Beyond the Machine

Lori was on Spring Break, and I had the afternoon off of work, so we went to watch Johnny Depp in "Transcendence."

• I prefer to see Johnny Depp with hair.
• Interesting concept.  I wonder how frighteningly close we actually are to having AI with actual emotions.  You just know that we're not being told about it yet.
• Creepy how Will's minions would talk to his friends with Will's voice.
• We were wondering how he poured the wine and made dinner for her, then realized that it must have been the woman that was helping serve at the end, when Will was making the dinner plate sounds.
• If copper blocks satellite/cell phone signals, does that mean that a house with copper piping has a natural block from clear signal coverage?
• That lecture hall is actually the Valley Performing Arts Center on the Cal State Northridge campus.  I saw Bernadette Peters there.  I even saw the place where I sat!  
• Cinematography was great.  I liked the visual effects of the different bits rising through the air.
• "We can save him."  Please do!
• Ah, AI can love humans!

DLR LotD 05/02/14

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Friday, May 2, 2014

"Thou shalt not love your sheep." -- Ryan B, as God, with an assist from Cindy, at Catal

Simple Gifts 05/02/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, May 2, 2014

Spontaneous dinners with friends at our restaurant, with our server.

Simple Gifts 05/01/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, May 1, 2014

Being able to sing harmony by ear

Simple Gifts 04/30/14

Simple Gifts

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Fathers Richard and Robert Gielow leading our Parish Mission week.  

"There are 3 kinds of people in every parish:  Those who Make Things Happen; Those who Watch Things Happen, and Those who Wonder "What Happened?!" -- Father Richard

Simple Gifts 04/29/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, April 29, 2014

New greeting cards at Hallmark

Simple Gifts 04/28/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, April 28, 2014

Soaking the still-tired feet in water with some effervescent crystals

DLR LotD 04/27/14

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Sunday, April 27, 2014

"What does the gecko say?" -- All team members of Prince Charming and the CinderPellas, several times each, in DCA

Simple Gifts 04/27/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, April 27, 2014

Prince Charming and the other Cinderpellas

DLR LotD 04/26/14

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Sunday, April 26, 2014

"Don't worry, I won't bite.  I"m a vegetarian." -- Plaid Jeff, to the tour group, in Walt's Apartment

Simple Gifts 04/26/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, April 26, 2014

Giggling with Bro and V over drinks and made-at-our-table guacamole

Simple Gifts 04/25/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, April 25, 2014

Babies!  

Someone brought their baby to the office today, and he played with my lanyard.  Then, my godsister Janice gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  

Welcome to the world, Waike Mahal!  

Simple Gifts 04/24/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, April 24, 2014

A day off after an interview so that I can have fun with Lori during her Spring Break

Simple Gifts 04/23/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, April 23, 2014

A pleasant work atmosphere, filled with good attitudes

Simple Gifts 04/22/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Planet Earth and the Circle of Life.

I watched NOVA, and it was about reintroducing predators into the wild.  Wolves in Yellowstone: good.  Bears in a European neighborhood:  maybe not so good.  Panthers controlling wild hogs in Florida: good.  

Simple Gifts 04/21/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, April 21, 2014

Bought avocados for 50 cents each during my walk around the neighborhood.

Simple Gifts 04/20/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, April 20, 2014

Turtles

Chick Songs by Dudes

The Dan Band

Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Coach House -- San Juan Capistrano, CA

Jenn wanted to share with us her favorite band (before she met Rockapella, and they became her favorite).   So off we went to San Juan Cap to see The Dan Band.

Opening act:  Groove Kitty

• Since The Dan Band was going to do "chick songs", Groove Kitty treated us to a set list of "dude songs".  
• I really liked the lead singer's bustier/corset.  
• I also liked their song selection.  One of my favorites: Journey's "Any Way You Want It"
• Great set!

Guy at table next to us allowed us to sit with him so that we could see better.  I can't remember his name  but we told him to see Rockapella when they come back there, because he's a regular.

