A few days ago, a lady was using her walker down the hallway and passed in front of grandpa and I. We were in our usual spots - he in his wheelchair and I on the floor beside him. The lady and I greeted each other and smiled and chatted for a few minutes.
"Is this your....grandpa?"
"Yes!"
I was impressed, I usually get 'father.'
"Well, he's a sweetheart. Always pleasant. Never bothers nobody."
"Thank you!" I replied, "He is very sweet."
As she passed in front of him grandpa waved and said hello, as if to emphasize her point. She stopped, smiled and stooped down in front of him.
"Do you know this girl?" she asked. Grandpa gave her a blank stare.
"Do you? Do you know this girl?" She was kind, but insistent. I wasn't sure why this had to be answered, but she wasn't going to let it go, so I pulled myself up on my knees so he could see me better. She started pointing and dragging her finger towards me to draw his attention. "This girl. This girl right here. Do you know her?"
His eyes finally followed her hand and he looked up at me. "Yeah!"
The lady smiled. "Who is she?"
Oh dear.
Grandpa continued his blank stare at me.
"Who is she? Who is she?"
I wanted to intervene, but I didn't. If things had gotten harder on him, I would've, but I also honestly wanted to know who he believed I was.
"She's..... she's.... she's my daughter-in-law."
"Oh! And do you love her?"
Now grandpa legitimately looked confused. "Of course!" he replied, bewildered. The lady wandered off. Grandpa looked at me as if he was supposed to understand what had just happened. I just smiled and shrugged. We moved on.
For months now, Grandpa has consistently called me his daughter-in-law. Who he believes I am on a day to day basis does vary a bit, but especially within these past six months, especially whenever he does name me to somebody I am almost exclusively his daughter-in-law. My mother.
That's a bit of a mind trip when you think about it from my perspective. :)
And sometimes it's not just in naming me because somebody asked.
Sometimes it reveals itself in casual conversation. Take a month ago, for
example.
Grandpa was relaying his day to me when he rather
suddenly (and very confidently) stated, "Yup, your daddy suuure helped
me get that cat out of that barn." I blinked because I was completely
stumped. (Notably, not about the part about a cat in the barn, although there was certainly no current context for that at the time either.) He said it with such an air of awareness that I sat there for
several minutes trying to figure out if he genuinely knew who I was. I
was debating whether or not to ask him when suddenly he finished it out:
"Yup, Leonard sure was a great help!"
Ah. Leonard. My mother's father.
I
was floored. Despite having heard him reference me as her several
times, it still stuns me a bit when it happens - to think that something
in me reminds him, or at least triggers something in him, of her.
It was about three months ago now when he suddenly started asking me, "Where's little Sherri? I thought I just heard her. Did you hear her?"
Although surreal to think of myself as about five years old in his mind, my heart warmed. I realized that in his brain I was still a child and probably running around terrorizing the place.
I tried to correct him and explain that, no, I was Sherri. But he just looked at me and laughed. "No, no, no," he said, "little Sherri. She was in the dining room. I just saw her."
Ah, well. Maybe I was behaving enough after all. :)
And it dawned on me later that the age I am now is the age my mother would have been when I was "little Sherri."
And even all the way back to his first trip to his final neurologist and the doctor asked him to introduce us. "This is my daughter-in-law," he said, "and that's my grandson."
I didn't correct him but instead just shook my head at the doctor, although "grandson" was indeed correct. Later Grandpa apparently caught himself and realized what had happened. "I'm so sorry," he said, "I'm so sorry I called you my daughter-in-law. I don't know what happened."
It's okay. I don't mind. I don't mind on any count.
Why would I be bothered, hurt or upset? That you think I'm one of the women that I admire the most? That maybe, just maybe, there is something in me that you see that reminds you so strongly of her? Maybe some tiny piece of my personality brings her to your thoughts? Or maybe instead I remind you of her in her looks? Any of those things, I don't mind. I don't mind at all. I am honored and thrilled and blessed that there's even a remote chance that you might find something in me that you recognize as her.
I don't mind one bit.
I'll be your daughter-in-law. I'll be your friend that hangs out, or random family member, or whoever you think I am that day as long as you'll let me sit and chat with you awhile. We'll drink coffee and health shakes. We'll people watch. And at the very least, maybe you'll remember me as a friendly face.
Or at the very best, your daughter-in-law.
Days of Dementia: And it's root, root, root for the home team....
on September 21, 2014
This past Thursday night I walked into the nursing home to find my grandfather in the middle of the hallway in his wheelchair, trucker cap on his head and looking alert. This is a bit unusual - I've never seen him wear the cap before, though its been in his room for about a month, and he was in a different section of the hallway than I usually find him in. I caught his eye.
"Hey!" I said enthusiastically, "There you are."
"Hey!" he replied, just as happily, "You're just in time!"
"In time for what?"
"In time for the ballgame!"
I grinned. "What kind of ballgame?" "Baseball? Basketball? Football?"
"Don't know."
"Where's it happening at?"
"Right down there." He pointed down the hallway. My head turned, but I already knew what I would see. I had just come from that direction. A few people in wheelchairs were in the lobby. While they were watching television, no game had been on the screen and the TV wasn't visible from our position. I smiled.
"Who's playing?"
"Don't know."
"Is it baseball?"
"Yeah!"
"Has it started yet?"
"Not yet. Just about to."
For those who haven't heard, or have only caught the bits and pieces, my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia this past year. It's been a really difficult road full of lots of confusion - and not just on his part, in general. The past eight months or so have been filled with lots of fear, heartache and uncertainty about what's going on, what's right and what's the best way to accomplish it. There have been a lot of factors involved and while it's still an ongoing situation, he is currently in a nursing home that appears to love and take excellent care of him. And that's such an incredible, incredible blessing to us, especially considering Oklahoma is apparently 49th in the nation in terms of nursing home care. Yikes.
We chatted for awhile about other topics. He kept trying to prop his foot up on the nurses' disposal box on the side of their cart. "I think that's Billy's tool box," he finally said.
"Ah. Then we probably shouldn't mess with it then."
A few minutes later.
"Look! Here come the stars!"
I glanced back down the hallway. Far at the other end, one man walked slowly along on his walker.
"Anybody I know? Anyone famous?"
"Hog Bellys!"
This is actually what his trucker hat reads. Hog Bellys, Stink Bait Parlor. I have no idea where this cap came from, it just appeared one day in his room. This is something that has super impressed me in the midst of his dementia - he can still read. For a man that doesn't ever really know what's going on, he can still read. In fact, as we were sitting there during this discussion, he pointed out a word on the nurses cart and asked me what it meant. And I had no idea either, because it was some long medical term. But I knew the reason he didn't ask me about the other words was because they made sense to him - scissors, tape, medications, etc. He specifically recognized that he didn't understand what this particular word meant and he wanted to know.
But he will still misunderstand or reinterpret the words he reads. Hence, Hog Bellys, the now famous baseball player.
"Now they're all walking around the bases."
"Just a second grandpa, I'll be right back."
I stepped into his room for a minute and was caught off guard by the television being on his room since it had never been on before. In particular, it was on Thursday Night Football and I immediately understood. Since he had never talked about ball before, I wasn't sure where our sudden baseball game had come from, but now I got it.
In discussions before with various people, we've come to realize that probably most of what grandpa talks about isn't completely made up. Usually there's a connector somewhere, even if it's probably a book or movie he read thirty years ago that we just don't know about or an overheard bit from a conversation earlier in the day. And then his brain just takes a whatever tiny gem of it that gets brought up on a ride.
"Has the game started yet?"
"Nope. They're just walking around the bases."
"That's it? Just parading around the bases?"
"Yup. Maybe they'll get started soon."
We chatted awhile longer and then I headed home for the evening.
If you had told me at the beginning of all of this that eventually I would look forward to my trips to the nursing home, that it would be a joy and that it would be a piece of a puzzle that would begin to fundamentally alter my heart and mind, I probably would have doubted you. And the trips can still be, and will be often, hard. Despite that, however, there has been so much unexpected joy and love in the midst of all the mental confusion and heartache.
I got to watch a baseball game with my grandfather. I had never had the chance - or rather, took the chance - to do that before. The fact that I can say I have now, whether he remembers it or not, thrills my soul.
I hope Hog Bellys hit a home run.
"Hey!" I said enthusiastically, "There you are."
"Hey!" he replied, just as happily, "You're just in time!"
"In time for what?"
"In time for the ballgame!"
I grinned. "What kind of ballgame?" "Baseball? Basketball? Football?"
"Don't know."
"Where's it happening at?"
"Right down there." He pointed down the hallway. My head turned, but I already knew what I would see. I had just come from that direction. A few people in wheelchairs were in the lobby. While they were watching television, no game had been on the screen and the TV wasn't visible from our position. I smiled.
"Who's playing?"
"Don't know."
"Is it baseball?"
"Yeah!"
"Has it started yet?"
"Not yet. Just about to."
For those who haven't heard, or have only caught the bits and pieces, my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia this past year. It's been a really difficult road full of lots of confusion - and not just on his part, in general. The past eight months or so have been filled with lots of fear, heartache and uncertainty about what's going on, what's right and what's the best way to accomplish it. There have been a lot of factors involved and while it's still an ongoing situation, he is currently in a nursing home that appears to love and take excellent care of him. And that's such an incredible, incredible blessing to us, especially considering Oklahoma is apparently 49th in the nation in terms of nursing home care. Yikes.
We chatted for awhile about other topics. He kept trying to prop his foot up on the nurses' disposal box on the side of their cart. "I think that's Billy's tool box," he finally said.
"Ah. Then we probably shouldn't mess with it then."
A few minutes later.
"Look! Here come the stars!"
I glanced back down the hallway. Far at the other end, one man walked slowly along on his walker.
"Anybody I know? Anyone famous?"
"Hog Bellys!"
This is actually what his trucker hat reads. Hog Bellys, Stink Bait Parlor. I have no idea where this cap came from, it just appeared one day in his room. This is something that has super impressed me in the midst of his dementia - he can still read. For a man that doesn't ever really know what's going on, he can still read. In fact, as we were sitting there during this discussion, he pointed out a word on the nurses cart and asked me what it meant. And I had no idea either, because it was some long medical term. But I knew the reason he didn't ask me about the other words was because they made sense to him - scissors, tape, medications, etc. He specifically recognized that he didn't understand what this particular word meant and he wanted to know.
But he will still misunderstand or reinterpret the words he reads. Hence, Hog Bellys, the now famous baseball player.
"Now they're all walking around the bases."
"Just a second grandpa, I'll be right back."
I stepped into his room for a minute and was caught off guard by the television being on his room since it had never been on before. In particular, it was on Thursday Night Football and I immediately understood. Since he had never talked about ball before, I wasn't sure where our sudden baseball game had come from, but now I got it.
In discussions before with various people, we've come to realize that probably most of what grandpa talks about isn't completely made up. Usually there's a connector somewhere, even if it's probably a book or movie he read thirty years ago that we just don't know about or an overheard bit from a conversation earlier in the day. And then his brain just takes a whatever tiny gem of it that gets brought up on a ride.
"Has the game started yet?"
"Nope. They're just walking around the bases."
"That's it? Just parading around the bases?"
"Yup. Maybe they'll get started soon."
We chatted awhile longer and then I headed home for the evening.
If you had told me at the beginning of all of this that eventually I would look forward to my trips to the nursing home, that it would be a joy and that it would be a piece of a puzzle that would begin to fundamentally alter my heart and mind, I probably would have doubted you. And the trips can still be, and will be often, hard. Despite that, however, there has been so much unexpected joy and love in the midst of all the mental confusion and heartache.
I got to watch a baseball game with my grandfather. I had never had the chance - or rather, took the chance - to do that before. The fact that I can say I have now, whether he remembers it or not, thrills my soul.
I hope Hog Bellys hit a home run.
Sadly, we didn't get to hear this sermon.
on March 18, 2013
"Gary asked me to preach this Sunday since he is currently sick. I sent him an email saying 'Two times ago you asked me to preach it was Veteran's Day. That was easy. Last time you asked me to preach it was Thanksgiving. So I checked the holidays. Today is national blueberry popover day. That is hard."
- Andy Pope
- Andy Pope
Always nice to see Clark Gregg again.
on March 10, 2013
Just in case some of you haven't seen it yet and are interested....
Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing Trailer
Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing Trailer
Random Collected Videos
on March 6, 2013
Not wanting to spend lots of time blogging tonight, but wanted to share a few videos....
So I heard this old song for the first time a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. It's such a sweet, sweet love song. I know it's bluegrass and some people aren't crazy for that, but I think it's absolutely beautiful.
"I Heard the Bluebirds Sing," by the Browns
This video is ADORABLE. (Thanks, Will!)
So freaking cute.
Speaking of thanks to Will, he's on a roll as he also shared this amazing find tonight....
The 1967 televised Tony's. The first televised Tony Awards.
