Rainbows all the way - to 1858!

Yes, I'm really loving the whole Double Rainbow thing - from Hungrybear9562's original cries of glee to Schoyoho's autotune to the countless variations (seriously, I've heard the acoustic, metal, rap, and spoken-word versions of this thing - all awesome in their own way).

Of course, we know that it was just a couple of decades ago that Kermit the frog sang about the Rainbow Connection (note, Willie Nelson also does a great version).

Then there's Judy Garland singing about that place Somewhere Over The Rainbow (note: Jeff Beck does an awesome version of this one!)

But, this morning my lovely bride brought this to my attention - she's reading Charlotte Bronte's 1858 novel, "The Professor" - and in chapter 19, the title character, William Crimsworth, says this:

"I had before me the arch of an even rainbow; a perfect rainbow - high, wide, vivid. I looked long; my eye drank in the scene, and I suppose my brain must have absorbed it... the mighty rainbow."

I think there's only one way to describe all of this - it's so - what's the word I'm looking for - oh, yea, Intense!

Music School of Delaware!

It seems like every time I turn around, I discover another incredible gem in Delaware!

I'd like to share with you the beauty that is The Music School of Delaware!

First, here's a look at the Music School of Delaware from WHYY's program FIRST:

Watch the full episode. See more First.

Next, here's some clips put together by the brilliant minds at the Delaware Film Company:


Suzuki Academy from The Music School Of Delaware on Vimeo.


Private Instruction from The Music School Of Delaware on Vimeo.

Finally, here's a chance to get involved in the first 5K run/walk for the Music School of Delaware - and if you want to know more about the school, click here.

An evening with Roseanne Cash and Michele Rollins

I've been to my share of concerts and performances, but rarely have I enjoyed the kind of evening that was held Saturday at the Smyrna Opera House.

Roseanne Cash was gracious and charming - she spent time before the show with a roomful of loyal fans. She was kind enough to autograph a copy of her new book "Composed" for my daughter and we got to meet Roseanne's daughter, too.

This was also my first time at the Smyrna Opera House - and it reinforces my prejudice that Delaware is not only a gem of a state, but that we have precious gems in every part of the state - the Smyrna Opera House is a terrific venue, extremely comfortable with great acoustics, I look forward to more shows there.

While the audience filled the Opera House, the concert had the intimate feel of a family gathering in a living room.

So, why was Roseanne Cash performing in Smyrna? Because her friend, Michele Rollins, asked her to.

Throughout the evening we got to hear great stories about time spent between the Cash and Rollins families - including Roseanne reading a portion of her new book about shared family vacations.

And yes, there was excitement about Michele Rollins' campaign - Roseanne Cash made it clear throughout the evening that even though she's a vocal supporter of many in the Democrat Party, she knows Michele Rollins and knows she has the brains and the guts needed to be a positive force in the U.S. Congress.

Friday - Art Loop - Riverfront Blues Festival - WOW!

The Wilmington Art Loop is consistently one of the best events to attend in Delaware - a chance to go out for an evening to enjoy great art and music in a variety of venues - normally with good food and drink - and all for free - but this Friday night the city just cranked up the goodies!

OK, so when you normally do the Art Loop you get your magazine stamped at five different locations, then trade that in for tickets to Theatre N (how cool is that!) or free drinks or some other cool prize - BUT - this Friday, you can trade in your stamped magazine and get a free ticket to the Riverfront Blues Festival that evening to see The Delta Groove Harp Blast featuring Al Blake, Randy Chortkoff, Mitch Kashmar, Jimi Bott, Willie Campbell, Frank Goldwasser & Kirk Fletcher - How Cool Is THAT!?

So, picture this - Friday evening, get started around 5:30 at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts (again, see e-mail below) - visit a whole bunch of great venues, enjoy art, music, food - collect at least five stamps, then head over to the Tubman-Garrett Park (between the train station and the Riverfront Market) for awesome live blues - I don't know about you, but that sounds like a great way to spend a Friday evening!

I hope to see many of you there!

Oh, here's a sample of Kirk Fletcher's work:

I feel so much better now

Anyone who has had to work with me knows that I don't have the neatest office/desk/workspace in the world.

Whether it's the home office, the work office, the car office - I have my own sense of organization (really, the file is right there, under the pile with the articles I'm planning on reading when I get some free time...)

A good friend and co-worker just shared this with me:

I feel much better now.

Photos were captured from Jerry Pournelle