The Dan Band

• Their introduction was to the theme of "Wonder Woman".  Where are my silver bracelets?!
• Dude in front row trying to punch Dan's balls:  you're drunk and you got escorted out in front of your girlfriend's parents.  Was that an uncomfortable ride home?
• Wendy now wants to call people with white pants "Labor Day".
• What the heck was that about the shoes?
• I love the backup singers, with their choreography and their antics.
• I like how Dan tells almost every woman he talks to, "I like you".
• Nickname for person whom ate a baked potato and maybe had something in her teeth: "Chive"
• Loved "Single Ladies", mostly because they showed Beyonce's video behind them, and you could see the guys doing every single move like those on the video.
• I was scared to give Dan any eye contact because Jenn warned us.   I'm glad she warned us.

Look what I found by the stairs, at the top of the wall of photos, after the show!

From April 3, 1997

Simple Gifts 04/19/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, April 19, 2014

"The Ten Commandments":.  "Let my people go." vs. "So let it be written. So let it be done."

Simple Gifts 04/18/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, April 18, 2014

Beauty and the Beast - the musical.  Happy 20th Anniversary, Belle! 

Simple Gifts 04/17/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, April 17, 2014

Happy hour bonding time with a co-worker.

Simple Gifts 04/16/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, April 16, 2014

St. James Episcopal Church.

If I had never joined the choir there way back when, I might not have ever met today's birthday girl, and I would have missed out on a wonderful friendship..

Happy Birthday, Linda!

Simple Gifts 04/15/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, April 15, 2014

The Blood Moon.  Eerie.

Simple Gifts 04/14/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, April 14, 2014

CASA shared the retrospective video that they played at BOSS for Rockapella's Lifetime Achievement Award.  I love my guys: all the renditions, all the crazy hairstyles, all the all.

We Survived, Let's Eat!

You know me, I need to support my band and all of its members, former and current!

I'm not Jewish.  The most I do to celebrate Passover is to watch "The Ten Commandments", which, for the past few years, has aired on Easter Vigil, which is when I'm usually in church for hours and I don't get home until Moses is already coming back  and Nefertiri is trying to make the Pharoah jealous.  But I love the movie in all of its Cesar B. DeMIlle-ness.

This year, Sean Altman has released a new video for Passover, and it's hilarious.  Yes, it includes Moses.  Yes, it includes the Pharoah.  Yes, it includes plagues.  One of my favorite visuals, though, is Sean's awesome Star of David/Superman t-shirt.  Also, it's written, directed and produced by Jeff Living Legend/Demigod Thacher.  

Enjoy!

Simple Gifts 04/13/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, April 13, 2014

Meeting and getting art signed by Noah at Wonderground Gallery

The Price You Pay

DLR LotD 04/13/14

Disneyland Resort

Line of the Day

Sunday, April 13, 2014

"And now there's a Woody in the window." -- Wendy, after Sherry pointed out where she met Bananaman, at Jamba Juice

Don't Trust Anyone

Last week, Cindy, Glenn, Linda and I ate a yummy brunch at Nano Cafe, then went to the movie theater to see "Captain America: The Winter Soldier".  It was the first viewing for Linda and me, and we watched it in 3D.

• "On your left."
• Wow, Peggy co-founded S.H.I.E.L.D.?!
• I would like to have the same features on my car that Nick Fury had on his.
• "Air conditioning is fully operational."
• Chris Evans is REALLY handsome. Have you noticed?  Just in case she hadn't, I told Linda during the film.
• "Shall we play a game?  It's from a movie."  "I saw it."
• I loved Cap's to-do list.
• No mention of Coulson at all?  Ah, figured that out when I watched "Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." on Tuesday.  I liked all of that stuff linking each other.
• Redford!
• "They don't have the numbers on the *outside* of the buildings."
• "Oh, man! I am so fired."
• "Well, all the guys in my barbershop group are dead."
• "Two sides of a coin that's no longer currency."
• Oh, Sebastian Stan, aka The Mad Hatter from "Once Upon A Time"!  Cool.

Well done.  I need to watch that again.  Joss Whedon is supposed to be in it, riding the escalator and wearing a Captain America shirt.  

Well-Deserved

Congratulations to my beloved Rockapella, the first-ever winners of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Contemporary A Cappella Society!!!

Rockapella received their award last night at Boston Sings, an a cappella festival, where they were the featured artists at the professional showcase.  In attendance to receive the award were current line-up members Scott Leonard, Jeff Thacher, George Baldi, Steve Dorian and Calvin Jones, as well as Charlie Evett and original member Elliott Kermann.  

