Missy Higgins

There have been four important musical moments in my life, and each one has influenced me in ways I cannot even begin to describe.

Moment number one was when I first heard Sarah McLachlan. At that moment, I knew my life would never be the same. I had found a musician who seemed to be speaking directly to me. Sarah's music has gotten me through some tough times, and I continue to come back to it.

The second moment was when I saw Melissa Etheridge in concert. She played that Ovation until the strings broke. Then, she traded it in for a new one and kept on playing. Without a doubt, it was the best concert I've ever attended.

Moment three happened in the spring of 2007, when I first saw the video for Brandi Carlile's "The Story." By early summer, I owned both CDs, and I spent most of July and August on my front porch, strumming along to the songs and wishing I could move to Seattle.

The fourth moment took place a month ago, when I decided to download "Where I Stood" by Missy Higgins. I had heard of Missy, but I never took the time to check out her music. After listening to "Where I Stood," I immediately ordered both albums and downloaded several songs from the EPs. Then, I found the guitar tabs for those songs. For the past four weeks, I have spent most of my free time listening to the 34 Missy Higgins tracks that are on my iTunes playlist. And the great thing is that I haven't grown tired of listening to any of them.

Missy played Harrisburg in October, before I started listening to her. I really, really hope that she decides to come back to the area in 2009. I've heard that she's amazing in concert, and I'd really like to see for myself.

RENT:Filmed Live on Broadway

So, my mom and I went to see "RENT:Filmed Live on Broadway." Apparently, my mom is this world's newest Renthead. She didn't really like it when we saw it live two months ago, but she loved the movie. If we would have had closer seats (instead of the next to last row) when we saw it live, she probably would have liked it better.

But anyway, she's a total RENT fan now. She thinks Maureen is hilarious, and she really likes "Seasons of Love." It's kind of like, What universe is this, and when did I arrive here? Also, she thinks Tracie is great. But really, who doesn't? She's Tracie Thoms. Duh. Tracie's Joanne is basically the only Joanne you'll ever need in life.

I wore my RENT shirt like a total dork. We went grocery shopping after the movie, and some random girl approached me and said, "I love your shirt!" This was after she awkwardly stared at me for a good 15 seconds. I was like, "Uh...thanks." I didn't even bother with my whole, "Yeah, when I saw it last month, I got to meet Tracie Thoms and Renee Goldsberry" routine. I just got the heck out of there.

So, the movie was definitely worth $20. $21 if you count the service fee. I really hope they decide to release it on DVD.

In other news, Seattle was knocked out of the WNBA playoffs last week. San Antonio is going to the finals. The eastern conference champion will be decided tonight.

Goodbye, Love

I came to say goodbye, love...

Goodbye, RENT.

What are we supposed to do Without You?

RENT: Filmed Live on Broadway

So, I will be going to the August 28th showing of "RENT: Filmed Live on Broadway." The Wednesday/Thursday showings are at 7:00 pm. The theater is almost an hour away, so I wouldn't get home until close to 11. I'll probably be an emotional wreck after seeing it, and I don't want to use one of my sick days that early in the school year. My mom works all day on Saturday (the 27th), so we're going on Sunday.

I asked all of my students to write their favorite movie on their information card. Three of my students listed "RENT." Two more students saw my hand made "RENT" poster and asked me about it. "I met one of the actresses. She played Joanne in the movie," I said. "I have a picture. Do you want to see it?" "Yes!!!" they enthusiastically replied. They thought it was cool, and a few of the other kids were like, "So, what is it about??" One of the girls in the front row gave a little summary of it. When that class does their music activity during the "Anne Frank" unit, I am so going to put a "RENT" song on their playlist.

One of the members of the TV crew stopped by to interview me the other day. She's either a junior or a senior. Here is a summary of the interview:

"What do you like to do?" she asked.

"I really like photography."

"That's awesome. I really like photography, too."

"I also like Broadway musicals," I added.

"Oh my God, you're my new favorite person!"

Maybe I should be teaching upperclassmen. I have 6 classes, and I genuinely like 4 of them. The other two have been giving me all kinds of problems. I love 9th graders, but I sometimes wish that I could also teach 11th grade. Sophomores and seniors annoy me, but I think juniors would probably be ok. Plus, we would be able to read lots of Emily Dickinson! Maybe I'll get lucky and have a few junior classes next year. I would be very willing to give up my higher level classes. I love the B-level kids because they don't think they're automatically entitled to an "A." The other teachers like a mixture, but I would be more than happy teaching 6 sections of B-level classes.

