Merry Christmas, now be gone 2011

Hello everyone,

It is time for the annual end of the year blog. I would have waited a week but will not be online and what can happen in the last week. Don't answer that! after this year so far it could be anything. I'm sure almost everyone can look back and find good moments and bad in the course of a year. Some may have had an overwhelmingly positive year, and others the opposite. For me the latter. What follows is the usual commentary on various topics wrapped up by my final entry regarding my favorite artists.

Politics. Anyone who knows me knows I am a constitutional conservative. I do not like Mr. Obama's policies or his party's ever increasing turn to the left. I'm not wild about the other major party either as they too are farther left than they should be, so much so that there is little difference in the two. That is why I chose years ago to not affiliate with party. They are bankrupt. Our founding fathers and founding documents find big government socialism to be anathema. I agree. Some think it is more fair to the average citizen, yet they fail to see that the same percentage rise to the top as the bottom tier grows. The middle class is shrinking and over half the people in this country now qualify as poor. I am among them. The new year will likely bring the harshest campaign ever for the Presidency. Yet the Republicans seem bound and determined to foist on us a so called "moderate" in Romney. Moderate equals left of center. That will cause the base to sit out and give us four more years of elitist, racist, anti-Christian, bloated government who will finish the constitution and drive the final nails in its coffin. Frankly, even China looks pretty good right now. I know I have plenty of friends and no shortage of artists I support who have no issue at all with Obama. Friends can agree to disagree in an effort to resolve issues. Artists are well served to distance themselves from any politics or risk alienating half of their audience. The outlook for politics and peace throughout the world in 2012 is bleak to say the least. But I encourage every eligible voter to be fully informed and then vote their conscience regardless of whether they think a candidate can win and regardless of party affiliation. If you don't vote, then don't complain.

Economy. The economy is poor. There has been no recovery. Unemployment figures are far higher than stated as is inflation. Did you know that if wages had kept up with inflation since 1971 that the minimum wage now would be $60 per hour?! Did you know actual unemployment to be between 20-30%? Actual inflation is double digit if you add in food and fuel. Those were conveniently dropped from the statistics in the 1980's. My own personal economy took a hit due to those I work with or for cutting back out of fear of an imminent collapse in their business. It did not happen but it is their business and choice. It forced me into work for which I was not suited but needed to pay the bills. I'm now doing contract work which is sporadic. That in addition to some of the things I do on the side and I can get by but barely. I had to resort to a room mate but that was only until this month and now back to paying full rent. every month is on the edge. It would not be that way had I not been so incredibly foolish in my passions. The accumulated debt I likely cannot pay off short of some miracle with my writings and songs. It is what it is. Some things I simply felt worth the expense over the years as the creative results were so voluminous. The new year does not promise to be much better. But you wake up every day and just do your best and trust.

Online things. This has been a year of change for me and others on the internet. My Space for me has become rather useless. The account will be deleted soon. Twitter has proven to be more frustration than blessing and why would anyone care what I'm up to anyway? It seems dominated by females talking to each other and males sitting idly by watching as the moss grows on them. I left it once and may do so again, except that a couple of people I follow are not on Facebook so no place else to keep up. Facebook has been an interesting place on a whole range of topics and interests, though they really need to stop tweaking it. A rift occurred there, though, and the damage caused by that person is likely not repairable.

Then there are the forums. At one time I was admin in six of them. That was by request. I'm now down to one, the relatively inactive Lisa Kelly one owned by Jim Allen. The Olivia forum disappeared earlier this year. The artist had "moved on" with her music and only wished to interact with people in her own peer group. Guess the international fans and their efforts could go stuff themselves. It was a huge blow and very hurtful. Some nice songs came out of all of that and maybe they'll make their way out there. The orphanage in India I guess is not on her radar any more either. What few CD's I still have are available for donations to that orphanage. The Lynn forum changed hands as did the Alex forum. Early this year the original Alex forum was down for several weeks and a member elected to create a new one. That is the one that survives with any level of activity. That same fan went on to create forums for Lisa Lambe and Sarah Burke. Fine and dandy. All deserving of them.

Then there is the queen of them all, the Máiréad forum. By far the most energetic, by far the most enthusiastic, and by far the most friendly and inclusive of the communities created for these artists. It produces the largest fan gatherings, helps more people attend shows who otherwise could not, has the greatest promotional mechanism for the artist and itself, and has the largest charity drive. Early this year a handful of members felt the forum was not what it had been when it began. None of them had been there in the beginning. In any case they took their ball and created their own court. Their right to do and any site that promotes the artist is a good thing. I wish them the best. The owner of it has by far the best archives on the artist anywhere. It far exceeds anything on her own site. There was growth in the forum, energy, well attended Sunday chats, and the very best site for show reviews of any related to this group. But it also has its share of controversy. Not on the site but off site. We tried to assure the artist and others that these are viewpoints of individuals and not the forum. In any case, my own outspoken nature and ties to some were enough that I stepped down as admin early in the year. The replacement did not last long, citing it was too much work for her schedule. So, I stepped back up to help Mike. I stayed in that role too long and more controversy came later in the year over the issue of the charity check presentation. This time it did show up inside the forum and that was wrong to allow. I made a statement in the forum blog accepting responsibility for that and I stand by that. I apologized to the artist there and do so again here. The forum is not the place for it. Because of that I stepped down again as it had to fall on someone. The buck stops at the top. She deserves better and the only way that site is ever going to stand a chance to get to the next level with her is if I am no longer speaking for it or representing it. Mike will do his best to make amends and soothe things even while additional off site commentary may occur. The artist should NOT condemn the forum for the opinions voiced off site by those who happen to be members. There is plenty of support there for her and lots of wonderful people in that community. It is a lovely family but with the usual odd characters you get in any family. Folks like me may just be the crazy uncle that gets locked away in the attic, but we mean well.

Celtic Woman. A far too engrossing passion for a lot of people. In some cases it borders on worship. But, taken at the proper level and with limited expectations, it is a very positive distraction. It has been responsible for building a great many friendships and resulted in at least a couple of fan marriages, and no one inside the group. It is not without flaws as you can see by my previous posts here. But the good far outweighs the bad. Such has been the case this year. A huge blunder on the part of someone led to uproar leading up to Máiréad's birthday in Springfield. In the end the fans had great seats and a great after show after corrections were made. Máiréad even graciously attended the after show which she had not done on her birthday previously. Everyone was very grateful to her for that. Celtic Woman listened and saw to it that more fan friendly folks ran the after show. The amiable Dustin represented Madstone and was a vast improvement over the surly Mitch. Bubba Dixon took over this aspect of the operation from Rachel. It was very well received and he has been exceptional in his courtesy and professionalism all the way through the year. There was still some discontent over poor seats at high prices from some PBS stations. There is still some discontent for the all too brief time given each fan at the after show for the money paid. But, photographs were once again allowed and that helped a lot and made for very many happy faces. My compliments to the organization and the artists for allowing this again as you had early on. The ensemble had very well attended shows in Europe, Japan, and the states. They ended the year with their first ever Christmas tour, and the first tour using symphonies. Even better for that was the return of David to the piano. There was also the Believe recording in Atlanta which brought a record gathering of familiar faces in one place. It was enough that a room was rented at the venue the day of the first show and a fan documentary recorded. The most special part for me, though, was the pub after the first night's show. In it were gathered fan and artist alike sans the front four. Those conversations and that courtesy were so very much appreciated. It was family, pure and simple, and God bless the artists who were there that took time to interact and to compliment us as much as we did them. Some negatives too this year from the organization mainly things on line and all on Twitter. Those do not bear recounting here. Now some thank yous.

