Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 2 => Topic started by: bk on December 04, 2004, 10:42:14 PM

Title: THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: bk on December 04, 2004, 10:42:14 PM
Well, you've read the notes, the notes have had zotz and zazz, and now it is time for you to post until the oomphy cows come home.  To it, I say.  
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 04, 2004, 10:57:39 PM
First post, Huzzah!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 04, 2004, 11:00:25 PM
I'm so glad it's tomorrow. I for one have had enough of today. This should start a new trend. If today is getting on our nerves for whatever reason, we should say, "Oh yeah? Well, watch this, today! You're history." ...And with that, we declare it to be tomorrow.
Today would learn pretty quickly to get in shape, I tell ya. Today would do its utmost - utmost, I repeat - to be pleasant and fun and ginchy. I've never used that word before. But I'm starting TODAY. Because today is the ginchiest. Has it got a choice?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 04, 2004, 11:03:02 PM
Safe travels, BK.

I hope you get your high-speed internet to work at the hotel.  If at first you don't succeed, call the front desk for help.  And if that doesn't help, just keep hitting the F5 key.

;)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 04, 2004, 11:07:10 PM
Well, I'm with DR Panni!  I've had enough of this day too!  Harumphh!

-I also want to make sure I get up in time to make it to brunch with Edwina!

Goodnight.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: TCB on December 05, 2004, 12:32:14 AM
Now isn't that sad!

BK posts his notes an hour early, and here it is 12:30 in the A & M and I am only the 5th post -- in an hour and a half!!!  Shocking![/size]
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: TCB on December 05, 2004, 12:46:48 AM
I am glad everyone likes my new photo.  And yes, Jane, I am now younger than I was before.  Perhaps it has something to do with those transporters that Danise was talking about!  Actually the photo was taken in September for TEN LITTLE INDIANS.

My two beautiful and talented cyber children (Ann and Jed) came to see SCROOGE tonight.  Sadly, the show was one step off-kilter all evening.  It felt like second night slump, except that we were in the third performance of our second week of the show.  And, although I did not nail the show like I did on Friday night; I felt good about what I did.  None of us brought a camera, but Ann had her photo-cellphone (or whatever they call them newfangled gadgets), so there is proof that Jed is indeed alive, and that we were together tonight.  Fortunately we snapped the photo before I bitch-slapped Jed, so you get to see him while he is still smiling

Hmm, or did he smile more after the bitch-slap???
[/b]
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 12:48:57 AM
Yes, it's a new picture, TCB! ;)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 12:52:28 AM
Yesterday, Jane wrote:
Quote
Dan (the Man) thank you. George’s sister’s boyfriend made the DVD for me. The American Girl Dolls aren’t ones I collect. I was looking forward to watching the movie but it doesn’t work in my guest room DVD player. I will have to wait until we return to our bedroom which accepts more formats.

I'm sorry about this, Jane.  I didn't think about the DVD format not working in every player.  I have two DVD players and since the one in my bedroom doesn't play this format either, you'd think I'd've though about it (is a double contraction even possible??).  But when you do get to (finally) see it, it'll look very good!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: bk on December 05, 2004, 04:48:09 AM
Well, I'm on my way to the Beach of Long momentarily.  See you in New York, New York.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jennifer on December 05, 2004, 05:44:23 AM
Safe travels for BK!

Btw, I'm curious, do those at the booksignings get the cd?

I must go now and watch the end of THE TERMINAL.  Then I must finish the end of last night's REBA TRADING SPACES.  Since I actually watch that show I am quite enjoying them on TS.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: elmore3003 on December 05, 2004, 05:57:21 AM
Good morning, all!  I signed off early last night, and I slept quite well.

I see DRTCB has gone from color to black and white.  Nice photo!
 
Around two years ago, the apartment building had a huge roach invasion, which was bizarre since I hadn't seen roaches in my apartment for around fifteen years or so.  It looks like our building is having another invasion, so I have to do some pest control management today.  The  problem the last time was caused by our  Argentinian drug-smuggling neighbor on the fifth floor and her drug-ho daughter.  The smuggler was locked up in Riker's Island, and the daughter - or possibly the people whose drugs didn't arrive from Argentina because of her arrest - was subletting the apartment on a short-term basis.  The other tenants were alarmed because there was a deluge of strangers coming in and out of the building until the office management could evict Doris, her daughter and sublettors.  This took about two years, and the guests kept leaving garbage down in the recycling bins, which smelled regularly of rotting food.  The roaches got so bad that one neighbor on the first floor was moved into a hotel so the apartment could be fumigated thoroughly.  Heigh ho the glamorous life!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 05, 2004, 06:58:34 AM
Roaches-be-exterminated-pronto vibes to DR Elmore.

We had them too a couple of years ago, and they haven't returned. The exterminator (he was not amused when I called him that) - make that, the technician - informed me that ours were German cockroaches, not Asians. They're quite similar looking, but the Asians fly and the Germans don't.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 05, 2004, 07:09:50 AM
Happy landings, BK,

I just posted a brief "Writer's Block" review on Amazon. Hopefully it'll be up by the time you touch down.

BTW The DP just finished WB as well - in one sitting, yet.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: DERBRUCER on December 05, 2004, 07:13:29 AM
Around two years ago, the apartment building had a huge roach invasion...

Does "huge" modify "roach" or "invasion"?
Of course, it could have been a huge invasion of huge roaches - like a scene from a Pogue film.

der Brucer (considering the neighboring goings-on , maybe you mean a different kind of "roach" :-X)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: DERBRUCER on December 05, 2004, 07:15:44 AM
A thinking of Danise joke:

Quote
Why are Catholics in Florida not worried about dying: "Because it is so beautiful there that Heaven doesn't interest them — and so hot at times, that hell doesn't scare them. Amen."

der Brucer
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: elmore3003 on December 05, 2004, 07:18:40 AM
Does "huge" modify "roach" or "invasion"?
Of course, it could have been a huge invasion of huge roaches - like a scene from a Pogue film.

der Brucer (considering the neighboring goings-on , maybe you mean a different kind of "roach" :-X)

Actually, the roaches are quite average and disgusting, but the invasion is huge.  I'm seeing far too many of them, and I'm asphyxiating myself from Raid!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 05, 2004, 07:35:45 AM
DR Elmore,

Raid is pretty toxic. The exterminator, er, technician, coated some kind of gel down the sides of the cupboards and we haven't seen a roach since. Here are some pesticide-free recipes from the Net. I've heard good things about the Borax-sugar combo, but note the warning about toxicity.


If there are no children or pets in the home and if birds have no access to the floor, the following mixtures can be used to kill roaches.

Mix together 2 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons borax, and 1 tablespoon cocoa. Set the mixture in dishes inside cupboards and behind large appliances where animals have no access.

Mix equal parts of oatmeal, flour, and plaster of Paris. Set out in dishes.

Sprinkle Borax where roaches travel.

Set out dishes containing equal parts of granulated sugar and Borax. Roaches are attracted to sugar, and the boric acid in Borax is deadly to roaches. (Boric acid and Borax are toxic and should not be accessible to parrots and other pets. Baking soda is said to work as well as Borax.)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: DERBRUCER on December 05, 2004, 07:36:16 AM
Alright, Panni - fess up! What's paying the rent?

Quote
LAPTOP L.A. / JOEL STEIN
The New Quiz Show Scandal -- Reality Television
JOEL STEIN

December 5, 2004

We all figured some of it was fake: Joe Millionaire's slurping make-out noises, the depth of the relationship between Brigitte Nielsen and Flavor Flav, Jessica Simpson's breasts. And "reality" was always a misnomer for shows that involve Donald Trump or people on desert islands. But these shows purporting to be unadulterated documentaries are unreal in a more obvious way: They are secretly crafted in advance by writers. And I've got the entertainment equivalent of the Pentagon Papers to prove it. Maybe more like the equivalent of the photo with President Bush holding the fake Thanksgiving turkey in Iraq, but still, they are definitely papers.

