La PrinciPella

Rockapella in Napa Days 2-3

Sunday-Monday, January 29-30, 2012

Napa Valley Opera House -- Napa, CA

Up at 6 am.  For those of you paying attention from the prior post, that means that I had 4 hours of sleep.  So I posted pictures to FB and stuff.  When breakfast time came around, I had a yummy waffle and some other stuff that I can't remember because the waffle was so yummy.  Then Jenn, Cindy and I headed out for some Napa goodness.  Cindy had never been to Napa before, so I wanted to show her the big stuff for now, then we can do other stuff on future trips.

Sher & Jenn at Castello di Amarosa

Dragon!

Therefore, our first stop of the day was the castle: Castello di Amarosa.  We almost missed the entrance because Jenn said that we couldn't miss it, but you can't really see the castle from the beginning of the driveway.  It has changed slightly since I was last there, but it had changed even more for Jenn, who had last been there when the castle was still being built.  I decided to go for the Wine Tasting Paired with Chocolate, as did my companions.  I think.  I don't really know, because they later upgraded to the Reserve Tasting.  They were looking at the cats.  I see cats all the time, mostly on pictures that my friends post on Twitter and Facebook.  I do not need to see more cats.  I was focused on the sheep.  I don't remember seeing animals at all the last time I was there, and got excited about a chicken walking around.  Yeah, I'm crazy.  Anyway, we took lots of pictures around the castle, and I hope to have more time someday so that I can take a tour, which includes going down to the Torture Chamber and stuff.  At one point, we thought that we were looking at a torture device, but it turned out to be a wine press.  To us, manual labor is torture anyway.  Jenn was on a dragon kick due to her new game obsession, and I like dragons anyway, so there were many times where one of us would just yell, "DRAGON!"  OK, I yelled.  Jenn quietly took pictures.  

During the tasting itself, Jenn and Cindy decided that they would be able to order enough wine for a free shipment if I could also contribute.  This was not that difficult a decision for me here at the castle, because I did enjoy several of their wines.  My favorite is the Il Passito, which I had tasted the last time I was there, and, of course, it is the most expensive bottle.  But I love that stuff.  I also ordered the Late Harvest Gewurtztraminer, the Il Raggio Del Sole (Muscat Canelli) and the Gewurtztraminer "Dry".   I want to try their Reisling non-alcoholic grape juice some day.

Beautiful Peacock

When we went outside, I saw that the sheep were nearby, and I wanted to pet them, but there was a sign posted stating not to do so.  So I followed directions.  Others did not.  I was irritated.  Then I saw the beautiful peacock, which stupid people behind me called a "parakeet".  REALLY?!  Idiots.  There were also more chickens.  I didn't realize that I had missed a chicken mating event that was going on nearby, because I was admiring the view and thinking of the stupid people, all at the same time.  


We then drove to CIA/ Greystone to meet up with the non-wine drinkers for lunch.  Since we were in Napa during California Restaurant month, I wanted to partake of the special menu, which was a prix fixe called "The Whole Hog". Most of my companions ordered the same, and Jenn got special stuff so that we could all taste other items on the menu.  She's so generous, that Jenn!  This is the restaurant that Jenn brought me to on a previous trip to Napa, and now I try to get others to dine there because I enjoy it so much.  It was at this restaurant that I realized that I like foie gras.  Mmmm...  Anyway, there was so much food that most of us went into food comas.  However, Cindy and I still wanted to shop in St. Helena, so we went into town while the others returned to the hotel for their naps.  

We can't believe we ate The Whole Hog

First, we went to Woodhouse Chocolates, and I tried not to get too much.  I do love their beautiful display of gorgeous chocolates.  Also, the chocolates are delicious.  I need to go back there someday and buy some salted caramels.


Then I brought Cindy to the St.Helena Olive Oil Company.  We enjoyed tasting the different vinegars, olive oils, salts, and some of the recipes that they made with the different ingredients they sell there.  While we were browsing, I received a reminder on my phone that I needed to check in to my flight.  The cell service was bad inside the building, so we walked outside.  Then we noticed that the store would be closing at 5 pm, and felt very pressed for time, especially because my phone decided to go nutso at the time.  So I called Jenn and asked her to check in for us.  Meanwhile, Cindy went inside the store to tell Karen (the very nice person helping us) that we were outside checking in to our flights.  She said that since we were there before 5pm, we could continue shopping.  This was, of course, after Cindy started to hurriedly place everything that she needed on the counter as if she was in some shopping-in-5-minutes TV game show.  It was quite funny.  She asked if I thought that we could place our stuff together for the free shipping offer, and I said probably.  She ended up getting to the minimum order all by herself, though!  Karen told us that the bath items that used to be in the back room were now in their own store across the street, so we checked that out before we left.  They had just closed, though.  Oh, and at the Olive Oil Company, I finally bought the white truffle salt that I wanted, as well as basil EVOO, and a 19-year aged balsamic vinegar that was delicious and 50% off that day.  They had a LOT of other stuff that I refrained from buying, lest I get more than I can use all by myself.  Stuff like truffle honey and other salts and such.  Yeah, you read that right: TRUFFLE HONEY. Karen had also given us copies of the recipes to make the stuff that was provided around the store for the tasting.  While Karen was taking Cindy's information, we found out that the Sherry Vinegar that Cindy was buying was from Jerez, Spain.  Jerez!  Sherry!  That's my name twice!!  Perhaps I should buy that for myself sometime.

Cindy and Karen at St. Helena Olive Oil Co

We returned to the hotel and I visited Karla for a few minutes so that I could check out her room, which was not in the main part of the hotel.  Oh, but it was spacious!  She had a sitting area and for some reason, there was a sink in her closet, as well as in her bathroom.  She decided that it was the shaving area.  Not for her, but for guys.  Then I went downstairs and had tea and cookies before getting ready for the night's show.  Jenn was up by then, and was dealing with preparations for her grandmother's funeral.  I didn't mention in my last post that her grandmother had passed away earlier in the week, but she didn't want to miss the Napa trip, especially since they didn't need her for everything, and she figured that Mama would not want her to stay home and be sad.  We made a toast to Mama with our little cups of pea soup at the CIA.  Anyway, she was being quite the trooper, and remembered to enjoy herself as much as possible.  We met up with the rest of the posse, and drove to the Opera House.


This time, I did not follow Jeff, and parked on the first floor of the parking structure.  The theatre wasn't as full as the previous night, and Jenn, Karla and I were seated in the 2nd row on the right side of the aisle (which was really like the 1st row because there were no seats in front of us).  I sat in the middle of the 3 of us this time, so that Jenn wouldn't feel so abused.  Cindy, Jeff and Wendy were in the front row, also on the right side.  


The show did not start late this time, so I guess everybody had their clothes.  Bummer.  ;)  Scott, John, and Jeff were all wearing black shirts this time.  (They were wearing silver the night before).


Dragging the Line
I like this one, especially at "Peace of mind."


And I'm already staring at Scott's pants.  


4U4Now4Life
George held Steve's microphone for him.


Scott said that they had a lovely room at the Holiday Inn Express.  He also said that the guys saw a lot of "vineries" today, and turned around to ask which ones, discovering that he was alone on stage.  "And they've left."  Steve returned to the stage and said that one of the 4 that they went to was at Castello di Amarosa.  We cheered.  Scott asked the audience, "Is everyone liquored up?  It always helps."  When introducing the different vocal parts, he said that the "tenors are the white wine".


Nuthin But
When George sang "Bangkok Heat", he sang it to me.  That's me, baby: HOT!  Yeah, right.


Got To Get You Into My Life
Steve wants to hold Cindy's hand.  He told her so.


Just My Imagination/ Imagine
They paused a little after the first intro, and Geo smiled at John.  Nice, John!  Loved it.


Hard Time
Scott: "That's from our new CD, "Bang", which is miraculously available in the lobby, I've noticed."  (For those of you keeping score, this little plug is courtesy of Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops).  


Then Scott talked about finding Steve.  "Steve came with so much chutzpah and gentility, kind of contradictory in terms."


