The Connoisseur

Back in January of 2003, when Pod-man was about nine, we were both supernumeraries in the Lyric production of Un ballo in Maschera with Wayne Tigges and Christopher Dickerson who were in comprimario roles. At the time Tigges and Dickerson were both in the Lyric's apprenticeship program, the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists; they have since gone on to impressive careers.

Right then we were waiting for act one to start. Pod-man was watching from the wings, as he didn't appear in act one, while Tigges and Dickerson entered after the curtain went up. So they talked:

Pod-man: I like it when Maestro Elder conducts; I think he really feels the music.

Tigges: Oh, you do?

Dickerson: Who else do you like?

Pod-man: I like Maestro Bartoletti because he's master of the Italian repertory, Andrew Davis is too nonchalant about conducting, I really like Eschenbach, he so sensitive. My dad likes Furtwängler in recorded music, but I think Bruno Walter gets a bigger sound out of the orchestra.

Tigges: (Looks uneasily at Dickerson) That's about what I'd pick.

Dickerson: (Nods in agreement) Yeah.

Now, this whole time, Pod-man has been twisting the sole of his shoe against the floor.

Dickerson: What are you doing with your foot?

Pod-man: When I move my foot like this — it makes a farting sound!

Snappy Answer

So, I'm at work where I came up with a pretty clover solution to a problem. And this customer saw me do it, and he was impressed with my ingenuity, and he says, "Gee — you really know how to problem solve!"

"That's because I never backwards talk."

Another of my Dad's jokes

My father was out in Los Angeles filming a commercial for Listerine when he was invited to an Hollywood party. Lulu showed up at the party and my father said, "What a stroke of luck! Maybe she'll sing a medley of her greatest hit."

One of my Dad's jokes

Probably in 1965 we were watching TV when Lee Phillip came on. Laconically, Dad said "You know I heard that Lee Phillip fell down the other day — broke her hair."

New Favorite Song

I am just like Hello Kitty!

I never put much faith in astrology until I found out that Hello Kitty and me share she same birthday. This instant I found that out it struck me: I am just like Hello Kitty!!!!!!




I even look like Hello Kitty!

Me:





Hello Kitty:

Pic of the Dutchman

Art students were taking pictures of guys at I.M.L,. This is their pic of me.