Many of the shows that supposedly follow the real lives of real people are really scripted by real writers, many of whom were unemployed because their sitcoms got replaced by reality programs. So reality shows are just sitcoms starring good-looking people instead of hot actresses and the fat, ugly guys who play their husbands. That's why they're 50% more entertaining.

Through sources I cannot reveal but would definitely not go to jail to protect, I got hold of a 19-page, single-spaced outline of an upcoming episode of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." Every moment is planned in advance, including a few specific lines for the straight guy to deliver, which Bravo says is not unusual for any reality show. It's something that people in Hollywood know and think is no big deal. Like Mike Ovitz.


Above extracted from the LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/commentary/la-op-stein5dec05,0,1138661.story) by:

der ever-suspicious Brucer

Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: elmore3003 on December 05, 2004, 07:40:38 AM
DRDIT, thanks for the tips.  I've been using boric acid, but I'll try a few of the others.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: DERBRUCER on December 05, 2004, 07:49:30 AM
Actually, the roaches are quite average and disgusting, but the invasion is huge.  I'm seeing far too many of them, and I'm asphyxiating myself from Raid!

At the risk of being a real sh party pooper, I could observe that unless the surrounds of your apartment are treated as well, all your efforts* are futile - the roaches will win!

der bearing-of-sad-tidings Brucer

* or in BK talk: "all you efforts"  (See WB: p. 48, 7 lines from the bottom)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 05, 2004, 08:23:28 AM
(My last roach post of the day)

DR Elmore,

Don't ever be discouraged (a Milk and Honey reference). Not entirely futile - it's worth making the effort (i.e., getting a technician in). A neighbor on an upper floor has them, but I've been roach free for a couple of years. One more hint. Roach eggs can find a home under your shoes - so clean them off as much as possible before stepping inside your apartment.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 08:40:42 AM
A thinking of Danise joke:der Brucer

Gee, Dear Uncle der Brucer, all this time I thought I was so mean that Heaven didn't WANT me and the Devil was afraid I'd take over!   ;D

Morning all!

As we speak, BK is winging his way to NYC!  Safe trip!  

For you Babylon 5 fans, I received an e-mail from Deep Discount DVD and found that CRUSADE-COMPLETE SERIES is to be released on 12/7/05!!  

Roaches, I hate them!  We are have a real problem with them as well.  Ever since they tore down the house next store (the one that sat empty for so many months) we can't seem to get RID of them.  

I tried the boric acid stuff already and spray and the sound thing (that does NOT work).  I will have to try your other "recipes", Dan-in-Toronto.

I have to say that my dream machine has been working overtime because I have had some really wild dreams the last couple of nights.  Some really off the wall but so real!  

I died in one of them--it was a future, action/adventure/movie type dream.  I was a hero so it was ok.  Something to do with holding a door so some others could go on to save the day.  Well, somebody had to hold it! I held it for as long as I could but the bad guys got in and well...  
Glad to say they were to late and the world was saved so I didn't die in vain.

Then I had some kind of audition dream--I wish you could have seen some of the acts!  It was sooo funny!

I wonder what puts those kind of things in your head.  I'm thinking I was so tired that my brain was trying to make things interesting so I would stay asleep to see what happened.   ;)





Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 05, 2004, 09:00:32 AM
DR Danise,

You were asking about seedless pomegranates. They really are seedy - though the grapelike seeds inside the juicy red seeds are smallish and softish. I got mine at Loblaws, our answer to Winn-Dixie and Publix.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 09:04:09 AM
Michael Shayne I enjoyed reading the links for John Ashley and Deborah Walley.  Thank you.

JRand ah, THE UGLY BUG BALL, ;D now I will have to TIVO the movie and catch it next time is plays.  The nice thing about TIVO is the speed one can fast forward the movie.

Bruce I hope you had a good flight to NY.  At least you can fly non-stop from L.A.

Jose I’m looking forward to reading about your brunch with Edwina.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 09:06:44 AM
Last night I kept going in to our bathroom and looking at the beautiful new counter  top  :D which was very stupid of me.  The fresh chemicals used to put it in made me sick and now I feel as if I have a cold.

TCB are you ageing backwards?  ;) I don’t see a group photo.  Where did it go?

George, Keith didn’t think about it either until I put the DVD in.  For some reason he thought I would know better. ;D

Elmore-yuck. Good getting rid of roaches vibes.

Off to walk Echo but first I had better bundle up, it’s cold out there.

Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:08:33 AM
Alright, Panni - fess up! What's paying the rent?

My sugar daddy, Donald Trump.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:10:48 AM
It's raining this morning in the City of Studio. Very cozy late last night listening to the rain falling on the roof outside my window.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 09:11:55 AM
Have a safe and good walk, Jane!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:16:48 AM
Here's a picture I forgot to post yesterday of the winging bk signing a book (for DR Jay, I believe).
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:19:37 AM
And Jane, ages ago you asked for a photo of my new rug. Well, the corner of it is in this pic. It's not an exciting rug, but looks good in the space. A nice warm color. Abie finds it relaxing.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 09:19:48 AM
RE SUMMER MAGIC. I haven't seen it since I was a kid. Back then, I liked almost everything I saw, but I remember leaving the theater thinking decidedly that the film wasn't up to the best of Hayley Mills from previous Disney epics. It was a slight letdown, and I've never tried to find it on TV or on video. However, I would like to give it another chance as a adult and see if I like it any better.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 09:20:36 AM
Thanks for the info provided after I went to bed last night about the late, beautiful John Ashley.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 09:21:00 AM
Off to our matinee. Will post later today.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 09:23:26 AM
I have to say, DR Panni, that Dear Dog Abie is one the most relaxed dogs I've ever seen.    :D

Break a leg, DR Matt!

Dan-in-Toronto, I still like to try one of those.  I'll have to ask around.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 09:45:47 AM
Good Afternoon!

What an amazing day it is here in Richmond.  The sun is out.  The sky is blue.  The temp is in the upper 50s - may even break 60 later on.  I even have the front screen door "open" to get some fresh air circulating in the apartment.

It took a few extra moments to fall asleep last night since every little rustle or squeak I heard sounded like a mouse to me.  Who knows?  It might have been, but I did finally make it to bed, and I slept rather well.  Almost too well.  I had wanted to get up right at 9:30 to head over to brunch, but instead I looked at the clock at 9:30, and then stayed in bed until about 10:15.  Then I got up, got dressed and headed over to Sidewalk...
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 05, 2004, 09:48:35 AM
DR Danise,

Another thing about the seedless pomegranates. The skin is more a blushing golden than the customary red.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 09:56:51 AM
I must go now and watch the end of THE TERMINAL.
Is it just me, or is this sentence self-redundant?

 ::)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 10:04:19 AM
(Boric acid and Borax are toxic and should not be accessible to parrots and other pets. Baking soda is said to work as well as Borax.)
In other words, with baking soda the roaches burp themselves to death?

 :P
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 10:16:24 AM
Oh, bother.  I just looked up the weather forcast for NYC tomorrow.  Looks like it's bundle weather.
Quote
Monday: Cloudy with rain and snow. High 44F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 70%.
Monday night: Light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low 42F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
So bring the 'brollys and heavy coats, and we can all make sure our esteemed BK keeps warm by giving him warm hugs.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 10:18:59 AM
When I got to Sidewalk, the line for a free table wasn't too long, but since I was just there by myself, I was able to grab one of the two-tops that run down the middle of the restaurant.  -Everyone usually waits for a booth.  I grabbed a few sections of the Sunday paper off the bar, and started reading about the current local Arts scene while my coffee and water were brought to me...

