LP XIII--Insignificant, Creative, and Entertaining

Insignificant felt I when spending several hours in the Natural History Museum, a sprawling complex deservedly devoted to animals, plants, and the non-human world. From dinosaurs to insects, I saw and experienced as much as possible in a few short hours of this amazing institution. Fascinated with insects and arachnids, I focused my attention on the thousands of species currently identified and known. Standing among the insects, walking toward the mammals, and glancing with interest at the fossils and dinosaurs, I realized how small mankind is in this complex world of nature. So as to avoid an emotional regression resulting from the realization of my unimportance as a human, I went across the street to the Victoria and Albert Museum.



Mankind's contributions are well chronicled in this comprehensive presentation of history, art, jewelry, silver, sculpture, and everything man-made throughout time. From thimble art to massive tapestry to costumes, furniture, paintings, monuments, altars, statues, and silver, this museum demonstrates human creativity with all its glory and achievement. Sitting in the Raphael room for several minutes, staring at the monumental paintings by the great artist, I felt the power and majesty of the Biblical stories portrayed in each piece. Admiration for his skill and respect for his artistic profundity does not fully express my feelings about Raphael's remarkable beauty and depth of expression he put into every work of art. His art is nearly so perfect as to be difficult to put into words.

A quick run through of the jewelry section in order to get to the Theatre and Performance area, left me breathless in awe of the diamonds, rubies, pearls, gold, and silver as they richly gleam on the necklaces, rings, bracelets, broaches, and earrings. But I made it to the performance area without excessive coveting of the items, only to see a room devoted to the marvelous Annie Lennox, known as the lead singer of the Eurythmics. She also continues to be a fine composer, philanthropist, and social activist, leading the way for raising money for charities. Continuing on, I realized, almost with a shock and an "aha" moment, that opera and rock concerts have similarities. Side by side, I saw costumes of opera stars and rock stars (Elton John) and began to read about the accompanying events. Rock music has become theatrical with plots, antics, little talking and lots of music, all to provide a visual representation of the sound. Such is true of opera. One may prefer a certain medium over another, but in many ways, the concepts are closely related, although reaching different clientèle.







I completed my human affirmation time in the Victoria and Albert Museum and felt in the mood for English fish and chips. For 6.99 British pounds, I got a great piece of battered cod with large french fries and delicious mashed peas. Lemon juice and vinegar on the fish made it jump into my mouth with joy and I topped it off with a little water. Time to rest and get ready for the play.

Grabbing a bus and heading toward Greenwich, we got off at Southbank and walked into the National Theatre called Olivier Theatre. Stunned by the size of the hall, I realized I had walked into one of the finest theatres I have experienced. With a capacity of nearly 2,000, a rotating stage, and flawless sightlines, this theatre maintains the highest standards of excellence in performance perhaps in the Western world.




The show was called She Stoops to Conquer. First performed in 1773, it is a favorite of Londoners and uses the old English style of delivery. The comical plot of funny personality traits and misunderstandings is about two couples ultimately getting together in spite of the challenges by family members. The title comes from the leading lady pretending to be a housemaid in order to win the attention of a wealthy Londoner. The elaborate staging with a revolving stage allowed for quick changes in the set and in the characters. Aside from the British accents and the advanced vocabulary (I hate to admit that I could have used a dictionary for some of the words!), I followed the story well and could hear everything from my balcony seat. Great acting, physical comedy, and fast-paced delivery gave the play an energetic glow all the way to the satisfactory ending.

Added to the story was a fun and creative musical score with keyboard, some strings, and percussion. All in a folk style, the music was bright, rhythmically interesting (meter changes throughout) and strong in the hall. The cast sang, danced, and seemed to enjoy the vibrant musical score. It was a superior performance in all respects.

Small in the natural world, large in the creative world, then superior in entertainment, human beings may be insignificant in many ways on this earth, but the creative energy, the spark of ingenuity and industry, the desire for personal expression that gives us art and music, sculpture and color, dreams that become reality, synthesize and meld together to secure our place in the past, in the present, and in the future.

LP XII--Tower of London, Cold

The weather suddenly changed, and it is now cold outside. We have had it easy until now with only one coat required and no gloves needed. Today and the rest of this week we wear layers of clothes, gloves, hat, and a scarf. It feels so bitter outside that I can understand why everyone was so angry at each other many years ago.

The Tower of London was founded and built by William the Conqueror in 1066. Used primarily as a prison, it was later used to house royalty, keep the armory, secure the treasury, house the Crown Jewels, imprison people, kill people, torture people, and guard against takeover. Built in concentric layers with the original White Tower as the center, the Tower of London stands today as a strong heritage of the past and a keeper of the Crown Jewels.

We learned more about Henry VIII and saw his armor as a 17 year old and then his armor at age 49. He grew in girth during that time to the point of being unable to sit astride a horse. His antics with his wives added to his already colorful reign as King and we were able to see the world of swords, jousting, Knights, armor, and, sadly, the place of beheadings.

Walking through the cold and the ravens, which seemed a bit angry and unpredictable, we headed up a very narrow, winding staircase and arrived in the Bloody Tower where Sir Walter Raleigh and his family were kept prisoners for 6 years. It was also in this same tower where the two sons of Edward IV were sleeping when they were sadly killed at the ages of 12 and 13. It is also the place where Henry VI was killed.

Our tour included a look at the armory, the cannons, the swords, the heads of the Kings, and the awful torture chamber. It was a quick run-through and no question that there is more to learn about this magnificent structure.

After a lunch of yogurt and bread, acquired from nearby grocery store, I headed toward Marble Arch to buy some clothes. Finding a large department store called Primark, I bought some things to combat the cold and returned to my room. Another productive and educational day in London. But after seeing the evidence and hearing the stories, I continue to be genuinely perplexed at the pain and suffering past leaders inflicted on others. Historically I suppose a ruler had to govern with an iron fist so as not to appear weak; and yet, I have to wonder if the methods pointed toward an inherent insecurity. Furthermore, if this is a human trait, I hope that our refinement in our culture today points us toward greater compassion.

