Valerie's father, Mr. Tom Stapleton, went to school with Nelson Riddle. Riddle has written or arranged music for records, film, television and public performance. His work contributed to the success of the best performers in the United States including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Nat Cole and Linda Ronstadt. He also played trombone in Tommy Dorsey's band. They corresponded throughout their lives and Valerie ended up with a letter Riddle had written to Tom in college. The letter is a facinating account of Nelson's time in college, taking classes, playing in three bands and his desire to arrange. Nelson Riddle is one of the most renown composer and arranger in popular music history.
We went to the University of Arizona where Valerie donated the letter to the University of Arizona Nelson Riddle Collection.



Above, Keith Pawlik, music archivist at UofA accepts the letter and Valerie inspects Riddle's Academy Award for Best Adapted Music Score.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. died yesterday. Writer, social critic, POW, Tralfamadorian, Vonnegut was a friend of Billy Pilgrim, Kilgore Trout and millions of others. Thanks for helping us get through it all.



See: vonnegut.com
photo: www.samizdat.qc.ca

Ever wonder what the most complicated coffee drink might be? After extensive research I found some of the most cryptic concoctions I've ever heard. Here is a sampling:

"Non-fat half-caf triple grande quarter sweet sugar free vanilla non-fat lactaid extra hot extra foamy caramel macchiato"
PAULSOP.com

"decaf triple venti nonfat 3 splenda extra hot stirred no foam (can't hold the shots, silly lady) caramel macchiato with whip cream and extra caramel"
&
"Iced half-caf ristretto quad grande two pump rasberry two percent no whip light ice with bar caramel drizzle three and a half pump white mocha"
&
"grande, triple, 2 raw, half the white chocolate, heavy caramel, 2/3 rice 1/3 half & half, extra hot, extra whip, 2 straws
&
3/4 decaf quad grande 1 pump WM 1 pump vanilla 1 pump peppermint breve stir-before-pouring then freepour 165-degree no-whip white chocolate mocha"
Starbucks Gossip (a very interesting blog)

George from Cool Springs, Tennessee speaks of his high-maintenance clientele: "I routinely had orders for three-fifths Mocha Valencias (three regular shots, two decaf). Not to mention the 1 1/4 packs of Equal, 2 raw sugars, and 1/3 a pack of Sweet-n-Low. Oh, and do you have any Splenda?"
&
Genegieve tries to deconstruct the silliest order she's ever heard: "Venti non-fat breve half-caf Americano with whip - Ok, venti (got that) non-fat breve (uhhh, i didn’t know that half and half came non-fat…)half-caf (I have never fully understood this theory or justification) americano (any serious Americano drinker knows that there is no milk in it, unless you add it yourself. It’s just espresso with water.. espresso and water!…)with whip…..ok, uhhhh…. sounds to me like you want a venti breve decaf late with whip"
lay-c.com

And finally... everyone has heard this:
“I’ll have a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon.”
LA Story

It was a shock to hear that Richard Jeni took his own life last week. I have been a fan of his for many years and had seen him in person a few times. He was a meticulous comedian with a very strong resume including HBO specials, movie appearances and apparently holds the record for appearing on the Tonight Show more than any other comedian going back to the Johnny Carson days.



According to richardjeni.com, his family explains, "...earlier this year Richard Jeni was diagnosed with severe clinical depression coupled with bouts of psychotic paranoia." They go on to explain that his suicide was not related to his career and that he has been busier than usual and has just enjoyed his most financially rewarding year.


We saw him a couple of months ago at the Tempe Improv and thought he wasn't really "on" like he usually is live. After he finished, I extended my hand to him and he reacted humbly, we shook hands and that moment still haunts me.

Rest In Peace

Mrs. Helen Handler, a delightful person who is also a Holocaust survivor, spoke to Valerie's classes yesterday. It was a truly remarkable experience for everyone.





As you can see, the class was spellbound and respectful, leaning on her every word.



I had the pleasure of picking up Mrs. Handler, taking her to Red Mountain H.S. and driving her home again. These hours were filled with splendid conversation and was an errand I will long remember.