Simply Absurd

Once again, I find myself shaking my head at some of the atrocities perpetrated in the name of Christianity:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070811/ap_on_re/gay_funeral_4;_ylt=AoJZ8D7gN4KXhrQaZsDf5f8E1vAI

Feel free (anyone) to contradict me, but didn't Jesus himself associate with lepers, whores, and outcasts? (Not that being gay is analagous to any of the above, but you get the point...) Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't one of the basic tenets of Christianity supposed to be love for one's fellow man? How about the whole "judge not lest ye be judged" concept? If I may quote from The Book Of Common Prayer:

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. The second is like unto it...thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

(I may have gotten a word or two incorrect, but a lifetime as an Episcopalian has enabled me to pretty much quote verbatim the most often-used sections of the BCP.)

Religion is a complex thing to say the least...I don't pretend to have all the answers, and more often than not, I find myself looking up at God and basically saying "I know you're there, I believe that you are loving and kind, and I am just going to trust you and not try to figure it all out." That may or may not be the right approach, but it works for me, and God & I are just fine. I am not ashamed to admit that He and I talk every day, and I think/hope that I am kind and compassionate to my fellow man. Beyond that, it's all as much a mystery to me as to anyone else. However, I do feel sure that to deny one of God's children the civility and courtesy of a decent church-based Christian funeral is pretty far off from the teachings of Christ.

To paraphrase George Carlin, do you see any of these preachers going out and giving their posessions to some poor unwed mothers, sitting down in a soup kitchen to comfort a homeless man, or adopting an unwanted black crack baby? NO!... That might actually be something that Jesus would do...

Sorry for getting on my soap box, but that's how I feel.

On a more cheerful note, here's today's story from the BBC. :-)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6941611.stm

Closing question: why does my blogspot clock always register posts several hours earlier than they were really written? Of course it makes it look as if I am always up bright and early, but it's a bit unsettling...

FLT3

Yet Another Of The Gazillion Reasons I Love The British...

"Rowdy antics..." For some reason, that just made me smile... I also had to laugh at the thought of "couples copulating on the bonnets of cars." Hee hee hee... we've come a long way since Eliza Doolittle shocked everyone at Ascot by shouting "move your bloomin' arse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/6939901.stm

Yesterday I had lunch with a good friend who reminded me of a comment by JK Rowling. (Which reminds me...for all three of my readers, I am planning to post the first HP commentary today or tomorrow and hope a discussion will follow...) Anyway, Rowling mentioned that in England, she met with one very polite request re the Christian imagery in the books. She received a letter from a clergyman who asked most respectfully (and with professed admiration for the series) that she consider not placing Christmas trees at Hogwarts School. Civilized and friendly, it was apparently one of those "please forgive this minor complaint and thank you ever so for your otherwise outstanding product" sort of letters.

In America...death threats and screaming hysterics from absurd fundamentalists. I have another friend whose nephew attends a "Christian" (quotes very much on purpose) school where Harry Potter is banned. The child in question is allowed by his family to read the books and see the movies, but can't talk about them at school for fear of being ostracized. To steal a line from The Man Who Came To Dinner, I may vomit. I personally think God has many more important things on His mind than whether or not a 12-year-old (or anyone else) reads a harmless fairy tale.

Rule Brittania!

FLT3

His Lordship...?

I suppose stranger things have happened...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6938131.stm

Time to start another day...the gloom I mentioned in yesterday's post seems to be lifting. Depression is a strange thing. In my case, it follows no pattern...I have been in an absolute funk for a week (for no real reason) and today I awoke with a sort of refreshed optimism (again, for no real reason.) Odd, admittedly,, but there it is...

Have not forgotten the intention to start a "Deathly Hallows" discussion...I am still sort of digesting not only the book, but the Harry Potter series as a whole. It is many things, including coming-of-age story, epic adventure, quasi-religious allegory, pop-culture phenomenon...and the list goes on...in a day or two, I should be at a point where I feel comfortable dissecting it with others.

Speaking of Potter...I suppose this means my plans to translate "Deathly Hallows" into Urdu and Sanskrit are now thwarted...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6936979.stm

...and just for a smile, look at the last picture... :-)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6938759.stm

FLT3

Shakespeare, The Blues, and BBQ

I suppose that sounds a bit like a country music song from some bizzare offbeat band, but it's actually my life right now. Shakespeare refers to "The Comedy Of Errors," which opens next week. I am playing both Dromio twins, which is a real lark. I am still struggling with the lines, but I will get there. I am infinitely more concerned with the heat index...we perform outdoors, which could open the door to some rather sweaty performances. Hopefully there will be a break in the heat wave by next Thursday.

As for the blues, I am really wrestling with them right now. I have been finding myself either sitting around moping, bursting into tears for no apparent reason, or being ridiculously ill-tempered for the past week or so. I could attribute it to the heat, but this is a pattern I know well. I get this way two or three times a year, and there seems to be precious little I can do about it. I just have to try extra hard not to be short or snappish with people, make every effort to at least appear happy, and just muddle through until it goes away (as capriciously and without cause as it arrived.) Someday when I have health insurance, some shrink will make a fortune off me, I'm sure...

On to happier subjects, I had a really excellent bbq chicken breast for dinner, from Bob Sykes' BBQ out in Bessemer. I grew up eating Sykes', and I still consider it the best (sorry, Dreamland!) It's funny how taste can be so evocative of time and place, but as I was eating it, I recalled countless meals at Sykes' as a kid. I'm sure my family ate there in all seasons, but I always associate it with cold weather...I was thinking while I ate, and actually envisioned sitting with my parents at the restaurant, looking out the window at a cold, dreary, sleet-filled sky. Despite the grim appearance of the outdoors, the feeling was quite cozy and content. When you're 8 or 9 years old, it's Friday night, the weather is gross, but you're with mum & dad inside someplace happy and warm, eating barbeque...well, all is right with the world.

Of course no posting of mine would be complete without a link to the BBC. Here's what's going on in The Motherland today...actually, the news is FROM The Motherland, but the story takes place in the USA. It involves a monkey, so I liked it. :-)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6936533.stm

FLT3

Too Darn Hot...

Is a great number from Kiss Me, Kate, but also a description of the weather in Bham...it's been scorching for a few days and shows no signs of cooling. I love summertime, but this is ridiculous...I'm getting ready for fall...

I helped a friend of mine unload some furniture this afternoon. (He is doing some remodeling and had to move some of his household things into temporary storage.) Anyway, by the time the first box had been lifted, I was sweating like a mule. Now most of you know that I am a pretty free sweater, but I literally looked like I had just been swimming. Yeah, it was just as gross as you think it was...

Today from the BBC, a story out of Asia...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6932801.stm

FLT3

Bum Pinching and Yard Work

Now this is just funny...apparently her bum was just too irresistable...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/6924592.stm

Not much going on this week...various workshops have drawn to a close and the mad rush of first-of-the-year subbing has yet to begin, so I have a week or so of relative freedom. I have been spending a lot of this time helping my dad put up a fence in my parents' back yard. From digging holes to mixing cement, I have done a little bit of everything, and actually sort of enjoyed it. We've been able to spend some time together, and the work has been hard but rewarding.

Comedy of Errors continues apace. I am struggling with memorization...Elizabethan prose is something you can't really paraphrase, so it's a bit tricky. The show is going to be performed outdoors in Aldridge Gardens, which will be very nice.

I have a few more Harry Potter comments, but I am still sort of forming my thoughts...lots of philosophical imagery...will post them soon and hopefully get a discussion going. It is fascinating to see how the series "grew up" with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The first few books were obviously for children, and then the series got darker and more sophisticated. I am still planning to read the entire series again, in sequence. Maybe I will offer a running commentary as I go along.

FLT3

BBC Link

God Save The Queen! The new PM, Gordon Brown, is in America talking to Shrub...I must confess to imagining Winston Churchill or Clement Atlee meeting Jethro Bodine...however, I will hope for the best. I just hate the thought of how many derisive laughs are gotten in the halls of Parliament over the dumb-as-a-bag-of-hammers American President.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6918997.stm

Potter Commentary

Well, I have sped through Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, and am now almost finished with a more relaxed, thorough second reading. IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED THE BOOK AND DO NOT WANT TO READ ANY POTENTIAL SPOILERS, STOP READING NOW.

Okay, now that the disclaimer is out there, we can continue...

I found the book to be very exciting and well-written, as is always the case with Rowling...I particularly enjoyed the escape with the "Seven Potters" and the ensuing shoot-out with Voldemort. Another favorite moment was Snape's back-story, which really created some true sympathy for the character. Fred's death upset me, as did the many deaths of various members of The Order of the Phoenix. However, we were warned by Rowling that there would be loss of life...

Rumor has it that JK Rowling's next literary undertaking will involve a boy archaeologist. I would hazard a guess that it will also be a well-written/well-received series, but nothing will ever replace Harry and Co. (At least not to this Muggle! :-)

If you have not yet read the Harry Potter series, please do...whether you're eight or eighty, you will love it.

FLT3

Back To Hogwarts...

Have read the first hundred pages or so of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows. DON'T WORRY! I'M NOT GOING TO TELL ANYTHING ABOUT THE PLOT. Instead, I will just make a brief comment about what I saw at the bookstore. It was a joyous sight to me to see so many kids getting excited about a book. I always feel happy when I see young people actively enjoying reading...it gives one hope for the future!
Blackpool And Parrish continues apace. Tonight's audience was happy and lively, and as always, the show was great fun to perform.

FLT3

Back To Comedy...

Today was a very nice day...I started another workshop/teaching job, this time for Birmingham Childrens' Theatre. I have a great group of kids, and they are (at first glance) extremely talented. I am looking forward to working with them.

I also resumed rehearsal tonight for The Comedy of Errors, with Park Players. This is the same group with which I have been performing Blackpool And Parrish, so it's sort of becoming like an extended family. :-) As with Blackpool, the cast is extremely nice and welcoming. I am playing two twins (Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse) so I have definitely got my work cut out for me! The show seems to be taking shape nicely, and I predict quite a success. Comedy will be performed outside at Aldridge Gardens, which should be nice.

Not much else to say today. All is well, but somewhat uneventful.

-FLT3

Have Yourself A Happy Little Bastille Day...

