Happy Christmas Eve!
As I sit and think over the holiday and anticipate a wonderful Christmas Day tomorrow, my thoughts keep returning to my dear friend, Walter Brown McCord. WB passed away earlier this year, and this is the first Christmas season in over 20 years that has not included a special time with Walter Brown. Usually I would drive down to his home in Greensboro, AL for a visit. WB loved gin, so I would usually have a bottle of Gordon's or Beefeater in hand when I arrived, and we would toast the season together.
WB was in his late 70's, and had lived (as the saying goes) a rich, full, life. His stories were enchanting and engaging, and he had met, befriended, or known almost every major celebrity of the 1960's. His voice and delivery were as distinctive as they could be, and his soul was one of the sweetest and most kindly that I have ever known.
The point of all of this is to encourage my readers (both of you...hee hee hee) to appreciate and enjoy the time you have with those around you. Cherish it, hang onto it, and love it. It is, in the end, all too fleeting. I would gladly give back every Christmas gift I have ever received if it meant I could spend one more Christmas visit with Walter Brown McCord.
In today's News From The Motherland...smart monkeys! :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7797776.stm
God Bless Us, Every One!
FLT3
Happy Christmas Eve!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Another Picture and Update
Here we have another look at the cast and crew of The 1940's Radio Hour, which closed last Sunday at VST. I had a wonderful time doing the show, but have enjoyed having a couple of nights to relax before Christmas. There is talk of re-mounting the show next year, so I may be returning to the "Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade" relatively soon.On the CenterStage front, we are alive and looking optimistically forward. Some fairly substantial changes are underway, but overall I think we have at least started down the path to solving some of our problems. Time will tell, and the patient is still on life support, but for the moment at least, we're still forging ahead.
I continue to "hold" waiting to hear about the Gilligan's Island tour. I have not heard anything, but I am keeping my hopes high. Every day without a "thanks for auditioning, but..." is a good day. Maybe today will bring good news...
Must be off to finish up some Christmas shopping. Fa-la-la-la-la...
In today's News From The Motherland... a facelift for the Ashmolean.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/7796875.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
1940's Radio Hour
Just a pic from THE 1940's RADIO HOUR, which has been running the past two weekends at VST. This is of Zoe (Debbie Mielke), Clifton (FLT3) and Pops (Sam Chalker.) We have had a great time doing the show, and look forward to the third weekend coming up. We got a very good review from The Birmingham News, which has led to good houses.
On the CenterStage front, we are in a world of hurt. This week has brought serious discussion of canceling the rest of this season and trying to raise money to move ahead in a year or so. HOWEVER, several wonderful individuals have said that they are willing to try and help us survive, so...fingers are crossed.
In today's News From The Motherland... are you a Spock or a Homer?http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7793369.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Renewed Optimism...
Well, I finally broke down and emailed my friend Lloyd Schwartz and inquired about the "Gilligan's Island:The Musical" casting. His response was not exactly what I had hoped for (ie "your script is in the mail,") but the show has not yet been cast and I am, apparently, still in consideration. My optimism remains intact, and I sincerely thank everyone who has sent prayers, good wishes, and crossed fingers!
"The 1940's Radio Hour" opened this weekend to a good review. I am a bit concerned about the fact that tonight's performance competes with SEC Championship Saturday, but maybe we will have a good house.
"A CenterStage Christmas Celebration" also opened this weekend. It has been a logistical challenge, with a large cast, etc. but I am hopeful that it will do well.
If that wasn't enough theatre talk, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (which I directed) opened at BCT this week. All seems to be going well on that front.
In keeping with the recent "Gilligan" theme, I have been searching for new jewels online...I have managed to locate the original cartoon theme song (this time in English, not German.) :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvTDDta0rUs
In today's News From The Motherland...good deeds from biker Santa(s)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7769327.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
"The 1940's Radio Hour" opened this weekend to a good review. I am a bit concerned about the fact that tonight's performance competes with SEC Championship Saturday, but maybe we will have a good house.
"A CenterStage Christmas Celebration" also opened this weekend. It has been a logistical challenge, with a large cast, etc. but I am hopeful that it will do well.
If that wasn't enough theatre talk, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (which I directed) opened at BCT this week. All seems to be going well on that front.
In keeping with the recent "Gilligan" theme, I have been searching for new jewels online...I have managed to locate the original cartoon theme song (this time in English, not German.) :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvTDDta0rUs
In today's News From The Motherland...good deeds from biker Santa(s)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7769327.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
More Stag...
On this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for many things, one of which is...
TWO NEWLY-DISCOVERED MR. MAGOO STAG BEER COMMERCIALS FROM THE 50's!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLNhH2F3mb0
Enjoy! I am hopeful that this latest invocation of the spirit of the late, great Jim Backus will spark some response from the universe on the "Gilligan" tour...when they said "no immediate decisions will be made," I wasn't sure if that meant "not this week" or "not till mid-December." Oh well, I will continue to wait...
In today's News From The Motherland...sardines as protest tools...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/7747873.stm
FLT3
TWO NEWLY-DISCOVERED MR. MAGOO STAG BEER COMMERCIALS FROM THE 50's!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLNhH2F3mb0
Enjoy! I am hopeful that this latest invocation of the spirit of the late, great Jim Backus will spark some response from the universe on the "Gilligan" tour...when they said "no immediate decisions will be made," I wasn't sure if that meant "not this week" or "not till mid-December." Oh well, I will continue to wait...
In today's News From The Motherland...sardines as protest tools...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/7747873.stm
FLT3
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Fateful Trip, or Shipwrecked Part II
Okay, I have now rested and recouped after my whirlwind NYC trip (which did, indeed, resemble the voyage of the SS Minnow in the sense of being fraught with mishap.) Here's the basic lowdown on what happened. It's funny now, but was not so much at the time.
After making a mad dash to the Atlanta airport after BCT rehearsal on Thursday, I found myself too late to board the plane. This was aggravating, but not entirely unanticipated, so I got a hotel room near the airport, had a snack and watched tv, and booked a seat on the 6:40am for LaGuardia. The nice little hotel shuttle dropped me off at 5:15am, I checked in, had breakfast at the airport, and nestled into my seat for takeoff.
6:40 - no takeoff.
7:00 - "Ladies and gentlemen, it will be a few more minutes before we depart."
7:25 - "It will be a few more minutes."
7:50 - "LaGuardia is fogged in. Please exit the plane.
At this point, distress is beginning to settle in. I managed to get a 9:30 flight to JFK, which would get me there in just enough time to grab a quick sandwich and take the train into the city to my 1:00 audition.
The 9:30 flight left promptly at 11:05.
Distress has now become a full-blown ulcer. I have now left several messages for the contact person at the auditions (who turned out to be amazingly sweet and understanding) and the thought of an affordable train ride has been tossed out the window. I finally disembark (now at JFK) at 12:52. I jump into a cab, beg the driver to go as fast as possible, and make my third or fourth "I swear, I'm on my way" phone call. I arrive only 25 minutes late, which is bad, but not awful. When I burst through the door of the audition, there is an extremely nice, pleasant-looking lady waiting for me. She introduces herself as Nancy, and says that she has been asked to wait and read Mrs. Howell opposite my Mr.Howell. Great. We have a few minutes to look over the scene, and then we go into the audition area.
I had a chance to share a hello and a hug with Lloyd Schwartz (my friend who wrote the show) and to introduce myself to the accompanist. After singing, I read the scene with Nancy (who made a GREAT Mrs. Howell, by the way) and assumed I was done. To my happy surprise, I was also asked to read for The Professor and The Skipper (guess I'm waaaaay too old for Gilligan) and after a quick "good to see you" with Lloyd, was off on my way.
Did I mention my head shot and resume were in my bag, which I left at the airport? Luckily, I had emailed both of them in to the production team earlier.
By now, I decided that it was all up to God, the universe, and the casting team, so I looked forward to a couple of nights in NYC. I called my friend Jonathan Goldstein, with whom I was staying, and we arranged a meeting place just off Times Square. For about an hour I wandered blissfully in the drizzle and grey of a New York November afternoon, thrilled to be in the city again. Once I connected with Goldstein, we had a great time catching up while we rode the train back out to JFK to get my bag...
...which had been sent to LaGuardia.
Yes, this was annoying, but after a couple of beers in the airport Sam Adams Cafe, we decided just to laugh it off and consider our train trip as good an environ as any for visiting. We finally got back to Goldstein's place (on 191st Street, about 2 hours from JFK) had some dinner, and crashed. I slept on a small loveseat with a chair pulled alongside for stretching-out purposes. No king-sized bed has ever slept better...I was out like a light.
The next day (Saturday) dawned cool and overcast. I borrowed a shirt from Goldstein, and we set out for the Museum of Natural History, which was ridiculously crowded, so we wound up at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was delightful. While we were there, Delta Airlines called and asked to deliver my bag. Since I had less than 24 hours left in town, I decided just to send it back to JFK, where I would pick it up for departure. The rest of the visit was great...a nice hearty dinner, drinks at some fun East Village bars, getting lost on the subway twice (another funny story) and keeping my fingers crossed not only for myself, but for Goldstein, who was up for the role of (no joke) Rev. Billy Graham in a play.
Sunday morning came, and I trudged back to JFK, only to find that my luggage had been sent BACK to LaGuardia. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Fine, just send it to Birmingham. I made it back to Atlanta, and drove home without incident.
Indeed, the "tiny ship was tossed," in keeping with the Gilligan theme, but all ended well. I got home just fine, Goldstein did, indeed, get the role, and I am still hopeful that I will be among the "seven stranded castaways" on tour this spring.
This has turned into an epic posting, so I will close for now. I would, however, like to return a shout-out to my friend Aaron, who is performing in a professional production of "A Christmas Carol" right now, and sent me a nice break-a-leg on his blog. Thanks, Aaron, and God Bless Us, Every One!
In today's News From The Motherland...man cuts off own head with chainsaw to protest eviction...I would have thought a strongly-worded letter would be sufficient...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/7737721.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
After making a mad dash to the Atlanta airport after BCT rehearsal on Thursday, I found myself too late to board the plane. This was aggravating, but not entirely unanticipated, so I got a hotel room near the airport, had a snack and watched tv, and booked a seat on the 6:40am for LaGuardia. The nice little hotel shuttle dropped me off at 5:15am, I checked in, had breakfast at the airport, and nestled into my seat for takeoff.
6:40 - no takeoff.
7:00 - "Ladies and gentlemen, it will be a few more minutes before we depart."
7:25 - "It will be a few more minutes."
7:50 - "LaGuardia is fogged in. Please exit the plane.
At this point, distress is beginning to settle in. I managed to get a 9:30 flight to JFK, which would get me there in just enough time to grab a quick sandwich and take the train into the city to my 1:00 audition.
The 9:30 flight left promptly at 11:05.
Distress has now become a full-blown ulcer. I have now left several messages for the contact person at the auditions (who turned out to be amazingly sweet and understanding) and the thought of an affordable train ride has been tossed out the window. I finally disembark (now at JFK) at 12:52. I jump into a cab, beg the driver to go as fast as possible, and make my third or fourth "I swear, I'm on my way" phone call. I arrive only 25 minutes late, which is bad, but not awful. When I burst through the door of the audition, there is an extremely nice, pleasant-looking lady waiting for me. She introduces herself as Nancy, and says that she has been asked to wait and read Mrs. Howell opposite my Mr.Howell. Great. We have a few minutes to look over the scene, and then we go into the audition area.
I had a chance to share a hello and a hug with Lloyd Schwartz (my friend who wrote the show) and to introduce myself to the accompanist. After singing, I read the scene with Nancy (who made a GREAT Mrs. Howell, by the way) and assumed I was done. To my happy surprise, I was also asked to read for The Professor and The Skipper (guess I'm waaaaay too old for Gilligan) and after a quick "good to see you" with Lloyd, was off on my way.
Did I mention my head shot and resume were in my bag, which I left at the airport? Luckily, I had emailed both of them in to the production team earlier.
By now, I decided that it was all up to God, the universe, and the casting team, so I looked forward to a couple of nights in NYC. I called my friend Jonathan Goldstein, with whom I was staying, and we arranged a meeting place just off Times Square. For about an hour I wandered blissfully in the drizzle and grey of a New York November afternoon, thrilled to be in the city again. Once I connected with Goldstein, we had a great time catching up while we rode the train back out to JFK to get my bag...
...which had been sent to LaGuardia.
Yes, this was annoying, but after a couple of beers in the airport Sam Adams Cafe, we decided just to laugh it off and consider our train trip as good an environ as any for visiting. We finally got back to Goldstein's place (on 191st Street, about 2 hours from JFK) had some dinner, and crashed. I slept on a small loveseat with a chair pulled alongside for stretching-out purposes. No king-sized bed has ever slept better...I was out like a light.
The next day (Saturday) dawned cool and overcast. I borrowed a shirt from Goldstein, and we set out for the Museum of Natural History, which was ridiculously crowded, so we wound up at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was delightful. While we were there, Delta Airlines called and asked to deliver my bag. Since I had less than 24 hours left in town, I decided just to send it back to JFK, where I would pick it up for departure. The rest of the visit was great...a nice hearty dinner, drinks at some fun East Village bars, getting lost on the subway twice (another funny story) and keeping my fingers crossed not only for myself, but for Goldstein, who was up for the role of (no joke) Rev. Billy Graham in a play.
Sunday morning came, and I trudged back to JFK, only to find that my luggage had been sent BACK to LaGuardia. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Fine, just send it to Birmingham. I made it back to Atlanta, and drove home without incident.
Indeed, the "tiny ship was tossed," in keeping with the Gilligan theme, but all ended well. I got home just fine, Goldstein did, indeed, get the role, and I am still hopeful that I will be among the "seven stranded castaways" on tour this spring.
This has turned into an epic posting, so I will close for now. I would, however, like to return a shout-out to my friend Aaron, who is performing in a professional production of "A Christmas Carol" right now, and sent me a nice break-a-leg on his blog. Thanks, Aaron, and God Bless Us, Every One!
In today's News From The Motherland...man cuts off own head with chainsaw to protest eviction...I would have thought a strongly-worded letter would be sufficient...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/7737721.stm
Cheers!
FLT3
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Shipwrecked...?
Well, this has been an eventful few days! Yesterday I arrived in New York to audition for the touring production of "Gilligan's Island:The Musical." I think the audition went well, and I was asked to read for the roles of The Professor, The Skipper, and Thurston Howell III. While I would obviously be thrilled with any of the three, anyone who knows me well (or at all for that matter) can guess what my first choice would be! :-)
It was nice to see my friend Lloyd Schwartz, who wrote the show and was at the auditions. We did not get to do much more than say hello, unfortunately, as I got into the city yesterday afternoon and he flew out last night. Oh well, hopefully I will see him at rehearsal in January (fingers duly crossed!)
I am staying until Sunday with another good friend, Jonathan Goldstein, who lives here now. We had a good visit last night, and are going to hang out in the city today and possibly see "Young Frankenstein" tonight. I think we are going to try and go to the Museum of Natural History today.
While NYC is always fun, the actual process of getting here has been rough. Between fog, delayed planes, etc. I barely made it. I have no idea when I will get my suitcase, which wound up at LaGuardia while I flew into JFK. They are supposed to deliver it to Goldstein's, but they're going to call me first...which will be difficult because my phone charger is in my suitcase and my phone is dead. C'est la vie, I suppose... it looks like I will be buying yet another charger today...
In other news, OBAMA WINS PRESIDENCY!!!!!!! (I can still see the headline! :-) I have a feeling of optimism and hope for the USA that I have not felt in years...and if Hillary becomes Secretary of State, well, that's not a bad consolation prize. I still wish she had been nominated/elected, but President-Elect Obama will do an outstanding job.
In today's News From The Motherland... Her Majesty gets a look at Facebook..
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7728760.stm
FLT3
It was nice to see my friend Lloyd Schwartz, who wrote the show and was at the auditions. We did not get to do much more than say hello, unfortunately, as I got into the city yesterday afternoon and he flew out last night. Oh well, hopefully I will see him at rehearsal in January (fingers duly crossed!)