I did order the Eggs Edwina - which I think I incorrectly described previously.  From the plate up: toasted English muffin, grilled tomato slices, thick cut bacon, fried eggs, melted fontina cheese; with breakfast potatoes on the side.  YUM!  In any case...

I'm so glad I was able to be here today - and more thankful I didn't end up sleeping through this morning.  Edwina and her daughter, Marissa, were manning the fort when I came in, and the brunch bartender finally walked in a few minutes later.  So, the service was a little off, but not really in bad way.  One of the other (off-duty, not on the schedule) kitchen guys was having brunch at the bar, and he ended pitching in getting people seated and bussing tables when needed.  I almost got up a few times myself, but Edwina and Marissa would somehow always manage to catch the attention of those who are looking for it. ;)

I didn't notice Edwina when I first got there - I guess she was running around back in the kitchen.  After a couple of minutes, someone came up behind me and gave me a big hug.  Hmm...  I was thinking it was one of my friends... And, lo and behold, it was.  It was Edwina.  She asked how I was doing, and where I had been since I hadn't been in a while.  Even her daughter had been wondering where I was.  So, I filled her in on LA and Houston, and my current and upcoming gigs.

"I'm so proud of you."

-And that's when the misty eyes first started up...

As I was eating, and as she was taking care of the other tables, we talked more and more.  She was supposed to have the knee surgery back in August, but due to blood pressure issues, they had to push it back to December.  Tomorrow in fact!  She'll be out of the hospital on Friday, and then it's six months of rest, recovery and physical therapy.

One of the ladies who was waiting at the bar heard us talking, and Edwina took that opportunity to tell her and her friends about our "history".  How's it been 18 years that we've known each other.  18 years!  -Half of my life so far.  How I'm "the best pianist in the world".  How I travel here and there.  How she would "make" me was dishes sometimes back at Stella's.  Some of my career highlights so far.  And how she considers me one of her "babies".

That was round two of the misty eyes...

-Oh, and I, of course, informed them how most of Marissa's wardrobe and orthodontic work was "paid" by me through my tips.  ;)

As I finished up, Edwina came by for another hug, and since I remembered to bring my camera, we got a nice pic taken together.  -My first pic of Edwina.  -And once I find the USB cable for my camera, I'll get the pic posted here on HHW.  And I also made sure to get Edwina's address and phone numbers.  -She is definitely getting a Christmas card from me this year!

After paying the check, I made sure to get up and meet Edwina behind the bar for a proper hug.

"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
"I love you."
"I love you too."

That's when I started leaving so that I wouldn't break down right there in the restaurant...

"I'll see you in New York, Jose!"

And I've been sort of holding back the tears every since...
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 10:26:39 AM
So happy for you DRJOSE that you got to spend some time with Edwina today.  Lovely story.  

MRBK should be in NYC by now, I think, or maybe on the way to the hotel.  So we should hear from him soon.

DRMATTH you are correct about SUMMER MAGIC not being one of Hayley's best.....it has some wonderful moments, particularly the songs - but the it doesn't really end, it just stops - but I love the songs and everyone gives a nice performance.

Lovely rug , DRPANNI, and another nice Abie picture.  Pretty colors!

Zotz....wasn't she the middle Gabor sister?

Holly is resting as well.  Her pain medication makes her sleepy which is okay.  She lays down in front of the fireplace and s l e e e e e p s!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: elmore3003 on December 05, 2004, 10:26:56 AM
DRJose, what a great event today!  Edwina sounds wonderful,  and I hope you and she can keep in touch.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 10:34:00 AM
OH! And Santa Claus was at Sidewalk Cafe this morning too!  He was dining with Mrs. Claus, I presume (she opted to forego her traditional red and white garb this morning), along with some friends and his grand-daughter.  Who knew Santa had a grand-daughter.

As he finished up his meal, he made the rounds of the restaurant and handed out candy-canes to everyone!  I even overheard one of the young ladies at the bar confess to him that she had been bad this year.  "Well, you know, Santa likes it when you've been bad."

 :o

After Santa paid his check - no free-meals for Ole St. Nick! - he headed outside and got on his sleigh.  Well, more like his motorcycle!  He put a helmet on his grand-daughter, put her on the "back seat" and they drove off down Main Street.

And that, my friends, marked the official start of the Christmas Season!

 ;D
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Noel on December 05, 2004, 10:47:17 AM
"I got hold of a 19-page, single-spaced outline of an upcoming episode of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." Every moment is planned in advance, including a few specific lines for the straight guy to deliver, which Bravo says is not unusual for any reality show. It's something that people in Hollywood know and think is no big deal."
der ever-suspicious Brucer

I think a check of the archives will show that I said this same thing months and months ago.

And, not to turn a humorous post serious, but I'd think WGA members like Panni and Pogue would be up in arms about this.  It's a typical labor-management struggle.  Management (in this case, TV networks) feel they're paying too much money to union writers.  So, they figure out how to put out a product that doesn't use union writers (or, in the Queer Eye case, any writer who gets a credit).

To be clear, I'm not saying that reality shows should have been covered under a union agreement.  Instead of putting a fictional (that is, "written") drama or comedy on the air, the networks are churning out so-called "reality" shows, where they can satisfy the public's demand for entertainment without paying those Union rates.

And don't feel bad if you're in the audience.  It has little to do with you.  Queer Eye is my favorite of the "reality" shows, and DW Joy keeps threatening to submit me for it.

Actually, at one point, she complained I'm not black enough for her: that black culture - in dress, music, the way I move, interior decoration and food - had completely eluded me.  I had to agree, and was willing to submit myself to the TV show that would make me over under the tutelage of five fabulous African-Americans.

I chickened out when I learned the show's title: Black Eye for the White Guy.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 10:57:17 AM
Hmm... I don't think BK gets into New York until sometime around 3:00 or 4:00 this afternoon.  If his plane left at 8:00am PST, then... The "math" always confuses me... However, I think he did post that his arrival time would be sometime this afternoon EST... I think...

Now I just need to think what I'm going to do with the rest of my day.  Lots of things I should get done.  Lots of things I need to get done.  Just a matter of prioritizing.  However, I have a feeling I'll just be taking care of things as I come across them.

Unfortunately, it does look like I won't be heading up to NYC tomorrow even though I would like to.  The thought of commuting eight to twelve hours tomorrow before an 11-hour rehearsal day is just not a thought I'd like to think about.  Please know that I'll be there in spirit, and I'm sure one of the H/K's will pass on my hugs by proxy.  Alas, if BK must bitch-slap me with a wet noodle the next time we meet in person, so be it.

In the meantime, I'll be playing a few hours of auditions for the upcoming production of Big River up at Ford's.  They're auditioning locals for the incoming Theatre Deaf West production that's coming in the spring.  Then it's most likely a few hours of keyboard programming.. Then...

Well, I have some stuff to attend to in the kitchen.. I'll be checking in between tasks... I hope.  -Meaning, I hope I get some tasks done, not that I hope I'll be checking in.

 :)



;)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 11:00:09 AM
DRNOEL were you able to find a good deal on your airplane ticket?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 11:08:58 AM

Panni the color of your rug warms up the room and goes nicely with the beautiful throw blanket Abie is on.  Is that only a blanket or do I also see a matching throw pillow?  BTW, Abie looks sweet when he sleeps.  What does he look like when he is running? :)

Jose your story of today with Edwina has me all teary eyed.

JRand I suppose sleep is the best thing for Holly while she recovers.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 11:10:55 AM
OH! And Santa Claus was at Sidewalk Cafe this morning too!  He was dining with Mrs. Claus, I presume (she opted to forego her traditional red and white garb this morning), along with some friends and his grand-daughter.  Who knew Santa had a grand-daughter.
And the reason you thought Mrs. Claus was still a virgin after all these years is...???

