haines his way

12/17/2002:
"HAVING OURSELVES A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS"

Well, dear readers, the rain has abated and the sun is peeking through the clouds and the gardeners are noisily doing their gardening. Luckie is breakfasting after her morning walk and I am sitting here writing these here notes. Yesterday was the first real rain we’ve had in ages, and naturally the entire city reacted as if it were Hurricane Elsa or Irma or Fosca who whoever the hell it is, or Flood Wilma or Gracie or Fern – this city craves, wants and desires rain, this city cries drought and then when they get one day of a good hearty rain they go, “Oh, my God, it’s raining so hard, whatever shall we do.” Melrose Ave. was totally flooded because the drains backed up and didn’t work. Apparently this happened last time it rained – now, wouldn’t you think they would fix the problem? The drain system in the Valley is equally as bad and streets were flooded here as well. I only went out once yesterday, to my Mail Boxes, Etc. to get my mail, and Luckie did not like walking in the rain or even singing in the rain. And, of course, it took her forever to do her business so we were both drenched. Instead of taking her into the house, I took her into the yard so I could dry her off first. She thought I was going to pull her toenails out with a flaming hot pincer and she started yelping a peeing. I went in and got a towel and wiped her off while she yelped and peed some more. This is what she does, yelps and pees as if I were giving her the Chinese Water Torture. Last night, on our final walk, I decided to run with her. We’ve done this before and she’s very fast and we had fun. Last night we’re running along and I decided to show her what speed really is, and I actually kept pace with her, was running right along side her quite speedily. She reacted to this as if I were kicking her in the eyeball, as if I were giving her electroshock therapy and she began yelping and peeing. I mean, honestly, should I commit this dog? Anyway, we stopped running and I told her to stop, that we were having fun, fun, fun (that is three funs) and she simply rolled over on her back as if I were giving her rabbit punches below the belt and yelped and peed some more. Then we came in the house and she was happy as a clam (malc, spelled backwards) and promptly went to sleep.
Last night, after quite a bit of writing, I finished Back to the Future and also listened to the commentary track, which isn’t really a commentary track at all. It’s a question and answer session recorded with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale after a showing of the film. The moderator and producer of the DVD is Laurent Bouzereau who is my least favorite of anyone who does supplements for DVDs. His “documentary” (in three parts spread over the three movies) is awful. I watched a bit of each of the sequels and remembered how much I did not like them at all (they both have assorted moments, but they’re both trying really much too hard) – the first film should have been it, it’s just a wonderfully perfect little gem.
There is a terrible rumor abounding that our beloved Dave’s Video, the first store here in the Valley to carry laserdiscs and then DVDs, the flagship mom-and-pop DVD store, may be shutting its doors, perhaps even before the end of the year. I’ve been a customer since the day Dave opened his doors in a tiny little shop on Ventura Blvd. near Whitsett. I’ve followed him from store to store and this is shocking news. His store is literally one minute from my house and now it won’t be there anymore. I totally understand it, however, because there is very little loyalty in the world and he simply can’t fight huge stores run by huge corporations who put out DVDs as loss leaders and sell them for so much less than he can. That and the Internet – frankly, I’m surprised he’s lasted this long, but then he had it to himself for the first eighteen months, before DVD really began hitting the mainstream.
My goodness, has anyone noticed how long this fershluganah section is? It is too too long, so let’s all click on the Unseemly Button below so that the next section isn’t too too short.

Tonight I may watch the new DVD of Mr. Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy, a movie that, while not perfect, I’m quite fond of. I’ve already watched the little retrospective documentary, and at one point Mr. Martin Scorsese says this film was really the last film that was made in the climate that encouraged personal films from major studios. And, basically, he’s right. Even though there are still personal films, they’re most certainly not from the majors and The King of Comedy probably wouldn’t be made today.
Today I will pass page 250 in the sequel to my very own novel. Isn’t that exciting? Isn’t that just too too? Now, the first book, in this format, ran 267 pages. When I consolidated the format (took out the double double spaces) the first back ran 234 pages or something. The published book runs 204 pages I think. Since I am only on Chapter Four in Part Two, I think this book will end up about 325 pages, so it will be about sixty pages longer than the first book – at least this draft will be. When I say “draft”, of course, I don’t mean that this is a first pass, because I consistently go back and rewrite as I go, sometimes six or seven times per chapter, until I’m totally happy with the dialogue, structure and pace. So, I’m hopeful that with minor changes this will be it. I’ll be giving it to the same people who helped me edit the first book, and they all had valuable suggestions which I addressed very quickly. The good news is that I’m far enough along that I know where everything goes from here on in so if I keep up my pace I’m hopeful of finishing it by December 31st, 2002. That is my goal, anyway.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do and so on and so forth and also so forth and so on. And today starts our Christmas celebration. We are going to get our collective selves into the Christmas spirit, by gum and by golly. We are going to sing carols, both burnett and channing, we are going to hang our sparkly tinsel, we are going to have colored lights and pantaloons, we are going to have fruitcake and grog and whatnot, oh, yes, we shall have whatnot. Today’s topic of discussion: If you could only hear one Christmas song this Christmas, what would it be and why? You already know my answer – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, a wonderfully beautiful, heartfelt and touching song. Your turn.

