Surrounded at Starbucks

     This afternoon I walked into a Starbucks. I needed to get some work done - "work" according to my definition though the general population may disagree. Some examples of the "work" I needed to get done included posting a parking pass for sale on both the Columbus and Phoneix Craigslist sites, transferring some funds on my Amazon accounts, opening a Prime membership (30-day free trial, then I subsequently set an alarm to cancel it a little less than a month from now), and replying to texts/emails. Busy guy.
      But I actually also have two classes that I'm taking online at Wharton as part of a Business Foundations Specialization. That's the real work that I actually avoid doing, just like I did in undergrad! Do all the extracurricular work first before the academic...
     Anyway, I decided to check out a Starbucks different from the one I usually frequent. This is on the larger end with lots of open space and just has a different vibe from the smaller store I'm used to. If I could go to another coffeehouse I would. The main reason I continually go to this chain is because I've got a shit-load of gift cards that I need to use (and of course have to earn those stars to get me some free drinks!). Really looking to save money right now since I want to eventually take a Caribbean cruise this spring.
     I digress. I walk in, set my stuff down at the end of a long table, set my laptop charger on the floor outlet to make claim to it and head over to the counter. I didn't really need any caffeine (been trying to stay off it), but I wanted a little boost, so I just got a shot of espresso with some coconut milk - yumm.

     When I got back to the table, three Chinese students had seated themselves around where I was going to sit. Instead of grabbing my belongings in a huff and looking for somewhere else to sit (there really wasn't anywhere else to go at that point), I said to myself "You know what, fuck it. Just stay."

     So I did. 

     Now I'm sitting with three new friends. Well, we haven't spoken. I doubt we will. But it at least looks like we all came together. Maybe...  

   

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

     This morning, I awoke with the Force. Well I actually woke because of a force. The door slamming in the other room because my younger brother was rushing to get out of the house. It was 10:30, so I figured Id' probably need to get out of bed anyway. I'm not one to stay in bed long once I've opened my eyes.
     Walking out to the kitchen, I see my older brother appear from the basement in a similar rush.
     "YOU BOYS GETTING READY FOR THE MOVIE?" Our mom yells from her seat at the computer from a different room.
     "Yeah..." My younger brother says begrudgingly. From 23 years on this earth and just about 19 in my parents' house with my brothers, you learn to not speak to each other until you've actually woken up. Just because my eyes are open, I'm breathing and managed to make a bowl of cereal for myself do not mean that I'm awake and ready for the morning interrogation.
     "What time's the movie?" I ask.
     "11." Replies my younger brother.
     Do I go? Do I not go? It's gonna be a matinee, so it'll be less expensive and you've got a gift card, even though you want to use that gift card later as part of the Christmas gift you gave to your younger brother... Go. It's with both of your brothers and it's not like you get to have this experience that often.
     I go with them. And somehow also get roped into driving too. Not sure how that happened. But if I was driving, then the errands to be performed after the movie could revolve around my (the driver's) needs!
   

      Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a really enjoyable movie. For a movie clocking in a 2hrs and 15min, it sure didn't seem that long. Before we knew it, the iris wipe transitioned us into the credits. The film's content flowed smoothly with the conclusion of the third film of Lucas's original installment.
      The film entertained fodder for prequels and sequels galore. Adam Driver, as Kylo Ren plays the son of Han and Leia whom we learn was trained by uncle Luke in the ways of the Force, but somehow turned to the Dark Side. Han and Leia are no longer together and as it seems haven't been for a while. How does Rey have any training with the Force? Who is Rey? What's her background?
      While the movie was extremely entertaining (just enough seriousness and humor - the latter primarily driven by newcomer Finn played by John Boyega), but raised so many questions. For a film who's intent was to reboot the franchise and make some money for Disney, JJ and his team sure did a fantastic job!
      On a side note I'd like to point out how certain publications (*cough Entertainment Weekly cough*) interviewed Gwendoline Christie, referring to her as Star Wars' "first female villain." Though, when watching the movie she was rarely present and didn't put up much of a fight when confronted by our protagonists.
     How about Lupita Nyong'o! I knew she was in the movie, but failed to do any research into seeing which character she played. I also knew she was CGI, but her voice adjustments were amazing for Maz Kanata. Wow!
     Andy Serkis can do no wrong. Still confused on who the hell Supreme Leader Snoke is and where the hell he came from. Prequel/sequel time Disney. You've got me all anticipatory!

