When Life Gives You Lemons...
@kingsofconshow and the interview begins!

@kingsofconshow and the interview begins!

Name Change… for now…

Random Thoughts was getting too random so I decided to change it. With all that’s going on in our day-to-day lives, I learned to roll with the punches and go with the flow. So hence, the new title: When Life Gives You Lemons …. (enter your own ending here).  Here’s to the sweet life…

USA Superfans says Characters Thank You

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Well that was what I decided to adorn my phone case with.  I wanted my sign to say “Characters Congregate”, but thought it was too close to Joss Whedon’s “Avengers Assemble” tagline, and we all know who’d win in that legal matter. (LOVED “THE AVENGERS” and can’t wait for the sequel).  I think it was well received from some of the comments I got.

My adventure to the USA Network upfront on May 17, 2012 as a Superfan/Photographer/Twitterer/Facebooker of all the USA Red Carpet arrivals started with a short meeting with a client with the understanding I had somewhere to be at 1pm.  After a quick stop at the Time Warner Building, I found my way to the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center and the red carpet or in this case blue carpet. There I met up with Tara (USA Network Superfan and Chaser extraordinaire).  It was quite warmer than the 61 degrees that registered on my phone, but I think that was because we were standing in the shade at the time of the reading.  After snaking through the barriers we were first in line. Check in was a breeze and with credentials in hand we were lead to the risers where we would be standing on for the next 3 plus hours: note to self wear sneakers and sunscreen (that is, if they do it again next year). 

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The legitimate media were in front of us, Eonline, WWE, Z100, and the Weather Channel to name a few. It was very cool to the meet Ted Lindhart, @TedOnTV.  Very cool guy who knows everyone!

Not gonna list everyone who swung by but needless to say most of the stars from White Collar, Burn Notice, Psyche, Royal Pain, Suits, Fairly Legal, Necessary Roughness, WWE Raw, and Common Law were there. You can check out the pics on fb.  Those who stopped for interviews were funny, charming (Bruce Campbell you need to do a one-man show on broadway) and gracious to the interviewers.  They were also quite accommodating to us fans who made a request for a picture or just to shake their hand and say thanks for the great entertainment they give to their shows.  It was quite nice to see that.  I would be remissed though if I didn’t admit my disappointment when Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay from White Collar were whisked past our Superfan section as well as for James Roday and Dule Hill from Psyche.  Like I said, maybe next year.

Well that about sums it up. I had a blast and met some cool people through this social media experience and hope to keep in touch with along the way.  So for now, thanks USA Network for a very cool experience that I hope you’ll continue,  and to Tara, Jenny, Tegan, Lexie, Diana, Ted, Monica, Rob and Rob, may our paths pass again some day so we can share some more laughs and a drink! 

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Pun-ography - Wordplay on fire…

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Words have a way of making us feel many things. These words will just make you happy; A friend sent this to me and they are too funny not to share. I’ll give you the top 5 but please continue to read because I know everyone could use a laugh.

  1. I changed my iPod name to Titanic.  It’s syncing now .
  2. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity.  I can’t put it down.
  3. A dyslexic man walks into a bra.
  4. Energizer bunny arrested.  Charged with battery.
  5. What do you call a dinosaur with a extensive vocabulary?  A thesaurus.
  • When chemists die, they barium.
  • Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.
  • A soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
  • I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid.  He says he can stop any time.
  • How does Moses make his tea?  Hebrews it.
  • I stayed up all night to see where the sun went.  Then it dawned on me.
  • This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore.
  • They told me I had Type A blood, but it was a Type- O.
  • PMS jokes aren’t funny, period.
  • Why were the Indians here first?  They had reservations.
  • Class trip to the Coca-Cola factory.  I hope there’s no pop quiz.
  • I didn’t like my beard at first.  Then it grew on me.
  • How do you make holy water?  Boil the hell out of it!
  • Did you hear about the cross eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils?
  • When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.
  • What does a clock do when it’s hungry?  It goes back four seconds.
  • I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger.  Then it hit me!
  • Broken pencils are pointless.
  • I tried to catch some fog.  I mist.
  • England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.
  • I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.
  • I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx.
  • All the toilets in New York’s police stations have been stolen. Police have nothing to go on .
  • I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.
  • Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.
  • Velcro - what a rip off!
  • Cartoonist found dead in home.  Details are sketchy.
  • Venison for dinner?  Oh deer!
  • Earthquake in Washington obviously government’s fault.
  • I used to think I was indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.
  • Be kind to your dentist.  He has fillings, too.
SNC at NJPAC… Oh what a night!!!

