And the word of the day is: CONFLAGRATION!Little Bobby's final two lessons in life were that striking A FLINT ON CARGO at the end of a pier can create a terrible CONFLAGRATION, and that it's better to always leave yourself an escape route.
DR Michael Barnum,
May I suggest, if you don't already, have smoke dectector that can measure carbon dioxide and gas emmission for the leaky heater just in case.
Just don't eat any beans around it.
DR Michael S, your helpful holiday housekeeping tip made me laugh out loud!
I have to say that I owe DR MBarnum a round of applause and hugs for sending me the site for a Region-free DVD player. Do I love this gadget! I hope he found something warm to snuggle up to last night.
DRS JOSE, JASON, and JOEY may be E&T - but this J is still around!
There's a conspiracy about! Watch out!
As for the one-acts, we are all doing published shows. On the docket, we have William Saroyan's "Hello Out There;" Christopher Durang's "The Actor's Nightmare;" David Grote's adaptation of Euripides' "Trojan Women" called "The Women of Troy;" Douglas Soderberg's "The Root of Chaos;" Joe Pintauro's "Dirty Talk;" Edward Alan Baker's "A Dead Man's Apartment;" and the one I am directing -- Donald Margulies' "July 7, 1994." Very different plays with very different styles and purposes...which I think makes for the best kind of one-act festival.
... if it works out I'll just give my notice during my vacation and not go back...is that wrong?
I'll be roasting a turkey tonight.
No, I don't mean der Brucer. I mean we bought a fresh turkey at the market a couple of days ago, and it needs roasting.
I'm not sure what I'm going to serve with it, however.
DRs CASON & JHVW - those youngsters are IN the House!
The Passion of Two Filmmakers
What would you get if you took Mad Mel into the M. Night?
By Thomas Hibbs
What do I want for Christmas? A contractual agreement between M. Night Shyamalan and Mel Gibson to make their next five films together. Collaborators on Signs, Shyamalan and Gibson together have, in the midst of a craven Hollywood culture that idolizes superficial novelty, the rare ability to deliver the unusual and the truly novel. It is interesting and instructive that their independence is intimately connected to their preoccupation with the big questions about human existence and with possible spiritual responses to those questions. But they also suffer from certain deficiencies — Shyamalan from increasingly impoverished plots and Gibson, aside from his offensive rants, from an inordinate reliance on explicit violence.
…
What Shyamlan is getting at in his creative reworking of sub-genres of the ghost story or the comic super-hero is akin to what Gibson focuses on in his use of unfamiliar dialects: the modern phenomena, or affliction, that each director has labeled “forgetfulness.” They share a sense that the contemporary world exists in a state of forgetfulness about the most important human and perhaps divine realities. Imagining what their combined efforts might bring is likely no more than a matter of wistful speculation. But comparing them helps us to see more clearly the strengths and weaknesses of two of our most gifted contemporary filmmakers.
Of course, it could be that the collaboration would backfire. Shyamalan and Gibson might cancel out each other’s virtues instead of their vices. We could end up with the mythic pabulum of Lady in the Water infused with lengthy torture scenes. But it’s Christmas. I’m hopeful.
With roasted turkey....how about corn on the cob?
Most congested cities in US (times are annual hours lost due to congestion)
Fourth place Atlanta 67 hours:
(http://cdn.channel.aol.com/channels/03/04/458ab0fe-0011f-06003-400cb8e1)
(http://images.forbes.com/media/2006/12/19/traffic_4.jpg)
Grand Champion - LA - 93 hours
(http://cdn.channel.aol.com/channels/03/04/458ab104-0002b-06003-400cb8e1)
(http://images.forbes.com/media/2006/12/19/traffic_1.jpg)
der Brucer
My lord! MGM has released the heck out of ROCKY. This must be the FOURTH different DVD release for this film. I like it (still thought the Oscar that year should have gone to ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN or NETWORK),
If only they'd do another study about the physiological congestion created by the pollutants of vehicular congestion.
