Maybe it's better that Michael Grimm will be touring the country, will win a $1M prize, and become a Las Vegas act. Jackie Evancho's parents can better direct her career as a young operatic vocalist if she didn't partake in Michael's future scenario (above).
Labels: music, singing, talent, TV
posted by Grace @ 9/16/2010 09:48:00 AM
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...Michael Grimm and Jackie Evancho are in the top two after the two obviously Las Vegas-type acts were in 4th and 3rd place: Prince Poppycock and Fighting Gravity, respectively.
Channel 11 news at 11 o'clock p.m. will interview Jackie Evancho.
~~~~
9.52pm
I think it will be Jackie, the girl with pure, unadulterated talent.
~~~~~
9.57pm
Michael Grimm won America's Got Talent.
~~~~~~
22.21
I hope that Jackie will get a scholarship, maybe to someplace like Carnegie Mellon, Yale School of Music, or Julliard....such a talented young person!
Labels: music, singing, talent, TV
posted by Grace @ 9/15/2010 08:03:00 PM
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I watched NBC's America's Got Talent, the final four episode. Kelly and her accordian group were in the NYC audition, visible at the beginning of this season.
Tonight in the final four episode were Prince Poppycock, Michael Grimm, Jackie Evancho, and Defying Gravity. Jackie exhibited new young raw talent not seen [anywhere else] in the world, to paraphrase Peers. In the episode that landed her in the top four, she thanked "Pittsburgh and everyone [who voted]." I was so moved by her rendition of Schubert's "Ave Maria" that I took to the website to vote multiple times. She has a fresh, youthful outlook that hasn't been squelched. What a gifted, hardworking young lady!
posted by Grace @ 9/14/2010 10:23:00 PM
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Monday day I went with Marissa and the children to the Mount Washington library (closed) and to the Science Center (open!). Monday evening Maureen and I went to Waterworks Mall, where we looked for travel items for her and I got sushi.
Tuesday morning Mom and I picked up my car at the shop, where it has been in repairs since Thursday afternoon. I spoke with my weight management coach, and then went for physical therapy. Tuesday was a Day for the Car, as the battery was dead after I exited physical therapy. Mom and I went shopping, and in the evening Maureen and I went to the Waterfront. Shops were closing soon after we purchased her swim cap.
Yesterday (Wednesday) I went for my annual blood work. I went to the computer lab afterwards, and completed some computer work, as well. Mom and I watched "America's Got Talent," where we noted that a large number of Portland contestants were pushed through to Vegas.
~~~
Time for physical therapy.
Labels: automobile, computer, exercise, health, international culture, library, museum, repair, shopping, swim, talent, travel, TV
posted by Grace @ 6/24/2010 09:46:00 AM
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Tuesday Mom, Dad, and I babysat Beata and Solomon. We played, ate lunch, sang karaoke, napped (well, some of us did!) and I left when they did. Marissa had jury duty, for which none of the groups were called. I left to go to physical therapy with Keelan and a student, Kristen. Dinner was with Geannie and Jerry at his home: Stuffed shells, Brussel sprouts, salad, bread, and strawberry pie that Geannie brought.
I left at quarter to nine to join Mom and Dad watching America's Got Talent. Kelly and her accordian buddies were on the show!
~~~
Wednesday was grocery shopping day, with an appointment in the afternoon.
~~~
Today I had my first non-assessment appointment with my weight management coach. I have lost 1 to 3.5 pounds since starting to journal my food intake a week and a half or so ago. I had physical therapy with Cara at noon today. Lunch was composed of many diverse foods!
~
Went for a walk with Maureen to Carnegie Mellon, to the Randy Pausch bridge (I've never seen the lights WHITE until now) and through the Kraus garden, with its mountain laurel.
What a beautiful night it was for walking...cool, yet not crisp, with light illuminating the spires of St. Paul Cathedral and the Cathedral of Learning. Clear skies. Just lovely.
Labels: dine, exercise, family, health, music, niece and nephew, singing, sleep, talent, TV, walking
posted by Grace @ 6/17/2010 03:17:00 PM
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On Saturday the 8th, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe of Canada performed Indayog: Rhythm and Sound at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shadyside Academy. In the hallway and foyer there was an art show, and I had a chance to view the original of one of the reproductions at the upper level (from the Abola's private collection).
