Mr. Know it all

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor’s note: I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I know what will happen if I don’t: some of you people will get your panties so impossibly bunched-up that assistance from a medical professional might be needed to successfully “unbunch” them. So, here goes: The following review represents MY personal opinions and observations ONLY. I am neither currently nor have I ever been affiliated directly in any capacity whatsoever with any guard - active or defunct - competing in any class of any circuit. I’m relating MY ideas and views ONLY. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok…??? Can we please remember this and not work ourselves into lather over anything that might be mentioned in this or any other review posted in this forum…??? Thank you. - The management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Northeast Independent Wow. They are performing the heck outta every moment of this show. Their score of 92.4 was well deserved. I’ve said previously that I’m not a huge fan of the show design, but that’s just me. Even so, the impact and accomplishment of this program is undeniable. The attention to detail is tremendous, the movement is first-rate and the execution of their uber-demanding equipment book is spot on. This is one of the strongest overall NEI shows that I remember seeing. Job well done, Northeast Independent. Braddock Independent This show keeps getting better and better. The “wow” moments are much more “wow” than they were when I saw this show two weeks ago. They’re nailing their big toss section toward the end of the show and it’s crazy good. It starts in the back of the performance space and winds it’s way to the front in kind of in a spiral, Then, it goes back the other direction. Very effective. As an ensemble, these performers really are relating to each other incredibly well as they tell the story of the final hours in the life of Jesus Christ. I’m still impressed by some of the more subtle aspects of the choreography and staging: movement imagery that suggests Jesus carrying the cross; pain and sorrow being expressed in ways that don’t look cliched, etc. All of these potentially awkward images have been realized and staged tastefully, thoughtfully and effectively. However, the new flag that Braddock has introduced for the closing flag feature might catch some audience members off guard, so to speak: it’s a solid red flag with a white silk-screen image of the face of Jesus. (Click the link below to see the approximate version of the flag design) Now, the face isn’t the traditional Jesus face that we generally see in Western Biblical imagery. It’s either an original piece of artwork or it might have been some version of actor Jim Caviezel when he played Jesus in ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ No matter the source, the image on the flag is a relatively realistic representation of the battered Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns, either while dying on the cross or somewhere during the procession to the cross. For the record, I think this flag is one of the best I’ve seen in competition this season. And the closing ensemble section of work that Braddock does with that Jesus flag really is some terrific work. It’s very well written and very well staged and executed. A great ending for a great show. (Note: For anyone who might be interested, I’ve created a post about Braddock’s Jesus flag in the main color guard forum) http://s739.photobucket.com/albums/xx40/Mr...FLAG_SAMPLE.jpg Crown guard A gentle, sentimental ode to romance and love, “Last Dance” gives to crown a perfect opportunity to spotlight their top-notch movement and demanding weapon book. It’s an elegant, sophisticated show with a very soothing, melodic pace. The dance training of the ensemble is evident in the staging that often pairs the performers for beautiful, ballroom-inspired dance moves. In fact, a lot of the staging reminded me of classic on-screen moments between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - very “old school romance” in it’s feeling and design. Premonition This crowd-pleasing unit twitched and tapped and counted and double and triple-checked their way through another “Obsessed” performance. Lots of fast-paced equipment work in this shows keeps it exciting from beginning to end. And the visual representations of obsessions are handled quite well. I even like the doors that they’ve integrated into the show. Sure we’ve seen doors as set pieces many times before, but they really make sense in this show. (And when I got home, I checked MY front door about 52 times to make sure that it was locked…!!!) Their wild flag feature that ends the show is definitely one of the best out there. It’s frenzied, manic, jittery, jumpy and absolutely perfect for the ending of this show. Also, they’ve changed the their floor from an all-white tarp to all-black tarp and it’s made a big difference in their overall visual package. To me, everything seems to be held together significantly better on the black floor. The visuals of the show just feel better now. Whodda thunk such a simple change could make such a dramatic effect…??? Fahrenheit This program still is just a little too weepy and sad for my taste. But, apparently, I’m in the minority with that opinion. So be it. However, the audience really responded favorably to the warm, sentimental relationship story behind “P.S.: I love you.” The equipment book was executed well and the attention to the body and movement was quite a pleasure to watch throughout. The staging was one of the most effective I’ve seen for a show that takes this route. Lots of effective, bold moments for a show that you’d expect to be 100% soft and passive all the way through. Nice visual touches throughout, as well. And the gradual costume changes that are made really do advance the storyline that’s being told with this show.

