Haines His Way

Haines His Way => Daily Discussions => Topic started by: bk on July 22, 2022, 12:10:10 AM

Title: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 12:10:10 AM
Well, you've read the notes, the notes had high spirits, and now it is time for you to post until the high spirited cows come home.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 12:10:22 AM
And the word of the day is: PEPPY!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 12:11:02 AM
Welcome fifty-nine GUESTS!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 12:22:25 AM
Great newspaper clippings, BK!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:40:09 AM
Good morning, all!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:42:22 AM
Well, those were fun notes!

BK, did your Bluth shows have a band or orchestra?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:48:52 AM
In the 1970s, I first encountered the name of Toby Bluth as an illustrator of erotic images for several adult magazines. I have a very vague memory that I read an interview with him.

Then, in the 1980s, I discoverred that he, like me, had a fascnation with Babes in Toyland. In 1989 or 1990, I  orchestrated the Gershwin musical Strike Up the Band for California Music Theatre, either before or after they produced Bluth's adaptation of Babes in Toyland with Robert Morse as the Toymaker.

Bluth also worked on a rather horrid animated film of Babes in Toyland as well as this illustrated book of his adaptation.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:52:13 AM
After being up until nearly 11:00p.m. last night, I set the alarm for 6:00. At 5:00, three cays decided I wasa not going to sleep in, and I struggled out of bed around 5:30. I had one dream I no longer remember, but it seems to be nudging my brain cells to remember it, and I keep getting brief flashes of something I am unable at the moment to reconstruct.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:53:31 AM
So, on monday I got this orchestration job for my friend Martin, and I will spend much of my day doing some research and listening.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:57:01 AM
I think I've passed the point where any more information on Trump Treason will work me into a rage, although I wish there had been more footage of his attempts to film a message on Jan. 7; that was my favorite part of the hearings.

I just want the powers-that-be to remember the penalty for treason is execution. I want to see every person involved with Trump's attempted coup to be lined up and executed. These bastards deserve no less.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 04:38:05 AM
Good morning, all.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 04:39:34 AM
Interesting, that Bluth-Toyland connection.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 04:44:32 AM
It is Friday -- a fact that may have been mentioned once or twice already, but it bears repeating.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 04:53:09 AM
Good morning, all.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 04:53:50 AM
Really tired.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 04:54:31 AM
I wish I had another hour to sleep away.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 05:01:24 AM
Earlier this past week something got me revved up to pull out a movie I've loved the few times I'd seen it before -- TOPSY-TURVY, about Gilbert and Sullivan and the creation of The Mikado. It had been several years since my last look at it, and I had always intended to dive into director Mike Leigh's commentary.

So I watched it one evening and rewatched with the commentary the next evening, and that has cemented my love and admiration for this film for all time -- and for The Mikado itself, more than ever before, since being introduced to it in my early teens.

And that's my contribution to the TOD. I must run off and do some things, but I will try to expound on this later.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:10:32 AM
Wordle 398 4/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜🟨🟨
⬜🟩🟩⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:17:27 AM
I have now been wondering if the character Toby Bluth in Arrested Development was named for “the” Toby Bluth.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:17:49 AM
If so, I would wonder why.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:18:22 AM
Elmore I am so pleased about the orchestration job!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:19:01 AM
Chas, I too love Topsy Turkey, although I do not think my version of the dvd has commentary.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:19:11 AM
I must pull it out and see
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:20:14 AM
I was introduced to the Mikado as a teenager too, and it was my introduction to the wonderful world of Gilbert and Sullivan.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: vixmom on July 22, 2022, 05:20:42 AM
A lot of introductions in that last sentence
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 05:30:44 AM
Chas, I too love Topsy Turkey, although I do not think my version of the dvd has commentary.

Quoted for posterity.

As to how much posterity will appreciate the gesture ... well, who among us can say?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 05:37:40 AM
What did Topsy do at the end of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 05:37:53 AM
She took off her makeup and went back to the hotel.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 05:38:21 AM
It is 8:37 a.m.   I am waiting for my 8 a.m. doctor call......
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 05:38:33 AM
I enjoyed the notes and the clippings.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 05:39:12 AM
Page Two UNLOCKED WINDOW dance.

I encourage everyone who hasn't seen this episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour to find it stat!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Laura on July 22, 2022, 05:40:55 AM
Good morning.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 05:52:19 AM
Wordle 398 3/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟩⬜🟨⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 05:52:28 AM
Earlier this past week something got me revved up to pull out a movie I've loved the few times I'd seen it before -- TOPSY-TURVY, about Gilbert and Sullivan and the creation of The Mikado. It had been several years since my last look at it, and I had always intended to dive into director Mike Leigh's commentary.

So I watched it one evening and rewatched with the commentary the next evening, and that has cemented my love and admiration for this film for all time -- and for The Mikado itself, more than ever before, since being introduced to it in my early teens.

And that's my contribution to the TOD. I must run off and do some things, but I will try to expound on this later.

