Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Banana Shpeel Will Slip Into NYC's Beacon Later Than Expected - Playbill.com
Banana Shpeel Will Slip Into NYC's Beacon Later Than Expected - Playbill.com
AKA they need this extra time to overhaul the show between Chicago and February. Run while you still can, New York
AKA they need this extra time to overhaul the show between Chicago and February. Run while you still can, New York
2009 - best of the rest
I really did give up on that challenge, didn't I? Oh well. I do like writing with prompts and sometimes they have wonderful results (like that English paper!). Whatever. As they say: It's New Year's Eve (Eve) and hopes are high, dance one year in, kiss one goodbye.
Here, in no particular order, are things I loved in 2009:
-VEGAS, baby! Even though I had stomach problems during the trip, rendering the all you can eat buffet at the Mirage COMPLETELY USELESS to me, I was at large in Sin City - rhinestones, the Beatles + Cirque du Soleil = magnifique!, Sigfried and Roy's Secret Garden (sounds just wrong somehow), dancing fountains, and (finally!) my gondola ride!
-2009 also saw several performances of my Favorite Broadway Diva, Patti Lu - in St. Louis with Mandy Patinkin, in Vegas (where she stopped the show!), and at Ravinia (accompanied at the end by Mr. Kauffman at the piano)
- Speaking of St. Louis, I asked myself that time honored question: What Would Patti LuPone do in St. Louis with some time to kill - and figured that, obviously, she would climb fearlessly to the top of the arch, so by god, I decided to do that too. Are you afraid of heights or confined places, the ticket guy asked me "Haha - I guess we'll find out!" I gaily replied. Never again. No matter what Patti tells me to do.
- Speaking of Ravinia, it was another great season, if a chilly one. I was at the Park and dancing in the aisles, with my glitter lantern and jelly ring(s) for the Arrival from Sweden concert (music of ABBA, baby!) and then again for Patti in the 7 Deadly Sins, Kelli O'Hara, and the Bill T. Jones dance commission Fondly do we hope...
- Jane the Fraudulent Bell Ringer
- U2 at Soldier Field
- U2 at Soldier Field
- U2 at Soldier Field
- U2 at Soldier Field
- Earl Grey Vanilla Creme tea lattes at Argo
- Albee the Holiday Elephant
- Lord Peter Wimsey
- Broadway in Chicago: particularly Spring Awakening, Legally Blonde, the Addams Family, In the Heights (am seeing that this weekend!) and eager anticipation of Billy Elliot, the return of August: Osage County
- the Live Bait vending machine (what the WHAT?), the book barn, and trying to start a fire in Green Lake, Wisconsin
- the Cheese Castle in Kenosha and their temptingly delicious array of cheese curds
- the song "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
- Ballet! Particularly Carousel (A Dance) by Christopher Wheeldon, Lar Lubovitch's Othello, and Gerald Arpino's Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker
- Glee!!!!!
- Lindt chocolates
- BOOTS!
- the color purple (no, literally, the color purple)
- the Viking Rumble (everybody...RUMBLE!)
- my new team, the Indianapolis Colts (even though they blew their perfect record last week. WTF?)
- Sugar Bliss spice cupcakes
- 30 Rock
- Flight of the Conchords
- Lill 1154 sample sales and my new Hadley bag
- Eric Northman, True Blood and all of the Sookieverse
- my free subscription to Time Out New York (I don't want you to end!!)
- the 6 foot nutcracker
- Karen, my Physical Therapist.
- my heating pad (I KNOW. OLD.)
Oh, there must be more. There must be. It was a pretty good year, all things considered. I still haven't learned to purl, but that's what resolutions are for, yes?
Here, in no particular order, are things I loved in 2009:
-VEGAS, baby! Even though I had stomach problems during the trip, rendering the all you can eat buffet at the Mirage COMPLETELY USELESS to me, I was at large in Sin City - rhinestones, the Beatles + Cirque du Soleil = magnifique!, Sigfried and Roy's Secret Garden (sounds just wrong somehow), dancing fountains, and (finally!) my gondola ride!
-2009 also saw several performances of my Favorite Broadway Diva, Patti Lu - in St. Louis with Mandy Patinkin, in Vegas (where she stopped the show!), and at Ravinia (accompanied at the end by Mr. Kauffman at the piano)
- Speaking of St. Louis, I asked myself that time honored question: What Would Patti LuPone do in St. Louis with some time to kill - and figured that, obviously, she would climb fearlessly to the top of the arch, so by god, I decided to do that too. Are you afraid of heights or confined places, the ticket guy asked me "Haha - I guess we'll find out!" I gaily replied. Never again. No matter what Patti tells me to do.
- Speaking of Ravinia, it was another great season, if a chilly one. I was at the Park and dancing in the aisles, with my glitter lantern and jelly ring(s) for the Arrival from Sweden concert (music of ABBA, baby!) and then again for Patti in the 7 Deadly Sins, Kelli O'Hara, and the Bill T. Jones dance commission Fondly do we hope...
- Jane the Fraudulent Bell Ringer
- U2 at Soldier Field
- U2 at Soldier Field
- U2 at Soldier Field
- U2 at Soldier Field
- Earl Grey Vanilla Creme tea lattes at Argo
- Albee the Holiday Elephant
- Lord Peter Wimsey
- Broadway in Chicago: particularly Spring Awakening, Legally Blonde, the Addams Family, In the Heights (am seeing that this weekend!) and eager anticipation of Billy Elliot, the return of August: Osage County
- the Live Bait vending machine (what the WHAT?), the book barn, and trying to start a fire in Green Lake, Wisconsin
- the Cheese Castle in Kenosha and their temptingly delicious array of cheese curds
- the song "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
- Ballet! Particularly Carousel (A Dance) by Christopher Wheeldon, Lar Lubovitch's Othello, and Gerald Arpino's Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker
- Glee!!!!!
- Lindt chocolates
- BOOTS!
- the color purple (no, literally, the color purple)
- the Viking Rumble (everybody...RUMBLE!)
- my new team, the Indianapolis Colts (even though they blew their perfect record last week. WTF?)
- Sugar Bliss spice cupcakes
- 30 Rock
- Flight of the Conchords
- Lill 1154 sample sales and my new Hadley bag
- Eric Northman, True Blood and all of the Sookieverse
- my free subscription to Time Out New York (I don't want you to end!!)
- the 6 foot nutcracker
- Karen, my Physical Therapist.
- my heating pad (I KNOW. OLD.)
Oh, there must be more. There must be. It was a pretty good year, all things considered. I still haven't learned to purl, but that's what resolutions are for, yes?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Addams Family Therapy...
So the show needs a little work before heading out east - I think it has a lot of potential and I am planning to see the final show on January 10 - anyone wanna come? (PS Who died and made Chris Jones the king of Chicago theater critics? I don't usually read the Tribune and so had no idea he was considered "the city's most influential theater critic" I certainly am not that influenced by him...)
From Today's New York Times... December 29, 2009
Revisions for ‘Addams Family’ By PATRICK HEALY
The producers of “The Addams Family,” one of the major new musicals scheduled for Broadway this spring, announced on Monday that they have hired the Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zaks to take over the $16.5 million production and supervise significant changes.
Based on The New Yorker cartoons of Charles Addams, “The Addams Family” began its pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago this month and received several positive reviews from critics — but also a pointedly tough one full of criticism from that city’s most influential theater critic, Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune, who concluded that the show “needs to be funnier and more visually spontaneous.”
Echoing parts of The Tribune review, the musical’s lead producers, Stuart Oken and Roy Furman, said that the plot needed to focus more tightly on the Addams family members and that all — starting with Gomez (played by Nathan Lane) and Morticia (Bebe Neuwirth) — needed their eccentric and subversive personalities clearly established in dialogue and song before the main action of the plot begins.
The feedback from critics, colleagues and friends, Mr. Oken said, “is that perhaps we were taking a little too much for granted assuming that the audience walks in with the relationship with the Addams family fully intact, and we didn’t appropriately reconnect the audience to the family members.”
No one on the creative team has left the show or been fired, Mr. Oken said, with Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (both Broadway newcomers) still listed as the directors and production designers, and Mr. Zaks billed as creative consultant. But when asked who was running the show from here on, Mr. Oken replied, “Jerry, with Phelim and Julian having meaningful input.”
Mr. Zaks is close to Mr. Lane, having directed him in the long-running Broadway musical revivals of “Guys and Dolls” in 1992 and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” in 1996, for which Mr. Lane won the Tony Award for best actor in a musical. Mr. Oken and Mr. Furman said Mr. Lane neither demanded nor requested that Mr. Zaks or any other show doctor be hired.
Mr. Zaks was not available for comment on Monday, his assistant said, but relayed a prepared statement in an e-mail message, saying that he “enjoyed the show enormously” and that he was delighted to “take this original musical to the next level.”
Mr. Zaks had been scheduled to direct “All About Me,” another new musical on Broadway this spring, but Mr. Oken said that he and Mr. Zaks asked the lead producer of that show, Jeffrey Richards, to release Mr. Zaks, and that he had done so.
The two lead “Addams” producers were at pains in a telephone interview on Monday to emphasize that the show was not in trouble, with Mr. Furman volunteering three times that hiring Mr. Zaks was “not being done defensively or out of weakness.” But they acknowledged that the musical, which is capitalized at $16.5 million for Broadway, needs changes to improve its hopes for a long run and a potentially lucrative life as a touring production.
Broadway producers have a long history of using so-called show doctors to make fixes, from Jerome Robbins to Neil Simon to, most recently, the Tony Award-winning choreographer Rob Ashford, who assisted on “Shrek the Musical.”
Mr. Jones, the theater critic, as well as some theater producers who have seen “The Addams Family,” said the cast members were well matched to their parts, but that some lacked enough big numbers and charming moments. Mr. Jones also noted that Ms. Neuwirth “looks like she’s not having much fun,” a point that the two lead producers denied. They added that Ms. Neuwirth (a Tony Award winner for “Chicago” and “Sweet Charity”) did not ask that the musical’s directors be replaced by Mr. Zaks or someone else.
None of the cast members could be reached for comment on Monday.
From Today's New York Times... December 29, 2009
Revisions for ‘Addams Family’ By PATRICK HEALY
The producers of “The Addams Family,” one of the major new musicals scheduled for Broadway this spring, announced on Monday that they have hired the Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zaks to take over the $16.5 million production and supervise significant changes.
Based on The New Yorker cartoons of Charles Addams, “The Addams Family” began its pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago this month and received several positive reviews from critics — but also a pointedly tough one full of criticism from that city’s most influential theater critic, Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune, who concluded that the show “needs to be funnier and more visually spontaneous.”
Echoing parts of The Tribune review, the musical’s lead producers, Stuart Oken and Roy Furman, said that the plot needed to focus more tightly on the Addams family members and that all — starting with Gomez (played by Nathan Lane) and Morticia (Bebe Neuwirth) — needed their eccentric and subversive personalities clearly established in dialogue and song before the main action of the plot begins.
The feedback from critics, colleagues and friends, Mr. Oken said, “is that perhaps we were taking a little too much for granted assuming that the audience walks in with the relationship with the Addams family fully intact, and we didn’t appropriately reconnect the audience to the family members.”
No one on the creative team has left the show or been fired, Mr. Oken said, with Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (both Broadway newcomers) still listed as the directors and production designers, and Mr. Zaks billed as creative consultant. But when asked who was running the show from here on, Mr. Oken replied, “Jerry, with Phelim and Julian having meaningful input.”
Mr. Zaks is close to Mr. Lane, having directed him in the long-running Broadway musical revivals of “Guys and Dolls” in 1992 and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” in 1996, for which Mr. Lane won the Tony Award for best actor in a musical. Mr. Oken and Mr. Furman said Mr. Lane neither demanded nor requested that Mr. Zaks or any other show doctor be hired.
Mr. Zaks was not available for comment on Monday, his assistant said, but relayed a prepared statement in an e-mail message, saying that he “enjoyed the show enormously” and that he was delighted to “take this original musical to the next level.”
Mr. Zaks had been scheduled to direct “All About Me,” another new musical on Broadway this spring, but Mr. Oken said that he and Mr. Zaks asked the lead producer of that show, Jeffrey Richards, to release Mr. Zaks, and that he had done so.
