Let's Squish our fruit together...

Another new musical from ImprovEverywhere. Good stuff...

Rehearsing for an audition...

#1 Son is auditioning for the middle-school musical this week. It's been fun watching him learn a monologue, practice some dance moves, and sing "Footloose". In fairness, I have to say "Footloose" has to be the most difficult song I've ever tried to sing. It's in funny register, has no real melody besides the endless repetition of "Footloose". I wish he had chosen to sing something else...oh well.

One more thing...I've never seen Footloose. When I was a kid I somehow thought it was an immoral movie. I honestly don't know why...I was OK with dancing and my folks let me go to school dances. Who knows the mind of a teenager...

Yes, we can...

As you readers know, I've been a supporter of Obama since 2004. I am so encouraged by the hopeful, positive message he embodies.

Musicals Everywhere...

As I've said before, I love musicals. But Improv Everywhere has really outdone themselves this time with their most recent musical performance at the mall in Baldwin Hills, CA.

For our latest mission, 16 agents staged a spontaneous musical in the food court of a Los Angeles shopping mall. We used wireless microphones to amplify the vocal performances and mix them together with the music through the mall’s PA system. We filmed the mission with hidden cameras, mostly behind two-way mirrors. Apart from our performers, no one in the food court was aware of what was happening.

Hoarding...

Over the years I've had several acquaintances who were "hoarders". While I've heard descriptions of their homes, I've never really seen them. Today on Boing-Boing I ran across this short documentary about hoarding. Amazing.

POSSESSED from Martin Hampton on Vimeo.

Madison's Can Can at the Talent Show

The Power of Sport

It's nearly Super Bowl Sunday. I'm excited that the NFC has finally returned to the big game. Like many of you, I'll be heading to a friend's house for the big game. It's funny how sports can bring people together.

An old buddy from college shared this inspirational video with me today. It's a great example of the power of sport.

Signing a promissory note for justice...

Dr. Martin Luther King is one of my true heroes. His pioneering efforts to lead a sea change of public opinion and political action across our country is nearly unmatched. In the words of Winston Churchill, "rarely have so many owed so much to so few." My favorite part of the speech is where he talks about the "promissory note" America has "signed" with all people to treat them equally with justice for all regardless of color, sex, or other attributes. Each year when I listen to this speech I find a different part compelling. Given today's climate in our country, I'm encouraged by his steadfast commitment to the "solid rock of brotherhood" and his optimism. Like MLK, may each of us be able to say that in 2008, "we refuse to believe the bank of justice is bankrupt."

Enjoy the holiday everyone!

PS

Here is what I posted last year about this day and how we celebrate it in our home.

The speeding up is speeding up...

Check out this brief video that lists some of the factors adding to the increasing velocity of our lives. Pretty provocative...