LP XI--All Souls Church

Jumping on a bus and sitting on the top level so as to see more of London from a higher level, we headed to All Souls Church off of Oxford St. This church demonstrates once again the resilience of the British culture as it was bombed to destruction in 1940 and rebuilt ten years later. Although smaller than many of the cathedrals in London, it retains the traditional columns and archways of most of the churches in the area. With a wraparound balcony and gold inlaid design work, the church has all the expected markings of a traditional Anglican church. And that is where the expectations end.

Somewhat shocking for an Anglican church was the carpet and cushioned individual chairs that lined the main worship center. A modern stage contained a praise band with drums, guitars, a cello, a trombone, and yes even a saxophone. The prominent organ was elevated above the band and the grand piano resided on the floor. Rather than an imposing altar, the front modern cross-shaped stand seem to demonstrate the juxtaposition of old and new. No less than 7 large screens were situated throughout the sanctuary and people were able to see in spite of the many columns supporting the balcony.

A word of history is in order. Henry VIII was upset that his wives had only given him daughters and he wished to divorce Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. It is difficult to capsulize this complicated situation, which included murder and imprisonment, but in the end Henry was denied the right to annul his marriage. Wishing to retain the Roman Catholic ideals but the freedom from the Papacy, the Church of England was formed and defines the church today. With a strong Catholic tradition, most of the Anglican churches in London are considered High Church with chants, all male choirs, strict liturgy, and bowing to the authority of the President of the service. Beautiful, God-centered services with artistically performed music and messages pointing to the Sovereign God of the world are the practice in most Anglican Churches.

But not All Souls Church. We sang Mighty to Save, O Church of God Arise, Forever, and two hymns, all with drums, praise band, pipe organ on everything, and a choir. It was all very inclusive, informal, and partner-oriented. Decidedly anti-Catholic by decrying intercessory prayer, the service was comfortable, familiar, and similar to what I experience weekly in Texas. The 800+ congregation seemed alive with the spirit (at least as much as the culture encourages), and the church stands out as an Evangelical fellowship in the midst of mostly formal offerings.

I did notice that we Texans moved our bodies more than most of the Londoners present and I was once again pleased with the precision in singing that emanated from the congregation. Every consonant was exact and each comma resulted in an almost imperceptible pause. Adherence to the text and careful insertion of harmony gave a feeling of God's choir singing throughout the service. Maybe the church is an anomaly in London, but for me, it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday. And following the service, I again enjoyed a traditional British carvery of roast beef, potatoes, and peas.

There are many ways to worship God, but most people prefer not to worship God in many ways. For me, however, I enjoy the variety of ways to worship and felt privileged to be a part of the service at All Souls Church.

LP X--Music, Tunnels, and Cathedrals

With a free day on Friday, I decided to visit the Handel House, the Royal College of Music, and Royal Albert Hall. On the way to the Handel House, I of course got lost and ended up walking several miles. This seems to be the pattern of my stay in London and I am learning the joys of walking. I must take a minute to describe the streets. Cars, buses, and automobiles move incredibly fast and when the light is red, they keep their foot on the accelerator and the brake ready to jump. The yellow light comes before the green rather than before the red. This means they are ready to go.

Since the traffic is on the left rather than the right, pedestrians must ALWAYS look right before crossing. When the Green Man is on, it is safe to cross. If not, you take your life in your hands. If you cross when the light shows a Red Man and you get hit by a car or bus, your family will get sued for the damage to the vehicle. So the world on the streets is intense to say the least. At the same time, there is an element of safety in that we are all in the same boat. People are polite and helpful and I have not felt any degree of danger other than from the traffic.

As I walked to the Handel House which is where George Frederik Handel, famous for Messiah and Water Music, lived and died during the last half of his life, I began thinking about the night before when I attended Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart. Being of small means in London, I chose the standing only ticket for the opera. I was allowed to lean on a velvet lined bar behind the main seating area. Royal Opera House is beautiful with ornate gold and red seats and fixtures. Small enough to hear everything yet large enough to seat many people, the hall is ideal for opera and ballet. Without dwelling unnecessarily on the event, I do want to mention the incongruities of the production. They wore today's clothes and spoke in today's idioms, replete with cell phone usage and comical humor of our current world. And yet, at the same time, the music was purely unadulterated Mozart with a full orchestra and wonderful singing on the stage. The singers were incredible and shockingly attractive. Gone are the large, weighty singers of the old days and in are the model types with great voices. Kind of intimidating to us regular folks!



Arriving at the Handel House, I was met at the door by an Asian woman with an English accent. She was quite helpful and when I asked about Jimi Hendrix she became quite lively and mentioned how he lived in the same building of George Frederik Handel. More talk of Jimi than of Handel, I left full of the paradox of the lives of the great composer Handel and the vastly influential Jimi Hendrix.

Making my way on the tube and walking several more miles, I arrived at the Royal College of Music. I was disappointed, however, with the museum of instruments: small, keyboard oriented, and not very informative except for a nice area about Mahler. On the way out of the well-known College, I stopped to listen to a rehearsal in Benjamin Britten Theatre. I was strangely pleased to hear an out of tune piano. Kind of makes things more real to know they have similar struggles to my world back in Texas.



A brief time at Royal Albert Hall which is located across the street from the Royal College of Music and I headed home. A good night's sleep and we were up early to get on a bus for The White Cliffs of Dover. A nearly two hour trip on the bus, and we exited to see the sight of the famous cliffs that guard the English Channel. We then headed up to the cliffs, walked toward the large Dover Castle, and had a stunning tour of the tunnels located under the castle that were used in WWII to treat the wounded and help soldiers and citizens escape from Nazi Germany takeover. The stories of the past came alive as I could feel the fear of the people in the tunnels working hard to help their fellow Englishmen survive.