April 28 was a great day…

For most jobs, the work week ends on a Friday and starts up on a Monday.  Note to my clients: please try to get all data to me on time, next time.  Not that I’m complaining, coz anyone of my fb friends will attest, “I am self-employed and loving it, but when there are places to go and people to see, it’s a tad annoying.  But hey it pays the bills and this will be the last negative thing I will say.

Now on to one of the best Saturday nights of the year so far.  Not only was I headed to see Straight No Chaser at NJPAC, in Newark, NJ, but it began with a win for the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the Second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not bad considering they were going on 2 days rest after a rougher-than-it-should-have-been first round.  Do you know how hard it was to watch the last period on my phone, on the train, and having to stifle “GOAL” when that puck hit the back of the net? It wasn’t easy but high-fives with my sisters would have to do.   The game ended just in time as the train pulled into Newark Penn Station. 

Ah what an unusual smell we discovered as we got off the train; one that we would revisit later that night.  Finding our way to NJPAC wasn’t too hard, especially when you take a cab. Plus the 4 blocks they alluded to on their website was an understatement.  As we get out of the cab, we are greeted by the very reason we were there:  

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Straight No Chaser (@SNCMusic on Twitter or website www.sncmusic.com) was in the house. I was lucky to see them last month in Las Vegas at The Smith Center for my birthday.  It was the first time seeing them in 2012 and what a treat it was. And as usual they did not disappoint.  They seem to get better every time.  Not that they need to get better mind you. It’s just that the more you see them, the more they amaze you.  Like repeat screenings of films, you pick out something you didn’t see or in this case, heard before.  This time, I came with both my sisters and I was looking forward to seeing some Chasers we hadn’t seen since last year.  My favorite part of NJPAC was they actually had a theatre dedicated to me: Victoria Theatre. LOL. 

We found our seats, friends and all was good in the world.  It’s a great feeling to be around people who share that common love for 10 gentlemen with the innate ability to make you forget everything else and just enjoy the beauty of their voices.  They truly transport you to a carefree world.   You laugh, you smile, you dance in your seat. You might even shed a tear or two.  Their camaraderie on stage is infectious.  Maybe this explains why Chasers are such welcoming souls.  I could go on and on but won’t.  I’ll just let some of the videos tell the rest.  Check them out on YouTube on my channel vickyvictoriag. 

Moves Like Jagger/LMAFO Mashup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4FN7tVgouU

Hi Dee Ho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wmew0gd6y0

Movie Medley: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5pIY-6DLac&feature=youtu.be

Somebody I Used to Know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgbw9EUjNO4&feature=youtu.be

Stubborn Seggie Segment: say that 3 times fast! A fun sniglet featuring Seggie Isho: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45gM-wHK3bk&feature=channel&list=UL

I will end though by saying, if they are in or remotely near your town, please go check them out for yourself. YouTube videos and PBS specials are all good, but nothing compares to seeing them live. And if you find yourself looking for something fun to do on Oct. 11-15, 2012, why not cruise the high seas with SNC. Go to http://snccruise.com for details. 

In memory of all those gone but not forgotten.

My heart hurts for all those who lost family or friends on September 11, 2001.  I can only imagine the grief they feel for this senseless loss.  I hope they have all, in their own way, found some peace from within to cope.  You hear the names; you hear the hurt in their voices. You also hear the love in their voices for those lost. You hear the many thanks to all who helped that day and since.  The one thing you don’t hear is the sound of hate.

The strength exhibited by those reading the names, especially by the children is one to behold.  I don’t think I would have had the composure to do so.

There is so much to say, but I won’t bore you my thoughts.  I will leave you though with the one image that I will always remember. It is all the images of the family members tracing the name of their loved ones onto a piece of paper.  For many, this is the only headstone they will have to commemorate their loved one.   

My wish and prayer for all:  May your hurt fade, your heart heals and may the love of the world embrace you on this day and always. Until you are together again in heaven, know that they are watching over you.

P.S. As I was about to post this, one man did show anger for his loss.  I still don’t call it hate; I see it as just stating something that unfortunately is a true reality.

Take 2: MagicValley beautifully directed by @jaffezinn haunting soundtrack by @stevedamstra and with @GUBLERNATION (miss your rock n roll locks). Talented and sweet men taking time with the fans after the premiere last night. Enjoy the rest of the...

