Travelling with the Tears for Fears Stateside Fan Club is always a joy. I am very very grateful for these opportunities. We’ve made it to nearly every solo show that was made public since September of 2010. We now have new fans onboard who come out and spend a few days in Los Angeles with us. This time we were in back in Santa Monica at the historic McCabe’s Guitar Shop. 

Day 1 Arrival

Most of us got there a few days in advance. I arrived just shy mid-week to make sure the resort we booked for the mini-meet-up had everything we needed for the several days. We got an automatic upgrade with my resort membership which was incredible. That meant we had this huge suite for several days instead of the days in which guests were to join us. I phoned Carri right away and told her to come over as quickly as possible and to bring Kai as well. I wasn’t sure where any one else was. While waiting, I stocked that room with as much as room service could bring and began working on various things. My hands pecking away on the computer…my eyes staring at the magnificent Pacific Ocean…my first time actually being able to enjoy it as I’m always on a fly-in and fly-out on trips to California. 

Carri got there about 8pm. Kai had to go back home and work on some things. So Carri and I explored the oversized patio and stared at the Santa Monica Pier well into the night while listening to Tears for Fears and Curt Smith solo music. It was so nice to be with her again. I think we hugged for nearly 5 minutes in the lobby alone…then in the suite we were like living dolls running around just happy to be able to have some real fun. By 1am or 2…we were snuggled in our pajamas staring at that magical Ferris wheel on the pier. I am fascinated by lights and colourful things…I think that was evident in the tweets we sent that day.

Day 2 Curt Smith Show during Brit Week is Today

The morning was spent noshing. I had a ton of eggs…like a boat load. Because I knew I was going to be too nervous to eat as show time approached. Filled with protein and ready to exercise, we ran down to the ocean passing a statue that I thought was a human being. I’m very open and love people so I immediately began calling out to it as we approached. “Hello!! How are you??” I asked…only to get no response back…then I realized it wasn’t a really tanned human but instead a bronze statue much like that in the “Change” video. Oops…

Feeling slightly crazy I walked a little slower down to the beach. Once there, we walked quickly to the ocean and splashed around til noon. Then we rushed back. While Carri was tanning, I went to the hot tub and met up with a lady whose husband was from England. We had a long conversation about Tears for Fears, her life in Santa Monica and all the tea shoppes she and her husband frequented. She gave me the names of pubs and places to visit while there. When the heat of that tub nearly left me passed out I crawled up to the patio deck and just stood there…frozen in the gorgeous, but chilly, Santa Monica air. Then I raced back to the room and we started getting ready for the show. 

The Queue (shown in the very first picture above) Being in line is just part of being a superfan. Our driver dropped us off around 5pm. The show was at 7pm. We were about 12^th in line. Same as last time. Ahead of us were some fans originally from Turkiye/Turkey, a lady who drove up from San Diego and a few from other far off locations. Eileen was in front of us. Kim arrived, then Yara and her husband who slid in line behind Eileen. Then Traci and Lael who drove in from Arizona. The list goes on and on…tons of people, some who were literally snatched off the road and given one of our extra tickets when they expressed interest why we were in a queue . We talked and took photos until we saw (@Wzzy) drive up. Then minutes later she came out and handed us skittles!! The sugar rush of choice among the band and Tears for Fears fans. We were stoked! The Awesome Afton came out and stood with us for a little while before they went back inside. We then went over fan club business and experiences in other fan clubs including Duran Duran and U2. We all expressed excitement and worry over the upcoming tour…awesome dates, excellent evening showtimes and the sad lack of opportunity for early tickets…this is the kind of thing that fans fear…and some didn’t have tickets to the OC show just yet. A few said they wouldn’t go unless they had pit seats…I totally understand.

