haines his way

11/13/2002:
"THE VIEW ASKEW"

Well, dear readers, I am so tired I can’t even see straight. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, I am so tired I can’t even see straight. I can only see askew. And so, today I will view everything askew rather than straight. This will be an askew day. Actually, it’s Ask BK Day as well. So, we will have an askew Ask BK Day. I have no clue as to what the hell I’m talking about, but when one is askew one has no clew. Here I sit, askew with no clew.
I got home from work last night and I couldn’t do anything. I just sat like so much fish, a zombie in my very own home. Oh, I ate some cucumber slices (this is what I’m reduced to), I watched some more Star Wars: Attack of the Clones special features, I nosed around the Internet, but basically I could not focus on anything. I cannot wait until Thanksgiving, it can not come soon enough. Of course, a few weeks after that this job will be through and I will no longer be askew. And then, we start preproduction on the film. I am tremendously bored with the Eileen and Chet Atkins diet, but I have not strayed yet, although I feel I eat too much food, even though it’s all allowed. Today, for example, for lunch I had a salad with Italian dressing and skirt steak. I wanted pants steak but they were out of it. I had some tomatoes with the steak. I also had some peanuts, about 12 grams of carbs worth. For dinner, I had eggs with Canadian bacon, and some cheese slices (Colby cheese, to be exact). And some cucumber slices which I dipped in ranch dressing. I want to vomit just thinking about it. But, I’m allowed, right? It’s all Atkins approved, right?
Oh, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below and end the askewness of this section.

Has anyone noticed that I am so tired that I can’t see straight? Yes, Virginia, the view is askew from where I sit. I keep waiting for an idea, for something interesting to pour out of me like flour from a sack and yet nothing comes nothing pours, I just keep writing words, words, and more words, and I don’t want to point this out but hasn’t this turned into one of those fershluganah run-on sentences that were so popular back in the days of Moses before they knew what a proper sentence was yes it is definitely running on and I cannot stop it because I cannot see straight and those who see askew cannot find punctuation which is of course the only way to stop a run-on sentence and; whew, someone tossed me a semi-colon just in the nick or tom of time.
Perhaps tomorrow I will see straight and be less askew and have some pithy and pertinent things to say. For tomorrow is another day and I’ll never go hungry again and as God is my witness I will not be askew two days in a row.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must travel the highways and the byways whilst sitting in my automobile, I must work all the live-long day whilst trying to keep my sanity amidst the insanity of an askew world and my very own askew self. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Ask BK Day, so ask all of the excellent questions you’ve come up with – let them even be askew if you so choose. Ask away, my pretties, and talk about other things, too, so that when I check in I shall have reading matter. Reading matter is very important, so post away and post often.

Replies: 39 Unseemly Comments

Some things are more properly viewed askew.
My Ask BK question for today is: What is the best South Pacific CD to buy today?
Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/13/2002 07:29 AM PST

Well, I'm in the state of Virginia right now, and you look askew to me too - the question is: Are both of us askew? Or is it you? Or is it me?
-I, too, can't make sense of anything this morning - feeling very cloudy-headed (sinuses), and am currently "camping" out here until the roads into DC clear up after an apparently bogus bomb threat.
Questions for BK:
-You may have answered this before, but just in case... Do you come from an artistic/musical family?
-Have you ever seen snow? Oh, I mean, do you like snow? (I love it!)
-Has there ever been a "take" during a recording session that you wish that you could have used that was unusable in the final product due to a glitch, anomaly, etc.? -Or that was just a sound check run, and the tape wasn't running yet?
Off to see what the traffic is like...
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 11/13/2002 07:31 AM PST

Please send good vibes to Dear Reader Megan this week. Yesterday her blood sugar went out of control and she is hospitalized in order to get it back down to normal.
Posted by Laura @ 11/13/2002 08:46 AM PST

Good to hear that you will be doing another film. I hope to find out more about it soon.
Posted by Brandon @ 11/13/2002 08:53 AM PST

