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Well, you've read the notes, you are making ready to say goodbye to 2004, you are preparing yourselves for our big Rockin' New Year's Eve bash, and now it is time for you to post until the Rockin' Cows come home.
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I can tell you that this month, even without today's posts, of which we know there will be many on account of our faboo Rockin' New Year's Eve bash, this has been our third best month ever.
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Just wanted to wish everyone a fabulous New Years Eve since I do not know if I will be able to get on again today. I hope everyone has many good memories of 2004 and I am sending out good vibes to everyone for an even better 2005. HAP---PY NEW YEAR! (In the style of the Captain in Showboat)
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You MUST get on today. This is the place to be.
Ann must still be catching up.
Everyone else is just sitting there like so much fish.
We'll stay all night and we'll sing 'em all.
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Ann has caught up.
Seattle Symphony did our first of two performances of Beethoven's 9th today. Real fun for the chorale...we sit onstage for a good half hour before we get to sing the Finale. But all went well...and a packed house, really appreciative audience.
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Good Morning!
-Well, I was trying my best to get to bed before 3:00am tonight, but... I guess that'll have to be one of my New Year's Resolutions.
;)
Well, I actually got some CD listening done this past week. One of these day I'll catch up on the pile of DVDS...
Here's my somewhat annotated list...
Cast Recordings
Bells Are Ringing - Another CD from the pile of CDs I've-bought-over-the-past-few-years-but-never-listened-to - or CDIBOtPFYBNL2 for short - or not so short. Oh!, to have been able to see Judy Holliday live!
Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk - I took this off the shelf since this is the show that won Ann Duquesnay her Tony Award - and Ms. Duquesnay is in Hallelujah, Baby! -Time for it to go back on the shelf for another couple of years... :-\
If Love Were All - (CDIBOtPFYBNL2) What a wonderful Valentine to Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. And produced by our very own BK.
As Thousands Cheer - (CDIBOtPFYBNL2 and another BK-produced album). I might be doing this show this summer, so...
Fiorello - (CDIBOtPFYBNL2) I think I had actually listened to a few tracks on here in the past, but never the whole album. However, I saw a very good production done by the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department many years ago.
After the Fair - (CDIBOtPFYBNL2 and BK-produced) Two "dreams" of mine were in this show: Michelle Pawk and Jimmy Ludwig. Michelle just simply wows me in everything she does, and Jimmy just plain wows me. ;)
Sweet Smell of Success - (CDIBOtPFYBNL2) I'm gonna have to give this one a few more listens. I know the show itself had it's problems, but the score is well-preserved and presented on the OCR. Bill Brohn's orchestrations sound great even coming out of my small boombox.
Classical
Schubert - "The Final Year" - Vol. 37 in the Hyperion Schubert Edition (CDIBOtPFYBNL2) What an amazing recording on all accounts. The performances by the three tenors on the disc are models of lieder singing, and Graham Johnson's partnering at the piano is no less distinguished. And then, like all of the volumes in the this series, the copious liner notes are by Mr. Johnson, himself. The booklet alone for this volume is 112 pages! And most of it is text! And there's even a second booklet which is an index to the songs and singers from the previous 36 volumes of Schubert songs.
Chanticleer - "A Portrait". Basically a greatest hits compilations from this 13-voice male singing group based out of San Francisco. Nice selection of music covering the early to the late. And the previously unreleased track of "Christmas Time Is Here" was especially appropriate this past week.
Dawn Upshaw - "Voices of Light", Music of Messiaen, Debussy, and Faure - I commented on this disc a few days ago. Ms. Upshaw's singing, as always, is direct, honest and beautiful throughout, and Gilbert Kalish handles the thicker and thornier textures of some of the accompaniments with ease. There are some true moments of musical ecstasy on this disc.
Pop, Jazz and Other
Take 6 - "Beautiful World" - I need to give their debut disc another spin - it's been a while.
Jane Monheit - "Never, Never Land" (CDIBOtPFYBNL2) I have a few more discs by Jane Monheit in the waiting to be played pile, and I'm definitely going to have to move them to the top of the pile. To think she was only 22 when she recorded this album!?!?! I've heard her a few times here and there on some TV shows and some radio play, but some of the hype surrounding her "discovery" turned me off a bit. Now I know what the hype was about!
Lyn Larsen - "Stairway to Paradise" - A CD by our very own DR MusicGuy! A fun and toe-tapping selection of music.
Billy Joel - "Fantasies & Delusions", Music For Solo Piano, Op. 1-10 (CDIBOtPFYBNL2) - Hmm... To paraphrase a famous quote: I've played and listened to lots of Chopin, and, you, Mr. Joel are no Chopin. ;) -I'm trying to figure out how many more listens - if any - I want to give this disc. It wasn't bad listening, just pleasant - bordering on bland. And reading the "additional arrangements" credit in the booklet has made me a little suspect... I'll have to take out "Innocent Man" and "52nd Street" when I get back to Richmond.
And to round out this past week's CD listening, the accompanying CDs for "Benjamin Kritzer" and "Kritzer Time" - Now I need to find my "Kritzerland" CD... Hmmm...
OH, and I guess I can include the DVD of What If? since I did watch it this past week!
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HAP---PY NEW YEAR! (In the style of the Captain in Showboat)
Be careful, young man! As I recall, the Captain is drunk at the time! :o :o :o
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Media check:
I haven't been watching or listening to much of anything. I just haven't been in the spirit.
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Der B and I will be ringing in the New Year over at Cafe Zeus, where our friend and chef Charles will be serving a six course meal, with appropriate wines.
But, since this takes place three hours earlier than the ringing on the Left Coast, we should be back for some happinessing here.
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I should be here for the festivities. The theatre is not having an official party tonight since only one of the theatres currently has a show in it. However, two of the cast members have volunteered their apartments for a party since they are being housed next to each other. I may or may not go. I'm leaning towards not going. We shall see.
New Year's Eve has always been a strange time for me. I've had a couple of good New Year's Eves, but a lot of the time, I seem to be around people who feel they must have a good time since it's New Year's Eve rather than just plain having a good ole time. The revelry seems forced at times.
I also grew up watching the big countdown on TV with Dick Clark standing in Times Square - alas, Regis will be doing the honors tonight. However, that's still how I like to celebrate New Year's Eve - watching TV.
-I also have two shows on Saturday, and since the show is at 2:30, and I've been sleeping in until around Noon, hmmm...
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About to watch "LOTR ROTK"
I've been listening to Dusty Springfield's "The Look Of Love" Compilations set today. Before that was More ABBA Gold.
New Year here in 4 hours or so.
Happy New Year to you all.
I'm off to Explore Middle Earth.
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Tonight, my family and I will be dining at Anthony's Home Port, here in Olympia. Our reservations are for either 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Regardless of when the dining starts, I plan to be in my very own home evirons long before the bells chime at midnight. Actually, I don't have any clock at my house that makes any kind of chiming noise, so it'll have to be either the metaphorical chiming of the bells at midnight or the TV. Either way, I'll be at home. ;D
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WOW! I was just checking out the weather summary for the next few days... We could hit 70 degrees on Saturday! What a way to start the New Year!
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I just finished the first half of "Writer's Block" about an hour ago (see my last two posts last night) and I intimated that I would start reading the rest of it after my "intermission." Well, it's quite late now and I have bills to pay. Most of them can be paid on-line but it takes a while to get through it all, which means that I'll have to finish the second half of the book...later (a Little Night Music reference).
So, I'm signing off from HHW for the evening, but (unfortunately) I'm not heading to bed, yet. Good night!
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I don't go out on New Year's Eve and haven't for over twenty years. Too dangerous to be out driving. I like to be home, I like to be alone, and I have done pretty much the same routine every year for the past ten years or so - I think about things, contemplate things, and try to decide what I can do to be a better person, what I can do to make things go better, what I can do to make the New Year a better year.
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Almost 4:00AM here on the East Coast of the United States...
Goodnight.
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Hmmmmmmm....
DRPANNI I did email TCM about their omission of D. Dowling and also posted on the message board there....
DVD player - LADY ON A TRAIN with Miss Deanna Durbin
CD - Larry Moore Christmas CD!
VCR - A KISS BEFORE DYING with Robert Wagner
Well I have three parties to go to....who knows what will happen....but I will be around for awhile this evening.
And I have a mystery - I received a subscription copy of TV GUIDE - with an expiration date of 12/18/05. I did not subscribe, so I emailed them to ask if it was a gift or a promotion of some kind. Very mysterious.
2005 promises some surprises and hopefully gainful employment!
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I see Hisaka. How's the weather in far off Japan?
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Bobby Darin was on What's My Line again.
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DRJOSE I am getting very excited about MAMMA MIA!
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Time to sleep now.
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The REAL party will be right here.
A Kiss Before Dying is out on DVD in a beautiful letterboxed transfer - don't bother with the pan and scan VHS.