The two lead “Addams” producers were at pains in a telephone interview on Monday to emphasize that the show was not in trouble, with Mr. Furman volunteering three times that hiring Mr. Zaks was “not being done defensively or out of weakness.” But they acknowledged that the musical, which is capitalized at $16.5 million for Broadway, needs changes to improve its hopes for a long run and a potentially lucrative life as a touring production.
Broadway producers have a long history of using so-called show doctors to make fixes, from Jerome Robbins to Neil Simon to, most recently, the Tony Award-winning choreographer Rob Ashford, who assisted on “Shrek the Musical.”
Mr. Jones, the theater critic, as well as some theater producers who have seen “The Addams Family,” said the cast members were well matched to their parts, but that some lacked enough big numbers and charming moments. Mr. Jones also noted that Ms. Neuwirth “looks like she’s not having much fun,” a point that the two lead producers denied. They added that Ms. Neuwirth (a Tony Award winner for “Chicago” and “Sweet Charity”) did not ask that the musical’s directors be replaced by Mr. Zaks or someone else.
None of the cast members could be reached for comment on Monday.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
it's christmas time in the city...
It's been a very eventful few days off - but the halls are decked, the presents are (finally) wrapped, a new pair of winter boots have been procured, the fruitcake has been sliced, so it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I hope you've all been good!
Monday, December 21, 2009
candyland...
Today is our holiday lunch (!) and we were encouraged to bring a dessert (or, if we didn't want to bake, we were gently encouraged to get something delicious at Sweet Mandy B's). I baked some festive brownies (oh, stop. They have funfetti chips in them, not POT, although I suppose that would also be very festive...)
And I also really wanted to try the candy recipe below, which came from Tina Nordstrom's book, A Culinary Tour of Sweden and from the companion show on PBS,New Scandinavian Cooking.
The recipe is deceptively simple:
1/2 lb (250 g) nougat
1/4 lb. (125 g) dark chocolate
2 oz (50 g) flaked almonds
2 oz (50 g) chopped roasted hazelnuts 1.75 oz (50 g) raisins
2 oz (50 g) walnuts
Zest of 1 orange
This is how you do it:
Melt the nougat and chocolate in a saucepan over another saucepan with boiling water. When it is completely melted together, mix in the nuts.
Line a bread loaf tin with waxed paper. Pour in the mixture. Let it harden for a few hours in the fridge before removing it.
The major stumbling block here (any guesses?) is the first ingredient: nougat. I am not even officially sure what nougat actually IS, making it really hard to determine a possible substitute. Which we had to do, because I don't know if you know this? But it is nearly impossible to find nougat anywhere. Not at Dominick's, Jewel, Michael's (although they did have a variety of cake/candy making things), The Home Economist or Produce World. Rather than just chuck the whole affair, we decided eventually to substitute almond paste - either that or make our own nougat, which seemed more time consuming than the actual recipe.
So, ingredients decided, we started melting the chocolate and almond paste. Well, sort of. The paste didn't melt as such, but we mushed it up as best as we could. Added the nuts and zest and mushed the whole thing up some more. Then we dumped the whole thing into the wax paper lined bread loaf tin and threw it into the fridge to harden up.
Taste it (as Tina might say) - it was essentially chocolate covered almond goo. With nuts. Not bad, but I don't really think that's what they had in mind with the recipe. I didn't bring any of it to work today, though. Just the brownies.
You're welcome, co-workers. And Merry Christmas.
And I also really wanted to try the candy recipe below, which came from Tina Nordstrom's book, A Culinary Tour of Sweden and from the companion show on PBS,New Scandinavian Cooking.
The recipe is deceptively simple:
1/2 lb (250 g) nougat
1/4 lb. (125 g) dark chocolate
2 oz (50 g) flaked almonds
2 oz (50 g) chopped roasted hazelnuts 1.75 oz (50 g) raisins
2 oz (50 g) walnuts
Zest of 1 orange
This is how you do it:
Melt the nougat and chocolate in a saucepan over another saucepan with boiling water. When it is completely melted together, mix in the nuts.
Line a bread loaf tin with waxed paper. Pour in the mixture. Let it harden for a few hours in the fridge before removing it.
The major stumbling block here (any guesses?) is the first ingredient: nougat. I am not even officially sure what nougat actually IS, making it really hard to determine a possible substitute. Which we had to do, because I don't know if you know this? But it is nearly impossible to find nougat anywhere. Not at Dominick's, Jewel, Michael's (although they did have a variety of cake/candy making things), The Home Economist or Produce World. Rather than just chuck the whole affair, we decided eventually to substitute almond paste - either that or make our own nougat, which seemed more time consuming than the actual recipe.
So, ingredients decided, we started melting the chocolate and almond paste. Well, sort of. The paste didn't melt as such, but we mushed it up as best as we could. Added the nuts and zest and mushed the whole thing up some more. Then we dumped the whole thing into the wax paper lined bread loaf tin and threw it into the fridge to harden up.
Taste it (as Tina might say) - it was essentially chocolate covered almond goo. With nuts. Not bad, but I don't really think that's what they had in mind with the recipe. I didn't bring any of it to work today, though. Just the brownies.
You're welcome, co-workers. And Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
things i've learned... from english class
For some reason, mom & I got to talking recently about topics for English class papers and I recalled my most favorite English-paper story I have. And, for no particular reason, I have decided to share it with all of you.
So, in 8th grade, I was assigned a paper wherein I had to describe a time where I was afraid. Oh, and it had to be true. I love to write and so I thought this would be a piece of cake, but when the time came to put pen to paper (this was 1993, after all!) I couldn't think of anything good enough to write. You don't want to go baring your soul to your English teacher, after all, to give them ammunition to use against you at a later date. So, I made something up. It was quite spectacularly made up, too, something about a lake house in Wisconsin, and a boat, and a bad storm and some made up cousins(fake! fake! fake! fake!). I turned it in and thought nothing of it. When my teacher, I will call her Miss Smith(that was her name) handed them back to us, she gave us all this HUGE lecture about how some of the papers were made up and that she was SO disappointed and she could totally TELL which ones were fact and which were fiction. I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into my seat. Crap I thought, for I was a goody two-shoes at heart and a teacher's pet besides and I hated the thought that I was about to get busted. Only... I didn't. When she handed back my paper, I had an A ++ (no really. She actually gave plus pluses) and I think but I don't exactly remember that I had to read it out to the class, as a shining example of how to write true experiences or something like that. She never found me out either, and my straight As in English happily continued.
Until... My freshman year. I was in honors English and had a cute little lady called Miss Nash as my teacher. It was not a great class, we had to read some tome called The King Must Die over the summer and it SUCKED. I didn't actually read it, as such, so I couldn't tell you what it was on about except the dude, in the end, killed the minotaur or some such thing. What more do you need to know? And Miss Nash HATED my writing. She gave me Bs. This was a stunning blow to me as I had, as you noted above, always done quite well in English class.
But then... she assigned a paper on - you guessed it - a time when you were afraid. It wasn't exactly the SAME topic, but close enough to haul out me old A++ chestnut, do a little revision, and hand it in to her too. It was the same thing, fictional cousins (named "Hank" and "Michaela" from my DQMW fangirl days. How she never caught on to that one, I will never know), a lake house, boat trip, bad storm - SO SCARED!
And yes, I got the highest grade I ever got from Miss Nash on that essay. She even suggested that I submit it to our literary magazine, as the shining example of scholarship it so clearly was. It pissed me off, actually, that I should work so hard on actual essays and they were apparently crap, and then I pull something totally out of the air, and not one, but TWO teachers really loved it.
The lesson I took from this was clearly not the plot of The King Must Die, but that my ability to bullshit was developed at a very early age, and the knack for making shit up has come in very handy not only in my school career, but also in my work as well!
So, in 8th grade, I was assigned a paper wherein I had to describe a time where I was afraid. Oh, and it had to be true. I love to write and so I thought this would be a piece of cake, but when the time came to put pen to paper (this was 1993, after all!) I couldn't think of anything good enough to write. You don't want to go baring your soul to your English teacher, after all, to give them ammunition to use against you at a later date. So, I made something up. It was quite spectacularly made up, too, something about a lake house in Wisconsin, and a boat, and a bad storm and some made up cousins(fake! fake! fake! fake!). I turned it in and thought nothing of it. When my teacher, I will call her Miss Smith(that was her name) handed them back to us, she gave us all this HUGE lecture about how some of the papers were made up and that she was SO disappointed and she could totally TELL which ones were fact and which were fiction. I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into my seat. Crap I thought, for I was a goody two-shoes at heart and a teacher's pet besides and I hated the thought that I was about to get busted. Only... I didn't. When she handed back my paper, I had an A ++ (no really. She actually gave plus pluses) and I think but I don't exactly remember that I had to read it out to the class, as a shining example of how to write true experiences or something like that. She never found me out either, and my straight As in English happily continued.
Until... My freshman year. I was in honors English and had a cute little lady called Miss Nash as my teacher. It was not a great class, we had to read some tome called The King Must Die over the summer and it SUCKED. I didn't actually read it, as such, so I couldn't tell you what it was on about except the dude, in the end, killed the minotaur or some such thing. What more do you need to know? And Miss Nash HATED my writing. She gave me Bs. This was a stunning blow to me as I had, as you noted above, always done quite well in English class.
But then... she assigned a paper on - you guessed it - a time when you were afraid. It wasn't exactly the SAME topic, but close enough to haul out me old A++ chestnut, do a little revision, and hand it in to her too. It was the same thing, fictional cousins (named "Hank" and "Michaela" from my DQMW fangirl days. How she never caught on to that one, I will never know), a lake house, boat trip, bad storm - SO SCARED!
And yes, I got the highest grade I ever got from Miss Nash on that essay. She even suggested that I submit it to our literary magazine, as the shining example of scholarship it so clearly was. It pissed me off, actually, that I should work so hard on actual essays and they were apparently crap, and then I pull something totally out of the air, and not one, but TWO teachers really loved it.
The lesson I took from this was clearly not the plot of The King Must Die, but that my ability to bullshit was developed at a very early age, and the knack for making shit up has come in very handy not only in my school career, but also in my work as well!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
sometimes, winter IS my favorite season...
Especially when it's part of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, played by Nigel Kennedy...
teatime 2009
Today's challenge prompt - my favorite tea!
My dad was recently told by his doctor to start drinking tea and walking. He struck a deal with me - I will drink the tea and do the walking FOR him and he will reap the benefits vicariously. I don't mind a bit - I love tea! It started, funnily enough, when I was in high school, and took a trip to London with the drama department*. On the plane, I decided to do the thing right, and drink a cup of tea when the beverage trolley came around. I do drink coffee, but I am instantly comforted by a nice hot cup of tea and since my stomach is annoyed by coffee, I've switched to tea. I'm not right in the morning until I've had my tea. When I make it on my own here at the office, I like Tazo's Awake Tea. But since I work about a block from Argo Tea, I will sometimes, when I need a treat (like today!) pop over there and get an Earl Grey Vanilla Creme Tea Latte. Earl Grey tea (which I actually don't like on its own), vanilla, and steamed milk. I am drinking one now!
* Best.Trip.Ever. It was my first time away from home and out of the country, our chaperones buggered off to go drinking and so we were left to our own devices, despite promises made to our parents!! One of my classmates snuck out of our crazy hotel and took himself to see Buckles in Sunset Boulevard. I remember a particularly happy solo excursion as I wandered Piccadilly Circus - alone - shopping and puttering around. I wasn't worried at all, I felt perfectly safe. Plus, I knew how to get back to the hotel so who cared??
My dad was recently told by his doctor to start drinking tea and walking. He struck a deal with me - I will drink the tea and do the walking FOR him and he will reap the benefits vicariously. I don't mind a bit - I love tea! It started, funnily enough, when I was in high school, and took a trip to London with the drama department*. On the plane, I decided to do the thing right, and drink a cup of tea when the beverage trolley came around. I do drink coffee, but I am instantly comforted by a nice hot cup of tea and since my stomach is annoyed by coffee, I've switched to tea. I'm not right in the morning until I've had my tea. When I make it on my own here at the office, I like Tazo's Awake Tea. But since I work about a block from Argo Tea, I will sometimes, when I need a treat (like today!) pop over there and get an Earl Grey Vanilla Creme Tea Latte. Earl Grey tea (which I actually don't like on its own), vanilla, and steamed milk. I am drinking one now!
