Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 07:43 AM PST

But in too much of a hurry to proofread.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 07:44 AM PST

Yes, We Have No Bananas
We Have No Bananas Today

Hut Sut Ralston On the Rilera
And a Ralla Ralla Suet

Mares Eat Oats and Does Eat Oats
And Little Lambs Eat Ivy
A Kid'll Eat Ivy Too
Wouldn't you?

The Witchdoctor:
Oo ee oo ah ah
Ting Tang, Walla Wall Wing Bang

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/02/2003 07:50 AM PST

A Happy Happy Happy (that's three Happys) Birthday to Mr. Ron Pulliam!

A Belated Happy Happy Happy Sixteen Candles to DR Sarah!

A Heary Welcome Back to DR Jason!

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 07:55 AM PST

Me Too!!! (See DR WFO's third post)

Back later w/novelty songs. But one that pops into mind is "The Monster Mash"

Posted by Ben @ 09/02/2003 07:58 AM PST

"The Little Blue Man" by Betty Johnson. Anyone remember that one?

"Eddie-Gutch-A-Gatch-A-Gamma-Tosa-Nerra-Tosa-Nokka-Samma-Camma-Wacky-Brown"

"The Elements" by Tom Lehrer.

I quote from memory:

There's antimony, arsenic, aluminum, selenium,
And hydrogen, and oxygen, and nitrogen and rhenium,
There's nickle, neodinium, neptunium, germanium,
And iron, americium, ruthinium, uranium...

Oy! Used to know it all. My memory fails me.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 08:05 AM PST

"Ambrose, Part 4"

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 08:06 AM PST

I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts.

(Now, let me think of some novelty songs.)

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/02/2003 08:32 AM PST

Ah, a return to the fold.

My favorite novelty song is "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas" by, I believe, Guy Marks.

Posted by TCB @ 09/02/2003 08:46 AM PST

Here's a vote for "Civilization."

(Bongo, bongo, bongo,
I don't want to leave the Congo.
Oh no no no no.)

Posted by Jay @ 09/02/2003 08:53 AM PST

Happy Birthday, DR Ron. May your day be filled with your favorite cake!!

Posted by Laura @ 09/02/2003 09:00 AM PST

One of my favorite novelty songs is Josephine Baker's rather risque rendition of DON'T TOUCH ME TOMATOES. It is hilarious. I also like DON'T HANG UP by the Orlons, which I think might be considered a novelty song, but I am not sure.

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/02/2003 09:03 AM PST

Does anybody remember...

"Fish heads, fish heads
Roly-poly fish heads
Fish heads, fish heads
Eat them up, Yum!"

by Barnes & Barnes?

Of course, the king of the novelty song is Dr. Demento. Click my name for a list of the classic novelty tunes.

Posted by Dave @ 09/02/2003 09:09 AM PST

Jennifer, something went awry
when you cut and pasted your
post and it caused us to be in
Cinemascope - so I have to
pull it. Sorry.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 09:24 AM PST

Also for DR Emily:

Yep I do want to hit Becky (from the book "Confessions of a Shopaholic"). I cannot believe how addicted she is to shopping!

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/02/2003 09:25 AM PST

Oops. It wasn't Jennifer's
post, it's someone else's but
looking at them I can't figure
out whose it is. Certainly I
shan't pull any more posts.
Sorry, J.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 09:27 AM PST

Well, it's not cinemascope on my screen, Bruce. Not even Todd-a-o.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 09:31 AM PST

Happy birthday to DR Ron!!

Novelty songs, eh? I guess my favorite novelty song ever is "Tschaikovsy" if that counts. There were a lot of good novelty songs in the fifties of the "Papa Loves Mambo" variety. I love "Supercalifragilisticexpyalidocious." Wow..that's even longer than antidisestablishmentarianism.

Oh..and let's not even mention some of the songs from South Park, hehe.

Posted by Maya @ 09/02/2003 09:32 AM PST

Yes, Happy Birthday, DR Ron!

Posted by TCB @ 09/02/2003 09:32 AM PST

I just read a "press release" at
another board. It seems a
website known to a few of you
is starting something very
exciting - in fact, you'd think
from reading this here press
release that nothing like this
had ever been done. It is a
brand new Broadway Radio
show, located at
BroadwayRadio.com at
BroadwayStars.com. Can you
imagine - an internet radio
show devoted to Broadway?
That's so great. And it's a
WEEKLY radio show, isn't that
UNIQUE? And, get this, there
will be links so you can
purchase the albums you've
heard! THAT is SO unique,
isn't it? Oh - here - let me do
this :-)

You know, not to pat ourselves
on the back TOO much, but we
have been doing our very own
Broadway Radio Show for
three years now - first at
another website that I created,
then here, for the last two
years. I happen to think it's the
best on all the Internet and I
think that is due to Mr. Donald
Feltham, who deserves a
large round or, at the very
least, square of applause.

It's fine to have new Broadway
Radio shows, the more the
merrier - just don't be acting
like it's something totally
unique or that's never been
done before. That kind of spin
is simply too too transparent
for the likes of us.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 09:32 AM PST

Okay BK you're forgiven. Just don't pull it when I repost it, okay? :)

It was for DR Emily who wanted to know all about Miss Saigon.

Btw, the sound was fine. But I'm not sure if it was because of where I was sitting. Or because they fixed it by Saturday.

But all in all I really loved it.

***
From Saturday:
Well, I saw the tour of MISS SAIGON today. And it was very good. All of the sound issues were worked out, thank goodness. And the show went off flawlessly.

But I must say, the theatre is too big. Salle Wildred Pelletier is just too big for theatre. I was in the 9th row orchestra. And the view from there is pretty far back. I can't even imagine the view from the 4 balconies (that only start at around row 25). On their website it says the capacity is 3000. But I find that hard to believe. It seems like more.

The show was great. Jon Jon Biones is hysterical as the engineer. And understudy Laurie Cadevida was fantastic as Kim.

The most touching moments were definitely Ellen and Kim in "I still believe", Kim and Thuy in "You will not touch him" and the finale. That hits so close to home. IT was very difficult to watch this time.

Two comments.

First the ushers are so unbelievably dumb. Usually there is a posted board saying who is on and who is off. There was none so I asked who was playing Kim. The guy told me to look in my program. I told him there were 2 Kims and they alternated. HE went to chat with his boss and then came back and told me I was right.

The one good thing was he said he would find out for me. And he did (after going and coming back 4 times). I cannot possibly be the first person this week who wanted to know who was performing, can I?

Then over the loud speaker they announced that in case of a fire we should follow the ushers. I turned to my party and said, "yeah, cause they seem so bright" :) (okay that was a bit mean but whatever).