Yes, yes, yes...!!! Again this year, Centerville High School is hosting a "preview show" the night before the official start of WGI competition. In fact, I just received a forwarded e-mail that originally was distributed by Jodi Fairbanks, color guard director at Centerville. In her original message, she says that if anyone would like to be added to the lineup at the preview show they should contact her via e-mail. Hope this info is helpful.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor’s note: I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I know what will happen if I don’t: some of you people will get your panties so impossibly bunched-up that assistance from a medical professional might be needed to successfully “unbunch” them. So, here goes: The following review represents MY personal opinions and observations ONLY. I am neither currently nor have I ever been affiliated directly in any capacity whatsoever with any guard - active or defunct - competing in any class of any circuit. I’m relating MY ideas and views ONLY. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok…??? Can we please remember this and not work ourselves into lather over anything that might be mentioned in this or any other review posted in this forum…??? Thank you. - The management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SCHOLASTIC WORLD Flanagan High School – Atlas Shrugged Other than some body work that illustrates the physical burden of “carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders,” the show doesn’t follow the storyline of the Ayn Rand novel that shares the same name. But that’s OK, because creating a thematic thread from the social/political philosophies that Ayn Rand explores in “Atlas Shrugged” could be kinda tough to pull-off in a 10 minute color guard program. In their version of “Atlas Shrugged,” Flanagan looks to the story of Atlas, the Titan who supports the heavens. With that powerful image as their inspiration, the Flanagan design team has created a program that showcases the many strengths of this superior ensemble. The Atlas theme can be seen in the guard’s gold uniforms and funky metallic gold face paint. The floor design – which is DRAMATICALLY simplified from previous seasons – features an image of Atlas doing his best to balance the world across his back. This equipment book is jam-packed everything that you’d expect to see from a Flanagan world guard that’s determined to stay at the very top of their class in WGI Finals. Lots of technically demanding, intricate weapon work - complimented by some AMAZING tricks from their soloists - highlights the superior abilities of this always-impressive group. The drill is fast paced, frenetic and perfectly designed to generate excitement all the way to final beats of program. And in true Flanagan fashion, the ending moments of the show build to a powerful flag feature that’s signed-sealed and delivered in absolute World Class caliber through and through. Flag work just doesn’t get much better than that. Honestly, what ever they do at Flanagan to clean these powerhouse flag passages – they need to market that technique to the rest of the color guard community at large. Again this year, Flanagan is letting it be known that they’re in it to win it. Freedom High School – In the moment This program doesn’t have a “hit you over the head” theme – and that’s perfectly fine with me. The idea of “growth” or “change” kinda seemed to be a thread that was connecting the moments of the show. I’m trying to remember now, I think the major design element of the floor is a slightly stylized, s-curve floral stem or a vine, maybe, with some type of with little tendrils shooting off of it. The uniforms were shades of green and at least one set of flags was green, too. This is why I’m thinking that the “In the moment” idea might somehow relate to things growing and changing – like the plants and flowers in a garden. Therefore, “Live your life ‘in the moment,’ because like the things we see around us in nature, life itself will continue to change around us, too.” At least that’s what I came away with when I thought about it later on. Maybe I’m wrong. At any rate, the show was a sophisticated, delicate journey from beginning to end. The colors and artwork included in the floor and the complimentary uniforms set the stage for a very melodic and musical program that evolved softly and skillfully. This SW finalist from ’09 turned in a very respectable performance for this point in the season. The highlight of the show definitely was the beautiful flag work that demonstrated the excellent training that this group receives. And the closing phrases of the show were particularly lovely. Also, nice attention has been given to the movement aspects to this program. A good balance of the body and the equipment, I thought. And the performers are doing a nice job at making a connection with the audience. Some of the weapon work could use a little more fine-tuning and attention before the end of the season. But the staging of the weapon work – and the drill design overall - is handled quite well. And the balance between weapons and silks feels just right. Overall, I really enjoyed the ease with which this show is allowed to unfurl. The entire arc of the show seemed very natural and organic. Saturday’s performance was a fine effort that certainly takes this hard-working group one step closer to making another run at an appearance in SW Finals. If they clean and polish this show with the same momentum and determination that they had last year, look for them to be contender for a spot in Finals.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Editor’s note: I wish I didn’t have to do this, but I know what will happen if I don’t: some of you people will get your panties so impossibly bunched-up that assistance from a medical professional might be needed to successfully “unbunch” them. So, here goes: The following review represents MY personal opinions and observations ONLY. I am neither currently nor have I ever been affiliated directly in any capacity whatsoever with any guard - active or defunct - competing in any class of any circuit. I’m relating MY ideas and views ONLY. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok…??? Can we please remember this and not work ourselves into lather over anything that might be mentioned in this or any other review posted in this forum…??? Thank you. - The management - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - INDEPENDENT WORLD NEI – Ruthless Gravity This show puts a high-beam spotlight on the ensemble’s terrific weapons work and on their dance/body skills. And they execute those areas VERY well. They don’t flag a whole lot, which is kind of a minus in my book. But that’s just me. Personally, I think this show is a bit of a return to the previous direction that NEI was taking, in other words, the direction that they were heading prior to last season. (I was such a HUGE fan of their ‘09 show…!!!) If you were to ask me, I’d say that this show is a step backward for NEI. For me, this show has a lot of visual distractions. The uniforms are little too colorful and unnecessarily complicated. The floor – although intriguing in a graphic sense – doesn’t really let the performers and the work read as well as those things could be reading. The staging/drill was a little “all over the place” for my