Inspired Learning

Here's a quick pitch for my alma mater, Grinnell College. They've produced this great video to celebrate the opening of the new science center. I love seeing the students' enthusiasm for their own education, as well as their balanced approach to life.



About the video from Grinnell:

Grinnell science students describe their undergraduate research experiences. In order of appearance:

Ria Laureijs '10, Biological Chemistry (accompanied by Mike Weslander '09,Psychology)
Adhiti Kannan '10, Biology
Filippos Rotzer '10, Physics
Laura Simpson '09, Chemistry/Economics
Mikel Shybut '10, Biological Chemistry/Russian
Jingni Xie '10, Psychology
Sam Calisch '10, Mathematics/Physics
Katie Battani '09, Psychology

This video was produced for the October 4, 2008, dedication of Grinnell College's remarkable new science center, named after Grinnell graduate Robert Noyce, co-inventor of the integrated circuit and co-founder of Intel. The center is designed to reflect the college's active learning approach, in which individuals pursue knowledge as working scientists.

All Rights Reserved, Grinnell College, 2008.

Director's Cut

Clay Aiken's audition for American Idol, as broadcast six years ago (January 28, 2003), left a few things out... e.g., his initial audition in Charlotte ("Somewhere Over the Rainbow") and the song he nervously sang for the screening producers in Atlanta (the theme from "Perfect Strangers").

There were also bits of his Atlanta audition song ("Always and Forever") that were left on the cutting room floor (fortunately picked up by various news clips about him), such as two lines from the song that showcased Clay's beautiful lower-register range.

Here is the complete story of Clay Aiken's March through Atlanta:

Giving My Regards

Catch it while you can - Broadway is going into hibernation soon. I just came back from seeing the last Spamalot for Clay Aiken on Jan. 4 (the show continues until Jan. 11). I also saw Patti LuPone in Gypsy and a sprightly cast (not the original) in Avenue Q.

I strategized the Spamalot trip a little, coming into the city one day ahead of my ticket. Clay had been coming to the stagedoor to do autographs and photos with fans, but somewhat erratically. I got there about 40 minutes before the end of the Saturday matinee, met up with some friends, and waited for the barricades to be put up right in front of us (we made a semi-circle in front of the door, knowing about where the barricades would be placed. Hee! That was the only way to guarantee ourselves front row).

It turned out Clay did indeed come out to sign autographs, but not have pictures taken - it was way too cold. He signed my copy of Learning To Sing - Yay!














As for the show the next day - what can I say. It's not the same as seeing it for the first time, but it was fun to participate in all the riotous cheering for Clay. I get the feeling not everyone in the cast was happy about it, but most went with the flow. After Clay's big number, "You Won't Succeed on Broadway," Sir Lancelot rode into his next scene, saying he'd better find out where that screaming was coming from. Hee!

We waited in Shubert Alley for Clay after his last show, and he did not disappoint. Goodbye, dear man! Don't be a stranger.















But you know what, "Claymates" (ugh--gotta love us, but I hate the term) have nothing on the Patti Lupone fans. Gosh! They raised the roof for her, and justly so. The mob at her stagedoor was crushing. My only pic of her was but a blur.





















By Sunday night and after a heavy but wonderful dinner at Sardi's













with other Clay fans, I was probably too tired to see another show. Poor Avenue Q, the only thing playing on Sunday night that I could get tickets to. I was cramped up in the mezz, my knees aching for not being able to move my legs, and fell asleep during the second half. I loved the show, really I did, but I was just too dang tired.

Monday morning clean-out on Broadway saw lines of trucks ready to pick up lines of trunks - audio and lighting equipment as sets begin to be struck for the last time. On 44th Street, "13" was vacating. It was a sad sight.














I'm glad I went - I need to go again. Broadway, come back!!!

love, hosaa
Theatrical cat

Ooo, I forgot to mention - I caught the bouquet at Clay's last Spamalot!! As thrown by Merle Dandridgeto little me in H-105. I apologized profusely to the lady in H-104, but I just had to have it.