I saw Topsy-Turvy in its first run at the wonderful Paris Theatre, across from the Plaza Hotel. I went with a co-worker  from Barnes & Noble, who loved Gibert & Sullivan. She shortly after that, moved out of NYC, and I cannot believe I  have forgotten her name! When it was over, I felt thart if they'd added another two hours and given us all of The Mikado, I would have been really happy.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Ron Pulliam on July 22, 2022, 05:57:49 AM
Wordle 398 2/6

🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 05:59:11 AM
I have something in my eye - maybe litter - and I cannot get it to drop out. I need eye drops.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Ron Pulliam on July 22, 2022, 05:59:26 AM
It is finally Friday here in Johnston SC.

It is mostly cloudy and 78 degrees. Expected high is 97.

Humidity is currently 91%.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Ron Pulliam on July 22, 2022, 06:00:35 AM
Porch man - aka Joey Walton - is busy at work replacing the faulty screening on my back porch.

He sent me a text last night telling me he would be here early and didn't want to wake me.

I was not awakened by him, but I got up at 8:30 a.m. and he had just arrived.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Ron Pulliam on July 22, 2022, 06:01:49 AM
Larry, I'm with you on the treason issue.

At the very least, citizenship should be stripped from those who perpetrated and partcipated.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 06:08:19 AM
Earlier this past week something got me revved up to pull out a movie I've loved the few times I'd seen it before -- TOPSY-TURVY, about Gilbert and Sullivan and the creation of The Mikado. It had been several years since my last look at it, and I had always intended to dive into director Mike Leigh's commentary.

So I watched it one evening and rewatched with the commentary the next evening, and that has cemented my love and admiration for this film for all time -- and for The Mikado itself, more than ever before, since being introduced to it in my early teens.

And that's my contribution to the TOD. I must run off and do some things, but I will try to expound on this later.

Great movie. Watching it last year for the first time since seeing it in the theater fully convinced me.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 06:10:37 AM
Wordle 398 2/6

⬜⬜🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Phoodle in 3
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 07:39:58 AM
Topsy-Turvy is the only Mike Leigh film I've seen. I had long ago tried another of his (I think it was Naked), and just couldn't get into it. Well, those days are past, because after listening to him talk about G&S for well over three hours in total and how this film is actually consistent with his other works in certain crucial aspects, I'm ready.

(Vixmom:  this is the Criterion edition, which I VERY highly recommend.)

He is all about the working class - how it functions, the fact that it's made up of individuals as opposed to just an undefined mass of humanity, and its relation to the world around it. So, although Topsy-Turvy is, on the surface, a bio-pic about G&S and their operas and the Victorian theatre, he zeroes in on the nuts and bolts of each individual's function in that world. His close-ups of makeup, wig lines, perspiration are one thing. (In addition to the theatrical conditions, London happens to be experiencing a record breaking summer heat wave.) His devotion to gradually zeroing in on the chorus as an ensemble made up of a variety of individuals, and how that shapes events, are another.

I'm not done yet. Back later with more.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 07:50:31 AM
Back for another minute:

Leigh is equally huge on the details of relationships, not least those of Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert, Mr. Sullivan and his mistress Fanny Ronalds, and Richard D'oyly Carte and his partner and future Missus, Helen Lenoir. All of these are beautifully depicted, and those moments centered on the Gilberts are subtle but hard hitting. Between the actors and Leigh, I wondered if I was slipping into a Bergman film for just a moment or two.

Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 08:18:32 AM
Earlier this past week something got me revved up to pull out a movie I've loved the few times I'd seen it before -- TOPSY-TURVY, about Gilbert and Sullivan and the creation of The Mikado. It had been several years since my last look at it, and I had always intended to dive into director Mike Leigh's commentary.

So I watched it one evening and rewatched with the commentary the next evening, and that has cemented my love and admiration for this film for all time -- and for The Mikado itself, more than ever before, since being introduced to it in my early teens.

And that's my contribution to the TOD. I must run off and do some things, but I will try to expound on this later.

I saw Topsy-Turvy in its first run at the wonderful Paris Theatre, across from the Plaza Hotel. I went with a co-worker  from Barnes & Noble, who loved Gibert & Sullivan. She shortly after that, moved out of NYC, and I cannot believe I  have forgotten her name! When it was over, I felt thart if they'd added another two hours and given us all of The Mikado, I would have been really happy.

And you's get no argument from me, sir!

I simply can't get over how he cast the film with everyone -- every actor/singer and musician -- singing and playing exactly what you hear. It just might be the most honest film depicting music-in-performance ever. But there are a couple of musical things i would LOVE to ask him about, which I felt he didn't touch on in interviews or commentary:

1.  The actors playing Sullivan and his assistant conductor both studied some conducting with two different teachers in preparation for the movie. Sullivan's conducting is deliberately very stylized in the manner of older techniques and with regard to his actual character. The assistant is a younger man whose technique is more modern and less showy.  My question is whether, in a couple of places, a decision was made to deliberately take a tempo quite a bit slower than those I'm more used to over the years. My idea is that this could be in keeping with the works being new at the time and having not yet settled in with the opera company. It's not a criticism, just an observation and a question.

