Music has always been a big part of my life. My dad couldn't read a note of music but was a great clarinet player. Mom taught piano. I never played an instrument; yet music inspires me: I always have music on when I write.

I remember sitting around my eight-track tape deck and inviting friends over to listen to a new song. For me, it was a great way of sharing.

So welcome to Tait's Eight@8: eight of my all-time favourites from my music collection.

Enjoy!

The keyboard sounds of Supertramp are legendary. I especially love the drums and the fine piano work in Child of Vision from the Breakfast in America album released in 1979.

Seldom does a song intro pull me in like Tumbling Dice from the Rolling Stones. I just love the first 10 seconds of the 1972 song about a gambler and women trouble. And good for Canada: Tumbling Dice was first performed Live by the Stones June 3, 1972 at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver.

Motown, Motown, Motown. I love Motown: especially the the beats. Come See About me was released in 1964 by Diana Ross and the Supremes and always gets my feet tapping.

A music collection without Van Morrison just doesn't seem complete. He is one one my favorites. Did Ye Get Healed was released in 1987. This video shows has talented Morrison is, singing and playing the alto sax.

"You can't start a fire without a spark" has always stayed with me since I first heard Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark in 1984. It's a good reminder ... and a great song on the dance floor.

I love drums. I can really feel them in Dreams by Fleetwood Mac — from the very first beat. Dreams came out the same time I graduated from high school, 1977. The name of the song has always reminded me to follow my ...

We all need those songs when we just need to sit and think. Guitarist Will Ackerman does that for me time and time with Floyd's Ghost. Listen how the guitar and piano are simply magic.

  I had no idea who Yanni was until I saw him on television in  1990. I bought his CD, Reflection of Passion, and fell in love with The Rain Must Fall. It's one of those listen-by-yourself-songs, but can motivate.

        CAM'S CHARITY

http://www.salvationarmy.ca/alberta/

Cam 'n Eggs: Guest blogger - healthcare aide Cheri Zische

CHERI ZISCHE

 I am a healthcare worker whose company was granted a contract recently by Alberta Health Services.  But we were taken out of the area where I have worked in for six years.  I have worked in a facility for three years.  Now we are being moved out and another agency has been brought in.  The senior citizens I have taken care of will now new caregivers.  Not just one. All of us are being taken out.

Senior citizens  have not had a say, and their objections are falling on deaf ears.  This move is devastating to all involved. No one ever asked these folks if they wanted to give up the caregivers who have been such a large part of their lives.

Cutting our hours, or rather cutting the time we are allowed to spend with each individual, is going to spell disaster.  Yes we give meds, do personal care of all kinds, and these tasks may not require a lot of time.  But what about listening to them? As healthcare aids we give  them a voice when they think no one cares, and take  the time to really hear what they fear.  

Shame on this government for making me feel that what I do is only based dollars and cents.  And shame on this government for making Alberta senior citizens — the most special of people in our society — feel that they are not worth the dollars and cents to continue providing the care they deserve.

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT HOME CARE