Replies: 71 Unseemly Comments

Hmmmmmmmmm....only one? It would be a song Gisele McKenzie sings in French on her holiday album. I will find it when I go home from this awful place.
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/17/2002 09:28 AM PST

Huzzah! First post!
Remember the Reader's Digest? I used to like the December issue that would have all the stories from people in it.
I especially remember the one about the husband and wife who each thought the other had sent the Christmas cards. About December 21st, they realized NO ONE HAD SENT THE CARDS! The husband rushed out late that night, got the only box of 50 cards he could find. The wife addressed the envelopes, he signed the cards and put on the stamps. He rushed out to the mailbox, dropped them in, and came home and collapsed.
Then they opened the card left over and read:
This little card is
Just to say
A Gift You'll Love
Is On the Way! 8-D
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/17/2002 09:31 AM PST

I'm starting to think Christmas songs, too, and I must admit that my NEW favorite Christmas Song is Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's "Christmas Eve," sung by Yvette Lawrence and introduced for the very first time on BK's Broadway Christmas album. It's an unused song from She Loves Me. Sheldon was visiting Kris and me last night and was surprised to discover that BK had included two of his songs from The Canterville Ghost on Primetime Musicals. I think he will be calling Tower today to purchase a copy.
Luckie does sound a bit neurotic. I hope she wasn't abused when she was a puppy. That can cause many of the reactions you described. You sound like a very nice daddy, though, so she'll eventually get over it, I'm sure.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 12/17/2002 09:34 AM PST

Well (shameless plug approaching at break-neck speed) my favorite christmas diddy right now is "Sleigh Ride". Kerry Butler recorded a jiggy version of this tune and you can hear the entire version by clicking on my name, going to the RECORDINGS section...
Looking forward to more Kritzer in 2003!
Posted by Craig @ 12/17/2002 09:45 AM PST

Favorite Christmas Song: I, too, love "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - I especially like "comparing" recordings to see which version of the lyrics the singers use. My favorite holiday-appropriate song is Franz Biebl's setting of the Ave Maria - mixes Gregorian Chant and some glorious modern harmonies. *I heard it this morning on NPR's Performance Today sung by the all-male group, Cantus - which is the first time I've heard it sung by another group other than Chanticleer - at least in the male chorus version.
As for BK's Luckie "problem", just remember, "This too will pass"... Well, maybe that's not the most appropriate phrase right now. :-X
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 12/17/2002 09:49 AM PST

My favorite Christmas song is "No Room at the Inn" from Al Carmine's Cantata CHRISTMAS WRAPPINGS. It's included as a bonus track on the W. C. CD.
Even though I could have done so without AOL I refused to go the the Sheldon Harnick chat since it was on the website that won't be mentioned.
A question on "Back To The Future". Does anyone know why Eric Stoltz, an infinitely more talented actor, was fired after filming began and replaced by Michael J. Fox? Other than "Life With Mikey" I've never really appreciated Fox.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/17/2002 10:14 AM PST

I have to agree with Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Barbra's version, of course.
BTW, one of the Cinemax channels had your favorite, Li'l Abner, on this AM. I recorded it and hope to watch it in the next couple of weeks. I haven't seen it in decades.
Posted by steveg @ 12/17/2002 10:21 AM PST

Don't that take the rag offen the bush?
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/17/2002 10:27 AM PST

Stoltz came off too serious and there was a lack of chemistry between him and Christopher Lloyd so Spielberg got the go-ahead to refilm all the scenes with Marty McFly that were already in the can.
Posted by steveg @ 12/17/2002 10:34 AM PST

I usually separate Christmas music into two categories: classic and modern, so I shall nominate TWO songs!
My favorite classic Christmas song is "Carol of the Bells"--probably because I was the only female tenor in my high school choir, and the tenor part on that is really fun.
As for modern songs--While I love "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," the tendency to sing the happier and (imho) inferior lyric annoys me no end. Therefore my favorite modern Christmas song must be "Christmas Waltz" by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn.
Posted by Pam @ 12/17/2002 10:39 AM PST

