Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/30/2002 08:35 AM PST

First post huzzah!

Posted by Jrand55 @ 12/30/2002 08:36 AM PST

Well at the top of my list would be meeting with a legendary theater music producer at a little deli on Ventura.

Then in no particular order:

Having my son survive his bout with the "student driver" (and that's putting it kindly).

Completing my musical (at least the first draft, anyway--eh, JR?).

Kind of resigning from a gig that's been a stressful situation for years (though they are still calling--STILL CALLING--me to play for them).

Meeting and getting to know all the truly wonderful people here at HHW--if this is not yet the most popular place on the internet, it is at least the kindest and friendliest, and I'd take that over popularity any day!

Happy New Year to one and all and also all and one!

Posted by JMK @ 12/30/2002 08:47 AM PST

Ummm, you guys aren't allowed to talk about Trading Spaces when I'm gone! :(

Yesterday Jason wrote:
I believe it was Jennifer who said yesterday that Doug had done some strange designs in the past. That may be true, but I actually liked the Pullman Car Bedroom and the Movie Theater Living Room.

Well I really disliked those two. I mean maybe the Pullman car was too much for me because I'm claustrophobic. But I did not like that one. And I thought the Movie theater was totally impractical.

But he has done some stuff I've liked recently. Although I find in many ways he is similar to Hildy. He likes to do some very bizarre things, and doesn't always care about what the people like. Last week they showed a repeat of this beautiful bedroom he did, but he used green squares all over the walls. That would make me crazy looking at that all the time!

Yes Trading Spaces is the same as England's Changing Rooms. TLC (the learning channel) where TS is shows recently had a whole day of Changing Rooms episodes on. And of course I taped many of them. It is similar, but like someone else said, TS is an hour instead of 1/2 hour. And it seemed that Changing Rooms let the home owners have more of a say in what they wanted to do to their friends' house. On Trading Spaces the friends really have little say in what happens to the room. Some times I wish that would change. Because it would be nice if they had some input. Then perhaps some of the crazy stuff wouldn't happen.

Btw, to relate this to theatre. Did anyone else see the commercial they are running with Paige Davis in a Las Vegas chorusgirl outfit singing and dancing? Apparently on January 18th (I think) they are doing their first ever live reveal from Las Vegas. Very cute commercial.

jennifer

Posted by Jennifer @ 12/30/2002 09:02 AM PST

I trust that will be the last chat where AOLphopes can't join in.

5 Best things in 2002:

Meeting BK and the others who showed up to the NY get together (and separately meeting Donald Feltham)

Getting our new dog Phoebe after our prior dog Sabrina went to doggie heaven in January

Seeing so many good shows (and a few bombs)

Finally getting some of my favorite films released on DVD (including "First Nudie Musical" which I have loved since its initial release)

And something I can't discuss on a public website!

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/30/2002 09:50 AM PST

Hehe...It always freaks me out when people begin their posts with "Yesterday Jason wrote:" It makes me feel like I did something wrong or that the poster thought I was being mean. I hope you didn't think I was being bitchy, Jennifer. Though Doug's room are strange, and sometimes quite impractical, I do enjoy his creativity. And you must admit, impractical as they were, the movie theater and the pullman car rooms looked fagulous. I mean FABULOUS. Yeah...damn typos. ;-)

My favorite things from this year:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...(Kidding).

1. Moving to New York City. I moved here sight-unseen (yes, dear readers, it's true--I'd never been to New York until the day I moved here in January.) It has been, by far, the bravest and craziest and most difficult thing I've ever done in my life and I am so glad that I did it.

2. Finding this here web site. It's been a source of daily fun and sanity, and to my surprise, it helped me make some new friends and has given me a support system when I've needed one. That support system is something that I can always depend on, and I hope that you guys feel that you can depend on me, as well. Thanks for being here for me!!!! (That punctuation is here for BK's benefit...haha!)

3. Seeing over 50 Broadway and regional stage productions and only having to pay for 8 of them. From HAIRSPRAY to DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES, I feel that I've run the gamut of theatrical experiences. I can't wait to see what's coming up next year.

