Haines His Way
Archives => Archive 2 => Topic started by: bk on November 14, 2004, 11:58:59 PM
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Well, you've read the notes whilst doing a triple lutz, you've sent the notes to the accounting firm of Lutz, Lutz and Carr (a double Lutz and a Carr), and now you are ready to post until the lutzing cows come home.
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And a happy haineshisway.com birthday to ladodgerjon, wherever he may be.
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Books: Graham Green and John Le Carré have written some great books with a political background.
Play: "Savages" is the first that comes to mind.
Film" All The President's Men" for starters.
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Political movies:
"The Manchurian Candidate"
"The Mouse That Roared"
"The Contender"
As for political musicals:
1776
Call Me Madam
Evita (this is stretching it a bit, I'm sure)
The Fix
Strike Up the Band and Let 'Em Eat Cake
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Books, all non-fiction:
Party Crasher, by Richard Tafel
House and Home, by Steve Gunderson and Rob Morris
Conduct Unbecoming, by Randy Shilts
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I wasn't around all weekend so I had a lot of catching up to do.
I am now all caught up.
Dan-the-Man, thanks for the CD. It arrived on Saturday (the book is fine by me). Thanks for the special surprise CDs also. I tried to PM you but it wouldn't go through. I got an error message so you shall be thanked publicly.
You are a peach (or a pear or a nectarine or whatever you want to be).
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THE PARALLAX VIEW
ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN
THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE
STATE OF THE UNION
JFK
MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON
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Good morning, all! I've got errands to run, then the dress rehearsal of TANNHAUSER at the Met, so I'll be out most of the day.
TOD: I know I'll forget something I like, but here goes:
BOOKS: All the President's Men
The Abbess of Crewe
Alison Weir's serties on the Tudors: Children of Henry VIII, Wives of Henry VIII, the life of Elizabeth I
Anotnia Frazer's bio of Marie Antoinette
FILM: The Manchurian Candidate
Nasty Habits
1776
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It took long enough, a little over a year, but we've at last got a disc player in my room .
Back in Long Beach, I'd been using a discman with a headset for any music listening I wanted to do. However, as they have a habit of doing, the discman wore out shortly before the move, and there was little if any sense to getting a new discman until after the move because I simply didn't need one. (The car der B drove eastward had a CD player installed, which kept us aurally amused.)
Upon arriving at our new home, there wasn't any real need for me to get a new CD player right away. We had the main entertainment system to play in the living room. I did get myself a pair of earphones, so I could listen to either music or DVDs while der B slept down the hall, but this proved awkward. After a while, I stopped listening to music.
And so things went, until der B spotted a walkman on sale at WalMart, and since it came with a tape deck connection he decided it would be good to have with us in the car, for longer trips. And so it has. But listening to music in the car got me missing having music in my room.
That was resolved this weekend, when der B spotted a combination radio/CD player that could work on either batteries or house power, and had a jack for the headset. All I'd have to do is clear off some space on my desk, and I'd have music again. Plus, since it can work on batteries, we can loan it to his daughter for when she organizes hayrides for the local kids, something for which she's wanted to have music.
I finally got around to hooking things up this morning. The sound over the headset works just fine. (DR Elmore, you'll be glad to know that one of the first pieces I played was the title track from Luker's Anything Goes disc. Nicely done!) Then, I tried out the system's speakers. Buster, who has grown a bit since he rode cross-continent in my lap a year ago, perked up his ears, listening carefully. He got up, and since my bed is level with the desk he was able to sniff at the speakers. He wasn't sure what he was hearing, but pretty soon he was sitting back, cocking he head and wagging his tail.
A minor home improvement, but a good one.
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Congratulations to our own DB (that's Dear Broadcaster, a new term I just made up) Donald for completing the scuba diving course and becoming a Certified SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) Diver!
I'll mix my list.
All the President's Men
1776
Manchurian Candidate
and in a very broad sense
Pacific Overtures - it's about the political machinations of the opening of Japan to the rest of the world. I'm listening to the opening number on Donald's show right now and it reminds me how political the entire process was and there is the wonderful Gilbert and Sullivan take-off, Please Hello, with entitites from each government asking for special favors from the Japanese government and promising things in return for those favors.
Back to work now.
Listen to Donald's show. It's wonderful (as always).
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Has Democracy opened yet on Broadway? Has anyone seen it?
Copenhagen isn't really about politics, but politics is involved.
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No, Democracy hasn't opened yet. It has started previews and opens this Thursday, Novmeber 18th.
I have to admit that Copenhagen set me to nodding off quite a few times. I have friends who loved it and found the whole thing fascinating but my view was "if they tell that story one more fershulganah time, I'm gonna run up on stage and pull the plugs on those lights" Every two minutes it was "let's go over this again and see what we missed." NO, You've done it 6 million times already and couldn't figure it out!!!" It was all a huge bore to me, which is why I never listened to or purchased the CD set.
Proof, which was in the same season, was a much more exciting and wonderful piece. I was taken with it almost from the minute we sat down in the Walter Kerr Theatre. The performances, the script and even the set all came together to give me a great night in the theatre, so much so that I saw the show two more times.
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(DR Elmore, you'll be glad to know that one of the first pieces I played was the title track from Luker's Anything Goes disc. Nicely done!)
DRSWW, thanks for your kind words. My memory is that whole time travel idea was Mr Kimmel's. I had earlier worked on a Rodgers & Hart recording with Dawn Upshaw and one chart had a similar idea involving the song "Manhattan," (not by me but by another arranger and orchestrator) but it turned out not so good, and it didn't make the recording.
DRBen, how could I have forgotten PACIFIC OVERTURES or ASSASSINS? I know! they weren't books or films and that's all I was thinking of. How did DRGeorge who seems to worship at the Sondheim altar overlook them? And so, off to the Met. I hope I stay awake. TANNHAUSER's got beautiful melodies, but it's long!
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You are a peach (or a pear or a nectarine or whatever you want to be).