I haven't watched it yet, I want to be able to sit down and devote time to it. But look at those names. Gower Champion. Zero Mostel. Carol Burnett. David Merrick.
This is AWESOME.
So I heard this old song for the first time a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. It's such a sweet, sweet love song. I know it's bluegrass and some people aren't crazy for that, but I think it's absolutely beautiful.
"I Heard the Bluebirds Sing," by the Browns
This video is ADORABLE. (Thanks, Will!)
So freaking cute.
Speaking of thanks to Will, he's on a roll as he also shared this amazing find tonight....
The 1967 televised Tony's. The first televised Tony Awards.
I haven't watched it yet, I want to be able to sit down and devote time to it. But look at those names. Gower Champion. Zero Mostel. Carol Burnett. David Merrick.
This is AWESOME.
Vintage Stock Conversations
on March 5, 2013
This past Saturday Brad, Regina & I went up to Vintage Stock. They were looking for games and I was along for the ride. And when we entered the store Brad pointed out a top-loader Nintendo with SMB3 loaded up to play. Well, that made me content so I went to play while they mused over the games.
And after playing for about fifteen minutes I suddenly hear this voice behind me:
"Whoa....whoa.... that is... that is.... that is the ORIGINAL... the ORIGINAL MARIO BROTHERS. On the ORIGINAL SUPER NINTENDO."
I grinned. There was a boy, probably 11-13 behind me watching.
"No," I corrected, "this is on the Nintendo. This is before the Super."
"Wow. Wow."
His friend walked up and the first boy immediately pointed it out.
"Dude, LOOK. That is the ORIGINAL MARIO BROTHERS. On the NINTENDO. That's...that's.... that's so cool!"
(No. I didn't bother to correct the Original Mario Brothers issue. He was too overwhelmed with everything else. :) )
"Wow....that's the original? That's still so cool though!"
"I KNOW. Cause....cause...cause....it's the CLASSIC. This is the CLASSIC."
It was obvious that he had either actually never seen one before or at least never seen a working one before.
I asked if he wanted to play. Immediately, "No! No." and he just stood there watching.
I asked his friend if he wanted to play. "Sure... I'll try." and as I grabbed the controller he stared at the World 2 Screen. "Where do I go?"
"Oh! Just push down to go to the level."
(After a few minutes of level play.)
"....this is SO different from Galaxy!"
No matter how many italics or caps I use, it will not quite capture his excitement and how enamored he was with the ORIGINAL. It was awesome. I loved every minute of it.
And after playing for about fifteen minutes I suddenly hear this voice behind me:
"Whoa....whoa.... that is... that is.... that is the ORIGINAL... the ORIGINAL MARIO BROTHERS. On the ORIGINAL SUPER NINTENDO."
I grinned. There was a boy, probably 11-13 behind me watching.
"No," I corrected, "this is on the Nintendo. This is before the Super."
"Wow. Wow."
His friend walked up and the first boy immediately pointed it out.
"Dude, LOOK. That is the ORIGINAL MARIO BROTHERS. On the NINTENDO. That's...that's.... that's so cool!"
(No. I didn't bother to correct the Original Mario Brothers issue. He was too overwhelmed with everything else. :) )
"Wow....that's the original? That's still so cool though!"
"I KNOW. Cause....cause...cause....it's the CLASSIC. This is the CLASSIC."
It was obvious that he had either actually never seen one before or at least never seen a working one before.
I asked if he wanted to play. Immediately, "No! No." and he just stood there watching.
I asked his friend if he wanted to play. "Sure... I'll try." and as I grabbed the controller he stared at the World 2 Screen. "Where do I go?"
"Oh! Just push down to go to the level."
(After a few minutes of level play.)
"....this is SO different from Galaxy!"
No matter how many italics or caps I use, it will not quite capture his excitement and how enamored he was with the ORIGINAL. It was awesome. I loved every minute of it.
I dreamed last night, I got on a boat to heaven....
on February 11, 2013
Not....exactly.
So last night I had a dream that several of us were in a Mrs. Byland production (and I would add "in college" here, but I'm not entirely sure we were) and it was a children's version of Urinetown. (Not the place, of course, the musical.) But it was very shoddily put together and we were all in a regular clothes because our costumes weren't there for some reason. And we were in full performance mode with an audience. But even though it was Urinetown, in the middle of it there was "Friend Like Me" from Aladdin and a giant Genie puppet that looked awesome, especially in the midst of the fact that we had no scenery or costumes or anything.
And then in the middle of that song Andrea (yes, from OBU) slid onto the stage on her knees with her arms extended in victory because a prop had arrived just in the nick of time. It was a bracelet. I don't know why that was so important.
But then later the UPS guy that had brought it showed up in the balcony and announced "Hey! I'm the guy who got it here just in time. Also, I'm going to be 33 this week." And I clapped for his birthday, but I was the only one and so he left.
And then we had no idea how the show was supposed to end. We hadn't rehearsed it and I guess we hadn't even read the script? So suddenly - in a desperate attempt to figure out how to end the show - someone grabbed me by the wrist and said "Hey Joker, what do you think now?" or something and suddenly I'm supposed to be the Joker. And in the dream I know I have to at least carry out a little bit of time as the Joker or it would just be weird. So I'm running around pretending to be the Joker and after several minutes someone whispers with a sincere grin "Do you like it?" as in "Do you like the way this is wrapping up?" And I yell (as Joker) yell "Do I like it?! DO I LIKE IT?!"
And then the guy who was suddenly "Batman" (again, sans costumes since we have none) suddenly acted like he was putting a needle/shot in my face and I went to the ground screaming in acted agony. And since I was wanting to put us all out of our misery Joker died from it.
And in the dream I remember even thinking "This is just as weird as poison boot."
And then I had to take some kid I didn't know home. Since it was a children's production and all.
--------
A few nights ago now I dreamed that Holly, Sam, Brad, Regina, Eric & I were all in a car.
And we drove up to this house.
Where, for some reason, our relatives & friends already were. But somehow we had relatives that looked like Godzilla-style monsters and some others which I thought - even in the dream - Wow, these guys look like they're from Ahhh! Real Monsters.
And then there was this Oogie Boogie look alike from Nightmare Before Christmas and he ate some of our relatives.
The monster creature feature looking ones, that is.
And that was okay, apparently, because all of us stayed and hung out.
But before we left we - I guess - suddenly realized we had to free our relatives.
So I started stashing scissors in my back pockets trying to hide them so I could use them as weapons. And somehow Will showed up and all of us were hacking at Oogie Boogie. And we could see the monsters. But Oogie told us that we'd never free them because he was.... too emotional?
And then in the midst of the hacking, I noticed King Ghirdoriah was in there because I saw his three heads.
And when I woke up I was racing around chasing children and throwing them into the car for safety.
And I ran past someone who was sitting on a stump with an axe.
The end.
So last night I had a dream that several of us were in a Mrs. Byland production (and I would add "in college" here, but I'm not entirely sure we were) and it was a children's version of Urinetown. (Not the place, of course, the musical.) But it was very shoddily put together and we were all in a regular clothes because our costumes weren't there for some reason. And we were in full performance mode with an audience. But even though it was Urinetown, in the middle of it there was "Friend Like Me" from Aladdin and a giant Genie puppet that looked awesome, especially in the midst of the fact that we had no scenery or costumes or anything.
And then in the middle of that song Andrea (yes, from OBU) slid onto the stage on her knees with her arms extended in victory because a prop had arrived just in the nick of time. It was a bracelet. I don't know why that was so important.
But then later the UPS guy that had brought it showed up in the balcony and announced "Hey! I'm the guy who got it here just in time. Also, I'm going to be 33 this week." And I clapped for his birthday, but I was the only one and so he left.
And then we had no idea how the show was supposed to end. We hadn't rehearsed it and I guess we hadn't even read the script? So suddenly - in a desperate attempt to figure out how to end the show - someone grabbed me by the wrist and said "Hey Joker, what do you think now?" or something and suddenly I'm supposed to be the Joker. And in the dream I know I have to at least carry out a little bit of time as the Joker or it would just be weird. So I'm running around pretending to be the Joker and after several minutes someone whispers with a sincere grin "Do you like it?" as in "Do you like the way this is wrapping up?" And I yell (as Joker) yell "Do I like it?! DO I LIKE IT?!"
And then the guy who was suddenly "Batman" (again, sans costumes since we have none) suddenly acted like he was putting a needle/shot in my face and I went to the ground screaming in acted agony. And since I was wanting to put us all out of our misery Joker died from it.
And in the dream I remember even thinking "This is just as weird as poison boot."
And then I had to take some kid I didn't know home. Since it was a children's production and all.
--------
A few nights ago now I dreamed that Holly, Sam, Brad, Regina, Eric & I were all in a car.
And we drove up to this house.
Where, for some reason, our relatives & friends already were. But somehow we had relatives that looked like Godzilla-style monsters and some others which I thought - even in the dream - Wow, these guys look like they're from Ahhh! Real Monsters.
And then there was this Oogie Boogie look alike from Nightmare Before Christmas and he ate some of our relatives.
The monster creature feature looking ones, that is.
And that was okay, apparently, because all of us stayed and hung out.
But before we left we - I guess - suddenly realized we had to free our relatives.
So I started stashing scissors in my back pockets trying to hide them so I could use them as weapons. And somehow Will showed up and all of us were hacking at Oogie Boogie. And we could see the monsters. But Oogie told us that we'd never free them because he was.... too emotional?
And then in the midst of the hacking, I noticed King Ghirdoriah was in there because I saw his three heads.
And when I woke up I was racing around chasing children and throwing them into the car for safety.
And I ran past someone who was sitting on a stump with an axe.
The end.
Humor me. :)
on January 31, 2013
I know I share these on here now and again, but really, most of you have never got to see many pictures of my parents. And since her birthday is now, technically speaking, today I just wanted to share a few. :)
 |
| This one is actually, in a strange way, one of my favorites. She's just washing her hair, but I think it shows how silly she liked to be and how laid back she was. She didn't really care if she was picture perfect. Look at that smile. |
 |
| For Halloween one year. Okay, so I'm not sure how crazy she would be about me posting this one, despite her silliness, but I think its beautiful. :) Oh well. She'd still just laugh. I love it. |
 |
| Another favorite. |
 |
| And yes, that's me. |
Sunday in the Park with Steam Powered Giraffe.
on December 5, 2012
(or, as subtitled: You had me at 'la da da da da da.....')
It was a really good weekend for music. In all honesty, I sat around and listened to music all weekend. That's what I did. (Okay, I did do a few other things as well, but I was mostly paying attention to the music I was listening to while I was accomplishing them.) While within this past year I've fallen in love with House of Heroes & The Megas (who are both still awesome) other than that it's felt like a really long time since I've found fresh music that I really latch onto.
Over the weekend I discovered my old recording of Sunday in the Park with George that I have (rather ashamedly) never listened to and instantly fell in love with it. Children & Art? One of the most gorgeous songs I've ever heard. I actually sat down and just listened to it when it came on. And then replayed it. And then played no music after it for awhile because nothing could have come after it. (You're going to go listen to that song now and probably not have the same reaction. Maybe I was just in the perfect mindset for it at the the right moment and maybe that's why it was so overwhelming, but it was incredibly lovely. Or maybe it's because nothing good is coming out on Broadway recently and I'm starving for it.)
And Finishing the Hat? Beautiful. Wow. I was reminded why I was so entranced at Dave's place the one time I watched the DVD. The musical is just a gorgeous piece of art in and of itself. I now have two shows on my "Shows-I'd-Like-To-Dramaturg-Just-For-Kicks" list. (Ragtime, of course, being the other.)
Seriously, I've got to listen to more Sondheim.
Now I wouldn't argue that it's a perfect show or necessarily recommend it to everyone - it's certainly slower at times and based more on character development than plot, and the music is minimalistic - so it really depends on what you're looking for. I haven't actually researched if this is true or not, but I read where: "Just as Seurat used only eleven colors, orchestrator Jonathan Tunickonly used eleven instruments in the pit...." and I've got to admit, that's pretty awesome.
Anyway, I was swooning over my good musical fortune when suddenly I saw this:
Les Mis released five new clips from the upcoming movie.
"....AND LES MIS RELEASED FIVE NEW CLIPS?"
I have watched them over. And over. And over. And...over.... (Hey, autoplay is on. I can't mess with that.) Oh, Eddie Redmayne.... Oh, Samantha Barks.... I love you both.
I could give you my opinions of every clip, but that really seems unfair to shove my thoughts down your thought before you've seen them. (Even tho I usually do that anyway. :) ) So hey, if you watch them I'd love to know what you think first!
And then just when I was completely content surrounding myself with my musical happiness, I came across these guys:
(Man, that keyboardist is awesome.)
Meet Steam Powered Giraffe.