Time was short, so we returned to the bus (quite a hike) and headed over to the grandest Cathedral I have experienced. The Canterbury Cathedral. Given to St. Augustine in 597 AD, the Cathedral stands as one of the most beautiful and important institutions in British history. With over 2000 services per year, it remains active in spite of its age and magnitude. This large, sprawling church with a stunning nave, a dark and purposeful crypt, and many adjoining rooms, has some of the most incredible stained glass work on the planet. Stories of the past are told in the windows and the floors as well as thrones, the archways, and the courtyards. After the tour where we learned of the stunning martyrdom of Thomas Beckett, we humbly bowed to the Lord in a service called Evensong. The expressive choir sang music of Herbert Howells and Edward Elgar. Powerful, sublime, yet personal, the service stands out as a highlight of the journey.




Arriving home in exhaustion, partly due to the gripping emotional experiences of the day, I turned in with thoughts of how the past shapes our future. Our lives on earth are short but our purpose and our significance can be eternal. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett, lives on today and his story is told as a testament of dedication and the power of truth.

LP IX--Sadness, Joy, Perceptions

The play was called Lovesong, an elegantly produced story of a couple early in their marriage and at the end of their lives. Intertwining the events together, we were given the joys of love, the fears of problems, the trite, the depth, the powerful emotions of a gripping story, and finally the passing. On either side of the dialog were dancing between old and old, young and young, and dream-like sequences between young and old. The music was beautiful, the story enrapturing, and the acting superb. I was moved to tears as the lady ended her life in order to preserve her dignity.

We left thinking about the symbolism of the play, the sadness and the joys, but after a few minutes on the tube train, an announcement came that the line was closed due to illness of a passenger. We exited that train, took some stairs to a different line and resumed our long journey home. Discussion ensued about an illness that would shut down a train and my suspicions were later confirmed, a suicide had occurred. In deep sorrow, and after arriving home, I went on a walk with Dr. Landwer. We saw a drunk in a business suit stumbling about the streets. It provided great comical relief until I later began to reflect on the difficulties of managing the London streets under the influence of alcohol. Crossing the streets of London is dangerous in a sober condition. I found myself in prayer for the drunk man and for those who lives are filled with sadness that causes those kinds of problems.

But the next morning after a 2 mile run through Russell Square, I jumped on the tube and headed toward Acton Town to find the Asian Music Centre with a museum. One of my many responsibilities is to scout out directions and places for our plays and experiences. Needing to check on the Asian music museum but also curious about possibilities for my other class, I often travel to parts of London to see if I think the experience will be beneficial for the students.

Getting a little lost but in the general direction, I stopped at a place called Tech Music School to get directions. Walking in I was shocked to see guitars on the wall and students in line. The young fellow at the desk, with a deep voice and dark short hair was busy telling each student what room and what was expected. Getting to me, he seemed a little surprised to find a bald-headed American in front of him. I asked him about the school and the possibility of a tour. He was not open to that and seemed very busy. I mentioned to him that his voice was impressive and he reminded me of Johnny Cash as a young man. He gave me a quick smile and said that was what he did, Johnny Cash impersonations with a band. I told him that back in Texas many of us listened to Johnny Cash music. He then told me he had toured through Texas and parts of the United States singing Johnny Cash music. He was about to tour again through the United Kingdom and back to the United States.



Knocked out by this news, I told him how impressed I was with the Music Tech school and wondered about someone talking to the Rock and Roll class about the music industry. He suddenly became very helpful and we set it up. The class will now have an opportunity to see real live training of rock musicians and hear from someone in the industry at one of the largest training grounds in London. Excited about this opportunity, I still had not found the museum. I walked some more and found a dilapidated building with a sign Asian Music Centre. The locked door discouraged me, but I knocked loudly and waited. Soon a very tall young man opened the door with a perplexed look. I hesitantly asked about the museum and he smiled and said "Come in and see it."




I walked into a small but very modern looking museum filled with wonderful Asian instruments. Each one had a matching video with it showing how to play. He then showed me a fun, interactive chamber for creating Asian Music. It was all very new and vastly educational. I had hit a jackpot for the Music Appreciation class. A charming lady then found me and said she could give us a talk on Asian music. I scheduled it and realized the day was a success for Rock music and for Music Appreciation. And then the best news of the day occurred, she told me a quicker route to the nearest tube and saved me several miles of further walking!




A short rest and a small group headed to the Texas Embassy for dinner that included enchiladas, rice, and beans in old-fashioned Tex-Mex style. Ah, a moment for Texas. We then walked a short distance to St. Martin in the Fields for a concert. And what a concert it was. Brahms Requiem with a smaller orchestra and incredible choir. With a dynamic range rarely heard and emotion powerful enough to increase the pulse, the performance was exquisite in all respects. The Requiem by Johannes Brahms is one of the greatest works in the repertoire and one that never fails to move the audience. The soloists were rich in tone and vibrancy and the orchestra so well in tune, it sounded like a pipe organ. The gorgeous church was the perfect setting for the event and we left feeling emotionally changed by the experience.




We survived the streets full of buses, cars, and motorcycles and returned home unharmed. While I feel blessed to be in London, it was nice to have a Texas moment. Aside from the craziness of crossing streets which is an adventure each time, I enjoy the busy world of sounds around me. The music of London is found in the concert halls, the parks, the streets, and the people. I love the music of the world with its occasional harshness and warm beauty.

London VIII--Animals and Running

People here are polite and formal but the animals are not. I was running in Russell Square when a pigeon walked in front of me. Hopping over to avoid the little head-bobbing bird, I nearly stepped on another one that popped up from the bush. Frustrated with their rudeness and tired of seeing their little heads bounce up and down without stopping, I continued my run. Passing by an elderly gentleman who was staring upward, I came upon a lady and her dog.

The little dog was dressed in a cute sweater and his pointed ears gave him an alertness I found rather amusing. Smiling at the little thing and thinking about that sweater, I continued my run around the square. On the second time around, they had gone a few steps but were in a relaxed mode. The little cute dog in the sweater was not so cute this time as he stepped in front of me. His very short legs were moving quickly but his body was nearly stationary, as though he were on a treadmill that was moving very fast. It was really quite comical until I realized I must go into the grass which was slightly muddy. The mud slowed me down and made my feet wet. On another day I might have thought about little Andrew from Mary Poppins and maybe I would have attempted a conversation, but on this day he was just plain irritating. Especially annoying was that his sweater was much more attractive than my gray sweats.

