Rock & Roll (and Bluegrass) Music

It has been an incredible month of music. September ended with seeing a taping of the Sundance channel show "Spectacle" and October ended with me attending the greatest concert I have ever been to. Let's recap...

"Spectacle" Hosted by Elvis Costello with guests Ray LaMontange, Lyle Lovett and John Prine.

My very first trek to the Apollo Theatre. My co-worker was kind enough to remember my love of Ray LaMontange and offered me tickets. I took Cheryl, my designated events buddy. It was so exciting just to feel the history of the Apollo, knowing pretty much every musician I have ever loved has walked on that stage.

Elvis Costello has always been one of those musicians to fly under my radar. When I hear one of his songs, I really like it, and then forget about him until hearing the next song. Elvis begins the show by singing a couple of his older songs and then brings out John Prine. I was woefully unfamiliar with his music, so being at the show made a great first impression. An interviewed followed and then it was Lyle Lovett's turn. I have a couple of his songs on my iTunes, but they aren't on the Most Played playlist. Hearing him perform live, however, may have changed that. As a musician he really does have an incredible presence about him. His interview followed, and it was getting to be quite late in the evening. However, the second wind came when Ray LaMontange took the stage. He is so incredible. He started with "You Are the Best Thing" and then went into "Jolene". What impresses me most is that he has this deep, gravel-like voice and during his interview with Elvis, just the most humble, mild-mannered, soft-spoken man. It just made me all the more excited for his Beacon Theatre show.

Bruce Springsteen #5

The final concert at Giants Stadium. I took the new NJ Transit train from Hoboken to Giants Stadium, which was cheap, easy and took me right there. Sure beats paying $30 and waiting in traffic to park. I met up with my friends Beth and Frank, where most of the time was spent deciding which commemorative t-shirt to buy. I departed them and headed towards my seat. It was fantastic. There really is something to be said for getting single seats. I was on the 50-yard line, three rows up. As a football fan, Giants stadium is enemy territory, but for a concert, it was quite friendly and fun.

Bruce and the E Street Band took to the stage and opened with a new song Bruce wrote for the occasion called "Wrecking Ball". It did not disappoint. Neither did the rest of the 3 hour 10 minute show. They played the entire Born in the USA album, with one of the best version of "I'm Going Down" I have ever heard. "American Land" was another highlight. At 60 years old, Bruce was still rockin' and showing no signs of age.

Here's the setlist:
Wrecking Ball
Badlands
Spirit In The Night
Outlaw Pete
Hungry Heart
Working On A Dream
Born In The USA
Cover Me
Darlington County
Working On The Highway
Downbound Train
I'm On Fire
No Surrender
Bobby Jean
I'm Goin' Down
Glory Days
Dancing In The Dark
My Hometown
Tougher Than The Rest
The Promised Land
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
The Rising
Born To Run
Raise Your Hand
The Last Time (Rolling Stones)
Waiting On A Sunny Day
Seven Nights To Rock
Kitty's Back
American Land
Jersey Girl






Steve Martin #6

Back in May, I was fortunate enough to see Ideal Man Steve Martin play a banjo bluegrass concert at a 125-seat venue. Suffice to say that Carnegie Hall was a teeny bit bigger. I went with my friend Brandon, who I had met at the previous concert. One of these days I will actually sit somewhere else besides the upper levels of Carnegie Hall, but that will have to wait for another day.

Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley opened the show. In an conservative estimate, I think he's 150 years old. But can still sing.

But I was there to see Steve Martin and again he did not disappoint. Backed again by the Steep Canyon Rangers, Steve put on an incredible show. He could just sit and stage and do nothing and I would still pay $50 to see it. Sadly, no pics for this show. I was too high up.

Ben Folds #3

I had my tickets to see Ben Folds perform with the Boston Pops since May. I didn't exactly want to wish my summer away, but I was so excited to see him play with the Pops conducted by my beloved Keith Lockhart. Erin took the drive up to Boston with me. And our friend Jon also joined us.

