Not in my backyard...

...but in a Fishtank in Greendale, WI, swims the Midwest Vocal Express men's a cappella chorus.

photos by Lorin May
We created quite a stir at the Barbershop Harmony Society International contest in Indianapolis, IN, July 7, 2006 with our antics. Taking on roles of fish, turtles, starfish, and coral in an aquarium, the MVE sang the story of longing to be free in the deep sea.

Upon witnessing the dangers of the open water, (sharks, eels, whales, barracuda) we decide our safe and friendly glass-walled confines aren't so bad after all.

The contest set contained parody lyrics to several songs including; “Son of the Sea,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” “Theme from Jaws,” and “Aquarius"

The audience of 10,000 gave us several standing ovations, and the judges rated us 5th in the world.
Then the Barbershoparazzi swung into high gear, taking pictures with fish and turtles, and even trying the heads on for size. The photo frenzy lasted a full hour after the contest had ended, until security at Conseco Fieldhouse had to ask fans to exit the building.

The guy in the Starfish outfit is our Director, Dr. Chris Peterson. You can see more pictures at www.mve.org

Singing with the MVE is one of my hobbies, and I am having the time of my life.

Everything's in bloom

(clockwise from upper left)

Rose Carefree Beauty (Rosa Carefree Beauty)
Purple Cone Flower (Echinacea)
Monarda (Monarda "Raspberry Wine")
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Gallairdia (Gallairdia pulchella)
Allium (Allium Brodiaea)
Day Lily (Hemerocallis Stella de Oro)

Here in the backyard, color is everywhere. Around the world, war seems to be in full bloom. I'll take flowers anyday.

Back from Ireland...

a country, that 15 years ago, faced with climbing unemployement and a sinking economy, invested in the public education of their children, including college. Fast forward to now, with virtually zero unemployment, a booming economy (2nd best in the EU) and a growth spurt that shows no sign of slowing. All for investing in education, instead of trying to dismantle it, and villify the teachers. Now there's a lesson to be learned.

We had a wonderful week on the Emerald Isle, and found their people very friendly, their countryside enchanting, and their pubs entirely smoke-free (gasp!)

By the way, they mow the grass (Festuca glauca) in their parks way before it gets to 7 inches long.