custom My little ponies

These are cute.

I do not know if I want one...okay maybe the Han Solo one. But they are cute and well done.

http://marikasurinen.com/sculptures_main.html

summertiiime and the teaching is eeeasy!

I volunteered to teach an ACT test prep class this summer. A few weeks of half days, teaching science so they score better on the ACT test. I'm very laid back with this. They are there because they want to be. Straight content knowledge is not tested in the ACT, but it helps. I review test taking skills, science vocabulary and the like.

There are practice tests we go throw, I also tell them what types of questions they will see.

On the down side, with the summer, my sleep cycle is all whacked. I come home, and I feel cranky and dragging. Can't really do anything. Try to nap, then the sun comes down so late and because of the nap I can't fall asleep when I need to.

Tony awards

I must say that the opening number was very high energy.

I just wonder about the creative process. Why? Because is there anything new?

We have Billy Elliott a musical based on a movie
Shrek, same as about
9 to 5 pete, threepet

Rock of Ages, Hey lets take the bad songs and fashions of the 80's and make a musical. We can slap together a story. (like All Shook Up and Ring of Fire)

Hair, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls--revivals. yes some different interpretation, talented performers, but still revivals. Especially I wonder if Hair is letting liberals repeat some never was childhood and be hippies.

Was Liza Minelli really worthy of a Tony for Special Theatrical Event or is the Broadway group so enamored of her that they would give her a standing ovation just for burping. It looks like the other contenders were original, not a rehash of Liza with a Z.
Did Angela Lansbury really deserve hers? or did she get a sympathy vote?

Next to Normal, who would write a musical about Manic Depression. There is at least someone trying to think outside the box.

If you think about the awards themselves are lock in time. Lead actress, featured actress, lead actor...this all implies the standard love interest story.

Nor have they taken on the complexity of the modern theater. Sure there are short runs. Some even intended to stay that way. But does the Theater Wing consider the long running shows? Changes that happen over time with casts that can change an audience member's interpretation of a show? One reviewer many years ago said that when Harvey Fierstein left Hairspray, Harvey was incredible, but the interpretation changed and it became an ensemble's show. If a revival can be judged because of interpretations, why not a long running show?

Now they did do a smart thing. They showed performances of long running shows that are on tour. That way those people in "fly over country" like me know what is available to them.

I realize it is hard to be creative. Some of the best musicals are based on fairy tales; Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. West Side Story is based on Romeo and Juliet, Shaw's play Pygmalion was turned into My Fair Lady. But come on guys, there are new creative and hungry people out there waiting for their chance.

Though if I make it to New York, I wanna see Wicked, 9 to 5, Hair, West Side Story, Chicago, South Pacific. Heck I might try rush tickets for Toxic Avenger.

Went to get make up, got a new gun bag

Summer break has started. I set off today to do shopping. First stop was a large hunting supply store. Goal was to get swivels for my rifle, a range bag and possibly a shooting jacket. Also look at rifles and pistols. Got the swivels. Range bag was either wrong color, too big, too girl etc. etc. The salesman was nice and helpful and I apologized for being picky. Husband got a new pair of comfortable shoes. Hit a few pawn shops looking at guns and tools.
Since I am older I have finally decided to get some make up. Even stopped tearing my nails. So I go to large department store and at the make up counter. I had thrown away all my previous makeup. Explained to helpful lady at counter that I had no habit of makeup but was going to start. she helped me with selections showed me how to lay on the stuff. Hubby was helpful with his "trowel" suggestion. After that she filled out a sheet of what I would need to get. I looked at it and said "Okay."
"What do you want?"
"well all of it..." pause, realizing I'm in docker style work pants, t shirt and a button up shirt on top. Reach into wallet and pull out gold American Express "now do we understand?"
She glances at it, she works partly on commission. "yes we do understand!...." *Ca-Ching...It takes time for her to gather up the things, code them, wrap them. Hubby is looking around.
"hey dear" he gestures at displayed bag,..."This is the what you wanted."
"yes it is." It is the size and color I wanted. No pockets, but it nice. He asks how much and it is explained that the bag is a gift for buying a cologne. Well, how much for the cologne. He even opines that he should start wearing cologne.
So I now have a designer label bag, and a cell phone number of a make up person, just in case I need some questions on how to put the stuff on.

memorial day

It is a small town. People gathered at the court house. A short speech was made. The flag was dropped to half mast as the names of fallen soldiers was read while Taps was played. Many men in this community served in WWII. In fact the head of the VFW and his buddies went to sign up. He changed his mind and enlisted later. His buddies never came home.

Hubby shamed me into riding my bike there. We talked to a few people we knew, about service and duty. And about bikes.

pregnant teenagers

In a laid back discussion, my comment was that they should go out to the world and take care of themselves. Not to rely on their parents or other people.

Very pregnant student of mine pipes up "My boyfriend take care of me."

I started coughing to keep "yea...he sure did." from coming out.

substitutes

My students do not realize that I have no control over who substitutes for me. If I am sick, it is whoever the secretary can get ahold of between the time I call in and when school starts. And the secretary really does not appreciate a call at 5 am when I have decided that I am sick, so the call must be at 7, which gives her an hour to find somebody. I do not even know the names of the substitutes except for two of them. I see them around but I've never been introduced. The students have their own names for them, there is "Sarah Plain and Tall", "Meth lady" and "Clueless Black Lady". These are the ones who's name I do not know. The two substitutes whose names I know are the ones I like. They always leave me notes and try to follow a slapped together lesson plan I've emailed the secretary. Wouldn't you know it, my students don't like these two.