Ersatz Europe

I just read a posting by my friend, Aaron. He and his girlfriend recently moved to Kannapolis, NC (which sounds somewhat faux Greco, but that's not where we're going today...) It seems that Aaron endured a rather grueling (note the cheeky reference to yesterday's post) experience in the dreaded Newark airport. Following said experience, however, he has arrived in Montreal. One can only imagine the rush of overwhelming relief he must have felt upon arrival...

Aaron's blog, btw, is well worth reading. You can check it out at http://www.butdonttrytotouchme.blogspot.com/

Never having been to Montreal (or any part of Canada) I am forced to rely on the rhapsodic praise I have heard re the city from several friends who have visited it. From what I have gathered, it is a very Francofied (sp?) city, with everything from language to architecture mirroring La Belle France (which I have visited several times and love!) I have no doubt that Aaron and Laurie will have a delightful time in such a place.

Now...given my admitted anglophilia, I have started to ponder the case for an American London. Rule, Britannia! (Yes, I just stood, faced Oxford, and sang the first two lines of the song... "Rule, Britannia! Britannia rules the waves!") Okay, maybe I'm lying about that...or maybe not...

Anyway, if Crazy Larry can push to have Birmingham host the Olympics in 2020, perhaps I could get him on board for "West London, Alabama." To wit, my ideas...

. Annex one of the outlying areas just beyond the Bham city limits...preferably someplace with very little development. West London needs to be built from scratch, both literally and figuratively.

.With the exception of "Little Ben," "West Westminster Abbey," and a Harrod's satellite store, any attempts to recreate actual London landmarks should probably be avoided. This is a refuge and an homage, not a theme park. The architecture and overall essence of The City is what we seek to replicate.

.Strong financial incentive should be offered to hire as many British expats as possible to work in the community. Hearing the dulcet tones of The Motherland will be part of the experience.

.West London would be the obvious locale for Alabama's arts and cultural center (The Western West End?) With all due (not much) respect to the City of Montgomery, the ASF should be relocated. Toss in a couple of first-rate local performing arts groups and a healthy touring schedule, and we're set. A lovely museum along the lines of the V&A would be nice...not sure what Larry's wife is named, but we could easily call it the "L& (whatever her first initial may be.)

. Pubs. Lots of them. This is not to say that West London will be some sort of lawless college-bar metrop. On the contrary, civilized drinking and social interaction will be the order of the day. The requisite brass and red-curtained "look" will be in place, as will the more civilized Euro-views on alcohol consumption. (Hand to God, the only drunks I have ever seen in the UK have been Americans... those of The Motherland are raised with fewer taboos, and therefore far fewer instances of gross overindulgence.)

.Fish and Chips stalls and Kebab vans. Enough said.

. While American Law will certainly still prevail, West London judges will wear powdered wigs in the style of their British counterparts. Attorneys will, of course, be called "barristers," while paralegals will be "solicitors." (The comparison isn't exact, but close enough...)

.British holidays will be observed, including Boxing Day and 5 November ("Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot...") 4 July will be a bit awkward, but good will and civility will certainly prevail.

...and the list goes on. This idea has about as much chance of ever happening as the 2020 Olympics in Birmingham, but Crazy Larry has taught us Birminghamians to think big. If nothing else, it's been a fun way to start the morning...

In other news, Lovey and I both auditioned for the commercial/tv show/whatsit yesterday, along with Thurston IV. I enjoyed the audition, but there was something decidedly sketchy about it. Nobody in authority seemed able to explain exactly WHAT the show was/is. All we gathered was...

. It has something to do with the environment.

. There are significant corporate sponsors (Coca-Cola and Nike were mentioned.)

. There is a large green bus that travels the country promoting "green" activity.

...and that's about it. The people in charge were extremely nice, very welcoming, and seemingly sincere. They just seemed unable (or unwilling) to tell us if this was an audition for a tv show, a live performance, or something in between. Oh well, we'll see if we hear back from them...

In today's News From The Motherland... The RSC and Sci-Fi fans collide...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7523210.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

Gruel To Go...?

