Date: 2008-12-11 15:55 Subject: I used to enjoy holiday music... Security: Public

...but then I went shopping. Gwen Stefani TORTURING "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" just about lost Lane Bryant a customer. Please SPARE me. And now my ultimate LEAST favorite X-mas song ever -- "Christmas in Kilarny" aaaaaaaaagh!!!!!

I can't take much more of this. Dear folks who run/own retail establishments: your customers and your employees do NOT want to listen to this crap over and over and over again. Please show mercy.

Date: 2008-12-03 15:53 Subject: for the purposes of saving mankind from group project headaches Security: Public

Here's the survey - takes only about 10 minutes to complete. It's highly subjective and incomplete (SM allows only 10 questions for a free account), but it will help me a lot if you could please add your opinions to the fold. The larger my sample population, the better I can correlate the data to the normal curve.

Click Here to take survey

Thank you!

P.S. Only one assignment remains and then I am free until the end of January!!!!

Date: 2008-11-18 07:58 Subject: End of semester blues... Security: Public Mood: complacent Tags: school

As much as I would love to actually have a life for the next three weeks, I can't. That is not a complaint - just a fact. This journal entry is also a way to provide a blanket explanation of what I'm doing because if I have to keep explaining the work I have to do, I'll break down and cry and not get any of it done.

I am...

* Writing a paper for a marketing plan group project basically by myself (nobody else has done anything but the introductory fodder and posted some stuff copied directly from web sites -- I've said it before and I'll say it again: Adult working professional people should not have to do group projects for school) - due Nov 25

* Writing a business research report, including full quantitative analysis of the data collected from a survey about group project work (my hypothesis is basically that group project work adversely impacts grades and learning; and now I have the research to prove it) - due Nov 30

* Studying for and taking a marketing final - Dec 5

* Studying for and taking a quantitative analysis final - Dec 5

See you on the other side of hell. Next semester doesn't start until the end of January, at which time I'm taking only one class. Between December 5 and that time, there will be much rejoicing, even if I end up getting only Bs in these classes.

Date: 2008-08-26 17:16 Subject: AGH - I'm still not getting emails when people respond Security: Public

Can anyone help me? I used to get emails whenever someone responded to any of my posts (journal or responses in others' journals), but now I don't get anything. I tried fixing it per instructions, but still not working. HELP????

Date: 2008-07-12 23:04 Subject: Why can't you be entertaining without the obviously non-period schtick? Security: Public Tags: sell-outs

I
am
SICK
and
TIRED
of
OBVIOUS
allusions
or just blatant references
to modern stuff at a ren fair.

Is it that people think the audience is too thick to enjoy the entertainment without it? What is the point of performing at a ren fair if one isn't going to at least attempt to avoid blatantly modern references? I'm no purist by any stretch of the imagination (I argued quite a lot about having to wear tights in 98 degree Maryland humidity), but shouldn't there at least be some attempt at resembling something that's further back in time than Star Wars theme music, The Andrews Sisters and Fergie? I seem to recall someone telling me how much more strict the costume rules had gotten. Why doesn't that apply to the actual CONTENT of the fair?

Is it hard work to seem more period? Yes. That's the point.

Date: 2008-06-18 05:09 Subject: um... this should be obvious but... Security: Public

Always... ALWAYS. A L W A Y S have a written, signed contract with a non-refundable deposit for ANY paying job, and make part of the contract that the rest is due ON OR BEFORE the actual job takes place. No signed contract? No deposit? No job. It's that easy.

You get there and they don't have the balance? You've already done the job? You have a written contract that they just breeched. Hello easy court case.

Come on folks. Please don't be surprised about someone dicking you over when you could have taken steps to avoid it in the first place.

Date: 2008-05-25 11:17 Subject: While I don't take it personally, it still makes me sad... Security: Public Mood: sad

I had a friend once. She was a lovely, fun, albeit slightly bizarre person (which is a huge part of why I liked her so much) who I've known since I-don't-know-when. This is someone I played hookie from work with. Went to concerts, ball games, the renn fest... etc... In the last several years, though, I noticed that we stopped getting cards from her (although we continue to send cards and well wishes). I've only just noticed how much she has basically erased my existance from her life (e.g., something that used to be on her web page is very obviously missing). I know people grow apart, but usually, those are instances you know about. Or, you lose touch with people, but when you see them again, you're happy to see each other. It just makes me sad that she and I grew apart... apparently farther apart than I realized because she doesn't want even a memory of it.

