Life Lessons Learned from Replacing a Bedroom Door Knob

So the door knob of my housemate’s bedroom door froze. It wouldn’t move at all! I own the house and so fixing it is my responsibility. I took the door knob and started fiddling with it….and time past….


Lesson 1 – Don’t attempt to do things when you are tired as it isn’t really effective

Lesson 2 – Having enough rest is important- being rested is a 2012 goal.


Now this knob is a trashy gold color left over from the previous owners of my house! Great, I thought! I’ll just replace the knob with a nice stainless steel one.

Next day off I go to the home improvement store, Home Depot. 8.94 dollars later and 30 minutes later I am back home and proud owner of a nice stainless steel door knob. I put it in and it won’t turn! It just won’t!!! GRRRR!!!!



Lesson 3 – Life has many bumps on the road to your destinations.


So, I removed the new door knob and put it back sequentially, checking at every step. Now I noticed that the knob mechanism was catching as the previous owner had not done a good job punching a hole in the door. A little elbow grease with a tool or two and problem solved. Finally new door knob back in door and working perfectly. Happy housemate and happy home owner.


Lesson 4 – Don’t give up when your life trip gets rough. Have confidence, and apply one self. It will work out.  

Women Breaking Sterotype Barriers in the Cuban Music Scene

The 1930s were an interesting time in Cuba.  The political situation was a turbulent one and in the music scene it was still believed that women couldn't play son.  Out of that froth, that formenting broth, came two women centered bands/orchestras.

The first, an all women orchestra, is Anacoana, started by Cuchito Castro in 1932.  When forced to abandon her studies and her plan to start a dental practice Cuchito chose to start a  female septet to challenge the male-dominated son music.  Eventually all 11 sisters joined the group and Anacoana has KE gone on to successfully challenge the stereotypic view that women couldn't play son. Versatile as they play reggaeton, timba, salsa... And easy on the eyes as well. What more can a dancer want from live music?

And for the ladies here's a song especially for you - La Mujer Tiene Control.  Two other songs by Anacoana that I like are Llore Si Te Duele (timbaton), and Cuento Na Ma.
 
The second band I would like to share is a La Caro Band, fronted by 4 sisters who hail from Jovenallos. ‘Mention Jovellanos to a Cuban and frequently their eyes will go wide for it has a strong reputation as a great center of Congo culture and brujeria.'

La Caro Band is composed of other family members, in addition to the sisters. It trully is a family affair, and their music, composed by Blas, speaks of everyday life in Cuba.  heir performances are action packed. A must-see!  During some live performances the women singers have switched with the male instrumentalists, playing instruments while the men sang, showcasing their versatility.
 
Vale La Pena  is one song by La Caro Band that I like.  There are many others you can find by searching youtube.
 
Hope you enjoyed this brief dip into the Cuban music scene.
 
Until next time, Ciao.

Dancing is Radical - Ven Aqui! Baila!

A lot of dance is shown in the media nowadays, and as if that wasn't enough here is a recent article as to why we all can and should dance:

Dance is a Radical Act!

Que Suene La Timba - What is timba?

People often ask me what is timba?  So here is a fresh perspective from the mouths of the musicians themselves from the Team Cuba documentary.

Soulful timba - A new timba group without a name

A new timba group out of Stockholm, Sweden:




"Under the direction of 21-year old pianist Jonas Pomo and with the lovely Cecilia Ferrer on lead vocals, they are bringing timba fans a soulful timba."

                          Timberamayer from salsaforums



And in the process this group is broadening the appeal of timba...  You can hear a sample song at http://soundcloud.com/jonas-pomo

Chewy Milk Toffee - This is not fudge!

Ingredients: 2 12 oz cans of sweetened condensed milk, 4 tbsps of unsalted butter, 1.5 cups of sugar, color/flavors to taste

On high heat stir the condensed milk, butter and sugar continually.  (Add whatever flavors/colors you desire.)It should be hot enough that it is bubbling without boiling. I use a wooden spatula for stirring. As time passes the mixture thickens, and you start to see the pan bottom as you stir.  When the mixture slowly spreads out after being pushed to one side it is ready for spreading.  Periodicaly check for how chewy it is by putting a little on a teaspoon and cooling in the freezer.

Spread out mixture on buttered surface, spread with buttered rolling pin and then score and cut into squares while still warm.

Thinking and Being

"I think, therefore I am", and so "descend with mind into the heart".


I leave this thought for people to contemplate.  I also acknowledge Rene Descartes and St. Theophan the Recluse, whose sayings I have fused to make a phrase pregnant with personal meaning.