Having spent the past few days working on a children's theatre script adaptation of Oliver Twist, I am in a decidedly Dickensian frame of mind... fair warning that today's posting will most likely be verbose, flowery, and follow the "why use one word when ten will do" philosophy... (for those smartasses among my readers who were considering posing a question along the lines of "why should today be any different," too bad...I just beat you to it... ;-)

With said Dickensian bent firmly established, I have allowed myself a few minutes of silly reverie before starting the day... I have an image in mind of a Dickens-based fast food place... "Gruel To Go." It could easily be twinned with a bookstore (excuse me...it's Dickens Day...I meant to say a book-shop) along the lines of the cafe in Little Professor (a Bham book-shop for those out-of-town readers.) The menu could feature Oliver's Gruel (oatmeal,) the Cratchit Special (very little food for those watching their waistlines,) Uncle Pumblechook's Wine List (a bottle of port and a bottle of sherry, if memory serves,) and the Sydney Carton Health Plate for those who wish to be oh-so-virtuous (" 'tis a far, far, better thing I do...") And the list goes on... Little Dorrit's Kidney Pies... Miss Havisham's Wedding Cake... and the requisite Budget Deal (for those who have fallen upon Hard Times.)

Okay, so the place would probably not have a huge initial appeal beyond English nerds and academic types, but isn't that sort of wonderful? I think a little exclusivity is good for the soul, but that's just me...

As I forge ahead with this idea, I am envisioning a Tex-Mex establishment immediately adjacent. (The Brits and The Texans tend to mix rather well.) Perhaps a large advert of Charles Dickens arm-in-arm with Sam Houston would make for an interesting image... or possibly Annie Oakley (was she Texan? Oh well, if she wasn't, she should have been) holding a gun on Ebenezer Scrooge... oh the tie-in... "Did my 3-Alarm Texas Chili cause you to have heartburn and acid indigestion? Well, pard, get rid of the "Ghost Of Christmas Past" with new and improved Rolaids!"

This is getting bizzare, but I am following the lead of Mayor "Crazy Larry" Langford... sometimes you've just got to think outside the box...

Not much else to report from Lake Wobegon... I am auditioning today for a television show in the making...something about environmental concerns, etc...not sure if anything will come of it, but I figured it was worth a shot. Darling Lovey is going to accompany me for moral support. Perhaps I can convince her to audition as well...

In today's News From The Motherland... Nazis and orgies and hookers? Oh my...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7523034.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

#X!@* - ha ha ha

I started to title this "Feet: An Addendum" but the peals of profanity followed by laughter inspired an alternate header...

Darling Lovey continues to have pretty feet...however, one "pinky" has become somewhat disfigured due to a toe-stubbing incident. Such cutting-edge medical inplements as scotch tape are being utilized. (I might have suggested scotch as a viable anesthetic, but it is only 9am...anything heavier than a Bloody Mary would just be...well...tacky.)

She will live.

In today's News From The Motherland... Python ban lifted...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/7514423.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

Feet

I have been thinking a lot about my feet lately. I am just reaching the point in life (40 looms imminent...oh God...) where the statement "my feet hurt" is starting to pass my lips with alarming frequency. I have never given a great deal of thoght to my pieds before now, and it's sort of amazing when you consider just how much our feet really do...assuming I learned to walk somewhere around the age of 1, my feet have been picked up and put down thousands of times each day for the past 37 years. That's a lot of punishment for a body part.

In one of his finest moments on "Hollywood Squares," the late great Paul Lynde was asked the following:

"What is the most abused and neglected part of the body?" (The answer: the feet.)

Lynde's response: "Well, mine has certainly been abused but never neglected..."

Perhaps it loses something in the re-telling in typeface, but insert Lynde's delivery and nasty snicker and you've got a comedic bon mot of epic proportions. The fact that he was wearing a leisure suit somehow made it even better...

Lovey has very pretty feet. Just thought I'd mention that.

My own feet are unremarkable, but slightly large. (Size 10 1/2) They are certainly not freakish, but just large enough that my shoes have been compared to boats on occasion.