Okay, admittedly, we are rather short on Bastille Day carols...I also considered "Have A Holly Jolly Bastille Day," "I'll Have A Blue Bastille Day Without You," and "I'm Dreaming Of A White Bastille Day," but none of them really seemed to work...

Feeling terribly Francais today, albeit (as always) with a British twist...I just read (on BBC.co.uk of course) the report of the festivites on the Champs-Elysees...and somewhat wistfully wished I was there. While England will always be The Motherland, I have enjoyed a few trips to France, and the Champs-Elysees has always been a high point of any visit to The City Of Light.

For a look at the day's events, click here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6899011.stm

And now on a completely different subject... I noticed that Pope Benedict has declared the Catholic Church "the one and only true faith." Interesting...

With all due respect, the Pope is full of crap...wouldn't the Greek Orthodox denomination be the closest to the original teachings of Christ? Of course, I am firmly convinced God is an Anglican, but I certainly don't think He turns a blind eye to those of other denominations or faiths...I fear that more revisionist back-tracking will be issuing forth out of The Vatican in the days to come... oh John Paul II, we miss you...

Thank God my inspiration comes from Canterbury and not Rome...

Au Revoir

Francois le Trois

Lamenting The Wigs

According to a story out of London this Morning, the Lord Chief Justice has announced that England's barristers will no longer wear the traditional horsehair wig in civil or family court cases. (They will remain in place for criminal cases.)
While I can't say this affects my daily life in any significant way, I am mildly upset at the news. When I was in Law School, I spent a month at University of Durham on an exchange program, and we were taught one class by an English barrister, who brought his wig to class a couple of times. It was far from what I'd call attractive, but steeped in tradition.
Oh well, here's the article if anyone is interested. God Save The Queen!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070713/od_nm/britain_wigs_dc_1;_ylt=Akp8EFexm6cRTUEH6r.xPcML1vAI

-FLT3

A Successful Opening

Well, we opened Blackpool And Parrish tonight to a very receptive audience. I have never performed on the stage at ASFA before, and I really enjoyed it. The show itself, while very funny, deals with such issues as death, destiny, good vs. evil, etc... it will make you laugh while making you think, which is really pretty wonderful...

The cast for this show is rather small (only 5 of us) but it has definitely been one of the most warm, inviting, and all-around "fun" groups of people I've ever worked with. The director has been a good friend of mine for years, and the rest of the cast & crew are just so incredibly nice that mention must be made of the fact. We all play together so well that we (as a group) are already looking for projects to do together in the future.

Not much else going on. I am doing some writing again for WBHM, which is good from both a creative as well as income-based perspective...I've also been teaching at the CenterStage theatre workshop, and will begin working at BCT's workshop next week.

Shameless self-promotion time... Blackpool And Parrish runs through next Saturday. For ticket info, please visit www.bhamparkplayers.com

-FLT3

This Sceptered Isle...

Once again it's 4 July and most Americans are celebrating the break from Mother England 231 years ago. While I will admit that life under George III was probably not an idyll, I still sometimes wish we hadn't been so hasty...

If anyone knows me even remotely well, it's not a shock that I am an Anglophile of the first degree...no disrespect to the USA, but there's just something in the Motherland that really speaks to my soul...

Short posting today, but it's late and I've had a full day. I am happy to say that I did not embarass my parents (who had a very nice cookout) by breaking into "Rule, Britannia" or "God Save The Queen" at any point during the proceedings...although the thought did cross my mind... :-)

FLT3

Retraction

Okay...I have to take back the begrudgingly-positive things I have been saying about Dubya for the past day or so...I really agreed with him on the Scooter Libby thing...(see post below.) 30 months for perjury seemed excessive, and I really believe that non-violent crimes can be punished adequately with fines, probation, etc.

Now, in typical fashion, Dubya has issued a statement that a full pardon is "not out of the picture."

Yeah, my jaw hit the floor, too.

Once again, this corrupt, self-absorbed, maniacally delusional MORON is taking care of his cronies and thumbing his nose at what is right. This man Libby was involved in a massive cover-up FAR beyond anything Clinton ever lied about. (Hmmmmmmm...one lied about the outing of a CIA operative and covered up illegal acts by the Vice-President while the other lied about sex with another consenting adult...you tell me who did more damage.)

President Dubya has once again proven himself to be beneath contempt. The beautifully-choreographed visit by Putin to Kennebunkport was just ruined by the comment on Libby.

Hillary in '08...Hillary in '08...Hillary in '08...

FLT3

Scooter, Scooter, Scooter...

The announcement came today that Dubya has commuted Scooter Libby's prison sentence. If I understand correctly, he will still have to pay the fine and bear the stigma of the convicted felon. The only deus ex machina turn is that he will not have to actually serve time in prison.

While I am disgusted by Libby's actions, it may shock some of you to learn that I have no problem with the commutation. I have long held (and espoused) my belief that non-violent crimes can usually be handled outside the penal system. I just think prison sometimes creates more problems than it solves...and tossing Libby in with serial killers and hard-bitten thugs wasn't the answer. (I also think Don Seigelman and Richard Scrushy could have been punished outside the prison system, but that's another story...)

A quarter-million dollar fine, two years probation, and forever being branded a felon is punishment enough for what Libby did. I know that many of my fellow Democrats will be screaming for blood, but for once (JUST ONCE) I actually agree with Bush...Libby's sentence was too harsh.

...but I still think Dubya is an idiot. ;-)

FLT3

Small Things

I just ate the most wonderfully cold, sweet, crunchy watermelon I have eaten in a long time. I know it sounds silly, but it actually got me thinking about all the tiny little pleasures we take for granted in our daily lives. With that in mind, I started thinking of others, including...

.A nice, hot, shower with plenty of soap and shampoo. When you stop and think of how many people on Earth don't have this luxury, it really makes it seem special. I have always loved the shower...I used to take toys into the big shower in my parents' bathroom when I was a little kid...I'd stay in and play with Star Wars figures or whatever until I literally looked like a prune. As I got older, I discovered that I could lie down diagonally and take a nap while the water cascaded down...this became a bit of a ritual when I was in high school...I never fussed too much about getting up because I knew I could catch another 15 or 20 minutes of sleep in the shower before someone would bang on the door and wake me up.

.Books. I have hundreds (literally) spread between my apartment, my friends' houses, the homes of various family members, etc. etc. When you read some statistics on literacy (or the lack thereof) it will blow your mind at how many people do not have the skills to lose themselves in a book.

.Ice Cream. Yes, I'm being a bit cheeky, but sincere. I love ice cream. I could eat a gallon of it at a time. I love everything from cheapie store-brand to Haagen-Dazs...pretty much any flavor, although my absolute favorite is Mint Chocolate Chip. Bryer's Vanilla Fudge Twirl is a close second. As far as life's little pleasures go, ice cream is near the top for me.

.Friends. I have some really good ones.

. This is a bit more esoteric, but there is a particular tingly feeling that you get when you are about to kiss someone for the very first time...you're close enough to smell her perfume, you've both got your eyes closed, and the head-tilt has happened...yet for one brief shining moment (with thanks to Alan J Lerner for the phrase) you just hang there in space with delightful anticipation. It's a second or two at the longest, but wow...what a rush...

.Music. I can't imagine my life without it...I grew up in a house where the radio or record player (yes, I'm a child of the 70's) was usually always on. Getting in the car usually meant turning on the radio, too. Throughout my life, music has always been a backdrop to the day's events.

...and the list goes on. I suppose the point of all this (if there is one) is to point out some of the small things that make life pleasant, yet often get overlooked. I'd love to hear some more from others...anyone...?

FLT3

Sunday, Sunday...

I have always enjoyed Sundays. There's a serenity and happy glow to Sunday that goes all the way back to childhood for me...especially in the summertime. I always associate Sundays with going to church, going someplace nice for lunch, and then just relaxing for the rest of the day. Obviously, some Sundays are more full than that, but the overall flavor of the day is one of contentment and coziness.

When I was living in Tuscaloosa, I went to Christ Episcopal, which was a little grey church with a tiny courtyard and a beautiful little sanctuary...I always felt peaceful there. Having grown up in Birmingham, I have always gone to church at Advent, which is much more grand but equally soothing. When I was a kid I used to want to be left entirely alone in the church so I could take a nap on the pews...I suppose they have rules against such things, but it always sounded so restful...

Sunday nights always have had an appeal as well...I find myself going to Books-A-Million frequently on Sunday nights, especially in cold weather. Getting a coffee and browsing the shelves while the cold wind and rain spits and sputters outside always seems comfy, safe, and good.

Sort of a rambling rumination on Sundays today... I think I'll leave it there. I'll hold forth on politics, theatre, my life, etc. next time. Today's post is just warm, fuzzy, and happy.

After all...it's Sunday... :-)

FLT3

Hear, Hear, Jocky!!!

Yes, that is a rather cryptic headline for today's post, but it is most apropos given the day's events. With yet another car bombing (this time in Glasgow) I fear my beloved UK is truly under seige. After watching the news report from the Glasgow airport, I kept thinking of a minor character from Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting. Jocky Linton's primary distinguishing characteristic is a tattoo of a Lion Rampant with "Scotland Forever" beneath it.

While I'm not going to rush out and get a tattoo like Jocky's, I share in his feelings. My heart lies in England, but Scotland is "part of the family," and She just got attacked. Today, we are all Scottish. Since I indulged in a little free-flowing reverie yesterday when London was hit by two (mercifully undetonated) car bombs, I think it only fair to pop in the cd of Brigadoon and reminisce about Bonnie Scotland...

I have flown into Glasgow and spent a little time there, but my main exposure to Scotland has been through the city of Edinburgh, which I have visited a couple of times. Actually, Edinburgh dispelled me of the delusion that there is no such thing as bad fried chicken. The KFC I visited served something grey and vaguely meat-like, but it wasn't the southern-fried goodness we all know and love. Who cares? I'd still eat a bucket of it today just because...

Edinburgh Castle is a great sight/site to see, and I especially enjoyed the Scotch Whisky tasting offered there...The Royal Mile is home to some amazing shopping. I got my mother a red serape cape there about 10 years ago, and I think Alabama has gotten cold enough to allow her to wear it 5 or 6 times so far. Oh well, it looks great in her closet...Aberdeen is another neat Scottish town, home of Loch Ness, where Nessie, alas, failed to appear the one day I visited her loch...perhaps she was getting her beauty sleep.

