Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 3 => Topic started by: bk on June 03, 2005, 12:01:52 AM

Title: THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 12:01:52 AM
Well, you've read the notes, you've whirled, you've dervished, and now it is time to post until the whirling cows come dervishing home.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 12:08:04 AM
And the word of the day is: PLAUSIVE!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: elmore3003 on June 03, 2005, 03:55:03 AM
Good morning, all!  Where was everyone after midnight on the West Coast?  I'm usually about the 8th to 20th poster, but last night must have been a short night for a lot of folk!  I had strange dreams about my friend Barnard Hughes last night, so I need to call him and Helen today and check on them.  He turns 90 next month, and I hope he's well.

Today, I'm back to BABES IN TOYLAND, but I've got an hour's proofing on GOLDEN APPLE before I head down.  I need to go to DC and the Library of Congress at the end of the month so I need to book rooms today as well.

Yesterday, I listened to a recording from the 1950s of a 1925 French musical, Maurice Yvain's PAS SUR LA BOUCHE, which was filmed a few years back and just released (and reviewed by BK) on DVD as NOT ON THE LIPS.  I found it to be a nice synthesis of turn-of the-century operetta and George Gershwin and Vincent Youmans, with wonderful orchestrations.   The composer, Yvain, is best known in the USA as the composer of the Fanny Brice-Barbra Streisand "My Man."  Now I want to see the film, which I've ordered from Netflix.  I also ordered the film soundtrack from eBay.

DRRodzinski, when's our next DVD night?

TOD:  
  DVD:  Drums Along the Mohawk, Jumbo
  CD:  Haydn Masses, French operetta courtesy of DRFrancois de Paris
  VCR:  cheap porn
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 04:27:28 AM
Good Morning!(!!!!!!!)

I'm off to Richmond...

Be back...

Laters...
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 04:48:24 AM
Well, I finish up with yesterday's notes and Larry and Jose were here but I return to find them gone!

And only 3 posts so far!

I didn't see Pillowman last night as was the plan. It's all because of the Half Price ticket booth. I went, as planned, at 4pm and there it was, on the list as being available but when I got to the window, 5 minutes later, even though Pillowman was still on the list, the man at the booth said the tickets were sold out. I said they needed to remove the title from the list and he sort of shrugged and said yeah. It wasn't removed until five minutes after. I was annoyed. I will try again today. I will go to the other half price booth downtown at South Street Seaport. It opens at 11am (the midtown booth opens at 3) and many people forget about it so it should be easy enough to get tickets. I would have done that yesterday but Pillowman has been on the booth every night for a weeks. I never thought it would sell out at 4pm, even though it is the weekend before the Tonys.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 05:11:44 AM
I saw The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Wednesday. The lobby of the theatre is decorated as a school gymnasium with posters for the upcoming school election and other typical high school ephemera. The set is also a nice representation of a small, midwestern high school gym. It's kind of like the recent television show, Freaks and Geeks with music. The show is quirky, charming and it has a passel of good performances. What it doesn't have, unfortunately, is a strong score. It's too bad because I'm a big fan of William Finn's work. March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland are beautiful pieces with wonderful, moving music. Spelling Bee has a strong book, funny story, wonderful performances and good direction but to quote a certain composer, There's not a tune you can hum, I want a tune that goes bum, bum, bum ba dum, give me a tune that goes bum bum bum ba dum. Gimme a melody. Why can't you throw 'em a crumb, what's wrong with lettin' em tap their toes a bit, I'll let you know when Stravinsky has a hit (or something similar to that).

I read the NY Times today and I've been listening to some Tony talk from various pundits. People are sayin it's a race between SB and Spamalot but I think Spelling Bee is the weakest of the four shows nominated. A musical with a weak score is NOT the best musical, IMHO (in my humble opinion). I think it's more a race between Spamalot and Light in the Piazza or Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, an underappreciated show, IMHO.

I'm not sure why they decided Spelling Bee needed to be a musical. It works so well on its own as a play. Sometimes the music interrupts the flow and, for me, stops the show. And I will agree with some critics (the show has received almost unanimous praise but there are some dissenters) that at times it seems like a long skit. It's the direction and performances that pull it all together. I recommend the show but with reservations. As charming and as quirky and cute as it is, I just don't think it's a strong musical. Part of this may be a reaction to the hype, too. That's always a problem. It came out of Second Stage (an off-Broadway theatre company here in New York) with raves and the move to Broadway was seen as inevitable. It re-opened at Circle in the Square to the same raves and has become the show to see. I absolutely enjoyed it but I wish it had a better score and it should be trimmed by 10 or 15 minutes.

And now, it's 8:12 am and I must get to work. Don't know what I'll listen to this morning. If I don't see Pillowman tonight I won't see it before the Tonys because tomorrow I'm seeing a show at Playwrights Horizons (the final show in this year's subscription season) and Sunday I'll be watching the Tonys with my theatre buddies. We will tune in at 7pm to

http://tonyawards.com/

to catch the first awards (design, direction, costumes, etc.) and then on to 8pm for the television broadcast
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Kerry on June 03, 2005, 05:43:48 AM
I've been listening to a couple of Sally Mayes CD's and the cast album from " A Man of No Importance" (which has only one song I like... so  far).

I will probably have to listen to "The Girlfrined of the Whirling Dervish" since it is now going through my head.

Yesteday. "The Girl at the Ironing Board" kept going through my head.  Go figure.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 06:09:57 AM
Media Check

iPod:  The Light In The Piazza

DVD Player:  Garden State
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 06:13:46 AM
DR Sandra, great Casino Carpet pics!  They are giving me some home decorating ideas.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Stuart on June 03, 2005, 06:19:35 AM
What????  A post within the first 10????  Everybody must still be slumbering.....
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Stuart on June 03, 2005, 06:45:01 AM
And nary another post half an hour later??

Just you and I, Ben.  You and I. (A Petula Clark/Michael Feinstein reference.)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 06:47:06 AM
No one is alone (Sondheim)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 07:24:15 AM
I'm all alone.
All by myself.
There is no one here beside me.

I'm all alone.
Quite all alone.
No one to comfort me or guide me.

-- Spamalot
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: George on June 03, 2005, 07:44:19 AM
I'm at home, having gotten up early today.  Yesterday afternoon, I ordered the original Broadway cast recording to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and (for the first time ever) I specified the overnight delivery!  According to the UPS website, as of 7:18 a.m. today, it's "OUT FOR DELIVERY," so it's literally on its way to my house!  I'm going to stay home (hopefully for not too long) and wait to sign for it!  Then I can take it to work and listen to it, along with the other three Tony nominated musicals:  The Light in the Piazza, Spamalot and, through kind courtesy of DR Ben, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels!  (The scans are wonderful, Ben!  Thanks!)  I don't think I've ever had the cast recordings of all four Tony nominated musicals before the awards before...if I did, this is only the second time.  
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: George on June 03, 2005, 07:51:01 AM
In my DVD player will be four DVDs that I've received this week:  "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (collector's edition!).  It was at Fred Meyer, priced at $29.95, but then there was a special one day sale so I got it for only $19.95!  It includes the entrie script, a collectible film cell and "A glorious extra 24 seconds absolutely free! ;D After that will be Candide with Kristin Chenoweth and Patti LuPone, then Bette Midler's made-for-TV Gypsy and finally "Orgazmo" (the special edition), from the creators of "South Park." ;)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 07:54:02 AM
My first order of business is to wish broken legs and lots of standing O's for DRs Jed and TCB on the launch of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN tonight. May much good fortune come your way!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: George on June 03, 2005, 07:55:36 AM
In my VCR:  a tape to tape tonight's two repeat episodes of "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?" on ABC's Family Channel.  It's highly appropriate because the "Whose Line" guys are performing in Olympia tonight (http://www.washingtoncenter.org/calendar/calendar_detail.asp?event_id=671)[/b]!!  All of them ("except the rich guy and the black guy"...an actual quote from last year's performance :D ) are in town to do two shows at the Washington Center and I get to usher for them both!  I can't wait.  Last year, I never laughed so much in one night in my life.  It was hysterical!

