1. Gratitude to God and everyone who helps me get through a day
2. Interesting words like -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude
Virgin mobile
888 322 1122 * 440 637 7152 * 00 440 333 8452 (ID network) * 226 578 7986 ** 012051
April 26
Your Virgin Mobile Phone Number: 216 832 4589
Your Virgin Mobile Phone's Network ID: 002168492065 http://web.virginmobileusa.com/help/phones/VMKX9D/program#program
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
grat/taxes/ green
1. God and all who help me get through a day
2. Tax credit for cars, insulation, etc.
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpicks/103/getting-credit-for-going-green.html
Cars
I just read that when you buy a fuel-efficient hybrid, the federal government gives you a credit off your income tax. But, the Prius will not count!
The specific amount depends on the hybrid. The article says that if you got a Ford Escape SUV, you could get up to $3,000. A Honda Civic garners $2,100. And a Mercury Mariner SUV earns you up to $3,000.
Toyota and Lexus have sold so many hybrids that their cars are no longer eligible for tax breaks. If you bought a Toyota or Lexus hybrid after October 1, 2007, you won't get a credit. Wait a minute. We bought ours in September.
Some states also give you a tax break for buying a hybrid car. The Department of Energy has a database of state incentives and laws related to alternative-fuel vehicles. Will be interesting to see if Ohio does anything for us here.
For example, Oregon gives a tax credit of up to $1,500 when a resident buys a hybrid car such as a Prius or Ford Escape. Colorado offers a credit of up to $3,013 for buying a hybrid, depending on the model. In Illinois, hybrid vehicle buyers can get a $1,000 rebate from the state.
One to plan ahead for -- starting January 1, 2009, in Washington, you can buy a hybrid car with no state sales and use tax.
2. Tax credit for cars, insulation, etc.
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpicks/103/getting-credit-for-going-green.html
Cars
I just read that when you buy a fuel-efficient hybrid, the federal government gives you a credit off your income tax. But, the Prius will not count!
The specific amount depends on the hybrid. The article says that if you got a Ford Escape SUV, you could get up to $3,000. A Honda Civic garners $2,100. And a Mercury Mariner SUV earns you up to $3,000.
Toyota and Lexus have sold so many hybrids that their cars are no longer eligible for tax breaks. If you bought a Toyota or Lexus hybrid after October 1, 2007, you won't get a credit. Wait a minute. We bought ours in September.
Some states also give you a tax break for buying a hybrid car. The Department of Energy has a database of state incentives and laws related to alternative-fuel vehicles. Will be interesting to see if Ohio does anything for us here.
For example, Oregon gives a tax credit of up to $1,500 when a resident buys a hybrid car such as a Prius or Ford Escape. Colorado offers a credit of up to $3,013 for buying a hybrid, depending on the model. In Illinois, hybrid vehicle buyers can get a $1,000 rebate from the state.
One to plan ahead for -- starting January 1, 2009, in Washington, you can buy a hybrid car with no state sales and use tax.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Grat, Subway, Wicked, Library
1. God and all who help me get through a day.
2. Good show like Avenue Q at good theatre like Palace, with Wicked coming up
3. Good directions for Subway shop
Wicked at Palace is Feb. 6 to Feb. 19.
Independence Library. 6361 Selig, Independence, Ohio 44131-4926
>Drive, Independence (http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Branch.aspx?id=608 for
>directions). 271 s for 4 miles, 480 w for 5 miles (near 77),
e on rockside to brecksville, s on brecksville to selig (total about 18 miles)
Subway sandwich shop directions
6494 Brecksville Rd, Independence OH 44131
216-524-1589
Rockside to Brecksville.
S on Brecksville to top of hill.
First plaza on the right.
Less than a mile from library.
If you go South on Brecksville Rd. from Rockside, you will go up a hill.
The first business plaza, beyond the residential section, is at the top of that hill.
(All less than a mile from Rockside) Subway's in that first plaza on the right.
Very easy to find. And less than a mile from the Library.
2. Good show like Avenue Q at good theatre like Palace, with Wicked coming up
3. Good directions for Subway shop
Wicked at Palace is Feb. 6 to Feb. 19.