I am staying until Sunday with another good friend, Jonathan Goldstein, who lives here now. We had a good visit last night, and are going to hang out in the city today and possibly see "Young Frankenstein" tonight. I think we are going to try and go to the Museum of Natural History today.
While NYC is always fun, the actual process of getting here has been rough. Between fog, delayed planes, etc. I barely made it. I have no idea when I will get my suitcase, which wound up at LaGuardia while I flew into JFK. They are supposed to deliver it to Goldstein's, but they're going to call me first...which will be difficult because my phone charger is in my suitcase and my phone is dead. C'est la vie, I suppose... it looks like I will be buying yet another charger today...
In other news, OBAMA WINS PRESIDENCY!!!!!!! (I can still see the headline! :-) I have a feeling of optimism and hope for the USA that I have not felt in years...and if Hillary becomes Secretary of State, well, that's not a bad consolation prize. I still wish she had been nominated/elected, but President-Elect Obama will do an outstanding job.
In today's News From The Motherland... Her Majesty gets a look at Facebook..
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/berkshire/7728760.stm
FLT3
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
At Last, Election Day...
Well, after approximately four years of anticipation, Election Day is finally here. I feel good about our chances today. Barring some unforseen chicanery from the Republicans, we should coast to victory. I am going to vote in a few minutes, and encourage everyone else to do the same.
In today's News From The Motherland... election coverage, of course!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7707581.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!!
FLT3
In today's News From The Motherland... election coverage, of course!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7707581.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!!
FLT3
Saturday, October 25, 2008
My Top Ten...
I had a delightful lunch today with Lovey and some friends...one of them (Lindsey) brought up the subject of everyone's top ten favorite musicals. That seemed a blog-worthy topic, so here are my top ten picks:
. My Fair Lady
. Bye Bye Birdie
. The Music Man
. Gilligan's Island:The Musical
. Kiss Me, Kate
. Oliver!
. Les Miserables
. Me And My Girl
. Thoroughly Modern Millie
. Anything Goes
Honorable mention also goes out to The Phantom Of The Opera, A Little Night Music, 42nd Street, The Secret Garden, Hair, Sweeney Todd, Camelot, The King And I, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and Grease.
So...assuming that my readers (all 12 of you) also have your own lists, I send out a call for submissions... what are YOUR top 10 favorite musicals?
In today's News From The Motherland... rowdy behaviour closes a pub in Kent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7690684.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
. My Fair Lady
. Bye Bye Birdie
. The Music Man
. Gilligan's Island:The Musical
. Kiss Me, Kate
. Oliver!
. Les Miserables
. Me And My Girl
. Thoroughly Modern Millie
. Anything Goes
Honorable mention also goes out to The Phantom Of The Opera, A Little Night Music, 42nd Street, The Secret Garden, Hair, Sweeney Todd, Camelot, The King And I, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, and Grease.
So...assuming that my readers (all 12 of you) also have your own lists, I send out a call for submissions... what are YOUR top 10 favorite musicals?
In today's News From The Motherland... rowdy behaviour closes a pub in Kent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7690684.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Update
Wow...it has been too long since I posted! Lots of exciting things going on...GREASE opens Friday, and lots of other projects are in the works. I am literally heading out the door right now, but just wanted to let all of my readers (who now appear to number in the double digits) know that I am alive, well, and will be returning to the blogosphere next week at the latest...
In today's News From The Motherland... Chunnel repairs near completion!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7671126.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
In today's News From The Motherland... Chunnel repairs near completion!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7671126.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Back To The Grind...
Well, RAPUNZEL has opened successfully, and today I am back at Vestavia High School, subbing for an English teacher. The kids are all seniors, and the largest class is 12 students, so it should be a very easy day...
GREASE is making its' way towards a 17 October opening, and we are on schedule. We have no time to waste, but we're completely blocked and choreographed as of last night, so we are ready to start running the show and finding the characters, etc. We have a talented group, so all should be well.
Tuesday night brought a fun event, singing with 5 friends at "The Club," a venerable Birmingham institution that has apparently changed very little since the Rat Pack era (and may it ever stay there! :-) Broadway tunes were offered after a seated dinner in a large ballroom...one could almost see Frank, Dino, and Sammy snapping their fingers along with the little piano/bass/drum combo.
This weekend is the annual Sidewalk Film Festival, which Lovey and I are planning to attend. The films usually range from brilliant to "what the hell," but are almost always entertaining for one reason or another...plus, it's a chance to wander around and drink beer in the daytime without being considered a complete reprobate...
On the political front, John McCain is suspending his campaign to try and straighten out the $700 billion bailout kerfuffle. Whatever. It sounds like he's running scared, in my opinion. Also interesting is the sudden proclamation from King Dubya that the economic sky is falling... (no sh*t, Sherlock.) One wonders how we went from a resilient, strong economy to the pits of despair in just a week or two.
Caribou Barbie continues to alternately amuse and disgust.
In today's News From The Motherland...Busta Rhymes detained at airport...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7635992.stm
OBAMA IN 08!!!
FLT3
GREASE is making its' way towards a 17 October opening, and we are on schedule. We have no time to waste, but we're completely blocked and choreographed as of last night, so we are ready to start running the show and finding the characters, etc. We have a talented group, so all should be well.
Tuesday night brought a fun event, singing with 5 friends at "The Club," a venerable Birmingham institution that has apparently changed very little since the Rat Pack era (and may it ever stay there! :-) Broadway tunes were offered after a seated dinner in a large ballroom...one could almost see Frank, Dino, and Sammy snapping their fingers along with the little piano/bass/drum combo.
This weekend is the annual Sidewalk Film Festival, which Lovey and I are planning to attend. The films usually range from brilliant to "what the hell," but are almost always entertaining for one reason or another...plus, it's a chance to wander around and drink beer in the daytime without being considered a complete reprobate...
On the political front, John McCain is suspending his campaign to try and straighten out the $700 billion bailout kerfuffle. Whatever. It sounds like he's running scared, in my opinion. Also interesting is the sudden proclamation from King Dubya that the economic sky is falling... (no sh*t, Sherlock.) One wonders how we went from a resilient, strong economy to the pits of despair in just a week or two.
Caribou Barbie continues to alternately amuse and disgust.
In today's News From The Motherland...Busta Rhymes detained at airport...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7635992.stm
OBAMA IN 08!!!
FLT3
Friday, September 19, 2008
TGIF
Oh yes, it is once again Friday...and there is joy in the air. The breeze is cool and soothing, and people on the street seem to have a bit more of a spring in the step. Smiles come more easily, and manners and courtesy seem heightened...
Okay, maybe that is a bit of a stretch, but people do seem happier on Friday. I would hazard a guess that fewer violent crimes take place on Friday. Let's hope so...
A grand and glorious greeting goes out to my good friend Selina, who found my blog through the increasingly ubiquitous Facebook. Hey, sugar!!!!! Counting Selina, my readers now number in the high single digits... woo hoo!!!!
Must make my way into the theatre for the next-to-final day of dress rehearsal for BCT's RAPUNZEL. The cast has done a great job!
In today's News From The Motherland... asteroid-a-rama!!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7623411.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Okay, maybe that is a bit of a stretch, but people do seem happier on Friday. I would hazard a guess that fewer violent crimes take place on Friday. Let's hope so...
A grand and glorious greeting goes out to my good friend Selina, who found my blog through the increasingly ubiquitous Facebook. Hey, sugar!!!!! Counting Selina, my readers now number in the high single digits... woo hoo!!!!
Must make my way into the theatre for the next-to-final day of dress rehearsal for BCT's RAPUNZEL. The cast has done a great job!
In today's News From The Motherland... asteroid-a-rama!!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7623411.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Chez Pancake
Just returned from a Birmingham landmark...The Original Pancake House. Lovey and I indulged in (and I quote) "ridiculously sugary pancakes." For those who are unfamiliar with this pinnacle of skillet-baked breakfast comestibles, the OPH is to the IHOP what London is to Dubuque... the latter may be pleasant and enjoyable, but there is, quite simply, no comparison.
The OPH is snugly nestled in the Five Points area of Birmingham's Southside, so named for the confluence of five streets. The food is amazingly caloric, indulgent, and oh so good...pancakes slathered with butter, fluffy eggs scrambled in butter, toast with (you guessed it) butter, and so forth. This is not a place to visit if you are on a diet.
Okay, this paragraph is being written about eight hours after the preceeding text was saved as a draft, so I can now comment on the rest of the day. We had our final performance of I DO! I DO! today, and it was well received. Now I can turn my full attention towards BCT's production of RAPUNZEL, which I am directing (opening next week) and CenterStage's GREASE (opening 17 October.) I have no doubt that there will be more discussion of each of these in days to come.
Turning towards things political, the inevitable Republican flag-waving and rallying around McCain/Palin has begun. My thought is this... haven't the last eight years demonstrated the inefficacy of an idiot president being led around by a soulless and malevolent second-in-command? To quote my good friend and unsung philosopher Jonathan Goldstein, "I'm just sayin'..."
McCain seems an affable enough moron, but then so did Dubya in 2000. Palin gives me the shivers one would get in the presence of any despotic would-be dictator. Take it from me, friends, this woman is baaaaaaad news. Anyone who inspires hordes of people to revel in backward-assed provincialism is bad enough, but when she looks like an ill-tempered middle school librarian who enjoys kicking puppies? No thank you...
In today's News From The Motherland... the Black Pudding Toss is underway!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7615418.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
The OPH is snugly nestled in the Five Points area of Birmingham's Southside, so named for the confluence of five streets. The food is amazingly caloric, indulgent, and oh so good...pancakes slathered with butter, fluffy eggs scrambled in butter, toast with (you guessed it) butter, and so forth. This is not a place to visit if you are on a diet.
Okay, this paragraph is being written about eight hours after the preceeding text was saved as a draft, so I can now comment on the rest of the day. We had our final performance of I DO! I DO! today, and it was well received. Now I can turn my full attention towards BCT's production of RAPUNZEL, which I am directing (opening next week) and CenterStage's GREASE (opening 17 October.) I have no doubt that there will be more discussion of each of these in days to come.
Turning towards things political, the inevitable Republican flag-waving and rallying around McCain/Palin has begun. My thought is this... haven't the last eight years demonstrated the inefficacy of an idiot president being led around by a soulless and malevolent second-in-command? To quote my good friend and unsung philosopher Jonathan Goldstein, "I'm just sayin'..."
McCain seems an affable enough moron, but then so did Dubya in 2000. Palin gives me the shivers one would get in the presence of any despotic would-be dictator. Take it from me, friends, this woman is baaaaaaad news. Anyone who inspires hordes of people to revel in backward-assed provincialism is bad enough, but when she looks like an ill-tempered middle school librarian who enjoys kicking puppies? No thank you...
In today's News From The Motherland... the Black Pudding Toss is underway!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/7615418.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Who knew "Das Boot" was the S.S. Minnow?
The things one can find on YouTube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYoRt33t8HQ&feature=related
Not much to report today...just a new treasure from the world of the internet.
In today's News From The Motherland... "Rule, Britannia" once again graces the final night of the Proms...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7613188.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYoRt33t8HQ&feature=related
Not much to report today...just a new treasure from the world of the internet.
In today's News From The Motherland... "Rule, Britannia" once again graces the final night of the Proms...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7613188.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Remembering WB
Today's post could easily go sad, but my goal is to keep it bright, funny, and enjoyable...just like the person it honors.
I lost a very good friend this week. Walter Brown McCord was a very special person. We first met 21 years ago when he was costuming Guys And Dolls for Theatre Tuscaloosa. A friendship was struck up immediately, and we were extremely close from that day on. The past 21 years have been richer for my having known him.
It is almost impossible to describe WB. He spoke with an inimitable (well, extremely imitable, actually) cadence and vocal inflection that was somewhere between British aristocracy and low-country Carolinian by way of New York. He was one of the most educated and sophisticated people I ever knew, yet could enjoy a ribald joke or silly humor with enthusiasm. Physically, he was somewhat of a scruffy John Gielgud with longer hair. His laugh was somewhere between a growl and a cough, no doubt a result of the cigarette that was seldom out of his reach. I sincerely thank God for all the laughs we shared.
WB was easily irritated in a comedic manner. He was affectionate and extremely kind, but his compliments were as often followed by "you little shit" or "sumnabitch" as not.
There are thousands of celebrity-filled stories surrounding his years in New York. I have no doubt that many of these stories were...shall we say...embellished a bit, but who cares? Each and every one was a gem, and some of my happiest memories involve sitting up well past midnight listening to his tales as WB slaved and cursed over a sewing machine, far behind schedule on whatever show he was costuming. He always promised that nobody would go onstage naked, however, and to my knowledge nobody ever did.
We had not seen each other as frequently over the past few years, as his health declined and he approached 80. We did, however, talk on the phone at least once every couple of weeks. (God, how I wish I could call him one more time...) I will always be grateful that when we hung up the phone, we always said "love you" and "love you too." Those were literally the last words we ever exchanged, and I can't think of a more appropriate adieu.
I will, no doubt, write more about WB in posts to come. His story is far too rich to be told in a single sitting. I am sad, I mourn his passing, but I also celebrate his life, which is exactly what he would have wanted me to do. Sumnabitch.
No News From The Motherland or YouTube today. This post is all about Walter Brown McCord.
FLT3
I lost a very good friend this week. Walter Brown McCord was a very special person. We first met 21 years ago when he was costuming Guys And Dolls for Theatre Tuscaloosa. A friendship was struck up immediately, and we were extremely close from that day on. The past 21 years have been richer for my having known him.
It is almost impossible to describe WB. He spoke with an inimitable (well, extremely imitable, actually) cadence and vocal inflection that was somewhere between British aristocracy and low-country Carolinian by way of New York. He was one of the most educated and sophisticated people I ever knew, yet could enjoy a ribald joke or silly humor with enthusiasm. Physically, he was somewhat of a scruffy John Gielgud with longer hair. His laugh was somewhere between a growl and a cough, no doubt a result of the cigarette that was seldom out of his reach. I sincerely thank God for all the laughs we shared.
WB was easily irritated in a comedic manner. He was affectionate and extremely kind, but his compliments were as often followed by "you little shit" or "sumnabitch" as not.
There are thousands of celebrity-filled stories surrounding his years in New York. I have no doubt that many of these stories were...shall we say...embellished a bit, but who cares? Each and every one was a gem, and some of my happiest memories involve sitting up well past midnight listening to his tales as WB slaved and cursed over a sewing machine, far behind schedule on whatever show he was costuming. He always promised that nobody would go onstage naked, however, and to my knowledge nobody ever did.
We had not seen each other as frequently over the past few years, as his health declined and he approached 80. We did, however, talk on the phone at least once every couple of weeks. (God, how I wish I could call him one more time...) I will always be grateful that when we hung up the phone, we always said "love you" and "love you too." Those were literally the last words we ever exchanged, and I can't think of a more appropriate adieu.
I will, no doubt, write more about WB in posts to come. His story is far too rich to be told in a single sitting. I am sad, I mourn his passing, but I also celebrate his life, which is exactly what he would have wanted me to do. Sumnabitch.
No News From The Motherland or YouTube today. This post is all about Walter Brown McCord.
FLT3
Monday, September 01, 2008
Oh Labor Day...
Apologies for the two-week hiatus. Between I DO! I DO! and a few other projects, I have been absent from the blogosphere. I will embrace the feeling of "back to school" that permeates the air and endeavor to write regularly.
Lovey and I went to a very nice party last night, given by some theatre friends. It was a relaxed, poolside affair with a convivial group. We enjoyed it as a nice ending to a full weekend.
Speaking of weekends, this is, of course, Labor Day Weekend. It was exactly 17 years ago (Sweet Mother of God) that some friends and I went Labor Day Caroling. Yes, you heard (read?) correctly...Labor Day Caroling. After a few festive beverages, we decided to compose our own carols...I can't recall the entire song list, but I do remember a snippet here and there. A particular favorite was "Rufus The Trash Man," sung to the tune of "Frosty The Snow Man."
"Rufus the trash man
Doesn't work on Labor Day.
He barbeques with his best friend Bill,
And a plumber named Jose..."
Also favored was "Oh Labor Day," to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree."
"Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
With joy we celebrate you!
Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
Although the bosses hate you!"