I wish I had been there to see them accept their award, but I'm proud that the first-ever honor went to the group that influenced many, many current contemporary a cappella groups.

You are the best, Rockapella, and in my heart and in the hearts of many, many fans, you always will be. 

Tower Records 04/16/99
Barry, Kevin, Elliott, Scott and Jeff

Simple Gifts 04/12/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, April 12, 2014

An evening at Disneyland with friends, with the added bonus of Bro and V

Mickey Vaders

DLR LotD 04/12/14

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Saturday, April 12, 2014

"Sully: Sulli.  Mike: Robert.  WHAT?!?" -- Sherry, at Starcade

Simple Gifts 04/11/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, April 11, 2014

All of those fun internet personality quizzes

From what I can glean off of my FB activity, I am:

Musical Instrument:  Tympani
Flower:  Carnation
"Frozen" character: Sven
'80s Boyfriend: Jake Ryan of "Sixteen Candles"
March Magic Team:  Fantasmic Dragons
Historical Era: Biblical Times
Haircut I Should Actually Have: Long Bob
Strong Female Character: Mulan
Mythical Creature: Centaur
"Grease" Pink Lady: Sandy
"Sesame Street" Character: Cookie Monster
Classic Rock Band: Pink Floyd
American Presidnet: Barack Obama
"Big Bang Theory" Character: Leonard
"Harry Potter" Character: Hermione Grainger
"Star Wars" Character: Princess Leia
Muppets Character: Janice
City I Should Actually Live In: Cape Town
Mental Age: 19
Classical Music Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Color: Red
Spirit Animal: Raven
Travoltified Name: Sorley Smotckins

Simple Gifts 04/10/13

Simple Gifts
Thursday, April 10, 2014

Stephen Colbert taking over Late Night when David Letterman retires

Congratulations, Stephen!!!

Simple Gifts 04/09/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Fried tilapa for the whole office, courtesy of our office manager.  

Simple Gifts 04/08/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Tying in "Captain America: Winter Soldier" occurrences with "Marvel: Agents of Shield", so I can yell "WHAT?!?" at my TV for an hour.  

Simple Gifts 04/07/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, April 7, 2014

Needing stuff that happens to be on sale in the store where I'm shopping.

Simple Gifts 04/06/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, April 6, 2014

Evan Williams Honey Bourbon as a snack

Simple Gifts 04/05/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, April 5, 2014

Finding the Rockapella headshot at The Coach House

Dated 04/03/97

Simple Gifts 04/04/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, April 4,2014

A day off to recover after a great wine dinner

DLR LotD 04/03/14

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Thursday, April 3, 2014
Special Edition: Brewer-Clifton/Palmina wine dinner at Catal

Welcome:  2012 Palmina Tocai Friulano, Honea Vineyard*
"Swig!" -- Jenn, to Sher, during pivotal moments in her story

Catal Terrace

Amuse Bouche: Chicken pate terrine, apricot mostarda, toasted pistachios
2011 Palmina 'Subida' Tocai Fiulano, Honea Vineyard
"Wine is weird." -- Sher, noting the difference of the Subida taste before and after eating the pate

First Course:  Black cod, arroz negro, sugar snap peas, mango, coconut-lemongrass foam
2010 Brewer-Clifton '3-D' Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
"Toddlers, tears, and tantrums." -- Chrystal, telling us her mantra when dealing with her son's very loud and repetitive request for his Buzz Lightyear costume while in line for Astro Orbiter

Mmmm....mango

Second Course:  Duck breast, duck confit cigar, hon-shimeji mushrooms, kale, dark cherries, anise jus
2011 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
"Wine is edible art." -- Chrystal, elegantly speaking about everyone's different reaction to wine pairings.

Third Course: Spiced pork belly and scallop, parsnip cream, beet beurre rouge, root vegetable potpourri*
2011 Palmina Barbera, Santa Barbara County*
"I have a special relationship with bacon." -- Ron, to Sherry

I asked Chef to please make this part of the regular menu

Fourth Course: Grilled New York strip, smoked short rib and onion marmalade ravioli, violet mustard, Romanesco, thyme jus
2008 Palmina Nebbiolo, Santa Barbara County
"It's the Happiest Wine on Earth!" -- Chrystal

Wish I still had room to finish the ravioli.  Quite tasty.