Would LA still come out on top? I think so....
JAPANESE RESEARCHERS CAPTURE GIANT SQUID
TOKYO — A Japanese research team has succeeded in filming a giant squid live — possibly for the first time — and says the elusive creatures may be more plentiful than previously believed, a researcher said Friday.
The research team, led by Tsunemi Kubodera, videotaped the giant squid at the surface as they captured it off the Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo earlier this month.
The squid, which measured about 24 feet long, died while it was being caught.
...
BTW, DR Elmore, your arrangement and the performance of "The Holly and the Ivy" is one of the loveliest things I've ever heard.
When I found myself so restless this morning, I put in THE TIME MACHINE and watched the first hour of it. Looks very good in this basically barebones release.
I put in THE TIME MACHINE and watched the first hour of it. Looks very good in this basically barebones release.
Does DR Pulliam cook calamari?
(http://www.foxnews.com/images/root_images/giant_squid_1.jpg)der Brucer
Original or remake?
der Brucer
DVD: The Closer complete first season.
Most congested cities in US (times are annual hours lost due to congestion)
Fourth place Atlanta 67 hours:
(http://images.forbes.com/media/2006/12/19/traffic_4.jpg)
I like the sound mix on it, DR MATTH...even with my small 5.1 system, it's a lot of fun. All those clocks during the titles. ;D
Original or remake?
This used to be my work exit, the connector, where !-75 ans !-85 merge and run through Atlanta.
Now I'm editing closer to our future abode....3 miles from work. That's one big draw to move into Atlanta. And thanks to Capricorn, it sounds like a good time to do it! Maybe next year...
Actor Larry Drake is here for the holidays and we are having a rollicking time!
Yes, indeed, and the sound mix is DOlby Prologic. It's not even a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, but the sound is so robust that you'd never know it. I glaned at my receiver while it was running this morning, and I was astonished to see it was just Dolby Surround.
I thought Blazing Color was reserved for ADAM & EVE and GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BARES....or maybe that was Blushing Color!
Defense Attorney Says Prosecutors Have Dismissed Rape Charges Against 3 Duke Lacrosse Players
Friday , December 22, 2006
DURHAM, N.C. — Prosecutors dropped rape charges Friday against three Duke University lacrosse players accused of attacking a stripper at a team party, but the three still face kidnapping and sexual offense charges, a defense attorney said.
Joseph Cheshire and attorneys for the other players have said for months the woman told several different versions of the alleged assault.
Cheshire said Friday that the accuser now says she does not know if she was penetrated, which he said led District Attorney Mike Nifong to dismiss the rape charges.
Well it would HAVE to be, wouldn't it?
A starlet during the week and a nature girl EVERY weekend. Wow! They don't make movies like THAT anymore.
I have that movie!
...this J is still around!
Virginia Rep. Goode Defends Letter Criticizing Incoming Muslim Congressman
Friday , December 22, 2006
WASHINGTON — A Republican congressman from Virginia said most people in his district would support the letter he wrote warning that a newly elected representative's decision to use the Koran in taking the oath of office poses a danger to the traditional "values and beliefs" of Americans.
Clint Eastwood as Tokyo Rose?
Clint Eastwood, formerly a Hollywood favorite among American patriots, is taking some heat for fictionalizing scenes in his latest movie "Letters From Iwo Jima" – scenes that made the Japanese soldiers look more humane than their American GI counterparts.
…
"The astonishing transformation of Clint Eastwood, from his 'Dirty Harry' days, cannot be more forcefully understood than by appreciating the level to which he has gone in order to appease the liberal gods of Hollywood," said Savage. "Tokyo Rose would be more of an American patriot than Clint Eastwood in his new propaganda flick. Almost all of the Japanese soldiers on Iwo Jima were shown as courageous, long-suffering, loyal, kindly men dragged into the war against their wishes. Revisionist historians should watch this film simply to learn new techniques."
Savage zeroed in on one of two fictionalized scenes in the movie.