Later in the day as I was walking through Hammersmith Borough, I spied a small bakery with fresh bread. Making my way in, I ordered the bread and the lady asked me if I would like butter with it. I said yes and she buttered the delicious item for me, wrapped it in a package, and said thank you. I returned the thanks, paid one pound, and left with a smile on my face, ready to eat my bread.

Continuing my walk through Hammersmith and taking delicious morsels from my bread, I suddenly felt something on my foot. A quick glance down and I realized a bird from above had mistaken my right shoe for a toilet. Disconcerted yet strangely forgiving, I continued my journey with a greater appreciation for the hat on my head. The bird could not help the unfortunate event and I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. A interesting day I suppose and humbling without being painful. London continues to have surprises around every corner.

London VII--Bombs and Resilience

The bombs fell for 57 days in 1940, killing over 40,000 people and damaging or destroying over 1 million homes and buildings. In an effort to cripple and demoralize Great Britain, Nazi Germany used the bombing method now called The Blitz to bring the country to its knees. But as the picture above demonstrates, the strength and beauty of the country towered greater than its enemies and stands today as a symbol of heritage, of truth, and of majestic courage. As the bombs came crashing down on London and fires ensued, brave citizens took their place on the dome of the cathedral and quenched fires as they came, thus saving the magnificent structure and instilling a sense of hope and resilience in the people. In the end London and Britain survived and Nazi Germany did not.

Our walking tour and afternoon lecture, primarily about the oldest part of London revealed other facts of this marvelous city including its Roman past, the importance of the year 1066, the Monarchy lineage with its occasional absurdity and brilliant wisdom that takes us to the elegant beauty of Queen Elizabeth, and mostly the heritage of this marvelous city that gives us beautiful art and architecture, museums and concert halls, theatres and libraries, and fish and chips!

My early breakfast of yogurt and coffee followed later by a lunch of tomato soup dictated the need for a more robust dinner last night. Heading out on a brisk walk with my colleague Dr. Landwer, we found ourselves in Chinatown. Celebrating the Chinese New Year, the area was decorated with bright red oval balls and Asian ornaments. Bakeries, restaurants, and clothing stores lined the streets and the feeling of excitement and energy permeated our thoughts. We found an excellent restaurant and I sensed the lovely but dead duck in the window asking for my attention. Ordering Hot and Sour Soup, Orange Duck, and White Rice, we patiently waited for our food and discussed Asian culture and its assimilation in London. Like most Londoners, the people in the restaurant were generally kind, polite, and fast moving, eager to please but equally set upon accomplishing their goals. I am entranced by the formal politeness of this world and am intent to retain that quality upon my return to America.

Far from being contrived, there is a sense of mutual respect for each other that I find refreshing and infectious. At first, in my selfish arrogance, I thought it was my "deanly" demeanor that caused everyone to call me sir, but I soon realized that is the pattern of the culture. Men are sirs and ladies are ma'am. Responding in kind to others, I have increased my usage of Ma'am and Sir and am personally rewarded with a sense of service and admiration for others, reminding me of the joys of humbly respecting those around us. I believe a wise man once said to do to others as you would have them do to you. More than just words, the truth of the Gospel is real in our lives.

Back to the meal of soup, duck, and rice, I left the restaurant joyful with my taste buds warmly treated to a balance of sour and sweetness, of wild and tame, of the richness of the world in one meal. Roses come with thorns, music has consonance and dissonance, and great meals often have variety in flavor, such is the case of Chinese food. We walked aggressively through London, bundled up against the cold but exhilarating chill, and returned back to our apartment complex filled with thoughts of food, of life, and of friends.

LP VI--Church, Food, and Museum

Gathering at 10:40, we headed to Westminster Abbey. On the way there, I reflected on the previous evening's meal of fish and chips. A large piece of cod with batter surrounded by beefy looking french fries called chips. All this balanced with a small cup of absolutely delicious mashed peas. All in all a tasty and quite traditional meal, topped off with a little carbonated water. Most of the students had a gentle chocolate dessert, but I wisely felt my limit of food intake!

A quick jaunt to Holburn to take us to Green Park and onward to Westminster tube station, a very nice station with plenty of space and escalators. Almost running to avoid being late, I glanced around me at the station and standing 5 feet from me were two old friends, parents of a former student. In much shock, we hugged, had a brief conversation but had to separate to get to the church on time. It was great to see them, but being one of the teachers of this London Studies program, I needed to remain with the group.

Arriving nearly breathless from the journey, we walked into the magnificent and glorious Westminster Abbey, certainly one of the greatest and most beautiful cathedrals in the world. We were instantly transformed into humble servants in the presence of greatness. Ornate without being gaudy, filled with intricate detail but grand in scope, the cathedral is somehow moderately conservative in attitude while being boldly powerful in spirit, strongly communicating the presence of the Lord with every breath and with every step. As the service began, I was reminded that the artistry of a high Anglican service is unmatched in this modern world but is surpassed by its own sensitivity and poetic liturgy. The poignant polyphony of the music reminded each of us of the individual nature of our lives that is melodic yet necessarily congruent in its collective. We were at one with the Lord in this setting and yet were able to bring our individual offering of gratitude to the table.

The incredible choir sang Victoria and Tallis, sounding like a recording as it reverberated off the walls and high multi-arched ceiling. The warm, rich pipe organ presented a pyramid of sound with the foundational bass tones almost resonating from within the architectural structure of the Abbey. The flawless organist played a Buxtehude Praeludium at the end of the service that was difficult beyond measure but sounded effortless in its presentation. I was moved by the service, awed by the music, mesmerized by the art, and spiritually changed by the text.

