Green Christmas

Archibald Street on Christmas day, 2009. Not much snow around, front or back. Those who got cross country skis or sleds are out of luck. Great for travellers though - although air flights will now be a hassel and slow. Hope everyone had a good Christmas and All the Best in 2010.

Best Wishes from Arty and Tassel

Thought I'd bring Arty and Professor Tassel together (old stuff rearranged) to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. A new gallery has opened recently; the Attic Painters have brought out an impressive calendar; there's art in the Marigold Centre and at the Heritage Cafe. Think, give art for Christmas and throughout the year.

Tassel as Santa

Needed a bit of Christmas, Here's Santa Tassel greeting waving to people at the entrance to the NSCC (Truro), formerly the campus of the Nova Scotia Teachers college. Behind the electronic sign, one can see the Little white Schoolhouse Museum.

Visual voice Fine Art

Just in time for Christmas shopping. New art gallery in Truro. Check it out. Support Art!

Susan's Open House

Be sure to check out Susan Sweet's Open House and the Maitland Christmas Festival on the Weekend of Nov. 28-29. Susan is a fine artist, (and also a good cook). Get a start on your Christmas shopping with a short, pleasant trip to Maitland, "a happening place."

Arty - a Torch Bearer

The Truro Art Society had an early Christmas Party a short while ago. It was the same night as the Olympic Torch Run reached Truro. (Events often conflict in Truro.) It seemed appropriate that Arty, our cartoon mascot, should appear on the cake carrying a torch. Happy 40th to TAS. Congratulation, Arty, on your torch run. Thanks, Janice, for the cake and the photo.

Vesta

Vesta reminded me that we haven't had any mice on this blog for awhile.

This is Vesta, the churchmouse. She lives at Brunswick Street United here in Truro.

I probably should have had Vesta, or Caro or Professor Tassel carrying an Olympic torch to commemorate the run through Truro last evening.

Vesta appeared earlier in a powerpoint presentation but it didn't show up too well on the blog. I may removed it.

Tassel Toasts the Grads

Often during Grad Week I posted cartoons and pictures on my bulletin board. sometimes thy were introduced by a Tassel Cartoon. Here the professor is toasting the Class of '84.

Interesting that several weeks after I posted this, an Archie comic strip had Archie raising a piece of toast to toast the graduating class.

Remembrance Day

As I have no pictures of Truro or Middleton (home town) on Remembrance Day, let this poppy symbolize our remembrance.

The Colchester Historical Museum has a display of wartime Truro. I have memories from wartime Middleton: the blackout curtains, rationing, an expanding Greenwood, training flights, military convoys and exercises, losses at home and overseas, British airmen staying with my grandparents, the return of the veterans. I was one of a privileged generation who benefited greatly from the service and sacrifice of the veterans and the Canada that emerged after the was. I am greatful.

Will R. Bird

One of Nova Scotia's early historical novelists and travel writers was Will R. Bird from Mappleton, Cumberland county.

His novels don't get much play now, but he and Tom Raddall did much to celebrate the history of our province.

I did this caricature in 1983. The bristol board is fading somewhat, but by copying grayscale I seem to have cut-out a yellowish tinge.

Has it been that long ?

While thinking that I needed a new blog picture, I spotted this 1997 Yearbook in the shelves above me. On opening it, I spotted this page that seemed to say and summarize so much. Kathy VanZoost and Nikki Payne and their staffr did a great job on this, the final NSTC yearbook.

Can it be that long ago ? Twelve years. Of course, I've been retired fourteen years.

Those uniforms will bring back a lot of memories, not only for those who played on NSTC teams but for those who urged them on from the stands or on the sidelines.

1854-1997 It was the end of an era, but the memories will live on, and the success of its program continues in the classrooms of Nova Scotia and beyond.

Branch #26 Building Drive

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26 has established a foundation and initated a Building Drive to build a new single level building. The old one, established in 1952, has served well but needs to be replaced. Above is an architect's sketch of the new building. Watch for particulars and Get involved.

Tassel at Graduation time

I've been busy with a newsletter and some other things. Found this cartoon on the computer; it was part of a drawing that decorated my bulletin board at Graduation Time.

It was a great time. People graduating, meeting parents, hearing about jobs, ... and it seldom rained.

There were tears too - friends leaving friends. But friends in education were able to keep in touch.

I guess the colours have faded and that's why the white background scans in as beige.

