Posted by Sarah @ 09/27/2003 09:07 AM PST

Huzzah!

*Does the first post dance*

More on today's topic of discussion later, I actually have to hie my way over to a friends house to drop somethign off, then run a few errands, and I'm already making my ride late.

Posted by Sarah @ 09/27/2003 09:10 AM PST

As promised, I'm going to start telling about my recent adventures. It feels strange to be writing about them, because I usually wait until the adventure has finished. I like to know how a story ends. This time, I'm writing while the story is still taking place.

The Tails of Bonnie and Clyde

Chapter I.

It wasn’t terribly early on Wednesday morning, but early enough, that I first met Bonnie and Clyde. I was still in the process of waking up, which I do slowly, and had just put on my pants when a rushed-sounding der Brucer looked in my door and said, “C’mon, I need your help! We’ve got visitors at our door!”

There was something in his tone of voice that suggested that it would be worth my while to first put on some shoes “What sort of visitors?” I called to der Brucer. “A couple of strays.” That made everything clear, that we were looking for dogs.

Der Brucer and I love dogs, and share our home with three: Marty, the big black lab; Mikey, the little black terrier, whom Marty adopted as his little brother when Mikey was a little smaller than a handful; and Kelsey, the ancient daschund. They’ll be coming with us when we move to Delaware in less than a month, of course. But loving our threesome doesn’t stop der Brucer from chasing after any and every pooch that crosses his path, and this morning was just one more example of his habit.

Sure enough, as I exited the house, two flashes of strawberry blonde could be spotted running across the street, having a wonderful time in the way only two doggy buddies can when they are out for an explore. I took a quick look in both directions on the street, making sure no cars were coming our way, and took a chance, calling them to me.

Normally, most dogs will look up, decide the caller is some weirdo they’ve never met before, and continue on their way, often at a faster clip than before. Not these two! They came directly over to me, welcoming my outstretched hands and the resultant ear-scritches. Neither did they dash away again when der Brucer emerged from the house, or even when we slipped the no-collar-necessary leashes he’d brought with him. This gave us the opportunity to look over our new friends more carefully.

They were about the same size, still quite young medium-sized pups, perhaps nine months old, give or take three months. To me it was obvious they were littermates, because of their similar strawberry blonde coloring and build. The boy, however, had the longer hair of a collie and the floppy ears and muzzle of a Labrador, while the girl had short hair and the muzzle and ears of a German shepherd type. Both had clearly been well treated so far in their lives, with proper feeding and care. Both had also clearly not been fixed.

“So, where do you come from, Bonnie?” I asked the girl. Der Brucer looked at me funny. “Bonnie?” “Have to call her something,” I replied, adding with a nod to the boy “And Billy.” “If she’s Bonnie, shouldn’t he be Clyde? A couple of renegades?” I didn’t have a good reason for Billy (hell, I didn’t have a good reason for Bonnie), so I went with the quick name change. Bonnie and Clyde just looked at us with quizzing eyes.

To Be Continued...

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/27/2003 09:18 AM PST

Good afternoon, all! I hope everyone slept well. I know I did, until the phone rang at 8:44am, and guess who it was? A pre-recorded telemarketer! GOD, I hope this no-call list goes through. Let them call me between 11 and 5--those are reasonable hours--but 8:30 on a Saturday morning!?! Or dinner time?? I don't think so...

My favorite funny films...Hmm...so many choices. Well, "Waiting for Guffman" and "9 to 5" just make me howl. I love "Airplane!," "Tootsie," "The Princess Bride," "Murder by Death," and probably my most favorite, "Clue." And let's not forget the Mel Brooks movies...particularly "Young Frankenstein" and "The History of the World Part I."

Well...its time for me to leave, so I'm out. I'll post again tonight.

Posted by Jason @ 09/27/2003 09:27 AM PST

Today I'm in Pennsylvania, working on Finale Allegro 2000 and hoping against hope that my output will be readable on my home computer (where I've only ever used Finale Allegro 98-Windows). Small chance, I say, but at least I'll take a hard copy home with me.

Miracle of Morgan's Creek is probably the funniest film I've seen. I can't think, right now, of anything since 1990 that has tickled me, but maybe after other people post. My mind's just not on specifics, I say, in a general way, that recent films don't make my laugh, but there's a good chance one will be mentioned that did make me laugh, and I'll say so.

