Contrasts

As you may recall, I joined Torrence on Sunday to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's live recording of La Bohème. (I'd like to apologize to all French speakers for the lack of accent grave over the first "e." Blogger won't let me. Hmpf.) (ETA: My own personal computer geek, Barrett, sent me the html to get the accent. He's really something.) It was wonderful, particularly this aria. Listen to it first, then read the subtitles. Hysterical, really, how gorgeous it sounds till you realize what she's saying! Torrence & I were talking about how hard it is to read & listen simultaneously. I, being a gigantic dork, also am trying to pick out words that are the same in French & Italian.

On the way out of Symphony Hall, two guys were discussing whether or not this was superior to RENT. RENT is (loosely) based on La Boheme, and ends equally darkly. I cried at the end of both, surprise, surprise from the girl who cries at butter commercials. Anyway, I'll leave the final judgment up to you. Here is my favorite song from RENT. Does it stack up?

PSA: Ignore both videos. They detract from the music. Click on the links, & listen while you continue wasting time on the Internet. ;)

In other world news, it seems like maybe there won't be a revolution in Burma. It really seemed like they had a chance this time. If you haven't read the amazing story of Aung San Suu Kyi, you really should. It's inspiring. She basically redefines perseverance.

Locally, a small measure of success was achieved for the Metro environment by some angry folks. Stone Mountain, in the midst of the worst drought in a century, was using 38 gallons of water PER MINUTE to make enough ice to create a snow hill for this winter. They were stopped today by some quality AJC reporting, and angry citizens. Gives you a little faith in our country.