FLT3

God Save The Queen...

...and the rest of London. This morning was most distressing. I awoke to the news of a car bomb having been discovered in the West End of London. Within hours, Buckingham Palace had been sealed off and a second car bomb had been located in the Haymarket area, also near the West End. Apparently Al-Quaida is the obvious source of these instruments.

As usual, I am waving the Anglophiliac flag with pride. Today, I would honestly join the British Army if I could. Just the thought of someone attempting such a despicable act in what I consider to be the most wonderful city on Earth (in the most wonderful country on Earth) makes my blood boil.

Today has been a busy day, but I still took the time to say a little prayer and ask God to watch over the metrop. I have been humming "Rule, Brittania" all day, and will have a cup of tea in a little while (at 4:00 of course! :-)

Thinking lovely thoughts of Harrod's...Soho...Trafalgar Square...Shaftesbury Avenue...Hyde Park...Westminster Abbey...The Tower...Park Lane...Covent Garden...St. Paul's...Big Ben...The Adelphi Theatre, where I once saw Me And My Girl with a lovely British girl. (Yes, it was one of those nights when God was in His Heaven and all was right with the world.) Actually, it's a story that bears re-telling...

In 1991, I was in London for my 21st birthday (thanks, Mum & Dad!) with a friend of mine. He and I had separated for a few hours, and were due to meet at a particular pub at 10:00. By 9:45, when I realized I was hopelessly lost, I stopped a group of girls to ask directions. Well, as it turns out, they showed me where the pub was, and I asked them to join my friend and me for a drink. They accepted, and by the end of the evening, I had a date for the following night with (in my opinion) the loveliest of the bunch. While a gentleman never kisses and tells, I think her reputation will be safe if I only mention her first name, which was Joy. The date was, without exaggeration, idyllic. We saw the play, had dinner, had a drink, and took a long walk around the city. We wound up spending the next week basically attached at the hip. (Luckily, she and my friend got along just fine.)

Of course we made all the standard promises to keep in touch, and exchanged a couple of letters and a phone call or two (this was before email.) Eventually, we lost touch and I have often thought of her. I don't know if she ever realized how perfectly perfect she made the trip for me. I hope wherever she is, she's happy and remembers our week as fondly as do I.

The memory still makes me smile.

FLT3

PARIS IS LIBERATED!!!!

Today has been an excellent day. Paris Hilton has been released from jail.

Okay, before the cacophany of "you just say that because she's hot" begins...well, you're partially right, but that's beside the point... The law used (or misused) to justify her return to jail was shaky at best and illegal in all likelihood. The activism and overreaching of the judge was most egregious, and the slippery slope down which he may have started will be treacherous, indeed.

Enough said. La belle Paris est la fille de liberte. Magnifique! (Et oui, elle est tres belle, mais n'est pas importante...)

Francois le Trois

Blackpool And Parrish

As usual, I have let too much time pass between postings...my apologies to all four of my confirmed readers. (Paul, Andy, Jennifer and Aaron, thanks for reading!) If anyone else ever reads any of this, please respond. I'm thinking of holding an appreciation lunch for my readers in a single booth at Shoney's...

I have been cast in a VERY funny play, "Blackpool And Parrish." It is directed by a good friend of mine, Clay Boyce. So far, the cast seems extremely talented and FUN! Nice, nice people and a hilarious script. I know the show will be successful, and I am going to do my best to get lots of people in the theatre.

Not much else to mention...the CenterStage Rising Star workshop is going well...the kids will be performing "Grease" next Friday/Saturday night, and I am really proud of the work they are doing. It's a talented group, and even the one or two slightly mischeif-prone kids are so good-natured it's hard to fuss at them too harshly. Besides, it's summertime and they're having fun, so all is well.

That brings up a point of philosophy I have been pondering lately in re CenterStage...for those unfamiliar with the Bham theatre scene, let it suffice to say that there is a LOT of theatre and as many philosophies as there are companies. Schools of thought range from "we're all here to have a good time" to "this is as serious as a heart attack." I think we (as a company as well as a collective of individuals who love theatre) have found a nice balance between the two. On one hand, you don't want to just goof off and do a crappy fraternity skit, but at the same time you don't want to make the process so opressively harsh that the final product, while good, is borne out of drudgery. It's a hard balance to strike, but I think we succeed.

"Futurama" is coming on now...got to run.

FLT3

FREE PARIS!!!!

I cannot believe this...out in LA, Judge Michael T. Sauer has sent Paris Hilton back to jail. I have never seen a more egregious and absurd display of judicial abuse of power. Driving with a suspended liscence...oh yeah, she's a menace to society. I can only hope that the citizens of Los Angeles create a sufficiently loud outcry to force this moron from the bench. If I lived in LA, I'd already be there with a picket sign.

I'm sure many of my readers (both of you) think I am merely taking Paris' side because she's beautiful (I suppose I should say "hot.") I'll admit that if she looked like Ernest Borgnine I may not be as passionate about the case, but the legal issue would remain...the sheriff had the right to release her to house arrest. This bastard judge is merely trying to make a name for himself, and I hope it will backfire. Hopefully he will become the most reviled figure in the California legal system.

O.J. walks free after killing two people, yet the system (and the imbecile on the bench) decide to make an example of a socialite with a traffic violation who couldn't hurt a fly. Where is the justice?

Today is day one of ParisWatch. Hopefully we won't even make it to day two. FREE PARIS!!!

FLT3

How do you set the Blogspot Clock?

It is now 12:10am on 4 June, but my last post, which is only minutes old, says that it was posted at 8:58pm. I'm so confused.

FLT3

I'll be 36 for another hour...

Yes, that's right. I am about to turn 37. Tomorrow (4 June) is my birthday. I am getting older, which kind of bites, but is, as they say, "better than the alternative." (Unless the aletrnative is living forever in some sort of Peter Pan-style Neverland, where one remains mid-20's in perpetuity. That could be nice.)

Anyway, I decided I would spend the last hour of my 36th year doing something I love...writing. This post will most likely be somewhat lengthy, rambling, and intermittently interesting. I can't promise cohesion of plot or even linear thought. Read at your own risk.

I spent a few hours this afternoon with my mother, which was very nice. We went shopping and stopped in at the World Market, which is sort of an importer's warehouse-ish "everything store." I, of course, wound up in the British food section, and eventually (with some help from Mum) found several tiny jars of Devonshire Clotted Cream. For those who have not tasted clotted cream, ignore the name. It sounds disgusting, which even those of us who love it will freely admit. When spread on a scone or shortbread cracker,however, it tastes beyond delicious. I didn't even wait to get home...I spread some on a cookie and dug in. Although my body was at the Galleria, my taste buds were at Harrod's. The best way to describe the taste is...well...just to say that it tastes British. That's the highest compliment I can give, and the only one that fits. Of course, that really doesn't describe the taste, so I'll do my best and describe it as a slightly sweet cream-cheesy-buttery-whipped-cream-icing-ish taste. Good stuff.

That taste took me away to London just as effectively as What's Up? took me to Manteo. (If you don't know what the hell that last sentence means, read the post from a few days ago titled What's Up?.) It's interesting that I would have two experiences of such a nature so close together in time. I suppose taste is another great memory trigger. Smell certainly is...if clotted cream tastes British, deisel fuel smells British. Any time I smell deisel fuel, it smells like Trafalgar Square...all the traffic helping to create a very specific (but not unpleasant) eau de metrop.

Twenty minutes into the hour, and I haven't yet started to ramble beyond all hope. This is a good sign.

I have been wrestling a lot with death lately. (No, I'm not, to my knowledge, dying.) Actually, that's the problem...none of us are "dying" in the sense of progressing in an orderly, predictable manner towards a specific and scheduled demise. It's all so random...the teenage kid in perfect health drops dead for no reason, while an octegenarian proudly attributes his longevity to drinking, smoking, and enjoying a high-cholesterol diet...a child is murdered and dies at 10 while another person dies in a car crash at 95...and so forth. It's the sheer randomness that I find so terrifying, yet oddly intriguing. There's an old Southernism, "you can't take the devil to the ground lest you got a hold of him first." That is exactly what makes death the rat-bastard that it is. You can't get a hold of something that follows no real pattern. (Okay, yes, as someone gets older, the likelihood of death increases, but the actual "when and how" are still capricious to say the least.)

Onward, onward...we're at the half-hour, and it's time to get on to cheerier subjects.

I saw the tail end of a news report on the Democratic Presidential Debates. I am holding my breath, but I honestly believe Hillary can get the nomination if she doesn't make any major blunders. My guess at this point is that it'll come down to Hillary vs. Rudy. As much as I hate to say it...I'm afraid she'd lose. Rudy is gonna ride that 9/11 train for all it's worth, plus he's the one Republican in the race who is completely detatched from Bush.We may have some hope that Rudy's famous temper will flare at the wrong time, and he'll be the new Howard Dean...aaaaaarrrrrghhh!

Hillary can beat John McCain or Mitt Romney. Bill Richardson should just go ahead and concede at the Republican Convention if he happens to win the nomination (unlikely.) Not sure who among the dems could beat Rudy at his best...maaaaaaaaybe John Edwards, but he'd have to play up the Kennedyesque resemblance to the hilt. If anything, Rudy is less attractive than Nixon, so maybe that would give Edwards an added edge. Personally, I think a Clinton/Edwards ticket could be formidable. It would be like having the second comings of Bill Clinton and JFK. (We should all be so lucky...)

A quarter to it, as Scrooge would say. I'll be 36 and writing for 15 more minutes.

Kelly Ripa really is hot. Just thought I'd mention that.

My childhood superhero fascination has been mildly re-ignited with the new Spider-Man and Fantastic Four sequels at theatres. I haven't seen either of the movies, but the surrounding advertising blitz has kept the characters in my face for several weeks. These were my two favorite comic books as a kid, so at least I recognized the costumes. It's interesting to me how sequels/recreations change the whole frame of pop culture reference...for instance, if someone mentions the character of Spider-Man, I immediately think of the comic books of the 1970's, while someone in his 50s would probably think of the original comics. A kid of 10 would probably think Tobey Maguire of the films. All three of us would be correct, given our frame of reference.