Independence Library. 6361 Selig, Independence, Ohio 44131-4926
>Drive, Independence (http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Branch.aspx?id=608 for
>directions). 271 s for 4 miles, 480 w for 5 miles (near 77),
e on rockside to brecksville, s on brecksville to selig (total about 18 miles)
Subway sandwich shop directions
6494 Brecksville Rd, Independence OH 44131
216-524-1589
Rockside to Brecksville.
S on Brecksville to top of hill.
First plaza on the right.
Less than a mile from library.
If you go South on Brecksville Rd. from Rockside, you will go up a hill.
The first business plaza, beyond the residential section, is at the top of that hill.
(All less than a mile from Rockside) Subway's in that first plaza on the right.
Very easy to find. And less than a mile from the Library.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Grat, IRA, etc.
1. God and all that helps me get through a day, especially everyone involved
2. Thinking about retirement options
A story I recently read about the first Roth IRA customer 10 years ago (Marcia Lewis with Fidelity) got me thinking more about ways to set up an income stream during retirement.
The Roth IRA provides tax-free investment growth. But, is it a good idea to tap into that early in your retirement (as Lewis did)? Earnings and withdrawals are tax-free so tapping into the IRA early is what a lot of people do.
The Roth IRA lets earnings grow tax-free, giving the option of withdrawing contributions at any time penalty- and tax-free. There are also no minimum required distributions.
Of course the minimum required distributions I would have to take out first during retirement, if I live that long of course. :-)
With Roth IRA money not taxed upon withdrawal, Lewis figured that if she is in a high tax bracket during early retirement she would benefit by tapping into her Roth IRA money first. Her traditional IRA or 401K could continue to grow tax-deferred (not tax free upon withdrawing). If she were not in a high tax bracket at early retirement she could tap into non-Roth-IRA investments.
The traditional IRA requires minimum required distributions at age 70-1/2.
2. Thinking about retirement options
A story I recently read about the first Roth IRA customer 10 years ago (Marcia Lewis with Fidelity) got me thinking more about ways to set up an income stream during retirement.
The Roth IRA provides tax-free investment growth. But, is it a good idea to tap into that early in your retirement (as Lewis did)? Earnings and withdrawals are tax-free so tapping into the IRA early is what a lot of people do.
The Roth IRA lets earnings grow tax-free, giving the option of withdrawing contributions at any time penalty- and tax-free. There are also no minimum required distributions.
Of course the minimum required distributions I would have to take out first during retirement, if I live that long of course. :-)
With Roth IRA money not taxed upon withdrawal, Lewis figured that if she is in a high tax bracket during early retirement she would benefit by tapping into her Roth IRA money first. Her traditional IRA or 401K could continue to grow tax-deferred (not tax free upon withdrawing). If she were not in a high tax bracket at early retirement she could tap into non-Roth-IRA investments.
The traditional IRA requires minimum required distributions at age 70-1/2.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Wells
Highland Heights council had a work session this week but mayor was absent from session. During the discussion, Mrs. Murphy made clear that she believed that the law director should rescind the lease with Bass and resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into gas drilling leases.
Mr. Legan clearly spoke out in favor of rescinding the Bass leases. He mentioned both the safety issues and Bass's behavior in obtaining permits from the state w/o council's knowledge or approval. He made clear that he does not feel comfortable dealing with Bass, given their conduct.
Mr. Lombardo---who approved putting gas wells in Lyndhurst when he served on Lyndhurst council---stated that he thought there was still at least one place that you could put a gas well in the park - behind the old pool---near the storage shed and cell phone tower.
The city engineer acknowledged that there are wetlands in the park and stated that he superimposed old federal wetland maps on his city maps. He admitted, however, that the wetlands have not been fully delineated or mapped and that there clearly is a wetlands area behind Kennelwood.
The engineer mentioned the city's own ordinance about where gas wells can be placed. The law director at first stated absolutely that the state had taken full control over that issue, but acknowledged that, as the landowner, the city in fact has a great deal of control over where wells are placed on city property.
On an unrelated issue---whether the owners of the golf course can put up fences around certain holes--the issue came up about notifying interested residents about the appeal. The law director said the city was not legally required to notify impacted homeowners. Mrs. Murphy suggested that broad notification should be made. Mr. Pilla agreed, saying that he wanted to avoid "another gas well situation".