(Hot tea and a good book - is there anything better?
Unfortunately, I'm at work, so will not be reading until lunch!)
* Best.Trip.Ever. It was my first time away from home and out of the country, our chaperones buggered off to go drinking and so we were left to our own devices, despite promises made to our parents!! One of my classmates snuck out of our crazy hotel and took himself to see Buckles in Sunset Boulevard. I remember a particularly happy solo excursion as I wandered Piccadilly Circus - alone - shopping and puttering around. I wasn't worried at all, I felt perfectly safe. Plus, I knew how to get back to the hotel so who cared??
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
joy in a little round box...
Best packaging2009
Thought I’d forgotten about this, eh? Well, okay, I did. But I am putting forth an entry today – on my favorite packaging of 2009. I’m in the office, working to a deadline, of course, and a friend/colleague/consultant writes to me – what can I do? Bring chocolate? To which I responded, yes, please! Joking, but not. Who can say no to chocolate? Not I! And, in an act of true heroics, she came to the office bearing NOT bags of Hershey kisses (for which I would have been grateful!) but gorgeous boxes of Vosges chocolate.
The one I chose came in a darling little round purple box – like a mini hat box, with a little purple ribbon. See above. I consumed the candy and saved the box. I have jewelry in it now…
Monday, December 14, 2009
sidebar
Just so you don't think I've gone completely gaga, I played my holiday playlist on the way here and then I was stomping** through Daley Plaza listening to the "Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago" (with Bebe singing, of course!!!) So I haven't gone ALL Marshmallow World on you all...
** In my rain boots! Happy to report I have not fallen down since last week! A personal best, I should think!
** In my rain boots! Happy to report I have not fallen down since last week! A personal best, I should think!
it's the most wonderful time of the year (no, really!)
I feel much more in the Christmas spirit this year, for some reason. Last year, I felt merely as though I were going through the motions - everything was a chore, done mechanically, oh, must put up the tree, wrap the presents, work at the theater... but this year, happily, I have been restored to the spirit of the season (praise the lord and pass the mashed potatoes!!).
We put up our tree yesterday and it was so much fun to pull out the traditional decorations and put them up just so. And I've loved buying gifts for all those special people on my list this year (you know who you are) although I must stop with the commerce right now, for that sound? Is my checking account gently weeping. I have heard some rumor about an extra paycheck in 2009 - I sincerely hope this is true.
I have also had my annual injection of Sugar Plum delight, brought to me by The Nutcracker. This is my third year here, and thus my third year of working Nutcracker performances. Oh, it is joy unbounded all right (where is the "sarcasam" font on the computer anyway??) but it's all part of the season. Glitter and nutcrackers and the smell of slightly worn satin ballet slippers will forever equal Christmas to me.
I even made a holiday playlist for my ipod of all my favorite holiday songs and I have been listening to it on my morning commute. So here, for your listening pleasure, I am sure, is one of the songs on that rocking holiday playlist that I was listening to this morning, brought to you by the Three Tenors. If you think you've heard "Sleigh Ride" before, well, let me tell you. You ain't never heard it like this.
We put up our tree yesterday and it was so much fun to pull out the traditional decorations and put them up just so. And I've loved buying gifts for all those special people on my list this year (you know who you are) although I must stop with the commerce right now, for that sound? Is my checking account gently weeping. I have heard some rumor about an extra paycheck in 2009 - I sincerely hope this is true.
I have also had my annual injection of Sugar Plum delight, brought to me by The Nutcracker. This is my third year here, and thus my third year of working Nutcracker performances. Oh, it is joy unbounded all right (where is the "sarcasam" font on the computer anyway??) but it's all part of the season. Glitter and nutcrackers and the smell of slightly worn satin ballet slippers will forever equal Christmas to me.
I even made a holiday playlist for my ipod of all my favorite holiday songs and I have been listening to it on my morning commute. So here, for your listening pleasure, I am sure, is one of the songs on that rocking holiday playlist that I was listening to this morning, brought to you by the Three Tenors. If you think you've heard "Sleigh Ride" before, well, let me tell you. You ain't never heard it like this.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
music09
What's rocking my world these days, you ask? There's been lots of stuff - in 2009 I've been listening to Lily Allen, Lady Gaga, the Spring Awakening cast album, U2's No Line on the Horizon, Taylor Swift, Patti LuPone, The Beatles Love, Renee Fleming and probably more that I'm not even recalling now. I have my ipod with me always, it's my best friend on my daily commute - and now it's an extra sassy purple 5th generation one, pulsing with my favorite tunes!!! What's been on constant play lately though have been the Glee cast albums. Oh how I love that show and these albums! I love Matthew Morrison singing Kanye West's "Gold Digger" and duetting with Kristin Chenoweth on "Alone" (LOVE THAT ONE!) I love Lea Michele's voice singing anything. After a crappy day at work, nothing was better than to put on pjs and watch our friends in "New Directions" compete in sectionals - against all odds and stolen set lists, pulling two new songs out of their hats in an hour. Awesome. My inner choir nerd has been awakened. Not that she's ever been far. Glee, my life really would suck without you.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Challenge 2009 Art Isn't Easy...
Today's task: describe something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?
Based on this week I might say it's getting my hands on workable winter gear. I have lived in this danged city MY.WHOLE.LIFE and I still don't have a decent pair of winter boots. The Merrells I bought have these zippers that worked their way undone while I was walking to and from work. I would stop to zip them up and then I'd feel one of them coming loose again. FAIL, Merrell. FAIL.
No, okay, seriously. Wet feet and trying to walk to work without toppling headfirst into major intersections are not (surprisingly?) my greatest challenge this year.
I guess I would have to say that my job has really made me grow this year. We're a small department, and everyone has to hold their own. I feel like I've grown a lot and learned lots of new things, and I keep getting more responsibilities so I'm gonna keep growing! Pushed to the edge and then some? Oh, definitely. When one writes institutional grants for funding, there is the constant pressure of deadlines and making sure everything is just so. Managing these relationships so that people want to KEEP giving us funding. Finding NEW sources of funding and learning, first hand what everyone is talking about in terms of these "tough economic times" - major corporations losing money = no money (or less money) to give non-profits like mine. Stock market issues effect (or affect?) the portfolios of individuals AND foundations and so they have less money to give as well. It's gotta come from somewhere, right??
I love my job (usually) but it's been a challenge because after all... "Having just a vision's no solution, everything depends on execution... the art of making art, is putting it together."
Based on this week I might say it's getting my hands on workable winter gear. I have lived in this danged city MY.WHOLE.LIFE and I still don't have a decent pair of winter boots. The Merrells I bought have these zippers that worked their way undone while I was walking to and from work. I would stop to zip them up and then I'd feel one of them coming loose again. FAIL, Merrell. FAIL.
No, okay, seriously. Wet feet and trying to walk to work without toppling headfirst into major intersections are not (surprisingly?) my greatest challenge this year.
I guess I would have to say that my job has really made me grow this year. We're a small department, and everyone has to hold their own. I feel like I've grown a lot and learned lots of new things, and I keep getting more responsibilities so I'm gonna keep growing! Pushed to the edge and then some? Oh, definitely. When one writes institutional grants for funding, there is the constant pressure of deadlines and making sure everything is just so. Managing these relationships so that people want to KEEP giving us funding. Finding NEW sources of funding and learning, first hand what everyone is talking about in terms of these "tough economic times" - major corporations losing money = no money (or less money) to give non-profits like mine. Stock market issues effect (or affect?) the portfolios of individuals AND foundations and so they have less money to give as well. It's gotta come from somewhere, right??
I love my job (usually) but it's been a challenge because after all... "Having just a vision's no solution, everything depends on execution... the art of making art, is putting it together."
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
2009 moment of peace
If I was really cool, right here I could tell you how I achieve Zen by the art of meditation (on a noodle?) and extremely difficult yoga poses, drinking green tea and playing finger chimes. But I'm not cool like that. My most peaceful moments are those when I am completely relaxed, maybe reading a book while lying on my bed, with a warm kitty curled up by my side.
Monday, December 07, 2009
blog find of 09
Since I forgot to post yesterday, you get 2 of these for the price of one (good deal, yes?) so... I am a creature of habit, and I frequent the same blogs/websites on a daily basis. When a new one is introduced, I simply add it to the rotation. But something that is totally addictive that I just really started doing this year, is Facebook. I love reading updates from people I went to grade school with, for example, and keeping track of other friends that I don't get to see very often. So there you go. Not very exciting, but that's my "find" of the year. I wonder how long peope will stay interested in recording their movements so closely online, but as long as people want to do it, I will read and update my status too.
truly, a day that will live in infamy...
So I took the early train this morning, and am slip-sliding my way down the streets of Chicago. Get to Wacker and Washington, start to cross and fall FACE FIRST into Wacker Drive, hitting my chin on the way down and soaking myself in the process. Now my face kind of hurts.
Wlecome to Monday - is this the kind of week it's going tobe?
Wlecome to Monday - is this the kind of week it's going tobe?
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Conference 09: The ILCDP
December 6 Workshop or conference. Was there a conference or workshop you attended that was especially beneficial? Where was it? What did you learn?
This year, in my on-going quest to Become a Better Grant Writer, I visited both the Donors' Forum Library and attended several workshops hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center, including one centering around the development and implementation of the Illinois Cultural Data Project.
The arts sector is notoriously flaky - for the most part it's - "Business model? What business model? We're ARTISTS, man!" Which makes it very difficult to "benchmark" or track stats that other sectors do pretty naturally. Several years ago, The Pew Charitable Trusts in PA started a data collection system for non-profit arts groups. These organizations could use this online module, free of charge and input financials, admission info, ticket and marketing info, all kinds of great stuff. With the click of a mouse, all kinds of useful financial reports could be generated and submitted to funders as a part of their grant process, in a standardized way. Other organizations can also access some of this information to benchmark certain aspects of business. Funders and advocates can also access some of this information, like how large is the arts sector in Illinois? How much revenue does it generate? How many people are employed as part of this sector? all of which makes it WAY easier to appeal to state and national governments for arts funding.**
A group of corporate and foundation funders in Illinois adapted this model and have started implementing it here, hence the ILCDP training session I had to attend. It is internet-based, and requires A LOT of data entry. Naturally, the way they would like to see the information entered is totally different from the way we have it in our audited statements etc, and so despite the fact that we had an intern input FY2007 and FY2008 in the summer, we only just finished submitting this stuff to the CDP.
But I think it will (eventually) be really helpful in our grant process, especially with generating the specialized reports. Quick and easy are always good!!
** In case anyone in Illinois was wondering, our state arts budget was cut hugely this year, with grants coming in about 50% less than they were last year.
This year, in my on-going quest to Become a Better Grant Writer, I visited both the Donors' Forum Library and attended several workshops hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center, including one centering around the development and implementation of the Illinois Cultural Data Project.
The arts sector is notoriously flaky - for the most part it's - "Business model? What business model? We're ARTISTS, man!" Which makes it very difficult to "benchmark" or track stats that other sectors do pretty naturally. Several years ago, The Pew Charitable Trusts in PA started a data collection system for non-profit arts groups. These organizations could use this online module, free of charge and input financials, admission info, ticket and marketing info, all kinds of great stuff. With the click of a mouse, all kinds of useful financial reports could be generated and submitted to funders as a part of their grant process, in a standardized way. Other organizations can also access some of this information to benchmark certain aspects of business. Funders and advocates can also access some of this information, like how large is the arts sector in Illinois? How much revenue does it generate? How many people are employed as part of this sector? all of which makes it WAY easier to appeal to state and national governments for arts funding.**
A group of corporate and foundation funders in Illinois adapted this model and have started implementing it here, hence the ILCDP training session I had to attend. It is internet-based, and requires A LOT of data entry. Naturally, the way they would like to see the information entered is totally different from the way we have it in our audited statements etc, and so despite the fact that we had an intern input FY2007 and FY2008 in the summer, we only just finished submitting this stuff to the CDP.
But I think it will (eventually) be really helpful in our grant process, especially with generating the specialized reports. Quick and easy are always good!!
