Milan Hotels.

Linate airpost is closer to Milan and it's used mainly for European and domestic flights. One way or another I haven't visited that airport not as much. It's located in one of the richest areas of Milan.

The interesting part on Milan is, that it's a city both for tourists and businessmen.
When walking, one can hear all sorts of languages.
I've often wondered why Milan has become such a mix of Italy and the world. Maybe it's the temperate climat. I don't know.
But there's lot of workl done, and one can feel it.

To me, Rome is more relaxed. Or maybe Rome feels more huge?
I always book one of the Rome Hotels far in advance. One never knows when there's something special like a world exhibition, or something special in Vatican town.
Some call Rome the Eternal City. There's so much history and it goes such a long way back.
People who love to feel like they're living in the Renaissance and Baroque times best go to Rome. Do you know the historic centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site?

Like Venice. It's built on 118 small islands and it's history goes back to the 5th century. It's a complete exhibition by itself. It looks like every building is a masterpiece in itself and even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others.
I already feel a thrill when I book one of the Venice Hotels.

Some people ask me how a simple musician like me can afford staying in hotels.
Well, I use CheaperthanHotels.com to see which hotels are part of "Today's Special".
And then I check the last minute deals.

Sometimes I need something in a special area, or I want to go for something cheap.
CheaperthanHotels.com has anything
from cheap hostels to luxury 5 star accomodation.

Some hotels offer their last rooms for almost nothing.
Right now the The Strand Hotel in Rome, right in the heart of the city, offers rooms for 39 euros. Normal rate is 250!
I can have a look at the photos on the site, to know what I can expect.

CheaperthanHotels provides the best offers, guaranteed. They also enable you to book a hotel a long time ahead, because there are fixed prizes "a year round". So you won't be surprised when you arrive.
Oh yes, and you pay on arrival. Which I particularly like.

For those who wanto a wintersport vacation the north of Italy is marvellous at the moment. The Alps the Dolomites, they offer a good time of happiness.

All you have to do is go there.

my first day at the new job

2008-01-22T01:56:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a very interesting day.

We've had a lot of fun starting up the animal concerto.
Some teachers looked at my like I was a strange animal myself, arriving in the teacher's room to grasp their job and leave without leaving a trace.
Others already had a detailed account from the students and welcomed me witj open arms.
Some even made me feel like they wanted to be a friend, because the veil of fame might be part of them too.

Well, one way or another I had a very very good day.

But when I came home I was exhausted.

That was what I didn't expect: to be so very exhausted after one simple day of schoollife.

I'm off to school

2008-01-21T01:50:00.000-06:00

Ok... Just a few minutes to go before I have to leave for school.

Taking the first class for a walk in town isn't an option.
The weather is terrible.

So I decided to go for a kind of game to get to know the children.

First I try to mark their names.. which means writing them down. LOL!

Then I'll give them some time to decide which sound they think is the best representation of their character.

Then they all are part of an orchestra, and we can make a piece of music of all these sounds.

When I do this with some other groups and when...when it turns out they go for different sounds and rhythms, the groups can perform in front of each other.

Might ne a nice theme for this week.

They'll also learn the difference between an orchestra and a concerto. Many kids have difficulty to remember which is what. After this week they'll never forget.

Wish me luck!

Bye!!

unconscious mutterings

2008-01-20T05:25:00.000-06:00

President :: not always the best

Stare :: open eyes

Embrace :: wonderful gesture

Movie :: nice to go to one

Everything :: for love

Profile :: silhouette

Satire :: sharp humor

Erratic :: unexpected

Costume :: carnival

Secretary :: helps you out

Want to take part too?
Click the logo.

getting used to a normal schoollife

2008-01-19T14:09:00.000-06:00

I have to get used to schooltimes.

So I tried to make it easy for myself and do the shopping for next week today.

I'm not sure of I've done myself a favour.
All day the rain has been pouring down and now I have all my three coats soaking wet.
It's not cold enough to put on the heating, but one way or another I have to try and get them all three dry before the start to smell.

I bought myself a new alarmclock.

I'm so afriad I will arrive late at the school.
When I was a pupil I always had a good excuse, but now I'm a teacher I won't have.

Yea... you're right.
I'm a bit stressed.

Imagine me, making my lunch in a box and putting it in a bag with pensils and a book.

Oh... I can't imagine myself teaching pupils...
Maybe I should take them out for a long walk and make them aware of all the rythmic sounds of city life.

What do you think?