Cupid


California Sad-Eyed Girl
Scott advised that this song is on "Bang" and is really melancholy (or something else that I can't decipher from my notes--sorry).  "When we sing that song in Southern California, coming from someone from Indiana who needed a 5-syllable phrase, I needed a sexy place.  Turns out it's not really such a sexy area, San Bernardino, don't know how unsexy it is, though.  But there's always a giggle.  So thanks for showing some restraint."


Then Scott started comparing the guys to wine.  JT said that Geo was a Pinot Noir.  Scott asked, "Was that a racist comment?"  Scott said that JT was the Mondavi of Spit.  He then talked about the life in Napa among the wineries: "Maybe a few bucks here and there, making a substandard living, but you can eat."  KP noticed that Jeff was wearing black socks.  Then John said that he likes to call Scott "Jingle Legs Jones," to which Scott again asked, "Was that a racist comment?"


Scott talked about records, and described these old-school music items, saying "I wish you could have been there."


Paper Doll
Steve and I sang to each other on the line "Fickle minded real live girl."  HEY!


Rock the Boat
We were on Geo's "Do The Hustle" side, and we were getting so loud that he said, "Oh, you want it like that huh?"  Scott calls his dance "The Mondavi".


Malibu Grand Prix
During all of the chaotic choreography, Steve backed into Scott.  When the word "King" was sung, there was bowing.  When the word "Queen" was sung, Scott curtsied.  A certain protrusion on Steve's shirt distracted me.  I'm just sayin'.  At least it was the SHIRT!


Thunderball
Whomever was doing the spotlight was late.  Did you not work the show last night?  


Bang
I like how Scott blows on his imaginary gun at the end.  (No, that is not a euphemism.  Stop it!)


Commercials
Scott talked about succumbing to the corporate bullies for a quick buck.  This was met with applause, while JT cheered silently with his thumbs up.  During the first Almond Joy commercial, their head movements were not in sync.  Scott responded to the jolly laughter in the back of the audience: "Oh ho ho, Santa's here.  It's off-season."  George sang his "yummy milk chocolate" line to me.  :)  That's right, I'm yummy.   I'm not used to Scott sweating so much on his forehead.  John kept cracking up.


John told us that wife Christina is in the audience.  This was the first time she'd ever seen The Rock outside Florida, and her first time in California.  (Yes, I know that she saw them sing on the cruise, but maybe JKB had forgotten about that).  "Where are you, baby?!"  She was in the balcony.  "Man, you guys know about wine here."  He talked about taking a tour of the winery, and learning about patience, waiting 2 years to make a bottle of wine.  And regarding what he learned about the land, "you guys are number one."  Ahh, Napa.  I agree, JKB.  


Then John walked into the audience to pick someone to sing to.  SonofaBITCH, I am NOT kidding, he picked the person in Wendy's night-before seat.  O.M.G.  Wendy and I were incredulous that this had happened again.


My Girl
Jaime from nearby Vallejo, CA was the lucky girl of the night.  Scott: "What do you do in Filet-o?"  What?!  Then he asked if she wanted to sing "Stand By Me" with them, and she responded with, "Can I just dance?"


Ain't Too Proud to Beg
She was running away from Scott and his butt-dance.  Run TOWARDS him, Jaime!  He patted John on the shoulder as he begged her.  Oh, Jaime, so shy.


George started to say, "When I was 10 years old..." and both Jenn and I simultaneously said in Dolby Stereo, "Uh-Oh."  He ignored us.  "My dad said, 'George, it's OK, cause the ladies like it when you drop it."  (I think).


Scott was still chewing whatever when they got the cue to get back on stage.  As usual.


Babygirl
O.M.G.  Have you ever had George sing to you from the stage?  You have?  Have you ever heard him use your name in the song that he was singing while he sang to you from the stage? Well, my posse and I can now say that he sang our names!  Seriously!  During the place where he would ask for the lady's name/number/sign, instead, he sang, "I'm here for Jenny, Sherry, Karla, Wendy, Jeff.  I said your name."  And Jenn didn't realize he said her name.  Jeff didn't realize his name was said either.  I don't know where they were that they couldn't hear their own names, but I heard mine!!!  I can now no longer hear that song without inserting my name.  Which George sang.  From the stage.  Oh. My. Geo.


After that, I thought I could calm down.  But no.  Then they sang...


Shemibos
I love this song.  I don't know who talked about Captain Morgan, and drinking responsibly.  It must have been Scott because he's wacky like that.  I've got the choreography down on this song, and I love it!  Of course, now when I'm in front of my computer, I have no idea how it goes, but I had it down that night.


Zombie Jamboree
He sang "from Napa to Rome".  Yay!  Then Scott dropped out.  Did he forget the words?  What was up with that?


Carmen SanDiego
JT wiggled his fingers during his solo. 


ENCORE


Papa Was A Rolling Stone
LOVE.


A Punk
Ay Ay Ay Ay!!!  I can't hear that song without picturing Steve and Geo doing that in the NVOH greeting area last year after the show.


Up On The Roof/Wonderful World
Scott gave the pitch and Geo looked at him.  "Is that too high?  I don't want to hurt you."  "Don't know much about geography" -- Scott sang as he smiled at me.  Then I mouthed "shoop shoop shoo be doo" at Steve while he sang that part and caught me.  During Scott's pause at the end of the song, he sucked up lots of air.


MEET AND GREET

Christina & Sher

Christina!  Christina's in the lobby!  I said hi to her and gave her a big hug.  She was so happy (and probably tipsy) that she also hugged Cindy as if she knew her.  Cindy asked me if she looked like anyone that had gone on the cruise.  Well, no.  But that doesn't matter, because Christina is adorable.  She said that she hadn't seen "Malibu" with the choreography, or "Shemibos", so she was excited, too.   (For those of you paying attention this paragraph was in the previous post, and then I realized that I didn't see Christina until the following night.  So I moved it here.  Just didn't want you to think that you're crazier than you already know you are.  It's not you.  It's me).   Christina also didn't know that they were singing "Bang", and likes all of the new stuff.  She said that she's happy to be in California, and thinks it's beautiful.  She is looking forward to seeing the Golden Gate Bridge.  She also thinks there should be another cruise.  John brought her a glass of wine, which prompted Steve to bring a glass of wine to Laura.  She asked what kind it was.  He said, "I don't know, it's red!"  Ah, the wine non-connoisseurs.   

Sher & Laura

While talking to Laura, I noticed her jewelry.  APPARENTLY, Steve has good taste in jewelry, because he had given her the pieces I admired, as well as her boots and purse.  I need Steve to go shopping for me.  Actually, I just want him to buy me stuff.  Anyway, he talked about their day in Napa.  They took a tour at Castello, and saw the torture chamber, and did some wine tasting, thanks to a friend of Steve's, who took them around and got them on a private tour of a winery.  She works for Pirates Adventure as a princess, as well as for Penguin Entertainment, and for a traveling circus as an arial artist.  She's quite talented!  She also used to work on cruise ships, and loved Turkey.  She had only known Rockapella from the Folger's commercial, not from Carmen.  Steve took pictures of Laura and me.  She insisted that he take more than one because she didn't like everything that was showing.  Um, she had nothing to worry about, but OK.

Sweet Wine Lovers

Steve remembered that we were going to lunch at CIA and thought of us when they drove by.  :)   They DO listen to us!They went to 4 wineries, because Laura was on East Coast time, and was wide awake at 7 a.m.  Steve's relatives got a private tour at one of the wineries, and they had reached their 2nd or 3rd winery by noon.  At Castello, he liked the Late Harvest Gewurtztraminner and the Moscato.  Yup, we both favor sweet wine.  Laura said that she learned that the stones of the castle were actually brought in from Italy.  She got to see the peacock with his feathers out.  Cool.  She wants to go to Hong Kong.  Cindy told him that she rally likes the Sam Cooke song.  He told her that he had to sing 3 songs for the audition, which included "Tonight" and "Just My Imagination".  He was very complimentary about what Scott does for their arrangements.  He wanted to go somewhere that there was a forest, so someone suggested Muir Woods.

If El saw this, would he say, "F the Shrimp!"?