The program, after opening remarks, consisted of:
I Cordillera, ethnic dances of the Bibak Highlanders
II Maria Clara
III Morolandia, from the Muslim south
~~~Intermission~~~
IV Regional Variation
V Pista sa Nayon, a town fiesta
Finale--Tribute to Michael Jackson
The two suites after the intermission had music provided by the rondalla group. The Pista sa Nayon featured a 12-bamboo-pole dance, the Tinikling. Likewise, the the Morolandia suite featured a TWO-princess, TWO-handmaiden Sinkil dance, along with the sword- and shield-wielding prince.
Considering that the talent was composed largely of amateurs and children, it was a stunning show of Pilipino culture and Pilipino-Canadian talent.
Labels: Canada, celebration, dance, international culture, Philippines, Pilipino culture, singing, talent
posted by Grace @ 5/11/2010 01:00:00 PM
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Charles, Susan, and I went tonight to hear Ba-Rock Cello, performed by Giovanni Sollima.
Here is the press release for his concert:
Italian Cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima, famously described as “a snarling, grieving Jimi Hendrix of the cello,” will perform a free concert, “Ba-Rock Cello.” Sollima has been captivated by every kind of music and has sought to create new blends among the most diverse genres by combining elements of classical, rock and jazz music, as well as of ethnic music - characteristic of Sicily and of others Mediterranean lands such as North Africa, Israel, the Middle East, the Balkan States, Turkey, Andalusia. Since 1992 his works have been included in important seasons in all the continents, and performed by soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma and many more.
The special concert is in honor of the Ri.MED Foundation and sponsored by Ri.MED, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
I was moved, as Susan said the Internet information described his work as "atonal." I found it lyrical, melodic atonal. He started the program with a gypsy-like piece, played solo through the first part of the program, and then was joined by his housemate and fellow cellist. The second part of the program highlighted both of them, and there was a piece in which he perambulated the aisles, pausing for a while at our third row, where we felt serenaded by his non-stop playing. Making a circuit, he returned to the stage. They played some Baroque pieces, a fast piece about Leonardo da Vinci followed by a slow-er piece about Virginia Woolf. 
Their last encore featured them both playing her cello.
After the program we saw works by Liz in the hallway. Charles was impressed.
We were the first to greet the guest musicians as they entered the hallway. "Wonderful!" I exclaimed.
Labels: art, Bach, Choir, music, photos, student, talent
posted by Grace @ 5/04/2010 10:45:00 PM
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Watched ~one and a half hours of Food, Inc. last night on WQED. The ending was palpably missing. Meredith at work recommended we watch it. Quite thought-provoking. Reminds me of books I read for a class @ MC back in the day with Jan Wilbanks.
Special prayers go out now to Kelly and her compadres as they head out for an event for which they need luck, prayers, and talent.
Labels: cinema tv, Marietta, New York, prayer, school, talent
posted by Grace @ 4/22/2010 08:11:00 AM
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Two days ago was Marissa's birthday. We celebrated with her as a family tonight at a Burmese / Sushi restaurant. The chicken pancakes were ordered for the children, Mom ordered some seaweed salad for all of us. She also shared the fried Burmese style lo mein. Dad ordered the Malaysian style fried rice (salty). William had the delish shrimp curry (with the heads). I had the Nepalese roti, chicken, potato, and samosas. Marissa ordered the Thai basil leaf with meat. Many of us had delicious dishes, however, some dishes were rather salty.
The children enjoyed bananas and crackers, and Solomon's newfound verbal prowess was admired.
"Cracker," he intoned, pointing to the floor "oooor."
me: Where did the cracker fall, Solomon?
Solomon: "Ah Dah 'OOOr." [on the floor] "Uh-Oh."
William's family bundled up and departed for ice cream at Baskin-Robbins.
Labels: Birthday, dining, family, ice cream, niece and nephew, talent
posted by Grace @ 1/09/2010 08:20:00 PM
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Joan Lippincott performed a program of Mathias, J.S. Bach, Mozart, Copeland, Messiaen, and Widor this evening at St. Paul Cathedral. She masterfully showed off the instrument through flawless, seamless runs and selection of pieces that highlighted various stops/voices of the organ.
Karina and I spoke with Fred, Judi, Jessica, and Nancy at intermission. After the concert, Nancy, Karina, and I met Ms. Lippincott. We were thrilled by her music and Nancy purchased the latest J.S. Bach CD for her to sign. I expressed to her that I had heard her practicing yesterday mid-afternoon and about half a dozen to ten people had entered the church to pray when they were struck---held rapt---by her organ playing. We showed her our appreciation for her playing.