Quote
As he finished up his meal, he made the rounds of the restaurant and handed out candy-canes to everyone!  I even overheard one of the young ladies at the bar confess to him that she had been bad this year.  "Well, you know, Santa likes it when you've been bad."
Which explains his jolly "Ho-ho-ho," if you ask me!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 11:15:58 AM
MBarnum I just read the interesting article on Cal Bolder.  Is there a link for your other article?  It was  also a reminder for me to pick up THE LAST REUNION so I can read it after WRITER’S BLOCK.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 11:21:54 AM
One of Echo’s symptoms is her back right leg drags.  As it became progressively worse we purchased little booties in anticipation of the day her toe nail would become worn down to the point of bleeding.  Today she needed to wear the bootie for the first time.  

I couldn’t stop laughing during our walk as she sounded like a horse with only one horse shoe.  Eventually the toe nail will grow back and hopefully we will be able to walk without the bootie.  If not she did surprisingly well with it and didn’t seem to mind.  She has been amazingly good through all of this.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: MBarnum on December 05, 2004, 11:32:51 AM
MBarnum I just read the interesting article on Cal Bolder.  Is there a link for your other article?  It was  also a reminder for me to pick up THE LAST REUNION so I can read it after WRITER’S BLOCK.

Thanks for checking out the interview, Jane! There won't be a link for the entire interview as it will appear in the magazine Filmfax, which is not on-line...it you would find at your local Borders or Barnes and Noble bookstore.

But do get Cal's book...it is very good! I was quite amazed that he was such a talented writer. Unfortunately due to his going through chemo right now I think his second book has not been finished yet.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: MBarnum on December 05, 2004, 11:34:08 AM
I did also notice that on Horror-wood.com they referred to Cal Bolder as Cal Boulder...I e-mailed them to see if they could correct it. I haven't told Cal about the interview being up yet as I didn't want him to see the misspelling!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 11:54:45 AM
MBarnum I actually meant your article in Scarlet Street on Peggy Webber.  I went back and re-read my question-oops, I didn't state that fact.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 11:55:48 AM
I think I might be about to put us into Cinerama, or at the very least, VistaVision.  If so, I will correct.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 12:03:28 PM
In the "will he ever shut up about her?" department:

Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 12:05:02 PM
This article just came out a couple of days ago.  It ran in several regional newspapers around Portland.  I've already gotten quite a few cryptic emails from people, LOL.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 12:37:01 PM
I've already gotten quite a few cryptic emails from people, LOL.
Letter substitution, or just strange?   ::)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: MBarnum on December 05, 2004, 12:38:40 PM
DRJane, likewise with the Peggy Webber interview. That one is not on-line either, just in print in the magazine Scarlet Street...which also can be purchased at finer book stores! LOL!

JMK, which Portland publications printed your Frances Farmer article?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 05, 2004, 12:48:22 PM
DR JMK,

Is there a link to the compete article?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 01:09:18 PM
Off to a  board meeting of the theatre group.  Whew!  Back later!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: TCB on December 05, 2004, 01:15:43 PM
Jane, Ann has the group photo on her phone.  She needs to adjust the lighting (and hopefully retouch my youthful face).  Hopefully she will post it in the next few days.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 01:20:24 PM
Good Afternoon!

Just taking a brief break right now from my puttering around the kitchen.  I got the dishes washed, and then I started checking out what was "hiding" in the cupboards.  And there was a lot of stuff hiding.  I threw out a bunch expired and VERY expired items, plus anything that had been opened but that I couldn't remember when it was opened.  I even cleaned out some of the stuff from my roommate's side of cupboard.  "Hmm, this can is bulging...".

I've been spending the past few minutes checking out the meaning of the various packing codes that are one various canned goods on their manufacturer's websites.  Unfortunately, most of the sites don't provide that much information, except for the general "if kept under ideal conditions, product can be stored for years."  Hmm.. I just want to know how many years is meant by "years".  Well, I guess the next time I open something up, I'll be able to tell.

I know the quality of canned goods can and will degrade over time, but, supposedly, the goods should still be edible.  Eh...  Any advice, opions, comments from the peanut gallery?

OK.  Back to the kitchen...

Laters...
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 01:25:23 PM
Panni the color of your rug warms up the room and goes nicely with the beautiful throw blanket Abie is on.  Is that only a blanket or do I also see a matching throw pillow?  BTW, Abie looks sweet when he sleeps.  What does he look like when he is running? :)

Yes, that's a matching pillow. The two were a great bargain on Sale at Pier 1. I decided to get another throw for the guest room, but by the time I went back they were all sold out. No wonder.
Abie looks sweet when running, too. He's a great runner. Long legs.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 01:41:59 PM
Back and glad to be home for the evening. Looking forward to watching CINDERELLA (Julie Andrews) this evening on a local PBS station and then watching LOST and MEDICAL INVESTIGATION from my DVR.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 01:48:10 PM
 

                        BK UPDATE

bk has arrived in NY!  He reports that the traffic is - surprise - terrible as he makes his way from JFK to his hotel. He will, of course, post a full On Location report once he gets into his room.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 01:49:55 PM
Is anyone going to watch THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PETER SELLERS tonight?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 02:07:48 PM
Unfortunately this paper is not online, so, no, there's no link.  I didn't even know it was out until I got the first strange email the other day.  This morning at my church gig someone had brought in a copy.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 02:13:48 PM
And a slight clarification:  the article is not a reprint of my web article, it's about me, my rather peculiar obsession, and my web article.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 02:20:04 PM
Good Afternoon!  Again!

Meal break: Well, I guess since I had brunch at 11:00, I should get something else into my stomach by now.  (Cereal with soy milk.)

I'd watch "Cinderella" tonight, but it's not being shown in Richmond tonight.  Instead, they're in fund-raising mode, and they're showing some "Get Down With Disco" program.  Hmm...  I haven't checked their listings, but I have a feeling they probably aren't broadcasting "Cinderella" since they tend to NOT carry a bunch of the nationally distributed programs.  However, their sister radio station manages to squeeze many of the NPR and PRI programs into their schedule.  Ah, well...

So.. I will probably end up watching the Peter Sellers movie.  There was a very good interview with Geoffrey Rush on the radio station yesterday, and the whole approach to the movie sounds very interesting.

I'll just have to see how my cleaning and packing - yes, I have to pack again! - goes tonight.  Then I have to decide whether to head back up to Fairfax tonight or tomorrow morning.

Oh.. And for those who care... Boy is it easy to tell when a bottle of oil has gone rancid!  -Does vinegar, balsamic in particular, have a shelf life?  We somehow have six bottles of the stuff here.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 02:22:53 PM
Oh!  Sort of random thought...

Just what effect will the fact that the day after Christmas is a Sunday have on those after Christmas sales?  Will stores still open ridiculously early?  Or will there be quite the stampeded at 11:00am and Noon?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 02:28:40 PM
Oh!  Sort of random thought...

Just what effect will the fact that the day after Christmas is a Sunday have on those after Christmas sales?  Will stores still open ridiculously early?  Or will there be quite the stampeded at 11:00am and Noon?

I suppose that not opening at all on the day after Christmas is not an option? You wouldn't catch me in a store the day after Christmas if you paid me!
The other day I was talking to woman with 10 grandchildren. She said her family knows that if they don't get holiday requests in before Thanksgiving, they get a card and a check, but no real present. Her rule is not to set foot in a store  from Thanksgiving until after Christmas. Smart.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 02:31:18 PM
I am dreading the Christmas Eve Mass I need to play at my church gig at 6:00 p.m.  It's a Friday (obviously, as indicated above! :) ), and I need to drive by Portland's biggest mall to get to work.  I'm seriously considering getting there by 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon and just hanging out so that I don't have to battle traffic.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: TCB on December 05, 2004, 02:48:54 PM
I suppose that not opening at all on the day after Christmas is not an option? You wouldn't catch me in a store the day after Christmas if you paid me!
The other day I was talking to woman with 10 grandchildren. She said her family knows that if they don't get holiday requests in before Thanksgiving, they get a card and a check, but no real present. Her rule is not to set foot in a store  from Thanksgiving until after Christmas. Smart.

