About Masterclass Lady
Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli.
When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler.
She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8.
In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman.
In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins.
In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright.
In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins.
Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
May 21, 2008 
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I think that for what is typical of American Idol, David A certainly brought it tonight.
That said, I adored David C’s last song. I thought it was breathtaking, and that’s EXACTLY what I’d want to see in a live concert – the kind of thing where I can hardly believe I’m standing there witnessing someone’s emotional/musical moment. Beautiful.
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Ehhh, I’m probably in the minority here but I thought both of them looked and sounded nervous. I found the final to be boring to tell you the truth. The last song by David A. I enjoyed though.
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Well that was definitely a good finale! I truly enjoyed both contestants, but have to give it to David A; he defnitely brought his “A” game tonight! Although David C was great too..I really enjoyed his final performance
Dadmonson, I do agree that they both looked nervous. I think David A looked a bit more nervous and I found this showed when he was being critiqued by the judges.
Props to both AI contestants….”Here’s to future success”!
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I really like both Davids, but I think Archuleta was best tonight. I liked his 2nd song better than Cook’s 2nd song. My only problem with Archuleta tonight is that I wish he had chosen something other than “Imagine” for his 3rd song. It just seems lazy and “playing it safe” to choose a song you’ve already performed on the show. I understand why he picked the song… he sings it beautifully… but still, just doesn’t seem fair that we didn’t get to hear him perform something different.
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I was very pleased with David C’s performances. What a delight to have a Cornation song that rocks. I also thought David’s last song was outstanding. How brave to not go with the safe choices. I also appreciated his emotionalism with that last song. He was much better than what Simon gave him credit for.
With the build up that Simon gave to David A. everyone will be shocked if he doesn’t win. This young man has a beautiful voice, but I was disappointed that he stuck with three ballads. Is it possible that his “Imagine” was not as good as the first time? Did anyone notice that he seem to be hyperventilating after his second song. Poor kid was indeed nervous. I hope he will have some training for interviewing.
I think it is a 50/50 chance for either one to win! Personally, I think David Cook can handle the pressure better and his music is more marketable. David A. will have a career that will go beyond making a CD. It was a GOOD show tonight. Bravo!
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Wow dadmonson, you must be hard to please. 🙂
I didn’t see nerves, I saw emotion from both Davids. I was very taken with DA. He did not have anything left after his performances. He was an open book while listening to the judges and I think we saw a very personal side of him. I loved it.
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Just to clarify, Imagine was actually David A’s back up song. I believe he wanted an uptempo that wasnt cleared.
I thought both Davids did awesome. The standout for me was don’t let the sun go down on me. David C’s lastsong was beautiful.
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Longtime lurker, first time poster. Thank you, Master Class Lady, for your fairness, honesty and integrity with respect to the contestants throughout season seven. This is a safe haven from the AI boards, let me tell you.
Have to congratulate both Davids — tonight they both showed us why they deserved to be the final two standing on that stage. Each of them has, in their own distinctive style, given us consistently good to brilliant performances every single week, and this evening they did not disappoint. Regardless of who wins the Idol crown David A and David C are both winners and will be forces to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Thank you gentlemen!
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I’m with you Kariann! I was yelling at Archie through the TV to breath after that 2nd song! I also wish DA had sung something other than Imagine, and no, I don’t think he was as good the 2nd time around.
I really thought he was going to swoon! I LOVED seeing Cookie get teary after the 3rd song. Many people seem to see him as hard and unemotional – I think it’s just his game-face they see, and after the last song, he turned into ‘just David Cook.’ I SO enjoy seeing the pleasure in his Mama’s face when watching him on stage! As the Mom of a 19 year old son, it just kills me to think how difficult it must be for her to be able to channel all her positive energy into David way out in Calif. when her older son, Adam is (presumably) dying back in Indiana. This is why I chose to have only 1 child … I don’t know how you parents can be it all to all of your babies!
I’m not a musician, but it would seem to me that it was harder for Cook to learn the contest song to sing AND to play on guitar, whereas DA ‘just’ sang it. Then again, some people might explain to me that playing the guitar makes it easier somehow.
