Haines His Way
Haines His Way => Daily Discussions => Topic started by: bk on March 26, 2025, 12:34:07 AM
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Well, you've read the notes, the notes had Erotica on the brain, and now it is time for you to post until the erotic cows come home.
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And the word of the day is: HOSPITABLE!
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Can a cow sing in cownterpoint?
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Just asking.
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Wordle 1,376 6/6
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Another sixer...but I got it. ::)
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Notes guzzled. Nuzzled.
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Nobody awake at 10am?
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Oh, 10 am here is quite different, I suppose. I can tell you all in advance that today’s 10am will be a lovely one.
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Today, a walking tour of Montmartre.
Maybe we’ll run into Amelie and some of her friends.
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As I suspected, we haven’t had to pretend to be Canadian. Nobody cares.
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DR Singdaw, that edict is so idiotic. Sorry if it ends up happening.
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Idiotic Edict is a song I must now write.
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Good morning, all!
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Good morning, all.
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Bad bout of insomnia last night. Wish I knew how to avoid it.
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I’m too tired to go to the hill country today.
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It's quite chilly this morning, so when the alarm rang at 5:30 I was reluctant to leave Annabelle and Thatch 2ho were cuddled up next to me. An hour later I roused myself from my snooze to feed three hungry cats.
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As soon as I've schlepped the trash and recyclables to the basement, I'm giving my legs a rest and lying down with my critters.
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Good morning, friends.
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And others.
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A new day awaits.
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Enjoying DR Rodzinski's travelogue.
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Sorry about the leak, DR Jane. I know how distressing that is. Hope you have answers soon.
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More interviews today.
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Hope you can get some rest and feel better, DR John G.
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I struggle with insomnia, too, but last night was OK.
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I’m too tired to go to the hill country today.
That's too bad!
Hope you can get some rest during the day.
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A new day awaits.
Maybe the powers that be will clarify what you're supposed to do about reporting to the office when there is no office, singdaw!
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Lovely travel posts yesterday! I hope they continue today.
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Nobody awake at 10am?
It's 9:40 a.m. while I am writing this -- EST.
Got up at 8:25 a.m.
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James from Service Plus is working on my pipes this morning.
I hope what he is doing solves the problem. I got the $43 deal.....so .....the rooter is merrily finding its way through.
Fingers crossed.
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Page two leak be gone vibes for DR JANE. ;D
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Nice review for MR BK & Co.
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Yesterday, I watched the four-part mini-series "Adolescence" on Netflix.
It packs a wallop. Each part was filmed in one take.
The kid playing Jamie is phenomenal!!!
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Priscilla took a bath in the drinking water cup this morning so I think I'll give them some fresh water.
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I recently obtained BK's "Do I Hear A Waltz" recording.
How did I NOT know he had done this one? Must have been a major lapse in consciousness at the time.
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James from Service Plus is working on my pipes this morning.
I hope what he is doing solves the problem. I got the $43 deal.....so .....the rooter is merrily finding its way through.
Fingers crossed.
That $43 deal seems a steal by today's standards. There are advantages living in the midwest.
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Loved your photos from yesterday evening's posts, John G!
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Post deleted
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Good morning, all.
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I actually thought I'd already logged in this morning.
Horribly busy day, and it's become a busy HELL WEEK.
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James from Service Plus is working on my pipes this morning.
I hope what he is doing solves the problem. I got the $43 deal.....so .....the rooter is merrily finding its way through.
Fingers crossed.
Sending plumbing vibes!
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I've been to the basement, and now I wiill lie down. I hate my life of leisure.
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Vibes for DR CHAS SMITH.
My theeder hell starts the first week of April....
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Yes indeed DR RON PULLIAM.
And it worked....I am doing a load of wash and everything drained properly no wash water in the bathtub and no bubbles in the toidy.
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Then another tech came and put a camera down the sewer cap and we took a tour of my pipes from the house to the street.