Ben Folds is a genius, pure and simple. It is always a joy to see him. I had first seen him six years ago at a small Boston club. What impressed me most is that at the time, I didn't recognize a single song he performed, but still enjoyed the show nonetheless.

Obviously, this show was a much different experience. Each song was a gem and not too surprised to hear the orchestra enhancing most of the arrangements. Highlights were "Landed", "Gracie", and "Zak and Sara". Keith looked adorable in an open button-down black shirt and pants. Ben closed the show with a solo piano version of "Rockin' the Suburbs". I never thought I ever live to see the day where I yell "F***!!" in Symphony Hall.

A great time had by all and well worth the five months wait.

Rock Hall 25, Night 1 - Madison Square Garden

I was certain when I left the Billy Joel concert at Shea Stadium last year that that would be the best, most definitive concert I would ever attend. Billy, Steven Tyler, Tony Bennett, Roger Daltry and Sir Paul McCartney closing it out. The bar was set incredibly high.

The bar reached an insurmountable level on October 29th when I attended the concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden.

This was a very pricey ticket, but when I first saw the lineup I knew I had to be there. I sucked it up and got a ticket via StubHub. I was in the back, but the stage was set more forward than usual and MSG is a small venue anyways.

At 7:30pm, a video highlighting the 25 years of the Hall of Fame plays. Then Tom Hanks takes to the stage (his production company, Playtone, is producing an edited version of the shows for HBO) to intro the evening. From there he introduces Jerry Lee Lewis.

It has been a life goal of mine to see Jerry Lee Lewis perform live. He is one of those performers I am in awe of. Personal history aside, he is a legendary musician. OK, so "the Killer" looks like every breath will be his last, he still sang a rockin' version of "Whole Lotta Shakin; Going On". It was one song, short and sweet, but I was more than satisfied.

Next up were Crosby, Stills and Nash. Stephen Stills looks like the Eugene Levy character in "A Mighty Wind". They opened with "Woodstock" and looking at the line-up, I realize this might be the closest I ever get to seeing a collection of caliber talent, like Woodtock. They were soon joined on the stage by Bonnie Raitt. She performed a song and went back. Jackson Browne, who I also love, sang "The Pretender" while CS&N provided background. They did the same for James Taylor during "Mexico". James stayed on stage with "Love the One Your With" The set finished with all of them singing "Teach Your Children".

Next up was Paul Simon (solo - #5). Uber-heart Paul Simon. He opened with "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", then followed with "Me & Julio Down By the Schoolyard" and "You Can Call Me Al", one of my all-time favorite songs. Then Dion comes on to duet "The Wonderer". Dion still has an amazing voice. David Crosby and Graham Nash provided background vocals on a haunting "Here Comes the Sun". Little Anthony & the Imperials did an a cappella solo. Paul returned to the stage with Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel #4). This was the emotionally charged part of the show for me. It was a 1-2-3 punch of "The Sounds of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson" and "The Boxer", my second all-time favorite song. Only at MSG can Artie point to 7th Avenue during the lyric, "come ons from the whores on 7th Avenue". They closed with a pitch perfect "Bridge Over Troubled Water", but we wouldn't let them leave until "Cecilia" was played. It was already one of the best shows ever and it was only halfway done.

Stevie Wonder is next to take to the stage. Audio problems plagued his set some. He opened with a cover of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind". After a couple of songs, including "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", Smokey Robinson joined him for "Tracks of My Tears". Smokey needs to lay off the Botox. John Legend joined in for "Mercy, Mercy, Me" and stayed for a cover of Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel". Stevie is having a really hard time with MJ's passing. Next up was B.B King (#2) and Stevie doing "The Thrill is Gone". Then Sting comes out during "Higher Ground", which soon morphs into "Roxanne". One of the big highlights of the night for me was having Jeff Beck some out for "Superstition", which closed out Stevie's set.