Yes...we were creative in those days. We even had a Labor Day tree, made of a wicker broom and cotton balls. Oh, the joys of youth and beer...
Tomorrow I begin rehearsal for RAPUNZEL, which I am directing for Birmingham Children's Theatre. The script is charming, and the cast is talented, so it should be a very successful project. I am looking forward to it. Also on the horizon is GREASE, which I am directing for CenterStage in October, The VST production of THE 1940's RADIO HOUR which opens in December (playing Clifton Feddington) as well as the BCT production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which I am also directing. Add to this the monthly performances of ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE at Vulcan Park, and I have a busy fall theatrically speaking.
I believe I hear Lovey stirring about, so I will close for now. In today's News From The Motherland... UK shutterbug arrested for camera theft....okay, it's a slow news day... ;-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7591526.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Lovey and I went to a very nice party last night, given by some theatre friends. It was a relaxed, poolside affair with a convivial group. We enjoyed it as a nice ending to a full weekend.
Speaking of weekends, this is, of course, Labor Day Weekend. It was exactly 17 years ago (Sweet Mother of God) that some friends and I went Labor Day Caroling. Yes, you heard (read?) correctly...Labor Day Caroling. After a few festive beverages, we decided to compose our own carols...I can't recall the entire song list, but I do remember a snippet here and there. A particular favorite was "Rufus The Trash Man," sung to the tune of "Frosty The Snow Man."
"Rufus the trash man
Doesn't work on Labor Day.
He barbeques with his best friend Bill,
And a plumber named Jose..."
Also favored was "Oh Labor Day," to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree."
"Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
With joy we celebrate you!
Oh Labor Day! Oh Labor Day!
Although the bosses hate you!"
Yes...we were creative in those days. We even had a Labor Day tree, made of a wicker broom and cotton balls. Oh, the joys of youth and beer...
Tomorrow I begin rehearsal for RAPUNZEL, which I am directing for Birmingham Children's Theatre. The script is charming, and the cast is talented, so it should be a very successful project. I am looking forward to it. Also on the horizon is GREASE, which I am directing for CenterStage in October, The VST production of THE 1940's RADIO HOUR which opens in December (playing Clifton Feddington) as well as the BCT production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which I am also directing. Add to this the monthly performances of ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE at Vulcan Park, and I have a busy fall theatrically speaking.
I believe I hear Lovey stirring about, so I will close for now. In today's News From The Motherland... UK shutterbug arrested for camera theft....okay, it's a slow news day... ;-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7591526.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Back To School...
I am subbing today at Vestavia High School...the first day "back to school" for me. I am always sort of sad at the end of summer (a holdover from so many years in school, I suppose.) That sadness has, over the past few years, been softened by the realization that now when I come to school, I get paid. That helps.
I DO! I DO! is coming along well. GREASE was just cast, and I am looking forward to getting started on it.
Life is good. Lovey is getting ready to begin teaching her fall classes, and has been hard at work on her syllabuses (syllabi?) In all, there is a feeling of preparation in the air...I am teaching an acting class at VST this fall, and must start the prep work for that this weekend.
In today's News From The Motherland... Faustina The Elder makes a re-appearance.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7560833.stm
And in more News From The Motherland... "Crazy Larry" quoted by the BBC...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7560392.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
I DO! I DO! is coming along well. GREASE was just cast, and I am looking forward to getting started on it.
Life is good. Lovey is getting ready to begin teaching her fall classes, and has been hard at work on her syllabuses (syllabi?) In all, there is a feeling of preparation in the air...I am teaching an acting class at VST this fall, and must start the prep work for that this weekend.
In today's News From The Motherland... Faustina The Elder makes a re-appearance.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7560833.stm
And in more News From The Motherland... "Crazy Larry" quoted by the BBC...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7560392.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, August 08, 2008
More Spanish Gilligan and Midnight Special
I don't know why this amuses me so much...it just does...The Skipper's voice is too funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrTEAfd2oI0&feature=related
In another moment of joy... Andy Griffith sings "The Midnight Special." This is gold!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvYDpXfiDuQ
Just a quick post while taking a break from getting scenes prepared for GREASE auditions, which are tomorrow and Sunday. If rumor is to be believed, we are going to have a very large turnout. I am sure I will probably hear ten thousand renditions of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee," but that's part of the game... I am leaning towards casting with an eye towards the movie in terms of age. With all of the "mature" subject matter, I would be much more comfortable with twentysomethings as opposed to actual 16-year-olds. That said, the role of Sandy is already cast with an actual teenager (Kimberly Piazza) but she is very mature and can hold her own with the older "kids."
Lovey and I attempted to watch "Zoolander" last night with IV and V. We both fell asleep halfway through, not because it's a bad movie (it's very funny) but because it was 11:00. Of course, after driving home I was wide awake and stayed up until almost 2am. C'est la vie...
Cool weather is supposedly on the way. The weather forecast predicted lows in the mid-60's tomorrow night. That should be refreshing...
If I have started to discuss the weather, it's time to close. In today's News From The Motherland... Snoop Dogg takes Bollywood by storm!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7549301.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrTEAfd2oI0&feature=related
In another moment of joy... Andy Griffith sings "The Midnight Special." This is gold!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvYDpXfiDuQ
Just a quick post while taking a break from getting scenes prepared for GREASE auditions, which are tomorrow and Sunday. If rumor is to be believed, we are going to have a very large turnout. I am sure I will probably hear ten thousand renditions of "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee," but that's part of the game... I am leaning towards casting with an eye towards the movie in terms of age. With all of the "mature" subject matter, I would be much more comfortable with twentysomethings as opposed to actual 16-year-olds. That said, the role of Sandy is already cast with an actual teenager (Kimberly Piazza) but she is very mature and can hold her own with the older "kids."
Lovey and I attempted to watch "Zoolander" last night with IV and V. We both fell asleep halfway through, not because it's a bad movie (it's very funny) but because it was 11:00. Of course, after driving home I was wide awake and stayed up until almost 2am. C'est la vie...
Cool weather is supposedly on the way. The weather forecast predicted lows in the mid-60's tomorrow night. That should be refreshing...
If I have started to discuss the weather, it's time to close. In today's News From The Motherland... Snoop Dogg takes Bollywood by storm!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7549301.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Shaking My Head...
As much as I enjoy blogging about fun, happy things, I am on a serious rant today...
A Birmingham woman has filed a lawsuit following the death of a two-year-old in a house fire. According to the news report, the fire was started by a five-year-old playing with a cigarette lighter. The woman is suing the store that sold the lighter, as well as the manufacturers and distributors of the item.
Sweet Jesus.
The death of a child is one of the most horrific things I can imagine. I can't even think about it too much, or I will literally burst into tears. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones who have lost someone so sweet and innocent.
That said, I can only shake my head in wonderment at the opportunism and cynical actions of this person. WHY THE HELL WASN'T SHE WATCHING HER KIDS? WHY WAS A LIGHTER LEFT WITHIN REACH OF TWO TODDLERS?
Worst of all...why is this woman trying to make money off such a terrible thing? To quote Rex Harrison in Dr Doolittle, "I do not understand the human race."
If you have small people in your world, please look after them. Here endeth the sermon.
Okay, deep breath... happier thoughts...
Rehearsal is progressing nicely with I Do! I Do! and the show should be in good shape by opening night. I have not heard the score in years, and I am constantly reminded of how much I love the music. It amazes me that the show isn't done more often. Yes, it's a bit dated, but if done as a museum piece, it works very well. There are also several comments and references that have stood the test of time.
Lovey received a nice little gift in yesterday's mail. She had some Texas friends in for a visit a couple of weeks ago, and they sent her some fun photos from their evening out. I have enjoyed looking at the pics...I need to take more photos of my friends and our activities. I used to be a camera bug, but have gotten less attentive to picture-taking over the past few years. I suppose if someone ever decides to chronicle my life, it will look as if very little happened between around 1997 and 2007. "The lost decade" does have a certain ring to it... :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... those wacky British teenagers...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/7546558.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
A Birmingham woman has filed a lawsuit following the death of a two-year-old in a house fire. According to the news report, the fire was started by a five-year-old playing with a cigarette lighter. The woman is suing the store that sold the lighter, as well as the manufacturers and distributors of the item.
Sweet Jesus.
The death of a child is one of the most horrific things I can imagine. I can't even think about it too much, or I will literally burst into tears. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones who have lost someone so sweet and innocent.
That said, I can only shake my head in wonderment at the opportunism and cynical actions of this person. WHY THE HELL WASN'T SHE WATCHING HER KIDS? WHY WAS A LIGHTER LEFT WITHIN REACH OF TWO TODDLERS?
Worst of all...why is this woman trying to make money off such a terrible thing? To quote Rex Harrison in Dr Doolittle, "I do not understand the human race."
If you have small people in your world, please look after them. Here endeth the sermon.
Okay, deep breath... happier thoughts...
Rehearsal is progressing nicely with I Do! I Do! and the show should be in good shape by opening night. I have not heard the score in years, and I am constantly reminded of how much I love the music. It amazes me that the show isn't done more often. Yes, it's a bit dated, but if done as a museum piece, it works very well. There are also several comments and references that have stood the test of time.
Lovey received a nice little gift in yesterday's mail. She had some Texas friends in for a visit a couple of weeks ago, and they sent her some fun photos from their evening out. I have enjoyed looking at the pics...I need to take more photos of my friends and our activities. I used to be a camera bug, but have gotten less attentive to picture-taking over the past few years. I suppose if someone ever decides to chronicle my life, it will look as if very little happened between around 1997 and 2007. "The lost decade" does have a certain ring to it... :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... those wacky British teenagers...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/7546558.stm
Obama In '08!!!
FLT3
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Viva!!!
Ever wonder what the Gilligan theme sounds like in Spanish? This made me smile... I love the way Thurston is described as "El Millionario!" :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HzmC5xX9pU&feature=related
Wonderful way to segue...today is Lovey's birthday, which is a very special day indeed...many happy returns, my dear! :-)
I have recently taken the plunge into the world of Facebook. I am still a newbie, but I can see where it could get addictive...like I need anything to keep me on the computer more hours per day...
In today's News From The Motherland...good news for the butterfly...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7542779.stm
Obama In 08!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HzmC5xX9pU&feature=related
Wonderful way to segue...today is Lovey's birthday, which is a very special day indeed...many happy returns, my dear! :-)
I have recently taken the plunge into the world of Facebook. I am still a newbie, but I can see where it could get addictive...like I need anything to keep me on the computer more hours per day...
In today's News From The Motherland...good news for the butterfly...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7542779.stm
Obama In 08!!!
FLT3
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Doot Dooty Dooty Doot, Doot Dooty Dooty Doot...
Well, I must admit that my attempt to represent on the printed page (screen?) the opening riff of "We Go Together" might have been a bit cryptic at best, but there you are...
Lovey and I took Thurston IV and Thurston V to the historic Alabama Theatre this afternoon to see Grease, that wonderful film that shaped the childhood/adolescence of many a Generation X-er. I remember getting the record (for those under 25, that's a big disc that played music) when I was in the 4th grade. I think I literally wore it out within a year. Aside from a HUGE crush on the actress who played "Marty" (Dinah Manoff if memory serves) I absolutely loved the music, and wanted to be a T-Bird...or Vince Fontaine...or third nobody from the left...
One thing that I had never really noticed before is how well the film creates an amalgam of the 1950's (when the show is set) and the 1970's (when the movie was filmed.) There is a definite touch of funk in the score, and some of the fashions veer dangerously close to a sort of Lamont Sanford-meets-Sonny Bono sensibility. This little pastiche of period is, in a word, delightful.
I had NOT forgotten that Stockard Channing, as Rizzo, looked like everyone else's grandmother.
At any rate, everyone left the theatre humming and singing. Grease is, to this day, the word. I will be directing the stage version this fall, and today's screening has given me a good boost of enthusiasm. I anticipate a fun project...
In today's News From The Motherland... a farewell to Alexander Solzhenitsyn. I remember reading and enjoying One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich when I was in the 7th or 8th grade.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7540038.stm
Obama In '08!!!!
FLT3
Lovey and I took Thurston IV and Thurston V to the historic Alabama Theatre this afternoon to see Grease, that wonderful film that shaped the childhood/adolescence of many a Generation X-er. I remember getting the record (for those under 25, that's a big disc that played music) when I was in the 4th grade. I think I literally wore it out within a year. Aside from a HUGE crush on the actress who played "Marty" (Dinah Manoff if memory serves) I absolutely loved the music, and wanted to be a T-Bird...or Vince Fontaine...or third nobody from the left...
One thing that I had never really noticed before is how well the film creates an amalgam of the 1950's (when the show is set) and the 1970's (when the movie was filmed.) There is a definite touch of funk in the score, and some of the fashions veer dangerously close to a sort of Lamont Sanford-meets-Sonny Bono sensibility. This little pastiche of period is, in a word, delightful.
I had NOT forgotten that Stockard Channing, as Rizzo, looked like everyone else's grandmother.
At any rate, everyone left the theatre humming and singing. Grease is, to this day, the word. I will be directing the stage version this fall, and today's screening has given me a good boost of enthusiasm. I anticipate a fun project...
In today's News From The Motherland... a farewell to Alexander Solzhenitsyn. I remember reading and enjoying One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich when I was in the 7th or 8th grade.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7540038.stm
Obama In '08!!!!
FLT3
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Third One Today...
Yes, I am nothing if not prolific...
Dear Lovey has decided to take the plunge and join the blogosphere...well done, my dear!
For a look at Lovey's thoughts on relevant social topics of the day, please visit....
www.texaschick1.blogspot.com
Will let News From The Motherland rest on the third posting. Rule, Britannia!
In honor of Lovey, News From ANOTHER Motherland... Yee Haw!
http://www.dallasnews.com/
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Dear Lovey has decided to take the plunge and join the blogosphere...well done, my dear!
For a look at Lovey's thoughts on relevant social topics of the day, please visit....
www.texaschick1.blogspot.com
Will let News From The Motherland rest on the third posting. Rule, Britannia!
In honor of Lovey, News From ANOTHER Motherland... Yee Haw!
http://www.dallasnews.com/
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Aboard This Tiny Ship...
Yes, it's time again for one of the seldom-seen SAME DAY POSTS!!!! :-)
This one was too good to hold until tomorrow. My darling Lovey in her infinite knowledge of all things cool and neat, found (and forwarded to me) this article about a certain famous seagoing vessel...
http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/07/31/how-would-you-like-a-ride-on-the-s-s-minnow/
She is a very special lady. :-)
In the second of today's installments of News From The Motherland... a bit more "Potter" for all of us fans...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7535162.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
This one was too good to hold until tomorrow. My darling Lovey in her infinite knowledge of all things cool and neat, found (and forwarded to me) this article about a certain famous seagoing vessel...
http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/07/31/how-would-you-like-a-ride-on-the-s-s-minnow/
She is a very special lady. :-)
In the second of today's installments of News From The Motherland... a bit more "Potter" for all of us fans...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7535162.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Finally Facing My Waterloo...
At least I hope I'm Lord Admiral Nelson and not General Bonaparte...
Lovey and I saw "Mamma Mia" and I am still reeling from the ABBA-fest. ABBA has always been one of my favorite bands (yes, I'm that old) and hearing all this beloved music in an entirely new framework was exhilarating. No, Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan are not A-list singers, but it just didn't matter...they sold the songs, and the entire movie was a joy. I never stopped smiling! I was a bit disappointed when my favorite-of-all-time ABBA song (Waterloo) was not included in the film...and then at the very end, Meryl's character looks directly into the screen (4th wall shattered all to hell, but so what) and asks "Do you want one more?" Guess what...WATERLOO!!!! I was, to say the least, very pleased.
For those who love the song as much as I, a link...funky fashions and dance moves are a bonus treat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUz5zXywhY
In today's News From The Motherland... Prince William update.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7534769.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Lovey and I saw "Mamma Mia" and I am still reeling from the ABBA-fest. ABBA has always been one of my favorite bands (yes, I'm that old) and hearing all this beloved music in an entirely new framework was exhilarating. No, Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan are not A-list singers, but it just didn't matter...they sold the songs, and the entire movie was a joy. I never stopped smiling! I was a bit disappointed when my favorite-of-all-time ABBA song (Waterloo) was not included in the film...and then at the very end, Meryl's character looks directly into the screen (4th wall shattered all to hell, but so what) and asks "Do you want one more?" Guess what...WATERLOO!!!! I was, to say the least, very pleased.