Mike Brown. As dedicated and generous a fan and friend as any artist or fan could ask for. His expenditures in money and time are immeasurable. there is no way anyone could adequately describe or express thanks for all you have done. Now at 101 shows and climbing, and those are just the seats you occupied and not the many others acquired and donated to others. I wish Pittsburgh had been far more special for you. Recent events overshadowed what should have been a truly special night. You deserved far more than you received. Thank you for being such an amazing fan and friend. Good luck leading the Máiréad forum and mending the fences towards a stronger relationship with the artist.

Scott Meenen and Dave Bussells. Thank you for allowing me to lead the various forums you own or created. It has been an honor. Thank you, Scott, for paying the bills that keep the lights on in the enchanted forest. Thank you, Dave, for staying on top of things. I hope the artist at some point will thank you for those things personally.

Bill Jordan, Ralph Nye, Ron Foster, and so many others. Thanks for being people of such great character and friendship. It has meant the world in a difficult year. Also thanks to Jim Allen for his ownership in some of the forums and his personal support. Also to all the moderating team in the Máiréad forum. You're the best. Far too many friends from the forums and Facebook to thank. I want to say something else here. After the show in Springfield, ten or so men gathered for the usual post show nibble and chat. It was a conversation anyone's mom could have sat in on and not blush. It is always that way. These women are held in the highest and most proper regard. That anyone out there could ever characterize such men as risk factors or unsavory in any way is dead wrong and they would be lucky to have men like that in their lives. We are not and never will be like the screaming teenage girls who attacked the Beatles and ripped their clothes off. Things of beauty need to be preserved and cherished. These women and the music are all that for a great many.

Celtic Woman LTD. I have been as guilty as any in throwing stones. If I did not care about the artists and fans I would have said nothing and simply walked away. You may have preferred that but it is not my nature and never has been. I encourage you to embrace those familiar faces and not push them away. Some of what you did in 2011 showed embracing and some pushing away. There really is no knowing what to expect. But take what is said both positive and negative and know there is always room for improvement. It is true for each of us as individuals and for companies as well.

David Downes. Brilliant. I don't know how many times I have heard that word when people speak of you. Show after show is consistent in the quality of the arrangement and the artistry. Thank you for this creation and for being kind to the fans in meetings after the Believe recording and on the symphony tour.

Anthony Byrne, Andy Reilly, Ray Fean, Ewan Cowley, Dermot Kiernan Not only are you each gifted but you are also exceptional in your care and concern for your fans. And yes, YOUR fans. You earn them with every performance and with every kind interaction on stage and off. You are not only the best at your craft, but good people. Andy, Dermot, and Ray, I would encourage you to create a Facebook fan page as Ewan and Anthony have done. MySpace and Twitter really are not all they could be for nurturing your fan base.

Sarah Burke, and Amy Rivard. You may not be current members, but that fan base you built while with the group has stayed with you and still promotes and supports you. Your kindness to each of us is part of that. May all the best things come from the gifts you have and share.

Orlagh Fallon, and Alex Sharpe. Exceptional artists but also exceptional people. You both proved that this year on stage and even more so off stage with the incredible kindness showed to those familiar faces. You now do what you do on your own terms and it blesses both your family and your fans. May your careers be brilliant ones and the fans as numerous as the stars in the heavens.

Lisa Lambe. From opening night in Florida to my final show in Buffalo you nailed it and weaved those curly red locks around the hearts of many. It is clear you are a true professional and very well suited to your role. I appreciate those few special moments like the blown kisses, the meeting in Sioux Falls, and the tweets early on. You have a fan here and I'm sure you'll not take any of them for granted. Please consider a Facebook fan site like Lisa and Chloe have.

Chloe Agnew. Ave Marie. L'Assenza. Two songs that showcase both the power and the persona. It is my hope you'll never go pop but play to the strengths that songs like these give you. Every standing ovation is well earned. Thank you as well for taking the time twice on Twitter to answer questions from fans. It was very well received and very much appreciated.

Lisa Kelly. Oh my. Another child on the way? Well, boy or girl, the little one will be blessed. How could one not be with The Voice singing lullabies to them? By far and away you are the most interactive and caring of your individual fans on both Twitter and Facebook. You were the one God sent to unlock my own creative gifts. I will forever be grateful. Thank you. Stay in touch and I will make it my priority to keep you in the review loop from the 2012 tour on the Lisa forum. You and that little one on the way will remain in my prayers.

Máiréad, um, hmmm, ni Nesbitt? Mustapha? We'll just go with Máiréad Nesbitt for now. First and foremost I owe you an apology for being way too far over the top. That certainly is even more undesirable with you being married now. I'm just a fan. A very avid one to be sure. A passionate one for reasons you well know especially from the writings and now the fan documentary. Some things have been said by me and others this year better left unsaid. That may yet hold true again in the weeks to come. I am stepping back from all of that. Things have happened this year that change what has been. It will never be the same. Thank you for the inspirations. Thank you for allowing my heart to rest in your fiddle case for awhile. Thank you for helping me feel alive and love again like I had not known in over 20 years. Thank you for answering the question about who it was that had haunted my dreams. The only gifts I can give you now are prayers and to take several big steps back and simply revel in the artistry and magic of what you do and how you do it. I'm sorry for anything said or done in the past four years that may have given offense. You may see me from time to time at a show. The prayer for you has always been that you be happy, healthy, safe, prosperous, and that you know The Lord, and know the best, most unconditional and rewarding love a human can know.

So to all of you who read this, I had planned a more hard edged blog. I cannot. It is Christmas. It is time to move on to a new path in 2012 and wherever God takes me. I'll be very active in political speaking, on social commentary, and in getting my creations out there for publication and use. Celtic Woman now simply must be like a family reunion with those in the audience and to a lesser degree on stage. Merry Christmas to all, and have a blessed 2012. For me, 2011 was largely a year I could have done without. Perhaps it will be something to build on and the new year far more positive.

God bless, Scott

Believe it or not, I'm a Believer

Hello everyone!
Well quite a bit has happened since the last blog post. And in this post I want to let you know what I believe and what I don't. What you believe and whom you believe is up to you. But this will touch upon politics, business, and social areas, as well as my favorite area, Celtic Woman. Why the title? The name of the new Celtic Woman show is, Believe. We'll get to that later.

We are now in the last year of the current presidency of the United States. I do not believe we are headed in the right direction. I do not believe we have people in leadership positions in significant numbers to turn it around at any level of government. I believe the people are being summarily dismissed by the vast majority of elected officials. I do not believe in socialism. I also do not believe in anarchy. But somewhere in the middle of all of that is the constitution. I believe it is being bent, twisted, and corrupted by those in power to say what they want it to say to support their policies. I do not believe it is a "living document". If words are always open to interpretation then they lose their essential meaning. They mean what they meant when they were written. If you want to change things then there is an amendment process to do that. But those in power know the people do not support their increasing encroachment on every aspect of life and that any amendments that enable that would fail. So they go around it. I do not believe the President is legitimate as too many facts show he was not born in this country. I do not believe he is even remotely a Christian. I believe we have a great plenty of non-white candidates who could have done a far better job. i do not believe our government wants the country to succeed as an independent, free market, republic. I believe globalism is killing western nations and that Asian nations and others are laughing at us. I do not believe the government actually cares about education or health care. Follow the money. If the people are ignorant, poor, and dependent, then they are easy to control. "Education" died long ago when it became politically correct and about nothing but passing tests to receive funding. Likewise, if the people are given mediocre health care as they are in other nations with socialized medicine, then more will die. Fewer people are easier to control. Conspiracies? Maybe. But it is clear that the governments of western nations have joined others in having arrogance in power. They will not listen until they are too scared not to. I believe the 2012 elections will be the most vicious ever, and that neither party has the answers or truly wants to fix what they have done wrong. I believe every citizen needs to be fully educated in order to vote and that education cannot come from a biased media. If you believe in the constitution as written and in a better life for generations to come then please take an active interest and get involved regardless of your political persuasion.