Dessert:  Ginger-buttermilk panna cotta, local strawberries, candied pistachios, shortbread cookie crumble
"That's not a doughnut.  That's a piece of dough eating strawberries for breakfast." -- Ron, looking at Jenn's picture of the Strawberry Donut from The Donut Man

I love that we had 2 dishes with pistachios

"GRAPPA!!!" -- multiple people at our table, ready for an aperitif of Amaro Nonino Quintessential*

Chrystal, still ready to drink us all under the table with grappa

*my favorites

Thank you to our table mates:  proprietors Steve and Chrystal Clifton, Bill, and distributor Ron Striewig of Wine Warehouse. Thanks also for the hospitality, Matt, Valerie and Leah, and to Chef Steven Mary, thank you for the wonderful food!

Jenn and I are already planning to do a road trip to Lompoc to visit the winery and cook Filipino food.  Maybe we'll get to see Steve play with his band, Fast Mojo, while we're there.

Happy Anniversary!

Simple Gifts 04/03/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, April 3, 2014

Doughnuts during our 5.5-hour conference call.  Seriously, I NEEDED that maple bar.

Simple Gifts 04/02/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Breakfast burritos from the boss, even when she's away from the office.

Simple Gifts 04/01/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, April 1, 2014

I won a bag of ground coffee today at the Music Club business meeting!  Cinnamon Hazelnut....mmmmmm.

Simple Gifts 03/31/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, March 31, 2014

Pixar postage stamps

Dauntless

I like having a 3-day weekend! Today I got some of my steps in by walking to the movie theater to see "Divergent".

• I have respected Shailene Woodley's acting talent since I saw her in "The Descendants".  She did a great job here, too.
• Four.  Hummina.  Hello, Theo James!
• "I don't want to be just one thing. I can't be. I want to be brave, and I want to be selfless, intelligent, and honest and kind. Well, I'm still working on kind."
• Ashley Judd, taking names.  I like that she plays strong characters.
• Tony Goldwyn still makes me think that he's going to have Patrick Swayze killed, so I still think he's sinister, even when he's not.  Sorry, Tony!
• Dude, what is it with this film and the cutting of the hands?!
• I wonder what I would have done in Tris' place when it came to choosing her faction, as well as facing her fears.  I guess I'd like to think that I'd be brave, but would I leave my faction?  I don't know.  
• The way their tattoos were applied, it didn't seem painful.  I know that all of that detail and the very dark, filled-in tattoos actually hurt the way they're done in our current world.
• I guess I have another book series that I need to read.  I really liked the premise, and I'm looking forward to more installments.
• What is beyond the Chicago gates?  Interesting.
• Hey, that's my friend's sister Sophia Lo in the credits! She did digital composition.  Yay, Sophia!!!
• According to the site's aptitude test, I am Divergent, scoring highest for Amity (kind) and Dauntless (brave).  Hey, maybe I *am* brave, after all!
• For the record, in order of the highest scoring faction to the lowest:
• Amity (kind)
• Dauntless (brave)
• Erudite (intelligent)
• Candor (truthful)
• Abnegation (selfless)
• (Erudite and Candor were almost a tie)

Simple Gifts 03/30/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, March 30, 2014

Hugh Jackman, singing as Wolverine via the music of Les Miz.

Simple Gifts 03/29/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, March 29, 2014

The beautiful, baby-filled belly of my godsister.  

Simple Gifts 03/28/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, March 28, 2014

Another person on my team said that my staff loves me.

Simple Gifts 03/27/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, March 27, 2014

Happy Hour laughter with some of my favorite co-workers

Simple Gifts 03/26/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, March 26, 2014

My favorite part of a rainy day: when the clouds open up and rays of sunshine beam through.

Simple Gifts 03/25/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Perfect weather for a good walk.

Simple Gifts 03/24/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, March 24, 2014

An employee telling me that I'm the best manager she ever had. 

Little does she know how much that means to me at the moment.

Simple Gifts 03/23/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, March 23, 2014

The ability to stand for 6 hours of volunteering.

Congrats to Monrovia HS Color Guard and Arcadia HS World Guard for placing 1st in their divisions!