I had actually heard of them a few months ago via EpBot, but I think I ignored them because I was afraid they were going to be steampunk gimmicky and never looked into them. I think steampunk's really fun, but...in music? I figured it was just guys dressing up as robots and performing music and doing it....badly. Eh.
I was so wrong.
When EpBot posted about them again I decided to give them a chance. It took about three videos to really get a solid grasp on how good they were, but now I'm sold.
I love these guys. Their commitment to character through their movement and voice work is perfection and their music is really fun and so well done. And somehow at the same time they're also very silly and I think that's wonderful (see Captain Albert Alexander.) And they're completely family friendly!
This is a favorite of mine. Totally did not expect that music style to kick in by the title Automatonic Electronic Harmonics. :)
Actually, the first video I watched was Honeybee:
Which was almost a mistake (and why I didn't start off with it.) It starts off so slow that I almost turned it off within the first minute. But now it's one of my favorites. The harmonies kicked in and....seriously.
The three characters involved are The Spine (silver makeup), Rabbit (glasses on hat) & The Jon (suspender man), although Jon has now been replaced by Hatchworth (not yet featured in their videos.) On their website they include full biographies for each characters as well as their background for their existing world.
"Hello, goodbye, twas nice to know you, how I find myself without you, that I'll never know...."
While they won't be everyone's cup of tea, I think they're absolutely wonderful showmen and musicians. I'm super excited to see what they do next. (And in the meantime, I'll keep replaying their videos on youtube....)
And that, my friends, was my very wonderful, very musical weekend.
It was a really good weekend for music. In all honesty, I sat around and listened to music all weekend. That's what I did. (Okay, I did do a few other things as well, but I was mostly paying attention to the music I was listening to while I was accomplishing them.) While within this past year I've fallen in love with House of Heroes & The Megas (who are both still awesome) other than that it's felt like a really long time since I've found fresh music that I really latch onto.
Over the weekend I discovered my old recording of Sunday in the Park with George that I have (rather ashamedly) never listened to and instantly fell in love with it. Children & Art? One of the most gorgeous songs I've ever heard. I actually sat down and just listened to it when it came on. And then replayed it. And then played no music after it for awhile because nothing could have come after it. (You're going to go listen to that song now and probably not have the same reaction. Maybe I was just in the perfect mindset for it at the the right moment and maybe that's why it was so overwhelming, but it was incredibly lovely. Or maybe it's because nothing good is coming out on Broadway recently and I'm starving for it.)
And Finishing the Hat? Beautiful. Wow. I was reminded why I was so entranced at Dave's place the one time I watched the DVD. The musical is just a gorgeous piece of art in and of itself. I now have two shows on my "Shows-I'd-Like-To-Dramaturg-Just-For-Kicks" list. (Ragtime, of course, being the other.)
Seriously, I've got to listen to more Sondheim.
Now I wouldn't argue that it's a perfect show or necessarily recommend it to everyone - it's certainly slower at times and based more on character development than plot, and the music is minimalistic - so it really depends on what you're looking for. I haven't actually researched if this is true or not, but I read where: "Just as Seurat used only eleven colors, orchestrator Jonathan Tunickonly used eleven instruments in the pit...." and I've got to admit, that's pretty awesome.
Anyway, I was swooning over my good musical fortune when suddenly I saw this:
Les Mis released five new clips from the upcoming movie.
"....AND LES MIS RELEASED FIVE NEW CLIPS?"
I have watched them over. And over. And over. And...over.... (Hey, autoplay is on. I can't mess with that.) Oh, Eddie Redmayne.... Oh, Samantha Barks.... I love you both.
I could give you my opinions of every clip, but that really seems unfair to shove my thoughts down your thought before you've seen them. (Even tho I usually do that anyway. :) ) So hey, if you watch them I'd love to know what you think first!
And then just when I was completely content surrounding myself with my musical happiness, I came across these guys:
(Man, that keyboardist is awesome.)
Meet Steam Powered Giraffe.
I had actually heard of them a few months ago via EpBot, but I think I ignored them because I was afraid they were going to be steampunk gimmicky and never looked into them. I think steampunk's really fun, but...in music? I figured it was just guys dressing up as robots and performing music and doing it....badly. Eh.
I was so wrong.
When EpBot posted about them again I decided to give them a chance. It took about three videos to really get a solid grasp on how good they were, but now I'm sold.
I love these guys. Their commitment to character through their movement and voice work is perfection and their music is really fun and so well done. And somehow at the same time they're also very silly and I think that's wonderful (see Captain Albert Alexander.) And they're completely family friendly!
This is a favorite of mine. Totally did not expect that music style to kick in by the title Automatonic Electronic Harmonics. :)
Actually, the first video I watched was Honeybee:
Which was almost a mistake (and why I didn't start off with it.) It starts off so slow that I almost turned it off within the first minute. But now it's one of my favorites. The harmonies kicked in and....seriously.
The three characters involved are The Spine (silver makeup), Rabbit (glasses on hat) & The Jon (suspender man), although Jon has now been replaced by Hatchworth (not yet featured in their videos.) On their website they include full biographies for each characters as well as their background for their existing world.
"Hello, goodbye, twas nice to know you, how I find myself without you, that I'll never know...."
While they won't be everyone's cup of tea, I think they're absolutely wonderful showmen and musicians. I'm super excited to see what they do next. (And in the meantime, I'll keep replaying their videos on youtube....)
And that, my friends, was my very wonderful, very musical weekend.
Stories from Work
on November 11, 2012
I have no idea if these will come across as amusing on paper as they did in person, but I still want to record them for me.
These two hysterical guys come in, probably about 18 & 20 years old.
Guy 1: "I need to buy a rose. Maybe one to put in my teeth."
Me: "Oh, okay, do you have a specific color in mind?"
Guy 1: "I'm not actually going to put it in my mouth."
Me: "Alright, well, do you have a specific color in mind?"
Guy 2: "I'm thinking about buying a rose too! For my ex girlfriend."
G1: "Dude, don't cry on me again."
G2: "I'm not gonna cry! Do you think I should buy a rose? Do you think I should?"
Me: "I have no idea, I have no idea what your relationship was."
G1: "Dude, you're gonna cry. Don't do it man, don't do it!"
G2: "I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna buy her a rose!"
G1: "Fine. I just want a red one."
G2: "Should I do it? Should I buy a rose?"
Me: "Well, if you would like to, again, I'm not sure what happened...."
G2: "Well, see, it was sort of both our faults. Can I just tell you the story?"
Me: "Sure...."
G1: "Dude. Don't cry."
G2: "I'm not gonna cry! Should I get pink or white? What do they mean?"
Me: "Well, traditionally pink will mean like a first love, or that you really like someone. White usually stands for innocence."
G2: "Innocence? What does that mean?"
G1: "Like virginity, man!"
G2: "Do I want that one then?!?!"
Me (trying to keep it all together): "I don't know! I don't know the context of your relationship. It also stands for purity."
G1: "Oh, purity. I'm sorry. That's a much better way of saying it."
Me: "You're safe with pink or white."
(ten minutes later)
G1: "Dude. We have to go. I'm gonna be late! Stop filling out that card!"
G2: "No! I have to get it right!"
G1: "It doesn't even matter! Girls never read the card!"
G2: "Do girls read the card?"
Me: "Yes, actually, that's---"
G2: "Aha! See! Girls read the card!"
G1: "No, they don't, she's lying to you! Get in the car! Finish it in the car!"
Different scenario.
Guy: "So. I need to buy a rose."
Me: "Alright, did you have a specific color in mind?"
Guy: "Um.... I mean, I know there's red, but...which one stands for 'I made a mistake.'"
Me: "Oh, well (listing off several colors.....)"
Guy: "Which one?"
Me: "Well, it sounds like you didn't want red, since it traditionally stands for love--"
Guy: "But I do love her!"
Me: "Oh! Oh, I'm sorry sir, I misunderstood! Red, pink or white. Red, pink or white will be fine.
Aaaand for the finale I would have never believed this following conversation actually happened if it hadn't actually happened to me. This morning.
While calling to congratulate winners from our recent open house. (Names changed to protect the ....innocent?)
Me: "Hi, is this Jason?"
Guy: "No, I'm sorry, you have the wrong number."
Me: "Oh, I'm sorry! I'll -"
Guy: "But I'm glad you called the wrong number."
Me: "Oh, I uh...."
(silence)
Guy: "My name's Michael!"
(silence)
Me: "Oh, uh, hi Michael.... Um...."
(silence)
Me: "Alright, I'm sorry I called the wrong number! Goodbye, have a nice day!"
(And since I've been asked, no, I did not try to redial the phone number. I made someone else call later. Just in case.)
These two hysterical guys come in, probably about 18 & 20 years old.
Guy 1: "I need to buy a rose. Maybe one to put in my teeth."
Me: "Oh, okay, do you have a specific color in mind?"
Guy 1: "I'm not actually going to put it in my mouth."
Me: "Alright, well, do you have a specific color in mind?"
Guy 2: "I'm thinking about buying a rose too! For my ex girlfriend."
G1: "Dude, don't cry on me again."
G2: "I'm not gonna cry! Do you think I should buy a rose? Do you think I should?"
Me: "I have no idea, I have no idea what your relationship was."
G1: "Dude, you're gonna cry. Don't do it man, don't do it!"
G2: "I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna buy her a rose!"
G1: "Fine. I just want a red one."
G2: "Should I do it? Should I buy a rose?"
Me: "Well, if you would like to, again, I'm not sure what happened...."
G2: "Well, see, it was sort of both our faults. Can I just tell you the story?"
Me: "Sure...."
G1: "Dude. Don't cry."
G2: "I'm not gonna cry! Should I get pink or white? What do they mean?"
Me: "Well, traditionally pink will mean like a first love, or that you really like someone. White usually stands for innocence."
G2: "Innocence? What does that mean?"
G1: "Like virginity, man!"
G2: "Do I want that one then?!?!"
Me (trying to keep it all together): "I don't know! I don't know the context of your relationship. It also stands for purity."
G1: "Oh, purity. I'm sorry. That's a much better way of saying it."
Me: "You're safe with pink or white."
(ten minutes later)
G1: "Dude. We have to go. I'm gonna be late! Stop filling out that card!"
G2: "No! I have to get it right!"
G1: "It doesn't even matter! Girls never read the card!"
G2: "Do girls read the card?"
Me: "Yes, actually, that's---"
G2: "Aha! See! Girls read the card!"
G1: "No, they don't, she's lying to you! Get in the car! Finish it in the car!"
Different scenario.
Guy: "So. I need to buy a rose."
Me: "Alright, did you have a specific color in mind?"
Guy: "Um.... I mean, I know there's red, but...which one stands for 'I made a mistake.'"
Me: "Oh, well (listing off several colors.....)"
Guy: "Which one?"
Me: "Well, it sounds like you didn't want red, since it traditionally stands for love--"
Guy: "But I do love her!"
Me: "Oh! Oh, I'm sorry sir, I misunderstood! Red, pink or white. Red, pink or white will be fine.
Aaaand for the finale I would have never believed this following conversation actually happened if it hadn't actually happened to me. This morning.
While calling to congratulate winners from our recent open house. (Names changed to protect the ....innocent?)
Me: "Hi, is this Jason?"
Guy: "No, I'm sorry, you have the wrong number."
Me: "Oh, I'm sorry! I'll -"
Guy: "But I'm glad you called the wrong number."
Me: "Oh, I uh...."
(silence)
Guy: "My name's Michael!"
(silence)
Me: "Oh, uh, hi Michael.... Um...."
(silence)
Me: "Alright, I'm sorry I called the wrong number! Goodbye, have a nice day!"
(And since I've been asked, no, I did not try to redial the phone number. I made someone else call later. Just in case.)
"Some nights, just pretzels and beer, but I'm here..."
on August 30, 2012
Okay, maybe not beer. (Nor pretzels, they make me thirsty.)
This week has sucked.
I mean. They sent me home from work early on Monday. They sent me home from work. (And actually, even then, they only asked me if I wanted to go. YES. PLEASE.)
No, on a serious note, they did send me home. I practically imploded on Monday. I came down with an awful cold and on top of that suddenly Phyllis' death just overwhelmed my system. Tuesday was pretty much the same. I spent most of Wednesday feeling on the mend, but exhausted. Today was pretty miserable.
But you sounded so chipper at the beginning of this post....
GUILD WARS.
Guild Wars 2 has salvaged this week. It is so much fun.
Seriously, pure fun. This is the first game where I haven't felt overwhelmed or like I'm not able to help or like I have to reach such and such level or area, etc. I have just enjoyed it. So I'm running around as a Sylvari Elementalist and I'm shooting electricity and fire at things and finding pretty vista points, and fulfilling quests and having a ball. It seems to be really balanced and very newbie friendly. So I have gotten through my days this week by thinking "In a few hours, I get to play Guild Wars...."