Statistics lie. Both unemployment and inflation are at far higher levels than quoted. They will get worse. We are not in a recession, we are in a depression. The dollar will continue to loose ground as they print more to pay for things the people don't want. But I do not believe it is totally a government issue. I believe it also comes back to corporate greed. It is the relentless search to squeeze that last penny from people whether it is what a company charges or how it pays and treats its employees. Corporate America has become as bloated, inefficient, and arrogant as government. Less competition means you can treat your customers with less respect. Higher unemployment means you can treat your employees with less respect. I believe both are bad for our nation. Yet it is the same elitist mentality that runs both government and corporations in America. And once again, follow the money. It is all some care about. It is their god. I believe outsourcing and globalism are disasters and harm the great majority for the benefit of a few. I do not believe in isolationism, yet I do believe in taking care of your own first regardless of what country you are. No nation should be beholding or under the thumb of some larger entity whether it is the EU or the UN. The Robin Hood syndrome only produces more misery as the middle class shrinks, the poor grow, and the rich get rich at the expense of both. Helping others and charity should never be forced or it is resented as are the ones who supposedly get the aid.

I believe all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. I do not believe in political correctness or in perks to various groups done out of guilt. I believe all humans err but can and are forgiven. I do not believe that entitles people to continue treating others poorly. I do not believe it is our right to condemn another person. Yet I do believe we have every right to condemn someone's actions and hold people accountable. I do not believe in special rights for specific groups but equal rights that are already in the constitution. I do not believe in abortion or in homosexual "marriage". But I do believe that each must decide for themselves and not be persecuted for it. That we do not agree with someone does not give the right to commit violent acts against them in a free society. I believe we as Americans must be a united people in spite of our differing views and beliefs. I believe we must drop the hyphens and simply be Americans for a nation divided against itself cannot stand. Yet our own government and media do just that in dividing the people.

Then we come to the passion of my life for the past four years, Celtic Woman, and its artists. I believe they are the premier ensemble of artists ever created. I believe each has exceptional talent that has blessed them in rising beyond in a nation packed to the rafters with talented artists of all kinds. I believe each of the artists know that they have been blessed and still remain humble in large measure. I believe the operation of the tours in the states can and should be better. I believe communications internally between the various aspects involved can be much better especially between the promoter and the various PBS stations. Once again, in Atlanta, we saw what happens when it works right and when it doesn't. The first night was totally handled by PBA30, the Atlanta PBS station. will call was efficient and the venue wonderful with its staff. The seating for those who pledged was excellent. That combined with an incredible fan gathering, and a beautiful new show to make for a perfect day. The audience rose in song after song to give ovations and move the artists as they had seldom if ever been before. They earned every bit of it in this latest David Downes gem. The primary artists, Chloe Agnew, Lisa Lambe, Lisa Kelly, and the feisty Máiréad Nesbitt combined with their marvelous band and choir as well as a children's choir, and bagpipe band, to make Believe a huge success that will doubtlessly tour to very receptive audiences. I believe in spite of an ever more poor economy that this ensemble will weather the storm. We need what they offer. I believe they offer what no one else in entertainment does and it is positive and uplifting for any generation. I believe most music in this day is forced upon a public by labels and promoters and it is all about money. While the Celtic Woman artists certainly want to be paid well, I believe for them it is still largely about the music and the performance. i can see it in their eyes in show after show as they interact with their familiar faces who love them so much. In the pub after the show the first night the fans mixed with band, choir, and techs, and it was pure family. Certainly there were some fans who sought autographs or photos, but it was not the mobbing some might have predicted. It is just not our way. Celtic Woman fans for the most part respect that private space and time. Yet the artists were gracious in stopping by our table and chatting with us later on. The fans at my table kept using that same word, family, and it was a premier day from start to finish for all involved.

But the next day once again the inefficiency and lack of communications made itself known again. Three stations were involved in pledging for that day. Will call was offered starting much later than the day before. That created angst in the avid fans enough so that dinners were cut short to get in line early. If you were there early things went smoothly enough yet it did not have to be such a rush. The Fox Theater staff are first rate and the stations staffed several will call areas. I would recommend the Fox to any performing group and to anyone attending a show. Once again, though, most of those who pledged were "treated" to poor seating. While the average person who attends a show could really care less, the avid fans who pay more for a ticket should be given the premium seats. That is especially so when they travel form all parts of the country. Again, as happens on tour, those who pledged were never told their seats or even the sections they would be in. Most were in the back 1/4 of the venue. This is something I relayed to PBS President, Paula Kerger, back in April after the near disaster at Springfield Illinois. Every station MUST have the tickets in hand when they take a pledge, and MUST offer the best seats to those who call in first. Neither GPB, nor the two Tennessee stations did that. I have worked with dozens of stations since 2007 and am building a good file on which ones do things right and which ones do not. In this event PBA30 did it right just as they did on the spring tour. GPB and the others did not, from that silly lottery meet & greet that wound up with vacancies on the spring tour, to the poor seating at this show, they need to get their act together. Something else that I have to say as well. The avid fan communities made a concerted effort to turn out big for this recording. They did so and drove the audience that first night to an all time high. the next night, while still a decent audience, it could not compare as the vast majority of the avid supporters were well back in the audience and those in the pit seats seemed glued to their chairs. That is disrespectful to the artists to not provide them the very best. I give kudos to the artists and even Scott Porter for the responses given on Twitter after the events. However, I do believe that once again Mr. Porter missed a golden opportunity to connect with the ones who are the biggest contributors from the fan base. We were in the venue the entire day that first day. Yet he was "too busy" to stop up for five minutes. I do not believe that. He also had the chance to pop into the pub afterwards and do the same and again chose not too. I am at a loss as to why he evades fans personally as though they have the plague. I am also at a loss as to why the principal four were once again carted off the first night and not in the pub. The fan base has proven itself time and again yet the paranoia of keeping them under close guard continues. It was nice, however, that some fans were treated to seeing them by the stage door the second night. It would seem though that there is still this fear of male fans on the part of those calling the shots. I do not get that sense from the ladies themselves and never have. The avid fans are every bit as protective of these precious gems as the ones internally charged with guarding them. I do not believe that the recording in Atlanta had anything to do with the cancellation of the UK tour. Everyone went on a break. While I think these hard working artists deserve lots of breaks, they had just come off a long one after the German tour. American fans should not be blamed by UK fans for what happened. I do not believe the group will tour the UK in the future as they will no longer be welcome after two cancelled tours. That having been said, the continent is embracing the ensemble quite well and has already been booked for next year.