(http://www.washingtoncenter.org//_images/events/rental/medium/OlympiaWAPoster05event.jpg)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 07:56:38 AM
Friday Media Check:

CD - TWO'S COMPANY (Bette Davis OCR)

DVD - the last half of 8 1/2
          ANGEL, Season 2, Disc 5

DVR - THE MAIDS (Glenda Jackson/AFT film)
          LOST IN THE STARS (AFT)
          last night's COLD CASE
          Wednesday night's CSI: NY
          last week's LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 08:01:58 AM
Since the cast recording of SPELLING BEE identifies the winner of the contest, I'm not going to listen to it until after I see the show in August. Probably stupid on my part, but it'll be fun walking into a show not knowing the outcome or really any of the surprises it has to offer. I'm holding out on listening to DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS for the same reason of not having surprises ruined (though I was told by my "son" in LA CAGE that there is a track on DRS by John Lithgow that warns the listener from proceeding if he doesn't want surprises spoiled. That reminds me of George Rose's interruption of the original issue of the EDWIN DROOD CD where he prompts listeners to program their players to get their choices of Datchery's identity and the killer's confession).
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jennifer on June 03, 2005, 08:02:41 AM
I also loved those carpet photos.  Wow, totally tacky.  There were only 2 that I thought were reasonable.  The others were horrid.

It is another sweltering day here (yeah!).

Question.  Have any DRs tried the new McDonald's deli sandwiches.  They are having a promotion this weekend where they are giving out free sandwiches sat and sun between noon-6pm. Not sure how it works, but i've been interested in trying them.  Are they any good?  And are they at all healthy?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 08:13:17 AM
Idina Menzel will present the first 9 Tonys on Sunday. As I've mentioned repeatedly, that presentation will only be available on line at

http://www.tonyawards.org

The first nine are all technical awards and two special awards, including Best Orchestrations, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Play, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Scenic Design of a Musical as well as the Best Regional Theatre Award (Theatre de la Jeune Lune of Minneapolis, MN) and the Lifetime Achievement Award (playwright Edward Albee).

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/93312.html
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 08:16:11 AM
My computer wasn't fast enough to handle it last year, so I guess I'll have to settle for the brief recaps they show during the CBS broadcast. Oh, for those grand PBS days when everyone could watch those awards.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 08:17:33 AM
OK, I'm off to do some kitchen cleaning now. Will be back on later this afternoon. Hope everyone is having a nice Friday.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Stuart on June 03, 2005, 08:18:10 AM
I forgot to mention that I too ADORED the carpet pictures.

I was surprised that some of them, taken out of the context of blinking lights and jangling slot machines, can actually appear almost sedate and tasteful.

Some of them.  Not all.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 08:28:00 AM
'morning - it's still morning, right?  I have today off, because my usual day off for the week was Monday, a paid holiday.  After sleeping late (9am is very late for me), my plan is to gather stuff from our basement to contribute to the garage sale my women's group is having next weekend.  I think I'll start with the items that are still packed in 1988 newspapers from when we moved into this house.  If we haven't needed these things in 17 years, we probably won't, ever.

Loved the casino carpet photos!

Break-a-leg wishes to all of our performers for this weekend.

Media check:  
CD (car) - audiobook, Madam Secretary, Madeline Albright's autobiography
DVD - ?
VCR - Wings of Desire, recommended by a librarian friend because it contains her favorite movie library sequence.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: DearReaderLaura on June 03, 2005, 08:33:10 AM
As you can tell, DR Sandra and I are easily amused.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: DearReaderLaura on June 03, 2005, 08:34:40 AM
Wednesday morning I went for a walk in Henderson, NV, and this American avocet was dive-bombing me for coming too close to her nest:
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jennifer on June 03, 2005, 08:35:56 AM
DR MattH, why not just listen to SPELLING BEE and not listen to the last track (assuming that is where the winner is revealed).  I would think you would probably enjoy the show much more if you hear the cast recording first.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: DearReaderLaura on June 03, 2005, 08:35:58 AM
Broken legs to MattH and Jed and TCB!  

Don't forget pictures!!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 08:37:21 AM
More media:

CD's for working in the basement - soundtracks to Forrest Gump and My Best Friend's Wedding, Rosemary Clooney's The Girl Singer.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: MBarnum on June 03, 2005, 08:47:51 AM
DearReaderLaura and DR Sandra, I loved the carpet pictures and the wax people pictures!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: MBarnum on June 03, 2005, 08:53:33 AM
Media check:

VCR: Audie Murphy and Gloria Talbott in ARIZONA RAIDERS

CD player: Claudine Longet

DVD:

THE DEVIL'S SLEEP (1949) Plot: A health club is actually a front for drug dealing: "Innocent Youth Trapped in a Hopped-Up Hell!"co-starring Mr. America 1948 George Eiferman and Timothy Farrell who later graduated to work in several Ed Wood films.

KILINK IN ISTANBUL (Turkish;1967) Bad guy dressed as a skeleton hunts for secret formula so that he can take over the world. Good guy has special powers; when he says "Shazam" he turns into a superhero named ...."Superhero."
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 09:02:34 AM
I'm up, I'm up.  I didn't fall asleep until three in the morning - too much whirling and dervishing going on in the cranium.  

I don't believe today is a holiday - so, where in tarnation IS everyone?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 09:03:09 AM
PLAUSIVE, baby, PLAUSIVE!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: MBarnum on June 03, 2005, 09:16:08 AM
Shortly I will hie myself to Sherwood to take my grand-neice Taylor to see MADAGASCAR!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 09:49:23 AM
Calling Danise! Calling Danise!

Michael Ball is doing another radio show on BBC 2. It's a six-parter beginning today at 2pm EST.

Here's what it says from the Web site:

Michael Ball returns to New York to showcase the best of the current Broadway musical theatre.

Michael Ball casts an expert eye over the likely contenders in this fourth series of the award-winning 'Ball Over Broadway' and he once again captures the excitement and the extraordinary diversity of what's making the news on the New York stage.

Michael will be back in the best seat in the house as the curtain rises on this season's hottest tickets and classiest Broadway classics. He wonders if the musical Holy Grail is to be found in Mony Python's 'Spamalot' and goes back to school for the intriguing 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'.

Michael then pays a flying visit to the South of France- at least the Broadway version of the Riviera for 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels', a tale of two conmen fleecing the rich and gullible from 'Full Monty' composer David Yazbek.

Closer to home, Michael makes the short trip to 'Brooklyn', the story of a young girl's search for identity in the New York district that bears her name. And Michael will be asking if 'All Shook Up' can transform the Elvis Presley hit-list into musical gold in the way that 'Mama Mia' has done for the Abba back catalogue.

Plus he will be checking if the new production of 'Sweet Charity' is a suitable tribute to its composer, the late Cy Coleman.