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Welcome four GUESTS. We're havin' a late-night frenzy is what we're havin'. Ann's here, Hisaka's here (but silent), jrand's here, S. Woody's here, George is here, I'm here - by gum and by golly and buy bonds, the partay has already begun. I, for one, am shaking my booty, which is quite a frightening thing.
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Hisaka went away without posting. But when I look to see who's where on the site, she doesn't show up as being on the board, despite her name appearing. Maybe she was reading the notes.
And the rest of you, sitting there like so much fish, what has happened to our frenzy?
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My annual sojourn to Carolina del Sud has ended, I had a wonderful time there, and I have now settled in to see out the remainder of the year.
Miss Vickie is back from the kennel where she relaxed for two weeks...looks spiffier than ever, with a fresh wash job. She was intensely glad to get home.
I've done all I can do -- restarted my mail, taken my laundry to the cleaners, picked up my office mail and taken down the tree I set up there.
I was sickie-poo my first week away...horrible sore throat that got better, then got worse, got better, then got worse. Finally, I went to a doctor who trested me for strep...and determined I had a nasty virus and nothing more. I got some strong pills (Allegra-D) and have felt infinitely better since then.
The weather in Carolina del Sud was cold, cold, brrrrrr cold. My mom, an aunt, a cousin and I had many travels and took in many sights. A good time was had every day, many games of Scrabble were played, many wonderful meals were attended/eaten and the holidays were festive.
About to watch "LOTR ROTK"
Happy New Year to you all.
I'm off to Explore Middle Earth.
I have just finished watching the expanded edition. It is intense and thrilling to me. The added scenes are absolutely revelatory, and I have even taken in the various commentaries over various sequences/chapters.
It's a l-o-n-g movie with those extra 40 minutes...but for LOTR junkies, it's heaven.
I hope you enjoyed it, TomovOz, as much as I did.
Oakland, and the Bay Area, has been "awash" with torrential rains all week. Another storm is moving in tonight, I'm told. Sigh.
I've nothing more to do today (Jan. 31) than to pick up my laundry before 6 p.m.
It's a tough job, but I must do it.
I'm glad to be back. It's great that the month has been prolific for HHW.com.
Here's looking at 2005!
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I had a computer snag, and had to log off for a sec.
But I should be getting to bed, so I can par-tay tomorrow.
Der B and I have had both stay-at-home and on-the-town New Years. The most faboo was the Gala Reopening of the newly restored Alex Theater in Glendale. We wore our tuxes, and had a magnificent time. It was especially interesting for me, as I had worked there back when it was a movie theater, run down and grungy. Seeing it properly lit inside was fascinating.
Last year, our first New Years in our new home, we stayed home. Boring, but that's how it went. Der B was getting ready to fly back west, to finish moving our furniture, and we didn't know anyone yet here in Rehoboth. This year is different, since we do know a few people, in particular Charles and John, who will be putting on a fabulous feast for us and the others that will be there. We don't look exactly like strangers any more, people are beginning to recognize our faces, that sort of thing.
Driving home will, of course, be handled very cautiously. I agree with you, BK, on how the start of January brings out the worst in drivers. It also brings out the roadblocks, with ticket happy cops willing to make the naughtier drivers pay the price.
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Good morning, all! I woke up at 6:30 am to find a plethora of posts from last night to go through!
DRTomovoz, a new avatar! You look quite handsome surrounded by all the greenery.
DRAnn, Beethoven's 9th with the Seattle Symphony? Are you in the Symphony Chorus? And the soloists?
DRJoey, best of luck with the marathon training.
DRJRand54, I'm glad the package arrived by New Year's Eve.
I was amazed at all the DREAMCHILD commentary last evenng; Coral Browne's is quite wonderful in it, and I'm as always amazed at how slowly some great films make it to DVD.
TOD:
CD: right now, I'm listenng to Judy Colins sing "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" which seems to sum up my feelings about 2004.
DVD: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, since I've never seen it and now the musical version is loading in.
VCR: No idea.
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DRRLP, welcome back!
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It's snowing again and very calm outside. We Japanese (everyone who lives in same time zone) will say HELLO to 2005 very soon. I go to attend the New Year's Ceremony at temple near my place before a half hour the New Year begins and have for over fifteen years. Attendances celebrate the New Year peacefully, listening Okyo priests recite/sing.
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Well it is going to be a full day. I am working today, having dinner with my mother, doing some shopping, a writing some more of my play and then going to party at some friends new home. Strange that I haven't seen them in a year, but it feels like I just only saw them a year ago.
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Oh YEs MEdia Watch: Car CD player. Dylan Thomas reading his works and by other authors.
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DR BK: If you see my name, please don't expect me. I read sooo slowly and I write mooore slowly. :-\ ;)
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I really like your new Avatar, DR DANISE! Fantastic!
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I just went to eBay's Half.com, and there are several copies of DREAMCHILD on VHS at reasonable prices. I hope a DVD is released in the near future, but who knows?
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Yes, once I get a job....I will buy the DVD A KISS BEFORE DYING. Sigh.
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Nice to have DR RLP back. Sorry to read you had some illness but glad you're feeling better.
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Interesting music choices, DR Jose. And funny, too, in that the other day as I was putting the OCRs of NUNCRACKERS and MEXICAN HAYRIDE on the shelves, I spied SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS and thought I needed to take it down and listen to it again soon. I didn't then, but I will soon because I really liked the score.
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Glad I had my party last night so I can stay in tonight. I was invited to accopany some friends out tonight bar hopping, and I turned that down quickly. I'm not really a bar person and never was.
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Friday Media Check:
CD - LOOK MA, I'M DANCING (OCR)
DVD - GLORIOUS TECHNICOLOR (disc 2 of the ROBIN HOOD special edition)
CINDERELLA with Julie Andrews
DVR - last night's COLD CASE, CSI, and WITHOUT A TRACE, all on CBS.
VCR - Angela Lansbury interview from REFLECTIONS ON THE SILVER SCREEN
At some point this weekend (possibly tomorrow night), I will watch LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING extended edition.
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From today's LA Times:
(http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2004-12/15668069.jpg)
DELUGED: Satellite images show the northern shore of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, three days before the tsunami, top, and two days after.
(AFP / Getty Images)
der Brucer (remembering how, when I was kid, we had to wait for days before newsfootage of the war reached the local theatres - imagine satelite photos of Dunkirk, Dresden, D-Day, Nagasaki...)
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Another year down the drain. Although there were some glorious moments in 2004, all in all, it has not been one of the best years of my life. They all have their ups and downs, but this one had more downs than usual. Some really bad years have still benn considered good, but overall, this just wasn't one of the better ones.
So here is to a 2005 that just HAS to be better.
Someplace where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place? It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train-- it's far, far away.......
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DVD-- one of my infamous compilation CD's.
VCR-- Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
DVD-- The Pajama Game, Latter Days, and I have "Angels in America " ready to go for tonight.
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Another year down the drain. ...
So here is to a 2005 that just HAS to be better.
Someplace where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place?
A VIEW FROM AFAR:
Any year that ends with your greeting the next is not a "bad" year.
Where there is Good and Evil - there is trouble.
Where there is humanity - there is trouble.
These words:
"It's so hard to believe that what the world wants is us. It's hard to believe, whatever you're doing, that you're enough. We are ALL, always, enough."---
are from someone who does not seek to avoid trouble, but someone who has the confidence to weather through the trouble.
Don't look for calm waters, seek a sturdy boat!
der Brucer
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Well, the rain is back, and to prove it, it's here. She of the Evil Eye is actually coming today, so I will have to beat a hasty retreat at some point in the next hour. I tell you I shall beat a hasty retreat, but only because it annoys me when the retreat feels it has to be hasty. If only the retreat would take it easy and go at a slower pace, then I wouldn't have to beat it. I shall beat it, however, and I shall laugh whilst doing so. Yes, I shall laugh and laugh and people will look at me as if I were a Grinning Gizmo.
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DRRLP, welcome back!
Nice to have DR RLP back. Sorry to read you had some illness but glad you're feeling better.
Thank you both for the warm welcomes!
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BK, if you like that Jobim, I highly recommend you check out the other Warner Brasilian titles that came out in the wake of Sergio Mendes' first flush of success on A&M, namely the two Girls from Bahia albums I mentioned with regard to Brian and A-1 Record Collectors, as well as Marcos Valle's aptly named Brazilliance. And, as you may know, Deodato's early Brasilian sides (with Os Catedraticos, and all available on CD) are firmly in the Bossa Nova groove, all with sparkling arrangements and wonderful acoustic piano by Eumir himself (these are far, far removed from his CTi sides from the 70s). There is the slightly less wonderful (but still pretty sublime) second Warner album by Jobim (from his first stint with them in the mid-60s), orchestrated by Nelson Riddle. (Jobim's 70s Brasilian albums were licensed by Warner and released by them in the US, and they are all superb).
