Raising Voices: Community Choirs Gospel Concert
Sunday afternoon at four thirty Mom, Dad, and I attended Raising Voices: Community Choirs Gospel Concert at Carnegie Music Hall. We joined the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir (directed by Dr. Herbert Jones) in singing the first and third verses of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson whilst a photographic image (of mothers sending their boys to camp James Weldon Johnson,) captured by Charles "Teenie" Harris was projected upstage. This group was followed by M.A.D.E. in His Image, Mount Ararat Dance Ensemble (directed by Desiree Davis)'s two performances, the first of which was extremely aerobic. The Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir (directed by Katim Brown), followed; and the Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church Choir (directed by Rev. Jacqueline Dewberry) finished the program. We saw Maryann and her parents, and Cheryl and Marcia from my building at the reception.
Labels: Carnegie, Choir, music, photography, Pittsburgh
The Jazz Nutcracker
Maureen and I attended the Jazz Nutcracker last night. It was presented by the Point Park University Conservatory Dance Company at the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Duke Ellington in the 1950's composed a jazz rendition of "The Nutcracker Suite," including "The Magical Chinaman," "The Flapper and Dude," "The Arabesque Cookies" (after the Arabian Dancers), and "The Sugar Rum Fairy," all danced by the vaudevillan guests at Clara's theatrical family. Another recognizable Tchaikovsky cum jazz riff included "The Cabaret Awakens" at the beginning of Act II. The "It Don't Mean a Thing Swing" was a pure joyful jazz number right after the "Floreador Finale," followed by Clara's journey home.
The music was spectacular, the numbers beautifully crafted by Doug Bentz, a friend of Maureen's, and the dancers talented and appropriately in character, setting the mood and tone of each scene. The part of Clara last night was danced by Ashley Zimmerman, a ballet major who got the part over other students with less classical, more jazzier training. Bravi!
This rendition of the Nutcracker made me realize that this story is basically about two parents that hold a party, invite all their friends, and invite "Uncle" Drosselmeyer, who is an expert hypnotist, to the party. He hypnotizes the party, save sixteen-year-old Clara, whom he dances with, and to whom he gives a Nutcracker. The Uncle then encourages Clara to partner-dance with the now-life-sized wooden doll, and they go to a nightclub/cabaret to see recreations of the vaudeville acts of the party guests. The depiction of the Uncle was appropriately eerie at times, and only added to the overall effect.
~~~~~
Afterwards, Maureen and I went to Eat N Park for a burger and liver and onions.
Labels: dance, Pittsburgh, Tchaikovsky, theater
"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
"Good Son of God"
Thursday morning's Tribune Review headlines were about former Pittsburgh-native and former Pittsburgh diocese Bishop Donald Wuerl. "Good Son of God" the large headline read next to his current photo. He has been named as an archbishop, and now a Cardinal. They had interviewed Wuerl, our current bishop David Zubik, and also Dad (as he exited from morning Mass Wednesday). They chose part of Dad's quote as the headline.
Labels: American history, Church, diocese of Pittsburgh, family, Pittsburgh, Wuerl, Zubik
Wellesley Day to Make a Difference, Frick Estate
Yesterday I volunteered with the Pittsburgh Wellesley Club at GlobaLinks for our annual Day to Make a Difference. It was good to see Kelly U. and the rest of the gang. I sorted with Beth, we had a great system. Maureen met up with me there. We all did sorting, inventory, and packing of orthopedic (post-op) supplies.
Maureen and I then drove (separately) to the Frick Estate, where we met up with Marissa, Beatrice, Solomon; and with Les and Cherie for RADday (Regional Asset District Day). We enjoyed a picnic lunch, a walk in the garden, and then Maureen and I took a tour of the first floor of the house. We joined Les on the rocking chairs on the porch of the children's playhouse---currently the gift shop---whilst we chomped on our popcorn.
I came home for some grading and a nap before heading to the crepes party last night.
Labels: dine, family-Marissa, friends, museum, Pittsburgh, volunteering, Wellesley
Dr. Zoot, September 2010
Christina and I were the only ones from our group enjoying the band called Dr. Zoot tonight. Karina, Maureen, Regina, and Stacy all could not make it. I danced with Francois a couple of times and with Zack. I also bought a slice of pepperoni pizza to enjoy during the line dancing. I saw Frankie and Lisa, as well.
Christina and I left at the same time.
Labels: dancing, dining, friends, music, Pittsburgh
Kelly Visits, July 2010
2 to 4, 7 am again...
Those were the hours I was up in the wee hours of the morning this morning.
At about 7:30 I received a call from Mom that Kelly was visiting and up and about, William and his family were at their home, as well.
We enjoyed breakfast (true Pilipinos eat ANYthing for breakfast), karaoke (a.k.a. Minus One), and being serenaded by Mom via her first go at the accordian (at one designed by Walter, no less). Mom played childhood favorites and Pinoy folk songs, accompanied by Kelly on the accordian.