Posted by Noel @ 09/27/2003 09:32 AM PST

The mention of Mel Brooks reminded me: During the mock auditions I put my college students through yesterday, I fought back an overwhelming urge to yell "THAT'S OUR HITLER!" but I didn't think any of these 19-20 year olds would get the reference. ???

Posted by Noel @ 09/27/2003 09:34 AM PST

Beautiful weather today....and a car racing weekend in Indiana...who would figure?

I have won from EBAY for the price of 12.99 including shpg, the soundtrack to the movie THE LIVELY SET, and I am hoping it includes the song that Miss Joanie Sommers sang (but was cut) from the film.

My favorite funny films?

Classic:

My Favorite Husband
Theodora Goes Wild
The Fuller Brush Girl

Mid-Year Classic:

Some Like It Hot
Pillow Talk
Desk Set
The Reluctant Debutante
The Ghost & Mr Chicken

Newer Comedies:

What's Up Doc?
Young Frankenstein
Sordid Lives

That's enough, I will leave some for other DR's.

As requested yesterday, click on my name for a quick posed photo of me when I played Scrooge with a couple of the beggars...it was a lot of fun!

How about some photos of other DR's from shows? I would love to see them! Just put the URL in the homepage cell!

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/27/2003 09:36 AM PST

Great story SWW.

Noel - how could I forget Miracle of Morgan's Creek?

"Some men are born great, some men achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them!"

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/27/2003 09:38 AM PST

Ah, the topic of discussion! One of my favorite comedies from my younger days is The Great Race. I didn't like it when I was younger, but now I do, and cannot for the life of me fathom why it didn't appeal to me back when. The pie fight is a classic, of course.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is wonderfully silly, particularly in small bites.

When der Brucer and I went to see Best Of Show, I really wasn't in the mood for a comedy. I wanted to see some slick Hollywood action flick. I thought that would distract me from the depression I was in at the time. The adamant der Brucer put his foot down and outvoted me (he was paying), and I ended up having a wonderful time. It's a really sly film, sneeking in some of the best jokes under the cover of the obvious ones.

If A Mighty Wind failed, I think it did so because of it's structure. The "Mitch and Mickey" storyline really isn't comedic fodder, and it's sadness threw the other storylines out of balance. If, instead, Guest and company had structured the story as a history of the three folk groups, with lots of ponderous voice-over narration (imagine Walter Cronkite sending himself up!), all leading up to that televised concert, I think the film could have been more successful. As it stands, it's a carbon copy of what the crew has done before.

I'll try to post the second chapter of the Tails later today. Right now one of the dogs is laying on top of my foot, and they've both gone to sleep on me.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/27/2003 09:42 AM PST

A few of my favorite things (classic, semio-classic, and time-will-tell):

Holiday
Bringing Up Baby
All "The Thin Man" Movies (which aren't considered comedies, but which leave me gasping at times)
You Can't Take It With You
The Man Who Came to Dinner
The Women
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

Born Yesterday
The Court Jester
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Solid Gold Cadillac
Some Like it Hot

What's Up, Tiger Lily?
Sleeper?
Blazing Saddles
What's Up, Doc?
Young Frankenstein
High Anxiety

Clueless
Legally Blonde

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/27/2003 10:15 AM PST

REPORT FROM CALIFORNIA #2
Well, here we are, 11 days left before we vote for the recall of our present governor, Gray Davis (Democrat). There was a glitch in the proceedings when it looked like the election would be postponed due to a judgment by a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court. They agreed with the ACLU that the election would be unfair to minorities because some counties would be using those infamous punch cards (Say what?!?!). Fortunately (or un...), the judgment was overturned on appeal and the election will proceed as scheduled. Whew!

As far as the mainstream media is concerned, there are only five viable candidates out of the 135 on the ballot. They are actor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Republican), the current lieutenant governor Cruz Bustamante (Democrat), state senator Tom McClintock (Republican), writer Arianna Huffington (Independent) and financial investment advisor Peter Camejo (Green Party). There have been, I think, three debates. Arnold has shown up at only one--where the candidates were given the questions in advance. According to the polls cited, Arnold is the leading Republican. Darrell Issa (Republican), who bankrolled the recall petition drive, withdrew his candidacy early on (as did Peter Ueberroth) and just this week announced his endorsement of Arnold. The debate going on in talk radio is whether Tom McClintock should bow out to make way for Arnold (he says he won't!). Many think he is a spoiler, like Ralph Nader was in the last presidential election, and could split the Republican vote causing Bustamante to be elected--that's if there are enough votes for the recall in the first place! Oy!

