Sparky's Scratches Real friends don't care if you're a little different…

Opened: September 2008
Seen: January 3rd, 2009

This is going to be a shorter review than usual.

It was the worst show I’ve ever seen. I know I will make enemies saying this, but it’s MY opinion. The story was dragging on. I didn’t like the movie and I didn’t like the musical either.

I chose not to go see this show in London, as I had a feeling I wouldn’t like it (knowing how I disliked the movie)· I only went to see it now because the last-minute tickets were 50% off and I really wanted to see Simone Kleinsma – my fav Dutch musical actress – as Norma.

The set was beautiful, costumes as well, cast had great voices and Simone Kleinsma was phenomenal. Still, I was bored, the story didn’t grab me and – as far as I could see – the bigger part of the audience agreed with me.

The Dutch love standing ovations. Sometimes they’re out of their chairs the second the last note ends. I’d prefer if people would only stand up as appreciation of the show, not because ‘that’s what the audience is supposed to do’. But that’s the way it is.
This performance it was different though. It took quite some time before the audience stood up and to my surprise many people stayed in their seats or were already leaving the auditorium. Never saw this happen before.

Actors/singers, costumes, set: A
Show in all: F

I read three books in three days.

I postponed it as long as I could, as I don’t like vampires.
The thought of them frighten me. In fact, I stay far away from any story that includes monsters, snakes, ghosts, weird creatures, etc. etc. It’s really amazing that Harry Potter swept me off my feet as I just don’t like reading scary things.

I’d never have bought the books, as I don’t like vampires.
Manon got them from the school library and was smitten with them. She finished Twilight and left it next to my bed. I started reading… and couldn’t stop. Finished it in a day and couldn’t wait for her to get home so I could borrow her edition of New Moon. Same goes for Eclipse, but I finished that one before Manon did. Now I have to wait until Breaking Dawn is available at the library, and I hate that!!

I was apprehensive at first, as I don’t like vampires.
But the romance between Bella and Edward just grabbed me. I’d never thought I’d wish for the leading lady to be kissed by a vampire, but I did. I won’t post any spoilers, in case someone hasn’t read the books yet, but I will say that the triangle kept me on my toes – and at some point I had a lump in my throat.

Not much changed. I still don’t like vampires. But some of them have a special place in my heart, and a certain werewolf as well. I must be mad!

Stephenie Meyer, I salute you!

I’m glad there’s music. Many songs to fit my mood of the moment, occasionally so good that it moves me to tears. Like this song by Venice.

For as long as I can remember my family watched the Eurovision Song Contest. Us kids in our pj’s, chips and fizz at hand, enjoying the ‘staying up late’ and the show on TV. Holland actually won a few times and until this day I have ESC-songs on my computer which bring back great memories of a wonderful childhood.

When I left my parents’  house, it was time for the next ESC stage. With a group of friends we organized our own annual Song Contest Nights. Each of the friends took their turn in hosting the event – and we watched the contest together, giving points for act, dress and song and everyone brought food from one of the participating countries. Pizzas, tapas, salt & vinegar chips, tzatziki, you get the idea 🙂

When more countries were added to the EU the song contest changed. There are so many competitors now that the event is split into 3 nights – 2 semi-finals during the week and the finals on Saturday night. Out of each semi-final only 10 countries are chosen to participate in the finals.

IMHO televoting ruined the whole event. Neighboring countries vote for each other, leaving the smaller countries – like Holland, Belgium – with hardly any points.

Our hope for the 2009 ESC was a trio called the Toppers. Three guys with a huge career in the Dutch music industry. Thousands of people ‘fight’ to get tickets for their annual ‘Toppers in Concert’ at the Amsterdam Arena. I have to admit, you either love them or hate them, but I think their music is great. Uplifting, cheerful, great voices and their concerts always turn out into a massive sing along.

‘Shine’ by the Toppers is a cheerful song, I love it and actually thought they would make it to the finals. The night came, their show was rock solid, crowd was cheering… Alas… they’re out. Some terrible songs got through to the finals – only because their neighbors voted for them – and the Toppers were sent home. Tasted bitter.

So, to make a 1-woman-statement, I’m NOT going to watch the ESC tonight. No tzatziki, no tapas, just a huge piece of Dutch cake and listen to Shine! If I have to pick a winner, I’d love to see Norway win. The guy doesn’t have a really great voice, but he can sing and the song is catchy (and he is SO cute! :D).

Hmm… a few things are so wrong, but most of it is spot on, eerie!

Antoinette

You are usually the best at everything … you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic “Type A” personality.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless – and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You’re most comfortable when you’re far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It’s easy to get you excited… which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don’t stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What’s your name’s hidden meaning?