We circled around back to the narthex exit to talk to Doug, Judi, and Don. I made the joke William had made to me, "I'm able, so no cane!" and jockeyed around behind Don's back (because I could).
We walked Nancy to her car, and Karina and I were happy to get a ride home, too.
We had a chance to talk to Ken about their experiences sending Emily off to school.
Labels: Bach, Choir, Church, friends, games Superbowl, Mozart, music, organ, St. Paul Cathedral, talent
posted by Grace @ 8/27/2009 10:13:00 PM
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Check out this link to a show called Ukraine's Got Talent, with Kseniya Simonova sandpainting. Quite moving.
Labels: international culture, painting, talent
posted by Grace @ 8/08/2009 08:27:00 AM
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A week from now I will most likely be wheeled out of the operating room (OR) to the recovery room. I will no longer be a hip chick, but a hipS chick. I'll be gaining another new hip, and will be (better than) new.
Just went for a walk to drop off my info for Vickie E. for my volunteer work at the Church. Spoke with Pat P., Carol, and Eileen. Petted Princess, Carol's dog. Pat noted that I could audition for Celtic dancing (!) at the end of the summer.
The progression was discussed: bed to chair to walker to crutches to crutch to cane to Nothing...to DANCING! (All within two months of surgery.)
~~~~~
~19:00
Mom and I left ~14:00 to get Mexican food and to go shopping: I for an 18-month calendar and music at Barnes & Noble, she for clothes and gifts at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. We also went shopping for knick knacks. I got a bias-cut shirt and a cute li'l skirt for dancing!
Labels: BAD, Church, dance, dog, excited, friends, international culture, Ireland, surgery, talent, volunteering, walking
posted by Grace @ 6/08/2009 01:25:00 PM
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Yesterday late afternoon, after a quick salad and sandwich (and a discussion where we agreed to meet Don for a brief sight-reading session at 6:45pm), S and I headed to choir practice. S and Don started the choir rehearsal evening with a performance of a two-movement piano & violin romance by Gade (a Danish composer)[see below for first movement]. S then sat and listened to our choir practice.
We practiced music for this Sunday, and then we had a group discussion about the excitement this past Sunday. Many suggestions were made. I suggested that we enlist help from Pittsburgh Mediation Center, if necessary. Then, it was time for apple/fig/grape cake and rice salad by Paolo's wife. We enjoyed discussing over this delicious spread, and S and Christoph enjoyed talking to each other. K. had even said that she appreciated S's sense of style/fashion. We headed home, tired, and chatted for a bit longer before we called it a night.
~~~
Today we arose early (my first day of vacation) and had our showers, tea, and breakfast. After a few hours of practice with both violins, S packed the bags (asking me what I thought the difference between the two violins are); and S and I headed out for air, sun, and walking to have sorbets (which I brought from home), coffee, and a brownie at Maggie's Mercantile. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed our snack. Then, it was time to head home to get the bags to go to the bus stop for the 14:00 bus...We caught the bus to the airport. Due to sufficient emotion management (and a couple hugs), there were no emotional cryfests. S did self check-in at the United kiosk, and I saw S go through security at the main security checkpoint. We waved several times, blew kisses, and saw the wand technique of the TSA worker before a final wave and a blown kiss.
I boarded the next bus back to Oakland, and met Lynna there, who just came from presenting at high school admissions fairs. We chatted about various things, including the phenomenon of the Network, and as you get older, more people know you through the Network. She knows William, and I told her about how Joyce and Greg met.
Landing at Mom & Dad's, Mom said she was happy to see me.
~~~
17:20
William and Marissa just called me to invite me to a Tony Kushner play at Carnegie Mellon tonight...Marissa is tired, so I'll meet up w/ William. After I meet Karina at the Newman Center, I'll meet him there tonight.
Labels: alarm, Carnegie, Choir, family, friends, ice cream, international culture, music, politics, school, St. Paul Cathedral, talent, theater, transportation, travel, walking, Wellesley, work
posted by Grace @ 4/24/2009 04:49:00 PM
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No More...
ballet en pointe (what's new?)
aikido
rockclimbing
ice skating
roller blading
bicycling on city streets
horseback riding
downhill skiing
Can still...
walk
talk (that's for sure!)
carry a stick
Will be able to (after my next surgery)...
run
maybe even hurdle again!
do certain stretches again.