In other news, Gray Davis has challenged Arnold to a one-on-one debate and six of the more "colorful" candidates took part in the Game Show Network's "Who Wants to be Governor of California? The Debating Game."

Meanwhile, the L.A. Times is running a photo essay of most of the other candidates. Each was requested to bring to the photo shoot a prop or adopt a pose that symbolizes their candidacy. One has his back to the camera, another is dressed all in blue and another is in full clown costume and makeup. Fitting symbols that characterize this election perfectly.

As for me, I don't want to vote for someone I don't like just so someone I don't like won't be elected!

DR Jay, please chime in!

Posted by Donna @ 09/27/2003 11:26 AM PST

Hey everyone happy Saturday afternoon! Just came back from a Revlon warehouse sale (hey Emily are you reading this? :)
It was actually very nice. I love cheap make-up. My mom came with me. And afterwards we drove to the mall, where it turns out my aunt and uncle were. We met them for lunch and as we're leaving, who should walk in our path. My sister and her hubby. Of course her hubby thought she'd planned this. But we didn't (although she knew we were at the mall, but that was when she called us 3 hours earlier, oops!). It always amazes me how people can turn up the same places at the same time. I mean what are the chances she'd be at the same mall. But also what are the chances she'd walk up the same aisle we were coming down. Fate!

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/27/2003 12:03 PM PST

Yes, Donna, but, as you say, if
you don't vote, you end up
"voting" for the one who'll be
lected!

Voting is a right that should be
exercised; that's how
democracy works!

Changing subject; I recently
saw the video of
"Sophisticated ladies" and
thought about you, because
the dancing of that show is SO
TERRIFICLY filmed.

I know most people here don't
care for musical revues, but
this one was just wonderful,
IMHO.

Donna, have you seen Karen
Morrow lately? Is she going to
star in something soon?

Posted by François @ 09/27/2003 12:09 PM PST

Newer comedy favorites:
BABY'S DAY OUT (yes, really!)
MS. CONGENIALITY
MEET THE PARENTS

Classic comedies:
any of the early BLONDIE movies
IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE

Posted by MBarnum @ 09/27/2003 12:09 PM PST

Sorry!
"lected" should read
ELECTED, of course.

Posted by François @ 09/27/2003 12:10 PM PST

Wasn't there once a pop song called "Today Will Be Yesterfday Tomorrow"?

Does anyone know why you can't buy a home theatre system without the speakers? Our combination CD/DVD/Receiever died last night. It was our fault. We had so much piled on the top that the vent holes were blocked and it eventually overheated. Anyway we went to buy a new one and could not buy a decent one that could be used with our perfectly good speakers.
If we bought the pieces individually it would have cost more that a whole system. We bought it and now are stuck with all the extra speakers. Now to hook it up!

Posted by William E Lurie @ 09/27/2003 12:41 PM PST

Got two big bags of free DVDs from the Academy I'm a member of - most of which are things I've never heard of. However, dear readers Jennifer and Ron will be pleased to know there's a DVD entitled Best of Trading Spaces included. Also included was the brand spanking new box set of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which is great. Also things I may or may not watch, like Black Hawk Down and Terminator 2 the Extreme Edition.

But, the creme de la creme of what I picked up from the store is Scrooge, Images, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Treasure of Sierra Madre, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Dead Heat on a Merry-go-Round and De Palma's Scarface. I got the big black box edition of Scarface (also available as a regular DVD) because it includes a separarte DVD of Howard Hawks' version of Scarface. I'll have full reports.

Posted by bk @ 09/27/2003 12:45 PM PST

Let's hear it for my little sisters, Taylor and Katie, who both won their soccer games this morning! *Cheer!*

I was the master cheerleader, of course, with my mad cheering skills (which, combined, are exactly this: Yell, do a somersault, yell more), and even got some of the team dads to cheer with me. Lots of fun was had by all.

SWW: What a cute story! Can't wait to hear more.

WEL: We did the same thing to ours a few months ago, and had to buy a completely new system, too, when we already have surround sound speakers built into the walls. So I took the extras and put them on my small TV, and I now have excellent sound :)

Posted by Sarah @ 09/27/2003 01:01 PM PST

Dear DR Donna: Since my observant der Brucer does political consultation work, he gets more inside information than most people. What he has heard is that, if McClintock insists on acting as a spoiler and doesn't pull out of the race, he could not only split the vote in this election but also split the California Republican Party in two. The party is already divided between the "country club Republicans who aren't true Republicans" (according to one part of the division) and the "radical wackos who would rather be right than win an election every once in a while" (according to the other part of the division), held together by name more than by their ideals. This election is now about a lot more than replacing Davis, it's about how politics will be run in the state for the next several decades.

