Where do YOU live?

I just had a very interesting bit of perspective presented by a friend of mine on his blog. He was talking about his desire as a kid to live in Oz (as in Dorothy and the Tin Man.) I mentioned that as a kid (and sometimes as an adult) I always wanted to live on Gilligan's Island. He pointed out that in effect, we each DO live in these places. Oz having actually been a reflection of American society, was just Frank Baum's condensed glimpse at the USA. My friend pointed out that I (and I quote) "associate with rich people, brilliant people, pretty women; trying out schemes, putting on shows, having drinks, fighting, feuding, loving, and being loved." Sounds kind of like what life was like on the island...minus the headhunters, which I can do without anyway.

This set me thinking...do we all "live" somewhere else, in a manner of speaking? Does everyone have a set of experiences and significant individuals in his/her circle who represent a desired worldview/experience? We tend to think of life as somewhat random (or at least I do) but on a subliminal level, do we surround ourselves with persons and objects that reflect whatever we have established as our own personal utopia?

I certainly don't pick my friends based on their resemblance to Jim Backus or Bob Denver, nor do I live in a bamboo hut and eat nothing but coconuts and bananas. Neither does my friend have a yellow brick road painted on his floor, but that's beside the point. His comments truly strike a chord with me. I think it would be fascinating to take a group of people and really explore what childhood stories have had an impact on their lives as adults. Does the girl who loves Barbie become a beautician? Does the boy who read The Hardy Boys series over and over become a policeman? The list could go on and on...does pop culture give us an unattainable fantasy that we, as adults in the "real" world attempt (even without realizing) to recreate?

Now that I have given you all something to ponder...today's News From The Motherland...are British jails really that comfy...? I'll stick with a hotel, thanks...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7366258.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Again, A Victory...

Pennsylvania has spoken, and our girl is still in the race! Granted, we have a lot of work (make that a hell of a lot of work) yet to do, but hope remains alive. I was telling someone yesterday that I would be sincerely happy and encouraged with a 10-point win...which is exactly what Hillary got!

Admittedly, the hill ahead is a steep one to climb. The Obama-ites are formidable opponents, and their fundraising machine is well-oiled to say the least. If you are AT ALL inclined to help in the cause, go to...

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/

...and make a donation of ANY size...large or small. We are not in The White House yet, but it can happen!

As are many others, I am curious about the VP nomination... I would enthusiastically support Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama (okay, I would be a little more enthusiastic about Clinton/Obama, but either way would work...) It is my (uninformed) opinion that whoever gets the nomination would be foolish in the extreme not to ask the other. Both camps have expressed a certain unwillingness to vote for the opposing candidate, but a unified ticket would most likely round up a huge percentage of botgh camps, effectively shutting out the Republicans.

More going on in my life, but details will have to wait. The sun is calling. I love springtime!

In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown flies the St. George's Flag above #10...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7361433.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Delta Blues and BBQ

We are wrapping up our tour of BCT's Tom Sawyer with a week-long trip to Mississippi this week, followed by a few day trips next week. As of Friday next, Tom, Huck, and the gang will have finished their run. I would be lying if I said I wasn't sick to death of the show (60-plus performances of a kid's show will run a bit thin) but the company is most congenial, as several of my very good friends are in the cast. We all work and play very well together, which has made the tour fun.

Last night we enjoyed one of those little chance encounters that make life worth living...we were looking for someplace to have dinner, and Leah (our Becky Thatcher) pulled up at what seemed to be a cute little restaurant. We soon realized that we were at the Missisippi Delta Blues Museum, and a reception/showing for a local photographer (among others) was being held. We were invited in very warmly, offered food and drink, and enjoyed touring the museum and the exibit. I must confess to a slight faux pas...upon being introduced to the photographer, I complimented one photo that I particularly enjoyed...only to find out that it was not hers. (As it turns out, there were several photographers represented.) At any rate, she graciously accepted the compliment for her peer, and a good time was had by all.

As for the famed Mississippi barbeque, I have yet to sample it, but there is a particularly skeevy (translation: great bbq) place called "Abe's" not too far from the hotel that looks promising...that may be our dinner destination tonight.

On other fronts, we have begun rehearsal for CenterStage's The Music Man, which looks like it will be a strong show. (After four previous outings as Harold Hill, maybe I will finally get it right...) Spring is hopefully here for good, with the last cold spell seemingly on the way out the door.

In today's News From The Motherland... a rare Sherlock Holmes treasure...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7351250.stm

Debate tonight... HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Art

Ginger...aaaaaaaaaaaaaah, Ginger...

http://tvphotogalleries.com/data/668/2349Tina_Louise_00001382.jpg

Not much to say today, but what a nice image... :-)

News From The Motherland to follow...

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Pulling Ahead...

This made me smile...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080320/pl_nm/usa_politics_gallup_dc_2;_ylt=AmEebujFV7o1ylb0p8zPmKME1vAI

I have said it before...I'll say it again. Never count out a Clinton. :-)

Obama appears to have stepped into a quagmire with the whole "crazy racist minister" issue. His semi-defiant speech appears to have struck a sour note with many. It is looking more and more likely that the superdelegates will decide on the nominee. This could get ugly, but I am feeling more and more confident that Hillary will persevere.

The last few days have been fun. Tom Sawyer is now on tour, and we had a three-day overnight to Jackson, Alabama, which is a boring place, but only an hour or so from Gulf Shores, where our little group spent a wonderful free afternoon. There are only five of us and one stage manager on tour, and we all get along famously, so it was like a mini-vacation. I enjoyed it.

In today's News From The Motherland... remembering a giant of stage and screen:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7306378.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Yes, I've seen it...

As I mentioned in my last posting about Sherwood Schwartz's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, anyone who knows me knows that I am a "Gilligan's Island" fan. Yes, it's hokey, outdated, and silly. It's mind candy, and every so often, that's what you need...and I love it just as much as I did when I was a kid. (Just try watching an episode without smiling...you can't do it! :-)

That said, several of my friends have already sent me the "Mary Ann gets busted for pot" story.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080311/ap_on_en_tv/people_dawn_wells

Here's my two cents' worth on the matter...Admittedly, she should not have been driving. Aside from that, did she really do anything wrong? Why is marijuana illegal while alcohol (the more potent poison by far) is legal? The socio-political war on that one has been going on for years...

In my opinion, The Man is hasslin' Mary Ann.

So she had marijuana in her car... Big deal. Yawn. Give her the ticket and be done with it. Making it a "news story" six months after it happened is absurd.

I have met Dawn Wells, and she is a delightful, charming woman. Her smile is genuine, and her warmth is completely without guile or artifice. If a little herbal therapy helps her stay there, so what?

Sometimes we see mountains where there isn't even a molehill. Here endeth the sermon.

In today's News From The Motherland... Hugh Laurie snubbed by his countrymen?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7289252.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

An Overdue Honor

This week, television royalty was acknowledged...and I am proud to present today's News From The Motherland, which focuses on a very important event on this side of the pond...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7285088.stm

Sherwood Schwartz, creator of "Gilligan's Island" and "The Brady Bunch," finally got his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a major "Gilligan" fan. I also have a once-removed connection to Mr. Schwartz, as his son, Lloyd, is a friend of mine.

Congrats, Sherwood Schwartz! Thank you for all the happiness and laughter you have given to millions of people.

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Catching Up...

Just a brief post today...I did not include News From The Motherland last time, so here is a look at Baroness (formerly PM) Thatcher's recovery...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7285486.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

The Comeback Girl

WOO HOO!!!!!

"As goes Ohio, so goes the country."
-HRC

Even though I am exhausted from tech week for Into The Woods, I am energized this morning! Our girl has proven once again that you should NEVER COUNT OUT A CLINTON!!!! :-)

Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas have gone our way and momentum is returning to the campaign. I had hoped that the Obama wave was cresting and (please, God) that appears to be the case. Hillary even hinted at the possibility of taking Obama as a running mate, which I could handle...

HILLARY IN '08!!! (News from Motherland to follow...)

-FLT3

A New Treasure...

Paul Lynde on what appears to be a variety show circa mid-60's singing "Kids" from Bye Bye Birdie. This role (Mr. MacAfee) is one I have played numerous times and loved...don't pretend to be Lynde's comedic equal, but the role is a blast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TChlGm9oXI

In today's News From The Motherland...an Irish Turkey (puppet) does well for himself...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7261164.stm

HILLARY IN 08!!!

FLT3

Correcting An Oversight

...I just realized that in my last posting, I neglected to include the "News From The Motherland." I must have been tired...