So for everyone that pitched in to buy the game for me, you have my sincere enjoyment of it as well as my thanks for brightening up my awful, no good, very bad week. :)
Also brightening my week was getting to see Holly & Sam at the movies! I would say they put up with me stumbling around and almost falling over, but now that I think about it, that's probably not much different than normal. :)
And while we're speaking of the Dark Knight Rises, this HISHE bonus is hysterical: (Spoilers.)
"I'm startin' to think this guy doesn't have our best interests in mind here!"
So anyway, I'm still here. I still plan on blogging. I'm just working to find my way back into it.
This week has sucked.
I mean. They sent me home from work early on Monday. They sent me home from work. (And actually, even then, they only asked me if I wanted to go. YES. PLEASE.)
No, on a serious note, they did send me home. I practically imploded on Monday. I came down with an awful cold and on top of that suddenly Phyllis' death just overwhelmed my system. Tuesday was pretty much the same. I spent most of Wednesday feeling on the mend, but exhausted. Today was pretty miserable.
But you sounded so chipper at the beginning of this post....
GUILD WARS.
Guild Wars 2 has salvaged this week. It is so much fun.
Seriously, pure fun. This is the first game where I haven't felt overwhelmed or like I'm not able to help or like I have to reach such and such level or area, etc. I have just enjoyed it. So I'm running around as a Sylvari Elementalist and I'm shooting electricity and fire at things and finding pretty vista points, and fulfilling quests and having a ball. It seems to be really balanced and very newbie friendly. So I have gotten through my days this week by thinking "In a few hours, I get to play Guild Wars...."
So for everyone that pitched in to buy the game for me, you have my sincere enjoyment of it as well as my thanks for brightening up my awful, no good, very bad week. :)
Also brightening my week was getting to see Holly & Sam at the movies! I would say they put up with me stumbling around and almost falling over, but now that I think about it, that's probably not much different than normal. :)
And while we're speaking of the Dark Knight Rises, this HISHE bonus is hysterical: (Spoilers.)
"I'm startin' to think this guy doesn't have our best interests in mind here!"
So anyway, I'm still here. I still plan on blogging. I'm just working to find my way back into it.
I follow directions well. Maybe too well.
on August 26, 2012
Jeff and I playing Lord of the Rings: War of the North for the first time and trying to figure out the best way to beat a large horde.
Jeff: "Okay, this is working out great! You keep throwing up that protective orb, watch my back and I'll take out the archers on the rooftops with my arrows."
Me: "Got it!"
(ten minutes later.)
Jeff: "Well, I keep getting knocked off the platform. These guys keep attacking my face because someone is facing the wrong direction to kill them."
(silence)
Me: "You told me to watch your back?"
Jeff: "I meant... I... KILL EVERYTHING IN THE CIRCLE! Kill everything that comes in the circle, Sherri!"
(We won. :) )
Jeff: "Okay, this is working out great! You keep throwing up that protective orb, watch my back and I'll take out the archers on the rooftops with my arrows."
Me: "Got it!"
(ten minutes later.)
Jeff: "Well, I keep getting knocked off the platform. These guys keep attacking my face because someone is facing the wrong direction to kill them."
(silence)
Me: "You told me to watch your back?"
Jeff: "I meant... I... KILL EVERYTHING IN THE CIRCLE! Kill everything that comes in the circle, Sherri!"
(We won. :) )
Returning to the Blog & DKR Videos
on August 11, 2012
Honestly, I'm kind of trying to figure out how to restart this.
The past twelve weeks (or so) have been pretty eventful for my family. It was a terrible emotional roller coaster and ended with an unexpected crash. I never blogged during that time partially because I was gone a lot and partially because I absolutely didn't know what to say. Silly, mindless posts seemed so ridiculousy unimportant and thoughtful posts would've taken way too much... everything?
Now silly posts seem even less important, and yet oddly somehow, important anyway. Maybe important is the wrong word. Maybe a little needed.
This is going to be (eventually) a sillier post.
I would like to filter out some thoughts onto here about some of the past week....I think. Maybe sort some things out. Maybe not. I just don't want to ignore the fact that something heavy has happened. But for right now, I just kind of want to get restarted. Reboot. Take a breather and figure the rest out later. And with that in mind, I present to you:
Batman Maybe
(If you haven't seen the movie and are avoiding spoilers, please avoid them now for the video and rest of the post.)
It's been stuck in my head. I think its pretty hysterical. And the costumes are awesome. (Thanks for showing it to me, Holly!)
My favorite line: "I know you're Batman... so STOP BEING LAZY."
BWAHAHHAHA!
That's all.
My absolute favorite Dark Knight Rises video on the internet right now comes from the Nostalgia Critic himself in his Bum Review:
(You canNOT possibly avoid spoilers in this one. Every spoiler is dropped. Avoid, avoid, avoid if you haven't seen it.)
"Uh, yeah...."
I love it. I can't tell you how many times I've watched it. So funny. If you have time, I recommend watching his Bum Reviews. They're usually four or five minutes (DRK is easily the longest) and incredibly funny. But full spoilers are involved in each one, so just beware that if you're wanting one saved.
Also, supposedly HISHE will have theirs up in a couple weeks as well. We'll see what they decide to do with that.
The past twelve weeks (or so) have been pretty eventful for my family. It was a terrible emotional roller coaster and ended with an unexpected crash. I never blogged during that time partially because I was gone a lot and partially because I absolutely didn't know what to say. Silly, mindless posts seemed so ridiculousy unimportant and thoughtful posts would've taken way too much... everything?
Now silly posts seem even less important, and yet oddly somehow, important anyway. Maybe important is the wrong word. Maybe a little needed.
This is going to be (eventually) a sillier post.
I would like to filter out some thoughts onto here about some of the past week....I think. Maybe sort some things out. Maybe not. I just don't want to ignore the fact that something heavy has happened. But for right now, I just kind of want to get restarted. Reboot. Take a breather and figure the rest out later. And with that in mind, I present to you:
Batman Maybe
(If you haven't seen the movie and are avoiding spoilers, please avoid them now for the video and rest of the post.)
It's been stuck in my head. I think its pretty hysterical. And the costumes are awesome. (Thanks for showing it to me, Holly!)
My favorite line: "I know you're Batman... so STOP BEING LAZY."
BWAHAHHAHA!
That's all.
My absolute favorite Dark Knight Rises video on the internet right now comes from the Nostalgia Critic himself in his Bum Review:
(You canNOT possibly avoid spoilers in this one. Every spoiler is dropped. Avoid, avoid, avoid if you haven't seen it.)
"Uh, yeah...."
I love it. I can't tell you how many times I've watched it. So funny. If you have time, I recommend watching his Bum Reviews. They're usually four or five minutes (DRK is easily the longest) and incredibly funny. But full spoilers are involved in each one, so just beware that if you're wanting one saved.
Also, supposedly HISHE will have theirs up in a couple weeks as well. We'll see what they decide to do with that.
The Newspaper Thieves Get Their Due (Oh, and the meth house was busted!)
on June 27, 2012
FINALLY.
Ever since I've been at the shop we've noticed the drug house across the street. That's at least six years - so there's probably been at least ten my bosses have caught on.
And it's not hard to notice. So we've called it in several times but was under the impression nothing was being done.
Until TODAY.
Today was my day off, but I showed up for a few minutes after my boss texted me about all the excitement happening.
Apparently FBI agents and police force suddenly appeared out of nowhere at the shop. My boss was outside when he suddenly saw swarms of agents surrounding the building and no one had any idea what was going on. And then boom - the house across the street was busted into it and suddenly five people are being forced to lay down on their yard and everything was crazy.
For those of you who know the area, apparently Gordon Cooper Vo-Tech was the command center for the whole thing. And apparently they were making trips every other day to the city to get the meth from the Mexican drug cartel.
Um....
Also, they've recently started stealing our Sunday morning newspaper. Which is annoying.
Anyway, the shop was featured on two of the local channels on all three evening broadcasts which was pretty funny. I had found video of the newscast, but by the time I had posted it and double-checked the link they had already moved it somewhere else. And I can't find it again. So if I did happen across it later, I'll try again.
(EDIT: This video appears to be working currently. The guy with curly hair is my boss, the pretty lady playing with calla lillies is his wife (my other boss) and the other girl interviewed is Bree's wife for those of you from OBU.)
This is now the second time Graves has made the newscast - the first being when the ice storm came and knocked out our power for five days and Channel 5 happened to see our plight on our sign. Which was awesome because they ended the report with "But the electric company has ensured us that this shop will have electricity by the end of the day."
Anyway, it was pretty wild for here. Tomorrow we'll go back to working on wedding work - and I suspect fielding a few calls from people who saw my very beloved bosses on television.
Ever since I've been at the shop we've noticed the drug house across the street. That's at least six years - so there's probably been at least ten my bosses have caught on.
And it's not hard to notice. So we've called it in several times but was under the impression nothing was being done.
Until TODAY.
Today was my day off, but I showed up for a few minutes after my boss texted me about all the excitement happening.
Apparently FBI agents and police force suddenly appeared out of nowhere at the shop. My boss was outside when he suddenly saw swarms of agents surrounding the building and no one had any idea what was going on. And then boom - the house across the street was busted into it and suddenly five people are being forced to lay down on their yard and everything was crazy.
For those of you who know the area, apparently Gordon Cooper Vo-Tech was the command center for the whole thing. And apparently they were making trips every other day to the city to get the meth from the Mexican drug cartel.
Um....
Also, they've recently started stealing our Sunday morning newspaper. Which is annoying.
Anyway, the shop was featured on two of the local channels on all three evening broadcasts which was pretty funny. I had found video of the newscast, but by the time I had posted it and double-checked the link they had already moved it somewhere else. And I can't find it again. So if I did happen across it later, I'll try again.
(EDIT: This video appears to be working currently. The guy with curly hair is my boss, the pretty lady playing with calla lillies is his wife (my other boss) and the other girl interviewed is Bree's wife for those of you from OBU.)
This is now the second time Graves has made the newscast - the first being when the ice storm came and knocked out our power for five days and Channel 5 happened to see our plight on our sign. Which was awesome because they ended the report with "But the electric company has ensured us that this shop will have electricity by the end of the day."
Anyway, it was pretty wild for here. Tomorrow we'll go back to working on wedding work - and I suspect fielding a few calls from people who saw my very beloved bosses on television.
Hey look! I'm blogging again! Sort of.
on June 24, 2012
I know I haven't been around for two weeks. Life got CRAZY.
First of all, you've heard me rave about the Megas before and you should know they have a new album out. And not only that but it's on bandcamp, so you can listen to it for free. If you only have time to listen to one, may I recommend my personal favorite "Don't Mess with Magnetman." But if you have time to listen to at least two, may I add "Can't Stop the Top." (Although "History Repeating Pt. 2" is awesome as well, and, well, maybe I haven't sat and listened to the others as much cause I'm stuck on these. I'm sure they all rock.) Seriously, go listen.
I don't know what else has happened. I'm trying to avoid talking about work. Since I feel like that's what I talk about on here all the time.
And musicals.
And links.
And Batman.
(Oh my gosh, I should get out more.)
Wanna see a casket piece I made?
(I'm hopeless.)
Surely, surely, there is something to discuss somewhere.
.......
..................
Actually, the truth is a lot is going on but I'm just not going to delve into most of it.
But unfortunately outside of that.... um.....
*tapping laptop keys*
Tomorrow's Sunday. I have the day off. I'm happy.
..............
..........................!!
Ohmygoshthatsstillworkrelatedandididntevenrealizeit.
Goodnight, folks!
First of all, you've heard me rave about the Megas before and you should know they have a new album out. And not only that but it's on bandcamp, so you can listen to it for free. If you only have time to listen to one, may I recommend my personal favorite "Don't Mess with Magnetman." But if you have time to listen to at least two, may I add "Can't Stop the Top." (Although "History Repeating Pt. 2" is awesome as well, and, well, maybe I haven't sat and listened to the others as much cause I'm stuck on these. I'm sure they all rock.) Seriously, go listen.
I don't know what else has happened. I'm trying to avoid talking about work. Since I feel like that's what I talk about on here all the time.
And musicals.
And links.
And Batman.
(Oh my gosh, I should get out more.)
Wanna see a casket piece I made?
(I'm hopeless.)
Surely, surely, there is something to discuss somewhere.
.......
..................
Actually, the truth is a lot is going on but I'm just not going to delve into most of it.
But unfortunately outside of that.... um.....
*tapping laptop keys*
Tomorrow's Sunday. I have the day off. I'm happy.
..............
..........................!!
Ohmygoshthatsstillworkrelatedandididntevenrealizeit.
Goodnight, folks!
Congrats to the Kings!
on June 12, 2012
The LA Kings won their first Stanley Cup tonight in their 40+ year history! Which is awesome and I'm excited for them.
Their goalie's daughter decided to show up at the press conference and steal the show. She's pretty cute, so check out the video:
Congrats, guys!! You looked so happy and I'm happy for you!