On our way out I overheard the most bizarre woman. She was about 65. And she walked over to a bunch of filapino/vietnamese/chinese youngsters (maybe 20 yrs old). And she turned to them with a straight face (she was totally serious) and she said, "hi, i hope you don't mind me asking, but do you think this musical accurately portrayed what happened in Vietnam?"

When they stared at her she said, "oh you don't speak english?" (she could have thought they were french, but i have a strong feeling she thought they only spoke vietnamese).

Finally one of the girls said she spoke english. I left before i heard what she said.

But this lady was alive during the Vietnam war. Why would she ask some 20 yr old kid who wasn't even born? (just because they looked ethnic).

Oy.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/02/2003 09:35 AM PST

Blame Canada!

Posted by Kenny @ 09/02/2003 09:35 AM PST

Oh and happy birthday fellow Big Brother addict Ron!

:)

Oh and DR Emily, have you been watching Canadian Idol?

I actually think American Idol is better for me, because I can't vote.

The Canadian voters do not make any sense. But I sure hope Gary goes home tonight.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/02/2003 09:38 AM PST

Happy Birthday, DR Ron Pulliam! Go, Virgos!

Favorite novelty song: The Alto's Lament by Marcy Heisler & Zina Goldrich.

Dave, I do remember Fish Heads, as well as "There's Klingons on the starboard bow, starboard bow, starboard bow. There's Klingons on the starboard bow, 'Scrape 'em off, Jim!'"

What's the name of that song? Oh yeah, "Star Trekkin'" I think.

And I'm also partial to "Stress", which is on the James Naughton album "It's About Time". I think it's by Dave Frishberg, anyone wanna confirm or deny that?

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 09:41 AM PST

DEAR READER RON - Have a SWELLegant, elegant birthday today!
---------------

Not necessarily one of my favorites but here's an obscure novelty song by Johnny Mercer. (Why on earth I remember the lyrics and melody is a puzzlement.)

(You're some) UGLY CHILE

You're so ugly.
Oh, so ugly.
You're some Ugly Chile!

The clothes that you wear
Are out of style.
You get in my hair
Every time you smile.

How I hate you,
You alligator bait, you.
And here's the reason why ...

You're knock-kneed,
Pidgeon-toed,
Box-ankled, too.
How'd they ever get a pair of shoes on you?

You're wicky,
Wacky,
Hey, slap happy!

You're some Ugly Chile!

Posted by Donna @ 09/02/2003 09:45 AM PST

I knew you people would come
up with some classics! I
remember a song from my
childhood (I still have the 45)
called Flip Top Box by Dickie
Do and the Don'ts that was
pretty good. And there was a
song called Beep Beep that I
was very fond of.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 09:57 AM PST

One-eyed, long-horned flyin' purple people eater, anyone?

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 09:58 AM PST

Donna's post reminds me of this, although it's not exactly a song:

U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi,
You UGLY!
You UGLY!

M-A-M-A, you know how you got that way,
Yo MAMA!
Yo MAMA!

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 09:59 AM PST

Since I rarely have occasion to hear current popular music, could some dear reader tell me if the "Cry Me A River" that former Mouseketeer Justin Timberlake sings is the same song made popular by Julie London and later recorded by Barbra Striesand or if it is another case of two songs with the same title. Thanks.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/02/2003 10:00 AM PST

WEL - it's not the same song, but it is a total ripoff.

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 10:04 AM PST

Here are the mind-numbing lyrics to Justin's song, in case you're curious:

"Cry Me A River"

You were my sun
You were my earth
But you didn't know all the ways I loved you, no
So you took a chance
And made other plans
But I bet you didn't think that they would come crashing down, no

You don't have to say, what you did,
I already know, I found out from him
Now there's just no chance, for you and me, there'll never be
And don't it make you sad about it

You told me you loved me
Why did you leave me, all alone
Now you tell me you need me
When you call me, on the phone
Girl I refuse, you must have me confused
With some other guy
Your bridges were burned, and now it's your turn
To cry, cry me a river
Cry me a river-er
Cry me a river
Cry me a river-er, yea yea

I know that they say
That somethings are better left unsaid
It wasn't like you only talked to him and you know it
(Don't act like you don't know it)
All of these things people told me
Keep messing with my head
(Messing with my head)
You should've picked honesty
Then you may not have blown it
(Yea..)

You don't have to say, what you did,
(Don't have to say, what you did)
I already know, I found out from him
(I already know, uh)
Now there's just no chance, for you and me, there'll never be
(No chance, you and me)
And don't it make you sad about it

You told me you loved me
Why did you leave me, all alone
(All alone)
Now you tell me you need me
When you call me, on the phone
(When you call me on the phone)
Girl I refuse, you must have me confused
With some other guy
(I'm not like them baby)
Your bridges were burned, and now it's your turn
(It's your turn)
To cry, cry me a river
(Go on and just)
Cry me a river-er
(Go on and just)
Cry me a river
(Baby go on and just)
Cry me a river-er, yea yea

Oh
(Oh)
The damage is done
So I guess I be leaving
Oh
(Oh)
The damage is done
So I guess I be leaving
Oh
(Oh)
The damage is done
So I guess I be leaving
Oh
(Oh)
The damage is done
So I guess I be... leaving

You don't have to say, what you did,
(Don't have to say, what you did)
I already know, I found out from him
(I already know, uh)
Now there's just no chance, for you and me, there'll never be
(No chance, you and me)
And don't it make you sad about it

Cry me a river
(Go on and just)
Cry me a river-er
(Baby go on and just)
Cry me a river
(You can go on and just)
Cry me a river-er, yea yea

Cry me a river
(Baby go on and just)
Cry me a river-er
(Go on and just)
Cry me a river
(Cause I've already cried)
Cry me a river-er, yea yea
(Ain't gonna cry no more, yea-yea)

Cry me a river
Cry me a river, oh
Cry me a river, oh
Cry me a river, oh

Cry me a river, oh
(Cry me, cry me)
Cry me a river, oh
(Cry me, cry me)
Cry me a river, oh
(Cry me, cry me)
Cry me a river, oh
(Cry me, cry me)

Cry me a river, oh
(Cry me, cry me)
Cry me a river, oh
(Cry me, cry me)
Cry me a river
(Cry me, cry me)

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 10:08 AM PST

If "Tchaikowsky" qualifies as a novelty song, then I must add "Zip" from Pal Joey and "I Can Cook, Too" from On The Town.

Happy Birthday, Dear Reader Ron.

And applause (oh, a Charles Strouse reference) to Dear Reader Donald!

Posted by Jay @ 09/02/2003 10:10 AM PST

Thanks for the good wishes!