I am totally flummoxed by Simon. He made the rounds, as noted earlier, basically declaring Cookie the winner, and yet he championed Archie in all 3 rounds. Could Simon actually have been honest tonight, or is it the reverse psychology he uses to try to get Cook’s fan dialing like mad for Cook to win?!
Wow, what an evening!
Anita
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Oh, I SO hope this is true!!
Access Exclusive: David Cook’s Ailing Brother To Attend ‘Idol’ Finale
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — May 20, 2008
When he takes the “American Idol” stage for his final performance, David Cook will have one special fan in the audience – his brother Adam — who is suffering from brain cancer.
Contrary to reports, Adam Cook will be in attendance at the “Idol” finale, Access Hollywood has confirmed.
As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, Adam, 36, has been undergoing chemotherapy for his second diagnosis of brain cancer, which had spread to his spine.
Julie Henricks, a Cook family spokesperson and a DJ for B102.7 FM in Adam’s hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, told Access Hollywood that Adam and his wife, Kendra, left Terre Haute on Monday to travel to LA to see David vie for the “Idol” crown.
The trip was made possible by an anonymous donation for a private flight, Julie said.
“They are very excited and very happy,” Julie told Access. “David is thrilled.”
David, who is in the “Idol” finals against teen David Archuleta, has had the letters “AC” on his guitar at times during the season as a tribute to his ailing brother.
Earlier this season, Adam was able to attend a taping of the show when friends arranged for a chartered medical jet to fly him out to LA, after doctors had prohibited him from taking a commercial flight.
“It has been an absolute whirlwind. I’m so thrilled for Adam… it’s been an awesome dream, an awesome goal, an awesome thought,” his wife Kendra told Indiana’s Tribune Star at the time. “The excitement of seeing his spirits lifted so high has been wonderful.”
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Ex-Idols head to L.A. for final week
May 20, 2008, 09:27 AM | by Shirley Halperin EW.com
Scores of former American Idol contestants who were flown into Los Angeles for this week’s big show attended a private pre-finale mixer on Monday night. Held at swanky new downtown lounge The Edison, the three-hour soirée featured a five-song set by season 5’s Ace Young — who recently made his TV acting debut on Bones and is getting ready to release a new album in July — and saw plenty of speculation as to who might triumph in the showdown of the Davids. Bo Bice, for one, was willing to go on record: He thinks Cook’s got it in the bag.
A quick scan of the room revealed some curious cliques: in one corner, brothers-in-soul-pop Chris Richardson (season 6), Justin Guarini (season 1), and Brandon Rogers (season 6) held court, Kevin Covais (season 5) — barely recognizable thanks to a new, mopish hairstyle — made the rounds, while at the bar Jon Peter Lewis (season 3) and Chris Sligh (season 6) bemoaned the “dilution” of the Idol brand, no thanks to “crappy records.” The girls were out in force as well: Nadia Turner (season 4) commandeered a corner booth while Gina Glocksen (season 6) angled for a minute of quality Bo time. Absent from the festivities? This season’s Top 12, who were busy rehearsing their finale numbers at the nearby Nokia Theater.
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Also, I’m thinking that when Clive said the most famous person ever will be at the finale it’ll be the dead-Elvis thing that rumors say will be singing with a variety of stars, as did Celine Dion last year. Damn. I wanted Macca, Jacko or Elton!
‘American Idol’ finale rumors
May 20, 2008, 01:39 PM | by Shirley Halperin EW.com
With the American Idol finale but mere hours away, who, besides season 7’s Top 12, will take the Nokia Theater stage on Wednesday’s two-hour results show extravaganza? Simon Cowell’s pride and joy Carrie Underwood, who seems to never turn down an Idol request, was announced as a special performer, and we hear disco queen Donna Summer, rock legends ZZ Top, and teen sensations the Jonas Brothers (pictured) are also on tap.
Idol finale billing always seems to follow a policy of last-minute announcements. By virtue of the show’s live format, it also favors pre-taping, like last year’s performance by Green Day of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero.” Considering this season’s ratings dip, however, we wouldn’t be surprised if there is a surprise or two thrown in.