So, another long speech. Some will like it, some will not. It is what it is. All of life is what it is. But for me this past four years I live for life's experiences, its relationships, and its beauty. I have found no greater beauty in humankind than in the music and magic of Celtic Woman and its artists. Perfect? No. But nothing else and no one else have ever inspired me to write the volumes I have in poetry and prose. God owns my soul. A certain fiddler owns my heart. Love, if it is real, is both unconditional and giving. an unrequited love is still love and it still produces positive things if channeled properly. I believe we are headed as a world and a nation into incredibly dark times. But I believe in the power of The Holy Spirit, the power of music that comes from it, and the power of love that can and does overcome any challenge. In those things I am a true believer. What do you believe? I Believe I'll go see more Celtic Woman shows, God willing. God bless 'em in spite of the flaws in the system. Cheers, Scott

Government excess, riots, spoiled brats, the needy, and feral humans part II

I see a world turning ever darker, ever more desperate, ever more angry, ever more selfish, and ever more violent. I see the forces of darkness and light aligning and preparing to face off against one another. Amidst it all there are points of life, love, and hope. No, not the phony hope politicians who want votes dispense, but the real hope in greater things and in a greater power.

I've watched the world slowly erode this year both from natural forces and that of humankind. Horrific stories of earthquakes, tsunamis, major storms, floods, drought, and heat. We can do nothing about those things but it seems Mother Earth is rather grumpy to say the least. Such things are ages old and Scripture speaks about them as well. But there are things we can control if we unite and do so. Those are the things humankind is doing to itself at the hands of its leaders and its criminals. At times they are one and the same.

Government excess has run rampant over the citizens around the world. It begins with the greed of the elite in power not only in government but in other positions of power. Don't get me wrong, if you earn it honestly and harm no one in the process then you deserve it. Yet you should also have compassion and voluntarily share it with those in need. But it seems that the elite in power have an all consuming need to own it all. The resulting backlash in places all across the planet is predictable. It comes when government promises too much, can't possibly deliver, yet takes more and more without the will of the people. Such was the case beginning in Egypt and spread throughout North Africa and West Asia. Such is the case in the imploding nations of the EU. Every one of those nations should promptly remove itself and the EU should be done away with. Such violence will likely soon be the case in other nations including our own. You cannot promise to do everything for the people, take more and more yet spend beyond it, then deliver nothing or deliver poorly. It is a formula bound to fail and it has in nation after nation. I keep hearing "tax the wealthy" yet that denies the reality that the folks in charge ARE the wealthy. It also denies that you could take every asset from every so called wealthy person and not even pay a fraction of the interest on the debt. How about the Federal Reserve rescind interest payments on the debt? Oh no, the bankers won't do that! If you actually put teeth in taxing the wealthy they have the ability to simply pick up and leave. No, the real target is the middle class who will bear the brunt of any tax policy. The goal of governments around the world is a two class society of ruling elite and serfs. The latter are to be dependent, ignorant, and poor. Middle class is too much of a threat to the elite. So what has the lunacy of policy and elitist greed and thought wrought?

The result has been violence with the latest taking place in the UK. Mobs of spoiled brats take to the streets, loot, burn, and hurt people because they cannot have what they want simply handed to them. So they take it. It is not totally their doing. It is the way they have been conditioned in the home, schools, and media. These are mainly young males without work, but some are truly children. Unemployment is rising quickly in western nations. They are bored, angry, and spoiled. They see no prospect at earning and the austerity programs due to government abuse mean less given to them. People should have never been promised such a thing to begin with. If you feed a wild animal long enough it will become dependent and not able to feed itself. When you take it away it either starves or goes on a foraging rampage. Such is the cost of government programs that simply give after taking from others. It removes incentive from both groups. All the while the truly needy of the planet are ignored. Not that handouts are the answer for them either. Everyone deserves the dignity of earning their own way to support themselves and their families. That is robbed of them again by governments who horde it for themselves and their elite friends.

In the states we have been told our national credit rating has dropped a notch. It should have been dropped several. The insatiable appetite of the ruling elite in DC, all of whom are millionaires, could not be quenched. As they spend more and more beyond their means they print more money (if not in reality but on paper) and they erode the currency. While they vote themselves regular pay raises their policies create inflation which erodes the average citizen's ability to make ends meet let alone get ahead. They have lied about figures to cover their tracks. Inflation is actually at 12% and not the low single digits they claim. How is that? In the 1980's they removed food and fuel from the statistics. Do you go out and by a fridge or TV every week? a car? A house? No. They have also lied about unemployment. Each week more go on the unemployment rolls yet others disappear when their benefits run out. Yet media says that new claims for unemployment are down. It leads the average person to think unemployment is down. It is not. Only the newly unemployed applications are fewer than the week before. See the spin? We are at between 25-30% unemployment and rising. Add that to rising costs due to inflation and you see a recipe for the same thing here you are seeing in the UK. It is only a matter of time and simply needs a trigger. Be ready.

It takes me back to an earlier blog about feral humans. Undisciplined beasts who operate only on base instinct. They want what they want and will simply take it. Doesn't matter if its money, sex, or something that belongs to someone else. It would seem many in the ruling elite are feral humans just as much as the unruly and violent mobs on the streets. The people have been divided against themselves by those who rule and their affiliates. It is time to cohere as one body and in an orderly way take back what is ours by law in the Constitution. Those in power should be trembling as the economy and society will only degrade more before the 2012 elections. It is a formula for even greater grab for power by governments as they squelch the violence their own policies created. You need only look at the TSA to see how far it can go in encroaching on your rights. If you want it, earn it. That includes freedom. Don't leave it to others to do it for you. The founders of this nation did not.

On another more pleasant note we have the beauty that is Celtic Woman. They are coming to the states in September to do a new DVD recording. They will be overwhelmed by their audience of avid and energetic fans. The artists have earned that even if those that surround them have not. The show is without flaw in general with few exceptions. It is uplifting and inspiring in a time when we need such things. While some critics grumble about it being staged and artificial, those of us frequent concert goers know the genuine nature of the artists and the nuances of each night. Don't mistake choreography for a lack of passion or inability to touch deeply at the heart. The schedule has always been a busy one and thus some have left. Those that remain and the new additions continue the legacy of quality in artistry and care for their craft and their fans. Yes, there are still bugs in the system as revealed of late by yet another end to shows in the UK. That is twice now and the reason given seems a bit skeptical for many. It will likely end any decent support for the ensemble in the UK ever again. Yet on the continent they were met with great sales and great audiences. Enough so they will return this fall and again next spring. The artists themselves are busy people and thus at times less than attentive on line to fans and forums. But it is also understood the massive amount of comments to wade through and they cannot possibly respond to them all. In my opinion each of the artists should be following their fan forums on Twitter. But here I must single out the newest Celtic Woman, Lisa Lambe, for going out of her way to make the kindest remarks to her fan forum and for sending messages and tweets to some individuals. There was a time when they all did that. Perhaps it is because she is new and not jaded. The core three seem a bit more encroached upon and seem to have backed off a bit. I'd like to think the success isn't going to their heads. That delightful fiddler had been wonderfully supportive of her forum yet has not been so much of late. She did tweet to her forum back in April which was very sweet. The charity drive in her name is going incredibly well in spite of the awful economy. Chloe has never responded to her forum on either Twitter or FB. No idea why but that forum is still very strong and very active with fans around the world. Lisa Kelly responds reasonably well on Facebook by at least clicking the like button which is a nice signal she is still connected. Former choir members Amy Rivard, Julian David Edwards, and Sarah Burke have been wonderful this year in responding to their fans. Amy and Sarah have forums and they have said very kind things about them. Former CW ladies Meav, Orlagh, Deirdre, and Alex have been responsive in various ways to their fans and Orlagh has been quite successful in her solo tours. Lynn Hilary seems willing to ignore the fans she won for whatever reason, which may simply be her personal discomfort with individual attention. Current choir member Dermot Kiernan has been the most responsive to fans is currently on a very special trek in Spain. A new show will be born soon and with it more inspiration and ever more devotion by the fan base. If you focus on the positive, things of true beauty, peace, and love, then all the ugly and negative of this world fades to the background. It doesn't mean you ignore it, but it means you are better equipped to face it. God bless the artists past and present of Celtic Woman for bringing so many of us the kind of joy that can only be counted as a gift from God. We'll see you and a huge throng of fans in Atlanta.