Enough about feet. In today's News From The Motherland...those noisy scouts strike again...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/leicestershire/7509198.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

Reefer Madness and Fried Food

I suppose today's header sounds like a party from just about everyone's college days... however, the real story is a bit different...

Last night Lovey and I saw "Reefer Madness:The Musical" at TNT, one of Birmingham's outstanding local theatres. My good friend Jan was in the cast, and I must admit that my initial impetus for seeing the show was to be supportive of her. I had seen the made-for-Showtime (HBO?) adaptation of the stage musical, and found it mildly entertaining, but it never really grabbed me.

I have no idea whether the show just works better on stage, or if I was just tired/distracted/etc when I watched the dvd, but wow...this production was HYSTERICAL! The staging was tight and fluid, the performers all bought in to the silly "over-the-top" quality of the script, the musicians were superb, etc etc etc...I could go on, but will settle for saying "this is an outstanding and entertaining show." Kudos to the cast and director, Carl Stewart.

Anyway, following the performance, Lovey and I joined a group of friends for a bite to eat. Obviously, most food readily available after 10pm is going to most likely be fried bar food. Okay, no problem...I can eat onion rings and other fried things and go home to bed with no problem... I did it all the time in college...sure, pass me the hot sauce, it'll make my sandwich taste soooo good!

Ugh.

The British have the most wonderfully evocative term... "gyppy tummy." My tummy has been beyond gyppy this am. Clearly, my days of eating a whole Domino's pizza washed down with a few beers and then drifting off to blissful sleep are left waaaaay back in the distance, along with "Don't Worry, Be Happy," Crocodile Dundee, neon clothing, the first President Bush, The Spice Girls, and "Matlock."

Enough about my digestive issues. Today is slightly cloudy, a little muggy, and bears the aura of a comforting, soft, reassuring blanket. If one has to feel a bit less than top drawer, this is the sort of day that will accomodate and soothe.

In today's News From The Motherland... apples and pears...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7501420.stm

Obama in '08!!!!

FLT3

Hot, Hot, Hot...

Great...I thought that was a clever title that I could tie into the fact that it has been hot as all-get-out for the past few days, and now I have that song stuck in my head...oh the bane of every wedding reception...the conga line to "Hot, Hot, Hot." There's always at least one (usually amusing) slip and fall, generally from an inebriated octogenarian. Bonus points if said oldster bounces up and says something wonderfully anachronistic like "whoop de doo" or "23 skidoo."

No, I have never seen this happen, but I'd like to.

The week is going well. I have been teaching at the CenterStage summer theatre camp, and all is going smoothly. We have a large group of very good kids...even the extremely hyper ones are good natured, sweet souls...not a mean spirit in the group, so they're just fine.

My best friend, Brent, is getting married next month, and plans are underway for the wedding. I got the info today on getting measured for tuxes, etc. That should be fun. (I will have to find out how one goes about acquiring a drunk 80-year-old who hollers epithets from the jazz age.)

Not much else to report...have spent some time with Lovey, which is always delightful. I had lunch yesterday with a good friend at a little drug store which still has (hand to God) a functioning soda fountain/lunch counter with the best hand-pressed limeade on Earth. If you ignore a few of the more modern amenities (which are few, indeed) it would honestly be possible to imagine a scene from the early 1950's. Cool place.

In today's News From The Motherland...churchgoers shamed by sham.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/7497411.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

Back In '58, I Was Hell...

Home again after a delightful weekend getaway with Lovey. Details on said junket to follow, but first a story which bears repeating...

We encountered one of those delightfully nonsensical "snapshot of life" moments that make life worth living...imagine, dear reader, if you will, an elderly gentleman on the street. While slightly scruffy around the edges, he held no menace or threat...perhaps a bit tipsy in a sort of "livin' large and lovin' life" way...a 75-year-old man about town who may have gone a bit down at heel, but retaining an affable charm that most likely served him well back in the day...if Redd Foxx and an aging Richard Pryor could have borne a child, this would be him...you get the picture...benignly naughty and infinitely endearing.