Media check: continuing my discovery theme from a couple of days ago, we discovered one of the coolest extras on the Nowhere in Africa DVD last night--there are four selections from the soundtrack, and when you play them, the actual orchestral score (i.e., the notated music) is shown, with the scene the music underscores superimposed behind (no dialogue). What a neat idea, especially with this score, which combines native African instruments with a western symphony orchestra. In CD land, I'm on a medieval music kick and spent the morning listening to French medieval music by the group Sonus.
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You can tell New Years day is near when Southern California looks like this:
(http://www.ocregister.com/newsimages/news/2004/12/31mountains.jpg)
der Brucer
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I had all the released Jobim albums (inlcuding some imports) except Love, Strings, and Jobim. I'll check out the others you cite.
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The leak is back and the towels are back on the floor. Hopefully we'll get more than a couple of days of sunshine soon, so Mr. Handyman can come fix the roof problem, whatever it may be.
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Media check:
DVD: Son of Godzilla in Japanese with subtitles...boy what a difference it makes watching the original Japanese version! Fun movie!
CD: Camelspotting. A compilation CD of current pop music from assorted middle eastern countries.
Dudu. The latest CD by Turkish pop singer Tarkan.
And this weekends Bollywood movie is:
HUMRAAZ (2002). Story of a love triangle on a cruise ship. (not the best Bollywood movie I have ever seen...I have to admit!)
(http://216.247.121.93/dvdImages/b4660.jpg)
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checking in, before I head off into my day.
So many changes over the past year. "They" say the one constant is Change. So do I. Oh, if we knew then what we know now... well, we DO know now, and we do get another chance, another new day, every day.
Whatever we are truly looking for, we surely find. I have a friend who insists that America is vile, horrid, immoral - he is "ashamed" to be an American, and is considering becoming Canadian... I look around and see Americans leaping into action to help people they don't even know, in countries they've never heard of, halfway around the world. I am proud to be an American. Governments come and go, the one constant is change, especially in a blessed place where We The People have our say every 2 years.
Look for evidence to support your belief (a belief is an idea we take to be true) and you surely find it.
May your coming year be filled with a sense of the miraculous, with evidence that you are treasured and loved, with astonishment, with the sheer animal joy of being alive, with appreciation of your limitless creativity, and gratitude for the priceless small things. This and more. Happy New Chance, Happy New Start, Happy New YOU and ME. Every day.
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She of the Evil Eye has arrived. I will be leaving the home environment shortly to wander aimlessly until some stores open.
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...In CD land, I'm on a medieval music kick
Back in the days when music was on vinyl platters, I really enjoyed medieval music:
(http://www.vh1.com/shared/media/images/amg_covers/200/dre900/e946/e94658hetl8.jpg)
...undoubtedly a specialized genre too lusty for your refined taste ;)
Maybe Panni ran into Bill McCurdy - After his music career waned, McCurdy moved to Nova Scotia in 1984 and became a character actor on Canadian television dramas.
der Brucer (geez, another college days LP not on CD!)
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Good Morning!
I'm awake. I'm fed. The dogs are fed. The dishes are washed. So far, so good... -My left shoulder is still twinging a bit, but the ibuprofen should be kicking in any moment now.
It's a gorgeous day outside here in Fairfax, VA - upper 50s and sunny. I'm gonna try my best to get out there today before heading in for the show tonight. I do have to make a grocery store run, so that should suffice.
I'd go for a walk, but to go for a walk in my parents neighborhood means having to deal with too many cars who drive to fast on residential streets that have no sidewalks, so I usually end up driving to some other neighborhood to take a walk. I know, I know - excuses, excuses... -One of my resolutions for 2005 is to stop coming up with excuses.. ;)
In other news...
My father had a good doctor's appointment today, and they took out his catheter. He's very happy to be bringing in the New Year untethered as it were.
Well, that's the midday report from me...
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Hopefully we'll get more than a couple of days of sunshine soon, so Mr. Handyman can come fix the roof problem...
But he won't fix it then, 'cause it's a sunny day!
der Brucer (sets down fiddle)
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I'll be leaving shortly, so keep the home fries burning until my return in the very early afternoon. I do have to go grocery shopping since there is not one Diet Coke in the home environment. If I told you how many Diet Cokes have been consumed since last Friday's "do" you would be shocked and amazed, not necessarily in that order.
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BK: Well if you don't have them already, I highly recommend these Jobim Brasil-only releases (a couple of these were licensed by Warner and released by them in the US):
Inedito (gorgeous 2 CD set recorded as a birthday tribute to Tom and funded by the Brasilian government!)
Antonio Brasileiro (his last studio album)
Passarim
Jobim Sinfonico (rerecordings of orchestral arrangements by Deodato, Ogerman, Riddle, Dori Caymmi and others)
Terra Brasilis
Urubu
Elis & Tom (great duet album with the incomparable Elis Regina)
And that is just the tip of the Tom iceberg. If you want to hear him as an arranger, you can go back to the mid to late 50s, when he was a staff arranger for Festa Records and did charts for Elizete Cardoso, among many, many others.
Also, check out Jobim's son's group, Quarteto Jobim Morelenbaum--about the closest you can come to classic Tom in arrangements and performance.
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That's good news about your father, Jose! Uncathetered is a good way to begin a new year. We're still trying to get my uncooperative father into Depends...
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Oh, my goodness! A ray of sun!!! Off I go, more later.
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That's good news about your father, Jose! Uncathetered is a good way to begin a new year. We're still trying to get my uncooperative father into Depends...
:P
;D
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And one for Mahler.
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I have all the Brazilian imports. Urubu is one of my favorite albums of all time - but then, I must have anything that has the name Claus Ogerman on it.
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It's raining cats and dogs here (I typed cats and "gods" first - an interesting concept). I wonder where that phrase came from? On this site, I'm sure I'll know in a minute.
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New Year's Eve greetings, everybody!
My sister and her husband just arrived at my mom's from their home in Michigan and later this afternoon we're all (except my brother-in-law) are going to see Phantom of the Opera (movie) and then have dinner at Gram's (my mom). DH and DS and I will be home well before the chiming of the new year (EST). Tomorrow they'll all be here for a Rose Bowl party (Go Blue!).
Media - last night we watched the DVD Supersize Me, which pretty much takes away one's appetite for McDonald's. We especially liked the bonus feature titled, "The Smoking Fry."
VCR - The Midwife's Tale, recommended by DH because of the shape note singing. Have I mentioned that my husband is a shape-note singer?
CD's - I have several new ones that I'm enjoying: Renee (Fleming) & Bryn (Terfel) Under the Stars, Renee Fleming's newest Handel, and bk's New Cast Recording of Merrily We Roll Along.
The Renee Fleming kick is because I just finished reading her book, The Inner Voice, which I thought should have had a companion CD.
My interest in Merrily... stems from the fact the it's the scheduled winter musical at University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, Feb. 24-27 and March 3-6.
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CD's - I have several new ones that I'm enjoying: Renee (Fleming) & Bryn (Terfel) Under the Stars, Renee Fleming's newest Handel, and bk's New Cast Recording of Merrily We Roll Along.
The Renee Fleming kick is because I just finished reading her book, The Inner Voice, which I thought should have had a companion CD.
My interest in Merrily... stems from the fact the it's the scheduled winter musical at University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, Feb. 24-27 and March 3-6.
I had forgotten she had a book out.. Hmm..
How's her Handel disc? Her Bel Canto disc was not to my liking. Some nice stuff on it, but I've never thought of her voice as being naturally agile for the fioratura and coloratura. She seems to work that whole "creamy" aspect to her voice a little too much for my taste. So... I know Rodelinda is being broadcast this weekend - I think it's tomorrow - so... But I'm more interested in hearing David Daniels than Ms. Fleming.
And I wonder which version of Merrily CCM will be doing? Rumor had it that the version that was presented at the Kennedy Center two years ago during the Sondheim Celebration would become the new licensed version.
Do you do any work with CCM?
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We will have had more rain in Lalaland this week (about ten inches) than we've had in many entire years!
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We will have had more rain in Lalaland this week (about ten inches) than we've had in many entire years!
Does LaLaLand have those guys who come out during the rain who sell $5.00 umbrellas? Or are umbrellas at more of a premium price out there since rain is a rare occurence?
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OK... I'm starting to bore myself and that's never a good thing... Off to the grocery store and wherever else my car ends up taking me...
Laters...
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I believe the ran has begun here, again... in the greater Bay Area. Welcome back RLP, welcome to rain.
Media Check -
DVD - Ordinary Sinner - a NetFlicks rental in the "gay and lesbian" category" rather boring, not so sure I liked the message
CD - ALW's "The Woman in White" - it's all about the Woman in White. I bought the novel, a version of the melodrama and the "musical" version (written by the same person as the melodrama - Tim Kelly) both versions are silly, I kinda like them!!
In Car - iPod shuffling Cast Recordings at the moment.
Tonight is the DP and mine first anniversary. It was the time we decided to not see anyone else. We're going to the same restaurant we did last year. Should be fun. I'll give a report tomorrow.