Peace, Scott

We can do this!

Hello everyone!

Well this has been an interesting day to say the least. I just finished with a meeting in Santa Fe. I had been looking forward to this for a few weeks. The meeting was with Paula Kerger who is the president of PBS. The timing of her visit to Santa Fe was perfect to say the least. So I wrote up a lengthy communiqué after having sent an initial letter a couple weeks ago prompted by the events leading up to the Springfield Illinois show. I’ll not go into details about all that but suffice it to say I and others were at our limit for the lack of planning, coordination, and communication that seems to surround our favorite artists. So rather than just gripe about it I’m a person of action not just words. There are flaws in the system and have been from day one that needed to be addressed and now they have with people who can actually make a difference. Celtic Woman would not exist were it not for PBS. None of the artists would be as well known as they are without the vehicle for them that Celtic Woman has become. The artistic elements have been top drawer from the beginning. Each of the artists past and present has endeared themselves to a great many people. The music and the messengers are healing and powerful forces that have touched many lives deeply and in positive ways. I’ve heard countless stories to that effect in person and on line. So, as a supporter of these amazing artists and an advocate for a large and avid section of their audience I believe the mechanism that surrounds the artists needs serious refining.

I’d like to thank Paula Kerger, Polly Anderson (station manager of KNME), Heidi Brown, Franz Joachim, and all the staff at KNME for this opportunity. It was a nice evening with plenty of discussion about PBS, its future, its challenges, and thinks on the horizon of interest. I was able to give Heidi a document to pass along to Ms. Kerger with some of the details of that below. I also told her my story and gave her a Liv CD. I was also able to discuss my show idea and found a receptive audience from the station and look forward to the possibilities there. Ms. Kerger made it clear that KNME was in the upper echelon of stations in the PBS system in many ways. I agree and some things I chatted with Heidi about are exciting too. Stay tuned for that. Thanks again to KNME and Paula Kerger. It was well worth the drive. Thanks to PBS for bringing us Celtic Woman and other great programming. A photo of Ms. Kerger and I is included here in this post.

So what did I put in my communiqué to Ms. Kerger and what did we discuss? I’ve always been a firm believer that you don’t gripe without offering solutions. I’ve gone into many a business in my life and created positions for myself to address shortcomings in their operations. My ability to do that here is limited. So what are the areas I and others see as flaws? One is the inconsistencies from station to station and show to show on seating and on price. Another that dovetails with it is the lack of advanced planning and prompt confirmation of tours and shows that results in scrambles right up to the start of a tour. Finally there is the issue of fan relations and communications. I went into great detail from my own experience of 60 shows as well as stories from other fans and the challenges they faced. I explained that in a time where funding from both government and private sources is drying up PBS cannot afford to have its stations or donors mistreated.

On any given tour there are dozens of stations pledging for Celtic Woman shows. Celtic Woman has been the number one fund raiser for most stations almost since the group began. But for the most part those stations are kept out of the loop on changes in the line up that have occurred over the years. This may be lack of communications on the part of Celtic Woman or a lack of diligence on the part of a given station. In any case, not a show goes by without questions about who left and why. Easy enough to solve up front if there is a desire to do so. As we have found out in the fan community there are many who are all about one specific artist in the group. They leave a show wanting when caught by surprise when their girl is no longer there. Changes must be communicated during the pledge drive. Very simple. But the more pressing matters are the seats. Many stations do not have the tickets in hand when a pledge drive offers the show. In fact many don’t have a clue as to what seats they will be given. So the person who calls in to pledge is engaged in a crap shoot in hopes they will get the best seats in the house. Many times it works out but in quite a few it does not. In my communiqué I detailed several where it did not. Part of this is the late planning of tours. Most every successful artist or group publishes their entire year schedule so folks can plan. You’re lucky to get a few months warning from Celtic Woman. They are dragged kicking and screaming to posting schedules when diligent fans run across leaks and spread the word. Most people need notice enough to let an employer know they will be out of town if traveling to a show. Not everyone is well healed and can just pop off to a show at the drop of a hat. Most aren’t going to travel a distance for an average seat. Let me be clear that while PBS offers tickets and meet & greets as a “gift” nearly everyone views them as a purchase. They assume they will acquire the best seats in the house based upon how early they call in and pledge. They have every right to expect that. But at some venues, such as Red Rocks, the promoter controls the venue and does not give PBS the best seats. You don’t know that when you call in and it is not disclosed. Frequent concert attendees discover that by trial and error. Why would you pay a mark up price for a seat far worse than just buying it through a ticket agency? The reason is you don’t know and in some cases neither does PBS. Meet & greet tickets should universally be pit seats if that section exists at a given venue. No exceptions. The station in New Mexico has an outstanding lady there who makes certain if a show cannot assure best seats in the house for her donors then she won’t pledge the show. Every station needs to take that same approach. If the promoter, Madstone, cannot do that then the station should decline the show until they can. In addition tickets for the show must be in the hands of the station prior to the pledge and a donor told exactly what seats they have acquired with their pledge.

One way to address this is the way Ovation and Ticketmaster handled it in Australia in 2010. The system was simple and uniform. You went on line and to the show you wanted to attend. You pulled up the seating chart of the venue and selected the exact seat you wanted. You then checked the box if you wanted the meet & greet package. The price was uniform for each of the seven shows at $350. What did you get for that? The seat of your choice from the ones available, a pre-show cocktail gathering, a goodie bag with a signed program, breast cancer awareness ribbon, bottle of water, an Ovation DVD, a lanyard with a Celtic Woman VIP pass, and the post show meet & greet with the four girls. No Russian roulette with seating, no waiting for the tickets and passes, and a uniform price and experience from show to show. Ticketmaster/Live Nation and PBS need to make that same arrangement here. Drop the Madstone middleman. The pledge occurs on line and a portion of the proceeds goes to the station sponsoring a given show. The price is the same from station to station. Bringing that system about may take some work but it is not that difficult if the desire is there to streamline the system and make it fair to all. In addition, a uniform price that is reasonable would allow most to afford a meet & greet whereas now in some places only the elite can afford such a thing.