There was a bit of a delay to set the stage or Bruce. But it was well worth it at 11:45pm when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (#6) came on stage, with an electric version of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out". It only got better from there. Bruce brought out Sam Moore from Sam & Dave. They shared verses on "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Soul Man". I was in full rock mode at this point. Those two together were magic. Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine assisted on a powerful version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad". More magic happens with John Fogerty comes on stage. I love, love, love John Fogerty and he went right into an incredible version of "Fortunate Son" and "Proud Mary". Bruce and John then pay tribute to Roy Orbison with "Oh, Pretty Woman". "Jungleland" followed and then Bruce introduced Darlene Love, who sang two songs. Tom Morello returns for "Badlands" and "London Calling".

Bruce calls for a bridge & tunnel summit. There is only one man who can unite New Jersey and Long Island. At 1am, Bruce says, "Ladies and gentlemen, the King of Long Island, Billy Joel!" This is when I go bat-crazy nuts and SuperHappyFunEllen fully emerges. How apropos that my 25th time seeing Billy Joel in person is at the 25th anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame show. Billy rolls right into "You May Be Right" and "Only the Good Die Young". Bruce and Billy duet "New York State of Mind". Clarence Clemons sax solo added more than I ever thought possible for the song. For their dueting finale, they traded verses on "Born to Run". I am euphoric.

For the grand finale, Bruce, Billy, John Fogerty, Sam Moore, Darlene Love, Jackson Brown Tom Morello and Peter Wolf all sing "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me (Higher and Higher)". It is 1:30am and I am beyond awed of what I just saw.

I cannot properly expressed how appreciative I am to have seen this concert in person. I have such a tremendous respect, love and admiration for all of these gifted musicians and it was incredible to honor this music I love so very much. Can't wait to see it again on November 29th on HBO.

Quote of the Day:
"Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to". -Viktor Emil Frankl

Random Thoughts & Ramblings

I have been gone for awhile. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. It's hard to believe another summer has come and gone. When I haven't been working (and thankfully I have been), I have been able to take advantage of some of the things the city has to offer. Let's recap....

* I was really pleased with the 10th anniversary edition of "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" in the primetime version. Regis was at his very Regis-y best. I did feel a tremendous sense of pride seeing my name in the credits. Soon after the shows aired, there was a reunion with the folks that have worked on the show during its tenure. It was a great time catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

* I went to a book signing with one of my favorite character actors, Wallace Shawn, who is also an accomplished playwright. He recently published a book of essays, thoughtfully titled "Essays". He didn't seem too excited to be there, and halted Q&A at one point to read another essay. Granted they weren't top notch questions, but every answer was a rambling non-answer. Still, glad I went. Always nice to do something different.

* I caught a performance of the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie, starring John Stamos and Gina Gershon. I am not a huge fan of fluffy musicals, which is what Bye Bye Birdie is. The redeeming factor was Bill Irwin who was absolutely amazing. He is such a fantastic actor and he made the show just a little more bearable.

* Got to see a screening on the new Matt Damon movie "The Informer!". Very good. Highly recommend.

* The Emmy Awards. Loved Neil Patrick Harris as host. Surprisingly liked giving awards out in genre. Disappointed Neil Patrick Harris and Jack McBrayer lost to Jon Cryer. And also disappointed Jim Parsons lost to Alec Baldwin, though I love 30 Rock. John Hodgman as announcer was another nice touch. Best dressed goes to Drew Barrymore and the actress who presented with Keifer Sutherland.

* Was reunited with Howard the Cat. Howard belongs to my former Boston roommate Rebecca. I ran into her not too long ago and was elated to hear Howard was still among us and not in Kitty Heaven. Soon after, I took a drive to the New Jersey suburbs and spent time with my favorite SnuggleBunny. I'd like to think the cat remembered me, but most likely, I smelled like food.

* A big Genius Switch congratulations to my friends Heather and Aaron on the birth of their first daughter, Madeline Eileen. Can't wait to meet the little one.

