Another spin ’round the sun, another basket full of goodies!
Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. Here are some of my favourites. You might recognise some of these people!
Had a lovely dinner at Borealis with the family & Dr. Kathryn. And so we get to the gifts!
First up! A signed first edition copy of Dr. Ladano’s The Improvising Musician’s Mask: Using Musical Instruments to Build Self-Confidence and Social Skills in Collective Free Improvisation. That’s a mouthful and a generous gift. These books aren’t cheap, even for her! The funny thing is that when I grabbed the wrapped hardcover-shaped package, I said “I hope this is a copy of your book,” but I didn’t actually think it would be out so soon!
Dr. Kathryn also gifted me some music. Ho! It’s Derek Smalls’ debut solo album Smalls Change! Appropriately considering the occasion, it is subtitled Meditations Upon Ageing. I can’t wait to spin this one. She also got me this nifty Worf (Star Trek) not-Lego head. These look great in the office. I have Spock as well.
The lovely Mrs. LeBrain was amazing to me as well. She trekked up to Encore Records where she met my old pals Al “The” King and Chris Boyne. They hooked her up with some live Ghost, on vinyl. This is my first Ghost vinyl. Ceremony and Devotion is a great album, and the vinyl has two “exclusive” songs…that are also on the CD! Anybody know what’s up with that?
It doesn’t really matter. Double live albums have a certain intangible quality that almost always makes them better on vinyl. Scientists have been trying to figure out why that is since the advent of digital media.
Since my wife also dresses me, check out the cool shirts. I think I’m going to wear that getup to work tomorrow. Han Solo and BB-8 look awesome together.
Thanks again everyone for the happy birthday wishes. I keep getting older, and you keep getting awesome-er!
mikeladano.com 
Did Kathryn do her PhD thru Waterloo? My Dad did two Masters thru UW and the bound hardback thesis Kathryn gave you reminded me of his, only his are in green.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, and it looks like your rockin in the free world! Glad your birthday was great!
LikeLike
She did it at Laurier, I would imagine they would look very similar? What did your dad do?
LikeLike
Masters of English, Masters of Philosophy. I would imagine they all look that way too.
LikeLike
I did it at York university – I teach at Laurier!
LikeLike
Nice score! I am sure that book is your favorite as why wouldn’t it be! Pretty cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m really thrilled. I thought it was going to be months and months before it was printed. Apparently it’ll be going into the national archives in Ottawa. We’re both in the archives already — on her album!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so cool and that you are on her album in the archive is sweet. We can tell how proud you are of her and rightfully so.
LikeLike
Had no idea! Happy Birthday to the keeper of the most excellent site on the interwebs, Party on dudes!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, you’re too kind. That’s some awesomeness there.
LikeLike
Brilliant stuff Mike – hope you had a good one!
LikeLike
Even Rock Dudes love Mikey!
LikeLike
Mike/Sarca/Aaron birthdays all in the same week? Some fine birthday company!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a conspiracy!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person