Making our way out of the Abbey, four of us ate a traditional Sunday lunch of Roast Beef and potatoes at the Red Lion restaurant. Returning to our domicile for a short nap, I soon headed over to the British Museum. Stunned by the artwork, I found myself in awe over the ancient German folk art depicting allegorical works of humor and profound meaning. I then wandered down to the British section and felt a funny mixture of emotions when I studied the books. Huge, heavy books containing maps, drawings, and ancient texts. Shakespeare, Plutarch, Gibbons, and the list continues. But my heart grew heavy as I admired these great works. Will there be books in 50 years? Is the future of the book in jeopardy? Will this blog ever be printed or will it remain in cyberspace forever and soon forgotten? Is the past soon to be enveloped and assimilated into a technological future without a physical presence? Scary thoughts in a way, or maybe comforting depending on your view!

LP V--Shows and Food

I got up early today with the teachers and students to send them off on what is called a Tube Rallye. This is a big London scavenger hunt to discover London. They will be at it all day and will bring back pictures proving their findings. After they left, I went for a mile run in the park. I started to hit two miles but changed my mind since I have several things I need to do today. Cleaning up and straightening my room, I came to the coffee shop to reflect on yesterday.

The British professor took the group on a London Walk where we saw the outside of several museums, churches, and shops. We covered much of central London and walked out on a bridge over the Thames River. It was a lengthy walk and on the cold side, resulting in lots of tired people. Returning to the Pickwick and after a brief rest, I and Dr. Landwer who is the coordinator for the program, walked over to one of the finest Italian restaurants I have experienced. Wonderful lasagna and garlic bread touched my palate gently as I ate the delicious food. I find the food in London to be tasty and varied and I have yet to have anything that was not excellent. Soups, bread, meats, and all entrees are perfectly prepared.

Thinking that the evening could not get better after one of the best meals I have had, we began our walking journey to the show Shrek the Musical. Like the students, I was not convinced it would be a good show. After all, Shrek is sort of a cartoon and more for kids in general. Our seats were in the lower balcony and once we were settled, I began to study the theatre. Gorgeous hall replete with ornate columns, balcony extensions, and charming London architecture. Not huge, the theatre was designed for optimal acoustics and excellent visuals. Aside from the very close quarters (I guess Londoners are used to being close to each other), the seats were comfortable and ideally suited for a theatre experience.

Shrek is an average plot that we have all read and heard before. Ugly guy falls in love with pretty girl and they end up together. Ho-hum. But on stage, the typical story comes alive with humor, fear, energy, terrific songs, and non-stop creativity. Each moment was sheer entertainment from the word go. Each set was wonderfully intricate and contained motion and shimmering lighting that added to the moment. The costumes were nothing less than incredible but were second to the high level professional acting.

Wild, fun songs with a blend of country, rock, folk, and hints of classical all came together to provide a musical of joy, humor, and non-stop energy. Clever text that matched the melodies and bass line to perfection reached a bouncing audience that soon had the entire theatre moving to the exalted beat. Really just a blast all the way through. Lord Farquaad was a hilarious scream with his short legs, rude quips, and hidden gay references. His personal qualities were weak partly due to being the son of one of the Seven Dwarves! Too cute to hate, the audience knew he would receive justice in the end.

Sets that included a flying and singing dragon, a bridge over fire, a castle, a mysterious cabin, and a magical forest kept the audience electrified throughout the performance. Great singing, acting, and dancing worked together for one of the great entertaining experiences I have had in years. What a joy!

Ah the fun of London. More to do, more to see, more to analyze, and more to experience. Having a great time!

LP IV--Royal Navy

On this rainy morning in London, I am enjoying a delicious bowl of porridge with fruit topping and a wonderful cup of coffee. Nobody talks to me but all are pleasant in their individuality so I sit here in the coffee shop strangely comfortable in this marvelous city. A Haydn minuet is playing in the background and earlier we heard a movement of a Beethoven piano sonata, giving me the aesthetics I seek this morning. Classical tonality certainly has its moments and those sounds reside in our hearts hopefully demonstrating the consonance that awaits this day. We pick up 19 students from the airport this morning and bring them into the city to begin the London semester. Exciting times for them and for us.

Yesterday was again a long and glorious day as three of us headed to Greenwich to explore the new and the old, the present and the past. We entered the O2 and I was again in awe at the modern structure that has an architectural beauty all its own with massive spikes extending at an angle suspending a dome ceiling over a colossal arena and shopping mall. Quite a facility, we enjoyed a few minutes of coffee, of the Nissan electric car display, of the many shops of clothes and nice items. Studying the rock and roll timeline on the walls of the walkway, we proceed back to the tube to head to the National Maritime Museum and Royal Navy College.

Before heading into the Museum we went to the side and up a long footpath toward the observatory. Suddenly, almost without warning, the path ascended quickly and we found ourselves in a steep incline upward. Arriving several minutes later and quite breathless we looked back and saw London in all its glory. A sight to behold with the financial district rising up from the ground and gently touching the clouds as though trying to own the heavens but failing in spite of the effort. A magnificent view that left us awestruck for several minutes. A quick run through of the observatory included some information on brilliant scientist John Harrison who invented the chronometer. The observatory is supported by the Peter Harrison Foundation.

Returning to the museum, we did a quick run through seeing boats, paintings, machines, statues, and anything related to the Royal Navy. Completing that precursory walk, we headed across the busy street to the Royal Navy College where we were treated to a beautiful performance of a song by Gounod. Walking into the Painted Hall, we were stunned by the artwork on the ceiling and in the transept. Further exploration around the area where we heard a trumpet player, a clarinet player, and a string quartet practicing eventually took us to another small museum of art work and uniforms from many years past in the Royal Navy.

Exhausted from walking but hungry, we stopped at delicious hamburger place and then headed back to Pickwick Hall by way of the tube. The masses of people on the tube once again made me uncomfortable particularly if I thought about my Texas home on 13 acres, but I dealt with it and got back efficiently and safely. All in all a grand day of exploring and learning.

I love the politeness of the people but am disturbed by the excessive smoking. There might be smaller people here due to all the walking, but there certainly are many more smokers. Consequently, we often hear coughing and hacking around us. It is unfortunate that the education needed to encourage non-smoking is lacking in this country. Perhaps time will dictate the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle.