4. The Chicken Fried Rice at Ollie's Noodle Shop on 44th and Broadway. I'm like a crazy man when it comes to this fried rice. I eat it at least once a week (yes, I've had it once already this week). It's MORE than enough for a meal and it's only $6.25, not to mention it's really, really yummy. Don't get it from the Ollie's at Lincoln Center, though...they put lima beans in it! (Who puts limas in fried rice?)

5. KaZaA. It's the music downloading site that I have become obsessed with. They have nearly everthing on there and now I can download the songs and burn the to a disc with the use of my brand-spankin' new Dell computer, which is also one of my favorite things of this year.

OK. There's my list. I only used multiple exclamation points once (hehe). I should eat something. Ciao!

Posted by Jason @ 12/30/2002 11:43 AM PST

Mon Dieu! I should proof before I post!

"They have nearly everything on there and now I can download the songs and burn them to a disc with the use of my brand-spankin' new Dell computer, which is also one of my favorite things of this year."

Posted by Jason @ 12/30/2002 11:48 AM PST

My five favorite things I have done this year:

I had dinner with Bruce Kimmel and Jason Graae.

I saw Plaid Tidings.

I improved in fencing. But unfortunately, so did everybody else.

I did the pudding dance at Four Corners.

I received from my grandma my great great grandmother's dress and bonnet and rocking chair.

Posted by Sandra @ 12/30/2002 12:00 PM PST

A note to Tom Guest:

"The Crocodile Hunter" has absolutely nothing in common with Paul Hogan. Steve Irwin is an ardent conservatinist. He and his American wife Terri run a reptile preserve that his parents founded, the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, and he is the director of Australia Zoo in Queensland.

He does indeed wrestle crocodiles, capturing them in dangerous populated areas to relocate them in better environments. This is a man who really cares about animals. He has an uncanny ability to handle and calm everything from a lemur to a venomous snake, although it is his one true love, the crocodile, which never seems to appreciate his benevolence.

I am surprised that the show is not on in Australia, given the hype it has received on this side of the lake and the recent movie that was released. The best thing is knowing, as spartanly as he lives, that Steve is probably plowing most of that money back into saving endangered species.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/30/2002 12:02 PM PST

He may be a great naturalist, but he comes off as a silly asshole on television. I'll take Marlon Perkins or Joan Embrie any day.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/30/2002 12:14 PM PST

William: I saw Steve and Terri on the Oprah Show a few weeks back and he said that they do, indeed, put their money back into the zoo that they run. Their little daughter came out handling a three-foot boa constrictor and she said that snakes will be her speciality. EEK! I'm surprised, too, that Tom doesn't know from the Crocodile Hunter.

Dear Reader Sandra: What in the WORLD is the pudding dance? You must tell!

Posted by Jason @ 12/30/2002 12:16 PM PST

Dear Reader Jason, the pudding dance is a creation of our very own Mr. Bruce Kimmel.

Posted by Sandra @ 12/30/2002 12:34 PM PST

Our Very Own Bruce Kimmel: What in the WORLD is the pudding dance? You must tell!

Posted by Jason @ 12/30/2002 12:41 PM PST

Regarding the pudding dance, I'm not sure that's something I need to know.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/30/2002 12:48 PM PST

Favorite Thing #1

The creation of the Unofficial Bruce Kimmel Music Appreciation Web Site

PS Like Cher and Madonna I am now going by my single monicker

Posted by Michael @ 12/30/2002 12:53 PM PST

Favorite Thing #2

The creation of the Sunday chat room with the wonderful assistance of Susan Gordon on Monday's

Posted by Michael @ 12/30/2002 12:54 PM PST

Favorite Thing #3

Wrote two screenplays this past year and entered them into the Project Greenlight contest. Receieved some constructive criticism on one of them and sour grapes on the other.

Posted by Michael @ 12/30/2002 12:57 PM PST

Favorite Thing #4

Continued to build the Bruce Kimmel Collection.