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Both guys were GREAT tonight. I think “Don’t Let the Sun” by Archie is my favorite of his. He put his whole heart into it, and performed the livin’ daylights out of it.
I wasn’t sure if I liked this version of Imagine as well as the first, but I do. I just had to listen again. I love how he makes those little changes in a song.
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Both guys did well tonight…they played to their fanbases well.
Entertainment Weekly has this neat little article where you can go back and watch every single performance of the Davids side by side (and vote which one is best) all the way from the auditions to last week:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20201238,00.html
Just reminds me of how many great performances these 2 delivered throughout the season…best season yet.
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I’m not going to post it here, just the link, as I know not everyone wants to be spoiled: http://dialidol.com/asp/predictions/Predictions.asp
Dial Idol shows a predicted winner by a landslide.
There was a post at MJ’s Big Blog that really struck me and I’d like to post it here, with all credit to the poster skylight1219 (no spoiler info here)
“As I rewatched MJ’s videos, and, something became clear. At least to me. I saw David Cook through a different set of eyes than I’d seen him so far in this competition. I saw a young man, 25 years old, shedding tears. A rocker dude at that. And, you know what? He didn’t care. I saw a compassionate young man, who has a lot of respect for his 17 year old competitor, and, didn’t want to crush him. I also felt he was holding back, and, this may have been the reason. I think I also saw someone who, although he wanted to win, felt that the title would mean more to Archie.
I saw a brilliant young 17 year old, with an amazing voice, who overcame a partial vocal chord paralysis sing his face off. He too, shed tears. He has probably been groomed his entire life for this. Balladeering is his niche, and, I don’t think he’ll stray too far off the beaten path. Its where he excels. I saw a very awkward teenager, who couldn’t whip his way out of a wet paper bag, come out swinging, fighting, to win.
I saw 2 very nice young men, both following their dreams, become awestruck at the magnitude of where they were, neither knowing the outcome, or where this road will lead in the future.
Having witnessed all of this, I still believe Cook will be the better choice, but, I won’t be upset if Archie wins either. This season has nearly concluded, and, I think we’re all a little fatigued. Withdrawal will set in once we can’t see our idols twice a week on the television. This is it. They’ve come into our homes, our hearts, we’ve embraced them, loved them, rooted for them, voted for them, defended them, and, soon we’ll be setting them free to make their mark in the world.
I’m happy, I’m sad, and, when January rolls around, there will be a new crop of wannabes standing in line to capture our hearts.”
I think s/he summed it up very, very well – two extraordinary young men with a huge gift in both song and heart.
Anita
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This article at this link addresses David A’s repeat of Imagine. It definitely wasn’t his first choice. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007164_20171835_20201543,00.html
I’m not entirely sure why Simon thinks it’s so great to hear a repeat performance. Usually, the first one creates a moment that you just can’t replicate. Something just isn’t as special about hearing it the second time.
On another note, I remember Andrew Lloyd Webber mentioning that David C needed to save his voice or something similar to that. I have noticed that his voice has seemed to get more and more tired as the competition has gone on. I think Archie’s superior training helped him keep his voice for longer.
Of course, I still like David C better, but that’s just b/c he’s my style.
And….I wondered if the AC on his guitar was in honor of his brother. Thanks for the article up there that confirmed it!
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First of all I’d like to say I thought both Davids did great! I just feel like Cookie was there to “have fun” last night (as he said himself) while Archie was there to just hand over his heart and soul to the audience to do with as they please. Maybe Cook took the bigger risks with his song selection and the way he arranges them, but Archuleta took the even bigger risk by opening himself up completely,during and after each of his three performances.
The emotion he managed to omit even across my tiny youtube-screen was unbelievable! The way he left himself open and vulnerable after each song… speechless here. You could look into his soul! Incredible, incredible, and even more so if you take his age into account!
I am 30 years old, and had my working years in the business but I have never seen anything like that!
No matter what happens tonight, no matter the outcome of it all, because we all know how unpredictable voting can be, both Davids are winners that’s for sure.