Simple Gifts 03/22/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, March 22, 2014

Upside-down pictures of hanging bats = Bat Dance Off

Simple Gifts 03/21/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, March 21, 2014

March Madness Brackets fun spreading to drum corps shows and Disney theme parks

Simple Gifts 03/20/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, March 20, 2014

The wagging tail and happy sprint of lost dog Princess when she saw her owner's car today.  

Simple Gifts 03/19/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Absentees mean that I get to have lunch with a co-worker that is usually with those absentees.

Simple Gifts 03/18/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, March 18, 2014

A heartwarming music club meeting, which included an inspirational story of a volunteer being thanked, one by one, by students with flowers and a word that describes her; as well as a thank you from the orchestra director, for the music club's support through his recovery from heart surgery.  Tears!

Simple Gifts 03/17/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, March 17, 2014

Star Wars: Tiny Death Star

Simple Gifts 03/16/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, March 16, 2014

A nice note of thanks in the church bulletin.  

Simple Gifts 03/15/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, March 15, 2014

A quiet day at home, catching up with some of my shows

DLR LotD 03/14/14

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Friday, March 14, 2014

"I feel like I'm on a Disneyland commercial!" -- girl sitting behind me, on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Simple Gifts 03/14/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, March 14, 2014

Annual Passholder Preview of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's return

Simple Gifts 03/13/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, March 13, 2014

LEGO Master Builders

9/11 Memorial under construction in LEGO NYC

Simple Gifts 03/12/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Girl Time with my sister-in-law

Thanks for a great Spa Day, V!

Simple Gifts 03/11/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The nephew wanting to ride stuff with me at the Disneyland Resort

Astro Blasters

DLR LotD 03/11/14

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

"This is a special place." -- Miss O, at the lounge

Simple Gifts 03/10/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, March 10, 2014

Getting Facebook likes on my photos from members of Rockapella when they're not even tagged in or featured in those photos.  

Simple Gifts 03/09/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, March 9, 2014

Liking most of the teams on The Amazing Race All Stars.

Simple Gifts 03/08/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, March 8, 2014

Strawberry Donuts at The Donut Man

Jean Bon Bon = 24601

O.M.G.  L O V E !!!

"More singing?"

Simple Gifts 03/07/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, March 7, 2014

Making pacts with fellow interviewee friends

Simple Gifts 03/06/14

Simple Gifts
Thursday, March 6, 2014

Chatting with an old friend after our Zumba class.

Chrissy was my very first friend at our elementary school.  I had joined Highland Oaks in the 4th grade, and was a bit scared to meet people on the first day of school.  She doesn't remember the gesture, but that day, she introduced herself to me, and  then proceeded to introduce me to everyone in our class.  It is thanks to her example of kindness that I introduce myself to new members of whatever group I'm in at the time.   

Simple Gifts 03/05/14

Simple Gifts
Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Drum Corps show announcements time!

DLR LotD 03/04/14

Disneyland Resort

Line of the Day

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

"Fare thee well, my nameless friends." -- Thor, at Innoventions

Carl Howard III, Sheril, and Mawnekah

Simple Gifts 03/04/14

Simple Gifts
Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Being treated to special offerings from the chef at our favorite restaurant. 

Happy Birthday, Cindy!

Simple Gifts 03/03/14

Simple Gifts
Monday, March 3, 2014

The Sarah Michelle Gellar Reddit AMA

"Excuse me, my husband is a JEDI!"  
Also, she chose Angel.  That's my girl.  

Simple Gifts 03/02/14

Simple Gifts
Sunday, March 2, 2014

Seeing my friend on TV at the Oscars

Toujours Belle

Last night, I saw Susan Egan in her "The Belle of Broadway" show at the Arcadia High School Performing Arts Center.  I had seen Ms. Egan as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles.  I miss that theatre.  I bought my tickets through Goldstar, and my seat ended up being in the 5th row, center.  Nice!