** In case anyone in Illinois was wondering, our state arts budget was cut hugely this year, with grants coming in about 50% less than they were last year.
Friday, December 04, 2009
2009 Best Night Out - Love & A Rocket Ship...
The best night out in 2009 was undoubtedly the U2 360 concert at Soldier Field. There are several outings I have had with my girls, Heidi & Jane, that qualify as Life's Most Perfect Moments - I would count Edwin's concert at Navy Pier, any of our rock boat trips, and, well, this evening (which is why - DUH - it qualifies as the Best Night Out of 2009.)On a gorgeous day, that was more summerlike than fall, we spent time at MSI, had dinner at Leona's and then... it was time to see THE BAND. Nobody else reduces me to a quivering jelly pile of fan girl like Bono, the Edge, Larry and Adam. As soon as we paid our $45 bucks for parking (!!!!) we were in - with thousands & thousands of our closest friends, who were tailgating in the parking lot, listening to U2 on their radios. Ah yes, girls, we're in the right place!
The evening was pure magic...Standing on our feet the whole time, singing along at the top of our lungs with everyone else...one of the best moments was when Bono asked the crowd to hold up their collective cell phones (because yes, we all had them, and yes, we all had them ON, to take photos, to leave a voicemail message for ourselves at work, etc etc etc) so he could see us all, like tiny stars in the blackness of the night... our own little constellation, he called us...
The giant crazy stage with its huge screens so that the band was constantly visible no matter where you were sitting. Larger than life, in every possible way.
Magnificent, indeed.
best book - 2009
Today's task:
December 4 Book. What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?
Well, I don't know the Secret (but I have come close to discovering Victoria's Secret - ba dum bum!), what color my parachute is or even who moved my cheese. The book that moved me was A Lion Called Christian the true story of two Aussie blokes and their adopted pet... lion. They eventually set him free in Africa and when they visited him later on, he greeted them joyously. The reunion has been set to "I Will Always Love You" sung by Whitney Houston and posted on youtube. It's making me cry just sitting here typing about it. There is a kids book version of the story, which I spotted in Target last weekend and I was all a-blither just paging through it (I may or may not be receiving said kids picture book as a Christmas present).
What is it about this story? I loved reading about the bond forged between these guys and this lion, how they bought him from Harrods (of all places) and cared for him in the basement of an furniture shop in London. Then they had to teach him how to BE a lion when they brought him to Africa.
December 4 Book. What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?
Well, I don't know the Secret (but I have come close to discovering Victoria's Secret - ba dum bum!), what color my parachute is or even who moved my cheese. The book that moved me was A Lion Called Christian the true story of two Aussie blokes and their adopted pet... lion. They eventually set him free in Africa and when they visited him later on, he greeted them joyously. The reunion has been set to "I Will Always Love You" sung by Whitney Houston and posted on youtube. It's making me cry just sitting here typing about it. There is a kids book version of the story, which I spotted in Target last weekend and I was all a-blither just paging through it (I may or may not be receiving said kids picture book as a Christmas present).
What is it about this story? I loved reading about the bond forged between these guys and this lion, how they bought him from Harrods (of all places) and cared for him in the basement of an furniture shop in London. Then they had to teach him how to BE a lion when they brought him to Africa.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
come for the food, stay for the...
Still playing catch up on the 2009 challenge - here's yesterday's prompt: Restaurant Moment Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind?
I would probably have to say Baker's Square wins this. We usually end up there after our usual dining decision making process which goes something like this:
What do you want for dinner?
I dunno. Food.... And it's (Heidi/Kristen/Jane/whoever)'s choice night!!
This goes on for quite a while, usually. Someone will put forth some suggestions and we will narrow them down OR sometimes we let fate decide. More often than not? Baker's Square. Obviously, this wins the category not because the food is so completely amazing (it's not. But the pie is!) but because it's our hangout. We've had some completely outrageous/hillarious conversations there.
And hey - Wednesday? Is free pie night.
I would probably have to say Baker's Square wins this. We usually end up there after our usual dining decision making process which goes something like this:
What do you want for dinner?
I dunno. Food.... And it's (Heidi/Kristen/Jane/whoever)'s choice night!!
This goes on for quite a while, usually. Someone will put forth some suggestions and we will narrow them down OR sometimes we let fate decide. More often than not? Baker's Square. Obviously, this wins the category not because the food is so completely amazing (it's not. But the pie is!) but because it's our hangout. We've had some completely outrageous/hillarious conversations there.
And hey - Wednesday? Is free pie night.
the best of 2009...
Ooh, goody, I love a challenge! And I'm already behind, so let's start with:
Best trip of 2009:
Well, that's a no-brainer -
Best trip of 2009:
Well, that's a no-brainer -
Yeah! Vegas, baby! Aside from the fact that it was pretty much the ONLY trip I took in 2009, it was, anyway, the best trip. It is CRAZY there - anything you want, you can get, any time you want it. Even for a traveler on her own who wasn't playing, there was much to do and see and look at. What a heady experience (or is that the oxygen they pump in?)! I saw my first Cirque show & Patti & walk up margarita stands & swim up bars & tacky souvenirs & lots of rhinestones & yards upon yards of 'yikes-my-retinas-are-burning-ugly-ass-carpet.'
Monday, November 30, 2009
i love toy trains...
I swear, if Heidi hadn't shown me this clip, I would not have believed it (woman! where DO you find these things?)... The man loves his trains, okay? And I am sure he even has some on his lawn, as part of his holiday tableau, right next to the traditional holiday elephant...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
the addams family
I went to the theater last night brimming with anticipation - really, people, do you know how long I have WAITED to see Nathan Lane in a musical in Chicago? A very very very very long time, ever since no one wanted to go to The Producers with me back in whenever that little show made its pre-Broadway run here (2001? 2000?). Yeah, you know how it goes. A little show comes out to Chicago, hoping to go to Broadway, and then it dies here and no one hears from it again. Oh, wait, I'm sorry - The Producers went on to win something like 13 Tony's. And no.one.wanted.to.see.it.with.me. Then when they finally DID want to see it with me it was TOO LATE because you could not get tickets for love nor money. And THEN I got over it and went to New York on my own, and I still never saw it with the original cast because the tickets were so expensive. And I'm still bitter (have you noticed??) - but we will leave that tale of woe for another time and just say that I've been wanting to see Mr. Lane live for a very long time. With Bebe Neuwirth, no less. Tickets on my birthday? Oh yes, please. A little gift (aw, such good taste! you know me so well) - from me to me.
Anyway. Back to the show. It opens with our titular gruesome family in the graveyard, saying goodbye to daughter Wednesday (Krysta Rodriguez). No, she hasn't died, she's simply grown up, and has to embrace the family values by making several promises to the assembled clan - dad Gomez (Mr. Lane), mommy Morticia (Ms. Neuwirth), Uncle Fester (Kevin Chamberlin), brother Pugsley (Adam Riegler), Grandma Somebody (whose, we're not quite sure, but the old girl DOES smoke a lot of pot in the attic - played by Jackie Hoffman), and Lurch (the splendidly large-voiced Zachary James). But Wednesday has a secret - she's in love with a wonderful guy, who makes her think of sunshine and rainbows and makes her want to wear yellow. Mom makes her invite the boy and his family, from the exotic land of Ohio, over to the house for dinner. Wednesday pleads with her parents to be normal, so the Beinekes will like them so she can continue to see her boyfriend, Lucas.
Well, I am sure you can guess that mayhem ensues as the family attempts to be "normal" and during the course of the meal, "The Game" is played - it's full disclosure time. A drink from the family chalice and then you spill a secret. Without giving anything away here, a prank by Pugsley meant for his sister goes wrong, the Beinekes make for the door, but a hurricane pops up (!) requiring the guests to stay in chez Addams for the night. It's all about love and family, about growing old (the never ending cycle of life, death and dried fruit - pefect for this old prune on her birthday!), about finding yourself, and all that other great stuff. What big splashy musical dreams are made of, and all that. The entire cast was magnificent - they sing! they dance! they collect instruments of torture! I knew I'd love Nathan and Bebe, and they were wonderful (what STAR POWER!) but the entire cast was solid.
The show was everything I wanted it to be and more - complete with monsters under the bed, unexpected sword fighting, humor and charm in spades, sexy tangos (I am channeling Bruno Tonioli here and saying, with a raised paddle and pump of the fist "TEN! You are the GODDESS of the TANGO! Spectacular! Spectacular!) and, well, a giant squid.
I'm going again. Who's coming with me?
Anyway. Back to the show. It opens with our titular gruesome family in the graveyard, saying goodbye to daughter Wednesday (Krysta Rodriguez). No, she hasn't died, she's simply grown up, and has to embrace the family values by making several promises to the assembled clan - dad Gomez (Mr. Lane), mommy Morticia (Ms. Neuwirth), Uncle Fester (Kevin Chamberlin), brother Pugsley (Adam Riegler), Grandma Somebody (whose, we're not quite sure, but the old girl DOES smoke a lot of pot in the attic - played by Jackie Hoffman), and Lurch (the splendidly large-voiced Zachary James). But Wednesday has a secret - she's in love with a wonderful guy, who makes her think of sunshine and rainbows and makes her want to wear yellow. Mom makes her invite the boy and his family, from the exotic land of Ohio, over to the house for dinner. Wednesday pleads with her parents to be normal, so the Beinekes will like them so she can continue to see her boyfriend, Lucas.
Well, I am sure you can guess that mayhem ensues as the family attempts to be "normal" and during the course of the meal, "The Game" is played - it's full disclosure time. A drink from the family chalice and then you spill a secret. Without giving anything away here, a prank by Pugsley meant for his sister goes wrong, the Beinekes make for the door, but a hurricane pops up (!) requiring the guests to stay in chez Addams for the night. It's all about love and family, about growing old (the never ending cycle of life, death and dried fruit - pefect for this old prune on her birthday!), about finding yourself, and all that other great stuff. What big splashy musical dreams are made of, and all that. The entire cast was magnificent - they sing! they dance! they collect instruments of torture! I knew I'd love Nathan and Bebe, and they were wonderful (what STAR POWER!) but the entire cast was solid.
The show was everything I wanted it to be and more - complete with monsters under the bed, unexpected sword fighting, humor and charm in spades, sexy tangos (I am channeling Bruno Tonioli here and saying, with a raised paddle and pump of the fist "TEN! You are the GODDESS of the TANGO! Spectacular! Spectacular!) and, well, a giant squid.
I'm going again. Who's coming with me?
Friday, November 20, 2009
fabulous friday!
It's Friday! It's not even 8:30 and I am already in need of a stiff drink! Work is crazy, I found gray hairs on my head last week and, oh yeah, I'm turning the big 3-1 on Tuesday. It's enough to make a girl/old lady crawl back into bed with a bottle of something strong and not emerge for a very very long time. Had made plans to celebrate early with a trip to Ann Arbor to see Ms. Patti today, but decided to nix it. With age comes responsibility and the dreaded logic. Ugh. So many people wanting me to have serious thoughts these days. What a bore.
But anyway. Will celebrate in style on Tuesday with dinner at Petterino's and...
I am so excited to see this one. There's actually lots of stuff I am excited to see around here these days, all coming up in November/December/January, part of the reason that I decided against going to the Mitten today. But we were talking about the Addams Family. I love Nathan & Bebe and have never seen either of them perform live (have I ever told you my tale of woe vis-a-vis the Producers???) and when I heard this was coming AND there was a performance on my birthday I bought tickets (rather impulsively, without bothering to check everyone's availability which caused some calendric consternation, but as my grandmother might say, hey-who.). Will report in full next week. Whee!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
banana split
Had comp tickets last night to the final dress rehearsal of Cirque du Soleil's new Banana Shpeel. Let me back up by saying that I had never seen a Cirque du Soleil show before last June, when I was in Vegas. I remember seeing ads for previous Cirque ventures that had come to Chicago and thinking that it looked too weird, too over the top, too...too. You know? But they do that well in Vegas, you see, and so I decided that in order to make the experience complete, I needed to take the plunge and see a Cirque show. I saw The Beatles Love, and I loved it. Every scene tied those familiar songs (re-mixed so that even they seemed new and exciting) with dance, acrobatics, aerials, roller skates! Each thing was bigger and more impressive than the next and I sat on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering what they would do next. I left the theater amazed, impressed and pledged my troth to the Cirque du Soleil. That's right, I wanted to find an Elvis chapel and marry Love. Je t'aime, je t'adore, c'est magnifique, le sange est sur le branche etc etc etc. Next time a show rolled into town, I vowed my support.Fast forward to the announcement of Banana Shpeel - singing, dancing and vaudeville, right up my proverbial alley? And actually, next door to my actual alley, at the Chicago Theatre next to the office. Fast forward again to last night, final dress rehearsal and the house was jam packed. BIG SPOILERS BELOW!!!
