a fish out of water

Song of the Evening Star

2011-03-13T00:49:00.005-05:00

Like a portent of death, twilight shrouds the earth
And envelops the valley in its sable robe;
The soul, that yearns for those heights,
Dreads to take its dark and awful flight.

There you shine, o fairest of the stars,
And shed your gentle light from afar;
Your friendly beam penetrates the twilight gloom
And points the way out from the valley.

O my fair evening star,
I always gladly greeted thee:
From a heart that never betrayed its faith,
Greet her when she passes,
When she soars above this earthly valley
To become a blessed angel in Heaven

Richard Wagner - "O du mein holder Abendstern" from Tannhauser

I shed a tear, which is no surpise considering the emotional roller coaster I've been on the last few weeks so just about anything sad or sentimental or poignant has me weeping. But isn't the text just lovely? And just listen to the orchestration. Astounding that someone as hefty (vocally and physically) as Bryn Terfel can bring such a delicate balance to it. I might like to play this at my funeral.

A Class Act

2011-02-25T22:17:00.005-05:00

"Thanks, Chelsea. I appreciate everything you do for me and you are a real pleasure to work with and have around. Sometimes it is OK to cry."

That's my boss comforting me after she learned her services will no longer be needed after June 31st. She remained composed as I sat in front of her and cried. *CRIED* And before she left work at 7:00PM on a Friday, she popped her head in to say, "You're going to be OK," hinting that I will still have a job come affiliation time.

And that is reason number 758 bazillion why I love my boss. And since my boss says it's OK to cry, I think I'll put on a movie, crawl into bed and do so.

I Wish You (a very belated) Christmas

2011-01-03T21:55:00.004-05:00

I'm not a huge fan of the Christmas jingle We Wish You A Merry Christmas. It just never quite did it for me like O Holy Night or Neil Diamond's rockin' version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. It seemed so pedestrian and somewhat juvenile. The song always reminded me of grade school Christmas pageants and being yelled at by the music teacher to politely "wish" not "wishhhhhhh" or "wooosssshhhh" a Merry Christmas.

It takes a Finnish operatic singer to pump some juice into those notes and I actually kinda like the song. I dare you, play the YouTube clip and stick around long enough to hear the stratospheric notes of Karita Mattila that just climb ever higher. The arrangement is also beautifully orchestrated - it makes this song feel like a big deal, not just a cast-aside Christmas jingle.

A feeble attempt..

2011-01-03T21:41:00.004-05:00

..to resurrect this thing. I make no promises.

Photo (c) PJ Taylor

To see, or not to see. That's not even a question.

2010-05-21T14:16:00.005-04:00

The Washington National Opera is presenting its final performance of the 2009/10 season. I very enthusiastically present the Top Ten Reasons to get thee to the KC for Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet:

10) The entrance of the chorus and its genius placement in the opening scene is stunning. The voices literally surround you.

9) Despite the wobble, Sam Ramey still has a stage presence to be reckoned with. The wobble seems to fit in with the characterization of Claudius that it becomes unnoticeable after a bit.

8) This is one of the few (maybe even the only) operas featuring a saxophone. In addition, the orchestra as a whole sounded in tip-top shape. Major shout out to the horns and brass section for some excellent work.

7) The women’s costumes are beautiful and fit well into the stage concept. I loved the black overcoat over bright red dress that Gertrude wore at Ophelie’s gravesite

6) It’s Shakespeare + French grand opera. That to me is a winning combination.

5) American baritone Michael Chioldi is damn good looking as Hamlet. Bonus points: he’s not a whiny tenor. Triple extra bonus points for a solid interpretation.

4) The confrontation scene between Hamlet and Gertrude is intense stagecraft at its best. Both characters give such emotional depth with solid vocal drama. It’s probably one of the most intense scenes I’ve experienced since Act III Scene II from the Met’s Otello in 2008, which says a lot because that scene in Otello is my favorite operatic scene ever!

3) Betsy Bishop sings the hell out of Gertrude! That’s all you need to know about that. Except for this point - if it weren’t for the mad scene, Bishop would’ve been the star of the show for me.

2) Elizabeth Futral is crazy good in Ophelie’s mad scene, which, without giving anything away, is staged brilliantly!

And the number one reason to see Washington National Opera’s production of Thomas’ Hamlet (drum roll please……)

1) Setting aside my bias for Ariadne and discounting Gotterdammerung, which wasn’t technically a fully staged production, Hamlet is the most vocally and stylistically exciting production WNO has staged since last season’s Peter Grimes. The production is smart, edgy, fresh, fierce, enthralling and intense! Enough adjectives for you? The entire cast was vocally and dramatically excellent and thoroughly involved in the forward movement of the drama.

If you’re in DC, get over to the Kennedy Center to see this opera. Despite earlier casting woes, WNO has pulled together a solid group of singers. Don’t ask yourself “to see or not to see.” Do yourself a favor and just go. You might see me back for a round two viewing.

www.dc-opera.org for ticket info
Photos courtesy K. Cooper for WNO

Lett's See DC (and NY): One Last Hurrah

2010-04-06T21:25:00.006-04:00

What little sun there had been was no longer shining down into the canyons of the city and it was very cold. We arrived at our bus stop only to be informed our bus had been cancelled. We would be first on the bus scheduled an hour later. Cold and knowing it would be hours before we arrived home, we went inside Penn Station to grab a bowl of soup. Our waitress was kind to serve us so quickly. Fortified, we went back out to the bus stop to wait. It arrived; we boarded and were soon on our way back to DC. It was dark so I wasn't able to watch the landscape. As tired as I was, I still wasn't able to sleep. I played my Game Boy off and on, which helped pass the time. We arrived in DC near 10 pm and thankfully Chelsea decided we would take a cab home. We exited the cab at the end of her block and trudged home. It was pretty hard to climb the stairs of the Harry Potter house.

Sunday: My last few hours here. My flight was at 2:40 pm so I needed to be at the airport by 1 pm. Chelsea had planned for us to have crepes in Eastern Market but it was too cold and windy for the vendor to set up. She knew of a restaurant in that neighborhood that served breakfast, so we went there. We gathered my suitcase and backpack and started out on the last leg of my trip.

On our walk to the restaurant, Chelsea asked me to name the "top five" moments of my trip. My answers: 1) The opera and meeting Renee Fleming, 2) spending the week with Chelsea, 3),meeting her East coast "families,” 4) Arlington National Cemetery, and 5) the Botanic Garden. Not an easy task.

We arrived at the Restaurant and ordered. I had a spinach and feta cheese omelet. So good. And then, time to go. On the way to the metro, Chelsea took me by a house that has been turned into a book store. I went in and did a quick walk-through. Oh my gosh-there are books everywhere. It seems chaotic but the owner can tell you where everything is.

Back outside, we headed to the metro to deposit me at Reagan Airport. Chelsea got me checked in and walked with me as far as allowed. We hugged and both started to cry. (That is a lie! I had something in my eye… yeah, that’s the ticket…) I'm now crying as I write this. I miss her so much! Maybe that's why I put off writing this part. I had plenty of time before take-off so purchased shot glasses for Kevin then settled in to wait for my flight. At last it was time to board. I found my seat and got comfortable. I watched the landscape through watery eyes. I cried pretty much all the way to Atlanta.

~ Susan

Lett's see DC (and NY): My Little Town Blues are Melting Away

2010-04-01T23:52:00.004-04:00

Ouch! My feet hurt! It didn't seem the blister pads wee doing their job. Rejuvenated by a shower and coffee, I prepared for the primary goal of my visit. The night before, I condensed into my backpack everything presumably necessary for a frenetic sight-seeing trip to New York City with a side of opera at the Met. We ate breakfast, added last night's left-overs and apples to our backpacks, and departed the warm house. Chelsea carried a compact umbrella and entrusted me with the community umbrella. It was very cold but not so bad once we got moving. We rode the Metro to where we would catch a bus for our ride to New York. We settled in, my anticipation growing. I probably should have tried to nap, but who knows if or when I will ever do something like this again? I watched the landscape looking for landmarks and place names I would recognize. It was so cool to see this for myself, to have my own perspective.

Chelsea and I ran through a list of sites to see, trying to prioritize for our time constraints. I knew we wouldn’t be able to see very many places. Top of the list was the Harley Davidson store to obtain the requisite souvenir t-shirt for John. Chelsea located one and upon arriving at Penn Station, we disembarked the bus and located a subway station where we could catch a train to whisk us to said HD shop. Chelsea's proficiency with the subway system and self-confidence put me somewhat at ease, though flashes in my mind of The Out of Towners occasionally gave me pause. We made it to the Harley shop and purchased shirts for John and me (not matching, though).

Needing to refuel and warm up, we found a Starbucks. We got hot drinks to have with the left-over quesadilla and apples. The quesadilla is still yummy. After eating, we shouldered our backpacks and headed back out into the masses of people. It was New Year's Day, for Pete's sake! Why weren't they all at home watching the Rose Parade? A few blocks later, I realized I left the umbrella at Starbucks. Since it was a community umbrella to begin with, it was serving its purpose. The next person to find it would hopefully pass on their good fortune of having been blessed with an umbrella.

We rode the subway back to the Time's Square area. We were to meet Sam (a college roommate of Chelsea's) and her mom, Daryl, there to make our way to our hotel. Chelsea and I wandered around. I liked the Target ads based on the Twelve Days of Christmas. The streets seemed pretty free of trash and confetti from the night before. I can't even imagine being among the crowd that amasses in Time Square for New Year's Eve. I was pretty overwhelmed by the hugeness of it all – the tall buildings, the number of people, and the busy-ness of everything. Sam and Daryl met us after doing some shopping. We walked to the hotel and checked in. We had a few minutes to rest, and then changed for dinner and the opera. My clothes didn't appear too wrinkled after being stuffed in the backpack all day. I wanted to make a good impression on Renee, after all! Biggest challenge? Putting on real shoes with my blisters! Thank goodness they were flats and we didn't have much walking tonight.

We found a little restaurant close to the hotel. I had an open-faced roast beef sandwich with spinach and Boursin cheese. Delicious. Bundled against the cold we walked a block or so to catch a cab to take us to the Metropolitan Opera. We climbed into the cab (not the Cash Cab) and were on our way. Though outwardly calm, I was getting very excited. Never, in all my day-dreaming, have I imagined doing anything like this. I think I need to expand the boundaries of my day-dreams.

Side story-Exactly 50 years ago my mom and her sister took a trip to New York City. They both left young families (5 kids for my mom, 3 kids for my aunt) in the charge of our Dads and various grandparents. Mom and Aunt Patty rode the train from Winslow, AZ to Battle Creek, MI, to meet their cousin Carolyn. They then rode the train to New York for a few days of sight-seeing. My mom's memories of what they saw are pretty vague, but she knows they had a good time. Heck, any amount of time away from that many kids is a good time!

Sam and Chelsea

Daryl and Susan

We arrived at the Met with me in total awe. The building is so beautiful and grand. We went inside and were met with even more splendor. The chandeliers in the expansive lobby were spectacular. It was hard to take it all in. We located our level and were directed to our seats. Chelsea showed me how the streaming translation worked on the back of the seat in front of me. I was nervous about liking the performance. I didn't want to disappoint her. After a few minutes the lights dimmed and a hush settled throughout the theatre. The music started, the curtain rose and we were underway. Though a little distracting to keep looking down at the seat for the translation, I was able to follow the performance with very little trouble.

Quickly, it seemed, Act I ended. I made it through not wanting to run from the theatre with my ears covered. A short intermission and we returned to our seats, ready for Act II. (HAHAHA that’s funny – the Met has never been known for short intermissions, but I suppose the excitement of it all made it seem to Mom that it was a quick intermission.) This portion dragged a little for me, but I didn't fall asleep. Again, I was surprised at how quickly the time passed. Another intermission and we wandered to the gift shop. Chelsea, Sam and I were admiring some ornaments made from chandeliers retired from the opera house. They were made of Swarovski crystals and so, so sparkly. One would make a fabulous addition to any Christmas tree. Sadly, they were definitely out of my price range. Back to our seats and Act III. This portion was quick-paced, funny and bitter-sweet. Before I knew it, the performance was over. Pretty amazing.

Chelsea's friend, Sarah, arranged a back-stage pass for us to meet Renee Fleming after the opera. Thank you, Sarah! We made our way downstairs, through hallways and corridors to finally arrive at the dressing rooms. We joined others waiting in line. Our turn came at last. Chelsea introduced us all. We expressed our appreciation for a stellar performance and she agreed to a picture with us. I was so honored to meet her. She seems most gracious and appreciative of her fans. She has a very powerful voice for such a petite person. I totally enjoyed the performance even though I'm not as passionate about it as Chelsea. It's a very impressive art form and I do appreciate that. We meandered back through the hallways and found our way outside. A short walk and we were able to hail a cab to take us back to the hotel. Rats – still not the Cash Cab. We arrived at our hotel and our previous plans for a nightcap quickly dissolved as exhaustion kicked in. Well, for me anyway. I think the others may have deferred to me. Hey, it was a long day. (I think we were all happy to hit those comfy beds at the Marriott.)

~ Susan

Renee Fleming, Chelsea, Daryl, Susan, Sam
I love how my mom and Renee color coordinated – they’re just cool like that.

Mom's first opera at the Met was Richard Strauss' der Rosenkavalier, an almost five-hour marathon of music, starring Renee Fleming as the Marschalin and Susan Graham as Octavian.

Life Begins at 8:40

2010-03-29T01:12:00.007-04:00

SarahB – the knower of all things Broadway related in and out of New York City. It’s like she’s my enabler, always encouraging me to step out of my opera boundaries to explore the music that comprises America’s songbook. After alerting me to the Millennium Stage concert with Kate Baldwin, she told me about another free opportunity to see Kate and several other Broadway stars at the Library of Congress. As soon as I read the email from her I called the LoC to reserve two tickets. Easy as pie!

On Monday, March 22, Dustin and I made the short little trek from our Capitol Hill homes to the Library of Congress for Life Begins at 8:40. The foyer was jam packed with people. Aside from the five-year old girl accompanying her father, Dustin and I were the youngest there by at least 20 years. It was that kind of a crowd. We piled into the Coolidge Auditorium situated in the northwestern part of the building. It was a pretty cool theatre.

Sidebar on the Coolidge Auditorium: Named for Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, the 511 seat theatre was built with financial backing from Mrs. Coolidge in 1925. She was a notable patron in the history of American music. In addition to her contribution to the theatre, Mrs. Coolidge set up the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Foundation to help the Library promote and advance chamber music through commissions, public concerts, and festivals. In a letter dated February 4, 1925, she stated that the ultimate aim was:

to make possible, through the Library of Congress, the composition and performance of music in ways which might otherwise be considered too unique or too expensive to be ordinarily undertaken. Not this alone, of course, nor with a view to extravagance for its own sake; but as an occasional possibility of giving precedence to considerations of quality over those of quantity; to artistic rather than to economic values; and to opportunity over.

So that’s what we were here to see. A piece of music that hadn’t been heard in its entirety in 75 years and probably would not have been ushered out had it not been for Mrs. Coolidge and her foundation. Did I mention the tickets were free? Again, goes with the aim of the foundation – rolling out stuff for artistic rather than economic values. God bless you Mrs. Coolidge!

Life Begins at 8:40 is a revue with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ira Gershwin and Yip Harburg. It opened in 1943 and ran for 237 performances. The cast that has assembled this time around for the concert will reassemble sometime this week to record the work. Both will include a large amount of unpublished and unrecorded material. In addition to Mrs. Coolidge being posthumously generous, thanks must be given to The Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trust for making this whole shindig and subsequent recording possible. Muchos Gracias!

So Life Begins at 8:40... It was awesome! I was slightly unfamiliar with the work, because you know, it hadn’t been performed in 75 years. But it was just the right amount of upbeat, catchy and fun. The stellar cast was comprised of some of Broadway’s brightest stars – David Glenn Armstrong, Kate Baldwin!!, Philip Chaffin, Christopher Fitzgerald, Aaron Gandy, Montego Glover, Rebecca Luker, Brad Oscar, Faith Prince!!!, Graham Rowat!!, and Jessica Stone.

I came for the dynamic married duo of Kate and Graham and stayed for the magnetic stage presence of Faith. The entire cast was really just spot on and brought charm and energy to the 20 or so songs.

Graham came out after the men and women’s chorus looking pretty dapper in his suit. One by one the eight other men and women joined him in singing the show’s opening number “Life Begins (At Exactly 8:40 or Thereabouts).” And then out came Faith Prince all sassy and with stage presence to spare and a voice just so awesomely awesome! My attention was completely caught and I sat intently as the remaining 2 ½ hours unfolded.

There is not one gripe that I can think of in regards to the performers. The only thing that I had a problem with was the miking. It favored the orchestra over the singers so I had a difficult time hearing most of the singers throughout the performance. For some reason I was waiting to be impressed by Rebecca Luker, but just wasn’t. Brad Oscar was absolutely hilarious in his solo turn in “Things!” where he conducted himself and the orchestra. Christopher Fitzgerald and Jessica Stone played very well off of each other in several songs. Faith Prince was truly stunning and very comedic in the several numbers that she turned out. I tell you what, she owns that stage when she’s on it. And hers was one of the few voices that I didn’t have to strain to hear over the bad miking situation. Kate Baldwin is just fun to watch on stage and I seriously love her voice.

Dustin and I left the theatre humming tunes from the show. I wanted to stick around to try and catch up with Kate and Graham. They’ve been super generous – she signing a CD gifted to me from the wonderful SarahB, and he offering to snag some tickets to the show for me – and I wanted to give them my thanks. Dustin and I stood in the foyer for several minutes as the old folks, and chorus and orchestra members filed out. Then out came the rest of the cast.

Talking to Kate is like talking to a good buddy. She’s super nice and so unpretentious. It was like catching up with old friends. Dustin and I told her how much we enjoyed the show. We chit-chatted a bit and gave some tourist advice to the couple who had a few hours to kill the next day before heading back to NYC. We suggested several of the hotspots, but Graham seemed to be set on sleeping in. I think Kate’s next venture is taking her across the pond, but hopefully she and Graham will be doing something nearby that I can check out.