The series will feature six different shows from succeeding generations of Broadway's finest composers and lyricists. There'll be contributions from performers, writers and directors as well as a few, well-chosen words from the feared New York theatre critics. Interviewees include Eric Idle and John Lithgow.


Here is the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/documentaries/balloverbroadway.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/documentaries/balloverbroadway.shtml)

It will be live on Fridays at 2pm and then each segment will be available to listen for one week at the BBC 2 Web site.

Enjoy Mrs. Ball  ;)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 09:52:48 AM
On Sunday in Radio City Music Hall many people will be PLAUSIVE, at least according to this definition.

plau·sive (plô zv)
1.  Showing or expressing praise or approbation; applauding.

There is also an obsolete definition from years gone by

2. Obsolete. Plausible.

[From Latin plaudere, plaus-, to applaud.]
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 09:53:50 AM
Well - you can have your Sabu.  I will take my Bomba.

DR SANDRA the carpet photos were lovely.  I think that the Hilton had a nice sedate covering, while the most outre seemed to belong to New York New York.

Great "show" news from DR MATTH and DRS JED and TCB.  Continued vibrations for them all.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 09:56:56 AM
FRIDAY MEDIA CHECK:

CD: another HHW'er with THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA - I like it, but I am sure after I saw the show, I would love it.  It is very romantic and well sung.  It also has lots of strings which I like a LOT!  Also Doris Day the 1960's singles.  Very good CD.

VCR: JULIE - Doris lands a prop plane, and who would have thunk it, she is a stewardess on a Non-sched airline.  Just a warning for those HHW'ers contemplating air travel.

DVD - Munchausen, courtesy DR MBARNUM.  Thanks! Very interesting.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 09:59:43 AM
A broken curtain rod thing can be very annoying.  I think you should hire a stronger thing to hold up your curtain rod.

May I suggest Mr America 1948, George Eiferman.  I don't think his movie career is going as well as he hoped.

DRKERRY - I, too, now have The Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish whizzing through my brain.  It is one of my favorite novelty songs, and is one of my favorite moments in FOR THE BOYS....short and ineffective as it is there.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 09:59:45 AM
TV lamp has been delivered.  Now I must wait for the installers, who will be here between eleven and one, hopefully closer to eleven, so that I have some time todo
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 10:00:19 AM
OLIVER! opened last night, I was not there, don't have to go until Saturday. But I did not get any emails or phone calls telling me of disasters, so I am assuming all is well.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 10:00:20 AM
To do stuff before rehearsal with Kevin.

It did that thing again, where I'm typing and then suddenly it just types blank spaces.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 10:04:15 AM
Slap it with your this.

Comcast is doing very strange things this morning.  Here and gone....here and gone.  

Last night I watched Hit Me Baby One More Time to see some old rock performers doing their thangs.  It was somewhat depressing.  However, I must say that Miss Tiffany was displaying some bodacious teles!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: vixmom on June 03, 2005, 10:33:43 AM
Apparently a Moron Convention has been called.  The meeting site is the conference room in my office.


I definitely need to win the Mega Millions.....  
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 10:57:21 AM
That's not unusual, DRVIXMOM...The International Conference of JAYWALKERS convenes  in Indianapolis during the summer.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 11:03:12 AM
I got a lovely Sparkling Prize in the mail today.  Thanks, MR BK.  I am anxious to listen to my unusual CD!  It looks wonderful!

And for those who think they DON'T know the title song of today's notes, click on the link to hear Mr Martin Denny's version.  8)

http://www.feastofhateandfear.com/music/Martin_Denny-Girlfriend.mp3 (http://www.feastofhateandfear.com/music/Martin_Denny-Girlfriend.mp3)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 11:15:07 AM
Let's get some action goin' on, shall we?

Awaiting lamp installers.  Why do I feel that they'll get here at 12:55?

Finished writing the notes for the Guy Haines album.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 11:24:41 AM
MR BK you didn't tell us which album/CD you think has the worst sound.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 11:26:11 AM
DR George, have you thought of a way to copy both the sound and video of the Tony Pre-Show Webcast this year?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 11:33:39 AM
Hmmm....so what is being broadcast on the TV Guide channel?  I am so confused.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 11:41:40 AM
The Red Carpet arrivals will be on TV Guide Channel. No awards will be presented there.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 11:43:31 AM
Hmmm....so what is being broadcast on the TV Guide channel?  I am so confused.

So am I.  I had thought that the TV Guide Channel was going to show the designer awards being doled out, but from what I now understand it's more of an interview/talking head type deal like what PBS did years ago.  Except the actual awards presentation is viewable only through TonyAwards.org's webcast.  

Last year when AOL presented the Pre-Show through a webcast, DR George was able to copy the audio with no video while I copied the video with no sound.  There's got to be some kind of utility out there that can handle both.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 11:44:52 AM
Worst sound?  So many, so many.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jed on June 03, 2005, 12:07:50 PM
I would think you would probably enjoy the show much more if you hear the cast recording first.

Just curious... why?  How exactly does familiarity enhance enjoyment?  I've heard a number of people say similar things over the years, and have always wondered about it.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 12:25:44 PM
It has been my experience with some shows, that the singing or sound is so bad, that knowing the songs made it easier to understand what was going on.  And of course, I always imagine how the show should look, sound, and feel and it is nice to compare what I thought to what the director thought.

And seeing a familiar show is like visiting an old friend....sometimes good sometimes bad.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: TCB on June 03, 2005, 12:28:12 PM
Thank you, Matt H for your good wishes.  I am glad to hear that your opening went well.  Continued success!

To eveyone else who has expressed good wishes.......... thank you, one and all!  It is much easier to relax a little today, after last night's preview dress rehearsal.  Still, it is a little harder to please people paying full price for a ticket, than those invited free to a preview dress rehearsal.  
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 12:38:20 PM
I got my sparkling prize today as well. A Rupert Holmes CD. Nifty! Thanks.

BK- Did you ever get that DVD of studio footage? It was sent a week ago.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: elmore3003 on June 03, 2005, 12:38:51 PM

Enjoy Mrs. Ball  ;)

Should that be "Enjoy, Mrs Ball" or are you outing him?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 12:39:28 PM
Question: What brought JRand to a site called feastofhateandfear.com ???
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 12:40:38 PM
I did get the copy of the BREAK magazine that features a picture of the Cagelles on the cover. I'll try to scan that tomorrow and let you see what that moment in the show looks like. As for other pics, well, there aren't any to show yet. (There were some of us taken in rehearsal clothes that were featured with the story, but I doubt anyone would find those of interest. Better to see us "in our show drag," such as it is.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 12:41:23 PM
LOL a search for The Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish took me there DR RODZINSKI, although there is much there to see! 8)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 12:43:25 PM
Thanks DRs BEN and DtM - I am still a bit confused, probably won't watch on the internet, but we shall see what happens.