2005 is starting to look good. With the new job oportunity, the necessary move to a two bedroom place, some great shows lined up (including work on "Ragtime" late next summer), and all the wonderful people out there in the dark at HHW, I predict good times by all and lots of Diet Coke. (and legs?)
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Do you do any work with CCM?
DR Jose - No-o-o-o, despite the fact that Elmore described me as an "actress," my only theatrical participation now is as an audience member! We used to go pretty regularly to CCM and saw some great productions. Our interest in UC in general is renewed (guess this qualifies as one of my 2004 discoveries from yesterday...) because our son is now enrolled there. He's a freshman in the computer science department.
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DRJOSE I am getting very excited about MAMMA MIA!
Me, too! Are we looking at the Sunday matinee, April 10?
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DRAnn, Beethoven's 9th with the Seattle Symphony? Are you in the Symphony Chorus? And the soloists?
Yup, I'm in the Chorale. I forget the names of the soloists...I'm terrible with names! I'll look 'em up on the program and get back to you if you'd like.
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In my cassette player at work: the original cast recording IN STEREO of Baker Street courtesy of DR JMK!! I don't remember if I thanked you when I received it (or even let you know that I got it), but if I didn't, I'm sorry. Thank you!!
In my CD player at work: "The Phantom of the Opera" movie soundtrack. After that will be Domenico Scarlatti: Sacred Choral Works (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005RYE5/qid=1104517630/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8__i1_xgl15/104-1363129-2088719?v=glance&s=classical&n=507846). I don't ususally listen to sacred choral works by anyone, but the library system where I work just got it and I'M ON IT!! When I was in the Western Washington University Concert Choir (in 1989) we recorded this CD! I've had a copy since it was originally released in 1991, but the library just bought copies for the first time! So, I had to check it out...literally...even though I do own it. ;D And I have to admit that it's pretty good. :)
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Media report, amended:
Elmore's Christmas CD just arrived in the mail, so we'll be listening on our way out to Otterbein! Thank you, and Happy New Year, dear friend!
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Elmore's Christmas CD just arrived in the mail, so we'll be listening on our way out to Otterbein! Thank you, and Happy New Year, dear friend!
Well, you're welcome, DRGinny! I know that you and JRand54 got your copies, but I sent two to the west coast, and I hope they arrive today.
B&N is a tad slow this morning, but it's fun having a lot of workers I usually don't spend time with around. Miss Blair is manic today in her pursuit of holiday help Andrew, but he seems quite flustered by her attentions. I think this afternoon will be quite busy. And so, heigh ho, heigh h, it's back to work I go! That was for Francois, and he hasn't been around this week so far.
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Good morning, fellow dear readers.
CD player in the car: Christmas in Plaid (I wish that BK had produced it)
DVD player: belongs to DS, and I don't know what's in it.
CD player in the house: a CD DS bought for me for Christmas that he bought at Starbucks Coffee -- it's A Charlie Brown Christmas music
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Miss Blair is manic today in her pursuit of holiday help Andrew, but he seems quite flustered by her attentions.
Janet Blair works at that B&N, too? Whodathunkit? :)
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Welcome back, RLP!
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Message to DR Matthew: As Music Director of the church, please be kind and let the secretary know your hymn choices as early in the week as possible. It is now Friday noon, and I haven't heard from my music director yet. Sometimes it has been as late as Saturday night.
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Like BK, I and The Lovely Wife do not go out on NewYear's Eve. I don't want to deal with drunks, driving, or celebratory stray bullets being fired off in the air which may fall to earth who knows where. And quite frankly, I have never enjoyed the holiday. Probably because everyone expects too much of it. The few times I've actually ventured out to party on New Year's Eve in my life, the experience has been either boring or just plain disastrous.
So the wife and I cocoon with our critters in front of the telly with a stack of videos or Dvds, a bottle of champagne (or two), nibblies, and Christmas crackers to pull at midnight. Occasionally, we will invite a few near and dear to join us, but that has gotten less so over the years. It's usually just the two of us and the pets. And it's eminently satisfying.
I have not yet pick today schedules of entertainment, but I'm sure it will be eclectic and strange.
We actually started last night by watching Gene Wilder and Bylthe Danner in the televised play, THE SCARECROW, which I had taped off A & E years ago when it was still the Arts & Entertainment Channel, but which we had never watched.
We then watched an Eddie Izzard show that he had performed at the Albery Theatre in London. Izzard is a very smart, very funny British comedian.
CD: I'm listening to Guy Haines, A Wonderful Guy.
Book: Reading The Vikings at Helgeland & The Pretenders by Henrik Ibsen
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DR Laura. If you were singing for me, I would be sure you recieved all the hymns or songs from me directly, not through some secretary!!!
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DR Matthew: I mean so the secretary can type up the bulletin (and in my case take photos for the powerpoint).
She chooses the hymns and the readings, also.
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Tonight we will be going to the annual Soup-Tasting Party at church, where a good time will be had by all.
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Message to DR Matthew: As Music Director of the church, please be kind and let the secretary know your hymn choices as early in the week as possible. It is now Friday noon, and I haven't heard from my music director yet. Sometimes it has been as late as Saturday night.
That's unforgivable. I'm the Director of Music Ministries at a large church here in the Portland area, and I always have the complete music program to the powers that be at least a month in advance.
In other exciting news, for those of you wanting a unique reading experience, the new issue of American Atheist is out (I kid you not--there is such a magazine), with a cover story about Frances Farmer and a lot of information culled from yours truly. (They misprinted the URL for my website, but that is in the process of being corrected).
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Go to this website and vote for Bruce Kimmel!!
http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/detail/celeb/1366891 (http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/detail/celeb/1366891)
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tonights festivities will require my driving up to Wilsonville to pick up my buddy Mark and his beau James and hightailing it up to West Linn to our friends Randy and Gregg's house where we will, with other invitees, watch movies, drink beverages (water/coffee for this designated driver), sit in the hot tub, and otherwise ring in the new year. Hopefully I will be able to stay awake until midnight! LOL! We will see...it is only noon here and already I am ready for a nap!
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Welcome back RLP!
I have missed your posts.
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Was I the only one to see RLP lurking yesterday?
Yes Ron - Loved the LOTR and its extra 40 minutes.
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CD: As a tribute to the great Artie Shaw, I'm currently listening to a boxed set of his recordings that I received a few Christmases ago from pal, Larry Drake.
Correction, Panni: Doris Dowling did not bear Artie Shaw's "only" son...he had another one.
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I'm back, and the rain is done for the day, at least it looks like it's done for the day. The sun is out and I've done all my errands. I started by trekking over the hill to take some photos with my new digital camera - I was going to share them today, but the Dell Photo Studio in my PC is not "recognizing" the camera. That will be one of the wonderful things about the Mac - you plug in the camera, it knows the camera, and launches iPhoto and loads the pix.
I went to the Apple Store at The Grove. I really do not care for The Grove - this is the first time I've ever actually walked around the "main street" type shopping area. It reminded me of the village in The Prisoner, and it gave me the willies. The Apple Store gave me a headache. Too many things. And what is with the outrageously high prices for iPods? I saw some interesting software, including a sheet music program that I might pick up, as well as an adaptor which lets you plug in things like a turntable directly into the computer. That seems like fun.
I then went to my mail place, where there were many boxes waiting for me, although none of the DVDs I'm expecting from amazon Germany and HMV Australia. My new Powerbook is here, my new slipcase for the Powerbook is here, my new software (Office 2004) for the Powerbook is here, along with some books I won on eBay and one I ordered from an online bookseller.
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If I told you how many Diet Cokes have been consumed since last Friday's "do" you would be shocked and amazed, not necessarily in that order.
So, your roof leaks, but your bathroom is working OK? ;D
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And I'm not even going to mention the kind of Page Four Dance that last post brings to mind!
::)
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One thing I did discover at The Apple Store: I get a free printer (after rebate), which is in backorder from the place I got it from. But, I saw the next printer up in line, which includes a scanner built in, and that one only costs thirty bucks after the rebate and my place has them in stock, which means they ship on Monday, so I'm getting that one instead. I've never had a scanner, and it will make things a lot easier.
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CD: As a tribute to the great Artie Shaw, I'm currently listening to a boxed set of his recordings that I received a few Christmases ago from pal, Larry Drake.
Correction, Panni: Doris Dowling did not bear Artie Shaw's "only" son...he had another one.
Very true, but I don't think he was much of a father either. He said
The divorces usually centered on an aspect of Shaw's gruff personality, on display to a Washington Post reporter in 1978 when he explained why he never saw his two sons, one by Kern, one by Dowling. "I didn't get along with the mothers," Shaw said, "so why should I get along with the kids?"
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It's raining cats and dogs here (I typed cats and "gods" first - an interesting concept). I wonder where that phrase came from? On this site, I'm sure I'll know in a minute.
I'm certain Tewkes would approve, along with Minx and all the others. Our pack takes godhood for granted.
