Friday, April 13, 2012

From Southampton to the Depths of the Sea

A musician, composer and performer myself, I salute the brave orchestra members who played until the end after midnight on April 14, 1912, (one-hundred years ago), on board The Titanic.   This is just part of their story . . .


Pianist W. Theodore Ronald Brailey, age 24 of London, and cellist Roger Bricoux, age 20 of Lille, France had previously served together on the Cunard steamer Carpathia before signing on with the White Star Line. On April 10, 1912, embarquing from Southampton, Brailey and Bricoux joined cellists Percy Cornelius Taylor, age 32 of London and John Wesley Woodward, age 32 of Oxfordshire; bass violist John Frederick Preston Clarke, age 30 of Liverpool; violinists Georges Alexandre Krins, age 23 of Belgium, John Law Hume, age 29 of Dumfries and Wallace Hartley, age 33 of Dewsbury. Wallace Henry Hartley was also the bandmaster and no stranger to the sea and cruise ships who hired entertainers.

They had all been acquired by C.W. and F.N. Black, a booking agency located in London. Musicians engaged on such ships as the Lusitania, Oceanic and Carpathia would be paid when the White Star Line would pay the agency. Until 1912, musicians were paid 6 pounds and 10 shillings a month plus a monthly uniform allowance of 10 shillings. Then the rates were cut to 4 pounds a month with no uniform allowance. Each man hired to perform on the Titanic was registered on the same ticket: 250654 with accommodations in cabin E, second class.

The Worchester Evening Gazette published an article on the Titanic’s perilous voyage, quoting survivor Miss Hilda Slater . . .
                                 “The orchestra played until the last. From the moment the vessel struck, or as soon as the members of the orchestra could be collected, there was a steady round of lively airs. It did much to keep up the spirits of everyone and probably served as much as the efforts of the officers trying to prevent panic."

Other survivors from the lifeboats recalled seeing the musicians standing in knee-deep water and hearing their performance echo into the night air of ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’, ‘Song d’Autumne’ and ‘Nearer My God to Thee', just moments before the great ship was swallowed.

Many often wonder what went through the minds of these courageous and noble musicians. In 1910, Georges Krins entered as first violin at Le Trianon Lyrique in Paris. After that, he traveled to London and played 2 years at the Ritz Hotel until March 1912. The following month, he was recruited by C.W. & F.N. Black in Liverpool to play on the Titanic, while serving as bandmaster of the Trio String Orchestra playing near the Café Français.

The body of John "Jock" Law Hume, was recovered wearing his uniform jacket with green facing and vest, a purple muffler and light raincoat. John Clarke had a crucifix tucked into his uniform pocket and wore a grey muffler and grey overcoat. Wallace Hartley had been a choirboy at the Bethel Independent Methodist Church in Lancashire, where they also held his funeral. He had worked on the Cunard Liner Mauretania before leaving to become bandmaster on the Titanic and planned to return to his fiancée in Yorkshire. John Wesley Woodward joined the White Star Line in 1909 with his first voyage being to Jamaica. He made a number of journeys across the Atlantic, and three across the Mediterranean.

Aforementioned, the bodies of three of the eight band members, Clarke, Hartley and Hume were eventually recovered. The other five were lost to the depths of the icy Atlantic or if recovered, unidentified.  May their souls and songs play on forever.


Nearer My God to Thee

Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone
Yet in my dreams I'd be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

There let my way appear steps unto heaven
All that Thou sendest me in mercy given
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee

Words: Sarah Adams, 1841. Music: Lowell Mason, 1856

Monday, April 9, 2012

In Search of The Fountain of Youth

Single 101 celebrate its 100th blog posting today.  Thank you for checking it out!

The average life expectancy of the world's population is 67.59 years and in the United States, it is 78.49 years.  In my book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single", I added a bonus reason, 'The Secret to A Long and Happy Life'.