I can't wait to get to Delaware.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/27/2003 01:17 PM PST

Far too many comedies to mention:
Just a few:

MIDNIGHT
MAJOR & THE MINOR
AWFUL TRUTH
HOLIDAY
PHILADELPHIA STORY
THEODORA GOES WILD
Anything by Sturges
The Marx Bros., particularly DUCK SOUP
BLAZING SADDLES made me literally fall out of my chair laughing when I first saw it.
THE PRODUCERS
The THIN MAN mysteries
BOY MEETS GIRL
IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD
HEAVEN CAN WAIT (with Don Ameche)
MURDER, HE SAYS
I'm quite fond of LORD LOVE A DUCK

Posted by Charles Pogue @ 09/27/2003 01:34 PM PST

Favorite classic comedies:

Anything by the Marx Brothers but especially HORSE FEATHERS and DUCK SOUP.

BRINGING UP BABY

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER

ADAM'S RIB

THE SOLID GOLD CADILLAC

THE GREAT RACE

THE PRODUCERS

THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS (Lemmon-Dennis)

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER

Most of Woody Allen's true comedies especially ANNIE HALL, RADIO DAYS, DECONSTRUCTING HARRY, SMALL TIME CROOKS, ZELIG.

AIRPLANE!

Posted by Matt H. @ 09/27/2003 01:36 PM PST

S. Woody White: And which are you and der Brucer? "Right-Wing Whackos" or "RINO's" (The dreaded Republicans In Name Only.)? Just asking. And this is, of course, not my own phrasing, as I think Log Cabin Republicans are extremely brave, since they get vilified as traitors from two sides.

Donna: A candidate with his back to the camera? I didn't even know Guy Haines was running.

Comedies:
Arsenic and Old Lace always makes my sides hurt.

Overboard. What can I say? I love Goldie in anything.

Tootsie, Young Frankenstein, Bringing Up Baby, Tom Jones, Airplane, A Night at the Opera. Oh yes, many more. I'm sure I'll add to the list later. I love to laugh. Oh, a Sherman Brothers reference.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/27/2003 01:36 PM PST

And I really laugh when I see Big Business and The First Wives' Club. When Bette has a decent script, she is hilarious.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/27/2003 01:42 PM PST

Another Midler: Outrageous Fortune.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/27/2003 01:43 PM PST

Kind Hearts & Coronets a great comedy.

Posted by Charles Pogue @ 09/27/2003 02:02 PM PST

DR FRANCOIS - Sorry to say, I haven't seen "Sophisticated Ladies." I wasn't aware it was on video. I have some of the sheet music from the show, however. Your note's tweaked my interest. I will definitely have to track it down. Thanks!

I haven't seen Karen Morrow in a while. I just went on her website (click my name to go to it) and checked her calendar. So far, there's nothing coming up. I'm sure there will be soon.

Posted by Donna @ 09/27/2003 02:18 PM PST

The Mad Miss Manton
Ball of Fire
Nothing Sacred

The Ma and Pa Kettle films

The Maisie films.

I voted several weeks ago. Used the machines in the Registrar of Voters office.

McClintock doesn't stand for the same things as AH-nulled. AH-nulled says he will make the Indian reservations pay taxes on their casinos. This despite the fact that it was Californians who voted that they should NOT pay taxes. It's time we left the Native Americans ALONE, including their casino loot. We've already raped and looted their land/natural resource holdings.

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/27/2003 02:53 PM PST

Jennifer... I AM reading this! Talk about coincidences! :)

I didn't know about the REVLON sale - but quite frankly I don't wear makeup so it doesn't matter. I prefer to go into the world au naturel. :)

I'm spending my first real Saturday in ages doing absolutely nothing but eat wonderful food and drink wonderful drinks.

It's super nice outside so most of that eating and drinking has been happening outside.

Is there anything better than bruschetta made with incredibly fresh tomatoes straight from the vine and real french bread? Mmm... garlic....

Sorry to post and run, but there's yet more eating and drinking to do.

I LOOOOOOOVVVVE Saturdays in September!!!!

Posted by Emily @ 09/27/2003 03:31 PM PST

BK, is chat tomorrow at the regular time?

Just wanted to know...

Posted by Emily @ 09/27/2003 03:32 PM PST

DR Emily, You ask:

Is there anything better than bruschetta made with incredibly fresh tomatoes straight from the vine and real french bread?