* Last week I was able to attend a taping of "Spectacle" at the Apollo Theatre. I had never been to the Apollo, so that in itself was exciting. Elvis Costello hosted John Prine, Lyle Lovett and Ray LaMontange. It was an incredible evening of music. A long night, but worth it to hear top musicans, with just a microphone and a guitar.

* Lots going on in the next few weeks. Hopefully I can remember to post before too much time passes.

Quote of the Day:
"A well-spent day brings happy sleep" -Leonardo da Vinci

Sir Paul McCartney (Billy #23)

At Billy Joel's Last Play at Shea concert last year, I made a hearty squeal when he introduced Sir Paul McCartney to play "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Let It B'. So when it was announced that Sir Paul would be opening Citi Field with a series of concerts, I just knew I had to go.

Last night's show was amazing. I was on the field, about 15 rows back to the right. I was on the aisle and the people sitting directly to my left paid $100 more for their ticket. An Irish band called the Script opened and they were quite good. Sir Paul took to the stage a little before 9pm performing "Drive My Car". He sounded amazing and right off the bat, we all knew we were in for a great evening of music.

About 20 minutes in the rain started. Not about to pay $10 for a plastic poncho, I allowed myself to get drenched. But there was something oddly serene standing in the rain listening to Paul and a guitar and "Blackbird".

The rain kept on for most of the show, but stopped in time for "Live and Let Die", with an incredible fire and fireworks display.

But for me, the highlight was during the encore when Billy Joel was introduced to open Citi FIeld with Sir Paul and again played " I Saw Her Standing There". SuperHappyFunEllen briefly emerged and I was rockin' along.

All and all a two and a half hour show by one of the most important artists of my time. I felt so incredibly lucky to have been there.

Some pics from the show:








Quote of the Day:
"Everybody's gonna dance tonight / Everyone's gonna feel alright" -Sir Paul McCartney "Dance Tonight"

Steve Martin #5

It's been about a year and a half since I last saw my Ideal Man, Steve Martin in person, and after tonight it was definitely worth the wait. Tonight's event took me to New York's Rubin Museum of Art, to see Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers perform bluegrass music.

A few months ago, Steve Martin released a CD of his own banjo compositions called "the Crow", an excellent CD in my completely unbiased option.

I was third in line. The event was held in a small auditorium, seating no more than 125 people. I had a close center seat. Steve and the band came out. No microphones, just acoustic music. The whole evening was so peaceful and joyful. Of course Steve was hilarious, spitting out one-liners in between songs. The music was fantastic. The 90 minute show went by entirely too quickly.

We weren't supposed to take pictures, but I was able to sneak a couple of flash-less ones.





Once again Steve Martin showed once again why he is my Ideal Man.

Quote of the Day:
"My wife titled this one. It's called 'When are you going to stop playing that goddamn banjo!'" -Steve Martin

Wedding Crasher

OK, so I wasn't technically invited to my "Millionaire" co-worker, and friend, Nate's wedding. But he did say if I just happened to be strolling around Central Park around 1pm, that mabe I would stumble across something.

Lo and behold, I just happened to find Nate about to get married to his longtime girlfriend Stacy. I had intended to stay from a distance and watch from afar, but Nate was kind enough to let me watch up close. It was such a great wedding. Our friend Brandon officiated. There were no bridesmaids, no groomsmen. Just two people in love getting married in a simple, low-key ceremony amongst their loved ones.

I stuck around for a little bit longer while they took photos. While everyone went off to the reception, I spent the rest of the day getting lost in Central Park. A truly ideal day.

Congratulations and much love always Nate and Stacy!



Quote of the Day:
"If you live to be a hundred, I want to lve to be a hundred minus one day, so I'll never have to live without you." -Winnie the Pooh

Here Comes the Bride

It was 10 years in the making, but it FINALLY happened. My friends Beth & Frank were married on Saturday May 2. Half of all BU were there to witness the much anticipated event.