Take 2:  MagicValley beautifully directed by @jaffezinn haunting soundtrack by @stevedamstra and with @GUBLERNATION (miss your rock n roll locks). Talented and sweet men taking time with the fans after the premiere last night.  Enjoy the rest of the festival, continued success and safe travels home.

2 good films tonight - hope they get distribution!

2 good films tonight - hope they get distribution!

Straight No Chaser Revisited – SNC in Atlantic City, Same City, Different Venue

  

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First of all, Happy Holidays to You and Yours. I never know when I will be back on Tumblr and just wanted to get that out.  Since deciding to explore the blogosphere, Random Thoughts, though not so random, takes up more time than I ever thought it would.   It seems that I can’t even find enough time to do the things I need to do, let alone the things I want to do. So when I can’t find the time, I just don’t do it.  Shame on Me. 

And with that (yes, bad grammar to start a sentence with a preposition) I want to take this time to say “THANK YOU” to Straight No Chaser, SNC to their fans, or Charlie, Dave, Don, Jerome, Mike, Randy, Ryan, Seggie, Tyler and Walt to their family and friends.  

This past week was Thanksgiving, time for family, friends and shopping.  Four days spent relaxing, watching football and enjoying a little more food and drink, than we really should.  Time to create those cherished memories with those that make us happy.  Time most of us can call our own.  And time that the members of the 10-man acapella group Straight No Chaser spent at home doing these things: ONE.  They are in the middle of their Fall/Winter tour and there is no rest for the weary.  They’ve been traveling the country in 2 tour buses, one more than the Febreze tour, since September.   They did 2 concerts on Wednesday at The Murat in Indianapolis and had Thanksgiving Day off.  Friday would bring them back to Atlantic City, the scene of their residency this past summer. Well same city, different venue – Caesar’s Casino instead of Harrah’s Casino.  

Having seen them twice this past summer, I was excited to see that they were back for what was billed as their Holiday show at Caesars.  Looking at the calendar, there would be 2 shows; Friday and Saturday.  Friday it was.  This was going to be a great Thanksgiving and a nice start to the holiday season.   

Thanksgiving for my family means lots of food prep and running around.  This year was no different.  Only difference was that I had an SNC show to look forward to.  As I said once before, I’m pretty new to the world of SNC but I did know one thing:  I was in for an amazing show filled with great voices, humorous banter and genuine friendships.  And I was not disappointed; maybe a little deaf from the screaming girls behind me, but worth the ringing in my ears the next day.   My sister took some video of the show; didn’t come out so well.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2thR6UsoHbA (I think I know what I’m getting her for Christmas this year.)

As they do for every show, they were there for a Meet and Greet with anyone who wanted anything signed, have a picture taken or for those just stopping to say hello.  
I can’t imagine performing on stage for an hour and a half, under hot lights and then doing a M&G for who know how long, and still be amazingly charming, witty and absolutely ego-less.  You know they are tired, who wouldn’t be after all the traveling and performing they are doing; remember there is no band, just vocals and yet they still tireless make themselves available to their fans without a complaint in sight.  They truly appreciate their fans as much as we appreciate them.  My sister and I walked down the line to say hello and I gave them each a personalized shot glass I made and JD;  It felt quite appropriate considering the group’s name.   I wanted a picture with the group and Mike said just to wait til the end which wouldn’t be too long since we were towards the end anyway.  So we waited a few minutes, and when the last person was done, so was security, who told us we had to leave.  I just said “but they said I could get my picture with them”, probably sounding like a little child.  Anyway, as my sister got into place, I scurried over to get right in the middle whilst stepping on Walt’s foot in the process. Sorry Walt and I may have even stomped on Seggie, sorry Seggie me bad. It was over in a flash, no pun intended and we were off.   By the way, you guys look great in the picture.  

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Charlie, Dave, Don, Jerome, Mike, Randy, Ryan, Seggie, Tyler and Walt:  Thank you all for your time and talents.  You make many people happy not only with your music but by being the people that you are.  That’s a testament to the people you have around you - management, family and friends.  And with over 100,000 tickets sold so far on this tour, I know your careers will continue to soar, but I also know that you’ll all stay as grounded as you are now due to the support system;  Much thanks to them for sharing each of you with us. 

All the best with the rest of the tour and safe travels.  Happy New Year as well and will look forward to seeing you in AC again next summer.  You guys will be the only guaranteed win in town!

Best Regards,  Victoria