What did I do that would cause someone to want to erase the memories? And how can I change or make something better if I don't know what I did in the first place? It's hard to make amends when you don't know how you ripped something.

Date: 2008-05-10 14:08 Subject: Okay, I know I said I was done, but I'm not Security: Public

This THIS is the kind of thing that makes me FURIOUS. STERLING SIRENS? You out there?



MAKE YOUR OWN DAMNED ARRANGEMENTS PEOPLE. When I think of the work we put into that song and that arrangement, (and actually contacting Anne Lister so we could record it and perform it) it absolutely infuriates me to see this. I was trying to find something from a long time ago about the BBs, and found this instead.

Date: 2008-03-22 01:03 Subject: let me be perfectly clear Security: Public

I took a second to find out wtf crocs are. I can say this without feeling incorrect or over-the-top or out of line in any way...

If you wear those anywhere other than while you are working in a garden, be sure to take a trusted friend with you the next time you decide to buy any piece of clothing because you have absolutely no sense of taste whatsoever. I don't care if they make you feel like you're walking on marshmallow goo. Those ugly-ass foot coverings were never meant as regular footwear. TAKE THEM OFF NOW and leave them in the shed with the rest of your gardening implements. That's the only place they should be. Please.

...kind of reminds me of the same phenomenon that renders people incapable of noticing that certain American Idol contestants couldn't perform their way out of a paper bag. I'm all for comfort and wearing what you like, but come on -- are you saying there are no other comfortable slip on shoes available? You'd look better and cuter in bunny slippers for f***s sake. It's a sign of sheeplike creepy automaton behavior that causes people to believe something is fashionable or good when it's really total crap. I keep looking around for Big Brother signs.

Date: 2008-03-01 12:41 Subject: FREE piano, folks -- doesn't anyone need one? Security: Public

IN COLUMBIA, MD --

Okay - one last try. I have a piano. It's an old upright with a great, big old-timey saloon sound. Great for learning or sing-alongs. I don't have room for two pianos, so this one has to go. If you can haul it, you can have it. Please rescue this musical instrument. It needs a home!


Maybe my love of music and pianos in particular has rendered me incapable of understanding why someone wouldn't want a FREE piano. I've tried Craigs List, I've tried posts at work, I've tried word of mouth, charities, and more charities...nobody wants a piano??!!! It's freaking me out.

Date: 2007-12-13 22:14 Subject: Ya know what? Security: Public Mood: aggravated

When you lie to someone, 1) you shouldn't expect or ask anyone else to cover it for you, and 2) you should expect that it will blow up in your face at some point. Do not blame others when something bad happens because you lied. And definitely don't make up more lies to cover the first one. The blowing up part will still happen and it will be even worse.

Date: 2007-11-11 16:44 Subject: Much Ado About Nothing Security: Public Mood: mellow

No...I mean the play. It's on stage at the Everyman Theatre in Baltimore. It's quite a wonderful production. You really must see it if you like Shakespeare's comedies. I've seen the movie many, many times, and it's even more enjoyable when you see actors performing it live. (It also doesn't hurt when you get to hang out and have a couple drinks with Benedick and Antonio after the show.) It's really quite wonderful and some extremely famous quotes come from this show.

Be you blithe and bonnie, my friends -- go see this show.

http://www.everymantheatre.org/

Date: 2007-11-10 15:23 Subject: Okay -- I couldn't resist Security: Public

(and I turned in my research paper and got an A, so what the heck?)

Misery acquaints a Laura with strange bedfellows.

Which work of Shakespeare was the original quote from?

Get your own quotes:

Date: 2007-10-28 12:07 Subject: MDRF pictures Security: Public

I finally uploaded some of the pics I took on Adventure Weekend.

http://pics.livejournal.com/i_kissandra/gallery/00008phq

Enjoy!

Date: 2007-10-12 18:05 Subject: Um... wow. Security: Public

My darling hubby shared this with me today. My eyes! My ears! It burns!