"In one astonishing scene, old Clint has the audacity to show besieged Japanese troops, treating an American prisoner with compassion, giving him their last morphine injections!" he said. "The reality, of course, of Japanese soldiers during World War II, was one of utmost brutality. I kept wanting to scream out, 'Remember the Bataan Death March!' or 'Why don’t you show flashbacks to human experiments on prisoners in Manchuria by the Japanese?' Or, 'Hasn’t Eastwood read the 'Rape of Nan King'?"
In fact, while most of the movie is taken from accounts in letters written by Japanese soldiers, this scene was made up. In addition, in another scene, a Japanese deserter surrenders to the Americans, who shoot the prisoner.
"Eastwood's descent into liberal madness, may be a product of too much success for an overly good looking young actor with no formal education to speak of," added Savage. "The years at Pebble Beach have altered an American icon into an unrecognizable Anti-American propagandist."
…
Amy Linton - The New Axis Sally
Especially for Mr. BK, who I believe will enjoy this album cover! I suspect this is exactly as his Christmas tree would look.
(http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/57/4261/400/Raymond%20Lefevre-Merry%20Christmas-Front.jpg)
DR JRand, you must use that as the title for your next television variety special!
Clint Walker. But only if he remembered to bring a big Christmas package.
I don't know where my above remark just came from...but maybe that is why my Snow White image is more Red Rose now. ;)
DR GINNY you are getting things done in a very timely manner today. Don't forget to check everything off the list as it's done!
I did notice at Kroger a lot of old ladies with scowls on their faces. What do you suppose that's about?
Well DR's - who (past or present) of fame or infamy would you like to invite to a Christmas cocktail party?
DVD: a couple of rare Muppet TV Specials: JOHN DENVER AND THE MUPPETS--A CHRISTMAS TOGETHER
In any case, we should be feasting tonight, and then watching the 2-hour season finale of Doctor Who on the Sci-Fi Channel.
Tap-dancing Cybermen! Twirling Daleks! With a combo like this, who needs Dancing With the Stars!!! ;D
I did try to write a one-act called SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN-ELEVEN once.
And of course, there's the famous SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN SAMURAI.
My! Three Suns!
FJL- I love small packages. (Now, who will be the first to use this in a quote).
Unless it warms up outside, I'm afraid today will be a non-jog day.
BTW, DR Elmore, your arrangement and the performance of "The Holly and the Ivy" is one of the loveliest things I've ever heard.
ASSOCIATED PRESS (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,238307,00.html)How many bites of the apple does this DA want?
der Brucer
As some know, I recorded Mr. Durang's Beyond Therapy. I like him very much, but was a little disappointed in him when he wasn't supportive during the bad time with a certain record label. There were still things that remained not quite finished in that recording, but the gentleman who engineered the takeover of the company released it the way it was - certainly quality never mattered to that gentleman - hence his hideous mixing of my Sherman Brothers CD, you know, where he left half the band tracks out of the mix so that one is left with about nine players and half-orchestrations. BRILLIANT.
In any case, Mr. Durang was not supportive and that is all I need to say about Mr. Durang.
Clint Walker. But only if he remembered to bring a big Christmas package.
SAFE HOUSE VIBES FOR MBARNUM!!!
Do you have the carbon dioxide alarm Michael S suggested?
I have heat now. Don't know whether my house will not blow up...but time will tell.
I am going to have the gas company come out and double check it just to make me feel better...but quite frankly I am terrified to even use this darn gas heater.
Yes, however NW Natural Gas said that would not detect a gas leak.
Yes, however NW Natural Gas said that would not detect a gas leak.
Will they be out today to check for leaks?And for peas and cabbage!
TOD:...Just keep in mind, it's wise to disengage the "repeat track" function on your CD player. Otherwise, you'll never know when a piece comes to an end!
CD: Phillip Glass, a 3-CD compilation of his work for Columbia Records.
...
