Joining the 'Feds'

Fifty years ago today, I joined the 'Feds,' a.k.a., the Public Service of Canada; it was my first job following graduation from St. F.X.
It was part of an exciting year -- 1967 -- when Canadians were marking the 100th anniversary of Confederation.
That week was also quite special in the field of popular music: on June 1, the ground-breaking album,"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was released by the Beatles.
But those topics of discussion, Dear Reader, are for other times!

Here are a few of my impressions from my first few weeks and months, working in Ottawa:
-- First of all, everything was new: to get there, I took my first airplane ride.
-- I was not yet 21 years old (my birthday would come a week later!), I was too young to sign a lease,

Radio and Me ... 39

Rain Songs
We have had a lot of rain lately, and that fact has brought me back to my School days, when radio stations would -- during rainy spells -- play a lot of 'rain songs.'

Here are a few of my favourites, which I invite you to listen to, along with some short comments.
-- Singing in the rain, Gene Kelly, 1952. His signature song, proving that not all 'rain songs' are downers; au contraire.
-- The rain in Spain, by Julie Andrews, from the 1956 Broadway musical, ’My Fair Lady.' A 'final exam' in non-cockney speech for Eliza Doolittle. Her grade:"'I think she's got it!'
-- Crying in the rain, by the Everly Brothers. Surprise, surprise: written by Carole King. Short, punchy lyrics; beautiful 'Brothers' harmony.
-- Walking in the rain, by Johnnie Ray. Loud, plaintive, agonizing lyrics.
-- Walking in the rain, by the Ronettes. A totally different song; with an urban take.