Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Soccer Sunday (busted)

Again a weekend full of football-istic events. After watching most of a new becoming classic Romanian derby between Steaua Bucharest and CFR Cluj that ended in an unfortunate draw for both of them, Sunday was the day of the semis in the intramural soccer competition here at RPI. After wining the C league last season and clinching the first spot in the B league this year (undefeated), the expectations were naturally, pretty high. However, as an old Romanian saying preaches, "the plan at home usually differs from the one at the market"...so unfortunately we lost 3-0 to an inferior team that had 4 shots on goal and defended forcefully throughout the game. Uninspired in attacking the goal and unfortunate in defense, we let it slip away. Too bad.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

First Day of Summer

First day to enjoy wearing shorts outside. Actually at 86 F you have to. I took a long walk in the Prospect Park. Lots of people outside enjoying the weather, a cold brewsky and the occasional sports. Finally we can forget about the awful winter and grey skies. Summer is here to stay,

Monday, April 20, 2009

Amado Sur from Argentina


This is a rich Malbec wine boosted with small amount of Bonarda (10%) and Shiraz (15%). Very enjoyable aromas combining plums and berries with black pepper and anis. Worthwhile those $16.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

A nice Sunday musical interlude - Burning River Brass

A very nice Sunday afternoon concert back at the Troy Savings Bank Hall featuring one of the best US brass ensembles, the Burning River Bass. A bunch of talented artists with an inspiring performance including pieces from Rachmaninoff (Vespers), Shostakovich (Concerto in A minor) and Prokofiev (Kije’s Wedding). A touch of classical brass music was given by the Suite for Brass by Bach, while the ending contained a delightful contemporary piece “A little Russian Circus” signed by Anthony Dilorenzo, a Massachusetts native. All in all, an excellent choice.