Thursday, July 31, 2014

Center for Spirituality and Healing (Online)


A little context, I participate in several online courses during the year. I've tried about half a dozen universities and several independent online programs. In general, I have not shared much about this little cerebral hobby of mine because it was for me. A greedy habit. But I ran across something new recently, just as an old friend was asking me about meditation and alternative healing. I thought perhaps this was worth passing on to my blog audience.

The Center for Spirituality and Healing is an free online program offered by the University of Minnesota. I must admit the name itself would put off most of my conservative friends, but let me explain. The information is set-up in module format covering a range of topics that I know from experience do help with depression, illness, grief and most of the other big, bad walls of negativity we tend to run into over the course of living and being human.

The modules run about 90 minutes each. They do not have to be completed in one sitting. You move at your own pace and they don't demand any prior knowledge or even a change in your philosophical view of life, liberty or global warming. Yes, republicans these can work for you, just don't tell anyone you go to NRA meetings with. And you liberals out there, have you actually tried yoga, meditation or healing touch?

Here's the link to the homepage and below are the modules currently offered:

Botanical Medicine thumbnailBotanical Medicines           Overview Complementary therapies thumbnailOverview of Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices
Aromatherapy thumbnailClinical AromatherapyOverview Mind-Body therapies thumbnailOverview of Mind-Body Therapies and Practices
Hypnosis thumbnailClinical Hypnosisprayer thumbnailPrayer
Craniosacral thumbnailCraniosacral TherapyReflexology thumbnailReflexology
Healing touch thumbnailHealing TouchReiki thumbnailReiki
Massage thumbnailMassageSpirituality thumbnailSpirituality in Healthcare
meditation thumbnailMeditationTCM thumbnailTraditional Chinese Medicine
Music therapy thumbnailMusic TherapyYoga thumbnailYoga
Osteo thumbnailOsteopathy

Sunday, July 27, 2014

a musical cul-de-sac (9)


The Beatles released Magical Mystery Tour in 1967. Years later among the songs from that album A Day in the Life stood out as perhaps the single signature track of Fab Four's career. The range of artists who have taken a shot at covering A Day in the Life is truly amazing, I have picked a few who really made the song their own, if that is even possible after the Beatles had put their unique print on the melody.

A truly innovative take from Jeff Beck's guitar. And by contrast a more melodic riff from Sting. Another guitar fueled version from Lee Ritenour. A Day in the Life with Phish. An eleven minute exploration by Eric Burdon & War. Finally, a magnificently over the top live offering from Neil Young.


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Monday, July 21, 2014

a musical cul-de-sac (8)


Apparently there are some songs that can't be covered or perhaps shouldn't be. Not being a musician I don't really know which it is, but I have found several rock classics that just didn't have any covers or at least none worth singing about.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road might be one of these completely unique tunes that just doesn't lend itself to a jazz or hard rock rendition. I would have passed on this completely except that a few years ago I found a very unique cover by Sara Bareilles, it was one of the YouTube covers that gave me the idea for this little series.

For a little fun you also might look at the Elton John original with a very unique video tribute to the motion picture - The Wizard of Oz.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

a musical cul-de-sac (7)


Eleanor Rigby, I think you're going to like the wide selection of artists who have covered this Beatles classic. First, the boys from Liverpool.

Aretha Franklin in her own style.

A very Joan Baez version.

Making it their very own - Screaming Broccoli.

How about Booker T & the M.G.'s.

Lots of variations on this song, this one by Ray Charles.

This may be my favorite: Chick Corea and Gary Burton.

The Jerry Garcia Band a good mix with Chick Corea.

And finally, a most interesting take by Rare Earth.

Wednesday, July 09, 2014

a musical cul-de-sac (6)


There are anthems and there are anthems. Uncle John's Band may well be my personal almost #1 from The Dead. Here is a studio version from 1970.

One of my favorite covers of any song at any time, this from The Indigo Girls.

And the Dead one more time from Halloween 1980 @ Radio City Music Hall.

Sunday, July 06, 2014

Treton Vernans

Treton Vernans - the pink-necked green pigeon

no artificial coloring added