and WHO shall accompany me to the opera?? (don't everybody volunteer at once!)

Due to the fact that it's Guiseppi Verdi's birthday today, (Happy 193rd, Joe!!) I was lamenting the fact that I've never been to the opera. Robin and I were joking that we should ditch work early to go to the opera. But seriously, I DO think that I would dig that. I like what I've heard of Verdi, and the Flower Duets piece from De Libes "Lakme" opera is beautiful. So judging from that, I'm presuming that I'd like the music. There's just the small matter of not knowing what the hell is going on, plot-wise. But that could be easily remedied. Y'see, Verdi's wikipedia article, not only has his bio, but has synopses for his major operas. So, I would just hafta do my homework beforehand, maybe I would even print out those pages and tote them along to the opera house with me, like makeshift Cliff's notes. So, enjoying the music, and--after some study-- comprehending the story, I'm sure I'd have a grand time. Hey, Viv in Pretty Woman was moved to tears by her very first opera . And she was just a dumb whore. I think that I, not being dumb or whorish, would benefit greatly from the experience. My challenge is to find one of my comrades who is classy enough for the opera and who will not be embarrassed by me nerdily consulting notes (and/or possibly singing along)

Grrrr--my damn phone is ringing!!! Do these bastards not know I have lunch from 1-2pm?? I neeeeeed this hour to myself. If it weren't for my lunch hour, I'd be apt to perpetrate mass bludgeonings with my mighty Swingline. Um, a-hem..I should rephrase. Let me say instead that: I find that my daily 60 minute reprieve from work is instrumental to retaining my threadbare sanity. (I need to let some of my suppressed gentility shine through if I want anybody to hit the opera avec moi)

You know what is rad? This CD. It's not great for classical musical afficionados, but if you're just a dabbler (like me) it's pretty handy. I mean, it's good for when you know in general you like the genre, but need to delve more into it to ascertain what specific styles & composers you dig.

Really not much to report in mi vida not-so-loca as of late. Unless I am otherwise inspired, I think I will write about Orff's Carmina Burana in tomorrow's post....