CheaperthanHotels and Barcelona

2008-01-19T13:18:00.000-06:00

I just can't believe it...I just can't believe it!

I´ve signed a contract to work at a school after checking the regular places where I perform during the year.
And just now I´m phoned to ask if I´m interested in working at some Barcelona Hoteles.

Otherwise I wouldn´t have hesitated.
Barcelona is a magnificent mediterrean city. Even though in the summer temperatures can rise up to an average of 30 degrees celcius, in the winter a nice 10 degrees celcius enhances a dynamic city life.

I´ve played in Barcelona before. The people are so very nice and open. They´re welcoming tourists and people who entertain them, like musicians, with open arms.
Often people have walked the streets with me, showing the many special features of the town: the art, the culture.
The architectural features of Barcelona are fenomenal.
Artists like Antonio Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies have left their footprints everywhere.

It's such an inspiring city for a diversity of people, because whether you're a theatre artist, a musician, or a sculptor, or a tourist sightseeing, Barcelona has something on offer for everyone.

Barcelona hads a room for every taste.
This is one at the Arc La Rambla Hotel.

I always use the site of CheaperthanHotels.com to find a place to stay at one of the Barcelona Hotels . They have wonderful last minute offers and "todays specials" with lots of extra's.
But some people prefer to book a long time ahead, which is easy as the prizes stay the same for a complete year. So no surprises when you arrive 8 months after booking.

Last year I had a great time with some german friends. The site of CheaperthanHotels is translated in German and Spanish, so my friends can book their Barcelona Hotels in their own language.
They took their women with them who spend each day at one of the seven beaches (totalling 4.5 km (2.8 mi) of coastline). They were so brown when they went home that people thought they had been for weeks to Africa.

The year before the men tried out one of the Ramblas Hotels.
We had a marvellous time in the restaurants and cafe's of this famous street which connects Plaça Catalunya in the center with the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell.
We had a great time watching the street theatre and market stalls, spending time at the cafés, and having long evening dinners at the restaurants.

Before you book a hotel in Barelona it's wise to have a look at what's available at the theatres. Many festivals are held during the year, and it's a pity to miss one.
The Sardanas are very interesting and joyous. These are traditional Catalan dances e held each sunday in front of the cathedral.

Gran Hotel La Florida

Barcelona is a city full of life, music and wonderful panoramas.

Enjoy!

friday's feast

2008-01-18T07:37:00.000-06:00

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?

Some expect me to say beer.
But when performing I drink water.

I'm not afraid of beer though, and not of whisky.

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.

I've the computer on a table.
There's an agenda, a fruitbowl (will be filled tomorrow) and bills.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?

Hmmm... I think.
Sometimes I tell collegues they're doing fine during rehearsals, only to prevent them from stressing and freaking out.

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

I've never felt the need. Never thought about this.

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?

I'm stressed when I'm ill and can't work.

Music calms me down, reading, walking.

Next monday: teaching

2008-01-18T07:25:00.000-06:00

Next monday I'll start working at a school as a teacher of culture and music.

I'm happy it's more than being a music teacher.
Nothing wrong with the profession, but I want to do more than teaching children the basics of playing recorder or piano.

Now I can also tell and show them how important music is in the lives of other people, and how interconnected it is with religion and/or daily life in some countries, and standing on it's own in other countries.

Speaking with the teachers someone said that here in the western world music is more related to fashion and vise versa.
It was clear not all teachers reflected on the subject that way.

I'm looking forward to it.

It also means I'll be more at home and less performing elsewhere on the world.

We'll see what that brings.

Will I be able to find enough rest to really enjoy it? Or will I be pulled to new experiences and will I miss playing music with others?

Well, teaching will leave me the evenings and weekends, so not all is lost.

I'm back again

2008-01-15T07:31:00.000-06:00

I'm back!!!

That was my last tour with performances for quite a while.

I'm very tired. It's clear I wasn't completely recovered yet.

But I don't regret going anyway.

I've met some wonderful musicians. Some young people are very talented, and it's great to have a chance to see how they deal with performances.

Most wonderful was an evening with a few singers who completely got lost in singing the FADO.
They really got in a kind of trance and didn't care if we knew what to play or not.
They trusted we would accompany them one way or another.

Sometimes my toes were all curled upwards, hoping it would go right, but it did.

Now I have to do that stupid laundry.
Anyone volunteering?

the show must go on

2008-01-10T15:21:00.000-06:00

None cares whether I'm ill or not. The show must go on.