I worked on my budget for the next two months (through the end of August).
This evening we met William's family, and Marissa's parents, aunt, and cousin Will at the Frick grounds for a picnic dinner and to enjoy the musical sounds of First Friday at the Frick.
Labels: dine, economy, family, family-Marissa, music, phone, Pittsburgh, singing, sleep
Othello
I went to see Othello with the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial. Absolutely Powerful, riveting, and produced and performed with a sense of the historical place of the play in theatrical history. Natalie had recommended that I see it, and I noted that she was the dialect coach for this production.
Andrew S. Paul's director's notes make a point: It turns out that there has been a spate of productions of this piece since the election of Pres. Obama. One production even set the play in the present, and "switched" the casting of Othello and Desdemonda's father (the Duke of Venice)---with her father portrayed by an actor who is a look-alike for Mr. Obama.
The play was viewed by about 43 others and myself during a Tuesday morning production for school groups. The group today was from, I believe, Mt. Lebanon.
Javon Johnson portrayed Othello, with Desdemona portrayed by Allison McLemore. The complex character of Emilia was portrayed by Shelley Delaney.
Iago was portrayed exceedingly well by Michael Hanrahan, presenting a valid reason for folks "not to lie, not to tell untruths."
~~~
14.40 Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Folk Dancing, May 2010
I went folk dancing yesterday evening in my neighborhood. We danced a number of Hungarian dances, Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, Zemer Atik (Israeli), Black Nag (English Country dance), and other dances. It was great fun. We also enjoyed Ellen's blowing out her birthday cake!
I hurried home to watch the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" with Mom. Nicole and Derek won over Evan and Anna. It was fun to watch contestants from the whole season perform, as well.
Labels: biology, Birthday, dance, dancing, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, theater, work
Pentecost 2010
Today I arose ~5:30 and then took some photos of the foggy morning afterwards.
The Pentecost Mass included singing with a guest, Gabe's brother Carlo. I told Judi that Regina could not attend Mass today, and I met up with Mom, Dad, and Regina's parents after Mass during the voluntary. Fr. Steve from the Oratory celebrated the Mass.
Mom, Dad, and I went for lunch at Whole Foods. We then went to return an item at TJ Maxx, and I got li'l tan ped things for my feet this summer. I picked up Mom and Dad at the stores, then we headed home. I put my items away, and took a nap.
Jennifer H and I had tentatively decided to go to the performance of John Rutter's Requiem Mass at St. Maurice Church in Pittsburgh. We talked via phone, and decided I would drive, picking her up on the way. Brent, of Choireland fame, is the music director there. Don accompanied the group on their organ. The choir was particularly well-balanced, and the soloists were wonderful. Jennifer H noted that the second movement, "Out of the Deep," had an extended lunga by the altos. The sixth movement, "The Lord is my Shepard," is the same as that which our choir sings, except this organ was electronic and accompanied by cello, flute, harp, oboe, and percussion.
We spoke with Brent, and with Don, Judy afterwards. Don noted that Fr. John, the pastor, is Ed's brother. Ed plays brass with our music ministry at various holidays.
Labels: Choir, dining, diocese of Pittsburgh, music, organ, photos, Pittsburgh, shoes, shopping, singing
Pittsburgh Children's Festival, Phipps Garden, Carnegie Mellon
After singing at noon Mass (which was celebrated by Fr. Tim Kesicki), Regina and I met up with our parents and chatted until the baptism proceeded. Dad, Mom, and I went for Mexican food in Fox Chapel.
Maureen and I went for a walkabout Oakland: first to the Pittsburgh Children's Festival, on to Phipps Garden, then to Carnegie Mellon University. We saw CMU Engineering grads having their photos taken on Hillman Library steps, passed the carousel and the tent, past a bunch of arts, crafts, and activity booths, including retired greyhounds. Then we went to the petting zoo---the pony looked exhausted!
On to Phipps Garden, where we perambulated, and we smelled the herb garden. Maureen admired the peonies. Her friend called whist she was admiring the peonies to discuss peonies with her! We walked past the Cut, then stopped at Wawa's office door. We visited the Randy Pausch bridge and admired the lighting. We walked the ramp at the Gates Center, sat outside Newell-Simon Hall, and went to Lulu's for Maureen's smoothie.
Time to think about dinner plans.
Labels: celebration, children, Choir, dining, flowers, garden, ice cream, Mass, Pittsburgh, school, walking
Catholic Underground, April 2010
Fr. Kim had mentioned Catholic Underground to me before I lectored at Mass a couple of times ago. I had been to it when it was at another locale, and said I would bring my friends with me. I drove last night, carpooling with Christina, Karina, and Maureen. Karina gave me a beautiful brooch for my birthday gift.