Let me say right away that the concept of the show - an old fashioned vaudeville type variety show, with a funky Cirque twist in dance, slapstick, etc, is a good one. There were lots of different elements kind of thrown together, an Uncle Jocko style vaudeville impressario by the name of Shmelky and two clown emcees, running an audition for Shmelky's show. A very long running gag of people being "chosen" from the audience - including the World's Oldest Mime with a walker, a gawky skinny dude with big glasses who did modern dance, most often in his underwear, and a guy who reminded me of Jemaine Clement, whose "talent" was imitating regular people with foot problems. This mainly entailed his wandering around the stage going "ow. ow. ow." And so on. These slapstick skits were placed among scenes from the actual show, Shmelky's Banana Shpeel which included singing, lots of dancing, magic, a little crazy Shakespeare (!) and some assorted interesting things - a puppet come to life who juggled bright red hats (impressive!) a girl who spun these little cloth things on her feet while lying on her back. Then she juggled a guitar with her feet, and spun those cloth things on her hands and feet while standing on her head. Question: how do you learn that you have a talent for such a thing? I don't know, but talented she undoubtedly was. There was also a fabulously hot guy who did some dancing/acrobatics with a pole - hard to explain. Was clearly the highlight of the show.
So....It was an okay show. Good but not great. I laughed at the slapstick stuff, but some of it went on WAY too long. I really enjoyed the dancing and the pretty costumes (there is a part where Shmelky breaks up a clown fight by yelling "Shiny object! Shiny object!" and I am TOTALLY the same way.) It felt a little disjointed, and there was some, but not much, effort to put the crazy characters in it and sometimes it seemed like they were in an entirely different show. If I had never seen a Cirque show before, I don't think I would have wanted to see another one based on this. I think they were somewhat limited, also, by the size of the stage. No aerial stuff, which was too bad. I would actually see it again, later in the run, just to see if they made any adjustments/attempts to tighten anything up. It should have been Spectacular, Spectacular, with no words in the vernacular to describe this great event... it was a nice evening out, and fun to see, but I don't think anywhere near the standard of the show I saw in Vegas. This is perhaps unfair, since it is the only point of reference I have to Cirque performances. But it's what I've got, and so take this for what you will.
I am channeling Hedy Weiss now and giving this a "Somewhat recommended."
Thursday, November 12, 2009
top models, a laugh & an "a-ha" moment
Let's start with the midget models - so called because this is the "shortie" season where only girls under 5'7" were allowed to compete. The girls all whine about how the industry doesn't accept short girls, like they were all dwarves or something. People - I am short. Girls who are 5'7"? Not short! And the top two (the stunning Nicole and the cute as a button, aw-shucks who me? Laura - my 2 faves so yay!) can't be any shorter than 5'7". In fact, the shortest competitor in the house was Sundai who was 5'3". One of Tyra's best most hi-larious comments to her "You photograph short." Well hello. She IS short! Stomp to the death next week!!
The laugh came this morning, courtesy of the CMA awards (via CBS news). I am not a big country fan, but even I became a fan of Taylor Swift after the whole Kanye thing (what a jerk! Let's have Matthew Morrison sing ALL of his songs from now on, ok? I LUURVE his "Golddigger" on the Glee cast recording!). They got him back though, with hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley singing a very country ditty with lyrics that went like this: "Mommas, don't let yer babies grow up to be... Kanye..." Oh how I laughed. Maybe I CAN be a little bit country... oh, okay maybe not. I look bad in hats, and I'd have to move to Texas or something. Yikes. But anyway, it was funny.
The "a-ha" moment came last night during Glee... someone I know mentioned to me that Matthew Morrison had been in Light in the Piazza, which I had seen at LCT with Kelli O'Hara and Victoria Clark. I loved it but did not remember him at all (sorry!!), and I kept meaning to dig out the playbill and take a good look, but I kept forgetting to do it. Until last night. Lo and behold, there he was! I'd seen him after all, as Fabrizio! And I didn't remember it! Well, come on, it was 6 years ago already! It was kind of like when I looked at my Rent cast album and figured out that Jesse L. Martin was on it. I was all like "No way! The Law & Order guy?" (oh, honey. They're ALL Law & Order guys!!) "He SINGS??" etc. The light went on, and I had finally figured it out. Took a long time for me to work that one out, too. Sometimes it ain't pretty.
The laugh came this morning, courtesy of the CMA awards (via CBS news). I am not a big country fan, but even I became a fan of Taylor Swift after the whole Kanye thing (what a jerk! Let's have Matthew Morrison sing ALL of his songs from now on, ok? I LUURVE his "Golddigger" on the Glee cast recording!). They got him back though, with hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley singing a very country ditty with lyrics that went like this: "Mommas, don't let yer babies grow up to be... Kanye..." Oh how I laughed. Maybe I CAN be a little bit country... oh, okay maybe not. I look bad in hats, and I'd have to move to Texas or something. Yikes. But anyway, it was funny.
The "a-ha" moment came last night during Glee... someone I know mentioned to me that Matthew Morrison had been in Light in the Piazza, which I had seen at LCT with Kelli O'Hara and Victoria Clark. I loved it but did not remember him at all (sorry!!), and I kept meaning to dig out the playbill and take a good look, but I kept forgetting to do it. Until last night. Lo and behold, there he was! I'd seen him after all, as Fabrizio! And I didn't remember it! Well, come on, it was 6 years ago already! It was kind of like when I looked at my Rent cast album and figured out that Jesse L. Martin was on it. I was all like "No way! The Law & Order guy?" (oh, honey. They're ALL Law & Order guys!!) "He SINGS??" etc. The light went on, and I had finally figured it out. Took a long time for me to work that one out, too. Sometimes it ain't pretty.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
i dreamed a dream...
So Susan Boyle was on the Dancing with the Stars results show last night (as completely shameless filler), singing her "signature song" (or, like, her ONLY song) "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Mis. And she was... fine. She has a nice voice, I still don't see what's particularly amazing about it. I am happy for her earning the recognition she has, and all that, but buying a whole album? I think not.
Anyway, I can't actually listen to the song without hearing Patti's voice bellowing in my head "SHUT UUPPPPP! Work it OUT! Stop your WHINING!" This is also a problem when watching Les Mis, since it makes me giggle. "Mate, pull me a pint, I've got a revolution to sit out..." I also can't watch the barricade scene without wondering if one of them is Fantine, pretending to be a smelter...
Anyway, I can't actually listen to the song without hearing Patti's voice bellowing in my head "SHUT UUPPPPP! Work it OUT! Stop your WHINING!" This is also a problem when watching Les Mis, since it makes me giggle. "Mate, pull me a pint, I've got a revolution to sit out..." I also can't watch the barricade scene without wondering if one of them is Fantine, pretending to be a smelter...
oh, patti...
Every so often, as the mood strikes, I go over here to see what my favorite Diva (and fellow paesana, although we are not Sicilian) is up to. This week, we struck gold, as she has updated her "Ramblings from the Road."
Read them. Go on. I will give you a minute. She's so random and stream of consciousness, she'll tell you about appliances, her love/hate relationship with the post office/bank/moving company/whoever is irritating her at the moment, good places to eat (which are oftentimes really great - witness, Hole in the Wall in Deerfield), books, whatever happens to come to mind. Much like an email you'd get from a far away friend, chatty, antecdotal... a little bit of happy and a little bit of sad.
The best thing about this last one though, is that she tacks on her trip to Australia and New Zealand - pretty much last. If I went to Australia OR New Zealand, (well, chances are I'd still be there, actually, having found my very own Bret/Jemaine/Hugh Jackman/tanned surfer hunk/weaver/shepard and setting up house there somewhere. Actually, we have a BRILLIANT PLAN to expand our Chicago resort and casino to Sydney. Second to none - too right, babe! Throw another steak on the barbie. No worries!) I'd be talking about that, like, first. You probably wouldn't get me to shut up about it, actually. I'd start all my stories with "Well, you know, when I was in SYDNEY..." or whatever. But not Patti. And that? Is why I aime her so much. (I am sure you NEVER would have guessed how much I enjoy the stream of consciousness, since this post has gone off in so many different directions, it's a little bit nuts...)
Sidebar - I totally thought that the "crocs" she mentions in her quote meant the shoes and not actual crocodiles. I thought that maybe she too had heard the Ayers Rock story that a guide told my friends (who DID go to Australia and are behaving much better about it than I would have. They hardly ever start any conversations with "Well, when I was CLIMBING THE HARBOR BRIDGE IN SYDNEY..." etc. And I totally would work it in as much as possible. We've established this.). Apparently (and correct me here if I am wrong, Heidi, for I know you are reading this!) some guy climbed Ayers Rock in his crocs and they MELTED on his feet! It was just that hot.
But no, Patti did not mention Ayers Rock, nor about climbing it in her crocs which is quite inadvisable in any case. She also leaves us with news of her book, which she says is coming next year. I will be first in line (possibly in my crocs) to read it, even though she wonders if it will be interesting.
Oh, Patti...
Read them. Go on. I will give you a minute. She's so random and stream of consciousness, she'll tell you about appliances, her love/hate relationship with the post office/bank/moving company/whoever is irritating her at the moment, good places to eat (which are oftentimes really great - witness, Hole in the Wall in Deerfield), books, whatever happens to come to mind. Much like an email you'd get from a far away friend, chatty, antecdotal... a little bit of happy and a little bit of sad.
The best thing about this last one though, is that she tacks on her trip to Australia and New Zealand - pretty much last. If I went to Australia OR New Zealand, (well, chances are I'd still be there, actually, having found my very own Bret/Jemaine/Hugh Jackman/tanned surfer hunk/weaver/shepard and setting up house there somewhere. Actually, we have a BRILLIANT PLAN to expand our Chicago resort and casino to Sydney. Second to none - too right, babe! Throw another steak on the barbie. No worries!) I'd be talking about that, like, first. You probably wouldn't get me to shut up about it, actually. I'd start all my stories with "Well, you know, when I was in SYDNEY..." or whatever. But not Patti. And that? Is why I aime her so much. (I am sure you NEVER would have guessed how much I enjoy the stream of consciousness, since this post has gone off in so many different directions, it's a little bit nuts...)
Sidebar - I totally thought that the "crocs" she mentions in her quote meant the shoes and not actual crocodiles. I thought that maybe she too had heard the Ayers Rock story that a guide told my friends (who DID go to Australia and are behaving much better about it than I would have. They hardly ever start any conversations with "Well, when I was CLIMBING THE HARBOR BRIDGE IN SYDNEY..." etc. And I totally would work it in as much as possible. We've established this.). Apparently (and correct me here if I am wrong, Heidi, for I know you are reading this!) some guy climbed Ayers Rock in his crocs and they MELTED on his feet! It was just that hot.
But no, Patti did not mention Ayers Rock, nor about climbing it in her crocs which is quite inadvisable in any case. She also leaves us with news of her book, which she says is coming next year. I will be first in line (possibly in my crocs) to read it, even though she wonders if it will be interesting.
Oh, Patti...
why is it everyone now is a pain in the a***???
So last night, I was on the train home. I had a good book, and I settled into my seat for a nice 1/2 hour of reading. The best part about Metra is that mainly suburban businesspeople ride it. It's quiet as they settle down with the WSJ and occasionally their beers (??). There is none of that CTA skeeziness, which I appreciate. And I always get a seat, unlike when I take the purple line "express" home at rush hour... oh, and there is no sexual harassment by creeps on the Metra, either. Everyone keeps to themselves and it's all rather civilized.