"(She Wore An) Itsy-Bitsy Teeny-Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini"

"Gitarzan"

"Bas'etball Jones"

"Spiders and Snakes"

"Mairsy-Doats"

"Is There a Fairy in Your Garden"
(it MUST have been a novelty)

And what were those Rosemary Clooney novelties???

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/02/2003 10:17 AM PST

Oh, yes, Jay. Civilization as done by the wonderful Miss Elaine Stritch!

The Soprano's Lament (is that the title?) that Barbara Cook sings on one of her concert CDs. It's very funny.

Not one of my favorites, but does anyone remember They're Coming to Take Me Away"? Certainly a novelty song, albeit not very good.

Posted by Ben @ 09/02/2003 10:24 AM PST

I'm willing to make book on the fact that I'm the only one here who owns a CD of "The Best of Barnes & Barnes." :)

Some of my favorite novelty songs:

Fish Heads
Who Put the Benzedrine in Mrs. Murphy's Ovaltine?
Shaving Cream
They're Coming to Take Me Away
Transfusion
Ape Call (doolee-aba)
Beep, Beep
Witch Doctor
Monster Mash
King of the Road

Posted by Lu "I Smoke Old Stogies I Have Found" lu @ 09/02/2003 10:35 AM PST

Lord almighty, I almost forgot Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh.

Posted by Lulu @ 09/02/2003 10:37 AM PST

Hold the phones! I also forgot Tom Lehrer and Weird Al Yankovic!! What the flaming blue heck is the matter with me? Add, like, a zillion songs to my list, but especially:

The Vatican Rag
Smut
The Masochism Tango
National Brotherhood Week
Christmas at Ground Zero
Another One Rides the Bus
I Lost on Jeopardy
Yoda
My Bologna

Posted by Lulu @ 09/02/2003 10:43 AM PST

Oh, my! To be errant and truant and even truant and errant for a whole weekend! My humble apologies, if anyone missed me. I spent the long holiday weekend down on the Jersey shore, where there was nary a computer nor internet access to be found. Speak about withdrawal symptoms!

A very Happy Birthday to DR Ron. May the sun shine through this gloomy (well, on the east coast, it's gloomy)day and bring you rainbows of happiness and good tidings.

As for my favorite novelty songs, I've fond memories of listening to "The Little Blue Man", "The Purple People Eater", and a real wacko song, "They're Coming to Take Me Away" (which, if you played the flip side of the 45, you'd hear the song in reverse!)

Posted by Susan @ 09/02/2003 10:44 AM PST

Someone beat me to naming "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," so I can only add a girl-group number I heard many years ago called "Please Don't Eat Me." ("I'm a piece of rye bread, sitting on a plate...")

Posted by Philip Crosby @ 09/02/2003 10:53 AM PST

Oh, and Istanbul, Not Constantinople. (I could do this all day.)

Posted by Lulu @ 09/02/2003 10:54 AM PST

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RON!!!!!

The Dressing Song
Pain - so well done by Ms. Alison Fraser
Marty the Martian
The Purple People Eater
Little Red Riding Hood
Raspberry Beret
The Ingenue
The Alto's Lament
Cuttin' Capers
Nagasaki (where the men folk chew tabacci, and the women wickie-wacki-woo)
Pingo Pongo

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 10:58 AM PST

almost forgot. . .
Poisoning Pigeons in the Park
Ukelele Lady

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 11:00 AM PST

How could I forget "Little Red Riding Hood!" Thanks for reminding me, td!

Posted by Susan @ 09/02/2003 11:02 AM PST

Joy---
Thank you for printing the mind-numbing lyrics of Justin's rip-off. I really think that it should be possible to copyright a title so something this confusing doesn't happen. The only reason I even heard of this recording is that in some column it said that this was Justin's kiss-off to some ex-girlfriend.

What's next? A new song called "Stardust"?

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/02/2003 11:05 AM PST

Happy Birthday, Ron!

I concur, Little Red Riding Hood rocks; and Woolly Bully ain't exactly chopped liver.

Posted by Lulu @ 09/02/2003 11:10 AM PST

William - if what you proposed came true, there would be a lot of standards that would be called something else, as there are MANY wonderful songs that have the same titles...

Posted by Craig @ 09/02/2003 11:10 AM PST

Happy Birthday DR Ron!

Silly songs I enjoy are by the likes of Lehrer, Sherman (as in Alan), and since someone already mentioned PAIN with Alison Fraser.. I have to say that hearing her rendition of THE BLOB tops my list..

I can't wait to HEAR which of the impromptu moments Bruce used for the cut.. I remember quite a few doozies!

Posted by Craig @ 09/02/2003 11:12 AM PST

For the pop culture illiterati, Justin Timberlake's ex-girlfriend was Britney Spears.

I can't help but note the irony of criticizing Justin's song, in the midst of a column devoted to praising songs like "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" and "One Eyed, One Eared Flying Purple People Eater". ;-)

Lulu, if songs by They Might Be Giants count, can we also include "Birdhouse in Your Soul"?

Posted by Dave @ 09/02/2003 11:12 AM PST

Actually, I think all of TMBG's album Flood would make my cut. :)

Posted by Lulu @ 09/02/2003 11:16 AM PST

Happy Birthday, DR Ron!

Favorite novelty songs:

"The Alto's Lament" - I've only heard one recording of this and Emily Skinner is fabulous! (produced by BK, of course!) -- Is this the same thing as "The Soprano's Lament" (mentioned above), recorded by Barbara Cook?

"The Boy From..." (Mary Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim)

"No, No, A Thousand Times No" - I don't remember who wrote this (it's from the thirties, I think), but it's just a hoot!

"Taylor (The Latte Boy)" - written by the same people who wrote "The Alto's Lament"

Posted by George @ 09/02/2003 11:21 AM PST

Taylor is a great one, as is:

My Christmas Wish (David Friedman)

and Joshua Novick (Either Susan Egan or Tammy Minoff singing)

Posted by Craig @ 09/02/2003 11:27 AM PST

At long last I'm connected to
the world again. Was busy
moving this weekend, thus my
E&T-ness, but was finally
reconnected to the outside
world this morning.

So many faboo songs already
listed! I'll add in my votes for...
Tchaikovsky
Istanbul
My Girl Bill (Jim Stafford)
Fish Heads
I Love Fish (by our very own
BK, of course!)

Posted by Jed @ 09/02/2003 11:30 AM PST

Oh my goodness, yes! I too
would list most all of They
Might Be Giants' Flood
album!

Posted by Jed @ 09/02/2003 11:31 AM PST

What about me?

Tall and tan and young and lovely
I go walking
And when I pass, each one I pass goes "aaaahhhh..."