:)
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Favorite political film besides THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE is ADVISE AND CONSENT. I just adore that movie and can't wait until it comes to DVD in a proper widescreen version.
Political musical favorites: 1776, ASSASSINS.
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Today, according to Playbill On-Line's "Today in Theatre History" is the 48th anniversary of the opening of one of MR BK's favorite shows, Li'l Abner:
1956 Dogpatch comes to life as Li'l Abner is staged at the St. James Theatre. Melvin Frank and Norman Panama adapted the Al Capp comic-strip, with songs by Johnny Mercer and Gene dePaul. The cast includes Tina Louise and Stubby Kaye dancing to Michael Kidd choreography.
There is certainly a strain of politics in Li'l Abner
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And of coursae those BBC produced miniseries which were all masterful dramas: ELIZABETH R, THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII, and I, CLAUDIUS.
Those DVD boxed sets, especially the former and the latter, are among my most watched DVDs. I'm sure I've seen ELIZABETH R and I, CLAUDIUS at least 20 times each. Glenda Jackson and Derek Jacobi will never be surpassed.
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I will agree with DRMATTH -
Movies:
THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and ADVISE AND CONSENT.
Plays:
THE BEST MAN and VISITOR TO A SMALL PLANET (but not the movie version)
Books, hmmmmmmm.......will have to think - and you know how long that will take.
Glad you got the emails, MRBK...how strange they ALSO came back to me, so I don't know how many you got three or four - BUT all is well.
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LIL ABNER is tops for political satire, although I seem to remember Gale Gordon in a Jerry Lewis comedy with the appropriate name of Senator Mandible.
WILD IN THE STREETS was also political in an LSD kind of way.
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Good morning. I slept very well and now I am up at at 'em. I shall start putting books in envelopes very soon.
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Yes, 1776 and ADVISE AND CONSENT are two very good suggestions. Also, to some degree, I would include SHENANDOAH. Not the greatest musical (or movie), certainly, but certainly a fine one about a family torn asunder by the War Between the States.
ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN is a fine politically charged movie. As is ALL THE KING's MEN. STATE OF THE UNION. WAG THE DOG. And for fun DAVE. (OK, so it's not that political...) THE BEST MAN. SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO. NOt all favorites, but certainly politics plays a part in all of them.
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And I meant to mention FINIAN'S RAINBOW.
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films: Seven Days In May
Sleeper
Duck Soup
plays:
Beckett
The Royal Hunt of the Sun
Night and Day
musicals:
The Mikado
Finian's Rainbow
Li'l Abner
non-fiction books:
Naming Names
The Repbulic (Plato)
the Barbara Tuchman one about World War One
Years before Assassins, Tony Kushner's The Age of Assassins showed five assassinations in different theatrical styles. I contributed a song to the French one, La Ravachole. Czolgoz and Emma Goldman were depicted, and you left, exhilerated, with a detailed understanding of the politics of every murderer.
After seeing the Sondheim musical, I felt that I'd understood only John Wilkes Booth. The politics of all the other characters was (conveniently?) left out.
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Good morning all. I guess I missed all the book excitement yesterday. I just checked out the website briefly. But will check it out more later.
Question. Is the book the same price to ship to Canada. And can you ship it marked GIFT, so it doesn't get stuck at customs?
This might sound funny, but I haven't used paypal in so long, I hope I can remember the email address and password I used.
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I watched some movies this weekend. RAISING HELEN. I liked it. BIG FISH. The beginning was too slow. But the second half was much better. CALENDAR GIRLS. I actually really enjoyed this. It's funny and charming. I'm half way through SECRETARY. Not sure what to make of it. But I love James Spader.
Still sick. :(
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Yes, the shipping cost is the same to anywhere. I always mark overseas packages "gift" so no worries there.
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Yes, the shipping cost is the same to anywhere. I always mark overseas packages "gift" so no worries there.
Careful if you're sending to Germany. A friend of mine had a package so-marked returned because Gift means "poison" in German.
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How did DRGeorge who seems to worship at the Sondheim altar overlook them?
Because I wrote my last post at almost 1:00 in the morning and had been awake since 7:30 in the morning (I couldn't go back to sleep) and I had been listening to nothing but P.D.Q. Bach for at least two hours earlier in the evening (recording the BOTM's vinyl record "P.D.Q. Bach Strikes Back" to make a CD). In other words (a Guys and Dolls reference), I was distracted! ::) So, definitely add Pacific Overtures and Assassins to my list!!
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Interesting news for fans of Japanese sci-fi...Media Blasters is releasing the following films on DVD in both English and Japanese language!!! THE MYSTERIANS, VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE, DOGORA THE SPACE MONSTER, ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE and YOG MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE!
Coming to a video store near you on January 25th!!
I have not seen Dogora or Yog since I was a kid!!
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I hope they're great transfers. Love The Mysterians.
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First, A DAILY LEVITY
This is a detective story ..
So Pay Close Attention!!!
Three elderly ladies are excited about seeing their first baseball game.
They smuggle a bottle of Jack Daniels’ into the ball park.
The game is real exciting and they are enjoying themselves immensely... mixing the Jack Daniel's with soft drinks. (One hopes Diet Coke)
Soon they realize that the bottle is almost gone
and the game has a lot of innings to go.
Based on the given information, what inning is it
and how many players are on base?
Think!
Think some more!!
You're gonna love it ...
Answer:
It's the bottom of the fifth
and the bags are loaded!
(http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/5613952/73368049.jpg)
der Brucer (my California widow strikes again)
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TOD:
Broadly interpreting "politically oriented", the following, not yet mentioned, come to mind:
Murder in the Cathedral
A Man for All Seasons
Lion In Winter
A Walk in the Woods
Lawrence of Arabia
Exodus
The Killing Fields
Atlas Shrugged
Seven Days in May
der Brucer
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(recording the BOTM's vinyl record "P.D.Q. Bach Strikes Back" to make a CD).
BOTM.....CD... Really, DR George! I thought we left such descriptions to other sites on this here internet!
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Speaking of Jose...
"It's sumptuous, decadent, addictive, even sexy..."
