Robert Rivard: ConcertsForPeace.org
News...Thoughts...Opinion
4 January 2009:
Have you ever watched the news on TV of people suffering from armed conflict and violence or natural disasters and other catastrophes and asked yourself, "How can I help?" Well, today in my small way to help with the medical needs of people who desperately need care, I am putting a link to Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders on the Favorite Links page. If you will, please visit their website and make a donation. This international organization provides medical services in more than 60 countries "to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe." In addition, I am planning a concert to be played sometime this summer here in Baton Rouge to raise funds for this life-saving organization. When plans are finalized, I'll post the details here. Let's hope for a large turn-out.
Peace,
Robert
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1 January 2009:
On this first day of the new year I especially want to wish for everyone peace, peace from worry, peace from oppression, peace from violence and injustices of all kinds. For people everywhere who long for justice and freedom, I offer you this poem by the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh:
INVITING THE BELL
May the sound of this bell penetrate deeply
into the cosmos.
In even the darkest spots, may living beings
hear it clearly
so their suffering will cease,
understanding arise in their hearts,
and they can transcend the path of anxiety
and sorrow.
Please find a bell today and ring it!
Peace,
Robert
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29 November 2008:
No doubt you have seen on the news or read somewhere about the death of a Wal-Mart employee in Valley Stream, New York, who was crushed to death by the on-rush of holiday shoppers as the doors were opened on Black Friday yesterday. What does this say about us that our greed for a bargain on something that will last only a short time before it's thrown out with the trash is more important than one human life?
This employee had a name. He was Jdimytai Damour, known to his family and friends as Jimmy. He was only 34 years old. He had parents who will forever be grief stricken. How can his death ever be explained or much less justified?
Were you one of those who trampled on him or stepped over his body as the breath of life was leaving him? Can you now sit in front of that TV you just bought and watch it knowing that its purchase cost Jimmy his life, one full of hope and promise?
If you witnessed this unconscionable act of human greed and selfishness, I urge you to contact the Nassau County Police Department of New York and give a statement. Helping to bring to justice all those responsible won't bring Jimmy back but it might help restore that part of our humanity lost yesterday.
Please take a few moments now and listen to the hymn Come, Holy Spirit and remember Jimmy. Keep in your thoughts and prayers his mother Maria and his father Ogera as they try to come to terms with a loss that is beyond our understanding.
Peace,
Robert
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17 October 2008:
There is a newly released CD of lieder composed by the esteemed German conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler. These lieder, all composed during Furtwangler's childhood, reveal another facet of his remarkable musical gifts. They are beautifully and very sensitively performed by the German soprano Ute Neumerkel who also accompanies herself at the piano, an exquisite vintage Bechstein! The CD comes with a 32 page booklet packed with information and photos. It's in German but there is now an English translation posted on Ms. Neumerkel's website at www.uteneumerkel.de where you will find details for ordering it and so much more. This CD is highly recommended!
For those of you who have visited my website before you'll notice a brand new look. This "update" was necessitated when changing to a new web hosting company. I appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during the change over. It was sad to have to leave Hurricom.net and put behind me the website they designed. The effects from Hurricane Katrina and now this season's hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, just made it impossible for the company to continue. My thoughts and best wishes go out to Chris and everyone involved.
If you have posted links to my Furtwangler CD on your own website, you probably will need to re-do them. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Until the next time,
Peace,
Robert