Cindy likes Scott's shrimp shirt.  I asked about his kids, and he said that he's proud of Jesse as we talked about his videos on YouTube, and said that Natalie is really girly, dressing up her dog.  KP told him that he can sing for free at St. Joseph's if he wants to come to CA.  We should control his tour schedule.  He agreed.  Maybe.  KP had a moment where she felt like she was hearing him for the first time.  "I love that sound.  It was during chocolate."  Scott said, "Yeah, I think I'm meant to sing that."  Oh, and the curtsy in "Bang" was, of course, his idea.  Aw, Tinkerbell, we love you!  

Fred & Sher have their souls stolen

Fred's knee is recovering nicely.  He talked about airline miles due to acquiring Platinum status with Delta.  When I asked to take a picture of him, I told him that I would steal his soul.  KP complimented the light guy on "Thunderball".  Fred said that Tim couldn't come due to flight issues.

Rrawrrrr!

Sher & Stage Batman

JT noticed Jenn's fur and diamonds and was so impressed that he petted the fur and said, "Nice Kitty".  Also, he smelled it. Then he fist-bumped Jenn.  He told KP that she was really enjoying herself during the concert.  He could tell because she was well-lit.  He controls the video from his utility belt.  He's like Stage Batman!  We told him about the menu at CIA, and he said that Fred doesn't eat good food.  They had In-N-Out yesterday, which he loves, and is ready for more today.  When I told him that Aura said hi, he said that he wished she could have been there.  KP told him about "Once On This Island" and he asked, "Is that about math?"  He was offended for KP that she is always stuck in the box office.  He wished us a safe drive back in a car full of cackling.

Sher & The Movie Star

I told John that he looked like a movie star because of his glasses.  He actually made an effort to drink wine, which he didn't on the cruise.  But he's in Napa.  Got to do it, man.  He asked KP how to get to Sequoia.  He doesn't realize that KP does not drive all the way up here.  While I was waiting for Scott to stop talking in order to take a picture, he told me to just grab him.  OK, but grab him where?  No, I didn't ask John that.

He sang my name!!!

When I got to George's spot at the signing table, I sang to him loudly, "You sang my name!  You want my number!" and thanked him profusely.  While we were talking later on, he kept singing to me, "I said your name!"  Pure Awesomesauce.   Geo said that the next time he sees us, he'll be a married man.  He also told Jenn to "stop blowing up my phone!"  (She kept tagging him on FB).  He said that he's blind as a bat, and needs contacts already, and will be getting transition lenses.  We talked about getting older, and he said that it is not fun.  Then he and I had a long chat about his role with Penguin Entertainment.  He sees himself as an extremely tough director, and expects the most out of his performers.  He pretended to fire me, saying, "Enjoy it, because you're never going to work for me again."  (He scared me).  He doesn't like people to get swelled heads, because they need to remember why they're there.  He's giving opportunities to them that they don't even know about.  Penguin Ent gave him a watch for Christmas, and wishes for the next time that it be a gold Rolex. You got to treat Geo right, PE! He also told me about some caucasian woman at MLK Day where they did a Motown concert, and he played Barry White, and she was rocking out.  I want to see Geo play Barry White!     I asked him about his gig reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for President Obama's appearance at WDW.  He said that when he was asked to do the pledge, he heard what time he'd need to appear, and said no.  Then they told him that it was for Obama, and he said, "OK!"  On that day, he was too nervous to look at anybody.  He walked up, said the pledge and left the stage, so he didn't actually meet the President.  Well, that was a lovely conversation with George.  I feel honored that he felt comfortable to talk to me for so long like that.


After we said our goodbyes to the Pella, we went to In-N-Out at the drive-thru. As always, I was on a major Rockapella high, and told the In-N-Out guy about the concert, and that I hadn't had a drink in at least 12 hours.  I don't know why my friends thought that wasn't impressive.  I mean, I'm in Napa, I'm happy, and I'm NOT drunk?  What's that about?  The guy was amused, though, I think, and I told him to ask the people in the car behind me about the concert.  (No, not strangers.  The other part of the Posse).  We took our food to KP's room (except for Jenn, whom wasn't feeling well), and debriefed as we enjoyed our burgers.  

Cindy, Sher & Bananaman in hotel courtyard

Waffle Time!

The next day, we enjoyed our last waffles of the trip, and took some pictures around our little hotel before leaving.  While the others went back to St. Helena to do the stuff they had missed while in food comas, Cindy and I shopped at Historic Napa Mill, and I bought crystal-like earrings that look like a bunch of grapes.  You know what else they have over there?  La Pelle Skin Spa.  PELLE!  I need to check that place out sometime.  

Bananaman & The Bear

We all met up at Black Bear Diner, where I took many pictures of Bananaman with the wooden bears.  Wendy had kindly bought the lavender sugar scrub for me at St. Helena Olive Oil Company's bath shop.  Thanks, Wendy!

 Then we made our way back to SMF to see Spider Bunny before taking our flights home.

Does whatever a SpiderBunny does

What a great weekend that was!  Thank you, PellaPosse, for the wonderful time!  Thank you, Rockapella for all of the musical and personal goodness.  I'm in serious withdrawal as I write this, so look for a couple of extra Rockapella-related things on this blog until I get to write another Rockapella Trip report.  

The Pella Posse at the Facts of Life house

Bossy and Her Posse

Rockapella in Napa Day 1

Napa Valley Opera House -- Napa, CA

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Buddies

Glenn and Cindy picked me up in the morning, and Glenn dropped off the 2 of us gals at the airport.  This was a much more relaxed feeling than the trip to NJ, mainly because I was on time, and my traveling companions didn't have to freak out about boarding the plane without me.  Cindy and I had an empty seat between us, so we amused ourselves by taking pictures of Bananaman and Monkey.  Yes, Bananaman came along, because it was still January!  Aren't they the cutest?  Especially with Monkey eating other snacks in order to keep him from munching on the B-Man.

When we arrived in Sacramento, I was all confused.  Normally, I know exactly what to do at SMF, because I fly there so frequently, both for business and pleasure.  But Southwest flights are now at the pretty new terminal, and I had no idea what I was doing.  I didn't even know how to meet up with Jenn.  It was weird.  Jenn arrived not long after we did (she flew from BUR, and we came from ONT), so we waited for her at the pink art thing.  

Waiting for Jenn

We took the train to the main part of the terminal, then took the shuttle to the rental cars, which were still in the location as before.  The Hertz guy, whom was very nice, but I can't recall his name and it is not on my rental paperwork, told us how to complete the form regarding any damages to the car prior to leaving the lot.  I marked down a ding or two, and Cindy, Jenn and I got into the car. (KP, Wendy and Jeff were in a different car).  As I backed out of the space, I didn't see where I should put the paper regarding the car damage.  Jenn volunteered to ask the guy at the guard shack about it, and on her way back, she got hit on the head by the security arm thing.  Once we figured out that she was OK and not seeing stars, we all laughed as she pointed out that I was supposed to use the box on the pole where the car had been parked.  All of Jenn's more-than-usual wackiness for the rest of the weekend was blamed on that security arm.  

I had forgotten my sunglasses, so we stopped at a Wal-Mart while waiting for the other car to catch up to us (they had gone a different way and turned around).  While we were in the store, we decided to get a connector so that we could all listen to my iPod in the car.  The lady tried to get us to buy this whole expensive kit thing, but what we actually needed was only $4, so that was awesome.  I also got some $10 sunglasses, which is about what I normally spend anyway. We also got our water for the trip.  The only thing we didn't find was Cindy's portable flat shoes.

We arrived in Napa and went to the Visitor's Center that my co-worker had told me about.  APPARENTLY, the others had gone to the other Visitor's Center over by Kohl's, but this one was the better one, so we waited for them.  We got some discounts to a couple of wineries, as well as some brochures and such for future trips.  The others finally caught up to us, then we all went to Gott's Roadside for some yumminess.  I had a tuna melt, which was one of the specials of the day (it wasn't the same as the one on the regular menu).  I also had a vanilla bean shake, which was more yummy goodness.  We were all quite happy with the food we ordered.  We then went to Sift to obtain even more calories, and saw that there was a long line outside our cupcake store.  Turns out that it was just a bunch of people blocking the entrance.  They didn't have the cupcake that I wanted (the Battle Royale, which won Cupcake Wars), so I ordered a Stud Muffin.  Yeah, that was weird: "I'd like a Stud Muffin and a Peanut Butter Ripple."  I mean, yeah, I also want the real kind of Stud Muffin, but I'd be seeing my favorite ones that night!  