2.  Gilbert is completely dissatisfied with the Mikado's song and he cuts it the night before opening. But it, too, was brand new and bereft of the layers of tradition in comedic business later adopted by the company. And I think that adds to the fact that perhaps the song itself just wasn't "ready" for prime time. Well, it was, because when reinstated, the audience loves it. But it is fairly plain in its execution and would become a more colorful scene in later years.

3.  The fact that the musicians in the pit are really playing this music is incredible and thrilling. But you can tell that a larger orchestra is used on the actual soundtrack, and that's borne out in the end credits. No problem there, but I would give anything to hear the G&S operas played in a proper theater of that sort with the actual size of orchestra that would have fit in those pits. I don't think I ever got the feeling that we were ever hearing that band play un-enhanced.

4.  Damn it to HELL, what was 4?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 08:35:14 AM
I probably have more (too much more) to say, but for now I'll jump back to DR Elmore's comment about wanting to see the whole damned opera. Well, I wanted to see the whole damned opera, too, so much so that I took out my:

-Criterion edition of the 1939 Kenny Baker & Martyn Green film which my family and I saw on TV in non-glorious black and white (it's a beautiful Technicolor film).

-DVD of the D'oyly Carte's filmed-on-stage Mikado of 1966, which I saw a few times the one week or so that it played in a theater in Fort Lauderdale. It is lacking in many ways, but it's an incredible document of the very production I saw a year or so later in Cleveland when the D'oyly Carte brought it around on tour. (Also saw Iolanthe, which I'll never forget.)

-DVD of the greatly truncated Groucho Marx TV version which we also saw when I was a kid. Actually, that would have been quite a bit earlier, and my first introduction to the piece and to G&S.

-DVD of the English National Opera re-imagining, which I saw live at the Wiltern in the late 1980s with Dudley Moore playing Koko.

I didn't watch every one of these all the way through, but it was a wonderful trip through that world and I'll return to each one of them individually.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 08:35:27 AM
I yield the floor.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 09:03:48 AM
DR George, I have mixed feelings about Troppo.  I really like the star, Thomas Jane from The Expanse.  I am not sure about the rest of it.  We will finish watching the season to find out the mysteries involved.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 09:04:16 AM
George, the show you should be watching is The Orville.  It is now on Hulu and better than ever.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 09:04:25 AM
Good morning, friends.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 09:05:00 AM
We think The Orville is the best Science Fiction show on the air, far superior to any of the Star Trek or Star Wars shows.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 09:05:10 AM
Regarding last night's hearing:
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 09:06:08 AM
If interested in The Orville or not, I wish everyone would please sign the petition to save this show.
https://www.change.org/p/hulu-renew-the-orville-season-4
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 09:11:44 AM
Wordle 398 2/6

⬜⬜🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Phoodle in 3

Congrats.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 09:11:57 AM
Wordle 398 2/6

🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Congrats.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 09:30:20 AM
The Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs to avoid are the ones from the Stratford Festival with their prancy airy-fairy stagings, synthesized orchestra, and, in The Gondoliers, a man in drag playing the Duchess.

The early 1980s BBC series are pretty lousy as well - poor international casting and abridged texts - but the double bill of Trial By Jury and Cox & Box is fanrtastic.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 09:37:26 AM
The Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs to avoid are the ones from the Stratford Festival with their prancy airy-fairy stagings, synthesized orchestra, and, in The Gondoliers, a man in drag playing the Duchess.

The early 1980s BBC series are pretty lousy as well - poor international casting and abridged texts - but the double bill of Trial By Jury and Cox & Box is fanrtastic.

Thank you! It's mostly by accident of omission that I've skipped over those all of these years. I did watch a couple of them on PBS back then and wasn't inspired. I'll keep an eye out for that double bill, though.

For recordings, I collected all the stereo era D'oyly Cartes, then later went back and picked up the earlier ones with Martyn Green, etc. I still have all of those. But for whatever reason, I never had the Sir Macolm Sargents.

Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 09:39:47 AM
(Synthesized orchestra!!?)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 09:57:46 AM
I’m intrigued by Ethan Hawke’s series about Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

https://www.rogerebert.com/interviews/ethan-hawke-interview-2022
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 09:59:14 AM
The Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs to avoid are the ones from the Stratford Festival with their prancy airy-fairy stagings, synthesized orchestra, and, in The Gondoliers, a man in drag playing the Duchess.

The early 1980s BBC series are pretty lousy as well - poor international casting and abridged texts - but the double bill of Trial By Jury and Cox & Box is fanrtastic.