Posted by Michael @ 12/30/2002 12:58 PM PST

Favorite Thing #5

Read Benjiman Kritzer and watch First Nudie Musical Musical

Posted by Michael @ 12/30/2002 12:59 PM PST

Favorite Thing #5

Read Benjiman Kritzer and watch First Nudie Musical Musical

Posted by Michael @ 12/30/2002 12:59 PM PST

I like favorite Thing so much I poste it twice

Posted by Michael @ 12/30/2002 01:01 PM PST

Thanks Bill. All I know of Mr Irwin is what I have seen on American Chat shows. It is the OZ image that I don't like here.I am a "doubting Thomas". He is no doubt a conservationist but the "Australia Zoo" to my knowledge does not exist. The Qld Reptile and Fauna Park is a small scale "tourist thing to do" in North Queensland. Conservation has a high profile in the country. Mr Irwin does not. Our TV networks both "free to air" and pay(cable) are laoded with conservation programmes (programs) Australian and international. The "green" vote is very significant here - the major two parties need them to stay in office and they have representation as an entity in National and State politics.

Posted by Tom from OZ @ 12/30/2002 01:30 PM PST

William E. Lurie:

Well, there are @$$holes and there are @$$holes. I can put up with Irwin being a bit over the top, because that is his personality. What I don't like is someone like Jeff Corwin, who thinks him doing Bogart imitations should be the focus of the show rather than the wildlife.

Tom:

Interesting to hear (i.e. read). And I thought all you Ozies carried Bowie knives and said "fair dinkum, mate" every two words. 8-)>

Well, I grew up in Oklahoma, and it was curious how often people in other parts of the U. S. of A. thought we were rugged pioneers, fighting off the Indians.

Of course Oklahoma is the one State of the Union that owes its existence to broken treaties. When Oklahoma was "opened up" to settlement (i.e. the courts declared the treaties with the Indian nations nul and void), the "Boomers" were the ones who charged across the line to grab the land when the gun was fired (Tom Cruise in Far and Away), and the "Sooners" were the ones who illegally snuck across the border the night before. So Oklahoma proudly calls itself "The Sooner State". Go figure.

Posted by William F. Orrw @ 12/30/2002 02:44 PM PST

Did you ever have one of THOSE days? Where everything is annoying? Except I picked up the hard copies of my book, so that was nice. Except I wrote twenty count them twenty pages of Nudie Musical, so that was nice. Well, maybe it isn't such a bad day after all. Luckie has been outside in her punishment place for three hours and there she will stay until five o'clock Pacific Mean Time, when I will let the baggage in. She's just incomprehensible to me. She was lying in the book room, and I walked through the living room saying, in my NICEST voice, Luckie, where's Luckie, and she comes slinking out of the room as if I've just stabbed her with a rake and she comes up to me, jumps up and she pees right there on the floor AS I'M PETTING HER NICELY. I then point the pee out to her IN THE NICEST POSSIBLE WAY and she pees some more and then I gently (and I do mean gently) took her by the collar and walked her to the kitchen door - the entire way she peed and I put her outside, and then I put her water and food out there and in an act of defiance she spilled her water. I came out and spoke to her in a strong tone of voice, suggesting she not go down that avenue again, and I picked up the bowl and she began yelping, yelping I tell you as if I were braining her with the bowl, which at that point I really felt like doing. I didn't though, although you wouldn't know it from all the yelping. My neighbors probably thought I was killing her.

Posted by bk @ 12/30/2002 03:38 PM PST

Top 5 is really a Top Two:

1) Leaving my old job (on Friday the 13th of all days - but got a severance package to boot)
2) Confirming my new one (at 9:12 EDT today!)

A Happy New Year full of horas and ham to you, BK, and the rest of our jolly bunch, where ever they may be.

And Jason - here's looking at you, kid. May 2003 bring you fulfillment in the Big Apple!

Posted by Phil @ 12/30/2002 03:44 PM PST

Ah, the merry searchers are back - I do hope they had a lovely vacation and holiday. Searching merrily they are, and we, of course, do hope they are finding all that they are searching for.

Posted by bk @ 12/30/2002 03:44 PM PST

Oh wow, it does seem like poor Luckie is a handful. Does her previous owner know why she acts this way?