Posted by The Girl from Ipanema @ 09/02/2003 11:32 AM PST

Ah, yes. Alan Sherman. I love those songs but they are the kind that can stick in your brain for an annoyingly long time. Who could forget Harvey and Shelia and Sarah Jackman and Eight Foot Two, Solid Blue. Oh, those were the days, when music was music ;-)

Posted by Ben @ 09/02/2003 11:32 AM PST

All these songs being mentioned that I forgot! Yes, The Boy From and The Girl From and My Simple Christmas Wish. That one makes me laugh every time, whether done by Jason Graae or Alix Korey.

Posted by Ben @ 09/02/2003 11:33 AM PST

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...

Posted by The Little Boy With Missing Teeth @ 09/02/2003 11:36 AM PST

"I Want to Eat Your Face" by our very own BK.

"Dancing Dildos" ain't chopped liver neither.

But where in tarnation is DR Mr. Tomovoz? We need some Rolf Harris here.

I nominate "Tie Me Kangaroo Down" and "Hair Oil on Me Ears".

And Dave, irony perhaps, but the Timberlake song wasn't intended to be silly.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 11:37 AM PST

The most difficult part of being e&t is catching up on missed notes and posts and happenings. First, a hearty welcome back to DR Jason. Glad you're home safe and sound. And a belated Happy Birthday to DR Sarah. (Well, it's not totally belated, since I did wish you an early happy a week ago.) It sounds like you had a super celebration!

Posted by Susan @ 09/02/2003 11:38 AM PST

But did you know that the girl from Ipanema's real name was
Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto?

She is quite a celebrity in Brazil, having had her own talk show on television and a zillion other ventures. For a current picture of her and more information, click on my name.

She's done quite well for herself, beginning with a song-writer noticing her at the beach when she was fifteen (!).

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 11:57 AM PST

Thanks for all the hearty "welcome home"s. Its nice to be back.

Favorite novelty songs:

Anything by They Might Be Giants, but most particularly, "Whistling in the Dark" and "Particle Man," and also, "Minimum Wage."

"Poisoning Pigeons in the Dark"... (Is there a recording of Tom Lehrer songs anywhere? I haven't been able to find any)

"Come On-a My House" and "Mambo Italiano" by Ms. Rosemary Clooney

"Taylor" and "The Alto's Lament," which I've had the pleasure of hearing sung by the writers themselves...

and

"Mah-Nuh-Mah-Nuh," "Don't Touch Me," "I Love Beans," and "The Song That Never Ends" as sung by the cast of Space Ghost Coast to Coast. That makes me laugh every time...

And we can't forget the vocal stylings of Ms. Florence Foster Jenkins, though she didn't think of herself as a novelty act, bless her heart...

Posted by Jason @ 09/02/2003 11:57 AM PST

DR WFO, you crack me up. Could you imagine someone posting here for the very first day and reading: "Dancing Dildos Ain't Chopped Liver Neither"?

That's even better than, "The Monkeys Have No Tails in Pago Pago."

Thank the Lord I've been initiated.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/02/2003 11:59 AM PST

Jason -
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS??? Oh y goodness, I thought my college friends and I were the only ones who appreciated her...um...special breed of "talent"!

So did you go to see Marcy & Zina's show at Don't Tell Mama, too? I loved it, especially the part where they had us fill out the mailing list while singing along with "Open Arms". Brilliant. Marcy, as a matter of fact, is coming to our wedding! Small world, isn't it?

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 12:03 PM PST

Dear Welcomed-Back Reader Jason:

I believe that there are quite a few recordings of "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park;" one notable one appears on the Cameron Mitchell celebration, HEY, MR. PRODUCER!

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 12:05 PM PST

Oh, and Jason -- do you know John Saunders?

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 12:08 PM PST

Count me in as another, uh, fan, of Florence Foster Jenkins.

And Mrs. Miller, too.

Posted by Jay @ 09/02/2003 12:09 PM PST

What?!?!? No Anna Russell fans?!?!?!?

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 12:10 PM PST

If you have not yet listened to the Broadway Radio Show, hie thee over and listen, besides being the usual good show (all thanks to Mr. Feltham and his partner in crime Michael Betz) there is a very funny new commercial - woof, woof

Posted by Ben @ 09/02/2003 12:14 PM PST

Thanks for the email, Jason....I think the letter was from a parent of one of the cast members, I received a similar missive via a broadcast email the day after MOBY DICK opened.

Happy Birthday, Ron!

A lot of my favorite novelty songs have been named:

Witch Doctor
Hut Sut Song

But I also like:

Super Skier & Hang on the Bell, Nellie by the Chad Mitchell Trio

Ahab the Arab by Ray Stevens

And anything by the redoubtable Jonathan and Darlene Edwards!

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/02/2003 12:15 PM PST

TD - I think you mean Cameron McIntosh

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/02/2003 12:16 PM PST

Oh and a couple by Ferlin Husky -

Peel Me a Nanner and the ever popular All of the Monkeys Aren't in the Zoo.

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/02/2003 12:17 PM PST

JRand53, you are so right! I must've had a brain f**t.

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 12:24 PM PST

Oh, my God...how insensitive of me. I completely forgot to wish our DR Ron Pulliam a very happy, healthy birthday. Do forgive me...

Joy: I know Marcy and Zina (barely) through Music Theatre International, where I sometimes work. They were presenting some of their material in the Artists' Space one day while I was working and I eavesdropped while they were singing/playing. I also got to chat with Marcy one afternoon about some of their work. She's a very nice lady.

DR td: Had it not been for Uncle Cam's HEY, MR. PRODUCER!, I'd have never heard of Tom Lehrer. I have that recording of "Poisoning..." but I'm wondering if there's a recording of him doing a bunch of his songs...? He seems like a hoot of a person.

DR Jrand: That letter was forwarded to me by my friend at MTI that directed our reading of it...Mr. Russell Ochocki himself. I'm not sure who it was from. He also forwarded some pictures of the show to me. If you'd like, I can send those, too.

Posted by Jason @ 09/02/2003 12:28 PM PST

Speaking of Ray Stevens, how about "The Streak"?

Or, in honour of the birthday boy, can we consider "Da Doo Ron Ron"?

Posted by Dave @ 09/02/2003 12:32 PM PST

Oh, how I loved that Cameron Mitchell celebration!

Posted by Jack Palance @ 09/02/2003 12:33 PM PST

Just a little amazon.com search, Jason me boy. Click on my name.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 12:35 PM PST

Are these novelty songs, or do we just have a novelty singer? Yma Sumac's three numbers from Flahooley, including "Najla's Song of Joy/Arabian for 'Get Happy,'"

And what about Buttons and Bows?