(If you want more on the Cup or the games, I have no doubt Will will be detailing it out further soon.)
(My favorite tweet of the night came from Wil Wheaton: "Local LA sports media is trying to figure out how the Sacramento Kings won the Stanley Bowl Trophy for Basketpuck tonight. Good job, guys.")
Their goalie's daughter decided to show up at the press conference and steal the show. She's pretty cute, so check out the video:
Congrats, guys!! You looked so happy and I'm happy for you!
(If you want more on the Cup or the games, I have no doubt Will will be detailing it out further soon.)
(My favorite tweet of the night came from Wil Wheaton: "Local LA sports media is trying to figure out how the Sacramento Kings won the Stanley Bowl Trophy for Basketpuck tonight. Good job, guys.")
The 66th Annual Tony Awards: Watchin' it Live....(EDITED: Now with video!)
on June 10, 2012
Pre-Show:
Dang it, Tonys. Somehow - even when its been a bad season and I'm not excited about you....somehow I'm still excited right before you start. DON'T DISAPPOINT ME.
Predications:
I bet this year has been the highest grossing year on record. AGAIN.
Wants:
Please, oh please do some sort of special on the Les Mis movie! I want to see some more!
Oooh.... and I see Book of Mormon will be performing the opening number? I have no problem with celebrating all of theatre - past and present - at the Tony's but I get the distinct feeling we're still showcasing Book of Mormon because we have no other real shows to show off this year. That doesn't bode well.
CAT. IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE NOW, I'M NOT LETTING YOU BACK IN. DECIDE.
Aaaaaand.... it's beginning!
Opening Number:
Again. So out of all the musicals this year we couldn't come up with one opening number to create from them?
Although, if you did do something where last's year Best Musical presented the opening every year - as they mentioned - I guess that could be interesting. Sort of like a hand off from one year to the next.
Neil Patrick Harris:
I like you, but....
Okay, another opening number!
What if life were more like theatre?
Okay, while I thought that was going to be really bland (because I'm so tired of songs like this) that actually turned out really fun! I'm shocked! Good job, Tonys! Who wrote that?
(EDIT: Apparently David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger from Cry Baby co-authored it as well as the ending recap song.)
Ahahahaha! Paul Rudd is explaining what a featured actress is. "They will pay to see these actresses who are as sweet as a Tibetan cake." Also very fun. We're off to a fantastic start! Since last year's introductions were really rough, this is awesome!
Um.... I don't know anything about the plays this year guys. I'm sorry I can't comment on any of them. I'm lame like that. Although from what I've heard I think Other Desert Cities is gonna sweep, especially since its kicking off winning the first award.
Whoa! And we're already kicking off the showcases with Newsies.
Gasp! Wasn't this the whole reason for Broadway's Moment in the Sun? Whoa, using that up awful early in the show, aren't we? *sarcasmsnarkysarcasm*
Seize the Day. Smart choice, guys.
I wouldn't say the choreography is anything super special, but its really solid and well-handled. Its got a great stylization for it. Not as crazy about the newspaper work, but eh.
Nice showcase. That would make me really excited about seeing it if I was just going off this.
OH MY GOSH. GHOST IS GOING TO PERFORM. I've only seen clips. This should be intriguing.
Once took Best Orchestrations which I can totally get behind. While the movie itself is slow, it's gorgeous musically and I can see how it would be beautifully worked.
Best Choreography goes to Newsies. No surprise there.
Oh...Neil Patrick Harris....
Les Mis movie mention! *kermitflail*
Bernadette Peters! YAAAAAY! Finally. So far we've only had Patti Lupone & you as our broadway babies show up.
Follies showcase is up.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?! Oh my gosh, I don't know this show at all, but this does nothing for me. The number from the 2001 production ("I'm Still Here") was so, so much better. I still remember that performance. This is so...schizophrenic. I'm sure it's great in context, but.... not out of it.
AHHH! STOP! PLEASE STOP!
AHAHA! There's a guy in full Lion King costume just hanging out in the audience behind NPH. That's pretty funny. That will be even funnier if he doesn't feature later in the show.
Seriously, I've always wanted to know Follies better, but if I was going merely off that clip alone I'd run the other direction. ("Buddy's Blues" was performed if anyone knows it.)
Why do we want to see the cruise version of Hairspray again? Why?
Now Ghost.
Yes, that Ghost. Okay.... so they picked "Unchained Melody."
I have really strong ties to that song, so uh... unfortunately it just feels like its being butchered. I'm not sure that's what's actually happening, but I don't like it.
No, no, no, I didn't like these projections before and I don't like them now.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHATS GOING ON. IS THAT THE GUY THAT MURDERED HIM!?
Ahhhh! When you pick songs where everyone sings all at once for the one time you're on national television and you can't understand the lyrics, uh....
I have no idea what any of that was about.
Once walks away with Best Direction. No surprise there. I'm calling it, I bet Once will finish us off with production numbers for the evening. The one legit piece up this year. (If, again, a tad boring at times its still pretty beautiful.) I'd go see it.
In the middle of speeches, I'm following Twitter hashtags, broadwayworld.com & Facebook. I feel like I'm watching with people even though I'm not! (I didn't ask anyone else to watch with me. I wasn't putting anyone through this with me.)
Jesus Christ Superstar. In the over ten years I've been watching the Tonys, I've now seen this performed on here three times.
Title song. Yup.
Although, really, I'm not sure what other song you'd showcase from this show. Heaven on Their Minds? Not as exciting. Not as catchy?
Fun fact: This was one of the first shows I ever watched performed on the Tonys, actually. I walked in on it in 2000 and happened to catch their number and Kiss Me, Kate's. The next year I started watching the full broadcast.
I don't like the weird dancing shadow-girls in the background. This feels like something from the 60's. Is this one set in the 60's? Choreography could support that.
Every time this show gets done, everyone is determined to modern the life out of it.
Whoa. Crowd went wild.
Matthew Broderick is in Nice Work if You Can Get It?
Ahaha! Amazing Spiderman commerical during the Tony's.
Hm.... I thought I'd seen it three times, but the Internet Broadway Database is telling me this is the only other time its been revived since 2000. Maybe another case of re-performing? My bad.
Chairman of the American Theatre Wing......but with ANGELA LANSBURY!
They knew they had to bring him out with someone that would keep people's attention. Or, at least she'll keep theatre people's attention.
Oh wow. NPH is hanging via Spiderman style behind them. It's a little silly, but it's at least getting us through this very boring and expected spiel. Very nice. Applause.
Hm... everyone is commenting how this is the worst Tony's ever. Amusement. That's the comment every year. Considering how low my expectations were for this telecast, I'm partially enjoying myself.
Christian Borle for Peter & the Starcatcher. No surprise there. I would really like to see that one. I really wish they'd show clips from plays.
Aww...! He thanked his mom!
Hey, its Matthew Morrison! He has a beard.
Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Ooo..... she has a really pretty voice. I wasn't paying attention. Who is she? She looks familiar. KELLI O'HARA. No wonder! (Light in the Piazza.)
Matthew Broderick is Matthew Broderick, but at least I've followed what's going on in this segment!
Well his segment got boring and I'm not crazy about the choreography, but I'd go see it for her! Gorgeous!
Once takes Best Book. That's got to be a tough show to get right, so good job.
I'm noticing a severe lack of Broadway royalty this year so far. That makes me sad. So far we've gotten Lansbury, Bernadette, Lupone & O'Hara. James Earl Jones is there, we just haven't seen him as much yet.
Once takes Best Sound Design.
"The Broadway League is proud to announce another record-breaking season."
Blah blah blah blah......blah blah..... Wait, some shows this year featured unexpected melodies? Did I misunderstand that? Wait.... I think she was talking about plays. Sorry. I can accept that. I was gonna say, did you miss "Unchained Melody" earlier?
Play Segment:
Peter & the Starcatcher clip! I would love to see this! Cute!
Okay, the plays are really rocking it tonight. Maybe it was an awesome year for plays this year. If so, that is awesome.
One Man, Two Guvner's is freaking hysterical! Look that clip up if you missed it! (I'll try to add in video clips later.)
"STELLA!"
I finally found the One Man, Two Guv'nors bit in the above clip, but you'll have to fast forward to 2:24 to see it. I think its worth it. Also, that clip will feature its segment for A Year in Plays if you're interested in that as well.
Um. Why is Josh Groban going to be on the Tony's?
Judy Kaye had a great awards speech. My favorite so far. Always knew her name, but did not realize she was the original Carlotta or that she was Emma Goldman in Ragtime! Two of my favorites!
Okay, Neil Patrick Harris, you've been great, but can we get someone new next year?
Porgy & Bess is next! AUDRA MCDONALD! NORM LEWIS!
If you don't know Mr. Lewis, you should check out the song "The Devil You Know" from Side Show. He's got a great voice. And if you don't know Mrs. McDonald, well, you should check out anything she's ever done. *love*
Neil Patrick Harris is going to sing again.... In the classic "let's sing songs from every broadway show" segment. I swear they do a segment like this every year. I like hearing all the songs and references but I wish we could find some new way to accomplish this. Am I being picky there?
Oh well. At least it lead into Best Score....Sheryl Crow? Sheryl Crow's presenting? Oh. She wrote for something entitled something Diner. Okay.
Whoa! Bonnie & Clyde was nominated for something? (Wildhorn.)
Goes to Newsies. Eeeh.... I've heard some of the new music. The original music is great, but....
"LOOK MA! A TONY!"
Okay, that was cute.
PORGY & BESS.
Excuse me, I'm gone for a second.
Man I loved hearing her sing "Summertime" and I looooved all the singing. Lots of awesome energy. So, so sad I can't see that one. I don't know this show that well and I would love for this to be my introduction.
This reminds me of the year the Ragtime revival stole the show.
Rock of Ages commercial. LOL. Um. Yes, I will be going to see this. Probably opening weekend. Even though I'm not entirely sure it won't be terrible. In fact, I think it might be. But man the marketing's been great on it. And I've heard that's supposedly Tom Cruise's actual singing and if so, then that's phenomenal. (You can find clips on amazon.)
Josh Groban is introducing Once? Is there a connection here I'm missing?
Once seems fine and pretty, but this song wouldn't make me go see the show if I knew nothing about it.
I'm confused why that girl is standing in the middle of this song and looking confused. I suspect she is the Girl, but.... so far her whole feature is to stand there and look overwhelmed. I did like that bridge section though. Nice build. Wait, didn't they meet over a vacuum cleaner? Is that still in there?
WHY DO WE CARE THAT THIS THE "FIRST TIME EVER FROM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN"?! I don't care that you're going to reshow Hairspray. They keep reperforming on the Tony's. It's a great show, but pick another one.
Ah. Apparently there was a Josh Groban slam in Once and its an inside joke from the movie. That's pretty cute.
Also, as much as I like "Falling Slowly" I'm impressed they didn't choose that one. Good job.
I always like seeing the Broadway signs on the Tonys. They always make me happy.
Evita is coming up next. With Ricky Martin.
Jim Parsons introducing Best Play! Yay!
Whoa, Tony goes to Clybourne Park? I'm surprised. Is that an upset?
*blinks* It's Ziva from NCIS! Introducing Evita. With Ricky Martin.
That went about as expected. He was okay.
And in the feature for Evita, Eva Peron got to sing I think two lines.
I've never been able to get into this show.
They're really pushing this Hairspray from the High Seas thing. That's really getting old. What was it last year?
They also keep mention---
LES MIS TRAILER! *kermitflail!*
They also keep mentioning Hugh Jackman coming up so I'm crossing my fingers it'll be something awesome with the Les Mis movie. SHOW US RUSSELL CROWE.
Seriously, everytime I wonder if Crowe will be able to sing "Stars" all I hear in the back of my mind is:
"Can he sing, can he sing?"
"Hear, I have a note--"
"LET ME SEE IT."
Godspell was revived? CAN WE PICK OTHER SHOWS TO REVIVE?!
Bring Back Birdie. I want to see Bring Back Birdie on the Tonys.
Oh YES. DO A FLOP SEGMENT. OH PLEASE DO A FLOP SEGMENT. Carrie's already back!!
That would be awesome.
Awww! Is that poor guy trying to pick up some of the confetti? Maybe not.
Patti Lupone! Mandy Patinkin! Okay. That segment was great. Introduction for Best Revival of a Musical.
PORGY & BESS! WIN! WIN! WIN!
Happy, happy, happy....
Aaaand right after that.... FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ON THE TONYS.... LIVE ..... Hairspray on the HIGH SEAS!
I'm not kidding. They just said that.
Why is this getting so much importance. Seriously. They're on a cruise ship. It's a musical on a cruise ship. This is nothing new, people.
Darn it, Hairspray. I want to hate this and your music is so freaking catchy.
Wait, wait, wait.... Leap of Faith will be our final performer for the evening?