Panni, although I agree with that woman about staying away from the Mall; it does point up one problem I have with what has happened to the spirit of giving at Christmas.  It used to be, that I loved taking the time to find what I thought was the perfect gift for everyone on my list.  Now, the people on my list give me lists of what they want to receive for Christmas, sometimes even marked with what gifts have already been spoken for by other relatives and friends -- like a wedding registry.

So much for the real reason for giving gifts!
[/size]
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 03:07:27 PM
Well, I can't argue with you, TCB. You're quite right.
(Oh - and I'd like a fur-lined Burberry vest, please. Size 2 Petite. And matching gloves. And a toque.)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 03:08:53 PM
I'm looking out the window as I write and people are walking slightly hunched over. It must be cold out there. I know it's wet.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 03:13:55 PM
I can't remember if I fed Abie this morning! Isn't that terrible? He keeps going over to where I keep his food and staring at it. I was sort of on auto-pilot early this morning, so I have no idea if I did or not. Don't want to feed him too early, in case I DID feed him; but don't want to starve the poor beast, in case I DIDN'T.  Another 45 minutes or so, and it's a legit early suppertime for him. I'll just have to ignore the soulful glances until then.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 03:15:06 PM
Quite a Panni frenzy. Has no one else got anything to say around here?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 03:16:23 PM
Well, I can't argue with you, TCB. You're quite right.
(Oh - and I'd like a fur-lined Burberry vest, please. Size 2 Petite. And matching gloves. And a toque.)

Size 2 Petite.  Please.  I might be able get my little finger in that size.   :D
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 03:22:54 PM
Just getting around to reading the Sunday ads errr paper.  

I see that POTO is here.  Gary Mauer plays Eric.  Has anyone seen him?  Is he a good Phantom?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: TCB on December 05, 2004, 03:23:59 PM
Size 2 Petite.  Please.  I might be able get my little finger in that size.   :D

Thank you for the lovely cards, Danise!  Obviously you are far more organized than I am this year.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: bk on December 05, 2004, 03:26:07 PM
I'm finally at the hotel and settled in.  The flight was fine, albeit a bit late in getting started for reasons that will be explained in tomorrow's notes (the first part of which I wrote on location from the actual plane during the actual flight).  My room is lovely, I'm hooked up to the high-speed Internet and I've had my warm Doubletree Welcome Cookie (at these prices there should have been two Welcome Cookies - there used to be two in the old days when the rooms were cheaper).  The weather is most excellent here in New York, New York.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 03:28:50 PM
Your welcome, TCB.  I'm glad you liked them

BK, glad to know you made it safe and sound.  Is there snow there?  If so, pictures please!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 03:31:26 PM
I didn't mean it that way.  Pictures, please, with or without snow.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 03:38:34 PM
Okay - the little tyke downstairs is starting to get on my nerves. The noise from downstairs is unbelievable today. Loud music, screaming, slamming, running around like crazy. It's actually not his fault - he's a kid - but, really, his parents should be aware of the fact that other people (ME!) live in this building. What do I do is the question?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 03:41:07 PM
I've had my warm Doubletree Welcome Cookie (at these prices there should have been two Welcome Cookies -

I would say a TRAY of Welcome Cookies - a large tray - would be more in order.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 03:41:11 PM
Is anyone going to watch THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PETER SELLERS tonight?

We don't have HBO.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 03:48:04 PM
And you KNOW I have to ask the $54.00 question:  Does the bathroom have a bathtub?  

I fear that will be yardstick that will measure all hotel rooms from now on.

As for the kid yelling.  I have no reference point.  I've never had that problem.  Speak to the parents is the best advise I can offer.  
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: bk on December 05, 2004, 03:58:48 PM
Dan-in-Toronto's review is up and is lovely.  Read it.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 04:02:18 PM
Bruce did you ask for an extra cookie on the grounds of hunger and stress getting there?  It always works for me.  ;D
Family members and family pets dying got me stacks of cookies.  That was getting them the hard way.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 04:02:50 PM
Jose I would think there will be more people than usual at those sales, unless Sunday football, which I know nothing about, keeps them home.  I know our son is trying to get the early morning shift off so he can come home for Christmas.

JMK which is the largest mall in Portland?


Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 04:05:48 PM
I think the people downstairs are HHW lurkers. The minute I posted about the noise, it stopped. Hallelujah!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 04:06:43 PM
Time to feed and walk the Abester. Is this his first meal today? We'll never know.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 04:07:01 PM
There isn't supposed to be any snow in NYC until tomorrow.  I'm sure there will be lots of pictures taken.  We might even get pictures of people taking pictures!

We've got our travel arrangements made, from the ferry to Cape May on up, with a supply of muffins and sodas to sate us.  I've still got to swap CDs in the car, but that shouldn't take long.  And Fletcher will be dropped off early tomorrow for his kenneling, with extra treats ready to be packed.

Other than getting some laundry done, all I've got left to do is fix dinner.  Tonight we're feasting on Bambi Stroganoff!   8)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: elmore3003 on December 05, 2004, 04:09:35 PM
Okay - the little tyke downstairs is starting to get on my nerves. The noise from downstairs is unbelievable today. Loud music, screaming, slamming, running around like crazy. It's actually not his fault - he's a kid - but, really, his parents should be aware of the fact that other people (ME!) live in this building. What do I do is the question?

Kids in comas cause no problems.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 04:10:35 PM
This afternoon we saw SIDEWAYS.  Jay should see this and give one of his brilliant reviews.  I will simply say we are expecting this film to pick up several Academy nominations.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: elmore3003 on December 05, 2004, 04:11:57 PM
I put off laundry until tonight, so I had to turn my dear friend BK down for Joe Allen tonight.  It was great to hear his voice and to know he's back in this neck of the woods.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: bk on December 05, 2004, 04:12:27 PM
I have heard both yay and nay on Sideways.  In a few brief moments I shall be on my way to our very own Joe Allen for the first time in a year-and-a-half, when we did the Jeepers Creepers album.  I shall be meeting dear lurker Iris, whom I met in LA at What If, along with whoever else deigns to show up.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 04:13:15 PM
Kids in comas cause no problems.

I was going to suggest something along those lines but I was afraid to.   :)

Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 04:13:27 PM
Der Brucer is happy.  I just bought us some fresh nutmegs, and now he can properly garnish his egg nog.  Amazing how the fresh stuff can spoil one from the pre-ground stuff.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 04:13:56 PM
But, BK,  what about my $54.00 question?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: elmore3003 on December 05, 2004, 04:16:04 PM
This afternoon we saw SIDEWAYS.  Jay should see this and give one of his brilliant reviews.  I will simply say we are expecting this film to pick up several Academy nominations.

I really want to see this.  After DRPennyO and I saw TEAM AMERICA, I suggested we this next.  Soon, I hope.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: S. Woody White on December 05, 2004, 04:16:25 PM
Panni: It sounds to me like your neighbor's kid needs a pet.  I suggest a kitty-cat.  A puma should do the trick.

 :o
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 04:19:52 PM
SIDEWAYS received a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and there were multiple reviews expressing their opinion Paul Giamatti should win the Oscar.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 04:21:27 PM
SWW after using fresh nutmeg I wondered how I ever liked the ground stuff in the jar.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 04:26:37 PM
Jane, Washington Square is the biggest mall in this neck of the woods (not to be confused with the Washington Square in BK's neck, or possibly elbow, of the woods.

