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Would recommend.
I sang this song about 10 years ago at a summer choir camp for Adults and I’ve been trying for 10 years to remember the name of the piece so I could sing it again. I’m not sure if it was just a different search engine I was using or maybe a typo, but suddenly, this video popped up and it was THE ONE.
Now I get to share this with you, life is good. :)
Robert Frost (1874-1963) “Choose Something Like a Star” (1916)
O Star (the fairest one in sight),
We grant your loftiness the right To some obscurity of cloud— It will not do to say of night,
Since dark is what brings out your light.
Some mystery becomes the proud.
But to be wholly taciturn In your reserve is not allowed.
Say something to us we can learn By heart and when alone repeat.
Say something! And it says, ‘I burn.’
But say with what degree of heat.
Talk Fahrenheit, talk Centigrade.
Use language we can comprehend.
Tell us what elements you blend.
It gives us strangely little aid, But does tell something in the end.
And steadfast as Keats’ Eremite, Not even stooping from its sphere, It asks a little of us here.
It asks of us a certain height,
So when at times the mob is swayed To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To stay our minds on and be staid.
“Choose Something Like a Star” is a piece by Randall Thompson, part of his larger choral work titled “Frostiana,” which sets seven poems by Robert Frost to music. Here’s a description of this specific composition:
Composition Background: “Choose Something Like a Star” was composed in 1959 as part of “Frostiana,” commissioned for the bicentennial celebration of Amherst, Massachusetts, where Robert Frost had lived. Thompson, an American composer, was known for his choral works, and this piece exemplifies his style, combining accessible melodies with thoughtful settings of poetry.
Musical Style and Structure:
The piece is typically scored for SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) choir, often with piano accompaniment, though orchestral versions exist.
It features a reflective, lyrical quality that matches the contemplative nature of Frost’s poetry. The music is set in a way that enhances the poetic imagery and emotional depth of the text.
The melody is simple yet evocative, with harmonic progressions that support the mood of the text. Thompson’s use of harmony often creates a sense of longing or introspection, appropriate for the theme of looking to the stars for constancy amid human turmoil.
Text and Theme:
The text of “Choose Something Like a Star” is taken from Frost’s poem of the same name. It speaks to the idea of finding something constant and high-minded to look up to when human affairs become too chaotic or overwhelming.
The poem uses the metaphor of the star to suggest a source of inspiration, guidance, or stability in one’s life. It encourages the reader or listener to choose something transcendent to focus on, to maintain perspective or peace of mind.
Cultural Impact:
“Choose Something Like a Star” resonates with audiences through its message of seeking something enduring in a world of change, making it not just a musical piece but a philosophical or spiritual touchstone for many.
This composition by Randall Thompson is a beautiful example of how music can illuminate and enhance poetry, offering listeners both aesthetic pleasure and thoughtful reflection.
We need to be responsible for ourselves and how we process the world.
When addressing the topic of “woke Marxism” in a public forum, here are three important considerations to keep in mind:
Understand the Terminology and Concepts.
Define Terms Clearly: Terms like “woke” and “Marxism” can have different interpretations. “Woke” generally refers to being alert to racial prejudice and discrimination, while “Marxism” is an economic and sociopolitical worldview based on the theories of Karl Marx, focusing on class struggle and advocating for a classless society. Understanding how these concepts intersect or are used in contemporary discourse is crucial.
Contextual Knowledge: Recognize that these terms might be used in ways that differ from their original meanings, often in political rhetoric to criticize certain social justice movements or policies. Being able to argue or discuss based on a factual understanding rather than sensationalized interpretations can make your points more compelling.
Engage Constructively and Respectfully.
Avoid Ad Hominem Attacks: Debates can quickly devolve into personal attacks rather than substantive discussion. Focus on ideas, policies, or arguments rather than attacking individuals or groups.
Promote Dialogue: Encourage an environment where different perspectives can be shared. This means listening actively to others, acknowledging valid points, and responding with well-reasoned arguments rather than with dismissal or ridicule.
Evidence-Based Argumentation.