No not his date, not his keyboard, his nosh!
(Extract from a News Report (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138521,00.html)):
Hottest Chocolates Have Sugar and Spice
Monday, November 15, 2004
By Catherine Donaldson-Evans
NEW YORK — It's sumptuous, decadent, addictive, even sexy — and this year, chocolate is also spicy.
In the world of cacao bean creations, this year's hot tamale is a blend of rich chocolate and a hint of spices like chili pepper, curry and cardamom.
Such tantalizing concoctions were featured prominently at the 7th annual Chocolate Show in New York City this past weekend.
"The new trend is spices and herbs in chocolate — like cayenne pepper and jasmine," said Avishan Amanat, a manager at a professional tasting lab called The Institute for Sensory Research .
In fact, chocolate has come full circle and returned to its roots, said pastry chef Brian M. Donaghy. The earliest chocoholics in Mayan cultures, Mexico and other parts of Latin America consumed the treat in thick, liquid form, without sugar and often with spices added.
"Spices in chocolate is a natural progression," said Donaghy, of Albert Uster Imports, which distributes spice-laden Laderach truffles from Switzerland. "There's a real fusion these days of savory and sweet."
The Laderach truffle "spice collection" features heavenly chocolate creations infused with paprika, allspice, ginger, cardamom, chili, curry, cinnamon and nutmeg — adding a surprising zing to a familiar favorite.
"I like it!" exclaimed one Chocolate Show guest, who lingered over the curry-laden liquid chocolate samples at the Laderach booth.
Another company, Blackflower Chocolate , makes truffles with chili pepper and vanilla bean; curry, saffron and coconut; and fresh basil and rosemary.
"It changes people's perception of what chocolate is," said Blackflower owner Cheryl Robbins-Dooley. "It's a food, not a candy. I like blending it with herbs and spices because these are foods."
Robbins-Dooley even creates pieces with Camembert and goat cheese. Cheese … in chocolate?
"They're delicious," she said. "Chocolate and cheese are fabulous."
Also hot this year are organic, healthy, kosher and vegan versions of the tempting treat. Companies like Gary Null make chocolate bars packed with everything from soy protein and organic raw cane sugar to broccoli, Aloe Vera and kale.
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And no matter what the new trends are, chocolate will always have a raw, mystical, universal appeal — especially during the holiday season. In the U.S. alone, Americans consume an average of 10 pounds of chocolate a year, according to the Chocolate Manufacturers Association.
"Chocolate is visceral," said Donaghy. "People get really excited about it."
Ten pounds a year - do your share!
(http://www.foxnews.com/images/144521/0_23_111204_choc_pieces_450.jpg)
der Brucer (hoping this prompts some yummy Ads by Google)
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Regarding our topic o' the day:
[size=8][move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Wintergreen for President!!![/move][/size]
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Hmmm, well it only took 3 tries to remember my paypal password. Oy! :)
And re: marking GIFT on packages to Canada.
I have no idea if it's only strict in Quebec (as opposed to the rest of Canada). But it amazes me how crazy the customs people are here. Yet you could send ANY AMOUNT of product to the US, and not have problems.
I hope my order went through.
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Shh...I'm sneaking online.
I hate this job. I hate the people I have to deal with on a daily basis - namely the hateful, hateful teachers who call and get really pushy, not realizing they're dealing with a burnt-out New Yorker who'll push right back. And I have to work AIDA tonight.
Can you tell I'm in a peachy mood?
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Ah, how I miss President Wintergreen! But whenever I hear that song, I harken back to a college production at Caltech, where the rehearsal pianist kept insisting to the chorus that that last note on "loves the Irish and..." was a quarter-note: "Don't hold 'the Jews'!"
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She's the illegitimate daughter of the illegitimate son of the illegitimate daughter of Napoleon!
I did that show in grad school. I was the Ambassador from France.
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Congratualations, Jason! In only--what?--three short years, you've gone from "Kid from Midwest/ Actor and singer/ Genius type..." to "Burnt-out New Yorker." That took some of us at least a decade.
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Good Afternoon!
Well, at least I made it out of bed before 3:00pm today! Whoopee!!
:P
As for topic of the day, the only two titles that come to mind are 1776 and Assassins.
I know I know some other titles, but I need to wake up a bit more...
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Congratualations, Jason! In only--what?--three short years, you've gone from "Kid from Midwest/ Actor and singer/ Genius type..." to "Burnt-out New Yorker." That took some of us at least a decade.
Some of us came here as hostile burnt-out New Yorkers!
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Well, TANNHAUSER is one long opera! The first act was 70 minutes, but seemed like 140. Because of the nature of my surgery, I was quite uncomfortable, in a great deal of pain, and when I realized there were two acts to go, probably until around 4 this afternoon by my reckoning, I left. Beautiful production, the boy soprano sing the Shepherd was great, as were the mezzo doing Venus, Peter Seiffert as Tannhauser, and Thomas Hampson as Wolfram. Some of the music is so glorious, especially the ballet, but Wagner needed to write "edit" a thousand times on the blackboard to remind himself that some of us find him in desperate need of it.
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Speaking of Jose...
"It's sumptuous, decadent, addictive, even sexy..."
We almost went to the Chocolate Show while we were in NYC last week. For a $21.00 admission ticket, you got all the chocolate you could eat! Alas, we decided to spend our day not walking around an exhibition hall. But the temptation was definitely there. -And the owner of the "For the Love of Chocolate" here in Richmond was also up there last week too, so... In any case...
Dagoba makes a line of chocolate bars, and they have an Aztec inspired bar that packs a nice little bite from chiles. There are also some other lines out there that I've tried: curry and coconut, black pepper, ginger and lemongrass, etc. I like the "savory" chocolates, but I still prefer the "sweet" varieties for everyday knoshing.
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Jennifer: Got your order and book will go out today.
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"Actor and Singer/Genius type" is debatable - right now I feel that I am neither an actor/singer nor am I a genius, but I appreciate the compliment.
Elmore: I don't blame you for getting up and leaving TANNHAUSER - surgery or no surgery. Wagner and Verdi needed editors.
