Another Hiatus

Okay...so it's been a while since I posted...again. Seems cyclical, huh? Sorry about that...but this time I guess I had better reasons than just being lazy. =P I managed to work like mad the past three weeks before deserting my co-workers for the Philippines.

For the two weekends prior to that, I was able to visit a couple friends in Portland, with one of my former roommates from college in tow and then head to Las Vegas with a friend who hasn't been there since she turned 21...we're much, much closer to 31 than 21 at this point.

In Portland, we had loads of fun visiting The End Of The Oregon Trail Museum (more on that another time), but not so much fun sitting in traffic on the way to and from Corvallis...nor seeing the mighty Trojans fall to beavers.

Las Vegas consisted of me losing on penny and nickel slots as always - and occasionally on quarter slots. Oh, the horror! I had my fair share of buffets and got to see the Bellagio water show from Paris' Eiffel Tower. I made it back home with 3 hours to pack for the Philippines.

So now...here I am...in Manila...at an internet store...writing in a blog. =) I can't promise that this will be any more frequent...but just wanted the handful of people who read this thing to know what I've been up to. Hope all is well in the U.S. and I will try to share a few pictures when I get back!

Mild-Mannered Fan

According to a recent article on BBC News, the Psychology of Music (who knew there was a scientific journal on music psychology!) has completed a preliminary study on the correlation between lifestyle and musical tastes. After interviewing 2,500 people, they came to this conclusion:

Fans of musicals come out as the most mild-mannered group, with the lowest level of drug-taking and criminal acts.

They also drink less regularly than other music fans, and are among the most likely to do charity work.

Chalk one up to musical theatre fans!

The Pre-Broadway Process

Well...you've heard of Les Miserables and you've heard of Riverdance. Now, the creative forces behind both ventures have banded together to create a new musical spectacle, entitled The Pirate Queen. As some of you may know...Les Miserables happens to be my favorite musical...so I'm hoping that this is up to par with Jean Valjean, Eponine and the whole gang. To add to the anticipation - and perhaps to add some hype - the producers have decided to broadcast a daily webcast of their rehearsal and preview process from their pre-Broadway run in Chicago. They have affectionately named it castcom. Though I can't really stomach the name (Do we really need another "cast" term besides webcasts, podcasts, vodcasts, etc? Plus it's pretty similar to the Comcast brand name...) it should be interesting to see what they're willing to reveal to us. Check it out for yourself and see if this is really a Broadway Hit in the making.

As for me...I just need to hear some songs from this thing. Every time I see the title, I get the Pirates of Penzance song, The Pirate King, in my head. I love Gilbert & Sullivan as much as the next guy (okay...maybe more), but Boublil & Schonberg it's not!

Book Tag

Alright...I got tagged on another survey-type thing that's been going around the blogosphere. This time it involves books...and sadly...I do not read as much as I should. But, I will try to make this quiz as fun and exciting as I can...

One book that changed your life: The Bible - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) Nothing like reading something inspired by God to get you thinking about the way you live your life.

One book that you've read more than once: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - Ah...two people who should have spent their lives together. Alas, love and ambition don't always mix. Do you ever find yourself hoping that things will end differently if you read it again?

One book that you'd want on a desert island: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo - That book is so darned long, I may have a fighting chance at starting and finishing it with nothing else to do on a deserted island.

One book that made you laugh: I tried to think of something else that would not make me seem so much like a nerd. But, I'd have to list my Artificial Intelligence textbook from college. I don't remember the exact title - the book is stowed away in a box somewhere - but it did much to amuse me. My favorite example was using the "Burn the witch" scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail to discuss flaws in some people's logic.

One book that made you cry: Charlotte's Web by E.B. White - I remembering bawling through the last couple pages when I first read it in fourth grade.

One book that you wish had been written: MINE! Someday I'll get around to completing something during NaNoWriMo.

One book you wish had never been written: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Yeah, yeah...I know it's a classic. But, I found it pretty boring and couldn't relate to any of the characters. C'est la vie. I should also say that honorable mention goes to James Joyce's "The Dead". But...since that's a short story and not a full on book - Fitzgerald's snoozer won out.

One book you are currently reading: The Importance of Being Earnest and Four Other Plays by Oscar Wilde - I find plays are a lot faster to read through than novels.

One book you've been meaning to read: Did you check out the bit about what I'd read on a desert island? Well...if you need another one, I would also like to get around to reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Of course, I would prefer to read an unabridged version...but that may prove as challenging as Les Mis!

Okay...now time to tag a few more people. Wah ha ha...

Let's see how Jen, Lisa, Padgett, Jo and Judy respond, shall we?