taste. Those observations very much are the expression of my personal preferences. Again, that’s just me. But, the show has been scoring extremely well all season, so what do I know? And with that being said, let me state LOUDLY and that the overall quality of performance that NEI is putting on the floor right now is really top notch. They handle their equipment great and the book is VERY demanding. And their attention to the movement/body component of the program is really working out well for this show. This should be a fabulous show by the time it gets to Dayton. BRADDOCK INDEPENDENT – The Passion Hands down, this was my favorite show of the evening. And I was surprised at how much I liked it. I think we’ve all heard at least some of the back story about Braddock’s unusual season, having started learning another show only to jettison it completely in favor of this one: a show touching on the final hours in the life of Jesus Christ. Well, the choice to change shows seemed to have work out. Like last year’s show, this isn’t a traditional “booty Braddock” production. Although, the ladies certainly are dressed with enough sex appeal to spend some time in club on South Beach. From a design standpoint, the theme is conceptualized remarkably well. It’s not overtly “religious.” Not preachy. And it’s not obvious, exploitive or graphic in any way. The storyline is choreographed to a rich, dark, alt-rock opera-esque soundtrack by Peter Gabriel that evokes the emotional and spiritual turbulence of the last hours in the Earthly existence of Jesus Christ. At key moments, featured performers collapse, as if dying, and stand/pose briefly with arms extended, as if on the crucifix. But these moments are indeed, brief, and integrated beautifully in a stylistic sense. I’m EXTREMELY impressed with the sophisticated and thoughtful manner in which this type of potentially exploitive – or otherwise disturbing - imagery has been integrated into the dance/body work and the overall visual line of the show. In other words, the designer(s) of this show DIDN’T take the easy way out. The floor design - and someone help me with this – is mostly blank except for the stage right back corner where there’s a sketchy, blurry, line drawing representation of “something.” I think the image might be an abstract version of Jesus’ face on the shroud of Turin? Or maybe it’s an abstraction of the crown of thorns? I wasn’t quite sure, but that was OK. The feeling generated by that graphic element – almost like a rushed, impromptu charcoal scribbling - really did complement the aesthetic choices for the show and heighten the overall visual package. Costuming cues are taken from Roman military togas that would have been worn crica. the time of the crucifixion. And just to be clear, the guard ISN’T wearing togas. This is a conventional uni in every way. But the women’s version of the garment shows just enough skin to let everyone know that the Braddock Independent of season’s past is still in there someplace just below the surface. Really a great look for this program. Lots of dance/body and a great deal of attention to weapons work. Someone correct me if I’m wrong – but I think the majority of this show is carried by weapons and dance/body. Which is fine with me because Braddock is executing their weapons and body work quite well for this point in the season. Nice ensemble sections and really terrific soloists. Aside from the ending section, this show didn’t feature a lot of flag work, as I’m remembering. One nice section of flag work, though, showcases 8-10 members using a really cool flag with an image of an unraveled crown of thorns. Very nice touch. And the finale is staged around an ensemble phrase of red flags. (Note: these still might be the temporary silks. They looked a little like your garden variety red, rectangular, rip-stop nylon practice flags.) Now, I’ve gone on record previously as saying that I’m a HUGE fan of the “booty Braddock” productions staged by this perennial crowd-pleasing guard. However, I believe this show both stylistically and intellectually represents yet another major step forward for this program. Maybe they’ll come back next year and shake their money makers again. (I’d certainly endorse that plan...!!!) But this performance proves that the Braddock program can handle with equal ease ANY type of show that THEY choose to do. Can’t wait to see how this progresses throughout the remainder of the season. PREMONITION – Obsessed This show is about obsession. But not, like, a “Calvin Klein” type of obsession. No. Think: “the boy who couldn’t stop washing his hands” obsession. When this program was announced, I was skeptical, to say the least. But let me say right up front that I was VERY pleasantly surprised at how well this idea was executed. From beginning to end, lots of really well thought-out elements were brought to this show. And those elements both express clearly the idea of “obsession” and keep the production moving forward in a way that’s interesting as well as engaging. So, in my book, Premonition definitely earns bonus points for showing us something new. The set design includes a series of doors – actual residential “front doors” that look like they came from the Home Depot. At one point, the “obsessed” performers check them repeatedly to make sure that the doors are locked. And, of course, eventually they open the doors and incorporate them into their equipment work: tosses that go over the door frame, etc., all quite nicely done. This guard always knows what to do to get the audience going - and they definitely do that again this year. Great tricks, solid equipment work throughout and an ending flag feature that perfectly captures the chaos/mania/anxiety/frenzy that must bombard the psyche of anyone who “can’t stop checking the front door.” This group could very well be on their way to another appearance in IW Finals. EDITOR’S NOTE: Here’s my one “aw, shucks” moment for Premonition. Now, I knew this would happen eventually. I just wasn’t ready for it yet. Apparently, Premonition’s “Double Rifle Diva” has moved on. I gotta admit, I was just a little bummed-out to see that she’s not a member of this year’s talented ensemble. Good luck and God’s speed, Double Rifle Diva. Seriously, though, her amazing abilities as a performer really did help this up-and-coming guard to create a lot of really well-deserved, positive “buzz” about Premonition’s crowd-pleasing shows. I hope that this skilled performer finds a way to channel her amazing energy to the current members of Premonition. (I think she’s already doing it…!!! They perform the heck out of EVERYTHING…!!!) FAHRENHEIT – P.S.: I love you The show is constructed around love letters from someone’s dead husband, set to "Unchained Melody" – you know, the ballad from “Ghost.” Right up front, I need to say that conceptually and stylistically, this type of show just isn’t my cup of tea. I’m 100% uninterested in weepy, tearful, sorrow-filled “loss” shows. So, I’m mostly going to take the high road and not say a whole lot here. And, honestly, I wasn’t paying super close attention to the performances, anyway. I kinda watched the whole thing with one eye closed. I just wanted it to be over. That said, the performance level of the show seems to be progressing at a pace that should allow Fahrenheit to put up a really good challenge for a spot in Finals this year.