Well, I don't know why on earth Mr. Harnick should have been surprised that I'd recorded The Canterville Ghost songs, since he sent them to me - I'm also fairly certain I sent him the CD immediately upon its release.
William F. Orr - I think we shall have very good news for you and others regarding OUR live chats, so stay tuned for details.
Posted by bk @ 12/17/2002 10:44 AM PST

Sheldon did have all of your other albums, but for some reason that one slipped past him. He was very pleased to see it. As always, I do my best to spread the word about your wonderful albums.
William Lurie, you're welcome to visit robertarmin.com to find out what I'm up to.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 12/17/2002 10:49 AM PST

I think we're on the verge of making "Luckie" a euphemism for peeing.
I'm so happy I could Luckie!
I laughed till I cried, and then I Luckied, too!
Sigh.
If he was lying on the side of the road with flames leaping from his carcass, I wouldn't Luckie on him.
What?!!! You mean Eric Stoltz was supposed to play Marty McFly? And Michael J. Fox was "better"??????
Robert Armin -- the CD arrived and I thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. What a joy to hear this in pristine stereo!
I hope the good news BK reference to William Lurie is also good news for the rest of us (vis a vis "the chat"). I'm very much "over" the AIM/AOL screens that pop up every time I log on. There are three of them. And that's apparently the minimum...I can't shut any of them off.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 12/17/2002 11:24 AM PST

Ron -- Your most welcome (ditto twice).
Posted by Robert Armin @ 12/17/2002 11:28 AM PST

Actually, I counted wrong. That should have been ditto thrice -- is that a Sondheim reference?
Posted by Robert Armin @ 12/17/2002 11:29 AM PST

Tony-winning Off-Broadway show:
LuckieTown
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/17/2002 11:32 AM PST

Uh, I think BK meant that good news for modern man to be addressed to the other William, but it is also good news to me,too.
Although I have enjoyed putting some of the group here on my buddy list. It was particularly helpful during the recent snow storm here on the East Coast, when Susan Gordon and I gave each other a lot of moral support before and after braving the roads.
I only get one pop-up from AIM, and I can close it immediately. Of course I have installed the Earthlink Pop-Up Blocker on both my computers, which has done a good deal to protect me from the barrage of ads that normally comes with surfing the Web.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/17/2002 11:34 AM PST

My favorite Christmas song will have to be, of course, "The Christmas Child", in celebration of my upcoming birthday, on Monday the 23rd, hint, hint.
All I want for my birthday is Brent Barrett's Alan J. Lerner CD, and I got it. Yipee!
Wow! I am falling in love with Brent as a singer and actor, even though I've never seen him on stage. I was awfully happy to hear the two songs from Lolita, My Love. "The Broken Promise Land of Fifteen" has been haunting me all day.
Dear Reader Sandra: I suggest you listen to the above song, then read Poe's "Annabelle Lee" and then read the first few pages of Nabokov's Lolita. You will then be prepared to break out a cask of Amontillado and write a paper contrasting Poe's and Lerner's poetic imagery.
Speaking of which: Whatever happened to Dear Reader Dolores, formerly known as Dear Reader Lolita?
Speaking of which, what ever happend to Dear Reader S. Woody White and his ever-lovin' Dear Reader Der Brucer?
And where is Flora, the beautiful Roman? (Oh, a François Villon reference.)
Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/17/2002 11:41 AM PST

If nobody else posts, it's just gonna be li'l ol' me. Oh, a Peter Pan reference.
BK, do you think there will ever be a chance of a recording of the complete score to Lolita, My Love, if not an actual staging? I'm dying to hear what sort of songs were written for Charlotte and Quilty.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/17/2002 11:45 AM PST

William F. Orr - I discussed Lolita, My Love recording on one of the last few Ask BK Days (well, the answer days) - It had been my intention to record it, had the go-ahead from Liza Lerner, then another infamous record producer went to John Barry, told him he'd record it, and everything got mucked up and of course, as per usual with that infamous record producer, it remains unrecorded. I have the score - there are wonderful songs - Charlotte (Dorothy Loudon) has a showstopper called Sur le Quais (I think that's what it's called), Quilty has Going, Going Gone, and there's a brilliant nightmarish song/sequence called How Far is it To the Next Town which is amazing.
I'm going to have to make a very difficult decision in the next day or so (well, I've made the decision) and I do hope you will all support me in said decision and that you will understand why I am making it. It's nothing monumental, nothing that impacts the site or the notes at all, but it's something I feel I must do. More later.
Posted by bk @ 12/17/2002 11:56 AM PST

William F. Orr - you have great tastes in birthdays - mine is also the 23rd.
Posted by Craig @ 12/17/2002 11:58 AM PST

