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Essays
After a week or so in Europe this past April of 2008, I finally got up the nerve to check my mailbox. As a rule, I hate checking snail mail because it's just so boooooring - no one ever writes a nice letter or card anymore. So after a few days of mail procrastination, amongst all the bills, I found a big red Jury Duty summons - for the Very Next Day - ulp. 
After 6 years of immigration ordeals, weird visas, emergency paroles for travel, heaps of money for lawyers, making only 35 percent of whatever concerts I played, and five 10 - hour days in line down at One Federal Plaza, I received my green card, unceremoniously, in the mail, in 1998.
Way back in the hot summer of 1997, when Giuliani was in his Zero Tolerance phase, and folks were getting arrested for jaywalking, my American friend Louise and Australian friend Alissa and I decided to take an evening stroll, get a refreshing cold brewed beverage at the local deli and sit on the front doorstep of my building watching passers-by.
As most people assuredly do, I wish to have my dental checkups in a sparkling clean, bright environment, preferably overseen by a youngish, soft-spoken, sober, clean cut and caring dentist.
In the current climate of world unrest - one may find that one's travels become slightly more pleasurable with a couple of maple leafs attached. However, there are many tricks to this subtle art. and here are a few pointers for folks from larger (population-wise only, of course) countries in How To Be A Canadian Traveler Whom Everyone Loves And Is Really Nice To (with photos and audio aids).
There is a Far Side cartoon titled Nerds In Hell, where there are a few devils pictured, some flames, sweating folks, and one little guy in glasses who says to a sweaty guy in chains: "Hot enough for ya?". Well, real-life Hell-Nerds exist...
So, we all know now that everywhere in the US, the laptop has to come out of the case, and be stuck into a Grey Laundry Tub.
"Although I may not be exceedingly politically minded, it seems to me as though there might exist a reasonably simple solution to the financial quagmire many Canadian orchestras are plopping around in these days..."
Lara's personal list of favorite beauty products (no endorsement fees were received).
Lara's preview of Broadway's newest hit written before it opened to enthusiastic notices.
Lara and her friend Louise are quite obsessed with names - of people, places, and other things, like dragons and stuff. These are all names of real people they have come across over the years.
A loving tribute to the two who made it all possible.
Lara's teacher and mentor from 1985 to the continuous present.
A look at the extraordinary history of Lara's Guadagnini - loaned to her by an anonymous donor - which brings to mind The Red Violin. With many detailed photos.
In order of Lara's preference
A hilarious account of one of Lara's transatlantic flights
Or how to sneak in when nobody's lookin'
"So I played this recital last night in a little town on the Hudson..."
An interview with the Toronto Globe and Mail that got Lara steaming.
An informative and insightful look at early training and what young students should look for.
In the first 7 months of 2000, Lara traveled to Europe 7 times, once to Central America, and once to China, as well as numerous trips within the US and Canada. So, take it from the expert.
Take a sneak peek at what surprises can lurk around the corner when you least expect them - a true story.
Hear arguments pro and con Lara's controversial album covers.
In response to a music critic.
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