At any rate, here we are with yet another installment of News From The Motherland...a man is jailed for theft. (Okay, it isn't that thrilling...)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7257579.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Successful Opening...

Last night was opening night for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. The audience was very enthusiastic, and a good time was had by all. I have really enjoyed working on this production. I will miss it when it's over. We have this weekend and next to perform, though, so maybe I will have had my fill of it by Sunday next...

Now that I Love You... has opened, I have got to turn my attention to Into The Woods, which I have woefully neglected as of late. I am playing Cinderella's Prince, which is a great role, but fortunately not TOO line-heavy. A few days of woodshedding the script should bring me up to pace.

Today is also our last in-house day for Tom Sawyer. Next week we take it "on the road" to small-town school auditoriums all over The Great State Of Alabama. Woo hoo!

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

VIVA NEW MEXICO!!!!

A small prize has just been awarded...after more than a week of counting votes, Hillary has been declared the winner in the New Mexico caucas. We still have work to do, but our girl appears to be getting a second wind. Early polls in Pennsylvania and Ohio also favor Hillary by a fair margin.

One more YouTube nugget of joy...from "Celebrate Oliver!," a semi-concert apparently done by the BBC, another rendition of "Oom Pah Pah."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRZARYlpDmI&feature=related

In today's News From The Motherland, a very celebrated piece of real estate...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7245274.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

YouTube, Take Me Away...

Okay, today is going to be a slight recap of yesterday...my girl Hillary had a rough (but not unexpected) series of defeats yesterday, and while my hopes are still high, it may be too depressing to get political today. I think another YouTube day is in order...today's subtitle could be "Songs That Make Me Smile." Most (well, all) of them have an anglophiliac bent, but that should come as no big shock to anyone who knows me...

1. From Oliver!, "Oom-Pah-Pah"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQjtMJ14gzc&feature=related
and "It's A Fine Life."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg4Pjd6GbYQ&feature=related
Both of these numbers are performed in the "Three Cripples" pub by Nancy and the ensemble. Each is cheerful in the stage version, but the film uses "Oom-Pah-Pah" as a device for helping Oliver escape the clutches of Bill Sykes. Still, the number itself is fun and happy.

2. From My Fair Lady, "Why Can't The English"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHEN20RB8UM&feature=related
This clip includes a snippet of the scene leading up to the song (which begins at 2:55.) This has always been my favorite number in my favorite show...I remember getting the record (yes, I'm that old...) for Christmas when I was in the 7th or 8th grade. I think I had worn it smooth by Twelfth Night... Also from My Fair Lady, "The Rain In Spain." By George she's got it!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMRFKFHi8V8&feature=related

3. From Mary Poppins, "Supercalafragilisticexpialidocious."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Mn5ANWTyQ&feature=related
This clip is obviously from a BBC fund-raiser, featuring the London cast. I saw this production a couple of months ago and left the theatre grinning from ear-to-ear. It was, in a word, joyful. :-)
Another favorite is "Chim Chim Cher-ee." The video was obviously bootlegged by someone with a hand-held camera, but what a gem!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWvUxBenSdY&feature=related

Okay... enough of that...time to head down to BCT and perform Tom Sawyer for legions of attentive kids...

HILLARY IN 08!!!!

FLT3

A Break From Politics...

Just for those readers who have recently observed that my blog is "All About Hillary," I am taking a break from politics today...yes, it's time for another "Favorites From YouTube" installment...

1. "A Little Priest" from the Patti Lupone/George Hearn concert version of Sweeney Todd. I think I posted this recently, but it deserves another look...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxKLqvsw0zs

2. The great Etta James singing "Roll With Me Henry" (aka "The Wallflower.") Who among my demographic can hear this song without thinking of George McFly in Back To The Future ? "Gimmie a milk, Lou...CHOCOLATE!!!" Grand stuff here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKqLNZ4BxzQ

3. Frente! Sings "Labour Of Love." This was a huge favorite in summer of '95...living at the beach, getting paid to be an actor, driving a raggedy red convertible...ah, life was idyllic...and this song was always, it seemed, in the background...late nights on the patio at Lance's or Dock Of The Bay...ah, memories...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFvWOyFNNXI

4. I suppose no trip down sentimental lane would be complete without another previously-posted song... Fat Les sings "Vindaloo," which was the World Cup song when England competed in '98...I spent that summer in Durham, with the occasional sojurn down to London...this song was EVERYWHERE...I still love it! ("Me and me mum and me dad and me gran went out to Waterloo...")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuAyAeOZlTo

5. Mama Cass sings one of my favorite songs in the world... "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." Admittedly, this was not a beautiful woman by any conventional standards, but God, that voice... if I ever get married, I want this sung at my wedding...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9La73DAKqoA

6. "New Orleans Ladies" is another favorite...if there was ever background music for a lazy, romantic afternoon, this would be it. I love this song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsRZ_O8AW9w

7. The Cranberries' "Linger." No real reason...I just like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPLXJAWUnwI

8. Tasmin Archer's "Sleeping Satellite." Ditto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuhDDx49TTw

That should provide some afternoon entertainment...and a break from politics for a day. ;-)

Finally, in today's News From The Motherland... Sir Paul and Lady Heather continue the kerfuffle over their divorce...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7236073.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

The Battle Continues...

As predicted, "Super Tuesday" did not produce a clear winner in either camp, with even greater uncertainty on our side. Hillary remains ahead in delegate count, with a fairly-comfortable 85-delegate lead. After doing the math and exploring the likely results of several upcoming contests, I think she will persevere, but it will definitely be close.

I am urging all of my readers (all 6 or 7) to consider making a contribution of any size to the Hillary Clinton campaign. Obama is rolling with a substantial money machine behind him, and our girl needs some assistance in keeping up pace. I have made my donation (small though it was...those of us who choose careers in the arts are seldom kingmakers if we move below the Broadway/Hollywood level.) Click on the link below for information on how you can help take Hillary all the way to The White House. Even something as seemingly insignificant as 10 or 20 dollars seems formidable when you consider what the results will be if a thousand or ten thousand people make a similar contribution...

https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/form.html?sc=2337

The delegates committed to John Edwards continue to hang in the balance. If those votes are thrown Hillary's way via Edwards' endorsement, we should have clear sailing ahead. So far Edwards has not made a commitment, but perhaps one will come soon... a Clinton/Edwards ticket would be formidable, so perhaps such a deal can be struck. I would be perfectly fine with a Clinton/Obama ticket, but for the moment the senator from Illinois remains the challenger...a friendly enemy, as it were. Once Hillary has the required delegates for nomination, Obama can then be considered an ally against the Republicans.

McCain would be the greatest gift Hillary could receive. If (when?) the race comes down to Clinton v. McCain, I will begin to relax a bit.

Onward, onward... our girl seems to be proceeding at a measured pace, but with consistently solid results. New Mexico remains undeclared, which virtually assures a statistical tie between Hillary and Obama in terms of delegate allocation.

Today from The Motherland... HAIRSPRAY sweeps the Olivier nominations...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7231345.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Super Tuesday!!!

Well, today is "Super Tuesday" and those of us with a political bent will be closely watching the exit polls, etc. I think my girl Hillary is going to win more states than Obama, but it's going to be close. California is looking perilous, but this campaign has proven that anything can happen. We shall see...

I am finally crawling out from under a nasty head cold that pretty much wiped me out over the weekend. Two days of doing very little beyond sipping TheraFlu and sleeping seems to have worked. Yesterday I was much better, if not 100%, and today is starting off well. Hopefully I am done with it. Today's newspaper has a front-page story about the widespread flu epedimic in Birmingham. A few pages back is the weather forecast, which predicts a high today of 76 with much cooler temps tomorrow. Alabama in February is a perfect breeding ground for all sorts of seasonal illness...

Next Thursday is opening night of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. The show is going to be amazing, despite my continually fumbling attempts to master even the most basic of choreography. Last night was a full run-through, and while I definitely have work to do between now and next week, I can see the finish line, and I know that I will make it. Vocally, it's a wonderful show, but with some intricate harmonies that are still giving me fits. As fun and rewarding as it is, this is one of the most difficult shows I have done in a long time.

On a paralell track, Into The Woods continues towards an early March opening. As soon as I Love You... is up and running, I am going to have to really start working it hard to catch up with my castmates. Into The Woods may truly be one of the best shows CenterStage has ever produced. The cast is top-notch, the director and production staff are outstanding, and it's one of the most good-natured casts I have ever encountered.