     Apologies for the extended review on the movie. Needless to say I loved it and can't wait for what's next! Except this time I'll make sure to see it on opening weekend so I get to see it in the big theater, not the little side ones.

A

My Top 10 Christmas Songs

    Christmastime is here! Been here for a while now and seemingly comes along earlier and earlier each year. Thought I'd compile a list of Connor's Top 10: Christmas Songs. We've got a mix here of oldies, religious and secular tunes.

     #10 Oh Santa! by Mariah Carey
     A 2010 attempt by the Mimi to add another Christmas hit to her repertoire. Though not as big a smash as her "All I Want for Christmas Is You," "Oh Santa!" combines a gospel choir with a Sister Act-clap vibe and Mariah's classic breathy high notes. It doesn't get as much radio play as I think it should, though I'm not sure I've heard it since she released it back in 2010...

     #9 Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie
     This classic combines the vocal talents of Bing Crosby and David Bowie. You've gotta watch this music video accompaniment to the duet.

     #8 Do They Know It's Christmas by BandAid
    Originally penned as a relief song for the Ethiopian famine, this song (and I'm talking about the original, not the 30th anniversary version) became an instant classic that inspired predecessor compilations including the world-famous song "We Are the World." This combo of UK and Irish singers is gold and I can't help but get goosebumps every time I listen.
    *The 30th anniversary song is great, but incomparable to the original

     #7 Believe by Josh Groban
     Written for the 2004 film The Polar Express, this song went on to be nominated for both Oscar and a Grammy, the latter of which the songwriters took home. The combination of Josh's voice with an angelic children's choir makes for a classic Christmas tune in my book. It is also an appropriate companion to one of the best Christmas books of all time.

     #6 Christmas Canon by TSO
     The often overshadowed sister song to the Trans Siberian Orchestra's Carol of the Bells, this song is a modern twist on Pachelbel's "Canon in D." Add in some angelic children's choir (seeing some sort of pattern?) and you've got yourself a hit!

     #5 Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande
     Yes. Spirit Hood party? Yes. All I have to say.

     #4 The Entire Charlie Brown Christmas Album
     The Vince Guaraldi Trio might not have known it then, but when he made this album, he created the perfect Christmas soundtrack.

     #3 Oh Holy Night by Celine Dion
     Celine has a great Christmas album, but to me this is the obvious standout (with Silent Night in a close second). Her vocals are untouchable and have that uniquely Celine sound, adding in some hard arr's every now and then. Best part occurs towards the end where she really belts it out and sends my spine tingling.


     #2 Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
     For anyone who ever watched Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, you will always remember this song. A lonely Big Bird stands in the corner of the rink trying to skate when a young girl comes and helps him up after he falls and shows that bird how it's done. This scene immortalized that song for me.

     #1 All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
     Hands down best Christmas song ever written. Originally written for her then-husband Tommy Mottola, the song has gone on to be the most-spun Christmas song ever (I made that up, but it could be true!). In an attempt to bring herself back into the spotlight, Carey remixed the song with Biebs. Strange to be singing this song directed to a lover when your duet partner is less than half your age...
Stick to the original.
      If you ever find yourself in South Bend on a Saturday night, check out The Backer and you can guarantee it will be playing no matter what season it is.

     Honorable Mention: Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga
     First heard this one while I was greeting shoppers at Abercrombie & Fitch. If you haven't heard it before, man are you in for a treat... **Not for young ears!

What's on your list?