BeeGee rang the doorbell to come in again this morning.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Ann on December 05, 2004, 04:46:43 PM
Good afternoon all

DR Jed and I did indeed see our dear cyberfather in Scrooge last night, and I can honestly say that our dear dad stole the show.  And a marathon show it was for him...barely a minute to rest during the whole 2 hour show.  If, as he said, it was second-show-slump type performance, I can only imagine what it was like on Friday night.  It was a good community production, by community production standards, with TCB a stand out talent within it.  I can hardly wait for the next production we get to see him in...and I was very glad to again get a chance to hear him sing in this one.  I last heard him in Oliver, and I was blown away then, and still am.  My deepest sympathies, though, to him and the entire cast...no one should be made to do a show to canned music *shudder*


Here, as promised, is the pic I took of us on my phone.  It is a cell-phone quality pic, of course...but it came out rather well.  
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 05:05:47 PM
JMK are you teaching BeeGee other tricks?  He is so smart.  A good one I taught Echo is too “pick up” which is how she knew to hunt for and find my cell phone in the fields.  On second thought with young children in the house that might be a problem.  Echo often finds things to “pick up” so she can have a treat, such as paper from the trash and pot holders hanging on a hook.  

Ann, thank you for the photo and the review. :D
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: MBarnum on December 05, 2004, 05:06:38 PM
Jed, TCB, and Ann...you all look dashing, dapper, and beautiful, respectively! Very nice picture and glad that you were able to see each other!

Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: MBarnum on December 05, 2004, 05:08:13 PM
For some reason whenever I take a nap now-a-days I tend to "nap" for 2 hours! Thus I closed my eyes on the couch at 3pm and awoke to darkenss at 5pm...I hate that (although it felt good to nap).
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 05:22:32 PM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]AAAARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH[/move][/font][/color]

This priceless moment brought to you by eBay.

DR Jane, BeeGee already "picks up" items he shouldn't, including Legos, manuscript paper, Betsy's beret, etc., etc.  What he needs work on is "letting go again."
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 05:24:46 PM
Jed, TCB, and Ann...you all look dasing, dapper, and beautiful, respectively! Very nice picture and glad that you were able to see each other!

Well, lest I make myself into a fool like I did here many moons ago when I questioned the word "divoon," (silly me, I had never heard it before), I won't say it's not a word.  But, DRMB, what is "dasing"?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 05:25:42 PM
I got it!! It's Savion Glover's follow up musical, "Bring in Da Sing!"
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: PennyO on December 05, 2004, 05:27:37 PM
Hello folks!

Last night I saw Baltimore Waltz over at Signatures. Very well done, very interesting play... and I accosted the Press Guy and asked for his digits, since i am quite hard up for a press rep, with march 16 hurtling toward me.. and Jose. Tix go on sale Friday! I'm stoked!

And can't wait to meet and greet the mob at the bk book signing tomorrow. I'll leave my BMI workshop early, and probably get down there by 8 or so. I'm stoked!

What a lovely day it was here today - I didn't get out until after 4 - but noticed said lovely day from the window, as I was deciding what to take with me to LA and what to leave for when I come back in January. Long busy day tomorrow, longer, busier one on Tuesday. Then just sit on my duff for a few hours on Wednesday, hang out in the Chicago airport for a couple of hours, and sit on my duff again to LA. Oy. I'd rather have a busy day.

But i do bring my tarot cards with me on flights, and do readings on various topics. Maybe I'll bring a book...

Okay, helped the old couple I'm staying with trim their tree today. That was a lovely warm fun time. Now I'm hittin' the rack for my BIG DAY tomorrow. Jose, we'll miss you!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Danise on December 05, 2004, 05:34:04 PM
Lovely picture, Ann.  I'm glad some of us were able to share DR TCB's performance.  I just some of us could be there for you others.  
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 05:36:57 PM
Penny I wish us both good weather on Tuesday.  I don't want to be snowed in on my birthday and you need to take only one day to get home.

Did you get the press guy to work for you?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 05:38:08 PM
JMK do you know how to teach a dog the word "leave"?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 05:57:27 PM
I was only joking, Jane.  BeeGee knows "drop" and usually complies.

OOOOOHHHHH.  I'm so excited.  I just found some laser dreidels that I've been looking for for two years.  Just ordered 4 of them and hopefully they'll be here before Channukah is over.  We love to turn out all the lights and spin them--they do these really cool light shows and play The Dreidel Song and Tziv vi Fon (sp?).
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jay on December 05, 2004, 06:01:35 PM
This afternoon we saw SIDEWAYS.  Jay should see this and give one of his brilliant reviews.  I will simply say we are expecting this film to pick up several Academy nominations.

Back on November 14 I posted bullet reviews of a number of films I had seen in the previous week.  At that time, I said:

Quote
Sideways:  Lovers of fine wine and poignant small-scale character-driven comedy/drama should run to see this film.  My kind of movie.  This and Garden State are probably the two best films I've seen yet this year.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 06:07:33 PM
JMK I have never seen a laser dreidel- cool.

If you say “leave” first you don’t need to say “drop” after the item has teeth marks and/or slobber on it. ;D
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 06:19:31 PM
Garden State only received 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and while I enjoyed Garden State very much I agree Sidways is a superior movie.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JMK on December 05, 2004, 06:19:57 PM
JMK I have never seen a laser dreidel- cool.

If you say “leave” first you don’t need to say “drop” after the item has teeth marks and/or slobber on it. ;D


We find screaming "Touch it and you're dead" in a high, shrieking voice also works.  (Joke--kind of).
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 06:20:45 PM
Good Evening!

Well, I'm done packing for now.  As long as I have my "pit blacks" packed, I'm all set for the week.  I'll be back Sunday night, so if I've forgotten anything, then I can pack some more stuff then.  I also pruned and watered my plants.  Cleaned the kitchen.  Cleaned out the kitchen cupboards.  Cleaned out the stuff in the fridge that needed cleaning out.  "Hmm.. This yogurt expird back on the 26th... Of March!?!?!?!"  I even sorted through two baskets of clothes in my bedroom.  Unfortunately, the reason I had to sort through all those clothes was because I noticed some "evidence" of the mice in the basket as I was pulling out clothes to bring up to DC.  So...  All sorted now, and when I get back next week, I'll put everything in the washer and dryer and then give most of them away to one of the local thrift stores.  -Most of the clothes are too big for me now :D -which is why they're in baskets and not in my dresser and closet.  -Too bad I didn't get in this sorting and cleaning mode a few weeks ago.  Ah, well... It will give me something to do on my day off.  Hmmm... "Something to do on my day off"

Well, let me get my stuff together and loaded in the car...

Laters from Fairfax...

*Oh, and I'm guessing the Notes will go up at Midnight EST tonight?  N'est-ce pas?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 06:32:40 PM
JMK-LOL

Jose have a good trip back to Fairfax.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jane on December 05, 2004, 06:50:13 PM
Time for me to sign off.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: MBarnum on December 05, 2004, 07:06:17 PM
Well, lest I make myself into a fool like I did here many moons ago when I questioned the word "divoon," (silly me, I had never heard it before), I won't say it's not a word.  But, DRMB, what is "dasing"?

Why JMK, whatever do you mean??  ::)

(I do believe I need to edit! LOL!)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 07:07:08 PM
BK is at Joe Allen's - I would imagine the joint is jumping!

Didn't DRNOEL have a show today....GENERATION F'CKD?

That disco show is on here right now.  KC and the Sunshine Band are singing.  OH my....

Great picture DRANN - everyone looks so happy.  I love it when friends come to shows!

I don't know from any NEW movies.  I don't go very much.  Maybe I will see something this week.

I love the idea of BeeGee ringing the doorbell.  I wish I could find that New Yorker cartoon.  DRGEORGE does that CD have an index of any type?

I also got a better picture of my cousin Lana whom I talked about yesterday.  I will scan it and post it.

Yes, pictures......we must have pictures.

Have a safe trip, DRJOSE.....Hallelujah, Baby!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 07:07:51 PM
Have a great evening, everyone!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 07:31:33 PM
Let the Frenzy begin:
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 07:32:26 PM
<SNIP>
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
"I love you."
"I love you too."

