Steve Jobs: Remembering an iCon

Downtown Chicago Apple Store

The way in which people express one's grief and pay respects these days has certainly showcased a fresh and creative side. Some people write cards, some send flowers and many often prefer to deliver casseroles to family members in the deep throes of sorrow. But in light of the recent passing of Apple's Co-Founder and CEO, traditional customs, it seems, have been superseded by a more original approach to a tribute. Unequivocally a suitable and rightful remembrance for a visionary like Steve Jobs. So, as our crew collectively gasped as we drove by the downtown Chicago Apple store this past weekend while on a short stint out there, it was a unanimous thought that we pull into the closest parking garage and go pay our own respects to the colorful wall memorial. Between the hundreds of post-it notes, once bitten apples and dozens of onlookers, we all walked away feeling a little better having honored one amazing American innovative genius. It not only felt good to be there, but felt like the proper eulogy for an entrepreneurial virtuoso. To this we simply add what many others are saying - 'iSad.'

Behind-the-Scenes Saturdays: Lake Arrowhead Film Festival!

The MDF crew has just arrived at the 12th Annual Lake Arrowhead Film Festival for Film, Television and Beyond. And let us tell you that it has been a beautiful day up here in the mountains and a great weekend for a film festival. So far, our little MDF sidekick, Romeo has enjoyed a nice walk along the Lake's edge and has endlessly tried to locate the tweeting birds up in the trees. Peaceful but fun, tonight's gala and tomorrow's line-up of films is looking great making it really difficult to choose which films to attend. Even Sammy Hagar, who is a local resident, is making his West Coast premiere of his film, 'Go There Once, Be There Twice' about a Mexican village, a cantina and a birthday bash. Of course he's hosting an 'After Hours Party' which sounds a little on the wild side , but we'll keep you posted.

Behind-the-Scenes Saturdays: A Beach Break

Sometimes, you just need to take a break from it all and stare at the sunset (it doesn't hurt to be a 5 minute drive from the beach either). Aaahhhh. Breathe.

MDF Crew Hits the Hollywood Bowl Sing-a-Long

When the going gets tough, the tough head to a Sound of Music Sing-a-Long! And when the boss is a major fan of the movie, you go too (with champagne in hand of course) and put on a happy face. So, suffice it to say, that not all of the MDF crew was on board for this team-building outing for this Hollywood tradition.  But, with friends and a neighbor in tow, it turned out to be a pretty good night! (Next year, we are so dressing up so that some 4 year old dressed as a 'drop of golden sun' doesn't win a week's cruise!).

MDF + Up With People = Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

OK, so this 3 day event UP WITH PEOPLE, will forever go down in MDF history as the happiest one we've ever attended! To say that this was a fun-filled and delightful weekend full of happiness and joy is a complete understatement. These people hold up to their happy little reputation as Sue Sylvester so pointedly said on a Season 1 GLEE episode. So, let us help paint a visual for you  - 3 days..... 1,000 smiling people from all over the world.... alumni from the 60's - 2005.... current casts performances.... alumni cast performances.... and of course.... several suite and ballroom soirees. In all, a swell-of-a-good-time filming for a Cast from 1980. "What a great organization" (says one of the crew members who just happens to be an alumni herself!)