I’m not fond of the Australian versions from the Sydney Opera House. I find them sluggish and overstuffed.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 10:02:24 AM
I wish I had seen more Mike Leigh films than I have, but the ones I have are special. Life Is Sweet is my favorite. Naked is hard to watch. The performances in Secrets & Lies are devastating. Vera Drake has career-best work from Imelda Staunton.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 10:02:50 AM
Oh, and Mr. Turner is fascinating.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 10:03:09 AM
Three!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 10:03:31 AM
I guess I’ve seen more than I realized.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 10:05:52 AM
Yes, confirmed, Naked is definitely the one I tried to watch and couldn't get through it. I look forward to trying a couple of those others.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 11:03:18 AM
The Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs to avoid are the ones from the Stratford Festival with their prancy airy-fairy stagings, synthesized orchestra, and, in The Gondoliers, a man in drag playing the Duchess.

The early 1980s BBC series are pretty lousy as well - poor international casting and abridged texts - but the double bill of Trial By Jury and Cox & Box is fanrtastic.

Thank you! It's mostly by accident of omission that I've skipped over those all of these years. I did watch a couple of them on PBS back then and wasn't inspired. I'll keep an eye out for that double bill, though.

For recordings, I collected all the stereo era D'oyly Cartes, then later went back and picked up the earlier ones with Martyn Green, etc. I still have all of those. But for whatever reason, I never had the Sir Macolm Sargents.



My first complete G&S recording was Sir Malcolm's The Yeoman of the Guard. I have all of his series and they vary but I love his Yeoman, Ruddigore, Iolanthe, Patience, and Trial by Jury. The Pinafore and Pirates aren't bad, especially because so much of The Pirates of Penzance seems to be a parody of early Verdi opera.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 11:05:21 AM
The Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs to avoid are the ones from the Stratford Festival with their prancy airy-fairy stagings, synthesized orchestra, and, in The Gondoliers, a man in drag playing the Duchess.

The early 1980s BBC series are pretty lousy as well - poor international casting and abridged texts - but the double bill of Trial By Jury and Cox & Box is fanrtastic.

I’m not fond of the Australian versions from the Sydney Opera House. I find them sluggish and overstuffed.

Their Die Fledermaus is rather interesting.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 11:06:13 AM
Knock on wood, I think my back issues may be clearing up after four days of hell.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 11:10:56 AM
The Gilbert & Sullivan DVDs to avoid are the ones from the Stratford Festival with their prancy airy-fairy stagings, synthesized orchestra, and, in The Gondoliers, a man in drag playing the Duchess.

The early 1980s BBC series are pretty lousy as well - poor international casting and abridged texts - but the double bill of Trial By Jury and Cox & Box is fanrtastic.

I’m not fond of the Australian versions from the Sydney Opera House. I find them sluggish and overstuffed.

Their Die Fledermaus is rather interesting.

Their Gondoliers is yawn-inducing.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 11:14:54 AM
TOD:

The rest of The Batman, Downton Abbey: A New Era
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 11:16:28 AM
Hmmm.....my first G/S recording was HMS PINAFORE on the London Jubilee label....with the D'Oyly Carte company and James Walker conducting.

I also got the Glyndebourne Chorus and the Pro Arte Orchestra conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent.

I may also have the Angel recording on CD.

AND both those LP sets were right next to a Broadway show mentioned in the notes....HIGH SPIRITS.

Now I want to see HMS PINAFORE again.  I think it's my favorite....although I like all of the G/S catalog.

Lots of fun kids in this production I choreographed back in 1985.

(https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/294395105_10228997831235669_4643883503648622657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=C_2JvQf-AhAAX-06A2d&_nc_oc=AQk19cndtK1cY_mPyX5b9KYmrMD_SeHbatldE_VeJVh8zkCJ0QuloHI770y6JVI2vMUzQCcwArgM5zIZGPk3lTbZ&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AT9a6fKvWs7ZjkQ2GiS6DSEixrIIPZxbpuOC3ryXLEjZ8w&oe=62DF85C3)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 11:26:19 AM
Good back news DR ELMORE.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 11:35:33 AM
Nice photo, DR Jrand71.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 11:35:46 AM
Knock on wood, I think my back issues may be clearing up after four days of hell.

Huzzah!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 11:36:58 AM
This is Informa. She narrates and guides you through the 6 required annual training courses on protecting private data, which haven't been updated in 10 years.

How I hate her.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 11:37:28 AM
But I am now recertified for another year.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 11:37:35 AM
So there's that.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 11:38:46 AM
Our ride to the airport departs the domicile tomorrow morning at 4:30am.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 11:39:20 AM
Assuming the flight is not cancelled, we expect to be in Philadelphia around 10:00am.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:43:17 AM
Wordle 398 2/6

🟩🟩⬜🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Wow!  Congrats, Ron!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 11:44:28 AM
This is Informa. She narrates and guides you through the 6 required annual training courses on protecting private data, which haven't been updated in 10 years.

How I hate her.

Any relation to Philia or Domina?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:44:36 AM
Wordle 398 2/6

⬜⬜🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Phoodle in 3

And congrats to you, John!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:49:59 AM
George, the show you should be watching is The Orville.  It is now on Hulu and better than ever.