Said gent was holding a pineapple. This is not a euphemism. He was literally carrying a whole pineapple.

Engaging in conversation with said chap was an attractive young woman of 25 or thereabouts. She was shapely, and slightly provocative in an appropriate way...a little plump in the best of ways...sexy/cute with just a hint of hoochie mama tossed deliciously into the mix.

These were not sketchy people...just worldly.

I can't remember what the fellow's exact words were, but he was clearly after the girl in a harmless, old-timer sort of way. I would hazard a guess that the flirtation was his end goal in and of itself. The girl never really stopped walking, but she slowed her pace, spoke back, and gave "Pops" a winning smile. He was apparently offering the pineapple as some sort of prelude to courtship...and amusingly so.

This was a very heartwarming scene which could have broken bad in so many ways, but it didn't. The old man was mildly lecherous but lovably so. The girl was rebuffing his advances but with a coquettish twinkle. No threatening aura here, and no broken hearts...just a dirty old man and a sweet young thing exchanging lighthearted words on the street.

In continuing the script after witnessing the moment, Lovey & I decided that somewhere in the conversation, the old gent had uttered...

"Damn baby! Back in '58, I was hell!"

Indeed he was.

In today's News From The Motherland...Mr. Brown encourages food conservation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7492573.stm

Obama in '08!!!
FLT3

Honoring A Giant...

While today is a very happy day (leaving for a weekend with Lovey, sun is shining, birds are chirping, etc.) it is also twinged with just a hint of sadness. It was today, 3 July, 1989, that James Gilmore Backus went to that great deserted island in the sky...

It's always sad when our childhood idols start to pass away, and Jim Backus was the first true "celebrity loss" I experienced. (Two years later, at the death of Rex Harrison, I experienced the second.) I remember being sad, but my first thought was "man, was he still alive?" Due to complications from Parkinson's disease, Backus had been out of the public eye for some time.

I won't go into a lengthy essay, but it should be noted that the man who gave us Thurston Howell III and Mr. Magoo was also a celebrated and talented golfer, who could have easily gone pro. He also suffered from depression and spent some time in a treatment facility, helped back "into the light" by his loving wife, Henny. (Did I mention that Henny Backus played the overbearing Native Mother in the episode "Gilligan's Mother-In-Law?" Okay, enough showing off...) Backus was also a great raconteur whose nightclub act never failed to draw capacity crowds...he got his start in his hometown of Cleveland, first on radio, and then as (no joke) a rabbi in a hassidic stage play. His Howell character was based on a similarly mega-wealthy character he created on the radio...Hubert Updyke III. (There was also clearly a large dose of Updyke in Mr. Magoo.)

Enough trivia. Today I celebrate the life of one of the great character actors of the mid-20th century, who also happened to have been a personal hero of mine. Rest in peace, Jim Backus...I am sure that somewhere up there on a cloud you are making everyone laugh. :-)

In today's News From The Motherland... oh happy Dane! (Okay, that was bad...)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7487143.stm

OBAMA IN '08!!!

FLT3

The Lights Of Long Ago...

I'm sure I have expounded upon the "music can take you back" theme before, so apologies in advance if some of this is familiar ground...

Had a delightful day yesterday, which included an afternoon visit from Lovey for cocktails... I am sort of proud of myself for having created a "Tangerine Sublett," an homage to the great actress of the same name. It makes a lovely and refreshing summertime treat...

One half jug orange/tangerine juice
One bottle dry champagne
One healthy slosh of gin
One twist lemon

Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lemon slice, leaving a little room in the glass. Top off with Perrier. Enchanting!

Now, back to the story...while mixing said Tangerine Subletts, I put on some background music...Sheryl Crow, for the record, but that's immaterial... later on in the evening, I started to flip through the cd folder and came across a blank, unlabeled cd. When I played it, I realized it was the soundtrack from the Alan Mencken version of A Christmas Carol, which I directed a couple of years ago. For whatever reason, (Christmas in July?) I decided just to let it roll.