And Hugh Jackman is just getting a special award? I don't care! SHOW US THE MOVIE.
Porgy & Bess is trending on twitter. That's hysterical and awesome.
I love how the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre gets presented earlier, not televised, and given a five second clip of the speech, while Hugh Jackman is about to receive some sort of award for....what exactly? I mean, he's awesome, but uh....
For his "extraordinary contributions to the Broadway community."
I know he's raised a lot of money for the community, and that's really, really wonderful, but.... Lifetime Achievement? LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT?! Nothing?
His speech, though, especially to his wife was really sweet. I'll give him that. He always seems so nice. She apparently surprised him, he didn't know she was going to be the one presenting it to him. Cute.
"I'm sad to announce that that production of Hairspray was just taken over by pirates....of Penzance."
Okay, that was sort of cute NPH. (He's been doing mashups all night.)
The Guy from Once took Best Performance for an Actor in a Musical.
He's thanking the ensemble! Good job, you!
Oh my goodness. Just gave a beautiful speech about his mom who just lost her life to cancer.
What is Candance Bergan wearing exactly? I just looked up.
The guy from One Man, Two Guv'ners won for Best Performance by an Actor in a Play! I'm so excited for him - that performance earlier was so, so funny! YAY!
He seriously just beat out Philip Seymour Huffman, James Earl James and Frank Langella. I would be speechless too.
Awww! Another great speech! Applause, applause.
Oh.... Here we go. Leap of Faith.
I can't pinpoint why I didn't like that.... I did at least understand everything that was going on, which after some of the other performances of the night, is a major plus. But I just didn't really like it. Esparaza looks really out of place in this show. There's a ton of energy here, they're really working hard. Anyone else? What did you think?
YES. Last year's winners of Best Musical (Book of Mormon) will be presenting for Best Musical. I can totally get behind that. Much better than Chris Rock. I was kind of dreading the announcement of who it would be.
Ahahaha! I don't know who this lady is (winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Play) but telling presenter Christopher Plummer "Sir, you were my first crush, When that whistle blew in Sound of Music...." was super cute.
I like her. She's really funny. And genuine. She was from the play Venus in Fur.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN COMPLETE SIGNAL LOSS?!
.....
....
Okay. We're back. Dish, don't do that to me.
AUDRA MCDONALD. AUDRA MCDONALD MUST WIN.
(Best Leading Actress in a Musical)
Hey! Bonnie & Clyde got another nomination!
AUDRA MCDONALD FOR THE WIN! Her first Tony for a Leading Actress. Yes. You rock, Audra.
Ah. Royal Caribbean was one of the Tony's sponsors. That explains a lot.
We're up to Best Musical.
Winning Best Musical changes your life. You're transformed from an artist...to an artiste.
Tonight, we, who are the Broadway establishment!
That was really funny, guys. Good job.
I wish I could find video of that. I'll keep looking.
So Once or Newsies?
I'm calling Once.
Once!
That introduction was so good, these guys should host next year.
So! Bad to okay productions, a couple great ones, a mostly wearying host and an enjoyable evening mostly because of my low expectations. And, despite it all, because I still love theatre.
I do like this writing-the-end-song-throughout-the-show bit they've done two years now. I really liked the rap last year (mostly because Miranda wrote it.)
Goodnight everybody! If anybody else watched it, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Dang it, Tonys. Somehow - even when its been a bad season and I'm not excited about you....somehow I'm still excited right before you start. DON'T DISAPPOINT ME.
Predications:
I bet this year has been the highest grossing year on record. AGAIN.
Wants:
Please, oh please do some sort of special on the Les Mis movie! I want to see some more!
Oooh.... and I see Book of Mormon will be performing the opening number? I have no problem with celebrating all of theatre - past and present - at the Tony's but I get the distinct feeling we're still showcasing Book of Mormon because we have no other real shows to show off this year. That doesn't bode well.
CAT. IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE NOW, I'M NOT LETTING YOU BACK IN. DECIDE.
Aaaaaand.... it's beginning!
Opening Number:
Again. So out of all the musicals this year we couldn't come up with one opening number to create from them?
Although, if you did do something where last's year Best Musical presented the opening every year - as they mentioned - I guess that could be interesting. Sort of like a hand off from one year to the next.
Neil Patrick Harris:
I like you, but....
Okay, another opening number!
What if life were more like theatre?
Okay, while I thought that was going to be really bland (because I'm so tired of songs like this) that actually turned out really fun! I'm shocked! Good job, Tonys! Who wrote that?
(EDIT: Apparently David Javerbaum and Adam Schlesinger from Cry Baby co-authored it as well as the ending recap song.)
Ahahahaha! Paul Rudd is explaining what a featured actress is. "They will pay to see these actresses who are as sweet as a Tibetan cake." Also very fun. We're off to a fantastic start! Since last year's introductions were really rough, this is awesome!
Um.... I don't know anything about the plays this year guys. I'm sorry I can't comment on any of them. I'm lame like that. Although from what I've heard I think Other Desert Cities is gonna sweep, especially since its kicking off winning the first award.
Whoa! And we're already kicking off the showcases with Newsies.
Gasp! Wasn't this the whole reason for Broadway's Moment in the Sun? Whoa, using that up awful early in the show, aren't we? *sarcasmsnarkysarcasm*
Seize the Day. Smart choice, guys.
I wouldn't say the choreography is anything super special, but its really solid and well-handled. Its got a great stylization for it. Not as crazy about the newspaper work, but eh.
Nice showcase. That would make me really excited about seeing it if I was just going off this.
OH MY GOSH. GHOST IS GOING TO PERFORM. I've only seen clips. This should be intriguing.
Once took Best Orchestrations which I can totally get behind. While the movie itself is slow, it's gorgeous musically and I can see how it would be beautifully worked.
Best Choreography goes to Newsies. No surprise there.
Oh...Neil Patrick Harris....
Les Mis movie mention! *kermitflail*
Bernadette Peters! YAAAAAY! Finally. So far we've only had Patti Lupone & you as our broadway babies show up.
Follies showcase is up.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?! Oh my gosh, I don't know this show at all, but this does nothing for me. The number from the 2001 production ("I'm Still Here") was so, so much better. I still remember that performance. This is so...schizophrenic. I'm sure it's great in context, but.... not out of it.
AHHH! STOP! PLEASE STOP!
AHAHA! There's a guy in full Lion King costume just hanging out in the audience behind NPH. That's pretty funny. That will be even funnier if he doesn't feature later in the show.
Seriously, I've always wanted to know Follies better, but if I was going merely off that clip alone I'd run the other direction. ("Buddy's Blues" was performed if anyone knows it.)
Why do we want to see the cruise version of Hairspray again? Why?
Now Ghost.
Yes, that Ghost. Okay.... so they picked "Unchained Melody."
I have really strong ties to that song, so uh... unfortunately it just feels like its being butchered. I'm not sure that's what's actually happening, but I don't like it.
No, no, no, I didn't like these projections before and I don't like them now.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHATS GOING ON. IS THAT THE GUY THAT MURDERED HIM!?
Ahhhh! When you pick songs where everyone sings all at once for the one time you're on national television and you can't understand the lyrics, uh....
I have no idea what any of that was about.
Once walks away with Best Direction. No surprise there. I'm calling it, I bet Once will finish us off with production numbers for the evening. The one legit piece up this year. (If, again, a tad boring at times its still pretty beautiful.) I'd go see it.
In the middle of speeches, I'm following Twitter hashtags, broadwayworld.com & Facebook. I feel like I'm watching with people even though I'm not! (I didn't ask anyone else to watch with me. I wasn't putting anyone through this with me.)
Jesus Christ Superstar. In the over ten years I've been watching the Tonys, I've now seen this performed on here three times.
Title song. Yup.
Although, really, I'm not sure what other song you'd showcase from this show. Heaven on Their Minds? Not as exciting. Not as catchy?
Fun fact: This was one of the first shows I ever watched performed on the Tonys, actually. I walked in on it in 2000 and happened to catch their number and Kiss Me, Kate's. The next year I started watching the full broadcast.
I don't like the weird dancing shadow-girls in the background. This feels like something from the 60's. Is this one set in the 60's? Choreography could support that.
Every time this show gets done, everyone is determined to modern the life out of it.
Whoa. Crowd went wild.
Matthew Broderick is in Nice Work if You Can Get It?
Ahaha! Amazing Spiderman commerical during the Tony's.
Hm.... I thought I'd seen it three times, but the Internet Broadway Database is telling me this is the only other time its been revived since 2000. Maybe another case of re-performing? My bad.
Chairman of the American Theatre Wing......but with ANGELA LANSBURY!
They knew they had to bring him out with someone that would keep people's attention. Or, at least she'll keep theatre people's attention.
Oh wow. NPH is hanging via Spiderman style behind them. It's a little silly, but it's at least getting us through this very boring and expected spiel. Very nice. Applause.
Hm... everyone is commenting how this is the worst Tony's ever. Amusement. That's the comment every year. Considering how low my expectations were for this telecast, I'm partially enjoying myself.
Christian Borle for Peter & the Starcatcher. No surprise there. I would really like to see that one. I really wish they'd show clips from plays.
Aww...! He thanked his mom!
Hey, its Matthew Morrison! He has a beard.
Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Ooo..... she has a really pretty voice. I wasn't paying attention. Who is she? She looks familiar. KELLI O'HARA. No wonder! (Light in the Piazza.)
Matthew Broderick is Matthew Broderick, but at least I've followed what's going on in this segment!
Well his segment got boring and I'm not crazy about the choreography, but I'd go see it for her! Gorgeous!
Once takes Best Book. That's got to be a tough show to get right, so good job.
I'm noticing a severe lack of Broadway royalty this year so far. That makes me sad. So far we've gotten Lansbury, Bernadette, Lupone & O'Hara. James Earl Jones is there, we just haven't seen him as much yet.
Once takes Best Sound Design.
"The Broadway League is proud to announce another record-breaking season."
Blah blah blah blah......blah blah..... Wait, some shows this year featured unexpected melodies? Did I misunderstand that? Wait.... I think she was talking about plays. Sorry. I can accept that. I was gonna say, did you miss "Unchained Melody" earlier?
Play Segment:
Peter & the Starcatcher clip! I would love to see this! Cute!
Okay, the plays are really rocking it tonight. Maybe it was an awesome year for plays this year. If so, that is awesome.
One Man, Two Guvner's is freaking hysterical! Look that clip up if you missed it! (I'll try to add in video clips later.)
"STELLA!"
I finally found the One Man, Two Guv'nors bit in the above clip, but you'll have to fast forward to 2:24 to see it. I think its worth it. Also, that clip will feature its segment for A Year in Plays if you're interested in that as well.
Um. Why is Josh Groban going to be on the Tony's?
Judy Kaye had a great awards speech. My favorite so far. Always knew her name, but did not realize she was the original Carlotta or that she was Emma Goldman in Ragtime! Two of my favorites!
Okay, Neil Patrick Harris, you've been great, but can we get someone new next year?
Porgy & Bess is next! AUDRA MCDONALD! NORM LEWIS!
If you don't know Mr. Lewis, you should check out the song "The Devil You Know" from Side Show. He's got a great voice. And if you don't know Mrs. McDonald, well, you should check out anything she's ever done. *love*
Neil Patrick Harris is going to sing again.... In the classic "let's sing songs from every broadway show" segment. I swear they do a segment like this every year. I like hearing all the songs and references but I wish we could find some new way to accomplish this. Am I being picky there?
Oh well. At least it lead into Best Score....Sheryl Crow? Sheryl Crow's presenting? Oh. She wrote for something entitled something Diner. Okay.
Whoa! Bonnie & Clyde was nominated for something? (Wildhorn.)
Goes to Newsies. Eeeh.... I've heard some of the new music. The original music is great, but....
"LOOK MA! A TONY!"
Okay, that was cute.
PORGY & BESS.
Excuse me, I'm gone for a second.
Man I loved hearing her sing "Summertime" and I looooved all the singing. Lots of awesome energy. So, so sad I can't see that one. I don't know this show that well and I would love for this to be my introduction.
This reminds me of the year the Ragtime revival stole the show.
Rock of Ages commercial. LOL. Um. Yes, I will be going to see this. Probably opening weekend. Even though I'm not entirely sure it won't be terrible. In fact, I think it might be. But man the marketing's been great on it. And I've heard that's supposedly Tom Cruise's actual singing and if so, then that's phenomenal. (You can find clips on amazon.)
Josh Groban is introducing Once? Is there a connection here I'm missing?
Once seems fine and pretty, but this song wouldn't make me go see the show if I knew nothing about it.
I'm confused why that girl is standing in the middle of this song and looking confused. I suspect she is the Girl, but.... so far her whole feature is to stand there and look overwhelmed. I did like that bridge section though. Nice build. Wait, didn't they meet over a vacuum cleaner? Is that still in there?