So I have packed my things and I'm waiting for the car to take me to the airport.
My doc gave me some meds to take with me, to keep my lungs open and my airways as clean as possible.

I don't feel very strong, but I can cope with performing, I expect.
To skip the most chaotic rehearsals I'm leaving a couple of planes later than they wanted.
I know my part well, as always, so let them have the chance to rehearse it all too.

I can rest untill I'm really needed.

I know the hotelowner, and I've phoned him telling what's the matter.
His wife said she would make me chicken soup. LOL!

In my bag I have some books to read.
So all will be well.

I'm back in a couple of days, and soon after that I'll start working at a school.

See you!

Football bedding as a birthday gift

2008-01-10T15:20:00.000-06:00

I'm looking forward to a party of an old friend.
We haven't seen each other for two years, so we have gone through some changes.
So have some others of our former group of university.

But I'm not worried we'll be out of topics for conversation.

Most of us love football!

Ofcourse there was a problem which present we would buy for our friends birthday.
He recently moved, but we didn't want to give him furniture or a painting.
We wanted, however, put our signature firmly on the place.

Then someone came up with the idea of Football Bedding.

It's a perfect solution.

We're sending money to one of us and he will order "At the Line" football bedding.
We've choosen for at least a bed blanket and a throw pillow.
If there's more money, maybe another item can be bought. There's a whole matching series of bedding items.

Oh, will he be surprised!!

The top of the items is made of super soft microsuede.
It's all easily washable, so no worries there.

We've already found two daughters of one of our group prepared to sneek upstairs and put the present ready on the bed.

I can't wait to see his face!!

I'm very gratefull for the idea.
I now know what to buy as presents in the near future, because visionbedding has all sorts of surprising prints.

Well, go and have a look yourself!!

Time goes fast

2008-01-09T02:45:00.000-06:00

The new year moves on fast.

My agenda is filling rather well for the next months, meaning I have quite a couple of performances and at least as many meetings to prepare and arrange them.

I always like working in the first weeks of the new year.

Writing down the date of a new performance feels like a vote of confidence.
And don't we all need that?

It also created an intense feel of expectancy.

I'm not playing with the same band all the time, so it means new challenges, but also meeting new people and being with old friend again.

I feel so privileged to be able to help people to have a good evening out, to relax and to forget every day problems.

Ofcourse I'll forget the hard hours of learning new songs and boring rehearsals.
It's the end result that counts.

A+ Merchant Services and credit card processing

2008-01-09T02:05:00.000-06:00

There are many aspects to deal with when setting up and running an internet business.

One of them is creating Credit Card Processing Services.
Especially when you have never dealth with Credit Card Accepting it can be a subject that's really scaring.
Not many people know how an Internet Credit Card Processor works and how it needs to be installed.

Apart from the technical aspects, running an online shop also means looking for the
Lowest Rate Billing Payment Solutions combined with an efficient Website Billing Service.

To Process Visa Cards for instance, one needs to have a safe and reliable environment. not only to protect the client, but also to protect your own business.

A+ Merchant Services provides insight in Credit Card Processing Services and the options to Accepting Credit Cards on Website.

When you want to Setup Credit Card Processing you can rely on the experience of A+ Merchant Services, a Provider of Merchant Accounts.

Filling in the Merchant Account Application Form is the first step for reliable
Visa & Mastercard Payment Solutions for all sorts of businesses and Companies.

All you have to do is submit some basic information and a representative will follow up with you by telephone or email to get you quickly setup for processing.

The costs involved in credit card processing online depends on the risk your company poses.
Low risk companies pay far less than high risk ones. These are companies that sell a risky or big-ticket product or service. For instance: cell phones, pharmaceuticals, and lotteries.
Foreigh payments are also higher charged.

The representative of A+ Merchant Services will give you all information you need.

new neighbours

2008-01-08T02:52:00.000-06:00

A new neighbour moved in.

I don't like myself to be curious and peeking, but when I heard all those unknown noises I couldn't keep myself from having a look.

In the pouring rain a fridge was roled in the house, furniture and a lot of other stuff.

I saw colourfull people chatting with each other, having fun and working hard.

With so many people involved there was no need to offer help.

I think I'll write a card to welcome the new neighbours and tell them they can ask for help the next days.

plastic

2008-01-08T01:44:00.000-06:00

The council wants us to recycle plastics.

That means that we have to seperate it from paper and other material.
Bottles and such need to be cleaned.

And the whole lot needs to be stored untill it will be brought to a special container.