Date: 2007-09-30 14:59 Subject: Roll Your Leg Over -- FOR THE RECORD Security: Public

Made popular by Oscar Brand (as many bawdy songs were), Roll Your Leg over took on a life of its own after Bliss Goodbody changed the words "the man in the moon" to "it's better that way" and had people join in clapping in 3/4 time. How do I know? I WAS THERE and I was her business partner for 9 years.

That song has been so over-done. It's so trite. Please. I'm begging you. Find a new song for your pub sings and do your OWN ARRANGEMENTS!!!!

Okay. I'm done... until I find another group/fair lifting other peoples' shit. And by the way -- this song was but ONE example. I've encountered other groups and songs being ripped off.

Please don't give me the "imitation is flattery" speech. It's hard enough being a musician - I'm afraid I have no appreciation for people who blatantly rip off other peoples' stuff without giving due credit.

All comments screened. Why? 1) It's my journal and I'll rant if I want to. 2) I'm not here to debate this issue.

Date: 2007-09-14 20:48 Subject: Cover bands Security: Public Mood: calm

To reiterate a response to the query (paraphrasing here) -- what is the difference between a cover band and a group at fair doing someone else's schtick?

Cover bands CALL THEMSELVES COVER BANDS and give credit where it's due.

(this is one of several key distinctions)

Date: 2007-09-13 15:07 Subject: A small lecture Security: Public Mood: calm

Okay -- maybe I'm completely wrong here, but it's been my experience that NOBODY on the curcuit would get up on stage and do what is obviously a Hack and Slash bit, except Hack and Slash. (Insert any other stage act for Hack and Slash.)

Why are musical acts apparently exempt from the same courtesy? Let me explain something about music -- it is meant to be shared, passed on, resung by others. However -- the performance, the musical arrangements, the schtick...these are NOT part of the package.

And here's a little bit of wisdom from me to you -- it's amazing the things you can accomplish if you simply ASK instead of just taking.

Another tidbit -- while the VENUE in which one is performing is responsible for performance royalties, a performer worth his/her salt should recognize that he/she has three options:

1) Create a completely original arrangement
2) Contact the owner of the arrangement you wish to use
3) Pick a different song

If you're not someone capable of creating your own arrangements, schtick, etc., perhaps you shouldn't be doing what you're doing... or you should audition for a show where someone else does all that creative work for you.

Date: 2007-09-13 08:50 Subject: I'm too old for this bullshit Security: Public

You'd think that song was the only bawdy song on the planet and that there was only one possible way to perform it. Why do so many people feel they are exempt from the artistic challenge of at least attempting to do something original? Changing the verses does not originality make.

Date: 2007-08-15 23:01 Subject: stupid f*ing drivers Security: Public Location: The Magic Sofa Mood: aggravated Music: Sodomy - Hair Soundtrack Tags: driving, stupid fucking drivers, traffic

1) If you are on the highway and you are traveling in the right hand lane, don't act all fucking surprised that people need to and want to MERGE INTO YOUR LANE!!! If you like the right hand lane get used to fucking letting people in. Speed up if you want the person to merge in behind you or slow the fuck down so that the person can get in front of you. Whichever you choose - do SOMETHING. You're in the right hand lane and you need to let people merge in.

2) If you're in the LEFT hand lane on the highway, look to your right. Are you PASSING the people on your right?? If the answer to that question is NO -- GET THE FUCK OUT of the left hand lane.

3) The shortest distance between two points is NOT a zig zag.

4) There is no such thing as a traffic accident. Only incidents. It was no accident that you were leaning over to get something out of the floor board on the passenger side of your car. It was no accident that you were dialing your phone while you were on the exit ramp. It was no accident that you were swerving madly from lane to lane. It was no accident that it's been 3 years since you've checked your tire pressure. It was no accident that you were eating a Big Mac and attempting to take a sip of your soda at the same time.

5) The car, cop, incident, etc. IS IN THE SHOULDER. There is nothing to see here. Move along. Don't you even have the smallest clue that your need to slow down and stare is completely fucking with EVERYONE's day?

It's time for traffic reporters out there to add stuff like this to their traffic reports.