Cheers, Neil

Industrial Arts / Technology

For many years, when someone retired, Eric Bent and I had a little skit or presentation at a faculty do; sometimes they involved overheads and cartoons. This was the concluding cartoon at Ross Allan's retirement. Drawing caricatures is not easy and not always successful, and to think I had the nerve to tackle the whole department. Looking back at the caricatures now, I'm pleased; they weren't bad, and I recognize them all - and that was done twenty years ago. (PS - If you click on the drawing, it will enlarge.) Here's to technology!

Tassel Cartoons (from the past)

Left: I wonder if too much coffee is grounds for dismissal.

Right: Do they arrange these chairs to

to promote discussion or to frustrate me!

Alden Nowlan

At one time, I enjoyed doing caricatures. Often I linked my drawing with authors that I taught.

I particularly liked this one. Having met Nowlan on a number of occasions, I felt I knew him and that it was a good likeness.

Nowlan was a fine poet too. I think his work was liked by the students too. He also wrote short stories and was a journalist.

He was born in Stanley, not too far from Truro, but most of his working life was in New Brunswick and he had a long stint as writer-in-residence and UNB in Fredericton.

Art Exhibit

Alan Syliboy's animation and art exhibit will kick off the new season of the Truro Art Society. An opening reception will be held on Saturday September 26, from 2 to 5 in McCarthy Hall on the Truro Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College.

Alan's band Lone cloud will also be in attendance.

Meeting a talented artist. View a fascinating animation and learn about the process. It's a time of celebration.

The Exhibition will run until the end of October.

Biker Chick

Some mention of bikes on Facebook and knowing several people that were at the Biker Rally in Digby , I decided to turn the TC Hawk into a biker chick.

Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather - whether your working, retired or in between..

Alice Street School

Last year five elementary schools were merged into two new ones in Truro. One of those closed and about to be torn down was Alice Street school.

Our children went there. Many TC and Normal College students will have done their practice teaching there.

Next weekend Brunswick Street United Church is hosting an East End Community Weekend. Friend Herb Peppard is organizing a table on Alice Street School. I rounded up some school books for him and took this picture for a poster at the table.

May she rest in peace: Alice Street School: 1922-2008

Five Islands

Got to Five Islands last week. We checked on the house and had lunch in the sunporch; it's always warm and cosy in the sunlight with a great view of the islands.

Then I walked down the road by the lower field to the beach. This picture is taken just before the beach area overlooking the salt marsh (which we own, at least it's in the deed) and across to Moose Island and its smaller partners.

Going left along a road/path around the marsh, one comes to a pretty fair beach. A nice day by the waters edge, even when the tide is out, is most relaxing. There were two people fishing. No clammers . We were the only beach-combers there.

Labor Day Weekend

Nothing to crow about, but I'm here to bring in the new school year. Hope it's a great year for all the students and teachers - and parents and everyone.

It's been a busy week in Truro. Since Sheri was home , there was a lot more activity around the place. There was a trip to Five Islands and there was a "chemo" trip to Halifax.

Family get-togethers and communicating with friends made it a very special week.

Now, it's back to the routines of autumn. Meetings resume.

Cheers (Cockle-doodle-do).

(That's kokekokko in Japanese. Wonder what it is in other languages ? How my mind wanders.)

Hamster

Re: the Fish

Yesterday, while visiting a few blogs, I came upon some fish. I decided an aquarium of fish would enhance my site. I checked out the source and got an aquarium of my own. I remember Harvey MacPhee had an aquarium in his office at one stage. Did Harold Stewart ? Any one else ? It's another beautiful day in Truro. Cheers!

Fish

Fall and School Approach

It's been a busy week and it has got colder.
It used to be that falling leaves were a sign of autumn, but now it's the flyers and the school ads. Teachers have been getting their classrooms ready, and the stores have been saturated with school supplies - and it doesn't matter what stores: drug stores, grocery stores, office supplies, hardwares, ...

To all you teachers, whether you meet before labour day or afterwards, HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

I loved September. I prefer the cooler weather, AND I always looked forward to meeting my classes and getting to know new students. It was true in the regular school system but even more at T.C.

Hurrican Bill dropped By

Just when we thought Hurricane Bill had passed us by and that neither the rain nor the wind had been as severe as forecast, Bill dropped by. Crack! Two limbs from an Armstrong Maple came down.

This tree had been bent and bruised when Juan felled a giant elm across our backyard and bent the maple.

Yet she righted herself and went on to give us beauty, shade and pleasure. Hope the arborist, who's coming tomorrow feels the tree will survive.