Now. Where was I? I had my book, and I was reading. Usually I will also have my ipod on, to drown out any conversation or noise or whatever. But this book I really had to pay attention to. The language is so rich and gorgeously written that I like to focus on it. Also, it's a mystery, and I have the feeling that I could pick up some clues if I really, really pay attention. So. On the train. Book. No ipod. It's getting good. Across the way from me, some chick starts yacking away on her cell phone. Like, loudly. As in, I could hear every word and irritating nuance of the conversation. This, in an otherwise TOTALLY SILENT train car. Whatever, though, right? I sort of put my hand to my ear, and turned to the window as much as I could, and went back to the book. Phone chick hangs up. Well, that's good, right? Wrong. She promptly launches into ANOTHER conversation, at top volume, and it's totally about nothing. In fact, it was about her having the first cup of coffee from her company's new coffeemaker. I don't know the place she works, but she could totally see Union Station from her window. You see? Loud enough so I could hear details.
Yeah, so that's annoying. I've moved to the giving her nasty looks across the aisle and muttering huffily into my book, heard only by its pages. Blah blah blah blah blah. Loud loud, "Like, Ohmigod" blah blah blah.
Then, the guy in front of me puts his paper down with a snap, turns to the side and says, loudly and pointedly "Do you REALLY think we all want to hear your phone conversation?" Oh boy. Stunned (but grateful) silence on behalf of the other passengers. Phone chick lowers her voice, finishes her conversation, hangs up and is mercifully silent for the rest of the ride. My new hero businessman shook out his newspaper and muttered "UNbelieveable" before resuming his careful perusing of the business section.
Funnily enough though, HIS phone went off about 2 seconds later. He had a brief, terse conversation in low tones and then hung up as if to say "THAT's how it's done, bitches."
Anyway. The rest of the ride passed without incident. I wish more people were mindful of gabbing on their phones in public places without having to be told off. I admit to being guilty of this myself, although I try and keep train conversations brief and to the point without moaning loudly on. As I've said, usually people on the train keep to themselves, and I've never seen one passenger tell off someone else before.
Now. Where was I? I had my book, and I was reading. Usually I will also have my ipod on, to drown out any conversation or noise or whatever. But this book I really had to pay attention to. The language is so rich and gorgeously written that I like to focus on it. Also, it's a mystery, and I have the feeling that I could pick up some clues if I really, really pay attention. So. On the train. Book. No ipod. It's getting good. Across the way from me, some chick starts yacking away on her cell phone. Like, loudly. As in, I could hear every word and irritating nuance of the conversation. This, in an otherwise TOTALLY SILENT train car. Whatever, though, right? I sort of put my hand to my ear, and turned to the window as much as I could, and went back to the book. Phone chick hangs up. Well, that's good, right? Wrong. She promptly launches into ANOTHER conversation, at top volume, and it's totally about nothing. In fact, it was about her having the first cup of coffee from her company's new coffeemaker. I don't know the place she works, but she could totally see Union Station from her window. You see? Loud enough so I could hear details.
Yeah, so that's annoying. I've moved to the giving her nasty looks across the aisle and muttering huffily into my book, heard only by its pages. Blah blah blah blah blah. Loud loud, "Like, Ohmigod" blah blah blah.
Then, the guy in front of me puts his paper down with a snap, turns to the side and says, loudly and pointedly "Do you REALLY think we all want to hear your phone conversation?" Oh boy. Stunned (but grateful) silence on behalf of the other passengers. Phone chick lowers her voice, finishes her conversation, hangs up and is mercifully silent for the rest of the ride. My new hero businessman shook out his newspaper and muttered "UNbelieveable" before resuming his careful perusing of the business section.
Funnily enough though, HIS phone went off about 2 seconds later. He had a brief, terse conversation in low tones and then hung up as if to say "THAT's how it's done, bitches."
Anyway. The rest of the ride passed without incident. I wish more people were mindful of gabbing on their phones in public places without having to be told off. I admit to being guilty of this myself, although I try and keep train conversations brief and to the point without moaning loudly on. As I've said, usually people on the train keep to themselves, and I've never seen one passenger tell off someone else before.
Monday, November 09, 2009
springtime in november...
This weekend was absolutely gorgeous! I was outside without a coat. In Chicago. In November. See? Gorgeous. Is it global warming or the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine?) well, whatever, I will take a few extra 60 degree days.
Saturday - ran around w/Heidi & Jane. Fun times were had by all (except possibly when I got my allergy shots. Those are never fun). Went shoe shopping which you know I totally hate doing and am opposed to at all times. I don't know how on earth she talked me into it. I had my heart broken at Nordstrom's when I found THE cutest pair of shoes ever (I will see if I can find a picture) on SALE, no less, but I fell into that oh so familiar problem - size 8 just a tiny bit too big (in this case, looked like I was playing dress up in my mommy's shoes, that's how big they were) and 7.5 just a tiny bit too snug. After much dithering/deliberating and trying on both pairs of both sizes many many many many times, I bought the 7.5s despite my rule that buying 7.5s is never a good idea ever because they'll invariably be too tight and I'll be miserable. They felt fine though and so I bought them. Fast forward to Sunday, when I wore them around the house to do morning chores etc and literally COULD NOT FEEL MY FEET. Time to return the shoes, sadly. So I did, and it was the right choice, but grrrr. No wonder they were on the sale rack, actually. Probably no one could fit into them. Miz-Moos, you have broken my heart!!
Saturday night we saw Paranormal Activity - and holy crap, it was so scary. I'm still sitting up at night going what was that? Were those footsteps? Answer there - yes, they were footsteps... of my family members getting up in the night. Geez. But just this morning I thought about creepy possessed Katie hovering around at the side of the bed, just staring, and it really really freaked me out. Chills.
And today? It's back to work, still lovely weather so I have got on my boots (earning the affectionate nickname from Heidi of "Bono's Boot Bitch" and a little skirt (emphasis on little - I had no clue how short this thing was before!)
happy monday!
Saturday - ran around w/Heidi & Jane. Fun times were had by all (except possibly when I got my allergy shots. Those are never fun). Went shoe shopping which you know I totally hate doing and am opposed to at all times. I don't know how on earth she talked me into it. I had my heart broken at Nordstrom's when I found THE cutest pair of shoes ever (I will see if I can find a picture) on SALE, no less, but I fell into that oh so familiar problem - size 8 just a tiny bit too big (in this case, looked like I was playing dress up in my mommy's shoes, that's how big they were) and 7.5 just a tiny bit too snug. After much dithering/deliberating and trying on both pairs of both sizes many many many many times, I bought the 7.5s despite my rule that buying 7.5s is never a good idea ever because they'll invariably be too tight and I'll be miserable. They felt fine though and so I bought them. Fast forward to Sunday, when I wore them around the house to do morning chores etc and literally COULD NOT FEEL MY FEET. Time to return the shoes, sadly. So I did, and it was the right choice, but grrrr. No wonder they were on the sale rack, actually. Probably no one could fit into them. Miz-Moos, you have broken my heart!!
Saturday night we saw Paranormal Activity - and holy crap, it was so scary. I'm still sitting up at night going what was that? Were those footsteps? Answer there - yes, they were footsteps... of my family members getting up in the night. Geez. But just this morning I thought about creepy possessed Katie hovering around at the side of the bed, just staring, and it really really freaked me out. Chills.
And today? It's back to work, still lovely weather so I have got on my boots (earning the affectionate nickname from Heidi of "Bono's Boot Bitch" and a little skirt (emphasis on little - I had no clue how short this thing was before!)
happy monday!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
OBSESSED
I am IN LOVE with Cheno's voice in this song... and that Matthew Morrison... {swoon!}it's being played over & over & over on my ipod....
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
file this under "creature of habit"
In our restroom here at work, one of the soap dispensers is not working right. I know this. Put hands under dispenser (it's automatic) nothing happens. Grrr. Move to next sink. Repeat.
Every single time I've been in there today, I've gone straight to that sink. Then I go, "Awww, blerg!" remembering that it's not working and then I move over. Every.single.time today.
You'd think I'd learn. Right?
Every single time I've been in there today, I've gone straight to that sink. Then I go, "Awww, blerg!" remembering that it's not working and then I move over. Every.single.time today.
You'd think I'd learn. Right?
Monday, November 02, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
happy halloween!
I can't remember the last time I dressed up for Halloween. My mom and some of my friends are luky in that dressing up is de rigeur at their jobs (in schools!) and I helped them get their costumes together. Each year in the IRC (Information Resource Center - or what we geezers in the class of 97 called: THE LIBRARY) the friendly staff dresses up as a book cover and there is a contest to see who can guess the most. This year, Mama C is "Fly Girl" (I tried to convince her to dress up like J. Lo, but she was not going for it...) 
Thursday, October 29, 2009
fall trix (and treats)
I kind of like fall - crisp, brightly colored leaves (that have been looking so pretty and vibrant against our darkened skies lately). It's time to bust out the sweaters (or buy new ones. What? I like to shop AND be warm)new boots (I bought not one but TWO new pairs already. But to be fair, one of those is pair of Merrells for the snow. That's practical. Right?), weather that requires a jacket but yet is still warm enough for me to don cute skirts to work, honey crisp apples and the newest revelation, honey crisp CIDER, which is clearly the nectar of the gods, the toffee nut latte, when I am in the mood for coffee, or a tangy ginger peach tea. Halloween is in the air too, and so there are pumpkins and pumpkin pie (if you like that kind of thing which actually, I don't). Even the animals at the LP Zoo got to have some fall treats... I am a big sucker for tigers and so I feel the need to share these with you... They are so cute, playin' wid their punkins, I can't even stand it.
But anyway. This being Chicago, fall will abruptly give way to gusty winds, freezing temps and snow. Joy to the world. So let's enjoy our fall while we can, huh?
But anyway. This being Chicago, fall will abruptly give way to gusty winds, freezing temps and snow. Joy to the world. So let's enjoy our fall while we can, huh?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
some halloween costume ideas...
From Time Out New York - costume ideas for your inner theater geek... (just lemme get some hairspray...)
The three ages of Patti LuPone. This would be good for a threesome (of either gender): Breakthrough Evita Patti, Mid-career Anything Goes Patti, and Apotheosis Mama Rose Patti. What you’ll need: a ball gown, lots of hairspray and a brace of microphones taped to your belly for Breakthrough Patti; a sailor suit and curly wig for Mid-career Patti; and a simple red dress and (if you’re willing to shell out) a giant Christmas-light sign that says “Rose” for Apotheosis Patti. Optional: a fourth buddy who can follow along a few feet behind, using a cell phone to photograph the group. Apotheosis Patti should occasionally round on this member and wig out.
Read more: http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/upstaged/2009/10/scare-yourself-in-stages-halloween-costumes-for-theater-people/#ixzz0VEqn2xLZ
But me? I just bought a costume at our Costume Vault sale going on today. It's a killer LBD and is from a William Forsythe ballet called Love Songs.
The three ages of Patti LuPone. This would be good for a threesome (of either gender): Breakthrough Evita Patti, Mid-career Anything Goes Patti, and Apotheosis Mama Rose Patti. What you’ll need: a ball gown, lots of hairspray and a brace of microphones taped to your belly for Breakthrough Patti; a sailor suit and curly wig for Mid-career Patti; and a simple red dress and (if you’re willing to shell out) a giant Christmas-light sign that says “Rose” for Apotheosis Patti. Optional: a fourth buddy who can follow along a few feet behind, using a cell phone to photograph the group. Apotheosis Patti should occasionally round on this member and wig out.
Read more: http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/upstaged/2009/10/scare-yourself-in-stages-halloween-costumes-for-theater-people/#ixzz0VEqn2xLZ
But me? I just bought a costume at our Costume Vault sale going on today. It's a killer LBD and is from a William Forsythe ballet called Love Songs.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
tonight the super trouper beams are gonna blind me...
ABBA Tuesday: It's baaaack!!! I know you missed it! This video is awesome on so many levels - the rhyme of "Glasgow" and "last show"... the hair... the outfits... Anyway. For the longest time, I was unaware that a super trouper was a kind of stage light. So I thought that this song was about some kind of crazy cop or something. But the light (hahaha) went on (the beam blinded me... but I did not feel blue, like I always do. Cuz somewhere in the crowd there's you...) and it makes much more sense now(ish).