I did watch the first season when it was on Fox, but I don't have Hulu, so I haven't seen it since. :-\
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:50:09 AM
I really did enjoy the first season and was disappointed that it moved to a pay streaming service.  I'm glad that it's gotten even better, though.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:51:17 AM
Regarding last night's hearing:

(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6935.0;attach=15003)

;D
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:52:23 AM
If interested in The Orville or not, I wish everyone would please sign the petition to save this show.
https://www.change.org/p/hulu-renew-the-orville-season-4

Signed!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:54:26 AM
Nice photo, DR Jrand71.

Agreed!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:54:43 AM
Good back news DR ELMORE.

Agreed!!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:57:14 AM
Topic of the Day:  I'm watching on my phone a (covertly acquired) MP4 video of the Dutch production of Sondheim and Lapine's Passion.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:57:25 AM
Dutch is a very different language than English. :o
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 12:11:37 PM
And now that we're so close...
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 12:12:39 PM
PAGE FOUR PASSION IN DUTCH DANCE!!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:13:03 PM
Hmmm.....my first G/S recording was HMS PINAFORE on the London Jubilee label....with the D'Oyly Carte company and James Walker conducting.

I also got the Glyndebourne Chorus and the Pro Arte Orchestra conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent.

I may also have the Angel recording on CD.

AND both those LP sets were right next to a Broadway show mentioned in the notes....HIGH SPIRITS.

Now I want to see HMS PINAFORE again.  I think it's my favorite....although I like all of the G/S catalog.

Lots of fun kids in this production I choreographed back in 1985.

(https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/294395105_10228997831235669_4643883503648622657_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=C_2JvQf-AhAAX-06A2d&_nc_oc=AQk19cndtK1cY_mPyX5b9KYmrMD_SeHbatldE_VeJVh8zkCJ0QuloHI770y6JVI2vMUzQCcwArgM5zIZGPk3lTbZ&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AT9a6fKvWs7ZjkQ2GiS6DSEixrIIPZxbpuOC3ryXLEjZ8w&oe=62DF85C3)

Cute photo.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:13:51 PM
This is Informa. She narrates and guides you through the 6 required annual training courses on protecting private data, which haven't been updated in 10 years.

How I hate her.

Oh my, she looks annoying.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:14:04 PM
But I am now recertified for another year.

Good.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:14:19 PM
Our ride to the airport departs the domicile tomorrow morning at 4:30am.

Groan.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:14:39 PM
SAFE AND EASY TRAVELS FOR DR SINGDAW!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:15:15 PM
Assuming the flight is not cancelled, we expect to be in Philadelphia around 10:00am.

I like Philadelphia.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:16:16 PM
George, the show you should be watching is The Orville.  It is now on Hulu and better than ever.

I did watch the first season when it was on Fox, but I don't have Hulu, so I haven't seen it since. :-\

Thanks for signing the petition.  I know you will want to continue watching the show, maybe even get Hulu to do so.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:18:08 PM
When we video chat with Freyja we always do it together.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:18:41 PM
Lately we have been chatting using her Amazon Glow, again together.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:19:52 PM
This morning I had fun with her using the Glow app on my phone.  It was great for me because the sound went directly into my ears.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:20:36 PM
Freyja know who we are by our names but doesn't say them yet.  This morning she asked where the other person was :))
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 12:37:11 PM
So, DR JRand, are you called Buttercup, dear little Buttercup?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 12:39:45 PM
George, the show you should be watching is The Orville.  It is now on Hulu and better than ever.

I did watch the first season when it was on Fox, but I don't have Hulu, so I haven't seen it since. :-\

Thanks for signing the petition.  I know you will want to continue watching the show, maybe even get Hulu to do so.

I really haven't watched much broadcast TV in quite a while, so I've been seriously thinking about getting rid of it and just keeping the internet.  That would save me a LOT of money.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 12:41:30 PM
This Dutch Passion that I'm watching had an intermission. :-\ It was right after "I Wish I Could Forget You."
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 12:41:43 PM
That kind of makes sense.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 12:43:59 PM
DR George you might consider doing a month trial with Hulu, watch all the episodes of The Orville and other shows of interest, and then cancel everything.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 12:48:21 PM
I may have posted this before, but John Cranko's Gilbert & Sullivan ballet, Pineapple Poll, is a pure delight. The score is taken from all the Sullivan operas, including Cox and Box and his Overture di Ballo. If you know the lyrics, sometimes they match the action, and it's fun watching a waltz for the Captain, his finacee, and her mother jump from Pirates of Penzance to Ruddigore and back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0OLC1qOXzQ&t=457s
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 12:56:21 PM
Thank you for that! It's open on another tab and ready to watch later.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 12:59:46 PM
DR Elmore, or anyone who's seen it:

How is that 1953 film The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan?

I know I saw it a couple of times, years ago, and I don't remember a damned thing about it.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 01:08:38 PM
Another thing about Topsy-Turvy is Leigh's genius in staging the spark - the moment of inspiration - that kicks off the new opera and the rest of the film.

He plays around a bit with the actual chronology of the Japanese Exhibition in London and the sword, etc., all for perfect dramatic purposes. He puts it right up there on the screen -- the event and moment on which the whole story turns, and it's utterly thrilling. The genius part of it is that it's not overdone, either by actor Jim Broadbent, or the music, or anything. It's a magical moment.

