Saturday, April 22, 2006

Spotlight
Virtuoso violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin was born 90 years ago today in New York City. Menuhin made his professional debut at the age of seven, playing violin with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. He performed extensively during and after World War II, performing for Allied troops and later as the first Jewish musician to perform in Germany after the Holocaust. Menuhin became a great fan of yoga, incorporating it and meditation into his musical practice.

Quote
"I can only think of music as something inherent in every human being - a birthright. Music coordinates mind, body and spirit." – Yehudi Menuhin

Word of the day
philanthropic: relating to charitable, humanitarian causes; Yehudi Menuhin founded hundreds of philanthropic organizations throughout his lifetime. (© )

Today's News

• Nepal: under threat, king says he'll share power (story)
• chronic fatigue syndrome: study reveals possible genetic factor (story)
• Will Smith: shows up at Western Wall, crashes bar mitzva (story)

Today's History

• Henry VIII: much-married king of England ascended to throne (1509)
• "In God We Trust": US Congress mandated that all minted coins bear this inscription (1864)
• Oklahoma Land Rush: began officially at noon with thousands of homesteaders staking their claims (1889)

Today's Birthdays

• Immanuel Kant: German philosopher, author of Critique of Pure Reason (1724-1804)
• Vladimir I. Lenin: Russian revolutionary, Soviet dictator (1870-1924)
• Aaron Spelling: prodigiously successful TV producer, most recently of 7th Heaven, Charmed (83)