Mr. Legan clearly spoke out in favor of rescinding the Bass leases. He mentioned both the safety issues and Bass's behavior in obtaining permits from the state w/o council's knowledge or approval. He made clear that he does not feel comfortable dealing with Bass, given their conduct.
Mr. Lombardo---who approved putting gas wells in Lyndhurst when he served on Lyndhurst council---stated that he thought there was still at least one place that you could put a gas well in the park - behind the old pool---near the storage shed and cell phone tower.
The city engineer acknowledged that there are wetlands in the park and stated that he superimposed old federal wetland maps on his city maps. He admitted, however, that the wetlands have not been fully delineated or mapped and that there clearly is a wetlands area behind Kennelwood.
The engineer mentioned the city's own ordinance about where gas wells can be placed. The law director at first stated absolutely that the state had taken full control over that issue, but acknowledged that, as the landowner, the city in fact has a great deal of control over where wells are placed on city property.
On an unrelated issue---whether the owners of the golf course can put up fences around certain holes--the issue came up about notifying interested residents about the appeal. The law director said the city was not legally required to notify impacted homeowners. Mrs. Murphy suggested that broad notification should be made. Mr. Pilla agreed, saying that he wanted to avoid "another gas well situation".
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Grat, board
1. God and all that helps me get through a day, especially everyone involved
2. Insurance
3. Draft for board meeting
4. Spring Recess CSU Mar 9-16
5. Help from Prov. 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
6. http://www.melodiawomenschoir.org/ Melodia Women's Choir review says this groups makes her happy to be alive
7. http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/sub/537158226.html Leffert at Grand, Brooklyn
8. Dare I say it, gasp!, the associate fellow...
9. H 8-16-2004 // s 8-23-2004 // 4 years (3 weeks) on 8/23/2008 // hire date, start date
10. photo at
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTIdj8rpaua3OY3hwSvilvdVRSUJRIjXgJHRcFxjmw8Svx-9A_libROnH-EPE-rF2wFn6fz-oHvCyTx4Hy7oaeTQ-42RloVbKI99FRe8qLKGFpfDgTcNq30sklLKAYXjxFC6SNstY1Ss/s1600-h/msoDDE88.jpg
11. Filipino monkeys
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/filipino-monkey-and-the-naval-confrontation-with-iran/?hp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_monkey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du2A3g23Qw4&feature=related
12. On the media
Or you can iPod them:
http://www.onthemedia.org/episodes/2007/10/12/segments/87119
http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/12/14/05
http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/02/02/04
--
Insurance- aetna, blue cross, humana, lumenos, medical mutual, United HealthCare directly at, 1-800-523-5800 / https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/Quote.fs
1-800-977-8860
To speak with a representative, please call: 1-800-977-8860
Please provide this quote number when you call us: 0060-5291
Academic Relations Report - January, 2008 -
Scholarship Update
I. Amount
Increased to $1000 (thanks to Tricia and Pressco)
II. Target dates
Feb 1 - Complete mailings and place ads on web and in newsletter
April 1 - Last day to receive applications
May - Announce winner
May - Announce at NEO STC banquest
III. Targets for mailing
Bowling Green
Cedarville
Kent
Miami
Youngstown State
IV. Judges
Sarah Burke
Jill McCauslin
Other?
V. Items for discussion, Q and A
Place announcement and application on Web
***REQUESTING HIGH VISIBILITY ON WEB***
Place announcement in newsletter
Give Pressco credit/publicity and provide a thank you letter
Other items for discussion?
2. Insurance
3. Draft for board meeting
4. Spring Recess CSU Mar 9-16
5. Help from Prov. 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
6. http://www.melodiawomenschoir.org/ Melodia Women's Choir review says this groups makes her happy to be alive
7. http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/sub/537158226.html Leffert at Grand, Brooklyn