The Show 

Before we knew it, 7pm arrived. As that line moved my stomach flopped. I almost leaned over and vomited. I was so excited I couldn’t stand it. I was happy to get inside and sit down…of course, something had to go wrong…Carri lost her ticket while we were standing in line. I nearly died of shock. After I got our seats, I went to go give the ticket receipt to the doorman to prove I bought 4 tickets and her’s was one of them. But nothing needed…she came back and let me know that everything was okay. In fact, Traci Smith came to the rescue and made sure everything was okay. Talk about loyalty among friends. Thanks Traci! She took care of CD while I went to get the seats taken care of. Teamwork indeed! Carri later found her ticket in one of the numerous pockets of her jacket and took it back herself. Despite the fan panic, I was able to cheer up quick after looking over my shoulder to see Curt’s wife in two rows behind us, wearing an anchor on the sleeve of her shirt…thus matching my anchor earrings…yeah, I thought I was a badass after spotting those thus making us anchor sisters…Hey whatever connection we can get right? We sat there chatting in the row…the same row we sat in last time. My hands shaking a little…

The show began on time. The host came out and gave his now famous funny speech about grabbing a guitar and heading to the door in case flames broke out. We laughed and then he introduced Curt, briefly…because he doesn’t really need an introduction. Then Curt spoke to us for a little while which sent chills and thrills through the audience. I wrote down just about everything he said. I held on to my show notes for weeks…but I’ve travelled a lot since then and can’t locate them and I know people are tired of waiting on the details. So, I write this particular show experience from memory. More will perhaps be added later including videos of fan fun. A lot of funny cool things happened. Fortunately, the show was taped by McCabe’s…a good deal of it anyway.  You can watch the amazing, mesmerizing, audience inclusive performances here…

Highlights from the show…

There were so many incredible moments in between the songs. Often times we were showered with Skittles and busy chair dancing. Everyone danced in their seat (proof is in the videos)… and let me say, I’m ready to kiss the feet of the guy who videotaped the show. I said early on that I had surely wished someone would video tape these solo shows…it is crucial for our fan archives. So, whoever you are…take your shoes off…I’m ready to go to town on you! Thank you!!! 

Refusing to play “Sun King…”

And thank G-d!! Charlton was like, “who put this up here?” And I was so grateful they threw that request out. I put my head in my hands…cause I knew I’d be sick if it was played…and so would a few others near me… Few want to hear that song any more…I have to say it, meaning aside, the song “sounds” beautiful but well…but let’s move on…let’s just put it aside. I’m so glad that “period of silent time” has passed. 

Audience Interaction…

It’s always a welcomed moment to hear a band that you’ve followed since you were a small child say your name…or address you during a show…ask you a question…etc… And that happened several times throughout the show. Curt acknowledged those he could see in the crowd. He said hello to Carri, Traci, Kai and I…he went on…stating how we fly in from across the country to shows…to me that is equal to winning the lottery or having a blessing placed right on my head. Forgive me, but many will understand me when I say, “If I didn’t wake up the next morning I would have lived a good life.” That band means that much to me…having a handshake, a hello…and all that care that they’ve given us…well, each moment is like a kiss from the heavens. I feel so blessed and so grateful beyond words for everything Curt Smith has done. And I appreciate he and Roland Orzabal for the constant recognition and sweet demeanor they shower on the fans. I don’t know if we deserve it, but they keep dishing it …and I tell you, it makes us even more excited to work as hard as we can to be present at anything they do…with friends and thank you’s in tow…

A little “Graduate…”

While tuning and preparing for the next song…Curt teased us with a few chords saying, “You’d have to be real die-hard to know this one…” Well I knew it…it was part of a song on the “Graduate” album…I yelled out “Graduate.” A surprised Curt looked down in the audience at me…and said, “Andye’s got it goin’ on…” I said, “you know I got this…I gotcha Curt. I gotcha…” Cause goodness knows I listen to that album as if it came out last night on the MTV music awards…:;sings Julie Julie…:: but I digress…Again, these were one of the moments that Curt called us out…and I was like “heck yeah…superfan represent!”

Afton on the stairs…And throughout the show was Afton…sitting on steps that led down to the stage…sort of like attic steps…tapping her foot and swaying…something about her being there was comforting, cool and sweet. We love Afton…many of us remember her back in the day on KMK’s Tears for Fears fan page. She was an active fan like one of us, checking in everyday and adding to the numerous conversations…and now she’s apart of the TFF team…now if that’s not cool I don’t know what is…It’s been awesome seeing her over the years on stage and off. Big hugs for her!

Disturbances…Ummm, it was made clear that we were not allowed to take pictures…so why was it the person that drove up from San Diego had to be asked twice not to do that? Honey…please do not ruin it for the rest of us. It’s a miracle he let’s us get that close.

