I don't know about this.....

I've ranted previously about my dismay over "Phantom of the Opera: The Musical Part 2." I don't think I've ever mentioned, but "Lord of the Rings: The Musical" was a disaster. Now I hear on the radio that they have "Spiderman: The Musical," apparently the most expensive musical to be produced. I'm sure the rights weren't cheap nor was hiring Bono of U2 to do the music.

Don't get me wrong. I love both off-beat and traditional musicals. Pop culture based musicals also have their place as I've thoroughly enjoyed "Cobra: The Musical," and "Evil Dead: The Musical." (I'm hoping to see "The Toxic Avenger: The Musical.") The genre is fun and can make even the most dismal and depressing of topics fun and up beat (Urinetown).

But Spiderman? Like Lord of the Rings, I think this is just another money grab off of something that is currently hip and already has a large fan base that enjoy spending money. And of course, I'm part of that demographic. Here you go, Stan Lee.

Slip of the Tongue

I recently went to an Equity Symposium to further enlighten and reinforce the good examples and interventions we need to be and make as educators. While there, I met a high school teacher. I asked her what she taught: "Design and technology. We plan, design and build things that the students are interested like a one bedroom home, a line of designer clothing, a landscape project or a new vehicle. Then the students present them to each other and even to other schools or universities." My reply, "This week, we're learning the letter F!"

Here's a short and empowering (and entertaining) video they presented:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQZwZVBDAHI

I was there first

I guess I'm not being very anonymous by showing this article, but it annoys me to the point of writing about it. Not so much that another baby has the same name as my daughter, or that it is very unique (less so now), but oh-my-goodness not named after David Bowie, no way. Both parts of her name after musical inspirations? Oh, no. Dad happens to be a DJ but, no. It simply could not be. So to those who don't know, my daughter IS named after David Bowie, and my son IS named after Jimi Hendrix.....and possibly the stationary company.