To Lauren Jackson

Dear LJ,

If you love Australia so much, go ahead and move there permanently.

Go Team USA! Beat Australia and show them which team is the best in the world.

Go Storm! Show LJ that we can win a championship without her!

No day but today

This entry is a few days late, but I've been busy.

I went to New York City last weekend. On Saturday afternoon, I finally got to see RENT. It pretty much changed my life forever, just as I thought it would.

Oh, and I also got to meet Tracie Thoms! I'm a complete "Wonderfalls" geek, so I was just as happy to meet "Mahandra" as I was to meet "Joanne." Seriously though, I've been a big fan of hers since "Wonderfalls," and I currently watch her on "Cold Case." She was a total sweetheart, and she took the time to sign autographs and take pictures with people. The entire scene could be described as a madhouse; everyone basically swarmed her as soon as she came out.

I know I usually reserve this blog for talk about Brandi Carlile and the WNBA, but Broadway is another huge part of my life. When I was in 8th grade, my English teacher told each student to bring in an object that best described him/her. I brought in my "Phantom" Playbill. Nine years later, I'm still being inspired by musical theater.

I still haven't seen "Wicked." Yeah, I know. I do have a good excuse, however. I was supposed to see RENT last November, on the day the stagehands went on strike. I was halfway to the city when we received a phone call, informing us that all shows were cancelled for the day. I was originally going to see "Wicked" last weekend, but RENT extended its run until September. So, I ordered tickets and prayed that nothing bad would happen.

I'm thinking about getting a tattoo in honor of RENT. I can't get anything major, since a lot of school districts hate to see them. However, I think I might get "No day but today" on my right arm.

In sports news, the U.S. women's soccer team lost their first match at the Olympics (soccer starts before the first official day). I'm sure it won't be the last, unfortunately.

The NBA in Oklahoma City

I don't really follow the NBA, so I very rarely, if ever, comment on it. However, I would be remiss if I did not mention the new Oklahoma City team--for the simple reason that it sort of relates to the Storm. As most sports fans know, the Seattle SuperSonics are moving to Oklahoma City, beginning with the upcoming 2008-2009 season. The Storm are staying in Seattle.

The NBA has filed for trademark rights to 6 names. About a year ago, when there was a very real possibility that the Storm would also move to Oklahoma, I created a list of team names. I have no idea what I did with that list, but I have to believe that it was much better than the one the NBA has released. The list is as follows:

1. Barons
2. Bison
3. Energy
4. Marshalls
5. Thunder
6. Wind

Don't get me wrong. Bison are amazing, beautiful animals. However, they don't exactly bring to mind images of power and dominance, unless you think about the way in which they were brutally and systematically killed by blood thirsty white hunters in the 19th century. Do we really need to be reminded, once again, that we almost killed off an entire species of animal, simply because we wanted to piss of Native Americans? Also, New York sort of already has an entire city named Buffalo. Sure, American Bison aren't even really related to buffalo, but I'm not even going to go into that. Moving on....

Marshalls/Marshals is ok, since it actually relates to the city's history. Barons, Energy, Thunder, and Wind are all really lame. Oklahoma City Energy sounds like the name of an electric company. "If your power goes out, please call Oklahoma City Energy's customer service number."

To be honest, I think the real problem lies in the fact that the team will be called the Oklahoma City Whatevers, instead of just being called the Oklahoma Whatevers. The Liberty/Knicks/Rangers/Yankees/Mets/etc. don't have the word "city" before their name. If they eliminate "city," they may be able to come up with some other options.

Either way, I highly doubt that moving to a different city will help a team that has played well below expectations for the past several seasons.

Suspensions Are In

Suspensions were just handed out by WNBA President Donna Orender, and I have to say that most of the players got off pretty easy. Elaine Powell got 5 games for hitting Coco Miller a few years ago, and Diana Taurasi got 2 games for talking back to officials.