For those who love the song as much as I, a link...funky fashions and dance moves are a bonus treat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUz5zXywhY
In today's News From The Motherland... Prince William update.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7534769.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, July 25, 2008
Ersatz Europe
I just read a posting by my friend, Aaron. He and his girlfriend recently moved to Kannapolis, NC (which sounds somewhat faux Greco, but that's not where we're going today...) It seems that Aaron endured a rather grueling (note the cheeky reference to yesterday's post) experience in the dreaded Newark airport. Following said experience, however, he has arrived in Montreal. One can only imagine the rush of overwhelming relief he must have felt upon arrival...
Aaron's blog, btw, is well worth reading. You can check it out at http://www.butdonttrytotouchme.blogspot.com/
Never having been to Montreal (or any part of Canada) I am forced to rely on the rhapsodic praise I have heard re the city from several friends who have visited it. From what I have gathered, it is a very Francofied (sp?) city, with everything from language to architecture mirroring La Belle France (which I have visited several times and love!) I have no doubt that Aaron and Laurie will have a delightful time in such a place.
Now...given my admitted anglophilia, I have started to ponder the case for an American London. Rule, Britannia! (Yes, I just stood, faced Oxford, and sang the first two lines of the song... "Rule, Britannia! Britannia rules the waves!") Okay, maybe I'm lying about that...or maybe not...
Anyway, if Crazy Larry can push to have Birmingham host the Olympics in 2020, perhaps I could get him on board for "West London, Alabama." To wit, my ideas...
. Annex one of the outlying areas just beyond the Bham city limits...preferably someplace with very little development. West London needs to be built from scratch, both literally and figuratively.
.With the exception of "Little Ben," "West Westminster Abbey," and a Harrod's satellite store, any attempts to recreate actual London landmarks should probably be avoided. This is a refuge and an homage, not a theme park. The architecture and overall essence of The City is what we seek to replicate.
.Strong financial incentive should be offered to hire as many British expats as possible to work in the community. Hearing the dulcet tones of The Motherland will be part of the experience.
.West London would be the obvious locale for Alabama's arts and cultural center (The Western West End?) With all due (not much) respect to the City of Montgomery, the ASF should be relocated. Toss in a couple of first-rate local performing arts groups and a healthy touring schedule, and we're set. A lovely museum along the lines of the V&A would be nice...not sure what Larry's wife is named, but we could easily call it the "L& (whatever her first initial may be.)
. Pubs. Lots of them. This is not to say that West London will be some sort of lawless college-bar metrop. On the contrary, civilized drinking and social interaction will be the order of the day. The requisite brass and red-curtained "look" will be in place, as will the more civilized Euro-views on alcohol consumption. (Hand to God, the only drunks I have ever seen in the UK have been Americans... those of The Motherland are raised with fewer taboos, and therefore far fewer instances of gross overindulgence.)
.Fish and Chips stalls and Kebab vans. Enough said.
. While American Law will certainly still prevail, West London judges will wear powdered wigs in the style of their British counterparts. Attorneys will, of course, be called "barristers," while paralegals will be "solicitors." (The comparison isn't exact, but close enough...)
.British holidays will be observed, including Boxing Day and 5 November ("Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot...") 4 July will be a bit awkward, but good will and civility will certainly prevail.
...and the list goes on. This idea has about as much chance of ever happening as the 2020 Olympics in Birmingham, but Crazy Larry has taught us Birminghamians to think big. If nothing else, it's been a fun way to start the morning...
In other news, Lovey and I both auditioned for the commercial/tv show/whatsit yesterday, along with Thurston IV. I enjoyed the audition, but there was something decidedly sketchy about it. Nobody in authority seemed able to explain exactly WHAT the show was/is. All we gathered was...
. It has something to do with the environment.
. There are significant corporate sponsors (Coca-Cola and Nike were mentioned.)
. There is a large green bus that travels the country promoting "green" activity.
...and that's about it. The people in charge were extremely nice, very welcoming, and seemingly sincere. They just seemed unable (or unwilling) to tell us if this was an audition for a tv show, a live performance, or something in between. Oh well, we'll see if we hear back from them...
In today's News From The Motherland... The RSC and Sci-Fi fans collide...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7523210.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Aaron's blog, btw, is well worth reading. You can check it out at http://www.butdonttrytotouchme.blogspot.com/
Never having been to Montreal (or any part of Canada) I am forced to rely on the rhapsodic praise I have heard re the city from several friends who have visited it. From what I have gathered, it is a very Francofied (sp?) city, with everything from language to architecture mirroring La Belle France (which I have visited several times and love!) I have no doubt that Aaron and Laurie will have a delightful time in such a place.
Now...given my admitted anglophilia, I have started to ponder the case for an American London. Rule, Britannia! (Yes, I just stood, faced Oxford, and sang the first two lines of the song... "Rule, Britannia! Britannia rules the waves!") Okay, maybe I'm lying about that...or maybe not...
Anyway, if Crazy Larry can push to have Birmingham host the Olympics in 2020, perhaps I could get him on board for "West London, Alabama." To wit, my ideas...
. Annex one of the outlying areas just beyond the Bham city limits...preferably someplace with very little development. West London needs to be built from scratch, both literally and figuratively.
.With the exception of "Little Ben," "West Westminster Abbey," and a Harrod's satellite store, any attempts to recreate actual London landmarks should probably be avoided. This is a refuge and an homage, not a theme park. The architecture and overall essence of The City is what we seek to replicate.
.Strong financial incentive should be offered to hire as many British expats as possible to work in the community. Hearing the dulcet tones of The Motherland will be part of the experience.
.West London would be the obvious locale for Alabama's arts and cultural center (The Western West End?) With all due (not much) respect to the City of Montgomery, the ASF should be relocated. Toss in a couple of first-rate local performing arts groups and a healthy touring schedule, and we're set. A lovely museum along the lines of the V&A would be nice...not sure what Larry's wife is named, but we could easily call it the "L& (whatever her first initial may be.)
. Pubs. Lots of them. This is not to say that West London will be some sort of lawless college-bar metrop. On the contrary, civilized drinking and social interaction will be the order of the day. The requisite brass and red-curtained "look" will be in place, as will the more civilized Euro-views on alcohol consumption. (Hand to God, the only drunks I have ever seen in the UK have been Americans... those of The Motherland are raised with fewer taboos, and therefore far fewer instances of gross overindulgence.)
.Fish and Chips stalls and Kebab vans. Enough said.
. While American Law will certainly still prevail, West London judges will wear powdered wigs in the style of their British counterparts. Attorneys will, of course, be called "barristers," while paralegals will be "solicitors." (The comparison isn't exact, but close enough...)
.British holidays will be observed, including Boxing Day and 5 November ("Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot...") 4 July will be a bit awkward, but good will and civility will certainly prevail.
...and the list goes on. This idea has about as much chance of ever happening as the 2020 Olympics in Birmingham, but Crazy Larry has taught us Birminghamians to think big. If nothing else, it's been a fun way to start the morning...
In other news, Lovey and I both auditioned for the commercial/tv show/whatsit yesterday, along with Thurston IV. I enjoyed the audition, but there was something decidedly sketchy about it. Nobody in authority seemed able to explain exactly WHAT the show was/is. All we gathered was...
. It has something to do with the environment.
. There are significant corporate sponsors (Coca-Cola and Nike were mentioned.)
. There is a large green bus that travels the country promoting "green" activity.
...and that's about it. The people in charge were extremely nice, very welcoming, and seemingly sincere. They just seemed unable (or unwilling) to tell us if this was an audition for a tv show, a live performance, or something in between. Oh well, we'll see if we hear back from them...
In today's News From The Motherland... The RSC and Sci-Fi fans collide...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7523210.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Gruel To Go...?
Having spent the past few days working on a children's theatre script adaptation of Oliver Twist, I am in a decidedly Dickensian frame of mind... fair warning that today's posting will most likely be verbose, flowery, and follow the "why use one word when ten will do" philosophy... (for those smartasses among my readers who were considering posing a question along the lines of "why should today be any different," too bad...I just beat you to it... ;-)
With said Dickensian bent firmly established, I have allowed myself a few minutes of silly reverie before starting the day... I have an image in mind of a Dickens-based fast food place... "Gruel To Go." It could easily be twinned with a bookstore (excuse me...it's Dickens Day...I meant to say a book-shop) along the lines of the cafe in Little Professor (a Bham book-shop for those out-of-town readers.) The menu could feature Oliver's Gruel (oatmeal,) the Cratchit Special (very little food for those watching their waistlines,) Uncle Pumblechook's Wine List (a bottle of port and a bottle of sherry, if memory serves,) and the Sydney Carton Health Plate for those who wish to be oh-so-virtuous (" 'tis a far, far, better thing I do...") And the list goes on... Little Dorrit's Kidney Pies... Miss Havisham's Wedding Cake... and the requisite Budget Deal (for those who have fallen upon Hard Times.)
Okay, so the place would probably not have a huge initial appeal beyond English nerds and academic types, but isn't that sort of wonderful? I think a little exclusivity is good for the soul, but that's just me...
As I forge ahead with this idea, I am envisioning a Tex-Mex establishment immediately adjacent. (The Brits and The Texans tend to mix rather well.) Perhaps a large advert of Charles Dickens arm-in-arm with Sam Houston would make for an interesting image... or possibly Annie Oakley (was she Texan? Oh well, if she wasn't, she should have been) holding a gun on Ebenezer Scrooge... oh the tie-in... "Did my 3-Alarm Texas Chili cause you to have heartburn and acid indigestion? Well, pard, get rid of the "Ghost Of Christmas Past" with new and improved Rolaids!"
This is getting bizzare, but I am following the lead of Mayor "Crazy Larry" Langford... sometimes you've just got to think outside the box...
Not much else to report from Lake Wobegon... I am auditioning today for a television show in the making...something about environmental concerns, etc...not sure if anything will come of it, but I figured it was worth a shot. Darling Lovey is going to accompany me for moral support. Perhaps I can convince her to audition as well...
In today's News From The Motherland... Nazis and orgies and hookers? Oh my...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7523034.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
With said Dickensian bent firmly established, I have allowed myself a few minutes of silly reverie before starting the day... I have an image in mind of a Dickens-based fast food place... "Gruel To Go." It could easily be twinned with a bookstore (excuse me...it's Dickens Day...I meant to say a book-shop) along the lines of the cafe in Little Professor (a Bham book-shop for those out-of-town readers.) The menu could feature Oliver's Gruel (oatmeal,) the Cratchit Special (very little food for those watching their waistlines,) Uncle Pumblechook's Wine List (a bottle of port and a bottle of sherry, if memory serves,) and the Sydney Carton Health Plate for those who wish to be oh-so-virtuous (" 'tis a far, far, better thing I do...") And the list goes on... Little Dorrit's Kidney Pies... Miss Havisham's Wedding Cake... and the requisite Budget Deal (for those who have fallen upon Hard Times.)
Okay, so the place would probably not have a huge initial appeal beyond English nerds and academic types, but isn't that sort of wonderful? I think a little exclusivity is good for the soul, but that's just me...
As I forge ahead with this idea, I am envisioning a Tex-Mex establishment immediately adjacent. (The Brits and The Texans tend to mix rather well.) Perhaps a large advert of Charles Dickens arm-in-arm with Sam Houston would make for an interesting image... or possibly Annie Oakley (was she Texan? Oh well, if she wasn't, she should have been) holding a gun on Ebenezer Scrooge... oh the tie-in... "Did my 3-Alarm Texas Chili cause you to have heartburn and acid indigestion? Well, pard, get rid of the "Ghost Of Christmas Past" with new and improved Rolaids!"
This is getting bizzare, but I am following the lead of Mayor "Crazy Larry" Langford... sometimes you've just got to think outside the box...
Not much else to report from Lake Wobegon... I am auditioning today for a television show in the making...something about environmental concerns, etc...not sure if anything will come of it, but I figured it was worth a shot. Darling Lovey is going to accompany me for moral support. Perhaps I can convince her to audition as well...
In today's News From The Motherland... Nazis and orgies and hookers? Oh my...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7523034.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Saturday, July 19, 2008
#X!@* - ha ha ha
I started to title this "Feet: An Addendum" but the peals of profanity followed by laughter inspired an alternate header...
Darling Lovey continues to have pretty feet...however, one "pinky" has become somewhat disfigured due to a toe-stubbing incident. Such cutting-edge medical inplements as scotch tape are being utilized. (I might have suggested scotch as a viable anesthetic, but it is only 9am...anything heavier than a Bloody Mary would just be...well...tacky.)
She will live.
In today's News From The Motherland... Python ban lifted...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/7514423.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Darling Lovey continues to have pretty feet...however, one "pinky" has become somewhat disfigured due to a toe-stubbing incident. Such cutting-edge medical inplements as scotch tape are being utilized. (I might have suggested scotch as a viable anesthetic, but it is only 9am...anything heavier than a Bloody Mary would just be...well...tacky.)
She will live.
In today's News From The Motherland... Python ban lifted...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/7514423.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Feet
I have been thinking a lot about my feet lately. I am just reaching the point in life (40 looms imminent...oh God...) where the statement "my feet hurt" is starting to pass my lips with alarming frequency. I have never given a great deal of thoght to my pieds before now, and it's sort of amazing when you consider just how much our feet really do...assuming I learned to walk somewhere around the age of 1, my feet have been picked up and put down thousands of times each day for the past 37 years. That's a lot of punishment for a body part.
In one of his finest moments on "Hollywood Squares," the late great Paul Lynde was asked the following:
"What is the most abused and neglected part of the body?" (The answer: the feet.)
Lynde's response: "Well, mine has certainly been abused but never neglected..."
Perhaps it loses something in the re-telling in typeface, but insert Lynde's delivery and nasty snicker and you've got a comedic bon mot of epic proportions. The fact that he was wearing a leisure suit somehow made it even better...
Lovey has very pretty feet. Just thought I'd mention that.
My own feet are unremarkable, but slightly large. (Size 10 1/2) They are certainly not freakish, but just large enough that my shoes have been compared to boats on occasion.
Enough about feet. In today's News From The Motherland...those noisy scouts strike again...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/leicestershire/7509198.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
In one of his finest moments on "Hollywood Squares," the late great Paul Lynde was asked the following:
"What is the most abused and neglected part of the body?" (The answer: the feet.)
Lynde's response: "Well, mine has certainly been abused but never neglected..."
Perhaps it loses something in the re-telling in typeface, but insert Lynde's delivery and nasty snicker and you've got a comedic bon mot of epic proportions. The fact that he was wearing a leisure suit somehow made it even better...
Lovey has very pretty feet. Just thought I'd mention that.
My own feet are unremarkable, but slightly large. (Size 10 1/2) They are certainly not freakish, but just large enough that my shoes have been compared to boats on occasion.
Enough about feet. In today's News From The Motherland...those noisy scouts strike again...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/leicestershire/7509198.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, July 11, 2008
Reefer Madness and Fried Food
I suppose today's header sounds like a party from just about everyone's college days... however, the real story is a bit different...
Last night Lovey and I saw "Reefer Madness:The Musical" at TNT, one of Birmingham's outstanding local theatres. My good friend Jan was in the cast, and I must admit that my initial impetus for seeing the show was to be supportive of her. I had seen the made-for-Showtime (HBO?) adaptation of the stage musical, and found it mildly entertaining, but it never really grabbed me.
I have no idea whether the show just works better on stage, or if I was just tired/distracted/etc when I watched the dvd, but wow...this production was HYSTERICAL! The staging was tight and fluid, the performers all bought in to the silly "over-the-top" quality of the script, the musicians were superb, etc etc etc...I could go on, but will settle for saying "this is an outstanding and entertaining show." Kudos to the cast and director, Carl Stewart.