Ariana's Latest EP - Christmas & Chill

     "Let's Netflix and chill."
     "Nah, let's Christmas and chill."
     I'd prefer the former. Ariana's less than 15 minute recent EP lacks originality and depth. Christmas and Chill is an appropriate title, seeing as "Netflix and chill" is a come-on for sex and this compilation is all about that - with a holiday theme of course. The majority of the album contains innuendo laid on top of deep hip hop cuts (the latter of which are enjoyable in a chill house-party kind of way).
     Sample lyric: You'll be my drummer boy/ and I'm the only drum that you gonna play. Meh. Why bring in the religious song reference?
     Her signature breathy vocals and lack of enunciation make it difficult to understand what the hell she's talking about. But don't worry, it's usually some euphemism for sex. Thanks to the hip-hop vibe of the EP, she sounds more like Ciara than the Ariana we heard on My Everything.
     "Winter Things," the final track is acoustic and less beat-heavy. She also enunciates more, so thank you for that, Ari! If I were to ever listen to any of these songs again, it'd be a long shot, but it would be "Winter Things." However, in comparison to last year's "Santa Tell Me" none of these tracks compare.

Stuck Skittles

     John needed Skittles. Bus call had already passed a few minutes earlier at 12:30am, but his sweet tooth needed to be satisfied. I also needed to return all 6 rooms keys we had to our hotel room... Yes, 6 keys.
     A little bit of background, a lot of drama had taken place around missing or pushing back our bus call times. They became more of a curfew than actual bus calls to ensure the entire cast and crew made it back before the buses left for our next venue. Our bus wasn't actually leaving until 2am, but to compensate for others' previous mistakes, everyone was held accountable and was required to be early.
     John needed Skittles. After dropping something off in the crew bus I made it a point to tell Margaret, our director/matriarch that I still needed to return the men's room keys.
     "Oh of course, Connor!" She said, probably noticing the halo glowing around my head.
     Seeing me exit, John followed. "I'm want to talk with Connor" He said, "I'm going with Connor." I'm sure it was directed towards our matriarch, but the delivery was vague as he pretty much said it to the ground.
     "I really want candy, but I need to get change."
     He's a quirky guy, but in that strangely loving way where you appreciate having him around.
     "Okay."
     We had to walk around front to the main entrance, where I dropped off all the keys and he broke his five dollar bill. Why we had so many keys I couldn't answer, but I'm pretty sure only one of them actually worked on our door.
     Taking the elevator to the second floor, we exited to our left where the vending machine greeted us in its all-but-defunct state. No lights were on, but we assumed it worked.
     Fourth column, sixth row down. "Skittles!" He said excitedly as he tried to slide his single into the machine. It wouldn't take it.
     "There's another machine on the third floor." I told him.
     "But what if they don't have skittles?" He asked me.
     "Well, there's a fourth floor so if the third floor doesn't have it then we can go up again!"
     Third floor, no luck. Fourth floor, still no Skittles. Rude.
     Distraught, I told him "You know, Angel broke your five, I'm sure she's got four quarters too."
     Back downstairs to the lobby.
     "Hey Angel, we're back!" I said probably a little too energetically for almost 1 a.m. "Here's the thing, John really wants Skittles and only the second floor machine has Skittles, but it won't take dollar bills. Can we get four quarters?"
     "Yeah," she replied. "Just gimme a sec."
     After the exchange, we took the elevator back up to the second floor. As John put the change in and pressed 4-6, I clumsily laughed "I really hope it doesn't get stuck as the thing is turning it out!"
     ...
     The Skittles got stuck.
     "NO!" We yelled as our stomachs began to hurt from the intensity of our laughing. I jinxed it. Of course I just had to go and say something stupid. The vending machine gods were against us.
     "It's fine." I told him. "We'll go back down stairs, see Angel again, I'm sure she'll be happy to break another one of your dollars. I mean, we're her entertainment for the night, she has to enjoy this story!"
     We took the elevator back down to Angel to whom we recounted the whole story as she broke another of John's dollars. She thought it was humorous and said "If it happens again, let me know."
     One more trek up the elevator, which had now become our personal escort since no one else was using it at one in the morning, and back to the jinxed machine we went.
     In went his four quarters and out came both packs, the stuck one and it's partner.
     Needless to say, John was happy and we had a great story to tell.

