Some say that it is the most dangerous album ever recorded, but for the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, fighting and 40C (105F) heat were all part of a day’s work.

Last night the regiment’s 24 pipers were awarded the Best Album prize at the Classical Brit Awards, the first non-professional musicians to be recognised at the ceremony, for the record they produced in makeshift tented studios at their Basra base.

Spirit of the Glen: Journey was recorded in October, during the Dragoon Guards’ six-month tour of duty in Iraq. The regiment saw off stiff competition from established classical artists such as the tenor Andrea Bocelli and the mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins to triumph in the public vote.

Lieutenant-Colonel Felix Gedney, the regiment’s commanding officer, said: “It’s important for them not to forget that they are not a band for me. They’re my tank gunner, my lorry driver, my signals operator. I see them very much as soldiers first.”

— snip —

“The record is thought to be the first commercial album to be produced in a war zone and was recorded after technical staff from Universal Music took advantage of a lull in the fighting to fly out to Iraq. Tom Lewis, an A&R manager at Universal, said: “We did not appreciate what we had let ourselves in for until we were flying in total darkness in a helmet and full body armour. I was terrified. I suddenly realised what our Armed Services do on a daily basis. It was humbling. This is an album people risked their lives to make.” ”

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/classical/article6289752.ece

“The news item doesn’t say what the governor’s changes might be”

I think it is clarification that churches can refuse to do a same-sex wedding — but that same sex couples can be licensed and married by the state (helloooo!!! that’s what we’ve been saying all along!!!)

so, Rhode Island … you’re up!!!

B-dog —

“you do have one heck of a sense of humor. ; > } (BTW, how do you guys make those emoticons?)”

yes. yes I do. (heehee) emoticon = [colon, dash, close parens] or [semi-colon, dash, close parens] and

“Truett Cathy! When I shook his hand and thanked him for all of his charitable work, he only said “There’s so much still to be done”. Kinda choked me up for a second”

while I may not agree with TC’s position on choice, I do stand and salute the man for putting his $$$ where his mouth is and supporting adoption in a big,big way … not to mention, he really walks the walk regarding his observance of the day of rest. what a treat to meet him!

“If I could pick a dream life, it would be as a philanthropist”

GtG would, too … he would have hands-on outreach to Russian tennis players

happy Friday, all!!!

If I could pick a dream life, it would be as a philanthropist. Now, if I could only make a few billion in the stock market….

Ok, you got me there, USinUK–too funny. In spite of your horribly misguided political views, you do have one heck of a sense of humor. ; > } (BTW, how do you guys make those emoticons?)

You still have to dig a little to find a good BBQ place around Atlanta. I like it smoked and pulled, with the sauce on the side. Major faux pas if the sauce is already mixed in with the meat. I only like the Brunswick stew if it is chunky, and not runny. I usually prefer the baked beans.

“I guess they got tired of nobody reading their Op/Eds so decided to route everyone through the Opinion page.”

Well, hey, all the hip people are here already. Hope your week is going well. (insert smiley emoticon here)