8. Dare I say it, gasp!, the associate fellow...
9. H 8-16-2004 // s 8-23-2004 // 4 years (3 weeks) on 8/23/2008 // hire date, start date
10. photo at
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTIdj8rpaua3OY3hwSvilvdVRSUJRIjXgJHRcFxjmw8Svx-9A_libROnH-EPE-rF2wFn6fz-oHvCyTx4Hy7oaeTQ-42RloVbKI99FRe8qLKGFpfDgTcNq30sklLKAYXjxFC6SNstY1Ss/s1600-h/msoDDE88.jpg
11. Filipino monkeys
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/filipino-monkey-and-the-naval-confrontation-with-iran/?hp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipino_monkey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du2A3g23Qw4&feature=related
12. On the media
Or you can iPod them:
http://www.onthemedia.org/episodes/2007/10/12/segments/87119
http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/12/14/05
http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/02/02/04
--
Insurance- aetna, blue cross, humana, lumenos, medical mutual, United HealthCare directly at, 1-800-523-5800 / https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/Quote.fs
1-800-977-8860
To speak with a representative, please call: 1-800-977-8860
Please provide this quote number when you call us: 0060-5291
Academic Relations Report - January, 2008 -
Scholarship Update
I. Amount
Increased to $1000 (thanks to Tricia and Pressco)
II. Target dates
Feb 1 - Complete mailings and place ads on web and in newsletter
April 1 - Last day to receive applications
May - Announce winner
May - Announce at NEO STC banquest
III. Targets for mailing
Bowling Green
Cedarville
Kent
Miami
Youngstown State
IV. Judges
Sarah Burke
Jill McCauslin
Other?
V. Items for discussion, Q and A
Place announcement and application on Web
***REQUESTING HIGH VISIBILITY ON WEB***
Place announcement in newsletter
Give Pressco credit/publicity and provide a thank you letter
Other items for discussion?
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Gratitude, FOEC
1. God and all who help me make it through a day
2. FOEC stuff
The January meeting, moved from January 1st, will be Tuesday January 15, at the usual meeting room in the South Euclid Community Center at 7 p.m. This meeting is strictly for purposes of planning the 2008 fund-raising. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is needed.
On Tuesday February 5, at the Community Center, Claire Posius, Watershed Coordinator, will share her goals for the watershed plan this coming year.
The Tuesday March 4th meeting will feature David Beach, formerly Director of EcoCity Cleveland, who will head the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s new Sustainability program. We are inviting the other watershed groups locally to join us and the program will probably be at the Museum.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For more information and great pictures, please visit our website at: http://friendsofeuclidcreek.nhlink.net/
The regular monthly meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the South Euclid Community Center at 1370 Victory Drive , South Euclid , OH 44121 . ( Victory Drive runs north off Mayfield Road , next to Giant Eagle.)
Please forward this email to interested friends. If this email was forwarded to you by a friend and you would like to join the mailing list, please send a reply to fskala@ameritech.net.. If you would like to become a member of Friends of Euclid Creek, you can do so at our website: http://friendsofeuclidcreek.nhlink.net/ If you do not wish to continue to be on this email list, please send a reply indicating to be removed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
2. FOEC stuff
The January meeting, moved from January 1st, will be Tuesday January 15, at the usual meeting room in the South Euclid Community Center at 7 p.m. This meeting is strictly for purposes of planning the 2008 fund-raising. Everyone is welcome, and everyone is needed.
On Tuesday February 5, at the Community Center, Claire Posius, Watershed Coordinator, will share her goals for the watershed plan this coming year.
The Tuesday March 4th meeting will feature David Beach, formerly Director of EcoCity Cleveland, who will head the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s new Sustainability program. We are inviting the other watershed groups locally to join us and the program will probably be at the Museum.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For more information and great pictures, please visit our website at: http://friendsofeuclidcreek.nhlink.net/
The regular monthly meetings are normally held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the South Euclid Community Center at 1370 Victory Drive , South Euclid , OH 44121 . ( Victory Drive runs north off Mayfield Road , next to Giant Eagle.)