Here is the complete list:

Plenette Pierson (4 games)
Rick Mahorn (2 games)
Kara Braxton (1 game)
Tasha Humphrey (1 game)
Elaine Powell (1 game)
Sheri Sam (1 game)
Shannon Bobbitt (2 games)
Murriel Page (2 games)
Lisa Leslie (1 game)
DeLisha Milton-Jones (1 game)
Candace Parker (1 game)

Because so many people are suspended, the suspensions will be staggered. Leslie, Milton-Jones, Parker, and Bobbitt will not be playing in tonight's game against Connecticut.

Breaking News from Detroit

The Detroit Shock just signed Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, 50, to a seven-day contract.

Watch as Lieberman suits up and takes on the Houston Comets, tonight at 9:30 on ESPN 2.

I can't believe I just typed that last sentence.

Breaking News from the W

With less than 5 seconds left in the game, the Los Angeles Sparks and Detroit Shock got into a huge brawl in the middle of the Palace Court. With about 5 seconds left, Marie Ferdinand-Harris made two foul shots for the Sparks. Immediately following the second foul shot, Candace Parker (Sparks) and Plenette Pierson (Shock) got tangled up near the three-point line. By the time the cameras focused in on the center of the court, both teams--coaches included--were in the middle of the court. Based on the many replays I saw, here is what happened:

--Parker and Pierson got tangled up. Parker ended up on the floor, and Pierson went after her. Parker attempted to get up. She got about halfway before pulling Pierson down with her.

--Some kind of contact occurred between Lisa Leslie and Rick Mahorn, the Shock's assistant coach. According to Leslie, he shoved her. Despite my intense hatred for all things Sparks, I'm actually inclined to believe her. Either way, she went down.

--After the contact with Leslie and Mahorn, Delisha-Milton Jones shoved Mahorn and hit him.

--Words were exchanged between several players, but Leslie seemed to be playing peacemaker throughout the whole thing. I didn't see much action from Katie Smith, but Deanna Nolan was exchanging words with someone.

--Cheryl Ford fell to the floor in the beginning of the fight and was eventually taken off the court in a wheelchair. Ford, whose temper is usually just a notch below her coach's, was actually trying to break up the fight before she got hurt.

--After much deliberation and tape watching, the officials decided to eject Parker, Milton-Jones, Pierson, and Mahorn.

I have no idea what the Powers That Be will do, but I think Parker, Milton-Jones, Pierson, and Mahorn should be suspended for at least three games. I'm sure Mahorn will get more if it's determined that he deliberately shoved Leslie. I could also see another game or two added to Pierson's suspension, considering she initiated the contact between herself and Parker.

Breaking News from U.S. Women's Soccer

Yesterday, in a friendly match against Brazil, Abby Wambach, the U.S. team's top scorer, broke her leg. She will be sidelined for three months. This, of course, means that she will not be able to play in the Olympics, which begin on August 8th.

The match, played in San Diego, was the U.S. team's last game before heading to Beijing. Natasha Kai, who went into the game after Wambach was carried off the field, ended up scoring a goal to give her team the win.

Wambach's absence is a huge blow to the U.S. players, who were hoping to redeem themselves after last fall's less than stellar performance at the Women's World Cup. Germany ended up winning that title, and it's easy to see that they could also win Olympic gold.

This whole situation raises the question of whether or not star players should play in friendly matches right before a huge tournament. Yes, yesterday's game gave them practice against a team that they will likely face in Beijing. However, it also cost them their top scorer and woman who is basically the face of their entire program.

If the U.S. is going to win gold, they need to find a player--or a combination of players--who can step up and score on a consistent basis. Stay tuned to see if they can accomplish that feat in the next three weeks.

Mercury at Liberty game review

So, I went to Sunday's Mercury at Liberty game. I sat in the third row of CRT 15, right behind the Liberty bench. My dad and I waited outside MSG until about 2:45, when light rain forced us to get in line. By the time we screwed around in the team store and went to the bathroom, it was about 3:20 or so.

We both ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and waited for the teams to come out and shoot some baskets. The Mercury shot around at our end, so I got to watch Taurasi in all her glory. It was a good thing, since she ended up sitting out most of the second half.

They didn't hand out roster cards, but we did get some shoestrings. Yeah, I know.