He then jumps out of time and cuts right to a scene from the finished production. We're a whole hour into the movie when this moment finally happens, and it's a quick gift to the audience that we see what this all came to...before he then jumps back into the "present" and the collaborative process actually gets underway. The pacing in this thing is unlike anything else. And the extended "dry" rehearsal scene in which Gilbert begins shaping the performances of Pooh, Pitti, and Koko, is captivating to the nth degree.

Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: KevinH on July 22, 2022, 01:49:05 PM
Good afternoon!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: KevinH on July 22, 2022, 01:50:43 PM
Congrats to DR RonPulliam and DR JohnG for getting Wordle in 2/6.   I was so proud to get it in 3!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 02:24:11 PM
So Bannon was found guilty, but now his lawyers say he will appeal.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 02:24:21 PM
And on it goes.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 02:24:41 PM
DR George you might consider doing a month trial with Hulu, watch all the episodes of The Orville and other shows of interest, and then cancel everything.

I've done that before with Star Trek Discovery. ;)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 02:24:41 PM
 :)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 02:27:44 PM
Stephen Colbert says, "Trump decided not to act. The same could be said about his performance in Home Alone 2."           ;D
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 02:28:20 PM
So Bannon was found guilty, but now his lawyers say he will appeal.

Because of course. ::)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 02:35:53 PM
I'm up, I'm up - ten hours of sleep, almost consecutive.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 02:36:06 PM
Lots to do do now to catch up.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 02:42:38 PM
I may have posted this before, but John Cranko's Gilbert & Sullivan ballet, Pineapple Poll, is a pure delight. The score is taken from all the Sullivan operas, including Cox and Box and his Overture di Ballo. If you know the lyrics, sometimes they match the action, and it's fun watching a waltz for the Captain, his finacee, and her mother jump from Pirates of Penzance to Ruddigore and back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0OLC1qOXzQ&t=457s

This is great. And I did sometimes expect somebody to suddenly burst into song.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 02:51:23 PM
DR Elmore, or anyone who's seen it:

How is that 1953 film The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan?

I know I saw it a couple of times, years ago, and I don't remember a damned thing about it.

I've never seen it and I keep hoping  Criterion will tackle it.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 02:55:48 PM
BK, I received a wonderful surprise this afternoon. Thank you!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:01:56 PM
I may have posted this before, but John Cranko's Gilbert & Sullivan ballet, Pineapple Poll, is a pure delight. The score is taken from all the Sullivan operas, including Cox and Box and his Overture di Ballo. If you know the lyrics, sometimes they match the action, and it's fun watching a waltz for the Captain, his finacee, and her mother jump from Pirates of Penzance to Ruddigore and back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0OLC1qOXzQ&t=457s

This is great. And I did sometimes expect somebody to suddenly burst into song.

It makes me weep with joy. I wish the Australian Ballet would release it on commercial DVD. Their Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, and La filled mal gardee are quite good.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 03:07:39 PM
I may have posted this before, but John Cranko's Gilbert & Sullivan ballet, Pineapple Poll, is a pure delight. The score is taken from all the Sullivan operas, including Cox and Box and his Overture di Ballo. If you know the lyrics, sometimes they match the action, and it's fun watching a waltz for the Captain, his finacee, and her mother jump from Pirates of Penzance to Ruddigore and back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0OLC1qOXzQ&t=457s

This is great. And I did sometimes expect somebody to suddenly burst into song.

It makes me weep with joy. I wish the Australian Ballet would release it on commercial DVD. Their Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, and La filled mal gardee are quite good.

Is this the only copy circulating? Someone's off the air VHS tape with iffy tracking? The audio even predates the Beta or VHS Hi-Fi era, I'm pretty sure. But it's totally chatming.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 03:15:49 PM
Just got an email fom "scribd" saying they're raising the monthly subscription fee from $10 to $12.

I would let it go, but there are times when I find a score or something that, at that moment, is invaluable and totally justifies the fee. At that moment. Ah, well.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 03:30:34 PM
Travel vibes for the newly certified DR singdaw.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jrand74 on July 22, 2022, 03:30:52 PM
That was a nice link for a hot afternoon DR ELMORE.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: elmore3003 on July 22, 2022, 03:54:27 PM
Here's the Pineapple Poll page from the G&S Archive:
https://www.gsarchive.net/pine_poll/index.html
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 03:58:06 PM
Some Internet wag has scored the video of Senator Josh Hawley running away from the mob to the theme music from "Benny Hill."   Genius!