Another painful thing was we were missing one person. I left their ticket behind at will call…what was odd was that when the ticket taker saw that I had an extra ticket she said to me, “You have someone else coming?” I said, “Perhaps…the name is…” and before I even got out the person’s family name she’d written it down…as if she knew something…that was very twilight zone-ish and creepy…about as creepy as the situation that surrounded their absence. 

Post Show- The Meet & Greet

Okay, let me say the meet and greet was over an hour long…and how fortunate were we to be in his presence for that amount of time?!! 🙂 I took a lot of pictures of everyone that spoke to him. He took a moment with each person that came to the show. I should’ve brought my iPad so I could have taken top quality pictures vs. those blurry ones on my blackberry. A few came out pretty cool and I think there’s a collage of pictures from that day floating around on Facebook. Again, every single person in line got a moment with him. A few people went a little nuts but the quiet of the room hushed them into good behaviour. They got their hugs, hand holds and a nice picture to take with them. Some had gifts…including myself. We gave him a runner’s watch from Vestal. That’s our thing…watches…we like to express our appreciation for what Carri calls his “genuine-quality time.” TeamCS (Carri, Kai, Traci and a few others including myself) sort of gathered around him at the same time.

We took pictures and video and then he sent a hug to SheeShee (Sheila) of which many have already seen in a video on SheeShee’s and Carri’s wall. Sheila is a long time travelling fan who couldn’t be with us this time around. It hurt not having her there because she always plans some cool thing to do…last time we sang happy birthday to him on stage…that was wild and fun…that man brings out the best in us…and sheeshee ring leads!

Then he signed a ton of cds I purchased for the media team to which I belong…he signed posters, artwork…you name it. He was extremely generous of his time. We were floored standing there watching him and absorbing as much of this majestic moment as possible. Before I walked away I said, “I will pay you x amount of dollars for one of those T-shirts.” Curt replied, “Which one?” Kai leaps forward and says, “This one!!” referring to the awesome blue shirts that came in the Curt Smith Bundle. He said, “Ohhh, well, I may not have more of those but I’ll get you another one.” Carri perked up…”There’s another?” You know us…we want to collect everything… and while we wrapped up our chat he kept mentioning that he was going to get a shirt for me… and then he asked Arlene (@Wzzy) where were the ones I was specifically requesting…

I stepped back and continued to take pictures of the other fans and then the guy from McCabe’s said he was closing soon so we might need to clear out. I thanked him and as we walked away Curt yelled goodbye saying, “Thanks Andye, Thanks Carri!! See you!” and then I heard, “Andye…Andye!!” It was Curt…he threw me a shirt…everyone said “awww…” and smiled at his sweet gesture…I thanked him and then turned away quickly toward his wife…tears of gratitude stinging my eyes. We told her goodbye and she smiled and said goodbye… then we headed back to the beach.

Afterparty I swear we meant to invite more people but many had already vanished so this turned into a gathering of 3 and I was very happy that it was that small because we were exhausted and in no mental condition to arrange Valet parking for everyone, lead them to the suite and get them situated. We ended up dancing around on the patio, drinking and rehashing the show in total awe…there were moments of just complete “OMGAAAh, did you hear this…and that…” Then we see this tweet come in on our news feed and that was just another huge bonus! 

You can imagine…it was craaayycraaaay on that patio…we were running around with our hands in the air amazed at that stellar show, the fact that we met Frances (his beautiful wife), how many times he kept speaking to the crowd and shout outs to us for travelling across country ANNDD that he threw me that shirt! I love my Curt Smith shirt collection…It is growing!

Day 3 The party continues

We slept late…but we got in our swimming, walks through Santa Monica…all that…we all did what we wanted and then came back to the suite and danced around…there was a lot of dancing…you’ve perhaps seen some of the videos…it was too much fun…wayyyyyyy too much fun…still in our swimsuits, talking to the handsome man in the cool swim shorts in the suite next door (our patios were touching) and just living it up in Santa Monica…I knew it was going to be hard to leave…

We had a freakin’ blaaaasst. We made a new playlist on the iPad with The Fixx ( our preshow band with our anthems Stand or Fall and Saved By Zero)…then Tears for Fears favourites like, The Working Hour, Music For Tables, Girl Panic by Duran Duran…we lived the life…well up til Sunday afternoon when it was time for us to head back. 