To Jason who wrote:
Hehe...It always freaks me out when people begin their posts with "Yesterday Jason wrote:" It makes me feel like I did something wrong or that the poster thought I was being mean. I hope you didn't think I was being bitchy, Jennifer.

No, I didn't think you were being mean. I just only read your comments today, and i wanted to answer them.

Though Doug's room are strange, and sometimes quite impractical, I do enjoy his creativity. And you must admit, impractical as they were, the movie theater and the pullman car rooms looked fabulous.

Umm, no. I didn't like either of those rooms. But like I said, I think his work has improved this year especially. There are so many more examples of bad Doug rooms. I wish I could think of them all right now :)

Btw, for anyone who likes romantic/love/serendipitous comedy type movies rent the Angelie Jolie movie, Life or something like it. Very good. And Melissa Errico plays her best friend.

Jennifer

Posted by Jennifer @ 12/30/2002 03:53 PM PST

For BK - I feel so sorry for Luckie (and you!). I'll bet, as someone commented in a previous post, she was mistreated in the past. Although I don't have a pet, every Saturday morning between 6-8 a.m., I like to listen to The Pet Show on KABC-AM 790 in L.A. The host, Warren Eckstein, will answer your pet questions on the air. The call in number is (800-222-5222). One thing he recommends that you probably need in spades is a product called "Nature's Miracle." It comes in a spray bottle and gets rid of stains and odors. You can purchase it through his website at http://www.warreneckstein.com.

Posted by Donna - Cabaret West @ 12/30/2002 04:32 PM PST

Do they make puppy Depends?

Is there a market out there?

Should I rush out and get the patent?

Posted by Sigerson Holmes @ 12/30/2002 05:03 PM PST

Sigerson Holmes, I have actually seen puppy diapers. You're too late.

Posted by Sandra @ 12/30/2002 05:22 PM PST

BK---
Have you spoken with Luckie's former human to see if this has been an ongoing problem? Is it possible Luckie misses her former home and blames you? She also may be testing you to see how much you will allow. Keep treating her with love and she will eventually come around.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/30/2002 05:46 PM PST

My favorite things from 2002:
1. I kept off the 20 pounds I lost last year.
2. I did some traveling, much of it alone.
3. Fostered many kittens from the pound so they weren't euthanized (and I only kept one for myself).
4. Met Dear Reader Kerry
5. Visited a couple times with our very own BK!

Posted by Laura @ 12/30/2002 05:55 PM PST

Re Luckie: I think we know now why the previous owner wanted to give her away.

BK, you said that she behaves better when other people are around. I think the solution is clear. You must meet some nice middle-aged Jewish woman and marry her immediately.

Posted by Laura @ 12/30/2002 05:57 PM PST

Five Favourites. Not raindrops on roses.
1. Establishing and maintaininf contact with people from another world. OK. The other side of the world. UK. France & USA. Thanks GH & BK for the opportunity.
2. Rediscovered the joy of cinema. Thanks LOTR
3. Played and enjoyed some wonderful music
4. Welcomed a DVD player into the home.
5. Went back to work for two weeks. Survived and realised that I had made the right decision when I retired.

Posted by Tom from OZ @ 12/30/2002 06:05 PM PST

BK. Does your particular attention have the same effect on other animals or people? Maybe Luckie needs a friend. One of Laura's foster kittens for instance.

Posted by Tom Guest (from OZ) @ 12/30/2002 06:14 PM PST

All the former owners ever told me was that they got her as a puppy - if she was abused while at the pound, I know not, nor did they profess to. After many queries, they finally let slip that she's had these problems before. She may miss them, I know not. I show her loads of love when she's being good, and have tried to be patient when she's bad - but I've taken to being very stern when I put her in the Punishment Place - she definitely knows I am not happy when I do that and eventually she seems contrite, and is fine when I let her in. I'm sure it will all be fine one of these days.

Posted by bk @ 12/30/2002 06:21 PM PST

Five Favorite Things of 2002:

1) Being fortunate to be asked to be the rehearsal pianist for at the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration.