There is a particular song in the show, "The Lights Of Long Ago," which is sung to Scrooge by The Spirit of Christmas Past...the tune is very sweet and pleasant, but the lyrics of one verse spoke to me...

"...a child! Is this who you used to be?
A scene shining from your past?
The vast vistas of a memory?
The shadows you cast?
Mr. Scrooge, hold fast......

Onward through the night!
Onward towards the light!
Onward, to a place your heart will know...
Come remember the lights of long ago..."

At first glance, simple...but oh so significant...

I grew up in the same house from the time I was 6 years old, the house in which my parents still live. Whenever I contemplate the lights of long ago, they always seem to surround that house. While listening to the song, there was a rushing wave of memory that can only be described as a tsunami... birthday mornings from the 1980's...huge cookouts with my dad dutifully cooking enough bbq to feed an army...quiet Sunday afternoons that seemed hideously boring to a 15-year-old but now seem idyllic...sitting way out beyond the trees in the backyard drinking a "stolen" beer (from my parents' fridge) with my best high school friend...thousands of regular, normal school nights that seem so cozy in retrospect...a big family dinner the night before I left for 6 weeks at Oxford...the occasional snow from childhood, where muddy snowmen and sloppily-executed snow forts dotted the front yards...and so forth...

This story really has no point. Consider this a free-flowing observation as opposed to a plot-driven short story.

In today's News From The Motherland...elementary, my dear Borat...?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7484948.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

Crazy Larry

Given that several of my handful of readers do not live in Birmingham, I have decided to devote a posting to the adventures of Larry "Crazy Man" Langford, who continues to make headlines on a daily basis. Larry is entertaining. Larry is zany. Larry is whacked-out.

He is also the mayor.

Having risen to his lofty height following the two-term administration of the sleepy, affable, but ultimately do-nothing Bernard Kincaid, Larry made the following statement during last year's mayoral campaign...

"Birmingham needs a crazy man to run this city...and I am that crazy man!"

Larry Langford was elected without a runoff.

In the less-than-twelve-months since his term began, Larry has...

.Placed inexpensive laptop computers in the hands of every public school child in the city. (Good Larry)

.Gotten indicted by the SEC for alleged financial wrongdoing. (Bad Larry)

.Proposed that the Olympics be held in Birmingham in 2020, made the statement that "a good old fashioned butt-whoopin' " would curb gang violence, fought with the city council, refused to speak to anyone from The Birmingham News, campaigned for the oft-defeated domed stadium, and flashed his trademark toothy grin at anyone who will stand still. (Crazy Larry)

I do not live within the city limits of Birmingham, so I do not, as the saying goes, have a dog in this fight. I can sit back and enjoy Larry's antics yet remain oddly untouched by them. This is a good place to be, in the reviewing stands, so to speak.

Long live Crazy Larry. Long may he reign.

In today's News From The Motherland...those wacky Swedes...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7482551.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

Tangerine Sublett - Part 2

As I start my day, I find my morning coffee filled with Tangerine... (no, that's not good...)

While the dawn approaches, Tangerine... (no, too flowery...)

Oh Tangerine, where art thou... (Sweet Mother of God, no...)

Let it suffice to say that I am starting my morning with Tangerine on my mind. (That wasn't an epigram worthy of Wilde by any means, but it'll do.) Yes, the career of Tangerine Sublett seems to have been a fairly brief one...

http://www.tv.com/tangerine-sublett/person/177775/summary.html

Above is a link to her admittedly short bio at tv.com. Her credits include...one episode of "Sanford & Son." That seems to have been the one jewel of a performance she gave the world. Her imdb.com listing (below) is equally succinct...

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2341076/

One sometimes entertains flights of fancy, and I am no exception...I have the sudden urge to purchase an apartment building, paint it light orange and call it "Tangerine Sublet(t)s."

Chances are, I will control this urge.

Onward, onward...I am teaching at an arts camp for the first three days of this week, and then taking a weekend getaway with Lovey...a three hour tour of sorts...I am really looking forward to it.