Use Credible Sources: When making claims about “woke Marxism,” support your arguments with evidence from reliable sources. This could include academic studies, policy analyses, or well-documented examples. Avoid spreading misinformation or relying on anecdotal evidence alone.
Critique Policies, Not People: If you are critiquing policies or ideas associated with what you term “woke Marxism,” focus on the practical implications, feasibility, or unintended consequences of these policies. This approach helps in maintaining a level of discourse that is about ideas rather than personalities.
When participating in public forums, especially on contentious topics, maintaining a tone that is both respectful and informed can lead to more productive discussions. Remember, the goal should be to engage in a way that might enlighten or persuade, rather than simply to win an argument or to silence opposition.
Dear Youthful Individual,
I want to share with you something that has profoundly influenced my understanding of life: Stoicism. It’s not just an ancient philosophy; it’s a practical guide for navigating the complexities of modern life, particularly during those turbulent teenage years. At its core, Stoicism teaches us about the art of living well by focusing on what we can control and learning to accept what we cannot. It’s about managing our responses to life’s ups and downs with wisdom, courage, and temperance. Imagine if you could master your emotions rather than letting them master you. This philosophy isn’t about suppressing your feelings but understanding them, so you can respond to life’s challenges with clarity and purpose.
One of the key teachings of Stoicism is the concept of “amor fati” or love of fate. This doesn’t mean you should love everything that happens to you, especially the bad stuff, but rather, it’s about loving the journey, embracing all experiences as opportunities for growth. When you face difficulties, whether it’s a bad grade, a falling out with a friend, or just the everyday pressures of teenage life, Stoicism encourages you to see these not as misfortunes but as chances to learn resilience. Marcus Aurelius, one of the prominent Stoics, often reminded himself to accept the nature of events, focusing on his response rather than the event itself. This mindset can transform how you view your life, turning obstacles into stepping stones.
Lastly, Stoicism advocates for living in harmony with nature, which means living according to reason and virtue. It’s about being honest with yourself, practicing self-discipline, and cultivating a sense of justice in your interactions. In the world of social media and peer pressure, this philosophy offers a grounding force, reminding you to seek internal validation over external approval. By embracing Stoicism, you’re not just preparing for a smooth sail through adolescence; you’re equipping yourself with lifelong tools for happiness and success. Remember, you’re the author of your life’s story, and Stoicism helps you write it with wisdom, integrity, and an unshakeable peace of mind.
With encouragement and belief in your journey,
The Arbourist
The notion of LGB/TQ+ ‘community’ is in itself a synthetic proposition. How do people who share mutually exclusive goals reasonably be part of the same “community”? LGB are about acceptance into society based on sexual attraction preferences – that is if you happen to like the same sex you should be able to pursue your life without facing discrimination for doing so. The TQ+ doesn’t believe in sex at at all, and are not about fitting into society – they are there to burn down the old society and reformat society’s rules and norms according to their ideology – aka – the entire transgender campaign that denies the reality of sex in humans and reifies the notion of mystical gender identity. The fetish driven men in dresses need to justify their paraphilia and thus children must also be transed and mutilated/sterilized in the name of gender ideology.
We must keep in mind that “queer” isn’t a identity you are. You can act queer and do queer things but queer is an identity without an essence – queer exists only in opposition to the norm and by definition is a political identity(one that seeks to destroy the current society).
Anyhow, here in the West the scales have been tipped far to long in the queer activists’s favour. People in the US (and hopefully soon in Canada) have rejected the activism and are now rolling back the damage done to society by self righteous activists who have been happily corroding society for years. The pendulum swinging back is causing some consternation in the LGB/TQ+ community.
Here is a notable ‘activist’ now blaming the human shields she used to advance her activism for the backlash she is responsible for.
This is a masterclass level response:
Hard to disagree with any of the points made. We should all be taking notes on how this happened as this is how activists work in the West – they get on the inside and corrupt institutions with their bullshit and then ruin the party for everyone involved.
The “oof” will be big when it lands.
bleatmop
Mystro
Dead Wild Roses 
Your opinions…