Yesterday on my English final, one of the questions was what happens if you get caught plagiarizing on a paper. I couldn't remember, so I said that the dean will kick you in the eyeball.
I just thought you all would like to know that fascinating bit of information.
Posted by Sandra @ 12/17/2002 12:00 PM PST

If this Jewish boy could hear but one Christmas song this season, it would be Miss Leontyne Price's ethereal rendition of "O Holy Night."
Posted by Jay @ 12/17/2002 12:03 PM PST

And what about Flora, the Red Menace? Oh - A Kander and Ebb reference.
To all BB fans, some less well known credits: He got his start playing an obsessed fashion model on "All My Children". His characted killed the popular character played by Kim Delaney.
In the mid-80s he played Cable in the Richard Kiley tour of SOUTH PACIFIC and he had a tiny bit in the film "Longtime Companion". He appeared in two roles at Encores the last couple of years: as the young lover from Melinda's past in ON A CLEAR DAY... and as Sid in PAJAMA GAME opposite the wonderful Karen Ziemba.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/17/2002 12:39 PM PST

"O Holy Night" is my favourite "classic" carol. Of the newly written "Driving Home For Christmas" (maybe Chris Rea).
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 12/17/2002 12:43 PM PST

Most favorite's been taken - by many, so let's add another title for consideratioN;
"Merry Christmas, Darling" as sung by Karen Carpenter
Ho ho ho!
Posted by Phil @ 12/17/2002 12:45 PM PST

All right, I may as well tell you all the decision right now. I had to make this decision because my discomfort level was getting very high and why should I have discomfort on this site? As most of you know, a couple of months ago, one of our dear readers informed me that he was going to be hosting the live chats at another unnamed website. They immediately announced him as the newest member of their family. Now, I am not a petty person, but I found it very strange that a dear reader would do such a thing. I explained then that I am all about loyalty and that I was uncomfortable about it. However, the dear reader continued to post here (which I also found strange), continued to privately e-mail people and send them gifts (I didn't find that strange - just strangely predictable) and whatnot. I said nothing, I did nothing, but it continued to make me uncomfortable having a member of said family posting here and posting links to his website in hopes, one presumes, of getting some visitors for his live chats). In any case, I have written the dear reader in question and I have politely asked him not to post here anymore, and I hope and trust he will respect and understand my decision. I hope and trust that the rest of you will understand it, too.
It was not an easy decision to make - I don't like doing this sort of thing. I have worked very hard to make this a wonderful place to be with a real sense of family, but frankly when I found out what had happened I felt like one of the family had just kicked me in the eyeball. I didn't yelp or pee, like Luckie, but I did feel very uncomfortable. In any case, I wanted to share this decision with you and again, I hope it's one you'll all support and understand. Love you all madly.
Posted by bk @ 12/17/2002 12:48 PM PST

I have just received an email from Bruce Kimmell asking me to no longer post to this site. I find this sad, but I will abide by his request. Thank you all for 13 months of entertaining commentary. If you wish to continue to correspond with me, you can reach me through the attached email address. This will be my last post. I trust that Bruce will have the integrity not to delete it.
Posted by Robert Armin @ 12/17/2002 12:51 PM PST

Bruce -
All I can say is that this is your "home" on the web. So if you are uncomfortable with something, it's perfectly understandable that you would want to do what you must to keep your home cozy.
Posted by Craig @ 12/17/2002 01:29 PM PST

And now for something completely different!
(shaddup back there, just hold it down, please!)
Once I finally found the Brent Barrett CD yesterday, I began to realize why I have been buying most of my CDs on line any more, and it is not price alone.
Standing in a huge multi-national record store, looking upon rows and rows and rows and rows (that is four "rows"es, thus a minimum of 2x4 = 8 rows) of Rock & Pop followed by rows and etc again of Rap and only a few rows of Soundtracks and a miniscule fraction each of Easy Listening and Shows (at least this one chain still makes that a separate category); standing there and realizing that many of the CDs in those rows upon rows are by highly promoted folk of little or no talent and less originality, but with fan bases in the millions or tens of millions; and discovering one, yes only one copy of one of the most marvelous CDs I've heard in years by one of those many talents who should be known to all and sundried but are not in this benighted age; standing there, I said to myself, "I know, I know, the world is full of philistines, but need I come out here to be reminded of it?"
That was your Christmas cheer for today.
Your turn.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/17/2002 01:35 PM PST