Anyway, following the performance, Lovey and I joined a group of friends for a bite to eat. Obviously, most food readily available after 10pm is going to most likely be fried bar food. Okay, no problem...I can eat onion rings and other fried things and go home to bed with no problem... I did it all the time in college...sure, pass me the hot sauce, it'll make my sandwich taste soooo good!
Ugh.
The British have the most wonderfully evocative term... "gyppy tummy." My tummy has been beyond gyppy this am. Clearly, my days of eating a whole Domino's pizza washed down with a few beers and then drifting off to blissful sleep are left waaaaay back in the distance, along with "Don't Worry, Be Happy," Crocodile Dundee, neon clothing, the first President Bush, The Spice Girls, and "Matlock."
Enough about my digestive issues. Today is slightly cloudy, a little muggy, and bears the aura of a comforting, soft, reassuring blanket. If one has to feel a bit less than top drawer, this is the sort of day that will accomodate and soothe.
In today's News From The Motherland... apples and pears...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7501420.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
Last night Lovey and I saw "Reefer Madness:The Musical" at TNT, one of Birmingham's outstanding local theatres. My good friend Jan was in the cast, and I must admit that my initial impetus for seeing the show was to be supportive of her. I had seen the made-for-Showtime (HBO?) adaptation of the stage musical, and found it mildly entertaining, but it never really grabbed me.
I have no idea whether the show just works better on stage, or if I was just tired/distracted/etc when I watched the dvd, but wow...this production was HYSTERICAL! The staging was tight and fluid, the performers all bought in to the silly "over-the-top" quality of the script, the musicians were superb, etc etc etc...I could go on, but will settle for saying "this is an outstanding and entertaining show." Kudos to the cast and director, Carl Stewart.
Anyway, following the performance, Lovey and I joined a group of friends for a bite to eat. Obviously, most food readily available after 10pm is going to most likely be fried bar food. Okay, no problem...I can eat onion rings and other fried things and go home to bed with no problem... I did it all the time in college...sure, pass me the hot sauce, it'll make my sandwich taste soooo good!
Ugh.
The British have the most wonderfully evocative term... "gyppy tummy." My tummy has been beyond gyppy this am. Clearly, my days of eating a whole Domino's pizza washed down with a few beers and then drifting off to blissful sleep are left waaaaay back in the distance, along with "Don't Worry, Be Happy," Crocodile Dundee, neon clothing, the first President Bush, The Spice Girls, and "Matlock."
Enough about my digestive issues. Today is slightly cloudy, a little muggy, and bears the aura of a comforting, soft, reassuring blanket. If one has to feel a bit less than top drawer, this is the sort of day that will accomodate and soothe.
In today's News From The Motherland... apples and pears...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7501420.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Hot, Hot, Hot...
Great...I thought that was a clever title that I could tie into the fact that it has been hot as all-get-out for the past few days, and now I have that song stuck in my head...oh the bane of every wedding reception...the conga line to "Hot, Hot, Hot." There's always at least one (usually amusing) slip and fall, generally from an inebriated octogenarian. Bonus points if said oldster bounces up and says something wonderfully anachronistic like "whoop de doo" or "23 skidoo."
No, I have never seen this happen, but I'd like to.
The week is going well. I have been teaching at the CenterStage summer theatre camp, and all is going smoothly. We have a large group of very good kids...even the extremely hyper ones are good natured, sweet souls...not a mean spirit in the group, so they're just fine.
My best friend, Brent, is getting married next month, and plans are underway for the wedding. I got the info today on getting measured for tuxes, etc. That should be fun. (I will have to find out how one goes about acquiring a drunk 80-year-old who hollers epithets from the jazz age.)
Not much else to report...have spent some time with Lovey, which is always delightful. I had lunch yesterday with a good friend at a little drug store which still has (hand to God) a functioning soda fountain/lunch counter with the best hand-pressed limeade on Earth. If you ignore a few of the more modern amenities (which are few, indeed) it would honestly be possible to imagine a scene from the early 1950's. Cool place.
In today's News From The Motherland...churchgoers shamed by sham.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/7497411.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
No, I have never seen this happen, but I'd like to.
The week is going well. I have been teaching at the CenterStage summer theatre camp, and all is going smoothly. We have a large group of very good kids...even the extremely hyper ones are good natured, sweet souls...not a mean spirit in the group, so they're just fine.
My best friend, Brent, is getting married next month, and plans are underway for the wedding. I got the info today on getting measured for tuxes, etc. That should be fun. (I will have to find out how one goes about acquiring a drunk 80-year-old who hollers epithets from the jazz age.)
Not much else to report...have spent some time with Lovey, which is always delightful. I had lunch yesterday with a good friend at a little drug store which still has (hand to God) a functioning soda fountain/lunch counter with the best hand-pressed limeade on Earth. If you ignore a few of the more modern amenities (which are few, indeed) it would honestly be possible to imagine a scene from the early 1950's. Cool place.
In today's News From The Motherland...churchgoers shamed by sham.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/7497411.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Monday, July 07, 2008
Back In '58, I Was Hell...
Home again after a delightful weekend getaway with Lovey. Details on said junket to follow, but first a story which bears repeating...
We encountered one of those delightfully nonsensical "snapshot of life" moments that make life worth living...imagine, dear reader, if you will, an elderly gentleman on the street. While slightly scruffy around the edges, he held no menace or threat...perhaps a bit tipsy in a sort of "livin' large and lovin' life" way...a 75-year-old man about town who may have gone a bit down at heel, but retaining an affable charm that most likely served him well back in the day...if Redd Foxx and an aging Richard Pryor could have borne a child, this would be him...you get the picture...benignly naughty and infinitely endearing.
Said gent was holding a pineapple. This is not a euphemism. He was literally carrying a whole pineapple.
Engaging in conversation with said chap was an attractive young woman of 25 or thereabouts. She was shapely, and slightly provocative in an appropriate way...a little plump in the best of ways...sexy/cute with just a hint of hoochie mama tossed deliciously into the mix.
These were not sketchy people...just worldly.
I can't remember what the fellow's exact words were, but he was clearly after the girl in a harmless, old-timer sort of way. I would hazard a guess that the flirtation was his end goal in and of itself. The girl never really stopped walking, but she slowed her pace, spoke back, and gave "Pops" a winning smile. He was apparently offering the pineapple as some sort of prelude to courtship...and amusingly so.
This was a very heartwarming scene which could have broken bad in so many ways, but it didn't. The old man was mildly lecherous but lovably so. The girl was rebuffing his advances but with a coquettish twinkle. No threatening aura here, and no broken hearts...just a dirty old man and a sweet young thing exchanging lighthearted words on the street.
In continuing the script after witnessing the moment, Lovey & I decided that somewhere in the conversation, the old gent had uttered...
"Damn baby! Back in '58, I was hell!"
Indeed he was.
In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown encourages food conservation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7492573.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
We encountered one of those delightfully nonsensical "snapshot of life" moments that make life worth living...imagine, dear reader, if you will, an elderly gentleman on the street. While slightly scruffy around the edges, he held no menace or threat...perhaps a bit tipsy in a sort of "livin' large and lovin' life" way...a 75-year-old man about town who may have gone a bit down at heel, but retaining an affable charm that most likely served him well back in the day...if Redd Foxx and an aging Richard Pryor could have borne a child, this would be him...you get the picture...benignly naughty and infinitely endearing.
Said gent was holding a pineapple. This is not a euphemism. He was literally carrying a whole pineapple.
Engaging in conversation with said chap was an attractive young woman of 25 or thereabouts. She was shapely, and slightly provocative in an appropriate way...a little plump in the best of ways...sexy/cute with just a hint of hoochie mama tossed deliciously into the mix.
These were not sketchy people...just worldly.
I can't remember what the fellow's exact words were, but he was clearly after the girl in a harmless, old-timer sort of way. I would hazard a guess that the flirtation was his end goal in and of itself. The girl never really stopped walking, but she slowed her pace, spoke back, and gave "Pops" a winning smile. He was apparently offering the pineapple as some sort of prelude to courtship...and amusingly so.
This was a very heartwarming scene which could have broken bad in so many ways, but it didn't. The old man was mildly lecherous but lovably so. The girl was rebuffing his advances but with a coquettish twinkle. No threatening aura here, and no broken hearts...just a dirty old man and a sweet young thing exchanging lighthearted words on the street.
In continuing the script after witnessing the moment, Lovey & I decided that somewhere in the conversation, the old gent had uttered...
"Damn baby! Back in '58, I was hell!"
Indeed he was.
In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown encourages food conservation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7492573.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Honoring A Giant...
While today is a very happy day (leaving for a weekend with Lovey, sun is shining, birds are chirping, etc.) it is also twinged with just a hint of sadness. It was today, 3 July, 1989, that James Gilmore Backus went to that great deserted island in the sky...
It's always sad when our childhood idols start to pass away, and Jim Backus was the first true "celebrity loss" I experienced. (Two years later, at the death of Rex Harrison, I experienced the second.) I remember being sad, but my first thought was "man, was he still alive?" Due to complications from Parkinson's disease, Backus had been out of the public eye for some time.
I won't go into a lengthy essay, but it should be noted that the man who gave us Thurston Howell III and Mr. Magoo was also a celebrated and talented golfer, who could have easily gone pro. He also suffered from depression and spent some time in a treatment facility, helped back "into the light" by his loving wife, Henny. (Did I mention that Henny Backus played the overbearing Native Mother in the episode "Gilligan's Mother-In-Law?" Okay, enough showing off...) Backus was also a great raconteur whose nightclub act never failed to draw capacity crowds...he got his start in his hometown of Cleveland, first on radio, and then as (no joke) a rabbi in a hassidic stage play. His Howell character was based on a similarly mega-wealthy character he created on the radio...Hubert Updyke III. (There was also clearly a large dose of Updyke in Mr. Magoo.)
Enough trivia. Today I celebrate the life of one of the great character actors of the mid-20th century, who also happened to have been a personal hero of mine. Rest in peace, Jim Backus...I am sure that somewhere up there on a cloud you are making everyone laugh. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... oh happy Dane! (Okay, that was bad...)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7487143.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
It's always sad when our childhood idols start to pass away, and Jim Backus was the first true "celebrity loss" I experienced. (Two years later, at the death of Rex Harrison, I experienced the second.) I remember being sad, but my first thought was "man, was he still alive?" Due to complications from Parkinson's disease, Backus had been out of the public eye for some time.
I won't go into a lengthy essay, but it should be noted that the man who gave us Thurston Howell III and Mr. Magoo was also a celebrated and talented golfer, who could have easily gone pro. He also suffered from depression and spent some time in a treatment facility, helped back "into the light" by his loving wife, Henny. (Did I mention that Henny Backus played the overbearing Native Mother in the episode "Gilligan's Mother-In-Law?" Okay, enough showing off...) Backus was also a great raconteur whose nightclub act never failed to draw capacity crowds...he got his start in his hometown of Cleveland, first on radio, and then as (no joke) a rabbi in a hassidic stage play. His Howell character was based on a similarly mega-wealthy character he created on the radio...Hubert Updyke III. (There was also clearly a large dose of Updyke in Mr. Magoo.)
Enough trivia. Today I celebrate the life of one of the great character actors of the mid-20th century, who also happened to have been a personal hero of mine. Rest in peace, Jim Backus...I am sure that somewhere up there on a cloud you are making everyone laugh. :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... oh happy Dane! (Okay, that was bad...)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7487143.stm
OBAMA IN '08!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Lights Of Long Ago...
I'm sure I have expounded upon the "music can take you back" theme before, so apologies in advance if some of this is familiar ground...
Had a delightful day yesterday, which included an afternoon visit from Lovey for cocktails... I am sort of proud of myself for having created a "Tangerine Sublett," an homage to the great actress of the same name. It makes a lovely and refreshing summertime treat...
One half jug orange/tangerine juice
One bottle dry champagne
One healthy slosh of gin
One twist lemon
Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lemon slice, leaving a little room in the glass. Top off with Perrier. Enchanting!
Now, back to the story...while mixing said Tangerine Subletts, I put on some background music...Sheryl Crow, for the record, but that's immaterial... later on in the evening, I started to flip through the cd folder and came across a blank, unlabeled cd. When I played it, I realized it was the soundtrack from the Alan Mencken version of A Christmas Carol, which I directed a couple of years ago. For whatever reason, (Christmas in July?) I decided just to let it roll.
There is a particular song in the show, "The Lights Of Long Ago," which is sung to Scrooge by The Spirit of Christmas Past...the tune is very sweet and pleasant, but the lyrics of one verse spoke to me...
"...a child! Is this who you used to be?
A scene shining from your past?
The vast vistas of a memory?
The shadows you cast?
Mr. Scrooge, hold fast......
Onward through the night!
Onward towards the light!
Onward, to a place your heart will know...
Come remember the lights of long ago..."
At first glance, simple...but oh so significant...
I grew up in the same house from the time I was 6 years old, the house in which my parents still live. Whenever I contemplate the lights of long ago, they always seem to surround that house. While listening to the song, there was a rushing wave of memory that can only be described as a tsunami... birthday mornings from the 1980's...huge cookouts with my dad dutifully cooking enough bbq to feed an army...quiet Sunday afternoons that seemed hideously boring to a 15-year-old but now seem idyllic...sitting way out beyond the trees in the backyard drinking a "stolen" beer (from my parents' fridge) with my best high school friend...thousands of regular, normal school nights that seem so cozy in retrospect...a big family dinner the night before I left for 6 weeks at Oxford...the occasional snow from childhood, where muddy snowmen and sloppily-executed snow forts dotted the front yards...and so forth...
This story really has no point. Consider this a free-flowing observation as opposed to a plot-driven short story.
In today's News From The Motherland...elementary, my dear Borat...?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7484948.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Had a delightful day yesterday, which included an afternoon visit from Lovey for cocktails... I am sort of proud of myself for having created a "Tangerine Sublett," an homage to the great actress of the same name. It makes a lovely and refreshing summertime treat...
One half jug orange/tangerine juice
One bottle dry champagne
One healthy slosh of gin
One twist lemon
Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lemon slice, leaving a little room in the glass. Top off with Perrier. Enchanting!
Now, back to the story...while mixing said Tangerine Subletts, I put on some background music...Sheryl Crow, for the record, but that's immaterial... later on in the evening, I started to flip through the cd folder and came across a blank, unlabeled cd. When I played it, I realized it was the soundtrack from the Alan Mencken version of A Christmas Carol, which I directed a couple of years ago. For whatever reason, (Christmas in July?) I decided just to let it roll.
There is a particular song in the show, "The Lights Of Long Ago," which is sung to Scrooge by The Spirit of Christmas Past...the tune is very sweet and pleasant, but the lyrics of one verse spoke to me...
"...a child! Is this who you used to be?
A scene shining from your past?
The vast vistas of a memory?
The shadows you cast?
Mr. Scrooge, hold fast......
Onward through the night!
Onward towards the light!
Onward, to a place your heart will know...
Come remember the lights of long ago..."
At first glance, simple...but oh so significant...
I grew up in the same house from the time I was 6 years old, the house in which my parents still live. Whenever I contemplate the lights of long ago, they always seem to surround that house. While listening to the song, there was a rushing wave of memory that can only be described as a tsunami... birthday mornings from the 1980's...huge cookouts with my dad dutifully cooking enough bbq to feed an army...quiet Sunday afternoons that seemed hideously boring to a 15-year-old but now seem idyllic...sitting way out beyond the trees in the backyard drinking a "stolen" beer (from my parents' fridge) with my best high school friend...thousands of regular, normal school nights that seem so cozy in retrospect...a big family dinner the night before I left for 6 weeks at Oxford...the occasional snow from childhood, where muddy snowmen and sloppily-executed snow forts dotted the front yards...and so forth...
This story really has no point. Consider this a free-flowing observation as opposed to a plot-driven short story.
In today's News From The Motherland...elementary, my dear Borat...?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7484948.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Crazy Larry
Given that several of my handful of readers do not live in Birmingham, I have decided to devote a posting to the adventures of Larry "Crazy Man" Langford, who continues to make headlines on a daily basis. Larry is entertaining. Larry is zany. Larry is whacked-out.
He is also the mayor.
Having risen to his lofty height following the two-term administration of the sleepy, affable, but ultimately do-nothing Bernard Kincaid, Larry made the following statement during last year's mayoral campaign...