On our way out the door, we walked past Faith Prince. I had a vague idea of who she was – I used to watch Spin City. I meant to just throw out a quick “you were fabulous,” and walk on by, but we ended up talking to Faith for a few minutes. I guess when you tell a fifty-something-year old that they look and sound awesome, especially when they’re on stage with a bunch of youngsters, they really appreciate the comment. Faith pulled me in for a hug and told Dustin and me that we made her night. Dustin asked where she got her shoes. You know, when you get a chance to talk to a Tony winner, the important things to ask are about shopping secrets and shoe fashions. After a few more “you’re awesomes” and “loved your voice” and a quick snap of the camera, Dustin and I were off.

Lucky us, the CD for this quirky, entertaining revue should be out sometime this summer and I can sing along to this once forgotten music and relive the fun from last week’s performance.

Full song list with some of my favorites in bold:
ACT ONE
Overture - The Orchestra
Life Begins (At Exactly 8:40 or Thereabouts) - Graham & The Company
Spring Fever - Kate & Girls
You’re a Builder-Upper - Christopher, Jessica & Ensemble
My Paramount-Publix-Roxy Rose - Graham, Faith & Boys
Shoein’ the Mare - Montego & Ensemble
Quartet Erotica - Brad, Christopher, Graham & Philip
Fun to Be Fooled - Kate & Philip
C’est la Vie Prologue - Rebecca & Ensemble
C’est la Vie - Faith, Brad & Christopher
What Can You Say in a Love Song? - Rebecca, Philip & The Company

ACT TWO
Entr’ Acte - The Orchestra
Let’s Take a walk Around the Block - Graham, Jessica & Ensemble
Things! - Brad
I Knew Him When - Montego, Kate, Philip & Ensemble
All the Elks and Masons - Christopher, Jessica & Ensemble
A Weekend Cruise - Kate, Graham & Brad
It Was Long Ago - Rebecca & Girls
I’m Not Myself - Christopher
I Couldn’t Hold My Man - Faith
Life Begins at City Hall - The Entire Company

Told ya so, told ya so, told ya, told ya, told ya so!*

2010-03-03T00:13:00.012-05:00

Eschenbach is the bald dude to Fleming's left. Photo courtesy of my good buddy Of the Kosmos.

I just knew it! As soon as I heard that Christoph Eschenbach was taking the helm of the National Symphony Orchestra, I just knew that we'd be getting more Renee Fleming here in the District.

I was right! Eschenbach opens his inaugural season with the NSO on September 25th with Renee Fleming at his side. He'll be leading her in Strauss' Four Last Songs as well as piano prodigy Lang Lang in Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1.

I'm glad to be seeing the Diva on my home turf again. It'll also be great to revisit Fleming in the Four Last Songs. My first Renee Fleming concert was September 2007 in Denver, CO, and she sang the Four Last Songs. But I was too new (to opera and classical music) and too excited about the whole affair to really understand their awesomeness and how amazingly gifted an interpreter Fleming is in this particular song cycle.

Eschenbach and Fleming have a pretty deep history together. He conducted her on her first Four Last Songs recording as well as the Strauss Heroines album. I believe Eschenbach also conducted Fleming when she made her Houston Grand Opera debut as the Contessa in le Nozze di Figaro way back in 1988. So as soon as I heard that maestro was moving in at the Kennedy Center, I just knew he was going to be bringing my Diva of choice right along with him. And I couldn't be happier!

In the meantime, I've gathered a group of six to see Eschenbach work his magic on Verdi's Requiem on March 12th. Bring it, maestro! Bring it!

A quick note about the dress that Fleming is wearing in the picture above - that's the same dress she wore when I saw her in Denver. And now you know.

P.S. I had another genius moment like this back in the fall. WNO still had to cast a 2nd Amelia in Verdi's Un ballo, and returning from lunch one day, I turned to my intern buddy and said, "you know, Amelia is listed in Iréne Theorin's rep." And guess who is singing Amelia come September. Yeah, I called it.

*Will and Grace reference, anyone?

Lett's see DC: John Hancocks and Margaritas

2010-03-02T22:35:00.021-05:00

Chelsea is up earlier than me (hard to believe, I know). Though I missed meeting Tara and Melissa, their absence allowed me to impose on the morning schedule without too much disruption (both Tara and Melissa were still on Christmas/New Year’s vacation, which was perfect because I slept in Tara’s bed so Mom could sleep on mine). Laura was on her way out before us. We had breakfast, packed a lunch, and headed to the Metro. Today's mission: museums and such. We were hoping to visit the National Archives, Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and the Botanic Garden. Our first stop was the National Archives. We arrived before opening and already a line awaited us. Upon entering we were directed to a theater where we viewed an introductory film about the museum (the old film they used to show about preserving the documents was way better – thumbs down to the Archives on this switch). Afterward, we made our way to the rotunda where the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights are housed. Wow! Most amazing to see the original records of our democracy! In the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery was an exhibit celebrating the 75th anniversary of the National Archives entitled "Big!" Some of the things on display were the 13 foot scroll of the Articles of Confederation, an enormous map of the Gettysburg battlefield, the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, the 1941 tally of votes in the House of Representatives (388 to 1) to declare war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the gigantic shoe (size 22) owned by Shaquille O'neal (and President Taft’s ginormous bathtub that could literally hold four adult men). Incredible! We roamed the gift shop and then headed northwest on Pennsylvania Avenue to the Old Post Office.

We entered the building and rode the elevator to the observation deck in the bell tower. Although not as tall as the Washington Monument, the view is very impressive and even better – not as crowded. It was pretty clear at the time so we could see quite far over the DC area. Yup – it was pretty cold up there. We rode the elevator back down to the main level where there was an eating area. We found a table and broke out our lunch – PB&J sandwiches and apples. Fortified and rested (yeah right!) we headed for the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. On the way we walked by the Internal Revenue Service building. (Do you see that? That’s my Mom’s subliminal attempt to get me to do my taxes. Clever!)

We arrived at the American History Museum in attack mode. We had plans to meet Chelsea's friends Janelle and Dustin for dinner and the day was already half gone. Some of the most memorable exhibits we visited were:
First Ladies at the Smithsonian – the role of the nation’s First Ladies with some of their gowns. We liked Laura Bush's sparkly red gown.
The Price of Freedom; Americans at War – a history of the U.S. Military from colonial times to present
Popular Culture Selections – Dorothy's ruby slippers, Kermit the Frog, Archie Bunker's chair, a Dumbo from the ride at Disneyland
Also we saw the original Star-Spangled Banner, The American Presidents, and Julia Child's kitchen. So much to take in. We checked the time and realized we would have to skip the Air and Space Museum but would be able to take in the Botanic Gardens. We bundled up and put our feet in gear to get back to Capitol Hill.

We entered the Victorian-style glass building of the Botanic Garden, greeted by warmth! Even though it was pretty crowded inside it was an oasis to me. It seemed calming, a muffled noise buffered by all the plants and flowers. Throughout the main building were models of historic buildings of the National Mall and Capitol Hill. Acrylic-based foam is used to construct the frame but the architectural details are created with sand-based grout and dried plant materials. All the monuments are here in miniature - from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. Awesome! In the East Gallery was a magical village made from plants and natural materials with trains running throughout. Among this creation was Snow White and the Seven Dwarf's home, Peter Pumpkins house, "American Gothic" homestead, Santa's North Pole, and Captain Hook's pirate ship. Amazing! I could have spent hours in there.

Reluctantly, we left the Botanic Garden to begin the trek home. We were on the west side of the Capitol, so we were able to get a closer look at the National Christmas Tree. How cool that it's from Arizona! The Hill really is on a hill and the first part of the walk home is uphill, REALLY UPHILL, at the three quarter mark of a very long day. We made it home to freshen up for dinner out with Janelle and Dustin. The blister on my right heel was bigger and now my left heel had a small one. Oh well. Janelle arrived so we headed back out to meet Dustin on the way to the restaurant in Eastern Market – a Puerto Rican eatery (Banana Café). It was sprinkling, but margaritas were a good incentive to keep moving. Dinner was soooo good with margaritas, chips and salsa, and a Puerto Rican quesadilla (picadillo and plantains). Yummy!! Great company and party hats. What would New Year's Eve be without party hats? Bellies full and moods lifted we stepped back out in the rain for our walk home. On the way we stopped at a CVS for, you guessed it, blister pads. Pushing on, Dustin left us first and when we arrived home, Janelle continued on her way.

Laura was home when we got there. We visited for a while before she went out for a New Year's Eve party. She had on a really cute red dress, which was so festive! We wished her Happy New Year as she left in the rain. We turned in before midnight. In the morning we had an early bus to catch. Opera in the Big Apple!

~ Susan

Lett's see DC: Monuments, Memorials, and Trollies, Oh My!

2010-02-27T23:25:00.029-05:00

We were really looking forward to round three – the night time trolley tour of Washington. We headed for Union Station, where we would catch the trolley. It didn't take me long to realize that distances are subjective. A "short walk" to Chelsea now is a foray from her home to the Lincoln Memorial and back. For me, not so much. I guess if you don't measure the ground covered in blocks or miles but elapsed time, you can fool yourself into thinking you can reach the destination. So we're walking and I can feel the beginnings of a blister on my right heel. No big deal. I brought blister pads; I'd apply one when we got home.

We make it to Union Station and go in to the Old Town Trolley desk for our tickets. We have a few minutes before departure, so we wander through Union Station. It's such a beautiful building. The barrel ceiling is so cool. We boarded the trolley and guide "Grumpy" got us under way for a three hour tour. As you can tell, we did not get marooned like those people on the boat tour (Gilligan's Island in case the reference went over your head). It was a very good way to get an overview of the city, well worth the money.

I'm sure I will forget some of the things we saw but bear with me while I describe as much as I can. We drove by the Capitol Building – so, so beautiful all lit up – the Library of Congress, and The U.S. Supreme Court. We went past the FBI Building, The Old Post Office Tower (more about that later), The White House – the Christmas tree was from Arizona this year – The National Archives, National Museums of American History and Natural History, and National Aquarium (which is really just a couple of small fish tanks in the basement of the Department of Commerce building - super lame).

We were able to get off the bus at a few of the monuments/memorials. We had about 15 minutes to take in the Marine Corps a.k.a. Iwo Jima War Memorial. This was a little hard to see in the dark but still impressive. What a tremendous moment that must have been for those soldiers, raising the US flag. We were also able to explore the FDR Memorial. It's spread out over quite a large area. It's near the Tidal Basin which made our time there colder than ever. And since it was so cold, none of the water features were running. Very good depiction of events during President Roosevelt's terms in office. This particular memorial would be better seen in daylight and any time other than winter! We didn't stop at the Jefferson Memorial but it was so beautiful, right on the edge of the Tidal Basin and brightly lit. We got back on the bus and went past Arlington National Cemetery, The Kennedy Center, The Watergate and then to the west end of The National Mall.

Located here are several spectacular sites. We had about 20-25 minutes to make our way to as many as we could. First we walked by The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall). I've seen the traveling wall so I had an idea of what to expect. This also should be seen in daylight, but the impact is not diminished. We walked past the Vietnam Women's Memorial on our way to The Korean War Veterans Memorial. Next to Arlington National Cemetery, for me, this depiction had the biggest impact of all. Seeing this Memorial in the dark is a must. Statues representing soldiers toiling through rugged terrain is chilling – very powerful and unbelievably creepy. We then walked back to the Lincoln Memorial. We climbed the many steps to view Abraham Lincoln. This memorial is illuminated at night which makes Lincoln's face look very real. Pretty cool. Chelsea and I spent a few minutes looking at the two speeches carved on the walls. On the way back down the steps we had an amazing view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument at the far east end. Our time had expired so we headed back to the trolley. On the way back we drove past the National World War II Memorial, The Washington Monument, The White House, and the Botanic Gardens.

We made it back to Union Station, wishing Grumpy could drop us at our doorstep or at the very least the end of our street, but no such luck. He gave a very thorough and entertaining presentation. He couldn't pronounce Tecumseh, though. Chelsea and I headed for home, more slowly than she normally does, I'm sure. I'm doing my best to keep up. Many times Chelsea will call me when she is walking home from her Metro stop. Usually it's pretty late. On one hand, it seems like a very safe neighborhood, but on the other hand, I wonder if she should not talk on the phone and be more aware of her surroundings. Auntie J is saying "No! She should NOT talk on the phone!" Ignorance is bliss, yes? Anyway, we made it home. Chelsea reheated our uneaten dinner and we had some of Abigail's Apple Strudel – yummy – and some hot tea and off to bed. An early day was planned for tomorrow: museum day...

~ Susan

While I agree with Mom that the FDR memorial should be seen in the daylight and during a time of year when the water features are running, I would say that the Vietnam War memorial is better at night unless you're trying to locate a name. It's just really cool the way the Washington Monument reflects off the Wall.

Luck be a Lady Tonight

2010-02-15T22:22:00.003-05:00

So I found $260 tonight. I know, right?!!

I was walking from the metro to my friend's house to walk the dogs one last time. If prior decisions had been different, I wouldn't have found it. For instance, Minerva was going to bring Chinese food over and we were going to play games with the roommates. But I decided last minute that we should just go out. Hints of cabin fever lingered and I needed to get off of the Hill. I also assumed that Dustin was going to be home from her trip around 7:00 so I wouldn't need to go back and walk the dogs. But she texted and said that her flight was leaving at 7:30 and that she would be back around 11:00. That meant that I would need to go back to feed and walk the dogs. If the dogs had been fed, I probably wouldn't have gone back. And to think, earlier at dinner I was bemoaning the fact that I would have to make another trek to walk the pooches.

When I came upon the pile of money just laying there, I called my mom for an integrity check. There wasn't anyone about so I couldn't run up to anyone and asked if they had dropped a sum of cash. There was a nearby restaurant, but not a person stirring. I suppose I could have gone into the restaurant and ask if anyone had dropped some cash.... Mom said I was good to go, "just make sure you pay some of it forward."

I think I can do that. Maybe a few meals here or there for someone(s) who looks needy/hungry. Use a little to take a day trip to New York to see Strauss's Ariadne auf Naxos this Saturday. Put the rest away to go towards rent.

So basically I'm just disecting the evening and the good fortune that I have been blessed with tonight. Not saying that I've had bad fortune in the past or recently, but maybe this is the momentum I need to carry over into other areas, like you know, the job hunt or something...

Happy this day

2010-02-14T22:16:00.001-05:00

Feeling the love...

2010-02-14T22:01:00.004-05:00

You'll never guess what today is! Go ahead, take a guess. Give up? Why, it's Arizona's statehood day! Ninety-eight years ago today, Arizona joined the Union. Click here for the love anthem to the Grand Canyon State.

In addition, many happy returns to the opera diva who got me interested in opera, and I think we all know "interested" is an understatement. Happy Birthday Renee Fleming!

Kate Baldwin or else!

2010-02-13T00:52:00.006-05:00

SarahB threatened that I better see Kate Baldwin when she performed at the Kennedy Center or else! Then I found out she was performing on the Millenium Stage which meant it was free. Count me in! That was before Snowmageddon 2010 reared its ugly head.

It was day four of trudging back and forth through the snow between my house and my friend's to walk her dogs while she was out of town. It was 4:00 and the dogs needed their afternoon walk and the metro was not running up to par. I decided not to go. But then I thought about it. I needed to get off the Hill and venture out of the five block radius in which I had been contained. So I dashed over to Dustin's house to walk the pups and marched through the snow to the metro. The metro gods smiled upon me and I only waited five minutes for a train.

It was my normal 40-minute commute from doorstep to Kennedy Center and I even had enough time to run upstairs to catch the snowscape from the terrace. The Millenium Stage was going to be featuring a week-long series entitled "Broadway Today and Tomorrow." It was a very cabaret-ish setup with little round tables and chairs instead of the usual rows of folding chairs. I took a seat at an empty table at the front left. I was impressed with the turnout on such a miserable day. An older lady tried to sit at a table next to me where a woman sat alone. I think I heard the younger lady say "reserved" so I told the older lady to come sit next to me (even though there were several other empty chairs). She was very unkempt and I attributed it to the weather and hat hair. She was very chatty....but she kept falling asleep during the program. But I digress.

Our evening of "Broadway Today and Tomorrow" featured the works of Peter Mills with the lovely Kate Baldwin and Matt Cavenaugh singing. It was a mixture of solos and duets - some funny and others poignant and sincere. Cavanaugh had a pretty good voice, but it definitely had that Broadway sound to it. Which I guess is a good thing since he's singing Broadway tunes. Kate Baldwin just had a flat out great voice. It was like a ray of sunshine in a hopelessly dreary day. She was so upbeat and perky when the song called for it, yet so touching and heartfelt when needed. My favorite song she sang was from Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge. It was just stunning! And she managed to put a slight country twang to it without sounding hoakey. After several other songs Matt and Kate finished with a duet about a missed connection. On the surface it was pretty funny because he is talking about a bad connection on the phone. Yet it's a bit sad because she's discussing a bad connection in the relationship. I don't think it ends well..

When the show was over, I was about to leave. But I lingered long enough to see Kate and the others come out into the audience. I decided that I couldn't trudge all this way through snowbanks and slush puddles without telling Kate that Sarah sent me. So I said "Hello!" and thanked her for coming despite the weather. Kate was a super lovely person and very engaging. She asked how I met Sarah (the bloggosphere) and then said how she owed her career to Sarah's blog. I wished her safe travels back to New York and went on my way - a bit happier and a little less cabin feverished.

On the ride home, I sat next to this older gentleman who also atteneded the show and raved about Kate (he saw her in Finnian's Rainbow). He was a doctor who also sang in an opera chorus in Colorado. He had great stories to tell - one about how he gave a check-up to Marta Domingo and that Placido always recognized him as "The Doc" from there on out.