I chose to skip the chain music stores years ago and haven't regretted it for a moment. Beyond the fact, as Dear Reader William F. Orr points out, that they seldom stock "our" kind of music, the clerks all look like side show (and I do NOT mean the Broadway musical) refugees and stare at you as if you had three heads if you ask a question about recordings of any variety of music other that what they play on MTV.
Posted by Jay @ 12/17/2002 01:48 PM PST

BK-
I admire your decission. I'm just surprised it took so long.
I find if I want to buy a lot of CDs at one time the Web is better, but the postage for one or two titles makes them more expensive than going to a store. Because I am in NYC I can go to Footlight Records where the clerks rate from fantastic to disgusting --- I've had both. It's the out-of-work actors who think they are better than the talent on the CDs they sell that are the worst.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/17/2002 01:53 PM PST

Bruce, I know it wasn't an easy thing for you to do, to ask a dear, might-I-add-loyal reader to stop posting at HHW. After all, we are a happy family here at HHW. And you are the head of this here happy family. But if you are uncomfortable about something, and it is clear why this particular situation made you uncomfortable, then it is your right to do what you feel you must do in order to preserve, and in this case to regain, the harmony of our cyber home at HHW.
Posted by Susan Gordon @ 12/17/2002 01:59 PM PST

Robert Armin is one of the nicest, most genuine people I've met anywhere on the internet. He has never, to my knowledge, by thought or deed violated anyone's loyalty. He is his own person with his own, separate life and career.
He had an opportunity to do something he not only is well-suited for but wanted to do. He was open and upfront about it.
He brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to this group, as well and I've never read one word critical of BK or anyone else on this site. His post above shows great class.
I'm very disappointed by this turn of events. I believe in comfort levels and I'm sure everyone agrees BK must be comfortable at all costs.
This one was very dear, and I'm no longer comfortable posting at a site where loyalty is a misnomer for fealty and where someone's personal issues have to impact someone else's professional life.
Adieu....
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 12/17/2002 02:14 PM PST

Ron (if you are still reading the board)..
I will only comment on one thing you wrote. That Robert's message showed class. I think for the most part it did.. but his ending comment I found rather antagonizing.
I trust that Bruce will have the integrity not to delete it.
Bruce's integrity (which I believe to be ironclad with buns of steel) aside - to post that comment indeed implies a lack of trust and in my eyes any sincerity.
But hey.. that's just my .02
Posted by Craig @ 12/17/2002 02:28 PM PST

a) thanks for all the support, public and private
b) I reiterate, it was not an easy decision.
c) this has NOTHING to do with "fealty" - and Ron's post simply shows that he knows virtually nothing of why this site was created or what I have had to deal with for the past year and three months.
d)Robert's niceness or intelligence is not in question, nor I'm sure is Ron's. I like them both and will continue to like them.
I knew there would be a few people who would take this the wrong way (believe me, I KNEW) but I had to do what I had to do and that's all there is to it. I know that most of you understand and support that.
I don't want any further dissension. That's not what we're about. That gives others amunition to say, "Oh, look, bk is being all huffy." We shall overcome, baby, and we shall continue to grow into one of the most popular sites on all the Internet, come hell or high or low water, come rain or come shine, I'm gonna love you like no one has loved you.
And now, back to our wild and wacky ways.
Posted by bk @ 12/17/2002 02:29 PM PST

Wild and Wacky? what happened to wooly?
Be back in a bit - gotta go luckie
Posted by Craig @ 12/17/2002 02:34 PM PST

Anyway.....as I was saying. The song I referenced in post number ONE ... which seems a LONG time ago is Dans Cette etable and what do you know..she also sings Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Nice album.
Hmmmmm....
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/17/2002 02:39 PM PST

Oh..... My goodness! I completely forgot to mention my favorite contemporary christmas song - David Friedman's "Christmas Wish" - and sung by Jason Graae is even better! You must give it a listen...
Posted by Craig @ 12/17/2002 02:44 PM PST

BK: I completely support your decision. We will, I'm sure, miss Robert and Ron, but I must admit that after learning of Robert's job at that other site, I was deeply disappointed, confused and, frankly, a bit surprised that your response to this didn't happen sooner. I know it was a difficult decision for you.
That being said, my favorite Christmas tunes (standard and classical) are:
Standard: Ding Dong Merrily on High
Classical: Franz Biebl's Ave Maria as sung by Chanticleer. If you haven't heard this song sung by this INCREDIBLE group, you must. Download it, go out and buy it, borrow it--do whatever you must. It's simply stunning.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
Posted by Jason @ 12/17/2002 02:55 PM PST

Oh! I also forgot "Merry Christmas, Darling" by the Carpenters. It's enough to make me weep.
Posted by Jason @ 12/17/2002 03:02 PM PST