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I am sooooo bored at work today...I am really missing the luxury of my 4 day weekend that I just had!
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BK - Did my book order arrive in time for it to be shipped today?
TOD - Movie: The American President; TV series The West Wing; Books: Personal History, by Katharine Graham, The Roosevelt Women, by Betty Boyd Caroli, and Mrs. Ike, by Susan Eisenhower; Musical: 1776
Elmore - I went to a new coffee shop on Central Ave. today and one of your "favorite" actresses was there - fortunately, she didn't recognize me!
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Well, TANNHAUSER is one long opera! The first act was 70 minutes, but seemed like 140. Because of the nature of my surgery, I was quite uncomfortable, in a great deal of pain, and when I realized there were two acts to go, probably until around 4 this afternoon by my reckoning, I left. Beautiful production, the boy soprano sing the Shepherd was great, as were the mezzo doing Venus, Peter Seiffert as Tannhauser, and Thomas Hampson as Wolfram. Some of the music is so glorious, especially the ballet, but Wagner needed to write "edit" a thousand times on the blackboard to remind himself that some of us find him in desperate need of it.
When I was aggressively building up my CD collection a couple of years ago, I stocked up on all the repertoire staples including operas by Puccini, Bellini, Verdi, Wager, etc. Well... I have the complete Solti "Ring Cycle" as well as "Lohengrin" with Domingo, Tannhauser, etc... And, wouldn't you know, I've never listened to any of the Wagner operas all the way through. Excerpts, yes. Whole acts, yes. But a whole opera, no. I just can't fathom sitting down for three hours at a time...
-How long have I been on-line today? ;)
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We almost went to the Chocolate Show while we were in NYC last week. For a $21.00 admission ticket, you got all the chocolate you could eat! Alas, we decided to spend our day not walking around an exhibition hall. But the temptation was definitely there. -And the owner of the "For the Love of Chocolate" here in Richmond was also up there last week too, so... In any case...
Dagoba makes a line of chocolate bars, and they have an Aztec inspired bar that packs a nice little bite from chiles. There are also some other lines out there that I've tried: curry and coconut, black pepper, ginger and lemongrass, etc. I like the "savory" chocolates, but I still prefer the "sweet" varieties for everyday knoshing.
It is good I was not with you. I would have eaten enough to send me into some kind of chocolate coma. I have NO resistence to chocolate.
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DRSTUART - how could I forget ALL THE KINGS MEN? Wonderful novel and film!
Smile, DRJASON! and Happy Birthday, DRladodger!
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A great big THANK YOU to DR Jane for the beautiful pictures she emailed to me and allowed me to use in my slide show yesterday and next Sunday. The folks loved them!
And it's nice to see DR Jason back, even if he is having a tough day! ~~~~~~~~~~~
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I'm gonna go ahead and bundle myself up and go for a walk. Of course, I should be cleaning my bathroom and kitchen, but at least I'm getting some exercise - and out of the apartment.
Laters...
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Ginny: Yep, it's going out this afternoon.
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Well BK is not the only celebrity with a new novel on store shelves...I just recieved and e-mail from one of my past interviewees, stage and screen actress Anne Kimbell, whose new book is out as well. It is a spy/adventure novel called "The Ibeji Twins" a story about art theft in London and Africa. I very much enjoyed her first novel, To Catch a Thief so I look forward to getting her next one!
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Miss Anne Kimbell[/move]
(http://i12.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/cc/a2/10_1_b.JPG)
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She has a website also, www.annekimbell.com (http://www.annekimbell.com)
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Welcome back, DR Jason!
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I am sooooo bored at work today...I am really missing the luxury of my 4 day weekend that I just had!
Poooooor Baaaaaaby!
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BK - Did my book order arrive in time for it to be shipped today?
TOD - Movie: The American President; TV series The West Wing; Books: Personal History, by Katharine Graham, The Roosevelt Women, by Betty Boyd Caroli, and Mrs. Ike, by Susan Eisenhower; Musical: 1776
Elmore - I went to a new coffee shop on Central Ave. today and one of your "favorite" actresses was there - fortunately, she didn't recognize me!
Was it Arlene? I was thinking about her!
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Elmore - Who's Arlene?
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BOTM.....CD... Really, DR George! I thought we left such descriptions to other sites on this here internet!
Well, I never! :o ;)
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A typical day in Katzpatch...
Woke up a little early, knowing I had to make tapes for the cast to learn from today. Re-ordered some prescriptions and phoned the bank. Ascertained that the left tape deck eats tapes, so I had to figure out how to hook-up the hand-held tape player for dubbing and over-dubbing purposes. While searching around for what tapes I could record over, I found the tape on which I'd recorded My Dad from Such Good Friends, so I transcribed a little of that. Then, I taped Need Somebody, which, as is typical of me, involves three-part counterpoint. So I had to overdub myself and then overdub myself again. What you hear is all three parts at once, done by the Noel Tabernacle Choir.
I may have said before that this is the catchiest song ever written. Nobody who's heard it has been able to get it out of their heads, and, as I was dubbing tapes for several cast members, I've now heard the song at least five times. It wasn't my intention to write the catchiest song ever written; all I needed was something the cast could learn quickly. It's like a cross between the BK favorite, At the Same Time, Everyone Hates His Parents from Falsettoland, and Chicago's hit Saturday in the Park.
Also on the tape is the title song, Generation F'd, and one verse of the Inner Thoughts during a First Date song: it's not clear to me who'll be singing this last one. About half the cast, I suppose. We open December 5 and there's much to do before the song is complete.
I labeled all the tapes and printed out little casette sleeves. A stranger sent me a musical to read and critique. I only got through 16 pages. Meanwhile, my friend who had the reading last night pestered me for criticism. I strongly cautioned against blaming the actors for anything. I bourght tapes, went to the bank and the pharmacy, and cleaned the kitchen floor. Also folded laundry.
In the midst of all this, my not-too-bright cousin called and said "Wow - didn't expect to find you home. You actually get a day off?"