Have We Forgotten?

Five years ago, our nation was forever changed when four doomed planes failed to reach their intended destinations. What followed in the aftermath was a time of great mourning, but in turn a time of a patriotic resurgence. Flags were flying everywhere...from houses, businesses, car windows... We saw ordinary men become heroes - from firemen walking up the World Trade Center staircases to those who took back United Flight 93 from their terrorist aggressors.

Five years ago...a million years ago... Did that day really happen? Once again we seem to live our lives focused around the lives of celebrities - concerned on what someone is wearing or who they're with. The sight of Old Glory has diminished now...and the memory of 9/11 starts to fade into the background, akin to the memory of Pearl Harbor.

However...on this day...for the sake of those who lost their lives and for those who continue to fight for freedom...let us remember. Let us remember the anger, the grief, the disbelief. Let us remember what is important and let us remember how we clung to those so dear to us in a time of great darkness for our country. Let us remember how our country stood strong in the face of danger. May God continue to protect us all...

There And Back Again...

Do you like how I just jumped right into posting again after a three-month hiatus? I really meant to update this thing a lot sooner, but I've had a rather busy summer...trying to visit more of these United States.

For those of you keeping count...I was previously at 37/50, which you can see in a post from last year. But, after a New England road trip in June, and a Southwest road trip in July, I am now up to 44!
The highlight of the New England trip would have to be seeing all the wonderful green mountains of Vermont. In the Southwest...I absolutely loved Carlsbad Caverns! I also discovered the wonders that are Lobster Rolls and Navajo Fry Bread.

Now I just have to figure out when to visit the other 6 states. I'm kinda road-tripped out for now...but there's always next year!

Fight On Trojans!

Football season has begun. Yay! I know that my mood may not be as ecstatic in about 24 hours...but for now...everyone has a perfect season and the Trojan football team remains full of promise. I still need to figure out where to watch the game tonight, but wherever I end up, I would like to see a sound thrashing of the Arkansas Razorbacks. I hope that John David Booty's arm is sure and strong...and that he's as fortunate enough to have a streak such as Leinart's when he followed Carson Palmer into the starting QB role. I look forward to watching all the new stars emerge this season. Fight on Trojans! No matter what the outcome (but you know which one I would prefer) - I'm still behind you!

No Trouble At All

Okay...so I'm one of those freaks who actually enjoy watching awards shows...Emmys, Oscars, and especially the Tonys. I usually don't watch most of the nominated television shows or movies...but I always like seeing the winners' reactions...especially in the case of an upset. Usually it's hit or miss when the host starts off the show. I'm not really a Conan O'Brien fan, but I gotta say...I loved the skit in the beginning. It doesn't hurt to put the Lost character of Hurley in there for comic relief. I was also extremely excited to see a show tune performed in the beginning. Granted, they took some rather funny liberties with Meredith Wilson's lyrics...but Conan got millions of people tuned in to see a parody of The Music Man's "Trouble". Good job, Mr. O'Brien. Let's hope you started an Emmy trend. ;)

What Happened To The Pizzas?

My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. Way back in elementary school...that's how I learned the planets of the solar system. Starting from the sun, you get...Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Now...thanks to Michael Brown and his discovery of dwarf planet, Xena (which happens to be bigger than Pluto)...the International Astronomical Union has decided to demote the ninth planet. So I guess it's back to the drawing board when it comes to cute little ways to remember the planets. My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nectarines? Well...at least that sounds a bit healthier!

Drowsy...Revisited

The great thing about being in California, is that on occasion, I am privy to seeing certain musicals before they make their way to the Big Apple. Such was the case with The Drowsy Chaperone. I saw it way back in the beginning of December (incidentally...in the evening right after we pummelled ucla 66-19 at football) with the same cast that is now raking in the laughs on Broadway.

I just wanted to be able to get my two cents in before the Broadway awards season goes any further. I did not abhor the show, as Lisa did. I thought it was a cute production and bought into the idea that it was a Valentine to musical theatre. I identified with the main character, Man in Chair (in being transported into the story through listening to cast recordings...not by his psychotic tendencies to want to be in the story), and moved by the ending.

I thought the writing was witty, but fell too deeply into the musical theatre niche. I did not think it would appeal to someone who did not go out to see musicals on a regular basis. I was glad to see the show...especially with Sutton Foster in the role of Janet. But, at the time...I didn't think it would make it to Broadway...and it could quite possibly fall into obscurity. If it did make it to Broadway...I didn't think it would last too long.