Despite the long commute home, it was great to get out of the house. I give major props to Kate, Matt and Peter for making the trek down to DC in the terrible weather. It certainly was a nice boost to take into the next snow storm we were about to get kicked with.

If you missed the Millenium Stage performance featuring Peter with Kate and Matt, then you can catch it here in its entirety. You better watch it. Or else I'll have SarahB hounding you!

Road Warriors

2010-02-07T23:27:00.004-05:00

There is a labrynth of single-file pathways along most of the sidewalks in the Capitol Hill area. Yet most people are still taking to the roadways. Yesterday it was out of necessity when the sidewalks were nearly impassable. But now I think it's an act of defiance. Kind of like an f-u to the vehicles who insist on driving in these not awesome conditions. Plus it's just fun to walk in the middle of the road after being told for so many years not to.

Coverage of Snowmageddon 2010 coming soon!

Dancing with your hands

2010-02-01T12:28:00.001-05:00

Try and keep up kids.

Lett's See DC - Mom Schlepped Here, There and Everywhere

2010-01-28T21:36:00.017-05:00

There is a two hour time difference between Arizona and DC this time of year so getting up early for Chelsea is even earlier for me. But rise early we do. We have memorials and monuments to see! One of Chelsea's roommates, Abigail, generously shared coffee. We ate breakfast, bundled up, then headed out. First stop – the Capitol Building. A short walk and we arrived in time for an 8:30 tour (I believe Mom is on AZ time still – there’s no way I would’ve been functioning for an 8:30am EST tour especially since I was still functioning on AZ time). There were probably 30 people in our group. The guide did a fair job sharing info, but I felt like there should have been more. Chelsea gave Capitol tours when she worked for the Congressman, so she was able to provide more in depth anecdotes – such as the painting containing a person with six toes on one foot, because the artist didn't care for the person being depicted (Mom is so PC – the artist didn’t like Native Americans so he gave Pocahontas’ brother an extra toe). We saw the old Supreme Court chambers, the catafalque dating back to President Lincoln, models representing the Capitol Building and grounds showing changes over the years, the Statuary Room – each state is allowed to send two statues to be on display. It's so much to absorb in such a short time.

Moving on, we walked through a tunnel to the Library of Congress. We arrived in time to join a tour. The guide seemed very knowledgeable. The architectural details are just astounding. When the tour was over, Chelsea left me on my own; she had a hair appointment. I wandered back through the displays to look more closely at maps, (I love maps) paintings and Thomas Jefferson's personal library. So my time was up at the library. I walked back home to meet Chelsea for lunch. Oh, her hair cut was cute. We used this time to book a night time trolley tour of Washington for the evening.

After hearty tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, we headed out for round two – Arlington National Cemetery and The Kennedy Center. We walked back to the Metro stop and boarded to ride out to Arlington. This trek required transfers and I'm so amazed at how comfortable Chelsea is with all this (No transfers on this one, but I can understand being confused – I carted my Mom everywhere in such a small amount of time). She's so at home here. We arrived at Arlington and inquired about a tour at the information desk. We're pressed for time, so the attendant provided us with directions and a map that we can use for a self-guided tour.

We headed to John F. Kennedy's grave site. The view back toward the Washington Monument is very pretty. We walked by Robert Kennedy's and Teddy Kennedy's graves as well. We then headed over to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The white crosses marking the graves are still adorned with wreaths that were placed before Christmas. Chelsea was able to participate in the wreath placement. What an honor. We arrived at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and watched the sentinel pace back and forth before the tomb. It's hard to find the right words to describe this event. Proud, sad, grateful, among so many emotions. We didn't have time to stay for the changing of the guard, though I could have stayed there all day. We then made our way through the Memorial Amphitheater on our way to the Mast of the USS Maine, Space Shuttle Challenger/Columbia Memorial and Iran Rescue Mission Memorial.

We left the cemetery and took the Metro to Foggy Bottom (I love that!) where we picked up a shuttle to the Kennedy Center. This is home to the Washington National Opera for which Chelsea interned for three months last fall. She was the tour guide at this attraction, showing me all around, inside and out. Most impressive – a very beautiful center. We headed back outside (Brrr-it's getting colder) to shuttle back to the Metro stop and then home. I was beginning to feel like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Vacation. We walked home to eat dinner but really only had time for a snack before we had to walk back to Union Station to catch the trolley. I did take the time to add a pair of long underwear and a second pair of gloves. Yes, the very same Isotoner gloves mentioned in Chelsea's Christmas remembrances, with knit gloves over those. So, appropriately layered against the cold, we walked to Union Station.....

~ Susan

Lett's see DC - Leaving on a Jet Plane

2010-01-26T23:57:00.005-05:00

I brought my Mom back to DC with me after Christmas. We spent a few days gallivanting around the Nation's Capital before a quick trip to the Big Apple. I coaxed Mom into writing up her experience, and what you will get is a three(?) part mini-series of the Mother Fish Out of Water. And let me tell you what, she was out of water! At some point along the series, I'll add my own brief recap of the events - you know, two sides to every story. I now present my first guest blogger, my Mom in part one of her series.

I promised I would report on my whirlwind trip to DC and New York City. Now a month later, it's obvious the gene for procrastination is not recessive in my family. Chelsea's Christmas gift to me was to join her at the opera der Rosenkavelier in New York City on New Year's Day. John graciously agreed to stay home (self-preservation?). It would be our first New Year apart in 33 years.

So, to packing....My desert (read casual and not warm) apparel would have to suffice for the cold weather and opera. I managed to squeeze five days worth of garments and shoes into a small carry-on and backpack. John drove us to Las Vegas very early Tuesday morning. I was a little nervous. I hadn't flown since 1984. Chelsea is a seasoned traveler, so that helped put me at ease. We said our goodbyes at the curb, checked in, breezed through security, and headed for the gate. With about an hour before our flight, we had plenty of time to people-watch. We boarded the plane on time, stowed our bags and settled in. As soon as we were aloft, Chelsea dozed but I was "too excited to sleep!"

The flight leaving Las Vegas heads out over the Grand Canyon. What a great perspective-it was…so cool to see the snow dusting the red landscape. I watched our progress eastward until we rose above the clouds. Near the Mississippi, land was once again visible, so I tried to determine our location all the way to Charlotte where we had a short layover. We wolfed down a sandwich before being called to board our flight to DC. My wariness returned when a dark complexioned man with a mustache took the seat next to Chelsea. He kept getting up to talk to the attendant – about what, I don't know. Five or six times he got up then sat back down... On top of that, across the aisle and up a row or two, is a large bearded man with turban-like head gear. No one else appeared distressed or even interested. So up, up and away we went.

I'm so glad it was evening when we flew into Ronald Reagan airport. The skyline was so beautiful. Visible on approach and brightly lit – the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, the White House – Wow! We bundled up and grabbing backpacks and luggage, headed for the Metro which would put us within walking distance of our final destination. This was becoming a very long day. We exited the train at our stop. Chelsea said she needed to pick up milk. "Safeway is in the opposite direction we'll be walking, so you can wait here while I run up there. Will you be okay to wait here?" How sweet, she's worried about me. "Sure, I'll be fine," I say. She LEFT me there, in the subway station, tending the luggage! She returned about 20 minutes later and really, I was fine. We gathered our luggage, backpacks and groceries and headed to the escalator. We at last would begin the final trek to the Harry Potter house.

OH MY GOSH!!! COLLLLLDDDD!!!! The remnants of the massive snow storm ten days ago have been piled along the road sides and the cold definitely remained. To our left, the Capitol Building, all lit up. Beautiful! We headed up the street away from the Capitol, past the Supreme Court Building, and The Library of Congress. Unbelievable – Chelsea Lives Here!!! Then we walked through her neighborhood and arrived, at last HOME! We unwound and hit the sack. Our plan was to tackle major sight-seeing for the next two days.

~ Susan

MUSIC TO MY EARS!!!

2010-01-24T22:54:00.008-05:00

I broke my thirty-hour music fast with Dancing Queen in the middle of a not very crowded yet slightly noisy Busboys and Poets. But it was the trio from der Rosenkavalier that put me back into my happy spot. After dinner, I ran upstairs and stood in the middle of my room and let the gloriousness of these three beautiful voices pour over me.

Just listen...

...do you hear that? It's like the heavens opened up and rained down this glorious awesomeness of pure rapturous ecstasy that sweeps you up ever higher with each progressing note. The three voices dance and intertwine and by the very end I have found myself on the tips of my toes. I almost shed a tear.

That's the beauty of music, and that is why I listen. And that's why giving up music for thirty hours was a challenge. I suppose that sometimes I listen to the point of distraction and the reason for the fast was to let the absence channel my thoughts to the Almighty. In some instances that happened. It also allowed me to be more aware of my surroundings and the natural music in the world around me - the birds chirping, the rustling of the leaves, the car sirens at one in the morning... And for a few hours this afternoon I was alone in the silence. It almost made me nervous to be alone with my thoughts - mulling over all of the grown-up things that are staring me down and give me unease.

Well that's deep enough for one night. I try and keep it light-hearted around here. So for know the music is back...and the beat goes on!

"Obama probably failed lunch." - A. Hilter

2010-01-24T22:39:00.004-05:00

So when you're fasting music for thirty hours, you need something to command your attention for part of that time when you're not conversing with the Almighty. Max to the rescue! He sent me this hilarious redubbing of a scene from Der Untergang. Try not to laugh - I dare you!

* Click on the video twice in order to watch directly from Youtube so you can read the supertitles. They're super funny, but you'll miss out if you can't read them all.

Sounds like a winner to me.......

2010-01-24T16:27:00.006-05:00

A conversation I had w/ CT Sam via text message late last night. No need to thank me.

Sam: So the guy Marco* with the bad haircut is asking about you

Me: Was he the one that wouldn't leave me alone and dated that one girl you don't like?

Sam: No... The short one in politics we wanted to give a makeover too

Me: I don't remember him. Where did I meet him?

Sam: He was there both nights... He remembers you!
He had like the shroom cut

Me: Seriously not ringing a bell... Did I even talk to him?

Sam: Yes lol and we talked about how we wanted to make him over... But he got a haircut thank god!
He was nice and talked to us but was slightly shy

Me: I don't know why I don't remember. Is he good looking minus the weird haircut?

Sam: Not really lol

Me: Awesome! glad to know I made an impression on someone...
Does he know I'm republican?

Sam: I'm not sure but he know your cute!

Me: Fabulous.. He thinks I'm cute and all I got is he's short and formerly sported a shroom do. Is it bad I don't remember him?

Sam: Yes it is cuz he talked to us the most... And then we were bitchy and judged him
Is our judging no longer sacred?

Me: Did someone roofie my drink or something b/c I don't remember having that much either night.

Sam: You cought me... I slipped you a little something
Stalk him on facebook. He is one of my friends... Marco Polo*

Me: I knew it! You b***ch! You can't be trusted/ You roofie my drink and then try and set me up w/ the dude we totally judged. That hurts sam...

Sam: I'm sorry: Next time I drug you I will get your consent first

Me: Apology accepted. Is he dateable material? I mean I'm no gold medal, but I don't need a schmoe.

Sam: You are a gold medal!

Sam: He's sooooo sweet. I like him alot but he is no looker

Me: Awww you're a platinum medal in my book.

Sam: He's not horrible... Needs work

Me: Oh lord! Bless his heart. I'm flattered, but um...

Sam: Lol

Me: So could this be like a samantha thing from sex and the city where I make him pretty and then he finds some younger hotter babe? You know, the guy was balding and a bit of a goob

Sam: Lol I remember that one!

Me: He looks like a thug in his profile pic. And not at all familiar. Maybe I was too traumatized by the other guy

Sam: Lol we did run into some characters. Ya his profile pic is super weird

Me: I think I remember snarking on someone, but I don't think I'd be able to pick him out of a line up.

So apparently Sam is trying to fix me up with a fixer-uper... A shroom cut - really, are we thirteen? I'm thinking a big fat no!

*Not his real name

The Day the Music Died

2010-01-23T15:00:00.005-05:00

My bible study has decided to participate in a church-wide fast that lasts from this evening until church service tomorrow. The gals in my group decided to give up food, which would be totally doable. They'll eat dinner on Saturday, give up breakfast and lunch on Sunday and break the fast at 6:00pm at dinner.

I decided to go a different route, mostly because I had scheduled a brunch with a friend weeks ago. So instead of parting with my planned crepe and peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I will be fasting the Tunes starting at noon on Saturday until 6:00pm Sunday. No music. Period. No opera, country or anything in between via the Zune. No Saturday matinee broadcast from the Met. No Youtube or opera dvd's. Just silence. Unrhythmic, deafening silence. "No big deal," is what you're thinking. Oh, but how wrong you are! I have music playing ALL THE TIME. I sleep with it on (this started when we had mouse issues), I listen while I'm drying my hair, eating, surfing the web, talking on the phone. If I'm home, the music is on. But now it's not. And it's freakishly quiet in here.

I took a walk to the Lincoln memorial today minus the music. I could hear a lot of clatter and chatter, but mostly the squeak squeak of my orthotics with E.V.E.R.Y. S.I.N.G.L.E. S.T.E.P. I. T.O.O.K. Even though my own walking was annoying myself, it's pretty funny to listen in on what others around you are saying. Especially in and around the Mall area where tourists abound. They say the darndest things!

This time of fasting is meant for reflection and conversing with the Almighty. But I find myself singing a lot of Dwight Yokam and Celine Dion to myself instead. Random selection, I know. We'll see how the night goes when it's REALLY quiet. Torture, I tell you. You don't know how bad I want to push play on my Zune right now. I miss Renee...

Photo courtesy: www.passportnewsletterblog.com

A 26 looks at 40

2010-01-19T15:45:00.003-05:00

Forty – doesn’t look so bad surrounded by a group of friends sharing laughter and memories.

Kari G threw herself a birthday bash to commemorate 40 years on this planet. It was a gathering of new friends, childhood buddies and coworkers. I was one of the fortunate few who feasted with Kari at Crispo. Much feasting and beveraging was followed by more beveraging and loads of laughter that lasted until the wee early morning hours at the Regency.

This wasn’t a typical 40th birthday party. No lame Over the Hill jokes or people dressed as old ladies. Kari’s not that kinda gal, especially since she makes 40 look like the new 29. It was just a classy celebration with a woman and her friends. And what a fabulous group of friends she has surrounding her! I’m fairly new to the bunch and only know her New York opera and theatre buddies Sarah, Roxie and Sally. It was such a treat to be invited along to meet her friends from home and school who have shaped her and made her the Kari I know today (could I sound any cheesier???).

Sometimes it’s undiplomatic to choose favorites, but of the new friends I met this weekend, my favorite has got to be Kari’s friend from high school, Kris. She’s a cop (detective) in the Madison, WI area and she is hilarious! When she was first starting out on the beat, she was called to a scene. Being the resourceful and time saving cop that she was, she decided that the quickest way from point A to point B was going right through a volleyball sand pit instead of around it. She rationalized in her head that her vehicle was rear-wheel drive and for crying out loud they do it on Baywatch all the time with no problems!!! So in true Baywatch style, Kris drove her squad car across the sand and was successful…….until she got stuck! But you know they do it on Baywatch all the time.

Anywho, Happy Birthday to Kari! Here’s to 40+ more awesome years surrounded by good times and great friends! Thanks for inviting me along for the celebration.

Taking Stock (and exposing my inner nerd)

2010-01-12T00:57:00.006-05:00

***Warning*** ***My opera nerdiness is about to be exposed. You have been warned. ***

When I started going to operas almost two years ago, I began to keep a list of the operas I had seen. Since my outings to live performances were pretty infrequent but trips to my library's opera dvd/cd collection were not, I decided to keep track of all the operas I listened to as well. In order to make the cut, I had to have listened or watched the opera in its entirety (exception made for Puccini's Il Trittico, which is a series of three smaller operas). Today I decided to transfer my opera tracker from paper to excel spreadsheet. Here's what I have discovered:

I have watched (live or dvd) or listened (cd or radio) to 52 different operas by 24 different composers.
The composers that show up the most on my list are Verdi (8), Puccini (5 1/3*), Strauss (5), Massanet (5) and Wagner (3).
I have been to 55 live performances of 26 different operas - nine of those were the Met's Live in HD simulcasts.
Clearly I am a repeat offender when it comes to live performances - I see/hear something I like, I go back for more. Four seems to be the magic number. I've seen Donizetti's Lucrezia Borgia, Rossini's Barber of Seville, and Massanet's Thais four times each, and Strauss' der Rosenkavlier three times. But Strauss' Ariadne auf Naxos takes the cake with a whopping eight viewings** in a span of about four weeks.
Adding the multiple live performances to audio and video recordings, it seems that Verdi is my go-to guy. He has 20 hits with Otello receiving six and La Traviata receiving five.
Strauss clocks in at 17 with Ariadne at nine and der Rosenkavalier at five.
Surprise, surprise! Renee Fleming is my diva of choice appearing on my tracker 40 times.
The next closest competitor is my recent find, Swedish soprano Iréne Theorin, making 14 appearances live and recorded.
Placido Domingo shows up 13 times both as conductor and tenor.
The language breakdown: Italian-21, French-11, German-10, English-7, Russian-2, Czech-1

Final thoughts: Kurt Weill's Threepenny Opera seems to be the most obscure on my list and I'm surprised I don't have more Mozart on there. I would like to explore more Russian and Czech opera. I had attended a recital in the fall that featured some wonderful music from Russlan and Ludmilla and War and Peace (both Russian) that sounded really awesome. I'd also like to give Katya Kabanova and The Makropoulos Affair (both Czech) a shot. Don't ask me to monetarily add it all up. I probably could have purchased a new car by now. And in case you were wondering, Verdi's Otello was my first in house live opera.

* 1/3 = Suor Angelica from Puccini's three mini opera series Il Trittico
** I can't believe I just admitted out loud to seeing Ariadne eight times. I feel like I need support group or something.

I PR things...Ariadne, Seville, WAGNER!