Five minutes of 36-hood left.

I really doubt that most "firsts" are remembered in equal proportion...I mean, I remember my first kiss, first car, first job, etc., but I couldn't tell you who my first best friend was, or what I ate for dinner on my first date, or the name of my first pet. I'm sure there are people who remember the exact "firsts" I have forgotten, and vice-versa.

One minute...okay, song lyrics...

"Forty-Seven Ginger-Headed Sailors"

Now there's a good ship, HMS Cock-Robin,
On her home trip. Up and down she's bobbin'
Well, the sea is so rough, the crew is so tough,
They're all fed up and say that they've had more than enough.

And then her father, he's an able seaman
And they call him Red-Haired Tom.
He wired to say "I'll meet you,
And with your friends I'll greet you,"
And who'd you think he's got a message from?

Forty-seven ginger-headed sailors,
Coming home across the briny sea.
When the anchor's weighed and the journey's made,
We'll start the party with a
"Me hoady hearty!"

Forty-seven ginger-headed sailors,
You can bet you're going to hear them when they hail us!
An old maid down in Devon
Said "My idea of heaven
Is forty-seven ginger-headed sailors."

( From the BBC Television series Jeeves And Wooster. )

Wow...I've been 37 for 4 minutes. So far, so good... :-)

FLT3

Don't Cry For Me, Argentina...

Tonight was fun. I saw a local production of Evita, which was very nicely done. The director and half the cast and orchestra are friends of mine, so it was nice to see so many people I know. All in all, it was an outstanding production with a few minor flaws. (I feel compelled to mention the flaws just to avoid looking too easily impressed.) I definitely recommend it to anyone who may be considering going.

FLT3

What's Up?

No, I'm not offering a casual salutation with today's header (although it can certainly be taken as such if you like...:-)

What's Up? is the title of a song made famous by a group called "4 Non-Blondes," which was popular in the mid-1990's. Lots of guitar riffs, a lyric which begins with a less-than-optimistic line, twenty-five years and my life is still trying to get up that great big hill... (and so forth.) My point in writing this is not to explore the poetry of the song (although that would be interesting) but rather to discuss how powerful music can be as a catalyst for emotional recall.

I have owned this cd since it came out, but had probably not listened to it in close to 10 years. We all have those cds...the ones that take up space in the folder, yet aren't disposable. Anyway, for whatever reason, I happened to pull it out in the car today and stuck it in the cd player. I immediately clicked ahead to What's Up? just because I recalled having liked it. Well, that's where the story gets interesting...

Within the first 10 seconds, I was absolutely transported to summer, 1994. That was a particularly nice time for me...I was working at a summer theatre called The Lost Colony in Manteo, NC. I had a pretty girlfriend who worked in the costume shop, a raggedy red convertible, and I was being paid to live at the beach. I was barely 24 years old (actually, I turned 24 during the rehearsal period) and life was good. It was one of those hopeful, happy times that remind us that life is worth living. (Side note...I can remember calling home on the Sunday night of the Tony Awards and telling my dad how I felt like I really "belonged" for the first time in my life.)

Back to the story...as soon as this not-heard-in-a-while music started to play, I listened with great happiness for a minute or so, and that is when it got weird. I realized that there were honest-to-God tears in my eyes, and a growing flutter in the pit of my stomach. I wasn't sad...it was a far more textured emotion than sadness...a wistful yet somehow pleasant melancholia would be the best way I could describe it. I had to turn it off, not because the experience was painful. It was...intense. I was having happy memories, but there was a tinge of regret at their being only memories. It was like seeing long-lost friends standing before you, but evaporating when you tried to touch or talk to them.

What does this mean? I suppose it means that I am at what most statistics would say is the half-way point of my life, and I am starting to realize the finite nature of things. Not being pessimistic, but there are so many things I will never experience again...and summer of 1994 is among them. There are, of course, good and special times to come, but that particular experience is gone forever. Such is the way of life. However, memories make us who we are, and even the ones you regret being "just memories" stand as proof of a life well-lived.

The comedian Jackie Gleason put it best:

"Acting young isn't what makes you young. But if you've got some memories, some good memories of when you were young, that's what keeps you young."

-FLT3

Horror

I suppose the header of this post could refer to a fun-filled summertime "scary movie" complete with vampires, monsters, and a snack of candy and popcorn.

How I wish it did.

Today in Texas, the bodies of a mother and her four children were found hanging in a mobile home. As in strangled to death. The one survivor was an 8-month-old infant. I can barely keep from crying as I think about it.

The news media are speculating that the case is a murder/suicide. This makes it even worse. Some mealy, self-pitying bitch hangs her children and then takes the cowardly way out by kiling herself. I have no doubt that there will be numerous attempts by psychiatrists and talking heads to explain how she was suffering from depression, or whatever. Allow me to call "bullshit" right now.

I suffer from depression. I probably spend at least 35 or 40 percent of my waking life either pretending to be happy or just trying not to be debilitatingly sad. Some days it's all I can do to get out of bed and not burst into tears for little or no reason. It hurts. It's very sad. My depression has cost me relationships, opportunities, and countless happy times that I could have enjoyed if I had not been curled up on my sofa sniffling.

HOWEVER, I have never once thought of harming anyone, much less a child...much less my own child...(not that I have kids, but you get the point.) I can only wonder how sweet, how trusting, how innocent those kids must have been, especially the 8-month-old who could only smile and make baby noises when her "mother" picked her up and wrapped a rope around her neck. God, it makes me want to vomit.

Those who know me know that I am a proud liberal. I think our jails are ridiculously overcrowded, and I believe that minor (non-violent) crimes can usually be handled outside the penal system. I think the death penalty is barbaric, and that even prisoners deserve humane treatment.. That said, I still wish that scum-sucking pig of a woman had lived so that she could be beaten, abused, gang-raped and eventually murdered in prison. Nothing that would be done to her could be half bad enough.

I am not proud of these thoughts, and perhaps as the immediacy of the event passes, so will some of the hatred in my guts. I doubt it.

If you are religious (and even if you aren't,) please pray for these poor, innocent children who had the misfortune to be born to a true waste of human life. I suppose if I truly lived my own religion, I would solicit prayers for the "mother" as well. That is, as the saying goes, "what Jesus would do."

I'm just not there yet.

FLT3

From the other side...a casualty.

I just read online that Jerry Falwell died today. While I rather enthusiastically disagreed with 99.999% of the bile he spewed on an almost daily basis, my immediate response was "oh that's awful." Aside from having been raised with manners, I have no idea why I said that. Obviously, his family and friends will be sad, as will a legion of right-wing extremist nutjobs, but I can't say that my daily life will really be affected.

The cleansing power of death is an interesting thing...earlier this year, Gerald Ford (who had been nothing more than a punchline for years) died at almost 100 years old. Although a slight nod to the Nixon pardon scandal was perfunctorally offered once or twice, the overall opinion of Ford seemed to be that he was a great statesman who made a difficult (but right) decision. It will be interesting to see if the mainstream deifies Falwell now.

Did I want to vomit at most of what he said? Absolutely. Do I think he will have "some 'splainin' to do" when he reaches the pearly gates? Without a doubt. (That whole hate-fueled bigotry thing you know, not to mention making millions in the name of God while ignoring that whole "love your fellow man" business...) HOWEVER, out of respect for the dead, I will say "so long Jerry." If nothing else, you were "to your own self true," and you gave those of us on the left a hell of a target. Requiem in terra pax.

FLT3

An Ethical Dilemma

I had a very nice (non-contentious) conversation with my dad this morning, which prompted some self-reflection. I mentioned having contributed to PETA in the past, and he asked me if I actually agreed with everything the organization represents. I answered that yes, I do oppose animal testing and animal cruelty. He agreed, but brought up the issue of eating meat (which I do.) I also enjoy fishing, but had always assumed it was "ethical" as we always eat the fish we catch. I don't enjoy hunting, but I have always believed hunting to be morally acceptable if the meat is eaten. (I remember being taught at an early age that hunting solely for a "trophy" was the pinnacle of trashy, unsportsmanlike behavior.)
After reflecting (and visiting the PETA website,) I suppose I would have to re-examine my beliefs. As a carnivore (and a rather enthusiastic one at that) I definitely do not live up to the full teachings of PETA. I am reminded of a marvelous song from the Rex Harrison film, Dr. Doolittle. (I believe the title was "A Reluctant Vegetarian.") In the scene, Dr. Doolittle is telling a friend how he became a veteranarian/vegetarian:

"When I see my fellow men consuming sirloin steak,
And I find myself enjoying tea and Dundee cake,
There is only one conclusion I can make...
I'm a devoted vegetarian.

When my host at dinner offers succulent roast beef,
proudly I refuse it. People stare in disbelief.
Lost in admiration as I nibble on a leaf...
A very noted vegetarian.

I stay away from deviled ham on principle.
I wouldn't eat roast duckling if I could.
Willpower has made me invincible.
(My word, those sausages look good.)

(Doolittle notices that two rabbits have eaten his dinner)

Where's my dinner gone? Who's eaten it this time? It's bad enough to have to eat this muck in the first place! Just because I eat this instead of eating them, they think they can take advantage of me!

I eat every flowering shrub there is except for gorse!
Sometimes I get luxuries like beetroot leaves of course!
My life's much the same as any English horse!
Why should I be a vegetarian???

Turnip pie and peanuts, that's the sort of filth I eat!
Any sort of rubbish that is wholesome and discreet!
Why don't I admit that my hypocrisy's complete?
I'm a cheat! I love meat! Yes I am...
I love red-blooded juicy chunks of meat!
Legs of lamb, sides of beef, steaks and chops
and ducks and veal, and pork of course my favorite meal!

(The pig, "Gub-Gub," squeals at this)

...and then I hear poor Gub-Gub squeal.
Oh me...oh my...a reluctant, but sincere vegetarian
am I.

And there it is. While I must admit I have not even tried to be a vegetarian (and am not sure I could succeed if I did try) I do sympathize with the Doctor's plight. It does present a moral conundrum. If I had to watch cows and pigs being slaughtered, would it make a difference? If I visited a chicken farm, would it make a difference? Perhaps.