As luck would have it, The Woman in White met an untimely end, and the Marquis Theatre opened up. The Drowsy producers saw their chance and took it. As a result, the Drowsy Chaperone opened on Broadway this past Monday, May 1, with a majority of positive reviews. Now that awards season is upon us...they are also gathering nominations right and left. However, even with the accolades, I don't see this show lasting out the year. Let's see if the NYC theatre-going public proves me wrong!

So Much For Mock Drafts

I suppose I shouldn't have looked at the NFL mock drafts as much as I did. Thus far, nothing has panned out for my beloved Trojans the way that was anticipated. Reggie Bush became the #2 pick, going to the New Orleans Saints...and Matt Leinart managed to drop down to #10 before he was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals.

As for the Houston Texans, who had the #1 pick...they failed to choose their hometown hero, Vince Young, as well as Reggie. Their pick, Mario Williams, had better be a star, or they're going to end up with a lot of angry, rabid fans next season.

The good news is...the San Francisco 49ers play the Saints and the San Diego Chargers play Arizona...so I don't have to venture too far to see either Matt or Reggie play. I didn't have the same luck when Carson Palmer went to Cincinnati a few years back.

I guess now I'll just have to wait and see where the rest of the 'SC guys go...of course it would be more enjoyable if I had cable and could watch the draft. Ah well...I guess the 'net will have to do!

Easter Blooms

I hope that everyone managed to have a fun & exciting Easter. As for me, I attended a "memorial service"...and walked away with a nice little bouquet. Aren't they pretty? I took 'em off a casket and a couple funeral wreaths!
Hey! Don't furrow your brow at me, I had permission. ;)

Alright...I guess this takes further explanation. During our Easter service, a few people from the drama team enacted what it would be like if we had a modern-day memorial service for Jesus Christ. If you know my Pastor...he thinks big. So, we had the casket, the funeral wreaths, eulogies...and as someone pointed out...we had a couple people doing a choreographed dance!

Part way through his sermon, our Pastor opened up the casket to reveal...well...an empty casket. For those of you who are unaware -- Jesus rose from the dead three days after he was crucified.

So...since this was definitely a time of CELEBRATION...I had no qualms pillaging for flowers!

Yes...Another One

Animated Inventor

Lisa posted another personality test type thingy on her blog...so I thought that I would take it. After all, I liked the box w/ all the nifty colors (aka "Personal DNA Map"). =P

One thing I don't really agree on is my empathy score...I think it's too low. I blame all the black and white questions with buzz words like "never" and "always". Ah well...at least most of the quiz goes by scales and percentages:

Confidence	LowHigh	92
Openness	LowHigh	74
Extroversion	LowHigh	66
Empathy	LowHigh	28
Trust in others	LowHigh	60
Agency	LowHigh	76
Masculinity	LowHigh	6
Femininity	LowHigh	86
Spontaneity	LowHigh	94
Attention to style	LowHigh	28
Authoritarianism	LowHigh	20
Earthy/Imaginative	ImaginativeEarthy	10
Aesthetic/Functional	FunctionalAesthetic	24

The entire report can be viewed -->here<--, but here's what the report has to say about being animated and being an inventor...

I AM AN INVENTOR

• Your imagination, self-reliance, openness to new things, and appreciation for utility combine to make you an INVENTOR.
• You have the confidence to make your visions into reality, and you are willing to consider many alternatives to get that done.
• The full spectrum of possibilities in the world intrigues you—you're not limited by pre-conceived notions of how things should be.
• Problem-solving is a specialty of yours, owing to your persistence, curiosity, and understanding of how things work.
• Your vision allows you to identify what's missing from a given situation, and your creativity allows you to fill in the gaps.
• Your awareness of how things function gives you the ability to come up with new uses for common objects.
• It is more interesting for you to pursue excitement than it is to get caught up in a routine.
• Although understanding details is not difficult for you, you specialize in seeing the bigger picture and don't get caught up in specifics.
• You tend to more proactive than reactive—you don't just wait for things to come to you.
• You're not one to force your positions on a group, and you tend to be fair in evaluating different options.
• You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.
• You tend to do things on the spur of the moment, not sticking to a set schedule.
• You do your own thing when it comes to clothing, guided more by practical concerns than by other people's notions of style.
• Generally, you believe that you control your life, and that external forces only play a limited role in determining what happens to you.

