Well, I felt I had to post. There's much news, many fantastic people I've met, etc...
But I have to say that some of the best experiences here happen spur of the moment.
For example, this
Something amazing about thousands of people singing the same song together. It was really fantastic.
I'll have more later tomorrow after I attend the Biggin Hill Air Show. Planes! Fun!
26 June 2009
02 June 2009
"Chicago" starring Jerry Springer: A Review
I can only compare the temptation to see such a production to looky-loos on the 405 or the 8 freeways slowing down to gawk at traffic accidents... You know it's going to be bad, but you just have to see for yourself.
Now, I don't slow down on the freeway, because who wants to see an accident anyway? However, I did go see Chicago.
It was opening night (1 June) and when this modest proposal first aired in the press, Jerry Springer was quoted as saying the theatregoer ought to see the show early in its run, as he might not make it the full few weeks. So I took his advice. Again, let me say that I've never watched his show, nor do I have any intention of doing so. This was simply for a larf... And it delivered just that.
Jerry Springer has no rhythm, he can't carry a tune, and he has the acting range of Chuck Norris (yes, I just said that). He missed (about) 4 cues and he wasn't able to hit the most important notes, but he made a fantastic effort. I mean, he's 65... I'll give him a medal for effort. But at the end of the day, he's no Richard Gere and he comes off as a vermiform appendix: nice to have, but not really necessary.
Now, as for the rest of the cast: AMAZING! What a fantastic job they did. It was beautiful! They were perfect and delivered an astounding production of a very dazzling musical. The costumes were small (as they should be), the dance numbers were spectacular, and the actresses who played Roxie and Velma were awesome.
So, would I go see it again? Yes, in a heartbeat.
Other, less scathing reviews:
Bloomberg
Hello!
What's on Stage
Daily Mail
Now, I don't slow down on the freeway, because who wants to see an accident anyway? However, I did go see Chicago.
It was opening night (1 June) and when this modest proposal first aired in the press, Jerry Springer was quoted as saying the theatregoer ought to see the show early in its run, as he might not make it the full few weeks. So I took his advice. Again, let me say that I've never watched his show, nor do I have any intention of doing so. This was simply for a larf... And it delivered just that.
Jerry Springer has no rhythm, he can't carry a tune, and he has the acting range of Chuck Norris (yes, I just said that). He missed (about) 4 cues and he wasn't able to hit the most important notes, but he made a fantastic effort. I mean, he's 65... I'll give him a medal for effort. But at the end of the day, he's no Richard Gere and he comes off as a vermiform appendix: nice to have, but not really necessary.
Now, as for the rest of the cast: AMAZING! What a fantastic job they did. It was beautiful! They were perfect and delivered an astounding production of a very dazzling musical. The costumes were small (as they should be), the dance numbers were spectacular, and the actresses who played Roxie and Velma were awesome.
So, would I go see it again? Yes, in a heartbeat.
Other, less scathing reviews:
Bloomberg
Hello!
What's on Stage
Daily Mail
31 May 2009
Happy Sunday!
Yes, it's a Sunday, and I spent my day of rest on the move! I went to Greenwich today.
Greenwich is a lovely place, across the Thames and down a bit to the East. It's a fun place to go for the day, not too far, and there's a great amount of things to do. I wanted to get some research done, so I went to the National Maritime Museum, which has a fantastic collection of Maritime artifacts. Most anything you can think of related to ships in Britain, they've got something for you.
It was a nearly perfect day, so everyone decided that it'd be fun to picnic in Greenwich. There were about a thousand folks out all around the museums, just relaxing in the grass, reading, eating, resting. I took part under a nice big tree and read a book I picked up at the museum.
On my way back to the city, I decided to stop and say Happy Birthday to an old friend. His name is Ben, I'm sure you all know him. 150 years old and still going strong! Funny how there was nothing in the news here about this little event and I actually read about it on the Union Tribune's website.
Greenwich is a lovely place, across the Thames and down a bit to the East. It's a fun place to go for the day, not too far, and there's a great amount of things to do. I wanted to get some research done, so I went to the National Maritime Museum, which has a fantastic collection of Maritime artifacts. Most anything you can think of related to ships in Britain, they've got something for you.
It was a nearly perfect day, so everyone decided that it'd be fun to picnic in Greenwich. There were about a thousand folks out all around the museums, just relaxing in the grass, reading, eating, resting. I took part under a nice big tree and read a book I picked up at the museum.
On my way back to the city, I decided to stop and say Happy Birthday to an old friend. His name is Ben, I'm sure you all know him. 150 years old and still going strong! Funny how there was nothing in the news here about this little event and I actually read about it on the Union Tribune's website.
30 May 2009
CHELSEA!
Yes, the FA Cup Final was today...
I went to a pub across from Stamford Bridge to watch the happenings.
Oh WOW! It was the perfect place to be for a Chelsea fan. What a game! We're thankful for the win, but we'll miss Hiddink greatly, he was a fantastic boss.
I must say that there is such a difference between London and other places I've travelled. London is full of wonderfully nice people and today I was reminded of that. Everyone at the pub was fantastic and kind. Reminds me of San Diego in a way, but definitely different. Needless to say, I love it here.
I also watched the finale of BGT and was very surprised that Susan Boyle didn't win. Which I can't really comment further, because I didn't vote. (It costs quite a bit to vote, actually). They like charging you to call in for anything here. I guess that's why the Americans left in the first place... Didn't like all those extra little charges.
Here's a video I have of the pub after the Chelsea win. Enjoy!
I went to a pub across from Stamford Bridge to watch the happenings.