Thank you will not suffice in this situation. I want to fall on the ground and just cry tears of joy because that’s how I feel everytime I think about Brit Week 2012…it took me a while to get my thoughts together…to try and explain this without crying…and here it is…that’s what happened on this magnificent Curt Smith Solo extended weekend during Brit Week 2012. Curt spoils his fans. He looks after them and he notices everything. We love him, we appreciate him…we could go on and on… til next time! Cheers! Thanks for reading! Enjoy the madness… 

Andye shares her thoughts on The Mayfield Bundle: By now everyone is surely enjoying their Curt Smith Bundle. It is such an awesome package. We’ve been totally spoiled with all of these branded items…it is almost just too much! Like many, I’ve certainly worn my Curt Smith Wristband everyday. I haven’t touched the Skittles and don’t plan to. I’ve taken a ton of pictures of it, shared the contents with fellow music lovers (I gave my autographed CD to a media executive whose eyes lit up when he saw what came out of the box upon arrival & gave The Villains Band lead singer the music card from cd baby that Curt included in this sensational sunny yellow bag of fun…)  I’ve kept everything else in tact and will place it in the TFF archives…

It seems many bought it as a keepsake…a post-tour closure souvenir to go along with the awesome memories we have of the 2011 tour and other great times with the band prior to that. But I’d like to see this Bundle take on a whole new role.

This should certainly be the norm for every Tears for Fears tour going forward. I think 3 months prior to the next one (and we pray there is a next one…there are hints of a new album but we won’t make any assumptions or official statements til the band speaks up and puts their seal of approval and authenticity on the chatter) …a Tears for Fears bundle should be made available for purchase to superfans who want to really make the most of their band following experience. A code should be given to each of those boxes that can be used to buy advanced tickets for premium seats near the front row. This will eliminate the need for us to stand in line as early as 7:30am in front of venues. This is not healthy or realistic but people did do this…in Los Angeles in fact. I and many others lined up ultra early for everything…and I’m talking a day in advance arrivals, etc…it was not easy but you know…when you love a band as much as we do, you do what you have to in order to be on time, present and accounted for.

The VIK badge
This has such great potential. In the future, it would be ultra cool if a TFF Superfan badge could be available for advanced purchase. Perhaps 200 of them with a code. These could perhaps be issued (at cost) to the fans who are already registered with Curt Smith’s mailing list/have remained in contact with the band/have supported them in various projects over the years or especially now. This is tricky however, because let’s face it…there are some wild fans out there that shouldn’t be so close to the stage…given their past behaviour. It is safe to give them up-close access like that?  I’m really unsure how to go about this in the fairest way… but would love to discuss it further… Perhaps it could be handled much like the success of Curt’s solo shows have functioned most recently…Those who follow him should get a chance to continue that support with the purchase of advanced seats much like he offered on his April-June residency at the Whitefire Theatre. First come first serve?

Either way, this was a great idea…I’d love to see it continued in grand fashion…a way that is fair in that those loyal fans (the band knows who they are) buy premium seats. If the show is General admission they must submit a code or perhaps wear the wristband that permits them to go into the venue ahead of time… Nothing worse than seeing a loyal fan screaming from the back of a concert while random people who can’t even sing the words to their songs get to sit up front. That is not cool given the distance that some go to get to these shows…I think of all of those people from New York…and overseas… mercy…we have got to come up with something.

I applaud this bundle for the excitement it generated! I really appreciate Curt for making it affordable in that each item (after doing research) would have cost about $12 each retail. It may seem expensive to some but in the end it was a great deal that brought a lot of joy! Cheers!

Big Thanks to Marcio of Brasil for sharing so many photos! Cool High Five to Amur in the Philippines for going through such over the top measures to get one in her country! You can see hers on Curt Smith’s Facebook page. Muito Obrigada and Maraming Salamat you awesome #Kooks !!

Andye Superfan talks about travelling to Curt Smith’s solo at Mc’Cabe’s Guitar Shop.

It hadn’t been 24 hours since I left the presence of Curt Smith at Bardot before there was rumour of yet another show. I think I saw it somewhere on Twitter (of course). Snap Happy Pam (SHP) was determined that I attend. She encouraged me day in and day out to find a way to make it happen even though I had been assigned an Atlanta media week and it would have been literally impossible.  It would also mean I’d be travelling alone for several days in California. I hadn’t travelled alone…ever! But this fear of not having someone hold my hand had cost me a chance to be on set with them during an interview some years ago. So the McCabe’s show was my chance to break this ridiculous habit. Risking the perception of being a stalker I began planning how I’d get away for just the day…even if it meant flying in and flying right back out.