2) Surviving my "break up" - which was a very gentle break up, and finding a new place to live with a great roommate.

3) Losing 25 pounds... and counting...

4) Discovering the joys of HainesHisWay.com. What a wonderful group of swells!

5) Working straight since April 5 of this year - and on some wonderful projects and shows. Here's hoping I'm even half-fortunate in 2003.

Oh, and if can add a #6...

-Finally not letting my inherent shyness get in the way of meeting new people, and experiencing new things. It truly is amazing world out there when you let yourself experience it!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 12/30/2002 06:41 PM PST

Oops.... My #1 should have read:

1) Being fortunate to be asked to be the rehearsal pianist for Sweeney Todd at the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration.

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 12/30/2002 06:43 PM PST

Favorite things, huh?

1. I flew to New York on my own to see Elaine Stritch and had one of the best days of my life.

2. I went skydiving.

3. I went skydiving again.

4. I accompanied a friend to San Francisco and had a ball (both with him and on my own).

5. I got to know some of you better.

Posted by Kerry @ 12/30/2002 06:51 PM PST

1. MEETING so many new people who I can consider friends - - I think that there are a few of you here, and you KNOW who you are.

2. I'd be errant if I did not say that work-wise, reviewing THE FIRST NUDIE MUSICAL was a high point; as was the e interview with a certain Mr. Kimmel.

3. SHARING. Discussing certain films/shows/albums with others, and finding that they share the same admiration for said items. There's a certain young lady whom I introduced to the extended version of Lord of the Rings, with whom I am now discussing her viewing of THE TWO TOWERS.

4. DISCOVERING. my capabilities, flaws, etc. Websites such as www.meditation.com, new songs for myself and for my singing partners - YARD SALE ranks very highly right now. Deliah Hannah does, too.

5. Acquiring the rights to adapt a film musical for the stage, and seeing it through with workshop readings, and now putting the finishing touches on it.

6. (sorry, but this one has to be here) Attendind Monster Bash.

Posted by td @ 12/30/2002 08:17 PM PST

Sorry...forgot to preview...
the website that I visit daily in addition to HHW should read:
www.meditate.com

..and #6 should be attending...I ain't Lina Lamont.

Posted by td @ 12/30/2002 08:20 PM PST

Top 5 things of 2002 -

#1 - Conducting "Aspects of Love" in the first ever non-equity run of this show in CA.

#2 - Finding HHW, quite by accident, but a very fortunate one.

#3 - Still finding interesting music anecdotes to share with my students.

#4 - Finally having the initial ambition to go back to school.

#5 - Recently (as in 12/26) meeting a wonderful person which is slowly turning into a Fine Romance (A Rogers and Hart reference!)

Love you guys!

Posted by Matthew @ 12/30/2002 08:22 PM PST

I finally got the chance to listen to BB sings AJL. After all the praise it got here I thought it might be a letdown to actually hear it. It wasn't and if anything it hasn't been praised nearly enough. This is the kind of music the youth of America should be listening to instead of P Diddy or Eminem or 'Nsynch. BB is such a natural for films but alas the Freed Unit is no more.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 12/30/2002 09:21 PM PST

I have to add that I have been to Bruce's house on numerous occasions, twice in the past week, and not once have I had the urge to pee on his floor...

...yet.

Posted by Mr. Mark Bakalor @ 12/30/2002 09:32 PM PST

Laura and Jose: Congrats on losing weight!!! I'm quite impressed. I wish I could say the same about my eating habits (he says as he eats Entenmann's Popems Donut Holes).

Phil: Thank you very much for your well-wishes. I appreciate them very much.

BK: Is there a possibility that Luckie's problem is actually a physical one rather than a psychological one? Perhaps she has a bladder problem that needs to be addressed. This may have already been considered (I can't remember if anyone's brought it up), but it just struck me as I read that she peed the entire way out of the kitchen that maybe she's got a very small bladder--or even an infection. It's a thought. :-\

Posted by Jason @ 12/30/2002 09:41 PM PST

BK: Goldie used to pee whenever someone new came over to the house, and always when my ex is here...had her checked out for a bladder infection, which was neg, so the vet came to the conclusion that she was just a "submissive female". She still would do it, especially when my daughter comes home to visit, so I rush her outside before she sees Jill for the first time. She seems to not do it much anymore, but if she's in the house for a long period of time when I am working 16-20 hour shifts on call, she pees by the door. Luckily, I have all ceramic tile floors. Maybe she's not adjusting fast to a new environment.
Submissive females are just that...some like handcuffs, some pee on the floor. Talk to your vet.