One thing PBS has started doing at some stations is to have a lottery for meet & greets. There is no extra charge for the meeting. Nice in theory but has proven to be poor in practice. Why have some stations gone that route? Two reasons. First, stations did not want to field angry calls because the seats for the meet & greet tickets were poor. Well they should never be poor. See the above paragraphs. Second, too many people were disappointed their favorite girl wasn’t one of the two at the meet & greet. There’s an easy way to cure that one of two ways. Announce with the tour schedule which two will be at the meet & greet, or have all four at the meeting. Barring that the lottery becomes a pure gift and you get what you get. But the system is not properly run. Not everyone who pledges wants a meet & greet yet all are thrown in the hat to be drawn. Some may have no desire, others are too shy, and others may not have the extra time after the show. So, how do you address that? When a pledge calls in you ask them if they want the meet & greet. If they do not then they do not go into the drawing. If there are no shows, as there have been on this tour, then you have a list of standbys to call to fill the vacancies. Simple. It is all about customer service.

That’s where we go next. You see EMI, Madstone, CW LTD, Ticketmaster/Live Nation, and PBS, you aren’t just in the entertainment business. You’re in the customer service business. Like it or not. If you don’t like fans and all they bring with them then don’t tour. Without them you may as well just busk on the streets of Dublin. That having been said, it is understood that the artists can only do so much. They have lives of their own and are entitled to their free time. The Celtic Woman tour schedules over the years have not been kind in allowing a real life outside the group or during a tour. This year thus far has been better. Changes were also made this year in the personnel Madstone has on tour and the Celtic Woman personnel at the after show meetings. Dustin with Madstone and Bubba with Celtic Woman are outstanding and actually seem to like what they’re doing! Novel concept. Gone is the grumpy rep Madstone had before who clearly was not a people person. Gone from customer contact though still with the tour is the Celtic Woman tour manager. She was moody and you never knew which mood you were going to get. At times she has been great and at others wicked witch suits her perfectly. Now they are calling her “product” manager, a term I find disgusting. The artists are people not products. In any case, the changes have been refreshing.

But there still exists this phobia about fans, especially male ones. They seem to have bought into this politically correct garbage that all males are a threat and predators. But others too have been made to feel like they are some sort of threat such as a woman and little boy who were denied a brief meeting recently with the artist the little boy admired so much. OK, I get that the suits are worried they might lose a precious meet & greet dollar. Guess what, you won’t! I get that you think if you grant one such request you’ll have to grant hundreds more. Not true either. I will say that there have been times when Celtic Woman has been very gracious for special events and the artists most accommodating. Those are rare events but certainly appreciated. One thing that has happened in the past few months is an increase in online activity by the artists. Chloe and Lisa K have blogs (they no longer seem to use) as well as Facebook and Twitter sites that get a good workout. Lisa Lambe is on Twitter as is Mairead. The latter also has a blog she uses to good effect now and then. But it is apparent to many that the artists respond on their sites almost exclusively to females with only a few exceptions. What fans need to realize though is that on Twitter these artists are followed by hundreds of people and simply cannot respond to all of them. If you get a response you’re pretty lucky. Several though and it begins to look like a bit too much favoritism and folks won’t understand why. Some have received private messages on Twitter from some of them and that is just fine. Nice touch and no one else needs to know. Some have been good at answering fan questions while others have not. The issue was pressed recently and now all the girls are taking questions on Twitter (a neutral site) with answers to be given in a series of video postings. Good idea and one well received. So, in some ways things have improved. But clearly some inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and phobias need to be addressed. It is better for PBS and their stations, their donors aka Celtic Woman fans, and the artists themselves. That way all can get back to enjoying their role in it all. It is my hope that addressing these challenges with people who can actually make a difference that a better system can be put into place. What the suits need to know is that if the artists are happy, and the fans are happy, the bottom line will be happy. The economy is only going to get worse. So let’s do this together and get back to what brought us all together. Have a great rest of the tour and safe travels, Celtic Woman!

That’s it for now, Scott

Constructive efforts

Hi there!

Well, here we are getting ready for another birthday celebration. It has been wonderful to be there now three years running to support a certain fiddler on her special night and represent many others as well. There will be plenty of others in Springfield to do the same this year, which is great. The past couple years have seen so few at the show to do that. More this year than ever before.

I've been busy working on forum things after Destiny stepped down due to schedule conflicts. Just some internal shuffling, cleaning up, and getting a new slate of mods. Once all that is done I'll be stepping down there to simply just a member and fan. I've wanted to do that for awhile and have done so in other forums already. I see the forum put up a blog post yesterday:

http://maireadforum.blogspot.com/2011/04/for-record.html

That has always been the case that the forum speaks for itself. At times the leadership has needed to speak up for members when there have been irregularities but its chief role is to support, promote and stand by the artist. I realize there are those out there who are more contentious and even I have been at times. No point in that really. All I want to do is my own small part in supporting this amazing violinist and her music. Stepping away is the best way to do that as Mike is perfectly capable of being a great representative of all her fans. Heck, he'll hit 100 shows later this year! Amazing.

The other constructive thing will happen next week when I have a very important meeting to discuss flaws in the system from a fan perspective with people who can make a difference in it. Be looking for an extensive blog post on about the 28th. I've always believed you can't just gripe but need to offer solutions when there are challenges in any business. I've done that in many businesses and to good effect.

It is likely Sioux Falls will be my last show with a few exceptions such as Mike's 100th show and ones closer to home. It has been an interesting four years to say the least. My thanks to everyone along the way who made it special and especially a certain violinist from the Emerald Isle. Luv ya pixie dust. Happy birthday.

From beneath the arch, Scott

Brooke, the wave, and a life persepctive

Take a good look at the photo posted here. Look again. A little while ago I finished a phone call from Brooke Donnell who is currently in Japan assisting medical relief efforts. Brooke is Irish. I met her and her soon to be beau in 2009 in Raleigh at a Celtic Woman show. Since then we have become good friends and of late she has been very supportive in some internal struggles I've been having. Brooke is an MD of the natural sort and was heading for China to spend a few months learning additional herbal uses. Her boyfriend Sean is a musician and was to join her after he finished some studio work in the states. The earthquake and tsunami in Japan changed all that. She found her way via creative means to Japan. It then took her awhile to find her way into the system and a place on a team headed for Sendai. It took her almost 24 hours to get there. It is still a very dangerous place and she asked me to convey her story. I'll do more than that as the photo I came across here sent me literally waves of thoughts and perspectives. Be warned that this blog post could be quite long.

Brooke found the country in turmoil yet in orderly turmoil. She said the Japanese people, though in shock, were resilient and focused. She made her way to a hospital and was directed to an aid group of foreign workers. In short order, after looking at her credentials she was assigned a team and soon treating some people in a Tokyo suburb before getting on a transport headed north. She said the roads were a mess and choked with traffic and as she got closer more debris. They took a rather circuitous route to eventually arrive near the very large and heavily damaged city of Sendai. She is now treating masses of injured. She is tired, hungry, and a bit scared as Irish are not exactly used to earthquakes. She has only brief spurts of internet and phone available and Twitter is her best route right now. She and Sean share the Twitter page but it's new and they aren't all that energetic about letting people know about it. The call ended abruptly as she said it might. She plans to stay as long as needed and Sean will join her. She said she was playing Celtic Woman's Lullaby CD and also Máiréad Nesbitt's Raining Up CD for her patients at a make shift facility. She said she wished she had more of her own supplies but is making do with what she has learned in natural healing and therapy. As she was talking I went online to look at photos and found the one posted here. It stunned me and when the call ended I simply stared at the image. Please pray for all those in the disaster zones in both Japan and New Zealand in these ongoing tragedies. God bless you, Brooke, for being there and taking the risks to save lives.