Mrs. Ball?   Which of course reminds me of the story of the first day that Lucille Ball drove onto the old RKO lot, the day after Desilu bought it.  The guard at the gate was completely flustered at seeing America's Queen of Comedy (no matter what Joan Davis thought) and didn't know if he should call her Miss Ball or Mrs Arnaz, so he tipped his hat and said: "Good morning, Mrs. Arballs."
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 12:44:45 PM
Thanks, DR Jrand and others, for the continued good wishes. I do have quite a few friends in the audience which tends to put me on edge. I know they wish us well, but, well, they're all performers, too, so . . . .
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 12:46:28 PM
Got about half of THE MAIDS watched. Wonderful acting though so far I can't say the play is one of my favorites. I've never seen this before either in this movie version or on any stage anywhere.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 12:47:05 PM
Elmore- Yeah, we gotta get together next week for some DVD viewin'.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 12:48:48 PM
LOL a search for The Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish took me there DR RODZINSKI, although there is much there to see! 8)

Yes, there is an amusing soundclip of someone making fun of Larry King.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 03, 2005, 12:50:29 PM
I did get the copy of the BREAK magazine that features a picture of the Cagelles on the cover. I'll try to scan that tomorrow and let you see what that moment in the show looks like. As for other pics, well, there aren't any to show yet. (There were some of us taken in rehearsal clothes that were featured with the story, but I doubt anyone would find those of interest. Better to see us "in our show drag," such as it is.

I hope there's an unauthorized cast recording!!!!!!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 03, 2005, 12:52:56 PM
Worst sound?  So many, so many.

What's the most heartbreakingly bad, IYO?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 12:54:15 PM
"Where's my f&^king ukelele?" - Miss Nanette Fabray before the curtain went up, but after her microphone was turned on.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 12:54:52 PM
What's the most heartbreakingly bad, IYO?

That makes the question much more interesting, DRRP.  8)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: TCB on June 03, 2005, 01:00:51 PM
Elmore- Yeah, we gotta get together next week for some DVD viewin'.



More cheap porn?




Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 01:01:55 PM
Wow it's 80 degrees in Indiana.  The rain has stopped!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 01:07:27 PM
More cheap porn?


I'm willing to bring the expensive stuff, but Elmore has no interest.  :P
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: George on June 03, 2005, 01:08:03 PM
DR George, have you thought of a way to copy both the sound and video of the Tony Pre-Show Webcast this year?

No. :'( I remember finding some program that can record Internet broadcast video, but it costs too much...much too much.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 03, 2005, 01:10:43 PM
Wow it's 80 degrees in Indiana.  The rain has stopped!

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

It's F 80 degrees across the entire STATE?  

How is that possible?

It's INconCEIVable!

:D
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 03, 2005, 01:11:59 PM
I'm willing to bring the expensive stuff, but Elmore has no interest.  :P

Maybe you haven't explained its attractions in terms he can appreciate.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: George on June 03, 2005, 01:15:45 PM
No. :'( I remember finding some program that can record Internet broadcast video, but it costs too much...much too much.

Well, more than I'm willing to pay, anyway. :-\
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: TCB on June 03, 2005, 01:15:46 PM
I do wish I could share the cast photos with all of you.  Well, at least one of them -- Jed's.  Not only does Jed share the photo with one of the sweetest and nicest men I have ever met; but it also exposes the terrifying secret that Jed has attempted to hide from the world......


He has a huge head!
[/b]
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: vixmom on June 03, 2005, 01:19:40 PM
I do wish I could share the cast photos with all of you.  Well, at least one of them -- Jed's.  Not only does Jed share the photo with one of the sweetest and nicest men I have ever met; but it also exposes the terrifying secret that Jed has attempted to hide from the world......


He has a huge head!
[/b]

Why can't they be shared?  
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: TCB on June 03, 2005, 01:24:56 PM
Why can't they be shared?  


Well, the only available copy is currently hanging in the lobby of the theater.  The Managing Director might take offense to having it removed just before opening night.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 01:27:32 PM
"A director on opening night is the world's most useless man." Clifford Odets.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 01:28:21 PM
Does any DR have an MP3 of Gordon Lightfoot singing Minstrel of the Dawn that he/she can email to me?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Matt H. on June 03, 2005, 01:28:23 PM
Off to rest a bit before heading off to the theater. Cast has tqalked about going out after tonight's show, so I'm not sure I'll be back on tonight or not. It would all depend on when I get home and how tired I am.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 01:36:45 PM
It would NOT be a party without Georges.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 01:51:47 PM
revised Weather Conditions (including geography):

It is now 78 degrees at 39.5779 N and 86.3731 W - as for the rest of Indiana.....quien sabe?

NOW you can alert the media, DR RLP. :)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: vixmom on June 03, 2005, 02:18:21 PM
Well, the only available copy is currently hanging in the lobby of the theater.  The Managing Director might take offense to having it removed just before opening night.

Those managing directors are so persnickety about the little things!!

Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 02:32:47 PM
WHEW!  I've worked all afternoon in the basement, sorting out stuff for the garage sale.  It's mostly household items and toys that I don't think our college-age son will miss.  Of course, it all had to be washed and some of the toys are receiving the "peanut butter treatment" to remove the stickers that Rob liked to take out of junk mail and slap on his belongings.  He'd be so embarrassed if he knew I'd told you all that!

Among the household items are several wedding presents (almost 25 years ago), including a pressure cooker still in its original box.  I never even unpacked it, because it scared me.  Guess they're back in fashion now, so someone will be happy to find it next weekend, I hope.  Also, an electric wok, 2 ice buckets, 6 Irish coffee glasses, and a couple sets of placemats.

I also found the sign that one of my staff members, a calligrapher, made to put on the counter in the library to announce Rob's birth 20 years ago.  That's not being pitched, nor is the button that says, "YES, M!CH!GAN"
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: vixmom on June 03, 2005, 02:36:30 PM
WHEW!  I've worked all afternoon in the basement, sorting out stuff for the garage sale.  It's mostly household items and toys that I don't think our college-age son will miss.  Of course, it all had to be washed and some of the toys are receiving the "peanut butter treatment" to remove the stickers that Rob liked to take out of junk mail and slap on his belongings.  He'd be so embarrassed if he knew I'd told you all that!

Among the household items are several wedding presents (almost 25 years ago), including a pressure cooker still in its original box.  I never even unpacked it, because it scared me.  Guess they're back in fashion now, so someone will be happy to find it next weekend, I hope.  Also, an electric wok, 2 ice buckets, 6 Irish coffee glasses, and a couple sets of placemats.

I also found the sign that one of my staff members, a calligrapher, made to put on the counter in the library to announce Rob's birth 20 years ago.  That's not being pitched, nor is the button that says, "YES, M!CH!GAN"

ooh ooh  can I buy the irish coffee glasses... I cannot find any here  (believe it or not)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: vixmom on June 03, 2005, 02:37:55 PM
Oh Ginny, try "Goo Gone" for the label removals... its also great for removing crayon marks
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 02:39:06 PM
DR GINNY - all treasures that will find happy new homes!  Treasures, I tell you!  And the next week, you will need something that you donate, it is a rule, it always happens.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 02:44:21 PM
Oh Ginny, try "Goo Gone" for the label removals... its also great for removing crayon marks

Smooth peanut butter has always worked, but if it doesn't this time, I'll  borrow some GooGone from work (don't even ask what we use it for in the public library!).

Are you serious about the Irish coffee glasses?  They're not very big and have "Irish Coffee" stamped on them, with lines that, I guess, indicate the proportions of the ingredients.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 02:46:43 PM
DR GINNY - all treasures that will find happy new homes!  Treasures, I tell you!  And the next week, you will need something that you donate, it is a rule, it always happens.