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Speaking of e-mails, I just got one, and I'm sure some of the rest of the DRs did also alerting me that it's time once again for the Deep Discount DVD Thanksgiving Sale.
From now until the 20th of this month, you can get 20% more off their discount prices at deepdiscountDVD.com by typing in "DVDTalk" (no quotes) in the promotional code box at check-out.
Just wanted to make sure everyone knew about this in case there are things you want to buy. They do have to be DVDs that are currently in release. Can't be something that is pre-ordered. But I'll be using it for the Marx Bros., W.C. Fields, and Andy Griffith boxes among other things.
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Elmore - Who's Arlene?
Who was that awful lady in THE BOYFRIEND?
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Thanks MATTH - I sometimes forget to do that.
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Who was that awful lady in THE BOYFRIEND?
Gosh, I don't remember. Maybe I'll have to drag out my program to answer that one. The one I'm talking about was in Oklahoma.
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Most of my political movie choices have been picked with the exception of SOUTH PARK...BIGGER, LONGER, UNCUT...South Park, both movie and TV show, have the most delicious and incisive political and social satire around.
Elmore, I have a grudge against Alison Weir propagating the usual Tudor myths and lies about Richard III. In fact, my favourite political bio is RICHARD III, by Paul Murray Kendall and ROYAL BLOOD by Hollywood entertainment lawyer Bert Fields who quite masterfully refutes and rebuts Weir's book THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER.
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Gosh, I don't remember. Maybe I'll have to drag out my program to answer that one. The one I'm talking about was in Oklahoma.
La Frost!
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Elmore, I have a grudge against Alison Weir propagating the usual Tudor myths and lies about Richard III. In fact, my favourite political bio is RICHARD III, by Paul Murray Kendall and ROYAL BLOOD by Hollywood entertainment lawyer Bert Fields who quite masterfully refutes and rebuts Weir's book THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER.
DRCharlesPogue, I don't know a thing about Richard; I've only read her series on Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and I found them fascinating.
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Elmore, because of Weir's dodgy facts and suppositions in her Richard material...a subject I know very well...I would find her other histories suspect. I don't like A. L. Rowse for the same reason. In my experience, Rowse too-often starts with a fore-gone conclusion that he fashions his facts around rather than letting his facts lead him to a conclusion.
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Of course I don't read Shakespeare because he distorted the truth and perpetuated myths too. lol
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La Frost!
Right! 'nuff said.
On a less catty note: My book group will be reading the Antonia Fraser bio of Marie Antoinette for our February selection.
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Right! 'nuff said.
On a less catty note: My book group will be reading the Antonia Fraser bio of Marie Antoinette for our February selection.
So La Frost is still alive and some music or theatre critic hasn't put a hit on her yet? Is there no God?
On my less catty note, the Fraser bio is quite wonderful. There was a bio of Marie Antoinette from a French writer published in English translation at the same time (Farrar Straus, I beleive), but the bad review it received in The New Yorker sold me against it. The reviewer thought quite highly of the original French edition, which was quite long, and trashed the heavy abridgement.
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The last thing I read was by the aforementioned Mr. Shakespeare: a little trifle called The Merry Wives of Windsor. Finished it last night.
Hmmm, what next? Perhaps a mystery...
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Happy Birthday to ladodgerjon.
George THE MOUSE THAT ROARED is a great choice.
Jennifer-good health vibes!
Jason so glad you could join us and entertain us with your “peachy” mood. :D
Jose I think it was wise of you to stay away from the chocolate show. After indulging in such an event I would be very ill and in a peachy mood.
Noel have fun on your day off-LOL
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All books that were ordered by twelve forty-five have been shipped. New orders will usually go out the next day.
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Oh, and the rug showed up a day early. It looks splendidly splendid and really helps warm up the den.
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For your pleasure, I hope, a few of the photos I sent DRLaura.
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Thank you DR Jane - We who live in a land of evergreens find Autumn/Fall colours/colors really wonderous.
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Who's woods are these? I think I know...
Would it be too much trouble if I asked you to come up with the name of the designer of that park?
BOTM - I've no idea what that stands for.
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Oh, and the rug showed up a day early. It looks splendidly splendid and really helps warm up the den.
I assume your head is warmer too.
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BOTM - I've no idea what that stands for.
Book Of The Month...Book of the Month Club Records is an offshoot of the BOTM Club. They also released a two-record (and CD) compilation of Sondheim stuff that was all specifically recorded for this project. The Sondheim set also included a suite of dances from Pacific Overtures. It's quite wonderful...I think!
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BOTM - I've no idea what that stands for.
DRNoel, I think it's Book-of-the-Month. So how did you like The Merry Wives? I'm a big fan of Verdi's FALSTAFF, which I think is a masterpiece of abridgement by Boito. Sweet Ann Page becomes Nanetta Ford.
DRJane, I want to come walk through those woods with you and discuss A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN and READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN!
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DR Noel, and others, here is a little history of Lithia Park in the lovely town of Ashland:
The formal dedication of Lithia Park on July the 4th 1916 allowed Ashland to be known for more than its annual event of Chautaqua; it could now be known for its beauty too. The three day event unveiled some of Ashland’s newest features, such as the Lithia Park Auto Campground. It was one of the first such facilities to cater to travelers on the west coast. Nestled within the large trees of the park, travelers came from all over to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty while indulging themselves with some culture at the Chautaqua theatre.
Natural spring water, discovered a few miles east of Ashland, was being piped into town and bubbled out of the three new fountains in the park. This water has a high concentration of lithium and is said to have been used by the Native Americans to care for the sick and the elderly.
The park started with 8 acres of land in 1892 and the Chautaqua Association designated it for live entertainment that came to the area. Hundreds came to sit under the dome of the Chautaqua Tabernacle, which is now the site of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
In 1908, a group of women decided to take further steps to beautify the town of Ashland. They formed the Women’s Civic Improvement Club. A year later, the run down flour mill, which was located on the plaza at the entrance of the park since 1854, was torn down. Shortly after that 45 additional acres bordering Ashland creek were acquired.
