Sweet…

The man, the music…

Music of the Night

My birthday treat to me was finally going to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.
I was wonderfully entertained and definitely not disappointed. I can certainly see why this show has been running for 20 years. Hard to believe but true…although not hard for me to believe after having seen it.
I’ve seen two other Andrew Lloyd Webber productions, Evita and Cats, and now after having seen Phantom, I must say he is batting 1,000 in my league despite some of the criticisms I‘ve heard of his work. I sometimes wonder if the negativity regarding his work (some from those in “show biz”) is rooted in jealousy of his phenomenal success and the popularity of his productions. Not to mention the numerous awards he has received. So I “nay-say” the critics and along with thousands of other theater goers enjoy his productions.

From my limited knowledge of the original novel, this production’s book appears to follow the original story faithfully. A tale of intrigue, pathos, and an impossible love set amidst the pomp and theater of the opera. The opulent staging beautifully brought to life the Paris opera house, the labyrinth of the underground candlelit river and lair of the Phantom, and the drama of the magnificent glittering chandelier crashing into the audience. (Of course, the audience here is spared any damage!;o)

Sumptuous costuming, dazzlingly beautiful sets, beautiful music, powerfully glorious voices, and a great seat!…all added up to a thoroughly entertaining night on Broadway.

The video clip is from the movie, but no less hauntingly beautiful than the stage production.

Rejoice for HE is Risen!

From the gloom of death, to the radiance of life…
this is the promise and hope of Easter!





We don't change the message,
the message changes us.

John 3:16

Where’s George?

…and Abbey Road…ain’t nothing like the real thing baby!




Something in the way they sang…

How the Mighty do Fall!

Let’s see, first there was Clinton, then McGreevey, now Spitzer…
What a world, what a world! To think that morality could melt their beautiful evil…

Arrogance, hubris, hypocrisy…integrity and ethics don’t seem to apply to the “powerful”.
Is it power that corrupts the man or corruption that brings them to power? Is it their shameful arrogance and egocentricity that leads them to believe they are above the laws of God and man? Points to ponder. Pardon the pun, but politics does indeed make strange bedfellows.

As always there is the “collateral damage”…the families must also pay a price, as do we who have elected these flawed individuals. Prayer is needed here.

Stop and Smell the Flowers…

I had a nice treat last weekend. A welcome respite from the cold and snow of winter (which I do love, but in limited portions). A treat for the senses and a glorious and colorful preview of Spring, and a musical interlude rolled into one. The theme of the Philadelphia Flower Show this year is “Jazz It Up!” An homage to the sights and sounds of New Orleans.
As usual, a picture is worth a thousand (or more) words, so here they are aplenty.
Enjoy!

Combine the rhythms and melodies of New Orleans jazz with the beauty of much of the flora of the area and you have a plethora of eye and ear candy. The familiar sight of ornate iron balconies draped with colorful vines and blossoms, waterfalls, and whimsical garden arrangements delight the eye, while the bands play tunes to delight the ear. The variety of orchids is especially enchanting. You can marvel at the beauty of God’s creation while “The Saints Go Marching In” and be amazed by the designs conceived by man. There’s even a little tribute to the Bayou with its native denizens, and lots of creative arrangements both indoors and out enhanced by a variety of floral scents. Needless to say there are many, many, more pictures, but I think these will suffice. Beauty is all around us in God’s wonderful world and He has graciously given us the senses to enjoy it all.


Although the video is really an ad, it is kinda neat!

Life Lesson

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You
will have your heart broken probably more than once and
it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so
remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight
with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things
an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast,
and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too
many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never
been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset
is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be
afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never
begin.

Live simply. Love generously.
Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

YOWZAH!

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions,
they pass no criticisms."~ George Eliot



No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
~ Aesop’s Fables

On Target…

Ah, yes, politicians…


Need I say more?

Triumph of an Underdog

.

I’m not a committed football fan, but I do love the excitement and anticipation of a really good game between two good teams. In the last three weeks I’ve had the pleasure of seeing 3 such games.
I think I really started rooting for the Giants after watching their overtime win in the playoff game.
What a win it was. But then I’ve always sort of rooted for the so-called underdogs. Maybe because I’ve been one myself so often. Maybe I also wanted to see these transplanted NY Giants, now claimed by New Jersey (hey, it IS Giant’s Stadium after all) as their own because I’m also a transplant.


It would have been a nice coup for the Patriots to pull down that unbroken winning season, but it was not to be, so the record of the Miami Dolphins still stands. Yet, in all honesty my heart was with the Giants. What can I say about this Super Bowl? I loved it. Manning to Tyrell to score and then, with seconds to spare, a perfect pass by Manning to a perfect catch by Burress sealed the victory for the NY Giants. Not a classic “Hail Mary” pass, but it sure did the trick. I remember one of those many years ago by the Rams in the last few seconds of one of their games to win, but that’s another story. (Now, how’s that for dating myself?)
To answer that earlier big question, it’s now certain, the Giants wanted it more!

This was a super win. The Giants played hard, they worked beautifully as a team…and they earned their well deserved victory. I’m not sure how many fans noticed, but it felt good for me on a personal level, to see Burress kneel and bow his head briefly after that great TD. It felt good to hear him, teary and emotional, and another player interviewed later, give praise and thanks to God for their victory.

Well done Giants, Super Bowl XLII Champions.

P.S. As for my favorite “commercial”, here it is…