Please forward this email to interested friends. If this email was forwarded to you by a friend and you would like to join the mailing list, please send a reply to fskala@ameritech.net.. If you would like to become a member of Friends of Euclid Creek, you can do so at our website: http://friendsofeuclidcreek.nhlink.net/ If you do not wish to continue to be on this email list, please send a reply indicating to be removed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Gratitude Grads
More gratitude:
1. God and all who help me make it through the day
2. 2nd 6-week Weekday Classes August 8
3. Picture - Mischa in chest Barb buys for books
4. Picture - Rick in front of Russian tea room in NYC
5. Picture - Central Park
http://www.csuohio.edu/registrar/calendar.html
2008
Spring — May 10
Fall — December 14
2009
Spring — May 16
Fall — December 13
1. God and all who help me make it through the day
2. 2nd 6-week Weekday Classes August 8
3. Picture - Mischa in chest Barb buys for books
4. Picture - Rick in front of Russian tea room in NYC
5. Picture - Central Park
http://www.csuohio.edu/registrar/calendar.html
2008
Spring — May 10
Fall — December 14
2009
Spring — May 16
Fall — December 13
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Gratitude 2008/HH
1. God and all who help me get through a day
2. Last year was a good year with good health and three nice trips - Cancun, Europe, NYC
3. Hope for better policies from HH - meeting Tuesday 8PM
http://www.highlandhts.com/
2. Last year was a good year with good health and three nice trips - Cancun, Europe, NYC
3. Hope for better policies from HH - meeting Tuesday 8PM
http://www.highlandhts.com/
Gratitude AveQ
1. God and all who help me get through a day
2. Possibility of a better country and world due to the election coming up (Huckabee and Obama win Iowa)
3. Avenue Q coming up
http://playhousesquare.org/avenueq/
Ave Q is to be at the Palace with our tickets for Sunday, Jan. 20. We'll have to see how it compares to Sesame Street. :-) I understand it is the story of a recent college grad who comes to NYC with big dreams and little money. The only neighborhood in NYC he can afford is Avenue Q.
2. Possibility of a better country and world due to the election coming up (Huckabee and Obama win Iowa)
3. Avenue Q coming up
http://playhousesquare.org/avenueq/
Ave Q is to be at the Palace with our tickets for Sunday, Jan. 20. We'll have to see how it compares to Sesame Street. :-) I understand it is the story of a recent college grad who comes to NYC with big dreams and little money. The only neighborhood in NYC he can afford is Avenue Q.
01/10 Star STC
01/10 (Thursday) is STC meeting on Managing the Information Behind the Content, presented by Sacha Fedier from STAR Group (http://neostc.org/calendar/20080110.html).
The session is to cover the difference between content management and information management. The emphasis is to be on how to take an information management approach to content management. This would tie into the product information life cycle. The reason to do this is to cut costs for translation and publication as well as increase productivity and decrease time to market. I'm guessing this has to do with reuse.
Jimmy Daddona's (with Italian buffet) in Solon (next to a movie theatre) is the location. 6200 Enterprise Pkway is southeast of Aurora and Cochrane. From 422 (East) go south on Harper/Cochrane. Go left (East) on Aurora and right on Enterprise.
Sacha Fedier is the presenter. He works for STAR Group which provides a single-source information management system.
The session is to cover the difference between content management and information management. The emphasis is to be on how to take an information management approach to content management. This would tie into the product information life cycle. The reason to do this is to cut costs for translation and publication as well as increase productivity and decrease time to market. I'm guessing this has to do with reuse.
Jimmy Daddona's (with Italian buffet) in Solon (next to a movie theatre) is the location. 6200 Enterprise Pkway is southeast of Aurora and Cochrane. From 422 (East) go south on Harper/Cochrane. Go left (East) on Aurora and right on Enterprise.
Sacha Fedier is the presenter. He works for STAR Group which provides a single-source information management system.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
XML/DITA class
Saturday, January 12, is the NEO STC training session on XML/DITA. Bernard Aschwanden, a trainer and consultant with experience in XML-based publishing and XML/DITA implementation is the instructor. The session is to cover how to develop content for export to XML that is consistent with DITA-compliant XML and how Framemaker and XMetal Author can work with content. Some items covered:
* How XML applies to day-to-day writing
* How to create content that is compliant with the XML standards
* How to build an XML and FrameMaker workflow
* How to share content between software tools
* Access to sample files to learn more about DITA on your own time
* Detailed overview of the most commonly used DITA elements
* Extensive slides with background information for all writers
* ROI information for presentation to management
http://neostc.org/calendar/20080112.html - Adobe is to have prizes and Bernard's company, Bright Path Solutions, is to have a free pass to its Framemaker Chautauqua - http://www.brightpathsolutions.com/pages/conf/2008chaut/index.html.