I suppose I am in a Sondheim state of mind, as I have really enjoyed checking out the following links on You Tube to the Patti Lupone/George Hearn "Sweeney Todd" concert. Both numbers are hilarious and well-performed. "A Little Priest" is ghoulish fun, and "The Worst Pies In London" show Mrs. Lovett at her most delightfully self-effacing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxKLqvsw0zs ("A Little Priest")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwzqz9ImmH8 ("The Worst Pies In London")

That's about all for now. Got to start the day early today by voting before going to BCT for two performances of Tom Sawyer.

Today from The Motherland... one last glance at Super Tuesday...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7227637.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!!

FLT3

It Always Pays To Look Up A Word.

Thanks to Wikipedia, I just saved myself from the misuse of a word. I was going to title this posting " A Pyrrhic Victory For Hillary," making reference to her win in Florida which produced no boost in delegate count. It was my (mis)understanding that the term made reference to a contest in which the victor won nothing beyond the joy of winning, (ie no prize.) I was not sure how to spell "pyrrhic" so I looked it up. Upon reading the definition, I learned that it actually means "a victory at a tremendous and devastating cost."

Okay, I'm an English nerd...I thought it was interesting. :-)

At any rate, Hillary did indeed win a prizeless contest, but one which may bring a bigger prize later on. The boost from the much-publicized Florida win can only help on Super Tuesday. If Edwards will endorse Hillary, I think we will be home free...

Obama is also helping our cause, in my opinion. He has amped up the negativity, especially in the face of the much-circulated photo of his obvious snub of Hillary at the State of the Union speech. Today he drew a negative comparison between Bill's "bridge to the 21st century" and Hillary's campaign. I am hopeful that the backlash will be enough to give our girl a boost next Tuesday. If we can command a decisive lead after Tuesday, I think we have a clear sail to the convention and (please, God) The White House.

In today's News From The Motherland... another well-deserved honour for JK Rowling.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7215772.stm

Hillary in 08!!!

FLT3

Looking Ahead To February 5...

Well, Saturday did not turn out quite as well as we had hoped in South Carolina. Hillary came in a solid second, picked up some delegates, and still retains a comfortable lead over Obama in the delegate count. However, Obama is admittedy charismatic, exciting politically, etc. The endorsements (of Obama) from Caroline and Ted Kennedy did not help matters, but I still think she will win the nomination. "Super Tuesday" should bring big wins for Hillary in some delegate-heavy states, such as NY and California.

Tom Sawyer opens tomorrow at BCT. The show is in good shape, and should come off just fine. Other theatrical projects are going well, also.

This weekend was fun. Saturday was rehearsal for Into The Woods, followed by a visit with my parents. Yesterday I went to Atlanta with some friends to see the national tour of The Drowsy Chaperone at the Fox Theatre. The show was a charming, fun, light-hearted confection which I enjoyed thoroughly. It should be a staple of smaller theatre groups as soon as the rights are released.

Today from The Motherland... a nice new job for Tony Blair.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7213355.stm

Hillary in 08!!!!

FLT3

Sweet Carolin(a)...

Well, tomorrow is the long-anticipated South Carolina primary...I think Hillary has a good shot. Obama has started to come off as snide and imperious, which I think (and hope) will work in her favor. I just received the Hillary buttons I ordered last week (www.hillaryclinton.com for those who are interested.) I started to wear one a day or two ago, but decided it was a bit early...

Since I am on a political tear (which is far from unusual) I took great interest in the fact that Dubya is going to deliver a very abbreviated State Of The Union speech. Thank God. The shorter the better. That man has been a national/international/global embarassment for seven years, but at least he seems willing to slither off into the sunset quietly. Only one more year...

Actually, I shouldn't be so hard on Dubya...bless his heart, he's just dumb. He can't help it. I would guess he's probably a decent enough guy to have a beer with, and he could certainly sit around and swap BS stories, but he's just not presidential. Granted, he would probably be an amusing small-town mayor, but still...

Not much else to report...it has been positively arctic here for the past few days, but for whatever reason it just hasn't bothered me. I have actually kind of enjoyed it for reasons stemming purely from vanity...I got a black pea-coat (which I really like) for Christmas, primarily to wear in London (which was freezing.) I had assumed it would be too warm to wear it very often in Alabama, but so far, I have gotten quite a bit of use out of it.

Tom Sawyer (BCT) I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (VST) and Into The Woods (CenterStage) continue to progress nicely towards their respective openings. Family and friends are all doing well, and my girl Hillary is going to win big tomorrow. I can feel it! :-)

Today from The Motherland...a noble bear...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7208505.stm

Hillary in '08!

FLT3

A Quick Hello

I realized that it had been a few days since last I posted, so I figured I would check in with all of my readers who now allegedly number in the low double-digits...woo hoo!

Not much to report...all is going well with Tom Sawyer, I Love You You're Perfect Now Change and Into The Woods. The weather has been extremely cold, but even I have kind of enjoyed a few days of winter.

The election cycle continues apace. I am hopeful that the recent kerfuffle over caucas voting in Nevada will work in Hillary's favor...a backlash, if you will, against what some may see as unethical advantage given to the votes of the hospitality workers.

In keeping with the election theme, a look at a very special flight attendant in today's News From The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7193296.stm

Hillary in '08!

FLT3

Playing With The Big Kids...

Well, it's a little before 6, and I am sitting in a friend's office at Virginia Samford Theatre...(thanks, Lucas!) Since he does not know I am here, I will refrain from spitting on the floor or stealing things. I never do either of those things anyway, but I will definitely not start right now. :-)

Above me I can hear the kids rehearsing for the Les Miserables:Student Edition production, which is coming up soon. I love the show and know several of the young people in it, so I am sure I will enjoy seeing it.

I am hanging out here waiting for my 7:00 rehearsal...I am at Bham Children's Theatre until 5:00, so it makes little sense to go home between the two. I am in rehearsal for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, which is the subject of my headline today...

ILYYPNC is a 4-person show, and my three co-stars are Jan Hunter, Kristi Tingle-Higginbotham, and Howard Green. For those who do not know Birmingham theatre, these guys are the cream of the crop. I have done shows with each of them, but never all together. I am, as I said, definitely "playing with the big kids." It is going to be a wonderful show...very funny with delightful music (most of which has a 50's-ish doo-wop feel.) We open on Valentine's Day, for those who are interested. I strongly recommend it...it's going to be a great show!

On the political front, it appears that Obama is pulling slightly ahead of my girl Hillary in the Nevada polls, but she is still within the margin of error. I think this contest will be hard-fought, but I have faith...she can do it...HILLARY IN '08!

Not much else to say today...it's cold outside, but even I have to admit it's kind of nice. I have enjoyed actually getting to wear sweaters and coats for a few days.

Today from The Motherland...you're never too old to dance...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cambridgeshire/7185908.stm


FLT3

Polite Chimp

Today from The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7180661.stm

...a very polite chimp. :-)

Not much to report today. God's in His Heaven and all's right with the world.

HILLARY IN '08!!!!

Cheers!
FLT3

GO, HILLARY, GO!!!!!

Today, I will lead with the News From The Motherland, which tells of the AMAZING victory last night in New Hampshire...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7178168.stm

I will confess to having been a total theatre nerd and popping My Fair Lady into the cd player last night and playing "You Did It" a few times, in honor of Hillary. Our girl has, indeed, "found her voice" and I predict a hard-fought contest with Obama...ending in Hillary's nomination and election. (At least that's what I hope will happen.)

It was easy to recall the excitement that surrounded Bill's election in 1992. I was at UA at the time, clustered with several friends around the TV on election night. I remember the sheer joy, energy, and HOPE that came into the Oval Office with our last Clinton. At the time, I was glad to get rid of the then-President Bush...who would have guessed his son would have made him look so good, so wise, so presidential?

We've had eight years of the evil being led by an idiot. We've had eight years of winter...and now it's time for spring. If Bill was going to "force the spring" a decade and a half ago, Hillary can welcome the warmth and blossoms that come with the season.

It's easy to get caught up in the heady wind of victory...I have already been thinking about how wonderful it will be to return a sophisticate to the White House. After eight years of a semi-illiterate bumpkin, we're starved for some culture. After eight years of a semi-theocracy, it's time for some seperation of Church and State...and it's time to cast off the shackles of a hidebound, reactionary, puritan administration.

