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