Art Show and Hurricane Bill

I'm late getting this up on the blog. Friday was a busy day including medical appointments in Halifax, but we did have a nice noon lunch on the Dartmouth waterfront. It was a beautiful day; nothing like sitting by the water eating one's lunch. Saturday included errands, coping with the heat and getting ready for Hurricane Bill. Judy, it is not a good weekend for your show. Hope the opening went well on Friday; sorry, we could not attend. I urge readers to support Art and Jules which has opened up a new venue for local artists. One can also see Judy's art on her blog: http://www.judyarsenault-artist.blogspot.com

Back to the waiting games as Bill moves along the coast.

poster

This seems to be the third in a musical theme. First, Elvis; then, Les Paul; now, Hank Williams. I have been working on a poster for a friend who is one of the organizers of this event. I worked with the picture he gave me. I lessened its intensity to about 80 % and added a beige tint and then put the printing on top.

The first concert was held three years ago and raised money to help a child who needed an operation. The poster hasn't changed much, but this time we enlarged the photo to cover the full 8 1/2 x 11 sheet.

For those who like Hank Williams and/or gospel music this is a concert with a lot of local talent.

Now I must get back to cartooning and NSTC and TAS stuff. That's what this Blog was supposed to be about.

Tribute to Les Paul

Les Paul, a fine musician and the founder of the electric guitar, died recently at age 94. I remember a number of popular songs with his wife Mary Ford. I have a two cd collection of his songs. I've gone to YouTube, however, to find a video to put on my Blog. In this one, he plays "Birth of the Blues," and Chet Atkins joins him for awhile. Hope you enjoy it.

Elvis - Aug. 16, 1977

Yesterday Weekend Morning featured Acadian music to honour the World Congress. This morning, they were featuring either the music and memories of Woodstock or Elvis. I remembered that I had done a caricature of Elvis at one time and for some reason it was on my computer. So, I'll begin the week with Elvis. His death occured on August 16, 1977, 32 years ago.

To the Classes '09

Friday Night - a Time of Celebration!

Congratulations to the Classes '09 at the NSTC (and the Normal College)Reunion. Imagine! I had three TC class groups there: 1969, 79 and 89. It's a happy time. They look so young. They're happy to be reuniting with friends and recalling happy times in Truro and at NSTC . Exchanging news about careers, children, families. Grads seem glad to see faculty and staff who turn out. It's a welcoming place.

Lenore Zann was guest speaker and she did a fine job. She is such a positive person and her dreams for the Normal College building struck a fine note with those in attendance.

Thanks to those who do the background work that makes such an event happen. It's a time I enjoy. Glad to see former students and colleagues. Cheers!

Half a Century of Cars

My caregiver, Neil, bought his first car in 1956, his second year of teaching. It was a 1954 Chev. When he got married, he and Jean bought a new 1958 Pontiac. There have been a series of cars since. The only one I don't have a picture of is a green 1982 Ford Fairmont Futura. Hope you enjoy the video and I hope it has uploaded successfully. I don't trust audio and video formats. This was made with Windows Movie Maker, but I've published it an a Flash format. Cheers, Professor Tassel.

Meet Vesta

Every church should have a churchmouse. I'm trying to convert a powerpoint to a video and upload it and I'm having trouble. No one said blogging would be easy. Video and audio formats are a pain. I once did a history of Brunswick Street United in Truro. Then I told the story to the children with a Big Book about Charlie Churchmouse and his ancestors, showing the earlier churches. Vesta, however, is the present day churchmouse at Brunswick Street, and we've gone digital. She can introduce herself - I hope. - Professor Tassel.

BING

I have been using the new MS search engine BING (http://www.bing.com) since he became available; in fact, it's my home page when I go on the internet. Each day there's a new picture. Today's picture was this wonderful shot of a covered bridge in New Brunswick.

Yesterday - August 2nd - was a special day. My caregivers, Jean and Neil, celebrated their 51st Anniversary. Boy, they must be getting along.

Well, we're into August. That's our real summer month. Enjoy. - Professor Tassel.

Mural Launch

""People of the Dawn" Mural Launch

On Tuesday, July 28th, an Open House in the afternoon and a Reception in the evening celebrated the launch of Alan Syliboy's mural. This impressive work will be heading to Vancouver to enhance one of the Olympic Venues.

I attended the evening reception which featured the band Lone cloud and was well attended. It was a time of celebration - for the artist, the Mi'kmaq people and the Truro Arts community. Congratulations, Alan. An impressive work - in concept and in execution. Halliday's should also be congratulated for providing the space for the exhibition. Thanks, Janice, for the pictures.

TC Reunion August 14th

Last night I attended a wonderful reception and launch for a fantastic mural done by Alan Syliboy. It will be on its way to the Olympics. Didn't have my camera with me, but when someone sends me a picture or two, I'll post them. Good articles on Alan and the mural in both the Chronicle Herald and the Truro Daily News.