We'll see about...
playing the violin!
I wrote to my friend about a fortnight ago my thoughts:
Sometimes I think of things I used to do in my "former life" which I cannot now do....downhill skiing, rockclimbing, ice skating, running distances, etc. I haven't been able to do these things recently because of the pain, anyway. But part of growing is letting go of those things that may keep me from my focus that I need to focus on NOW.
Labels: accessibility, dance, exercise, friends, light, list, love, pain, philosophical, surgery, swim, talent, thankfulness, walking
posted by Grace @ 2/14/2009 08:27:00 AM
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So, changes, after visiting Dr. Larry and Dr. Hany (removed my SteriStrips):
~no crutches: Cane
~all sorts of Rx's for procedures, outpatient physical therapy, a change in pain medication
~don't have to follow 90 degree rule
~no more Arixtra (blood thinner), nor TED hose necessary
~can take Vitamin E
+my lower R thigh and knee hurt because the iliotibial muscle was cut to gain access during surgery. This will heal.
+my coccyx area is numb, probably from sitting about.
+the feeling of pressure around the incision site will go away as swelling decreases.
+no noticeable difference in leg length was noted.
-full weight-bearing is allowed.
-I CAN SWIM NOW!! :n)
-I can walk on uneven surfaces
We saw the "before and after" films of my R hip, with no acetabulum and after, with hybrid Co-Cr metal pieces and a polyethylene cup liner. I had the smallest size stem installed.
What this means:
I can walk about with a cane
I can dance soon
I can go hiking soon
I CAN SWIM
Be patient
I can go to the choir get-together on Saturday!
Labels: BAD, Choir, dance, excited, exercise, health, talent, water exercise
posted by Grace @ 6/17/2008 02:04:00 PM
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Mom and I watched, on this last night of super-duper conservative healing, some Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as the movie Mr. Bean's Holiday. William had earlier expressed surprise that I had never seen a Bean movie (yet).
Mom and I were totally enchanted by the antics of the characters in the movie, the scenery, the light, the aria from Gianni Schicchi, "O mio babbino caro," and the love and caring in the movie.
~~~
It's soon the end of the first three weeks after surgery. I see the surgeon tomorrow, within twelve hours from now. I hope that he will say I need neither to have blood thinner shots in my stomach (in my soft underbelly) any longer, nor to wear TED (anti-embolism) hose any longer. I also want to have a general timeline for when I can return to certain activities, such as swimming, dancing, driving, etc.
Labels: BAD, cinema, Curb Your Enthusiasm, family, health, international culture, languages, light, love, surgery, surprise, talent, transportation, travel
posted by Grace @ 6/16/2008 09:55:00 PM
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After dinner tonight, Mom and I watched A Face in the Crowd (1957), a movie about a former Arkansas prisoner who makes it big in television. Andy Griffith portrayed the lead, along with Patricia Neal, Walter Matthau, and Lee Remick. The movie is tightly wound, with tensions between characters growing as the megalomaniac personality of the lead, Lonesome Rhodes, expands to fill the screen.
This movie showcases rarely seen facets of the talents of its actors/actresses, facets not often seen.
posted by Grace @ 6/14/2008 10:15:00 PM
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This morning, while channel surfing, I watched an episode of Clean House ("If you keep an item, you have to work the design around it"), Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series in Bryant Park, in which Cyndi Lauper sings various classic and new songs, of'times making her way into the audience ("I always thought Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is about entitlement...my mom was in the video"---CL), and the morning Mass in Oakland (Fr. Andrew Fisher said the Mass, Feast of St. Antony of Padua---intercessor for lost articles).
This morning's channel surf encapsulates issues important to me in my life.
Labels: California, cleaning, Mass, music, New York, organizing, Pittsburgh, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, stars, talent
posted by Grace @ 6/13/2008 08:54:00 AM
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My friend Heather sent me a website in which one can perform virtual R hip surgery! Boy, is it fun! My dad and I then went on to perform a virtual L knee operation.
Labels: BAD, blogs, health, surgery, surprise, talent
posted by Grace @ 6/11/2008 10:12:00 PM
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There is a story from the news of a man whose mind automatically calculates for a date the day of the week, and specific events during that day. Talk about total recall! Labels: computer, games, health, photos, school, sports, surprise, talent
This is a rather interesting story, showing what happens when one has a mindful (and mind-full) mind.
posted by Grace @ 5/21/2008 06:27:00 PM
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Days in the life of me.