I AM ANIMATED

• You are outgoing, comfortable with others, and up for anything, which makes you ANIMATED.
• Some people find crowds and parties exhausting, but not you! You are able to be yourself in many situations.
• Sometimes it is hard for you to understand why others feel the way they do, but that doesn't stop you from trusting them or having faith that they are good people.
• You know the world is complicated and that there is often more than one side to a story, so you are careful not to make judgments about others too hastily.
• You would rather experience the world than sit back and observe it—you are not one to sit on the sidelines.
• You are an independent thinker and don't get too worried about how others might perceive you—you are not self-conscious about being the active, engaged person that you are.
• Although you have a keen understanding of different people's life circumstances, you occasionally have trouble seeing why people get so upset and emotional about things—they should just lighten up and have fun!
• In addition to having faith in the world, you have faith in the people around you—you trust others to do the right thing and to be honest.

You can take the test as well. Let me know what you get!

My L.A. Four

I inadvertently took a brief hiatus from blogging. Since Lisa tagged me for this survey eons ago, I thought I should complete this first...enjoy!

Four Jobs I've Had in My Life in L.A.
1) Database Developer
2) Web Developer
3) Systems Integration Engineer
4) Office Aide (work study in college)

Four Movies About L.A. I Could Watch Over and Over
(I need to watch more movies about Los Angeles)
1) Singin' In The Rain
2) Ocean's Eleven (well...at least a couple scenes were in L.A.)
3) Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure
4) Clueless

Four Places I've Lived All Over L.A. (With Food Memories From Each)
1) Long Beach
Taco Bell - I know this won't be added to anyone's "to do list", but I used to go here a lot with my dad. We'd pick up food after school and then hang out and eat together at home. Oh...and from what I hear...this particular one (on Santa Fe Ave. and Pacific Coast Highway) is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Taco Bell still in operation.
2) USC - On Campus
EVK - It did not specify that the food memories had to be good ones. The first time I ate at EVK (Elaine von KleinSmid Residents Hall), was during "Preview USC"...a two-day excursion to the campus for perspective high school seniors. I saw college students run and fight for quesadillas as soon as they were brought out...and to top it all off...a fly flew straight into my burrito when I was putting it together. It was then and there that I decided to live in an apartment, and not a dorm...no more EVK if I could help it!
3) USC - Off Campus
The Original Pantry - I'm not sure how many of the original waiters are still around...but when I went to 'SC, there were still a few. I love their pancakes, and I loved the fact that they were open 24 hours. I remember going there around their 75th anniversary and one of the original waiters was passing out hats to everyone. I still have mine!
4) Santa Monica
(okay...I've never really lived here...but I figure working in the city is close enough)
Fritto Misto - In an attempt to find a new place to eat for lunch, I happened upon a website that spoke of this place. I'm glad I did! They have great calamari...and you should really try their banana cream pie. Yum!

Four L.A. Themed Shows I Love(d) to Watch
1) Alias
2) The Brady Bunch
3) CHiPs
4) Remington Steele

Four Places I Would Vacation at in L.A.
1) Santa Monica
2) Malibu
3) Downtown L.A. (theatre weekend!)
4) Long Beach (if just to visit with relatives)

Four L.A. Based Web Sites I Visit Daily
(not necessarily specific to L.A., but has info related to L.A. on occasion)
1) Playbill
2) Yahoo! News
3) Lisa's Blog
4) Yahoo! Local

Four of My Favorite Foods Found in L.A.
1) Chili Spaghetti @ Bob's Big Boy
2) Pink's Hot Dogs
3) Seaweed Salad @ Zip Fusion
4) Calamari @ Fritto Misto

Four Places in L.A. I Would Rather Be Right Now
1) Watching 'SC play football at the Coliseum
2) Hanging out with Sorority Sisters @ USC
3) Watching a performance at the Hollywood Bowl
4) Watching a performance at the Music Center in Downtown L.A.

Four Unfortunate L.A. Souls
The following people have been tagged:
1) Brianne
2) Judy
3) Melly
4) Todd R.

Four More Unfortunate Souls
I've seen this survey in a non-L.A. iteration...let's see what people outside of L.A. like about where they live:
1) Padgett
2) Amy
3) Erin
4) Shereen

Tackles or Theatre

For those of you who read my blog...you know that I love musical theatre...and I love my 'SC football. I contend that the only reason I don't watch too much NFL is because of the lack of a L.A. pro team in the league. At least the 'SC alumni get me to be invested in watching the playoffs and the Superbowl. Congrats to Troy and Lofa for making it to the big game!
Well...now here's a story that concerns both football and the theatre. It seems that part of the Pittsburgh theatre community acknowleges the importance of such a game to it's city. A few days ago, the Pittsburgh Public Theater decided to cancel it's February 5 evening performance so that their patrons could join the rest of steel town in bars and Superbowl parties across the city. The press release follows:

MEDIA ADVISORY
January 24, 2006

GO STEELERS!

