A Blast at the Bang

Like last Sunday, I had a late return to my hotel, so no blog last night. I'm catching up now. I didn't have the best sleep on the Queen Mary Monday night. First, when it came time to hit the sack, I was reminded that the ship has thin walls. I could hear my next door neighbor's conversation for a good half hour before they either clammed up or I fell asleep. Then, I woke up around 5:00 am to a rather chilly room. Unbeknownst to me, the two porthole windows weren't completely secure and a cold night's wind made it's way in. I checked my travel alarm clock and it said 65 degrees. Since my thin bed covers weren't effective, I put on socks and changed to long sleeves and went back to sleep.  My change in attire was good enough for two more hours of quality sleep.

Today was my last day in Los Angeles, and I was going out with a blast... The Big Bang Theory live taping! Since I had some time in the morning, I spent it at the Los Angeles Police Museum. I had last visited this place ten years ago, and I was glad to see they had added to their exhibits.

The museum is located in what was formerly the Highland Park Police Station. There were exhibits on jail facilities, vehicles, uniforms and badges.

In addition, there were three exhibits on three infamous crimes that took place in the Los Angeles area. The Patricia Hearst kidnapping and battle with the Symbionese Liberation Army, the Onion Field murder case, and the Hollywood bank robbery shootout.

After lunch at Shake Shack, I checked into my hotel early, then headed over to Warner Brothers Studios for The Big Bang Theory taping. When I arrived at the parking structure, I saw a huge group of people waiting to get into the Ellen Show taping. So far, I have been unsuccessful getting a ticket to that show. Instead, I joined about thirty people already in line for TBBT. Half of them had solid tickets and the other half were there on standby. I made quick friends with two individuals at the end of the line...a Jamaican lady who currently lives in Boston and a guy from North Carolina originally from Mexico.

When the Ellen Show attendees vacated the waiting area in the parking garage, TBBT people took their place. I was in the first group escorted into the studio and to the soundstage where the show was taped. As we waited to enter the building, I suddenly heard someone say, "How is everyone doing? Thank you for coming!" I turned to my left, and who should be standing there but actor Jerry O'Connell! I was surprised and thrilled! I said, "Nice to meet you!" as he shook my hand! If it wasn't exciting enough to just be there, this was icing on the cake! Jerry would be guest starring on the show as Sheldon's brother, George.

Inside the soundstage, I sat next to my Jamaican friend. As the audience seating area filled up, we wondered if our NC friend on standby would make it in.  And...he did! There was a stand up comedian guy there to entertain the attendees. He had people doing silly games for cast photos and candy. Before filming started, the main cast members were introduced. As the actors performed, the audience was expected to provide the laugh track. It was wonderful seeing them doing their lines...and sometimes making mistakes. The attendees were given a snack...cold pizza and water. It took about three hours to film what would be about a 20 minute show. After it was all over, the cast and guest stars came out for a curtain call to wild applause. I had a great time, and it was a fitting end to a memorable week in southern California. Tomorrow, I start the slow drive back up to Washington.