2010-01-08T23:32:00.005-05:00

This past fall I got to PR things. I didn't get to PR Lulu, but I did get to PR opera for Washington National Opera. It was an unpaid internship and perhaps I'm on the cusp of being too old for an unpaid internship, but it was something I wanted to do and could afford to do.

Maybe it was the fact that I didn't have to be there that made me want to be there, but I thoroughly enjoyed going to the Watergate office everyday. It was a challenging, engaging and rewarding experience that has left me with so many wonderful memories. I don't want to toot my own horn, but I'd count myself lucky/fortunate for having prior work experience, which allowed my supervisor to give me some kind of big deal tasks. I staffed a reporter at one of our operas, was one of the point persons for press at Opera in the Outfield, coordinated interviews between artists and reporters, pitched the hell out of our Costume Sale and staffed press at the sale, and talked to grade-schoolers about PR and opera. I also had to guard the Diva Rack with my life at the Costume Sale. Let me just say that probably aged me ten years. All those crazy patrons clamoring over Anna Netrebko's Susannah frock from Nozze....

Yes, I loved this internship because I got to PR opera. But I loved it because for four months I felt like I was part of a team again. WNO has a great internship program and the staff (from my experience) treats them as one of their own. The interns really do play an integral role in the company and I believe that the employees recognize that.

Sure there were a lot of perks that came with the internship - free tickets to dress rehearsals and performances - but the coolest perk for me was learning and seeing how an opera company operates and functions. From top to bottom, inside out, organizational to artistic and everything in between. I used to sit in the opera house thinking "Wow! It must take so much hard work to put on an opera." It does, but back then I was thinking in macro terms and only on the artistic level, which don't get me wrong is truly important - all the rehearsals, learning the music, building sets, lighting etc. - but there's more. So much more. Seasons are generally planned far in advance. And there's the money issue. Who's going to pay for it all? How do you inform and excite your audience? There are so many details and departments involved in keeping an opera company successful and thriving. The interns had an opportunity to meet with most of the department heads - Finance, Artistic, PR, Development and Special Events, Tech, Costumes, Production - and get a peek into their world and their role in the company. It was so cool to see how each department is a piece coming together to make the WNO puzzle complete. Without one, the company could not succeed. I appreciate opera so much more now knowing how much work goes on - on stage and off.

Perhaps there is a chance to continue on with WNO, or perhaps not. Regardless, for four months I got to do something that I truly wanted to do and truly enjoyed for a company that I regard highly. For those four months, I had my dream job.

And so it (re)begins

2010-01-08T23:17:00.002-05:00

Let's be honest. I've kinda sucked at this whole blogging thing. I was doing pretty good there in the beginning, but computer woes and the overwhelming-ness of wanting to put everything on here was just too much. So I ignored it all together. But now equipped with a new computer and a New Year's resolution to become a better blogger, I'm ready to give this another go. It's like a new beginning. And it starts today!

But I don't want to forget about yesterday or all those other yesterdays that didn't make it into the blog because of my neglect. So as I get going, it might be a little rough around here as I put up some past happenings. There will be no order - expect chaos and unchronologicalization.

Winter Dedication

2010-01-05T23:18:00.003-05:00

I guess since winter insists on sticking around for awhile, we might as well bunker down with a cozy blanket, a warm beverage, and a delightlfully dreamy Strauss song. If Strauss is Renee Fleming's desert island composer, then her rendition of Winterweihe is my snow-capped moutain song. Winter be damned! You are no match for this heart-warming Winter Dedication!

Winterweihe (Winter Dedication)
In these days of winter,
now the light is veiled,
let us uphold in our hearts,
and confide to each other,
that which fills us with inward light.

That which kindles gentle ardour
shall burn for ever,
let that which tenderly binds souls,
builds bridges of the spirit,
be our quiet watchword.

The wheel of time may roll,
we scarecely catch hold of it,
lost to the world's illusions,
we would, on our island,
dedicate day and night to blissful love.

Remembering Christmas, Day 7: That perfect tree

2009-12-10T23:32:00.003-05:00

Remember Aunt Stana and her larger-than-life Christmas trees from Day 4? One year we got to experience the hunt for the perfect tree with Aunt Stana and Uncle Charles. It was awesome!

I was born and raised in sunny Arizona in the part of the state where the weather was stereotypical of Arizona, hot, dry and hot, hot, HOT! No snow and barely cold. My dad got a permit to cut down a tree out in Williams somewhere - I'm pretty sure we were near the Grand Canyon, perhaps the North Rim, but I could be terribly wrong. Maybe the permit was for the Kaibab forest. I don't know. But we had a permit and a hodge podge of "winter" clothes to keep warm.

When you're young, traveling places always seem further away than they really are. Going to Williams was a big deal for me. It was so far! And so magically covered in snow. What joy to pop out of the truck and just jump around and leave my footprints in the snow - a mark that I had been there! We searched around for the perfect tree. Our "perfect" was much smaller and easier to manage than what Aunt Stana had in mind. It took several hands to load up Aunt Stana's tree onto the truck once she found 'the one.'

Speaking of hands, mine were freezing. Mom let me use her tan Isotoner gloves which looked all too sleek and fancy for playing in the snow, but that didn't stop me. I don't think Kevin was on this trip. I probably would've played more in the snow if he had been there.

When we headed back, we stopped by Aunt Stana's house before heading back to our place. I don't know how much of the top was cut from her tree - probably enough to make a respectable 2 footer for a small apartment. Can you just smell the pine? And hear the crunch of the snow...?

Remembering Christmas, Day 6: Shawl we sing?

2009-12-10T22:37:00.006-05:00

I don't know if public schools still have Christmas programs. Or do they call them holiday programs now? Well, back in my day when I was a grade schooler, we had Christmas programs. We sang about the baby Jesus and harked to Angels and wisssshed (because kids can't just wish) people a Merry Christmas and life was good.

These Christmas programs were held in the evening so all the parents could attend. I remember pulling into the parking lot at Desert Valley Elementary School and walking to the auditorioum. We sang our programs and "click, click, clicked" to our hearts' content. I think we had a Christmas program every year in elementary school, so most of the programs run together and I can't tell you what song was sung in what grade.

I was in grade school in the early 90's, and I believe that my mother's wardrobe reflected that. For instance, my mom was a wearer of shawls. Do people still wear shawls these days? I remember wearing that shawl to one of the Christmas programs. I don't know if I had taken it from my mom and left her to freeze in the cold Bullhead City winter eve or if it was a prearranged agreement. But I wore the shawl and it was brown and had little hangy fringe things, and I'm sure I was wearing white leggings because I wore those a lot back in the day. And a Santa hat. There was definitely a Santa hat on my head. And maybe a side pony because it was the early 90's.

Remembering Christmas, Day Five: Memories yet to come or the House that Chelsea Built

2009-12-10T21:15:00.005-05:00

On a cold, snowy Saturday in December I joined 4 girls from my bible study and 30+ other volunteers at the local Habitat for Humanity build sight. With the impending bad weather, we were sure as heck we'd be inside painting or something. Boy were we wrong! And mostly because I opened my big mouth and volunteered us for trusses. "Oh that sounds like fun," I said, as my hand shot up. Well fun was ten feet in the air in a second floor room with incomplete roof coverage. Did I mention it was a cold and snowy day?

Four of us girls and one unsuspecting guy headed up the ladder to meet our build leader. I could only imagine what was going through his mind as he saw four girls emerge through the second story window. For nearly three hours we stood up in the rafters on 2x4's hammering away at the boards that would become the structural support for the house's roof. As we broke for lunch, our build leader looked around and was suprised to see that we had completed about a full day's work in three hours.

The break for lunch came at the right time. Wet, hungry, and cold to the core, we huddled around a propane heater emitting 50,000 BTUs of glorious heat as we waited for our warm pizza to arrive. Nearly dry and well fed, we climbed back up the ladder for two more hours of snowy work. When quitting time came, we gladly cleaned up our tools, stood back, and admired the hard work we had accomplished.

Where does the Christmas come in for this memory? I don't know yet. But I can only hope that once this house is finished and the fortunate family who moves in will make and have years of wonderful Christmas memories to look back on. I can just picture what this house would look like with Christmas lights along the trim, especially as the snow fell on us that cold, Saturday afternoon.

(Pictures from the build are coming - experiencing slight difficulties w/ the camera.)

Remembering Christmas Day 4: A Clammy Christmas Eve

2009-12-04T23:20:00.005-05:00

My mom has a pretty big family, and growing up, we all lived pretty close to each other. Every Christmas Eve, we went to my Aunt Stana and Uncle Charles' for dinner. The menu was the same every year: Uncle Charles' famous clam chowder with oyster crackers or bread. If there was anything else to go with it, I don't remember. Clam chowder is just about the only type of fish/seafood that I can stomach and there were a couple years in there where I couldn't eat the clams if the pieces were too large. I eventually got over that, though I tend to put too many crackers in the soup to make up for the fact that it's seafood. I am of the mindset that fish and all the creatures of the ocean are to be consumed by other creatures of the ocean. It's not a whole animal rights thing because Lord knows I love me a good burger, but I digress.

Everyone came for Christmas Eve dinner. It was an opportunity to see the cousins that were away at school or the family that lived further away. Aunt Jackie and Uncle Doyle were there with Chris and Del, Aunt Pat, Uncle Jim and their boys, Grandma, Hank, Aunt Stana's boys, etc. - I'd say at least 30 people. And sometimes members of the extended family would just pop in for whatever leftovers were hanging around. The youngest kids sat at a small table right under the kitchen bar. There was this really cool, small, green bucket chair that Aunt Stana used to sit her dog Sasha in when she bathed her. That was always a fun chair to sit in.

Aunt Stana (not pictured) was pretty serious about her Christmas decorations, especially the tree. An artificial or some measly shrub from the tree lot just wouldn't do. Each year they got a permit to cut down their own tree. Bigger, fuller, and wider was always better when Aunt Stana picked her tree - think the Griswold family tree from Christmas Vacation. They often had to cut several feet off the top just to fit it through the door. Bags of tinsel dangled from every branch. I always wished that we could put tinsel on our trees, but Cricket would eat it, so I had to get my tinsel fill at Aunt Stana's house. Sometimes there would be a Christmas movie on in the background, sometimes the whole family would gather round and play a game, but there was always tons of visiting. Uncle Doyle always outdid himself with Christmas cookies and Aunt Jackie's fudge made an appearance if the weather cooperated and she got a good batch.

Dad drove and he preferred the red Ford pick-up. Kevin and I would fight over who got to sit next to mom because it was late by the time we would leave and sitting next to mom meant we had a shoulder to fall asleep on during the ride home, which seemed a lot longer when we were growing up. When we got home, we each got to open one present - a new ornament to go on the Christmas tree. We crawled in our bunks, went to sleep, and waited for the surprises of the next morning.

That's how Christmas Eve went for several years growing up.

Remembering Christmas: Days 1-3

2009-12-03T22:34:00.007-05:00

I have over a quarter of a century of Christmases under my belt, and with the tree trimmed and the stockings flung, I thought it would be cool to reminisce about the jolly days of yore. So each day until Christmas I will post a memory – recent, distant, or somewhere in between. And since I missed the first two days of December, you get three for the price of one today! How lucky are you?

We’ll start with a recent memory. Last year was my first Christmas season in DC. All the roommates of the 1/2 house got together to decorate. Laura's family had a spare, fake tree lying around, so it was brought home for us to work our Christmas magic. The tree was quite easy to put together - just three sections with the branches already attached. We just had to fluff and primp (or probe, as Tara called it) the branches and plug in the already strung lights. The tree was beautiful, but it was missing the all important stand. We tried to be resourceful but our resources as far as makeshift tree stands were non-existent. So we just leaned the tree up against the wall. Yeah, tacky, I know, but it totally worked. This year we have the same tree with the same problem. But instead of leaning it against the wall, we took the fireplace tool stand and tied the tree up to that. It's secure and errect despite a 30-40 degree lean to the right. Color lights have been added and currently there are nine ornaments on the 7-foot tall tree. For some reason it seems fitting that the tree leans...it adds character.

My grandparents had an 8 track player when they lived in the Willow Valley mobile. One of the 8 tracks was of Christmas songs. It was a white deck with colorful pictures of a stocking, candy cane, and several other Christmasy images. There is only one song from the 8 track that I remember - a rendition of "Silver Bells." I'm not sure if this is true or if I just made it up, but I think "Silver Bells" was my Grandan's favorite Christmas song. He whistled it often. I'll have to see if we kept the 8 tracks and player when my grandparents moved. It'd be cool to listen to it again.

Memory #2 was triggered this morning as I was listening to my Zune player. I put my Christmas music on random and Neil Diamond's version of "Silver Bells" came on. Neil Diamond leads me to my next memory. My mom is a huge Neil Diamond fan. I'm pretty sure she was able to drag my dad to one of his concerts years ago, so we definitely had his albums in our house. His best album? The Christmas Album, of course! Growing up, my brother and I shared a room. Some nights we would jump out of our beds and put on The Christmas Album, skip to track #4 and rock out with Neil Diamond to "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." It was not uncommon for us to bust out the air guitar and air drums.

So there's Christmas memories one, two and three for December 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Tune in each day, every day until Christmas for a new memory. Just 22 more to go! Feel free to share a memory of your own. And to get you in the mood, here's Neil Diamond singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

Gott Wagner?

2009-11-08T02:47:00.000-05:00

I'm coming out of blogger hiatus for a quick post. I should be packing for my flight to California that leaves in 5 hours and catching some sleep, but I'm on too much of a high to focus on that.

This evening I spent five glorious hours at the opera house. I know what you're thinking, "who puts five hours at the opera house and glorious in the same sentence?" I do...after hearing Washington National Opera's concert performance of Richard Wagner's Götterdämmerung. The concertized opera featured Swedish soprano Iréne Theorin as Brünnhilde (whom I mildly have a girl crush on, but that's a story for another day), American tenor Jon Fredric West as Siegfried, Israeli bass-baritone Gidon Saks as Hagen, and American baritone Gordon Hawkins (sporting a cam-walker boot and cane) as Alberich. They were all STELLAR! as was the orchestra led by Philippe Auguin.

This was my first foray into Wagner. A couple months ago, I would have told you it would take me years before I even considered listening to one of his operas. They're long, intense, and if the music doesn't hit you right, it can seem too harsh to really enjoy. But things just fell into place and I actually was excited to attend the performance. Obviously for me the main draw was Theorin. I'm normally not drawn to dramatic or heavier voices, but something just clicked for me while I've watched her performances in Strauss' Ariadne auf Naxos. It was a voice I wanted to hear more of, and since I had seen Ariadne seven times, I needed something different. And Wagner was my only option. I also had a chance to speak to one of WNO's stage managers who had grown up listening to the Ring. It was something that she totally "got" and I don't know how she did it, but she was able to convey that to me in a way that really piqued my interest.

Aside from knowing the basic synopsis, I really had no idea what to expect, but I did know that Götterdämmerung was the conclusion of Wagner's four part Der Ring des Nibelungen, an epic saga very similar to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. So here's the gist, Brünnhilde and Siegfried are married, and as a token of his love, Siegfried has given the powerful ring to Brünnhilde. Well Hagen wants that ring. So he crafts a plan to have Gutrune slip Siegfried a potion that will make him fall in love with her. Then Siegfried will woo Brünnhilde on behalf of Gunther and Hagen will then try and snag the ring. As in most cases, things don't go as planned. For one, Brünnhilde is a feisty and skeptical broad and doesn't buy in to the whole thing. Words are exchanged and Siegfried is eventually killed by Hagen. Brünnhilde finds out that Siegfried was given a potion and realizes that he really did love her. So she gets the ring back and jumps into Siegfried's funeral pyre with her magical flying horse. They are reunited in death, the ring is given back to the Rhinemaidens and all is good. End scene!

So the music. It really is intense, but in a good way. It's hard not to get swept up in it. The music tells a story and it's so very visual. I don't know if that makes sense, but it really paints a picture. Different themes (or lietmotifs) are used for the different characters, and it's really cool to be able to recognize that and pick out the lietmotifs that go with the characters. Wagner was certainly a genius when it came to composing. And maestro Auguin had a great command of WNO's orchestra. I normally can't tell the difference between good and great, but these guys were on their game tonight.

Oh and the singers!!! They have this beautiful music dripping with such dramatic intensity from start to finish and they just sing the holy hell out of it. There were some areas that lulled in comparison to others, but I was just so captivated by what these artists were giving me. The entire cast gave a great performance. Standouts were Gidon as Hagen and Gordon as Alberich. I also enjoyed Bernadette Flaitz as Gutrune (though she looks a little tense on stage)and Betsy Bishop as Waltraute (girl can strut in her fabulous red gown!).

And Iréne!!! My God the woman can belt! I thought she was great in Ariadne, but she totally kicks ass as Brünnhilde. She has such command of the role and she completely lets loose on those notes. She's loud, but in control. It's never an abrasive or unattractive sound - just a really loud, powerful, intense quality. She was absolutely beautiful in a black sparkly dress. One of my friends that I saw the show with commented that it looked a little like armor in the sense that it glistened and had a silvery-ness to it. But boy was she sparkly! Her character basically gets the last hurrah in the opera (and the Cycle for that matter). Called the Immolation Scene, Iréne stood solo on stage in front of a cloudy gray backdrop, a spotlight shining on her, and basically takes charge of things. She orders the pyre for Siegfried's funeral, tells the Rheinmaidens what to do with the ring, and just sets everything right. Iréne's interpretation of the Immolation scene was intense. Since she's the only one on stage, you're obviously going to be drawn to her. But she has such a magnetizing stage presence that it becomes a very intent focus. I wish you could all experience what I did! She pulled me in and by the time she was calling for peace from the gods, the tears had begun to well up. The music and the singing, it was just so impassioned. I have never heard a voice quite like that before - I sat in my chair trembling with tears streaming down my face. I completely connected with Wagner's opera and Theorin's performance (and I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it). After Theorin finished the Immolation scene, she stood completely still as the orchestra played out and the curtain finally came down.