"Birmingham needs a crazy man to run this city...and I am that crazy man!"
Larry Langford was elected without a runoff.
In the less-than-twelve-months since his term began, Larry has...
.Placed inexpensive laptop computers in the hands of every public school child in the city. (Good Larry)
.Gotten indicted by the SEC for alleged financial wrongdoing. (Bad Larry)
.Proposed that the Olympics be held in Birmingham in 2020, made the statement that "a good old fashioned butt-whoopin' " would curb gang violence, fought with the city council, refused to speak to anyone from The Birmingham News, campaigned for the oft-defeated domed stadium, and flashed his trademark toothy grin at anyone who will stand still. (Crazy Larry)
I do not live within the city limits of Birmingham, so I do not, as the saying goes, have a dog in this fight. I can sit back and enjoy Larry's antics yet remain oddly untouched by them. This is a good place to be, in the reviewing stands, so to speak.
Long live Crazy Larry. Long may he reign.
In today's News From The Motherland...those wacky Swedes...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7482551.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
He is also the mayor.
Having risen to his lofty height following the two-term administration of the sleepy, affable, but ultimately do-nothing Bernard Kincaid, Larry made the following statement during last year's mayoral campaign...
"Birmingham needs a crazy man to run this city...and I am that crazy man!"
Larry Langford was elected without a runoff.
In the less-than-twelve-months since his term began, Larry has...
.Placed inexpensive laptop computers in the hands of every public school child in the city. (Good Larry)
.Gotten indicted by the SEC for alleged financial wrongdoing. (Bad Larry)
.Proposed that the Olympics be held in Birmingham in 2020, made the statement that "a good old fashioned butt-whoopin' " would curb gang violence, fought with the city council, refused to speak to anyone from The Birmingham News, campaigned for the oft-defeated domed stadium, and flashed his trademark toothy grin at anyone who will stand still. (Crazy Larry)
I do not live within the city limits of Birmingham, so I do not, as the saying goes, have a dog in this fight. I can sit back and enjoy Larry's antics yet remain oddly untouched by them. This is a good place to be, in the reviewing stands, so to speak.
Long live Crazy Larry. Long may he reign.
In today's News From The Motherland...those wacky Swedes...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7482551.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tangerine Sublett - Part 2
As I start my day, I find my morning coffee filled with Tangerine... (no, that's not good...)
While the dawn approaches, Tangerine... (no, too flowery...)
Oh Tangerine, where art thou... (Sweet Mother of God, no...)
Let it suffice to say that I am starting my morning with Tangerine on my mind. (That wasn't an epigram worthy of Wilde by any means, but it'll do.) Yes, the career of Tangerine Sublett seems to have been a fairly brief one...
http://www.tv.com/tangerine-sublett/person/177775/summary.html
Above is a link to her admittedly short bio at tv.com. Her credits include...one episode of "Sanford & Son." That seems to have been the one jewel of a performance she gave the world. Her imdb.com listing (below) is equally succinct...
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2341076/
One sometimes entertains flights of fancy, and I am no exception...I have the sudden urge to purchase an apartment building, paint it light orange and call it "Tangerine Sublet(t)s."
Chances are, I will control this urge.
Onward, onward...I am teaching at an arts camp for the first three days of this week, and then taking a weekend getaway with Lovey...a three hour tour of sorts...I am really looking forward to it.
This has nothing to do with anything...just a photo of a bulldog surfing. It made me smile. :-)
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//080628/photos_us_rank_afp/7e6670231653a2a685648e51eb2692ac/
In today's News From The Motherland...advertising pays off...with a cute baby! :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7480748.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
While the dawn approaches, Tangerine... (no, too flowery...)
Oh Tangerine, where art thou... (Sweet Mother of God, no...)
Let it suffice to say that I am starting my morning with Tangerine on my mind. (That wasn't an epigram worthy of Wilde by any means, but it'll do.) Yes, the career of Tangerine Sublett seems to have been a fairly brief one...
http://www.tv.com/tangerine-sublett/person/177775/summary.html
Above is a link to her admittedly short bio at tv.com. Her credits include...one episode of "Sanford & Son." That seems to have been the one jewel of a performance she gave the world. Her imdb.com listing (below) is equally succinct...
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2341076/
One sometimes entertains flights of fancy, and I am no exception...I have the sudden urge to purchase an apartment building, paint it light orange and call it "Tangerine Sublet(t)s."
Chances are, I will control this urge.
Onward, onward...I am teaching at an arts camp for the first three days of this week, and then taking a weekend getaway with Lovey...a three hour tour of sorts...I am really looking forward to it.
This has nothing to do with anything...just a photo of a bulldog surfing. It made me smile. :-)
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//080628/photos_us_rank_afp/7e6670231653a2a685648e51eb2692ac/
In today's News From The Motherland...advertising pays off...with a cute baby! :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7480748.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tangerine Sublett
No, I have not discovered a new citrus-based cocktail or an original flavor of Icee...I was just indulging in an evening of "Sanford And Son" with Lovey, Thurston IV and Thurston V. There was upon the screen...a classic...a joy...an epic episode of one of the greatest tv sitcoms this side of the island...
"A Pad For Lamont" tells the story of young Lamont's fledgling attempt at independence. The great actress TANGERINE SUBLETT (hand to God, I'm not kidding...to quote Thurston IV, "he's really not kidding...") played Fred's paramour in the episode. While Lamont pursues the lovely Darlene (with predictably tragic results) Fred re-establishes himself as a "playa" while romancing the widow Earnestine. We laughed. We cried. It was better than "Cats."
Not much else to report.
In today's News From The Motherland... man sells life. I would say something along the lines of "take my life...please," but I fear Lovey might groan at that one...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7479836.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
"A Pad For Lamont" tells the story of young Lamont's fledgling attempt at independence. The great actress TANGERINE SUBLETT (hand to God, I'm not kidding...to quote Thurston IV, "he's really not kidding...") played Fred's paramour in the episode. While Lamont pursues the lovely Darlene (with predictably tragic results) Fred re-establishes himself as a "playa" while romancing the widow Earnestine. We laughed. We cried. It was better than "Cats."
Not much else to report.
In today's News From The Motherland... man sells life. I would say something along the lines of "take my life...please," but I fear Lovey might groan at that one...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7479836.stm
Obama in '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, June 27, 2008
Forty Seven Ginger Headed Sailors...
Two new YouTube treasures to share...two versions of the song immortalized for contemporary audiences by Hugh Laurie as Bertie Wooster in the BBC series Jeeves And Wooster...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqzzHwuseaM&feature=related - Jack Hylton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKAoet-wtws - Tommy Handley
It is quite impossible to hear this song and not smile. :-)
The following snapshots sum up my life right now. God is, indeed, in His heaven and all is right with the world...
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/gilligan_s_island___the_complete_first_season/_group_photos/jim_backus3.jpg
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/schwitz/healthnews/jim_backus_gilligans_island.jpg
http://espn.go.com/i/abcsports/mnf/2001/1008/photo/a_backus_i.jpg
Yes, there is someone special in my life...more on "Lovey" in subsequent posts...
What else? Obama continues in his quest for The White House, and I have accepted him as my candidate. There is still a titch of Hillary-grief in my psyche, but I am beginning to catch the wave of Obama momentum. He will be a fine president.
The Music Man has closed, quite successfully, and I Do! I Do! looms on the horizon. As far as things theatrical go, I have taught at one workshop this summer, and have two more lined up. Between those will come a couple of writing assignments to keep the wolves away from the door, as well as a trip or two. I have spent much of this week helping my dad put up a fence in his back yard...hard work, but rewarding...and good exercise!
In today's News From The Motherland...a well-deserved tribute to Nelson Mandela. I love Hyde Park, BTW... ;-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7475717.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqzzHwuseaM&feature=related - Jack Hylton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKAoet-wtws - Tommy Handley
It is quite impossible to hear this song and not smile. :-)
The following snapshots sum up my life right now. God is, indeed, in His heaven and all is right with the world...
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/gilligan_s_island___the_complete_first_season/_group_photos/jim_backus3.jpg
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/schwitz/healthnews/jim_backus_gilligans_island.jpg
http://espn.go.com/i/abcsports/mnf/2001/1008/photo/a_backus_i.jpg
Yes, there is someone special in my life...more on "Lovey" in subsequent posts...
What else? Obama continues in his quest for The White House, and I have accepted him as my candidate. There is still a titch of Hillary-grief in my psyche, but I am beginning to catch the wave of Obama momentum. He will be a fine president.
The Music Man has closed, quite successfully, and I Do! I Do! looms on the horizon. As far as things theatrical go, I have taught at one workshop this summer, and have two more lined up. Between those will come a couple of writing assignments to keep the wolves away from the door, as well as a trip or two. I have spent much of this week helping my dad put up a fence in his back yard...hard work, but rewarding...and good exercise!
In today's News From The Motherland...a well-deserved tribute to Nelson Mandela. I love Hyde Park, BTW... ;-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7475717.stm
Obama in '08!!!!
FLT3
Monday, June 23, 2008
Um...er...yeah...uh...right...
I just got this link from a friend of mine...I'm not exactly sure what the point is...did using this particular gasoline change a professional athlete into Tina Louise? Or did it give her the good sense to abandon football for acting? I'm so confused...still, though, a cool museum piece...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHxwjsjJRhY&feature=related
In today's News From The Motherland...a farewell to George Carlin.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468681.stm
Obama in '08!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHxwjsjJRhY&feature=related
In today's News From The Motherland...a farewell to George Carlin.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468681.stm
Obama in '08!
FLT3
Saturday, June 21, 2008
And the spaceship jumped over the shark...
Okay, I'll admit it...I watched it...I liked it...but I was a kid, and even then I had to admit that the series had started to stretch it a bit...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2JkWhlMJh0
For those who actually follow these musings with any regularity, I have not forgotten the "getting my thoughts together" comments of last week. I am still composing my thoughts, but have come up with the following...
.Sometimes you can blindly stumble into the happy place you thought could never exist.
More later.
In today's News From The Motherland...perfect weather for Ms. Poppins...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7467236.stm
Obama in 08!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2JkWhlMJh0
For those who actually follow these musings with any regularity, I have not forgotten the "getting my thoughts together" comments of last week. I am still composing my thoughts, but have come up with the following...
.Sometimes you can blindly stumble into the happy place you thought could never exist.
More later.
In today's News From The Motherland...perfect weather for Ms. Poppins...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7467236.stm
Obama in 08!
FLT3
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
More Mr Magoo...
Second post of the day...this one is classic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjjD94KYJOY&feature=related
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjjD94KYJOY&feature=related
FLT3
Defying The Block
Once again, a potentially incomprehensible header...one could easily be led to believe that I am standing up to some sort of tyranny (sp?) imposed by the other residents of my immediate neighbourhood (sp purposeful, Rule Britannia!) However, nothing so dramatic is meant...merely that I have been grappling with a delicious bout of writer's block. There is a lot going on in my life...substantial, good things are happening. Unfortunately, every time I try to put fingers to keyboard for the purpose of illuminating my readers (all eight of you) I can't find the right words to do my feelings justice. To steal a line from Harold Hill in the film version of The Music Man, "It isn't often I find myself at a loss for words..." The proper words will find their way to the page, but it may take a little while longer...
In the meantime, here is today's News From The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/7461764.stm
FLT3
In the meantime, here is today's News From The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/7461764.stm
FLT3
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Non-Political
It was recently pointed out to me (by someone whose opinion I respect) that my posts of late have been rather politics-heavy. With that in mind, today's post will not discuss the upcoming election. (Yes, it will be tough, but I can do it...)
I started a new book this week, a new offering by one of my favorite authors, David Sedaris. His tongue-in-cheek diatribes about his family are touching, humorous, and ring frighteningly true to anyone who grew up with slightly eccentric siblings and parents (as did I.) Having been most entertained by Me Talk Pretty One Day and Barrell Fever in particular, I picked up the new book with great expectations (lower case...I did not purchase Dickens and Sedaris in tandem...) So far, it has not disappointed...
The Music Man opened to great success this weekend. We have an amazing cast, and the group has come together beautifully. I could not be more proud! We received a good review from The Birmingham News...
http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2008/06/music_man_gets_rousing_centers.html
Tomorrow (well, today, actually) I start a week-long gig teaching at the Clay County Arts Camp. I will probably wind up spending half my salary (admittedly, a generous one) in petrol, but I am looking forward to it. I will be doing quite a bit of improv, which is a particular favorite of mine...
Not much else to report...the temperature continues to inch perilously closer to 100 degrees...and it's only the first week of June...ye gods, as Zaneeta Shinn would say...
Off to sleep for a few hours and then the work week begins...c'est la vie!
NOTE: I only just now realized (11 June) that I did not include News From The Motherland previously...consider the oversight corrected as we look at George W.'s final trip as president...thank God... (okay, I promised no politics, so I'll stop there.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7447428.stm
FLT3
I started a new book this week, a new offering by one of my favorite authors, David Sedaris. His tongue-in-cheek diatribes about his family are touching, humorous, and ring frighteningly true to anyone who grew up with slightly eccentric siblings and parents (as did I.) Having been most entertained by Me Talk Pretty One Day and Barrell Fever in particular, I picked up the new book with great expectations (lower case...I did not purchase Dickens and Sedaris in tandem...) So far, it has not disappointed...
The Music Man opened to great success this weekend. We have an amazing cast, and the group has come together beautifully. I could not be more proud! We received a good review from The Birmingham News...
http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2008/06/music_man_gets_rousing_centers.html
Tomorrow (well, today, actually) I start a week-long gig teaching at the Clay County Arts Camp. I will probably wind up spending half my salary (admittedly, a generous one) in petrol, but I am looking forward to it. I will be doing quite a bit of improv, which is a particular favorite of mine...
Not much else to report...the temperature continues to inch perilously closer to 100 degrees...and it's only the first week of June...ye gods, as Zaneeta Shinn would say...
Off to sleep for a few hours and then the work week begins...c'est la vie!
NOTE: I only just now realized (11 June) that I did not include News From The Motherland previously...consider the oversight corrected as we look at George W.'s final trip as president...thank God... (okay, I promised no politics, so I'll stop there.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7447428.stm
FLT3
Friday, June 06, 2008
Citrus Compact Cars...
"Nothing too wild, now...maybe a runabout like that little white one over there..."
There's no great insight to the human condition contained in this cartoon...just a Mr. Magoo adventure that made me smile...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plyWxrHLE14&feature=related
"The Music Man" opens tonight, and I think we're in good shape. I am hopeful for a large audience, and the final dress last night went well. There were a few glitches...just enough to keep us on our toes tonight.
Not much else to report. Enjoy the cartoon! :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... "BBC The Musical?"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7437391.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
There's no great insight to the human condition contained in this cartoon...just a Mr. Magoo adventure that made me smile...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plyWxrHLE14&feature=related
"The Music Man" opens tonight, and I think we're in good shape. I am hopeful for a large audience, and the final dress last night went well. There were a few glitches...just enough to keep us on our toes tonight.
Not much else to report. Enjoy the cartoon! :-)
In today's News From The Motherland... "BBC The Musical?"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7437391.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Gettin' Old...
Yesterday (4 June) was my birthday...and it was very pleasant. I received good wishes, lovely gifts, and sincere warmth from family & friends. As birthdays go, it was great.
I am also a year older. While 38 is not exactly dotage, I am starting to notice a few early signs of wear. The fact that I am doing "The Music Man" again just points out some of the inevitable signs of aging. My first time to play Harold Hill (not counting high school) was 11 years ago. At 27, I pretty much glided through the role, barely breaking a sweat. Going out for drinks and fun after rehearsal was a daily routine. At 38, I still feel confident in my ability to bring Professor Hill to life with appropriate zest, but by the end of the performance, I'm pooped. The energy level just isn't as high as it once was...oh well...
My girl Hillary has accepted the inevitable and graciously conceded to Obama. From this point, he is my candidate, but I am still hoping for a VP slot for Hillary. I honestly think that's the only way he can win. In honor of (and hopes for) the running mate, I will continue to conclude these missives with "Hillary in '08!!!"