I'm not going to that container everyday, because it's relatively far from my house.

And from others in my street.

So everytime we meet each other the subject is... Yes!

Well, it saves a lot of place in the special bags we use to throw away or normal waste, so seperating plastic pays off.

But still. Where to leave that junk?

unconscious mutterings

2008-01-05T17:20:00.000-06:00

Mist :: bad sight

Eating :: and cooking

Beacon :: in the night

Speaker :: noise

Episodes :: tantrums

Conference :: meeting

Sneak attack :: in the dark

Medic :: helps

Web :: internet

2008 :: interesting year

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Happy 2008

2007-12-31T12:37:00.004-06:00

I want to wish all my readers and non-readers a happy new year!

The last year went by far too fast.

But hej, you won't hear me complain.
I like the idea of a fresh start.

I wish you all the best!

I'm feeling better now.

2007-12-30T09:48:00.000-06:00

The last weeks I have been ill.
I caught pneumonia...

I guess I was too long in the rain and cold, and was working too hard between too many people and germs.

Ofcourse it started in the weekend, with no proper doc available in this part of town.
And I hate it to go to a doctor's centre and explain everything to an unknown doc.

I was a bit tired of all the ooh's and aah's when I tell I'm a professional musician.

Apart from that, I'm not a person who likes to travel to the other side of town with a hell of a fever.

Stupid.

I know now.

It gave the disease the chance to take over my controlcentre. LOL!

Luckily a friend answered my call that monday morning and called my doc and came over to do some things for me.

I'm feeling a lot better now, thanks to the antibiotics.

Wish I could go on a vacation and have a sunburn.

Well, who doesn't?

Dental care discounts at DentalPlans.com

2007-12-30T09:46:00.000-06:00

Remember the old times when you had to go to the dentist?

We had one with a huge white waitingroom with black tables.
It looked a bit like a funeral centre, except for the fact that he had "responsible" magazines on the table, leaflets in a stand and a mirror and tap in the hallway. We were supposed to brush our teeth there...
With other people passing??

My mother and father always moaned about the insurance, and when I had to organise it all myself, I often got very irritated when I had to pay the dentist and had to wait months before the insurance paid me back.
I changed insurance, only to find out that they confronted me with the same problem, only I had to fill in even more forms.

So I'm glad the traditional insurance system makes place for other systems.

DentalPlans.com is on the market since 1999, and they sure had the millenium idea for insurance.

After talking to their customer service we agreed I would benefit best from the UNI-CARE 200 Discount Dental Plan.

It costs me a bit more than a hundred dollars a year.
I don't have lots of paperwork, I get my discounts immediately,

My six month check-up costs me 14 dollars instead of 40, and I pay the discounted prize to the dentist. So I save half of the yearly payment already.
And for the rest? I save 20 to 50%.
I have a list of their dentist all over the country, so when I'm on tour I can go where ever I need to go. I just have to show my membership card.
Very convenient.

DentalPlans.com is a site that's easy to use.
Just enter your zip code and you can compare about 30 national and regional dental plans.
Plans start at $79.95 per year and you can sign up immediately.

When you do it now your plan is effective at the new year.
On top of that: there's a special ofer: signing up today means getting three additional months free.

When you don't know anything about dental plans you can read the beginner's guide, and you need to know where the nearest dentist office is: just use the dentist search.

I'm so glad I've found a dental plan that fits my way of life as a mucisian.

I hope you'll find yours too.

Happy New Year!!

unconscious mutterings

2007-12-29T09:04:00.000-06:00

Memorable :: concert with a couple of very old mucisians

Resolution :: to plan my summer better

Goal :: play on a cruiseship

2008 :: a bare page

Sensational :: waterskying

Popular demand :: auld lang syne

Old :: Santa

Music :: mine

Intense :: nature

2007 :: It's almost gone.

Happy new year!

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ill and old

2007-12-23T11:50:00.000-06:00

You're not hearing much from me because I'm very ill.

It started with the flu, and then I was diagnosed with pneumonia.

I didn't know someone can be so ill, and have so little reserve.
Not being able to use the full lung capacity makes me feel a very old man.

I try to guard myself from apathy, but I'm slow, and I don't care much about things I otherwise jump up for.

So please allow me some time to become my younger me again.

unconscious mutterings

2007-12-22T09:09:00.000-06:00

Health :: Not too good at the moment

Tacky :: red high heels

Heels :: keep them low for me.

Yay! :: it's almost christmas!