Yes, indeed! Chicken soup with matzah balls. (I've been waiting for that one.)

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/27/2003 03:42 PM PST

François:

I just wanted to thank you for "Mercy buckets". Joe always has been shy about his pronunciation of French words, but now he says he learned to pronounce merci beaucoup from a real Parisian.

Posted by William F. Orr @ 09/27/2003 03:48 PM PST

No! Not Donald O'Connor too . . .

Posted by Sigerson Holmes @ 09/27/2003 03:55 PM PST

DR Donna: I think you have stated the situation very well! Though I am firmly opposed to the recall, I do not like it at all when I have to hold my nose to vote, and that is precisely what I will be doing when I select a candidate to replace Governor Davis should the recall, in fact, be successful.

DR SWW: I happen to believe that a schism in both the Republican and Democratic parties would be beneficial. The Big Two have become indistinguishable in many ways. And too many meaningful messages A) do not get heard for fear of straying too far from the centrist point of view or B) become suspect because they are perceived as having been made to mollify the strongly left- or right-leaning elements of the respective party.

DR Emily: Oh, you are in for a bitch slapping from Dear BK. Had you read his notes today (that is, the today of today) to their conclusion, you would have found the answer to your question about the chat.

Posted by Jay @ 09/27/2003 04:01 PM PST

Dan in Trawna:

Excuse me while I go vomit at the memory of the balls-that-shall-not-be-named.

BK:

I aplogize for only skimming your notes today. I give you permission to skim mine in return ;)

My foot is now in my mouth.

Posted by Emily @ 09/27/2003 04:21 PM PST

I am very interested in the original version of SCARFACE included in the set.

And MusicGuy did you get my email about the CD's you sent me?

Also belated thanks to Mr BK for the recommendation of the previous release of LIMELIGHT on DVD....I got that version, and it is even better than I remembered it to be.

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/27/2003 04:21 PM PST

Off to babysit, and I know for a fact that these people won't have a computer for me to use, so I bid you adieu until 12-1 ish this evening. Au revior!

Again, I say, if Paulie is reading this, which he probably won't be, E-MAIL ME THE DAMN LYRICS! :)

TTFN

Posted by Sarah @ 09/27/2003 04:21 PM PST

Yes, Sigerson, sad to say.

He is gone. I think I will watch Singin' In the Rain and There's No Business Like Show Business AND Francis Joins the WACS tonight.

My name is a link to an obit.

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/27/2003 04:29 PM PST

How very, very sad about Donald O'Connor! SITR and TNBLSB (pardon the acronyms--I'm lazy) are two of my favorite fifties musicals! He was so very brilliant as Cosmo especially.

Sorry for having been E&T most of the day! I worked, went to rehearsal and then took a very long nap, and now I feel wonderfully refreshed. Problem is I will probably be feeling wonderfully refreshed until 3 AM, lol.

Am I like the worst half-Jewish person ever? My mom is making latkes (potato pancakes) and matzoh ball soup for Rosh Hoshanna dinner, and I don't like either! I do like plain matzoh, and I do like challah, but my mom didn't bother to buy either! When I told my mom I was going to have something else for dinner, she was like, "How can you not like potato pancakes??! That should be programmed into your DNA!"

A lot of my favorite comedies have already been mentioned, but I'll just list a few off the top of my head--The Producers, Spaceballs, Young Frankenstein, the Princess Bride, Broadway Danny Rose, Bullets over Broadway, The Truth About Cats and Dogs, When Harry Met Sally, Kissing Jessica Stein. Yes, I like some funny chick flicks. So sue me ;)

Posted by Maya @ 09/27/2003 04:44 PM PST

Too sad, too sad.

Another obit is linked to my handle.

Posted by A Singin' in the Rain Fan @ 09/27/2003 04:51 PM PST

Donald, you sure don't make
us laugh today!

Say "hi!" to the great
entertainers up there for us,
ok?

Posted by François @ 09/27/2003 05:05 PM PST

BK: Yes I am happy you got the Trading Spaces DVD. Although for some reason I don't think you will like it.

I have a confession. I've never actually seen the DVD, although I've heard it's very good. I wonder how many extras they've included. Please think of me if you're ever gonna toss it.

DR Emily: You don't wear make-up!?! Well I actually didn't really either until I was probably 17. But now I need it. I'm not a huge make-up freak. But I am totally addicted to lip gloss. And I always wanted to try a bronzer stick. The prices were quite good. I got a mascara for $4. And the exact same one in the store was $10.95Cdn. The nail polishes were $1! Yeah.