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I forgot to mention one package: This totally incredible five CD set called Something Big, which is basically Burt Bacharach's entire output at A&M, along with some rare Liberty singles and other goodies. The sound is excellent and the packaging is fantastic. It's available only online from Hip-O Select (www.hip-oselect.com). I got mine on eBay at a better price, but given what the set includes, if you're a fan of Burt, you'd better hie yourself on over there and get it.
They also have some other interesting-looking albums, including a twenty-two track Joey Heatherton CD, and a twenty-two track best of Paul Williams CD. They're all limited editions of 5000, supposedly numbered, but I haven't found the number yet anywhere on the packaging.
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It's raining cats and dogs here (I typed cats and "gods" first - an interesting concept). I wonder where that phrase came from? On this site, I'm sure I'll know in a minute.
You might check out this link (http://ask.yahoo.com/ask/20030407.html) (yes, I really do research these things!). Of course, our Dalmatian gives this "wind" association an entirely different meaning. :P
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Back in the days when music was on vinyl platters, I really enjoyed medieval music:
One of the things I loved about ELIZABETH R and THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII was the music played at parties and gatherings. I guess it's Renaissance music rather than medieval, but I found it very soothing. I'm sure that music is available on many CDs, but I wouldn't even know what I was looking for.
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Good Afternoon!
Currently in the CD player as I type and post away: Barely Man-Enough's Barry Manilow's "Ultimate Manilow". Ah, the memories! I do truly miss real "pop radio" from the 70s and early 80s!
I did make it out of the house earlier. I decided to go ahead and treat myself to lunch at the nearby SweetWater Tavern. Such a great place to eat, and it was all decorated up for tonight's festivities. -I also like eating there since they don't make solo diners feel like outcats. I even got a nice booth all to myself.
Lunch consisted of their very good House Salad with their House Vinaigrette. I've always like their House Salad - they put toasted pine nuts and bits of chopped dates in it. Very nice touches, and I even splurged on a generous crumble of Maytag Bleu Cheese on top! *Oh, and their bread are faboo too, especially the hot-out-of-the-fryer "donuts" - fried dough, what's not too like? -And with their honey-poppyseed butter... Hmm...
Then it was on to today's special of Grilled Mahi-Mahi over a Tri-Pepper Polenta with a Poblano Pepper Cream Sauce, and a side of Corn-Apple Sauce. Soooo Good. I truly cleaned my plate off. And only $12 too boot!
Normally, I would have saved room for their Flourless Chocolate Waffle, but I had to save something to look forward to in 2005! ;) And in the spirit of the season, I left my server(s) a very generous tip in cash - he was even giving me a strange look as he walked by the table and spied what I had left with the check. *Sweetwater Tavern is part of a local restaurant conglomerate: Great American Restaurants (http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com). Every restaurant in the "chain' serves great food and with wonderful, efficient and friendly service. They have the whole "team service" concept down to a science.
Then it was to the computer store to pick up some supplies I meant to pick up weeks ago. -And, boy, were their computers running slow today! It was taking about a full minute for the credit card charges to go through the whole approval process. The cashiers were audibly groaning each time the Wait-Processing message appeared on their screens.
Then it was too the grocery store to pick up some ingredients for my ham glaze. -I'll be bringing a ham to Arena tonight for the after-party, even though I may not end up staying for the party.
Then I tried to make a quick run to the big Korean Supermarket for some other goodies, but as soon as I stepped into the store I just started laughing. The lines at the registers were a minimum of 20 people deep! They were literally going straight down the aisles. There were lots of looks of false hope on some shopper's faces as they pulled into a short line, and then realized they were cutting in line - rather, the people behing them "reminded" them. At least the shoppers were keeping a pathway clear for the other shoppers to get through. So, after walking around for about a minute or two, I just walked back to my car...
Now I'm home... The ham is in the oven, and I'll get the glaze started in about a hour or so. Then it's off to the theatre...
Hmm... I'm actually sort of getting excited about tonight now.. Hmm...
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The newspaper was wrong about there not being a mail delivery today. There was one here: I got VARIETY. And that's all. :(
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All the food I have eaten today: 2 Little Debbie oatmeal cakes (pure heaven), and a dish of Breyer's Light French Chocolate ice cream.
Real food will be consumed at a later date this evening.
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I am SO looking forward to going through the special features on the Julie Andrews/CINDERELLA disc and then watching the show from beginning to end without commercial interruption.
After that, I'll go through the three crime procedurals which I recorded last night. That should take me close to midnight.
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Couldn't live without a scanner. DOn't use it every day, but sometimes, I need to get some theater or movie pics from a book onto my hard drive, and a scanner is THE thing. I likewise have a printer/scanner combo unit, and love it.
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I went to the Apple Store at The Grove. I really do not care for The Grove - this is the first time I've ever actually walked around the "main street" type shopping area. It reminded me of the village in The Prisoner, and it gave me the willies.
Was "Rover" sitting in the parking attendant's booth? That sure would spook me!
8)
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All the food I have eaten today: 2 Little Debbie oatmeal cakes (pure heaven), and a dish of Breyer's Light French Chocolate ice cream.
Real food will be consumed at a later date this evening.
But DR Matt H, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cakes are REAL FOOD!!!!
*Did you put them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up the cookies, and give the filling that extra "melt"?
:D
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Hmmm... I smell ham! -And that's such a nice smell than the microwave popcorn chemicals I had the misforunate of stinking up the house with yesterday.
And the glaze even tastes great on it's own: pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, a generous grind of black pepper, and a generous dash of cayenne! A nice, subtle heat... Let's just hope it stays subtle after being glazed on the ham in the oven.
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But DR Matt H, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cakes are REAL FOOD!!!!
*Did you put them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up the cookies, and give the filling that extra "melt"?
:D
Would you believe I have never tried this in my life? I will tomorrow morning without fail!
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Matt H-I haven’t seen CLOSER yet, but found once Natalie Portman appeared in GARDEN STATE the movie became fun. I was surprised how much I enjoyed her performance.
Tomovoz I’m enjoying seeing your face. :D
RLP welcome back. I’m pleased you are feeling better, had a nice trip and Miss Vickie is well.
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I really do not care for The Grove - this is the first time I've ever actually walked around the "main street" type shopping area. It reminded me of the village in The Prisoner, and it gave me the willies.
LOL. I don't know why. Maybe I need to watch THE PRISONER again. I think the Grove is fun, day or night. For me it is also a treat to shop in stores we don't have here.
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Would you believe I have never tried this in my life? I will tomorrow morning without fail!
No time like the present I always say!
Of course, technically "morning" could be 12:01AM, January 1, 2005!
;)
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Ham is out of the oven. Consequently, my brothers dogs are hanging out in the kitchen. ;) Now I just have to keep my Mom and Dad from picking at it!
OK.. Time to proceed with my ablutions for the evening...
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Was "Rover" sitting in the parking attendant's booth? That sure would spook me!
8)
;D The second time we lived in Michigan we had a pool. One day the kids returned from the pool store with a giant ball. Watching the wind move the giant ball around the pool Keith named it Rover.
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Kerry I know what you mean about good and bad years. May 2005 be a very good year for you.
Penny thank you for your beautiful sentiments and wishes.
Jose great news regarding your father. :D
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Correction, Panni: Doris Dowling did not bear Artie Shaw's "only" son...he had another one.
Yes, I stand corrected. I just discovered that when reading his obit. There were reasons for my thinking Jonathan was his only offspring which I won't go into here.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!
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(Day for Tomovoz and Hisaka)
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Nearly 10/00am here Tom. Thank you. The best of greetings from your friends in OZ.
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Loving every minute of this epic Bacharach collection.
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I am afraid that New Year’s Eve has always been the most depressing day of the year for me. To paraphrase Mr. Scrooge, “What’s New Year’s Eve but a time to find yourself a year older, and not a day richer?” I know that is a backwards way of looking at things, but then I probably look at that half-a-glass of water thing wrong, too.
However, having all of your posts to read this evening, and having my two darlings, Angel and Nicky, with me makes it a little easier to cope with the day. Thank you all for your friendship during the last year.
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I am getting ready to make my soup for this evening -- potato cheese. For all the vegetarians who may show up tonight. Isn't that exciting?
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Loving every minute of this epic Bacharach collection.
Remember to make mental notes in case you come to PDX, hint, hint, nudge, nudge, say n'more. :o
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PAGE 5 DANCE!!!!
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%] ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D[/move]
(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/sehrgrosse/large-smiley-043.gif)
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Good Evening Again!
Well, I'm all showered and shaved and squeaky clean, and now I must get downstairs to wrap the ham up, and head on into the theatre. I will NOT make a stop at Macy's tonight, tempted though I may be. -However, I'll most likely check in on things over there between shows tomorrow. ;)
I hope everyone has a Very Happy New Year's Eve! Or at least a very nice December 31, 2004.