That's when I started leaving so that I wouldn't break down right there in the restaurant...

"I'll see you in New York, Jose!"  

And I've been sort of holding back the tears every since...

That's a very sweet story, Jose!  You two really must have been very special to each other! :)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 07:33:16 PM
Back and glad to be home for the evening. Looking forward to watching CINDERELLA (Julie Andrews) this evening on a local PBS station....

The Seattle PBS station isn't showing this until Wednesday, December 22!!  How rude! >:(  Does anyone know when the DVD's going to be released?  I'm too lazy to look it up myself. ::)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 07:34:22 PM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]AAAARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH[/move][/size][/font][/color]

This priceless moment brought to you by eBay.

DR Jane, BeeGee already "picks up" items he shouldn't, including Legos, manuscript paper, Betsy's beret, etc., etc.  What he needs work on is "letting go again."

My sister taught her dog Murphy to "drop it."  If she can get a hold of whatever it is that he's got in his mouth, she gently pulls on it and says to him, "drop it" and eventually he does...very slobbery, of course. :P
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 07:35:59 PM
I wish I could find that New Yorker cartoon.  DRGEORGE does that CD have an index of any type?

Not an index per se, just a decade list, then a year-by-year list.  You (or I, since I actually have the discs) can search for text within the .pdf files.  However, I started the search before I posted my first post at 7:31 and it's taking longer that I thought...it's still searching through the first disc!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 07:39:00 PM
Is anyone planning on watching "The Librarian: Quest for the Spear?"  I figured that since I work for a library that I should!  It sounds kind of fun.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Ginny on December 05, 2004, 07:42:38 PM
And that, my friends, marked the official start of the Christmas Season!

 ;D

My family had one of these experiences today, too.  Went to The University of Cincinnati for the College Conservatory of Music's Feast of Carols.  It was a combined concert of all the CCM groups and several guest groups, like high school choirs, etc.  The special guest performers were the Little Stars of Croatia, a delightful group of singers, ages 10-18.  Our son, a UC freshman computer science major, joined us for the concert and we were pleased to find him so relaxed as his first college final exam week begins.

Glad to hear BK arrived safely in NYC - how I wish I could be there for the signing tomorrow!  DRPanni, thanks for the photos of yesterday's event.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 07:47:36 PM
I haven't watched HBO since moving and I turned it on early in anticipation of the Sellers movie because I couldn't recall what number the channel was. Turns out all the channels have been moved, but Adelphia, in its infinite wisdom, did not leave a new lineup card to tell me this. When I finally DID locate HBO West - among all the other HBOs - it turned out to be scrambled (not poached). Which it shouldn't be, as I'm paying big bucks for it. The Adelphia woman on the phone said they would unscramble it and send it to the box ASAP. Should be fine in 15 minutes, she assured me. We shall see about that. HBE East comes in fine. But the Sellers movie is already in progress there. I'd prefer to see it from the beginning. Call me fussy.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 07:49:34 PM
My pleasure, DR Ginny.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 08:15:57 PM
No, I wasn't even tempted to watch THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PETER SELLERS. I thought he was just brilliant as an actor, but everything I've read about him paints the picture of a pretty miserable and basically unhappy human being, and I just wouldn't be interested in exploring the real man. It's enough that I love his performances so much.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Michael on December 05, 2004, 08:17:56 PM
I did something I shouldn't have done.

Tried to watch two movies at once. The Five People You Meet in Heaven and The Life and Death of Peter Sellars. ( I have read the former and liked it so much that I gave it to DR td for his birthday.) I hope that both are rerun so I can watch the uninterupted.

Though mr. rush uncanningly got Mr. Sellers. Sometimes I forgot it was Geoffrey Rush
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 08:23:17 PM
I did watch CINDERELLA tonight, and it was as I remembered seeing it several years ago at the Museum of TV and Radio. But where do these guys come off saying that the show has been lovingly and amazingly restored to some sort of new brilliance?

It looked like the EXACT same overly contrasted and artifact ridden kinescope that has been residing in the Museum for years. Nothing wrong with that; I know that's all we have, and I'm grateful we have that, but I saw NO restoration. There are lines and scratches still there. Maybe the audio has been cleaned up. My home center speaker (it was a mono broadcast) is considerably better than the three inch TV speaker coming from the Museum monitor, so the audio may or may not have been superior to that Museum tape.

Again, I don't mean to sound overly critical. It was the ads for the show that I am criticizing.

Now, how about JULIE AND CAROL AT CARNEGIE HALL?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 08:25:13 PM
And wasn't LOST an amazing episode this past week? Just got around to it tonight. Outstanding!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Matt H. on December 05, 2004, 08:25:34 PM
Nice pic of DR TCB and his two cyber-kids.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 08:27:55 PM
I was really looking forward to watching the SELLERS movie - but can't. Grrrrrr! HBO is scrambled. I got into quite a little argument with them saying that I want a full refund from the time it was installed until it's fixed. (Nov. 16 to next Friday). This was the first time I'd attempted to watch and it didn't work. The woman said that she can only credit me from the time I called - because for all they know it was working. The logic of that escapes me. I pointed out to her that if I bought a car and didn't drive it for a year, when i got into it after 12 months, I would assume it worked. If it didn't I would take it back. The logic of this escaped HER. So I told her that if management refused to give me a full refund for the entire period, they should call me and I would discuss switching to Direct TV. Ughhh.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 08:33:06 PM
Zotz....wasn't she the middle Gabor sister?

Holly is resting as well.  Her pain medication makes her sleepy which is okay.  She lays down in front of the fireplace and s l e e e e e p s!

I remember Zotz as being a hard candy that had a powdery center that went "ZZZZZZZOTZZZZZZZ" when your saliva came in contact with it.  I'm not exactly sure what the powder contained.  Probably a mixture of baking soda and boric acid.

Glad to read that Holly is doing well.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 08:51:02 PM
So what's the story on Miklos Rozsa and the Dragnet theme?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 08:55:13 PM
Zota! was also a movie with Tom Poston and Julia Meade!  hehehehe.

I am still fascinated by the seedless pomegranates.

DRDANISE - we saw Mr Gary Mauer do his PHANTOM thang in November, and he was good.  I spent a lot of time rolling around on the floor, which I don't remember any other Phantom doing, but his singing and acting were very good.  My only argument was with the Carlotta who got NONE of the laughs in the role that I have seen before.  And the chandelier was the smoothest operating one I have ever seen.  A nice production....I think you will like it.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 08:57:14 PM
Direct TV should scare them DR PANNI.

I just read that Kevin Lauber NOT Elmer Bernstein composed the faux contemporary concerto for THE WORLD OF HENRY ORIENT.  Hmmmmmmmm....I will ask again.  Does any DR have the HO DVD....there are a lot of complaints about the audio on the disk.  I bought a used copy of the VHS - not letterboxed of course - for 2.99 + 2.90 shpg. so I will have it, but of course would prefer the DVD, if it can be heard!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jrand74 on December 05, 2004, 09:00:12 PM
Only saw the last part of the Sellers movie.  Very strange.  Good Rush performance....great production design....  It was strange, but as I say, only saw the last half.  
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: George on December 05, 2004, 09:15:28 PM
It took awhile, but here it is, JRand!  
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 09:23:09 PM
I started watching Cinderella but I really couldn't get into it with the incessant pledge breaks.  I switched at 9:00 to CBS's A Very Married Christmas which had a very muddled script.  But as further proof that I must be going through andropause, I got weepy at the sentimental and saccharine ending.