WHY DO WE CARE THAT THIS THE "FIRST TIME EVER FROM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN"?! I don't care that you're going to reshow Hairspray. They keep reperforming on the Tony's. It's a great show, but pick another one.
Ah. Apparently there was a Josh Groban slam in Once and its an inside joke from the movie. That's pretty cute.
Also, as much as I like "Falling Slowly" I'm impressed they didn't choose that one. Good job.
I always like seeing the Broadway signs on the Tonys. They always make me happy.
Evita is coming up next. With Ricky Martin.
Jim Parsons introducing Best Play! Yay!
Whoa, Tony goes to Clybourne Park? I'm surprised. Is that an upset?
*blinks* It's Ziva from NCIS! Introducing Evita. With Ricky Martin.
That went about as expected. He was okay.
And in the feature for Evita, Eva Peron got to sing I think two lines.
I've never been able to get into this show.
They're really pushing this Hairspray from the High Seas thing. That's really getting old. What was it last year?
They also keep mention---
LES MIS TRAILER! *kermitflail!*
They also keep mentioning Hugh Jackman coming up so I'm crossing my fingers it'll be something awesome with the Les Mis movie. SHOW US RUSSELL CROWE.
Seriously, everytime I wonder if Crowe will be able to sing "Stars" all I hear in the back of my mind is:
"Can he sing, can he sing?"
"Hear, I have a note--"
"LET ME SEE IT."
Godspell was revived? CAN WE PICK OTHER SHOWS TO REVIVE?!
Bring Back Birdie. I want to see Bring Back Birdie on the Tonys.
Oh YES. DO A FLOP SEGMENT. OH PLEASE DO A FLOP SEGMENT. Carrie's already back!!
That would be awesome.
Awww! Is that poor guy trying to pick up some of the confetti? Maybe not.
Patti Lupone! Mandy Patinkin! Okay. That segment was great. Introduction for Best Revival of a Musical.
PORGY & BESS! WIN! WIN! WIN!
Happy, happy, happy....
Aaaand right after that.... FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ON THE TONYS.... LIVE ..... Hairspray on the HIGH SEAS!
I'm not kidding. They just said that.
Why is this getting so much importance. Seriously. They're on a cruise ship. It's a musical on a cruise ship. This is nothing new, people.
Darn it, Hairspray. I want to hate this and your music is so freaking catchy.
Wait, wait, wait.... Leap of Faith will be our final performer for the evening?
And Hugh Jackman is just getting a special award? I don't care! SHOW US THE MOVIE.
Porgy & Bess is trending on twitter. That's hysterical and awesome.
I love how the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre gets presented earlier, not televised, and given a five second clip of the speech, while Hugh Jackman is about to receive some sort of award for....what exactly? I mean, he's awesome, but uh....
For his "extraordinary contributions to the Broadway community."
I know he's raised a lot of money for the community, and that's really, really wonderful, but.... Lifetime Achievement? LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT?! Nothing?
His speech, though, especially to his wife was really sweet. I'll give him that. He always seems so nice. She apparently surprised him, he didn't know she was going to be the one presenting it to him. Cute.
"I'm sad to announce that that production of Hairspray was just taken over by pirates....of Penzance."
Okay, that was sort of cute NPH. (He's been doing mashups all night.)
The Guy from Once took Best Performance for an Actor in a Musical.
He's thanking the ensemble! Good job, you!
Oh my goodness. Just gave a beautiful speech about his mom who just lost her life to cancer.
What is Candance Bergan wearing exactly? I just looked up.
The guy from One Man, Two Guv'ners won for Best Performance by an Actor in a Play! I'm so excited for him - that performance earlier was so, so funny! YAY!
He seriously just beat out Philip Seymour Huffman, James Earl James and Frank Langella. I would be speechless too.
Awww! Another great speech! Applause, applause.
Oh.... Here we go. Leap of Faith.
I can't pinpoint why I didn't like that.... I did at least understand everything that was going on, which after some of the other performances of the night, is a major plus. But I just didn't really like it. Esparaza looks really out of place in this show. There's a ton of energy here, they're really working hard. Anyone else? What did you think?
YES. Last year's winners of Best Musical (Book of Mormon) will be presenting for Best Musical. I can totally get behind that. Much better than Chris Rock. I was kind of dreading the announcement of who it would be.
Ahahaha! I don't know who this lady is (winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Play) but telling presenter Christopher Plummer "Sir, you were my first crush, When that whistle blew in Sound of Music...." was super cute.
I like her. She's really funny. And genuine. She was from the play Venus in Fur.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN COMPLETE SIGNAL LOSS?!
.....
....
Okay. We're back. Dish, don't do that to me.
AUDRA MCDONALD. AUDRA MCDONALD MUST WIN.
(Best Leading Actress in a Musical)
Hey! Bonnie & Clyde got another nomination!
AUDRA MCDONALD FOR THE WIN! Her first Tony for a Leading Actress. Yes. You rock, Audra.
Ah. Royal Caribbean was one of the Tony's sponsors. That explains a lot.
We're up to Best Musical.
Winning Best Musical changes your life. You're transformed from an artist...to an artiste.
Tonight, we, who are the Broadway establishment!
That was really funny, guys. Good job.
I wish I could find video of that. I'll keep looking.
So Once or Newsies?
I'm calling Once.
Once!
That introduction was so good, these guys should host next year.
So! Bad to okay productions, a couple great ones, a mostly wearying host and an enjoyable evening mostly because of my low expectations. And, despite it all, because I still love theatre.
I do like this writing-the-end-song-throughout-the-show bit they've done two years now. I really liked the rap last year (mostly because Miranda wrote it.)
Goodnight everybody! If anybody else watched it, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Catching Up: Class, Tonys, Articles and More.
on June 9, 2012
Let's play catch up!
The Wedding Class....
....is mostly why I've been away. It was a wedding intensive class that began this past Sunday through Wednesday (where I graduated to Pomp & Circumstance, ha) and lasted from 8:30 - 5:30 every day in the city. And paranoid me left at 6:30 every morning to ensure I would beat traffic and make it to class on time.
And while I was rather terrified to go through the first hands on experience (since this was my first time around other designers) everything went okay. I learned a lot and it was really kind of nice to have a four-day designing focus, rather than multitasking computer, order taking, satisfying customers, etc. Not that those things are bad. Just that it was nice to strictly soak up some design wisdom and let some of it gel in my head a little better. Especially for wedding work.
I did solidify a few styles (one of which we just used today in the shop) and learned a few crazy things as well. For one, I never thought I'd be able to complete a composite flower which is several flowers put together to form one large bloom. So she showed us how to make a glamela (glad blooms) and we completed one and then she quickly showed us a composite rose. And it looked easier than I expected. So while we had some extra time on our hands this morning I wanted to make one while I could still remember how:
In this picture it kind of looks like one giant bloomed-out rose, but that's kind of the whole point too. That's actually three roses put together. I would love to make more of these, I think they're really beautiful. (And I was so excited to make one.)
Anyway, I essentially was coming home, eating dinner with grandma, rewriting my notes and crashing.
But I saw some awesome girls....
.... and had a chance to spend the night with them before my class started. :) I spent the night with the Puckett family and played games and sang karaoke and had a general blast. Maybe I can sneak over there one more time before summer is up. ;)
Did I mention the Tonys are this Sunday?
Oh wait, I haven't.
Um.
I'm just not excited this year. I'll watch them (and blog inner-monologue style) but I'm just not anticipating them this year. I wasn't really last year either and they pleasantly surprised me and gave me lots of hope, but look at this years Best Musical lineup:
Once
Newsies
Leap of Faith
Nice Work if You Can Get It
Now. Not that I'm not excited for Newsies to finally be on Broadway (although, honestly, I'm not all that crazy about some of the new music I've heard) and not that I don't think Once can do well there (although, honestly, it is pretty slow in some places.) But the top three are all based off movies and the last one - while it has a new story - is essentially a Gershwin review. Where's the originality? It's nowhere. At all. And it just kind of depresses me a bit.
Okay, so it was a slow season for new stuff. How about the revivals?
Evita
Jesus Christ Superstar
Follies
Porgy & Bess
I am VERY excited to see Porgy performed because it features none other than Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis (ahh!) but I've also heard amazing things about the supporting cast as well. That one, I'm stoked for. But the others? How many times has JCS been revived recently? Evita? Nothing new. Follies? Great show from what I've heard (my shame, I don't know that one as well), but again, played a lot.
And I'd tell you about the plays, but sadly I know nothing about them. So consider the rest of it strictly referring to musicals, because I'm telling you up front I just haven't kept up with the plays.
This article that was posted today makes me sad: For Broadway Fans, A Moment in the Sun. It mostly discusses how nice it is for Broadway to be mainstream for a little while (and it is) and how shows like Glee, Smash and High School Musical have been the main backbone for that happening.
While I haven't been able to get into those shows, I don't have a problem with them. In fact, I like that Glee does pull a lot of old showtunes and breathes new life into them for a new generation. My problem with the article is not that our "moment in the sun" is because of these television shows. My problem with the article is when you continue reading it gives the impression that Broadway is gleaming right now with success. Newsies is finally on Broadway. This is the highest grossing year ever. We are awesome.
I'm really frustrated with this. This is a terrible year for musicals. We've been in an originality drought for awhile now, but really? Not a single show? I mean, at least in the past we've had Memphis (that's a joke.)
I'm not upset with the television shows that the article claims: "I trace this surge in popularity back to 2006's "High School Musical." Sure, I despised it (and the endless sequels) with a fervent passion, as any true musical nerd would. It turned our beloved world into a pop singer-filled, Disney Channel-style, teenybopper show." but within our own community. Why aren't we encouraging and supporting good, original art and pushing for it to be on the Great White Way where there's a better chance a larger community will see it? Why aren't we calling foul for this? Why aren't we helping promote or demanding a higher quality? Why isn't someone at least trying something instead of just rewriting movies with songs?
Probably for the same reason I haven't raised a fuss this year. Because we have in the past and now we're tired and a bit jaded with the whole thing.
I do realize there is a lot happening in smaller venues now, off-Broadway and way way off-Broadway and that's great. But I also wish we could open back up that larger market where the creative shows could potentially gain more attention and maybe one day create more of a demand for thought provoking and high quality work.
Ah well, a girl can dream.
And let me reiterate - turning a movie into a musical isn't bad in and of itself. I just wish it wasn't seemingly every show right now or that they would do something new with it. Lion King is the perfect example. Its a movie to a musical and while it's not a perfect overall show, it is excellent in so many capacities. Puppetry work? Absolutely worth the hype. The opening number? Outstanding and worth every laud. Scenery? Music? Lovely. This is a great example of breathing new life and making something truly theatrical from something that's been done before. I realize that kind of brilliance can't happen every time - that's why its so special - but its an excellent description of what I hope for in movies turned musicals and why they can be good.
Actually, I think I hate that article. I think its dumb. And seriously, how does an article entitled "Broadway's Moment in the Sun" not include....
....the upcoming Les Mis movie.
The Les Mis trailer is still gorgeous and I'm still a bit shocked it looks so perfect. This would be such a hard show to get right and I'm so excited by all the pictures! December seems just around the corner.
And yet, there's one nail biter beforehand.
The Dark Knight Rises marketing keeps throwing me from one side to other. I thought the Catwoman poster was stupid, yet I love all the tv spots I've seen lately. So I'm hoping its actually awesome and the marketing team has just been confused this whole time. Or if not awesome, at least solid. Please, Nolan, I want a solid ending to a good trilogy. Pleeeeeease.
However, my boss is awesome and when I begged to please, could we please be done with the wedding work by 7:00 so I can go see this movie, please oh please she laughed and said of course. So Dark Knight Rises opening weekend, here I come. Mwee!!
Let's make up for that last article.
I can assure you, this one will do it. This is a story about how a five-year-old boy and his mother got onto the Avengers set, was able to take pictures with some of the cast and how awesome they were treated by all the cast members and crew. I love it. It's super cute, really heartwarming and very "aww" worthy.
The picture of him with Loki alone is worth it. (It's at the top, I won't spoil it.)
Have you heard that saying about the thunderstorms being a good omen for Thunder?
Cause I'm sure sick of it. EVERY. WEATHERMAN. EVERY. FORECAST.
But I am glad they won, I'm thrilled for them and I'll watch the finals. They actually make watching the game fun and intense to watch, which isn't saying I usually say in context with basketball. Ever. I think these are the first full games I've ever watched where a family member wasn't playing in them. So go Thunder! You are awesome. You actually have made me enjoy basketball.
That's the majority of what you've missed. We are launching into wedding season now which will keep me busy, but not like this past week. Hurrah! I should be as back as I ever am.
The Wedding Class....
....is mostly why I've been away. It was a wedding intensive class that began this past Sunday through Wednesday (where I graduated to Pomp & Circumstance, ha) and lasted from 8:30 - 5:30 every day in the city. And paranoid me left at 6:30 every morning to ensure I would beat traffic and make it to class on time.