Just in case anyone needs confirmation of this fact, BK is a kind and generous man, although temporarily askew.
My Ask BK question, or actually a BK task: Cast a production of FOLLIES using all the old MGM stars.
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 11/13/2002 09:24 AM PST

I too am seeing things askew today because I was awake until 6 in the morning writing that research paper. I am so sick of that research paper! I will never be rid of it! I am so upset that I just want to scream! But I will wait to scream until I get home because I am at the library and I hear that they frown on screaming at the library.
Posted by Sandra @ 11/13/2002 09:39 AM PST

That last post of mine was pretty rambling, wasn't it? That's probably because I was awake until 6 in the morning writing a research paper. (My whole paper is rambling just like that last post.)
But any way, here's my question for Ask BK Day:
Did you win that eBay auction?
Posted by Sandra @ 11/13/2002 09:42 AM PST

Dear Reader Megan, here's a hug to help you get better.
((Megan))
No question yet, but I might come back later with one.
I do have a piece of news, though. Today, my partner, Anthony, and I registered as Domestic Partners with the City of New York. Although it doesn't mean much legally (that's true most everywhere), it means much emtionally and spiritually. We've been together 7 years and decided it was time to make some kind of public statement.
I just wanted to share this special moment with my Hainsie/Kimmlet friends
Posted by Ben @ 11/13/2002 10:00 AM PST

My question for askew BK Day:
You regularly report on DVDs, films, CDs, plays, and tv shows you see and/or hear, but you never talk about books. What book are you currently reading? What are a few of your all-time favorite books (other than Benjamin Kritzer of course). Or don't you have time to read books any more?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/13/2002 10:03 AM PST

Ben and Anthony---
Ray and I want to congratulate you and Anthony. We've been together almost seven years and are totally committed but haven't yet registered. Are you planning on some sort of a comittment ceremony in a church or sending your pictures to the New York Times which now prints same sex couples Sundays in their "Style" Section?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 11/13/2002 10:11 AM PST

With all the DVDs that you watch, what type of audio-visual system do you have: Widescreen or standard, HDTV or NTSC, projection or tube, size of screen, surround sound or not, number of speakers, DVD - progressive scan or not. Do you have satellite or cable, digital cable? How big is the room where you watch your DVDs?
Posted by steveg @ 11/13/2002 10:12 AM PST

William, thanks for your good words. We haven't yet decided about a ceremony. It may just be a celebration for friends and family. I would like to send a notice to the Times (once we decide what we're doing) and see if it sparks any interest in the Old Gray Lady.
Congrats to you and Ray also!
Posted by Ben @ 11/13/2002 10:42 AM PST

Congratulations to Ben and Anthony. Our wishes for many happy years together.
Posted by Laura @ 11/13/2002 10:52 AM PST

Best wishes to Ben and Anthony!
Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/13/2002 11:04 AM PST

This just in from Playbill On-Line (I love saying that :-)
Sing Out, Aunt Louise! Debra Monk, Sara Niemietz, Robert Klein (as one of the producers) and Brent Barrett in Pamela's First Musical (the book by Wendy Wasserstein). New Cy Coleman/David Zippel musical at Lincoln Center.
Here's the link to the whole story
http://www.playbill.com/cgi-bin/plb/news?cmd=show&code=113896
Posted by Ben @ 11/13/2002 11:55 AM PST

Megan get better real soon!
Ask BK quetsions to come
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/13/2002 11:57 AM PST

I have often viewed things and people askew. Often sitting in a circle of friends, I've seen them askew.
I have occasionaly been viewed askance before. I didn't much like it, either. It is on these occasions when I ask the offending askancierge if he or she has gotten his or her eyes full.
I think being viewed askance is insulting. It's the thing to do when you want to insult someone, that's for sure!
For Ask BK: How do you view the "askance" look?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/13/2002 12:11 PM PST