Before Cinderella, my local PBS outlet showed Christmas at the Hollywood Palace, a combination of two Hollywood Palace Christmas Eve broadcasts with hosts Bing Crosby and Perry Como, with present day interviews of various people who were involved.  Very Christmassy, overall, except for the Katherine Crosby shots.  The woman is downright scarey looking!  I don't like commenting too much on a person's looks, but she has just not aged well at all.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 09:25:18 PM
It took awhile, but here it is, JRand!  

LOL!  Funny cartoon!

Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Noel on December 05, 2004, 09:32:47 PM
Didn't DRNOEL have a show today....GENERATION F'CKD?

I beg your pardon, the show is called Generation F'd - including the CK would make it obscene.

What an exhilerating two performances.  The cast arrived at the theatre at noon, and this was the first time they had the dimensions of the black box to take into account, and projecting into a raked audience rather than a small rehearsal room.  I was told to arrive at 3, which meant I only spent a little over 8 hours in there.

The scenes the director had cut (for today's two shows) were all ones I wanted cut.  Amazingly, he left in the septet, despite several lyrics forgotten and a total melt down during the 4 o'clock final dress.  The lighting guy arrived at two and the scene changes, most of them, were done in complete darkness.  You could hear crashes and ows until I ran up to the booth and suggested a low blue light come up for in-between scenes.  I changed a lyric from "Oh my God, he's Latin!" to "Ay-yi-yi, he's Latin!" and, when I first sang it for the actress, I put in an extra "yi" by mistake, which led her to be constantly confused about how many "yis" there should be in "Ay-yi-yi."  During the second show, she started her "Ay" way too early but made up for it by insterting six or seven "yis" before her "he's" which was quite charming.

Apparently, I've devoted more hours to this than Second City is willing to pay me.  In my discussions with the lady who handles the producing, she admitted that she thought I was infinitely more valuable than the director, which indicated to me that she thought the show was going to bomb.

Boy, was she surprised!  That relaxed, guru-like stewardship of our genius director led the cast to be confident, relaxed and truthful.  They picked up their cues, when they could, because, often, the audience was laughing too hard to hear the next line.  The audience howled again and again at jokes I doubted could ever go over.

Afterwards, several strangers came up to me to say how much they loved the songs and, of course, how catchy they were.  I was half-hoping the septet would be cut, because I'd lost faith the cast could pull it together.  But it had nice pacing, 3 utterly different couples on first dates, and an ending that topped them all - one that had come directly out of an improv, just as it's supposed to.

Two heroes popped up to help the other numbers go over.  One cast member had created the most brilliant props for the opening: Everybody carried laptops made of foam, a hinge, and day-glo paper which really looked like a turned on screen from a distance (ooh, a Julie Gold reference).  And, after the hysterical non-choreographic rehearsal before Thanksgiving, a cast member who hadn't attended that night came in and restaged the whole thing, so the closing contained tableaux that moved across the staged, inch by inch.

This is the fifth and final Second City show I've done, and I was most pleased to see actors from all the previous ones there, laughing their heads off and having a good time.  On December 13, you have two more chances to catch Generation F'd
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 09:37:00 PM
Apropos of Nothing Page Six Dance:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/WandaDuck/grace.jpg)
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:40:31 PM
Congrats, DR Noel!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:41:31 PM
It's almost 1 AM in NY. They must be having quite a time at that partay.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 09:41:39 PM
Congrats on Generation F'd, DR Noel!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:44:39 PM
The other scenario is that the partay ended a while ago and bk went back to his hotel and dozed off before posting...
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:45:11 PM
...Then there's always the alien abduction theory...
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 09:46:22 PM
...Then there's always the alien abduction theory...

Why would Mexicans abduct BK?
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:47:50 PM
...For ransom. If each of us put in 10 bucks, think of it, DR DTM!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 09:50:13 PM
If those Mexicans are counting on late night denizens to put up the ransom, they're gonna be sorry they picked a Sunday.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 09:55:25 PM
If those Mexicans are counting on late night denizens to put up the ransom, they're gonna be sorry they picked a Sunday.

Well, if an ear shows up, I'm willing to cough up 20 bucks.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jay on December 05, 2004, 09:55:28 PM
...For ransom. If each of us put in 10 bucks, think of it, DR DTM!

If that's what Dear BK is thinking, then he's never seen Ruthless People.

 :o
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Dan (the Man) on December 05, 2004, 09:58:25 PM
The stress of waiting for a ransom note is too much for me.  I must lie down.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Jay on December 05, 2004, 10:02:21 PM
Send money now or be bitchslapped to [size=8]tarnation[/size].
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Noel on December 05, 2004, 10:11:34 PM
There's only one week left to catch DW Joy at Missouri's largest theatre as Mrs. Claus in Christmas Dreams

(http://www.haineshisway.com/community/attachments/Mrs.jpg)

...after that, she's mine!
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: bk on December 05, 2004, 10:23:24 PM
I'm here.  I had a lovely dinner at Joe Allen with dear lurker Iris.  No one else showed, but we'll be having our official get-together tomorrow night anyway.  Seated next to us was my pal Beth Howland and her ever-lovin' Charles Kimbrough.  I invited them to the signing.

Have been attending to things and now must finish the notes.  I'm in a weird time-warp, notes-wise.  Can't really wait until three a.m. to post them, so they'll go up as soon as I finish them.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 10:25:38 PM
Good Evening!  From Fairfax!

Piece of cake drive back up.  Surprisingly, there weren't as many bigs rigs and 16-wheelers on the road tonight as there usually are.  I guess the Christmas season has shifted some of the delivery schedules.  And it really is amazing how "fast" I can make up to Fairfax from Richmond just by going the speed limit, 65mph.  The trip is just under 100 miles, and I made it door to door in about an hour and 25 minutes!  -I should also point out that my apartment in Richmond and my parents' house in Fairfax are only about two miles away from the highway, so that helps a lot too.

As I was packing up the car, I finally met the new roommate in the upstairs apartment, Matt.  He had come out on the back porch to smoke.  Ah, well.. too bad he smokes...  ;)

I got some of my stuff put away, and I'll take care of the rest of it in the morning.  -And there were some Oreos on the kitchen counter when I got in too...

 :-X

OH!  My sister-in-law has a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, and she was going to drop off her daughter, my niece, Alyssa, at the house so that my mother could watch her for a bit.  But since I'll be here in the morning... Let the grand experiment begin!  Will she cry, or won't she cry?

And the nicest surprise - besides a small family of deer that were wandering around the neighborhood when I drove in - was the Christmas tree in the living room.  They bought it yesterday, and just put it up in the living room earlier tonight.  All the boxes of Christmas decorations are laid out in the dining room, and I'm guessing over the next couple of days, the Simbulan household will get Christmas'd.  Which also most likely means, I'll be hearing a lot of, "Jojo!  Come here... Can you hang this up for me?" in the next few days.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 10:25:59 PM
Glad there was no need to send money.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: Panni on December 05, 2004, 10:32:31 PM
DR Joy makes a very cute Mrs. Claus.
Title: Re:THE OOMPH FACTOR
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 05, 2004, 10:35:52 PM
I just want to thank everyone for your warm comments regarding my "Edwina story".  (hmmm, "warm comments"...)  She really is special to me.  We're special to each other.  As I was puttering around the house this afternoon, I realized she's one of the few people from my college years that I still keep in touch with, and, I actually see her more than most of my college friends!

As I mentioned previously, she "is" Richmond to me.  She was the first waitress I had in Richmond back when she was at Stella's.  -And throughout my college years, I ate at Stella's a lot.  A LOT- sometimes three meals a day!  *Stella would make the most amazing Greek Omelet filled with bacon, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and feta cheese.  Everytime I would come back from a gig, she was there.  When I moved back to Richmond after being away for about five years, she was there.  She may have changed restaurants, but she was always there.  And somehow, I always seemed to find her again whenever she started at a new place.  I look forward to seeing her again - and tipping her again! - once she's recovered from her surgery.  And maybe I'll even see her sooner than that.