It was interesting. Of course he recommends that I excavate the yard and replace all of the clay pipes.....he is going to give me estimate.
No chance in hell that that will be happening until the next people pry the deed to the house from my cold, dead hands.
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DR ELMORE they are looking for a director to do a play Lebanon, Indiana.....I passed....
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But it's quite a commute for you.
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WOrDLE in Four
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I would listen to the Erotica.....I thought that was the record that Norman Bates was playing.....
And we never saw what was in the book that Marion's sister was looking through in his room....
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DR ELMORE they are looking for a director to do a play Lebanon, Indiana.....I passed....
Jrand, if something like a reading or workshop in NYC were somehow going to happen, would you come to NY?
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From DR George:
That's too bad, Jane, but do you have a big garbage can?? ;)
LOL. We have a decent size bucket. Keith turned off the hot water and the drip basically stopped.
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The plumber is here now. The leak is from a pipe that goes to the outside vent for our tankless water heater.
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Fingers crossed he can correct the problem this morning.
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Wordle 1,376 6/6
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Another sixer...but I got it. ::)
Wow. Congrats on getting it.
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Oh, 10 am here is quite different, I suppose. I can tell you all in advance that today’s 10am will be a lovely one.
When I'm traveling out of the country it is strange posting at odd hours ;D
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Today, a walking tour of Montmartre.
Maybe we’ll run into Amelie and some of her friends.
That would be fun.
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As I suspected, we haven’t had to pretend to be Canadian. Nobody cares.
Good to know.
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Neighbors gave us more Canadian pins but I'm not sure I want to wear them, especially in Turkey.
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I’m too tired to go to the hill country today.
That is understandable.
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Sorry about the leak, DR Jane. I know how distressing that is. Hope you have answers soon.
Thanks. The guy here seems to be good and know what he is doing.
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THREE!
(https://image.pbs.org/video-assets/Sb0nRuc-asset-mezzanine-16x9-zoEKzVc.jpg.fit.1280x720.jpg)
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More interviews today.
More good vibes for them.
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I struggle with insomnia, too, but last night was OK.
Good.
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I slept better than I expected, until I woke up at 4:00 with a migraine. This one went away faster than my last one so that is good.
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A new day awaits.
Maybe the powers that be will clarify what you're supposed to do about reporting to the office when there is no office, singdaw!
I planned on inquiring about this today. Is there an update?
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James from Service Plus is working on my pipes this morning.
I hope what he is doing solves the problem. I got the $43 deal.....so .....the rooter is merrily finding its way through.
Fingers crossed.
Fingers crossed.
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We just had a camera go down the vent from the outside. I don't know what they found yet.
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Page two leak be gone vibes for DR JANE. ;D
Much appreciated.
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Priscilla took a bath in the drinking water cup this morning so I think I'll give them some fresh water.
:)
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We watched this week's TRACKER. A little more tense and more death than I usually like to see in this show, but I wonder if the series is intentionally going in that direction based on what viewers are responding to.
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James from Service Plus is working on my pipes this morning.
I hope what he is doing solves the problem. I got the $43 deal.....so .....the rooter is merrily finding its way through.
Fingers crossed.
That $43 deal seems a steal by today's standards. There are advantages living in the midwest.
LOL, I read that cost twice to be sure I read it correctly.
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I actually thought I'd already logged in this morning.
Horribly busy day, and it's become a busy HELL WEEK.
Vibes your week improves.
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Yes indeed DR RON PULLIAM.
And it worked....I am doing a load of wash and everything drained properly no wash water in the bathtub and no bubbles in the toidy.
YAY!
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Then another tech came and put a camera down the sewer cap and we took a tour of my pipes from the house to the street.
It was interesting. Of course he recommends that I excavate the yard and replace all of the clay pipes.....he is going to give me estimate.
No chance in hell that that will be happening until the next people pry the deed to the house from my cold, dead hands.