But David Archuleta is the one who will always be in my heart from this day forth till the very end. I have never been so moved by a performance like his “Don’t let the sun go down on me” ever in my life! Just unbelievable!
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Anys – I echo your comment about David Archuleta’s performance of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”. I had goosebumps and my ears were welling up during this performance. The combination of stellar vocals, sensitive artistry and humble charisma was overwhelming indeed.
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Thanks for yor comments everyone. Have a hair appointment, so I have to run. Must look beautiful as I watch the Finale from the comfort of my family room. 🙂
Will write a Top 2 Vocal Masterclass article and will add another discussion article re the Finale later on today.
I truly love both Davids -they are sensitive and caring artists with a mutual respect for each other.
Someone has to win tonight, but the non-winner (better than saying loser don’t you think?) is still going to have an enormously successful career. HUGE! BOTH OF THEM!
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I like the way the guys put it, coming in second or taking the silver. Neither could be considered a ‘loser’. I am as impressed with them as people as I am with them as performers.
I agree about “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. I loved both of Archie’s versions of “Imagine” but his performance of DLTS leaves me stunning and crying. My favorite book on writing is Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones.” She speaks about opening a vein and letting the writing pour forth. I feel that David did that last night, with his singing, and I can’t even imagine what he’ll be like at 25 or 30. Man.
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I will give it to David A – he sang well and he does have a gorgeous voice. But I still can’t stand him, because it all sounds the same. And for me, he absolutely butchered Imagine. The strength of that song is its simplicity, and it didn’t need to be dressed up. And it also didn’t need the lyric change at the end — why did nobody call him on that? He sang the total wrong line (and I’m talking a line that is nowhere in the song!)
David Cook is still my favorite. I don’t know if the Idol machine will do him any favors, but I love his versatility and how he can do so many different things. it speaks far more talent to me to be able to do several things well than just ONE thing VERY well.
Both of the songwriter songs were pretty hideous, though. Sung well, but good lord, could they get any worse?
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Thank you Cersei for mentioning why he did Imagine.
Anita, I went back to the first time David A. sang “Imagine” and the difference was his emotions/nerves last night. The first time was indeed better. It is such a beautiful song.
The baby is crying. Be back later. She’s my Grandbabie. :o).
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I agree that David A. poured his heart out to us last night. I cannot believe how he polarizes people, though. What could be unlikeable about this dear young fellow who wears his heart on his sleeve and puts 100% into his singing and sings like an angel?
David C. is also a very talented musician. Can’t we all just be kind?
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Whatever may be the opinions of the posters here, in the big scheme of things, this season of Idol, up to the finale, we have been treated to the best of both worlds; stellar singing and stellar performing. What will happen during the results show tonight will happen, and there will be many people who will be extremely elated on Wednesday night, and many who will be very disappointed. I believe I will be one of those who will be rather disappointed.
David Cook has entertained us in a way no other Idol has. His ability to perform, to lure you into his web is second to none, and he has done this remaining true to himself and the music that he loves. He has thrilled us with his ability to interpret a song from yesteryear and make it viable in today’s market. He has thrilled us with his vocal range. He has thrilled us with his originality and stage persona. We saw last night that underneath it all, David Cook cries real tears, just like the rest of us. But in my opinion, David Cook did not show me that he is the one who should win Idol this season. If you care to read on, you will learn why I think that is.
This season, David Archuleta has single-handedly brought this show back to what its original intent was, and that is to find the best singer possible of the many singers that try out for Idol. Idol found the best singer in David Archuleta. Once people heard how beautifully this young man could sing, they were going to demand nothing less than the two best voices that Idol had to offer going head to head for the title this season, and that is what they got.
I was born in 1960 and grew up with five older sisters and an older brother, and through all of them, was introduced to ALL kinds of music. I have always been, and will always be, a fan of Classic Rock, the Motown sound, and The Blues. I love the voices of Roger Daltery, Robert Plant, Steve Perry, Bono, Janis Joplin, Gregg Allman, and others cut from the same cloth. I have seen Lynard Skynard, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Van Halen, Pearl Jam, and many, many others in concert. I’ve seen some of the best rockers at their best, and have thoroughly enjoyed every rollicking, high energy, action packed minute of it.