We then went to the hotel for check-in and unpacked our bags.  I love our little place.  Even the doorknobs on the closet are cute!  Jenn, Cindy and I wanted to get to a winery before they all closed, so we went to a nearby one called  Trefethen Family Vineyards.  Jenn and I decided to do the Estate Tasting.  My favorite out of the 4 we tasted was the 2010 Dry Reisling.  I didn't buy any wine, but Jenn did buy a split of one of them.  Cindy, meanwhile, shopped around.  We noticed that there were little hooks on the side of the bar, for purses to hang.  However, the lady beside us was getting tipsy, and left her purse hanging near us.  People are so trusting in Napa.  We then checked out the little courtyard outside, where they had a table made out of one of the barrels.  I thought that was clever.  They also had a Cork Oak tree, out of which wine corks are made, and they even demonstrated by showing a carving of corks in the tree itself.

Jenn and Cindy at Trefethen

Barrel Table

Cork Oak

The other wineries had closed by the time we left, so we drove back to the hotel to rest and have tea and cookies before getting dressed for the show.  I was wearing toeless boots, and KP was highly amused by my trying to dry my toes by blowing on them while still sitting upright.  Yeah, I was still a little bit tipsy, because we hadn't eaten any dinner.  It wore off before the show, though.  It was cold outside, but you know me, that won't stop me from wearing my cute shoes.

We drove to the Napa Valley Opera House.  I followed Jeff, whom proceeded to drive to the top of the structure.  Then he realized that the elevator was broken.  Thanks, Jeff, from all of us wearing heels.  We do so enjoy risking breaking our necks down a dark stairway. ;)  We stood around for a bit in the lobby before going into the theatre, but didn't see our friends.  It turns out that Nick and Mikayla were already inside, so we exchanged greetings and sat down.  KP, Jenn and I were in the front row with Bananaman, and Cindy was behind us.  Wendy and Jeff were in the house left section, in the second row on the aisle.  The infamous "SONOFABITCH!" seat.  Well, let's see how that goes tonight.  KP spied Fred, and we were ready to roll.  

But Rockapella was not.  About 5 minutes after 8, announcer Peter Williams, the director of the Opera House, introduced himself and vamped for awhile.  I just figured that they were looking for the other 4 waters, because there was only one bottle on the stage.  They were finally ready, and we screamed and noted that they were opening with a new song.

Dragging the Line

Yay!  A new song!  I hadn't even heard from previous concert goers that this would happen, so it was quite a nice surprise.  I got smiles from Steve and Geo.  Steve was on lead, then George took over.  Got a nice smile from Scott, too.  :)

Scott then introduced the band and called himself "The Most Happy Fella".

4U4Now4Life

Scott sang the line "Why you here?" to Wendy.  He later exaggerated his head bob, and appeared to hurt his neck.  

Scott said "we were in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last night and our voices are frozen.  One of our guys forgot his shirt...at the hotel, not in the car.  We just drive around in a van.  I don't remember anything about dark socks, though.  Jeff went all the way back to the hotel and forgot his socks."  Aha, so that's why they were late!  Although, I'm sure that my Posse and I would not have minded if JT had just left his shirt at the hotel. :)

Nuthin But

Geo did his "Bangkok Heat" gesture right to me. :)  John's second "paradise", where his adlibbed notes go up the scale: NICE.  

Steve said, "we like coming back to see you again", and he was looking at me.  Yes, yes he was.  :)  

Got To Get You Into My Life

Steve looked at Jenn when he sang, "I want to hold your hand", and she whispered to me, "Did I just get love?"  Yes, honey, you did.  Now move aside.  

Just My Imagination/Imagine

Cindy hadn't seen them perform this one before.  I smiled at her afterward, as she nodded her approval.  I love that piece.

Hard Time

I enjoyed that low note of Geo's. 

Scott said that this is one of the few places where Steve was making his second performance.  

Cupid

There are to many people here that like to sing along.  I did not come here to listen to you folks!

Scott said, "We'll share both of these with you tonight, with a lot of filler in between."  I think that he was talking about songs.  I don't remember, because I've taken too much time to write this, as usual.

California Sad-Eyed Girl

Steve messed up the words a little bit.  I was mostly worried that Cindy would be inconsolable because it wasn't Kevin singing the song, but she was OK.

Scott talked about Geo rising above the whole "dip dip boom" bass line thing, and someone in the audience yelled out, "SEXY!"  This prompted JT to respond with, "Oh, California", like we were all just nuts.  JKB likes to call Scott "Jingle Legs Jones". 

Paper Doll

Geo and JT were clearly having fun with that song, even more than usual, and JT smiled at KP.

Rock The Boat

Geo had us do an extra "Do The Hustle", I think.  Steve sang to me.  Scott called his dance "The Napa".  Geo looked at me as he said, "I like hot butter on my breakfast toast."  I melted just like that dang butter.  I realized that it was the first time I'd heard that song since the Rockapella Cruise, which was almost a year ago to the day.  (We were on the boat a year ago today, but the last I heard this song was on January 25, 2011).

--INTERMISSION--

I like hearing people rave about Rockapella while I'm in the bathroom during intermission.  Saw Robin and said hi.  KP thinks that Scott looks like the Tin Man in his silver suit.

Malibu Grand Prix

Ooh!  They have choreography now!  And it's quite active!  And they have a checkered flag on the video!  Scott did a little curtsy during "She's the queen".  He is such a goofball!

Thunderball

Bang

Scott messed up the verse, APPARENTLY.  I didn't notice, but KP did.  I think I didn't notice because of this note that I wrote down: "And now I can't stop looking at his pants."  Typical.

Commercials

While Scott was talking between their different commercial jingles, someone yelled out, "COFFEEEE!"  Scott responded with, "As hard as this for all of us, this is not the interactive part of the show.  So, if you have something to say, just text us.  No?  SECURITY!"  I love him.  During the first Almond Joy jingle, JT shook his hips and showed his socks.  Geo directed his "Yummy milk chocolate" to me.  Steve rubbed his butt during the Preparation H commercial, and my reaction was, "OH. MY. GOD."  I'm pretty sure I sighed, too.  After the Dr. Pepper jingle, Scott informed us that "that was our favorite song!"

JKB informed us that he worked at WDW for 8 years, and part of that was at the American Idol Experience attraction.  One of the people that sang was Scotty McCreery, whom actually won the 10th season of the real American Idol. I don't know how this led to John telling us that his own favorite style of music is Motown.  He then tried to get us to echo his singing, and when he did a particularly intricate run and got a good response, he said, "You did not just do that!"

My Girl

Instead of going to the seats in front, JKB went to the back of the house.  Wendy and I exchanged irritated but laughable looks, mouthing "SONOFABITCH!".  John gave a shout out to the guys on stage, saying that they looked great.  Steve responded by showing his backside.  John chose Chelsea to join them on stage.  He told her to breathe, but she didn't.  She is from Vegas, and was in Napa for her anniversary, 10 years with her boyfriend.  Scott said, "In Jackson Hole, at the end of this song, the girl's boyfriend proposed to her.  Should we be expecting that Mr. Boyfriend? (no) I'll just drop that, then."  John clicked his tongue, as a "tsk tsk" to the boyfriend.  Scott asked Chelsea if she wanted to sing with them.  She declined, saying, "I'm not a good singer.  They might leave."

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

George told a story, not his usual one.  "So, we got to the airport (in Wyoming), and Scott said in a low voice, 'I just want you to know that you are the only brother in this airport.'  So I look around and I get a little nervous.  He got through security, then I go through and the alarm goes off.  I've got no belt on, I put my chapstick in the bin.  Security says, 'Can I look in your bag?' and I say, 'Yes, all I got there is a little toothbrush.'  Security says, 'Sir, we're going to shake you down because it seems you have some explosive material.' So I take my clothes off (many whistles in the audience), he says 'I'm going to pat you down top to bottom.'  I finally get out and go to Delta, get on the plane and I'm looking around in First Class, saying 'Excuse me sir, you're in my seat.'  The flight attendant says, 'Sir, you're on the wrong plane.' Now I just had on some old tennis shoes.  I'm slipping and sliding, and get to the other plane, and it's United.  I'm on the wrong plane again!  Then I get back to Delta, and Steve says, 'Yeah, we saw you on the tarmac cruising around.' I didn't get his text until later because my battery was dead."  He was cracking himself up throughout the story, and interrupted himself by saying to us, "I know this is long but I have to tell you this."