Yes, DR JRand, I had that very thought earlier today.  Actually, I haven't been as ruthless as one would be before a move, so probably haven't parted with anything I'll need.  My only fear is that Rob will call or email from Cincinnati and ask for something that's out the door!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: François de Paris on June 03, 2005, 02:50:13 PM
Theater: A high-stepping 'Guys and Dolls'

By Matt Wolf International Herald Tribune

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2005


LONDON Ewan McGregor's stage musical debut is the nominal occasion of the new West End revival of "Guys and Dolls," the beloved Broadway classic that has long been a particular British favorite as well, and here are the answers to questions people may have been saving up about the "Star Wars" saber rattler: can he sing? (Well enough, barring a few flat patches.) Dance? (Very well indeed.) Act? (Beautifully, but that much we knew.)
 But the even greater pleasures of the production, which opened Wednesday at the Piccadilly Theatre, pertain not to any individual cast member but to the event as a whole. As directed by Michael Grandage, an Englishman who has worked mostly in the not-for-profit theater, and choreographed by Rob Ashford, an American well-versed in Broadway's hurly-burly, this "Guys and Dolls" joins forces to create something new from a time-honored title: a show steeped in truth that is nonetheless shot through with pizzazz.
 
 There were those in London who questioned the advisability of this show right now. After all, the specter still hangs heavily of Richard Eyre's famous production of the same musical in 1982, which marked the first time that the high-flown National Theatre allowed - gasp! - a Broadway musical to invade its perch. And though 23 years is a long time, especially in show biz, Eyre remounted his own production again at the National in 1996, with the recent Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton ("Vera Drake") heading a much lauded cast.
 This latest version, though, is a commercial entry, notwithstanding Grandage's other life as artistic director of the studio-sized Donmar Warehouse Theatre, which is about as uncommercial a proposition as one could get. The result is a marriage almost as happy as the two couplings that conclude the show. What emerges is the attention to detail and text - and acting finesse - for which Grandage is known, alongside that inescapable wow factor provided by Ashford, when the entire ensemble starts moving at a pace that often seems faster than the speed of light.
 You don't necessarily associate dance first off with "Guys and Dolls," even though the veteran choreographer Michael Kidd staged the musical numbers for its 1950 Broadway debut. (That production came to London in 1953.) A half-century later, it's the footwork that is fanciest about a show that still today seems fresh. When McGregor's Sky Masterson, for instance, whisks Sarah Brown (Jenna Russell) from Times Square to a date in Havana, the stage suddenly explodes into a sultry, witty Latin whirl of raging passions and raised limbs.
 Back in Manhattan, Sky's fellow crapshooters turn a subterranean sewer into a perfectly synchronized cauldron of swirling bodies, McGregor's most commendably among them. (The actor is smart enough to know which passages to sit out.) Even "Marry the Man Today," a cunning duet for the show's two female leads, ends with an apt explosion of dance between the two, their sisterhood cemented as their feet take flight.
 
 The result must be one of the most excitingly danced musicals the West End has ever seen, especially since choreography has not traditionally been an English theater forte. (No wonder the "Guys and Dolls" producers imported an American to do the job.) And the emphasis on movement only adds to the impression that a show almost never out of view has nonetheless been conceived anew, as a sizzling, high-stepping entertainment very much of today.
 Certainly both sexes can relate in various ways to the prolonged courtship of the gambler Nathan Detroit (Douglas Hodge, overdoing the wide-eyed goofball routine) and his fiancée of nearly 15 years, Miss Adelaide (Jane Krakowski), a trip to the altar so attenuated that Adelaide has had to tell her mother in Rhode Island that the couple have five children (and a sixth on the way) in order to keep her sweet.
 Adelaide, of course, is the Hot Box girl with the heavy cold brought on by Nathan's fear of commitment, and the blonde-wigged Krakowski - like Ashford, a Broadway import with a Tony Award to her name - makes her adenoidal lamentations unusually touching as well as sexy. Suffice it to say that this Hot Box generates sufficient heat that one wonders whether Adelaide's sniffles haven't been induced by one striptease too many. "Take Back Your Mink" here takes a squeaky comic number to unusually fleshy lengths, even if Adelaide remains a good girl at heart with eyes - and a body - reserved only for Nathan. (One quibble: Krakowski looks so young that one has to question at what inordinately youthful age this liaison actually began.)
 A musical about love, long-incubating and instant, finds McGregor and Russell ideally matched as the subsidiary couple who take the spotlight, not least because of McGregor's star name. (That, too, helped explain a pre-opening advance sale in the region of $14 million.) Of the four principals, Russell is most extensively versed in London musicals, and she brings a firm voice and some astute acting to the job. The song "I'll Know," in which Sarah makes plain her certitude regarding the ways of the heart, ends on just the right ambiguous note, as if a prim and proper gal, suddenly confronted with a dream guy, isn't sure at all.
 McGregor looks great in his various suits and wears a fedora well, that famous grin poking out from beneath to add further wattage to the designer Christopher Oram's glistening monochrome sets. A practiced smoothie, his Sky does much of his romancing against the backdrop of a milky-colored moon. But if his affections for Sarah begin as part of a bet, this is one high-roller who hasn't reckoned on the ways of the heart. And as he walks to the very lip of the stage to sing "Luck Be a Lady," there won't be anyone in the audience who isn't rolling snake eyes with him.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 02:52:35 PM
 Very interesting, DRFRANCOIS.  Thanks.

DRGINNY - if Rob calls - tell him he never had any such thing, could he send you a picture of it.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jennifer on June 03, 2005, 03:40:32 PM
Re: listening to cast albums before seeing a show

Just curious... why?  How exactly does familiarity enhance enjoyment?  I've heard a number of people say similar things over the years, and have always wondered about it.

I think there is something to be said for knowing the cast recording in advance.  It helps many people enjoy the show more, because they are familiar with the songs.

Also I think if you love the cast recording, you'll probably like the show.  It gives you an idea of what to expect.

For example if I was going to see DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS or SPAMALOT i'd definitely want to listen to the cds first.  Because right now i have no idea what to expect.  
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: elmore3003 on June 03, 2005, 03:40:32 PM
DRFrancois, many thanks for the review!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: George on June 03, 2005, 03:59:17 PM
Re: listening to cast albums before seeing a showI think there is something to be said for knowing the cast recording in advance.  It helps many people enjoy the show more, because they are familiar with the songs.

Also I think if you love the cast recording, you'll probably like the show.  It gives you an idea of what to expect.

For example if I was going to see DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS or SPAMALOT i'd definitely want to listen to the cds first.  Because right now i have no idea what to expect.

So, would you pass up an opening night ticket to a Broadway show?? ;) (when cast albums are rarely available?)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jed on June 03, 2005, 04:08:25 PM
I do wish I could share the cast photos with all of you.  Well, at least one of them -- Jed's.  Not only does Jed share the photo with one of the sweetest and nicest men I have ever met; but it also exposes the terrifying secret that Jed has attempted to hide from the world......


He has a huge head!
[/b]

Yes, yes I do!  My continued apologies to my dear mother!


...also explains why Charlie Davenport is the only guy on stage tonight without a hat.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 04:26:06 PM
Back from rehearsal.  

I get very irked with the distortion on the original She Loves Me album.  Horrid.  Still an indispensible recording, but no excuse for distortion.  I just don't really like to knock the other guy's work, but Bat Boy, not a great score, could have been a great album, but, for whatever silly reason, RCA gave it to a composer, Andrew Lippa, to produce, and Mr. Lippa, while a fine composer, is no record producer and the sound of that cast album is the worst I've ever heard.  The vocalists have no reverb on them at all and it sounds like they were recorded in a small dead closet somewhere.  

