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Post by MelMac on Jan 3, 2006 16:19:46 GMT -5
Well, after a very interesting vacation, I'm back on the boards (I'll comment about the screencaps later, HD ) From Wednesday onward, I was in West Texas visiting family. My Dad and I also went to Matador to visit my great-grandparents' gravesites as well as other members of my family. We also walked around the square, sharing stories and memories such as places that were used in the filming of "McIntosh and TJ," Roy Roger's last movie. The coolest thing to see was the renovation of Bob's Oil Well, an old restaurant. It looks great, especially since it was nearly caving in the last time I saw it (two years ago when I attended a funeral). The rest was pretty simple, as we exchanged presents and such on New Year's at my relative's house. Now, coming home was interesting in and of itself. We had to drive by or near four grass fires raging in West Texas. The worst was a five mile long one between Sterling City and San Angelo. Smoke was so bad that we could smell it on our clothes about two hours afterward. It was very thick too, and driving through it was like driving through a dust storm. I've read the AP written one about the Cross Plains fire, which is a town I've visited, and I really feel bad for them as they're a small town and it really hurt them. In addition, there are other fires springing up in Oklahoma and New Mexico as well, so right now my thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters dealing with the fires right now. As far as juggling, I should be starting rehearsals this Saturday. I've got it down pat, just need to keep practicing it so I can adjust to the lighting. At least they know that they can't use a spotlight on me, as it'll blind me and cause me to drop items. Don't like them or strobe lights for that very reason. Strobe lights nearly caused me to walk of the stage during a routine. Oh well, it'll be interesting no matter what. Anyway, enough of my drivel. I'll have the rules and the first move of the interactive game thread on the boards shortly. Have to tweak one more rule on it before it goes up.
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Post by MelMac on Jan 3, 2006 19:22:45 GMT -5
Just for the heck of it, I actually found my first post here on the boards (and I mean very first, not one when my account was restarted in April.) It was posted March 22, 2005 at 3:38 a.m. (work nights is why): and reads as follows (itals added): "Hi, I'm new here, so I'm just learning my way around the board."I voted for the pilot episode because it brought me back into the show."I was three when it first aired, so most of my early memories are of Ralph flying into the billboard and a couple of the holographs, particularly the pilot's, as the holograph design was unique to that episode. Watching the pilot again on DVD, I remembered those scenes, which helped me remember more of the show. I also like the music in the pilot, especially the selection when Ralph leaves the hospital."Now, I enjoy the show because of the characters and how they react to each other. Unlike a lot of shows now, when I watch this show, I feel as though I'm a part of the show and not a spectator. I can relate to Ralph, Pam and Bill during some part of the day. They come across as real people complete with successes, failures, victories and defeats."Since then, I've had a few more favorites added to my list. From Season 1, favorites also include "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys," "Fire Man," and "The Best Desk Scenario." Second season has quite a few, including "200-MPH Fastball," "Beast in the Black," "Train of Thought," "Just Another Three-Ring Circus," and many more. Third season, my favorites include "Live at Eleven," "Divorce," and "Resurrection of Carlini." Now, I like all the episodes in general, but those are my favorites. (Scary thing is, I remembered which one was my first post )
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Post by MelMac on Jan 4, 2006 21:13:31 GMT -5
I just found out tonight that I'm going to get to juggle both routines at the variety show. The director called to give me the time we were going to have our first rehearsal, and said she wanted both "GAH" and "In the Mood," which is good considering that I wasn't 100 percent sure to begin with. I assumed I was, but she said only if there weren't many performers, hence the doubt. This Saturday, I'm not juggling, however. The rehearsal is to learn the lyrics to the finale, meaning, I'm singing too. Problem is, I don't sing too well above an Alto I (I'm an Alto II) and some Soprano II, so if they want us to sing higher than that, it'll be crazy. Now, remembering the corny script from last year, I'm wondering if they're going to use some sort of lame joke to introduce my "GAH" routine. Example: I walk in with the bucket and other items I'm juggling, wearing my GAH shirt and black pants. The emcee gives me a funny look and says: "Who do you think you are, The Greatest American Hero?" And I end up replying "Believe it or Not." (For some reason, this has been stuck in my mind, so I have a feeling it might happen.) "In the Mood," fortunately, can be used more creatively and less obvious. Anyway, I'll keep you updated on how the routines go as well as my experience learning the lyrics to the finale.