I like both teams, so I just wore a generic WNBA shirt and hat. I was sort of dismayed at the overall lack of jerseys/shirts, but I did see some cute kids who were wearing oversized Taurasi UConn jerseys.

The game started, and I thought, "Well, the Merc have this game. It's over."

And then the Lib treys started happening.

And then Taurasi got a technical for acting like a jackass.

By halftime, the Lib kids had stretched their lead to 22. The halftime entertainment was stupid, as always. I honestly don't even remember what it was, but I'm sure it involved a group of children dancing.

Because the Liberty had such a commanding lead, Ashley Battle played almost fifteen minutes and scored 17 points. Obviously, I was pretty happy about that. I was screaming like a maniac and taking her picture. They probably could have hauled me off on suspicion of stalking.

The Timeless Torches came out and danced to that retarded "Low" song, or whatever it's called. I hated that song to begin with. Now, I just want it to die a slow, painful death. If I can figure out a way to put videos on here, I will post some of it. The best part about it was that Ashley Battle was watching them and laughing her ass off. I didn't film her, but I totally should have. Coyle was talking about plays and everything, and Battle could not have cared less. At one point, she even had to cover her face because she was laughing so hard.

The entire Liberty squad made a music video for "Rapper's Delight," and it was hilarious. Erin Thorn looked slightly awkward, while Battle kicked ass. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Lib hit 100 for the first time in franchise history, thanks to a basket by Erlana Larkins. MSG pretty much erupted into one solid wall of cheers. I have to say that it was pretty awesome. The game ended with a 105-72 Liberty win.

After the game, Ashley Battle and Tiffany Jackson were interviewed by MSG. After the interview, I rushed over to get an autograph from Battle. I was literally pushing kids to the side. It was crazy. She signed ONE autograph, for the little kid next to me, and then went to the lockers. I was like, "ASHLEY!!!!" You know, she probably does think that I'm a stalker. I have to say that I really don't blame her.

After the game, I bought a bunch of Lib merchandise, most of which I really don't need. My dad and I walked around outside, before learning that the Mercury were riding the train to D.C. (someone forgot to check the damn schedule before she left). So, we were waiting in Penn Station, looking at the board to find out if our train was on time, when a group of Mercury players, including Tangela Smith, just walked by us. I started freaking out a little, but they either didn't notice or didn't care. So, they kept on walking. I was kind of shocked, to be honest. A few minutes later, freaking Kelly Mazzante and Jen Derevjanik walked by us. Instead of asking them for an autograph, I stood there like an idiot, saying, "It's Kelly Mazzante and Jen Derevjanik!" At that point, I got my Sharpie out, just in case Cappie or Taurasi walked by. They didn't, and I felt like an idiot because half of the Phoenix Mercury walked right by me and I have no pictures and no autographs to show for it. The greatest thing is that NO ONE cared about the fact the there were WNBA players walking around the station. There were people wearing Mercury shirts and Liberty jerseys, and I was the only one who actually cared. My dad told me that it was probably better that I didn't bother them, since they had lost by 33 points. But really, how often do you think Kelly Mazzante and Jen Derevjanik get asked for their autograph? They probably would have looked at me and said, "Really? You want US to SIGN something? Are you sure???"

The Liberty won't be playing in MSG during the 2009 and 2010 seasons because they are doing completely unnecessary renovations to the interior of the arena. They sent me a survey, asking me to comment on the renovations. One of the things they're working on is better seating. I sit three or four rows behind the bench; I really don't see how it can get any better than that, unless you want to give me a seat next to the Liberty bench. They're currently trying to figure out where they're going to play. I picked the Prudential Center, since I actually know where that is and can easily get to it on the train. If all else fails, I'll just have to go to the Verizon Center or Mohegan Sun.

My mom was trying to tell me that we're going to take a trip to the West coast next year, but I'm not holding my breath. I asked, "Does that mean we can go to Seattle?" She said, "Probably." I replied, "So we can see the Storm play at home!" She responded by saying, "Well, we can't always work things out like that." Ok, I really want to go to Seattle. But if I go, I'm going to go see a damn Seattle Storm game.

We're going to NYC in August, when the WNBA is off. So, I'll sit outside MSG, cry a few tears, and wait for 2011.