Oh I think I forgot to wish everyone a happy New Year. Tomorrow we are having a huge feast. And my aunt is making my most favorite Jewish dish ever: brisket! Yummy.

Posted by Jennifer @ 09/27/2003 05:08 PM PST

DR Ron - You and I would never fight over movies. About 90% of your choices are mine, too. I'd skip The Women and Ma & Pa Kettle (I don't know the Maisie films), and would add Auntie Mame. You picked all the right Mel Brooks and Woody Allen movies (though I might add Take the Money and Run).

DR Emily - I'm supposed to ask for forgiveness before the end of the (Jewish) year. I apologize for the matzah ball crack. Forgiven?

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/27/2003 05:16 PM PST

You'd skip "The Women"?

S-k-i-p "The Women"?

You'd SKIP "The Women"?

Oh, well.

"The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming"

"Cold Turkey"

Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 09/27/2003 05:32 PM PST

All I can tell you is I love these posts. All I can tell you is that soon we will be the most popular site on all the Internet. All I can tell you is that every time I nose around other boards I am nauseated by the vile bile that is spewed there and I am ever grateful that we do not do that here. I do know that we've had a few rough spots, and I do know I've contributed to them rather than ignored them (for reasons which, I hope, I will be able to talk about much later on - but simply it has to do with my mood while finishing the book), but I also know that I am going to do everything in my power to keep that negativity out of here once and for all. This will, of course, be easier when we switch over to being password protected. MusicGuy's old analogy will then take on new meaning. I love this jernt, I adore all you wonderful people out there in the dark, and there will be no vile bile here. We will leave the vile bile to those who feel their lives are enriched by spewing it. They can have their pile of vile pile, whilst we smile and wile away the hours with intelligent and humorous discourse. So it is written, so it shall be done. Happy New Year to those of us who are Jewboys and Jewgirls. And Happy New Year to those who aren't.

Posted by bk @ 09/27/2003 05:45 PM PST

THE TAILS OF BONNIE AND CLYDE, Chapter II.

Der Brucer and I quickly reasoned that the pups had most likely broken out of their yard or home, and that their people were either at work or school. Just to be sure, we walked them up the street a ways, and then back down a couple of blocks, asking those few people we saw whether they had seen the dogs before and if they knew where they belonged. With one exception, no one was familiar with the dogs. The exception was a kindly woman who wasn’t very familiar with the English language, but I think if she had seen the dogs before she would have tried to say something other than “I don’t understand.” I smiled and thanked her, all the same.

That line of action having run it’s course, der Brucer and I moved on to the next logical step. It would be several hours until kids from school would head for home. Der Brucer went back into the house and broke out his digital camera. After taking several two-shots and single close-ups, he went back inside to put together a sheet of the photos. I settled down with the newspaper and the dogs. Clyde was the more physically affectionate of the two, licking my hand, then my arm, then my face. Bonnie was quite content to have her ears scritched.

When der Brucer reappeared with several copies of his finished work of art, there was a small problem. The color printer had run out of yellow ink, and the result was that the photos were of purple dogs. They looked good, just very purple. His immediate plan was to get the pics posted at the nearby schools, with our address and phone number and the word “Found” prominently printed on each sheet. I agreed, so we loaded our two strawberry blonde friends into the car and headed back down the street to the local middle school, then a few blocks further to the elementary school.

So far, Bonnie and Clyde hadn’t expressed any problems with being in the car, so we decided to go a little farther afield, down to the Long Beach Animal Shelter. We hadn’t been to the new shelter before; it’s located clear across town, in the middle of a very large recreational park, far from any pedestrian traffic. The location had been decided upon because a coalition of NIMBYs in town had refused to allow its location anywhere else. (NIMBY, of course, stands for Not In My Back Yard.) Come to think of it, a few of the NIMBYs had fought against the park location, because the noise of the cats and dogs might disturb the park’s bird population. The new shelter also has a definite parking problem, as anyone wanting to drive into the surrounding park gets charged for the privilege by a fellow at an entranceway tollbooth.

“The odds are whoever belongs to these dogs won’t think of coming here, but you never know,” was der Brucer’s comment. It turned out to be a nice facility, spacious and clean, quite an improvement over the old City Pound, which had been cramped and located in the middle of an industrial park. Why pounds are always located in places that are so terribly unfriendly to people is something I’ll never understand. I explained to the staff that we were planning on keeping the dogs with us for a few days, to give the owners a chance to find them, and that we had an enclosed yard, smiling and being very reassuring while they directed me to a bulletin board for posting the pictures. All the same, there was something about the place that made me glad to get back to the car.