From Beth looking absolutely stunning, to Frank looking suave, a good time was had by all. My stomach is still recovering from the four Shirley Temples I downed during the evening. At one point, partygoers didn't know if I was dancing or in the middle of a sugar-induced seizure (almost sure it was the dancing).

Some of the selected memories from the wedding: I got my first glimpse of Kerwick dancing and put whipped cream on my nose for the sake of a photograph. I almost arm-wrestled Ciaran for extra steak and took the obligatory event photo with J (awesome, by the way). Jenn became an honorary BU alum and Meg voluntarily photographed children. Cheryl spent entirely too much on a Coors Lite and Darren really loves bacon. Maria can slide the length of the dance floor and Darlene found a way to breathe in her dress.

A really fantastic night. A big congrats to Beth & Frank. May every wedded day be as fun as the wedding day.

Of course, pictures:

Els and the Bride:


Darlene and the Groom


First Dance:


J Giving Me Flowers:


More to come...

Quote of the Day:
"To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others" -Francois Mauriac

BONUS Quote of the Day:
"And what do all the great words come to in the end, but that? I love you - I am at rest with you - I have come home". -Dorothy L. Sayers

Simply the Best

A very special Genius Switch congratulations to Prof. Peter Busher, winning the Metcalf Award, one of Boston University's highest teaching honors.

I was privileged to of had Prof. Busher as my freshman year science teacher. And in all, he is my favorite professor during my time at BU. This is ironic as science was not, and has never been, my forte. But because of his time, patience and incredible pity, I came out a better student. He always gave that extra effort to make sure I understood what he was teaching - usually in the form of a Top 10 List, based on my love for David Letterman. It meant a lot that he would take that extra time. As a result, I worked harder to learn, not only for myself, but as an appreciation to him as well.

I've been lucky enough to have kept in contact through all these years. There are few people as honest, generous and kind as Prof. Busher. He is someone who I always look forward to seeing because I know a good conversation with lots of laughter will happen. I consider him not only my favorite professor, but also my friend.

I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the Metcalf Award than Prof. Busher. He's an exceptional teacher and I am thrilled this honor is finally being bestowed upon him.

Congratulations!!

For more on him, BU Today wrote a really nice article on him too. Here's the link.

Quote of the Day:
"A professor can never better distinguish himself in his work than by encouraging a clever pupil, for the true discoverers are amongst them, as comets amongst the stars" -Henry Brooks Adams

Champions!

A little delayed, but better late than never. I got the best birthday present a couple of weeks ago when the mighty Terriers of Boston University won the NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Championship on my birthday. It was a real nail-biter of a game, but it just made the victory all the more sweeter. Congrats boys.

GO BU!!



Quote of the Day:
"It matters not whether you win or lose; what matters is whether I win or lose" -Darrin Weinberg.

Anne Childers

I was extremely saddened on March 26th when I heard of the passing of Anne Childers. Anne was a work friend of mine from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". She died of cancer at only 32 years old.

Anne was the one of the most beautiful, kind, awesome, generous people I have ever known. She was part of the team that helped me get from a freelance "QE" production assistant to a full-time one. She also gave me my job on "the Cut". She was a very important person in helping me break into the New York television production scene and for that I am eternally grateful.

The past couple of days I have been with my former "QE" crew. The only silver lining of these past few days is that I got to see many people I haven't seen in so long. But that just shows Anne's character; that she was able to bring all these people together.

I'm so thankful I knew her.

Below is a picture of Anne from November 2007. I will miss her dearly.



Quote of the Day:
"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of those people that makes a difference in the world. My hope still, is to leave this world a little bit better than it was when I got here." -Jim Henson

Live From New York...

Four years ago, my friend Noelle helped fulfill a lifetime dream of mine: to see "Saturday Night Live" in person. We went to a rehearsal show. Cameron Diaz was the host, Green Day the musical guest. Special guest cameos included Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore and Justin Timberlake. That experience single-handily rejuvenated my love of television.

Next to Letterman, "Saturday Night Live" is my greatest TV love.