Model :: walking on the catwalk

Gather :: all nations

Best gift ever :: my first guitar

Clients :: respect

Stomp :: rhythm

Clothing :: as long as it's clean and has no holes.

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ecotourism in Hawaii

2007-12-19T16:44:00.000-06:00

I've been asked to tell a bit more about ecotourism, I got a request for Hawaiian vacation information.

Well, you know that Hawaii is seen as the dreamdestination of many people.
The wonderful beaches, the diversity in nature, the culture.

There are more beautiful places in the world, but tourism has left it's footprints all over the place at the cost of the environment.

At Hawaii there have been huge investments, more than 95 million dollars, to undo the damage done to nature and to prevent future pollution.

Hotels are environmental responsible, so called "green hotels".
Energy and natural resources are used in environmental friendly ways.
Because pollution and damage is prevented hiking, boating, snorkeling still be experienced in the wonderful original environment, and whales and other animals can be watched in an uaffected, natural habitat.

This awareness has as a consequence that people are even more aware of nature and more prepared to observe their own actions to preserve the beauty.

Both Kauai vacation rentals and Oahu vacation rentals offer an array of places to stay, from sober to utmost luxurious.

Ofcourse one can book a place where one can walk straight out of bed into the ocean,
but a little walk in the morning doesn't only save hundreds of dollars, it also makes one enjoy more of the beautiful scenery.

Contact Hawaiian Beach Rentals to discuss your wishes and get advice on how to realise your dreams.
There are some marvellous offers available.

kids, gifts and food

2007-12-19T16:43:00.000-06:00

I've been away with my nephews to go christmasshopping.

Oh my dear!!

I nearly lost them in the crowd, twice.
So I bought them each a cap so I could see them better, and told them I would take the cap away and never give it back when they would go somewhere without holding my hands.

I now know why parents love to bribe their children.
It's the easiest way.

So there I was.. in the mall.
Being pulled in two by two young kids seeing something for thei mom in different shops.
Something momes don't like, don't want, and lie about.
So I took all my courage to state that it was not on her list.

Oh..the way those boys looked!

By the time we had a new teapot and tea for mom, and a gift for dad, we were ready to be pancakes ourselves.

I was so happy to sit down in a bit too expensive pancakerestaurant and order three pancakes with apple.
Later we had a bacon pancake too.

When we arrived at their mom she was waiting with cassarole and responsible vegetables.
No way!!!

But those boys acted like they never ever had something to eat and were starved.

offer from the bakery

2007-12-19T16:42:00.000-06:00

The new bakery in the neighbourhood is rather good.

At least the bread is far tastier than the bread from the former one.

But these days many people buy bread at the groceryshop, with the other stuff they buy. Saving them another trip.

Well... I got a leaflet and a plastic bag in the mail.

One prize for a full bag, no matter what is put in it.

So whether it's an applepie or a bread, or cookies. Whatever fits in.

What a marvellous deal!

Or should I say a tasty deal.

Yummy!!

Make your dream come true

2007-12-19T16:30:00.000-06:00

Any idea where to go for a vacation?

Why not consider making your dream come true?

So many dream of travelling to Hawaii and enjoy the beauty of nature and the wealth of the culture.

To me Hawaii seems to be a perfect destination, because even though the tourist industry is growing all keep a close watch on protecting nature.
Ecotourism is at a very high standard in Hawaii.
Without loosing the best interest of the tourist, the best interest for Hawaii and it's nature is aimed too.

Hawaiian Beach Rentals are among the most luxurious in the world.
You're a king or queen in your own vacation home, whether it's a condo or a large house.

At the moment there are special rates available for the Kauai vacation rentals.

You can rent a home where 12 people can sleep from $360.
Don't think it's far from the beach. Not at all. Just a pleasant 30 minutes.
And available are dishwasher, dryer, cable TV, vceiling fans and a lot more to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

You can get a good idea at the site of Hawaiian Beach rentals of every accomodation, because there is not only a detailed description, but there are also recebt photos of the property.

For the latest information you can visit the travelblog at Hawaiian vacation information.

Want to make your dream come true?

Start now!

Spock: what's in a name

2007-12-16T16:27:00.000-06:00

I've never understood how it can be that I can remember each and every word of a song without any problem, that I can call my friends and agents of other musicians without looking up the phonenumbers, and why I can't remember the combinations of titles and writers of books.

I'm happy I have found a search engine which helps me with names, histories, and where I can add the information I have found out myself.

Yes, you're reading it well: I can add my own information to the searchengine, and so can you.