And

Happy Birthday, Ron

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/02/2003 12:37 PM PST

Happy Birthday, DR Ron!
As for novelty songs, so many have been named, I can't think of more to add. However... I love "novelty titles" and the great Alberta Hunter had a few choice ones. Two favorites are:
"You can Take My Man, But You Can't Keep Him Long" ...and
"Why Did You Pick Me Up When I Was Down, Why Didn't You Let Me Lay?"

Posted by Panni @ 09/02/2003 12:41 PM PST

Jason --
We have a Tom Lehrer CD, I think it's called "That was the year that was" or something like that. It's a hoot.

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 12:46 PM PST

And for a "where are they now" interview with Lehrer, click again, and you will be whisked away to the Onion.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 12:52 PM PST

Jason, "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park" is on the album (available on CD), "An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer."

Posted by Lulu @ 09/02/2003 12:54 PM PST

DR Panni -

Loved those titles.

Did you ever see the list of top-10 Jewish Country & Western songs? My favorite title:

"Mamas Don't Let Their Ungrateful Sons Grow Up to Be Cowboys (When You Could Very Easily Have Taken Over The Family Hardware Business That My Own Father Broke His Back To Start And Your Father Sweated Over For Forty Five Years Which Apparently Doesn't Mean Anything To You Now That You're Turning Your Back On Such A Gift To Ride Around All Day On Some Meshuggenah Horse)"

Also:

"You've Been Talking Hebrew In Your Sleep (Since That Rabbi Came To Town)"

and:

"The Second Time She Said Shalom I Knew She Meant Good-bye"

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/02/2003 12:55 PM PST

A couple of novelty songs from Johnny Mercer's Top Banana:

"Elevator Song"

and

"A Word A Day"

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/02/2003 01:06 PM PST

Our very own Sharon "Jeepers Creepers" McNight also does Tom Lehrer's "Old Dope Pedler" on her "Songs to Offend Practically Everybody" album.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 01:07 PM PST

Oh, and I just remembered that Sharon does "The Masochism Tango" on the same album.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/02/2003 01:08 PM PST

Since the definition of "novelty song" isn't a strict one, how about a few more songs from shows:

"What's New at the Zoo?" from DO RE MI

"A Bushel and a Peck" from GUYS AND DOLLS

Posted by Dave @ 09/02/2003 01:11 PM PST

Two more from shows:

"Erbie Firch's Twitch" from Redhead

"Hey Jimmy Joe John Jim Jack" from Let It Ride

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/02/2003 01:18 PM PST

Yes, yes, "The Streak"! There he goes now . . . !

Posted by The Den Mother @ 09/02/2003 01:21 PM PST

Well, this has turned out to be
an excellent topic. Add, Dinner
for One, Please, James and
Poor Little Oyster (by Mr.
Porter) to my list.

I'm thinkin' we might just get to
ninety posts.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 01:24 PM PST

Another Cole Porter novelty delight:

"Thank You So Much, Mrs. Lowesbury-Goodbee"

Posted by Jay @ 09/02/2003 01:26 PM PST

What, no comments on our
wonderful Unseemly
Interview? Skammen, as Mr.
Ingmar Bergman has been
known to say.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 01:29 PM PST

BK -- I do Tale of the Oyster. I almost did it in my cabaret, but I had to cut it.

Posted by Joy @ 09/02/2003 01:31 PM PST

Wow I LOVE coming home from a long boring day at school and having lots of posts to read! Especially on a fun day like today! Unfortunatly, all of the songs that I had thought of when I saw the topic are already written down! When I think of more I'll post away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FUNNY DR RON! Hope your day is filled with laughs and cake :)

Posted by Sarah @ 09/02/2003 01:33 PM PST

Charles Bronson has passed away

Posted by Craig @ 09/02/2003 01:38 PM PST

Yes. Mr. Bronson's passing was yesterday and not noted here. According to his official obits he was 80 but supposedly he was in his 90s.

Joy---
Before you became a DR I posted about a reading of a new musical about Florence Foster Jenkins that I saw. Mrs. Jenkins was played by Alma Cuervo who is now doing the Lotte Lenya role in the CABARET revisal. Although she was too young and not heavy enough for the role, she nonetheless captured the spirit of Ms. Jenkins perfectly. I would love to see this show go on to a commercial production so today's young concertgoers and theatregoers could learn about the woman who gave new meaning to the glory of the human voice.

Posted by William E. Lurie @ 09/02/2003 01:47 PM PST

Happy Birthday Da-Doo-Ron-Ron!

Jennifer:
I'm glad you had a better sound experience than me at Miss Saigon. The ushers were quite stupid IMHO as well. One didn't even know where the box office was!
CDN Idol is fun but not the best entertainment of the summer. That of course, is reserved for HHW! I loved Jenny Gear until she got the big boot. Audrey probably would be the one who will go furthest even if some of her song choices have been dismal. Over all though, I though there was way more depth to the competition than in the Yankee version.
Ben Mulroney is the worst television host in Canadian History!!!!!!!!!!!!

Novelty Songs:

Click on my name for the ultimate novelty song and probably the most successful in modern Canadian history. Anyone remember Hampton Hamster and the Hampster Dance?

It was the number one song in Canada for a couple of weeks when I was midway through highschool and came from a much viewed novelty web site. Only the internet could make something so stupid so incredibly popular.

Click on my name to hear selections of the Hampster Dance.

"ba-da-dee-da-dee-da-dee-do
dee-da-dee-da-do
ba-dap-ba-da-dap-ba-dap
ba-da-bee-da-dee-da-do
C'MON EVERYBODY IT'S THE HAMPSTER DANCE!!"

Posted by Emily @ 09/02/2003 01:53 PM PST

I don't have an encore
Go home!
Go home!
No, really; I'm not singing any more
Go home!
If I did, I might have had a melody
That goes something like this
But I don't have such a melody
And so I must dismiss you all
Shoo! Shoo!
Why are you still sitting there so long?
So long!
You think you're getting more from me, you're wrong
There's nothing else rehearsed
Besides, I'm dying of thirst
So, pay your server first
Then: get lost

Posted by Noel @ 09/02/2003 01:57 PM PST

Two I remember from my youth played all the time at my house, one by my brother and one by my dad:

"The Name Game"

"Quiet Village"

Happy Birthday, Ron!!

Posted by Matt H. @ 09/02/2003 02:00 PM PST

It's so funny that someone mentioned They Might Be Giants, who I had never even heard of until a few days ago. On the PA trip, my friend's friend played one of their CD's incessantly, so as a result, I absolutely love songs like Istanbul, Not Constantinople and The Sun is a Mass of Incandescent Gas. Educational and funny as hell!