First things first. Thoughts from OZ are with you Megan.
Sandra: We never get to hear the topic of your research papers!
Congratulations Ben & Anthony. There are futures out there. Colin and I have been together 25 years. (It is of course the dogs that keep us together). Must be something. He still watches football!
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/13/2002 12:32 PM PST

Breakfast is over. Time for questions. Further to my late yesterday post:
Do you have favourite James Bond theme (title) songs. I actually prefer the two non "series" ones by Lani Hall & Dusty Springfield.
Have you heard the Madonna song - IMHO the worst of the 20+ songs.
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 11/13/2002 12:57 PM PST

Hope you feel better and recover soon Megan.
Posted by Brandon @ 11/13/2002 01:19 PM PST

Thanks for your good vibes for Megan. I'll print up today's notes and take them to her tonight.
My question for BK:
What is your opinion of Madonna? As a singer? As a star?
Posted by Laura @ 11/13/2002 01:25 PM PST

I have only one question for BK - but it has many parts..
Bruce... Using only one song from as many states (or cities) that you can - what are your favorites? For example:
I left my heart in San Francisco, Gary Indiana, etc...
Posted by Craig @ 11/13/2002 01:25 PM PST

Not so many questions, but what there are are cherce.
Best to Megan - I was TOO damned sweet for her, that's all there is to it.
Am seeing a little straighter now, only half-askew.
Posted by bk @ 11/13/2002 02:18 PM PST

Feel better, Megan. Or else....
Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/13/2002 03:25 PM PST

Of course I am sending good vibes out to Megan.
And I think Ben and Anthony's announcement is the greatest thing.
Question for Bruce: Are there any ad libs on any of the CD's you recorded/produced (hidden tracks aside) or did you know everything ahead of time?
Posted by Kerry @ 11/13/2002 03:45 PM PST

My research paper is about the effects divorce has on children. Don't ask me why because I have no idea.
Posted by Sandra @ 11/13/2002 04:36 PM PST

More good wishes and hugs, Megan!
Sorry, BK, but I can't think of a good question for you this week. I suppose I could come up with all sorts of bad questions, but they just wouldn't be the same.
Posted by S. Woody White @ 11/13/2002 04:39 PM PST

Another ask BK/> question: Pertinent to a thread on another discussion board, how do you feel the fans of the types of recordings you produce ought to react or not react when posting to specialty sites on the internet?
It has been suggested at one site that the fans ought to get down on their hands and knees and kiss the posterior of the producers of such albums. That it is THEY and they alone who are preserving it.
My take is somewhat different. I highly appreciate the efforts of those who produce these albums, but I think it is nothing if not a symbiotic relationship -- where there are fans, there is a market. If there is a market, there is a reason to serve that market something it will enjoy. It has to be a huge kick to not only love the music, but to love the process by which you gain the rights to the music, line up the talent to perform the music and then see the CD get a release.
And I'm sure it's a full cup when the fans are enthusiastic and full of praise for your efforts.
But do you think a fan -- who bought the CD and expressed disappointment in a song or lack of a song -- ought to be chastised and made to feel like dog doo on an intenet discussion site for that specialty type music?
Is the consumer who spends his or her money on a CD supposed to shut up if he has anything other than praise to say about it or some part of it?
That's all. Someone was critical of the latest Rhino release of Rozsa's "Ivanhoe" in that it was missing some fanfares. These fanfares were in the film and part of the score...and this release purports to be the entire score...and Rhino has set a very high standard in the past.
But one "producer" of such CDs raised such an almighty stink that it has left a sour taste in most folks' mouth.
I'd be interested in your take on this sensitive subject.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/13/2002 04:44 PM PST

I meant to write Ask BK above.
I'd welcome comments from Nick Redman, as well -- prolific producer of extraordinary soundtracks that he is...and who has seen his share of extraordinarily picayunish nitpicks about some of them.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 11/13/2002 04:50 PM PST

Lyricists-
My question for this Wednesday.
I believe that Stephen Sondheim is the very best lyricist ever.
My second choice,because of his humor and humanity,would be E.Y(YIP) Harburg.
What are your favorite lyricists and why?
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 11/13/2002 06:11 PM PST