My toast, however, is to the Normal and TC classes that end in 9. I will have taught three of them - '69, '79, and '89. The Reunions are a way to keep the Memories and Stories of TC alive. I hope to get out Friday night, the 14th. The Reunion Weekend is August 14-16.

(The gym got left out of my slides earlier. Sorry about that. Will use it as the backdrop for my toast. Mustn't slight Calkin, the Principal or the building.)

Truro Campus

Thoughts on Blogging

Well, I've been at this blogging business for awhile now. What do I think of it ? Well, I've been enjoying the process - doing a few drawings, taking some pictures, looking through old cartoons and deciding on what I might use.

I've enjoyed learning to do certain things. The whole blogging business is new. I've also learned to create slide show videos, add a music video and do an imageloop video. I've tried a number of other things but they weren't successful and didn't make the airwaves.

I've also enjoyed following Judy and Susan's blogs, and I've enjoyed searching out other blogs around the world. I appreciate comments from viewers. All have been from friends who knew of the blog; it will be interesting if anyone stumbles upon it sometime and either comments or sends professor tassel an email. It's been and learning and sharing experience with Judy and Susan, and that's been fun.

Weird things happen. Sometimes thing's don't go aloft when they should and I don't know where they go. This morning, I notice that my five followers are missing. Has there been a mass resignation ? Did they get tired of following ? Is there a time limit ? Must check out if I'm still a follower on Judy and Susan's blogs. (No, I've been deleted or hidden on their blogs. It must be a bigger blogger problem.)

Time to get on with other things. Have a good day, weekend, week or whatever. Cheers!

ART on the NORTH SHORE

Today we're moving from old Tassel cartoons to present day art. Three Truro Art Society members are involved in exhibits at the Fraser Cultural Centre in Tatamagouche.

Judy Arsenault's exhibit, " Trees" continues until July 29th. It will be follwed by "Rural Routes," featuring the works of Susan Sweet and Pamela Swainson. The three artists are very talented, and the shows are very creative and colorful. Check them out if you're on the North Shore.

Vintage Tassel Cartoons 1

Earlier I tried to establish a link between this blog and a Picasa Album of Tassel Cartoons. I wasn't satsified with the results. Therefore I shifted gears, did a powerpoint presentation and made a video. Now we'll see how this works.

Retirement Thoughts

Yeah know, retirement isn't all that bad! Relaxing on the deck with a Clancey's. Of course, you have to hope that the hail doesn't fall and the weather doesn't change just after you're settled in. I cannot believe I've been retired for fifteen years. And I am surprised when I meet former students who have been retired for awhile. The main thing is to get involved in the community and keep doing things, particularly those things you like. Now, excuse me, I have to go for coffee with a friend and then visit the Little White Schoolhouse. (Oh, the Clancey's was yesterday afternoon - NOT this morning!) Cheers.

T.C. Hawk

Rooting through my closet, I have found some Tassel and TC stuff, including these cartoons of the college mascot, the TC Hawk. They were in black and white and I used shading sheets to add some colour (gray dots) then. I took these sketches into the computer and added some real colour.

Tassel at Work

As you can see, the deck is stained and so am I. We had two beautiful days to do the work, and we're supposed to have another beautiful day tomorrow. That will be great for the Farmers Markets, the Paul McCartny concert and the Atlantic Jazz Festival. Hope you too are having great weather for summertime and holiday events.

Davis Hall

Earlier in the Blog I have included pictures of Forrester Hall which suggest a newer look. Returning NSTC students will certainly see and feel that things have changed. So have you ? So have I. Normal college grads came to accept the NSTC campus, and you will certainly be welcome at the NSCC campus and be appreciative of their programs and activities. Wish I could take their Animation course.

When I look at Davis, however, things look pretty much the same. A newer model car out front; other than that, from the outside, you could be transported back in time. Wouldn't you like that ?

NSCC

Waiting for the dew to dry and then it's back to staining the deck. Retirement is not all fun and games. While NSTC and NSCC got off to a rocky start, the present administration of NSCC (Truro campus) is very supportive of the Little White Schoolhouse Museum and seems to appreciate their link with Teacher Education and NSTC. Although there's more glass, fresher paint and different signs, I feel very comfortable entering Forrester Hall.

Caro Again

Tried to do a photo-cartoon mix last night, but it didn't work out well. It's not ready for posting. Will retreat to use a couple earlier sketches of Caro. When the FailSafe Computers people moved to new quarters and expanded their services, teaching as well as selling and repairing, it seemed Caro should be updated too. Here is Dr. Caro and Professor Caro. Doesn't take much to suggest a job or occupation. Cartoonists get away with as little work as possible.