Wow - this is going to be a GREAT regional. I was worried that "economics" - both state and national - might be a prohibitive factor for the Florida guards this year and they might have to skip some competitions here and there. Fortunately (for everyone...!!!) almost all of the usual suspects for the Ft. Lauderdale regional seem to be on the schedule. Question: Has Seminole been added recently to the SW line-up for the Ft. lauderdale Regional...??? I just checked the WGI website and Seminole isn't on the list. But, of course, that could be an error. (These things happen.) Believe me, I'd LOVE the chance to see how yet ANOTHER great Florida guard is doing at this point in the season. So, I really hope that Seminole is making the trip from the Tampa/St. Pete are to the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. Also, I'm VERY much looking forward to seeing how the IW guards are shaping up. I've been hearing good things about all of them. And all four of them should be in contention for a spot somewhere in Finals this year. Every class at this regional is going to feature some top-notch performances, that's for sure. Can't wait for Saturday...!!! :) :)

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm... All of this is very perplexing, if not also a little bit disheartening. What a disappointing experience, to say the least. I'd be willing to bet that there must have been some type of an unfortunate incident (i.e., LOUD and unpleasant incident) with a fan elsewhere at the venue during the competition. Otherwise, it seems odd that WGI would be so aggressive and persistent about clamping down on anyone who was pointing any kind of "video equipment" in the direction of the performance area. But even in the aftermath of such an incident, the WGI policy on photography clearly states: "Family, friends and fans may take still photos of WGI events for personal use only. The images may not be sold or otherwise distributed or publicly displayed without the written permission of Winter Guard International." So, go know anything, right...??? And I, too, agree that the confusion at this competition does NOT reflect in any way on the staff/volunteers of Miamisburg High School. They're a class act all the way around. Always. They were only following through on instructions that were being given to them by WGI. Hopefully, the still photography conundrum will be straightened out before this type of thing happens again at other WGI events.