In today's News From The Motherland... Spock plays The Fringe...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7436374.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
I am also a year older. While 38 is not exactly dotage, I am starting to notice a few early signs of wear. The fact that I am doing "The Music Man" again just points out some of the inevitable signs of aging. My first time to play Harold Hill (not counting high school) was 11 years ago. At 27, I pretty much glided through the role, barely breaking a sweat. Going out for drinks and fun after rehearsal was a daily routine. At 38, I still feel confident in my ability to bring Professor Hill to life with appropriate zest, but by the end of the performance, I'm pooped. The energy level just isn't as high as it once was...oh well...
My girl Hillary has accepted the inevitable and graciously conceded to Obama. From this point, he is my candidate, but I am still hoping for a VP slot for Hillary. I honestly think that's the only way he can win. In honor of (and hopes for) the running mate, I will continue to conclude these missives with "Hillary in '08!!!"
In today's News From The Motherland... Spock plays The Fringe...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7436374.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Catching Up...
I just realized that I have had one of my distressingly infrequent lapses in updating my blog...the wails of dismay coming from all eight of my readers has become deafening, so I figured it was time to post something...
I won't even get started on the election...oh who am I kidding, of course I will...Hillary's invocation of RFK's assasination was unfortunate, but the media backlash has been ridiculous. She misspoke, but she clearly did not mean to imply that Obama could be a target...the irony comes from the fact that the Obama campaign quickly came out to say that Hillary's gaffe was no big deal. I'm just ready for the whole thing to be settled...
Rehearsal is going well for "The Music Man." The cast is very talented, and a good group of people. We ran the show (sans quartet, which joins us next week) twice yesterday. I can't say I have re-invented the wheel in any way...it's a pretty traditional take on a classic, which should make the audiences happy. Two weeks till opening...
Helping my parents with some yard work later today...it's a beautiful day outside, so it'll be nice to get some exercise.
In today's News From The Motherland...the PM appears secure for now...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7419033.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
I won't even get started on the election...oh who am I kidding, of course I will...Hillary's invocation of RFK's assasination was unfortunate, but the media backlash has been ridiculous. She misspoke, but she clearly did not mean to imply that Obama could be a target...the irony comes from the fact that the Obama campaign quickly came out to say that Hillary's gaffe was no big deal. I'm just ready for the whole thing to be settled...
Rehearsal is going well for "The Music Man." The cast is very talented, and a good group of people. We ran the show (sans quartet, which joins us next week) twice yesterday. I can't say I have re-invented the wheel in any way...it's a pretty traditional take on a classic, which should make the audiences happy. Two weeks till opening...
Helping my parents with some yard work later today...it's a beautiful day outside, so it'll be nice to get some exercise.
In today's News From The Motherland...the PM appears secure for now...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7419033.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Monday, May 12, 2008
Considering All Options...
When to concede? That's a tough question...
Our girl Hillary has been doing an excellent job of playing catch-up with Barak Obama, but she seems to be consistently "one step short." While it is still mathematically possible for her to overtake his lead, it is highly unlikely to say the least.
At this point, I am attempting to balance realism with hope. I think our best bet is the vice presidency, and I expect the landslide victories that are supposedly looming imminent in tomorrow's primaries will boost the argument in her favor. It would seem unlikely that either candidate could beat John McCain without the other on the ticket. "Vice President Clinton" doesn't have quite the same ring as "President Clinton," but I could live with it.
Make no mistake...when the inevitable happens, Obama is my candidate, and I will do my best to make him my president. I do, however, still maintain that a Clinton/Obama ticket would have been much more electable...I fear the Republican machine will eat Obama for lunch.
On other fronts, The Music Man is coming along well, springtime is here, and I had a delightful trip to Orlando last week. (I now have two Florida trips to discuss...must do that in an upcoming post...)
In today's News From The Motherland... Sir Paul and Heather finally split officially...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7395872.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Our girl Hillary has been doing an excellent job of playing catch-up with Barak Obama, but she seems to be consistently "one step short." While it is still mathematically possible for her to overtake his lead, it is highly unlikely to say the least.
At this point, I am attempting to balance realism with hope. I think our best bet is the vice presidency, and I expect the landslide victories that are supposedly looming imminent in tomorrow's primaries will boost the argument in her favor. It would seem unlikely that either candidate could beat John McCain without the other on the ticket. "Vice President Clinton" doesn't have quite the same ring as "President Clinton," but I could live with it.
Make no mistake...when the inevitable happens, Obama is my candidate, and I will do my best to make him my president. I do, however, still maintain that a Clinton/Obama ticket would have been much more electable...I fear the Republican machine will eat Obama for lunch.
On other fronts, The Music Man is coming along well, springtime is here, and I had a delightful trip to Orlando last week. (I now have two Florida trips to discuss...must do that in an upcoming post...)
In today's News From The Motherland... Sir Paul and Heather finally split officially...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7395872.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Monday, May 05, 2008
Second Post Of The Day...
From The Motherland...a great website! MIND THE GAP...MIND THE GAP...MIND THE GAP...
http://solo2.abac.com/themole/
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
http://solo2.abac.com/themole/
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Changes in the political world...
Nope, I'm not talking about Hillary and Obama... just today's News From The Motherland...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7383521.stm
Not much else to report right now...it has been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, as the saying goes...
HILLARY IN '08!!!!
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7383521.stm
Not much else to report right now...it has been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, as the saying goes...
HILLARY IN '08!!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
41 Atrocities
I am not an angel. As I sometimes say whenever I take the moral high ground, "I can do some skeevy shit, but..." (My apologies for language, but a quote is a quote.) I certainly can (and sometimes do) do things that I should not. I am not a squeaky-clean Eagle Scout, and to everything from excess in festive behaviour to dallying with morally casual women, I will plead guilty.
That said, I am aghast at some of the new developments in the already horrifying Texas Polygamy Cult story. Apparently children of both genders were not only sexually abused (which is enough to make you physically ill) but also beaten severely. 41 children have been found to have sustained broken bones in the recent past. Some of these children were toddlers.
Admittedly, kids are going to sometimes have accidents. (I broke my collar bone in gym class when I was in the 3rd grade, so I speak from experience.) However, 41 broken bones just doesn't sound right.
The mind reels when one imagines what sort of inhuman monster can hit a toddler hard enough to break a bone (or at all for that matter.) I can remember (30 years later) how much my injury hurt, and how much I wanted my mother. Within fifteen minutes, she was at the school, and I was being simultaneously comforted and rushed to the doctor...and it was still traumatic. I don't even want to think of the absence of warmth, of the cruelty that went into not only causing those injuries, much less the presumed coldness that followed. Did the mothers even hold the children and seek treatment for their wounds? Were they even acknowledged?
We are a nation of laws, based on English Common Law. We are civilized people (as a society) and I abhor vigilantiism. On the other hand, if someone mysteriously decided to beat the hell out of whatever adult(s) did these horrible things, I think I could deal with it. I might even be willing to help. I have always said that a sure cure for child abuse is to have a proportionately larger adult beat the abuser until equal (or greater) pain has been inflicted.
Okay, enough frontier justice... I had a great time at the beach last weekend, and will talk about it next time. After watching the news about the kids, I had to get that off my chest.
On happier (and even wierder) subjects, in today's News From The Motherland, soccer star Renaldo makes a big mistake...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7374317.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
That said, I am aghast at some of the new developments in the already horrifying Texas Polygamy Cult story. Apparently children of both genders were not only sexually abused (which is enough to make you physically ill) but also beaten severely. 41 children have been found to have sustained broken bones in the recent past. Some of these children were toddlers.
Admittedly, kids are going to sometimes have accidents. (I broke my collar bone in gym class when I was in the 3rd grade, so I speak from experience.) However, 41 broken bones just doesn't sound right.
The mind reels when one imagines what sort of inhuman monster can hit a toddler hard enough to break a bone (or at all for that matter.) I can remember (30 years later) how much my injury hurt, and how much I wanted my mother. Within fifteen minutes, she was at the school, and I was being simultaneously comforted and rushed to the doctor...and it was still traumatic. I don't even want to think of the absence of warmth, of the cruelty that went into not only causing those injuries, much less the presumed coldness that followed. Did the mothers even hold the children and seek treatment for their wounds? Were they even acknowledged?
We are a nation of laws, based on English Common Law. We are civilized people (as a society) and I abhor vigilantiism. On the other hand, if someone mysteriously decided to beat the hell out of whatever adult(s) did these horrible things, I think I could deal with it. I might even be willing to help. I have always said that a sure cure for child abuse is to have a proportionately larger adult beat the abuser until equal (or greater) pain has been inflicted.
Okay, enough frontier justice... I had a great time at the beach last weekend, and will talk about it next time. After watching the news about the kids, I had to get that off my chest.
On happier (and even wierder) subjects, in today's News From The Motherland, soccer star Renaldo makes a big mistake...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7374317.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, April 25, 2008
Where do YOU live?
I just had a very interesting bit of perspective presented by a friend of mine on his blog. He was talking about his desire as a kid to live in Oz (as in Dorothy and the Tin Man.) I mentioned that as a kid (and sometimes as an adult) I always wanted to live on Gilligan's Island. He pointed out that in effect, we each DO live in these places. Oz having actually been a reflection of American society, was just Frank Baum's condensed glimpse at the USA. My friend pointed out that I (and I quote) "associate with rich people, brilliant people, pretty women; trying out schemes, putting on shows, having drinks, fighting, feuding, loving, and being loved." Sounds kind of like what life was like on the island...minus the headhunters, which I can do without anyway.
This set me thinking...do we all "live" somewhere else, in a manner of speaking? Does everyone have a set of experiences and significant individuals in his/her circle who represent a desired worldview/experience? We tend to think of life as somewhat random (or at least I do) but on a subliminal level, do we surround ourselves with persons and objects that reflect whatever we have established as our own personal utopia?
I certainly don't pick my friends based on their resemblance to Jim Backus or Bob Denver, nor do I live in a bamboo hut and eat nothing but coconuts and bananas. Neither does my friend have a yellow brick road painted on his floor, but that's beside the point. His comments truly strike a chord with me. I think it would be fascinating to take a group of people and really explore what childhood stories have had an impact on their lives as adults. Does the girl who loves Barbie become a beautician? Does the boy who read The Hardy Boys series over and over become a policeman? The list could go on and on...does pop culture give us an unattainable fantasy that we, as adults in the "real" world attempt (even without realizing) to recreate?
Now that I have given you all something to ponder...today's News From The Motherland...are British jails really that comfy...? I'll stick with a hotel, thanks...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7366258.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
This set me thinking...do we all "live" somewhere else, in a manner of speaking? Does everyone have a set of experiences and significant individuals in his/her circle who represent a desired worldview/experience? We tend to think of life as somewhat random (or at least I do) but on a subliminal level, do we surround ourselves with persons and objects that reflect whatever we have established as our own personal utopia?
I certainly don't pick my friends based on their resemblance to Jim Backus or Bob Denver, nor do I live in a bamboo hut and eat nothing but coconuts and bananas. Neither does my friend have a yellow brick road painted on his floor, but that's beside the point. His comments truly strike a chord with me. I think it would be fascinating to take a group of people and really explore what childhood stories have had an impact on their lives as adults. Does the girl who loves Barbie become a beautician? Does the boy who read The Hardy Boys series over and over become a policeman? The list could go on and on...does pop culture give us an unattainable fantasy that we, as adults in the "real" world attempt (even without realizing) to recreate?
Now that I have given you all something to ponder...today's News From The Motherland...are British jails really that comfy...? I'll stick with a hotel, thanks...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7366258.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Again, A Victory...
Pennsylvania has spoken, and our girl is still in the race! Granted, we have a lot of work (make that a hell of a lot of work) yet to do, but hope remains alive. I was telling someone yesterday that I would be sincerely happy and encouraged with a 10-point win...which is exactly what Hillary got!
Admittedly, the hill ahead is a steep one to climb. The Obama-ites are formidable opponents, and their fundraising machine is well-oiled to say the least. If you are AT ALL inclined to help in the cause, go to...
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/
...and make a donation of ANY size...large or small. We are not in The White House yet, but it can happen!
As are many others, I am curious about the VP nomination... I would enthusiastically support Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama (okay, I would be a little more enthusiastic about Clinton/Obama, but either way would work...) It is my (uninformed) opinion that whoever gets the nomination would be foolish in the extreme not to ask the other. Both camps have expressed a certain unwillingness to vote for the opposing candidate, but a unified ticket would most likely round up a huge percentage of botgh camps, effectively shutting out the Republicans.
More going on in my life, but details will have to wait. The sun is calling. I love springtime!
In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown flies the St. George's Flag above #10...
FLT3
Admittedly, the hill ahead is a steep one to climb. The Obama-ites are formidable opponents, and their fundraising machine is well-oiled to say the least. If you are AT ALL inclined to help in the cause, go to...
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/
...and make a donation of ANY size...large or small. We are not in The White House yet, but it can happen!
As are many others, I am curious about the VP nomination... I would enthusiastically support Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama (okay, I would be a little more enthusiastic about Clinton/Obama, but either way would work...) It is my (uninformed) opinion that whoever gets the nomination would be foolish in the extreme not to ask the other. Both camps have expressed a certain unwillingness to vote for the opposing candidate, but a unified ticket would most likely round up a huge percentage of botgh camps, effectively shutting out the Republicans.
More going on in my life, but details will have to wait. The sun is calling. I love springtime!
In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown flies the St. George's Flag above #10...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7361433.stm
FLT3
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Delta Blues and BBQ
We are wrapping up our tour of BCT's Tom Sawyer with a week-long trip to Mississippi this week, followed by a few day trips next week. As of Friday next, Tom, Huck, and the gang will have finished their run. I would be lying if I said I wasn't sick to death of the show (60-plus performances of a kid's show will run a bit thin) but the company is most congenial, as several of my very good friends are in the cast. We all work and play very well together, which has made the tour fun.
Last night we enjoyed one of those little chance encounters that make life worth living...we were looking for someplace to have dinner, and Leah (our Becky Thatcher) pulled up at what seemed to be a cute little restaurant. We soon realized that we were at the Missisippi Delta Blues Museum, and a reception/showing for a local photographer (among others) was being held. We were invited in very warmly, offered food and drink, and enjoyed touring the museum and the exibit. I must confess to a slight faux pas...upon being introduced to the photographer, I complimented one photo that I particularly enjoyed...only to find out that it was not hers. (As it turns out, there were several photographers represented.) At any rate, she graciously accepted the compliment for her peer, and a good time was had by all.
As for the famed Mississippi barbeque, I have yet to sample it, but there is a particularly skeevy (translation: great bbq) place called "Abe's" not too far from the hotel that looks promising...that may be our dinner destination tonight.
On other fronts, we have begun rehearsal for CenterStage's The Music Man, which looks like it will be a strong show. (After four previous outings as Harold Hill, maybe I will finally get it right...) Spring is hopefully here for good, with the last cold spell seemingly on the way out the door.
In today's News From The Motherland... a rare Sherlock Holmes treasure...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7351250.stm
Debate tonight... HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Last night we enjoyed one of those little chance encounters that make life worth living...we were looking for someplace to have dinner, and Leah (our Becky Thatcher) pulled up at what seemed to be a cute little restaurant. We soon realized that we were at the Missisippi Delta Blues Museum, and a reception/showing for a local photographer (among others) was being held. We were invited in very warmly, offered food and drink, and enjoyed touring the museum and the exibit. I must confess to a slight faux pas...upon being introduced to the photographer, I complimented one photo that I particularly enjoyed...only to find out that it was not hers. (As it turns out, there were several photographers represented.) At any rate, she graciously accepted the compliment for her peer, and a good time was had by all.
As for the famed Mississippi barbeque, I have yet to sample it, but there is a particularly skeevy (translation: great bbq) place called "Abe's" not too far from the hotel that looks promising...that may be our dinner destination tonight.
On other fronts, we have begun rehearsal for CenterStage's The Music Man, which looks like it will be a strong show. (After four previous outings as Harold Hill, maybe I will finally get it right...) Spring is hopefully here for good, with the last cold spell seemingly on the way out the door.
