Jim Hilsenteger's Page

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When it comes to peace, how would you describe yourself?: I'm just a peaceful person

So what is it?: Drug prohibition and the resulting black market and police enforcement issues

More: Ignorance breeds prejudice. I believe the world would be a more peaceful place if everyone had access to a high quality education and the basic needs of life

More about me: I am starting on a new career - social change. I want to make a difference. My first project is to encourage a public debate on the pros and cons of drug prohibition and possible alternative solutions.

At 12:45am on February 2, 2009, Shells said…: View my comment on the comment wall! - Now everyone knows my musical abilities!!

Shells

At 7:58pm on January 27, 2009, Shells said…: Yes, and my son who is 19 years of age is caring on the legacy. Whether or not famous, he loves, loves, loves music. He was born with the ability to pick up any musical instrument and play it as if he had studied it all of his life. His dad is the same way. So with all these genes - then perhaps we have a true musical star in the making.

At 7:26pm on January 27, 2009, Shells said…: Calixa LaValle - Birth: Dec. 28, 1842 Death Jan. 21, 1891 Composer, Conductor. A native of Verchères, Quebec, Lavallée was born into a musical family and in 1857, he left Canada to pursue his career in the United States. With the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted as a musician with the 4th Rhode Island Infantry and served until his discharge in 1862 due to wounds received at the Battle of Antietam. After spending the rest of the war years in Montreal, Quebec, he returned to the United States where he wrote the comedic opera "Loulou" in 1872. After studying in France for a few years, he returned to Quebec and in 1879, was commissioned to write a "Cantata" in honor of the Governor General of Canada, the Marquess de Lorne and his wife, Princess Louise. In 1880, he composed his most famous piece, "O Canada," which was later adopted as the national anthem of Canada in 1980. Eventually returning to the United States, Lavallée died from tubercular laryngitis in Boston, Massachusetts and was originally buried in Boston until 1933, when his body was brought to Montreal for reburial.

At 10:52pm on January 24, 2009, Shells said…: I only speak and understand english, but my great-great grandfather is from your area - Calixa LaVallee.