Friday, October 23, 2009
An audience with Renée Fleming - Times Online
It's been a while since I have blogged about the divine awesomeness that is Renee Fleming. She really is amazing - the voice like an angel, the perfume, the dessert, all of the fame but none of the attitude. Whenever I have been fortunate enough to spend time in her presence, she is warm, easy to speak to (not that I am able to untie my tongue long enough to create coherent sentences), thoughtful and kind. She is so deserving of all the accolades heaped upon her. If you have the chance to see her, go.
An audience with Renée Fleming - Times Online
An audience with Renée Fleming - Times Online
Thursday, October 22, 2009
kitchen confidential...
So last night I made a new recipe - "BLT" Risotto - with a few substitutions, naturally. The recipe called for pancetta, but I used regular bacon and the "L" was actually supposed to be lettuce, used spinach instead. So I guess it was a BST risotto. The recipe came from the Rachael Ray magazine (shut up. Obnoxious she may be, but her magazine is chock full of awesome.) and it was easy(ish) to make. Risotto is fairly bitchy, just because of the time it takes to cook the rice, adding the broth, 1/2 cup by 1/2 cup, getting it perfectly al dente. Not, clearly, as bitchy as the "bitch rice" referred to in Julie & Julia but time consuming nonetheless. Ultimately rewarding. It was consumed while watching America's Next Top Model and then Glee. It was quite tasty and I brought leftovers for lunch, which is the best feeling in the world - not having to eat Lean Cuisine "food."
This weekend, when I am not at the theater, I am planning to make a cherry caramel bread pudding. I will keep you all posted. This will be my first bread pudding!
This weekend, when I am not at the theater, I am planning to make a cherry caramel bread pudding. I will keep you all posted. This will be my first bread pudding!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
god, that's good...
So I just finished reading Julie & Julia and was inspired.... to cook. I can make an awesome risotto, and a really fierce uh... scrambled egg (no joke!) and I can bake up a storm, but I want to try more things. This is not going to devolve into a Kristen/Julia Project. It's not happening every night, but when I feel like it. I am not utilizing MtAoFC, because I could not stand the butter content and I don't have time in the evenings for 17 page recipes. Or brains. Or liver. Or aspic with anything. But yeah. Watch this space. And if you're nice, I'll even share some of my cuisine with you.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
do the hustle!!
First group dance on Dancing with the Stars last night... the hustle! Worth every cheese and mirrorball moment.
miscellaneous thought of the day
Over the weekend, I spent most of my time at the Auditorium Theatre, working at our performances of Othello. Let me just say - the production is sublime. It's really amazing, very high quality and classic. Stunning projected sets, elegant costumes, gorgeous dancing and a great cast. I saw it twice this weekend and will see it again next weekend - come on out, it's dance at its most amazing.
But anywho. Shameless promotion aside, my point actually is - I was at the theater and I took Metra, in order to save myself from paying a million dollars in parking at Grant Park south. While I was waiting at Union Station, a lady came wandering up to me asking me what train I was waiting for, why we weren't all getting on the train sitting on the other side of the platform (uh, because it's not going to the same place?), etc. It was her first time taking the train and she was anxious. Which is fine. People always ask me directions. On the train they ask if the train stops at Fox Lake or wherever they happen to be going. And I do my best to be helpful, although to be honest, I am a bit hazy about where the thing goes after I get off. I sort of stop caring after we arrive in the MG okay? Once someone even asked me how much the fare was from Union Station to somewhere random. Why would I ever even know that? But still. I can be patient. I can be nice (really. I can.) So I dug out my schedule and helped her figure out the fare. I explained flag stops to someone. I guess I look friendly, or knowledgeable, or like I am a Woman Who is Going Places.
My point here is this - why can't any nice looking (single) GUYS aske me for the time, or directions, or how much the fare is to Mars (seriously. one of the other trains - not mine - goes somewhere called Mars.)????
But anywho. Shameless promotion aside, my point actually is - I was at the theater and I took Metra, in order to save myself from paying a million dollars in parking at Grant Park south. While I was waiting at Union Station, a lady came wandering up to me asking me what train I was waiting for, why we weren't all getting on the train sitting on the other side of the platform (uh, because it's not going to the same place?), etc. It was her first time taking the train and she was anxious. Which is fine. People always ask me directions. On the train they ask if the train stops at Fox Lake or wherever they happen to be going. And I do my best to be helpful, although to be honest, I am a bit hazy about where the thing goes after I get off. I sort of stop caring after we arrive in the MG okay? Once someone even asked me how much the fare was from Union Station to somewhere random. Why would I ever even know that? But still. I can be patient. I can be nice (really. I can.) So I dug out my schedule and helped her figure out the fare. I explained flag stops to someone. I guess I look friendly, or knowledgeable, or like I am a Woman Who is Going Places.
My point here is this - why can't any nice looking (single) GUYS aske me for the time, or directions, or how much the fare is to Mars (seriously. one of the other trains - not mine - goes somewhere called Mars.)????
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Nolite te bastardes carborundorum
You know how sometimes when you are in a mood, music can really help? For a while, for me, it was opera - but you know when you're in a really pissed off mood, that really doesn't help a whole lot. Revenge aria my ass. All you really want the fat lady to do is to go and sit on somebody or kick some serious butt. And sometimes happy peppy Swedish pop music does the trick for me.
But sometimes... you really needs some angsty Irish rock. So here you go. From the Philosopher Hewson & co, one of my favorite U2 songs possibly ever (why didn't they play it live for us??) - turn it on, turn it up, live it, love it. No stress, only love & a rocket ship.
But sometimes... you really needs some angsty Irish rock. So here you go. From the Philosopher Hewson & co, one of my favorite U2 songs possibly ever (why didn't they play it live for us??) - turn it on, turn it up, live it, love it. No stress, only love & a rocket ship.
Monday, October 12, 2009
dear heidi, i will never question you again!
I thought for all these years that you were making up this song but now I see the truth. I will never question you again (until, of course, I do).
Friday, October 09, 2009
vikings do it better...
Celebrate your favorite Viking today (no, not him... the other one) - it's Leif Erikson Day! Just think, we could be called the United States of Leif or something. And be speaking Norweigan. And enjoy lots of... cod. I don't know. Whatever. Let's dance!
V is for Viking!
V is for Victory!
Everybody - RUMBLE!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
when life imitates ABBA....
Crazy craziness - we open a week from tomorrow (buy your tickets, already!) Things here are busy busy! So originally, I was going to make you work for your ABBA Tuesday video, since all of the good ones CAN'T be imbedded!
But youtube is being a massive pain in my ass and not linking this right, so here are your choices:
A.) you can try going here for today's selection - which is the best video. If it doesn't work go to you tube and search Abba Under Attack for the real selection.
B.) Eschew my ABBA Tuesday and look for your own video. Whatever floats your collective boats, babies. All I'm trying to do is bring a little joy in the form of Swedish pop into your lives. or
C.) Watch the below. Same song, but live version that is embeddable. It's much fun for many reasons.
But youtube is being a massive pain in my ass and not linking this right, so here are your choices:
A.) you can try going here for today's selection - which is the best video. If it doesn't work go to you tube and search Abba Under Attack for the real selection.
B.) Eschew my ABBA Tuesday and look for your own video. Whatever floats your collective boats, babies. All I'm trying to do is bring a little joy in the form of Swedish pop into your lives. or
C.) Watch the below. Same song, but live version that is embeddable. It's much fun for many reasons.
Friday, October 02, 2009
better them than us...
So yes - my dream of attending an Olympics will not happen in Chicago 2016. I wished it would have been closer, as it really sucks being the first ones eliminated (I mean, really? Madrid? Really?). But I'm happy for you, Rio. And if was a betting sort of woman, I would have made a whole pile of money, predicting you as the victor. Here's a video for ya. It's Patti and I love it.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
singalong with the tenors... to BRAZIL!
You may be wondering why the sudden fascination with Brazil... am I just longing for warmer weather and sun? The delightful lilting sounds of Portugese? Carnival? Carne asada (wait, is that Brazilian?)? Or have I turned into a Chicagoan for Rio in 2016?? I am deeply undecided about the Olympics. On the one hand, it is the worst idea in the history of ideas. I can think of about a million things that we would be better of spending these billions of dollars on, and none of them is the Olympics. On the other hand, I love my city, it is really exciting to think about the Games being here, and of course, I have a kickass idea for the opening ceremony (as you all know).
However, I REALLY HATE being bossed around by Oprah. So yeah, I guess I am rooting for Rio.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
two for the price of one...
Since I didn't have ANY songs last Tuesday, here's another one for y'all. SOS from the movie Mamma Mia! "Sung" by Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan.
Monday, September 28, 2009
happyfallmonday
Gosh it is cold out there today. I am hunkered down in my cubicle with a nice hot earl grey vanilla creme tea latte from Argo - even sweeter because it was FREE! Their LoyalTea club ROCKS.
The weekend was PACKED. Friday - I don't think I had a moment to sit and think, I was on the go constantly. Which, to be honest, I really sort of love. I like to be busy. We had a luncheon, followed by a birthday "surprise" for my boss... we had cake for him upstairs and someone made the mistake of asking ME to round him up and get him up there. Queen of the Cunning Ruse, I am, apparently. I went into his office and said something like, we need you upstairs right now, but he looked at me and was like "I know what YOU'RE up to!" and then I started to smile. Busted. But he came and we sang and it was nice.
Friday was also our Season Opening event, Couture & Cocktails - we took over the Palmer House hotel with our party and fashion show. A real live runway show, right in the lobby of the hotel. It was crowded and noisy and awesome. I was working, but it was still much fun. It was also a bit of a "Stomp to the death" scenario as they would say on ANTM, because upstairs, the Goodman was also having an event - in one of the rooms we needed to set up in. Rival parties! Oh no! I also got many compliments on my dress - which, by the way, was a $50 find from H&M.
Saturday - met up with Livia and with Heidi and went to the Lill Warehouse Sample Sale. I know you are asking yourselves "Really with the bags, really?" But yes. Have you seen Lill bags? Too cute for words. And at the sale, they are DEEPLY on sale. But I was good. I got one bag (a "Hadley" - does that now make me Queen Sophie-Anne Leclerq's new consort?) and a wristlet. This sale had less stuff than the one Heidi and I went to in the spring, which might be a good thing, honestly. Too much choice = me spending way too much $$ on bags.
Sunday I stayed home and recovered from the weekend. Watched da Bears - am glad they won because if they continued their stinkishness, I was seriously considering defecting and taking my NFL loyalties elsewhere. I was thinking Indianapolis. The Colts are a good team, right? Or else the Giants - anywhere with a Manning.
It must be fall - the other night, I dreamed about buying boots!
The weekend was PACKED. Friday - I don't think I had a moment to sit and think, I was on the go constantly. Which, to be honest, I really sort of love. I like to be busy. We had a luncheon, followed by a birthday "surprise" for my boss... we had cake for him upstairs and someone made the mistake of asking ME to round him up and get him up there. Queen of the Cunning Ruse, I am, apparently. I went into his office and said something like, we need you upstairs right now, but he looked at me and was like "I know what YOU'RE up to!" and then I started to smile. Busted. But he came and we sang and it was nice.
Friday was also our Season Opening event, Couture & Cocktails - we took over the Palmer House hotel with our party and fashion show. A real live runway show, right in the lobby of the hotel. It was crowded and noisy and awesome. I was working, but it was still much fun. It was also a bit of a "Stomp to the death" scenario as they would say on ANTM, because upstairs, the Goodman was also having an event - in one of the rooms we needed to set up in. Rival parties! Oh no! I also got many compliments on my dress - which, by the way, was a $50 find from H&M.
Saturday - met up with Livia and with Heidi and went to the Lill Warehouse Sample Sale. I know you are asking yourselves "Really with the bags, really?" But yes. Have you seen Lill bags? Too cute for words. And at the sale, they are DEEPLY on sale. But I was good. I got one bag (a "Hadley" - does that now make me Queen Sophie-Anne Leclerq's new consort?) and a wristlet. This sale had less stuff than the one Heidi and I went to in the spring, which might be a good thing, honestly. Too much choice = me spending way too much $$ on bags.
Sunday I stayed home and recovered from the weekend. Watched da Bears - am glad they won because if they continued their stinkishness, I was seriously considering defecting and taking my NFL loyalties elsewhere. I was thinking Indianapolis. The Colts are a good team, right? Or else the Giants - anywhere with a Manning.