Reheasal was fascinating.  It's the first time we've sung through everything in order with all the patter - no staging yet, just the material.  The good news is, the length is right.  The better news is that Act One seems to work really well.  As soon as I heard it straight through, I made three cuts and tightened a few other things.  Act Two is better than I thought it would be.  Again, I cut a couple of things and we still need to find one ballad, preferably Cy Coleman.  But the structure seems sound - we ran out of time so I didn't hear the last ten minutes, but I've heard it before.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jed on June 03, 2005, 04:41:05 PM
By golly, I forgot the TOD...

CDs: Floyd Collins, Light in the Piazza, Merrily We Roll Along (York), Lost in Boston IV
DVD: not sure, but I think it's still the last few episodes of SportsNight
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 04:48:09 PM
TOTD:
DVD:  Priestly's "Lost Empires" - Wonderful.
CDs:  Anthony Newley "Pure Imagination"
          Nigel Kennedy - Brahms Concerto
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ron Pulliam on June 03, 2005, 04:52:25 PM
DVD: "Moonlighting" Seasons One and Two!!!

CD: "Light in the Piazza", "Desiree," "The Hallelujah Trail, " "Stripes," "Revenge of the Sith" and "The Chairman.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: MBarnum on June 03, 2005, 05:03:30 PM
My sparkling prize arrived! CINDERELLA: Songs from the Classic Fairy Tale. Produced by Bruce Kimmel!

Thanks BK, I will enjoy listening to this!

And there is even as song on here by Mr. Guy Haines!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 05:20:22 PM
HIGH TIME is on Fox Movie Channel in letterboxed glory.

Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: elmore3003 on June 03, 2005, 05:36:55 PM
My sparkling prize arrived! CINDERELLA: Songs from the Classic Fairy Tale. Produced by Bruce Kimmel!

Thanks BK, I will enjoy listening to this!

And there is even as song on here by Mr. Guy Haines!

DRMBarnum, how was MADAGASCAR?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 05:47:37 PM
I had no idea they were showing High Time letterboxed.  Thankfully, they reshow it in about a week-and-a-half and I've set the TIVO unit.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jed on June 03, 2005, 06:11:06 PM
Thanks to one and all, all and one, for the opening night wishes.  Off to the theater I go!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Danise on June 03, 2005, 06:12:36 PM
Evening folks!

Many, many, many thanks to DR Ben for letting me know about Michael Ball on the BBC.  I’ve been playing with that stupid internet radio recorder program I bought, trying to record the show but I can’t get the dumb thing to work.  Sigh.  One the MAIN reasons I bought it was to be able to catch Mr. Ball on the BBC.  Piece of junk.

Mrs. Ball?  Hummm.  Mrs. Michael Ball.  Has a sort of bounce (well, I couldn’t say ring, could I?) to it, wouldn’t you say?  To bad he’s too young for me.  Ahh well.

DR Ginny, did you see the pictures of the Muse and the Milford?  Which would you say your hotel is more like?  It looks like I will be staying there.  

BTW, what is the head count on Girls Day/Night Out With The Guys?  Who all is planning on attending?

Broken legs all around to all the stars on our board!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 06:19:50 PM
The handyman came, then had to go and get some different type of hardware - unfortunately, the nearest Home Depot is a good fifteen to twenty minutes from here, so I don't think he'll be back until 6:45, so I'll probably be a bit late to the poker game.  We shall see.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 06:20:17 PM
Danise - I saw the pictures of The Muse (and the real thing, remember?), but not of The Milford.  The Comfort Inn is probably more like The Milford, because it's nothing like The Muse ;).   Again, I felt very comfortable and safe there.  I'm also checking on that new Hampton Inn that comes up on the website, but says they're not taking reservations yet.  HI is my favorite chain.  I already have a reservation at the CI for Oct. 3, 4, & 5, but could cancel it if HI looks comparable, price-wise.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Danise on June 03, 2005, 06:24:55 PM
That's the way I felt about the Muse.  It may not do any good but I'm going to send them an e-mail telling them how much I like their hotel but because their prices have gone up so much from March, I can't stay there.  We'll see.  :)

I may be able to get two free nights at the CI so it's possible I will give them a try.

BTW, I have pictures of both hotels posted on the tech board.  
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 06:26:08 PM
Whoa!  Danise, I just checked the Hampton Inn site, where they're taking reservations for the new location on 8th Ave.  The rate is $60 more per night than at the Comfort Inn, so I guess I'll stick with what I know and keep the reservation I have.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Danise on June 03, 2005, 06:33:20 PM
Is it true that you get a free breakfast at the CI?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 06:35:12 PM
Is it true that you get a free breakfast at the CI?

Well, it's cereal, fruit, bagels & muffins, juices, and such.  Not a hot breakfast, but enough for me in the morning.  And, yes, it's "free."
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 06:35:36 PM
Well, to continue the story from this morning, I'm not at Pillowman because again, the show was on the board when I arrived at the TKTS booth but as I was waiting in line they sold all the tickets and the show was taken off the board. Oh, well. It's not going to go away just because it doesn't win the Tony for Best Play. I'll be able to see it after the Tonys. I just wanted to see it before since I've seen everything else in the category.

It's drizzling here in New York. It went from a sunny day to a drizzly evening.

Danise, I don't know what program you have but I just downloaded a shareware program a couple of years ago. It's what I use to record my BBC spots and it works fine. It cost $25. It's nothing fancy and I can't do much more than just record something, for example I can't do fade in or out and if I record a long segment, I can't break it up into smaller segments but for just recording something like my segments or the Michael Ball segment or other Internet programs it's great. When you're here in October I can either show it to you or talk to you about it.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 03, 2005, 06:37:26 PM
Handyman has returned, and if he finishes in the next ten minutes, I'll probably be on time for the poker game, if the traffic is not horrendous.  However, it's rush hour on one of the worst freeways in the Valley, so we shall see.

Keep the home fries burning until my returning, for which you'll be yearning, unless we don't get some postin' goin' on, in which case I shall be returning with bitch-slaps well in hand.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Danise on June 03, 2005, 06:38:09 PM
Works for me!  

BK, do you think you might be able to come to the outing?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ginny on June 03, 2005, 06:38:34 PM
Ben, when I'm there in October, can you give me a "backstage" tour of the Foundation Center?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Danise on June 03, 2005, 06:39:40 PM
Handyman has returned, and if he finishes in the next ten minutes, I'll probably be on time for the poker game, if the traffic is not horrendous.  However, it's rush hour on one of the worst freeways in the Valley, so we shall see.

Keep the home fries burning until my returning, for which you'll be yearning, unless we don't get some postin' goin' on, in which case I shall be returning with bitch-slaps well in hand.

Drive careful and don't bet the house!   :D
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Ben on June 03, 2005, 06:44:18 PM
Ginny, why of course! My pleasure.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Danise on June 03, 2005, 06:54:39 PM
BTW, I didn't know until today that there are people at work that don't have a klew what Clue is!

We were having a meeting in the room they call the library and I happened to say that I thought Mr. Green did it in the library with the lead pipe.  Some people said, "huh?".  They didn't get the reference at all!  Wow! :o
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Jrand74 on June 03, 2005, 07:27:08 PM
What beats what?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:19:06 PM
What beats what?

This beats that.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:22:46 PM
JRand, did you get your Lightfoot?
I only have it on vinyl. I could make an mp3 of that, but I think it will be too big to send via email.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:23:44 PM
Hey Dan and Tomovoz!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:25:55 PM
Hey Rodz,  How's it hangin?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:28:53 PM
Loose, baby.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:31:56 PM
DR Rodz, you broke the 1K barrier!  I'm close to 2K myself.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:32:11 PM
I watched an odd film this evening entitled AGGIE APPELEBY: MAKER OF MEN from 1933. I find you can't go wrong watching movies from 1933.