This has nothing to do with anything...just a photo of a bulldog surfing. It made me smile. :-)
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//080628/photos_us_rank_afp/7e6670231653a2a685648e51eb2692ac/

In today's News From The Motherland...advertising pays off...with a cute baby! :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7480748.stm

Obama in '08!!!
FLT3

Tangerine Sublett

No, I have not discovered a new citrus-based cocktail or an original flavor of Icee...I was just indulging in an evening of "Sanford And Son" with Lovey, Thurston IV and Thurston V. There was upon the screen...a classic...a joy...an epic episode of one of the greatest tv sitcoms this side of the island...

"A Pad For Lamont" tells the story of young Lamont's fledgling attempt at independence. The great actress TANGERINE SUBLETT (hand to God, I'm not kidding...to quote Thurston IV, "he's really not kidding...") played Fred's paramour in the episode. While Lamont pursues the lovely Darlene (with predictably tragic results) Fred re-establishes himself as a "playa" while romancing the widow Earnestine. We laughed. We cried. It was better than "Cats."

Not much else to report.

In today's News From The Motherland... man sells life. I would say something along the lines of "take my life...please," but I fear Lovey might groan at that one...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7479836.stm

Obama in '08!!!

FLT3

Forty Seven Ginger Headed Sailors...

Two new YouTube treasures to share...two versions of the song immortalized for contemporary audiences by Hugh Laurie as Bertie Wooster in the BBC series Jeeves And Wooster...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqzzHwuseaM&feature=related - Jack Hylton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKAoet-wtws - Tommy Handley

It is quite impossible to hear this song and not smile. :-)

The following snapshots sum up my life right now. God is, indeed, in His heaven and all is right with the world...

http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/gilligan_s_island___the_complete_first_season/_group_photos/jim_backus3.jpg

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/schwitz/healthnews/jim_backus_gilligans_island.jpg

http://espn.go.com/i/abcsports/mnf/2001/1008/photo/a_backus_i.jpg

Yes, there is someone special in my life...more on "Lovey" in subsequent posts...

What else? Obama continues in his quest for The White House, and I have accepted him as my candidate. There is still a titch of Hillary-grief in my psyche, but I am beginning to catch the wave of Obama momentum. He will be a fine president.

The Music Man has closed, quite successfully, and I Do! I Do! looms on the horizon. As far as things theatrical go, I have taught at one workshop this summer, and have two more lined up. Between those will come a couple of writing assignments to keep the wolves away from the door, as well as a trip or two. I have spent much of this week helping my dad put up a fence in his back yard...hard work, but rewarding...and good exercise!

In today's News From The Motherland...a well-deserved tribute to Nelson Mandela. I love Hyde Park, BTW... ;-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7475717.stm

Obama in '08!!!!

FLT3

Um...er...yeah...uh...right...

I just got this link from a friend of mine...I'm not exactly sure what the point is...did using this particular gasoline change a professional athlete into Tina Louise? Or did it give her the good sense to abandon football for acting? I'm so confused...still, though, a cool museum piece...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHxwjsjJRhY&feature=related

In today's News From The Motherland...a farewell to George Carlin.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468681.stm

Obama in '08!

FLT3

And the spaceship jumped over the shark...

Okay, I'll admit it...I watched it...I liked it...but I was a kid, and even then I had to admit that the series had started to stretch it a bit...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2JkWhlMJh0

For those who actually follow these musings with any regularity, I have not forgotten the "getting my thoughts together" comments of last week. I am still composing my thoughts, but have come up with the following...

.Sometimes you can blindly stumble into the happy place you thought could never exist.

More later.

In today's News From The Motherland...perfect weather for Ms. Poppins...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7467236.stm

Obama in 08!
FLT3

More Mr Magoo...

Second post of the day...this one is classic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjjD94KYJOY&feature=related

FLT3

Defying The Block

Once again, a potentially incomprehensible header...one could easily be led to believe that I am standing up to some sort of tyranny (sp?) imposed by the other residents of my immediate neighbourhood (sp purposeful, Rule Britannia!) However, nothing so dramatic is meant...merely that I have been grappling with a delicious bout of writer's block. There is a lot going on in my life...substantial, good things are happening. Unfortunately, every time I try to put fingers to keyboard for the purpose of illuminating my readers (all eight of you) I can't find the right words to do my feelings justice. To steal a line from Harold Hill in the film version of The Music Man, "It isn't often I find myself at a loss for words..." The proper words will find their way to the page, but it may take a little while longer...