You know, they almost reminded me of an earlier band known for their novelty songs--Spike Jones'! Oh and Louis Prima and Keely Smith did some great ones together too...Chop Suey, Chow Mein, Tu Fu and You, Shepherd Boy, and The Bigger the Figure are good ones, although not too PC.

Wow...I think I've thought more about novelty songs today than I have in my entire life!

Posted by Maya @ 09/02/2003 02:01 PM PST

Emily,
Ah yes, I remember it well.
P.S. You're so right about Ben Mulroney.

Posted by Alvin the Chipmunk @ 09/02/2003 02:01 PM PST

Hey there Mr. Birthday boy/Big Brother Fan Ron! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

More novelty songs that I love...who could ever forget Joi Lansing singing WEB OF LOVE, and I had forgotten that I recently had a few oddities transferred from 45s to CD including UNDERWATER by The Frogmen and BIG MAMOU by Dolores Grey...and now for my #1 favorite novelty tune of all...that 1980-something hit I WANNA BE A COWBOY by Boy's Don't Cry! If only I could find there album on CD my life would be complete!

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/02/2003 02:03 PM PST

One of my faves that hasn't been mentioned yet: I Got it From Agnes" by Tom Lehrer.

Posted by Laura @ 09/02/2003 02:09 PM PST

I'm thinkin' we might just make
100 - wait a mo, by Jiminy
Cricket we've DONE it! Other
boards have not done such a
feat or even such a feet.
Damn them, damn them all to
hell because soon we will be
the most popular site on all
the Internet. After all, imitation
is the sincerest form of flattery
and already they are flattering
us all over the Internet.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 02:11 PM PST

Methinks BK is flattering himself today.... ;-)

Posted by Dave @ 09/02/2003 02:17 PM PST

A message from DR Jose: He is having an INCREDIBLE time in Sydney and will be back to NORMAL soon!

Happy Birthday to DR Ron. (From Magnus, Fosca & Colin too).

Just Keep on Walking DR Bill Orr. Do you have a colored telephone?
"My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes".
"Top 40 News Weather And Sports"
"Oliver Cool"
"The Mummy"
Must mention all the "cut in" records of Dickie Goodman and associates and the parody recordings of Ben Colder and of Homer & Jethro. (the Weird Als of their time).
And for those who remember:
"The Exodus Of Pepe From The Misfit Summer Place"

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 02:34 PM PST

"Where Will the Dimple Be?"(Rosemary Clooney)
"Keep your Hand in your Pockets" (the Playmates who also sang "Beep Beep)
"The Purple Peoplr Eater Meets the Witch Doctor" (Joe South)
"I Need Your Help Barry Manilow" (Ray Stevens)
"The Ballad Of Irving" and "Son Of Irving" (Frank Gallop)

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 02:42 PM PST

Has anyone mentioned :
"I Never do anything Twice" and "The Boy From...." by obscure composers.
We must not forget another Broadway (successful) composer's great titles "You Can't Rollerskate In A Buffalo Herd" and "My Uncle Used To Love Me But She Died".
"Loving You Has Made Me Bananas" and "Shaddup Your Face" can be added.
I too could go on and on and on (an Abba reference).
DR Bill Orr. Did you know that there was also "Cut My Kangaroo Loose". Banned form airplay here as it was certainly racist.
"My Bommerang Won't Come Back" is another Australian flavoured song (by Englishman Charlie Drake) that was a major novelty hit.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 03:18 PM PST

I've had a whole hour to myself. Am I lucky or what?
I went to see "Finding Nemo" last night. What a delight. I wonder if Ellen will be nominated for an Oscar. The converations with the whale were a riot.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 03:24 PM PST

My favorite songwriter, Frank Loesser, wrote quite a few good novelty numbers in Hollywood:

I Get the Neck of the Chicken
I Said No
Hamlet
Rumble Rumble Rumble
Bloop Bleep
"Murder" He Says

And, at a recent party, this hot babe did such a wonderful job with Flanders and Swann's A Word On Her Ear (better known as "I'm Tone Deaf") that I think I'll marry her. Yes, I will.

Posted by Noel @ 09/02/2003 03:26 PM PST

Is everyone but Tom suddenly
having a siesta? Are we
suddenly resting on our
laurels or our canyons? Let
us post, and post until the
cows come home, not
necessarily in that order.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 03:26 PM PST

OOPS! I guess my recall wasn't that accurate. The Johnny Mercer song I wrote about earlier had some incorrect lyrics, so I'm posting them again with the right ones. You probably figured this out already, but in case you haven't...CHILE is pronounced "chi-ul" (a variation on "child"). I have the sheet music for this gem, in case anyone would like it!

(You're some) UGLY CHILE

You're so ugly.
Oh, so ugly.
You're some Ugly Chile!

The clothes that you wear
Are out of style.
You get in my hair
Every time you smile.

How I hate you,
You alligator bait, you.
And here's the reason why ...

You're knock-kneed,
Pidgeon-toed,
Box-ankled, too.
How'd they ever get a pair of shoes on you?

You're dippy,
Dappy,
Hey, slap happy!

You're some Ugly Chile!

Posted by Donna @ 09/02/2003 03:43 PM PST

DR Emily wrote:
Jennifer:
I'm glad you had a better sound experience than me at Miss Saigon. The ushers were quite stupid IMHO as well. One didn't even know where the box office was!

Do you think the sound was better because i was sitting closer to the stage? Or do you think it just takes them a few days to work out the kinks?

The sound really was quite good. Although I know the show well. So I wasn't really straining to understand.

Sometimes I wonder who they hire as ushers. You'd think that they would have to be able to seat people. But they should also have some knowledge of other important things!

CDN Idol is fun but not the best entertainment of the summer. That of course, is reserved for HHW! I loved Jenny Gear until she got the big boot. Audrey probably would be the one who will go furthest even if some of her song choices have been dismal. Over all though, I though there was way more depth to the competition than in the Yankee version.

Well I loved Clay on American Idol!

I used to hate Jenny Gear. But she was actually growing on me. Her folksy style was great when she sang the Rocket man song. But she looked quite out of place.

My favorite by far is Audrey. I really like her. She is so beautiful and has such star quality. But her song choices have not been good lately. And she needs to perfect her English. She has too much trouble pronouncing words. I was cracking up when Celine Dion (they visited Vegas) was translating for her!

Ben Mulroney is the worst television host in Canadian History!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't like him when the show started. But I actually really enjoy him. He's quite good. Who would have thought! (for an ex Prime Minister's son).

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/02/2003 03:45 PM PST

How's about Manhattan Transfer's "Fifteen Minute Intermission?"

This message is being brought to you by td's brand-spanking-new Compaq Pesario Computer.