Zasu Pitts is quite good in it.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:34:12 PM
Holy Cow, Dan! I didn't even notice passing that landmark!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:38:59 PM
Zasu Pitts--I've seen her in many a flick but I know absolutely nothing about her life or career as a whole.



Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:39:00 PM
Now you are just 9 posts away from 2k, so you should do a Top 9 of some sort or list the starting lineup of your favorite baseball players by position.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:40:01 PM
Whoops!  I already used another post so I can only do a Top Eight.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:41:05 PM
I've only seen a little Zasu. Pretty unique persona, but I too know nothing about her life. I know there was a band from San Francisco that called themselves The Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:41:27 PM
D'oh! Too late for a Top Eight--and whoever heard of a Top Seven?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:41:52 PM
8, hmmm... Top 8 hamburger buns?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:42:54 PM
I'm trying to come up with an anagram for Zasu Pitts but I'm coming up short.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:43:28 PM
How bout a Top 007. Your favorite James Bond movies?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:44:04 PM
Only 5 to go now!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:49:51 PM
I should go put on my "2000" glasses I wore on New Years Eve five years ago.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:51:54 PM
I hope we don't experience any "Post 2K" problems.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 08:54:32 PM
Just noticed the text beneath your photo. Is that a reference to the strange TV film with Robert Reed, Andy Griffith, Marjoe Gortner and Angie Dickinson?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 08:56:55 PM
A late reply.. Hi Rodzinski
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 08:57:19 PM
Just noticed the text beneath your photo. Is that a reference to the strange TV film with Robert Reed, Andy Griffith, Marjoe Gortner and Angie Dickinson?

Yes!  I've been waiting for someone to pick up on that.

I don't really remember much about that particular ABC Movie of the Week except for Angie in the preview spewing "Pray for the Wildcats, baby!"
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 08:58:58 PM
Another 4 DtM.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 09:05:14 PM
Yep, DR Tom--millennium approaches.  I wish I had some meaningful posts to lead up to it, but I got nothin'.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 09:05:14 PM
"Pray For the Wildcats" always stuck with me since I caught it late one night in my teens. Shatner is in it too, come to think of it. Griffith plays these guys boss, and he makes them go on a weekend motorcycle trek. He's a brute and is seeing how far he can push the guys, and they put up with it since he's the boss. Then he molests some woman. I mean, not the type of fare you want to see Andy Griffith, Captain Kirk and Mike Brady in!

I remember Angie delivers that title line, staring at the guys as they ride away on their bikes, and it is mega-corny.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 09:06:22 PM
Two to go. Bring it on home!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 09:08:01 PM
Not quite TOTD but I have just finished reading the very funny "Aberystwyth Mon Amour".  Funniest book I've read in years.  Probably since Tom Sharpe's books.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 09:08:23 PM
And I do loves mega-corny!

One of the great things about those Movies of the Week was how they allowed a lot of established TV stars step out of their normal TV persona and do something different.  I wish they would start packaging some of them into DVD sets.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 09:11:14 PM
I recently watched "The Blackwater Lightship" and it was wonderful to see Angela Lansbury step out and away from Jessica Fletcher.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 09:11:32 PM
I feel like I recently saw a DVD bootleg of WILDCATS. But, yeah, they should package them right, especially since there are all-star casts in some of those.

If they have nicely packaged the ABC After School Specials, why not the Movies of the Week?
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 09:12:01 PM
Um...er...
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 09:12:51 PM
Oh, you done did it!!!!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 09:14:08 PM
And speaking of Andy Griffith, I watched Don Knotts in "Pleasantville" earlier this week.  The movie really works for me - more so than Back To The Future and Peggy Sue Got Married. Only jarring notes (no pun intended) was the use of "Take Five" on the soundtrack. The setting of the show seems pre 1963 to me.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 09:14:24 PM
I recently watched "The Blackwater Lightship" and it was wonderful to see Angela Lansbury step out and away from Jessica Fletcher.

I loved that telepic.  It was shown here in the states as a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation.  Lansbury was terrific.  I cried at the end of that one two.  It was a very emotionally draining movie.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 09:14:34 PM
Good Evening!

Despite being up for almost 18 hours already - which usually doesn't "happen" to me until around 3:00am or later - I'm actually feeling pretty bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.  -Whatever that means...

Catching up on e-mails...

Catching up on posts...

Laters...
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 09:14:35 PM
For those reading later, Dan (the Man)'s second-to-last post was his 2000th. And he says, and I quote:

 "Um...er..."
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 09:15:18 PM
Great words of wisdom for the post too.  Congratulations Tom and Dan on achieving this high level of  posting trivia.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 09:15:58 PM
Oh, you done did it!!!!

Whew!  Thanks!  

Now the pressure is gone.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 09:19:25 PM
Probably would be a good time to change my avatar, too.  I would take a new pic right now, but I think I'm wearing the same t-shirt.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Rodzinski on June 03, 2005, 09:20:26 PM
Thanks Tom. Now if I'm not careful I'm gonna hit 1100 before 1 am eastern time. So I better reign it in!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Dan (the Man) on June 03, 2005, 09:29:36 PM
Well, good night Rodz!  Thanks for keeping me company.

You, too, Mr. Tomovoz!

Off to read the lastest issue of Y, the Last Man.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 09:31:14 PM
DtM:  Irish writer Colm Toibin is worth checking out. Interesting and well written books. "Lightship" led me to others. The movie really captured the tone of the book. Wonderful roles for women.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: Tomovoz on June 03, 2005, 09:32:13 PM
Time for my afternoon nap. See you tomorrow (today!) guys.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:14:42 PM
Good Evening!

What a wonderful day I had today!  And what a long one too!

;)

I left here around 7:30, and got to Andy's house a little after 8:00.  As I was getting on the highway, I realized I had not accounted for the morning rush hour traffic - I just haven't had to deal with it recently.  Thankfully, I was basically going against most of it, but there were a few slow spots.  It was also raining this morning, so that was creating problems too.

Andy needed to take care of an errand before heading to Richmond, so we took care of the errand.  -Which turned out to be a good thing.  It helped to delay our "arrival" onto the Beltway, and, consequently, helped us to miss the prime time morning rush hour traffic.

We arrived in Richmond around 11:15, and then the walking and shopping and eating began!!!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:19:14 PM
Once in the Richmond city limits, I took care of my post office stuff and my banking.  Then it was off to Carytown for some walking, window-shopping, shopping-shopping and lunching.

My first order of business was to find my mother's birthday gift.  Well, the first store I had in mind turned out not to have anything.  Neither did the second store.  Nor the third store.  Etc., etc., etc.

However, I did find a great gift for my friend Rachel's new baby girl at Posh.  It basically looks like a giant stuffed bunny rabbit, but it's structured in order to make it like a seat, sort-a bean-baggish.  It's actually labelled, "My First Sofa".  Very cute.  And washable too!  (And it was on sale too since Posh is closing up shop at the end of the month. :(  - but, still it was on sale. :) )
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:22:33 PM
Then came a "brief" stop at For the Love of Chocolate.  We were both like kids in a candy store... well, we were in candy store, so... I stocked up on some Violet Crumble and Yorkie bars, as well as some salted - and double-salt - licorice - it's just something I inexplicably like.  Oh, and Swedish Fish too!  Andy picked up a box of Maple Sugar Candy, some amazing Italian chocolate bar, and some peanut brittle for his father.  *Andy went through more than half of the Maple Sugar Candy on the ride home.  -Boy is he funny when he's on the Sugar!

