So I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal yesterday — about football helmets, of all things. Honestly, I never thought about it that way. Have a looksee.

I guess we don’t think a lot about what happens years after football or other overly-violent sports. You can see it in high-profile boxers like Muhammad Ali. Although you can’t say what caused his Parkinson’s or any other ailment, being constantly bashed in the head for years on end can’t have helped. It’s sad to watch.

What price glory and fame? I remember going to Ohio Stadium years ago for a band festival. A guy who once played for OSU (and later the NFL) was there to present an award. Can’t remember his name, but he had retired years before. Anyway, we were sickened as we watched him walk out onto the field to the microphone. While not more than 45 or 50 years old, the man could barely move; he walked with a cane. Someone told me his knees were full of bolts. Eww. We all felt bad for him at the time.

Is it all worth it? Seven-to-ten on the field, and the rest of your life on crutches? I have to admit I love watching football, but I really do cringe at the punishing hits I see these guys take. And again, I never thought about them delivering even more violent hits thinking they’re ultra-protected by more gear. The future will tell, no?

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So, question for ya. Who flipping CARES if Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are holding hands? Apparently, millions. The hysteria surrounding New Moon is starting to bother me. Get off the screaming 14-year-old-girl-on-a-roller-coaster thing. I really did like the books, and the first movie was well done, I thought. Now people are ruining it for me; it’s embarrassing to watch them fawn and faint and scream. I mean, really. Just because I devote entire posts to Johnny Depp and surround myself with Fabs memorabilia doesn’t mean I’m addicted or weird or obsessed. I can quit anytime I want. So get over it, Moon-ies. Move along.

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Three thousand seven hundred words in…2300 more needed. By Tuesday.

Thunderbirds are go. Have a goody.

I’m finding lately I say things like, “I don’t get why people go gaga about this” and “I don’t think this or that is funny” and “What’s the big deal?” way too often. Am I cynical? Or just a snarky old hag? Probably a little of both and some other stuff, too. For ink-stance:

1. Taylor Lautner – unhandsome. What’s all the fuss about? (Now let’s get him some rhinoplasty and we’re talkin’ turkey.) Robert Pattinson has a beauty about him, but nothing outrageously stunning. Kristen Stewart? Meh. (But I did enjoy the Twilight books and the first movie. I guess you can add “gooey sap” and “undiscerning” to my list of self-descriptors.)
2. I didn’t find the SNL spoof of Twilight funny (and I’ve watched it twice in the last 3 days).
3. The one time I root for the stupid Denver Broncos…sheezly.
4. I think I’m one of eight people in the country who think Jay Leno is unfunny.
5. Why is it that my morning quiet time flies by, while all the other times, when I’m doing things I have to do, drag?

I covet your thoughts. What do you look at and ask, “What’s the big deal?” Could be I’m just having a snippy day. I try not to have those too often.

But on the bright side — happy birthday, Mavis! Yay!!!

FO

Know what? I think I’m going to take Suz’s advice and take the day off. I shouldn’t. But I’m going to. I still haven’t watched Mad Men from last Sunday.

To all those involved with Bye Bye Birdie, from cast to crew to orchestra (yay!) to my fellow directors — a huge thank-you! It was great. Despite all the illnesses and other roadblocks too numerous to mention, the kids did it again. A fine show.

I awoke this morning (late — almost 7:15!) to find the customary post-show sickness setting in. I’ll just live on DayQuil/NyQuil for the next few days, and all will be well. Now to get this thesis done so I can go back to being Grammie…

But first: coffee and Mad Men and a holiday. Life is good (and quiet). Well done, cast. Next year: 42nd St.

Fink (chilling) out

No, I haven’t fallen off the world, fiends. Just dropping in to say I am proud of the cast and crew, functioning like all-stars in a difficult situation. It was an awesome audience as well.

The voices are holding up, albeit some on toothpicks. We’re on the downward slope, so I think we’re going to make it. The true test will be how one voice in particular will handle two shows in one day. But we’ll find out, now won’t we?

Have a lovely weekend. Off to the races.

FO