The development of the park into what we see today really began in 1914 with the hiring of landscape architect John McLaren. McLaren, who was well know for designing the San Francisco Golden Gate State Park, designed 19 acres just up from the Chautaqua Grove.
Today, Lithia Park is 93 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, duck ponds, trails, playgrounds and tennis courts. Visitors approaching the park will notice the towering Tree of Heaven, which stands by itself in between the statue of Abraham Lincoln and the Plaza. It is said that Abel Helman’s Chinese cook planted it, and probably dates back to 1860. In 1982, Lithia Park was added to the National Historic Registry.
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Actually managed to ship everything, including the three orders that came after one. So, I'm all caught up for the time being.
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Here is a photo of the historic Ashland Springs Hotel in downtown Ashland. This is where I worked back in 1983 when it was called the Mark Anthony Hotel...it is a wonderful place and, as I understand, totally renovated and redone from when I was there.
(http://images.travelnow.com/hotelimages/s/049000/049557A.jpg)
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And lastly, a view of downtown Ashland...a wonderful place to visit!
(http://www.ashlandchamber.com/Images/ImageManager/downtown.jpg)
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Thank you DR MBarnum.. Not a Bollywood set in sight.
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First, A DAILY LEVITY
This is a detective story ..
So Pay Close Attention!!!
Three elderly ladies are excited about seeing their first baseball game.
They smuggle a bottle of Jack Daniels’ into the ball park.
The game is real exciting and they are enjoying themselves immensely... mixing the Jack Daniel's with soft drinks. (One hopes Diet Coke)
Soon they realize that the bottle is almost gone
and the game has a lot of innings to go.
Based on the given information, what inning is it
and how many players are on base?
Think!
Think some more!!
You're gonna love it ...
Answer:
It's the bottom of the fifth
and the bags are loaded!
(http://pic8.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/5613952/73368049.jpg)
der Brucer (my California widow strikes again)
Ha Ha, I liked the story very much.
I know your saying Lutz but we have a place call Lutz that ( I hope I can get the idea across without you being able to hear what I'm saying) Lootzs is what it sounds like. I say it the way you intend to tease the people who ride that bus.
We also have a park called Lithia Springs. Which is full of (suprise, suprise) springs! I haven't been there for years but I think I shall try to go. Camera in tow, of course.
Jane, those are very lovely pictures. I hope you take some when the snow comes. You know how much I want to see snow in person but I would enjoy seeing some photos you've taken of it in the mean time.
Hummm, Bruce, you say your all caught up. I think you may have forgotten something. :)
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Re:I GOT RHYTHM - NEW
« Reply #150 on: Yesterday at 10:08:45pm »
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Quote from: Danise on Yesterday at 08:35:57pm
I was lucky! I found two pictures--old and a bit faded but of the gardens we used to have.
The first picture was of the Manger that my Dad made and the second was of the log house he made.
OMG--a picket fence! We had a picket fence around out platform, too, way back when we lived in Camden, NJ. My older sisters will often talk about how wonderful our under-the-tree platform was before I came along. Evidently, I liked playing Godzilla when I was a wee one, and would often run amok amid our Plasticville village. The hospital, the drive-in hamburger joint, and a number of fine homes were destroyed in my furious attack.
So Dan, do you still put a garden under the tree? I fear we gave it up after my Dad passed. It just didn't feel the same without him there to set it up with. :)
Jane, you said you hear the Southerner in my voice. That's odd because all the Southern people I know (like my boss who is a REAL Southern born and bred) have told me I sound like a total Northerner. Didn't you say I sound like someone here on the board? I can't remember who.
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I was locked out after I posted the picture, hmm…
MBarnum thank you for giving such detailed information on the park. I believe that is a photo of the renovated hotel you found. It is lovely inside but lacking a contrasting trim on the outside which many locals complain about.
Tomovoz I didn’t realize you only have evergreens. Glad you are enjoying the pictures.
Elmore we will find a new book to discuss by the time you come visit.
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That is a Wood Duck in front of the Mallard. I just love the markings on a male Wood Duck.
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Danise I will have to think on the person you sound like.
One more photo for you.
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Good Evening!
-Back from my walk...
-Back from my dinner with my friend, Mark - We hadn't seen each other since before I left for L.A. back in July! Very nice to catch up in person.
-Back from my post-dinner walk... which ended up including a stop by Bev's Ice Cream. :) I got a regular cup with 1/2 Rum Raisin and 1/2 Pralines & Cream - a pretty good combo.
-Now just sitting down catching up on e-mails, and watching some TV...
That's all for now...
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Just heard that the wonderful French composer, Michel Columbier, has passed away at sixty-five. I've always loved his work, and then got the chance to work with him when he did several charts for the album I produced for Petula Clark. While he wasn't the music director for the album (Ron Abel was), he came in and conducted his charts. He was a very sweet person and I had fun talking to him between takes. I told him I was a huge fan of his score to Une Chambre en Ville, and he seemed taken aback that anyone would actually know it. Two days later he sent me two DATs with the entire score (the film is all-sung, like Umbrellas of Cherbourg) right of his masters.
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DR Jane - Thanks again for the pictures!
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Didn't really know of Michael Columbier until his recording "Wings" in 1969. An old favourite LP.
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I have a question (even though it's not Ask Questions Wednesday): Has anyone in the U.S. tried to buy something from Amazon.co.uk's Marketplace (individual sellers selling through Amazon.co.uk)? I tried and I keep getting the message:
Important Message: There is a slight problem with your order. (See below.)
*** Unfortunately the item cannot be delivered to your selected destination. You may either change the delivery address or delete the item from your order by changing its quantity to 0 and clicking the Update button. ***
I've never had this happen before, but then I've never tried to buy something from the Amazon.co.uk Marketplace. I want to get the Region 2 DVD of "Head On (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004YN5H/ref=ord_cart_shr/202-7859169-6890204?%5Fencoding=UTF8)." It's like a gay Australian "Zorba the Greek"...and the lead actor is a LOT better looking that Anthony Quinn. When I went to the Help section, they list the U.S. as one of the countries that can purchase items from their Marketplace, so I have no idea why it doesn't work. Anyway, that's my dilemma. Any help or ideas??