Just keep in mind, it's wise to disengage the "repeat track" function on your CD player. Otherwise, you'll never know when a piece comes to an end!LOL. I think JRand must have a death wish!
...With roasted turkey....how about corn on the cob?In DECEMBER?????
Both my packaging and the Amazon listing say Dolby Digital 5.1
You know, it's people on this board and my trip to NYC where I met some of you wonderful people and had a great time with DR Cillaliz that really jump-started my motivation. I got a glimpse of a lifestyle I wanted to live, and by god I'm going to get it. I always get what I want in the end lol, I'm bullheaded and will keep on pushing twords whatever goal I set my eyes on. But seriously, the people on this board are really interesting and inspire me and motivate me to do something better with myself. Thanks guys :) And a real big thanks to Cillaliz! She has been so great to me, I love her.
AND - DR CILLA LIZ has a tower!
elmore - I don't really hold that big a grudge, but Durang was very aware of what was going on because I told him. I didn't speak of the situation to most, though, so I know there was some confusion as to what really went down. The lies that were told were reprehensible, and I'm just ever so comfortable that those who were telling them will rot in hell and suffer the karma they deserve.
We bathed and groomed Sherlock this morning. Now he is pretty and shiny for the holiday weekend. His puppy fur is almost gone, now it is short wavy. I miss the soft puppy fur.
We'll see tonight if they have any footage of her on the news. We are really trying to avoid that.
Doesn't covering up for/hiding from the press present a negative image?
der Brucer
Hutch (but no Starsky) and his assistant, from Jet Heating, called and said the temp patch on the leaky gas heater was done and it was up and running.
I asked how it could be running when it had been turned off from inside the house...and they had no access to the inside of the house.
So I drove home and turned the thermostat on. Nothing. They had hooked something up wrong.
They crawled back under the house and started over while I waited ...I playing with Bosco and then doing the dishes.
I have heat now. Don't know whether my house will not blow up...but time will tell.
I am going to have the gas company come out and double check it just to make me feel better...but quite frankly I am terrified to even use this darn gas heater.
I'm determined to get to 22,000 posts before the end of the year.
Not in this case. I can't explain why without saying things I can't talk about, so you'll just have to believe me
Texas Teen Fights Removal of Bullet From His Forehead
Friday , December 22, 2006
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — In the middle of Joshua Bush's forehead, two inches above his eyes, lies the evidence that prosecutors say could send the teenager to prison for attempted murder: a 9 mm bullet, lodged just under the skin.
Prosecutors say it will prove that Bush, 17, tried to kill the owner of a used-car lot after a robbery in July. And they have obtained a search warrant to extract the slug.
But Bush and his lawyer are fighting the removal, in a legal and medical oddity that raises questions about patient privacy and how far the government can go to solve crimes without running afoul of the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
…
A judge took the unusual step of issuing a search warrant to retrieve the bullet from Bush's head in October. But a Beaumont doctor determined that small pieces of bone were growing around the slug, and he did not have the proper tools in the emergency room to do it. The doctor said that removal would require surgery under general anesthesia and that no operating rooms were available.
…
All sides agree that removing the bullet would not be life-threatening.
This DA is a moron, and the whole things smacks of the Tiwana Brawley embarassment of the 1980s. I hope the DA is dismissed when his term iis up for renewal.
Did you know every time a bell rings at Christmas time, an angel loses a hair?
Especially if John Barrowman is appearing with the Crouch End Festival chorus.
Especially if John Barrowman is appearing with the Crouch End Festival chorus.
He just got re-elected so it will be a while!
der Brucer
Ohmigod, is that why I'm bald?????????[/color][/b]
Yep. He was using this case for the minority vote from the beginning.
He said "Angel", not "Fairy" ;D
der Brucer
Better get a kick out of "crouch" than a kick in the crouch, right?!
Who wouldn't want to Dallimore with John Barrowman? :)
Thought of you when we saw the broad end of a Corgi sashaying down Rehoboth Avenue -
He said "Angel", not "Fairy" ;D
der Brucer
How very rude!