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/i2yWVtz6oFLCiVXyhF/100.gif?cid=ecf05e4710wbev5jlcrpzdka4voy8okbrh358yyhtwvsdo2w&rid=100.gif&ct=g)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 03:59:54 PM
Thanks for the travel vibes!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 04:00:38 PM
We'll be attending a mini family reunion at the south New Jersey shore.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 04:14:41 PM
Lord, I really dislike people sometime - today's people is a customer who filed a PayPal dispute. I wrote him and told him what the issue had been with the two titles and asked him nicely to close the account and gave him the Kritzerland gmail address. He then sends me a really nasty note saying he doesn't appreciate my "snippy" response, and that he'd e-mailed me before and I'd been "snippy" then, too. I'd already searched his name everywhere to see if we'd corresponded and could find nothing. The reason? Because there's one name on his invoice and PayPal dispute and another on his email. I just wrote him back telling him it's hard to know if we corresponded when the names don't match, and that I'd found our one email exchange, in which there was not a single snippy letter let alone word. It was explanatory and I answered a question he had about my mystery novels. I just refunded him his money and closed the case and will not accept any more orders from him.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 04:14:44 PM
Have a wonderful time.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 04:14:54 PM
Must eat something now.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 04:15:04 PM
Then I'll go back to writing.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 04:19:17 PM
Some Internet wag has scored the video of Senator Josh Hawley running away from the mob to the theme music from "Benny Hill."   Genius!

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/i2yWVtz6oFLCiVXyhF/100.gif?cid=ecf05e4710wbev5jlcrpzdka4voy8okbrh358yyhtwvsdo2w&rid=100.gif&ct=g)

;D
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 04:36:48 PM
  a customer who filed a PayPal dispute.

People are jerks, plain and simple. And now so, more than ever. Sad.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 04:38:43 PM
Here's the Pineapple Poll page from the G&S Archive:
https://www.gsarchive.net/pine_poll/index.html

Thank you. I just watched the Australian video a second time. And I'll say it again, it is completely charming, and of course these things should be properly released.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 04:40:21 PM
 :)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 04:41:22 PM
  a customer who filed a PayPal dispute.

People are jerks, plain and simple. And now so, more than ever. Sad.

Yes, that is damned incredible, how someone can want to behave like to anyone. But especially the person who has the very thing(s) you want. Uh...hello? Anybody home?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: ChasSmith on July 22, 2022, 04:42:39 PM
:)

Perfect!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 04:47:11 PM
Frustrated with too many unwanted calls on my cell phone, I set my phone to silence all calls not in my contact list.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 04:47:27 PM
I hope it works and that I don't miss any important calls.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 04:48:16 PM
Those calls are doubly annoying for me because they ring in my ears which is rather loud.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jeanne on July 22, 2022, 05:09:14 PM
Hello, everyone.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jeanne on July 22, 2022, 05:10:21 PM
Travel vibes for the newly certified DR singdaw.

Ditto!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jeanne on July 22, 2022, 05:14:39 PM
My 2 cents:

Both Fred and Don Bluth were the most ENORMOUSLY talented people. I'm still awed by what they did at Bluth Bros and elsewhere. Bluth Bros Theater was a little hole in the wall, but filled with so many really talented people.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jeanne on July 22, 2022, 05:16:08 PM
I came home from acupuncture today feeling verrry relaxed. Relaxed is good, but I may just doze off momentarily.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jeanne on July 22, 2022, 05:26:12 PM
Some good news:

An American friend of mine has a Russian friend, a teacher, who was reluctant to leave Russia, as his family is there. His Russian passport allows for limited travel to only a few countries. My friend convinced him to make the leap and met him in Brazil, where the consulate has been very cooperative. He had to be revaxxed, as his Sputnik vaccines are not accepted in the US, and now must go through a waiting period. But it appears he'll obtain a US visa. The war in Ukraine has made life in Russia unbearable for so many Russians, even for many who would have stayed. A brain drain, indeed.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jeanne on July 22, 2022, 05:28:03 PM
TTFN.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 05:37:18 PM
Jeanne, thank you for sharing the good news.  It was nice of the American friend to meet him in Brazil.

Unbearable as in economically or emotionally?  Emotional in oppression or conflict between those who support the war and those that don't?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Jane on July 22, 2022, 06:32:21 PM
'night
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: Ron Pulliam on July 22, 2022, 06:38:12 PM
Stephen Colbert says, "Trump decided not to act. The same could be said about his performance in Home Alone 2."           ;D

And ditto about his non-performance as a president for four years.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: singdaw on July 22, 2022, 06:50:50 PM
Good night, friends.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 07:58:12 PM
Some good news:

An American friend of mine has a Russian friend, a teacher, who was reluctant to leave Russia, as his family is there. His Russian passport allows for limited travel to only a few countries. My friend convinced him to make the leap and met him in Brazil, where the consulate has been very cooperative. He had to be revaxxed, as his Sputnik vaccines are not accepted in the US, and now must go through a waiting period. But it appears he'll obtain a US visa. The war in Ukraine has made life in Russia unbearable for so many Russians, even for many who would have stayed. A brain drain, indeed.