Odetta Sings "Cottonfields"

It seems I've strayed a bit from my cartooning, art, Teachers College theme, but only slightly. When I taught at TC, I was particularly interested in folk music - Dylan, Baez, Buffy Sainte Marie, and many others. Some of my students may have even "enjoyed" a folk rock unit in some of my courses. One of my favorite discoveries of the Sixties was Odetta. I had more-or-less forgotten about her until I read of her death this year. I went to iTunes and bought a number of her songs; what a treat! Here is a sample of her work. I found that posting music to Blogs, however, is not easy; I had to make a video using stills and adding an iTunes sound track. We'll see if it works.

Changes

TCers will notice changes. I have changed. You will notice I am older (not wiser) and retired. In the background is a new look Forrester Hall. While it was a bit of a shock at first, and it will be for those returning after a long absence, it has settled in and is an exciting place for new students. The entrance is bright and airy. and the classrooms have been modernized. Forrester has entered the IT world.

Cats

Today's challenge is to upload a video. Several years ago I did a powerpoint presentation on our three cats. They were about fifteen at the time. Fosboury and Digger went to Cat Heaven last year, but the third, Twiggy, is alive and well and running the house. We obtained Digger and Twiggy from the Agricultural College; Fosbury was a foundling, raised by our daughter, who flew home from the West Coast for a comfortable nice retirement. Cats have been an important part of our family and household for a long time. I converted the powerpoint to a video; hope it works and you enjoy it.

Two Art Shows

Short note today. I've been working on converting some
powerpoint presentions (short) to video and we'll see if they
work or not at a later date.

Thought I'd let Arty announce a couple of Art Exhibits. Pam Swainson has an exhibit "The Figure Made Landscape" which opens tonight, July 2nd, at McCarthy Hall Gallery at seven o'clock. Tomorrow night, Judy Arsenault's exhibit "Trees" opens at the Fraser Centre in Tatamagouche. Both exhibits run through July.

Arty appears on the Truro Art Society website www.truroartsociety.ca on the newsletter page. Check out the site.

Canadian Flag and Anthem

I have been trying to get a Canadian flag waving in the breeze. I found one on Youtube, but not sure how people normally save or send them. I now have it as a Quicktime Movie and we'll see if it plays. It seemed a patriotic thing to do on Canada Day! Hope you all enjoy the holiday. I'll return to cartoons and lighter stuff tomorrow.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Tried to find an animated flag, but can't seem to find one that I can upload to this blog. This one will have to do. Maybe I can figure out how to save and transfer or upload YouTube videos. There are a number of waving flags there. (I think this came from 3dflags.com; I'm supposed to mention that, but then again the flag doesn't seem to wave in the breeze. Maybe it will when it goes aloft.

Anyway, HAPPY CANADA DAY! It was a fun day as a child in Middleton, Nova Scotia. Flags on the front lawn or verandas, street parade, Commercial Street closed off for booths, chocolate covered ice cream on popcicle sticks, games of chance, etc. Suppers and strawberry shortcake (with biscuits), and baseball, usually a double header - the Middleton Cardinals vs teams from Halifax or Liverpool or Kentville. This morning's entry seems to be a nostalgic view of "Dominion Day" in the Heart of the Valley" umpteen years ago.

CARO

CARO began life named Houdini. I always name my characters and cartoon figures. They develop personalities and they assume a real identity to me. When Donald Cox at FailSafe Computers asked if he could use my mouse, I agreed. He felt that Houdini might create copyright problems.

I have searched for names, and I've settled on Caro, a Slovak word for Magic. The name suits both my magical mouse and the magic that FailSafe Computer (http://www.failsafe-computer.com) does to solve my computer problems.

The Little White Schoolhouse Museum

It's Monday, the start of a new week and the second day of my Blog. Here I am in front of the Little White Schoolhouse Museum. Some of the old gang meet there on Tuesday mornings. It is both a museum - suggesting a typical one-room schoolhouse as they once dotted rural Nova Scotia, and a place where Normal college and Teacher college stuff collects. Summer students will be there now so the museum is open most days during the week. During the winter it is open either on Tuesday mornings or by appointment. The school is an actual one, moved on the campus from Riverton, Pictou county. I believe the web site for the LWSM is http://lwsm.ednet.ns.ca/ . The email address I have is lwsm1979@msn.com . I'll check these out tomorrow. Have a good week and come back to check on my blog from time to time.