Yes, I believe in God, and I go to church (okay, not as often as I should, but still...) I am not some godless heathen, and I do not advocate crack deals at grade schools or sex in the middle of the Galleria...I just think many issues of morality are best left to the individual, which is exactly the message Hillary is sending.

The last Clinton brought eight years of economic prosperity. Bush II has done his best to run that into the ground.

The last Clinton had a consentual liason with another adult, (which should have been a private issue between The President and his wife.) The most recent Bush lied to start an illegal, immoral war where thousands have been killed. You tell me which one is more immoral...

Hillary wants us out of Iraq. I could not agree more.

Looking ahead, we've still got some work to do. Obama is still a formidable opponent, but in many ways I think he's the most formidable. Once Hillary has the nomination, she should find it easier to defeat any Republican in November. McCain is to mean-spirited...he will snap at the wrong time...Romney is too smug...Huckabee is a buffoon...Rudy might be a little harder to beat, but our girl can take him. I am cautiously optimistic about November.

Go Hillary!!!!

FLT3

Hillary in '08!

As we head towards New Hampshire, I am enthused but concerned about my girl Hillary... I still think we can win the nomination, but Obama is making it a bit more difficult than the walkover we had all envisioned. I am still confident, but it's going to be a slugfest. If memory serves, Bill lost Iowa and came in second in New Hampshire in '92...perhaps history will repeat itself...

I could live with Obama, and will certainly vote for him if he gets the nomination, but my heart is with Hillary. The Clinton years were good ones for me, and the thought of Clinton II brings me joy...if nothing else, however, the reign of Georgie the Second is almost over. We have survived.

Today from The Motherland...a comment upon Mrs. Clinton's campaign.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7174536.stm

FLT3

Home Again...

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home...

I must confess that even though it was hard to leave The Motherland, I am glad to be back. After an excruciating wait at the Atlanta Airport (which has to be the most inefficient airport in the country) our happy group arrived back in Bham around 8:00 or so Thursday night. I was, of course, exhausted, and slept a great deal. Last night was not much better, although I did make it to rehearsal, falling back into bed around 9:00 and almost sleeping the clock around. I think jet lag is almost vanquished now, and I should be back on a normal sleep pattern by Monday.

Our trip was delightful. I spent almost all of New Year's Day in Oxford, showing my friend Raymond around the town. We visited Wadham College, where I spent a glorious month as an undergraduate through the "Alabama At Oxford" program. The porter was nice enough to let us wander freely, and I revisited some old haunts. We then had lunch at The King's Arms Pub (next door to Wadham) and strolled the city. Like all walks down memory lane, it was a touch bittersweet, but mostly happy. I will, of course, be back...

The West End theatre scene was hoppin', of course. We saw 4 shows, MARY POPPINS, SPAMALOT, and AVENUE Q (all of which I loved) and THE LORD OF THE RINGS (which I have no plans to ever waste time on again.) I noticed that GONE WITH THE WIND:THE MUSICAL is set to open next summer...not sure if it's a new script or a revival of the 1970's flop. As a GWTW fan, I would be interested to see it if for no other reason than as a curiosity.

Since Raymond had never been to London, we hit most of the touristy spots, which was kind of nice. It had been a long time since I had seen The Tower of London, and I enjoyed seeing it again. Harrod's was crowded but fun, and The British Museum was just as grand as I recalled. My favorite spot will always be Westminster Abbey, and we went to Evensong there. Breathtaking...

Covent Garden remains another favorite, and I made my traditional pilgrimage to St Paul's Covent Garden, where Henry Higgins first met Eliza Doolittle. It was nice to see that the cart called "Eliza's Sweetie Shoppe" was still up and running. Continuity is sometimes a good thing.

Made a stop at King's Cross Station, where an "official" Platform 9 3/4 has been set up for us Harry Potter fans. There is a sliced-off luggage cart attached to the wall, which creates the illusion of entering the wizarding world...I also picked up a copy of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone (called the Sorcerer's Stone in the USA.) I was tempted to buy the complete hardback boxed set of the British editions, but at almost 200 pounds (400 dollars) it was a bit out of my price range...oh well, maybe next time...

Etc...etc...etc... I won't bore my readers with excruciating details. Suffice it to say a good time was had by all. I believe a New York excursion is a real possibility for this year. I will start looking into it next week, as allowing a year to plan seemed to work well for everyone.

In today's News From The Motherland...an old man who has clearly taken leave of his senses...perhaps I could "take his place" in England...?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7172925.stm

Cheers!
FLT3

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

It's 4am in London and I am about to crash...Happy New Year to one and all!!!!

MARY POPPINS was delightful.

Tomorrow is a day trip to Oxford.

Details to follow.

Rule, Britannia!

FLT3

Day Three In London

Last night was SPAMALOT at The Palace Theatre (former home to LES MIZ which has now moved across town.) Amazing...phenomenal...I can not say enough good things about SPAMALOT. Even those who are not Monty Python fans should love it. A complete hit!

Yesterday's tour was fun and informative...a high point was driving down Fleet Street and seeing the locale of Sweeney Todd's atrocities. Ghoulishly clever of them to have a pie shop on site...

Today will most likely include a visit to Harrod's, and possibly a walking tour. I am definitely planning a day trip to Oxford, which may be on the agenda for tomorrow. So much to do, so little time...

It's good to recharge the batteries with a few days here in The Motherland. If I don't breathe English air every couple of years or so, I begin to get depressed. Every day here makes me feel more rejuvenated, despite the fatigue from walking everywhere (well, okay, there is the tube and the taxis, but you get the drift...)

More later...cheers!

FLT3

First Dispatch From The Motherland

Saturday Morning, 8am: Just finished breakfast and am about to start the day. Arrived safe and sound yesterday and managed to stay awake through the day by basically never slowing down...took a long walk and, admittedly, got blissfully lost in London. A couple of hours of complete displacement was delightful.

Staying at the St. Giles' Hotel, which is quite nice. It's within walking distance of King's Cross Station and the West End, which is very convenient. Last night was fun...had dinner with some friends at a cafe in Covent Garden, and then saw LORD OF THE RINGS at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Amazing stagecraft, phenomenal sets, a technical treat...with one of the most pedestrian scores I have ever heard. The Tolkein fans should keep it alive for a while, but I don't know that it will ever join MY FAIR LADY and HELLO, DOLLY as one of the classic musicals of all time...

Today is our half-day tour of the city, including The Tower of London, which I have not visited in years, so it should be fun. Tonight will probably be either MARY POPPINS or HAIRSPRAY.

Will post more later...Rule, Britannia!

FLT3

Boxing Day and Off To The Motherland...

Happy Boxing Day!!!

Yes, Christmas has come and gone, and tomorrow we leave for The Motherland...14 CenterStagers and I are departing for London tomorrow afternoon. We will be there for a week, and I am ready to get there! This time tomorrow, I will be approaching The Sceptered Isle... Friday night brings Lord Of The Rings at Her Majesty's Theatre, and the week beckons beyond that...

The holidays were, as always, wonderful. My mother truly outdid herself on Christmas dinner, which was simple but outrageously good...standing rib roast (medium rare, of course) with a mountain of mashed potatoes, green peas, and salad. Add some melt-in-your-mouth garlic rolls, a pretty decent merlot, and some lemon cake and ice cream...and that was Christmas dinner at chez mum and dad. I honestly don't remember when I've had a better meal. :-)

Saw Sweeney Todd last night with some friends. I loved it, but I am not a Sweeney purist. I understand that to those who are persnickety about such things, the singing by Depp and Bonham-Carter was not up to the stage version, but I really enjoyed the film.

Not sure what internet access will be like for the next week, but will try to post from time to time.

Today's News From The Motherland...will be reported in person ASAP. :-)

FLT3

Flatus Interruptus...?

Not much time to post today...between performances of A Christmas Carol at BCT...

Today from The Motherland, a gassy pensioner is ejected from his pub.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7126973.stm

FLT3

Christmas is here again...

Tonight was opening night for CenterStage's A Christmas Story. We had a good opening, a somewhat small but receptive audience, and a very nice cast outing to Formaggio's afterwards. Yesterday was opening day of A Christmas Carol at BCT, and it is going well. We have already done 4 performances. Obviously, I am beginning to feel the Christmas spirit.

I was taking a reflective moment today at BCT...and I started recalling the very first time I worked there. It was 1985, and I was 15 years old, playing the "goose boy" who fetches the bird for the newly-redeemed Scrooge on Christmas morning. I remember thinking the Birmingham Civic Center was the most massive theatre in the world...and one of the most modern.