APPARENTLY, in Wyoming, they don't check your plane ticket until you're actually on board, and then they let people just run around the tarmac.

Then Geo talked about being in Philly, where it was also cold, and he learned how to sing like a woman.  Later, though, he learned how to sing songs like this: Old Man River.  "Then when I first joined Rockapella, I asked myself, 'Man, are you going to be able to handle this?'  And I said, 'I got this.'  He said that he was happy to be back in California, seeing happy couples like Jeff and Wendy, and Nick over there, who writes our Wikipedia, so get all this in there, ok?"  

My posse is famous!!!

Babygirl

George sang a "Babygirl" to me!!!  

Shemibos

AHHH!  I screamed with delight when I figured out that they were doing this song, which I hadn't seen live yet.  Ooh, I just wiggled in my seat.  This somehow segued into...

Zombie Jamboree

That segue was cool!  Steve said during the break in the song, "Scott, Scott, please stop."  Scott asked what was wrong.  Steve said, "Too much winery."

Carmen

JT was impressed with the crowd keeping the beat with him, even during the accelerando.

I mouthed "HI" to Scott during the standing ovation, and he mouthed "HI" back.  I'm such a dork, but I love that!

ENCORE

Papa Was A Rolling Stone

Up On The Roof/Wonderful World

George sang "Take it slow" to me.  Okay, Baby!  ;)

Steve waved at me as they left the stage.  

MEET AND GREET

I had my Christmas CD for the guys to sign, and reintroduced Bananaman to them, in case they forgot who he was.

Scott: "Every girl should have a Bananaman."  I told him that he was such a goofball on stage that night.  I asked what kind of wine he was drinking, but he didn't know.  "I just asked for white."

Jeff and Wendy were talking to the guys and trying to figure out the original artist.
They all figured out that it was Tommy James and the Shondelles.

George was complaining that JKB threw him off during one of the songs (Papa), and JKB said, "You can't have the same show every night.  You need to change it up once in a while."  A true performer, that John.  I told him that we would be going to Castello in the morning.  He seemed interested in doing that, too.  Since this was his wife Christina's first time in California, she was excited about everything, so he was looking forward to taking her around some more the next day.

Steve acknowledged that he messed up the words during CA Sad-Eyed Girl.  I asked him what he would be doing the next day, and he said that it would be a surprise.  He reiterated this in front of his girlfriend, Laura, and she was intrigued because he said it would be out of the ordinary.  He later confessed, though, that they would be doing wineries, nothing that different.  He introduced us to Laura, whom is very nice and friendly.  I told her that Wendy and I were the ones that made the cape.  Steve said, "I should have brought the cape!  I'll bring it out here next time, and use it during Malibu."  That would be hilarious.  I was happy later when Steve called out Jenn's name during the pictures, and I said, "You know Jenn's name!"  He said, "Of course I do!"  Aw, sweet.  He was also sweet to Laura and got some wine for her.

I thanked George for all of the stage love.  He said that he's so happy to see us that he needs to do a little something extra.  I asked, "Why were you the only brother in the airport?  Where was John?"  JT said, "locked safe away in the plane".  George and Sandra will be getting married in the Dominican Republic (it already happened as of this posting, in March), because Sandra wanted to move up the date.  Then he said something about his brother going without his girlfriend.  Uh-oh.  I said that his engagement ring should be enough to keep Sandra happy until the wedding, and he told Nick about the ring fending off other girls.  Someone had walked up to George, looked at his ring, sighed, and walked away.  He loves Sandra so much that I doubt she has anything to worry about.

Sher and the Pella

As we waited to take pictures, I snagged the opportunity after my own was done, and yelled out, "POSSE!!!" to get everyone to join in the group picture.  JT called me "The Bossy One".  I glared at him.  So he added, "but in a nice way."  After our picture was taken, he yelled out at me as I walked away, "I see your tattoo!"  Why are you looking through my sheer blouse, JT?  I actually hadn't realized that you could see it.  Later, JT walked into the door jamb.  I think that he was thinking about my tattoo.  ;)

All of Us

Fred said that their hotel was 9 miles away, and not in Napa. Well, that explains why they were late from retrieving JT's shirt.  

I boldly asked Steve to take a picture of the Posse.  Just the Posse.  No Pella.  My friends giggled that I actually did so.

Bossy and Her Posse

As they were getting ready to leave, I asked Geo, "Who's driving home?" as I eyed his wine glass.  He said, "Scott.  It's just one glass of wine.  I'm gonna go down this before I get in the car."  I so love seeing them in Napa.

Afterward, the Posse tried to go next door at Downtown Joe's for food, but the only seating they had was outside, and we didn't like the atmosphere.  Napa gangsters, and all of that.  OK, not really.  So we ended up at Denny's.

Jenn and I were still hyped afterward, so I didn't get to sleep until 2 am.  More Napa happiness to come!!!

A Coal Miner's Daughter

I had some time before rehearsal the other day after work, so I went to the Arclight in Sherman Oaks for "The Hunger Games".  I had heard a lot of hype about it while it was being made, but I didn't really want to see the movie until I saw the trailer.  Then I knew I needed to see this thing.

• I would like a Mockingjay pin, please.  I would also like to learn archery (Pixar's upcoming "Brave" is probably going to enhance that wish more later this year).
• Loved the flaming dress.  I'd say that I want one of those, but I think that would be a little dangerous, even if the fire wasn't real.
• Jennifer Lawrence continues to impress me.  I had first noticed her in "Winter's Bone", for which she received an Oscar nomination.  I love her portrayal of Katniss.
• I really liked Seneca's facial hair.  I saw that there were many, many people credited for hairstyling on this film, and they did a superb job with all of the different strange styles.
• I'm torn right now between Team Peeta and Team Gale.  I guess I'll need to see the sequels to decide on that.  
• Lenny Kravitz.  Hummina.  Perhaps I'm Team Cinna instead.  I mean, I was so envious of Katniss when he kissed her on the cheek!  Sigh.
• Elizabeth Banks and Stanley Tucci were also great in their roles, and, of course, so was Donald Sutherland.  What a great cast!  Oh, and Woody Harrelson!  Loved him.
• I was quite tense during much of this movie.  When I wasn't tense, I was likely crying over something.  The scene with Katniss placing the flowers around Rue just had me bawling.
• Those are some mean creatures (and mean circumstances) that they make in that competition world.
• That whole concept of the Districts having to pay for their forefathers' uprising upsets me, as I"m sure it does many.  I really hope this all gets resolved by the end of the trilogy.

Great movie.  I can't wait until the next one.  Perhaps I'll read all of the books by then.  Until that time, though, may the odds be ever in your favor.

BTW, I'm in District 5: Power.  What district are you from?

How Could Anyone Not Like Him?

Jerry Seinfeld Live

Pantages Theatre -- Los Angeles, CA

Friday, March 16, 2012

7:00 pm

Back in 2010, I saw Jerry Seinfeld perform at the Saban Theatre.  On that night, my friend June had taken ill, so she was unable to go with me, and I took Liz instead.  This time around, June was able to go with me.  June and I often quote "Seinfeld" to each other, so I was glad that she could finally join me to see my favorite comedian.  The show was originally slated for only 2 performances on Saturday night, but the tickets sold out quickly, and 2 more shows were added.  We got tickets to the earlier show.

I picked up June at her place after I got home from Arizona.  We were both hungry, and the pub next door to the theatre had a long wait, so we checked out Delphine, across the street.  We didn't have a reservation, but they were able to fit us in, and got us out in time for the show, so they get extra bonus points and tip (or commission, as they called it) for that.  The Delphine is part of the W hotel, so the restrooms are actually in the hotel lobby, which was fine, since it's such a nice establishment.  My food (scallops with crispy artichoke, watermelon radish and truffles) was wonderful, albeit a bit pricey ($31).  