Just sign in for free membership and go ahead.
You can add info, comment on others, rank other info.

This searchengine is called: Spock.

Yes, the name fits the system. It's straightforward, well documented and it helps you to stay on course when you're working on a subject and need info.
You can search by name or by keywords that define the person, which comes in handy.

Yesterday I needed to have some info on Woody Guthrie.

Woody Guthrie, you know, the folk singer.
Someone asked me how he called himself and ofcourse I was able to find it with Spock within a minute.
"The Great Historical Bum".

I was impressed by how many links are added since I saw the info about Woody Guthrie a few weeks ago.
People are really bussy on the site.

I think that the tags one can add to entries serve a goal beyonf the intention of Spock.
It was not meant to be a social network, but one can use teh right tags and find all people that belong to a network.

Ofcourse I also wanted to look up Arlo Guthrie. and other people with the name Guthrie, to see if there are more musicians with that name.

Want an example of the info on Spock:

unconscious mutterings

2007-12-15T09:12:00.000-06:00

Interview :: Rod McKuen

Army :: not for me

Unwrap :: a present

Evolve :: develop

Bus :: tour

The real thing :: music, nature and love

Streak :: of the pen

Gorge :: George

Spicy :: India

Course :: language

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Hawaiien Beach Rentals offers special rates

2007-12-11T08:54:00.000-06:00

Speaking about vacations and dreams the conversation alsways lands on Hawaii.
One of my band dreams of sleeping on the beach.

I'm not sure if I would feel at ease all night at an unknown beach, but he sleeps anywhere.

I prefer one of the Maui condos or Hawaiian Beach Rentals.

They offer me luxury without loosing touch with the beauty of Hawaii.
So when you're planning a vacation you know where to go.
And book fast, as there are special rates at the site of Hawaiian Beach Rentals.

In case you're in doubt what hawaii has to offer, you can go to the inspiring Hawaiian travel blog.

Keep in mind that Hawaiian Beach Rentals wants to fullfill all your dreams.
You can phone them and share your dreams.
I'm sure they can make them come true.

christmasperformances

2007-12-11T08:53:00.000-06:00

I've received such a lot of invitations for christmasconcerts in one day... wow!

Not to sit down and listen and let my mind wander.
Oh no!

I have to work.

There are invites from old people's home for me and a singer, from some concert halls to be stand in for people who are ill (I often do that with christmas), and for performances in the open air.

I have to make a choice, find out which songs are wanted, and start rehearsing.

It's such a bussy time now.

But I do like it that people want to feel happy and use everything to be it, including music.

christmasshopping with my nephews

2007-12-11T08:29:00.001-06:00

Got a call from two nephews ro ask me to come with them to town to buy christmaspresents for their parents.

I guess their mom is fed up getting nothing special at christmas, so I called her and asked her for a list.

She grinned... I was right. LOL!

So that's me, two little gentlemen, some big bags, money... and pancakes to look forward to.

I'm not sure they want to come with me when I won't treat them in the end.
But they come, and we're having fun.

Secretly I feel a little bit how a dad must feel.
Difference is: I bring them home.

HousePlansAndMore.com offers ready plans

2007-12-11T08:29:00.000-06:00

I remember my uncle wanted to built a house.
He hired an architect, had him draw the plans, submitted them for approval at the council and then had it built.

The house was OK. It had no real special features. People didn't choose for them those days.

That's different now.
The whole process is different now.

Take for instance the house plans.

You can find them online, download them, compare them.
If you want a bathroom per bedroom... no problem.
In the time of my uncle it was simply not done.

I myself prefer wood that hasn't been treated to look like conventonal timber.
I like rough nature.

At HousePlansAndMore.com I've found Log Home Plans that are amazing.
I've found one that fits my simple needs.
There are different plans to download. Even those for the electrician and the plumber.
It's like choosing a ready house, with all the options for change.

I also had a look at the Ranch House Plans. Some houses are already built and it's even better to transfer the plans into your own ideas.
I'm very impressed by this site.

Even more when I had a look int0 the luxury home Plans.
Friends are moving to my area soon.
I'll focus their attention to the site.

Take time for your insurances

2007-12-11T07:57:00.000-06:00

Do you have the same feeling?
That december is going far too fast and that we'll be in the next year within a moment?

Got a mail from the insurance asking to fill in the data for next year.
"Return within a week".

Haha!

I think I should have a good look around first.
To be honest, I want to Save Money on Insurance .
I want to Reduce Premiums, so I can spend my money better.
So I decided to get some Insurance Quotes online.