But I’ll be honest with you. I would trade in each and every one of those concerts to have been able to see Judy Garland perform live during her lifetime. To me, she along with Elvis Presley, are the two best singers to ever step foot on a stage. Although she had a magnificent voice, it wasn’t just her voice that made her the best. It was that beautiful voice combined with her willingness to give you everything she had inside her, even when she had nothing left to give, that made her great. It has been my great privilege to have seen Elvis Presley twice in concert, and although I was young at the time and he was nearing the end of his career and was not what he once was, there was no doubt in my mind that I was in the presence of something that I will not see again in my lifetime. If you were there, regardless of your age, you could feel it. You were completely drenched in and encompassed by the magic that was swirling around you and sucking you in its vortex. Elvis at his worst was still pure, total, and complete brilliance. He too, gave you everything he had inside himself when he had nothing left to give, and like all those people who saw Judy Garland must have felt, you knew you were in the presence of, and had just witnessed, true greatness.
I don’t think David Archuleta will win Idol tonight, and IMO, that’s a tragic shame. He is the better singer. But it isn’t just that. Last night, David Archuleta did, what IMO David Cook did not do, and that is that David Archuleta stood on that stage and gave us every single ounce of what he had inside himself even when there was nothing left to give. Judy Garland did this. Elvis Presley did this. And if they were both still with us, last night they too, would have seen David Archuleta do this. And they both would have been very, very proud indeed to have it confirmed for them that TRUE artistry is not a thing of the past.
Blazing talents and performers come and go. They may or may not shine very brightly for a while, sometimes so brightly that the light tricks our eyes. But the light tricks our eyes only for so long and eventually the flame burns out.
Bravery and courage cannot be extinguished. Bravery and courage are what separate ordinary talent from real talent. David Cook is an ordinary talent. David Archuleta is a real talent. God Bless David “Baby Face” Archuleta. You may not be America’s Idol, David, but after last night, you are mine.
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I thought David Archuleta was amazing. He is an an elite class as a vocalist. I’m with Masterclass Lady – it’s all about the voice to me. The voice IS the instrument and I can’t wait to see how his career progresses. DLTSGDOM was my favourite of all of his perfomances and a great pick for him. There was a rumor George Michael was appearing tonight – perhaps a duet? I think he was quite comfortable (all things considered) and both Davids seemed so excited to perform in front of so many people. I’ve heard Davd A’s voice compared to Karen Carpenter in terms of clarity and perfect pitch.
David Cook was really good too and I really think he’s very ready for the success he deserves. I’m so happy that both of them had a good night – I would guess that this was their fondest wish. I also loved that David C teared up when the audience gave him a standing O. He’s already transitioned from focusing on the judges feedback to the fans’ feedback.
I guess both Davids are on Larry King this Friday. I think we’ll see a more animated side of David A. People don’t give him enough credit for having a really great personality.
Oddly today – I don’t really care who wins. I’m so happy they’ve ended the competition on their own terms and with class.
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This is such a great discussion and it is easy to see both sides. David A. has the master vocal instrument and I believe will be around 10 years from now. What he needs to establish is how to be an ENTERTAINER, so that every person leaving a concert or Broadway performance will say they got their money’s worth. He is a work in progress.
dreyfussca, your statement, “I’ve heard Davd A’s voice compared to Karen Carpenter in terms of clarity and perfect pitch” was profound. She is my favorite female singer. Most agree that Karen had the voice of an angel.
I wish I could sing, I really do. So, I would like to ask MCL if this statement is accurate? Comparing a male’s voice with a female’s is a task in itself. ;o)
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“But I’ll be honest with you. I would trade in each and every one of those concerts to have been able to see Judy Garland perform live during her lifetime. To me, she along with Elvis Presley, are the two best singers to ever step foot on a stage.”
I just wanted to acknowldge your profound post, skidster. Yes, two of the best entertainers of the 20th century.
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