1) In instrumental version of a song (eg Maria by Bernstein/Sondheim) does the lyricist get royalities or just the composer?
2)On the CD: Out At the Movies the last track is a Theme From an Unknown Movie. First is it really an unknown movie and two have you collaborated with anyone else musically? Third: What was the process when you worked with Grant on composing this music?
3)Looking back on the 125+ albums you produced are there any that you wish you hadn't produced and which ones would be your top ten favorites?
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/13/2002 06:34 PM PST

A question for Ben & Anthony:
Most importantly we are you guys registered? Saks? Bed, Bath and Beyond? Tiffany's? All American Boy?
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 11/13/2002 06:38 PM PST

Thanks, everyone, for posting messages for Megan. I took them to her tonight, and she was very touched that so many people care about her.
Posted by Laura @ 11/13/2002 07:25 PM PST

Best lyricist? I thought the lyrics to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, were very smart and witty. Probably 10 cult movies and actresses were listed in the opening song alone. I also thought the lyrics to the songs from the South Park movie were very funny too. The Rocky Horror, lyrics were by Richard O'Brien, and South Park's is by Marc Shaiman, and Trey Parker, and Matt Stone. Also, I'm glad Megan, liked the messages.
Posted by Brandon @ 11/13/2002 07:47 PM PST

I'm sneaking my question in under the wire. Have you ever had an *incredible* idea (be it for a show, a song, etc.), then been dashed to find out someone else had done it, too (maybe even simultaneously to you). This has happened to me twice--I wrote a lyric for Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil," we recorded it, then Dave Lambert's daughter Dee (do you know her? WB exec for years) was helping me get a co-publishing deal and we found out another singer had JUST written another (completely different in concept) lyric and Wayne wouldn't do another co-publishing deal. The other was, of course, my "Reefer Madness" musical. In commiserating about these instances with other people, I've found an unbelievably high number of folk who have said similar things have happened to them, so I'm very curious if you've encountered this, too, and what exactly yours were.
Posted by JMK @ 11/13/2002 08:05 PM PST

A Reefer Madness musical would be great. That's a brilliant idea. Best of luck with it I'm sure it will be hilarious, informative and have lots of fun druggy songs. Good job!
Posted by Brandon @ 11/13/2002 09:22 PM PST

Megan: FEEL BETTER!!
Ben and Anthony: CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Tom from Oz: THANK YOU!! You win the prize for being my first birthday gift of the year. I can't wait to listen to DOTV!!
I just got in from AIDA (the opera...not the musical) and I'm wiped out. I'll post more tomorrow.
Posted by Jason @ 11/13/2002 10:30 PM PST

About two different projects at the same time with the same theme/ideas: "Deep Impact" & "Armageddon" and "Volcano" & "Dante's Peak." I have the CDs to both of the "Reefer Madness" musicals and quite enjoy both of them for different reasons. They are very different from each other but still worth having.
Bruce, since you're not going to answer these until Saturday, I do hope you'll consider answering my questions: Several times you've said that you have watched only part of a movie (on DVD) and will have to watch the rest of it later. Do you prefer to watch only part of a movie at a time or is it normal/freqent circumstance that you only have a certain amount of time in a block to watch what you can? Do you really mind this, or do you just accept that, for whatever reason, that's the way it has to be?
Also, when you've watched the first part of a film and have to come back to the rest of it later, do you find it difficult to "get back into" the movie and remember what was happening and how you were feeling while watching the first part, or do you have a very good memory and can pick up where you left off with no problem? Thanks.
Posted by George @ 11/14/2002 12:59 AM PST

Carroll Baker is Harlow 1965
NO Carol Lynley is Harlow 1965
NO NO NO...actually NEITHER of them was Harlow in any year. But Baker wins for production values.
Posted by Jrand55 @ 11/14/2002 02:52 AM PST

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