In the meantime, here is today's News From The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/7461764.stm

FLT3

Non-Political

It was recently pointed out to me (by someone whose opinion I respect) that my posts of late have been rather politics-heavy. With that in mind, today's post will not discuss the upcoming election. (Yes, it will be tough, but I can do it...)

I started a new book this week, a new offering by one of my favorite authors, David Sedaris. His tongue-in-cheek diatribes about his family are touching, humorous, and ring frighteningly true to anyone who grew up with slightly eccentric siblings and parents (as did I.) Having been most entertained by Me Talk Pretty One Day and Barrell Fever in particular, I picked up the new book with great expectations (lower case...I did not purchase Dickens and Sedaris in tandem...) So far, it has not disappointed...

The Music Man opened to great success this weekend. We have an amazing cast, and the group has come together beautifully. I could not be more proud! We received a good review from The Birmingham News...
http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2008/06/music_man_gets_rousing_centers.html

Tomorrow (well, today, actually) I start a week-long gig teaching at the Clay County Arts Camp. I will probably wind up spending half my salary (admittedly, a generous one) in petrol, but I am looking forward to it. I will be doing quite a bit of improv, which is a particular favorite of mine...

Not much else to report...the temperature continues to inch perilously closer to 100 degrees...and it's only the first week of June...ye gods, as Zaneeta Shinn would say...

Off to sleep for a few hours and then the work week begins...c'est la vie!

NOTE: I only just now realized (11 June) that I did not include News From The Motherland previously...consider the oversight corrected as we look at George W.'s final trip as president...thank God... (okay, I promised no politics, so I'll stop there.)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7447428.stm

FLT3

Citrus Compact Cars...

"Nothing too wild, now...maybe a runabout like that little white one over there..."

There's no great insight to the human condition contained in this cartoon...just a Mr. Magoo adventure that made me smile...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plyWxrHLE14&feature=related

"The Music Man" opens tonight, and I think we're in good shape. I am hopeful for a large audience, and the final dress last night went well. There were a few glitches...just enough to keep us on our toes tonight.

Not much else to report. Enjoy the cartoon! :-)

In today's News From The Motherland... "BBC The Musical?"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7437391.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Gettin' Old...

Yesterday (4 June) was my birthday...and it was very pleasant. I received good wishes, lovely gifts, and sincere warmth from family & friends. As birthdays go, it was great.

I am also a year older. While 38 is not exactly dotage, I am starting to notice a few early signs of wear. The fact that I am doing "The Music Man" again just points out some of the inevitable signs of aging. My first time to play Harold Hill (not counting high school) was 11 years ago. At 27, I pretty much glided through the role, barely breaking a sweat. Going out for drinks and fun after rehearsal was a daily routine. At 38, I still feel confident in my ability to bring Professor Hill to life with appropriate zest, but by the end of the performance, I'm pooped. The energy level just isn't as high as it once was...oh well...

My girl Hillary has accepted the inevitable and graciously conceded to Obama. From this point, he is my candidate, but I am still hoping for a VP slot for Hillary. I honestly think that's the only way he can win. In honor of (and hopes for) the running mate, I will continue to conclude these missives with "Hillary in '08!!!"

In today's News From The Motherland... Spock plays The Fringe...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7436374.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Catching Up...

I just realized that I have had one of my distressingly infrequent lapses in updating my blog...the wails of dismay coming from all eight of my readers has become deafening, so I figured it was time to post something...

I won't even get started on the election...oh who am I kidding, of course I will...Hillary's invocation of RFK's assasination was unfortunate, but the media backlash has been ridiculous. She misspoke, but she clearly did not mean to imply that Obama could be a target...the irony comes from the fact that the Obama campaign quickly came out to say that Hillary's gaffe was no big deal. I'm just ready for the whole thing to be settled...

