An interesting article on how to disagree.

Pretty much everywhere, it’s gonna be hot.

Thanks, Arthur.

Great comments to be found here.

Why should it be illegal to sell something that it is legal to give away for free?

Also, you’ll never guess.

So, Tuesday’s rehearsal went by without major incident. We were practicing music, our Julie and me attempting to open emotionally in the music. My voice seemed all right, though not at 100%. But man, I could barely keep my breath consistent. Granted, I had not warmed up as much as I normally do, but there was some other obstacle I could feel keeping me from doing my best.

I think my voice works solely at my level of confidence. When I feel secure in my ability, it’s strong and, while not Broadway caliber, certainly passable for musical theater. That night, it reflected my self-doubt clearly. And this character has no such doubts, so the more I feel like I can’t perform up to snuff, the less I’m convincing in the role, and the more doubt I have, the worse I perform.

As a result, I can understand what it means to have a batting slump. But how to break the cycle? How does one feel confident, particularly early in the rehearsal cycle when the music still needs to be learned? It is at once the easiest and most difficult thing a person can do. That is: when it works, it’s such a pleasure it hardly seems like work, but when it doesn’t, it’s grueling and taxing.

Maybe I’m just coming to this realization late. It seems pretty obvious now that I’ve typed it all out. Anyway, I plan to suck it up and make it work, but for now I need to be prepared to be disappointed in myself, and have others disappointed in me. That sort of thing is just natural.

I enjoyed this speech.

You may need to ask yourself at this point, in what way is the writer of this blog similar to one Hugh Jackman? The comparison is not easy at first. But when you consider that both men are 6′ 2 1/2″, are actors, have deep baritone voices and will soon have both portrayed Gaston (Beauty and the Beast) and Billy Bigelow (Carousel) on the stage… well, those may seem coincidental, but I put forth that I be proclaimed Hugh the Lesser. At least until I make People’s 50 Most Beautiful list.

Uh-Obama

A beautifully written article on why Obama’s success proves the opposite of what many think it does. Still, I (have and) will vote for him. A passionate idealist and a well-spoken diplomat with little to no history of corruption would be a good choice for our next figurehead. And I don’t see it hurting our chances of diminishing racism in the future.

1. Define the question
Can it be proven, via scientific method, that I am awesome?

2. Gather information and resources (observe)
This intensely stressful weekend contained much empirical data that would point to me being awesome.

3. Form hypothesis
I am awesome.

4. Perform experiment and collect data
Test the first: Audition with South Milwaukee PAC.
Test the second: SAFD Quarterstaff Skills Proficiency Test, choreographed by Chuck Coyl, adjudicated by Dale Girard.
Test the third: Audition with Lakeland Players, Ltd.

5. Analyze data
Results of first test: Offered lead role upon completion.
Results of second test: Passed with partner, 7/8 weapons now recognized proficient.
Results of third test: Callback, positive feedback from directors and from others in audition, encouraging talk of possible lead role.

6. Interpret data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new hypothesis
The first test gives positive empirical evidence of awesomeness due to increased name recognition in local community, as well as experience in lead role. Special thanks to co-researcher, J. Green.

The second test presents more positive results, due to success in test and in strengthened friendships and connections within SAFD. Special thank to co-researcher, S. J. Anderson.

Though the results of the third test are still in the lab, preliminary reports point to success, though the level of that success cannot be currently reported with accuracy. However, delivery of certain materials produced responses ranging from highly satisfactory to exemplary.

7. Publish results
Published in journal, Buddha’s Bellyaching, March 2008 edition.
Reference in shared resource, Facebook.

8. Retest (frequently done by other scientists)
So, I put it to you: Am I awesome? (Please note that any negative response may result in crushed ego, tears, tantrums, and verbose and tedious affirmation dialogue. You have been warned.)

Considering where the unfortunate actor met his end, this strikes me as inappropriate.