LP III--Rock Out

Jumping and screaming as the glitter and shiny streamers fell upon us, and as we enthusiastically cheered for the amazing performers on stage, I was caught up in the maelstrom of the energy. It was the show Rock of Ages featuring music and styles from the 80s, including Foreigner, Journey, Stevie Nicks, Styx, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, and several others. The show was a voltage burning, head banging blast, constantly making fun of the time period while acknowledging the cultural significance. Very loud music, several inappropriate actions, and foul language were somewhat mentally displaced as the muscular bass and pulsing drums pounded out the beat and supported the incredible singers on the stage. All of it very fun but also strangely profound as the two lead singers eventually gave up on their original dreams, found each other, and launched a new dream of raising a family.

That was last night in London. This morning was another very long and intense walk that took me to the British Library and a few moments on a short block of music stores. Disappointment accompanied my thoughts when I walked into a book store laden full of Rock music books and memorabilia only to discover it was primarily an adult store and very inappropriate. Why can we not enjoy rock music without the garbage that sometimes trails along? Great question and one I hope to answer in the next few months.

In my observations, I noticed a significant lack of facial hair from most of the men except for a few college aged students. I also noticed smaller people in general both in height and in girth. This is probably due to the walking by the people or perhaps the type of food that is offered. Not entirely sure though. Maybe I see less make-up from the ladies and fewer formal dressers in my walks around London and maybe I see people whose lives seem goal-directed and not quite as happy. But again, I am not convinced this is true and time will determine such sweeping generalities.

I did walk into a coffee shop while holding a Starbucks coffee cup and asked the whereabouts of of a vintage record shop in the area. The proprietor quickly and almost harshly glanced at me and said he did not know. I proceeded to repeat my question to the other workers and to the people around me and received the same abrupt response. On my way out, the proprietor said something that sounded like a growl and to leave the Starbucks coffee outside! Smiling, I reminded myself that Starbucks is primarily American and probably a little threatening to the small London coffee shops. I need to improve my sensitivity.

In spite of very sore feet, tired legs, lack of sleep (I can't seem to get the time change under control), and being lost half the time I am walking about, I am having a grand time learning the city, learning the culture, and experiencing one of the greatest cities in the world. This morning I went to a pancake coffee house only to discover there were no pancakes. They were referencing thin crepes filled with eggs, cheese, and ham. Delicious but not the pancakes I sought. He asked if I would like maple syrup and I said yes and received a very small cup with enough maple syrup for a flea. Where do I find big, fluffy pancakes slathered in butter and dripping with syrup? Probably not until late April when I return to Texas!

LP II--St. Paul's Cathedral

We approachd the Cathedral and were stunned to find Occupy London. Tents, signs, pamplets, and unwashed people all around the magnificent old structure. Pushing a socialistic agenda against the banking industry, there were also several Vegan signs, peace recommendations, and a bookstore in a tent that unfortunately did not smell pleasant. But nevertheless we headed up the stone steps into what is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Constructed under the authority and design of Christopher Wren and completed in 1710, it contains wonderful arches, domes, buttresses, austere gables, sculptures, and interwoven tapestry. A breathtaking experience in all respects, I felt in awe upon my first step into the Cathedral. http://www.stpauls.co.uk/

Sitting in the front row, I remained silent as the service began, prayerfully and humbly bowing to the Lordship of God Almighty. Not unlike experiences I have had in the outdoors, the Cathedral seems beyond human scope and divinely inspired, serving as a reminder of the vastness of God and the smallness of man. Yet I was not there to reflect on myself but rather was there to give honor to God in all His majesty. The high church Anglican service included corporate prayers, responses to the President, hearing of the word, listening to the anthem, and singing as a congregation. We then participated in communion and shared in encouraging peace to each other.

The choir was all male with boys singing the soprano and alto parts. We heard Victoria and Tallis and several chants in the Ionian and Dorian modes. The incredible organist played on a 5 manual pipe organ whose warmth and beauty resonated throughout the church. Lacking in punctuation but full in tone and sustaining power, the organ was quite different from organs in the United States. This is likely due to the architectural design of the location rather than the instrument itself. Makes me suspect that the organ might once again reign supreme were it given a cathedral in which to reside. Immediately after the service, I approached the organist to ask about one selection he had played. It contained a soft but relentless chromatic passage in the upper register on flute stops, and invoked a cantus firmus that somehow moved into the pedals. It all wound together with a slight and subtle crescendo, ending on a major chord. He said he had improvised it. I mentioned Messiaen influence and he smiled and said it was based on a Messiaen mode of limited transposition and style.

I loved the service and felt blessed to experience it in all respects. Maybe I am too eclectic as a musician and as a Christian, but I must say that my feeling was that of an awesome powerful yet personal God who attends to the world and to me. Whereas when I worship in a praise setting in the United States, my experience is perhaps smaller but no less significant. We worship the same God in a multitude of ways without one way being superior to another. To place drums and guitars in a high church Anglican service in a stunning Cathedral comes close to being desecration. Yet to intone on the Dorian mode and to listen primarily to an acapella choir in a fully carpeted modern room without reverberation and without vibrancy is rather dull and lifeless.

The rest of the day was spent walking the streets of London and soaking in the culture of energy, of heritage, and of progression. It was truly a wonderful day and today will be even better!

London Post--I (Hereby LP I)

The nearly 10 hour flight from DFW to London Heathrow was uneventful except for feeling cramped the whole time. Maybe someday I can afford to get first class where they have leg room and can stretch out. After a little sleep on the plane I was both wired and tired but mainly excited about being in London. The tube trip to Russell Square took nearly 45 minutes most of it standing due to the crowds. Living in the country on 13 acres where space is the norm is quite different from being 1 or 2 inches from a stranger. People are generally nice and pleasant but not given to small talk with a stranger. So for 10 hours on the plane and 45 minutes on the tube, I spoke to nobody. Feels odd.

