A guy at the National Museums Conference in Sydney recently said that cultural institutions were the place where we could start to reclaim democracy ? When 85 per cent of the polls were against going to war in Iraq, democracy isn't working.

In the 1930s, classical musicians and students at the height of their powers were writing this kind of material. Since then, there has been a real division, with classicists keeping to themselves ? not touching politics ? and protest songs limited to three-chord wonders.

Quite often, if people don't want to listen to the message they will say 'Oh, but it's so musically inferior', but when you have songs that are musically sophisticated, with enormous heart and expertise and a message, that's when its hard to resist. It's great to see people of exceptional musical talent, like Paul and the musicians he works with, contributing to songs like these.

If people shed a tear at any time during any performance that I do, it shouldn't be because they see me shedding a tear; rather the things I am saying make them shed a tear.

This year's lesson program will focus on helping students become aware to the fact that several of the ingredients for one of their most favorite foods can be found right here in Stark County.

I've been very impressed with our effort and our attitudes. I never have to ask them to do the little things.