Clint Walker. But only if he remembered to bring a big Christmas package.
Well DR's - who (past or present) of fame or infamy would you like to invite to a Christmas cocktail party?
Just back from a party at which I am certain we were the second and third oldest people there. :)
I've decided I don't like being called "sir."I didn't even like as a Teacher.
I didn't even like as a Teacher.
Of course there have been other times when it has been interesting!
Thank you, I'm here all week - isn't that sad?
:)
:)
I think I'm suffering from Geezer-nal Affect Disorder, the fear of being among the very oldest people in a room.
When you are as old as I - is anyone as old as I?
Well, no one at that party. :)
When you are as old as I - is anyone as old as I?
...
Ginny - if you can get to New York in the next two hours, we can go to the party together. :)
I'm thirsty
Not sure why
Pudding on a ritz - that would be a lovely snack right about now
Maybe some tapioca puh-pudding
BK would be so pleased that we've made it to page 12 and that I'm likely to be damned to hell for these Superstar references
:)
All this talk of pudding had caused even Tomovoz to dessert us
All this talk of pudding had caused even Tomovoz to dessert us
Isn't that an old joke - It's raining cats and dogs, I went outside and stepped into a poodle.
What a delightfully witty repast that was, Francois.
Isn't that an old joke -
An old Tom Snyder joke - I don't wanna say Frank ffield isn't an accurate weather forecaster, but I went outside and stepped into six inches of partly cloudy.
You late night denizens are a bit daft. ;D
My offer is in and formalized. I have a nice salaried 30 hour/week gig as MD for a large church with a good size choir (30 voices), orchestra (20 pieces), worship band (quartet), and bell choir (5 octaves with about 2 dozen players). Plus a healthy benefits package. This is virtually unheard of in church gig-land, at least in my experience. So I am a very happy camper. Now I just need to gracefully give notice at my current church gig, which hopefully won't cause too much tsuris (causing tsuris in a Christian church is especially unseemly).
And one for Millie
Are we really approaching 400? And not on an awards night? Most unseemly.
JMK - See previous comments to jhvw re giving proper notice. :)
François, I like your "Happiest Millionaire" references!
I was thinking about you when I was posting them! Really!
PITY DEJEUNER - the title of something classy and French
My friends and family are starting to get used to presents with holes in them.
Tommy Steal should star in HOFFA SIXPENCE.
I'm going back to wrapping. I expect y'all to get us to 400 while I'm gone!
Tommy Steal should star in HOFFA SIXPENCE.
...and the lyrics were changed to remove religious references.
Hello hello, I needed a chuckle and I see I came to the right place
My brain doesn't realize it can stop thinking about work for a few days....I hope it catches on soon
And no lawyer jokes (yet 8).
der Brucer
Did I mention I'm older than my new client's mother? That made me feel oldYeah, but she's only 22!
BK's Brain can't stop the music!
And You Can't Stop The Beat - Guess that's Hairspray on the BrainYes, and the Beat Goes On! (Chercher-la-Cher!)
I am chatting with DR Jose and am just about to start my Bollywood movie of the weekend. DUM (2004) starring the handsome Vivek Oberoi as a young police recruit starting his new career.
(http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/24dum1.jpg)
Did I mention I'm older than my new client's mother? That made me feel old
I am chatting with DR Jose and am just about to start my Bollywood movie of the weekend. DUM (2004) starring the handsome Vivek Oberoi as a young police recruit starting his new career.
(http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/24dum1.jpg)
DUM (2004)
I am chatting with DR Jose and am just about to start my Bollywood movie of the weekend. DUM (2004) starring the handsome Vivek Oberoi as a young police recruit starting his new career.
(http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/24dum1.jpg)
Police! Police!
Where's the police when you need it!
Police!