We saw Fr. Kim as we headed for the worship.
The evening consisted of
Praise and Worship music (live) provided by Molly and her friends, accompanied by the congregation. This included:
Eucharistic Adoration
Evening Prayer
We retired to the social hall, where we heard a great Capuchin Franciscan band
The night consisted of chatting with other attendees over refreshments, and ended with
Benediction
Night Prayer
We left later and more energized.
Labels: diocese of Pittsburgh, Faith, Pittsburgh, singing
Peace, Love, and Little Donuts
I'm going to say three words to you about these donuts:
MAPLE and BACON
Maureen and I tried a half dozen of the little donuts (The minis were not started today, yet), in maple and bacon, iced, and iced with jimmies. We sat at the coffee shop on 21st (Intelligentsia) to eat our donuts.
I had the fortitude to bring ONE donut home for Mom and Dad to try, a maple and bacon one. Quite delicious. We saw the lofts on Penn Avenue being constructed, and stopped at Trader Joes for groceries. As the sugar rush waned quickly after that, I dropped my groceries off, and settled in for a good long nap.
Labels: dining, Pittsburgh, shopping, sleep
Spring Forward (Ahead of Time)
I awoke about an hour ago to work on personal paperwork on the computer.
Yesterday after lunch dropped the car off for inspection, repairs, etc. New brakes, brake sensors, windshield washer pump, and lightbulbs for the dashboard were done. Then I picked up the car at about 16.00, picking up William from work for a late lunch/early dinner. We drove to the fish fry uptown next to the Civic Arena (soon to be gone for a newer arena). We enjoyed a fish dinner and mac & cheese, and he brought an order of pierogies for Marissa and the children.
I dropped him off at home, proceeded to TJ's for groceries, then went home to change before heading off to the symphony with Maureen and Karina (meeting Nancy there). We were all in good spirits, and the program was
Classic Tales
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
Benjamin Hochman, piano
The PSO played
G. Rossini La Cenerentola, Overture
W. A. Mozart Concerto No. 19 in F Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 459
(with Mr. Hochman)
~Intermission~
P.I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29 "Polish"
Mr. Noseda literally danced when conducting: Predominantly lyrical dancing, with some "popping"-type moves occasionally. He was a joy to watch.
Mr. Hochman was light and delightful with the Mozart piece. A standing ovation ensued, and he played a solo encore. Andres Cardenes joined the PSO for the last piece, Tchaikovsky's only symphony written in a major key.
We all retired to the Greek restaurant across from the Renaissance Hotel and Byham. Nancy and I each enjoyed a plate of Greek food and salad, my main dish being the phyllo-enrobed lamb, exohito. Maureen and Karina both enjoyed desserts.
~~~
About the heading on this post:
Yesterday I set my clocks in my bedroom ahead, so that I can practice "Spring Forward" daylight savings time a day ahead. Thus, "springing forwards ahead." That does not, of course, preclude the fact that I'm slightly tired right now....
Labels: automobile, dining, fish fry, international culture, music, organizing, Pittsburgh, PSO, repair, shopping
Pharmacy School Admits
I am pleased to announce that two of my former students notified me (this weekend and yesterday) of their admissions to the pharmacy program here at the University of Pittsburgh. Both of them had me write letters of support for them. One of them will hopefully celebrate with me and my friend (whom she shadowed) and the other is studying abroad.
I'm so happy when my students go on and do well. The bulk of the recommendations I am asked to write (not for summer programs or volunteer work---for post-bacc programs) is for the pharmacy school, for PharmD programs, and invariably, virtually all of those students become admits. (I think most of them self-select for their program.) I've also had another former student admitted to chemistry graduate school.
I'm so proud of them!
Labels: biology, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, student, work
Snowbound 6A, Wednesday
This morning the Cathedral was locked up except for two entrances on the side. I entered Mass and Fr. Bill was saying the Kyrie (in English). Audrey C. was the lector, and John was the server. Seventeen parishioners received the Sacrament of the Eucharist this morning.
I took some photos after Mass, and noticed that there were traction marks from the Trax on shoes in front of the Cathedral. I made phone calls this morning and walked with Maureen after noon Mass to Panera, where she had lunch and I bought bread.
We pondered the concept of taking a 54C bus to the ends of the line. I said, "I'll take the bus to the Allegheny [North side], but I won't go to the end of the South Side line." We discussed the possibility of selecting a bus that would slip and plunge to the depths of the South Side slopes. "What would our obituaries say?!" We talked about a possible headline and first sentence:
Pittsburgh Educators
Two Pittsburgh educators were found DOA at the hospital after using the 54C bus line to stake out road conditions during this past snowstorm. This was a natural extension from their daily walk to escape cabin fever in this, the sixth day of the state of emergency in the 'Burgh. The bus they were riding was found at the bottom of a ravine below the South Side slopes.