Getting tickets to "SNL" is next to impossible. To enter the "SNL" ticket lottery, you can enter one e-mail during the month of August. The show is assigned, and you have no choice if its the live show or the rehearsal. I've been trying for the past five years to win the lottery to no avail.

That changed a couple of weeks ago, when NBC sent me an e-mail, saying I had two tickets reserved for the March 14th live show. A week later, I discovered that the host would be "SNL" alum Tracy Morgan, musical guest Kelly Clarkson. I decided to take my cousin Bevin, as we agree a long time ago, whoever got tickets would take the other.

We got to 30 Rock around 9. We stood and stood and stood some more in the lobby. We then took the elevator to the 9th floor to the hallway to studio 8H. More standing and waiting ensue. Wearing my heeled boots was not the best idea. While waiting, former cast member Chris Parnell and "Big Love" actor Bill Paxton passed us. A little after 11pm, we were seated in the historic studio 8H.

I was content just being in the room and reveling in the history and that pretty much everyone I have loved has passed through that stage. The legendary announcer Don Pardo comes on stage while the "SNL" band plays. Don Pardo has to be about a bazillion years old, but his voice saying "It's Saturday Night Live!" is just as clear as it was 34 years ago. Jason Sudekis came on stage for warm-up. Next was Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen dueting Blondie's "One Way or Another". Then...showtime!

There was a cameo by Tina Fey in the opening. Andy Samberg, Bill Hader and Bobby Moynihan waved to us before a sketch. From there, I didn't really watch the show. I was watching Lorne Michaels skulk around the stage, the stagehands set up sets while another skit is going on, and the the precision of the cue card guys. I was absorbing everything I could with the behind-the-scenes action. It was truly incredible. The 90 minutes flew by.

It was over before I knew it. It was such an incredible experience. I hope to be able to go again.

Quote of the Day:
"It's Saturday Night Live!" -Don Pardo

The Roser

Congratulations and much love to my friend Rosie and her husband Jack on the arrival of their new son, William Douglas. Rosie is one of my oldest friends and I could not be more excited for her in this very happy time.

What makes the blessed event more special was that he was born on the same day as her dad. Rosie's dad is quite possibly the funniest person I have ever met. I have always adored him, but it wasn't until recently that I discovered just what an incredible man he is. This is an article from the New York Times a couple of weeks ago with Rosie's dad as the head of the project. It is a long article, but I assure you, definitely worth your time reading.

Quote of the Day:
"Dost thou love life, then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of" -Benjamin Franklin

Announcements

It has been a flurry of excitement for my friends the past month. I just want to take a moment to offer my congratulations.

My childhood friend Matt and his wife, Holly, welcomed Henry Samuel into the world a few weeks ago. I am a huge fan of the name Henry and already know Matt is going to be the best Dad ever.

Congrats to my former boss Dominic and his wife Caden on the birth of their daughter Stella. She is joining big brother Sir William. So it only fair from this point on, she be addressed as Lady Stella.

My college friend Rachael got engaged to her beau. I am excited for her, not only because she is my friend, but because the wedding will be in California. I have suffered enough of this New York winter and welcome the chance to celebrate a happy occasion in a warm locale.

And finally, yay to my friend Jamie for popping the question to his long time girlfriend. Jamie is the best, and rarely have I seen him so happy.

Congrats and much love to everyone. These are good days.

Quote of the Day:
"The best place to succeed is where you are with what you have." -Charles Schwab

The Favorite Actor

I've been having an internal debate the past few years. Every once in a while I'll be talking to a friend about movies and theatre and am inevitably asked who my favorite actor is. For many years the answer was easy: Jack Nicholson. Jack is the total package. His portrayal as the Joker remains one of my all-time cinematic performances.

But Jack is so awesome, that Jack transcended being just my favorite actor. He became a category unto himself on my hierarchy. Of course this thought didn't come to mind until I started noticing another actor: William H. Macy.