There was a special feeling to that Christmas. This is complete conjecture, but I think my dad got a substantial rise that year, or perhaps there was some investment that really did well for my parents. Whatever the reason, that was a particularly lavish Christmas at our house. Gifts had always been plentiful at Christmas, but that year I remember my sister and I were basically swimming in gifts. It was also (and much more importantly) the first year I truly felt the significance of giving. I was a sophomore in high school and there was a collective drive to provide gifts and food for a needy family. I remember walking through the hall on the way to homeroom and contemplating the act of giving and enjoying the way it made me feel. (Don't misunderstand...I am no saint, but I do enjoy giving to others.)

Anyway, 1985 will always be remembered as the "Rich's Christmas." Rich's was a department store in Birmingham at the time. While not extremely expensive, it was a notch or two above the other department stores. Rich's was a little more dimly lighted, the walls were stained a darker wood-tone, and the salesgirls were just a bit prettier than the ones at Parisian or Pizitz. The Christmas lights were rich and luminescent gold and red, and the piped-in music at Rich's was usually a symphonic recording of something like "Coventry Carol" or The Nutcracker. In short, Rich's was the "nice" department store.

We usually bought a few special gifts at Rich's, and then went to the more everyday stores for other gifts. My parents, while very kind, loving, and giving, were not ones to pay an extra five dollars for the right of carrying a Rich's bag through the mall...especially if the bag contained an item whose identical twin could be purchased elsewhere for less.

For whatever reason, we bought pretty much every gift at Rich's that year, and I will always associate BCT and A Christmas Carol with that really wonderful Christmas I had in 1985. I even remember my mother picking me up at the theatre one day and asking if instead of going back to school (we were doing daytime shows requiring a "check out" from school) I would like to get lunch and go shopping. Needless to say, my answer was yes.

We ate lunch at cafeteria in the mall and shopped at Rich's after I performed in A Christmas Carol at BCT in the morning. That day remains one of my favorite Christmas memories...a very uneventful and ordinary day, but for some reason one that has become emblematic of warm holiday happiness.

I know, that story had no point...I am just free-flowing.

Today from The Motherland...Sarah, the wife of PM Gordon Brown, promotes reading. I agree.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7122428.stm

FLT3

Thankful...

Somewhere in one of his commentaries, professional curmudgeon Andy Rooney said that Thanksgiving is a "good, quiet, low-key holiday." I agree. Basically, the day consists of eating, sleep, and more eating. Not a bad way to spend an autumn afternoon...

It finally feels like autumn. Outside, the trees have turned a Norman Rockwell brown/red/orange and there is a definite nip in the air. Even for us warm weather fans, it's kind of nice.

I won't get obscenely maudlin and do a syrup-laden "this is what I am thankful for" essay, but I will say this...I have a pleasant, satisfying life, some good friends and a loving family. I am lucky, and I know it. :-)

Paula Deen is prattling on the tv screen across the room...I find it very amusing that she keeps talking about "using her grandma's pot" or "how wonderful grandma's pot always was" or my favorite..."grandma's pot was just something special." Yes, she's talking about an antique cooking utensil, but the thought of Paula and Grandma Deen getting completely baked is entertaining...perhaps that's why Paula became a cook...

In today's News From The Motherland, a look at the colonies...and the good news that The Grinch has not stolen Christmas after all...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7107264.stm

FLT3

Diamond Day...

Today from The Motherland...a royal anniversary.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7101094.stm

Not much else to say today... God Save The Queen!

FLT3

Good Day Thought...

Today has been a very good day for a variety of reasons...won't bore any of my seven or eight readers with the details...it's just been a nice day.

That sort of set me thinking about the absolute crapshoot that is any given day...when we wake up in the morning, it's a clean slate. Nothing has yet happened, failed to happen, etc. All is possibility...then we begin to take actions and make decisions, and the day becomes whatever it will be. Granted, our actions mold and shape our outcomes, but there's quite a bit of random chance and dumb luck involved. If one was inclined towards Calvinism, predestination could be blamed. I, however, believe that God gives us the power to choose, and then sits back and watches us to see what happens...

Okay, moment of depth is over...here's a lovely story from The Motherland about a Swiss gentleman who blamed his excessive speeding on the absence of goats on the road.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5322302.stm

FLT3

God Bless Us Every One...

Yes, it's that time of year again...I have been cast once again as Bob Cratchit in BCT's A Christmas Carol, which is always one of my favorite holiday stories. Yes, it's syrupy, hackneyed, trite and predictable...and I love it! I have always read the Dickens book on Christmas Eve (you can read it in a couple of hours) and usually either perform in or see at least one stage version per year. Add to that the near-ubiquity of the various film incarnations, and it's pretty hard to escape Scrooge and Co. at the holidays!

A Christmas Story is moving along nicely. Ralphie's eye is still intact, but that BB gun could lead to trouble...

On a personal level, I am happy to say that my dad is out of hospital and back home. He seems to be recuperating slowly but steadily, which is just fine. I spent a little time with him this morning, and he seemed in good spirits.

Our London excursion draws closer...from 27 December to 03 January, I will be leading 15 people on a trip to The World's Greatest City...a few among us have never been, so I am looking forward to playing unofficial tour guide. Rule, Britannia!

Not much else going on right now...the pre-primaries continue apace. So far, my girl Hillary is doing well. A few missteps aside, I think the nomination is hers for the taking. Hopefully by this time next year, we will be reading news stories about President-Elect Clinton.

I will withold comment on Dubya the dumbass. I'm in a good mood and want to keep it that way.
The whole "I'm gonna veto health care for poor kids but give me countless billions for a pointless war" thing just gets me riled...

Today from The Motherland...some changes in EuroStar service to Paris.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7093761.stm

FLT3

Guy Fawkes Day

Remember, remember, the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
I know of no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.

05 November is an important day for us anglophiles...it was on this day that Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent to blow up king and parliament...(with apologies for what I am sure is a paraphrased quote.) I haven't seen too many effigies burning in Birmingham, Alabama. Oh well...there it is...

Today From The Motherland...an amusing story from the archives...about a monkey who likes to fly commercial air...

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

FLT3

Quick Catch Up!

I am afraid I have once again neglected my readers...from what I have recently been told, there may be as many as 7 or 8 of you...can double digits be far away????

Lots has been happening...Thoroughly Modern Millie closed, rehearsals began for A Christmas Story, and Rumplestiltskin continues for this week and next with BCT. I really like my fellow actors, and will always seek out their friendship...however, I will not miss the show...six weeks is long enough...

Those of us who work in local theatre (I hate the term "community theatre") get rather spoiled with a 5 or 6 week rehearsal period followed by a two-weekend run...you really don't have time to get tired of the project at hand.

My dad has been in hospital for several days and will most likely be there several more...won't bore anyone with details...he's just getting old, and that's sad, but what can you do? As the saying goes, getting old beats the alternative...I have been trying to visit as often as possible, and my mother and sister are usually with him, so he hasn't lacked for company. Hopefully he can come home soon.

Mortality, as the saying goes, is a bitch. I was texting with a good friend today, and he mentioned having had chest pains over the weekend, which turned out to be nothing, but were still scary. I suppose we (my friends and I) are all reaching the age where we need to take better care of ourselves.

Time marches on...the BCT show was in Tuscaloosa last week, so I took a friend of mine from the tour out to Buffalo Phil's (beer and chicken wings) and another friend who had also gone to UA drove down and joined us. After we got through staring in utter confusion at all the junior high kids (who turned out to be college students,) we marveled at how much the landscape had changed...new buildings, etc. This reverie was wistful, but bearable, but then we saw...the horror...

THE BOOTH IS NOW A POLICE STATION!!!!!!!

For the uninitiated, The Booth was a grand old beer joint in the tradition of a bygone era...dark, smoky, loud, and in disrepair. A couple of mangy pool tables and a shabby bandstand were the only decorations other than grafitti. It was a low establishment, and reeked of beer, sweat, cigarettes and God-knows-what...relationships, vows of sobriety and good common sense seldom survived an evening at The Booth...

...and I loved it.

Now a cornerstone of my misspent youth is a police substation...all glass and chrome and shiny clean...no drug dealers, drunk sorority girls or aging hippies (except those in the drunk tank)...no beyond gawdawful student bands banging away atonally on stolen guitars...no loud laughter or rebel yells permeate the interior of this once revered/reviled establishment...

Farewell to The Booth...whenever I get almost-sick off watermelon shooters (not planning to anytime soon, but you never know...) I will think of the nights spent inside your walls.