TO CELEBRATE THE SUPER BOWL, PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER CANCELS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 EVENING PERFORMANCE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

At Pittsburgh Public Theater, the home of The Chief, we join with the rest of the city in waving our Terrible Towels to salute the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers! To honor our hometown heroes as they head to Super Bowl XL, we have cancelled the Sunday, February 5, 7 p.m. performance of The Importance of Being Earnest so our audience, cast and crew can join with the rest of the city in celebrating this momentous occasion.

Sunday's 2 p.m. matinee will go on as scheduled, but the post-show talkback has been cancelled.

Ticket holders for the 7 p.m. performance should call the Public's Box Office at 412-316-1600 for exchange options.

I'm sure those who were being brought to the theatre against their will that evening are now breathing a sigh of relief. Good luck, Steelers...let's hope for a fun and exciting Superbowl XL!

7,486

That was the magic number to become the longest running show in Broadway history. Last night, "The Phantom of the Opera" surpassed another Andrew Lloyd Webber mega-musical, "Cats", to claim the top honor.

In June of 1997, when "Cats" reached the top spot, I sent an email to some of my friends...mourning the fact that it had surpassed "A Chorus Line". I'm glad something with a plot and lack of prancing kitties finally overtook it. I would have preferred it be "Les Misérables", in my opinion...the greatest musical ever, but I'll settle for the phantom's dethroning of the felines.

Below is the list of top 15 longest running shows:

1.	"The Phantom of the Opera"	7486
2.	"Cats"	7485
3.	"Les Misérables"	6680
4.	"A Chorus Line"	6137
5.	"Oh! Calcutta!" (Revival)	5959
6.	"Beauty and the Beast"	4816
7.	"Miss Saigon"	4097
8.	"Rent"	4050
9.	"Chicago" (Revival)	3803
10.	"42nd Street"	3486
11.	"The Lion King"	3434
12.	"Grease"	3388
13.	"Fiddler on the Roof"	3242
14.	"Life With Father"	3224
15.	"Tobacco Road"	3182

Red = Still Currently Running

I'm sure the Disney bigwigs crave that top spot. But...here's the sobering news for them. The Beast, Belle, and all the gang must rack up an additional 6 1/2 years of performances after producer Cameron Macintosh finally decides to shutter "The Phantom of the Opera". Since señor phantom is still going strong...I don't see that happening any time soon. Sorry Mickey. It'll be a loooooooooong time before you can call yourself the king of old Broadway.

For now, congrats to the new king: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Let's hope the actors don't party too hard tonight...they still have performance 7,487 to look forward to...and 7,488...and 7,489...

The Pains Of Being A Trojan Fan

This past week has not been kind to Trojan sports fans...

Wednesday, January 4, 2006
The USC football team had their winning streak snapped at 34 games. In the process, we turned the ball over far more than we should have, allowed the Texas offense one too many visits to the end zone and lost the chance to claim a third national championship in a row. What's more...I was there...at the Rose Bowl...in a section primarily filled with Texan...half of them in my row were very loud, drunk Texans. It was not exactly the most enjoyable game in recent memory...

Thursday, January 5, 2006
Former USC baseball coach, Rod Dedeaux, passed away at the age of 91. He coached at the University of Southern California for 45 years, winning 11 national championship titles for the Trojans. He also coached two U.S. Olympic baseball teams, and was instrumental in bringing amateur baseball overseas.

Sunday, January 8, 2006
Former USC quarterback, Carson Palmer, led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first playoff game in 15 years. He threw for 66 yards in his first pass...unfortunately, a couple seconds later, his knee was blown out by a Pittsburgh Steelers defender. Carson was out the rest of the game and watched his team lose 31-17. He tore two ligaments and must now go through major surgery, with an estimated 6-12 month recovery time. Let's hope he heals quickly.

Now...what do we have to look forward to this next week? I have a feeling we'll see many, many juniors enter the NFL draft early, leaving less experienced players to fill their shoes. I guess the bright side is that we still have Pete Carroll. I'm sure he'll whip the new team into shape by next season. So...win or lose...I'll be cheering for them in the stands. Fight On Trojans!

Sheep Cam!

For those of you who are unaware...I have a fondness for sheep. They may not be the smartest animals in the world, but they are pretty cute. Plus...they come in handy if you want a wool sweater!

A couple in Anderson, South Carolina, have a miniature farm of sheep...which includes newborn Baby Sheep Pinky:


Pinky was born on January 6, 2006. If you go to their website (SeeSheep.com), you may be able to catch a live glimpse of the little one with it's mother. Enjoy!