-And DR Tomovoz and Colin, and DR Hisaka - Happy New Year!
-I actually may end up staying for a bit of the party tonight, we shall see... But I'll most definitely make it back in time for the PST festivities!
And, remember: Don't drink and drive. And if you do drink, make sure someone else has your car keys beforehand. Be safe.
Laters...
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...they don't make solo diners feel like outcats...
I'm sure you thrill at being recognized as an "in-cat" ::)
der (yes, I read each and every letter) Brucer
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Happy New Years Day to all those over the International Date Line!
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-And DR Tomovoz and Colin, and DR Hisaka - Happy New Year!
Thank you Jose - Magnus & Fosca wish you all the best too. They look forward to your return visit!!
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Happy New Years Day to all those over the International Date Line!
You hear voices from the other side? Happy New Year to you too Michael - from Tomorrowland.
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One of the things I loved about ELIZABETH R and THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII was the music played at parties and gatherings. I guess it's Renaissance music rather than medieval, but I found it very soothing. I'm sure that music is available on many CDs, but I wouldn't even know what I was looking for.
DRMattH, may I offer you some suggestions on this period of music and its recordings? It appears that all of the great New York Pro Musica Antiqua recordings on Decca are not on CD. I had their wonderful recording of band music from the Renaissance. I looked at Amazon.com, and found a few you might like:
HENRY VIII & HIS SIX WIVES, Testament B00026ZKRQ, David Munrow, and the Early Music Consort of London. This may have actually been the source for all music in the BBC series; David Munrow's death in the late 70s killed this great group.
ENGLISH RENAISSANCE MUSIC, Sony 45792.
DANCES OF THE RENAISSANCE, Deutsche Gramopjon 469244.
ENGLISH MUSIC FROM HENRY VIII TO CHARLES II, Hyperion 66895.
SHAKESPEARE'S MUSICK. Musicians of the Globe (Theatre), Philips 446687. These guys play for Mark Rylance's Globe production and they are amazing. I have a couple of their recordings.
THE FITZWILLIAM VIRGINAL BOOK, Signum UK #9. This is all keyboard music.
I hope this helps. I'd recommend the Munrow HENRY VIII and the SHAKESPEARE'S MUSICK.
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It's those damn greedy pit-musicians:
The NY Post (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,142813,00.html) reports:
Broadway's Box Office Up Slightly in 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
NEW YORK — Broadway's box office inched upward in 2004 and attendance also increased slightly, according to figures released by the League of American Theatres and Producers .
…
Much of that late-fall boost can be attributed to "700 Sundays, "Billy Crystal's stage memoir, which has proved to be the most potent performer among the five one-person shows that arrived since October'
…Crystal's show, with a hefty top ticket price of $101.25, reported more than $600,000 in single-ticket sales the day after its Dec. 5 opening.
..well, they probably have to pay an understudy too!
der Brucer
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Deutsche Gramopjon
No doubt reated to the German mustard - Deutsche Gramodjion.
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Tonight we will be going to the annual Soup-Tasting Party at church, where a good time will be had by all.
You party animal, you!
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I was perusing the vocal sections section of Playbill.com's Playbillstore (http://www.playbillstore.com/) and I thought it was funny that these two songbooks were right next to each other...alphabetically and physically (well, electronically on the screen):
(http://store1.yimg.com/I/playbill_1808_595548) (http://store1.yimg.com/I/playbill_1808_1026226)
Just had to share! ;D
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...The divorces usually centered on an aspect of Shaw's gruff personality, on display to a Washington Post reporter in 1978 when he explained why he never saw his two sons, one by Kern, one by Dowling. "I didn't get along with the mothers," Shaw said, "so why should I get along with the kids?"
Libertarian though I may be, this does sorta kinda make you wish that there was some kind of mandatory competency test before people are allowed to produce offspring.
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We then watched an Eddie Izzard show that he had performed at the Albery Theatre in London. Izzard is a very smart, very funny British comedian.
A favorite of mine, as well.
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Of course, our Dalmatian gives this "wind" association an entirely different meaning.
You and Der Brucer must see A Very Long Engagement. Though the film is a very serious one, there is a very endearing running gag in it involving canine flatulence.
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Hi all!
Hard to believe it’s the last night of the year. I don’t know if I can stay awake for the Left coast celebration but I will try to at least stay awake for the ball drop here on the East Coast.
I always thought I was such a square because I always stay home for the New Year as well. I don’t drink and never have seen the attraction of doing so just because the clock and the calendar ticks over one.
And I wouldn’t even think about driving at that time of night!
I admit I shed a few tears on the drive home from the bus stop. I can’t even really say why, I just did.
Thank you, Hisaka, for the kind words about my avatar. I’m glad you like it.
I have the printer/scanner combo and love it as well.
Good news about your Dad, DR Jose. Sorry to hear about your Dad, PennyO.
Welcome home, RLP!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v373/DofB5/newyr3.gif)
To those Dear Friends who are already celebrating it!
And to everyone, please be safe and happy where ever you are tonight!
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That's a pretty cool new (temporary, I assume) avatar, Danise!! And the Happy New Year image in your post is quite nice, too! I'm at work and I'm leaving for the day ... month ... year! My family and I are having dinner at seven at Anthony's Home Port (http://www.anthonys.com/) in Olympia. Yummers!
After that, who knows? We'll either go to my sister's house and play cards or all go to our respective homes. Either is fine. For the last few years, I've just been alone at midnight and I thoroughly have enjoyed that. I don't drink either and have no need to be in a very loud room surrounded by very noisy (and more than likely drunk) people that I don't know. And my housemate is away housesitting, so I won't even have to worry about being quiet after he goes to sleep (which is a lot earlier than I do).
So that's my evening. I know I'll be back before the elevator ascends the Space Needle in Seattle (the NW equivalent of the ball dropping in New York). Click HERE (http://www.spaceneedle.com/giftshop/wallpaper.asp) to see three Space Needle wallpaper images, including one from a previous New Year's Eve...or maybe it was from the 4th of July. They didn't specify. But it's pretty cool!
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A one night only to be sure, DR George!
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Off to a couple of parties. Everyone have a safe and happy New Year. See you in 2005!!
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Have a good time, JRand!
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I didn't see a film today, Dear Readers. Withdrawal symptoms are beginning to surface.
I will be at home tonight, watching Die Fleidermaus on the tee-vee. Will probably go to bed long before midnight, as I'll be getting up early in order to watch the Rose Parade.
Note to other parade watchers: that's my (adopted) home town you're seeing!
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...Maybe I need to watch THE PRISONER again....
Angelo Muscat ROCKS!
(He also played an Oompa-Loompa in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.)
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A question for Dear Reader Dan (the Man):
Is the Mummer's parade still as big a deal in the City of Brotherly Love as it was when I lived there, back in 1978-1980?
I could never understand why that event was/is so little known outside the delphia of Phila.
Perhaps you can post a description of the Mummer's parade, for the benefit of the Dear Readers out there in the dark who have no clew as to what I'm talking about.
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Oh my, I forgot all about the Rose parade! We bought our first Color TV because of it.
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Space Needle memories: my Dad got transferred to Seattle after a virtual lifetime in Salt Lake, just a few weeks before my 10th birthday. As you may guess, this was extremely traumatic, especially for my Mother. Anyway, as a special birthday treat for me (since my SLC party had to be cancelled), they said I could have my birthday dinner at the Space Needle. Well, lo and behold, who should show up in Seattle the day before my birthday but my celebrated Uncle Charlie (whom I've discussed at length here). He came in unannounced to finalize some sort of real estate deal--even my parents didn't know he was coming. He had one of his investors with him, who came to dinner as well. This investor guy told me he had a son my age and wanted me to come with him to the Space Needle gift shop so that I could help him pick out gifts for his son. Now, how stupid did he think I was? :) But of course I played along, but also played him for every dime he was worth--I got the most expensive Space Needle knicknacks available, including a really cool ceramic Space Needle cigarette lighter (wish I knew what became of that). Of course after he had bought all the booty, he "surprised" me by telling me it was really for me. It was one of my first Oscar-worthy moments as I registered the appropriate shock.
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I'm also heading out for two parties tonight. Thankfully, they are both within walking distance and the night will not be freezing. I won't have to worry about drunk drivers, only drunk walkers. So...
! ! ! ! ! HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y'ALL ! ! ! ! !
May your best year ever be considered the pitts compared to 2005!
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You have a good time as well, DR Dan.
Just let B & B out and the smell of gunpowder is almost over powering. Stinky poo!
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OFF to parties??? THIS is the party. Other parties are only pretenders to the throne of THIS party. I am so wanting to take my Powerbook out of the case and PLAY with it, but I shall refrain, oh, yes, I shall refrain.
I am wearing jeans and a black t-shirt, my usual attire for New Year's early Eve. Later, I shall put on my lounging pyjamas, my smoking jacket, my spotted dickie and my bunny slippers. What fun we shall have this evening. I am completely stocked up on Diet Coke (the bubbly of choice) and have a selection picked out for some early evening viewing.
