Usually in Edinburgh if we see snow it's a dusting only. For weeks now we have had serious snow which has been lying and freezing. Not unusual given the state of the rest of the country. Today I notice that the novelty value was starting to wear off and an annoyance with the inconvenience of it was setting in. A bit unfair given that I am still able to get out and about and also to drive to where I need to get to. Not so for so many other folks. The elderly and the infirm are held prisoner and people in essential jobs and services are faced with the additional pressure of having to negotiate their way to work. We have had debates on radio about the safety of children having to make their way to school and criticism of schools for closing and also for not closing - they cannot win. One wise caller suggested that a simple solution was for all teachers to report to the school nearest to them and for children to do the same and that way the country could continue to function. young people would be occupied and maybe even educated, while parents could get on with their work and lives and who knows - perhaps pupils and teachers and others might come to like the idea of working closer to home. Snow has interesting and perhaps unexpected repercussions. Imagine a Scotland where we learn to live with and enjoy snow.

A colleague sent me a message today with this story at the end 'to make you smile' he said and it did indeed make me smile. In Edinburgh, this last week, it feels like autumn and summer has ended. With the darker evenings, the autumnal feel to the air and the ending of the Festival fun, a certain gloom is in the air and on people's faces. My colleagues story was timely and I notice that communications and people who make me smile are more likely to be read/listened to. I hope this makes you smile:

A nice variant on the hot air balloon joke.

A man in a hot air balloon, realising he was lost, reduced altitude and spotted a woman below. He descended further and shouted to the lady, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The woman below replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You're between 40 and 41 degrees latitude north and between 59 and 60 degrees longitude west."

"You must be in IT," said the balloonist.

"Actually, I am," replied the woman, "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you have told me is technically correct but I've no idea what to make of your information and the fact is I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help at all. If anything, in fact you've delayed my trip."

The woman below responded, "You must be in Management."

"I am," replied the balloonist, "but how did you know that?"

"Well," said the woman, "you don't know where you are or where you're going. You have risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise, which you've no idea how to keep, and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems. The fact is you are in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but now, somehow, it's all my fault

Well its been a long time since I did a blog post and yes it's music that has inspired me to get going again. I looked at my last post and it was all about the T mobile film of folks dancing in Liverpool Street Station. Watch it again here Join In! and then watch how it was made to get a few hints if you want to try something similar or want to get people to participate or join in. How it was made

I indulged in a wander up and down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh recently to see some fringe performers. I had not indulged in this for a few years and my recollection is that there was more fun, music, dance and spontaneity on previous visits.

A stylish wedding at St Giles upstaged everyone by attracting the biggest crowd who hung around until the bride appeared and gave her a wee cheer and a round of applause. A lot of planning would have gone into that event!

On the Royal Mile, some folks were trying to engage the passing crowds without much success. One of their party felt that not enough planning had been done. Getting people to participate is not as easy as the t mobile film makes it look and of course when you watch the 'how it was made' video you realise that there was a lot of preparation and planning. Some great comments from those who took part spontaneously at the end - they comment on how the music transformed their mood for the day, while one young man tells of how it made him feel connected with the people around him. Strong stuff this music then!

A few weeks ago, I attended a nostalgic night in Glasgow called 'Kings of Swing' featuring the music of singers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others from the big band era. Some of the audience going into the theatre looked elderly and moved stiffly and slowly. However, there was a noticeable spring to their step on the way out. The power of music and memory of course. Wonder if it's prescribed on the National Health Service then?

Music and its power have come up recently. The success on stage and film of Mamma Mia testify to the power of the musical. Although a bit sceptical about the Abba aspect, I found myself laughing and enjoying it.

Some great questions were offered at another occasion I attended that encourage us all to think about music in our lives. Here they are: "What music did you play or use as the first dance at your wedding?" "What music did you cry into your pillow to when you lost your first love?" "What music/song do you associate with your youth?"

Have fun talking and sharing ideas about the music that means a lot to you and can transform you in a moment. Its a powerful thing music and can change moods of individuals and crowds of people in an instant.

Imagine a Scotland full of music and dancing that uplifts people's spirit. Watch this video - it says it all. What is the best that can happen in either Glasgow's Central Station or Edinburgh's Waverley Station? Over to you T-Mobile. Join In!