;)

-Oh, and no gift in sight at For the Love of Chocolate either...
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:29:54 PM
Then came lunch...

Can-Can (French bistro).  Andy had the "Quiche de la Semaine" - Ham and Brie, and I had their Crocque Monsieur" (the "classic" ham and cheese sandwich).  Classic?  Hmmm...

Well, when my sandwich arrived at the table, I thought they had got the order wrong... Well... It turned out that their version of a croque monsieur is covered with bechamel sauce and then put under the broiler.  -I'm just used to them being pan fried in butter.  Lots of butter.  In any case... It was fork and knife affair.  It was quite good, but I do have to admit the bechamel sauce did add some unnecessary richness to the proceedings.  Good ham, good cheese, good bread.

And for dessert.. Of course, there was dessert... I tried their Meyer Lemon Curd Tart.  Very good.  Very rich.  Very Meyer Lemony.  Oh, and some Cafe au Chocolat too.

The only disappointing thing about the meal was the table bread.  The bread itself tasted very good - nice and yeasty, just the right amount of salt - but the crust was very soft.  Not stale, but soft.  I'm guessing it's a concession to the "Richmond palate".  It was just a bit strange eating nice slices of pain au levain with no crunch to it.  At least to me...

-Oh, and no gift in sight at Can-Can either...
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:44:48 PM
We then head over to the Schwarzchild's Jewelers.  I've found a few things for my mother there in the past, so...

Well, "Cindy" showed me a few things in the cases.  A diamond here.  Sterling silver.  Gold.  White gold.  Platinum.  Pearls.  I was basically in sticker shock the whole time - at least in regards to the items she was showing me.  Nothing was below $700!  Now, I love my mother, but...

I just started checking out things on my own.  Where were the "cheaper" items that I've seen - and bought -there before.  ???

As I was browsing, a gentleman came into the store asking to look at some place settings.  He needed some new China for his beach house.  It turned out there was a nice table set up in the front of the store.  Great nautical pattern, ocean scene, but not reeking of "Pirates of the Caribbean".  He really liked it.  The manager called "Cindy" over since she was the "Place Setting White Witch".  She explained to the gentleman that she had combined two different designs and two different designers for the display.  He liked the whole thing.  She said that usually happens to her.  She explained the pricing.  He thought about it.  For about 10 seconds, then asked for 8 sets.  -And that's when "Cindy" abandoned me and Andy, and headed for the stock room.  In any case...

The gentleman was talking with the manager - while Cindy was in the stock room - and mentioned that he was buying the plates for his beach house.  More specifically for the dining room hutch in his beach house.  They were mainly going to be "displayed" rather than used.  In any case...

After a few more seconds of thought, the gentleman decided that he would like 12 place settings rather than 8.  And that he would liked the shipped to his beach house in Hatteras.  The manager was more than happy to oblige.

OH!!!!

And the price tag for EACH place setting (charger, dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl and bread plate, and the coordinating stemware)... $850.00!!!!!  Again, that's for EACH place setting!  And he was buying 12 of them!!!  After only a few minutes of seeing/considering them!!!  And for DISPLAY!  -Well, I'm not sure I'd want to eat off a $180 dinner plate either!

;)

Needless to say, I didn't find a gift in there either...  But I was tempted to see if the gentleman wanted to buy something for me!

;D
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: MBarnum on June 03, 2005, 10:45:11 PM
Madagascar was a fun movie...not great, but fun. Taylor and Uncle Mike had a grand time and went to McDonald's afterwards where Tayor joing a gaggle of other 3 year olds on the giant play-crawling-slide thing that they have there while Uncle Mike chomped on chicken McNuggets.

Now, back home my mom is spending the night as she is attending a wedding shower in Tigard tomorrow.

She keeps telling me that my sister has been suggesting that she (my mom) and I purchase a house together so that I can take care of her (my mom) as she gets older....I think sis and I are gonna need to have a little bit of a talk!  :o
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:49:57 PM
We started back toward the car, and, on a whim, I decided to check out Alter-Natives.  It's one of those stores that features "fairly traded" goods, and they have a nice selection of "reasonably" priced jewelry too. So..

I walk over to one case...Nothing in there.  I walk over to another one.. Nothing.  Then.... TADA!!!  There it is!!!

I found a neat pendant/pin in the shape of a turtle.  Sterling silver setting, with a center piece of red cinnabar carved with some Chinese symbols.  In other words, something perfect for my Mom!  Five minutes later, we were back in the car and started heading back up to NoVa.

*The clerk polished it up before boxing it up, and it looked even better after being buffed and polished.

**And once I finally got home after the show, my Mom was very happy to receive it too.

:)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: MBarnum on June 03, 2005, 10:50:16 PM
Oh, I learned that the actor who played the doctor on LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE lives near her...it seems her friend saw him at her doctors office and the nurse confirmed who it was.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:55:55 PM
Since I ended up getting called in to play the show again tonight, I was not able to catch Big River.  But I'm only playing one Mamma Mia! tomorrow, so I may be able to catch one of the closing Big River performances.  We shall see...

When I first got to the theatre, I was feeling a bit run down.  Being up since 6:45.  The trip down to Richmond.  The shopping.  The eating.  The shopping.  The trip back up to Fairfax.  -Oh, and the traffic-filled trip into DC after dropping Andy off.  There was a Nationals game tonight, so there was lots of late reverse-rush hour traffic on the 14th Street Bridge.

But after settling into the pit for a few, my energy level started to pick up again.  The main conductor was back at the podium and keyboard tonight, and he was having a "fun" night too tonight.  It was fun hearing "new" things in the orchestration.  ;)

Then I came home.  Made the presentation of the gift.  Had a late dinner - leftover Chinese.  And now I'm here, so...
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:57:47 PM
DR Ben - Thanks for the Spelling Bee report.  I hope you get to see Pillowman sooner rather than later.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 10:59:15 PM
DR elmore - Do you know which dates you'll be at the LoC? We should definitely get together while you're in town.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 11:06:57 PM
DR MattH - My usual "solution" for not being tempted to listen to an OCR before seeing a show is just not to buy it until after I see the show.

;)

Myself, I don't have a problem with hearing and/or reading a show before seeing it.  There will always still be surprises in store once I get to see and hear the show in the theatre.  The book.  The parts of the score that did not make the recording.  The physicality of the production.  Etc., etc., etc.

*Reviews actually tend to "spoil" things for me rather than OCRs.  Just too much analysis sometimes.

But I do understand the element of surprise too, so...

To each his own.
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 11:09:32 PM
DRs Jed and TCB - I hope your Official Opening Night was a smashing success!
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 11:10:09 PM
DR MattH - Hope you had a good time at the party!

;)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 11:11:23 PM
DR Ginny - What kind of pressure cooker is it?  Capacity?

;)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 11:12:39 PM
...Although, sometimes I find I need something to remove the GooGone.

:P
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: JoseSPiano on June 03, 2005, 11:18:01 PM
DR MBarnum - Just how "little" a talk are we talking about?

;)
Title: Re:THE WHIRLING DERVISH
Post by: bk on June 04, 2005, 12:10:05 AM
Back from poker.  Happily, I wrote the notes prior to leaving, so I'll post them right now, not too late.