In the overheated, delusion world of Sebastienne St. Jacques, a lack of "necessities" - i.e., talent, training, temperament, etc. - never has been considered a legitimate barrier to the creative process. So, whenever you find yourself questioning your own abilities or preparedness, remember Sebastienne St. Jacque's time-honored motto: "Just do it - badly, if necessary."

You're going to wear THAT...??? For an SSJ audition...??? No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Much too subtle and conventional for a Convalescence performance assessment - but you're on the right track. Might I suggest a slight "tweak" to your ensemble. Try something along the lines of fake chaps, silk eye lashes and china. Fold ingredients together in a medium bundt pan, chill for 20 minutes, serve.

Neigh, neigh, my friend. Neigh, neigh. Convalescence definitely IS COMING OUT this year. Of course, a strong movement is afoot within the upper echelons of the WGI organization to make Convalescence GO BACK IN, but that's never stopped Sebastienne from fielding his guard previously. FYI: I think Sebastienne is going to start tweeting about audition locations and times during the next week or so.

Oops. I think you meant to say: if elected, Sebastienne do everything in his power to CONTINUE all of the items on the aforementioned laundry list of perennial WGI staples.

I think I remember hearing that some of the staff/members of Premonition used to be involved with the original incarnation of MEDEA that placed very well in IO a few seasons ago, back when the group was primarily associated with Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. But I know that the original MEDEA program took a year or two off before reappearing last year (or was it the year before, maybe?). I'm not sure how much cross-over there might be now between the two organizations. But it's definitely encouraging - and exciting - to know that South Florida has been and remains a productive region for developing terrific Independent-level indoor guard programs of all types. Good luck in the upcoming season, everyone...!!! :)

And it looks as if South Florida's crowd-pleasing "Premonition" winter guard (always a HUGE fan favorite where ever they perform...!!!) has completed its auditions and will be drawing upon the talents of 28 accomplished members during the 2010 season. http://premonitionwinterguard.com/ This up-and-coming guard earned a spot in a tough IW Finals field in 2009, which was only second season in competition for the energetic ensemble of wildly entertaining performers. Good luck and continued success in 2010, Premonition...!!!

Wow. That's certainly unexpected news. Any word as to why the turnout for a current GOLD MEDALIST would have been so anemic...??? People moving on to other things...??? Economic concerns...??? Is it just bad timing...??? Very curious, this development is.

No worries. These things happen. It's all good.

Yep. That's where I saw it, too. Of course, the listing on the WGI Ft. Lauderdale Regional page could be an error. It's possible. We live in an imperfect world. Mistakes happen all the time. Again, good luck to the entire Stoneman-Douglas program - no matter which class they compete in during the 2010 season...!!!

Yes, yes, yes. I know, I know, I know. You're absolutely right. I'm just so excited to be hearing early news about the 2010 season that I just can't HELP myself. Please forgive me, for I am weak and backsliding...