Set List that I can remember (she changed up stuff from that which was printed in the program):

• Broadway Medley-- We were introduced to accompanist Dr. Stephen Cook, whom had an illness recently that led to an ear infection that ruptured his eardrum.  OUCH!  So he was playing with one ear, and the monitor was set up for him to listen on the side with the ear that worked.  Poor thing.  SE talked about working with the Arcadia High School theater students in the past couple of weeks, and that they are the future of theater.  
• My Lifelong Love -- This song was written by one of SE's favorite composers, Georgia Stitt.  SE said that she joined musical theater so that she could meet boys.  I love the lyrics of this song, as she goes through joining the band to be near the smartest boy in class, and at the end, she realizes that it's the music that is her lifelong love.  I loved it so much that I went home and bought the song, sung by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, from Ms. Stitt's CD.  
• Almost There/NYC -- SE talked about going to New York City upon the urging of a teacher.  Songs were from "Princess and the Frog" and "Annie".
• Show People -- from AHS' upcoming production of "Curtains", a show which I've never seen, but SE states is hilarious and an uptake on "Oklahoma", sung by Arcadia Stage.
•  Maybe This Time -- from "Cabaret".  SE states that she was the longest-running Sally Bowles, mainly because the other people whom played the part were big movie stars and had other things to do.  She said that this song means a lot to her because at the time she performed it, she was going through the same things as Sally, being young and looking for love.
• Disney Heroine Medley -- SE talked about how she liked that the more recent Disney heroines didn't wait around to be saved by a guy, and did OK doing their own thing and saving the world on her own.  She talked about "Frozen" and how her girls won't stop singing it.  The medley included Part of Your World, A Whole New World, and Colors of the Wind.  As soon as the intro to Ariel's song started, I beamed, and SE did not let me down.  It was just gorgeous and I cried Sherry-loves-this-song-too-much tears.  I don't think I was the only one who wondered, though, "No Belle song?"  
• I Won't Say I'm In Love -- SE said that Disney actresses had their signature part, like Jodi Benson had Ariel, Judy Kuhn had Pocahontas, Paige O'Hara had Belle, and Lea Salonga had Jasmine AND Mulan.  "I hate her," she said playfully.  At the time that Disney was auditioning for the part of Megara, they were casting someone who could be Barbara Stanwycks' The Lady Eve.  Since SE had seen every old movie from the 30s and 40s, she knew exactly the cadence of speech that they were looking for.  But since she was playing Belle at the time, they didn't want her to audition.  She kept pressing on until they finally let her audition so that she wouldn't annoy them anymore with her pleading.  She walked into the studio and all of their heads were down, looking at the drawing of Meg, not looking up, so that they would only hear the voice that they hoped would match the drawing.  SE recited the audition line, which was Meg's introduction to Hercules.  One by one, each head popped up and they said, "Susan?!"  11 months later, she got the part.  Things take so long in animation that Michael Eisner saw SE on the Disney lot 9 months after the audition and told her that he heard her tape and she was great.  So here was Megara, and she had a great heroine song, but they realized that this wasn't Meg's personality, so they cut it (ooh, I found it!).  Instead, they had her sing a song of being in denial.  Some of the girls from Arcadia Stage joined her as they played the Muses.  
• You Can't Stop the Beat -- sung by SE with Arcadia Stage.  She also calls it "You Can't Stop to Breathe".  :)

INTERMISSION

• Wide Open Spaces -- from "Curtains", performed by Arcadia Stage
• Everybody Says Don't --  from "Anyone Can Whistle"
• Secret of Happiness -- very pretty song, from "Daddy Long Legs"
• If I Only Had A Brain / Lion Tamer  -- from "The Wizard of Oz" and Stephen Schwartz.  I had never heard Lion Tamer before.  
• (a song about pretending to like things that a boy likes because she likes him)  SE: "Remember when I said that I joined musical theatre to meet boys?"  Laughter ensued.  She said that she went out with anyone whom would ask her out just so that she could see if she would fall in love, and she did whatever they did so that she could expand her horizons.  I wish I knew the title of this song, wherein she pretended to like opera, skiing and sushi.  It was funny.
• For Good -- from "Wicked".  SE sang with this with Alana Deblase a senior at AHS.  Alana was dressed in green (Elphaba!), and she was really, really good.  The future of Broadway.  
• Baby Mine / Nina Doesn't Care -- the first song from "Dumbo", the second an original by Ms. Egan.  SE said that she searched the musical theater library and the Disney library for Mom songs, but all she could find was the mom in Gypsy (not a good role model), and one sung by an elephant.  Disney moms either die or are already dead by the time the story starts.  So she wrote her own, about her daughter.  It's funny and touching, and there I went, crying again.  Here's the official video.