Oh WOW! It was the perfect place to be for a Chelsea fan. What a game! We're thankful for the win, but we'll miss Hiddink greatly, he was a fantastic boss.
I must say that there is such a difference between London and other places I've travelled. London is full of wonderfully nice people and today I was reminded of that. Everyone at the pub was fantastic and kind. Reminds me of San Diego in a way, but definitely different. Needless to say, I love it here.
I also watched the finale of BGT and was very surprised that Susan Boyle didn't win. Which I can't really comment further, because I didn't vote. (It costs quite a bit to vote, actually). They like charging you to call in for anything here. I guess that's why the Americans left in the first place... Didn't like all those extra little charges.
Here's a video I have of the pub after the Chelsea win. Enjoy!
28 May 2009
Yes, yes, I know, I know...
I haven't updated in a while... I've been very busy settling in, going to classes (already), and doing the internship thing. And any spare time I have, I've been writing or attending mandatory activities here.
However, I did get a chance to go see Philip Glass. Philip Glass was amazing!!!! He's just a fantastic pianist and composer. I love his stuff (yes, I know, some of you are rolling your eyes right now). And he played one of my favorite pieces, which is the Opening to Glassworks. He did not play my very favorite composition, and it's very rare, you can only find on iTunes. It's an album called: "From the Philip Glass Recording Archive, Vol. IV"
London is fantastic. I just love it here. It's wonderful being able to just get up and go to any part of the city. Public transportation here is amazing. I wish we had that back in the US.
Tomorrow is laundry day. I may go out and take some photos-- of what and where, I'm not sure yet. We'll see what the weather brings, etc.
However, I did get a chance to go see Philip Glass. Philip Glass was amazing!!!! He's just a fantastic pianist and composer. I love his stuff (yes, I know, some of you are rolling your eyes right now). And he played one of my favorite pieces, which is the Opening to Glassworks. He did not play my very favorite composition, and it's very rare, you can only find on iTunes. It's an album called: "From the Philip Glass Recording Archive, Vol. IV"
London is fantastic. I just love it here. It's wonderful being able to just get up and go to any part of the city. Public transportation here is amazing. I wish we had that back in the US.
Tomorrow is laundry day. I may go out and take some photos-- of what and where, I'm not sure yet. We'll see what the weather brings, etc.
22 May 2009
Mandatory (the new buzzword)
Well, today was filled with a slew of mandatory activities. At least the people presenting were nice, the material, however, was rather dry. Dry as toast...
Tomorrow I'll get out of Kensington, because we have another mandatory activity, which happens to be a bus tour of London. I can't wait for that! Finally, an activity that doesn't require me to hold my eyelids open with binder clips.
Well, I'd write more, but there's really not much to write about. Hopefully I'll have some pictures tomorrow and more interesting news. I'm off to the store to get dinner makings! Good night!
P.S.: My phone number here is: +44 7908810714
Tomorrow I'll get out of Kensington, because we have another mandatory activity, which happens to be a bus tour of London. I can't wait for that! Finally, an activity that doesn't require me to hold my eyelids open with binder clips.
Well, I'd write more, but there's really not much to write about. Hopefully I'll have some pictures tomorrow and more interesting news. I'm off to the store to get dinner makings! Good night!
P.S.: My phone number here is: +44 7908810714
21 May 2009
Phone Home
Yeah, so the phone thing is not working out as planned. Oh well.
I've quit for today, and I'm going to start up my quest again tomorrow.
Off to an early bed! Hope to have more interesting things to report tomorrow.
I've quit for today, and I'm going to start up my quest again tomorrow.
Off to an early bed! Hope to have more interesting things to report tomorrow.
Arrived! (In one piece, no less),
Yes, I've made it!
The flight was surprisingly short (at least it seemed that way). I sat next to a really cute doctor from Devon, too bad he was married with two kids. But at least it was some good conversation.
I've got an extremely small, but amazingly private room. (And yes, my own private bathroom, or loo, as the case may be).
I'm off to get myself a phone number.
They've got a really strict schedule for us for the rest of the week, which fortunately does not include anything mandatory on the 26th, as I have a Philip Glass concert to attend. (Joy!)
Enough rambling. I'll write more when I've had some food.
The flight was surprisingly short (at least it seemed that way). I sat next to a really cute doctor from Devon, too bad he was married with two kids. But at least it was some good conversation.
I've got an extremely small, but amazingly private room. (And yes, my own private bathroom, or loo, as the case may be).
I'm off to get myself a phone number.
They've got a really strict schedule for us for the rest of the week, which fortunately does not include anything mandatory on the 26th, as I have a Philip Glass concert to attend. (Joy!)
Enough rambling. I'll write more when I've had some food.
20 May 2009
Off to London!
Well, it's that time!
I'm off and away to London!
Finals are done, bags are (nearly) packed, and boarding passes are printed. (And the passive voice is being used).
So, to follow me on my flight, click here:
FLIGHT TRACKER
Then under airline, select British Airways.
Under flight number, put: 0278
Alternatively, you may search: BA0278
The flight leaves at 3:40PM Pacific time.
I'll post again once I'm set up! Ciao! (Or Tootle-Pip, as the case may be).
I'm off and away to London!
Finals are done, bags are (nearly) packed, and boarding passes are printed. (And the passive voice is being used).
So, to follow me on my flight, click here:
FLIGHT TRACKER
Then under airline, select British Airways.
Under flight number, put: 0278
Alternatively, you may search: BA0278
The flight leaves at 3:40PM Pacific time.
I'll post again once I'm set up! Ciao! (Or Tootle-Pip, as the case may be).
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