To Be Continued...

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/27/2003 06:04 PM PST

DR WFO: Der Brucer and I are the dreaded RINOs. The "Right Wing Wackos" literally hate der Brucer, and I don't toss that particular word around lightly, because his work helps get the RINOs elected while their boys get left in the dust. Tsk.

As for the indian tribes owning the casinos, they do so in name only, and only a few tribes are involved even at that level. The casinos themselves are run by the same people running them in other states, who hand over only a part of the profits to the tribes. The voters of California were scammed.

Posted by S. Woody White @ 09/27/2003 06:20 PM PST

We are back from Rosh Hashanah services. Actually the kids and I came back hours ago, but my dutiful wife, who is on the Council of our synagogue, stayed until the cows came home, if cows indeed come home on Rosh Hashanah.

Re: Anger Management--that was the in-flight film when we returned from Chicago a few weeks ago. BK, the "forced" aspect of the setup is actually part of the "surprise" ending payoff, which I won't ruin for you if you didn't guess it within 30 seconds of the film starting.

Whereas I think I laughed maybe twice, weakly, at "Anger Management," one of the other fillers on that flight had me in hysterics. It was a clipfest of Conan O'Brien's predictions for the future, and this one took the cake: "In the future, robots will completely replace humans for doing dull, repetitive tasks like washing dishes and marrying J. Lo." Now, that's comedy.

Posted by JMK @ 09/27/2003 06:22 PM PST

DR SWW - my sister Molly and I are volunteers at the County Humane Society where we live....I know just whereof you write.

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/27/2003 06:34 PM PST

Will we make 50 posts?

Puuuuusssshhhhhh...

Posted by Emily @ 09/27/2003 07:45 PM PST

Good evening.

The first day of wrap up went rather well. Not too much haggling nor hassling, and we got a lot done. In fact, we're ahead of schedule at this point. The two big cast shows are tomorrow, so... we'll see.

Unfortunately, I woke up with a sinus headache - the LA air just doesn't agree with me. It was nice heading out to Laguna Beach yesterday and being able to breathe again - even though it was a bit overcast. But... It was a good day, and I'm getting together with some friends later tonight.

As for comedies... I'll have to post later... Until then...

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 09/27/2003 07:53 PM PST

Emily - Yes, we did!

Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 09/27/2003 07:54 PM PST

BK: I love this site too! It's great to be able to come here and read messages from people who can speak proper English, and know how to say what they want and be done with it, not purposely beating down on anyone in particular. This site has good vibes, see? ~~~~~!

Oh and today I'm skipping the Compliment Of The Day because I forgot earlier and it's too late now....sorry!

Posted by Sarah @ 09/27/2003 09:32 PM PST

I am home from what has been a MOST entertaining day of theatre. First off, I saw THE BOY FROM OZ with the incredibly talented Mr. Hugh Jackman. Wow! What a great performance he gave! I don't think I've ever been part of an audience that gave a standing ovation mid-way through the second act. He completely stopped the show for a good five minutes and the joint was a-jumpin'. Oh, yes, Dear Readers, the joint, she was a-jumpin'. Is it the best show ever written? Absolutely not. Was it one of the most fun shows I've ever seen? A most resounding YES, and there were even moments in the second act that were so touching that I caught myself crying. The book needs work, and they're still working on it, but Mr. Jackman gave a star performance and the woman who plays Judy Garland--fabulous. The rest of the cast was really strong, as well, though Ms. Beth Fowler was a tad flat on "Don't Cry Out Loud." It was forgiveable, though. And, Craig...Mr. John Hill was wonderful, and looked quite dashing as Ms. Garland's husband.