Has anybody noticed your client is not exactly Ugly Betty - dress her right and she walks!
der Brucer
Has anybody noticed your client is not exactly Ugly Betty - dress her right and she walks!
der Brucer
QUIET: You'll awaken Jacques Clouseau
der Brucer
I always go to the video store and ask for the Vivek section.
And yes, there are many men I know who wanted to know when she had court so they could come and take a look. There were more agents in court today than I've ever seen at an arraignment. I don't think it was to catch a glimpse of me, lol
Vivek is a fox.
(Nothing like a good Viveca A. Fox joke, either.)
...a Calypso singer...
Was Jacques Cousteau a Calypso singer? He was the Belgian underwater detective?
Just caught up with the posts!
A news release regarding NewSong's release of their 2001 Christmas album The Christmas Shoes noted a 1990 incident with youth pastor Michael O'Brien's visit to composer Hugh Martin. Martin admitted to O'Brien the original version had "Lord allows" instead of "fates allow", and the lyrics were changed to remove religious references. O'Brien, who later joined NewSong, had the group record the song with Martin's lyric.
Sunshine is better than a boulder (CO.) on my shoulder!
(Denver, Boulder... I know! It's bad!)
Police! Police!
..." with a little Jesus thrown in...
You lobbed that groaner over 10,000 miles of cyber-space. Shame!
der Brucer
Throwing the Baby Jesus - and at Christms time - really!
der Brucer
Police Navidad!
I'm just a hick from France who just happens to know a little about North America Geography and US culture!
Police Navidad!almost a blame Jose reference.
...I'm just a hick from France ...
Note to self: "store quote for later use"
der Brucer
François, you know more about American culture than most Americans!
I have wrapped my last present for the night.
Tomorrow I will take inventory and see who I missed.
I have wrapped my last present for the night.
Tomorrow I will take inventory and see who I missed.
Actually it is after 5.50 (Pm) here.
Tomorrow I will take inventory and see who I missed.
Actually it is after 5.50 (Pm) here.
7:48 pm here!You'll be in mourning for your lost morning then!
Moi?
Michael Savage?
That's not saying a lot :(
Oh yeah...I've got a present for him, alright.
This is the postingest day I've ever seen!
Save it for his S&V review
Clearly too many seniors with too much idle time!
The same day we got that evil letter, a wonderful write-up followed, by someone who came to the Santa Fe festival. Someone obviously more educated than "Howard Roarke"
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/yates211206.html
Now we are not a failure. This is our career and our triumph. Never in our full life can we hope to do such work for tolerance, justice, for man's understanding of man, as now we do by accident. Our words -- our lives -- our pains -- nothing! The taking of our lives -- lives of a good shoemaker and a poor fish peddler -- all! That last moment belong to us -- that agony is our triumph."
Almost at page 10!!!!!!!!
PAGE 17?????????????? What happened?? ;DDon't blame me. I was out visiting elderly neighbours.
I guess you are almost ushering in the New Year DR George.
Migraine banishment vibes!Thank you!
We had a good laugh with a parent who dropped off their kid at Zach's birthday party a few weeks ago. Betsy and I thought before the kids went to school that we'd be the oldest parents around, but it turned out we're actually in exactly the same age range as most, and actually younger than quite a few. So anyway this mother dropped her son off and said she had had a really bad day capped by some stranger asking her at the store if she had any more grandchildren (she had been with her son, not her grandson).
Dinner time in OZ. Goodnight USA.
My 2007 membership card says that I've belonged to the American Library Association 'way longer than either of my bosses has been alive ::)
You late night denizens are a bit daft. ;D
My offer is in and formalized. I have a nice salaried 30 hour/week gig as MD for a large church with a good size choir (30 voices), orchestra (20 pieces), worship band (quartet), and bell choir (5 octaves with about 2 dozen players). Plus a healthy benefits package. This is virtually unheard of in church gig-land, at least in my experience. So I am a very happy camper. Now I just need to gracefully give notice at my current church gig, which hopefully won't cause too much tsuris (causing tsuris in a Christian church is especially unseemly).