FINALLY!

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 03:47 PM PST

DR Jason - there are several
recodings of Ton Leher singing his
music, one CD, I believe actually
has "Poisening Pigeons in the Park"
and "The Masochism Tango" done
with full orchestra. I believe MTI
holds the rights to the Tom Leher
review, but it could be Samuel
French, I can't remember. I have the
LP of the show, not as fun as TL
actually singing his own music.

Is a novelty song a song not
associated with a musical?

Posted by Matthew @ 09/02/2003 04:04 PM PST

Alley Oop

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/02/2003 04:07 PM PST

td, I love The Manhattan Transfer's "Fifteen Minute Intermission." They also recorded "Well, Well, Well," "Sunday," "Coo Coo U" and "Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone," which (I think) could also qualify as novelty songs.

Another novelty song that I really like is Cyndi Lauper's "He's So Unusual."

Posted by George @ 09/02/2003 04:15 PM PST

"Congratulations" (a Cliff Richard aka Harry Webb reference)td on your new equipment. Did the dinner eventuate? Have any of the "pickup" lines worked?

I have just received news that François is still around - the news was dated August 23. I guess he will be back with us here on Thursday.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 04:23 PM PST

Someone start a vote of no confidence for Murlroney (Ben that is)!

My friends and I were sitting together in the lowest mezannine level box. We were basically half-way between the orchestra balcony and the mezzanine.

Any chorus numbers just flowed togethered to the point of being unintelligible.

We saw it the day after opening so they may have fixed it. Next time I drag people there further into the run.

Posted by Emily @ 09/02/2003 04:25 PM PST

Dear reader Tom from Oz, to answer your question, you should take the following link (the one that you get when you click on my name, that is).

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 04:26 PM PST

All the other Hainsie/Kimlets must be laughing at us poor forgotten cultural backwater inhabitants.

Discussing Miss Saigon for so long?

Come live in a place with one musical tour a year and you'll get like this too :)

Posted by Emily @ 09/02/2003 04:26 PM PST

Good Vibe Alert

I don't think I'll be able to post tomorrow morning before school, so everyone remember to send good thoughts and vibes my way for my job interview at 2pm!

It's for the position of box office clerk at one of Montreal's two anglophone professional theatres.

Jennifer I might be able to sneak you into the Centaur this season free o' charge!!!!

(My grandmother was actually lighting candles at church this morning for me! How shiksa-goddessy is that!?! Quick, someone donate $18 to a charity for me! That way I'll double my chances of having God on my side!)

:) :) :)

Posted by Emily @ 09/02/2003 04:31 PM PST

I don't think that meant that you have found Nemo td but it looks promising indeed.

Concidence day! Have just heard Itsy bitsy on the radio and then an add for Manhatten Transfer's October tour here in Melbourne.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 04:39 PM PST

DR Tom from Oz,

Enough with the novelty numbers, I told myself - and then I saw your "here in Melbourne" and started singing ...

The Kangaroo

"You hop, you, hop, you wiggle and then you hop"

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/02/2003 04:52 PM PST

I never knew there were so many novelty songs! Amazing :)

I'm listening to the Hairspray OCR right now. This is a cute musical. Not amazing, nothing that stands out, but still very cute. It's fun to sing.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/02/2003 04:55 PM PST

Tom from Oz, speaking of The Manhattan Transfer: did you (or anyone else, for that matter) know that they're releasing their newest CD (and first live album...um, recording...since 1987) on September 23rd! They recently signed a 3-record(ing) deal with Telarc! Click on my name for a link to the website.

And Janis Siegel (the alto of TMT) will be recording her third CD with Telarc (this week, from what I've heard) and the working title is "Sketches of Broadway." According to the webmaster of the Transfer's list-serve, "It will be produced and arranged by 'the most wonderful Gil Goldstein' in a jazz/brazilian style." Some of the songs include:

"I'VE GOT THE SUN IN THE MORNING" from Annie Get Your Gun
"THE STORY OF LUCY AND JESSIE" from Follies
"IT NEVER WAS YOU" from Knickerbocker Holiday
"A WOMAN'S PREROGATIVE" from St. Louis Woman
"MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY" from Do-Re-Mi

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!

Posted by George @ 09/02/2003 05:06 PM PST

Great news indeed re Janis & MT.
News from OZ: Anthony Warlow will be appearing in the Australian Opera's production of "The Mikado".
DR Dan-In-Toronto. I guess Kenny can't blame Canada for everything. At least the Kangaroo Hop did not meet with local success! (unfortunately that song too is in my collection!) Would you believe there was a "Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport CHA CHA CHA" released in in 1962.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 05:32 PM PST

Is it still a holiday in Washington? Where is TCB? Maybe out shopping for a new computer.Maybe he needs to take someone out for dinner first.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 05:34 PM PST

Good afternoon all! --- First of all, let me wish a very cakey, gooey, frosted, cream-filled, ice cream covered HAPPY BIRTHDAY to DR Ron. May the wilds of Lake Merrit reveal it's hidden treasures to you!

DR Dan-in-T. -- Congratulations on your coconuts!! May they be caressed by the Marx Brothers.

How wonderful to have Dear Jason back on civilized soil!

DR Sarah -- I also like the Hairspray recording....my favorite 2 songs are "Mama I'm A Big Girl Now" and "Big, Blonde, And Beautiful." But you haven't lived until you can see and hear (in person) Harvey, as Edna, deliver the line "here Tracy, hold Mommy's waffles!"

I thought I would pee!....but not on dear Bruce's floor here in the Living Room!

Posted by MusicGuy @ 09/02/2003 05:36 PM PST

Congrats to td on the new computer! May it serve you well.

Posted by The Den Mother @ 09/02/2003 05:40 PM PST

OH ... and as far as novelty songs:

"There Are Faeries At The Bottom Of My Garden," the Muppets version of "Muh Nah Muh Nah." Also there is a wonderful song that we heard recently on a CD; it was sung by the still glorious voice of Marni Nixon, and it was called something like "The Replacement Violetta," or "The Substitute Diva," or something like that. It was very cute and well written.

I should never try to remember a title correctly with DR Kerry gone.

Posted by MusicGuy @ 09/02/2003 05:41 PM PST

I just remembered a CD called "Blah Blah Blah and Other Trifles" that a friend of mine has. It's by Sarah Walker (from England). Two songs that I love are "Someone Is Sending Me Flowers" and "Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise."

Posted by George @ 09/02/2003 06:10 PM PST

Now, if all the dear readers of this here site (including its svelte host) would drop me an email, i wouldn't have to do a "file transfer" from the old computer to the new, and all my address book entries would be up to date. . .