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...Will probably go to bed long before midnight, as I'll be getting up early in order to watch the Rose Parade.
Note to other parade watchers: that's my (adopted) home town you're seeing!
Not to other parade watchers: Any blue sky you see is FAKE! It's all done with camera tricks and matte paintings!
;D
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Later, I shall put on...my spotted dickie...
A gift from the DeVilles? I swear, BK, you really do know everyone!
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Some really bad years have still benn considered good, but overall, this just wasn't one of the better ones.
So here is to a 2005 that just HAS to be better.
Gotta say I'm with you on that one, DR Kerry. I've been awaiting the demise of 2004 since at least July. :D Only a few hours more and we can be done with it and start a new, better year!
*To all those who had a good 2004: More of the same (or even better) in 2005!
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Matthew, Panni, TCB, Jane and Danise: Thanks for the sentiments!!! They mean a lot!
The rains have been pouring for an hour or more...heavy, with possibly some sleet (?) considering the sounds being produced upon my windows.
I had a nice, cosy, comfy, warm, cuddly nap this afternoon (3-5 p.m.). Miss Vickie reminded me at 5 p.m. that is was "SUPPER TIME" for her....I can always rely upon her yowl as an alarm clock.
I spent a few hours today taking in the "Law and Order: SVU" marathon on USA Network, although only one of the five shows I watched was one I had not seen.
TomofOz: I did, indeed, "lurk" a bit yesterday...had to catch up on some of what I missed, although I never totally catch up after Christmas. So very much is said in any given day that two weeks worth is mind-boggling.
The best CD I bought all of last year: The magnificent, unbelievably brilliant 3-CD original soundtrack recording of Bronislau Kaper's 1962 masterpiece "Mutiny on the Bounty." It's breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and in a class all its own.
I most definitely wish every one of you -- and yours -- a prosperous, love-filled and ecstatically joyous New Year!
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I am getting ready to make my soup for this evening -- potato cheese. For all the vegetarians who may show up tonight. Isn't that exciting?
I'm on my way. ;)
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Not to other parade watchers: Any blue sky you see is FAKE! It's all done with camera tricks and matte paintings!
;D
Disregard that man behind the curtains. Do you think it's a coincidence that after five days of record rain, the skies have cleared and a sunny day is predicted for tomorrow in Pasadena? That is, until the early evening, when the parade and Rose Bowl game will have come and gone and the rains start up again. It hasn't rained on a Rose Parade/Rose Bowl in Pasadena in 50+ years and the weather powers that be appear to be intent on not breaking that record.
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Danise, I’m enjoying your latest avatar. You are keeping me entertained with these.
Jed and TCB may 2005 be a much better year.
To everyone, may all your dreams come true in the New Year!
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I will be at home tonight, watching Die Fleidermaus on the tee-vee.
Is this the production with Dame Edna making her Met debut, as what Victor Borge would have called a "messy soporano"?
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Thanks, Jane.
I also hope that the New Year will be wonderful for everyone.
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It hasn't rained on Rose Parade/Rose Bowl in Pasadena in 50+ years and the weather powers that be appear to be intent on not breaking that record.
I hope this isn’t the year it rains. I do recall spending a couple of very cold, by Pasadena standards, nights camping out while waiting for the parade to begin.
That reminds me I must record the parade to watch for the Cal Poly float. A friend has been working on it.
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Time to go feasting!
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The ceremony was solemn and we every attendance shared the very peaceful moment between us. I like this ceremony because every time I attend there I feel that my spirit can be purify and can prepair for another new coming year.
Thank you, DR TCB , DR Jose and DR Michael
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Inside of the temple.
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???
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??? ???
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Nice pictures!
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The ceremony was solemn and we every attendance shared the very peaceful moment between us. I like this ceremony because every time I attend there I feel that my spirit can be purify and can prepair for another new coming year.
Thank you, DR TCB , DR Jose and DR Michael
Hisaka, you have a beautiful way to bring in the New Year. You remind me of the lovely rose in your avatar.
Will you do something special tomorrow? Oops, I should say today for you.
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Thank you so much for the music recommendations, dear sweet Elmore. I will go to Amazon tomorrow and make some purchases. I'm excited about finally getting some of this delightful music into my home. Thanks again for your time and research.
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I feasted on beef stoganoff tonight and enjoyed every fattening morsel of it.
I also watched (and wept through its simplicity and sheer joy and sincerity) CINDERELLA. Loved the color stills, too.
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I'm about an hour and a half from New Year's but I probably won't be on line when the big moment arrives.
Just want to wish all a wonderful 2005 and thanks for so much joy and information in 2004.
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I'm signing off for this night that seems to be like any other night which is fine with us. :D
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Happy New Year to one and all and to all and one!
2005 willbe god to us all to and especially to all you wonderful, supportive HHW friends.
Happy Birthday to 2005!
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All right, the party officially begins at nine - our three hour countdown to Rockin' New Year's Eve.
Hisaka, I love your photos and your gentle way of bringing in the New Year.
Just finished watching The Aviator, which I most certainly did not love. I did like parts of it, but I'm afraid Mr. Scorsese has gone the way of predictable movie-maker. The nadir of the film (and Mr. Scorsese's career) is the senate hearing - where he is so intent on pumping up the action and winning himself an Oscar, that you just want to throw a shoe through the screen. All those flashbulbs going off like cannons, and the endless cutting to the cameras and TV cameras and the awful overdone sound - too much. Note to Mr. Scorsese: Trust your material.
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Good Evening!
We're almost there!!! -At least on the East Coast.
If I'm typing this now, that must mean I didn't hang around for the party at the theatre. Just didn't feel like hanging out tonight. Also, I could feel my sinuses starting fill up all during the second act... ugh. I'm a bit sniffly right now, and I'll most likely get to bed shortly after the ball drops. I'm not feeling "bad", but I also don't want to make it bad later on. -Two shows tomorrow, so I'll need my rest.
My brother, Michael, has apparently also come down with something. He and his family were supposed to come over tonight, but they're staying put since my brother is not feeling well.
So...
My niece, Alexandra, is downstairs keeping everyone else entertained. My Mom is actually working on paperwork for the nursing home in the kitchen, and my Dad is watching ESPN in the bedroom. Sounds like fun, huh?
;)
Well, I'm gonna go ahead and head downstairs to watch the craziness in Times Square on TV.
I'll check back in after the ball drops.
Laters...
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Well, I think I am going to go watch CHICAGO, and fantasize that I am a gerbil!
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Well, the New Year has started off well in one regard: amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com both say they can now ship Writer's Block in 24 hours. This has been an ongoing ordeal - taking up to three weeks to ship, and now, apparently, that has been fixed and I for one say hoo and ray.
I'm really getting in the New Year spirit. Thirteen minutes to our official party start.
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I just received a very nice apology via email from the Editor of American Atheist (I'm sorry, but that title just makes me want to laugh), and he even used the term erratum correctly in offering to correct the misidentified URL to my research. I of course debated whether my initial email to him should have said, "What in G-d's name were you thinking?", but, on second thought, that seemed somehow inappropriate on several levels. ;)
To Matt and Elmoore: If that Shakespeare CD is the same one I have (and I think it is), it's wonderful but is it ever mastered LOUD!!!! Matt, you might also want to check out Alfred Deller's recordings of English madrigals of the period--they're uniformly superb.
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Welcome five GUESTS. We're havin' a Rockin' New Year's Eve - come on in and join us.
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Our partay has begun!
Happy New Year to those on the other coasts, but it won't be "official" until our ball drops right here at haineshisway.com. Others may drop their balls, but until it happens here, it ain't proper.
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I'm already getting a bit wobbly, having had three Diet Cokes already.
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My goodness, I'm just seventy posts away from 8000 posts.
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If you could be anywhere right now with anyone whom you're not with, who would it be and where?
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Happy New Year to all on the East Coast and to Tomovoz, Hisaka and others for whom it is already 2005, may your year be a good one.
DD and I just came home from watching THE AVIATOR. I was underwhelmed by it, but don't regret seeing it. She is going to a party and I'm going to listen to music, read, think and contemplate my life. Hope you all have a good partay.
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Oh, we will have a good partay. It is possible to do all those things and still be at the ginchiest site on all the Internet. It's what I do, but that's just me.
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Sandra, are you wearing your pyjamas and your dickie? Are you drinking Cherry Coke? Let's have some New Year's Photos while we're at it.
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Welcome seven GUESTS. I'm drinking like a fish, and am now dancing about in my stockinged feet like a gazelle doing the Mashed Potato.
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I am my own frenzy.
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Sandra, are you wearing your pyjamas and your dickie? Are you drinking Cherry Coke? Let's have some New Year's Photos while we're at it.
I am wearing my Les Miserables T shirt. The Cherry Cokes are getting cold in the fridge.
And here is my New Year's photo. I call it "The Party Animal."