:))
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We watched this week's TRACKER. A little more tense and more death than I usually like to see in this show, but I wonder if the series is intentionally going in that direction based on what viewers are responding to.
Interesting thought. I would like to see him work with his brother or the other detective that helped him solve two cases.
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Now they have run the camera up the vent from the inside.
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I had an 8:00 lab appointment. The advantage of a morning appointment is that the parking lot rather empty, and there are fewer people waiting to be helped. I was early, got in early, and was quickly done even four vials of blood needed.
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I had an 8:00 lab appointment. The advantage of a morning appointment is that the parking lot rather empty, and there are fewer people waiting to be helped. I was early, got in early, and was quickly done even four vials of blood needed.
Vibes for good test results.
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DR ELMORE they are looking for a director to do a play Lebanon, Indiana.....I passed....
I would love to do it! How long will it take me and my walker to walk there? What play are you directing this summer?
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I had an 8:00 lab appointment. The advantage of a morning appointment is that the parking lot rather empty, and there are fewer people waiting to be helped. I was early, got in early, and was quickly done even four vials of blood needed.
Vibes for good test results.
Thanks. I'm mostly concerned if I have gone from pre-diabetic to diabetic.
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The plumber sucked out a lot of water and everything is dry. He gave us a quote to replace pipes which would require removing part of the ceiling. For now we should be good.
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Up from a nap.
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Long day at the food pantry. We received a whole pallet of eggplant that needed to be divvied up.
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Came home and napped a little.
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Long day at the food pantry. We received a whole pallet of eggplant that needed to be divvied up.
That was nice.
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A response to Pam Bondi's domestic terrorists statement:
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DR ELMORE I am directing The Cemetery Club - it goes up in July.....
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Good lab appt. and fixed leak news from DR JANE.
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DR FREDDIE my guess is that if that would happen, they couldn't KEEP ME AWAY.
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Eggplant for everybody!
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To celebrate Page Four.
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WOrDLE in Four
Very nice, Jrand.
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From DR George:
That's too bad, Jane, but do you have a big garbage can?? ;)
LOL. We have a decent size bucket. Keith turned off the hot water and the drip basically stopped.
Whew!
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Wordle 1,376 6/6
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Another sixer...but I got it. ::)
Wow. Congrats on getting it.
Thanks, Jane.
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THREE!
(https://image.pbs.org/video-assets/Sb0nRuc-asset-mezzanine-16x9-zoEKzVc.jpg.fit.1280x720.jpg)
Great picture, Jane!
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I actually thought I'd already logged in this morning.
Horribly busy day, and it's become a busy HELL WEEK.
Vibes your week improves.
~~~Ditto!!~~~
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I had an 8:00 lab appointment. The advantage of a morning appointment is that the parking lot rather empty, and there are fewer people waiting to be helped. I was early, got in early, and was quickly done even four vials of blood needed.
Vibes for good test results.
~~~Ditto!!~~~
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Is there an echo in the house??
;)
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I had an 8:00 lab appointment. The advantage of a morning appointment is that the parking lot rather empty, and there are fewer people waiting to be helped. I was early, got in early, and was quickly done even four vials of blood needed.
Vibes for good test results.
Thanks. I'm mostly concerned if I have gone from pre-diabetic to diabetic.
:o
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Gratuitous Post #100!!
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A response to Pam Bondi's domestic terrorists statement:
(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7913.0;attach=25801)
:))
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On to the second Philo Vance, The Greene Murder Case. Also made in 1929. Also with Jean Arthur in the role of a suspect. William Powell is still the main reason to watch.
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Fingers crossed he can correct the problem this morning.
It’s a tankless task.
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The kids enjoyed Versailles, Jane. And they enjoyed our walking tour of Montmartre.
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Wherein we saw former domiciles of the Van Gogh Bros, Picasso, Toulouse-Latrec, Renoir, Erik Satie, Claude Lelouche (still living there), and Dalida.