Meanwhile, Team CS had blossomed into a fun online group of 6 (Traci, Janice, The Sisters, Carri D, Alexis and myself) all umbrella’d in (@PapaSFans). We talked about Tears for Fears every single day, befriending each other Facebook and responding to each other’s comments on Curt Smith’s facebook fan page. We were in heaven…all this awesome contact and constant fan club activity. With the TwitChange we got a cool shoutout from Curt thanks to Shaun King and enjoyed following HIM following us.

Mid October, SHP was still asking about the show. “Are you coming?” I didn’t have an answer. I still hadn’t figured out how I was going to get there given that I’d be on assignment right up to the day of the show. He was also appearing at the TedxSF event…he was a guest speaker. I suggested to my media team that we go out there for that and learn something. But again, we already had plans for the week so nothing doin’. But, being the determined superfan I stayed up all night finishing up every inch of the project. I had booked a room in advance, already had a print out of the show ticket and within hours of the approval to leave I got a plane ticket and headed out to L.A. the day of the show…an 830 flight on Delta…all…by…myself!

Miki from Summit Limousines was there at L.A.X. to scoop me up and haul me down to Santa Monica. I checked in and begged for a room within view of the venue. After I lugged my suitcase up the stairs to the 3^rd floor (in heels), Alexis and I met on the sidewalk and hugged for as long as possible before troplopsing back to my room and all but screaming with glee that we were about to see Curt Smith again. I was not feeling very well because I hadn’t slept in about 2 days (all that rushing to get through production so I could get out there) but was getting better in that healing California air and just happy to see a familiar face. (Its so funny that now I willfully hop on a plane to California with no need of a soul to guide me)

I remember trying to sleep a little. But I turned the TV on and just “shivered” for hours. I was a live wire! I phoned SHP. She promised to be there at 5pm and then we’d meet up with the rest of the fans outside and wait early for the show. And she kept her promise. Full of jitters and nerves we crossed the street to meet a line that had already formed. It was about 6pm at this time. I think doors were to open at 7 or  8pm. We met CS fan Margie Rivas and her family. Traci showed up later as did a ton of others from his facebook page who had travelled quite a ways to be there. It was like Curt Smith’s fan wall had come to life. We leaned against the building and waited for permission to go in…many of us completely shaking from excitement. A girl walked by and asked what we were waiting for. We told her “Curt Smith…” and her face lit up, “Cooool!” she said and waited around looking for a ticket. Sadly they were sold out…as expected.

Then the doors opened. We rushed into the venue and got our seats snuggled up on the 3^rd row behind what turned out to be a few members from the Psych Crew? The pineapple was on stage as well. Wild right? I was thrilled to peaches! I made about 6 trips to the vending area to get a few cds and guitar picks (sp?) for the Atlanta fans who couldn’t be there (Todd, Michael, etc). I also wanted to get an autograph for my magnificent ATL superstar cousin Michael Roland Magno. The amount of things to buy was endless. So many different albums to choose from. I just kept grabbing and grabbing.

The Show

This is certainly the hardest part to talk about…I don’t know where to start…I remember a person speaking before hand and welcoming all of us to this historic venue. He said, “If in case there is a fire…each of you please grab a guitar from the wall and head toward the exit doors.” We roared with laughter and a few of us looked around toward the walls to see which one we would save from the potential burning flames. Then the house lights went down…and band members begin to come down to the stage one by one…sharply dressed in dark jackets and dress pants. Suits! We all clapped…then…His High Highness…The Good Man Curt Smith stepped down from the heavens to the front of the stage and we just lost it with praise. You’d have though G-d delivered him to us with His own hand.