Great story.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 07:59:54 PM
Organized a happy hour after work today. It went really well. We had plenty of food and drank and good talk.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 08:00:41 PM
Afterward, I went a few doors down to one of my favorite ice cream places. Nice to see that my review from ages ago was still on display.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 08:01:15 PM
I had two scoops of burgundy cherry, one a gelato and the other a sorbet. Both were delicious.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 08:01:35 PM
Back to The Batman.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 08:06:20 PM
HOW DRY IS IT IN TEXAS ?
It’s so dry in Texas that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling. The Methodists are using wet-wipes. The Presbyterians (and Lutherans) are giving out rain-checks, and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water.
Now THAT’s Dry!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 08:53:11 PM
"Josh Hawley is a bitch. And he ran like a bitch."

So says a 20-year police veteran who was injured in the riot on Jan. 6.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: John G. on July 22, 2022, 09:25:12 PM
Good night, all.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:28:38 PM
Some Internet wag has scored the video of Senator Josh Hawley running away from the mob to the theme music from "Benny Hill."   Genius!

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/i2yWVtz6oFLCiVXyhF/100.gif?cid=ecf05e4710wbev5jlcrpzdka4voy8okbrh358yyhtwvsdo2w&rid=100.gif&ct=g)

:))
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:30:16 PM
Lord, I really dislike people sometime - today's people is a customer who filed a PayPal dispute. I wrote him and told him what the issue had been with the two titles and asked him nicely to close the account and gave him the Kritzerland gmail address. He then sends me a really nasty note saying he doesn't appreciate my "snippy" response, and that he'd e-mailed me before and I'd been "snippy" then, too. I'd already searched his name everywhere to see if we'd corresponded and could find nothing. The reason? Because there's one name on his invoice and PayPal dispute and another on his email. I just wrote him back telling him it's hard to know if we corresponded when the names don't match, and that I'd found our one email exchange, in which there was not a single snippy letter let alone word. It was explanatory and I answered a question he had about my mystery novels. I just refunded him his money and closed the case and will not accept any more orders from him.

Oh, my goodness! :o
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:30:32 PM
Some people's children!

;)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:31:48 PM
:)

(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6935.0;attach=15009)

;D
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:33:53 PM
Some good news:

An American friend of mine has a Russian friend, a teacher, who was reluctant to leave Russia, as his family is there. His Russian passport allows for limited travel to only a few countries. My friend convinced him to make the leap and met him in Brazil, where the consulate has been very cooperative. He had to be revaxxed, as his Sputnik vaccines are not accepted in the US, and now must go through a waiting period. But it appears he'll obtain a US visa. The war in Ukraine has made life in Russia unbearable for so many Russians, even for many who would have stayed. A brain drain, indeed.

That's great!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:34:17 PM
Stephen Colbert says, "Trump decided not to act. The same could be said about his performance in Home Alone 2."           ;D

And ditto about his non-performance as a president for four years.

Exactly!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:34:57 PM
Afterward, I went a few doors down to one of my favorite ice cream places. Nice to see that my review from ages ago was still on display.

That's cool, John!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:35:34 PM
"Josh Hawley is a bitch. And he ran like a bitch."

So says a 20-year police veteran who was injured in the riot on Jan. 6.

PERFECT!!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:36:28 PM
Well, I'm home after playing Phase 10, and I won the second game (of two)!
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:45:48 PM
And speaking of G&S, has anyone seen or even heard of:

Gilbert and Sullivan's Improbable New Musical: The Fringe Lozenge (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08LNG9RK7)?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:45:58 PM
The Fringe Lozenge was created for Coily Dart Theatre’s production at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, where it achieved a sell-out run and was awarded a Fringe Laurel. The songs feature all-new lyrics to Arthur Sullivan’s music, selected from across the range of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. The musical arrangement have been created by Vicki Hing, based upon the works of Arthur Sullivan. The original music and harmonies have been replicated as closely as possible, though many of the songs have been shortened and some of the melodies used are brief extracts, taken from the original compositions. The lyrics are by Susan Ellerby, inspired by the works of W.S. Gilbert.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:46:35 PM
And here's what it says on the back of the script:
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:48:26 PM
I just happened to come across this early last year and bought both the script and vocal score on a whim.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:49:11 PM
I don't know of any local group that woul do it...I just like the idea of it all. :D
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:54:16 PM
I also got the script and score to Gilbert and Sullivan's Improbable New Musical: Less Miserable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08WZ8XMPK).
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 10:57:56 PM
As well as Gilbert and Sullivan's Improbable New Musical:  ...and Helen (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08WZH58FY).
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: George on July 22, 2022, 11:02:45 PM
PAGE SEVEN G&S DANCE!!

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61K-xA8hlDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:56:41 PM
Page seven.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:56:56 PM
This has been the strongest posting month we've had in ages.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:57:11 PM
Ages, do you hear me?
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:57:18 PM
I hear me.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:57:35 PM
New notes are written.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:57:41 PM
But not posted.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:57:53 PM
Soon they will be both written and posted.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 22, 2022, 11:58:01 PM
Soon, I promise.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 23, 2022, 12:05:49 AM
New notes are up.
Title: Re: HIGH SPIRITS
Post by: bk on July 23, 2022, 12:05:56 AM
Up are new notes.