Interesting story about Eric Stoltz in "Back to the Future." Zemeckis and Gale apparently had wanted Michael J. Fox all along, but it looked like his TV schedule wouldn't permit it. The Universal execs insisted on doing screen tests to find a Marty McFly. It finally came down to two finalists, Eric Stoltz and C. Thomas Howell. It was a studio exec who insisted on casting Stoltz, and Zemeckis reluctantly agreed, on this exec's guarantee that if Stoltz didn't work out, Zemeckis could recast and reshoot.
I knew about Stoltz, and have seen pictures of him as McFly in various scenes (at bttf.com), but I had no idea about Howell before hearing about this on the new DVD. I'll bet Howell could have pulled it off, and his career might have been completely different.
Posted by Sigerson Holmes @ 12/17/2002 03:04 PM PST

Hey there! Just a quick post before I dash off to the theatre...
I just got back up to Fairfax a little while ago, and noticed a package waiting for me. Guess what I'll be reading in the pit tonight! Benjamin Kritzer! Thank you, BK! And it came yesterday!! Thank you, USPS!
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 12/17/2002 03:15 PM PST

With all the fine seasonal music out there, it becomes rather tough to pick just one. But if one and ONLY one it must be, I will take Nancy LaMott singing "Some Children See Him."
An amazing talent. An amazing lady overcoming the odds that were against her. An amazing arrangement of a lovely song, and what Nancy does with the line, "...like theirs - - but bright with heavenly grace..." sends shivers up and down my spine, and often brings a tear to the eye, knowing that Nancy herself now glows with that same heavenly grace.
Posted by td @ 12/17/2002 05:22 PM PST

Note to BK: I, too, was amazed to hear that one of your friends had taken a job "there." Your decision is certainly very understandable. Frankly, I admire your restraint. I agree -- loyalty is everything.
Note to William F. Orr and Craig: I'm afraid I will have to wish you happy birthday early this year, as I will be in the Los Angeles area on Dec. 23 with Dear Reader Sandra. I was lucky enough to be able to get tickets to the new Christmas Forever Plaid there, and it will be her Christmas gift.
Posted by Laura @ 12/17/2002 07:49 PM PST

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a given for favorite. So, I'll pick another.
In my mood today, I'd pick Harry Nilsson's "Remember" (sometimes called "Remember Christmas.")
For traditional, I'd pick specific arrangements: either Richard Purvis' arrangement of "Away in a Manger," Lyn Larsen's arrangement of "We Three Kings" or Mannheim Steamroller's version of "Silent Night."
Posted by Kerry @ 12/17/2002 08:21 PM PST

Dear Reader Laura & Dear Reader Sandra: Thank you for the birthday wishes. Now for my birthday wish: That you may come back and tell us all about Christmas Forever Plaid and how wonderful it was.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/17/2002 08:42 PM PST

Hello, you wonderful peoples. I ran into an old acquaintence of mine while I was signing in Palm Springs. She bought the book and posted about it but for some reason she posted to an old notes. So, I'm reposting it here because she was so sweet.
Isn't that nice? Isn't that just too too? I will tell you a humorous story about where she and I first worked together. It will astound you as it astounded me. Remind me.
Posted by bk @ 12/17/2002 10:03 PM PST

Today at my work, we had our annual "Holiday" (formerly "Christmas") potluck lunch and gift exchange. I just happened to have BK's very own A BROADWAY CHRISTMAS and A HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS CDs with me at work. There is a boom-box type CD player in the conference room where we partied and I played both of these CDs at the break (when we opened the gifts we'd exchange) and lunch! Several people loved the CDs and the unusual choices of songs. One of my most favorite holiday songs is "Pine Cones and Holy Berries/It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas" and I love the Glory Crampton/Talisman Quartet recording. Thanks Bruce!
Posted by George @ 12/17/2002 11:48 PM PST

Um...make that "HOLLY Berries," not "HOLY Berries." Oops.
Posted by George @ 12/17/2002 11:51 PM PST

Holy Berries, Batman!
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/18/2002 02:31 AM PST

Bruce, don't forget to tell us the story about your friend! And did you see Charlie Farrell when you were in Palm Springs?
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/18/2002 02:32 AM PST

Didn't Holly Berries win an Oscar this year?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/18/2002 05:52 AM PST

BK--- Where did you re-post the message from your old friend? It doesn't follow the posting you made saying you were re-posting it. From the opening of your posting may we assume it is the lovely Juanita Juanita?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/18/2002 05:54 AM PST

And she just bloomed when she gave her acceptance speech.
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/18/2002 05:55 AM PST