Found the place where I am staying and got checked in. The room is small and not fancy but should be adequate for my needs. Forgot about the showers being so small and the beds being very firm. But I probably am a little spoiled these days. Still in spite of a couple of living challenges, London is a great place to be. I went for a long walk and got lost which is what I wanted to do! Eventually I found a bookstore (no surprise there) and asked where I was and how to get back to Russell Square. Suddenly I was walking by the British Museum which is 2 blocks from where I live and was reminded that it is one of the largest and most complete museums in the world. Can't wait to visit it again.

Last night I ate fish and chips and nearly finished the massive piece of fried cod. It was great but too much for me even after a day of not eating anything. Slept most of the night but am still experiencing jet lag and time adjustment. Got up this morning and went and drank a terrific cup of coffee at one of the nearby coffee shops. Not as nice as Common Grounds in Brownwood, but almost!

About to get ready to go to St. Paul's Cathedral in London for worship. I am planning to worship often and with as much variety as I can find. There are many ways to worship God and many settings to do so here in London. Today will be a high church Anglican service in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. No drums or guitars today!

On the downside, my feet hurt a little from lots of walking and I forgot to exchange my American money for British pounds. I still cannot differentiate the coins here and have much to learn about the customs. While everyone speaks English, many are from other countries and it is hard to understand the accents and language subtleties from the workers. But I do love the challenge and am not afraid to ask questions.

London and I meet together for over 3 months and the meeting will be grand!

Brownwood, Texas

Living in the country between Brownwood and Bangs, I drive nearly 15 minutes to work every morning down the highway through beautiful, rolling hills filled with live oak trees, mesquite, and the occasional deer. It is a special time for me and one I do not take for granted. I leave my house most mornings before 7 a.m., drive down the road, and turn onto the highway for the brief journey, a journey I value for its calm reflection of the joys in my life and the beauty that surrounds me. As I navigate the road with its gentle hills, soft curves, and smooth, sloping grade, I anticipate the moment that greets me every morning, the view.

Outside of Brownwood, at the top of the hill, sits a small rest area. With trees and a little table, it is a nice resting spot for travelers or for anyone wanting to look down into the valley known as Brownwood. But I never stop, I never need to stop, for I am as familiar with it as my own hand. Before heading down the hill, I glance down and give a smile to the small town to which I am headed. My smile is a tribute to where I work and where I spend a large part of my time and where my career has been centered for 17 years, the town of Brownwood and Howard Payne University.

As I slow down before the descent, I see the hotels, the orange glow of Home Depot, the red brick on the police station, the warehouses, the many homes, businesses, parks, churches, schools, all the things that make the community a special place. After a rain, there is a shimmering glisten of fresh wet droplets that seems to envelope the whole area, making it appear almost glassy and fanciful as though a comforter from the clouds has blanketed the village. Looking like a city from a dream that has suddenly appeared, one wonders if this is the magical world from Brigadoon that only exists every 100 years.

It is a joyful, warm feeling that permeates my thoughts as I crest the hill and begin the brief journey downward to work. In spite of the occasional challenges that work brings and in spite of differing views from people, and in spite of not being a large metropolitan environment, Brownwood is a great place to live and to work. People come in all shapes and sizes and are often a colorful mosaic of flaws and imperfections, this writer no exception, amidst beauty and intrigue; and yet, it is people that complete our lives and keep it interesting. Of course driving the streets of Brownwood or shopping or eating at restaurants would be much simpler if nobody else were involved, but would it really be preferable? Absolutely not.

Plus I must admit that Brownwood is not exactly in a valley and we really live on the outskirts of town with a Bangs post office box and a Brownwood physical address. And if I sincerely want to be honest, there might be a few things here and there that are difficult to handle in our fair city. Not to mention that it has been a very dry, hot summer.

But whenever the complexities of life in dealing with others threaten the joy within, I begin to dwell on the view on the top of the hill. A view that I treasure each day and a view that reminds me of God's beauty and God's creation. Sure, it has flaws, but Brownwood is a great place to live. As I prepare for three months in London, England, a beautiful place all its own, I click my mental camera on the little town in the valley known as Brownwood and am honored to call it my home.

Francis McBeth (1933-2012)

I first met Dr. McBeth at the Texas Tech band camp where I played under his direction. Of course I was in awe of him, his music, his skill, and his personality. He was simply an amazing human being in all respects and a musician of the highest order, worth accolades and honors for his remarkable career and his non-stop dedication to music. He is gone now but will be long remembered. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Francis_McBeth

Much will be written about Francis McBeth in the days ahead and I see no need to rehash his illustrious musical career, but I do see a need to give my personal perspective on him and his music. As a composer, Dr. McBeth was decidedly creative, giving all his music a sparkling glow of fresh and unique. A product of his time, some of his early music now sounds a bit dated to our ears but an inside listening reveals unequaled rhythmic energy and melodic invention. His use of rhythm propelled his musical ideas forward, leaving players and listeners breathless with joy at the musical result. While his music for school bands, often at an easier technical level, shines with the McBeth sound of colors, rhythm, and fun, it is his advanced music that his greatest expression comes to the fore. Kaddish and Of Sailors and Whales are two of my personal favorites but I can honestly say I have never heard a McBeth piece I did not like. McBeth's use of orchestration and instrumental colors is matched by his layering of sounds and unpredictable rhythmic variety.

As a conductor, he was superb in all respects, developing and perfecting a system for cueing that I adopted and continue to use today. Deliberate in his physical motions, everything he did on the podium served the music in the best way possible. Always precise and always controlled, his motions and non-verbal communication brought out the best in the ensemble in all settings. As he conducted the band, he would constantly listen and respond to what he heard, crafting and designing the band to the ideal. Commanding but never over-bearing, confidence without arrogance, players always knew he was in charge and that the result would be powerful, personal, and as close to perfect as music can be. Adopting many of his mannerisms, I was a devoted student of his conducting style and have used his ideas throughout my own career.