My own troubles and concerns suddenly paled in light of Brooke's conversation and this photo I cannot stop looking at. It accented part of what I had been concerned about but set aside all the rest. Look at this photo closely again. What if you were in one of the cars you see in the picture? Here is a huge wall of water and a roaring sound. You look up and all you see is this massive wave about to end your life. What are you thinking right now? What will your final thoughts be about? What is the most important thing you will leave behind? Or have you been just like that wave in your own life and left in your wake nothing but debris and destruction? Do your petty jealousies and hate matter? Does what or who you control matter? Do your money and possessions matter? All you will truly leave behind will be the legacy of how you treated others and the words that ring in their ears and in their hearts.

It is Lent right now. A time when we Christians reflect on the life and words of our savior Jesus Christ. What did He leave behind? Important lessons and words that survive to this day. The kindness and gentleness yet firm resolve of what was and has always been right. There is no stuff. Just the thoughts and memories of those who knew Him and His own words. In the end that is what each of us leave that truly matters. Some leave that in the form of the written or spoken word. Some leave it in music. Some leave it in a painting, drawing, or sculpture. Then there are the memories and stories of you passed along by family, friends and co-workers. Are they good ones? Are the last words you utter to anyone ones of anger or hate? Look at the photo again. Life is that short. It can end that quickly. There is no time for petty complaints. There is no time for your own agenda. The wave is here. In one form or another that wave will take you. What were the people in this scene doing the day before the wave took them? What are you doing and saying today? The wave is coming. Look at the photo again. If the person you dislike the most were the only one within reach of you as the wave bent over you would your hate matter any more? Stop. Look at the photo again. To all of you who read this blog you can see in all the previous posts little lessons good and bad. You can see both peace and conflict. You can see trivial concerns but also deep beliefs and strong emotions. As I look at the photo again I know what matters and I know what I want to leave behind as the wave looms over me and it isn't hate, anger, jealousy, control, or useless stuff. It is the power of love in the spoken and written word of poetry and prose. Each day is a huge gift. Did the people about to be swept away by this wave know that? Do you?

I have been inspired over the past almost four years to write. That inspiration has come in large part by an amazing Irish fiddler and by some of the most moving music on the planet. She and her friends and their music are a healing force. I just read a paper the other day while judging a science fair that reinforced that power in the right kind of music. Inspiration at times has come from other places as well. But there can be no more powerful image than the one posted here to shake one into the reality of how quickly life can end and how important every moment leading up to it can be. Let your inspirations move you to create and not destroy. Be a positive force in the lives of others and surround yourself with positive and uplifting things that inspire you all the more. Then when that wave comes to you all you need to think about is the one you love most and to utter the simple words, "I love you. Goodbye."

Scott/moscapoet

New year, new tour, new faces, and new forums

Hello everyone!

Well I am fresh off the opening two nights of the Celtic Woman tour which began in Lakeland and Orlando Florida. Lots of new faces and new policies to talk about there!

First, though, Allow me to introduce you to new new forums and new faces leading established ones. There is a new forum for Alex Sharpe that will focus on her current and future work. It will dovetail with the already existing Alex forum that was down for a couple weeks due to technical issues. Leaders of the new forum are Dave and Destiny who are also its creators. Dave and Destiny have also teamed up on a marvelous forum for new Celtic Woman Lisa Lambe, lovingly called the emerald meadow. So before LL even hit the touring trail she was already building a new core fan base to support her with Celtic Woman and beyond. Both sites are marvelous.

Existing forums are now under new leadership as I stepped aside to focus on other things. I have always been a firm believer in term limits whether it be politics, business, or forums. No one should be leader for life. We are seeing what happens throughout the world when some think they should be. it simply isn't healthy and that includes such less world shaking things as fan forums. Scott Taylor is now admin in the Chloe Agnew forum. That forum continues to grow and he is joined in Global moderator roles by Karen from Canada and Kelly from Massachusetts. Kelly is also GM in the LL forum. John Mann is now admin of the Lynn Hilary forum. There are few who compare to John in his enthusiasm for this willowy Irish songbird. He is joined by Amy and Emily as global moderators, both of whom are avid supporters. Jim Allens' Lisa Kelly forum is still run by Jim as that is his labor of love and I am there to support him in a lesser role. Mike Brown and Destiny Jacobson are now the admins in the Máiréad forum. My role there is still active but far more muted. So, regardless of the Celtic woman artist you have a home for your favorite.

Celtic Woman has some new faces on stage and off and they all seem to be winners from what I saw at the opening two shows. Off stage there are some new road crew personnel. Judging by what I saw there were little if any gaffs in the technical aspects of the show. Most enjoyable though are Bubba Dixon and a new lad named Dustin who appear to be the new folks who will conduct the meet & greets. Bubba did a superb and professional job in Australia and Dustin is a very likable gent. Mitch from Madstone was still around but stayed in the background. Rachel Davis was there as well but only observing and she was delightful in Orlando. There is also now a new policy allowing photos at the meet & greets with whichever two artists are present. These are not ones where you can pose with the artist but simply ones you take during the normal course of events. There was no item handed out for you to have signed any more so bring your own. You are allowed a total of three items for that as opposed to five from last year. No problem as the photo ops are well worth that trade. So, very smart moves by Celtic Woman and much appreciated.

On stage there are many new faces. Andy Reilly on drums now in for the very busy Nick Bailey who is off with his fine band Extreme Rhythm. Ewan Cowley now in for the retiring Des Moore who was a fixture from day one and a very gifted artist. Ewan is yet another fine musician. One new male choir member and three new choir girls to get used to and all did just fine. Most notable is new front line artist, Lisa Lambe, who is in for Lynn Hilary who left at the end of the Oz tour. No replacement for Alex Sharpe who left after the spring tour. That void is still felt. Likely a monetary consideration given the EMI bankruptcy. Lisa Lambe is a lively and lovely lass with a great vocal gift. While the song set remains the same as before she makes her own stamp on what Lynn had been doing. You really have to experience her rendition of Dulaman.

So, 2011 is indeed one of great and positive changes. Alex has a Twitter site, as does Lisa Lambe and Máiréad Nesbitt. Lisa Kelly and Chloe Agnew do as well plus fan pages for themselves on Facebook. So, there are lots of ways to support your favorite. Enjoy it and we'll see you again later in the spring.

Enjoy the show, Scott

Now perhaps something more positive

Hello!

Ah right then. Got that out of our system. So, 2011 is here and a full year is ahead of us. What will you do with it? It will be what you make of it. Plenty of negative news will happen but we each have our own lives to tend to as well as those around us.

Three things will see you through the worst of times. Faith, family, and friends. No, not work, not government, not possessions. All of those are secondary to the relationships and experiences. Another thing to help you through your year is surrounding yourselves with the most uplifting things and people in life. Lots of really awful things to choose from out there but also lots of exceptional things and people. The artists and music of a certain Irish group get me through a lot. Changes within that organization are troubling but what remains is still amazing. Plenty to look forward to in the new year as well on that front.

The best resolution one can make is to get the old negative things holding you back out of your system and leave them behind. New year brings change and new beginnings. We may not like all that unfolds in 2011 but can choose to embrace the positive.

For me it will mean new writing, more adventures, though fewer of them, and a more vigorous work schedule. Take the time to appreciate the good people around you and to smell the flowers. Enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise. Take a walk along the beach or through a forest. Make the changes you need in your life to fill it with the things of real beauty and not the artificial stuff of this world. Finally, look to a higher authority and develop your spirit. It can be a beautiful world if you discard the negative people and things in your life.

