From the Inside Out

The last two days are simply a blur in my mind. It’s 2 am, and I just finished working. I’ve been going non-stop between work, rehearsals, and work this week! Last night, I met with the professional organist who will be playing during our show. He’s amazing, and I have a lot of work to do in order to be able to play with him. That’s the difference between a professional and an amateur — but I’m doing my best to contribute where I can.

I’m playing a tune from the “Sound of Music” at one point during the show, and it made me think of the video below. Since I’m exhausted and don’t have time to write a proper blog, I thought I’d share it with you tonight. It was filmed at the Antwerpen’s Central Station in Belgium. The performers only met for a few practices and pulled off a really cool routine for unsuspecting passengers. Enjoy!

I know Jesus can appear anywhere, at any time and in any form, but the “Jesus sightings” are getting out of control. Seriously, do you think he chooses to reveal himself on a rock, in wood paneling, a tree, planter, fish stick, mug, pumpkin, spoon, grilled cheese sandwich, window, telephone pole, cat, cloud, frying pan, sink, moth, sonogram, french fry, or turtle shell?

C’mon…really?

What are these people smoking? Is it an attempt to get 15 minutes of fame, or are they crazy? What’s even more disconcerting are all of the people who come out to see it or take pictures. Some are emotionally moved by the experience — crying and saying it’s Jesus talking to them or giving them a sign.

Now, if someone finds deep meaning by seeing Jesus in a frying pan, who am I to judge? God does work in mysterious ways; however, I am, and will always be, skeptical.

I groan each time I hear about one of these “sightings” because I don’t think God creates images of himself on rocks, screen doors or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Why, oh why, do the news stations continue to cover these crazy stories? It’s beyond me. I just don’t get it.

The latest claim is from a North Texas family who says they discovered Jesus in a bag of 99-cent Cheetos. Dan Bell and his wife have lost their minds and claim that a two-inch tall figurine with extended arms is “Cheesus.” They aren’t the first family to make this claim, and they probably won’t be the last. Another family found “Cheesus” last year too.

So, what do you think: is it Cheesus or just plain Cheesy?

Remember the days when it didn’t cost a fortune to go to your favorite amusement park? The going rate for adults at Six Flags Over Texas these days is $49.99. The ticket price for children isn’t much better. It’s a whopping $31 per child. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the $15 parking fee on top of that. Yikes, it costs a small fortune just to get your family into the park.

This Sunday, all of that changes. Six Flags is rolling back prices for one day only. Between 10 am and noon, you can get into the park for just $6! Sounds great, right?

Well, there’s a small catch. You have to dress up like Mr. Six (the creepy old guy from the commercials) to get the special rate. If you don’t mind looking strange, you get a great price. So, get up early, grab a costume and save yourself over $40 per ticket — not a bad deal, huh?

Mark your calendar for ALC’s next drama production, The Prison.

The Prison is a dramatic look at the lives of three strangers cast into prison with no explanation and seemingly no hope for release.  Performances will be held on May 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free, and childcare will be provided for children 5 and under.

Hope to see you there!

2021 E. Park Bled.

Plano, TX 75074

If you watch TV, listen to the radio, or read the news, then it’s likely you’ve heard about Bernard Madoff. Madoff’s resume boasts 40+ years of experience as a trader, chairman of the Nasdaq stock market and hedge fund manager. He was well-respected, but for years there were rumors on Wall Street about his hedge fund. The returns were too high, and his operation was slim considering the tens of billions of dollars that were being managed.

Federal prosecutors recently charged Madoff with securities fraud that may have cost investors up to $50 billion. Madoff is accused of operating a giant Ponzi scheme in which money is taken from new investors to pay earlier investors. This could be one of the biggest Wall Street scams ever.

To help explain a ponzi scheme, Ernie and the Cookie Monster break it down into simple terms that anyone can understand, even a child. Check it out.