Rehearsal is going well for "The Music Man." The cast is very talented, and a good group of people. We ran the show (sans quartet, which joins us next week) twice yesterday. I can't say I have re-invented the wheel in any way...it's a pretty traditional take on a classic, which should make the audiences happy. Two weeks till opening...

Helping my parents with some yard work later today...it's a beautiful day outside, so it'll be nice to get some exercise.

In today's News From The Motherland...the PM appears secure for now...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7419033.stm


HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Considering All Options...

When to concede? That's a tough question...

Our girl Hillary has been doing an excellent job of playing catch-up with Barak Obama, but she seems to be consistently "one step short." While it is still mathematically possible for her to overtake his lead, it is highly unlikely to say the least.

At this point, I am attempting to balance realism with hope. I think our best bet is the vice presidency, and I expect the landslide victories that are supposedly looming imminent in tomorrow's primaries will boost the argument in her favor. It would seem unlikely that either candidate could beat John McCain without the other on the ticket. "Vice President Clinton" doesn't have quite the same ring as "President Clinton," but I could live with it.

Make no mistake...when the inevitable happens, Obama is my candidate, and I will do my best to make him my president. I do, however, still maintain that a Clinton/Obama ticket would have been much more electable...I fear the Republican machine will eat Obama for lunch.

On other fronts, The Music Man is coming along well, springtime is here, and I had a delightful trip to Orlando last week. (I now have two Florida trips to discuss...must do that in an upcoming post...)


In today's News From The Motherland... Sir Paul and Heather finally split officially...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7395872.stm

HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

Second Post Of The Day...

From The Motherland...a great website! MIND THE GAP...MIND THE GAP...MIND THE GAP...

http://solo2.abac.com/themole/

HILLARY IN '08!!!
FLT3

Changes in the political world...

Nope, I'm not talking about Hillary and Obama... just today's News From The Motherland...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7383521.stm

Not much else to report right now...it has been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, as the saying goes...

HILLARY IN '08!!!!

FLT3

41 Atrocities

I am not an angel. As I sometimes say whenever I take the moral high ground, "I can do some skeevy shit, but..." (My apologies for language, but a quote is a quote.) I certainly can (and sometimes do) do things that I should not. I am not a squeaky-clean Eagle Scout, and to everything from excess in festive behaviour to dallying with morally casual women, I will plead guilty.

That said, I am aghast at some of the new developments in the already horrifying Texas Polygamy Cult story. Apparently children of both genders were not only sexually abused (which is enough to make you physically ill) but also beaten severely. 41 children have been found to have sustained broken bones in the recent past. Some of these children were toddlers.

Admittedly, kids are going to sometimes have accidents. (I broke my collar bone in gym class when I was in the 3rd grade, so I speak from experience.) However, 41 broken bones just doesn't sound right.

The mind reels when one imagines what sort of inhuman monster can hit a toddler hard enough to break a bone (or at all for that matter.) I can remember (30 years later) how much my injury hurt, and how much I wanted my mother. Within fifteen minutes, she was at the school, and I was being simultaneously comforted and rushed to the doctor...and it was still traumatic. I don't even want to think of the absence of warmth, of the cruelty that went into not only causing those injuries, much less the presumed coldness that followed. Did the mothers even hold the children and seek treatment for their wounds? Were they even acknowledged?

We are a nation of laws, based on English Common Law. We are civilized people (as a society) and I abhor vigilantiism. On the other hand, if someone mysteriously decided to beat the hell out of whatever adult(s) did these horrible things, I think I could deal with it. I might even be willing to help. I have always said that a sure cure for child abuse is to have a proportionately larger adult beat the abuser until equal (or greater) pain has been inflicted.

Okay, enough frontier justice... I had a great time at the beach last weekend, and will talk about it next time. After watching the news about the kids, I had to get that off my chest.

On happier (and even wierder) subjects, in today's News From The Motherland, soccer star Renaldo makes a big mistake...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7374317.stm


HILLARY IN '08!!!

FLT3

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


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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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