Well, I suppose it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2010 indoor season and trying to figure out who’s doing what and what’s happening where. And right now, there seems to be a LOT of news from Broward County, Florida. (Isn’t that always the case…???) I just looked at the list of current entries for the Florida WGI Regionals and noticed a couple of interesting developments at the Ft. Lauderdale Regional. And away we go… 1.) Stoneman-Douglas competes in Scholastic Open Looks like this perennial crowd-pleasing Scholastic World group will be competing in Scholastic Open during this coming season. And that’s probably a good choice for them. Seems as if the 2009 Stoneman-Douglas ensemble was just a little off their usual game. They’ve had quite a few of directing changes within the program while also experiencing a high turnover of members. So, this move to Scholastic Open class makes a great deal of sense for them. Worth mentioning is that this approach worked wonderfully in Indiana for Lawrence Central High School. Their popular World guard competed in Open class during the pervious two years and received RAVE reviews for their performances. As a result, Lawrence Central has decided to move into SW class for the 2010 season. So, this strategy of moving between classes DEFINTLEY has a proven record of success. Rest assured that no matter the class, one thing about the Stoneman-Douglas program will remain the same: crowds always go WILD for Stoneman-Douglas. And they’ll go wild for them again this year. Good luck to the entire Stoneman-Douglas program as they begin to prepare for the 2010 season. 2.) West Broward High School moves to Scholastic A This new school officially opened in the fall of 2008. And during the 2009 winter guard season, West Broward’s winter guard turned in some very memorable, encouraging performances. Glad to see this young guard joining the ranks of South Florida’s impressive Scholastic A competitors. Also worth noting about this up-and-coming group of performers is that among the talented staff working with West Broward are none other than John Williams and Danny Riley – both of whom previously worked with the Stoneman-Douglas program. 3.) Flanagan produces another A guard For a second year, Flanagan will be fielding a Regional A guard in addition to their insanely successful Scholastic World guard. We always wonder where Flanagan keeps finding such wonderful performers year after year after year. Now, we know the answer: they find them in their own backyard, i.e., their equally successful “Regional A” guard program. Good luck to ALL of Flanagan’s ensembles as they prepare for the upcoming season. All of these developments are terrific news for 2010. And if anyone has any additional details - or additional news to report - please feel free share...!!!

"Dish"...??? Neigh, neigh, my friend. Neigh, neigh. That's wasn't a mere "dish" - that was an entire BUFFET...!!! More...!!!

I had feared this would happen. The steering committee had feared this would happen. People living in the Republics of the former Soviet Union had feared this would happen. We ALL feared this would happen: Sebastienne St. Jacques has returned to the pageantry circuit proper. May God and Shirley Whitcomb have mercy on our aesthetic soul...

The indiscretions of Convalescence wouldn't have been so apparent to the WGI community if the two pharmaceutical in question hadn't been accidentally switched during the doping process. This unfortunate incident did, however, create a momentary financial boon for quick-thinking members of the Dayton-area hazardous materials removal industry. Every cloud has a silver lining after all, it seems.

If I'm understanding the conversation correctly, NEI will either fold for 2010 or will produce three guards for 2010. Hmmm... Now, I'm a gamblin' man by nature. Therefore, I'm willing to go out on a limb and bet that at least one of those speculations is wrong. Anyone have first-hand knowledge of the NEI situation...??? And for the record, I would be absolutely CRUSHED if NEI were to sit out next year after having such a impressive, transformative season in 2009.

They say that the mind is the first thing to go. Well, if that's the case then I've been gone for quite some time now. Here's one additional "best of" moment that I meant to include among my other favorite moments from '09: BEST-DRESSED FLOOR CREW: The Miamisburg "guard dads" who always dress to the nines to pull the tarp for finals. Every year, they get decked-out in their snazziest suits and ties before they make their appearance on the floor at UD Arena. And every year it's great to see. What a neat tradition for that program.

Remember: 'Fresh' only means never frozen. 'Nuff said.

Like others before me, I'll believe it only when I'm holding in my hand a ticket for a contest that's being held at a venue in which I'm standing and the first guard of the contest is ready to take the floor. But I really hope it does happen. It would be nice to have another competitive circuit out there.

Ya know, Michael, I've been "quoting" that quote for so many years now that the version I commonly use has kinda drifted from the original. So, to answer your question: yes, the "quote" that I mentioned earlier in this post is, indeed, a rephrasing rather than a direct quote. And here's the orginal, which I dug up from my archives: - - - - - - - - - - - - "There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish." -- Warren G. Bennis - - - - - - - - - - - - FYI, Warren Bennis is an author and expert in leadership studies. He did a lot of research on new ways in which to "lead" while he was working at MIT during the 60s.