Since the human brain has been able to calculate, reason and ponder man's existence, we have dreamed of longevity, fantasized of a fountain of youth and conjured elixirs to maintain good health. A recent report by the Central Intelligence Agency published the Top 10 places in the world for better health and well being, as well as the grand prize- longevity. According to their World Factbook, here are the fountain-of-youth destinations:

At Number 10 is Italy, where the average life expectancy is 81.86 years. The Mediterranean diet is credited with lowering the risk of many diseases. The antioxidants found in olive oil and red wine can improve cholesterol, prevent blood clots and stave off heart disease. Italians also rely on spices like basil, oregano and garlic, while Americans depend heavily on salt.

Number 9 is Australia, where the average life expectancy is 81.90 years, they are proud to boast relatively low smoking and obesity rates, as well as an active lifestyle enjoyed by its citizens.

Hong Kong holds the Number 8 position, where the average life expectancy is 82.12 years. Much like the Italians, people from Hong Kong attribute their longer lives to diet. Rice, vegetables and tofu are staples. With their focus on an active lifestyle, Hong Kong reports a much lower obesity level than the United States, as well as fewer instances of related health conditions, like diabetes.

There is a small island in the English Channel that holds the Number 7 position in the Top 10 picks. With an average life expectancy of 82.24 years, Guernsey is independent from the British crown with wealthy residents, above average healthcare, in addition to low tax rates and higher-paying jobs. Unaffected my the world's economic woes, there are theories that Guernsey's residents live longer because they have no financial burdens or stress.

Nestled between France and Spain with a spectacular view of the Pyrenees mountains is the country of Andorra, coming in at Number 6. It is believed that several reasons attribute to their average life expectancy of 82.5 years. Andorrans have easy access to hiking trails and ski resorts. Its citizens have more focus on outdoor activities, which experts say can lower stress levels and consequently, cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure. Secondly, 100 percent of Andorra's population is well educated, which accounts for Andorra's extremely low unemployment rate and affordability for high-quality nutrition and healthcare.

At Number 5 is San Marino with an average life expectancy of 83.07 years. As in both Guernsey and Andorra, Europe's third smallest state and the world's oldest republic thrives on fortune and the fortunate. San Marino's primary industries are banking and tourism, with the majority of the population capable of affording premium healthcare and nutrition.

A clean environment and balanced diet brings in Singapore at Number 4, with an average life expectancy of 83.75 years. Situated on the southern edge of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore's cuisine centers on rice and vegetables, rich in nutrients that help to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The Singapore government also enforces a strict code of cleanliness and heavily restricted smoking areas, providing a healthy environment to live in.

At Number 3 in the world is Japan, with an average life expectancy of 83.91 years. Take a look at this comparison of obesity rates with Japan at 3.1 percent and the United States at 33.9 percent! The Japanese diet revolves around fresh vegetables, rice and fish. Fresh fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids encourage healthy brain function, helping prevent diseases like Alzheimer's. The Japanese tend to walk more and never overeat. Their focus on serenity and the body as a sanctuary is the key to a long life.

With an average life expectancy of 84.43 years is Macau at Number 2. With a fruitful economy, (no pun intended), gambling is the main source of revenue. Located in the South China Sea, Macau is considered as the 'Little Las Vegas'. However, the local government invests casino profits in public healthcare. Macau is healthy, wealthy and wise with a bit of fun and risk mixed in.

Finally, at Number One is Monaco, nestled along the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Its average life expectancy is 89.68 years, supported, if you will, by an abundance of wealth and state-funded healthcare. As mentioned before, the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk for a variety of health problems, but even experts will tell you that it's Monaco's relaxing atmosphere that keeps residents happy and living longer. Like Singapore, Monaco's clean environment reduces stress, which can lower immunity and contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

Note that most of these Top 10 picks factor in fresh air, fresh vegetables and fish, cleanliness and financial freedom. Think of the term 'cost of living' and consider how health and longevity are at a premium in today's world.

In the 1500's, the Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon sailed halfway across the globe in search of the Fountain of Youth, but maybe it was right in his own backyard all along.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/