Today from The Motherland...Harry Potter comes to Broadway...sort of...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7079618.stm

FLT3

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid...

Well, as usual, I have been remiss in updating this thing...Thoroughly Modern Millie turned out to be a tremendous success artistically. 4-star review from The Bham News, enthusiastic and respectably-sized audiences, and excellent performances from the cast. I am exhausted but very happy.

No rest, however, as we had our read-through for A Christmas Story last night. As with Millie, the cast is outstanding, especially local radio celeb "Dollar" Bill Lawson as The Old Man. Hopefully the antics of Ralphie and his BB-gun inspired mania will entertain and amuse... :-)

Not much else to report, but I will try and put down something insightful and pithy this weekend.

Today from The Motherland...Pottermania continues...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7062090.stm

FLT3

Sidewalk, etc.

To quote my friend and fellow blogger Aaron White (from several years ago) oh, I had me a blast at the Sidewalk. (I also ran into Aaron there this year, so he and Sidewalk have become inseperably linked in my mind.) For those who think there were two grown men playing marbles on the pavement, allow me to clarify..."Sidewalk" refers to the Sidewalk Film Festival, which is held every September in and around downtown Birmingham. I am slightly ashamed to admit that this was my first time to attend. It will not be my last! :-) The fare is mostly indie films (some locally produced) and I imagine the quality varies. The films I saw were all quite good...one was about an x-rated country singer (dirty lyrics, not coitus while singing...although that would be a neat trick...) Another was about 2 guys rowing a boat from New Jersey to The Bahamas (pretty good but a little dull in spots) and the third was a series of animated shorts ranging from outstanding to not-so-bad. In all, a very enjoyable weekend. Rumplestiltskin has hit stride and we are settling in for the long haul. Tomorrow is another three-performance day (ugh) but for the most part, it's fun. The kids seem to be enjoying it, I like all my castmates, and the paycheck, while not lordly, is decent. On other theatrical fronts, Thoroughly Modern Millie is showing potential for greatness. I don't want to tempt fate by gushing TOO much, but I think it will be quite good. Incidentally, if anyone was wondering, I did buy the Passat. I love it! It's amazing how quickly the year has gone by. I recently spoke with a friend who is going on the CenterStage London trip in December (still time to sign up) and she made the comment that we will be in London in three months. Wow. It seems like yesterday that I sent out the first "would anyone be interested in this" letter back in January. On that note, I will keep the British theme going with today's News From The Motherland...an Irish fair turns tragic when the Lord Mayor tries to jump over a human tomato... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7026851.stm FLT3

Home-School Day

It's home school day at BCT...wooo hooo! We just finished the first of three performances, and I can honestly say that we performed for more adults than kids. They were a sedate crowd, but really seemed to like the show.

Home schooling is an interesting phenomenon...it certainly leaves open the opportunity for abuses, as does just about anything, but for those who truly stress social interaction for the kids (ie scouts, theatre, athletics, etc.) it seems to work pretty well. The homeschoolers I have known have been, for the most part, very intelligent and well-educated...one does hear horror stories, though...

Thoroughly Modern Millie continues to make her way towards opening. I think we will be in good shape. I am really impressed with the vocal abilities of this cast...I don't recall such a strong group of singers in any recent shows.

Planning to see MCAT's Bye Bye Birdie this weekend. I have several good friends in the show, and it truly is one of my favorite musicals. The reviews have been uniformly positive, so I am anticipating enjoying it.

Considered buying a 2001 Mazda 626 yesterday...the price was right, and the car looked good, but after talking to several friends who know much more than I about cars (which isn't hard) I was advised that Mazdas tend to run out of steam around the 90k mark, and this one wasn't too far from it...the search continues, and must accelerate. My friends are getting tired of carting me around.

Today from The Motherland...a BIG baby... :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7015841.stm

FLT3

Car Woes

Well, as has been long-predicted by those who know me, my car has finally died. Yes, the seemingly indestructible Altima has finally passed away at the age of 165,000. Please do not send flowers, just a donation to the charity of your choice...like the Frank Needs A Car Foundation...



I have seen a car I would like to buy...a somewhat used but still in good shape Volkswagen Passat...such things as negotiation, counter-offers, etc. loom imminent. It would be nice to have the money to just buy a brand new car, but alas, that is not in my budget right now. Perhaps in a year or two...



We're between performances of Rumplestiltskin, and "10" was just called, so I'll close for now.



Today from The Motherland...Amsterdam brothels make way for condos...hmmmmm...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7005768.stm

FLT3

Second Posting...

It isn't often I post twice in one day, but this little nugget of joy from The Motherland was too good to pass up...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6993762.stm

FLT3

Three-A-Days...

Today is a "three-a-day" at BCT, meaning that we will do three performances, at 930, 11, and 1230 respectively. It's a bit taxing, but the trade-off is that we have Mondays off. (Of course, I have the luxury of working in a job where getting off work at 1:15 is a "long" day...:-)

Thoroughly Modern Millie is also progressing very well. The leads are particularly strong, and the ensemble is equally good and reliable. I think we will have a very successful show. More discussion of TMM as it progresses towards the 12 October opening.

Not much else to report...a semi-planned weekend beach trip has been scuttled due to the incipient arrival of Hurricane George. Somehow paying for a nice place to sit and watch the rain doesn't seem the best use of one's spending money...

Today's News From The Motherland...the QE2...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7005952.stm

FLT3

RUMPLESTILTSKIN, New Flat, and Notoriety

Today was opening day of Rumplestiltskin at Bham Children's Theatre. I am playing the role of Sir Hugo, a sort of puffed-up Royal Treasurer kind of fellow. I would be lying if I said it was the pinnacle of artistic gratification, but on a humanitarian level, it can't be beat...the show is performed in the "Wee Folks" theatre, where the target audience is kindergarten-3rd grade. Though the show is (understandably) simple and short, I have already caught sight of a couple of kids in each audience (2 shows per day) who seemed transfixed. When you stop to think that your performance may be creating a love of theatre in a young person, you can't help but feel as if you are doing something good for humanity.

The paycheck is nice, too...not getting rich by any means, but I can honestly say that I am a paid, working actor. That's not something that many people in Birmingham can say...

I just moved into a new apartment. For the few of you who may have seen my previous apartment, it was (to put it mildly) gruesome...Dank, dated, and dungeon-like, this little hole in the wall was not a place into which I would invite people. Why was I living there, you may ask? It was cheap, convenient to Southside, and when I needed a place to live a year ago, I honestly thought I wasn't at home enough to warrant a nicer place. Needless to say, I was wrong...

Anyway, my lease was up at the end of July and the place I decided to move did not have a unit open until 10 September. I can now say that at age 37, I survived six(!) weeks bunking at my parents' house. Actually, it wasn't so awful...they were very nice and accomodating, and I enjoyed spending some time with them. However, by the time 9 September came round, I had bag and baggage packed and ready to go...

I am now living at Wildwood Crossings, where I lived in law school. An interesting perspective on life has come round since then...when I first moved in in '97, the complex was brand new. I was literally the first person to ever live in my apartment. Through the years that followed law school, I looked back on Wildwood as a sort of suburban idyll, a fantasyland where all was bright and shiny. (Remember that after undergrad, this was my first really "nice" apartment.)

Ten years later...it's still very nice. I am paying the rent myself now, as opposed to mom & dad, so it isn't quite the enchanted spot it was before. Plus, it's now a 10-year-old complex, and while it's very well-maintained, the sheen of brand-newness is gone. There has been some redecoration, and the bold wallpaper (which I loved) has been replaced by a textured muted-beige paint/plaster design (which I like just fine.)

Bottom line: what was once a never-never land of parties and the last burst of carefree youth is now a slightly more shopworn but still comfy and happy "real world" home. I still have to chew on the philosophical implications of all this, but I think my surroundings sort of reflect the disparity between the late 20's and late 30's. The latter still has fun and laughs, but perhaps slightly muted by time and creeping maturity. Not all bad, to be honest...

As for the notoriety, I have once again been mentioned on my friend Aaron's blog. Aaron is quite a fine writer, and I always enjoy seeing myself through his eyes. I usually fare pretty well...can't say I would enjoy it as much if he devoted a weekly column to "Frank is a bastard and here's why." Hopefully, that won't happen... :-)

Today from The Motherland...The Sex Pistols reunite! I remember listening to "Never Mind The Bollocks" back in the day...now most of the original fans have SUVs and 401(K)s. Sort of makes you doubt mainstream commercial anti-establishment musicians, huh...?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7000180.stm

FLT3

I Love My Cast...