But as great as his music is and as wonderful a conductor he was, it is his personality that I remember so well. His mental joke encyclopedia was astounding and he was able to pull a joke at any moment for any occasion. He once told me that he enjoyed telling three different levels of jokes to study the reactions of other people. He said he could determine a person's creativity level by the reaction to a certain joke. With a twinkle in his eye, he told me I had passed the creativity test! I have always wondered if he said that to everyone. Francis McBeth's personality was filled with electric energy that affected everyone around him, drawing people to him and changing the social environment for the better. Frequently opinionated, he could move quickly from a serious moment to a comically charged moment, causing emotions to swim in extremes from elation to concern to humor. In spite of his remarkable success, he remained humble and self-deprecating throughout his life, retaining the character traits of a strong Christian, a true gentleman and a gifted musician.

Yes, he will be missed. But he made his impact on the world and that impact will last for many generations.

Eggs, Exercise, Egalitarianism

After reading an article on the joys of eating eggs, I decided to revisit this age old food, a food that seems natural and abundant, and sure enough it has been a great experience. I love starting my day with a couple of scrambled eggs cooked in butter with a dash of salt, garlic, vinegar, and just a tad of honey. It may sound a little eclectic to readers, but before being critical, give it a try. Make sure to whisk everything together for the right consistency. Good stuff for sure. A nice blend of slightly harsh flavor with hints of sweet. The eggs always taste ideal in the morning, and I enjoy sitting in my chair, contemplating life, and slowly eating delicious eggs for breakfast. Top it off with a little orange juice or blueberry Naked juice and the day begins perfectly.

Thankfully my feet are doing better. The bone spur is still a problem but with my new orthotics, I do not land as solidly on the hurt portion of the heel. This allows me to get back to running and exercising without undue pain in my feet. I am wisely going slowly as I get back to form and will aim for 3 miles a day rather than 5. In London there is a park across from our residence where I can run safely on an even surface, and will do so in spite of the cold, wet weather. I do appreciate the foot doctor in Abilene for helping me get back on my feet so to speak, which allows me to return to the lifestyle of running that I enjoy. Exercise is like a happy pill in some ways as those endorphins affect everything in the body especially the mind and the emotions. For anyone experiencing depression or stress, I highly recommend a little exercise. Good stuff for sure (did I just say that about eggs also?).

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series of books and movies are wrought full of purpose, philosophy, and shimmering energy. A bit liberal for me in general, the books are breath-taking examples of great stories shining with new ways to look at life and new emotional mountains to climb. Recognizing the differences between males and females but embracing an egalitarian world-view, it is refreshing to read books that point out both the frailties and the potential strength of all kinds of people. Too often fiction seems to be male dominant or female dominant rather than individually focused. These great books remind us of the need for totality in our egalitarianism. Women deserve the same regard and respect that we give everyone. The days of objectifying women (or men) and elevating men (or women) to higher levels than warranted are gone and all of us need to embrace a world-view of egalitarianism. Good stuff for sure (sorry, I just couldn't resist!).

Been a great day of eggs, exercise, and equality. Time to practice what I preach.

Lessons from Popular Series

Thinking more about the popular book and movie series of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and I think there are some lessons within the pages that have great application for all of us. Forgive my tendency to find personal and collective insights in movies and in books, and I realize that most people simply enjoy being entertained, but perhaps even in the entertainment we can glean something that has deeper meaning. Great art, music, literature, theater all provide two overriding characteristics: 1) entertaining in some way, 2) emotionally profound in some way. Great paintings intrigue us and teach us something in the process. This is true for music, literature, and yes even movies. Jurassic Park was great entertainment on the screen with big, scary dinosaurs and lots of energy, but it was also insightful. Perhaps scientists can go too far and create something that no longer belongs on the planet.

In the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, we find a socially dysfunctional young lady who was the victim of abuse as a girl and who is continually abused by the legal system. Because of her stature, because of her edgy lifestyle, because of tendency to withdraw, she is a target for those wanting to exploit her and treat her harshly. Her liberal appearance with tattoos and body piercing further exacerbates her look of being experienced in the world. People without strong compassion and personal morals often substitute someone's experienced look for desire and purpose. Rather than finding the talents within her, she is judged superficially and treated like an animal or a subhuman. Ironically, she is a brilliant genius with skills well beyond that of most executives and intellects.

Lesson #1--Look beyond the obvious and never take advantage of someone's weaknesses.

As a political/legal thriller all three books remind us of the power of governments to affect our lives. Sometimes when a group develops an inflated view of its own role and responsibility, it forgets about the very people in its charge and becomes imperialistic, justifying its existence through decisions intended for the broad collective. So in these books, a power group within the government allowed the abuse of a brilliant but awkward young lady. The turned a blind eye away from the individual under the guise of "what is best" for the country.

Lesson #2--Never destroy individual compassion for the sake of some governmental priority

The media has a grave responsibility to substantiate everything printed. This is due to their remarkable power to affect and shift the thinking of large groups of people. Given that power and responsibility are heavy burdens to bear, these books emphasize the need for the media to support the people over the institutions. Big has the muscle and few look out for the small. With the potential and often reality for corruption at the highest levels, who will advocate for individual, the person without money, without support, without the ability to make a difference. It is incumbent upon the media to seek out and destroy corruption that is hurting the people.

Lesson #3--The media has the power to level the playing field for all of us. Institutional tyranny is rampant and now is the time to end it.

At the same time, too often we look to others to solve our problems, to find a solution to the many things blocking our progress. We live in a world of blame, a culture of pointing fingers, a false sense that we cannot control our future, a hopelessness and despair of our lives. True that regulations, restrictions, obstacles, and economic monsters seem insurmountable to an ambitious individual; and yet, there is still room for resourcefulness, initiative, and creativity.

Lesson #4--Always work toward finding creative solutions to problems and be confident in your ability to overcome the challenges.

While we may choose to avoid the realities of the world, underneath our antiseptic, glossy lives is a tough world for many. A world that includes abuse, pain, perversions, and great fear for those who are powerless to defend themselves. Rather than ignoring the truth, it is time to work together to protect the weak from the corruption of the individuals and the organizations that often invade our lives and hurt so many.

Lesson #5--Keep your eyes open for those who need our help and expose the corruption at every opportunity.