The question of nature and nutrition come to mind. Are we, as humans, supposed to eat animals? One could argue both Biblical and evolutionary points to the affirmative. On the other hand, can we not get everything we need nutritionally from plants and grains? On a personal level, am I the product of 37 years of cultural conditioning? Is my body and my digestive system so accustomed to eating meat that it would be difficult to stop now?

These are difficult questions...perhaps I will try to take a "vegetarian day" every now and then, just to see if I could do it. No promises that I could ever give up steak and chicken, but who knows...?

The bottom line, however, is that I do agree with and support the mission of PETA. Do I live up to their every standard? No. However, there are quite a few issues with which I agree 100% with PETA.

Animal Testing: Absurd. Barbaric. (And even though I don't often use this word, IMMORAL.) Can anyone truly think strapping small monkeys and rabbits down and spraying them in the eyes with perfume is civilized? Injecting animals with household cleaners to catalog their response? Utterly inhumane. How about the baby monkeys and puppies sent up in tiny spacecraft with no plans for getting them home? (Luckily, this practice seems to have stopped.) Animals should never be abused in this manner.

Fur: We live in a world in which faux fur is literally indistinguishable from real fur. I have nothing against a glamorous look. (Hey, I like glamorous women.) However, I can not understand how wearing the body of an innocent animal who was raised just to be killed for it's pelt is attractive. I love leopard-print, and think it's the most alluring thing a woman can wear, but man-made leopard- print is just as sexy... and a woman with compassion as well as allure is even more so.

Animal Cruelty: Beat a dog, go to jail. Kick a cat, go to jail. Starve a horse, go to jail.

...which leaves only the food issue. I am flawed, but I am aware of this.

FLT3

Marry Me A Little...

Well, all is going well for both Mega-Heroes and Side By Side By Sondheim. The former had it's first full run-through today, and it is shaping up to be a very respectable show. The latter is in rehearsal, and I am enjoying working with the cast and director...nice folks, all.
There is a song in SBSBS that really does sum up the quest for love, at least from my perspective. There are certainly those who will disagree, but I think the lyrics truly speak to the human condition in those of us somewhere between thirty and dotage...if complete candor was allowed in real life, I can see (hear?) myself actually saying this to a woman and meaning it in a sweet way:

"Marry me a little, love me just enough.
Cry, but not too often, play, but not too rough.
Keep a tender distance so we'll both be free.
That's the way it ought to be.
I'm ready...
Marry me a little, body, heart and soul.
Passionate as hell, but always in control.
Want me first and foremost, keep me company.
That's the way it ought to be.
I'm ready! I'm ready now!
Oh, how gently we'll talk. Oh, how softly we'll tread.
All the stings, the ugly things, we'll keep unsaid.
We'll build a cocoon of love and respect.
You promise whatever you like, I'll never collect.
Right? Okay, then. I'm ready now..."

Cynical? At first glance, but the deeper meaning seems so damned civilized. Here is someone clearly seeking only the pretty side of love. Imagine the sweet glances, the held hands, the romantic evenings out (or in) and all the joys of love without the hassles and headaches that come with even the best of relationships. (I'm not just talking about free sex...anyone with semi-decent looks and the social skills God gave a turnip can get laid.) This is more of an emotio-intellectual fantasy of sincere love and affection kept just light enough to prevent the onset of jealousy, anger, ennui, etc. Who among us would not consider such a proposition incredibly positive?

It's late and I am sleepy. More later...

FLT3

Technically...

I made a post today. Here it is. :-)

FLT3

Back Again...

Why is it whenever I make a pledge to update my blog, that's when I usually have a several month hiatus? It's not as if I don't enjoy blogging...or even that I don't have that many interesting things to say...it just seems to slip my mind...

I have been shamed into making my semi-annual attempt to post more often. My friend Aaron White (who is a very judicious and dedicated blogger) has mentioned more than once that I am somewhat slack in keeping my postings up-to-date, so I will try once again to be more attentive to all three people who read these missives...:-)

Things are going pretty well. There is a potential romantic attachment in the making...waaaaaaay too early to call it anything serious, but she's really quite lovely and I'm interested to see what can happen...I won't jinx it by saying any more...

Just started rehearsal for Mega-Heroes, the show I am directing for Bham Children's Theatre. It's typical kid-show material, but it's basically a big comic book onstage, which is fun. The set is GINORMOUS! Quite possibly the most ornate and large set with which I have worked in several years. The cast is excellent, and I know the kids will enjoy the show. I am also involved (as a cast member) with Side By Side By Sondheim, which is being produced and directed by my friend Jack Mann. The cast of 4 people includes some heavy-hitters of Bham musical theatre. Kristi Tingle-Higginbotham, Jan Hunter, and Lonnie Parsons are my fellow cast members. I have one song and a snippet of a second one, but mine is mostly the role of host/emcee. I think it will be fun...if nothing else, I am learning LOTS of Sondheim trivia while learning my lines. SBSBS runs April 19-21 at Hoover Library Theatre, if anyone is interested.

On the political front, Bush seems to be progressing ever more rapidly towards self-destruction. His news conferences are becoming increasingly petulant, and his ratings continue to drop through the floor...please, God, just get us through the next year and a half...HILLARY IN '08!

The pollen count has to be somewhere around 100%. I drive a black car, and it has taken on the appearance of a bumblebee the past few days. Breathing isn't terribly easy, but at least it's spring. I LOVE SPRING!!!!! :-)

Well, there it is...not much else to report. I promise to at least try to post more frequently...it would help encourage me if those who read would make some comments...hint, hint...

FLT3

Settling Into Routine

Well, the holidays are officially over, life has returned to normal, and I am once again subbing pretty much every day at VHHS. (I am also registered at Mountain Brook, but Vestavia keeps me occupied most of the time.)

Rehersals are underway for GUYS AND DOLLS, which I am directing. The show opens in March, so we have plenty of time to make it perfect. The cast is particularly strong, and we have local celebrity Jeh Jeh Pruitt (of "Good Day Alabama" tv fame) in the role of Sky. Jeh Jeh is a great guy, and it'll be fun working with him. He's also quite talented, and will be wonderful in the role. Leah Luker is opposite him as Sarah Brown, and Mike Bridges & Valerie Lemmons are Nathan and Adelaide. These are all "A-list" Bham performers, so I'm looking forward to a good production. I am particualrly happy to have Ron Wilson with us as Arvide. Ron and I have been good friends for 15 years, and he has always been a sort of "second dad" to me. It'll be fun to work together again.

Not much else going on. The Democrats continue to hold a slim majority in Congress, so I have hopes that gas prices will stay remotely affordable in days to come. I watched Dubya's speech last week with disgust. Not only was he arguably drunk (or just slurring worse than usual) he actually proposed an escalation in Iraq which bears a striking resemblance to the failed efforts in Vietnam. Oh well, I'm sure he never bothered to learn about that "unpleasantness."

A few of my readers have suggested that I may be too harsh on GWB. Personally, I don't think I say half as much as I could. I'm sorry, but when a smug, semi-illiterate, heartless smartass is in the Oval Office, I think criticism is in order. I will grant that he was smart enough to select an even worse VP, so he'll be safe from impeachment. (Dubya may be an uncaring moron, but that beats a malevolent not-so-dumb nazi. "President Cheney" just has a scary sound to it...)

I am still supporting Hillary at this point, but she seems to be collecting a rather formidable group of challengers. Obama is one to watch, as is Edwards. I think Kerry is a good guy, and would have made a good president, but his chances seem slim right now. Time will tell...

On the other side of the aisle, it looks as if the GOP nomination is pretty much McCain's for the taking, unless he really screws up. There are rumors that Alabama Gov Bob Riley is on the short list for VP candidates if McCain gets the nomination. Riley hasn't screwed anything up too badly in his first term in Montgomery, but I still don't want him for VP. Anyone 100 years old with a jet-black pompadour is immediately suspect, in my opinion. Reagan was the last man alive who could pull off that look.

I am watching (well, listening to) a movie about Spanish family life for the third time today, and I have 3 more to go. It's about as thrilling as it sounds.

FLT3

Just in case you ever wondered what they were...

Here are the lyrics to "Rule, Britannia." I am very bored at work today.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_Britannia

FLT3

Fighting The Blahs

Ah, January...that lifeless month which brings all the joys and excitement of...(cue crickets chirping.)

The past couple of days have been glum. I don't start back to work subbing until tomorrow (Vestavia High School) and the past week or so has been uneventful to say the least. I spent New Year's Eve with the flu, which was no fun. Now that I seem to be crawling out from under the weather, I am left facing the bleak landscape of the first two months of the year.

Ever since I was a child, I have hated the first 59 days of the year. January is utterly without merit, and would be best slept through. February is (with apologies to the poet) the cruelest month. The thrill of Valentine's Day is gone after middle school...if you have someone special in your life, it's a pain in the ass to come up with a fun and original gift, and more often than not your expectations fall flat. If you don't have a significant other, it's just a depressing reminder of your solitude. Not to mention that by February's end, I am almost ready to scream with ennui. Slate-grey skies and 5:00pm sunsets will do that to you.

Add all of these factors together and toss in some post-holiday blues and a natural tendency towards depression, and there you have my mental state. I have an almost constant feeling of being just inches away from crying, but the "cleansing freshet of tears" (of which Ferrol Sams wrote so descriptively) never quite makes it to the surface. No matter where I am or what I am doing, it just seems sad. Not screaming-with-grief, wringing-hands-and-rending-garments sad...just a low-grade glum.

Luckily, I am about to go into rehearsal for Guys And Dolls (which I am directing) which will help. I am also making a plunge into opera with a chorus part in Opera Birmingham's La Cenerentola (Cinderella.) Although it seems miles and miles away, there is also the glowing beacon of EASTER which shines in the distance. I love Easter...it's by far my favorite holiday. All the warmth and the green, blooming, renewed feeling in the air never fails to bring me out of the doldrums. I need only hear the first few notes of "Welcome, Happy Morning" and all is right with the world. It'll be here soon...until then, I'll just look out the window and pretend I'm in England. It helps. :-)

FLT3

Happy Boxing Day!!!

Well, the gifts have been opened, the carols sung ad infinitum, and enough calories consumed to feed a small European country...yes, Christmas has come and gone once again. Given the progressively earlier retailing of the holiday, I wouldn't be shocked if the malls started hanging out signs reading "Only 364 days till Christmas! Start shopping now!"

