This the the first podcast that I have listened to, and it is also the first blog that I have ever posted. After being raised on music and art, I do not think I could live in a world without it. When Soloman began explaining the punishments for practicing music, I wanted to believe he was joking, but as he went on I knew he was serious. A world where a joy as simple as music is outlawed cannot be right. Listening to the story gave me a perspective on how bad life really is over in the middle east. I think my favorite part of the story was when he talked about all the people who held onto their instruments and dreams. I thought it was really awesome when the man explained that he could have been executed for possessing his instrument, but instead of giving into fear he chose to hold on to what he believed to be more important, hoping for the day to come where he could finally play again.