The audience response was none that I have ever heard in an opera house before. Fans of Wagner know their stuff, and they know when something is good and when something is spectacular. I am not exaggerating - the crowd popped to their feet as soon as the curtain went down. Iréne came out, and she was showered with cheers and applause - honestly, the longest solo bow I've ever experienced, and it was completely well deserved. The rest of the cast each got their due, and the entire company was bathed in lavish applause. This is totally what opera is about and why I'm in love with the art form. It's a performance like this, when the artists give their absolute all and everyone is just on, that makes for those memorable evening that just sticks with you. It's why I come back. It's why I sit for five hours in a dark opera house, so that I can be moved to tears. It's why I'll be going back next Sunday for round two.

I must say that the "production" also worked. This wasn't just a stand and sing concert performance. The gray backdrop added an appropriate mood to the atmosphere and the artists interacted with each other instead of just standing still. It didn't matter to me that this wasn't an actual staged opera. The drama was there in the singing. I think it also allowed the artists to really focus on the music and not be hindered by any staging or costumes.

So that was my first Wagner experience. I'm pretty sure I'm hooked.

You think about the events that get you from one place to the other, and how it can be one performance or one voice that brings you to the next. If I had never heard Iréne sing, I think it would have taken me much longer to realize the beauty of Wagner and really understand its awesomeness. So I guess this is my "thank you" to Iréne. And if you're in DC on November 15th, go see Götterdämmerung! It's awesome! And Iréne Theorin is balls to the wall Ah-MAZING!!!

Iréne Theorin (as Ariadne) and Me!

Finally Friday Music Clip(s) of the Day: The "Getting Old" Edition

2009-09-11T23:37:00.003-04:00

Because I have just completed and am about to embark upon another trip around the sun, here is a lovely duet by the awesome Jimmy Buffett and Martina McBride:

And I swear, this is the last time. But since tomorrow is Washington National Opera's opening night and they're simulcasting Rossini's The Barber of Seville to Nationals Park and I will be there with my friends to continue my birthday celebration, I must include more Barber. Here's the late, great American soprano Beverly Sills singing "Una voce foca pa". And in case you were wondering, this was one of the first opera videos that I saw after returning from the Renee Fleming Denver recital in 2007.

Finally Friday Music Clip(s) of the Day: The "Deuce" Edition

2009-09-04T18:30:00.005-04:00

It's the middle weekend of the US Open and I'M GOING!!! I've been a huge tennis fan since high school. I have no idea why, but it's the only sport that I can consistently watch on tv and really get into it. And now I'm finally going to an Open. Two of the roommates are joining me on this super quick trip to NY, and although we will probably be in a bus for more time than we'll actually be at the Open, I don't care! Because it'll be awesome!

So in the spirit of tennis, I found these quirky tunes.
The Tennis Song - Red, White and Green

I'm not really a Roger fan, but this song rhymes "Federer" with "sweaterer" so I couldn't resist.

I am a Rafa fan so this song was going to make the cut anyway, but props to them for rhyming "Mallorca" and "New Yorka" - not a total stretch, but still.

Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day: From Rain to Rainbows Edition

2009-08-28T23:24:00.002-04:00

Eva Cassidy is a soulful chick. I have her Songbird album and it's awesome. I believe it's the only album she put out, because she passed away really young. Anywho, here she is singing "Wade in the Water." (Just listen to the song, don't necessarily need to watch this video.)

This clip is really short, but upon learning that Reading Rainbow will no longer be featured on PBS, I feel compelled to post the amazingly catchy theme.

Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day: The "TGIF" Edition

2009-08-21T23:29:00.005-04:00

Technically speaking, I'm now part of the workforce. I commute. I put in 40 hours. I'm over worked and underpaid. I can't wait till 6:00pm Friday rolls around. I am now working for the weekend. But I love what I'm doing! I get to make the dull into delicious!

Loverboy's "Working for the Weekend"

Oh and because I PR things you're going to hear this until I can't PR things anymore: If you're in DC, make your way to Nats Stadium on September 12th at 7:00pm for WNO's opening night simulcast of the Barber of Seville. It's opera, beer, hotdogs, and crackerjacks. And it's FREE! You'd be a fool to miss it.

Thomas Hampson (a very young Thomas Hampson:) singing "Largo al Factotum" from The Barber of Seville.

Best of intentions blah blah blah

2009-08-12T00:04:00.005-04:00

I give this excuse so many times. "I really did have the best of intentions to post about what's been going on, but I've been soooooo busy....."

It's true, but that's no excuse. I just need to make the time and get you all up to speed. Here are a few tidbits to entice you for now and hold you over:

I went to NYC the 1st of August and saw probably one of the best plays in my life with two of the best performances given by two equally powerful and strong women. I'm going back this weekend to watch the final show of Mary Stuart.

I'm embarking on a do-it-myself project mosaic-ing (is that a word?) a coffee table. It's been a journey and I don't think I'll actually mosaic it after all.

I start an internship tomorrow. I get to promote opera! I mean, I've already unofficially been doing that since I became a fan of opera, but now I get to do it for reals! Ahhhh. I'm so jazzed! Er make that, I'm so opera'ed!!! Just to set the record straight, it's an internship, not a job.

Julie/Julia is probably one of the best feel-good, make-you-happy movies I've seen in a really long time.

Mel is off on her 11 month mission trip all across the world. DC just got a little less awesome.

La Boheme at Wolf Trap with Jackie was super awesome. I didn't expect to hear singing that good. I mean, we're talking good!

Plans are in the works for a trip to NYC over Labor Day for a little US Open action.

I really do hope to be able to expand upon some of these tomorrow evening.

Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day - The Bohemian Edition

2009-08-07T14:29:00.001-04:00

Jackie and I are off to see La Boheme out at Wolf Trap this evening. Puccini under the starts – doesn’t get much better.

Ainhoa Arteta singing “Quando men vo” at the Met, 2008

Luciano Pavarotti and Renata Scotto singing “O soave fanciulla” at the Met, 1977

New Representation

2009-07-30T23:03:00.008-04:00

Meet my new congress(wo)man (not sure what she goes by). I didn’t vote for her, but alas, here she is in DC representing me. I ran into her a few times when I was back in Arizona working for my congressman and out on the campaign trail campaigning against her. She seems like a nice gal with a good head on her shoulders so I’ll give her a shot, but only until election time...because remember, I’ve sold my soul to the Republican Party (evil Dick Cheney smile appears on my face.)

So here she is, Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ CD-1).

Here’s what she says on her official House page, “I am working to jumpstart our economy and get folks back to work, secure our borders, bring the fiscal discipline of small towns to Washington and pay our eternal debt of gratitude to our Veterans. None of those are Democratic or Republican issues, and we will only make progress on them if we are willing to work across the aisle.”

Oh those freshman members, always so idealistic when they first come to Washington promising to cross party lines. I hope for the sake of Arizona and the nation that she does.

It does seem like she’s looking out for our Veterans and she’s obviously grown up in rural Arizona based on the legislation that she’s introduced in the 111th. Kirkpatrick is currently on the Committees on Homeland Security, Small Business, and Veterans’ Affairs – all three great committees for Arizona.

Cool story. I met Congress(wo)man Kirkpatrick at an Arizona State Society event in late June. We got to talking and I told her I originally hail from Bullhead City. She asked, “Do you know Keith or Joe Heath?” The gears started turning in my head. I think it was Keith who was the director of the Boys and Girls Club, but those weren’t the Heath’s I knew – it was their mother that I had known. I told Kirkpatrick that Jan Heath was my 2nd grade teacher. Turns out Mrs. Heath is Ann’s aunt. Small world I tell you!

Being serious for just a moment - as someone who was the chairman of her campus' College Republican club, volunteered countless hours to the Bush campaign and various other Republican campaigns, and worked for a Republican member of congress, I think Ann Kirkpatrick seems like a pretty sensible person. I don't know where she stands on all the issues, but she seems pretty moderate and like she's truly looking out for the best interest of rural Arizona. If there has to be a Democrat representing me, I'm sure glad it's her and not some ACLU quack like Ellen Simon.

Now I'm walking away to wash my mouth out with soap so I can regain my Republican card.

Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day - The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Edition

2009-07-24T23:59:00.001-04:00

In honor of me seeing Harry Potter part the 6, I give you some spell-binding music.

Screamin Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell On You

John Sebastian and NRBQ - Do You Believe In Magic?

GO SEE IT!

Desperately hoping to experience the Divine

2009-07-17T19:34:00.001-04:00

I have loved Bette Midler since I was a grade-schooler and saw her in Hocus Pocus. When her Diva Las Vegas concert aired on HBO back in the late 90's, I recorded it to a VHS tape and watched it over and over until I knew the entire two hours by heart. I would wait until everyone in the household was gone, turn up the volume on the television, and sing along with Bette as loud as I could. Her touring schedule has previously evaded me, and even now that she's performing in Vegas just 90 miles away from where I grew up, I am living across the country. But mark my words, I will see her in concert before she is no longer performing. Because I will be devastated if I miss the opportunity to experience the Divine Miss M live.

One of my favorite songs is Bette singing "Stay With Me" from her Diva Las Vegas Concert. It is such an emotionally intense rendition. She lays it all out on the table. THAT is what I'm dying to witness in person - her electric stage presence, her absolute ferocity, and her ability to pull the audience in and give them more than what they were ever hoping to receive. She is a true entertainer in every sense of the word.

See my description of "Stay With Me" - it pretty much applies to Bette singing "When a Man Loves a Woman" from her Kiss my Brass tour.

She can go from bawdy to sultry in 10 seconds flat.

And it isn't a Bette Midler show without the crude Sophie Tucker jokes (not suitable for children or those who blush easily).

The Future (hopefully) - in the shortert of terms

2009-07-16T14:36:00.005-04:00

What I hope to do - in the broadest of terms:

Saffie: I'm sorry, mum, but I've never really seen what it is that you actually do.
Eddie: PRrr.
Saffie: Yes, but...
Eddie: PR! I PR things! People! Places! Concepts...
Patsy: ...Lulu.
Eddie: Lulu... I PR them. I make the fabulous... I make the crap into credible. I make the dull into...
Patsy: ...Delicious
Eddie: Delicious. I PR, darling!
(Absolutely Fabulous - series 3, episode 4)

Where I hope to do it - figuratively speaking:
In all seriousness, just submitted my application to the local opera company for an internship position in their PR Department. I would be out of this world excited if I got it. Loved PR in school and love opera now. love + love = dream come true.

A tip from Meryl

2009-07-09T17:10:00.003-04:00

"The other thing I learned was, and I've been cooking for hundreds of years, that if you have garlic and onions on your fingertips, if you dip your hands in salt and then rinse them in cool water, the smell goes right away."

Meryl Streep in the August 2009 issue of Ladies' Home Journal when asked what tips she learned on the set of Julie & Julia.

Much obliged Meryl. As one who often cooks with garlic and sometimes with onions, I'm left with that smell on my finger for days despite soap and a good scrub. I can't wait to put this tip to the test. Or see Meryl's new movie.

Bravery in a nutshell

2009-07-08T23:34:00.003-04:00

You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded and dying in the jungle in the La Drang Vally, 11/14/1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam. Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1, and the enemy gunfire is so intense that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is half way around the world...12,000 miles away...and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then, over the machine guns, you fainlty hear that sound of helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no MediVac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is not MediVac so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the heavy gunfire. After the MediVacs were ordered not to come, he's coming anyway.

He drops it in and sits there in the gunfire as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire to the doctors and nurses.

And, he keeps coming back...13 more times...and taks about 30 of your buddies out, men who would never have gotten out without him.

Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 at the age of 80, in Boise, ID...May God rest his soul.

(received via email)

Line please!

2009-06-03T15:07:00.004-04:00

I got a callback this afternoon for that Owen Wilson film that will have a couple of scenes shot at Nationals Park. I have to call back next Wednesday for details on filming, but it's a two day committment on June 12th and 13th. The lady informed me to expect a long day. I'll let you know my role and character motivation once I obtain that information.

My winning smile won them over! :)

I need a buddy

2009-06-03T15:02:00.002-04:00

Get Paid $25,000 To Ride Local Roller Coasters
Posted: 12:28 pm EDT June 3, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. -- If you love roller coasters, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau has a job just for you.

The "67 Days of Smiles" website asks interested people to convince them "that you and your spouse, best friend, brother, mother or 'other' have an adventurous spirit and smiling personalities and land the ultimate assignment."

The Orlando CVB says the selected pair will do everything from roller coaster riding to hang gliding, swimming with dolphins, golfing, shopping, gator wrestling, museum exploring, theatre-going and more.

As the winning pair, you'll be expected to report on your experiences using cell phones, a digital video camera and still camera supplied to you and share your 67 Days of Smiles with the world through social media tools like blogs, Twitter and Facebook.

The city will pay you $25,000 to cover your expenses back home and provide a two-bedroom condo in downtown Orlando for the entire 67 days. You can learn more about it and apply at the 67 Days of Smiles website.

Copyright 2009 by wftv.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

I seriously want to do this but I need somebody else to commit with me. Who doesn't want to have fun for 67 days??? Mom, pass this on to Kevin.

Dell, we have a problem

2009-06-02T16:00:00.004-04:00

My computer took a nose dive, AGAIN, so I'm coming to you live from my roommate's computer. I think it's dead, AGAIN. I haven't backed up my documents/photos/music in about a month, and there's some really great pictures on there I don't want to lose. Plus the resume of perfection and the cover letter that's been plagairised by my good friend was on there. So I'm hoping my tecky friend will come to my rescue, AGAIN, and extract all those files for me. Until then, I can't restore my computer, so I think the blogging might come to a bit of a standstill. Just a heads-up, but I will do my best to get up and running soon.

Photo courtesy of buymybrokenlaptop.

I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille*

2009-06-01T21:07:00.011-04:00

This afternoon I attended my first casting call for a motion picture. The film - a James L. Brooks rom-com (that's what we in the biz call a romantic-comedy) featuring Owen Wilson as a Washington Nationals relief pitcher and Reese Witherspoon as his love interest. Paul Rudd is Wilson's nemesis in the film currently titled "How Do You Know?"

I heard about the casting call last week, which was only open to season ticket holders. After much debate with myself, I talked me into going on down to Nats Stadium this afternoon and giving it a shot. With a photo of myself with the DC United mascot in hand, I made my way on over. Expecting long lines and tons of people, I was surprised to walk on in and have absolutely no wait at all. I filled out a piece of paper that had contact and costume size info then walked over to a bunch of tables where there were several Casting Call staffers waiting. I sat and talked with a lady, and if I hadn't forced the conversation to continue, "the interview" would have lasted a mere minute consisting of info given by her to me about the filming process. She didn't take any notes or put any favorable symbols of any sort on my form. So who knows what my chances are. Hopefully the winning smile in my photo wins the director over. And hopefully the fact that I'm in a photo with the soccer mascot and not the baseball mascot won't kill my chances. If I don't get a callback, that's my scapegoat.

Who knows, this could be my big break!

*This is an oft misquoted line from Sunset Blvd. Norma Desmond actually says, "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.

Photo courtesy of Corbis Images.

Our Family According to Mom

2009-05-31T23:04:00.011-04:00

Mom didn't get the 'shades mandatory' memo.

It's family reunion time and ours is gearing up for a weekend retreat in the Hualapai Mountains late in June. Aunt Jackie (a loyal reader) is in charge of collecting individual updates for the family newsletter. My Mom (also a loyal reader) submitted the update for our family of four. She gets her writing skills from me. :)

"I'm sure more has happened in our family over the past two years than I can remember, but I'll give it a shot. I changed jobs last June - left the foot doctor for a dentist. It's a very small office – the dentist, the assistant and me. The Dr.'s wife was pregnant and I was hired so she could stay home with the baby, once born. I get to work 4 days a week (yay!!!), and it's a lot less stressful than my previous job.

"John retired from Edison in October of '06 and was fortunate to find work the following spring at a local boat shop (a return to his first career). He works from April thru October and takes off almost every other Friday. Since I'm off on Fridays, this allows us to get out of the heat just about every other weekend. We have a trailer we leave in Williams for the summer and stay there, sometimes taking the Harley for local rides or just hanging out in the COOL.

"Chelsea flew the local coop a year and a half ago and has settled in our nation's capitol. She is not currently working as the Republican Congressman she was working for did not seek re-election (read-indicted for some land trade deal). She is not letting that slow her down, however. She continues to follow opera the way most of us follow a sport. I wonder if they make Opera Trading Cards? I understand she is submitting her own update, so I'll leave the rest to her. Check out her blog – http://www.chelsealately.blogspot.com/.

"Kevin has also changed jobs. (At one point this past spring our household was at the 75% unemployment level!) He is working for a friend of ours who has a business cleaning up and maintaining foreclosed homes. They stay quite busy and travel all over the state. They get to bring home whatever they find at the houses. A couple weeks ago he came home with a box of about 40 LPs from the 80s. He was more excited about the album covers than the music. In August of '07, he bought a Harley (just like John's – a touring style). A couple of his buddies also had bikes and they rode quite a bit. A group of 7 rode to Sturgis in Aug '08-on the road 8 days (I believe) and about 3200 miles. Last December he traded it in on a FAAASSSST Honda Street bike. I pray for his safety every time he gets on it. He rides this bike a lot more than the Harley. He has a girlfriend, whom we have actually met and really like. Michelle is very nice, friendly and can carry on an adult conversation! She is also motorcycle savvy, having ridden dirt bikes most of her life."

"We had to have Fluffy (Himalayan cat) put down last May (he was 14) but still have Sophie (Lhasa Apso-12 ). I'm ready to be petless for a while but John would like to get another Persian. I think he's waiting for the cat fairy to leave him one on the doorstep. We're all healthy and thankful for the jobs we have."

A couple of comments: 1) If length is any indication, then my brother is the clear favorite child. :) 2) If there are Opera Trading Cards, then I want them! 3) I sure hope the cat fairy leaves dad a new cat soon (ahem, Mom, ahem wink wink nudge nudge GET A NEW CAT!!!)