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 06:19 PM PST

"Alice's Restaurant"

Posted by Arlo Guthrie @ 09/02/2003 06:51 PM PST

Hello all! :) I'm Sarah's friend, Laura, not to be confused with the Laura who is already here. I've been reading this on and off ever since Sarah joined, and I liked today's topic. Two songs popped into my head: "Alfie the Elf" and "Tiki Tiki Tembo (No Sarembo Charry Barry Ruchie Pip Perry Pembo)." Ah, the memories of first and second grade.

Posted by the other Laura @ 09/02/2003 07:27 PM PST

Welcome, other Laura.

I suppose that since you are Sarah's friend, I will now be known as "Old Laura."

Posted by Laura @ 09/02/2003 07:35 PM PST

Never "old", DR Laura. Like fine wine, women only improve with age. More appropriately, you are Laura the First, and Sarah's friend, Laura, is Laura the Second.

Posted by The Den Mother @ 09/02/2003 08:07 PM PST

Laura the Second is a very sweet girl who I have come to know as my "big sister". She's the one who really got me loving theatre. Shes AMAZINGLY talented herself, her voice is unbelievable! I have nothing but very positive things to say about her. And her knowledge of B'Way musicals is great, so she'll have lots to add here at HHW.

As a nickname suggestion, going by Laura the Seconds last name which I won't reveal for her "safety" (not that you people are not safe, but it isn't my business), I think we should call her Cus.

Thoughts Laura the Second?

And with this, I go to sleep and sneeze.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/02/2003 08:24 PM PST

Welcome to Laura the Second and congrats to TD on your new computer!

Well, another DR here is sick. Yes, I have come down with a headache and sore throat and I so don't need to be sick right now when my life is so busy! Urrgghh!

Thank you for letting me vent here. Maybe if I get 8-10 hours of sleep the little sick bug will magically wither in the morning....

Goodnight, everyone :)

Posted by Maya @ 09/02/2003 08:29 PM PST

Stop getting sick, you people. Welcome Laura II, the Sequel. Hope you will become part of our little family here.

Posted by bk @ 09/02/2003 08:33 PM PST

Did I forget to say "Welcome" to Laura the Second? Welcome!

Posted by The Den Mother @ 09/02/2003 08:44 PM PST

Welcome Laura II!

Keep those emails rolling on in guys and girls!

Posted by td @ 09/02/2003 08:53 PM PST

Question to Laura the 1st: Isn't it about time that you let Sandra out of her room?

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 09:37 PM PST

MusicGuy is absolutely right.
There are few things that have
made me laugh as hard as
Harvey growling out "Hold
Mommy's waffles!"

Tom from Oz - Certainly not an
extended holiday in
Washington causing TCB's
errant truantness today, as
proven by George's and my
very own representation of our
state!

Wonderful to hear about the
upcoming Janis Seigel album.
Will certainly be one to add to
my collection. I'm not familiar
with "Fifteen Minute
Intermission"... think I'll have to
try and track it down.

Posted by Jed @ 09/02/2003 09:43 PM PST

Thanks Jed. I would give TCB a piece of my mind but I don't have much left. Maybe Tacoma has left the Union.

Posted by Tom from Oz @ 09/02/2003 09:45 PM PST

What's all this I keep hearing about Mike Nichols marrying Sheldon Harnick?

Posted by Kerry @ 09/02/2003 10:13 PM PST

Great Novelty song:

One Hamburger for Madame

Posted by Kerry @ 09/02/2003 10:14 PM PST

Dave,

I LOVE "Fish Heads"!!!!!!

Posted by Kerry @ 09/02/2003 10:15 PM PST

"I'm Turning Japanese"
"Walk Like an Egyptian"

And oh my goodness me, or words to that effect. (Oh, a Peter Sellers reference.) How could we all forget the great novelty songs of Ernest and Meltzer, too numerous to list!

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/03/2003 02:35 AM PST

TD - we are computer twins...my new one is a Compaq Presario S4020WM, WalMart special!

I almost forgot Jessie Matthews "I Took My Harp to a Party (and Nobody Asked Me to Play)"

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/03/2003 03:39 AM PST

You GO, WFO! You '80s boy, you! ;)

Posted by Lulu @ 09/03/2003 04:07 AM PST

Welcome to Laura II (almost like Audrey II).

George, you mentioned Lime Jello. DR Kerry just made a copy of an old Joan Morris album for us where she does Lime Jello, and many other numbers in a live cabaret performance with her husband, William Bolcolm. Very funny number. Thanks again Kerry!

So glad to hear about a new Manhattan Transfer album. I have, I think, every album they have released, including the first one, Jukin', which represents the first incarnation of The Manhattan Transfer. Tim Hauser formed the group with
Gene Pistilli, Marty Nelson, Pat Rosalia, and Erin Dickens in 1971 and lasted about two years. The Manhattan Transfer we know and love came after Jukin' and the first Live album (recorded from concerts in England) from 1978. It's not on CD so I will have to transfer it from tape at some point. I have it on vinyl and cassette.

Posted by Ben @ 09/03/2003 04:12 AM PST

It is a rainy Wednesday morning here in Northern Virginia. But it IS Wednesday, and that's something to be glad about (Oh, a Pollyanna reference!). Not counting today, only TWO more days of school left this week. I'm already counting down the days until Christmas vacation. Today is 74. :(

BTW, Good Morning!

Posted by Sarah @ 09/03/2003 04:18 AM PST

since when does Walmart sell computers?!?

is it blue? :)

Posted by Emily @ 09/03/2003 05:14 AM PST

Omigod, JRand! We are indeed computer twins! Same model, same place of purchase; though NOT the same location! Do you also have a relative who works for Walmart and receives sizable discounts on purchases???

Emily, Walmart has been selling computers for almost a decade!!!
And, no, it's not blue at all; naw, maybe had it been bought at the nearly defunct K-Marts, it could have been a "blue light special."

Posted by td @ 09/03/2003 06:04 AM PST

Yes Sarah, Cus is fine :) I also accept Cusie. So many people here have taken to calling me Laura II, though, that the name may stick. Feel free to call me anything! Also, happy belated birthday to Ron, and happy birthday today to Joy!

Posted by Laura II/Cus @ 09/03/2003 11:48 AM PST

Yes, Sarah, Cus is fine :) I also accept Cusie. So many people here have taken to calling me Laura II, though, that the name may stick. Feel free to call me anything! Also, happy belated birthday to Ron, and happy birthday today to Joy!

Posted by Laura II/Cus @ 09/03/2003 11:49 AM PST

aaack a double post! I'm sorry! my computer was slow, so I thought pushing post" multiple times would help. whoops.

Posted by Laura II/Cus @ 09/03/2003 11:52 AM PST