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Post by MelMac on Jan 5, 2006 23:13:08 GMT -5
Didn't know if anyone was interested, but here's the screencap that inspired the basic setting for the NEXT GAH Interactive Game thread. Again, had to change the pic, but still it works: Ralph: Come on Bill, who do you think committed the crime? I still can't get a vibes from her to get a holograph and know her location. Bill: Rather simple really, Ralph. I think it was the maid in the billards room with the candlestick. No wait, it was the gentleman in plum with the chloral hydrate in the glass of milk in the kitchen. Or, it was the lady in red with the sleeping gas pen in the parlor. Yeah, we got them now. Then again ... Ralph (thinking): Great, first time I get to be the lead investigator in live action "Clue," which turns into a real case because the hostess gets drugged and kidnapped, and Bill keeps jumping scenarios around, thinking it's the game. (Out loud) Never mind Bill, next thing you'll say it was Col. Mustard with the cholorform rag in the library. Bill: How did you know? Get a holograph yet, kid? This is some great scenario. Come on kid, we've got to save her before those creeps get away going through the secret door in the kitchen. (Bill runs off, Ralph rolls his eyes).
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 7, 2006 14:53:53 GMT -5
Hope your singing lessons went well...don't forget to post pictures so we can all have a good laugh after your Variety performance. *Humming Texas Juggle Girl*
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Post by MelMac on Jan 9, 2006 21:10:02 GMT -5
Hope your singing lessons went well...don't forget to post pictures so we can all have a good laugh after your Variety performance. *Humming Texas Juggle Girl* Thanks, HD, I think. The singing lessons weren't too bad, actually. I found out my voice is still pretty well in tune, which I had some doubt on. I also got to practice my routine with full stage lights (sans spotlight, which I've already asked them not to use on me). Overall it went very well, but I'm going to have to learn to toss my clubs a little lower and faster in order to catch them properly. The song we're doing finale is a spoof of one, but I'm not going to say yet which one. Funny thing is the original song is one that was composed in the '20s, which is the time period costume I put Mac in for the game thread. This is funny because it's the second time in as many thread where I've written something and there was a similarity to it in real life shortly thereafter. New one's costume, first one were pictures I took in college and after that matched particular moves in the story. Odd that. Now, for something completely different, I found out not only am I singing in the finale, but I have to learn choreography. (And, to make it worse, I have the song "Choreography," sung by Danny Kaye in "White Christmas" stuck in my head). Now this isn't too tough, as I do use some in my juggling routines (hopefully I'll have pictures to explain this better), but I have a feeling given the song they chose, it's going to be really cheesy. But, I guess it's all worth it if we put on a good show. The show has a little more variety in acts this year, and given the artists of the month exhibits that will be on display, there should be plenty to see and do at the dinner, which I think makes it special. Now, it's just finalizing the costumes (have to get one together for "In the Mood" too) and a couple more rehearsals until the show Jan. 22.
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Post by MelMac on Jan 12, 2006 19:30:37 GMT -5
Speaking of costumes, I had two questions I wanted to pose to anyone who might have a suggestion. The first regards my "GAH" one. I'm wearing my new GAH shirt, but do you think it would look bad if I had to stripe the black pants with a red stripe? I'm not sure this will happen, as I'm wearing the red shoes and socks, but I might have to do that because the stage has a black curtain, and they haven't said what the scenery looks like. Also, for "In the Mood," I planned on wearing a red polo shirt, denims, the red shoes again and wear a tie as a belt. The music is from the 1940s, but I'm not wearing a dress to juggle in so I thought this might work. Any suggestions as to how I can improve/change it would be appreciated. I'm trying my best to be matched to the music I'm juggling to and not end up like I did for my very first one. That one, "Star Trek IV" I wore red shorts, a white shirt with a parrot on it, white shoes with red socks. The other one I used wasn't much better, it was a blue shirt with a perch on it, blue shorts, white sneakers, white socks, and a red bandanna tied around my ankle.
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Post by Lauren on Jan 12, 2006 20:47:55 GMT -5
I like the idea of the red stripe. I thnk that'd work just fine. The ensemble for "In The Mood" sounds good, too.
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Post by MelMac on Jan 12, 2006 20:54:37 GMT -5
I like the idea of the red stripe. I thnk that'd work just fine. The ensemble for "In The Mood" sounds good, too. Thanks Lauren. Right now it's more of a worst case scenario, as I plan on it being a lot like what I wore in the walkfest pic. The only difference is I'm wearing a long-sleeved GAH shirt and different shoes. Funny thing is, I've always wondered what the suit would look like if it morphed at times, and I almost always have the cape turn into pants with a red stripe. Maybe when I juggle the routine in the future, if I don't use it now, I'll have a pair with the red stripe. Now, only thing I've got to do with the "In the Mood" one is find the best tie that matches the shirt I'm wearing. I have a few leftover from when I made my tie jacket for the fair, so one of those should work. If not, I can always get one from the thrift store for 50 cents.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 13, 2006 10:42:34 GMT -5
Maybe you should get red Hammerpants and that could be the suit morphing.
