A MIND-BOGGLING DINNER

I was trying to shake myself out of my rut today. Usually, on Saturday nights I eat a very early dinner (cereal, as a rule) and go to bed by 7:30 PM in order to awaken very early for my opera show Sunday morning. I was not in the mood for that senario and went to the mall with my husband.While he took a walk I thought I would try a simple dinner at one of the fast food outlets. This turned out to be a disastrous error. I ordered a chicken sandwich, which was so salty, I should have returned it to the counter. I didn't and just sat there and ate it because I was hungry. Actually the place was fairly peaceful-----until, about a third of the way through my salty repast, three teenagers sat down in front of me. One of them, a very young woman, was carrying a crying baby. If I had had any brains, I would have thrown away the nasty sandwich and skedaddled out of there. But I decided to see what would happen next. What I witnessed was beyond my wildest nightmares. The young woman put the baby down on the chair next to hers and proceeded to change the baby's diaper....right there in the restaurant ! There was no way that I could miss this because I was facing them. After the baby was changed, she picked the baby up and left the dirty diaper on the seat. And then she began her meal without excusing herself to wash her hands.

What has happened to people's sense of decorum,consideration, and sanitation?? Don't people have common sense anymore? Should we all accept this behavior?

A Sangria Story

What has happened to Sangria? When did restaurants begin to dilute it with citrus flavored soda? I was appalled last night when I was served Sangria that tasted like soda pop. The standard recipe for Sangria includes good red wine, slices and juice of lemons and oranges, some Triple Sec, some brandy, and cut up apple. I discussed this with the waitress, who brought it to the attention of the bartender. He said that his recipe included Sprite! We had a pleasant chat with the manager, who admitted that their recipe was changed in August. So much for Sangria in that restaurant. Corporate has done it again.....

Goodbye to Broadway Voices

Last Monday, September 8th, my last Broadway Voices aired for the season. I enjoyed doing the program so much and hope to have the opportunity to prepare more shows next Summer. My collection of original cast recordings of Broadway shows continues to grow, and I will look forward to sharing them with listeners. Now it's time to concentrate once again on opera.

VERY SAD NEWS

I learned today, from Bill Ronayne, President of the Mario Lanza Society, that Mario Lanza's son, Damon Lanza, has passed away. He died on Saturday, August 16th at the age of 55. It's been a very sad day here.

GORGEOUS CAKE

Here is a photograph of the delicious Viva Mario Cake that we enjoyed a week ago at the Mario Lanza Society luncheon. The photo was sent by Bill Ronayne, President of the Society. Thanks, Bill.

Mario Lanza Luncheon

Another luncheon of the Mario Lanza Society of New York took place yesterday at Patsy's Restaurant in Manhattan from 1-4 PM. We had our own private area upstairs, and it was wonderful to meet so many Lanza fans. The lunch included a choice of salad or a flavorful lentil soup; a choice of Chicken Parmigiana, Rigatoni, Salmon, Cannelloni, Eggplant Parmigiana, or Sausages Parmigiana;and a gigantic slice of Viva Mario Cake ( a lovely puff pastry and cream creation), frosted and decorated elegantly. There were also coffee and a cash bar. During this sublime repast, we were welcomed by President Bill Ronayne, we were treated to arias and songs sung by Raffaella Lo Castro and Giuseppe Taormina, and we heard recorded highlights from the career of Elaine Malbin, who was in attendance. What a treat it was to see her in person. We also listened to some splendid Lanza recordings. It was a sensational afternoon, and I will look forward to the next one, as well as the Lanza Ball in November

DELICIOUS FOOD PHOTOS

There is a new addition to my website, which is
http://www.operaphotos.org
If you scroll to the bottom of the page, on the left, you can click on
food photos. These were taken on vacation. There are several categories,
so you can find the part of the meal that you enjoy the most.

Summer Schedule at WPRB

The new summer schedule at WPRB will begin this Sunday, May 25th. I am looking forward to doing two extra shows in addition to Sunday Morning Opera. They are Morning Classical on Fridays from 6-8:30 AM and Broadway Voices on Mondays from 11 AM until 1 PM. I am especially looking forward to Broadway Voices and playing a LOT of Ethel Merman's recordings.

Very Sad News

I learned this morning that soprano Frances Yeend passed away on Sunday, April 27th at the age of 95. What a lovely lady and such a beautiful voice. I am particularly sad because now, all of the members of the Bel Canto Trio are gone. These three amazing singers, Mario Lanza, Frances Yeend, and George London, performed together for about a year, between 1947 and 1948.

Sunday's Opera Show April 27, 2008

I had a rather strange phone call yesterday while I was on the air. I was presenting Ruggero Leoncavallo's La Boheme, and a man called to argue that I was incorrect: it was Puccini's La Boheme. I explained that we were listening to the OTHER La Boheme, and this one was composed by Leoncavallo. He corrected me again and said that there was only one La Boheme, and it was by Puccini. I finally lost patience and said, "Does this sound like Puccini to you???" With that, he hung up on me. I was too busy practicing reading the synopsis for the next act to be upset, but by the time I arrived home, I did feel rather taken aback. Why would someone argue that way?