Yes…yes, I know. We aren’t celebrating a human birth, but I don’t think that makes the celebration any less important. This birthday bash happens to be the one day each year where we set aside our political and moral differences. We proudly come together as one to celebrate the birth of our magnificent nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We also pause to remember those brave men and women who fought for the freedom and liberties we so richly enjoy today.

I’ve always loved Independence Day. Maybe it’s what the day represents — freedom. Maybe it’s because I usually spend the day in the pool or on the lake — two of my favorite pastimes. Maybe it’s because of the fireworks. No matter what age you are, those never get old. Maybe it’s all of those things.

I’m getting excited just thinking about it. We’ll be “parading” in the morning, swimming in the afternoon, and meeting up with family to shoot off fireworks at night. It’s going to be a blast — no pun intended…okay, maybe it was a tiny bit intentional.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the birth of our country, don’t forget to thank God for allowing you to be a part of this great nation. And while you are at it, say a few prayers for the people who are still fighting to preserve our liberty. May God keep them safe and continue to bless the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”

This weekend, we’ll be participating in the McKinney parade, assisting with stage set-up, and painting the flats (backdrops). They still need people to help on Sunday afternoon, so if you want to volunteer, let me know.

While it’s been hectic trying to keep up with work, rehearsal, remembering lines, and learning piano songs, it has also been a blast. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. And, it will be even better when we get to perform. The audience response always makes it worth the effort. That’s why we keep doing it again and again.

Our director invited a few people to the rehearsals, and their reviews have been great so far. It’s fun to look into the audience and see them laughing and smiling at the antics on stage. Tonight, we even had some people “booing” the villain and cheering for the “hero.” I’m sure it’ll be even more fun when we add the popcorn for them to throw at us…can’t wait!

In the mean time, here are a few more “behind the scenes” pictures to quell your curiosity.

Gary getting ready for his scene with Ma

Ready for the chase scene?

Getting a few notes from Eric (our director) at the end of the night

Check out these new pictures released by the US Military showing an Air Force F-22 Raptor during a supersonic flyby.

A spectacular spray of vapor often accompanies the breaking of the sound barrier. It has also been witnessed during space shuttle launches and nuclear explosions.

Experts say there is no visual sound barrier, but why does this stunning cloud occur? It’s called a vapor cone or a shock collar, and, if you’re a scientist, you probably call it a Prandtl–Glauert singularity.

According to Live Science, “the visual phenomenon is caused by a layer of water droplets trapped between two high-pressure surfaces of air. In humid conditions, condensation can gather in the trough between two crests of the sound waves produced by the jet.”

The effect doesn’t always occur with the breaking of the sound barrier, but it often does. Even if this cloud isn’t the physical representation of the sound barrier being broken, it’s still pretty cool.

Plus, it gives you a great idea of what it might look like if a wall of sound actually existed in the sky for us to pass through.

]]> http://www.laurainsideout.com/2009/07/01/breaking-the-sound-barrier/feed/ http://www.laurainsideout.com/2009/06/30/collin-county-fireworks/ http://www.laurainsideout.com/2009/06/30/collin-county-fireworks/#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:04:47 +0000 Laura P http://www.laurainsideout.com/2009/06/30/collin-county-fireworks/ The countdown to the holiday has begun! Before you know it, the 4th of July will be here, and it will be time to scope out a place to watch the local fireworks shows and parades. Many festivals and firework celebrations start on Friday, which means you can celebrate twice. After all, what’s better than one fireworks show? Answer: two fireworks shows!

If you’re in Collin County, here is the list of the events near you:

Southfork Ranch: America’s Tea Party, 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

McKinney: Red, White and Boom

Heritage Park: Sachse’s Red, White & Blue Blast

Frisco Square: Frisco Freedom Fest

For those of you who want to watch one of the hometown parades, I highly recommend the McKinney 4th of July parade. Gary and I will be participating in it this year, representing the McKinney Repertory Theatre and promoting our upcoming show, Hartburn Hotel. So, come out and see us — then buy tickets for the show which opens the following weekend (July 10)!

The parade begins at Old Wysong Parking Lot (corner of Hunt St. and N. Tennessee St.) across from the McKinney Public Library in Historic Downtown McKinney on July 4 at 10:30 a.m. Download the parade route here.

