Well, dear readers, this week has flown by, like a gazelle in a jockstrap. And isn’t it more than a little wacky that we’re heading to the end of February? Time flies when you’re having fun and, conversely, fun flies when you’re having time. I must say that I had a rather fun luncheon yesterday with author and pal, Dick Lochte. I thought it had been a decade since seeing him, but it’s been more like seventeen years. His child, who was three when last I saw Dick, is now twenty. Go know. Time flies when you’re having fun. Dick is witty and bright and I really recommend his books to one and all and also all and one. He’s getting them all on Kindle now. We went to Musso and Frank, which was not so crowded at prime lunchtime. Back in the halcyon days of the 1970s you could not get into Musso and Frank at prime lunchtime. We both had my beloved combo Louis and while it keeps shrinking in size, it’s still grand eating. I ate a tiny bit less dressing than usual, and had only two pieces of their wonderful bread. We were there for almost ninety minutes, gabbing about this and that and also that and this, and catching up on everything. I gave him a few CDs that I knew he’d be interested in, and we discussed audio books (he reviews them regularly for various magazines) and how they do them these days, as I’m about to go on that journey with the Hofstetter books. If those come out well, then I’ll do the two memoirs and then the Kritzer books. Those I’ll read myself. There are major decisions to make with the Hofstetter audio versions – whether it’s just one gal reading it all, or whether I have three or four others doing the other roles. It’s tricky, I think.
Prior to lunch, I’d done some work on the computer and answered e-mails. Post lunch I went and picked up a couple of packages, then got two bite-sized cheesecake things, two different kinds from what I’ve had before – a caramel chocolate thing and one with almonds and dates that was quite yummilicious. I love this jernt – they used to be in the Dale of Glen but it’s grand having them right next to the mail place. And they already love that I come in there every day. But what’s fascinating is that their most popular items are things I wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole or a five-foot Czech – gluten-free and vegan. Only in Studio City.
After that, I came home, answered more e-mails, and spoke to the Alarm Person who’s coming early this morning to finally disable the alarm system so that my phone will work properly once again. Then they’ll be installing an entire new system, since the one that’s in here is from the early 1990s and totally antiquated. Then the helper e-mailed me the results of our stock check and I found that it was time to finally sell out Sugar and Show Girl and there are two or three soundtracks that will be sold out by the end of the weekend. I was also surprised that after all this time we’re finally down to the last 100 copies of Evening Primrose – we did 3000 of those, so it’s been a long time coming but it’s done very well.
Then I had a short work session with my musical director. We had a few things to go over, but not nearly as much work as we usually do on the other shows, because we’re not doing any put-togethers that require arranging work. I have switched up a few things in terms of presentation, but most of that detail work I’ll do when I hear the singers on Monday. Then I sat on my couch like so much fish.
Last night, I watched a motion picture on Blu and Ray entitled Skyfall. I’d seen the screener on DVD but watching the Blu and Ray is obviously a lot more rewarding. For me, it’s the best Bond film in ages. I don’t love the first third of it, but once the real villain shows up it actually begins to feel like a real Bond film, not these dreary things we’ve had up till now. There is finally a sense of history and fun and it’s quite enjoyable to watch. It was something that the writers and director strove to do, and I’m hoping that subsequent films will now carry this new sense Bond through. Transfer and sound are great.
After that, I read my contextual commentary out loud, adding a few things, getting rid of some stuff that wasn’t needed and I’m pretty happy with it now. Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I must get as much beauty sleep as possible before the Alarm Person shows up between seven and eight.
Today, I must buckle down, Winsocki and write some damn liner notes. The Alarm Person will do his thing, and then the Steam Cleaning People will do their thing, after which I will do my thing, like hopefully picking up some packages, eating, and, if I’m feeling up to it, going to see one of the Staitman gals in some comedy show.
Tomorrow, I have a few things to do, and then I’m going to see a production of Nine to Five, which I’m kind of dreading, but one of the leads is a good pal and I’m going with Jenna Rosen and her mum, and we’ll dine beforehand. Sunday is, of course, our Annual Oscar Bash, the only place on all the Internet you want to be for the best Oscar dish in town. Be there or be round. Next week is non-stop busy – rehearsals, stumble-through and then video and sound check and show.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, write liner notes, I must hopefully pick up packages, I must eat something fun, and I must maybe see a show. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Friday – what is currently in your CD player, and your DVD/video player? I’ll start – CD, too many things to name. Blu and Ray, Easter Parade and other stuff. Your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, after which I will awaken all too soon because time flies when you’re having fun.