We made it into the theatre with several minutes to spare. Our seats were in row WW, in the orchestra section on the right side.  Mario Joyner was the opening act, and he was very funny, making fun of all of the people arriving late, and talking about living in Santa Monica, the "haven for interracial couples and homeless people....so if you're an interracial homeless couple, you've got it made.  Oh, and in Santa Monica, they're not called homeless.  They're called mortgage-deficient."

Seinfeld was met with thundering applause, and I'll try my best to remember some of his lines this time around.

• Life is just what happens between the times that you've found your next seat.
• I can't believe you're taking this way, driving that fast, wearing that shirt.
• We were not properly prepared for the invention of the Pop-Tart.
• We don't drink coffee.  We "have" coffee.
• It's not enough that we hung the poor innocent creature, but let's hit it with a bat and then eat whatever comes out of him and falls on the ground.  Then we'll take his brother, put him up on the wall, and stick pins in him with his own tail.
• All you really want is a juiced-up, hard rectangle in your pants.
• A deathbed?  Why would anyone want to buy anything called that?
• 69?  This is the number they came up with?  Are you telling me that nobody at the phone company went to junior high school?...I can't wait to see what you come up with for 3-way calling.
• I didn't know that being in a marriage is the same as being in a musical.
• Men really want to make their wives happy.  They do.  They just can't.  Marriage is like being on a game show every day, and you're playing in the lightning round.  "I'll take 'Movies' for $200."  My wife, the returning champion, says, "I'll take '15-minute conversations that took place 5 years ago in which you probably said something wrong' for $1000, Alex."

He received a standing ovation, and took a few questions from the audience.  I liked when they asked if his mom lives in Florida.  He said yes, he bought her a car, which has a cataract windshield: it's 10 inches thick, and when you look into it, everybody's heads are huge.  

To quote Seinfeld's TV mom: "How could anyone not like him?"

Hilarious.

There Is Nothing Like a Broadway-Belting Dame

An Evening With Bernadette Peters

Valley Performing Arts Center -- Great Hall

Saturday, March 3, 2012

I joined several of my co-workers at the new Val-PAC at CSUN to see Bernadette Peters in a sold-out performance.  She actually had scheduled a show last season, but it was canceled, so I'm glad that she was able to return.  Our seats were in the upper balcony, in the box seats on the audience left.  Our seats were situated one in back of the other, so we weren't really sitting side-by-side unless the chairs were swiveled that way.  There was some glass above the side of some of the boxes, but not all.  I didn't have any glass right next to me, so I could look over the side, which was kind of a mistake, due to my fear of heights.  Woozy!  Unfortunately, the program did not have the song selections, and I'm writing this 2 weeks later, so I don't remember everything that she sang.

• Ms. Peters was wearing a beautiful shimmering lavender gown, which showed off the fact that she's still got a great figure.  Work it, Girl!
• At the beginning of the show, she said, "Hmm, what should we talk about?  How about the real estate market? I'm selling my house."  Then, throughout the show, she gave specifics about her home in Miami, like how many bedrooms it has and the fact that it has a swimming pool.
• She had just finished up a return to "Follies" on Broadway, and did a couple of songs from that show, including "Losing My Mind".  Her acting chops are obvious during this song, as she was wiping tears away, fully embracing her Sally character.
• I love when she sings Sondheim songs.  Thankfully, she sang a lot of them, though not all of the ones that are on her "Sondheim, Etc. -- Live at Carnegie Hall" CD that I love.  I don't know why, but I can't find my CD.  I have the jewel case, but no CD in it.  That annoys the heck out of me because I really want to listen to it.  Perhaps I should just buy it again.  I would have done so if she had it for sale at the show, but that didn't happen.
• ANYWAY, now that my lost CD rant is over, the songs that she did sing from that Carnegie Hall show were "Broadway Baby", "No One Is Alone", "Some People", "You Could Drive a Person Crazy", "Not A Day Goes By", and "Being Alive".  All awesome.  I do wish that she would have sung "Johanna", but I can't have everything.
• She also sang some selections by Rodgers and Hammerstein, my favorite of which was "There is Nothing Like A Dame", mainly because it's such a different take to have a woman sing what is traditionally sung by a bunch of lonely men in "South Pacific".  I also liked that she was singing the song to certain men in the audience.
• Ms. Peters showed her slinky sexy side most of all on "Fever", as she sung while laying on her side on top of the grand piano.
• The drummer is Cubby from the Mickey Mouse Club!  
• She included a song that she wrote (a lullaby)  in dedication to her dog, and proceeds of her CD and book sales (she wrote a couple of children's books) went to her favorite animal charity, Broadway Barks.
• She also sang, "Oh, Shenandoah" and "When You Wish Upon A Star", which were lovely, but I'd rather hear her sing Broadway songs because she emotes so well.

That was a fantastic concert, and I'm glad that I was able to see it.  Oh, if only she would sing something as Rita from "Animaniacs", I'd be in heaven.  :)

DLR LotD 03/11/12

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Sunday, March 11, 2012


"Just let me know if you want something to eat." -- Team Captain Jenn, multiple times during MouseAdventure: Card Games

Full of Grace

It's been a difficult week or so for some of my loved ones.  My best friend's mom passed away last week after an 18-month battle with lung cancer, and her funeral took place today.  


Like in all families in my culture, anyone that is the age of my parents is an Auntie or Uncle, depending on their gender, of course, and it didn't matter if you remembered them or not.  But with Auntie Nancy, it was different for me and Bro.  Auntie Nancy and Uncle Romy were my parents' friends since the time that they moved here from the Philippines, back in the early 1970s.   When I met them, I was 6 years old, and their daughter, Michelle, was 2.  So I had nothing in common with her.  Whatever, they were friends with my parents, and we had gatherings every month or so, thanks to Jenn's parents, who had introduced our families to each other.  


Time went by, and eventually, Michelle's family and my family grew closer as we would take camping trips with other families.  Our 2 families had the same interest of venturing out farther than the California border, and Michelle's family eventually bought a motor home in which to travel in style.  I remember the excitement we shared when Uncle Romy showed it to our family, and made plans to eventually get a boat.  That boat thing never actually happened, but we were happy nonetheless.  Before the motor home, we shared a huge tent, and sometimes Mich and I would just share a pup tent so we could giggle all night.  With the motor home, we had to giggle a little bit quieter, but were always the last to go to sleep after watching the campfire and giggling outside.


We didn't just hang out in the summer: we saw each other on many weekends just to spend time together, and we also shared the big holidays together. Since we were spending so much time with Michelle's family, it was inevitable that Michelle and I would grow closer.  We were both boy crazy and talked about our crushes and boyfriends and shared our heartaches with each other.  We became best friends, and I have Auntie Nancy and my mom to thank for forcing us to spend time together.   Oh, yes, of course, and our dads, who just loved driving to all of the different national parks and entertaining us with their corny jokes.  Our families were bonded for life.


Then things happened and a divorce got in the way, but Michelle and I remained close, as did Auntie Nancy, Janice (Mich's sis), and my family.  Bro stayed with them for part of the time that he was doing an apprenticeship in Temecula.  I stayed over several times, and remember being there on the morning of the Northridge earthquake, shaking away and trying to find door jambs.  Auntie Nancy always opened her house for everyone to stay, no matter how crowded the bedrooms became.


Yes, our families had quite the history together.  When my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer, she wanted it kept quiet, but I was too distraught and confided in Michelle.  Their family supported us all the way until her remission.  Then Auntie Nancy was diagnosed, and her disease was far more advanced than my mom's had been when it was discovered.  The prognosis wasn't good, but Auntie Nancy fought with all of her might up until the very end.  When I thought about her the night that she passed, I wept when I thought of how unfair it was that my best friend does not get to have her mom around anymore, due to the same disease that my own mom survived.  I am truly blessed that my mom's cancer was caught at a very early stage and could be treated.  I pray that she stays cancer-free.  But Michelle doesn't get to go to her mom for advice about her kids, and she doesn't get to hear her mom call her for dinner anymore.  My heart breaks for her.