• I Dreamed A Dream -- from "Les Miserables".  This was Susan's favorite musical, and she was going to be Fantine on tour, but she also got a television role, and they paid more.  She was hilarious when talking about the role of Fantine, because you start off all depressing, sing your song, die, sit backstage for 2 hours, then come out for one song to tell Valjean that it's great on the other side, and then you get to be 3rd last at curtain call.  I would have loved to hear her sing this in my favorite show.  She shared that the musical theater community was amused when the big deal about the movie was that they were all singing LIVE on camera.  "We do that EIGHT TIMES A WEEK."  
• Seasons of Love -- from "RENT", sung by Arcadia Stage.  One of the girls was clearly upset during this song, but she was fine when it was over and her friend hugged her.  I wonder what that story was all about.
• Belle -- sung by SE with Arcadia Stage.  A video played behind them, which was off-center, then when they finally fixed it and played it again, the song was almost over, and SE talked about the people we were seeing.  APPARENTLY, Burke Moses actually WAS Gaston, because on opening night, he gave her flowers with the note, "It's been your pleasure".  Ha!  This April will mark 20 years since "Beauty and the Beast" premiered, and she will be at the big anniversary in NYC.

ENCORE

• Momsense -- Hilarious, to the tune of the William Tell Overture.

MEET AND GREET

I was in line in front of two theater people, one whom has played Belle and was understandably nervous to meet Susan Egan, and the other whom was just really loud and my ear was still in pain for an hour or two after leaving the theater.  

Ms. Egan signed my program (I kicked myself for not bringing my CD or $ to purchase one there), and I told her that my 4-year-old niece sings "Home" at least twice a day.  She thought that was awesome and sweet, and then she lamented that her daughters had never even heard the song.  I told her that she should really play it for them because it's a great song and she sings it beautifully.  She took a selfie with me (I didn't know how to work it on my phone, so she fixed it for me, and now I know!).  She's amazing in so many ways!  Thanks for such a great show, Susan!!!

Sher Dreaming of Susan singing "Home" with her

Human Interest Story

The last of the 9 Academy Award Best Picture nominees:  "Philomena".

• Judi Dench reminds me of my friend Kathie from church.
• How can Steve Coogan's character not believe in God?  He's Sexy Jesus!
• Loved the performances from both actors.
• I think I cried more during this movie than any of the other 8 films.  Or maybe as much as when I watched "12 Years A Slave".  I laughed more while watching this movie than the other one, though.
• "What about Anne Boleyn?  That's a lovely name, but somebody already had that, of course."
• They did a really good job finding a person who looks like she could be a young Judi Dench.
• The Jayne Mansfield/Jane Russell discussion was hilarious.
• "What if he's obese?!"...."Because of the size of the portions!"
• She has a titanium hip, like my mom!
• Beautiful cinematography.  I was especially impressed with the images of the convent in the winter.
• "F**k**g Catholics."

I'm glad that this was the final movie of the bunch for me.  It was wonderful, and I like finishing on a high note.

Simple Gifts 03/01/14

Simple Gifts
Saturday, March 1, 2014

Live tweet sessions and Meet and Greets

Gimme Drugs

A little fall of rain can't stop me from my quest of seeing all 9 of this year's Best Picture nominees.  Last night, I trekked on to Pasadena to see "Dallas Buyers Club".

• Great performances by Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey.
• They both got so very thin, though.  Yikes.
• Before the thinness, though, Rayon was pretty.
• Dude, that cell phone was HUGE.
• Those butterflies looked like monarchs, but the caterpillar didn't.  
• Interesting to see Ron's perspective about the gay community change during his ordeal.
• "Watch what you eat and who you eat."
• "I prefer to die with my boots on."
• "God sure was dressing the wrong doll when he blessed you with a set of balls."
• So did he go back and do more bull riding later on.
• My favorite part was when he got the house.  Just sweet.

Simple Gifts 2/28/14

Simple Gifts
Friday, February 28, 2014

A brother whom was there with me for all of the first experiences of my obsessions: Rockapella, Drum Corps International, and the Disneyland Annual Passport.

Yup, they're all his fault.

Happy Birthday, Bro!!!

Bro on his Wedding Day