This week has been busy and fun.
On Wednesday night I had the opportunity to see the Sacramento Broadway production of Mary Poppins. What a splendid delight that was. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
This weekend, starting tomorrow, we’re heading to Lake Tahoe for a Standup Paddle Board race. My father is the event producer – and a few members of my family will be racing.
I’ll be taking photos.
I also watched two movies this week. One was X-Men: First Class and Kung Fu Panda 2. I enjoyed both. But I’m no movie critic. I see movies because I enjoy the theater, movie creation, costuming, acting and more.
I’ve been very much impressed with all the kindness and support from all of you towards the blog this week. It’s been a phenomenal experience – and I hope that I can repay each of you, in many ways.
Social Media On A New Level
- Yomar is writing up a storm of new information over at Yogizilla’s Blankity Blank-Blank. This past week he discussed social media and how it places a deeper importance on people; allowing companies to care about those whom they serve.
- Tweets should be interesting. It seems that Comedy Tweet! tries to help in that regard. Over at the website you’ll find real-time tweets by comedians. They’re hilarious!
- Rewarding your Twitter followers is important. There’s always a better way to show them you care, and I hope to be better at that during the next couple of months. It’s one of my goals.
Are You A Struggling Writer?
- Sometimes it’s a difficult life working as a freelance writer. Over at Writing 4 Effect there’s a great list that gives you a breakdown of places you can search for freelance jobs.
Beauty with Words
There’s this new free service Aaron Klein was talking about where you can make beautiful word clouds out of your blog content. It’s spectacular. I’ve already used it for a couple of items.
The Google +1 Button Buzz
- If you use WordPress as your blogging platform, you can grab the new WordPress Google +1 Button Plugin already. You’ll notice that it’s installed over here at Smart Boy Designs and it’s working great.
- This week Adrienne Smith gave an in-depth review of the Google +1 Button and shared her thoughts on the new system.
My Miscellany Mind
- I love the book Les Miserables. It looks like the Broadway production is playing in San Francisco next year. What other Broadway musicals would you recommend and why?
- BrettSchorr.com is a great example of design, personality and color use.
- We all know we have extra time to waste (not!) so here’s a great website to check out.
Simply Beautiful
As you probably know, I love to listen to and sing opera. This video is of Cecilia Bartoli and Bryn Terfel. It’s magnificent.
What cool things did you find online this week?
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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Hey Christian,
Fun post! I tell you, I never grew the ear for opera…but I still watched the video and found it very impressive. I definitely can appreciate the unique skill.
I got my Google +1 up and active on my site. I’m looking forward to discovering out what benefits it brings.
Thanks for all the links. I have some poking around to do.
Have a nice Friday and weekend.
PEACE
Jk Allen recently posted..Being the Standard and Creating a Lasting Impression
Twitter: smartboydesigns
June 10, 2011 at 2:14 am
Although we may not enjoy different skills to the same level, you’re right, there’s a lot to be appreciated in this world.
Glad to hear you’ve got the Google +1 going on your site. I just noticed it today. I think there are going to be a lot of benefits. Maybe more than we even realize at the moment. If anything, it really doesn’t take up a whole lot of space.
Hey Chris,
I don’t think I ever told you the reason my parents and I moved to Germany when I was 3. It was so that my dad could pursue his career in opera. He sang with the Darmstadt Staatstheater (State Theater) for 27 years before retirement.
I got to perform in one of his operas when I was 10: Rossini’s La Cenerentola. I didn’t sing, but I got to play a peasant girl and an angel. I wore a big, poofy blond wig and was very cute. ;-D
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June 10, 2011 at 10:41 am
That’s incredible, Courtney. How did you enjoy that experience? What is your father’s name? You’ve been exposed to more opera than I’m sure I will for years to come. How awesome!
I bet you were darling. Once saw the King and I in play, and the children were darling.
Hi christian,
Reading this poast made me think of all the fun we used to have in California. SIGH. I fear we will never return to live in California, we are now forever East coaster.
I love that you love opera. It’s so unique and different and i associate opera with you now. Thank you for that because up until now i always thought of A fat lady wearing a Viking hat ( the kind with the two horns sticking out of it). I’m a big classical music lover myself, but i do enjoy opera once in a while.
One of the best broadway productions i saw was “the lion king” in London many years ago. I expected it to resemble a Disney production but it did not. The costume, the plot, imagery and choreography was amazing and brilliant. To say that it was entrancing would be an understatement. The best thing about the production is it’s a great family production so if they ever go to SF you can see it with the family.
p.s.
I love standup paddle boarding. We’re going to be doing some paddle boarding in July in North Caroloina. I do miss all the Surfing and boogie boarding and sailing that my family used to do in California.
Have a great weekend Christian. ps. Love the photo, it’s so avant-guarde
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June 11, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Well, I say you get over here to California every once in a while – at least in a few years, and spend some time at your favorite places. You know what they say: Leave Northern California before it makes you soft, and leave New York before it makes you hard!
That’s why I need to get to New York city quick!
Man, I’ve always wanted to see the Lion King. I’ve seen Beauty and the Beast – that was pretty much amazing. I hear Lion King though is incredible. As well as Les Miserables and Phantom.
So cool to hear you paddleboard! Just got back from the weekend trip – and will be posting photos later tonight. I bet there are some beautiful beaches in North Carolina to paddleboard.
Glad you like the photo. Been playing around a bit – and trying to make the blog more personable. Glad it’s working.
WOOHOO!
I am honored to be mentioned in such a great class! I’d like to share a fun little fact you may not know about me: musicals are a “guilty pleasure” of mine. I love Mary Poppins: Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyk are amazing! I love the one dance routine they do with the big band music going on.
What great timing you have, Christian. I’ve been rediscovering Mary Poppins this past week with my loved ones. Certainly, it always puts me in the right spirits!
Some other musicals and Broadway productions I’ve enjoyed (thanks to living in NYC for many years): Rent, Repo! The Genetic Opera, The Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, and the shorts and special episodes produced by Joss Whedon. Like you, I have quite the eclectic tastes!
Thank you for sharing another wonderful piece with us, CH! ^_^
Twitter: smartboydesigns
June 11, 2011 at 7:06 pm
That’s fantastic Yomar! After watching the Broadway version of Mary Poppins I realize how incredibly LUCKY we were to have Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. They were/are fantastic! Such great actors in their time and always.
I haven’t watched the movie, Mary Poppins, in quite some time; so I’m planning on doing so tomorrow with my brothers. I wonder if they’ve even seen it!
The only other “broadway” I’ve seen apart from Mary Poppins now has been Beauty and the Beast. Love the movie and love the musical. All those you talk about sound delightful. I’d love to be so close; to see all those great productions!
This was a fantastic post — loved the variety of content and had NO idea you were an opera fanatic. This opera performance was definitely entertaining; although, I prefer Andrea Bocelli or Sarah Brightman — hooked on their version of “Time To Say Goodbye (cry every time I hear it … still). I also really enjoyed Britain’s Got Talent 2007 winner Paul Potts. Amazing voice.
Hey, you mentioned a post I have on my site — thanks — you know you’re one of my favorite bloggers!
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June 14, 2011 at 11:09 am
I love YouTube because there is just so much you can watch in terms of opera performances. There are thousands! Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman are certainly two of my favorites. Aren’t they incredible!
I love Bryn Terfel because he’s a baritone, which is what I have. I sure wish I could get up a few more notes like Andrea – he has the most beautiful range.
Paul Potts, what I love about him, is his passion. You can just FEEL that he loves to sing. It’s so touching.