Well, dear readers, do you realize that in four weeks we will be entering the tenth year of haineshisway.com? We will. I just thought we should begin anticipating what will be a month-long partay and celebration – we’re going to pull out not only all the stops but all the starts, too. So, anticipation, baby, that’s all I’ve got to say at this time. Now I’m singing Anticipation. Loudly. I sound just like Carly Simon, only male and Jewish. I do think that going into our tenth year will be a perfect time for some of the errant and truant to return to the fold, don’t you? I’m just putting that out in the ether for whatever it’s worth. Anticipation – anticipayayaytion. Where was I? Oh, yes, the notes. I had a perfectly pleasant yesterday. I got up minutes before the helper arrived, and she got a lot of orders packaged up – we really got quite a few since she was here last – I was very surprised at how many there were. While she did that, I did a lot of stuff on the computer, and then we had us a lunch – my small way of saying thank you for all her great work. She then took the packages to the postal office while I moseyed on over to the mail place and picked up a couple of packages, although none of the ones I was really hoping would be there. The weather in LA finally wasn’t hot and oppressive – it was chilly and rainy most of the day. I did manage to get a mile and a half jog in, so that was nice. Then I caught up on some CD listening – I got through about eight CDs while I was doing work around the home environment. Then I finally sat on my couch like so much fish.
Last night, I first watched the most recent episode of Mad Men. It was fine, but not as good as some recent episodes. There are only two left, and there are lots of things to resolve, IF they’re going to resolve them. I then watched a motion picture on Blu and Ray entitled The Maltese Falcon, starring Mr. Humphrey Bogart in one of his most iconic performances, along with the wonderful Mary Astor and some of the greatest character actors ever – Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook, Jr., Ward Bond, Barton MacLane, Lee Patrick – they don’t have people like this in films today. Everyone in this movie has a VOICE – a unique VOICE. They don’t whisper. They are not self-indulgent. They are, however, perfect. But everything about this film is perfect – the script and direction by John Huston, the camera work, music – it all just works. No matter how many times you see it, it remains as fresh as a daisy. The transfer is, for the most part, wonderful. There have been some complaints in the usual quarters that there is a certain level of disappointment – but there are a lot of LONG opticals in this film and because people who “review” these things simply do not understand anything about opticals, they question why certain shots aren’t as sharp as other shots. And every shot they mention is an optical. Most of the transfer is luminous – there are a few non-optical shots that are a little peculiar, but not many and that’s nitpicking. Mostly, this is a splendid Blu-Ray and if you love the film, it’s a must-have. After the movie, I listened to four more CDs, did some stuff on the computer, and relaxed.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below whilst we begin feeling anticipation, anticipayayaytion.
Today, I have some writing to do in the morning, then some errands and whatnot, then a jog, then at four we do a stumble-through of tomorrow’s Gardenia show, with four of our cast members and a temporary replacement for our fifth. This will at least give me a chance to know if I need to make any adjustments in the song order. After that, I’ll probably get a bite to eat.
Tomorrow is show time. We have a sound check and then the show, which I’m hoping will be well attended. Thursday, we ship the CDs that were supposed to be here tomorrow. And I have a couple of meetings/meals, and then it’s the weekend, when I may or may not mosey on over to The Hollywood Show.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do a jog, do some writing, do some errands and whatnot, have a rehearsal, and have a meal. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your all-time favorite TV westerns, from the Golden Age to now. This is one I’ll start, because I loved so many from way back when – The Roy Rogers/Dale Evans Show, Wild Bill Hickock, Annie Oakley (with the divoon Gail Davis), Maverick, and my favorite, The Lone Ranger. Your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, as we begin our month-long anticipation of our big event.