P.S. Happy belated anniversary to my padres who celebrated like 50 million years of marriage on the 27th. Without them, I clearly would not be here. Seriously, I would not exist.

Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day - Take It Easy Edition

2009-05-29T14:52:00.003-04:00

I think it’s going to be a low-key weekend. Plus I’ve stood on the corner in Winslow, Arizona before.

Eagles - Take It Easy

And it's supposed to rain all weekend: Gene Kelly - I'm Singing in the Rain

My Dad and me standing on the corner in Winslow, AZ after a ride on the Harley.

The Pen Is Mightier

2009-05-25T23:52:00.011-04:00

Norm MacDonald spoofed Bob Dole and his habit of always carrying a pen in his right hand. Well, there's a story behind that.

Via Sen. Bob Dole's wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dole

In 1942, Dole joined the United State Army's Enlisted Reserve Corps to fight in World War II. He became a second lieutenant in the Army's 10th Mountain Division.

In April 1945, while engaged in combat in the hills of northern Italy, he was hit by German machine gun fire in his upper right back. His right arm was also badly injured. As Lee Sandlin describes, when fellow soldiers saw the extent of his injuries all they thought they could do was to "give him the largest dose of morphine they dared and write an 'M' for 'morphine' on his forehead in his own blood, so that nobody else who found him would give him a second, fatal dose." He had to wait nine hours on the battlefield before being taken to the 15th Evacuation Hospital. He began a recovery that would last until 1948 at Percy Jones Army hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. His right arm was paralyzed; Dole often carried a pen in his right hand to signal that he could not shake hands with that arm.

Dole was three times decorated for heroism, receiving two Purple Hearts for his injuries, and the Bronze Star with combat "V" for valor for his attempt to assist a downed radio man.

Bob and Elizabeth Dole attended the Memorial Day Services at Arlington National Cemetery, and later, Mr. Dole spoke to veterans at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall. He was a key player in raising funds and organizing efforts to get the Greatest Generation a memorial they so greatly deserved. At 86, Mr. Dole, though moving much slower, looks to be in fairly good shape. Both the Doles were quite poised this afternoon despite the heat and humidity that rendered me exhausted (and I wasn't wearing a suit). I have always been a fan of Elizabeth Dole's since Junior year of high school. No particular reason, aside from her being a hard working gal making her way in a man's world. Anywho, was thrilled to see them at the ceremony this afternoon!

"God bless the fallen."

2009-05-25T15:57:00.006-04:00

A Veteran saluting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Arlington National Cemetery, May 25th, 2009

President Obama speaking at the Memorial Day Service

Arlington National Cemetery, May 25th, 2009

(Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole on the far left)

Tip of the Day: Memorial Concert Edition

2009-05-24T16:00:00.004-04:00

Times are tough in this economy and people are cutting back. If you are a wine aficionado but find your pocketbook not able to afford the luxuries of vino, then head on down to the Capitol this evening. It's the Memorial Day Concert and folks excited about the first chance of summer to picnic often pack a bottle of wine. Little do they know, or try as they might to sneak it in, the Capitol Police are pretty on top of cracking down. Stand by the entrance and wait for a culprit to get caught. They'll be forced to part with the wine before entering and you'll be there to take it. If you're unsuccessful, at least you'll be at the Capitol to enjoy the concert!

Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day - Turn Up the Heat Edition

2009-05-22T00:41:00.006-04:00

Technically speaking, summer is a month away. But those temperatures outside say otherwise. Plus it's Memorial Weekend, and that always makes me think of summer. So in honor of those climbing temps I bring you the Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day. I'm feeling generous again, so I bring you two.

The first, Renee Fleming singing "Summertime" because it almost is and just because it's Renee Fleming.

Mom likes the verions by Don Henley, but Sam (CT Sam) and I used to rock out w/ the windows down to the version by the Ataris. Nothing makes me think of summer more than blasting the music with the warm air blowing through the open windows.

And we're done!

2009-05-22T00:13:00.006-04:00

The final curtain has come down on my last opera for the 2008/2009 season. Oh and what a season it has been! Renee...Placido...Dmitri...Patricia...Nessun Dorma...The Meditation...Song to the Moon...Di Provenza...The Met...The Kennedy Center...Thais (four times)...Lucrezia Borgia (three times w/ Renee, once w/ Sondra)...Il Trovatore...Peter Grimes! (twice)... What memories! So many great memories. And all the good friends along the way. Can't wait to do it all again!

And oh my gosh LEONTYNE PRICE! How could I ever forget???

A New Approach?

2009-05-21T13:40:00.001-04:00

I think I've been going about this whole job interviewing process the wrong way.

Running on Empty

2009-05-19T23:11:00.012-04:00

Several of my friends ran the Captiol Hill 10k this past Sunday. I graciously relinquished my spot in the race in order to stand on the sideline to cheer on my pals. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. And if I have to be that someone, then so be it.

Top left: AMY. Top Right: Lauren. Center: Unknown girl, Jon, Mel practicing her victory pose. Below: Sherwin stopping to say "hello."

Other race highlights:
Father/Son or Older Brother/Younger Brother racing duo - I bet that little kid would've out paced me.

An older gent in the zone. There's seriousness written all over that face - you bet your ass he would've out paced me.

Major Disapointment at One in the Morning

2009-05-16T02:43:00.005-04:00

Why is there not one decent place open at one in the morning willing to serve me an order of onion rings in this whole District of Columbia? Is that really too much to ask? I mean, if I was in Atlantic City right now, my pub would have been open and willingly served me a full menu. And in New York City, there are at least vendor carts linging the streets with food aplenty. And on top of all of that, I walked 1 1/2 miles to realize let down after let down. But I'm home now, with no onion rings when that's all I really want. If I didn't value my life so much, I'd venture on down to SE and grab some O-rings at the local Denny's.

Will the Real Helen Mirren Please Stand Up? (update)(updated again)

2009-05-15T15:33:00.000-04:00

I've seen Felen Mirren in Blithe Spirit and that was awesome. But DC is getting the real Helen Mirren this September for 10 days and 10 days only!

In a HUGE coup, the Shakespeare Theatre Company here in DC landed the LONE American engagement of the National Theatre of Great Britain's production of Racine's Phèdre. And Academy Award winner Mirren will reprise her role as the tragic lead.

"Believing her husband to be dead, the passionate Queen Phèdre allows her forbidden love for her stepson to blossom. When the King returns from war very much alive, the entire family is catapulted into a desperate, impossible situation." (STC)

Holy WOW! This is going to be hot, Hot, HOT! And when I say "HOT" I mean steamy, intense, and just crazy good. Sarah, Roxie, Kari, and I are already scheming on ways to get our hot little hands on some tickets.

*** UPDATE ***

I'm going! I'M Going! I'M GOING!!!!

A dear friend and subscriber to the Shakespeare Theatre Company graciously offerred and successfully secured tickets for me and six other gals to attend the September 26th performance. The countdown begins....

Thank you times a million Cordellia.

***ANOTHER UPDATE***

If I didn't know someone with a season subscription, I probably wouldn't be seeing the real Helen Mirren this fall. From an email sent by the STC: "On May 1, public tickets for the live performance of Phèdre sold out in five hours!"

FIVE HOURS! That's crazy!

One to Cross Off the To-Do List

2009-05-15T15:14:00.002-04:00

The National Mall is a hub of activity. It is a place where runners are never scarce. I’ve walked to the Lincoln and back from my house several times and have found myself wanting to break into a run, but I repress the urge and continue with my pace. Tuesday night I suppressed the urge no longer and ran the National Mall in the rain.

Okay, when I say the Mall, I mean the Washington Monument. And when I say the Washington Monument, I mean 14th St. And when I say ran, I mean jogged. But I did it, and in the pouring rain!

Photo originally uploaded by banter.

Finally Friday Music Clip of the Day - The Inaugural Edition

2009-05-15T12:12:00.005-04:00

So in order to promote a sense of consistency for myself with this blog posting business, I'm going to try and bring you a music clip every Friday to jump start my (and your) weekend. And because this is the inaugural post, I give you two clips.

The first, George Jones' "Finally Friday" (so fitting, I know).

And because I'm going to the ball game tonight and plan to hear this song, and because it's a great summer tune, and because Mom is a huge fan, I give you Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline."

Bout that time again...

2009-05-14T22:18:00.006-04:00

...to put a fresh dollop of peanut butter on those traps and line my doorway with dryer sheets. Unless I'm just REALLY paranoid, I think I heard the sounds of a mouse scamper beneath my door and into my room last night. It's been about 7 months since we last dealt with mice. I guess total annihilation was wishful thinking.

Photo courtesy: http://peanut-butter-toast.blogspot.com/2007/10/country-mouse-v-city-mouse.html

Summer Just Got a Little Less Awesome

2009-05-12T15:00:00.011-04:00

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and when you add the outdoors to fun activities, it equals a really awesome good time. This year, the awesomeness of summer was dealt two huge blows.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company generally presents one of its plays out in Rock Creek Park during one of the summer months. The outdoor amphitheatre nestled among the trees and under the stars is a magical way to experience Shakespeare. Last year all the roommates of the Harry Potter House went out to see Hamlet. It was a great production and such a fun summer evening spent beneath the warm DC sky. This year, their Free For All under the stars is under the stars no more. Citing unpredictable weather and trying to be more accessible, the Free For All is being moved to the STC's downtown location at Sidney Harmen Hall. I will be there, but with the production no longer under the stars, the twinkle in my eye will be missing.

The big sucker punch in the stomach of summer is the announcement that HBO is pulling its sponsorship of the Screen on the Green outdoor film festival on the National Mall. One night for several weeks throughout the summer a movie is projected to a giant screen right smack in the middle of the Mall with the Capitol in the background. It's one of the coolest things ever. Last year a group of us packed up our blankets and food, smuggled a bottle of wine, and claimed our patch of grass. On the screen that evening: Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace - one of my favorite black and white films!! Just recently I had commented to some friends that I was looking forward to SotG and couldn't wait for the films to be shown. What a giant let down! Sure places like Arlington and Crystal City have similar events, but it's not quite the same. They don't have the Capitol in the background. Sigh...

Photos taken by Laura

Music Man

2009-05-12T14:38:00.001-04:00

Eastern Market April, 2009

And while I'm posting youtube vids...

2009-04-30T16:23:00.003-04:00

SarahB sent me a cd of her favorite Jerry Herman songs and I've been listening to it the last few days. The song that stands out above them all is Angela Lansbury singing "It's Today" from Mame. It's such a great, happy song celebrating the awesomeness of today. It doesn't have to be a holiday or a birthday to celebrate; just celebrate because IT IS TODAY!

A pirated vid from the '83 revival:

Original Broadway Cast Recording:

There's a "thank you" you can give life,
If you live life all the way.
Pull the stops out,
Hold the roof down,
Fellows watch out,
It's today.

Bea Arthur night at JR's

2009-04-30T16:03:00.001-04:00

When I'm hanging with Torrey, it's usually ladies choice, so he chose JR's. Every Monday night JR's blasts show tunes from various plasma flat screens positioned throughout the two-story bar. Monday night was Bea Arthur night in honor of her passing. Interspersed with the regular show tunes were clips featuring the ever-recgonizable and talented Arthur. We were there long enough for two renditions of The Golden Girls theme, one duet between Arthur and Lucille Ball singing "Bossom Buddies" from Mame, several talk show appearances and five other show tunes.

I made my own video just to capture the mood in JR's. Nothing like a bunch of queens singing along to show tunes to honor one of their favorite performers.

A better quality (video and performance-wise) of Bea Arthur singing "Bosom Buddies" with Angela Lansbury.

And because Sam (CT Sam) and I vowed to move to Florida in our twilight years, here's the theme song from The Golden Girls.

The Border For Dummies - National Post article

2009-04-23T16:39:00.007-04:00

The Border for Dummies
National Post editorial board
National Post Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Can someone please tell us how U. S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano got her job? She appears to be about as knowledgeable about border issues as a late-night radio call-in yahoo.

In an interview broadcast Monday on the CBC, Ms. Napolitano attempted to justify her call for stricter border security on the premise that "suspected or known terrorists" have entered the U. S. across the Canadian border, including the perpetrators of the 9/11 attack.

All the 9/11 terrorists, of course, entered the United States directly from overseas. The notion that some arrived via Canada is a myth that briefly popped up in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and was then quickly debunked.

Informed of her error, Ms. Napolitano blustered: "I can't talk to that. I can talk about the future. And here's the future. The future is we have borders."

Just what does that mean, exactly?

Just a few weeks ago, Ms. Napolitano equated Canada's border to Mexico's, suggesting they deserved the same treatment. Mexico is engulfed in a drug war that left more than 5,000 dead last year, and which is spawning a spillover kidnapping epidemic in Arizona. So many Mexicans enter the United States illegally that a multi-billion-dollar barrier has been built from Texas to California to keep them out.

In Canada, on the other hand, the main problem is congestion resulting from cross-border trade. Not quite the same thing, is it?

Sunset

2009-04-21T23:10:00.002-04:00

Union Station, 7:30pm

Root, Root, Root for the Home Team!

2009-04-16T23:11:00.010-04:00

Let's start with this:

My first game of the season was a good one! Minerva and I missed all the beginning stuff - the National Anthem, the throwing of the pitch, and the first three runs scored by the Nats. When we got to our seats (directly behind the left field foul pole) I figured the Phillies would catch up pretty fast. I mean, they did win the World Series after all.

Despite the cheering of their fans, the Phillies were never able to muster up enough awesomeness to catch the Nats. They got real close before the Presidents Race in the 5th inning, but weren't able to take that momentum into a lead. The score at this point is 3-2.

Quick sidebar to discuss the Presidents Race. Teddy NEVER wins! NEVER!!! Tonight wasn't any different. Abe was declared the winner, but after reviewing tapes of the race, Thomas was declared the winner by a nose. He tripped (or did Abe trip him???) and his nose hit the tape before Abe crossed the line.

Back to the game. In the 7th and 8th innings, the Nats really hit their stride. Many of the players were making good contact with bat and ball, and we got a couple of homers out of the deal. Screech came up to our section to hang for a bit. It was good times!

Although, I would like to say that I'm a little disappointed that my man Lastings Milledge has betrayed me. I was a big supporter of him as #44, but he's scrapped that now and sporting #85. Alright then, I'm buying Christian Guzman's jersey Lastings. What do you think of that?! Actually, I'll probably get a Milledge jersey too. It's just such a cool name and he's one of the Nats better (in my opinion) players.

Can't wait for more games!

Baseball Season Opens Today (For Me)

2009-04-16T16:20:00.008-04:00

The Washington Nationals kicked off their season Monday afternoon at 3:00. All my baseball buddies were working so I didn't go. Last night's game was cancelled and I was doing taxes anyway. But game on tonight!

They're playing the Phillies so I don't hold much hope for a win. But it's baseball and I love hitting up a live game and just relaxing with no worries for three hours. The world just seems to slow down a bit. I'll also be keeping my eyes on the Presidents race. Here's hoping Teddy can end his losing streak...

Nats season opener 4/2008

In Under the Wire

2009-04-16T01:31:00.011-04:00

Nothing like the government breathing down your neck to really motivate you. In at 10:20 and out at 12:56, I officially became one of THOSE people. I'd like to say never again, but why make a promise I probably can't keep?

I'm sure you can put two and two together. If not, then you must not know what day it is.

I still haven't decided what's a more hostile line to be in - the post office at 10:00pm on April 15th with people begrudgingly handing money over to the IRS, or opera fanatics waiting 5 hours for $20 orchestra tickets (reg price $80-300) for a sold out Renee Fleming performance. I suppose I'm beginning to make standing in line into an art form. This experience doesn't rank very high on the list. A smelly post office and the man behind me constantly encroaching on my space made for a less than enjoyable experience. Plus my departing gift was only a receipt and not a ticket stub to a game or concert. Oh well, score one for the IRS.

Picture above - the crowd at 11:55 at the Massachussetts Ave Post Office. Picture above right - a line of postal trucks waiting to take the last minute tax forms to their final destination.

Double Epiphany

2009-04-11T17:32:00.006-04:00

So I talked to my mom the other day about my breakthrough in fitted sheet folding. Well, she one-up'd me. My epiphany only went so far as folding two seperate corners into each other. My mom's had all the corners coming into one. I was mesmerized by this further discovery.

Here's a how-to video in case you haven't been enlightened on the art of fitted sheet folding. Go forth and conquer your laundry!

My mom apologized for failing me in the fitted sheet department and said I probably didn't remember "hospital corners." "Hospital corners?! NO!" I exclaimed. Expect a definition soon because I'm super intrigued...

Photo credit: http://shoeshe.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/help/

A Little Saturday Afternoon Philosophizing

2009-04-11T17:02:00.005-04:00

"Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed. If you become restless, speed up. If you become winded, slow down. You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion. Then, when you're no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn't just a means to an end but a unique event in itself. This leaf has jagged edges. This rocks looks loose. From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer. These are things you should notice anyway. To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain which sustain life, not the top. Here's where things grow.

"But of course, without the top you can't have any sides. It's the top that defines the sides. So on we go...we have a long way...no hurry...just one step after the next...with a little Chauteauqua for entertainment. ...Mental reflection is so much more interesting than TV it's a shame more people don't switch over to it. They probably think what they hear is unimportant but it never is." - Robert M. Pirsig, ZEN and the ART of MOTORCYLCE MAINTENANCE

When you're riding (or passenging on) a motorcycle, sometimes you've got nothing to do but entertain your thoughts. When you're on a motorcycle for a really long time, sometimes those entertained thoughts get really deep. That's this book in a nutshell. I was a little weary at first, but it sucked me in. Because I've definitely been there and have entertained those thoughts...

Image of Robert M. Pirsig courtesy of http://www.insidesuccessradio.com/

Epiphany

2009-04-03T16:22:00.004-04:00

After 25 years, I have finally learned how to adequately fold a fitted sheet so that it doesn't look like a clumped up pile of mess. I did it twice today.