Christmas was, as usual, a very happy and exhausting day with family and friends. I was given many wonderful gifts, and enjoyed the day. Being the Anglophile that I am, I am celebrating Boxing Day today. I think I am supposed to give a little gift to the mailman or something, but I may not celebrate to that extent. (Unless I leave that unwanted fruitcake in the post box...)

Much excitement has surrounded the incipient arrival of Jerry, my parents' new Jack Russell Terrier puppy. Jerry should be here on or before 7 January, and he has no idea the tub of butter into which he has fallen. I have no doubt that my sister and I were loved and treated very sweetly as babies, but the attention lavished on Jerry may surpass that which we enjoyed. My dad has built a doghouse nicer than most apartments in which I have lived. My friend Kim is making him a sweater (designer originals at only 8 weeks old...) and my parents' house is already filling up with doggie toys and items. I am just as excited as everyone else, so I can't really be too critical. :-)

More to come...my New Year's Resolution is to post at least twice a week. We'll see how long that lasts.

FLT3

Hear The Bells All Over London Town...

...how joyously they ring! See the lights aglow in London Town and hear each caroler sing...

So goes the song that opens A Christmas Carol, which is being performed this weekend and next by CenterStage. For a glimpse at a few of the stars, check out our website at www.centerstage-productions.org and click on "A Christmas Carol." Scroll to the bottom of the cast list and you will see Scrooge ("Dollar" Bill Lawson,) Tiny Tim (Julia Fleisig,) The Ghosts of Xmas Past (Kim Dometrovich,) Present (Paul McCracken,) and Yet-To-Come (Pam Cooper.) Each of these performers, along with the rest of the cast, has performed brilliantly. If you live in the Birmingham area, please come to the show...you won't be disappointed!

I got nice and riled up reading the editorial page today. More on that in my next post...as for now, It's time for bed. :-)

FLT3

Deck The Malls...

I am currently huddled safely behind closed doors. There is no way the crowd of deranged and driven post-Thanksgiving shoppers can get to me...I hope.

Today is touted as "the busiest shopping day of the year," and I believe it. This morning's news has already shown hordes of shoving, pushing, wildly driven holiday shopping crowds at malls and stores across the country. Bizzare sale prices are being advertised...($35 laptop? A car for $500? All this and more can be yours if you arrive at our store before 4:30am Friday!!!)

I will remain encamped in my secure little bunker until the madness passes. Watching 300-pound women fistfight over video games and giggling stuffed animals is a spectacle I can somehow live without witnessing.

FLT3

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, as usual, my vow to post daily has not been fulfilled (see the last post from 5 October...:-) At any rate, I will once again make that vow, with at least one eye towards keeping it for a while.
Many thanks to all my readers, who now number, I believe, around 7.

Today is Thanksgiving Day, another one of those holidays that gives an anglophile in America a bit of a quandary. As with 4 July, there seems to be an implied expectation to reflect upon how bad everything was in Mother England back in the 1600's. Hmmmm...not so sure I agree there. Yes, there were some issues of religious intolerance which were bad, but I sometimes have difficulty alligning myself philosophically with uptight puritan fundamentalists over the Motherland and the dear old C of E. Oh well, I do really like turkey and dressing and pecan pie...

If anyone now feels the need to blast my blogsite for my being "un-American," please don't bother. I've heard it before. I am perfectly content here in the colonies...I just love England. So there. Amen.

Speaking of dear Britannia, we are about one week away from opening "A Christmas Carol," which I am directing for CenterStage. The show is coming along beautifully, and I think it will be a high point in our season. The cast is particularly warm and friendly, and we have all bonded nicely. From our oldest cast member (75) to our youngest (4), there has been an almost palpable feeling of goodwill and cooperation throughout the rehearsal process. I could not be more proud of a cast...these guys are amazing. Add to that the fact that the cast is comprised (literally) of my closest and dearest friends, and it becomes obvious why this show is so special to me. Is it cheesy? Is the syrup laid on thicker than that on top of an IHOP breakfast special? Sure, and may it ever remain so!

I have two favorite numbers in the show, "Mr. Fezziwig's Annual Christmas Ball," and "Abundance And Charity." Both are rousing ensemble numbers, and each is performed brilliantly. I have really enjoyed watching my good friend, Paul McCracken, in the role of Xmas Present. Paul is by nature a very warm and gregarious guy, and he has embraced the role beautifully. Ditto for Don and Kristy, who are playing the Fezziwigs...sheer magic to watch them. And the list goes on...Aaron White's Fred is sincere and kind and endearing, as Fred should be. Becca Owens' Sally is his perfect counterpart, pretty and sweet and all that Fred's wife should be...Kim Dometrovich is a wonderfully cute and sassy Xmas Past...Pam Cooper's Xmas Future is chilling and commanding...Greg Hagler (one of my oldest and best friends) brings a great sinister quality to Marley...Howard Green (aka the nicest guy alive) is a wonderful Cratchit, and his family matches him in quality and good will...Julia Fleisig could not be sweeter as Tiny Tim...Sam Chalker (one of my theatre heroes) is honoring us by appearing as Old Joe. Sam is a true "man of the theatre" in every sense of the word...and of course, Raymond Quintero as Charity Man is a CenterStage staple, who always turns in a grand performance...Kimberly Piazza and Sam Raine make their song "A Place Called Home" a show-stopper...

...and then there's our good friend and local radio celebrity "Dollar" Bill Lawson as Scrooge. What can I say? Bill takes command of the stage at his first entrance and never lets go. He is truly phenomenal in the role, and a joy both onstage and off. I could LITERALLY list something nice about each cast member, and perhaps I will later. (If I didn't mention you, it's not a slight...I just don't have time to list everyone!)

I am also involved as an actor in "Scrooge," another version of Xmas Carol being presented by Birmingham Children's Theatre. I am playing the role of Bob Cratchit, and while I could never approach the level of quality Howard brings to CenterStage's production, I am enjoying the show immensely. We have an excellent director, Will York, who has done a magnificent job with the show. Many more good friends, both old and new are in this show, and it has been quite a pleasure.

Well, it's about time for dinner, and I will close for now. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all...and I promise to try and get more posting done in the next few days!

FLT3

Yet Another Day

Today I am at Mtn. Brook Jr. High again. So far so good. The classes are small and the kids are pretty okay. Eh, it's a paycheck.

Short update today...not much going on. Ed Howard, the playwright/director of Greater Tuna arrived back in Birmingham yesterday and dropped in on our rehearsal. My co-star Barry Austin and I are having a good time, and Ed seemed pleased with what he saw. For those of you unfamiliar with the show, it involves two actors playing 15 roles each...male, female, kids, and even a pet. Lots of fun but MAJOR costume changes. Let it suffice to say that while we are relatively decent looking men, Barry and I quite probably make the two ugliest women in recorded history.

FLT3

What's New...or not.

After many vows of attentiveness and failed resolutions, I am once again going to attempt to update this thing a little more frequently. Given my track record, I can't say that I am 100% optimistic, but we'll see...maybe I'll get on a streak.

We are well into rehearsal for Little Shop Of Horrors, which is going to be quite good. I am having fun with my role of Mr. Mushnik, and the rest of the cast is particularly strong. I think it will be a great success. After that is Greater Tuna (in which I perform) Scrooge with Bham Children's Theatre (in which I play Jacob Marley) and CenterStage's A Christmas Carol, which I am directing. Throw work, sleep, and some vague attempt at a social life into the mix, and life remains as happily busy as always.

Distressing news from Amish country...the rash of school shootings is, as always, upsetting on several levels. Aside from the obvious concern over the safety of children, it sort of makes you wonder how many other wounded, lost souls are out there hovering about a quarter inch above commiting some senseless and violent act. Don't get me wrong...I think anyone who hurts/kills/assaults another person should be strongly punished. I just can't help wondering what in someone's background could be so traumatic as to psychologically warp a person to commit such atrocities. There but for the grace of God go all of us.

I have been reading Sons & Brothers, a biography of JFK and Bobby Kennedy, examining not only their individual lives, but the unique way in which they intertwined. I have always been fascinated with The Kennedys...flawed, yes, but definitely the closest thing to true royalty in America. I have noticed with some distress that Teddy seems to be growing more obese and weathered almost daily. Oh well, at least he can say he has had more fun in a week than most people have in a lifetime. I recently read a biography/tell-all on EMK called The Senator. Written by a former aide, it's about 50% tabloid and 50% true substance, but chronicles all the deliciously decadent excesses for which Teddy is known...booze, hookers, drugs, etc. It's a fun bathroom or beach read...enjoyable, spicy, and imminently forgettable.

Since we're on politics...HILLARY IN '08!!!!!

That said, the midterms are coming up in mere weeks. I predict a landslide for the Democrats, and I am looking forward to it. Congressman Pedophile just drove the knife deeper into the heart of the Republican Party. I think people are finally realizing what a complete mess Bush and Co. have made of things over the past 6 years. It's almost time for Dick Cheney to shoot someone else in the face, and then their defeat will be total.

I am substituting today at Pizitz Middle School. So far so good...only one class has been utterly out of control, and even they were just a little loud and rowdy...no real troublemakers.

Still...I await 3:05pm with great eagerness. :-)

FLT3

Well stated, Eric!

I just read the response to my last posting from my friend, Eric. Although I disagree with some (well, most) of what he said, I am quite impressed with the eloquence and reasoned thought he put into his comments. Quite uncommon for a (presumed) Republican. :-)

As usual, it's late and I am tired, but I will take a moment to mention a fine production of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying that I saw this week. It is presented by MCAT (Magic City Actor's Theatre) and it is most enjoyable. I wrote a review on www.ebhm.org/theatre which should be posted in a day or two.

FLT3

Thanks to Andy D for a great link...

See the link below for Keith Olbermann's insightful and erudite comments on Bush's recent asanine comments.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6210240/

All I can say is HILLARY IN '08!!!!

FLT3

Post 9/11 Musings

After watching the 5th anniversary coverage of 9/11, I am more than ever convinced that George W. Bush is the biggest moron in the history of all humankind. From his insipid babblings on the day after the tragedy to his senseless murder of the service men and women he has sent into Iraq, this idiot doesn't belong as dog-catcher, much less as President of the United States. The man is an idiot, a warmonger, a despot and above all a malaproping buffoon. Here endeth the sermon.