Private note to BK: I have been through similar events as you have and am totally sympathetic to your decisions. Sometimes the right decisions cause some pain, too.
Favorite Christmas song: For personal reasons, "A Christmas Love Song" which begins "All I want for Christmas is you..." The first time I heard it was the Christmas my partner and I decided we really couldn't afford to exchange gifts. And after that Christmas, I realized that I get the greatest present I could possibly ask for every day he is with me.
And on that sloppy sentimental note....
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 12/18/2002 06:59 AM PST

I'll post the link again in today's notes.. but very sad news, Sidney Glazier who was THE PRODUCER of THE PRODUCERS (movie) has passed away.. the story can be read by clicking on my name...
Posted by Craig @ 12/18/2002 07:04 AM PST

I must say that I have mixed feelings about BK's decision. The internet is about sharing open communication, and building communities that do not have barriers. To dictate that someone is no longer permitted to take part in that community...well, I'm not sure that I agree with that. Particularly when the person in question has been a loyal and valuable contributor to said community.
How many of us have been treated poorly by our employers? And how many of us have chosen to leave a job because of the unfair work practices of those employers? How many of even were dismissed from a workplace where we were valuable contributors to the success of the enterprise? But when we left, did we leave our friends and colleagues behind, suggesting that those friends were disloyal to us for continuing to be employed by "the enemy"? Frankly, that would be petty and childish. I recognize that BK's situation is somewhat more involved than that, but the principal is the same.
Here's an interesting question: Mr. Armin has been banned from this site because of his involvement with the chat at another site. Will BK also ban those who are special guests of those chats? If that is the case, I find it interesting that Brent Barrett was welcomed with open arms to the "unseemly" chat the other night, when it is public knowledge that he will be a special guest at the other site on January 6th. This seems like hypocrisy of the first order. Will BK refuse to work with artists like Rebecca Luker or Marc Kudisch because of their continued involvement with that same chat? I should think not.
My hope is that BK will reconsider his decision from a more calm and mature point of view, and extend an open invitation to ALL the Kimlets to join in a true spirit of community and harmony.
And that is my Christmas wish.
Posted by Dave @ 12/18/2002 07:40 AM PST

Dave - while I understand completely where you are coming from - I want to re-iterate something I posted above. While you may see the internet as an open forum - the reality is that a website has an owner - like a house. This is Bruce's "house" on the information highway - and if someone comes into his house and offends (for a lack of better word) him - he has a right to ask that person to leave. I don't think he BANNED him - he asked him politely to not "come around anymore". I would also add that who Bruce accepts or doesn't accept into his family is really his business and his business alone. If he wants to have Brent here - or not, based on his participation somewhere else - that's his right - but I don't think it's a "throwing a baby out with the bathwater" situation. Just because someone has made Bruce feel uncomfortable with their presence here - doesn't mean ANYONE who does something similar will have the same outcome. Everyone is an individual.
This matter is actually none of anyone's business except Bruce and Robert.
Just my .02
p.s. I do need to say that I think a performer who has either recorded on that label or has chosen to participate in the chat is a completely different scenario that what transpired...
Posted by Craig @ 12/18/2002 07:55 AM PST

Dave---
This was not a case of BK being dismissed by an employer. This was a case of him being thrown out of his own company. There is a big difference.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/18/2002 08:20 AM PST

Craig,
I understand that HHW is Bruce's internet "home", and he is free to run his home as he wishes. I am even willing to concede that there may be circumstances when it is appropriate for a webmaster to prohibit the continued contributions of certain individuals (hate speech, personal assaults, etc.) I just don't know that these particular circumstances warrant such a drastic act.
You are correct in saying that Bruce did not "ban" anyone from the site. He politely asked Mr. Armin to stop posting to the site, and asked the rest of us to understand the decision. Frankly, I do not understand, and I offered my reasons why.
I can only suggest that the rest of should now carefully consider what we post to this site, and how we manage our personal and professional affairs. One wouldn't want to make BK "uncomfortable", would one?
To suggest that this not our business is puzzling. We call this a family, yet it should not concern us when one of our own is "politely" cast out?
And your justification of BK's hypocrisy is thoroughly unconvincing. I would like to hear him reconcile the obvious double-standard.
This is a very sad day at HHW. I think that we have all seen a very petulant and vindictive side of BK that is not at all attractive. I still hold out hope that he will reconsider.
Posted by Dave @ 12/18/2002 08:25 AM PST