No, I haven't broken an arm (though I suppose a leg would be appropriate, given my profession...) I am making reference to the cast of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE which will be presented by CenterStage in October. This cast is really something special...

First, they are almost scary-talented...this is a group of truly brilliant performers. At a recent music rehearsal, I was out of the room for a moment, and honestly thought someone was playing the CD...but it was just our cast singing. :-)

Not only are they talented, they are also incredibly nice and friendly and agreeable. I honestly look forward to seeing this group of people every night! I predict that MILLIE will be a tremendous success, due not only to the sheer talent, but also the tangible warmth and goodwill among the cast.

SO...please come and see the show...you won't be disappointed!

In today's news from The Motherland...a very special kitty! (I love the British term "moggie...")
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6989055.stm

FLT3

Warm & Fuzzy Story

Today from The Motherland...a story about motherhood:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6984122.stm

Although the potential for abuse is high, and regulation & enforcement will be difficult if not impossible, it's damned civilized to see that Queen & Country care about good nutrition for babies. It makes me smile to think of it. :-)

FLT3

Try To Remember...

As I write this, I am sitting in a friend's office downstairs at Virginia Samford Theatre (thanks, Lucas!) waiting for my next entrance in the VST Gala. Above me I can hear another friend masterfully singing "Try To Remember" from The Fantasticks (excellent job, Carl!) I just glanced at the news online and saw that Madeline L'Engle died today. One of the first "grown up" books I ever read was A Wrinkle In Time, and I have always credited L'Engle with helping me discover a lifelong love of reading. Add to this passing that of Pavarotti, and the "Try To Remember" song takes on a particular poigniancy...

Life, however, goes on. There will be other magnificent authors and other incredible singers, but the world is a bit less "sparkling" tonight with these two missing. Rest In Peace, both...

On a more cheerful note, an amusing story from The Motherland:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6981956.stm

It's nice to know that in a world of violence, sadness, and assorted acts of nastiness that Alan Cumming's arse can still cause a stir in Scotland.

FLT3

Get Well, Maestro...

In today's News From The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6980686.stm

...opera legend Luciano Pavarotti is reported in "serious" condition. Our prayers are with you, LP...God, what an amazing voice...

The frailty and temporary nature of the human body is sort of terrifying if one really stops to consider...thousands of living, functioning component parts...no matter how well they are maintained, one too many will go sour within 100 years or so, even by the most optimistic statistics...mortality is, as the saying goes, a bitch.

FLT3

History Again at The Tower

From The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6975559.stm

It looks as if one of the last bastions of the old-boy network has been breached. For the first time in history, a female Beefeater is on duty at The Tower of London. I must say, "well done!"

Admittedly, I am a traditionalist when it comes to The Sceptered Isle. I mourned the passing of the barristers' wigs, I long for the return of Latin to the C of E services, and if the pound sterling gives way to the euro, I may have to take to my bed...

However, I am definitely a progressive in terms of equal opportunity. If there are women who wish to serve as yeoman warders at The Tower (and obviously there are) I think they should be given the opportunity.

In other news, the VST Gala continues to grow and blossom. I do hope it will be well-attended...I may have to send out a mass email later tonight. I usually hate the "come and see my show" propaganda that surrounds the opening of a performance, but this is something special...

Today is Labor Day. I think we all need a pleasant, quiet, low-key holiday once in a while, and Labor Day fills the bill quite nicely. It's sort of like Thanksgiving or Easter...not a frenzied high-intensity holiday...just calm and restful.

Rehearsal begins tomorrow at BCT for Rumplestiltskin. I am very happy to say that my good friend Ron Dometrovich is in the show, so I will look forward to the performances...even the tour won't be so gruelling with a friend along for the trip. Of course the paycheck is another nice incentive...

FLT3

One Wealthy Dog...

Today's news from The Motherland actually concerns a story from The Colonies...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6969648.stm

It's nice to see that someone as (reportedly) vile and mean-spirited as Leona Helmsley can still love a pet.

It's late, and I don't have much to say, so I'll leave my readers (all 4 of you) with this thought...is Leona related to Sherman "George Jefferson" Helmsley?

Well we're movin' on up...

FLT3

Confusion

Today from The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/6961980.stm

I must confess to a bit of confusion. I always assumed the C of E and a Champagne Bar would be a perfect match. I especially liked the quote about Champagne Bar patrons not pooping outside. Class will tell... :-)

FLT3

Good Doggie

In today's news from The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6960750.stm

Short post today...not much new to report. As the saying goes, it has been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon..."Comedy of Errors" continues tonight, and I'm sure we will once again have good, solid performances. I am also in rehearsal for the VST Gala, which runs at Virginia Samford Theatre September 6-9. It is going to be AMAZING. I don't say this very often, but all my readers (all 3 or 4 of you) REALLY need to come and see it. It's going to be one of the better pieces of theatre seen in Bham in a while...tickets are $25 for just the show, or $80 for opening night, which includes the foo-foo reception.

I have been singing "Vindaloo" for the past day, having posted it on my last entry (see song #1 from yesterday's post.) I find myself sitting at the computer or whatever softly singing "Na na na na na na na...we're Eng-a-land...we're gonna scooooore one mooooore than yooooou" over and over. (Yes, I am bizzare...I have accepted that...)

That's all for now...

Cheers!
FLT3

A Few More Favorites...

I have been on a YouTube kick, I suppose...after my last posting, I realized that I had several more favorite musical bits to include...

1. Fat Les' "Vindaloo." This was the (un?)official song of the British team during the World Cup of 1998. I spent that summer in Durham (a couple of hours north of London, not far from Newcastle.) You literally could not go anywhere without hearing the song. I, of course, got attached immediately.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1pXsJp_go&mode=related&search=

2. "Come Dancing" by The Kinks. This is early high-school-era music for me. I always associate it with happy times...I remember I had the song on a mix cassette (yes, I'm that old) and the label said "happy music." Indeed, it was...I can listen to this song, and it's 1985 again...geez...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3awgkHHtQ0

3. Closing credits and chase sequence from The Benny Hill Show. Just because I love the song ("Yakkety Sax" is, I believe, the title.) It's also fun to watch the sped-up film...a gag that never seems to get old...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuiA2j52rP8&mode=related&search=

4. "Upside Down" by Jack Johnson, from the movie Curious George. I love Curious George...always have! :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNzFFvW20G0

5. B-52's "Love Shack." What "Come Dancing" was for high school, "Love Shack" was for college. Oh, the happy Saturday afternoons on the back porch of the fraternity house...beer, music...idyllic times, where have you gone...?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8NhJNpQlsY

6. The Three Stooges "Swingin' The Alphabet." I had this on a videotape when I was a kid and must have watched it a million times...I always thought the "Curly's a dope" line was pretty funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFlDUK7YG6A

Today from The Motherland...who would have ever thought that The Rolling Stones would be banned from smoking onstage? I assumed Keith Richards had a cigarette genetically attached to his lower lip...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6958627.stm

FLT3

Musical Entertainment

Okay, I know I have a bizzare sense of what is entertaining. That said, here are a few of my favorites from YouTube. Enjoy!

Prologue: "Rule, Britannia." My favorite tune...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5UP5n91-JQ&mode=related&search=

1. "Beebopareebop, Rhubarb Pie" from A Prairie Home Companion. I grew up reading the Garrison Keillor books, and love the radio show, so the movie was a must-see! This little ditty between Keillor and Meryl Streep (who, by the way, is still beautiful at 100) is one of my favorite parts of the movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsdHSGtxOlk

2. "Frankie And Johnny," also from A Prairie Home Companion. A pre-felony Lindsay Lohan sings the classic tune in a new way...in the film, her character is basically thrust in front of the mic and told to sing, with humorous results...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-87HUtpY0xU&mode=related&search=

3. "Liquor And Whores," a slightly ribald but funny song by "Bubbles," from Trailer Park Boys. (If you don't know this hilarious Canadian sitcom, you should check it out...) He is apparently performing the song on a radio show.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=aoOY3_2bmlU

4. "Minnie The Moocher" from the BBC series, Jeeves And Wooster. If the actor playing Bertie looks familiar, that's because he's Hugh Laurie of House Fame. Another of my favorite series of books is the Jeeves collection by PG Wodehouse.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BWnB0hQWGdI

5. Merv Griffin sings "I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts." Just because.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Td4uqWTDt9w

6. The "Ascot Gavotte" from the 2002 London revival of My Fair Lady. While I don't condone sneaking a video camera into the theatre, this guy did manage to get a decent shot. I saw this production about six months after it opened, and LOVED it! While I do think the costumes are too dark (I preferred the Cecil Beaton black & white) the number is flawless...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JQ78BpYZS0&mode=related&search=

Epilogue: Stewie Griffin sings "My Fat Baby Loves To Eat." A modern classic...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PWcOvwcNGaA&mode=related&search=

Those should make everyone's day at work a bit more fun. :-)

And, as always, a bit of news from The Motherland...I can't say that this particular link is to anything all that interesting...just a story about a strike among tube workers...however, just reading about the "Bakerloo Line" made me think about The Underground...mind the gap...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6957825.stm

Cheers!
FLT3

MFL Re-Examined And Other Thoughts...