Ran is coming to town...but I won't see her

Miranda Lambert will once again be performing in my area. This time, she will be coming to my local fair with Blake Shelton. The only problem is that the concert falls on the same Monday that will more than likely be reserved for my first teacher induction meeting. Last year's meeting fell on the same Monday, so I can't think it will be any different this year. The concert starts at 7:30, which is the same time that the meeting ends. The meeting is being held a few miles from the fair, but parking is always a pain, and I probably wouldn't get there until 8. Even if she performs after Blake, I won't get to meet her, since the meet and greet usually happens about an hour before the show.

I know I already met her once this year, but I really would like to see her perform again, especially since I know people who can get really great seats for fair concerts. Teaching is great and everything, but I'm starting to realize how it's going to affect my life. A concert on the same night as parent/teacher conferences? Sorry, no. How about a trip to the WNBA finals? Not going to happen.

I missed out on seeing The Wreckers a few years ago, so I'm sure I'll get over this soon enough. It obviously helps that I've already met her and everything. If I hadn't, I'd probably be even more upset than I already am.

The worst part about it is that the fair still has one more open night, and it's a Friday. They could have tried to get them for Friday, but they went for Monday. Now, they're trying to get Danity Kane for Friday, and I'm definitely not going to go see them.

Becky Hammon

So, Becky Hammon will be playing for the Russian team in the 2008 Olympics. While I understand that the U.S. has a long and tumultuous relationship with Russia, I also understand that this is 2008. The Cold War? Yeah, it's over.

This decision ultimately comes down to two things. The first is reality. The second is money. Realistically speaking, Becky Hammon's chances of making the U.S. Olympic team, for whatever reason, were extremely slim. Becky has always been the underdog, so it really should come as no surprise that she's been overlooked yet again. It's not right, but it's reality.

WNBA players don't make a lot of money during June, July, and August. However, they make lots of money overseas. Hammon was worried that her Russian team would drop her if she took time off to chase a dream that probably wouldn't happen. So, she decided to join the Russian Olympic team.

Before I continue, let me make something clear. Becky Hammon joined another team; she did not kill someone, get a DUI, rob a bank, or fail to pay her taxes.

For a few weeks in August, Becky Hammon will be playing for a team that probably won't win the gold medal--but she'll get to play. And isn't that what it's really all about???

BASKETBALL.

The WNBA's First Week

It's been a long time since I last updated, partly because I was so busy with student teaching. Now that I've finally graduated college, I have a lot of free time on my hands. So, I'm going to go back a few months and comment on some big changes that happened in the league.

The Seattle Storm's starting lineup consists of Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, Swin Cash, Sheryl Swoopes, and Yolanda Griffith. That's a lot of All-Star appearances, Olympic medals, and championships. The team started off 3-0 (more on that later) before dropping a game to San Antonio.

Candace Parker went first in the draft, to the surprise of no one, and is now a member of the Los Angeles Sparks. I can't stand the Sparks, but it's impossible to deny Parker's talent. She smashed the record for most points scored in a WNBA debut by racking up 34 quick ones in a match against the Mercury. The Sparks ended up winning the game 99-94.

The Mercury started off 0-3. The Liberty aren't doing much better. I'm going to the Mercury @ Liberty game in June. Let's hope they both get their act together before then. Otherwise, I'm going to wear a generic WNBA shirt to the game and not tell anyone who I'm rooting for. Technically, I'm really not even sure who I'm rooting for. I was thinking about going to another game, in which case I would root for the Mercury in June and the Liberty at the second game. However, I may just go to one game. It's hard to tell. Liberty attendance is still pitiful, so I shouldn't have a problem getting tickets.

Comments on the Seattle Storm

The Storm started off strong in terms of actually winning. However, they had to come back from huge deficits (as much as 21 against the Mercury) in order to do so. On paper, the team is amazing. On the court, they seem to flounder a bit. I think part of the problem (or possibly most of the problem) has to do with the fact that they still haven't figured out everyone's role. Should Swoopes try for 15 points a night, or should she focus on forcing a few turnovers and getting a couple of crucial steals? What should Yo be doing out on the floor? The only one who seems to have a defined role is Swin. She shoots; she scores. Bird has been averaging about 13 points a game, which is fantastic. LJ has been all over the place, but it really isn't her fault. As soon as roles are defined, she should settle into about 20-25 points a game.