Auntie Nancy had a wonderful soul.  Living up to her name, which, in Hebrew, means "full of grace",  she was always gentle and smiling, even when she was scolding us kids for doing whatever foolish thing we did.  When I would talk with her, I always felt like she was on my side, even though maybe she was actually sympathizing with my mom instead.  It was just that sweet smile of hers (but don't worry, Mich, I never told her our secrets). She left behind two beautiful daughters, and 2 grandchildren.  She lived a full life, full of friends and happiness and wonderful memories.


I told Michelle last night that one of my favorite memories of her mom is this: whenever we went on one of our trips, there would come a point when it was time to eat a snack.  Auntie Nancy would take out the Tupperware, open it, and offer us her delicious mamon cupcakes.  They were tasty and just sweet enough (no icing or anything: just cake) to satisfy a sweet craving.  Whenever I see mamon, I think of Auntie Nancy and our camping trips.


The picture below was taken in 1986, at Zion National Park.  Auntie Nancy is in the pink tank top, and for some reason, I joined in their family picture.  I guess printed bermuda shorts were the style those days!  That was a memorable trip for us, as Mich and I had to deal with being homesick because we missed our boyfriends.  Thank goodness our parents knew better than us and took us to see Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Devil's Tower, Mount Rushmore, and the Grand Canyon with the Yabut family.  That was a fantastic trip.  It is due to this trip that Bryce Canyon is one of my favorite places in the world, mainly because of the wonderful memories of that summer.

Sher and the Vidals -- July 20, 1986

Thank you, Auntie Nancy, for your gentle spirit.  Thank you for all of the memories of camping and karaoke and all of the laughter we shared.  But most of all, thank you for giving birth to my very best friend.  I'll miss you dearly.

Voice Battles s2r1

No, I won't be blogging about every episode of NBC's "The Voice".  First of all, if I started now, I'd have a lot of catching up to do.  Secondly, this ain't a cappella.


I just wanted to post these 2 videos for posterity, because I was very impressed by both of these battles.


First, Cheesa vs. Angie, in "Total Eclipse of the Heart".



Then came Jesse vs. Anthony, in "If I Ain't Got You".  I wish these 2 would be released as singles, and not just available by the winning artist.





I'm glad that I didn't have to choose in these battles.  Wow.

DLR LotD 03/04/12

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Sunday, March 4, 2012


"Isn't that the name of one of those new buddy cop shows?" -- Mox, in Downtown Disney, regarding Yak Butter and Milk Fish

When My Favorite Bands Collide

Fellow Pella fan and NKOTB fan Aura shared this video with me, and I giggled a LOT.


O. M. G.


In case y'all didn't know, CSL4 fronted a rock band at Tokyo Disneyland before he joined Rockapella. Since that was in the late '80s, one of the popular bands at the time was New Kids on the Block.  You know that cover bands in theme parks play popular songs, right?  Well, here is the rock band Horizon, singing some '80s hits in Tokyo DIsneyland.





Yup, there you are, CSL4 at about 4:35, rocking out as a New Kid.  I love his hair! The fashion cracks me up, too.


I especially love that he did the moves from the NKOTB video.  


Thank you for sharing, Aura!

DLR LotD One More Disney Day

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One More Disney Day Edition - 2012


Wednesday, February 29, 2012
"I'm a snow cone.  You could lick the back of my head." -- Cindy, at the esplanade between DCA and DL


Thursday, March 1, 2012
"Should be at home." -- Sherry, several times, while pointing at various children in Disneyland

High-Kickin' It

I know, I know.  Here I am, writing about an a cappella group, and it's not Rockapella, and I still haven't written about Napa.  That will come in due time.


Last night, I saw Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rrrrrancho Cucamonga.  If you're not familiar with the Spike Lee documentary "Do It A Cappella", you may have heard them on Paul Simon's "Graceland" CD.  I haven't seen them perform live before.


LBM is a South Afircan group founded by Joseph Shabalala back in 1960.  He's still the leader of the group, and can still do a few high kicks! Amazing.


I don't know most of the song titles, so I won't be doing a set list for this show.  

•   I like the soothing tone of their voices.
•   I loved seeing the dancing and the kick lines.  They kick high!  I would have fallen down trying to do those moves.
• Two guys in the front row (I was in the 2nd row) were obviously big fans, and were encouraging the guys to kick higher.  Later on, when Joseph Shabalala was pointing to people in the audience to join them on stage, these two guys went up there and danced, too.  They couldn't kick as high as the guys in LBM, but I applauded their efforts.  Two other men joined them on stage and tried to do the kicks, too.  That whole part was funny.
• They were promoting their Grammy-nominated CD, "Songs from a Zulu Farm", so we got to hear songs about a rooster, a duck, and a bad donkey, among others.  I bought that CD.  
• The only song that I was familiar with during the show was "Homeless", which they had sung on the "Graceland" CD.
• For their encore, they asked us to sing along if we knew the song.  It ended up being "Old Macdonald had a farm."  
• I really liked the shirts that they wore after intermission, because they had different animals on the lower portion, as well as on the back, covering their butt.  I was amused by the lion butts.
• Joseph's youngest son, Thamsanqa, seems to be the one that's being groomed to take over the leadership of the group.  He's cute!  I liked how he smacked his own butt when he danced at one point.  
• One of the guys kept acting like he was in pain from all of the moves, but he did end up doing some high kicks later on.  He signed my CD.
• i wish I knew all the guys names, so that I could write down the names of the 2 guys that signed my CD.  At this moment, you can see the picture on their home page.  The 2 guys that signed were the guy on the right of the top row, and the 2nd guy from the right in the bottom row.

I was able to go out for dessert at The Cheesecake Factory with Jeff and Wendy, who had volunteered at the theatre that night.  None of us actually had cheesecake.  But the Godiva Chocolate Brownie Sundae was quite yummy.  Thanks for the company, J&W!

Quelle heure est-il?

I was going to see "Midnight in Paris" in the theater, but just figured I might as well rent the DVD from Redbox on this one, too, since it would be cheaper and the viewing time would be much more flexible.

• I haven't seen a lot of Woody Allen movies, so I didn't really have any preconceived notions about seeing this film, which is a good thing.  At first, I didn't get it, then the clock struck 12, and I said aloud, "Ohhh."
• Well, of course Owen Wilson plays a screenwriter. It's a Woody Allen movie!  I do know that he likes to write about writers.
• "I see...a rhinoceros."  I heart Adrien Brody.
• I loved the scenery.  I want to go to Paris and walk in the rain at night.
• Oh, dude, I was annoyed by the annoying Paul practically immediately.  I don't know how any of the characters could stand to listen to him at all.  I know he was written to be that way, and I'm glad that I don't have to hang out with anyone like that.  I usually like Michael Sheen, so this is some good acting (and makeup) where I didn't even recognize him.
• I liked hearing the Cole Porter tunes integrated in the score.
• I don't know much about art history or literature, really, but I smiled whenever I figure out who each famous person was. The other ones just flew over my head.
• Kathy Bates as Gertrude Stein: awesome.
• Totally loved Corey Stoll as Hemingway.  Spot on how I thought Hemingway actually acted.
• "What is it with this city?  I need to write a letter to the Chamber of Commerce."

I enjoyed this movie (pssst....it involves time travel, how could I not?).  It also has Salvador Dali being surreal.  I would totally see this again, probably several times.

All nine of the Oscar Best Picture nominees have been viewed.  I'm looking forward to the ceremony.

Winning By The Numbers

Part 2 of Brad Pitt day:  "Moneyball".

• I think that I like baseball movies more than I actually like baseball.
• I was worried that I'd have to think too much about math when Pete started talking, but they didn't go into too much detail. I can do math, I just didn't want the movie to be all about it.
• I liked the relationship between Billy and his daughter, especially the scene in the music store.
• Brad Pitt, why must you still look good as you age so beautifully?  Sigh.
• Interesting story on the DVD about Stephen Bishop actually being a baseball player and idolizing David Justice, whom he portrayed in the movie.
• I think it's weird to have a meeting with people sitting behind you while you're looking at the guy holding the meeting.  It felt to me like it was rude for Billy to have his back to the rest of the Indians' scouting staff. But I guess that's a power thing.
• I didn't realize that was Phillip Seymour Hoffman at first, maybe because of the lack of hair.
• I like how Billy strategized with the players once he had their respect. That's when I thought he finally looked like a true leader.
• "How can you not get romantic about baseball?"
• "I hate losing even more than I want to win."