I found Advantage Term Life who state they want to Lower Your Insurance Premium .
Good.

I first read the Insurance Plans Pros and Cons. The page was very informative and an eyeopener at some aspects.
I didn't know there was insurance like Key man Coverage .
As a musician I first read it literally. LOL! But it means that the most important guy or woman in the company is insured, so there won't be too much loss when that person gets ill, or worse.

Advantage Term Life is one of the best online Quoting Insurance Services and after reading their site I understand why.

I won't tell too much, because I think you have to see it yourself.
Especially when you have to organise a Family Insurance or employee insurance you're at the right place.

unconscious mutterings

2007-12-09T07:53:00.000-06:00

Master :: masterclasses

Tour :: de France

Input :: output

Downtown :: Great song isn't it?

Pricey :: Christmasdinner in a restaurant

Acceptable :: ..

Terrace :: a drink on a hot summer day

Sunday :: and monday and...

Payoff :: loan

Jack and Jill :: which hill was that?

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Cheaperthan Hotels in Italy

2007-12-05T15:41:00.000-06:00

It's cold and the wind it's so strong that it's almost a storm.

It makes me long for a vacation in Italy.

Visiting friends, playing the tourist.

Oh, how I long to wake up in one of the hotels in venice . The sound of water under the window, the songs of the bussy women.
Venice is such a romantic place to be.
Piazza San Marco, Gondola Ride, St Mark's Basilica are food for great pictures, byt they're also places where there is so much to see that I never ever get bored.

I always stay at one of the hotels in rome that are near my friend Ron's place.
We love to take long walks while taking about everything. I've seen many of the wellknown places, the Trevi Fountain, The Colosseum, the Vatican, but Ron knows so much about the city that he leads me through parts of the town I've never been.

I plan to go to Milan and visit the Cathedral of Milan, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, and the Castello Sforzesco.
I have no friend there, but I can book one fo the hotels in milan using CheaperthanHotels.
They have lots of last minute deals on their site and it's a sport to look at the hotels in italy and find the best offer.

Do you know that at this time of year prizes are at many places about half of the summerprizes?

Planning for the next summerseason is possible too.
CheaperthanHotels has a long list of hotels with prizes that are fixed all the year.
You know what to expect.

Oh...you caught me dreaming....

teaching

2007-12-01T15:35:00.000-06:00

Has a bussy job teaching the last weeks.

I had a few groups at a verty huge school, and got lost on the first day.
Couldn't believe that I wasn't able to follow the directions of the signs, so after my hours I walked the whole route again.

Kids had changed the signs!

With collegues I had a good laugh, but I didn't show that when the boys were traced and they had to do the odd jobs that are punsihment for this kind of acts.

I loved to teach again.

Ofcourse there were a few uneasy situations with bullies and bad behaving kids.

Not knowing the groups and the kids always makes me wonder why a kid acts in a certain way.

Well, their own teacher is back again, and december has new challenges to offer.

New T-shirts at Buzzy Multimedia

2007-11-27T06:54:00.000-06:00

Have you seen them already?

Buzzy Multimedia has got a new line of funny T-shirts.
They range from small to 5x, so they fit everyone.
Well, your baby has to grow, but go to the site often, because they're always in for new products and lines.

How about a sweet little soft pink T-shirt with the text: when my mommy doesn't care for me properly I'm gonna sue her!

Right now the T-shirt line is black, and black only.
Maybe they'll come with red and white print next month.
There is a white shirt with pink heart, and a black shirt with pink heart, so they'll know how do make them.

I don't like all the texts. Don't think your little kid should have a look around either, otherwise you'll end up explaining for hours on lenght, but for those who don't mind a bit spicey, these T-shirts are cool.

I'm still looking for T-shirts with the texts: "with a better health care system we would all be equal size" and "that you're able to vote doesn't mean you have brains."

Well, we all do have our choices.
You can buy the T-shirts for a reasonable prize and they do well as presents for the alternative christmas presents.

Keep a close watch on the "new arrivals page". Maybe my texts are up for sale soon.

Enjoy your time at:
Buzzy Multimedia.

Cash Advance

2007-11-26T09:45:00.000-06:00

Many people thought Black Friday would be the quietest black friday ever.
Instead of it people have spend even more than the years before.
Did I read it well... 8%

I know some people can´t resist the offers, the sales, the hours of shopping.
Especially this and next month they will be short of money at the end of the month.
Some even won´t be able to make ends meet more than a week before the new payday.