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Now, THAT is a party animal. We want a photo of your very own self in your Les Miz t-shirt, holding a Cherry Coke. Let's have other photos of other dear readers in their New Year's attire.
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Here, for example, is a photograph taken by myself of myself. I call it myself by myself.
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...Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse....
-Wait a second! That was last week! Well, actually, it is like that here in the Simbulan household right now. Although, I guess I am doing some "stirring".
2005 made a quiet entrance here. At least inside our house. There were a bunch of firecrackers and small fireworks going off outside - the dogs were getting scared a little. But it's all quiet outside now.
I did get a nice call from Steve. He's spending New Year's Eve in Charlottesville with our friends Tim & John. And if I could be anywhere else right now with anyone, it would be with Steve, and Tim & John, at whatever bar they was calling from. ;)
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I am now dancing the frug. In a little while I shall sit down at the piano and noodle for a short time - something I always enjoy doing on New Year's Eve. Across the street from me they are having a very noisy party.
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OH! The Sci-Fi Channel is having another "Twilight Zone" marathon. And the episode that was just on...
"I believe you're going my way."
Very appropriate for this here site, I do believe. -Did I quote that correctly?
They also showed a commercial for a new(?) box set of "Twilight Zone" episodes, The First Season - The Definitive Edition. Anyone checked these out yet?
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They are supposed to be great - right off the camera negatives, and in broadcast order. Unfortunately, many people spent upwards of three hundred bucks acquiring the Image DVDs.
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As for pictures, I'd post one right now, but I believe my digital camera is on it's last legs... It just doesn't focus correctly anymore. Ah, well... :( -It's four years old, so... I'm definitely due for a new one, but it has served me well and admirably.
However, one of the things I did pick up at the computer store earlier today was a USB Card Reader - this way I transfer the pics from my camera from my memory card, rather than from (trying to find) the camera-to-computer cable. So... We'll see... Hopefully...
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DR MBarnum - Hope the hot-tub party was fun! Did you remember your camera?
:D
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-I'm continuing listening to "Ultimate Manilow" right now... "Copacabana" just started... Just the pick-me-up I need right now... And I think the ibuprofen is also starting to kick in now too.
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Well, this here party is very slow this evening. We need some late-night denizens.
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My bus pass expired today, so just to get my dad's money's worth, I went out and rode a bunch of buses today and never actually went anywhere in particular. I like riding the bus because there's always some kind of entertainment. Here is one of the highlights: This paranoid guy got on the bus and saw the sign that said we may be under camera surveillance and said, "There's a camera. They can hear everything we say. Everyone be quiet!"
Then these two people got on the bus. It was a girl and her very gay male friend. The paranoid guy told them about the camera and said, "They can hear everything we say. Tell some jokes."
So the girl said, "Two nuns and a priest walk into a gay bar. He was there," and pointed to her friend.
Apparently, this is not a joke, but something that actually happened.
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Welcome six GUESTS. We have more GUESTS than partygoers. Not that the GUESTS aren't partygoers.
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We are a mere 100 minutes away from Rockin' New Year's Eve.
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I am now dancing the Swim and making funny noises with my nose.
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Well, I hate to pop in and run, but I'm afraid I must do just that...
I have to be back at theatre in 12 hours, and, unfortunately, it does feel like a cold is trying it's darndest to settle into my head. I need to get some rest and sleep.
Thanks again to everyone here at HHW for being a part of my 2004. From the trivial to the serious, HHW has been a great outlet, safehaven and soundboard.
2005... Look out!
Once again, Happy New Year! Have a great partay, BK!
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I would have a great partay if only we had some partaygoers.
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One hour and four minutes to the New Year.
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It's late for me but Happy New Years to the East Coast, Central time zone and now mountain time.
Question do you get the new years programming we easterners see on tape delay or do you see an entirely different program?
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This party seems to be on tape delay. Well, as long as we have everyone right at midnight to welcome in the brand spanking New Year, all will be well. And now it is time for me to do my New Year's "thing" that I do every year. this takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes, after which, I shall return. Keep the home fries and the partay alive until then.
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Happy New Year! In this time zone anyway. I took a picture of the clock, but since its battery is dying, it's about six minutes behind.
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I have returned from the annual Anthony's Home Port New Year's Eve dinner with the family. Everyone at the table had some sort of seafood dish...except me. The only seafood I like is McDonald's Filet-O-Fish. Or Skipper's fish-n-chips. I'm a picky eater...that's my eating disorder. ::) Anyway, I had chicken fettuccini alfredo. It was good, but somewhat bland. There was flavor, but just not enough of it. The dessert, however, was wonderful!
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We all had the Melting Chocolate Cake! It's a little (maybe six inches in diameter) chocolate cake that when you cut into it, a chocolate sauce-like substance that's just to die for oozes out of it! It comes with vanilla ice cream (a She Loves Me reference) and raspberry sauce. Oh my, it's good. It's only made to order, so it takes about 10-15 minutes after you order it. Since we had ordered three between us all, it took even longer...but well worth it!
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And it's not a happy New Year without...
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After dinner and dessert, we all went to my parents' house. We chatted a bit and watched "Anderson Cooper's 366." I thought that it was supposed to be "Anderson Cooper's 360" but they showed a big 366 every time they went to a commercial break. Anderson, himself, did say "360" a couple of times, so I don't know who was making the mistake. Anyway, we all left about 10:30 p.m. and I've been home for about 25 minutes. I haven't turned on the TV at all (and I don't intend to). I like the quietness late at night, even when I don't have to be quiet (my housemate is out housesitting at another house). :)
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If you could be anywhere right now with anyone whom you're not with, who would it be and where?
Anderson Cooper was talking about the tsunami and all the destruction. I have to admit (well, I don't have to, but I'm going to) under totally different circumstances, I wouldn't mind spending some time with Anderson Cooper! ;)
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Der Brucer and I have feasted, and we have been entertained, and we have greeted in the new year with new friends and newer ones.
We have even been kissed by Zeus and Argus, the black Labs of Cafe Zeus.
I'll leave the details for tomorrow, which will be delish. (Something to look forward to!)
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Now I've got to come up with a dance? What kind of dance has a dog leg in it?
Heck.
[size=20][move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Happy New Year![/move][/size]
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I've done my annual ritual and am calm and at peace. And doing the Monkey. Lovely photograph of dear reader Sandra's thumb. Twenty-six minutes to New Year.
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Sorry, that should have read thirty-six minutes.
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After dinner and dessert, we all went to my parents' house. We ... watched "Anderson Cooper's 366." I thought that it was supposed to be "Anderson Cooper's 360" but they showed a big 366 every time they went to a commercial break. Anderson, himself, did say "360" a couple of times, so I don't know who was making the mistake.
I went to cnn.com and it is "360 (http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/)" However, tonight was a special edition show. They have a rough transcript of the show. Here's what it had near the top of the show:
ANNOUNCER: A time of challenge and change, a year in the making. This is a special edition of ANDERSON COOPER 366, as CNN reflects on the extraordinary moments of 2004.
COOPER: Good evening again. You may not realize it, but this is the 366th day of the year. 2004 was a leap year. And it ends in a way none of us could have imagined. On this night you'll no doubt hear a lot of talk about Father Time and Baby New Year. Tradition says old Father Time robs us of opportunities. Baby New Year gives us hope. This week for millions, hope has been a hard thing to hold on to.
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Twenty-five minutes to New Year.
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Twenty minutes to the New Year.
The haineshisway.com ball is getting ready to drop.
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I'm dancing the rhumba.
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I am apparently a party of one, but I care not. If everyone wants to just sit there like so much fish, that is their prerogative. I am partying, baby, I am shaking my booty, baby, and I am welcoming in the New Year in high fashion (madras Bermuda shorts, and a Love Me Large t-shirt).
I am now breaking open a new can of Diet Coke with which to toast in the New Year.
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Welcome four GUESTS and one HIDDEN.
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Fifteen minutes to the New Year.
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I really feel that those who ARE here should get off their collective butt cheeks and post.
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I don't have much to say, BK, except that this Cherry Coke is yummy.
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I'm here! I'm looking for some animated .gifs to post! I've found a few, but I should wait until the actual moment at midnight to start posting them, don'tcha think? ::)
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A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
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You have puhlenty to day, darling Sandra.
Ten minutes to the New Year.
Partygoers are finally arriving.
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I get very excited as the haineshisway.com ball gets close to dropping. I love when balls drop.
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Five minutes to the New Year.
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Four minutes to the New Year.
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Three minutes to New Year.
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And speaking of the ball dropping:
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Okay, it's a little soon, but not entirely inappropriate! ::)
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Fifteen seconds
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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IT'S TRUE - IT IS FISH!
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The balls have dropped. Let us all sing Auld Lang Syne and toast in the New Year with our various and sundried bubbly beverages.
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Hold on one second and we can begin posting in the first thread of the New Year.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/sehrgrosse/large-smiley-023.gif)
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Here's another!