Urban Dare: BECAUSE WE CAN - Not Revisited

2009-04-02T15:42:00.003-04:00

Last year, Mel and I participated in Urban Dare, "the adventure race that's part photo hunt, part trivia, and part DARES." We decided that since we did a lot of things just because we could, we would be team BECAUSE WE CAN. We surprised ourselves by finishing in 17th place out of just over 100 teams with a time hovering above two hours. It was one of the best times we had and a great way to learn and see the city.

I am sad to report that we will not be participating in the Dare this year. Mel will be in Arizona that weekend and I'm traveling to Boston for a Renee Fleming recital (not a total loss:). I strongly suggest checking their website to see if a Dare is coming to a city near you. I guarantee you'll have a great time. In the meantime, I'll see if I can talk my mom in doing Urban Dare: Las Vegas in October...

Check out the Urban Dare Blog for pictures and results from prior Dares.

I just learned how to hyperlink so my apologies for getting a little hyperlink happy in my posts.

On second thought...

2009-04-02T14:46:00.003-04:00

So I had a chat with Better Judgement yesterday and Reasoning eventually joined in on the conversation. I drafted an email probably in the heat of the moment, but Better Judgement told me to sit on it. After sharing my thoughts in bible study and a good nights rest I decided not to send this email:

It's unfortunate that you've been cold all winter long - I suppose some people are just predispositioned to be colder than others...

I'm not going to throw around trite apologies that I don't mean, but I will say that I did not intend for my stance to come off as "take it or leave it" as you put it. I mentioned in my previous email that I'm willing to compromise, and I think I've excercised that by running the heat on Monday until I went to bed, and again last night (Tuesday) when it ran until I turned it off before bed. I also said that if there's a concensus, I'll romp around in shorts and lighter t-shirts so that I will be comfortable if the heat must continue to run. I'm a little disappointed that you are not also making a concerted effort to compromise just because you assume that I've presented a "take it or leave it" stance. Again, and in case you missed it the first time, I'M WILLING TO COMPROMISE.

"The change" was implemented when you were gone, yes. But that's also b/c there was a change in the weather - kind of makes sense in my rationale. Unfortunately, you happened to have been away, but you're here now, so let's be open to discussion instead of cutting it off just b/c you were not present when we started leaving the heat off. And for the record, I don't think it was really a "decision" rather than just a natural reaction to the closer balance of inside/outside temps.

Run the numbers if you want. That's not that big of a deal to me. The deal is that the heater isn't necessary (from my stance) anymore.

Let's not get deffensive. Let's not be irrational. Let's be open to compromise. Again, I'm pretty go w/ the flow, but I can't be expected to compromise if you're unrelenting in your stance.

Better Judgement told me not to send that email. Instead, I took the high road and sent this one:

I just want to make sure that you understand that a "change" was not purposely implemented when you were gone or that it was a decision made behind your back. Rather it was more a natural reaction over the past couple of weeks to the closer balance of the inside/outside temps and the heat not being necessary to those of us who were here.

That being said, with time to consider the situation I have realized that I was a bit insensitive to your needs and desire to feel comfortable in the house. For that, I offer a sincere apology. In our discussion on Monday evening and subsequent emails, I had not meant to present a "take it or leave it" stance - that was never my intentions. I truly am willing to compromise on this issue. Shoot, if you're cold, run the heat for a bit in the evening. Let it take the chill out of the air. Our windows aren't positioned the best to catch the sun's warming rays, so yeah, it can be a little cool in here.

I don't want to write this email out like I'm giving you permission to run the heat - that's not the tone I intend. I'm just stating that I've realized that we all do have a right to feel comfortable in the house, and if you're cold and need to run the heat in order to reach a level of comfort, I won't let that bother me.

So again, I truly am sorry for not taking into account your need to feel comfortable in this house. I offer the peace pipe. :)

I'm also including a response my aunt sent me on my previous post. She sure has a way of getting to the humor in stuff:

Here we are in utah. our heat was at 68. never more all winter and now that the day temp is 60 it is off totally. As when you grew up the living room has blankies available for me or kids. I agree with you there. Also point in fact, an overly warm house is not healthy. On the other hand if you go visit your cuz Chris, you will encounter the heat on still at probably 80 plus, He is a little snake. That being said, this seems to be getting a little out of control, the old question is will all this matter in 5 years. Maybe in the ozone, but not in you life or #5 or #2 probably. Maybe a better argument is Who ate the last of the chocolate!?!?! I know you can be the better non argumentative person and start wearing your shorts and tanktop. Then you and Better Judgement can sit down to tea with The Better Person and Good Behavior. Love ya lots, Auntie

Now that this situation is hopefully all taken care of, Better Judgement, Reasoning, Better Person, Good Behavior and I are going to sit down to that chocolate. And I will have the last piece.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

2009-04-02T14:14:00.005-04:00

If you'll recall, Mel and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at last year's Cherry Blossom Kite Festival. This year's kite festival was last weekend and was a bust of sorts since it was dreary and rainy all day. Instead of having a pity party over the washed up festival, we decided to have our own: The 1st Annual 317 1/2 unofficial Cherry Blossom Kite Festival Spectacle and Picnic.

So if you're in DC, come on down to the Mall on Saturday with your kite and a picnic. It's sure to be a high flying good time!

It's getting hot in here...

2009-04-01T17:25:00.003-04:00

...and it's not because of the heater!

Because I feel like being passive aggressive and airing our dirty laundry for the world wide web to see, I'm posting an email chain. Better Judgement tells me I ought not to, but Better Judgement also tells me I shouldn't smack the girl. So if Better Judgement is making me chose, I'll refrain from smacking her.

And really, you all are going to get bored w/ this, but I need an outlet to vent. I'll probably take this down in a day or two anyways...Better Judgement will probably get the best of me.

Email #1 (her typing errors went untouched and aside from mine, names are not included)

Hi ladies,

Per a discussion Chelsea and I had last night about the heater, I just to check in about what all of you thought:

Chelsea has expressed quite strongly that she does not want to run the heater any more. I think it's a good idea to focus on conserving energy (for cost as well as environmental reasons!); however, I do not think it's reasonable to not run the heater when it is in the mid-40s outside (check out the weather online: highs in the low 60s, lows in the low-40s). When we're not home, I think we should leave the heater off, and in the evenings, I think it's fine to turn it down.

But until it becomes nicer outside, I think it's perfectly reasonable to set the thermostat at an appropriate level (previously we had settled on 70; we can talk about whether it makes sense to change this). I do not think it is reasonable to demand that I huddle under a down blanket, with an extra sweatshirt, especially when I pay nearly $900 a month.

True, running the heater does increase our utilities some. Of course, so does running the air conditioner in the summer. (And to be honest, I usually find our house far too cold in the summer...so I pay a premium during those months to live with you all who like the house colder). Finally, I can run the numbers, but I will assure you that running the heater adds only marginally to our monthly utility cost- $20 per month per person at most. You can tell me if I'm wrong, but I would venture that each one of us easily spends that on a single dinner or two out in a given month.

-5th Roommate

Email #2

Obviously we know where I stand on this.

The temperature outside is warming up, and the house no longer seems (at least to me) to be cold. Perhaps there are evenings when there is a little chill in the air, but that warrants a sweater, not the heater - at least, that's how we did it when I grew up.

The lows are listed to represent when the temperature is at its lowest, generally in the middle of the night. I've never woken up cold, not even during the winter months. If anyone is still cold during the night, I'd suggest an extra blanket. I've already put away my flannel sheets and folded up my extra quilt so if anyone is cold and needs an extra quilt, I've got one.

I don't think that when you came upstairs the other night that 2nd Roommate and I were implying that you should "huddle under a down blanket." That suggestion was meant for when you're sleeping if you're still cold. The sweater suggestion is legitimate. I find the amount you pay in rent to be irrelevant to this argument unless you're implying that since you pay more your say should count as more...???

I don't want to seem difficult and come off as stubborn and unrelenting. I am willing to compromise and I feel like I'm pretty go-with-the-flow in most regards, but if it's just one person who is feeling the chill, I don't find it necessary to run the heat in the entire house. Turn a space heater on, or use one of the throws if you're in the living room, etc. Perhaps I'm blessed w/ more body fat and don't get as cold as others, but that's where I stand. If others are still cold and insist upon running the heat, then I suppose I'll start wearing shorts around the house so we can run the heater... But it's upper 50's to low 60's out. That's pretty darn good weather.

And since you brought up the air conditioner, I can withstand the heat and don't need it icebox cold in the house. I'm w/ you on that one.

Chelsea

Email #3

5th Roommate,

I don't want you to think we are bullying up on you but I would have to agree with Chelsea on the heater. The heater was off all last week and the house was fine. I think I was cold maybe one of the evenings but I just put an extra sweatshirt and wool socks on and I was fine. Maybe you could just try for a while putting an extra layer or putting a throw blanket over your lap. If you are still unreasonably cold then we could reaccess the situation with the heater. I would like to cut back on costs and conserve on energy as much as possible. Even if it is only a difference in $20 a month I could use that money toward buying groceries. Honestly I find it pretty rediculous to be paying close to $800 to share a bedroom. The cost of utilities are out of control.

I also have fleese sheets that I dont use as well as an extra down blanket it you would like to borrow them.

2nd Roommate

Email #4

I will get back to you on this, once I'm home and can run the numbers as to exactly how much extra we're paying in utilities because of the gas. I will affirm my point however: that we ALL agreed that 70 was a reasonable place to set the thermostat. I think that's a reasonable point to operate on until we ALL decide that it should be changed.

Sorry.

As far as an extra fleece and sweater- when you talked to me, Chelsea, I WAS wearing a sweater...I feel like it's unreasonable to bundle up to all levels in the house. I have been cold all winter, even running my space heater.

I'm not saying that because I pay $900 a month my 'say' should count more. What I'm saying is that I think we are ALL paying in to have a house and experience that we can live with. I don't think it's fair because a few of you have decided that you like the house colder that you make me change something that we had already agreed upon. I think it's particularly egregious because you simply used the time I was out of town to implement it, and then inform me when I return that I had better live with it.

2nd Roommate, as far as spending an extra $20 on groceries....I recognize that finances are tight for all of us right now. But I have always believed these things are about budgeting. We all are spending money, every month: whether that be on eating out, more expensive groceries, money to put toward summer trips, clothes, or etc. I can venture to say that $20 per month is a drop in the budget bucket for anyone making more than $20,000 per year.

Part of living in a house means sharing utility expenses. I wasn't here last week, so I didn't use any of the utilities. Does that mean that I should only pay 3/4 of the utility bill next month? No, of course not, because being part of a house means sharing the expense of shared usage...some of us are here more during the day, some of use more or less lights, water, heating, etc. I would hope that in the end of the day it all evens out, or at the very minimum is no longer an issue for us.

(On the note of electricity: If we want to conserve energy, I suggest we turn out the lights we're not using I am constantly (and by constantly, I mean at least 5-7 times every day), turning out unneeded hall lights to the upstairs, from the downstairs entryway, etc.)

Finally, I would say that I would have been willing to work with you on this. But the way the change was implemented ('take it or leave it") was inconsiderate, compels me to stick by my position until we ALL agree on a better compromise.

Sorry.

(That was from 5th Roommate)
End email chain

(I haven't drafted my response yet. Better Judgement tells me to sleep on it. And I've got bible study tonight so maybe I could pray to God to warm her internal temperature...and maybe her heart too...)

Back me up on this Mom! It's upper 50's to lower 60's during the day and dips to the 40's at night. Is that cold??? I mean really? Does that warrant the heater being ran at 70 degrees? Am I being unreasonable? And Mom, what do you have on the couch in case we get cold? It's a blanket, am I right? What do you set your thermostat at? And don't you turn it way down or totally off at night when we're all sleeping under our covers? If you were in my position, wouldn't you have it off by now? It's April! Spring sprung two weeks ago. The temperature of the house right now at 5:00pm on a cloudy day is 68 degrees. Isn't that comfortable? Mom, one last question, what was the temperature outside when you stopped running the heater? Yeah different climates and locations and all, but it's all relative.

If 5th Roommate thinks she's cold here, I'd like to see if she could survive a Flagstaff winter at Charlotte's house. Thermostat was set at 50 during the night and never went above 68. And we're talking real winters with snow and everything.

Now that that's off my chest, I'm going to have a chat w/ Better Judgement.

There WAS peace in this house

2009-03-30T21:29:00.003-04:00

It was a quiet week in the homestead. No arguments, no muffled remarks under breath, and no avoided conflicts. Just peace and harmony. The fifth roommate was gone for a full week! The entire Atlantic Ocean was between us and her. And then she came back. And so peace is no more.

I am by no means an Eco-terrorist, but I certainly try and conserve energy and recycle when possible. I don't mind being a little cold if that means the heat can be left off. The weather had warmed up in DC the last week so the heater hasn't been on in about a week. Well fifth roommate comes home and decides she's cold and turns the heat on. I try and reason with her - tell her to put on a sweater and her space heater, but apparently that's not good enough.

It's not the heat that has got me riled up. It's just her. Whenever one of us engages in a disagreement with #5, it always ends up in an argument. She automatically goes on the defensive as if by disagreeing with her is a personal attack against her. She can't compromise - it always has to go her way regardless of the fact that she's outnumbered.

And Lord Almighty she wants to be a lawyer. I sure hope she doesn't want to PRACTICE law because I really don't see a judge warming up to whatever whiny and defensive tactics she would most likely engage.

She actually asked if I wanted her to freeze. If it means her mouth would've been frozen shut as well, then yes! She really needs to move to a warmer climate if she can't handle this. I mean, I'm from Arizona and I managed just fine. Granted it snowed where I went to college. But still. We set the temperature for 50 when we were sleeping and I don't think the thermostat was ever set higher than 68. I think that's quite reasonable...

Death Becomes Them

2009-02-24T17:59:00.001-05:00

One evening back in October, I filed out of the orchestra section of the Kennedy Center Opera House into the foyer. Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers had just come to a happy (for the young lovers)/unhappy (for the dead king) ending. As I walked past a small group, I heard an older woman get right down to the heart of opera. “Wasn’t that a great ending!?” she asked. “You know, it’s not a good opera unless there’s a (dead) body.”

Although I’ve seen good operas not featuring a corpse, I can’t fault this lady for being near accurate. Her little observation got me thinking, “I wonder how many people have died in all the operas I’ve seen.” The answer is quite a lot and the causes range from poison to consumption and from grief to gunfire, all with great drama and great music in tow.

So with my newfound fascination with operatic morbidity, I have now decided to give a death count with my report of the operas I’ve seen.

Quick example, Verdi’s Otello
Desdemona (R. Fleming) – strangled by Otello
Roderigo (R. Naldi) – killed in a sword fight by Cassio
Otello (J. Botha) – stabbed, suicide
Death count – 3

Otello was awesome!

*End example*

A Mouse Tail (this one's for you Dad)

2009-02-24T17:41:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time there was a girl, and one frigid day in January, she moved to a magical place full of power and mystique. Although this place was beautiful and magnificent in its grandeur, the city contained a dirty secret behind its walls and bellow its streets – MICE and lots of ’em!

If you’ll recall, I had been dealing with ONE mouse (I was in constant denial that there was ever more than one) that I affectionately called Peebs. The cunning little dude successfully ate all the peanut butter clean off the traps without so much as splitting a single hair, let alone getting his head chopped off. This was no ordinary mouse. He was smart, tricky, and elusive. For several months I put a lot of faith in wives tales and dryer sheets and hoped against hope that Peebs would just leave. But he didn’t. And I dealt with it for a while, but he became more daring with each passing day. The little vermin showed himself on many occasions even when guests were over and pooped where he pleased. We rearranged our kitchen, but that didn’t deter him.

The last straw finally came. Peebs ate my birthday cake. MY BIRTHDAY CAKE! Not any of the other roommates, but mine. Me who lived off of the kitchen, me who had sleepless nights wondering what that noise was and if the mouse would climb up my bed and eat my eyes. A line had been crossed. It was him or me. I was paying rent so Peebs had to go.

Peebs put up a good fight. He brought in the troops for reinforcement and they were cunning little guys. But we were smarter and more resilient. Before the traps were set, Tara and I noticed three mice (Peebs, Hammy, and Swiss) were in our empty recycle bin trying to jump into our trash can. We did the first thing that popped into our minds and trapped them in the can with a lid. We decided the best way to dispose of them was to put a peanut butter-covered poison cube in the trash can and place them outside in the freezing cold. So we did. Tara duct taped the lid shut for good measure and put the can in the backyard where it remained until two days ago when Tara and I finally disposed of it (if you’re wondering the 3 mice were still in there – I checked).

Although we had a small victory with the conquest at Recycle Bin, there was no time to rest on our laurels. Peebs had been defeated, yes, but his troops were as persistent as ever to conquer our kitchen. So out came the D-Con – grade A, top notch, inescapable traps.

At final count, we entrapped and disposed of fourteen little rodents within about twelve days. Some traps remain as a precaution, but it seems that if any mice survived Operation Annihilation, then they quickly retreated and set up camp elsewhere.

And the girl lived (and slept) happily ever after.

And at no point in time were they ever rats, Dad!

Time to get Serial

2009-02-24T16:54:00.000-05:00

It’s been almost a year since I’ve posted to this blog on a consistent basis. I think it’s about time I get serial about this thing. And I really hope I mean it this time. Here’s the plan: try and do a month by month overview of 2008 since April and then fill in the blank for 2009. I’ll tell the stories that are interesting, pertinent, etc.

But first a story that has a happy ending (depending on who you were rooting for)…

Hurry on over to Puerto Rico

2009-02-24T16:52:00.001-05:00

“What’s the hurry? You’re in Vieques.” That was their motto and I didn’t question it. Why should I? I was on a small island hundreds of miles away from DC – away from the inauguration, away from the crowds, away from the cold, and away from the hustle and bustle of life. With the sun overhead, a book in my hand, and the sand between my toes I hadn’t a care in the world.