After the parade, you can stick around to check out the local car show, Veteran’s Salute and 14th annual ice cream contest.

The 2009 World’s Ugliest Dog Champion was crowned on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California. Pabst, a boxer-mix rescued from a shelter took top honors in a surprising victory over former champion, Rascal who had dominated the contest for more than seven years.

Pabst’s owner, Miles Egstad, was stunned at his dog’s win, “I don’t think he’s that ugly!” But Pabst’s under bite and sweet personality soon made him an audience favorite. He swept all three rounds of the competition and took home $1,600 in prize money along with pet supplies and a modeling contract. Not too bad for an ugly mutt with bad teeth, eh?

Another dog won the pedigree category — Miss Ellie, a blind 15-year-old Chinese Crested Hairless. Her tongue hanging out of her mouth (see pic below) cracks me up — it’s hilarious! Personally, I think Miss Ellie is much more hideous than Pabst, but I guess there’s truth to the saying that beauty (or ugliness) is in the eye of the beholder.

We lost two icons today — one was a music legend and the other a famous actress. Farrah Fawcett lost her three-year battle with anal cancer this morning.  She was 62. Her best-selling poster and “Charlie’s Angels” stardom made her one of the most famous faces in the world. Although her death was not surprising (her health had declined in recent months), it was sad to see another life snuffed out by cancer.

Today’s shocking news was the sudden death of Michael Jackson, the “king of pop.” At only 50 years old, he collapsed at his residence, suffering cardiac arrest. He died soon after at UCLA Medical Center. The exact cause of death is not yet known, but new sources are reporting that an autopsy will be conducted on Friday.

These deaths, along with the recent passing of Ed McMahon, serve as a not-so-subtle reminder that life is fragile, fleeting, and altogether precious. Every moment should be savored.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14 KJV

Times like these should force us stop and think about our priorities. There’s more to life than work, responsibilities, and duty — so much more! Take time to smell the flowers and gaze at the stars. Hug your family members and tell them you love them. You may not get another chance.

Life doesn’t come with guarantees. It’s a time limited offer — here today and gone tomorrow. Don’t miss out on its joys while you are still here. Try to make a difference, and be sure to develop a relationship with the first person you will meet when you pass to the other side. A friendship with Jesus not only makes this life amazing, but it continues onward through eternity. Don’t put it off. You never know what the next day may hold.

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!

A Father means so many things…
A understanding heart,
A source of strength and of support
Right from the very start.

A constant readiness to help
In a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness
No matter what comes your way.

A special generosity and always affection, too
A Father means so many things
When he’s a man like you…

– author unknown –

I love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!

Because I got struck with a massive migraine on Saturday while supporting the Running with Scissors Marathon, I had to go home and crash without posting an update to the blog. But, don’t fear! If you want to learn more about the marathon, check out Gary’s post and pictures here: http://12×12marathon.wordpress.com/2009/06/21/running-with-scissors-marathon-has-begun/

It’s a sad day for employees and former employees of Nortel. Today, the company announced that it will liquidate and sell its businesses, ending its efforts to restructure in bankruptcy court.

After 114 years in business, it’s a sobering end to a company that once had so much life. At one point, the company was valued by investors at $250 billion, but that was before the dot-com bust and accounting scandals. The company is forced now to liquidate in order to pay its creditors and ex-employees to whom it owes severance and pensions. The first piece of the business to be sold off is its lucrative carrier networks division and a wireless research unit. These are being picked up by Nokia Siemens for a bid of US $650 million.

I spent nearly 15 years working at Nortel, starting in college as a paid intern in the corporate communications group. During my tenure there, I managed customer and community relations, enterprise public relations, and product marketing for contact center solutions, mobility, and unified communications solutions. Nortel offered many outstanding learning opportunities and enabled me to develop valuable skills which helped to advance my professional career long after my departure from the company.

I have many fond memories of my time at Nortel. The good times were amazing. The people were top notch. In fact, I have many life-long friends that I met during my time at Nortel.

Even though I’ve been gone for a few years now, I mourn the loss of a company that was once a bright shining star in the industry — a company that brought much joy and career growth into my life.

Although Nortel will continue to exist until its businesses are sold off, this story is quickly coming to an end…goodbye, my friend. You will be missed.