In today's News From The Motherland... a rare Sherlock Holmes treasure...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7351250.stm
Debate tonight... HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, April 11, 2008
Art
Ginger...aaaaaaaaaaaaaah, Ginger...
http://tvphotogalleries.com/data/668/2349Tina_Louise_00001382.jpg
Not much to say today, but what a nice image... :-)
News From The Motherland to follow...
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
http://tvphotogalleries.com/data/668/2349Tina_Louise_00001382.jpg
Not much to say today, but what a nice image... :-)
News From The Motherland to follow...
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Pulling Ahead...
This made me smile...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080320/pl_nm/usa_politics_gallup_dc_2;_ylt=AmEebujFV7o1ylb0p8zPmKME1vAI
I have said it before...I'll say it again. Never count out a Clinton. :-)
Obama appears to have stepped into a quagmire with the whole "crazy racist minister" issue. His semi-defiant speech appears to have struck a sour note with many. It is looking more and more likely that the superdelegates will decide on the nominee. This could get ugly, but I am feeling more and more confident that Hillary will persevere.
The last few days have been fun. Tom Sawyer is now on tour, and we had a three-day overnight to Jackson, Alabama, which is a boring place, but only an hour or so from Gulf Shores, where our little group spent a wonderful free afternoon. There are only five of us and one stage manager on tour, and we all get along famously, so it was like a mini-vacation. I enjoyed it.
In today's News From The Motherland... remembering a giant of stage and screen:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7306378.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080320/pl_nm/usa_politics_gallup_dc_2;_ylt=AmEebujFV7o1ylb0p8zPmKME1vAI
I have said it before...I'll say it again. Never count out a Clinton. :-)
Obama appears to have stepped into a quagmire with the whole "crazy racist minister" issue. His semi-defiant speech appears to have struck a sour note with many. It is looking more and more likely that the superdelegates will decide on the nominee. This could get ugly, but I am feeling more and more confident that Hillary will persevere.
The last few days have been fun. Tom Sawyer is now on tour, and we had a three-day overnight to Jackson, Alabama, which is a boring place, but only an hour or so from Gulf Shores, where our little group spent a wonderful free afternoon. There are only five of us and one stage manager on tour, and we all get along famously, so it was like a mini-vacation. I enjoyed it.
In today's News From The Motherland... remembering a giant of stage and screen:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7306378.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Yes, I've seen it...
As I mentioned in my last posting about Sherwood Schwartz's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, anyone who knows me knows that I am a "Gilligan's Island" fan. Yes, it's hokey, outdated, and silly. It's mind candy, and every so often, that's what you need...and I love it just as much as I did when I was a kid. (Just try watching an episode without smiling...you can't do it! :-)
That said, several of my friends have already sent me the "Mary Ann gets busted for pot" story.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080311/ap_on_en_tv/people_dawn_wells
Here's my two cents' worth on the matter...Admittedly, she should not have been driving. Aside from that, did she really do anything wrong? Why is marijuana illegal while alcohol (the more potent poison by far) is legal? The socio-political war on that one has been going on for years...
In my opinion, The Man is hasslin' Mary Ann.
So she had marijuana in her car... Big deal. Yawn. Give her the ticket and be done with it. Making it a "news story" six months after it happened is absurd.
I have met Dawn Wells, and she is a delightful, charming woman. Her smile is genuine, and her warmth is completely without guile or artifice. If a little herbal therapy helps her stay there, so what?
Sometimes we see mountains where there isn't even a molehill. Here endeth the sermon.
In today's News From The Motherland... Hugh Laurie snubbed by his countrymen?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7289252.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
That said, several of my friends have already sent me the "Mary Ann gets busted for pot" story.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080311/ap_on_en_tv/people_dawn_wells
Here's my two cents' worth on the matter...Admittedly, she should not have been driving. Aside from that, did she really do anything wrong? Why is marijuana illegal while alcohol (the more potent poison by far) is legal? The socio-political war on that one has been going on for years...
In my opinion, The Man is hasslin' Mary Ann.
So she had marijuana in her car... Big deal. Yawn. Give her the ticket and be done with it. Making it a "news story" six months after it happened is absurd.
I have met Dawn Wells, and she is a delightful, charming woman. Her smile is genuine, and her warmth is completely without guile or artifice. If a little herbal therapy helps her stay there, so what?
Sometimes we see mountains where there isn't even a molehill. Here endeth the sermon.
In today's News From The Motherland... Hugh Laurie snubbed by his countrymen?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7289252.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Monday, March 10, 2008
An Overdue Honor
This week, television royalty was acknowledged...and I am proud to present today's News From The Motherland, which focuses on a very important event on this side of the pond...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7285088.stm
Sherwood Schwartz, creator of "Gilligan's Island" and "The Brady Bunch," finally got his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a major "Gilligan" fan. I also have a once-removed connection to Mr. Schwartz, as his son, Lloyd, is a friend of mine.
Congrats, Sherwood Schwartz! Thank you for all the happiness and laughter you have given to millions of people.
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7285088.stm
Sherwood Schwartz, creator of "Gilligan's Island" and "The Brady Bunch," finally got his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a major "Gilligan" fan. I also have a once-removed connection to Mr. Schwartz, as his son, Lloyd, is a friend of mine.
Congrats, Sherwood Schwartz! Thank you for all the happiness and laughter you have given to millions of people.
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Catching Up...
Just a brief post today...I did not include News From The Motherland last time, so here is a look at Baroness (formerly PM) Thatcher's recovery...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7285486.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7285486.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
The Comeback Girl
WOO HOO!!!!!
"As goes Ohio, so goes the country."
-HRC
Even though I am exhausted from tech week for Into The Woods, I am energized this morning! Our girl has proven once again that you should NEVER COUNT OUT A CLINTON!!!! :-)
Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas have gone our way and momentum is returning to the campaign. I had hoped that the Obama wave was cresting and (please, God) that appears to be the case. Hillary even hinted at the possibility of taking Obama as a running mate, which I could handle...
HILLARY IN '08!!! (News from Motherland to follow...)
-FLT3
"As goes Ohio, so goes the country."
-HRC
Even though I am exhausted from tech week for Into The Woods, I am energized this morning! Our girl has proven once again that you should NEVER COUNT OUT A CLINTON!!!! :-)
Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas have gone our way and momentum is returning to the campaign. I had hoped that the Obama wave was cresting and (please, God) that appears to be the case. Hillary even hinted at the possibility of taking Obama as a running mate, which I could handle...
HILLARY IN '08!!! (News from Motherland to follow...)
-FLT3
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A New Treasure...
Paul Lynde on what appears to be a variety show circa mid-60's singing "Kids" from Bye Bye Birdie. This role (Mr. MacAfee) is one I have played numerous times and loved...don't pretend to be Lynde's comedic equal, but the role is a blast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TChlGm9oXI
In today's News From The Motherland...an Irish Turkey (puppet) does well for himself...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7261164.stm
HILLARY IN 08!!!
FLT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TChlGm9oXI
In today's News From The Motherland...an Irish Turkey (puppet) does well for himself...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7261164.stm
HILLARY IN 08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Correcting An Oversight
...I just realized that in my last posting, I neglected to include the "News From The Motherland." I must have been tired...
At any rate, here we are with yet another installment of News From The Motherland...a man is jailed for theft. (Okay, it isn't that thrilling...)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7257579.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
At any rate, here we are with yet another installment of News From The Motherland...a man is jailed for theft. (Okay, it isn't that thrilling...)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7257579.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Friday, February 15, 2008
Successful Opening...
Last night was opening night for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. The audience was very enthusiastic, and a good time was had by all. I have really enjoyed working on this production. I will miss it when it's over. We have this weekend and next to perform, though, so maybe I will have had my fill of it by Sunday next...
Now that I Love You... has opened, I have got to turn my attention to Into The Woods, which I have woefully neglected as of late. I am playing Cinderella's Prince, which is a great role, but fortunately not TOO line-heavy. A few days of woodshedding the script should bring me up to pace.
Today is also our last in-house day for Tom Sawyer. Next week we take it "on the road" to small-town school auditoriums all over The Great State Of Alabama. Woo hoo!
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Now that I Love You... has opened, I have got to turn my attention to Into The Woods, which I have woefully neglected as of late. I am playing Cinderella's Prince, which is a great role, but fortunately not TOO line-heavy. A few days of woodshedding the script should bring me up to pace.
Today is also our last in-house day for Tom Sawyer. Next week we take it "on the road" to small-town school auditoriums all over The Great State Of Alabama. Woo hoo!
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Thursday, February 14, 2008
VIVA NEW MEXICO!!!!
A small prize has just been awarded...after more than a week of counting votes, Hillary has been declared the winner in the New Mexico caucas. We still have work to do, but our girl appears to be getting a second wind. Early polls in Pennsylvania and Ohio also favor Hillary by a fair margin.
One more YouTube nugget of joy...from "Celebrate Oliver!," a semi-concert apparently done by the BBC, another rendition of "Oom Pah Pah."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRZARYlpDmI&feature=related
In today's News From The Motherland, a very celebrated piece of real estate...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7245274.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
One more YouTube nugget of joy...from "Celebrate Oliver!," a semi-concert apparently done by the BBC, another rendition of "Oom Pah Pah."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRZARYlpDmI&feature=related
In today's News From The Motherland, a very celebrated piece of real estate...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7245274.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
YouTube, Take Me Away...
Okay, today is going to be a slight recap of yesterday...my girl Hillary had a rough (but not unexpected) series of defeats yesterday, and while my hopes are still high, it may be too depressing to get political today. I think another YouTube day is in order...today's subtitle could be "Songs That Make Me Smile." Most (well, all) of them have an anglophiliac bent, but that should come as no big shock to anyone who knows me...
1. From Oliver!, "Oom-Pah-Pah"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQjtMJ14gzc&feature=related
and "It's A Fine Life."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg4Pjd6GbYQ&feature=related
Both of these numbers are performed in the "Three Cripples" pub by Nancy and the ensemble. Each is cheerful in the stage version, but the film uses "Oom-Pah-Pah" as a device for helping Oliver escape the clutches of Bill Sykes. Still, the number itself is fun and happy.
2. From My Fair Lady, "Why Can't The English"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHEN20RB8UM&feature=related
This clip includes a snippet of the scene leading up to the song (which begins at 2:55.) This has always been my favorite number in my favorite show...I remember getting the record (yes, I'm that old...) for Christmas when I was in the 7th or 8th grade. I think I had worn it smooth by Twelfth Night... Also from My Fair Lady, "The Rain In Spain." By George she's got it!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMRFKFHi8V8&feature=related
3. From Mary Poppins, "Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Mn5ANWTyQ&feature=related
This clip is obviously from a BBC fund-raiser, featuring the London cast. I saw this production a couple of months ago and left the theatre grinning from ear-to-ear. It was, in a word, joyful. :-)
Another favorite is "Chim Chim Cher-ee." The video was obviously bootlegged by someone with a hand-held camera, but what a gem!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWvUxBenSdY&feature=related
Okay... enough of that...time to head down to BCT and perform Tom Sawyer for legions of attentive kids...
HILLARY IN 08!!!!
FLT3
1. From Oliver!, "Oom-Pah-Pah"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQjtMJ14gzc&feature=related
and "It's A Fine Life."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg4Pjd6GbYQ&feature=related
Both of these numbers are performed in the "Three Cripples" pub by Nancy and the ensemble. Each is cheerful in the stage version, but the film uses "Oom-Pah-Pah" as a device for helping Oliver escape the clutches of Bill Sykes. Still, the number itself is fun and happy.
2. From My Fair Lady, "Why Can't The English"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHEN20RB8UM&feature=related
This clip includes a snippet of the scene leading up to the song (which begins at 2:55.) This has always been my favorite number in my favorite show...I remember getting the record (yes, I'm that old...) for Christmas when I was in the 7th or 8th grade. I think I had worn it smooth by Twelfth Night... Also from My Fair Lady, "The Rain In Spain." By George she's got it!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMRFKFHi8V8&feature=related
3. From Mary Poppins, "Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Mn5ANWTyQ&feature=related
This clip is obviously from a BBC fund-raiser, featuring the London cast. I saw this production a couple of months ago and left the theatre grinning from ear-to-ear. It was, in a word, joyful. :-)
Another favorite is "Chim Chim Cher-ee." The video was obviously bootlegged by someone with a hand-held camera, but what a gem!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWvUxBenSdY&feature=related
Okay... enough of that...time to head down to BCT and perform Tom Sawyer for legions of attentive kids...
HILLARY IN 08!!!!
FLT3
Monday, February 11, 2008
A Break From Politics...
Just for those readers who have recently observed that my blog is "All About Hillary," I am taking a break from politics today...yes, it's time for another "Favorites From YouTube" installment...
1. "A Little Priest" from the Patti Lupone/George Hearn concert version of Sweeney Todd. I think I posted this recently, but it deserves another look...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxKLqvsw0zs
2. The great Etta James singing "Roll With Me Henry" (aka "The Wallflower.") Who among my demographic can hear this song without thinking of George McFly in Back To The Future ? "Gimmie a milk, Lou...CHOCOLATE!!!" Grand stuff here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKqLNZ4BxzQ
3. Frente! Sings "Labour Of Love." This was a huge favorite in summer of '95...living at the beach, getting paid to be an actor, driving a raggedy red convertible...ah, life was idyllic...and this song was always, it seemed, in the background...late nights on the patio at Lance's or Dock Of The Bay...ah, memories...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFvWOyFNNXI
4. I suppose no trip down sentimental lane would be complete without another previously-posted song... Fat Les sings "Vindaloo," which was the World Cup song when England competed in '98...I spent that summer in Durham, with the occasional sojurn down to London...this song was EVERYWHERE...I still love it! ("Me and me mum and me dad and me gran went out to Waterloo...")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuAyAeOZlTo
5. Mama Cass sings one of my favorite songs in the world... "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." Admittedly, this was not a beautiful woman by any conventional standards, but God, that voice... if I ever get married, I want this sung at my wedding...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9La73DAKqoA
6. "New Orleans Ladies" is another favorite...if there was ever background music for a lazy, romantic afternoon, this would be it. I love this song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsRZ_O8AW9w
7. The Cranberries' "Linger." No real reason...I just like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPLXJAWUnwI
8. Tasmin Archer's "Sleeping Satellite." Ditto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuhDDx49TTw
That should provide some afternoon entertainment...and a break from politics for a day. ;-)
Finally, in today's News From The Motherland... Sir Paul and Lady Heather continue the kerfuffle over their divorce...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7236073.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
1. "A Little Priest" from the Patti Lupone/George Hearn concert version of Sweeney Todd. I think I posted this recently, but it deserves another look...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxKLqvsw0zs
2. The great Etta James singing "Roll With Me Henry" (aka "The Wallflower.") Who among my demographic can hear this song without thinking of George McFly in Back To The Future ? "Gimmie a milk, Lou...CHOCOLATE!!!" Grand stuff here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKqLNZ4BxzQ
3. Frente! Sings "Labour Of Love." This was a huge favorite in summer of '95...living at the beach, getting paid to be an actor, driving a raggedy red convertible...ah, life was idyllic...and this song was always, it seemed, in the background...late nights on the patio at Lance's or Dock Of The Bay...ah, memories...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFvWOyFNNXI
4. I suppose no trip down sentimental lane would be complete without another previously-posted song... Fat Les sings "Vindaloo," which was the World Cup song when England competed in '98...I spent that summer in Durham, with the occasional sojurn down to London...this song was EVERYWHERE...I still love it! ("Me and me mum and me dad and me gran went out to Waterloo...")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuAyAeOZlTo
5. Mama Cass sings one of my favorite songs in the world... "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." Admittedly, this was not a beautiful woman by any conventional standards, but God, that voice... if I ever get married, I want this sung at my wedding...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9La73DAKqoA
6. "New Orleans Ladies" is another favorite...if there was ever background music for a lazy, romantic afternoon, this would be it. I love this song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsRZ_O8AW9w
7. The Cranberries' "Linger." No real reason...I just like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPLXJAWUnwI
8. Tasmin Archer's "Sleeping Satellite." Ditto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuhDDx49TTw
That should provide some afternoon entertainment...and a break from politics for a day. ;-)
Finally, in today's News From The Motherland... Sir Paul and Lady Heather continue the kerfuffle over their divorce...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7236073.stm
HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3
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