FLT3

Back to school...

Today I returned to Vestavia High School to substitute. It was nice to once again have that employment opportunity, and I genuinely enjoy being around the kids. Today I had a math class, which is far from my field of expertise.

Not much else to report...I just wanted to start being more diligent about posting.

FLT3

After a pause...

As usual, I have been a bit slack about posting comments here. My apologies to the 2 or 3 of you who regularly read my musings. Consider this my semi-annual promise to be more diligent. :-)

Today marks the big American Idol audition in Bham. As exciting as it is, I do have to wonder if lightning strikes three times in the same place...oh well, if I wasn't an ancient 36, I would be down there with them. Maybe they'll start an Old Idol sometime soon.

I am interviewing today for what would be a nice little "extra" holiday-season job. Don't want to jinx it by saying too much, but if anyone reads this today, please say a little prayer, cross your fingers, etc. Details to follow either way...

The media frenzy continues to surround the increasingly bizzare saga of the fellow who has confessed to the JonBenet Ramsey murder. While I would love to see this horrifying story come to a close, I am quite unsure of this guy's claims. Is he an obvious sicko? Yes. Has it yet been proven that he commited the crime in question? No. I suppose time and CNN will tell...

My life grows increasingly full and busy...I have wound up in the Mr. Mushnik role in Little Shop Of Horrors, which I am trying to rehearse concurrently with Greater Tuna, two special-event performances, working at Music Plus and Vestavia High School, directing The Last Five Years, and all the general time-demanding activities of life. I am scheduled to get a good night's sleep somewhere around next January...

FLT3

The Boy Friend

Well, we're moving into the third week of Rising Star part 2...the older kids are getting ready to present The Boy Friend, and as usual, they have really impressed me! This is such an amazingly talented group of kids, and they are going to have a phenomenal show. After working with adults for so long, and getting accustomed to the level of attention an adult with a job, family, kids, etc. can bring to a show, it always amazes me at how quickly kids can commit everything to memory. I guess that's what happens when you're still young...all those healthy little brain cells and no real worries...ah, the joys of youth! :-)

Anyway, I am so proud of this group of kids. The future of Birmingham theatre is completely secure. I was commenting to one of the parents just last week that it's kind of scary to be essentially training your own "replacements." There is a great joy, however, in seeing them blossom. There are several kids in this group that have been around CenterStage for years, and to have known them first as little kids and now see them as young adults getting better and stronger as performers is really heartwarming...the cycle of life in full view, ya know? We even have one kid who at 15 has already directed a show, and several others who have worked in professional settings. On the other hand, we have a couple who are almost completely new to theatre, which is also exciting from an educational standpoint...having the opportunity to introduce a young person to the world of the theatre is really an honor. Even if none of these kids ever make it to stardom on Broadway, my hope is that they will all maintain a love of the theatre throughout life. If that happens, we have all done our jobs as adults and teachers.

FLT3

Happy Birthday, Leah!

Today is the birthday of Leah Luker, who is one of my very closest friends. Happy Birthday, sweetie!

(Other things are going on in my life, but I'm too tired to post them after teaching at workshop all week. More to come...)

FLT3

Here We Go Again...

Today was a fun day. We started our second CenterStage Rising Star workshop of the summer. This time the older kids (with a few younger ones joining us) are enjoying classes in acting, music, stage combat, and dance. At the end of three weeks, they will be presenting the musical The Boyfriend, which is one of my favorites. I am very impressed with this group of kids...they are all well behaved and enormously talented.

The violence at the World Cup has been distressing. The Frenchman who was involved in the head-butting was apparently provoked by a comment from one of the Italian players. It's easy to sit calmly here at the computer and say "no words should ever lead to physical violence," but if someone had called my mother a terrorist (as is rumored to have happened) I'd probably want to punch the guy out, too. I would hope that I am civilized enough not to act on that impulse, but if you're already playing for The World Cup, I guess emotions are running pretty high.

Weirdness...I've had the song "Rhiannon" running through my head all day. Now, it's a great classic and all that, but I don't remember all the words, so it's been going something like this:

Na na na na doo doo doo doo
Who will be your lover?
Dee dee dee dee boo boo boo
Something something lover...
Bum bum bum if she promised you heaven,
La la ever will...
Dum dum ever will...

If anyone reading this knows all the lyrics, please send them to me. I'm really getting tired of just humming through 2/3 of the song. :-)

Only three more shopping days until Guy Fawkes Day. I suppose fireworks would be appropriate...God save the queen!

Not much else to report. Cheers for now!

FLT3

Beebopareebop Rhubarb Pie...

I just got back from seeing A Prairie Home Companion, and the Rhubarb Pie song is stuck in my head...of course, being a Garrison Keillor fan as well as a Robert Altman groupie, I loved the movie! Add to the fact that Virginia Madsen (on whom I have had a crush for years) is in it, along with Woody "the funniest human being alive" Harrelson, and it's a hit with me.

I fell in love with Lake Wobegon when I was in high school and first discovered Keillor's books. (I even used to have a Powdermilk Biscuits t-shirt, but I have no idea what happened to it.) The film takes some familiar characters, mixes in one or two new ones, and provides a very faithful homage to the A Prairie Home Companion radio show. If you love the books as much as I do, you'll definitely get into the movie. Even if you're not familiar with Keillor's writing, the film still stands alone as an enjoyable story. Below is a link to the more substantial review I have posted on epinions.com.

http://www.epinions.com/content_240225980036

FLT3

God Save Our Gracious Queen...

Well, it's that time of year again...the 4th of July. This is a particularly awkward time of year for us Anglophiles. While the rest of the country celebrates America's independence from The Crown, there are those of us who don't view an affiliation with Mother England as such a bad thing. (I'd much rather be under Tony Blair's leadership than Dubya's, I have yet to find an American city half as grand as London, and a nation where everyone has health care seems damned civilized to me...)
Now before anyone calls Homeland Security on me, I am not suggesting that the Redcoats storm Philadelphia or anything like that...merely suggesting that we could learn a few things from our neighbors across the pond, including:

. The civilized ritual of afternoon tea. Stopping everything for scones with lemon curd and clotted cream at 4:00 could take the edge off God-knows-how-many surly and carb-deprived people every day. The Cadbury Chocolate machines in the tube stations are a nice touch, too.

.Royal Ascot. Yes, we have The Kentucky Derby (which is glorious) but this is beyond words. I have been to the racetrack, but have only seen pictures and news footage of the race itself. Even deserted, Ascot Raceway had an aura of excitement blended nicely with grace. (And yes, I did shout "Come on Dover, move your bloomin' arse!" to the empty stands.)

.The West End. Broadway but better.

. Not that one usually sings the praises of British food (even the British) but one of the best meals I have ever eaten was at Simpson's-In-The-Strand. I think I lived on peanut butter sandwiches for about a week after buying dinner for myself and a date, but it was well worth it. I remember it was July 16, 1995. (I have no idea why I have held on to that particular bit of information, but there it is...)

. European thought has always seemed very sensible to me. If one dares to mention Socialism on these shores, the word usually conjures images of grey, government-dominated drudgery. Although the UK has a Parliamentary government with a figurehead monarch, the day-to-day lives of the people are essentially lived in a Euro-Socialist mindset, and I think I have seen a greater concentration of happy, prosperous, bright, colorful people in the UK than anywhere else I have traveled. (Universal health care and governmental services do not mean that everyone has to live like an extra in Fiddler On The Roof. ) There is also a sense of social awareness and open thought in England that has genuinely touched me. Of course there is crime, poverty, etc. but there seems to be a genuine love for one's fellow man in Europe that we don't always have in the US. There are also sensible, adult viewpoints on social issues which eclipse many of the right-wing hysterical dogma (dogmae?) espoused under the rule of Bush II.

.Elizabeth Hurley. Enough said. :-)

. The sense of history in the UK is amazing. I was fortunate to spend 6 weeks at Oxford through the "Alabama At Oxford" program when I was an undergraduate at UA, and we were literally living in buildings three times the age of the US. My friends and I spent a lot of time (too much, I'm sure) at The King's Arms, a pub immediately adjacent to Wadham College, where we were staying. This pub was like a glimpse backwards into history, from the decor to the regulars, a few of whom I think may have babysat William The Normand. There is a seemingly seamless juxtaposition of the old and the new in the UK...one of my favorite vacation pictures is of a McDonald's in Bath, housed in a magnificent old building, with the Golden Arches smiling out from a window in what looks like a castle. (Admittedly, sometimes corporate sprawl can go way too far, but this was cute...)

...and the list goes on...Westminster Abbey, the white cliffs of Dover, the rough beauty of Newcastle and Durham, The Tower of London, the coast of Swansea, breakfast at a traditional British cafe (baked beans, anyone?), tea in The Georgian Room at Harrod's, a ride on Britrail trains, and the soft, lilting Mayfair accent... (sigh.)

So there you are. I am, as the song goes, proud to be an American, but I am also extremely proud of my British lineage (on both sides of the family.) On Tuesday, I will eat barbeque and watch fireworks with the rest of the nation, but I must confess that at some point, I may also have to enjoy bangers and mash while humming "God Save The Queen."

FLT3

It's A Bird...It's A Plane...

I just wrote a review of SUPERMAN RETURNS, which can be found on the following link to epinions.com:

http://www.epinions.com/content_239264108164

For those who are unfamiliar with epinions, it's a very neat website that allows you to post reviews and commentary on everything from books to electronics to movies, etc. The fun part is that you can get paid for your efforts (don't get too excited...in a year's time, I think I've earned $26.00.)

Not much time to post today, but the review will share my thoughts on the movie.

FLT3

Workshop Fun!

Tonight was opening night for CenterStage's Rising Star Workshop production of Winnie The Pooh. At the risk of sounding immodest, I think we did an amazing job! The cast is made up of 13 performers, all under the age of 12. To see what these kids are capable of doing is truly one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.

After the curtain call, the kids made a lovely presentation of flowers and gift cards to the faculty members, which was extremely kind and generous. This really is a very special group of young people...varying ages and levels of experience, but all extremely good-natured and supportive of each other. I will honestly miss each and every one of them after tomorrow night's closing performance.