William H. Macy is a character actor, who has been in a lot of movies. He garnered an Academy Award nomination for "Fargo" and should have been nominated for "the Cooler". I first took notice of him in "Pleasantville", "Mr. Holland's Opus" and "Oleanna".

He is a wonderful actor. I adore him.

So it was with great joy when I read that he was taking over for Jeremy Piven in "Speed-the-Plow". I have always been a fan of David Mamet plays and had seen the show with Jeremy Piven. But having Macy in the role of Bobby Gould was even more special because of his long friendship and collaborations with Mamet.

Last week, two of my friends foolishly agreed to see the show with me. We had orchestra seats and the show was great. We made an attempt to meet Macy after the show by the stage door. But between weather, time, and uncomfortable heels, we gave up after a half hour.

However, I had a second chance this afternoon. I was able to get a front row center seat to the matinee performance of "Speed-the-Plow". It was incredible. To see him up close and see his expressions and reactions and seeing firsthand just what a phenomenal actor he is. Even though I had already see the show twice, it was like seeing it again for the first time.

Afterwards I made my second attempt to hang out by the stage door. This time I only had to wait about five minutes. I got my Playbill signed and he was kind enough to pose in a photo with me.






*sigh*

Speed-the-Plow runs through February 22nd and I highly recommend seeing it if you have the chance.

William H. Macy is one of our finest actors. And my favorite.

Quote of the Day:
"Why are nickels bigger than dimes? They just are." -Charlie Fox, "Speed-the-Plow"

When Els Met Oscar

It's a safe assumption to make that television has had a significant influence upon my life. The show I loved most as a little kid was of course "Sesame Street". Although all the "Sesame Street" denizens hold a special place in my heart, one sticks out in particular: Oscar the Grouch. Oscar has always been my favorite. I always wanted to be a "Grouchkateer". My Mom likes to tell the story of when I was about three years old and asked me why Oscar was my favorite and my answer was, "Because he's misunderstood".

Yes, he is a grouch, but he has a good soul and that made me love him all the more. Every year I take a trip to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. My first stop is always to the television section to visit my beloved Oscar. Don't think I haven't shoved little kids out of the way to get to him, because I have.

So it was last Monday that made for a very special evening. I went to the Barnes & Noble by Lincoln Center for a Q&A and signing of a new book called Street Gang, celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street". Among the panelists were Roscoe Orman, who plays Gordon and Carroll Spinney, who is Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. The actress who plays Maria was also there and she looks fantastic. There were a couple hundred people there and surprisingly few children. I was in the second row.

Carroll Spinney is 75 years old now and has been with the show since the beginning. He brought on stage a black duffel bag. A few minutes in, the origins of Oscar came up for topic. Spinney takes the duffel bag and opens it. A little bit of green felt is seen. An audible gasp fills the room. He takes out Oscar!! (It is unbelievably painful for me to mention at this point that I forgot my camera at home -- you have no idea how mad at myself I was at this moment). He puts Oscar over his hand and starts speaking in Oscar voice. I am beside myself. And even though I could see it was a puppet and I could see him speaking, for about a minute it truly felt like Oscar was real.

More Q&A went on, yada, yada, yada.

So it was time for the book signing. I did buy Street Gang, along with Spinney's autobiography. There weren't too many people in front of me, yet the line was moving incredibly slow. I soon found out why. In everybody's book, Carroll Spinney was hand-drawing a picture of Big Bird.



When it was m turn, it brought me tremendous happiness to tell him that Oscar has always been my favorite and to thank him for all the happiness he has brought me in my life. His response was in Oscar voice, "Well that's a grouchy thing to say!". There have been few moments in my life that I felt such a pure joy. I shook his hand and went on my way.

As I've mentioned quite often in the Genius Switch, living in New York has given me the opportunity to do so many things that I would never get to do anywhere else. I feel so lucky to go to events such as this and meet people who had such a positive impact on my life and to be able to thank them. It means the absolute world to me.

Quote of the Day:
"Always start the day with a smile - that way you get it over with." -Oscar the Grouch