Enjoyable movie, especially if you like strategic stuff, or baseball, or Brad Pitt, or all of the above.

Family Tree

Still on the Redbox vibe, and today is Brad Pitt day.  First up: "The Tree of Life".

• I was one of the people who really wasn't interested in seeing this movie, and really only picked it up because it's nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.  At the beginning of the movie, it was heavy on images of non-people.  Then I finally understood that Malick was trying to show Creation after the questioning of whether or not God was there.
• The "Lacrymosa" portion was way too long for me, probably because I felt sorry for the Soprano having to sing so dang high.  This almost had me turning off the movie, thinking it was all going to be like it, but I'm glad I didn't.
• Really glad.  I was bawling toward the end.
• Yes, it's weird that Sean Penn plays Brad Pitt's grown-up son.  I couldn't figure out which son he was supposed to be playing until the very end, but I guess that's what was supposed to happen.  
• I don't understand why Penn was the only one at the current age during that last portion.  Was it because we were seeing it from his point of view, and he'll always see his family at that particular time of his life?  I don't know.  
• Boys are mean to frogs.
• Why, at the beginning, were the insides of Pitt's and Chastain's mouths so black?  It looked lke they had rotted out teeth.
• Whoa.  That butterfly was real?  Awesome.
• Aside from "Lacrymosa", I enjoyed all of the classical music that Alexandre Desplat used.  
• "I didn't know how to name You then.  But I see it was You.  Always You were calling me."

This movie isn't for everyone.  Heck, it's barely for me.  But I liked seeing that family relationship evolve, so I liked it.  ;)

You is Important

It's getting down to h wire, and "The Help" is in very limited release right now, so I rented he Blu-Ray DVD from Redbox.  This was my first time to use Redbox, and it's quite convenient, so I'll be relying on it for most of the other films that are nominated for Best Picture this year since they're not really in theaters anymore.  I would do the whole AMC marathon thing, but Saturdays are not good for me, and, of course, the movies that I have not yet seen are the ones that are playing at the precise time that I need to be at church.  I do prefer to see these movies as they were meant to be viewed in a theater, but sometimes that just doesn't work out.

• Here's the other movie this year that has me amazed by Viola Davis.  Her portrayal of Aibileen left me feeling inspired after all of the anguish she suffered.
• I really enjoyed Octavia Spencer's performance.  It turns out that her role was written in the book with her in mind.  Minny was a hoot.
• I kept wondering how I knew Hilly.  Duh, Sher.  That's Bryce Dallas Howard.  You've seen her in several movies. I guess I'm not used to seeing her with that Southern hair.
• Emma Stone did a great job.  I haven't yet seen "Easy A", but I've wanted to do so.  This makes me want to see it even more.
• So NOBODY in the bridge club could stand up to Hilly except for Skeeter?  That's just sad when women are clearly uncomfortable about things, but don't have the courage to leave or do anything about them.  I think that's why Skeeter and all of the maids who told their story were such heroines to me.
• Alison Janney: awesome as always.
• "You is kind. You is smart. You is important."
• When Aibileen left, my heart broke for that little girl.
• Those bridge club women sure don't hide very well.
• I wonder if Crisco sponsored this film.
• Chocolate pie is going to scare me for a little while.

I enjoyed this film.  I think I want to read the book now.  I do know already, though, that the ending for Minny is not  the same in the book, due to the deleted scenes.  Still, I'm interested in seeing the original material.

Door to Door

I saw "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" in the theater last week.  I had kind of put it off because I knew that the subject matter would make me really emotional, but since I was on an emotional movie blitz due to the upcoming Oscar awards, it was time to see it.

• Where are they getting all of the amazing kids for these movies?!  Thomas Horn wowed me, and this is his first movie. Wow.  I mean, that is a LOT of dialogue to learn, and then he has the emotions, too.  Wow.  Of course, that could be an editing trick, but I'm still wowed.
• The images of the man falling from the WTC make me think of "Mad Men".  This makes me both excited for the upcoming season of MM, and anxious because the main image animation of MM is of a man falling from a skyscraper.
• I totally knew who the Renter was as soon as they showed him in the window.
• Yup.  Emotional level was very high during the scenes of The Worst Day.  Those scenes happened several times during the movie.  I completely lost it when they showed the WTC collapsing. I even cried the next morning when I thought of the movie again.  (I'm doing OK right now, though).  I think it's because this is one tragedy in American history that I actually remembering seeing, and those images are burned into my brain, triggering that pained American in me that day and the days that followed it.
• I kind of like how they kept some questions unanswered at the end of the movie.  It's like real life, where you don't always get all of the answers that you seek.
• Viola Davis sure doesn't need more than one scene to get me crying.  She would end up amazing me again a couple of days later (see next post).
• It's like the year of silence in the movies.  Max Von Sydow doesn't need to speak to get his emotions across to the audience.  
• Everyone needs a tambourine.  Or something like it to help calm them when they're anxious.
• "If things were easy to find, they wouldn't be worth finding."
• Loved the fact that his mom seemed to be absent for most of his quest, because it's Oskar's story, and he was largely ignoring his mom.  But if you see things from her point of view, the story is quite different.

I really liked this movie.  As emotional as I became, I think that I could still do repeat viewings when it comes to satellite TV.  I'll just make sure that I always have tissues nearby for all of the tears.

One Big Machine

I saw "Hugo" in 3D today after work.

• That kid with his eyes reminds me of Elijah Wood.  He's got the talent like Elijah, too.
• I'm not one of those Scorcese fans that wants to watch his films over and over again, and at the beginning of the movie, I thought that maybe this would be the case once more.  But no. This one is lighter than his usual dark stuff, so I would see it again.
• All of that clockwork stuff amazed me visually.  So did all of that beautiful cinematography.
• The automaton kind of creeped me out, especially during the dream sequences.  
• Spotted Martin Scorcese and giggled.  Thought I saw Johnny Depp, but APPARENTLY, that was a lookalike, as Johnny wasn't available due to his schedule.
• I love the way that this is clearly a tribute to film, and I loved the silent movie homage with the hanging from the clock.  It also reminded me of "Back to the Future", but I don't think that's what Scorcese meant to do.
• Reading as much as Isabelle does makes her have quite a large and interesting vocabulary.  I liked her a lot.
• I liked the way that Hugo talked about existing to serve a purpose, just like each piece in a machine. 
• How can I not like a movie that has a reference to Jean Valjean, mermaids, and  Camille Saint-Saens' "Danse Macabre"?
• It's nice to see Christopher Lee in a non-sinister role, although at first glance, I thought of Saruman.
• Ben Kingsley was amazing, as usual.  
• "Which one?  I've mastered 3."

Beautiful movie.  I'm glad that I saw it in the theater, despite my initial resistance to it.

Pal Joey

I finally saw "War Horse" last Friday after work.  I had been wanting to watch the movie since the first time I saw the trailer.  I also have been wanting to see the stage play, which will be showing at the Ahmanson Theatre later this year.  Ooh, I need to buy my ticket soon!

• This movie reminds me of "The Red Violin", what with all of the different "owners" of Joey.  Except that this one had much more death.
• It's a horse movie.  I cried, like, 8 times.
• Brilliant usage of the windmill panes.  Absolutely brilliant.
• The barbed wire scene made me cringe a lot...and then later, it made me giggle.
• Great score by John Williams.  It helped me get all weepy.
• I loved the friendship between Joey and Topthorne.
• Dude, that horse needs to JUMP!
• I really liked the character of Emilie.  I think I would have been just like her in her situation, hiding horses in my room.
• Gorgeous cinematography.  I'm really glad that I saw it in the theater.
• Be brave.

I loved this movie.  I think that I need to purchase it when it comes out on Blu-Ray.  Great story, great characters, and if anyone dislikes that horse, they have no soul.

DLR LotD 02/05/12

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day


Sunday, February 5, 2012


"Maybe every Saturday, people are supposed to get dressed up when they go to Disneyland." -- someone in line at the corn dog cart


Happy Dapper Day!