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Friday, April 20, 2012

Levon Helm - Rest in Peace!

Yesterday we lost one of the greatest musicians - Levon Helm.

If you haven't seen The Last Waltz buy it now... Not rent... It is that good - if you don't enjoy it, give it to someone with a soul.


If you're not familiar with it, The Last Waltz is a celebration of the end of the career for the group collectively known as 'The Band'.  They were originally Bob Dylan's backing group until they started writing their own music and becoming hugely successful with tunes like: The Weight, Up on Cripple Creek, and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

And not too mention, they are Canadian - so what's not too love?

Levon was the drummer (primarily), and usually lead vocalist - not a combo seen very often.  I use the words 'primarily' and 'usually' because the entire group was so talented - They all played multiple instruments and contributed to vocals in different tunes.

As for Levon, I had the pleasure of seeing him last summer at the Black Creek Music Festival opening for John Fogerty.  Since The Band broke up a few years before I was born, this would be as close as I would get to the real thing.

Levon, you were a great performer until the very end.  Thank you for your music and enhancing the lives of millions through it!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Creative Problem Solving

I read a study the other day saying that beer makes you smarter.

I'm not one to question science, and this situation is no different - but perhaps a little more insight is needed.

The study, and this testament of 'smarter', was linked to 'creative problem solving'.  Apparently tasks requiring memorization weren't quite so successful. 

So smarter, maybe not; reducing inhibitions and better at coming up with new ideas - absolutely!

I don't think any of us would disagree with this statement - who here hasn't been at the receiving end of a socio-political rant by an inebriated bar fly at some point?




As for this actual study, the amount given to the 'participants' was 2 pints - and the group was males between 21-30 (where would you find such a niche demographic?)

Want to see the actual study for yourself?

Click here

Now before I close this blog, my HR side needs to say this: I'm not encouraging drinking to enhance creativity, nor am I encouraging drinking at work to overcome 'creativity' problems.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know your thoughts.