A Case of Forgetfulness

      People are intrinsically kind. Every once in a while, I experience a reaffirmation of my faith in humanity. We actually do care for each other, even complete strangers.
     Due to the lack of sleep I'd incurred over the previous few days, my mind had wondered a little more than usual. I was being flown out to LA to begin my next tour with a show called An Irish Christmas. There was a lot on my mind as I hadn't been employed for the two previous months and even though my next month and a half was planned, the time afterward was (and still is!) completely up in the air.
     Southwest is the only airline with which I've ever experienced a layover where the plane has passengers continuing to the next destination with the crew and thus they stay on the plane during the unloading process. This was the first time I had ever been one of those passengers. In St. Louis about twenty other passengers and myself traveling from Columbus to Los Angeles remained onboard. Once the CMH-STL passengers left, I grabbed my belongings and moved forward in attempt to find a more desirable seat.
      Having previously been in a window seat, I wanted to sit in the window again even though they do have slightly less room due to the curved wall of the plane. The front left window was open, but the front row lacks trays, which is a must for me when I make sure to get as much free food as I can. I have a tendency to put on my best smile and raise my voice slightly in hopes of obtaining another bag of pretzels, peanuts or if I'm lucky a sack of those 100 calorie Nabisco cookies.
     Nature was calling so I hurriedly set my stuff down in a window seat in the third row, but then realized I should switch things up and get a view from the other side of the plane. My bladder couldn't wait, so I grabbed what I had and threw it in the window seat on the other side - these minuscule decisions were going to affect my next three hours! I had to choose a great seat!
     A short line greeted me at the bathroom in the rear of the plane, where those in the queue waited by standing on the seats near the back. The restroom patron exited and I was second in line, when this Asian man walked right down the aisle and said to the man in front of me "Bathroom?"
     "Yeah." He replied indifferently as he made a move to get into the aisle. However, he wasn't fast enough as said Asian man grabbed the door and walked right in...
     When I got back to my new seat from the restroom, I started searching for my phone first thinking I had placed it in my jacket pocket where it had been the entire previous flight. It wasn't. It wasn't in any of the coat pockets. None of my pants' pockets. Maybe it was in my book bag, which was back overhead after I took out my headphones to use this flight. Nope.
     Rummaging through all my stuff, people began to notice there was some anxiety in what I was doing. I went to recheck my bag, which was overhead. To do so, I had to cross paths with this woman standing in the aisle and making small talk with her new acquaintance. Jokingly she said, "Now that's it! That's the last time you'll get to walk up here." Even though she was smiling the whole time she said this, there was a slight tone of annoyance in her voice.
     "It'll be the last time when I find my phone." Maybe that was a little harsh of a reply on my part. However, it sure got her attention.
     "Oh! Where did you have it last?"
     Now I was the onboard entertainment. Everyone who had been bored while we waited for the other passengers to board were all of a sudden intrigued by what was going on up front.
     "Do you need my phone to call it?"
     "Want me to call it?"
     These are all wonderful offers, but I seem to love putting my phone on Do Not Disturb mode, so there was no way to hear it if someone did call. By this time I was sweating bullets - an all-to-common occurrence in such a situation. I felt so silly.
     It wasn't on the floor by my old seats, where one of the flight attendants and I both checked while on our hands and knees. It wasn't on the floor by my new seats.
    "It'll show up."
    "We'll find it."
    Then the guy sitting behind my new seat spoke up, "You were sitting over there first," pointing to the window seat across the aisle. Sitting right next to that seat was the Asian man! His wife's purse and jacket were laying on it.
     He couldn't really understand English and his wife, who was the new found acquaintance of slightly-irritated woman said something to her husband, which must've made him understand what was going on. He lifted her belongings and there was the phone!
     "Did you go to Notre Dame?" the helpful flight attendant asked me facetiously.
     "Haha, yes. Yes I did." I said slightly embarrassed. Must've noticed the sweatshirt I was wearing.
     "It's a great school." The man behind me interjected.
     Thank you for the change of focus, Phone-finder-man! I thought.
     The flight attendant made sure to check that I had my phone every time he walked by for the remainder of the flight.