It was very nice to see several familiar faces in the audience...my good friend John Hisey came up from Tuscaloosa, as did Matthew and Emily von Redlich. Matthew teaches stage combat, and the kids LOVE beating each other up every day! Also in the audience were Dianne and Kimberly Piazza (thanks again for coming...that really meant a lot to me, and I know the kids were thrilled to see Kimberly!) All of our faculty members were there, which was also very good. I think we had almost 90 people in attendance, and they all seemed to enjoy the show.

After a week or so off, we move ahead to The Boyfriend, which will feature our older kids, ages 12-17. As with Pooh, the workshop will be at 1st Methodist Church (courtesy of the wonderful Paul McCracken...thanks, Paul!) However, where Pooh performed at the church, The Boyfriend will be performed at Playhouse scenic and costume co-op. The business has just moved into a HUGE downtown building, and Ed Gurney (owner) is converting two of the upstairs floors into rehearsal/performance spaces. We will be able to re-use the Padua set from Kiss Me, Kate for The Boyfriend, so that will be nice...it's a very attractive set, complete with a balcony and a bridge connecting two of the buildings.

So there it is...the State Of The Union address on Rising Star '06. :-)

FLT3

Married

...no, I'm not referring to myself! :-) My good friends Russ and Maree were married tonight. They held the ceremony at Virginia Samford Theatre, which is where CenterStage performs. The bride was beautiful, the music was very nice (especially an excellent solo by Howard Green) and the reception in the courtyard was fun and well-attended.

Brent Jones, (who is directing Little Shop Of Horrors for CenterStage this fall) has just cast the show, and done an excellent job. There have been a few ruffled feathers from those who did not get what they wanted, but such is the nature of theatre...I know the show is going to be outstanding, and as always it will be fun to work with Brent (I am producing the show, and possibly doing a small cameo.)

Looking ahead to '06-'07, CenterStage has an exciting season lined up. It is as follows...

October 13-22: Little Shop Of Horrors (Directed by Brent Jones)

December 1-10: A Christmas Carol (Directed by Frank Thompson)

March 9-18: Guys And Dolls (Directed by Frank Thompson)

June 8-17: Cabaret (Directed by Melissa Bailey)

I think it will be a fun and successful season. I also think I will have fun going to sleep, and will be successful at sleeping. (Can you tell I'm tired?) Good night!

FLT3

Late Night Thoughts

Well, it's after 4am and I'm wide awake! After tonight's performance of Kiss Me, Kate, a bunch of us went to Formaggio's, a little all-night diner not far from the theatre. After a couple of beers I switched to Mr. Pibb, and I suppose the caffeine is doing its' thing...oh well, I haven't seen the sunrise in a while...

The show went well tonight, and Andy did a superb job stepping into the role of Harry Trevor/Baptista. Paul's wife, Nancy (who is also on the stage crew) told us tonight that Paul is recovering well from his surgery, and should retain 100% eyesight. This is good news, and we look forward to his recovery.

Next week begins the younger session of CenterStage's "Rising Star" youth workshop. The little kids will be doing Winnie The Pooh, and tonight I got Erin Mason (a grown-up friend of mine who is in KMK) to agree to come in as a guest artist and play the role of Kanga. I may also get an adult to play Pooh, which will give the kids a very good perspective on putting on a show by watching the adult "guest artists."

FLT3

Another Year Older...

Well, my birthday was Sunday (4 June) and I am now 36 years old. 35 really bothered me, but 36 is just a number, as they say. I had a wonderful day, starting with church and breakfast with my parents. I then had a performance of Kiss Me, Kate which went extremely well. After the show several friends treated me to drinks at Rojo (a local Mexican restaurant) and then Melissa took me to a wonderful barbeque dinner. All in all, a very nice birthday!

The season finale of The Sopranos was a snoozer. Hardly worth mentioning. Frank Capra would have appreciated the "It's A Wonderful Life" ending, but in terms of an HBO drama, it wasn't much.

There is a little drama surrounding Kiss Me, Kate. Paul McCracken, who plays the role of Harry/Baptista, is having emergency eye surgery tomorrow to repair a detatched retina. Andy, our director, will be taking his role this weekend. I'm sure Andy will be fine in the part, but we will certainly miss Paul.

Primary results are coming in, and unfortunately my candidate (Don Seigelman) is not doing well. It looks like our current Lieutenant Governor, Lucy Baxley, will be the Democratic nominee. I would have preferred Seigelman, but Baxley will get my vote in November.

FLT3

Sopranos musings, KATE update and philosophical question...

Well, last night was the pentultimate episode of this series of The Sopranos. Starting in January, the final 8 episodes will air, and then television will lose one of (if not the) best shows it has seen in some time. Last night saw Vito's inevitable death...and I must say that I was sad to see him go. I had originally disliked the character and wished him gone, but I changed my mind after seeing him in the scenes with his wife and kids, as well as the relationship with the New Hampshire fireman. (Granted, I could have done without some of the love scenes, but they were very mild, and truly did serve a plot purpose.) It's interesting that such a minor character (until last series) was so instrumental in "humanizing" the Mafia guys. Quite possibly only Tony has shown as much of a gentle side as Vito did. Also interesting was Carmella's dream about Adrianna in Paris. The previews lead us to believe that the final episode involves Carm asking some not-so-comfortable questions about Ade's death...

At this point, Little Britain on BBC America is the only other show I truly love. Check it out if you haven't seen it. It's hysterical, and very Monty Python-esque.

Kiss Me, Kate is going to be a very good show. Right now my main concern is learning the Shakespearian dialogue. Luckily, I have a DVD of the Broadway production, so I can "learn by listening."

I was watching TCM at some point during the weekend, and saw part of an old movie with Rita Hayworth, in particular a scene where she was attemting to seduce her leading man. We never saw any bare skin below the shoulders, but there was something undeniably erotic about the scene. On the other hand, The Sopranos showed a gorgeous girl completely nude, and in a subsequent scene in a VERY "adult" situation...and although I noticed that she was very attractive, there was nothing overly sexy about the scenes. Perhaps the old saying about what you don't see being sexier than what you do see is true...and not only in terms of body parts. The Rita Hayworth scene was very charged and goose-pimply, where the more explicit scene was just sort of there. Have we as a society become so jaded that an understated sexuality grabs the attention more quickly than the overt? (Don't get me wrong...I still love the overt, but maybe there's something to be said for the implied...)

FLT3

Long Overdue

I have been very bad about posting for the past couple of weeks. It's odd...sometimes I will feel driven to post almost every day, and then I'll go for some time and the blog remains silent. Oh well, here's something new for those who follow these musings...

All of the traditional subjects covered here are moving along. Kiss Me Kate is going to be a very good production. The Sopranos is winding down to this season's final few episodes, the weather is nice, and Spring seems to have settled in for the long haul. (Or at least for that wonderful 2-week period we enjoy before the heat of Summer takes over.) Yadda yadda yadda...

On the political front, President Dumbass...whoops, I mean "Shrub" announced last night his brilliant idea to use the National Guard as beefed-up border security. Aren't we lucky to have this moron in The White House? He's keeping us safe from non-existent WMDs and at the same time protecting us from the untold dangers of Pablo the Mexican who might take away some $2.00-an-hour dishwashing job from all the Americans who are begging for that kind of work.

It's almost as if Bush has decided in his lame-duckness to literally try and make his popularity dwindle out of sight. Every day, people are killed in a senseless (and arguably illegal) war, and he's jumping on the illegal immigrant bandwagon just to draw attention away from the real dangers of the world (and to hopefully boost his numbers in the process.) What a jackass.

Hillary in '08...Hillary in '08...Hillary in '08...

FLT3

The Lusty Month Of May...

While I can't say that there has been any precipitous rise in my libido today (well, there was that Victoria's Secret commercial, but that doesn't count...) the arrival of May has set the song "The Lusty Month Of May" from Camelot running through my head over and over again. It was enjoyable and sweet at 9:00 this morning. It is now past 2:00, and I'm growing a bit weary of Mr. Loewe's delightful tune...

While not overtly sexy in a Hooter's waitress kind of way, the full arrival of spring does have a certain reproductive sparkle to it. Aside from the sneezes and coughs that invariably accompany the yellow dusting of pollen, there isn't really a downside to spring. It's easier to get up in the morning when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. Warm weather clothing is less restricting, and the long afternoons stretch into daylight-dappled evenings that seem to beckon "let's sit outside and have a drink..." (Okay, enough poetic treacle...it's nice outside, and that's good.)

Spring always seems to herald the arrival of great freedom. I suppose it's safe to assume that the umpty-jillion years spent in academic settings (from K5 to Law School) created a Pavlovian response to warm breezes and blossoming foliage. Even in the "real world," it seems that there is an unspoken acceptance of early Friday afternoons and late Monday mornings that would have seemed inappropriate in the gloom of winter.

Breeze blowing in window...birds chirping...cold beer in fridge...patio just outside...typing about to stop...

FLT3

Another wild "Sopranos..."

Wow! As usual, I have spent the post-"Sopranos" hour digesting the new developments on what has to be one of the best shows ever written. After an almost "all-Vito" episode last week, this week focused on Artie and his challenges in running the mob's favorite restaurant, Vesuvio.

Artie's character is interesting...not quite a wiseguy, but seems quite entranced by the Mafia life. He appears to be reeling out of control right now, pretty much begging a psychotic gangster to kill (or at least severely maim) him on several occasions. Some interesting imagery with the rabbit Artie shot in his garden. (As most trus "Sopranos" fans know, there are images and themes that preceed getting whacked...if Artie had started cooking eggs in the last scene, I would have bet my life savings that he was about to be rubbed out.)

Tony surreptitiously offered the services of his psychiatrist to Artie...odd.

Christopher has now fallen off the wagon, so he's likely to become even more out of control. Watching him smack the shit out of Lauren Bacall was one of those things that should NOT have been funny, but it was.

Paulie and Silvio were pretty much ignored this week, as were Meadow and Finn. That's one of the slight drawbacks to running so many good storylines at the same time. A one-hour episode is going to force some short-shrifting from time to time.

Next week promises drama with A.J. and Tony...the previews were interesting. I wonder if A.J. is going to wind up joining the "family." Tony might even encourage it to be able to keep an eye on him.

Ben Kingsley obviously has a great sense of humor. His self-parodying turn tonight was a hoot.

FLT3