It must be fall - the other night, I dreamed about buying boots!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
fondly do we hope...
I have to admit: I do not do much reflectvie thinking about Abraham Lincoln. I don't think that much about him at all, if I am honest. I mean, he was a great man, a great President (perhaps THE greatest president we've ever had, with all due respect and apologies to George Washington), I live in his Land, and I happily spend the currency that is marked by his wise and solemn visage. I was intrigued by the idea of Bill T. Jones's "Fondly do we hope... fervently do we pray" - a commissioned dance work reflecting on Lincoln's legacy during this year, the bicentennial of his birth.
Off we went to Ravinia on Saturday night for the last performance of the season. It's always sort of a melancholy place to be on the last night of the season - it was chilly, and empty (even though the restaurants were open and so it was possible to obtain one last carrot cupcake)and parking was free. (Okay, so that wasn't melancholy as such.) I didn't know what to expect - but the performance sure did deliver. It was a clever, skillful blend of dance, song, prose (from Walt Whitman, and from speeches made by the Man himself), and history. A quote from Vanity Fair says something about the past, present and future mingling freely in Jones' body and his body of work - sounds pretty, right? But watching the piece, I started to understand what the quote was saying. The 90 minute piece flashed back to the Civil War, and Lincoln's assassination, then fast forwarded, to snippets of modern day stories (each told through words and dance) and then fast forwarded again, to a person in the future. All tied together by the admiration of a great man, Lincoln, and how his legacy has impacted each one of us in turn.
It was pretty deep. When I was sitting there, I don't think I was able to absorb the whole of what was happening. I had not read anything about the work on purpose - I wanted to see it and then form opinions for myself about what was happening. Yeah, maybe not the best strategy here. But I've been reading now, about Jones and his work and I think I am able to more fully appreciate "fondly" on reflection. I have also posted Hedy Weiss's review on this blog - she may explain the details better than I have done here.
So yes. Overall a very rewarding and interesting close to the season. Until next summer, Ravinia.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
FREE JOFFREY PERFORMANCE TONIGHT!
Hey, Chicagoans! The world renowned Joffrey Ballet will be performing a free show tonight in Millennium Park! It's going to be a beautiful evening and a fantastic show, so bring have your last celebration picnic on the lawn and come see the dancing (you will most likely see me there - stop by and say hello!)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
my life according to U2
My Life According to U2 - I know I did this with ABBA before, I decided to let Bono and the Edge write the story of my life, well, the names of their songs, anyway!
Are you a male or female? Party Girl
Describe yourself: the Sweetest Thing (shut up!)
How do you feel: I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
Describe where you currently live: Where the Streets Have No Name
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? The City of Blinding Lights
Your favorite form of transportation: Running to Stand Still
Your best friend is: The Wanderer
Your favorite color is: Lemon
What's the weather like: Some Days Are Better Than Others
Favorite time of day: 11 o'clock, tick tock
If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Zooropa
What is life to you: Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad
Your current relationship: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Breaking up: With or Without You
Looking for: Love & Peace Or Else
Wouldn't mind: Miracle Drug
Your fear: Shadows & Tall Trees
Best advice you have to give: Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Grace
Thought for the day:
I Threw a Brick Through a Window
How I would like to die: The Unforgettable Fire
My motto: Is That All?
Are you a male or female? Party Girl
Describe yourself: the Sweetest Thing (shut up!)
How do you feel: I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
Describe where you currently live: Where the Streets Have No Name
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? The City of Blinding Lights
Your favorite form of transportation: Running to Stand Still
Your best friend is: The Wanderer
Your favorite color is: Lemon
What's the weather like: Some Days Are Better Than Others
Favorite time of day: 11 o'clock, tick tock
If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Zooropa
What is life to you: Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad
Your current relationship: I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Breaking up: With or Without You
Looking for: Love & Peace Or Else
Wouldn't mind: Miracle Drug
Your fear: Shadows & Tall Trees
Best advice you have to give: Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Grace
Thought for the day:
I Threw a Brick Through a Window
How I would like to die: The Unforgettable Fire
My motto: Is That All?
no line on the horizon
Am currently obsessed w/this song. See if you can listen to it without joining in (loudly) on the OH-OH-OH-OHs...
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
all you need is love & a rocket ship (part 2)
What can I say about the actual show? Seeing U2 live is like no other musical experience - we were in Soldier Field, for god's sake, with 70,000 people and it still felt like an intimate show. We were on our feet for the entire thing, cheering, dancing, singing along at the top of our collective lungs. It was nearly a religious experience - the shared love of the audience to the band, the love of the band for the audience, all led by our musical poet-prophet, Bono. What power he has. And impressively, he chooses to use it for good. He doesn't seem to be one of those crazy frivolous rock gods - he is sincere about using his fame for doing good - the ONE campaign, the inspi(red) clothing line and when he speaks, the world listens. This is fame on a whole new plane. They are even sort of above the critics at this point - a new album comes out, it is snapped up instantly - because hello? It's U2. Tickets go on sale, and people stop what they are doing the instant they go on sale to grab them. Personally, I will do just about anything to score U2 tickets. In the olden days, I remember ditching work to go and stand on line outside ticketmaster outlets waiting to purchase them. There is nothing quite like holding the treasured tickets in your hands. I remember another time when we were all on the phone to ticketmaster - their number was on speed dial. This most recent time, I was logged into ticketmaster online, finger poised over the button and ready to pounce. My neuroticness finally paid off, since I got in under the wire. Moments after I'd made our purchase, they were SOLD OUT. I know arts venues that would KILL to have this kind of problem (ahem! Lyric!!). I was so happy the rest of the day, just knowing I had tickets.I loved every single minute of it - being with my friends, on a clear and gorgeous night, under the stars, listening to this awesome band. Is there anyone cooler than the Edge? I mean, come on, his name is the Edge (wouldn't you have loved to hear that playground conversation?? Little dave: "I am the EDGE!" Classmate: "No you're not! You're Dave!" etc) and he plays a mean guitar. And Adam Clayton? You know how in snowboarding there are 2 positions - looking cool and dead? Well, bass players only know how to look cool. It comes with the bass lessons, I think. It's all about the stance (I have no idea if what Bono told us during the show of his well-endowedness is true, and I don't want to find out!) And, oh, Larry. I wish I was a drummer. He really is their thunder and lightening. There was an awesome point in the show (well, heck, it was all pretty awesome) when Bono asked us to hold up our cell phones, so he could see us all with our lights. The stadium was filled with little screen sized beams of light, like our own little constellation. Stick with Bono, kids. With him, I think we really can change the world. He believes it, and during that show, I started to believe it too. Magnificent, indeed.
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U2sday
Today, the Swedes cede the floor to the Irish boys... I know you are all heartbroken. I'm still in my happy concert bubble, so deal with it. Here the boys are on the roof of the BBC in London - and this is "Magnificent"
Monday, September 14, 2009
all you need is love (and a rocket ship)
Oh, why is it Monday? Why can't I stay in my happy little U2 induced state of euphoria for the next several years? Come into my bubble, please, and stay awhile. It's nice here, and the music is rocking. Saturday, Heidi, Jane & I set off in the early afternoon - we hit MSI, but weird timing and strange museum hours (closing at 4:00? On a weekend? Really?) kept us from seeing Harry Potter, but we did see the Fairy Castle and the U505 submarine, in its new, cool permanent home, and that was awesome (although not at all yellow, as I'd been led to believe. And if you are at home, you should have left your code book on the plane!) and nostalgic. More trippin' down memory lane was in store, for Heidi & Jane as we cruised the U of C campus looking for a place to eat. We picked Leona's and had a lovely dinner and had some trivia while we waited.
Only U2 could sell out their tickets to a stadium show within half an hour of when they went on sale. And only U2 would shlep this crazy-ass stage around the world with them.
Strangely, the entire row in front of us stayed pretty much empty the whole time. Since there were about 17 seats there, we wondered what had happened. My guess was an unsuccessful scalper or ticket website bought the whole block and was unable to sell them at their ridiculous double or triple face value cost. Good news for us, though, since we didn't have anyone in front of us (except for one dude who came down and parked it. We know it wasn't his seat because he asked if anyone was sitting there. Our theory was that he was a refugee from the no-man's-land known as secion 447 - way the hell up in outer space - aka the rim of the stadium's new and unattractive "space ship" addition. The climb up to the top of that thing is practically vertical. If you look above my head in the pic above, you'll see what I mean. How scary is that section way up at the top? It's just sort of hanging off the side of the building, attached to a lot of nothing. This is why I never, ever, ever, ever go for the cheap seats. Ever.
Snow Patrol was our opening act - and I think they were the best band we've seen open for U2. I only know one song of theirs, "Chasing Cars" but the other songs were good too. Their frontman endeared himself to the crowd by saying "What's up, Chicago?" a lot and also by wearing a blue t-shirt with a big orange C on it (a Bears shirt. By the way they played last night, though, they deserve no cool band affiliation). He asked us to help him fulfill a lifelong dream of his by singing along with one of his songs ("So sing one we know, then," someone behind me muttered.) He gave us a line to sing we sang it. It must be cool to be in a ginormous stadium and have the crowd sing along with you.
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The crowd gave them nice reception - I think it must kind of suck to be the opener for a group like U2, knowing that the crowd is really only humoring you while waiting for the main attraction. Still, the applause was rather polite and the crowd seemingly subdued. I knew though that we'd all perk up once U2 hit the stage... But we had to wait... and so do you, because I gotta go and get some work done!
And then - it was time. Can I tell you how long I've been waiting for this concert?? I don't think there is any other artist on this planet that I will happily drop everything for and spend 45 bucks on parking for, either. The mood in the Soldier Field parking lot was festive - people were tailgating, drinking beers, making "sassage" and all around us, U2 was blasting out of car speakers. Ah, yes, we found the right place! We had to park "where Jesus left his sandals" as someone said to me once. In this case, that meant way the hell far away from the stadium almost at McCormick Place. Lucky for me, I wore comfy shoes...
Only U2 could sell out their tickets to a stadium show within half an hour of when they went on sale. And only U2 would shlep this crazy-ass stage around the world with them.Funky, right? Like a giant space alien, ready to attack. Since I had my finger on the ticket-buying button for this show for about half an hour prior to when they went on sale, I scored us seats in section 130. Naturally, never having been to Soldier Field before, I had no idea where these were, I was so relieved that I'd actually procured tickets, I just about wept with joy. They ended up being in the end zone (end opposite the one shown in the picture up there).
Strangely, the entire row in front of us stayed pretty much empty the whole time. Since there were about 17 seats there, we wondered what had happened. My guess was an unsuccessful scalper or ticket website bought the whole block and was unable to sell them at their ridiculous double or triple face value cost. Good news for us, though, since we didn't have anyone in front of us (except for one dude who came down and parked it. We know it wasn't his seat because he asked if anyone was sitting there. Our theory was that he was a refugee from the no-man's-land known as secion 447 - way the hell up in outer space - aka the rim of the stadium's new and unattractive "space ship" addition. The climb up to the top of that thing is practically vertical. If you look above my head in the pic above, you'll see what I mean. How scary is that section way up at the top? It's just sort of hanging off the side of the building, attached to a lot of nothing. This is why I never, ever, ever, ever go for the cheap seats. Ever.Snow Patrol was our opening act - and I think they were the best band we've seen open for U2. I only know one song of theirs, "Chasing Cars" but the other songs were good too. Their frontman endeared himself to the crowd by saying "What's up, Chicago?" a lot and also by wearing a blue t-shirt with a big orange C on it (a Bears shirt. By the way they played last night, though, they deserve no cool band affiliation). He asked us to help him fulfill a lifelong dream of his by singing along with one of his songs ("So sing one we know, then," someone behind me muttered.) He gave us a line to sing we sang it. It must be cool to be in a ginormous stadium and have the crowd sing along with you.The crowd gave them nice reception - I think it must kind of suck to be the opener for a group like U2, knowing that the crowd is really only humoring you while waiting for the main attraction. Still, the applause was rather polite and the crowd seemingly subdued. I knew though that we'd all perk up once U2 hit the stage... But we had to wait... and so do you, because I gotta go and get some work done!
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