We plan to watch the DVD of Herb Alpert: Live at Montreaux.
~~~
19.50
We watched the DVD and chatted over white tea, as well. Maureen worked on a Reflection (I acted as administrative assistant and typist extraordinaire), and we enjoyed her brother-in-law's chili for dinner.
I waited for a bus, and one came fairly quickly. The snow was plowed clear to the curb sometime between when I had last travelled from that bus stop.
Labels: cold, humor, Mass, photos, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, transportation, weather
Snowbound 5, Tuesday
Bring it on! The snows start again at about noon today. Half a foot ~= six inches is predicted. We shall see. We shall see what foot gear I wear for this storm. The Doc Martens with crampons have given me small, quarter-coin-size blisters on each heel at the attachment of my Achilles tendon, despite double socks.
~~~
Just returned from morning Mass. Approximately 25 people in the congregation received Communion. We were sans music ministry this morning. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass. He delivered a homily on tradition and how human constructs such as these do not trump the heart. John served, and Joan L. lectored. I spoke with Carmella about parish pastoral council issues at the beginning and after Mass.
Time for a hearty breakfast.
~~~~~
18.35
After cleaning a bit of my bedroom and a nap, I met Maureen after noon Mass for Eucharistic adoration (at the Oratory) and a walk to her home to view the movie "My Architect." Very interesting documentary produced by Nathaniel Kahn about finding his father's life. Louis Kahn was a man married to his work in many varied ways, including sleeping on a carpet in his office, in the way he treated his closest personal relationships, and in his passion for every detail of his work.
His son focussed on his hands, even in his last goodbye to his father. This reminds me of a short story entitled "The Hand" or "Le Main" from Colette's collection of short stories entitled L'Autre Femme. In one of the scenes which did not make it into the movie Louis Kahn is quoted as saying, "Our lives are accidental and filled by circumstance."
I caught a bus back home and am enjoying a dinner of pasta, meatballs, juice mix, and salad.
~~~~~~~
19.15
"...closed on February 10th...Full operations to resume Thursday February 11th."
---voice message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Pitt is again closed on Wednesday February 10, 2010. Essential personnel
are to report. Full operations to resume on Thursday February 11.
---email message from the campus Emergency Messaging Service
Labels: cinema, cold, dine, health, Mass, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, traction, weather
Snowbound 4, Monday email Letter
Here's part of a letter I sent overseas:
...[T]he snowstorm has created a state of emergency in Pgh.
They have cancelled ...my class... for the WEEK. We received 1.5 feet = 0.5 m of snow total, and some melted, and it is currently 4 degrees F out. Needless to say, I am wearing my YakTrax on my Doc Martens. Bishop Zubik gave a dispensation from Mass this past weekend. Many people attended 10 am Mass Sunday at the Cathedral, but they were mostly students, arriving on foot. Only Noreen and Sally [neighbors] were Eucharistic Ministers.
And late last night:
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed. Essential personnel are to report to work.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, late last night.
Labels: cold, computer, diocese of Pittsburgh, email, neighbors, Pittsburgh, seasons, St. Paul Cathedral, weather, work
Truly Snowbound 3--anticipated Monday
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be open.
---from the WWW.pitt.edu news on the www.my.pitt.edu website
The sun melted the snow and the deicer applied to the sidewalk did, as well. It's going to be seven Fahrenheit tonight. Thus, there will be ICE on the sidewalks tomorrow.
~~~~~
22.04
All Pittsburgh campus classes have been cancelled for Monday, February 8. Offices will be closed.
---from the www.pitt.edu website, NEWS section.
~~~~~
22.30
All [of our class] labs are cancelled for the week. All labs will be pushed back one week for the remainder of the semester. You will be completing Lab #4 the week of Feb. 15. The last week of the semester, the week of April 12, was to be a review week. The review week will now be replaced with the last lab exercise of the semester... If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you.
---from Meredith, one of our course coordinators
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, school, seasons, weather, work
Properly Shod...
Wore my Rocket Dog clogs last night because my hiking boots---despite their sufficient tread---lacked the material on the soles (Rubber Soles) to prevent slipping. Wore the thick-soled clogs again today with jeans and gaiters to keep the snow out.
Haven't yet used my YakTrax crampy-crampon thingys. I'm waiting for more ice...
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, seasons, traction, weather
And to think that I saw it...
Today I saw:
a bootless immigrant (grad?) student walking around with plastic grocery bags around his shoes.
a cross-country (Nordic) skier heading north on Craig Street
a tobogganer on his belly heading south on Craig Street
Today I heard:
"Pittsburgh...a state of emergency."
In response to my singing on Bayard Street, "You're much too [joyful] about this," from a shoveller.
Bus service cancelled for the city.
Labels: cold, Pittsburgh, seasons, transportation, weather