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Post by MelMac on Jan 13, 2006 16:26:09 GMT -5
Maybe you should get red Hammerpants and that could be the suit morphing. Good grief no, HD. Those had to be the silliest looking pants I've ever seen. Besides, I'm svelte and those would be unflattering. Right now, I plan on keeping the pants as solid black, but I won't know 'til dress rehearsal the day before the show whether or not it'll work. Sad thing is, I'm going to be in both acts, and rehearsal will be all day for me. So, if something is wrong with my outfit, I'll have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off to get everything ready. (Not that I haven't done that before though.) Also, just got the info for the event (which included stuff I didn't already know), and they've succeeded in embarrassing me a bit by mentioning that there would be a performance showcasing "local musicians, singers, dancers, actors and even a juggler." My juggling in a show has never been put in the paper, so hence my reaction. But, it's humbling to know that they are looking forward to the performance as much as I am.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 13, 2006 20:30:17 GMT -5
I like how they make the juggler sound like the freak that will attract everyone. And why black pants? Don't like red, Mrs. Claus?
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Post by MelMac on Jan 13, 2006 20:45:24 GMT -5
I like how they make the juggler sound like the freak that will attract everyone. And why black pants? Don't like red, Mrs. Claus? Funny, but I read it more of a hook (a good one) to get people to come and see the show. Too often it's just singing and acting in talent shows, but talent's so much more than that. One of my favorite variety acts has been someone who demonstrated numbchucks. She was very good. Black pants was to make the outfit look sharp, as I'm not dressing up in the suit (which is sharp on its own). If the director wanted me to wear the suit or told me to wear red pants, I'd gotten the red pants now. If I wore all red, I'd look like I was in (ironically) longjohns, and it wouldn't make sense. (And hey, if I didn't like red, do you think I'd have a shirt? )
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 13, 2006 20:54:16 GMT -5
[ ] Bill: See, kid? Simple. Ralph: Bill, I am not giving MelMac my suit to juggle in...not even the top...she will have to make her own. *If you are not juggling in a suit, you are not a true Hinkley Homie, you know*
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Post by MelMac on Jan 13, 2006 21:40:49 GMT -5
[ ] Bill: See, kid? Simple. Ralph: Bill, I am not giving MelMac my suit to juggle in...not even the top...she will have to make her own. *If you are not juggling in a suit, you are not a true Hinkley Homie, you know* Very funny, HD, and I'm making my own ultimately. In this case, the suit's "morphed" (which is a plot bunny I've got in my head for sometime later). Blame anyone, blame the director for not remembering the show and putting the kibosh on the idea. I'd worn the jammies otherwise, and actually wanted to.
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Post by MelMac on Jan 14, 2006 16:12:03 GMT -5
Just got back from my choreography lesson today, and I was right, it is very silly. Not only that, I will be wearing my GAH outfit for the finale, as it's in act 2. But, it'll look cool, so long as I remember which foot is my left. I'm in the front row, so that's why I'd better remember which is which. The routine itself is going well and both outfits are approved, so it looks like it's good to go.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 14, 2006 16:46:56 GMT -5
*Humming Texas Juggle Girl* You should do a routine to THAT song next time.
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Post by MelMac on Jan 14, 2006 17:11:29 GMT -5
*Humming Texas Juggle Girl* You should do a routine to THAT song next time. Might try "Secret Agent Man" someday, but if I did "Texas Juggle Girl," who'd sing the lyrics? I can't do both (but can walk, talk, chew gum and juggle, so go figure.)
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Post by MelMac on Jan 19, 2006 17:55:29 GMT -5
Well, now that it's a couple of days until the big show, I wanted to give you an update. The choreography for the finale has improved, though I still can't tell my left from right foot for the kick were doing. Still, I have until Saturday to figure it out before the dress rehearsal. The finale song has been stuck in my head all day everyday for the past week, and I had to apologize to the whole office if I started singing it at an odd time. But, at least I know it, since I'm in the front row. The juggling routines are going well too. I'm getting my red longsleeved shirt and socks tomorrow for the "GAH" routine, and will have the outfit together by then. My "In the Mood" one is completed. Next, I have to figure out how to do the stage makeup. It's been a while since I've had to make up my face this way, so it'll be interesting. As far as public interest in the dinner, I've gotten a lot of well-wishes and people saying that they look forward to seeing me juggle at the event. I even had one person say they were going to buy me a glass of wine after the event. This is a bit funny since I don't drink. It's quite cool and humbling though that people are interested in seeing the show and my juggling, so I'm looking forward to it. Now, again, I still have to be careful about the bucket or I'll hit myself in the head with it again. Had a close call last time I juggled the routine.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 20, 2006 19:35:46 GMT -5
Good luck...in case we never hear from you again.
"Be careful up on stage, Don't you know that you're the rage?"
*Keeps humming TEXAS JUGGLE GIRL*
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