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PS. There is a U.S. version available, but the Region 2 DVD looks like it has some bonus stuff that the U.S. version doesn't.
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DRGEORGE are you requesting delivery to a PO Box number - sometimes that makes a difference....
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George, Keith tried sending books to Craig in Romania on that site and had the same problem. He could have them sent from the U.S. :-\
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Bruce, sad news and way too young.
Jose you are welcome. I think I have a new addiction-my own photos of the park. ;D
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Elmore we will find a new book to discuss by the time you come visit.
Nurse Jane, I hope several books. We haven't even discovered all the ones we both like in common. Great photos, dear, especially the park. To stroll down that avenue of trees with you, it's so Jane Austen!
Speaking of books, I have to get that Margot Fonteyn bio and the new Tallulah Bankhead as well. There's also a P G Wodehouse bio and a new Cary Grant that I want to read.
DRDanise, I do not recall a trace of a Southern accent in your voice.
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Dr Jane, I agree with you re: the ducks. I just find ducks fascinating to watch, and some are just so beautiful. They are sometimes just amazing.
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http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=O9t1CxUKkB&isbn=0670843709&itm=1
elmore do you get a discount at Barnes & Noble? I might ask Bryan for this book as my x-mas preasant, if he comes for Christmas. Otherwise he will send me Jordon Almonds from Portland.
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elmore then I shall have to wear a long dress when we do walk the path.
MBarnum our home use to be on the migrating path for the Wood Ducks, now all we get are a few Mallards.
Danise the woman who I think sounds like you is from Florida and I met her in Bethesda. I have also not spoken to you in person which could make a difference.
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I often get the Amazon marketplace message George as many USA sellers will not ship internationally. (Ship being the verb and not a noun).
"Head On" is a not too bad a movie - there is even a soundtrack! The movie is set in my home town of Melbourne which has a large "Greek" population.
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Lovely photos today!
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For DR George.. Alex Dimitriades in "Head On"
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elmore do you get a discount at Barnes & Noble? I might ask Bryan for this book as my x-mas preasant, if he comes for Christmas. Otherwise he will send me Jordon Almonds from Portland.
Yes, Dear Jane, I do get the employee discount! I think you'd look absolutely gorgeous in a Regency style dress, but we couldn't walk there in this weather; those gowns are so sheer, you'd freeze. I thought we'd lose you in NYC.
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Some thoughts on movies I've seen in the last week or so:
The Incredibles: Terrific movie for people of all ages. Proves that a strong story served well by animation technology remains a strong story. Talk of its nomination as best film (in addition to being nominated as best animated film) of the year is warranted. I heard lots of laughs of recognition by parents in the audience in response to many of the lines in the film.
The Polar Express: Proves that technology does not a story make. This film has its moments, but I could not help but think it was a big build-up for a theme-park ride yet to be built. Strangely, it's not out of Disney or Universal or even Knott's Berry Farm. The book on which this film is based is unfamiliar to me, but I'm guessing that it's a magical children's story that has been beefed up (possibly with the use of steroids) to make it a viable theatrical release. The non-human imagery is breathtaking in many parts. The depiction of hair blowing in the wind is landmark. That said, I would much have preferred live actors in front of a blue screen over the spooky human characterizations this film offers. Talk of Best Actor for Tom Hanks? Gimme a break.
Callas Forever: Fanny Ardant as Callas is wonderful, and any scene in which she appears is quite fine. There is a film within a film in this picture, in which Mme. Callas (played by Miss Ardant) plays Carmen, lip-synching to the recording she made twenty years prior to the time of Callas Forever, and it's a movie that I wish had truly been made. Mr. Zefferelli, who essentially channels himself into the Jeremy Irons character, is rather self-indulgent in this film in his depiction of a romance he has with a young artist. Please. Had this film focused exclusively on Madame Callas and omitted Zefferelli's apologia to the young man he wronged, this would have been a far superior movie.
Sideways: Lovers of fine wine and small-scale character-driven comedy/drama should run to see this film. My kind of movie. This and Garden State are probably the two best films I've seen yet this year.
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This and Garden State are probably the two best films I've seen yet this year.
DRJay, I thought GARDEN STATE was a hoot! I talked to DRPennyO about seeing SIDEWAYS. She should be back from LA by now.
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elmore-LOL. You would think all the years I lived in the east would have toughened me up-no way. And tell Penny to come see my photos of Lithia Park. She should appreciate them having been there.
My goodness, I just read that Popeye is 75 years old. I had no idea.
I’m not as eloquent as Jay. All I have to say about THE INCREDIBLES is it was lots of fun.
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That was the third time tonight I posted and then was locked out and had to reconnect.
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Ain't technology wonderful?
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Guess what I just ordered... :)
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Oh yes. Add I [Heart] Huckabees to my list of favorite films so far this year.
Now I'm late to, believe it or not, a Tupperware party. Until later, I remain yours, yours, yours.
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...and can I just say how much I LOVE the fact that the Canadian Dollar is now equal to a whopping 82 cents American?!?
LOVE.THAT.
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Emily the $A and the $C must be living in the same universe.
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Emily I also ordered my book today.
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DRGEORGE are you requesting delivery to a PO Box number - sometimes that makes a difference....
No, I used my regular street address. :'(
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Jane, I love your photos! So colorful. I made this one my wallpaper at work. Page Five Dance (I hope this works):
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%](http://www.haineshisway.com/community/attachments/Web_Lithia_Park_Nov14th0015.jpg)[/move]
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For DR George.. Alex Dimitriades in "Head On"
Yum! :-* (I know...TMI!)
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Thanks George and now you have made me dizzy. :D
Gotta go. Goodnight.
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Did not have a chance to watch a film today. I did see some more FRIENDS episodes today including the hilarious Thanksgiving episode with Brad Pitt as an enemy of Rachel's. One of their best-ever Thanksgiving episodes.