And while I was rather terrified to go through the first hands on experience (since this was my first time around other designers) everything went okay. I learned a lot and it was really kind of nice to have a four-day designing focus, rather than multitasking computer, order taking, satisfying customers, etc. Not that those things are bad. Just that it was nice to strictly soak up some design wisdom and let some of it gel in my head a little better. Especially for wedding work.
I did solidify a few styles (one of which we just used today in the shop) and learned a few crazy things as well. For one, I never thought I'd be able to complete a composite flower which is several flowers put together to form one large bloom. So she showed us how to make a glamela (glad blooms) and we completed one and then she quickly showed us a composite rose. And it looked easier than I expected. So while we had some extra time on our hands this morning I wanted to make one while I could still remember how:
In this picture it kind of looks like one giant bloomed-out rose, but that's kind of the whole point too. That's actually three roses put together. I would love to make more of these, I think they're really beautiful. (And I was so excited to make one.)
Anyway, I essentially was coming home, eating dinner with grandma, rewriting my notes and crashing.
But I saw some awesome girls....
.... and had a chance to spend the night with them before my class started. :) I spent the night with the Puckett family and played games and sang karaoke and had a general blast. Maybe I can sneak over there one more time before summer is up. ;)
Did I mention the Tonys are this Sunday?
Oh wait, I haven't.
Um.
I'm just not excited this year. I'll watch them (and blog inner-monologue style) but I'm just not anticipating them this year. I wasn't really last year either and they pleasantly surprised me and gave me lots of hope, but look at this years Best Musical lineup:
Once
Newsies
Leap of Faith
Nice Work if You Can Get It
Now. Not that I'm not excited for Newsies to finally be on Broadway (although, honestly, I'm not all that crazy about some of the new music I've heard) and not that I don't think Once can do well there (although, honestly, it is pretty slow in some places.) But the top three are all based off movies and the last one - while it has a new story - is essentially a Gershwin review. Where's the originality? It's nowhere. At all. And it just kind of depresses me a bit.
Okay, so it was a slow season for new stuff. How about the revivals?
Evita
Jesus Christ Superstar
Follies
Porgy & Bess
I am VERY excited to see Porgy performed because it features none other than Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis (ahh!) but I've also heard amazing things about the supporting cast as well. That one, I'm stoked for. But the others? How many times has JCS been revived recently? Evita? Nothing new. Follies? Great show from what I've heard (my shame, I don't know that one as well), but again, played a lot.
And I'd tell you about the plays, but sadly I know nothing about them. So consider the rest of it strictly referring to musicals, because I'm telling you up front I just haven't kept up with the plays.
This article that was posted today makes me sad: For Broadway Fans, A Moment in the Sun. It mostly discusses how nice it is for Broadway to be mainstream for a little while (and it is) and how shows like Glee, Smash and High School Musical have been the main backbone for that happening.
While I haven't been able to get into those shows, I don't have a problem with them. In fact, I like that Glee does pull a lot of old showtunes and breathes new life into them for a new generation. My problem with the article is not that our "moment in the sun" is because of these television shows. My problem with the article is when you continue reading it gives the impression that Broadway is gleaming right now with success. Newsies is finally on Broadway. This is the highest grossing year ever. We are awesome.
I'm really frustrated with this. This is a terrible year for musicals. We've been in an originality drought for awhile now, but really? Not a single show? I mean, at least in the past we've had Memphis (that's a joke.)
I'm not upset with the television shows that the article claims: "I trace this surge in popularity back to 2006's "High School Musical." Sure, I despised it (and the endless sequels) with a fervent passion, as any true musical nerd would. It turned our beloved world into a pop singer-filled, Disney Channel-style, teenybopper show." but within our own community. Why aren't we encouraging and supporting good, original art and pushing for it to be on the Great White Way where there's a better chance a larger community will see it? Why aren't we calling foul for this? Why aren't we helping promote or demanding a higher quality? Why isn't someone at least trying something instead of just rewriting movies with songs?
Probably for the same reason I haven't raised a fuss this year. Because we have in the past and now we're tired and a bit jaded with the whole thing.
I do realize there is a lot happening in smaller venues now, off-Broadway and way way off-Broadway and that's great. But I also wish we could open back up that larger market where the creative shows could potentially gain more attention and maybe one day create more of a demand for thought provoking and high quality work.
Ah well, a girl can dream.
And let me reiterate - turning a movie into a musical isn't bad in and of itself. I just wish it wasn't seemingly every show right now or that they would do something new with it. Lion King is the perfect example. Its a movie to a musical and while it's not a perfect overall show, it is excellent in so many capacities. Puppetry work? Absolutely worth the hype. The opening number? Outstanding and worth every laud. Scenery? Music? Lovely. This is a great example of breathing new life and making something truly theatrical from something that's been done before. I realize that kind of brilliance can't happen every time - that's why its so special - but its an excellent description of what I hope for in movies turned musicals and why they can be good.
Actually, I think I hate that article. I think its dumb. And seriously, how does an article entitled "Broadway's Moment in the Sun" not include....
....the upcoming Les Mis movie.
The Les Mis trailer is still gorgeous and I'm still a bit shocked it looks so perfect. This would be such a hard show to get right and I'm so excited by all the pictures! December seems just around the corner.
And yet, there's one nail biter beforehand.
The Dark Knight Rises marketing keeps throwing me from one side to other. I thought the Catwoman poster was stupid, yet I love all the tv spots I've seen lately. So I'm hoping its actually awesome and the marketing team has just been confused this whole time. Or if not awesome, at least solid. Please, Nolan, I want a solid ending to a good trilogy. Pleeeeeease.
However, my boss is awesome and when I begged to please, could we please be done with the wedding work by 7:00 so I can go see this movie, please oh please she laughed and said of course. So Dark Knight Rises opening weekend, here I come. Mwee!!
Let's make up for that last article.
I can assure you, this one will do it. This is a story about how a five-year-old boy and his mother got onto the Avengers set, was able to take pictures with some of the cast and how awesome they were treated by all the cast members and crew. I love it. It's super cute, really heartwarming and very "aww" worthy.
The picture of him with Loki alone is worth it. (It's at the top, I won't spoil it.)
Have you heard that saying about the thunderstorms being a good omen for Thunder?
Cause I'm sure sick of it. EVERY. WEATHERMAN. EVERY. FORECAST.
But I am glad they won, I'm thrilled for them and I'll watch the finals. They actually make watching the game fun and intense to watch, which isn't saying I usually say in context with basketball. Ever. I think these are the first full games I've ever watched where a family member wasn't playing in them. So go Thunder! You are awesome. You actually have made me enjoy basketball.
That's the majority of what you've missed. We are launching into wedding season now which will keep me busy, but not like this past week. Hurrah! I should be as back as I ever am.
First Les Miserables Trailer! (EDITED)
on May 30, 2012
I have never been this purely excited for a movie musical.
So. Freaking. Happy. I've lost count the number of times I've watched it.
I know it's only the first trailer, but this looks gorgeous and so dead on.
Finally, Les Mis. You've waited a long time to bring your musical self to the big screen, but it looks like the wait may have been well worth it.
EDIT:
Also, I just learned that Colm Wilkinson will be playing the Bishop in the movie. I feel like shouting "THEY CARE, THEY REALLY CARE!" from the rooftops.
So. Freaking. Happy. I've lost count the number of times I've watched it.
I know it's only the first trailer, but this looks gorgeous and so dead on.
Finally, Les Mis. You've waited a long time to bring your musical self to the big screen, but it looks like the wait may have been well worth it.
EDIT:
Also, I just learned that Colm Wilkinson will be playing the Bishop in the movie. I feel like shouting "THEY CARE, THEY REALLY CARE!" from the rooftops.
Diablo 3: Not-So-Inner Monologuing
on May 28, 2012
I've learned.... I talk to myself out loud a lot if I'm gaming by myself. It's like my inner monologue just can't contain itself. And since there's no one around watching me there's no conscious shut-off valve. I've never really noticed it before because it doesn't happen quite as bad with platform games. But ooooh.... my venture into Diablo 3 has made it so much worse.
While I've played Guild Wars & LOTRO before, I never really got past level 12 in either of them, meaning I never played much at all. So this is really the first time I've tried to take on a boss by myself or major quests, etc. It's really fun (and no guilt monkeys because it's Neal's game! hurrah!). But the first time I ventured out by myself into the world of Diablo I was pretty convinced I was going to die around every corner. So phrases like "DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE!" and "DIE!DIE!DIE!DIE!" were spilling out at almost every.single.enemy.
I think that's pretty much how playing Mega Man must have sounded too.
And then I realized: Hey! I didn't die! Hey! He died really easy! So you would think that would cut down on the chatter. But it hasn't.
So expelling those previous two mentioned (since they actually are the most common, but I've spoiled them), I give you:
Top 5 (Mostly) Most Used Phrases During Diablo 3:
5) "STOP SHOOTING HIM."
Out of a paranoia that something is about to kill me or is not completely dead yet I have a tendency to shoot anything that moves, including fellow party members. Thankfully, it doesn't actually harm friends, but it does make me irritated at myself when I realize I've been shooting the wrong thing. Especially when something actually is attacking me from behind.
4) "NO!"
While it may come out "NO!" I can assure you a couple times its felt more like this:
It usually means I've just died.
Which leads into.....
3) "PLEASE be a checkpoint."
Before I realized that completing a quest was when a checkpoint (essentially: save point) automatically occurred, I kept waiting for them to occur randomly. And I kept hoping for one about every five minutes. There's another popular variation of this that goes "AH! Where was my last checkpoint?!"
2) "HEAL, stupid, HEAL!"
I'm currently fighting the Butcher and have so far failed (don't judge me!). Unfortunately, I'm still button mashing at times and it'll accept one button over another and I WON'T HEAL. GAH. HEAL. HEEEEAL. I KNOW YOU'RE HURT. STOP TELLING ME.
1) "MOOOOVE!"
This is a real problem.
My character has a real tendency to stand right next to deadly enemies, which is unfortunate since she's a Wizard and is therefore squishy. Despite the fact that I actually like to battle by standing far away and electrocuting things, I apparently haven't gotten complete understanding of.....something yet. Because somehow I always end up right in the way. Get out of the way. MOVE, Annama, MOVE! Or just....yes, die. Sigh. Checkpoint please.
Honorable Mention:
"PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!"
A variation of "DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE!" and therefore not up for top 5, but popular nonetheless.
While I've played Guild Wars & LOTRO before, I never really got past level 12 in either of them, meaning I never played much at all. So this is really the first time I've tried to take on a boss by myself or major quests, etc. It's really fun (and no guilt monkeys because it's Neal's game! hurrah!). But the first time I ventured out by myself into the world of Diablo I was pretty convinced I was going to die around every corner. So phrases like "DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE!" and "DIE!DIE!DIE!DIE!" were spilling out at almost every.single.enemy.
I think that's pretty much how playing Mega Man must have sounded too.
And then I realized: Hey! I didn't die! Hey! He died really easy! So you would think that would cut down on the chatter. But it hasn't.
So expelling those previous two mentioned (since they actually are the most common, but I've spoiled them), I give you:
Top 5 (Mostly) Most Used Phrases During Diablo 3:
5) "STOP SHOOTING HIM."
Out of a paranoia that something is about to kill me or is not completely dead yet I have a tendency to shoot anything that moves, including fellow party members. Thankfully, it doesn't actually harm friends, but it does make me irritated at myself when I realize I've been shooting the wrong thing. Especially when something actually is attacking me from behind.
4) "NO!"
While it may come out "NO!" I can assure you a couple times its felt more like this:
It usually means I've just died.
Which leads into.....
3) "PLEASE be a checkpoint."
Before I realized that completing a quest was when a checkpoint (essentially: save point) automatically occurred, I kept waiting for them to occur randomly. And I kept hoping for one about every five minutes. There's another popular variation of this that goes "AH! Where was my last checkpoint?!"
2) "HEAL, stupid, HEAL!"
I'm currently fighting the Butcher and have so far failed (don't judge me!). Unfortunately, I'm still button mashing at times and it'll accept one button over another and I WON'T HEAL. GAH. HEAL. HEEEEAL. I KNOW YOU'RE HURT. STOP TELLING ME.
1) "MOOOOVE!"
This is a real problem.
My character has a real tendency to stand right next to deadly enemies, which is unfortunate since she's a Wizard and is therefore squishy. Despite the fact that I actually like to battle by standing far away and electrocuting things, I apparently haven't gotten complete understanding of.....something yet. Because somehow I always end up right in the way. Get out of the way. MOVE, Annama, MOVE! Or just....yes, die. Sigh. Checkpoint please.
Honorable Mention:
"PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!"
A variation of "DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE! DON'T DIE!" and therefore not up for top 5, but popular nonetheless.
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