* How XML applies to day-to-day writing
* How to create content that is compliant with the XML standards
* How to build an XML and FrameMaker workflow
* How to share content between software tools
* Access to sample files to learn more about DITA on your own time
* Detailed overview of the most commonly used DITA elements
* Extensive slides with background information for all writers
* ROI information for presentation to management
http://neostc.org/calendar/20080112.html - Adobe is to have prizes and Bernard's company, Bright Path Solutions, is to have a free pass to its Framemaker Chautauqua - http://www.brightpathsolutions.com/pages/conf/2008chaut/index.html.
Gratitude, Moma
1. Again, God and helping me make it to another year and everyone who helps me make it through a day - can't say it enough
2. New Year's Eve visit from Barbie and sparkling peach wine, my first time trying it
3. Recent trip to NY including good weather, temps in the 40s, and helping Sac
4. Chester and Ivy getting good care from nicest neighbors ever
MOMA surprised me. I didn't realize how many famous pieces were there, including Starry, Starry Night and The Village and I, plus the one piece (the largest) from Monet's water lilly collection that was missing from the Cleveland exhibit.
I couldn't get over how beautifully the art was presented. The Monet fit the wall as if the wall was created for the piece, not vice versa. Even with one of the collections where I did not especially like the pieces, it was so beautifully displayed - especially with the use of white space, I couldn't help but like the overall presentation.
Helvetica with its 50th anniversary was also on display. According to the exhibit, it is the first type face to make it into the museum. :-)
2. New Year's Eve visit from Barbie and sparkling peach wine, my first time trying it
3. Recent trip to NY including good weather, temps in the 40s, and helping Sac
4. Chester and Ivy getting good care from nicest neighbors ever
MOMA surprised me. I didn't realize how many famous pieces were there, including Starry, Starry Night and The Village and I, plus the one piece (the largest) from Monet's water lilly collection that was missing from the Cleveland exhibit.
I couldn't get over how beautifully the art was presented. The Monet fit the wall as if the wall was created for the piece, not vice versa. Even with one of the collections where I did not especially like the pieces, it was so beautifully displayed - especially with the use of white space, I couldn't help but like the overall presentation.
Helvetica with its 50th anniversary was also on display. According to the exhibit, it is the first type face to make it into the museum. :-)
More war, peace
This War and Peace is Prokofiev's adaptation of the Tolstoy novel, complete with historical figures such as Napoleon, the tsar (who held a small dog on stage), and Kutusov (who I thought was an especially moving and effective character). This first time seeing the opera and first time at the Met were agreeable experiences. The Met is huge. I know that many people find a smaller theatre more enjoyable. I'm not going to complain.
This was one of the biggest productions ever by the Met with over 60 solo parts. People in line were talking about the running time of over 4 hours and how that would factor in with the metro schedule.
Subtitles were projected on small screens at each seat, which I liked and is something I had not seen before. I am used to subtitles projected from a screen above the stage, which Sacha agreed is the way she had always seen it. Participants included Valery Gergiev and a cast from the Maryinski.
The opera left a strong impression of the strategy of leaving Moscow before Napoleon came and how eventually Napoleon was defeated. The Prokofiev music actually started to grow on me. One scene that really stayed with me was when Natasha Rostova (who is supposed to be 15 in the first act) is taking care of Andrei after he is wounded in battle. Another scene that will be hard to forget is with the inmates from the asylum (former priests) with their crazy movements. The red bird rising from the masses made me think of a pheonix but also the idea that seeds for the future Communist movement started during this war.
This was one of the biggest productions ever by the Met with over 60 solo parts. People in line were talking about the running time of over 4 hours and how that would factor in with the metro schedule.
Subtitles were projected on small screens at each seat, which I liked and is something I had not seen before. I am used to subtitles projected from a screen above the stage, which Sacha agreed is the way she had always seen it. Participants included Valery Gergiev and a cast from the Maryinski.
The opera left a strong impression of the strategy of leaving Moscow before Napoleon came and how eventually Napoleon was defeated. The Prokofiev music actually started to grow on me. One scene that really stayed with me was when Natasha Rostova (who is supposed to be 15 in the first act) is taking care of Andrei after he is wounded in battle. Another scene that will be hard to forget is with the inmates from the asylum (former priests) with their crazy movements. The red bird rising from the masses made me think of a pheonix but also the idea that seeds for the future Communist movement started during this war.
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