Torrey didn’t want to stick around DC during the chaos of the inauguration. Who could blame him? I’d been there and done that two other times, and for a guy I voted for. A crowd of millions in freezing temperatures was not appealing to me. When Dad put the kibosh on a ski trip, I jumped on board Torrey’s Puerto Rico trip. We left Monday for the island territory. The following morning we were on a ten-seater prop plane headed for the tiny island of Vieques, known for its bioluminescence bay and a one time weapons testing site for the US Navy (they left in 2003). Vieques was the perfect island getaway. We stayed at a cute little island guesthouse on the Atlantic side – Casa de Amistad. Using el Publico, we made our way to the Carribean side of the island where the beaches are said to be unmatched in beauty. Tor and I grabbed a quick bite to eat coincidentally enough at one of the few establishments that had American cable and the very thing we were trying to escape – the inauguration.

After a quick bite to eat, we strolled along the beach until we reached an adequately sandy area. What joy to be away from it all! What relief!!!

I wish I could tell you something exciting, but I did nothing. Soaked up the sun, swam in the water, and decompressed, that’s what I did. Torrey did swim out far while snorkeling and I’m pretty sure I saw a fin of sorts. Whether it was friend or foe, we’ll never know.

We met a nice couple at our hotel and pal’d around with them the rest of the trip. We went to a local bar and chatted with the islanders- mostly about life on Vieques and why so many people throw in the proverbial towel regarding life in the states to retreat to the island life. What an enticing idea…

The next day was much of the same. Sandy beaches, clear blue water, and a tropical storm thrown in for good measure. I’m sure it’s the island god’s way to force lazy beach bums to actually get up and find/explore a new beach, which is what we did.

Our stint on the island came quickly to an end. Before I knew it, I was on a ferry headed for the main island followed by a plane ride back to the states, back to reality. The reality of a cold winter and a presidential term just beginning. Back to being in a hurry.

"You're the life blood of me"

2009-02-14T15:26:00.003-05:00

I can't add any words. It's all there in the lyrics - the warmth you give at sunrise, your sunsets put music in a soul, the smell of the rain on your skin

So on this day of love, I confess it all. I LOVE YOU ARIZONA! Your mountains, your deserts, your streams. Happy Statehood day Arizona!

Oh, and Happy Birthday to my favorite opera singer Renee Fleming!!!

Economic turmoil affects actors

2009-02-05T11:36:00.002-05:00

I had a dream last night. Definitely not as profound as Dr. King's. I must be craving Wendy's or something because in my dream my friends and I specifically sought out a Wendy's. Now this must be a sign of how bad the economy is doing because working back in the kitchen was Christine Lahti (Chicago Hope) and John Heard (Home Alone). Why those two people, I haven't the foggiest. But there they were, and not even doing that well. I think they were about to get fired when we came in for burgers and fries.

Interesting...

2009-02-02T13:51:00.001-05:00

HEADLINES 4 YEARS AGO:
"Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops die in unarmored Humvees."
"Bush extravaganza exceeds any reason during tough economic times."
"Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party while ordinary Americans get the shaft."

HEADLINES THIS MONTH:
"Historic Obama inauguration will cost only $150 million."
"Obama Spends $150 million on inauguration; America Needs a Big Party."
"Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate."
"Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama inauguration."

For the record...

2009-01-27T16:07:00.001-05:00

...I was proud to be an American long before it was the cool thing to be.

What was and will be

2009-01-16T18:07:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year's, Felize Cumplianos and all that other good stuff that I've missed!!! So I pretty much failed at this blogging thing towards the last quarter of 2008. You could even say the last two quarters of 2008. I make no promises in this post. In fact, it'll probably be another week or two before I can realistically jump back into things. My computer has failed me. If it is beyone repair, then a new one I must get. Until that happens, posts will be few and far between.

But I can't leave you without giving you a glimpse of what I've been doing. Opera, opera opera! I've introduced tons of newbies to the artform, watched Renee Fleming perform numerous times, met Placido Domingo, saw Patti LuPone go postal on a guy taking pictures at the 2nd to last Gypsy, went to Maine and didn't eat lobster (sorry dad), joined the unemployed, watched John McEnroe lose, and come Monday I will find myself on the sandy beaches of Puerto Rico avoiding anything and everything Obama-inauguration.

So hold tight. I'll get my life back on track after a little irresponsibility in Puerto Rico and the blog will be up and running once the computer sitch has been resolved.

But in the meantime, shoot me an email or something and let me know how you all have been. Or don't.

The Decency of George W. Bush

2008-11-07T15:25:00.001-05:00

By Michael Gerson

Washington Post Op-Ed
Election Day 2008 must have been filled with rueful paradoxes for the sitting president. Iraq -- the issue that dominated George W. Bush's presidency for 5 1/2 bitter, controversial years -- is on the verge of a miraculous peace. And yet this accomplishment did little to revive Bush's political standing -- or to prevent his party from relegating him to a silent role.

The achievement is historic. In 2006, Iraq had descended into a sectarian killing spree that seemed likely to stop only when the supply of victims was exhausted. Showing Truman-like stubbornness, Bush pushed to escalate a war that most Americans -- and some at the Pentagon -- had already mentally abandoned.

The result? A Sunni tribal revolt against their al-Qaeda oppressors, an effective campaign against Shiite militias in Baghdad and Basra, and the flight of jihadists from Iraq to less deadly battlefields. In a more stable atmosphere, Iraq's politicians have made dramatic political progress. Iraqi military and police forces have grown in size and effectiveness and now fully control 13 of Iraq's 18 provinces. And in the month before Election Day, American combat deaths matched the lowest monthly total of the entire war.

For years, critics of the Iraq war asked the mocking question: "What would victory look like?" If progress continues, it might look something like what we've seen.

But Air Force One -- normally seen swooping into battleground states for rallies during presidential elections -- was mainly parked during this campaign. President Bush appeared with John McCain in public a total of three times -- and appeared in McCain's rhetoric as a foil far more often than that.

This seems to be Bush's current fate: Even success brings no praise. And the reasons probably concern Iraq. The absence of stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction in the aftermath of the war was a massive blow. The early conduct of the Iraq occupation was terribly ineffective. Hopes that the war had turned a corner -- repeatedly raised by Iraqis voting with purple fingers and approving a constitution -- were dashed too many times, until many Americans became unwilling to believe anymore.

Initial failures in Iraq acted like a solar eclipse, blocking the light on every other achievement. But those achievements, with the eclipse finally passing, are considerable by the measure of any presidency. Because of the passage of Medicare Part D, nearly 10 million low-income seniors are receiving prescription drugs at little or no cost. No Child Left Behind education reform has helped raise the average reading scores of fourth-graders to their highest level in 15 years, and narrowed the achievement gap between white and African American children. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has helped provide treatment for more than 1.7 million people and compassionate care for at least 2.7 million orphans and vulnerable children. And the decision to pursue the surge in Iraq will be studied as a model of presidential leadership.

These achievements, it is true, have limited constituencies to praise them. Many conservatives view Medicare, education reform and foreign assistance as heresies. Many liberals refuse to concede Bush's humanity, much less his achievements.

But that humanity is precisely what I will remember. I have seen President Bush show more loyalty than he has been given, more generosity than he has received. I have seen his buoyancy under the weight of malice and his forgiveness of faithless friends. Again and again, I have seen the natural tug of his pride swiftly overcome by a deeper decency -- a decency that is privately engaging and publicly consequential.

Before the Group of Eight summit in 2005, the White House senior staff overwhelmingly opposed a new initiative to fight malaria in Africa for reasons of cost and ideology -- a measure designed to save hundreds of thousands of lives, mainly of children under 5. In the crucial policy meeting, one person supported it: the president of the United States, shutting off debate with a moral certitude that others have criticized. I saw how this moral framework led him to an immediate identification with the dying African child, the Chinese dissident, the Sudanese former slave, the Burmese women's advocate. It is one reason I will never be cynical about government -- or about President Bush.

For some, this image of Bush is so detached from their own conception that it must be rejected. That is, perhaps, understandable. But it means little to me. Because I have seen the decency of George W. Bush.

The writer was a speechwriter and policy adviser to President Bush from 2000 to 2006. His e-mail address ismichaelgerson@cfr.org.

I'm just saying...

2008-11-06T11:54:00.003-05:00

Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?

By Orson Scott Card
Editor's note: Orson Scott Card is a Democrat and a newspaper columnist, and in this opinion piece he takes on both while lamenting the current state of journalism.

An open letter to the local daily paper ˜ almost every local daily paper in America:

I remember reading All the President's Men and thinking: That's journalism. You do what it takes to get the truth and you lay it before the public, because the public has a right to know.

This housing crisis didn't come out of nowhere. It was not a vague emanation of the evil Bush administration. It was a direct result of the political decision, back in the late 1990s, to loosen the rules of lending so that home loans would be more accessible to poor people. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were authorized to approve risky loans. What is a risky loan? It's a loan that the recipient is likely not to be able to repay.

The goal of this rule change was to help the poor ˜ which especially would help members of minority groups. But how does it help these people to give them a loan that they can't repay? They get into a house, yes, but when they can't make the payments, they lose the house ˜ along with their credit rating.

They end up worse off than before.

This was completely foreseeable and in fact many people did foresee it. One political party, in Congress and in the executive branch, tried repeatedly to tighten up the rules. The other party blocked every such attempt and tried to loosen them.

Furthermore, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were making political contributions to the very members of Congress who were allowing them to make irresponsible loans. (Though why quasi-federal agencies were allowed to do so baffles me. It's as if the Pentagon were allowed to contribute to the political campaigns of Congressmen who support increasing their budget.)

Isn't there a story here? Doesn't journalism require that you who produce our daily paper tell the truth about who brought us to a position where the only way to keep confidence in our economy was a $700 billion bailout? Aren't you supposed to follow the money and see which politicians were benefiting personally from the deregulation of mortgage lending?

I have no doubt that if these facts had pointed to the Republican Party or to John McCain as the guilty parties, you would be treating it as a vast scandal. 'Housing-gate,' no doubt. Or 'Fannie-gate.'

Instead, it was Senator Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, both Democrats, who denied that there were any problems, who refused Bush administration requests to set up a regulatory agency to watch over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who were still pushing for these agencies to go even further in promoting sub-prime mortgage loans almost up to the minute they failed.

As Thomas Sowell points out in a TownHall.com essay entitled 'Do Facts Matter?' ( http://snipurl.com/457townhall_com] ): ' Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President. So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury.'

These are facts. This financial crisis was completely preventable. The party that blocked any attempt to prevent it was ... The Democratic Party. The party that tried to prevent it was ... the Republican Party.

Yet when Nancy Pelosi accused the Bush administration and Republican deregulation of causing the crisis, you in the press did not hold her to account for her lie. Instead, you criticized Republicans who took offense at this lie and refused to vote for the bailout!

What? It's not the liar, but the victims of the lie who are to blame?

Now let's follow the money ... right to the presidential candidate who is the number-two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.

And after Freddie Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate's campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing. If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was.

But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an 'adviser' to the Obama campaign ˜ because that campaign had sought his advice ˜ you actually let Obama's people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn't listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign.

You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican.

If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish, and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.

If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis.

There are precedents. Even though President Bush and his administration never said that Iraq sponsored or was linked to 9/11, you could not stand the fact that Americans had that misapprehension ˜ so you pounded us with the fact that there was no such link. (Along the way, you created the false impression that Bush had lied to them and said that there was a connection.)

If you had any principles, then surely right now, when the American people are set to blame President Bush and John McCain for a crisis they tried to prevent, and are actually shifting to approve of Barack Obama because of a crisis he helped cause, you would be laboring at least as hard to correct that false impression.

Your job, as journalists, is to tell the truth. That's what you claim you do, when you accept people's money to buy or subscribe to your paper.

But right now, you are consenting to or actively promoting a big fat lie ˜ that the housing crisis should somehow be blamed on Bush, McCain, and the Republicans. You have trained the American people to blame everything bad ˜ even bad weather ˜ on Bush, and they are responding as you have taught them to.

If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth ˜ even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate.

Because that's what honorable people do. Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences. That's what honesty means . That's how trust is earned.

Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one. He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time ˜ and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing.

Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter ˜ while you ignored the story of John Edwards's own adultery for many months.

So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all? Do you even know what honesty means?

Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for?

You might want to remember the way the National Organization of Women threw away their integrity by supporting Bill Clinton despite his well-known pattern of sexual exploitation of powerless women. Who listens to NOW anymore? We know they stand for nothing; they have no principles.

That's where you are right now.

It's not too late. You know that if the situation were reversed, and the truth would damage McCain and help Obama, you would be moving heaven and earth to get the true story out there.

If you want to redeem your honor, you will swallow hard and make a list of all the stories you would print if it were McCain who had been getting money from Fannie Mae, McCain whose campaign had consulted with its discredited former CEO, McCain who had voted against tightening its lending practices.

Then you will print them, even though every one of those true stories will point the finger of blame at the reckless Democratic Party, which put our nation's prosperity at risk so they could feel good about helping the poor, and lay a fair share of the blame at Obama's door.

You will also tell the truth about John McCain: that he tried, as a Senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis. You will tell the truth about President Bush: that his administration tried more than once to get Congress to regulate lending in a responsible way.

This was a Congress-caused crisis, beginning during the Clinton administration, with Democrats leading the way into the crisis and blocking every effort to get out of it in a timely fashion.

If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe ˜ and vote as if ˜ President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie.

If you do not tell the truth about the Democrats ˜ including Barack Obama ˜ and do so with the same energy you would use if the miscreants were Republicans ˜ then you are not journalists by any standard.

You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a news paper in our city.

This article first appeared in The Rhinoceros Times of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Really America, REALLY????

2008-11-04T23:45:00.001-05:00

So is this where I act like a Democrat and threaten to move to Canada?

It's okay, I can suck it up like a big girl and deal. Four years will go by really fast, right??? Lord help us. I can't believe I'm saying this, but what I wouldn't give for a Hillary Clinton right about now...

And we're done

2008-10-03T15:29:00.003-04:00

The House is officially adjourned until 9:00a.m. on Saturday, January 3rd, 2009. Lord willing, I'll be back on the Hill in a new member office ready to take on the 111th.

Was the 110th Congress successful? That remains to be seen and depends on who you ask.

I've got to tell you, though, it's been an exciting couple of months on the Hill.

The Bailout: Round Two

2008-10-03T13:15:00.004-04:00

The House is voting on the Motion to Concur in Senate Amendments. So basically the bailout. Let's see what the House does...

There needs to be 218 votes - a simple majority - for the bill to pass. We're thinking that the bill would pass for two main reasons. One, no way in hell would leadership bring the bailout bill back for a vote unless they had enough support. Two, the way Nancy Pelosi looked today. On Monday, she looked tired, haggard, and unkempt - a sign of defeat. Today she came to the floor to speak and her appearance was way different. She was put together, energetic, and enthusiastic. She must know something.

*******UPDATE*******

The House passed the bailout bill 263 to 171. Leadership got what they wanted. Time will tell if this will help us out or not. All I know is that $700 billion is a lot of money...

Members on the floor watching the vote.

Acting Speaker Ellen Tauscher (CA-D) strikes the gavel to close the vote.

Final vote: YEA 263, NAY 171

No shame

2008-10-02T15:24:00.004-04:00

This is a picture of the Code Pink Ladies staging a "die-in" in Sen. Obama's office. I tell you what, these "ladies" sure cross the line as far as political activism is concerned. I'm all for taking an active role in the political process, but I think there's a line and once you cross it, your argument is no longer taken seriously. But kudos to them for color coordinating.

Photo courtesy of Roll Call.

Take notes Joe and Sarah

2008-10-02T14:12:00.005-04:00

This is what a real vice presidential debate looks like. Are you paying attention Joe Biden and Sarah Palin? Two smart, articulate people debating the issues. Don't dumb this down tonight folks. I want a smart debate.

Really people???

2008-10-01T14:31:00.007-04:00

I understand that this whole bailout situation that Congress is voting on is kind of a big deal and people are worried about the future. I totally get that. But I don't think that's a good enough reason for people to be assholes on the phone. I'm a person too and this whole situation affects me as well. So take a breath, calm down, and talk to me like you're an adult who's mother actually taught them manners. Maybe then I'll actually pass your comments on to the Congressman.

Oh, and really, you can't give me the city in Arizona that you're from??? It's not like I'm going to track you down and stalk you. Are you not giving me that information because you're maybe NOT FROM OUR DISTRICT??? Yeah, that's what I thought. Call Gabbi.

****ADDENDUM****

I love it when constituents make threats. Here's my favorite: someone from say Phoenix calls and says, "tell the Congressman to vote no on this bill, otherwise he can count on me NOT voting for him." Oh I just laugh. First of all, silly, you can't vote for him. You're not in his distract. Hahahahahah. Second, even if you were in his district, he's not running again. Double hahahha. Oh silly, uninformed, non-constituents and your empty threats. You're gonna want to call Raul or Harry. K thanks, bye!

Stark realization

2008-09-29T16:51:00.002-04:00

It’s starting to hit home that my work here is almost done.

The House photographer came in today so we could get a picture with the Congressman. Then we all went outside to the steps of Cannon to get an office shot. I hadn’t really thought any thing of it until the photographer said, “I always hate this time of year. Members and their offices breaking up.” I saw that she had tears in her eyes, and aside from taking our picture today and doing a photo-op last week, I don’t think she had known the Congressman. And for her to be affected the way she was totally just got to me.

For all intent and purposes, today was the last day of legislative business. So this "family" that I've come to know will soon break up and go our separate ways. It's been a fun ride and a working environment that has been awesome beyond words. Nothing will ever come close...

It's official

2008-09-12T15:36:00.004-04:00

I'm old. I have now left the 18-24 year old age bracket. But never you fear! My youthful exhuberance and extreme levels of immaturity will keep me mentally young forever!!!! Hahahahahahaha!

I'll do a full recap of the birthday festivities on Sunday because I don't just celebrate a birthDAY - it's a birthweekend. And this one includs lots of good friends, opera, beer and hotdogs. Yeah, that's what I said. How me is that?? I'll answer that for you. So me!

http://tinyurl.com/4d2osq