For anyone who knows me, the fact that My Fair Lady is my favorite musical is hardly new news. I have performed in the show multiple times, seen it in numerous venues (the best of which was at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket) and watched the movie ad infinitum. I would have been willing to bet that there was nothing new I could possibly find in it. While this is true in terms of lines and musical numbers, I have found it to be untrue in terms of theme and character...

I recently watched the movie with someone for the first time. (It wasn't the first time I watched it with another person, but rather the first time the other person in reference had seen it.) As the story progressed, we made occasional comments about the characters and situations. It is interesting to see it (in a way) through fresh eyes, unaffected by 20-plus years of exposure to the story. With this in mind, here are my new thoughts...

1. Higgins is basically an insensitive bastard who softens when he finds himself attracted (on some level) to Eliza. I had always sort of viewed him as a lovable curmudgeon, but when you really break down his lines, they're actually quite hateful. Rex Harrison's charm made Higgins likable in spite of himself, but at least for the first half of the story, he's pretty much a jerk. That said, I remain convinced that the actor playing the role HAS to make him endearing in some way...if you go strictly by the dialogue, the audience would want to kill him before intermission.

2. Eliza's treatment of Freddy seems less capricious when you consider the fact that the two primary men in her life are Higgins (see above) and her father, who is perfectly willing to sell her as a whore to Higgins and Pickering if it means he can get five pounds on which to get drunk. I always wondered WHY she spurned a nice-looking, well-mannered man who obviously adored her. (Okay, that whole hanging out for days on the street where she lives is a bit creepy, but still...) The main problem with Freddy is that he has been raised as a gentleman, and has no concept of anyone ever behaving otherwise. In modern parlance, Eliza has "baggage" and "issues" which Freddy could never begin to comprehend, much less address. When she goes back to Higgins, it's really a classic example of dysfunction meeting dysfunction. Yes, we are led to believe that they will get along and (perhaps) love each other, but it's highly unlikely that there will never be fireworks...conflict is a comfort zone for both.

There are some more "new" ideas rattling around in my brain. Maybe I'll get to them sometime after the long-promised "Harry Potter" discussion...

On other fronts, Comedy Of Errors had a successful opening weekend. I am happy to say that while my lines were certainly not letter-perfect, they were (for the most part) accurate and correctly placed. Last night's performance was our best yet, and I think the entire cast agreed that we have hit our stride. Next weekend should be solid.

Today from the motherland...an adorable baby animal:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6955014.stm

The heat continues to bake the brain and dry the throat. (People were actually excited last night when it was mentioned that today's high was only 97 degrees.) I have been guzzling water for the past couple of weeks, and despite the heat find myself with a sort of renewed vigour. I suppose there's something to be said for hydration...

Michael Vick has apparently reached a plea agreement on the dog-fighting charges that have been nipping at his heels (pun intended.) As an animal lover, I think he belongs UNDER the jail, but I suppose he will get off with just a couple of years in prison. Oh well, it's something...at least he isn't walking away with a slap on the wrist. How anyone could find the brutal slaughter of innocent animals "entertainment" is beyond me...we (as a society) pride ourselves on our civility, yet some among us seem scarcely removed from the savages.

On a more cheerful note, the various work projects are going well. I have finally finished a script I am writing for the VST gala, and I begin work at BCT next week. In the meantime, there's always subbing...

Not much about which to rant in the political realm. I suppose the departure of Beelzebub Rove has left those among the party faithful (on both sides of the aisle) sort of stunned. My thoughts are chronicled one or two entries below, so I won't bore the reader with repetition. Let's just hope he returns to whatever primordial ooze spawned him...

Signing off for now...

FLT3

Another Fine Mess...

As always, news from The Motherland...the BBC had this to say about a proposed statue of Laurel & Hardy:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/6949693.stm

I remember watching L&H when I was growing up...somewhere in my early teens I "discovered" them on late-night television, and immediately became a fan. I particularly enjoyed the musical numbers they presented, including "In The Blue Ridge Mountains Of Virginia" and "Shine On, Harvest Moon." My absolute favorite short was "The Music Box," where the boys attempt to move a piano up an extremely steep flight of stairs. (Point of trivia: the same set of stairs was used for a similar film in which The Three Stooges played ice men trying to deliver a huge cube of ice.)

Here's to Stan and Ollie...long may they be remembered!

FLT3

Those randy Brits...

Today from The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6947678.stm

One does have to wonder, however, if one of Her Majesty's Finest couldn't have found a more romantic (and sanitary) place for an assignation than the loo...

FLT3

Don't Let The Door Hit You In The Arse On The Way Out...

Well, well, well... Karl Rove is officially leaving his post at the White House. While I can't shake the image of the rats jumping off the sinking ship, I am a bit concerned as to how the powers that be will replace him. (Is the devil you know better than the devil you don't know...?) I did have to smile at John Edwards' "goodbye and good riddance" comment. While I remain a staunch Hillary supporter, I have to give Edwards points for succinct eloquence.

Rove was (and remains) such a symbol of the malevolent arrogance of this administration. King Georgie II has to have assembled the most mean-spirited group of minions in presidential history. (Imagine Cheney as Emperor Palpatine, snarling "Rise, Lord Vader..." as he conjures the Dark Side of the Force, aka the Republican Party.) What's sad is that my absolute favorite President was a Republican. I have NO DOUBT that Teddy Roosevelt is turning backflips and triple-lindys in his grave as he considers what the party has become.

I may shock my readers (all three of you) when I say this, but I really don't think Dubya is inherently evil. By now he has most likely suffered the taint of those who surround him, but by nature he's probably an affable clod...a good ole boy with whom it may have once been fun to have a beer. One has to wonder how he would have turned out had he become Commissioner of Baseball instead of President of the US. My guess is that he would have been remembered as a good-natured and beloved bumbler. He could mangle the English language with impunity, and his off-the-wall comments would have been endearingly "colorful." The congnoscenti of Major League Baseball may have chuckled at his malaprops, but the Commissioner of Baseball can easily (and harmlessly) be viewed with affectionate condescention. That said, the brainless charm does NOT work when you are the most powerful individual in the political world.

Maybe it's the influence of "Comedy of Errors" (opening Thursday at Aldridge Gardens, by the way) but I see an almost Shakespearian level of tragedy in Dubya's reign. Take the brain-dead son of a former king, raise him in wealth and privilege, and then when Daddy and his cronies decide sonnyboy is ready, stick him on the throne through treachery and deceit...surround him with evil yes-men and give him a malevolent second in command who really runs the show...send the country into an unjust war to vindicate Daddy's ego while the economy goes straight to hell...strengthen the power of the government to almost dictatorial levels...accuse any who disagree of disloyalty...wrap the whole administration in an absurdly transparent package of morality and patriotism...and then sit back and wait for the inevitable crash and burn...

Hillary's arrival on the scene as a flawed but idealistic warrior queen adds an interesting twist...Queen Bodaciea, perhaps? Elizabeth I dueling with the privy council? The imagery can really become interesting when you think about it...

Enough political ranting for today. As usual, something from the Motherland...an otherwise dull story, but the last paragraph is priceless...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6944878.stm

FLT3

Oh Merv, We Hardly Knew Ye...

A sad passing was reported today...Merv Griffin has died at the age of 82. I suppose just about everyone over the age of 30 or so can recall Merv on television...I remember watching and enjoying "The Merv Griffin Show" at my great-grandmother's house when I was about 3 years old. (I'm not sure the 3-year-old demographic was Merv's target, but there you are...) I think I'll try and download "I've Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts" and remember Merv's smiling face...

Today from the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6943271.stm

Farewell, Merv... may flights of angels guide thee to thy rest...

FLT3

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