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So Dan, do you still put a garden under the tree? I fear we gave it up after my Dad passed. It just didn't feel the same without him there to set it up with. :)
I started taking over doing the "platform" (as we always referred to it) when I was about 12 or 13, with my dad guiding me on how to hook up the train tracks, stabilize the tree stand, etc.. Eventually I did the whole thing myself and continued to do it after my dad died. I now pretty much spend all of Thanksgiving weekend at the House of Mom putting up and decorating the tree (its artificial) and then setting up the platform underneath. Those pics I posted yesterday were actually from last year and don't really show the finished production. I'll have to remember to take fresh pics this year to show off the whole thing.
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Book Of The Month...Book of the Month Club Records is an offshoot of the BOTM Club. They also released a two-record (and CD) compilation of Sondheim stuff that was all specifically recorded for this project. The Sondheim set also included a suite of dances from Pacific Overtures. It's quite wonderful...I think!
BOTM doesn't stand for Boyfriend Of The Moment? Dang!
And agree about the Sondheim CD.
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So, it's called Lithia because its springs are full of Lithium?
Sounds like a happy place.
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Good Evening!
...Well, I guess I'll clean the bathroom and kitchen tomorrow... Hmmm...
-And the malaise and ennui begin to set in...
What the heck am I talking about?!?!? In any case...
I definitely need to get "active" around here, it's just been too easy to wallow and be lazy since I've gotten back from New York/Houston/LA. But, as my friends keep telling me, "You're due for a break." So...
I'm always caught off guard when I get these breaks in my schedule. I look forward to them when I'm working, but once I get "here", I have no idea what to do with my time. Ah, well... I do know I start back up in 15 days, and I do plan to enjoy this time off, but it really is easy just being lazy.
Is any of this making sense?
At least I do know I have working coming up, so that's good.
OK... I'm going to stop this post... I'm rambling...
Time to hit Post...
???
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So, it's called Lithia because its springs are full of Lithium?
Sounds like a happy place.
I was going to ask the same thing. Do the springs still emit lithium? If so, do the let people near them? Or are the levels low enough where they don't do any harm?
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Just finished watching the check disc of What If and it's fine, so that's done.
Now I'm watching the Boston tryout of Grand Hotel, prior to Mr. Yeston joining the team. Boy, did it need a lot of work at this point. While I don't love Mr. Yeston's contributions (I like them, just don't love them), seeing the show in this form you realize just how important and necessary his songs are. Lots of the underscore to the show is just piano as it hadn't been orchestrated yet, and Flaemchen's song was the one we recorded on one of the Lost in Boston CDs, The Flame Girl, again with just piano (I don't think it was ever orchestrated before being replaced) and poor Jane K. trying to make something out of it (at this stage, Tommy Tune was doing his usual shoot himself in the foot routine by not letting numbers end - he eventually, as he always does, realizes how inane that is and he put endings on everything).
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OH... I keep meaning to ask...
There have been a bunch of Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics here in Richmond the past couple of days. Seems kind of strange to me, and the footage of the traffic is mind-boggling - and, needless to say, a pain in the butt for the daily commuters. People literally drive up, get approved (or disapproved) as an "at risk" person, roll their sleeve down, and then get the shot. Of course, with the flu-shot shortage/situation, the demand - and traffic - has been quite heavy. But I guess if that's one way to get the vaccine distributed...
Do any DRs have Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinics going on in their area?
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Tomovoz, actually it was Shakespeare's RICHARD III...which may be my favourite Shakespeare...that sparked my historical interest in Richard...very different man than Shakespeare's charismatic villain. But Drama is Drama and History is History... and should not take its evidence from drama.
Jay, your assessment of POLAR EXPRESS was largely mine. I found it an overblown, over-produced carnvial thrill ride and awfully predictable. I don't how many times I looked at my watch. A story with the theme of a child on the cusp of wanting to still believe in Santa but beginning to have doubts, could've have been handled with a lot more simplicity and sensitivity.
I'm so tired of movies that assault you with effects, particularly at the expense of character and story. And not only did they try to make Polar Express like a theme park ride, but the effects became rather repetitive...there must have been three or four big set pieces back-to-back that were practically the same thing, all approximating a roller coaster ride. This is a Christmas story, where is its heart? And hadn't we heard the theme, that they kept pumping at us rather blatantly, better expressed in the original MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET years ago: "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to."
And you're absolutely right! Tom Hanks...Oscar talk, pahhh!!! There is nothing taxing in any of the parts he plays and the main one, the conductor, was I felt rather obvious and cartoony. It came off like a bad community theatre performance. Give me Alistair Sim any day.
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Drive-Thru (Flu) Shootings? Not that I know of.
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No one posts? Skammen. Just watched We'll Take a Glass Together, ala Boston tryout. At that point it was about fifty percent of what it became - you can hear the audience just dying to applaud, just dying for Michael Jeter to let go (he wasn't doing any of the stuff on the bar) but not our Tommy - he just teases, and then shoots himself in the foot over and over again - having people constantly walk through the number (maids, bellboys, etc.) and then, just when the number cries out for the big finish, he stops it - it literally just dies before your eyes and goes right into I Waltz Alone. I don't know what Mr. Tune's "process" was or is, but the fact that that was his "take" on this number and it took audiences to tell him how wrong he was, is just amazing to me. It's so obvious and should have BEEN obvious from the get-go, as soon as he started to see run-throughs.
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So good to see you again, Jason. We've missed you.
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The Tupperware party was not nearly as much fun as I had been led to believe it would be.
:(
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Dear Reader Jose was kind enough to direct me to an article in yesterday's New York Times. Herewith a picture that accompanied the article and one very good reason (or six) to take up an interest in opera: Mr. Nathan Gunn in Mr. Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd.
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Coincidentally, Michael Jeter "plays" two characters in The Polar Express. That is, he completed the computerized "motion capture" of his parts before he passed away. If you stay until the very end of the credits, you will learn that the film is dedicated to his memory.