William,
As I said, BK's circumstances are somewhat different from those I put forth in my post; however, the similarities are considerable. The difference you suggest - that this was BK's "own company" - is also debatable. One can argue that the person who is funding the operation is the one who owns the company, and s/he is free to operate said company as s/he pleases.
I would by no means attempt to justify the actions of Bruce's former label, nor do I support their business practices since his departure. But whatever I might think of that company, it is not my responsibility to dictate to Mr. Armin whether he should pursue a professional opportunity with them. Nor is it Mr. Kimmel's.
Where does it end? Will we be reprimanded for purchasing the new Brent Barrett CD because it comes from "the enemy"?
As I said, very sad.
Posted by Dave @ 12/18/2002 08:34 AM PST

Dave-
I must say that I find your last two posts rather antagonistic. I am sure it comes from a place of you feeling hurt/and or confused (and tone is so hard to tell online anyway) - but YOUR logic re: guests is the one that's faulty in my eyes. Just because Bruce cannot accept ONE person's actions, does not me he cannot tolerate anothers. People are individuals.
As for your assumption that we should all watch what we do - all I can say is - perhaps so - but perhaps a better lesson is that if you are going to do something that you blatently is going to hurt or offend someone - it might be best not to post it on this site.
You implied that Bruce was acting immature and in this last post said "One wouldn't want to make BK "uncomfortable", would one". I think Bruce wrote a very heartfelt and sincere statement of his feelings that was hardly childish.
I will say this. I know for a fact HOW difficult this decision was for him. It wasn't something he did willy-nilly - or on the spur of the moment. It is something that he tried to resolve and work through.
Peace
Posted by Craig @ 12/18/2002 08:42 AM PST

Fashion tip from Frances Farmer one of the better dressed women in Indianapolis is 1962:
"If it's possible have your salesclerk take a Polaroid of you wearing the dress. There's nothing like a photograph to tell you what you look like to other people."
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/18/2002 08:45 AM PST

Ahhhh you keep posting before I can catch up LOL
You are exactly right. Robert can do what he wants. And Bruce is also entitled to do what he pleases. That's the bottom line. Maybe Bruce's mistake was asking for people to understand. It really doesn't matter if people understand or not - it was his decision.
Posted by Dave @ 12/18/2002 08:46 AM PST

Ooops.. that last post was TO dave, not from him... sorry
Posted by Craig @ 12/18/2002 08:46 AM PST

But what about the fashion tip?
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/18/2002 08:48 AM PST

Craig,
It was not my intent to be antagonistic. When I say this is sad, I mean that I am sincerely saddened by what I have seen transpire in the last 24 hours.
The reason I suggest your defense of BK is questionable is this: Bruce claims that his actions are based on a principle (and not based upon the individual, as you seem to indicate). He is all about "loyalty" - though I am inclined to agree with Ron re: Bruce's definition of the word. If this is the case, should we not expect that he will also view the actions of others - such as taking part in the chat - as being "disloyal", too? They are, after all, "sleeping with the enemy".
I was involved in a situation recently, wherein a friend of mine treated another friend of mine rather poorly, and everyone knew it. Eventually, the offender confided in me that she knew she was behaving badly, but she just couldn't help it. This was a very "heartfelt" confession, but it did not excuse the bad behaviour. It was immature and hurtful, and needed to be made right. After some time, apologies were made and the situation is behind all of us. I see the same thing happening here. Bruce's comments - sincere as they may be - do not negate his actions; they only acknowledge them. I am sure that he feels very strongly about what he needed to do. That doesn't mean he did the right thing. I hope that in time he will see that.
And for the record, Robert did not post the info about his professional endeavours on this site. He emailed Bruce personally, and Bruce brought it up here.
Posted by Dave @ 12/18/2002 09:01 AM PST

Dave -
To reply - Robert has since posted numerous times since his acceptance of the chat job. I am only assuming that each of those posts were like thorns going into Bruce - that is what I was referring to. As for "I hope in time he will see that" - it's your opinion that he did the wrong thing. I can accept that. Perhaps you can just accept (albeit not like) his decision and leave it lie at that.
As for Ron's logic - faulty again. You are making a black and white argument assuming that one thing will set someone off. Yes. It COULD happen - that's life. But in this instance - it seems to be a culmination of things.
I also think there is a big difference between "sleeping with the enemy" and joining their family and just having lunch over at someone's house....
Posted by Craig @ 12/18/2002 09:12 AM PST

8-(
Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/18/2002 09:26 AM PST

Children, children! What did I tell you about bickering?
I want it to stop right now! I don't care who started it. One more word out of any of you and there is no "Buzz Corbet, Space Cadet" tonight, and you are all going to bed without cake!
Now. Smile and play nice. And let little Robbie and Bucie iron out their differences without meddling.
Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/18/2002 09:36 AM PST

Ask BK: Got a question? Ask Bruce Kimmel...

© Copyright 2001-2003 Bruce Kimmel.
All Rights Reserved. Site design by hijinks design.