Tanisha Wright shouldn't be handling the ball. She can hit important shots, but she has no ball control. This isn't a huge problem against a team like Atlanta or even Chicago, but it will get you nowhere against a more established opponent like Detroit, San Antonio, or Los Angeles. Gearlds had a few awesome games and then produced absolutely nothing in the loss against the Silver Stars. She needs to be hitting a few treys each game. Almost everyone has been getting minutes, thanks to Coach Agler's willingness to actually play newbies. This should help them if LJ gets into foul trouble or if one of the vets needs to sit for an extended period of time.

Here is what I would like to see, in terms of points, from each player.

Jackson: 20-25
Bird: 10-15
Cash: 15-20
Swoopes: 10
Griffith: 10
Gearlds: 6-10
Wright: 8-10
Robinson: 5-10
Ely: 5

That would give us a minimum of 89 points. These numbers are probably unrealistic, but they aren't unreachable. In fact, I think Gearlds is capable of scoring 15-20 on a given night, which would take some of the pressure off of Swoopes and Griffith. Somehow, this team needs to figure out where it's going.

Coming Up: Comments on Becky Hammon's decision to play for Russia

Breaking News from Seattle

Yesterday, women's basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes signed a multi-year contract with the Seattle Storm.

Welcome, Sheryl.

Can you say best freaking starting lineup in the WNBA???????

Bird
Jackson
Swoopes
Cash
Burse (?)

Breaking Seattle Storm News

Swin Cash is now a member of the Seattle Storm.

Breaking news from the W

Today, Connecticut's Katie Douglas was traded to Indiana, in exchange for Tamika Whitmore.

In other news, Swin Cash is pretty sure she's going to Seattle. The heartbreaking loss of Lennox and Castro-Marques had to give us something, and I'm feeling pretty good about seeing Cash in a green jersey. If any news comes in, I'll be sure to post it.

Miranda and Me

Here it is: Miranda and me!

I had to edit out some red eye, but other than that I think it looks awesome.

Sidenote: My hair is so long! I guess that's what happens when you fail to get it cut for 7 (!!!) months. I had an appointment scheduled for last Tuesday, but the snow/ice prevented me from getting there.

I'm glad I chose to wear the newest Ran Fans shirt. I was going to wear the old school shirt (the one with little pictures of Miranda in blue letters), but it was sort of faded. And I'm so glad my stupid hot pink Meet and Greet sticker pass didn't make it into the picture. Those things are just garishly bright and annoying.

Miranda Lambert concert review

After being a Miranda Lambert fan for almost five years, I finally got to see her in concert last night. In addition, I got to meet her before the show. I have to say that she's probably one of the nicest celebrities I've met. I'm pretty partial to Phil Sweet from LBT, since he called me sweetheart and gave me a hug, but Ran is a close second.

She opened with "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and ran through about half of "Kerosene" and nearly all (or maybe all??) of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." I was slightly disappointed that she didn't sing "Greyhound Bound for Nowhere," but I survived. "Gunpowder and Lead" was probably the highlight of the evening, but "Kerosene" was awesome.

Near the end of the show, she invited everyone to gather around the stage, but I was in the middle of my section and couldn't get out fast enough. My pictures came out alright, but I really wish I could have stood by the stage for the last few songs.

The crowd was so-so in terms of excitement, but that's how it usually is at American Music Theater. As per usual, I was surrounded by people who don't like to dance. The same thing happened at the 2006 Gretchen Wilson show in York, so I'm used to it.

I pretty much freaked out when she sang "New Strings," since it's my favorite song. I always seem to like the random songs that an artist never sings in concert, so I was really glad that Ran had "New Strings" on the set list.

I met a few Ran Fans, all of whom were super nice. I didn't bring my actual concert ticket to the door, since I figured the Meet and Greet pass would be enough for me to meet her. My mom had the tickets in the lobby, and the ticket guy made me run back and get mine. So, I ended up being the last person in line for the Meet and Greet. So, I was like, "Well, I guess I'll be waiting in line for a while." But as luck would have it, Ran came in through the door closest to where I was standing, so I got to meet her first. It was a very surreal moment, but it was great. I can't wait until they post the pictures on her website.

Overall, I had a great evening. Hopefully, I won't have to wait another five years to see her in concert!