Tonight's show was LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Now, I think all of us have preconceived notions of what that show is "supposed" to be, including some of the characterizations, and that's basically what you get. Our very own Kerry Butler, despite what some of those other websites are saying, was very good in the role, adding her own little touches. Her "Somewhere That's Green" even made me a tad bit misty-eyed. Mr. Hunter Foster was fantastic, as were the doo-wop girls (complete with an homage to DREAMGIRLS). Are there some major directorial issues that need to be fixed? Yes. Did it ruin my evening at the show? Absolutely not. If I thought BOY FROM OZ was fun, well...LITTLE SHOP just blew the top off my fun-o-meter. That was the first show I've seen in my two years in New York where at least half of the audience was under 30...heck, under 20! (No, I didn't see FROG & TOAD, but that was intended for children, anyway...) They were having a ball, literally screaming and applauding at the end of every song (and the beginning of the overture and entr'acte) as if it were THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. I can only hope that one day I will get to do a show with an audience that was that enthusiastic. Kerry and the rest of the cast were bombarded at the stage door, complete with a high school group (who'd recently done LITTLE SHOP, and were wearing their t-shirts to prove it) singing "Suddenly, Seymour" to a very amused Hunter Foster. We were all a little embarrassed for them, but they were having fun, and that's all that matters. Mr. Douglas Sills was QUITE amusing in his several roles, and his quick changes just blew my mind. The show's finale, which I won't disclose here for fear of spoiling it for you, bumped the level of excitement up to the point that you couldn't hear what was going on onstage because the audience was screaming and howling with pleasure. This show may not be a critic's darling come Friday morning, but it certainly is an audience pleaser and I hope it has a long, long run on Broadway. Long enough for me to get to play Seymour on the road, at least. :-)

I've had so much fun today, what with hanging out with my buddies and seeing two extremely fun shows, and now I'm exhausted. I'm currently eating some caramel corn from Popcorn, Indiana (a new popcorn boutique in Times Square), and I'm going to bed soon. Tomorrow I get to see LITTLE SHOP one more time and then we're seeing Ms. Banderas and our very own Brent Barrett in CHICAGO. Shall I send a message to Brent tomorrow, BK? We'll be seeing him after the show, I'm sure.

Posted by Jason @ 09/27/2003 09:35 PM PST

Yes, please send a big hug to Brent.

Posted by bk @ 09/27/2003 09:44 PM PST

Jason, why limit yourself to just playing Seymour "on the road"? Why not dream about taking over for Hunter ON Broadway? If you're going to dream, dream BIG! In the words of Frank N. Furter: Don't Dream It, Be It! And you know what else they say? (if you don't, here it is):
A goal is just a dream with a deadline!

(I will now take off my cheerleading outfit and put away the pom-poms.)

Anyway, to the topic of the day (late, that it is). Most of my choices (as usual) have already been mentioned:

9 to 5
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Auntie Mame
Blazing Saddles
A Bug's Life
The Princess Bride
Singin' In the Rain
Some Like It Hot
Strictly Ballroom
Toy Story and Toy Story II
What's Up, Doc?

Also, BK, you wrote, "... every time I nose around other boards I am nauseated by the vile bile that is spewed there and I am ever grateful that we do not do that here ...." Is this in reference to "vile bile" that's being spewed anew, or is it just in general that you want to reaffirm that here at HHW, we "wile away the hours with intelligent and humorous discourse"? I do hope that it's the latter and not the former.

Posted by George @ 09/27/2003 10:54 PM PST

It's the latter and the former. There is always vile bile being spewed anew on any number of topics. It simply amazes me the number of bitter, sad and pathetic individuals there are out there who have now been given a forum in which to spread their poison for all to see. Prior to the Internet they had only their friends to rant to.

Posted by bk @ 09/27/2003 11:15 PM PST

OK, George. I hope LITTLE SHOP runs long enough for me to replace Hunter after his contract runs out. How's that? I've always felt that I'd be a perfectly imperfect Seymour, and if I could even get one iota of the audience's energy that the cast was getting tonight, I'd be on cloud nine... Or maybe even cloud ten. (Oh! A Benjamin Kritzer reference...) ;-)

Posted by Jason @ 09/27/2003 11:50 PM PST

DR Jason - Thanks for the reviews, which I enjoyed tremendously. And I'm with George about not limiting your dreams (especially at your age). There's nothing more that I and others here would like than to see you step out on the stage as Seymour.

DR Ron - Reading extra carefully between the lines, I think I may have hit a nerve with my comment about skipping The Women.

Posted by Dan-in-Toronto @ 09/28/2003 05:16 AM PST

Jason -thanks for the POV reviews on BFO and LS!

Always great to hear from one who was there.

Philip - did you ever let us know what you thought of OZ? I missed it!

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/28/2003 07:20 AM PST

Wait - it was DR Craig NOT DR Philip who was seeing it, I think. Oh my....oh my.

Posted by Jrand53 @ 09/28/2003 07:21 AM PST

Off to another full day of theatre. I'll have a full report tonight... :-)

Posted by Jason @ 09/28/2003 09:26 AM PST