You Are Music

Saw this charming film and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I don't think it made lots of money and was probably relegated to the "Worst Film of the Year" list.  The premise that music is a part of you from birth, thanks to your musical parents...I now believe it can happen.  I cannot play a musical instrument, but I do love to sing and enjoy music in many of its forms.  This, I believe, is because my father loved classical music and the tango; my mother loved to sing.  Ever since grade school I would listen and purchase motion picture soundtracks, which became my introduction of classical music.
August Rush is a hopeful film and has the quality of being a "sappy" film, but I like sappy films.  If you can smile during a film, the director has succeeded.  Watch it, and as I always suggest, give it a chance.  I am sure you will enjoy this pleasant little film!

She Had Her Moments...

It was 58 years ago today that Eva Duarte de Perón entered immortality.  She was only 33 years old.  Funny, but it was a rock opera, Evita, that introduced me to this incredible woman of Latin America.  She was beloved.  She was despised.  She helped the poor.  She bilked the aristocracy.  The musical painted one image of her; the more I learned about her I came to admire the gumption she possessed.  After all, she became the First Lady of Argentina and aspired to political office...in Latina America in the mid-20th Century...in a male dominated society!  Truly, her life story is a fascination with many.  Madonna's interpretation softened her.

Imagine had she lived to a ripe old age.

The truth is I never left you

All through my wild days

My mad existence

I kept my promise

Don't keep your distance...

from EVITA

Lyrics by Sir Tim Rice / Music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber

Imagination

Today Disneyland celebrates its 55th birthday!  The Happiest Place On Earth still thrives, considering when it opened, some critics claimed it wouldn't be a success because it lacked a certain "Coney Island" atmosphere.  And has this theme park evolved over the years!

My first visit was in 1959...all I remember is crying through the dark rides such as "Snow White" and "Peter Pan."  In 1964, it was a different thing entirely.  The Matterhorn was without its current special effects...the cars zoomed along in and out of the mountain with its climatic splash at the end.  

1968 was awesome...Pirates of the Caribbean was the ultimate dark ride.  An amazing special effects ride.  And who could forget It's A Small World.  

1972...the Main Street Electrical Parade...left guests speechless.  All those sparkling lights and the music, "Baroque Ho Down."  And it was during the summer of '72 Disneyland had concerts with contemporary pop stars.  We got to meet and get an autograph from Sonny Geraci, lead singer of the group Climax.  Their one hit was Precious and Few.  Remember that?  

In the early 80s, as part of the NCEA convention, one of the major book publishing companies, had a teachers night only.  From 7PM to 1AM.  I've never been to an event such as that...hardly any kids and just teachers having a great time.  Best part was Space Mountain and the words I will probably never hear again, "If you'd like another ride, please remain on board."  Needless to say, I over dosed three times on this ride.  And my co-workers were like children running to Big Thunder Railroad.

And I forget what year Star Tours was introduced, but a year after its introduction, several of us from school went and got a laugh when we told one of the nuns to make sure the door was locked...and she did!

Summer of 1987...Captain Eo starring Michael Jackson...and in 3-d!

The last time I was there was 1991...or the year Indiana Jones was being constructed.

Walt Disney would be amazed how his "child" has grown and given the world such happiness, laughter, smiles.  Truly, it will never be finished as long as their is imagination left in the world!

The Great Highway

Today took a walk with Papi along the Great Highway at Ocean Beach.  It's an amazing stretch of road from the Zoo to Golden Gate Park; I think about two miles in length.  Papi and I walk about 90 minutes worth, hoping in a few months to do the entire round trip circuit.  Not a sunny day today, but walking and hearing the waves was wonderful.  At one intersection, we cross the Highway and go to the viewing area and just stare at the ocean.  Papi, of course, sniffs and sniffs.  He'd love to chase the seagulls, but should that happen a remake of The Birds would occur.  The wind blows lots of sand onto the west path making it difficult to have a good walk.  Dogs being so agile can navigate easily.  It's great to people watch, too.  Lots of dogs, joggers, bicyclists, walkers, children...a wonderful gathering of the City's diverse population.  As of the 4th of July, Papi and I try to go there at least three times a week.  Walking around the neighborhood got a tad boring.  I enjoy the fact that the weather lately as been cool, not cold, thus making walks along this thoroughfare a pleasant experience.  So, if you come to San Francisco, you must add the Great Highway as a place to walk...not drive...walk to enjoy what the locals do.

MidYear Already?

This has been a most interesting and busy summer.  Back in January I had no idea I'd have a dog, be accepted into a Masters in Ed. program, and have a summer job working with kids teaching my two great loves: music and drama.  And here we are midway through 2010.  I cannot complain.  The picture above is my view at lunchtime.  The park is full of tourists, locals, sunbathers and dogs and their owners enjoying the sunny, cool weather that North Beach has to offer.
The summer day camp is somewhat challenging- I've never worked with 4 year olds.  They are definitely set in their ways and must be active at all times.  Lord knows if they'll be ready to perform at the "big show" the first week of August.  The counselors and junior counselors are great- high school and college kids.  They must think I'm insane or weird when I mention groups such as Wang Chung.  At least they know the Beatles and Rolling Stones.  Michael Jackson is a beloved musical figure for the kids going into 3rd grade.  One young lad knows every move and lyric to several songs.  According to this boy, MJ is a superhero.
There is a great restaurant on Colombus Street, The Original US Restaurant where the food is beyond dying for!  The lunch server, René is hilarious and a great server.  And I buy my cold water or soda at the corner liquor store- a very nice, plush high-tech liquor store to say the least.  And the wonderful mix of tourists from everywhere- Minnesota, England, Italy, Hong Kong...you get the idea.
And my last class at Lesley, San Ramon campus, was great.  Had a super instructor.  And my first class, I passed with flying colors.  Hoping that I will repeat that with the second course.
Well, that's all for now.  I apologize for not writing as much...having problems at home with Comcast and the Net connection.  I am at my desk at school, with Papi the wonder dog at my side and listening to a compilation disc...Puff the Magic Dragon currently playing and segueing into Melody of Love.
Have a wonderful, safe and sane 4th of July weekend.  Until next time!