Everything from this point forward is just a dream…I remember Curt singing “Drive” by the cars…with a story about his daughter and how she is growing up and…well, he’s preparing himself for the day she may be driven home by someone other than himself. If it was up to us fans we’d all be waiting up with he and his wife for whatever fortunate fellow that gets to take her out on a date. As he spoke before the song I imagined us all behind him with squinty eyes peering down at the fellow reminding him 11 o’clock means 10:59 latest. LOL…seriously…it was very precious and he sang so clearly…I can’t even begin to describe it. And from that, a number of stories came… Stories about his family, his current life and why certain songs were on the Halfway Pleased album. It was a very intimate and “moving” experience. And I just cried. I cried so hard…not loudly…just tears running down my face as I listened to him. I cried so hard my nose got all stuffy. I as busy wiping and snottin’ as I watched a man that I have admired and kept with me in a cassette case through the best and worst of times. Through my family’s coming and going in and out of theUnited States, to my first days at University, my adapting to new technology (Curt was the first person I ever emailed) and again at the very media post that I suggested they interview the band regarding ELAHE and the list goes…AND THERE HE WAS!!! …right there…singing…watching us all watch him…in total amazement! And the light shone down on him like a spirit…it was immaculate and I was delirious with gratitude. I just couldn’t believe it.

Curt’s Got Jokes

Every now and again Curt would reach into his pocket, talking about the suit…and his hand would move around. He assured us, “I’m not playing with my marbles.” That got a roar! He’s hilarious! The set went on and he joked about the music equipment additions and why they decided to wear suits…saying they got them when they were on tour with “Tears” but hadn’t had a chance to wear them. So they figured that this night was as good as any. They looked so smart and dashing…one would have had to have been there to see them…so handsome they were! And he played it up by having Charlton do some jazzy style extended instrumentals between songs and leading into songs. There was of course Mad World and some of the TFF favourites but mostly those soul stirring, warm ballads from his latest work Halfway Pleased…songs like Aeroplane and Trees. There was an intermission and I dried my eyes…and bought more merch!  And part two was just as engaging as the first…and again tears engulfed me and I just let them roll as I lip-sang the words and sat through what felt like a glorious ceremony on Cloud 9.

Curt Smith’s solo shows are not like anything I’ve ever attended. Being in the media industry, I have to sit through so much music and dance week after week…My weekends are filled with one band or dance troupe after another but NONE of them move me like a Curt Smith’s solo show. There just aren’t any words to describe it. You have to go, see and hear for yourself.

End of the Night

It ended with the Psych crew singing back up on “Shout.” OHHH, that was a treat! They did such an excellent job adding in their own energy and dedication to this incredible band. It was surreal. We applauded and headed out to the front of the Guitar shoppe. We waited about 10 minutes then Curt appeared in his cool casual clothes (he’d shed the suit) and spoke to us. It got quiet as we shuffled around arranging ourselves a distance away from him. No one said a word. They just looked with big smiles on their faces. Then he said, “Hey Andye.” I returned the hello and struggled with my decision to refrain from touching the ground as one does in my culture for people we honour. And we sort of stood there away from him and just stared for another 3-4 minutes. Clearly we were excited and nervous. Then Curt says something like, “Who would like to go first?” I was standing closest so I stepped next to him. He asked me, “Did you really stay up looking for a flight?” I nodded yes as if “You better believe I was determined to get here.” He gave me a quick hug and then signed a cd for my cousin Magno. I wanted him to sign everything but I knew that would be rude so I stepped aside and Alexis stepped forward second and gave him some bumper stickers for his car and asked for a picture and autograph. The next group stepped forward…and back in the crowd they went. And that’s kind of how it was the rest of the night. He received us with much grace and we all but bowed down at his feet. Sweet Afton took a few pictures of us with Curt. And we left completely changed. It was awesome. Its been a year now and we’ve all changed drasitcally since then. Three of us going on what we like to call the Curt Smith Fitness routine. He inspires us in so many ways. It’s a load of fun!

We stepped outside the venue, riddled with nerves and jetlag but unable to go to sleep. So we hopped in Alexis’ car and drove around til the morning came. That next day I headed off to a media event for which I’d been given tickets to attend since I was going to be in the area. I think Curt went with his daughters on glamping trip J or something like that…It was such an exciting excursion and it was on this trip that I truly began thinking about moving toCaliforniafor good. It’s such a nice place and the weather seems perfect. All of my East Coast ailments melt away when I’m there.

I never did recover from that trip. My sleep pattern was permanently thrown off and I’ve yet to have “shakenL.A.” It’s stuck to me like glue and I can’t scrub it off for anything. I want to thank Snap Happy Pam for the encouragement and constant push to move toLos Angeles. Mahalo to Team CS for making the effort to travel great distances to be there and continuing to do so even if it means great sacrifices. Who knew this would turn into a lifelong habit! In the name of Tears for Fears…Cheers!