Luckily there´s a way to overcome this.

No. I´m not talking about loans from friends or families, or throwing yourself in the hands of the sharks.

I´m talking about a payday loan, also called cash advance.

It's a small loan untill the next payday or another mutually agreed on date, so you can overcome financial emergencies, and unforeseen expenses.
The loan will be between $100 and $1500.

It's easy to apply online.

But not everybody will get a loan like this.
You need to be over 18 years of age and you need to have a regular income. Most loans are given to people with an income of more than 1000 dollars a month.

CashAdvance.com is a free service which provides information so you can apply for a short term cash loan.

Depending upon your need and circumstances CashAdvance.com links to other sites where you can submit your request for a Cash Advance.

You have to read the contract carefully. Some lenders charge a flat fee regardless of the length of the payday loan, while some lenders vary the interest rate depending on how long the payday loan is left outstanding.

Keep note of the paybackday, because it´s going to cost you when you´re past the date with paying back.

Well, it's always better not to get in financial problems, but it's good to know there are options to solve your problems on the short term.

Baptism

2007-11-25T10:06:00.000-06:00

Went to a baptism today.

These friends are not of my religion, so I felt very hesitant to go, but they kept asking untill I said yes.

I was impressed, I have to say.

All those serious people.

The baby was brought in after half the service was over.
I was amazed so little people smiled and I didn´t feel have the feeling these people were happy with another child on this earth.

I don´t want to be unrespectful, but to talk about a little baby like they did... burdened with sin... goes against every feeling I have about a baby.

To me each baby is an example of how pure and innocent we´re born, and that we all have a choice, each day over and over again, to do good or evil.

So it was kind of depressing.

unconscious mutterings

2007-11-24T09:40:00.000-06:00

Filthy :: some railwaystations

Therapist :: mind/diver

Duck :: ugly

Slant :: roof

Artist :: talent, art and amusement

Lease :: not buy

Wish :: dream

Doormat :: leave your shoes there

Global :: peace

Apartment :: living space

unconscious mutterings

2007-11-17T09:42:00.000-06:00

Toasty :: eggy

Allegations :: insinuations

Herb :: to heal

Bacon :: and eggs. See 1.

Neck to neck :: horserace

Simon :: and Garfunkel

Heels :: not for me

Fundamentals :: mainly theory

Middle :: in between

Seasonings :: spicy

CheaperthanHotels in France

2007-11-09T11:11:00.000-06:00

It's already november.

Time to think about wintersport vacations and maybe even the vacation of next year.

Have you ever thought about going to France?

It's a beautiful country and I'm sure everybody will find places and activities to enjoy.

Don't hold back because you don't know anything about French hotels. I can tell you that france hotels/french hotels offer accomodation for every wallet, lifestyle and age.

Have a look at CheaperthanHotels and surf the site.
You'll see the hotels are ordered to the amount of stars they were awarded.

All hotels are described well, and pictures are offered, so you can get a good idea if the hotel is appealing to you.

CheaperthanHotels offers the lowest prizes, guaranteed and enables you to pay on arrival.

First check out the today special.
Use the box to choose the city where you want to go, otherwise you might miss a wonderful hotel.

Planning for christmas? Then you'll have to wait a couple fo days to get the last minute offers. They have a window of 21 days.

France has such a lot to offer.

You can choose for city life, with museums and shops.

Take for instance Paris.
Yopu can stay in one of the lovely paris hotels and enjoy sightseeing, a river cruise, or walking around in the city and pay a visit to the Louvre (might cost you all day), the eiffel tower, or the Centre Pompidou which attracts 5.5 million visitors annually.

Some people prefer to lean back in front of an open fire, surrounded by romance.
You can try Nice. There are plenty of museums and great wineries, where the owners won't hesitate to welcome you and let you taste the produce of this year.
nice hotels are great places to stay and they're very affordable.

Many people return to the hotel they stayed, so it's wise to book well in advance.

CheaperthanHotels offers for those who want to book early a price that is fixed a complete year.

Where else do you find such a good service?

girl with 8 limbs

2007-11-09T11:08:00.000-06:00

I've seen at TV and read about the girls with 8 limbs.

The girl's parents were too poor to pay for the complicated surgery to free her from the part of the body that belonged to her twin that didn't develop in a normal way.

A hospital stepped in and offered to operate on her for free.

They have reconstructed her lower body and she now has a chance of a normal life.

She looks like a happy little girl and i wish her a happy life outside the eyes of the press.