Highlights of the year? Not many, I seem to be in limbo this year. I enjoy HHW; there is alot of humor here and very nice, articulate arty people, and it gives me a chance to write, which I love to do.
I have seen alot of terrific films this year, which stokes my passion.

Posted by KT @ 12/30/2002 09:59 PM PST

If the Merry Searchers are still searching for Brent Barrett, we could throw them off by misspelling his name. Like this: Brefnt Barretzt
It wouldn't show up in the searches. Just a thought.

Posted by Laura @ 12/30/2002 11:05 PM PST

Except, now you've spoiled the plan. :(

Posted by Mr. Mark Bakalor @ 12/30/2002 11:18 PM PST

What makes you think the merry searchers spell correctly? That would be an assumption that might not prove to have merit.

Posted by bk @ 12/30/2002 11:22 PM PST

My thanks to TD for introducing me to Lord of the Rings. I went to see The Two Towers tonight and was mesmerized by the production: the locations in New Zealand were breathtaking, the cinematography was outstanding, and the special effects were amazing. A very powerful and intense 179 minutes of action and adventure. WOW!

Posted by A Certain Young Lady @ 12/30/2002 11:25 PM PST

5 favorite things I've done (in no particular order):

*Like many others, discovered this site and made it a (nearly) daily ritual to read and post.

*Moved out of my sister's house after 5-1/2 years. Okay, she asked me to move out, but I still did it.

*Played Charlie Brown in a local production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (the revised version). When I was 4 or 5 years old, my dad, when he was in the army and we lived in Germany, worked backstage for a community production of the original version of the show!

*Over the course of the last year and a half (it started in the summer of 2001, but continued into this year), I lost a total of 121 pounds. Actually, that was the most that I'd lost. I've gained about 15 back. I've lost a little, gained a little, lost a little, etc. It will come back off and stay off! (It had better.)

Okay, that's only 4, but hey, what do you expect at 12:50 a.m.? It's officially New Year's Eve Day! Party hardy and Party safe-lee! A "1776" reference.

Posted by George @ 12/31/2002 12:46 AM PST

These are a few of my favourite things:

Visiting my sister in Canada for the first time in 15 years (we had only met recently when she'd been over here for funerals - not conducive to good conversation) and meeting and getting to know her two grown up sons properly.

Contacting an old friend from university I hadn't spoken to in over 10 years. We sent Christmas cards every year saying things like 'We must meet up next year' and never did - but we now have definite plans. What is it about not keeping up friendships? Does a long absence make it more difficult to pick the friendship up again? (Sorry, that sounded like Sex in the City, didn't it?)

Gaining new friendships from all over the world through HHW and discovering new music from them.

Winning an award from my company for a Graham Norton spoof video I made for our employee communications people. (Yes, I was Graham Norton and, no, I don't look anything like him!)

Erm, well that's 4. I'll go away and think about a 5th.

Posted by Allan @ 12/31/2002 01:31 AM PST

Okay, top 5:

1. Making some real progress on a collaborative artistic endeavor, despite a disappointing rejection that arrived by mail yesterday.

2. Finally meeting Bruce Kimmel at the New York get-together, and several other Hainsies/Kimlets.

3. Chatting here almost daily, to bring a lot of joy into my life.

4. Purchasing 6 beautiful Karastan rugs for our new house.

5. Music. All the new CDs. Music.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 12/31/2002 05:23 AM PST

Ah, but Mr. Mark Bakalor, there are any number of ways to misspell Brevnt Barprett.

And if they are too stupid to even spell it correctly, well, then I say they are a bunch of gits.

Posted by Laura @ 12/31/2002 07:32 AM PST