So I hope for each of you that it will be a great 2011 no matter the challenges, and that you'll be a blessing to others. The past is what it is and you learn from it. That is it's value. Living in it is another thing and serves nothing. Certainly that is what I have taken from the first few days in 2011. The rest of this year you will see here reviews, travel adventures, poems, and excerpts from my first book. Positives. Stay tuned and enjoy your shows.

Cheers, Scott

Christmas, 2010, 2011, great people and feral humans

Hello everyone!

Well what can one say but life is such a mix. The year 2010 was another amazing one for me personally and a transition for many folks I know and care about. It was great to be out and touring again at a few stops with Celtic Woman. Nineteen shows in all for me on the spring, summer, and Oz tours. Along the way I met some great people for the first time and renewed meetings with others. Some lovely forum moments occurred at various places thanks to the wonderful people in the Máiréad Nesbitt fan forum. Too many to name but without some of them 2010 would have been not much of a year for me.

So why do I go to so many shows? It is for one person only and that is Máiréad who is muse, inspiration, and the brightest star in my life. She and her friends on stage are lovely people and not much at all like others in their business. Let's hope the closer ties to New York City and the attitude of the industry doesn't change that. A community was created in Máiréad's name with her forum that is a wonderful place of giving and positives. Certainly she inspires that in others and it translates to charitable giving which will continue in 2011. The year that passed saw great transitions within the group. Alex Sharpe left at the end of the spring tour but in 2011 she may very well bring us her first solo CD. She is now tweeting away happily on Twitter. A lovely fan site was created for her and we'll see what else pops up in 2011. Lynn Hilary left Celtic Woman at the end of the Oz tour to spend more time in Ireland. Again another big blow to many in the base of support. Yet she too may produce some nice things in 2011. Nick Bailey, Des Moore, and now all of the female choir members have also left the group. That is a 50% loss rate in one year and really very troubling. any business with a turnover rate like that has some issues no matter how much of a pretty face they paint on it. So, 2011 will bring a lot of new faces to the stage with that ensemble including latest front line addition, Lisa Lambe. She has already stuck her toes in the water with a performance in Germany and seems to be a good fit vocally and in personality. February will be my first chance to experience that. Celtic Woman made their first appearance in Australia in 2010 and was very well received. In 2011 we'll see them in Germany and who knows where else along with perhaps yet another new show recording. We'll see. It will be a very busy year for them and one that once again keeps them away from home much of the year. It does not have to be that way but the money people call the shots. What happens with EMI remains to be seen but many of us are hoping for a takeover by Sony as that label treats its artists better and does not demand long exhausting tours. A good way to bring in 2011 would be a goodbye to some of the old like EMI and Madstone and their elitist NYC industry attitude about artists and about fans. I won't hold my breath. Either way support for Máiréad will continue from myself and certainly from the ever growing membership in her fan forum. The ever present fiddler crossing signs will be there culminating on her birthday in Springfield. There are a great many wonderful fans out there outside the OFG empire. Mike Brown comes to mind as he has attended 80 shows and helped many others attend as well. Folks like Tony Picallo have spent hundreds of thousands in support of these artists and and saw to it a great many others could attend when they otherwise could not. Both are inspired by the music and the kindness of the artists and the changes in their lives and not by kissing the backside of management and vice versa. Certainly two different sorts of men but it goes to show the diverse spectrum this ensemble and their music touch. Not the best thing to put all your eggs in one basket when a fox is in charge of the hen house. Anyway, enough of that, happy new year to him too. Love thy enemy ya know. Forgive is the message of Christmas.

Christmas for me was spent quietly as it always is. One new tradition began in 2007 and that is watching the Celtic Woman Christmas DVD. Another new tradition is watching the movie Australia on New years day as I did down under with the Grittens in 2009. More great people and great moments. Throughout this experience since 2007 I've met the most wonderful people from the CW artists to many of their fans to the connections made through all of that with Liv Gritten and her family. I've come to know some of the finest people on the planet.

Yet 2011 looms with its dark side and one incident in particular near the end of 2010 showed humanity for what it has become and that is infested by feral humans. Wild animals simply born and not raised. A forum friend, John, lost his 22 year old daughter to a murderer in Philadelphia. It left behind a sweet little granddaughter without her mommy. It may be a serial killer loose in that city is responsible for the death.

What I have seen this past few decades is an ever more coarse, vulgar, crude, selfish, spoiled, and dumbed down nation. It began in earnest in the 1960's and has gotten progressively worse. Our government is corrupt at best and has helped undermine the foundations that make a nation great and strong. Both parties are responsible and their global viewpoint is not of benefit to citizens but only ruling elite. That too is happening in most western nations. Undermining faith and family is what has happened and one only has to read the Communist Manifesto to see clearly what is being done and why. Creating false enemies and then laws to "protect" us from them is another. Through this process our "education" system has been dumbed down to the lowest common denominator and people have become sheep. It has become politically incorrect to discipline your own offspring and it has been turned over to government schools. So many now are in broken homes and begin life in day care. How can they bond and connect to anyone when they aren't even able to do that with their own mothers? Say what you will about single parent and "blended" families but in large part they do not work. At least not to the benefit of children. When you can change partners like you change socks it is not the foundation and security needed for a child. When relationships revolve strictly around money, sex, and looks, you have a foundation made of sand. God created family and both boys and girls need a mom and a dad to be good role models. It is how it was designed and anything else will not work well.

Feral humans now roam the streets and are wild animals without a proper upbringing and with little or no conscience. They are dark, selfish beasts catering to only their own base instincts and desires. We have allowed them to go too far in the name of overcrowding in prisons. We have catered to them in schools by not wanting to bruise their precious self esteem. So they enter the world and do not understand sometimes the answer is no or that they are wrong. Government allows it and even encourages it to further undermine the foundations and then create what they desire and that is a stratified society with the bulk of the populace dependent, dumb, and poor. Easy to control and manipulate. So, what I ask each of you who read this to do is surround yourselves with positives and with what you know deep inside to be good, right, and proper. Eschew the vulgar, crude, and harsh things and people. Pray for them but cast them aside. Now maybe you know another reason why I attend so many shows and cherish the experiences and people I've come to love so much. They and what they do and those inspired by them are the best parts of life. I'm not at all hopeful for the future of our nation or that of western nations. I'm not hopeful for the economy. Those in DC and in other capitals like in Dublin are self serving and care nothing about their people or their nation. Might as well scream "Let them eat cake!" Oh and on Ireland, did those who fought and died for independence there in the nineteen teens and early twenties do so only to have a government later on sign away that independence to a yet even bigger monster in the EU? They are spinning in their graves and the Irish should reject what has been done to them. Cast off the EU, go it your own, rekindle your faith, and establish your own currency backed by precious metals and watch Ireland take off. Tighten your immigration and once again let Ireland be dominated by Irish. We in the states have allowed it to get too far here and it may be too late. In any case make the best of what presents itself in 2011.

So, there is my opening statement for the new year. Out with the old and.......in with the old? Let's hope not. Be a blessing to others in this new year but you can't do that surrounded by garbage. Put the quality back in your life and settle for nothing less than things and people that uplift. Walk away from feral humans and work to regain the power if the people in our nation and world. It isn't about stuff but about relationships and experiences. Finally, don't trust blindly what you are fed by media, government, or any other sources you cannot verify for yourself. See you all later in the spring.

All the best, Scott