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DR ELMORE I am directing The Cemetery Club - it goes up in July.....
Remind me to add this to your online bio when your story goes live.
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Glad the plumbing issues have been solved-ish.
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The third Philo Vance, The Benson Murder Case, is up. Released in 1930, it opens with news of the stock market crash. No Jean Arthur this time.
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LOL DR RODZINSKI I hadn't realized how appropriate my project is.
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Good lab appt. and fixed leak news from DR JANE.
Thank you.
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DR FREDDIE my guess is that if that would happen, they couldn't KEEP ME AWAY.
Sounds right!
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Good afternoon.
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(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQg9ine4Cb-DkFY66I9EoB2EBaJxjQU_zuNcA&s)
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DR George I believe you are also expecting storms up your way? I hope ours arrive later than 5:00.
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Great, now they are saying the storms will begin at 4:00. We have an errand to do at 5:00.
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Eggplant for everybody!
;D
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And that ain't a euphemism.
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Fingers crossed he can correct the problem this morning.
It’s a tankless task.
;D
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Good one, DR Jane. I was just about to post that one myself. :)
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Good plumbing news from both DR Jrand74 and DR Jane.
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PAGE FIVE
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A power ballad from the new iteration of Snow White, "Waiting on a Wish," by Pasek and Paul. Beautifully performed by Rachel Zegler, the Maria from the recent remake of West Side Story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTd1eYBC_-w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTd1eYBC_-w)
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DR singdaw I think our newly elected governor also signed such a bone headed "law."
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It looks like it's really going to happen. How, I don't know. In May, we are moving into a larger apartment, primarily because it was going to offer me a dedicated office, which now I won't need very much. We also gave up our second car years ago because I didn't need it since I wasn't commuting.
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Maybe I should look into procuring an e-bike.
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Although it won't be very practical in the sub-zero winters.
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Good one, DR Jane. I was just about to post that one myself. :)
Did you mean Rodzinski?
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Good plumbing news from both DR Jrand74 and DR Jane.
Yes.
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It looks like it's really going to happen. How, I don't know. In May, we are moving into a larger apartment, primarily because it was going to offer me a dedicated office, which now I won't need very much. We also gave up our second car years ago because I didn't need it since I wasn't commuting.
Oh no. Now I am extremely sorry.
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Maybe I should look into procuring an e-bike.
How far away is your office? Not that you really know since one doesn't actually exist. How many people have to return to this office?
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It looks like it's really going to happen. How, I don't know. In May, we are moving into a larger apartment, primarily because it was going to offer me a dedicated office, which now I won't need very much. We also gave up our second car years ago because I didn't need it since I wasn't commuting.
:(
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Tornadoes, large hail, & wind expected. I hope it doesn't hail while we are out driving.
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Tornadoes, large hail, & wind expected. I hope it doesn't hail while we are out driving.
OMG! Sending weather and safety vibes!
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Thank you.
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~~~SAFETY VIBES~~~ for DR Jane!!!
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Did you mean Rodzinski?
No, the Big Bird one.
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Our agency has about 250 people, but this applies to about 40,000 state workers that are working at home right now.
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I hope we are not returning to downtown. Which means we have to pay for parking. Which reduces our salary.
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Very sorry, Singdaw.
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~~~SAFETY VIBES~~~ for DR Jane!!!
Thank you.
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Thunderstorms have rolled in. We’ve had rain so far. Hail is possible.
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Our agency has about 250 people, but this applies to about 40,000 state workers that are working at home right now.
Did all of those 250 workers originally decide to work from home vs going into the office? I'm surprised the office shut down.
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I hope we are not returning to downtown. Which means we have to pay for parking. Which reduces our salary.
Have you passed that along to the people looking for a new office?
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Thunderstorms have rolled in. We’ve had rain so far. Hail is possible.
Vibes they pass quickly.
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I'm up, I'm up - eleven hours of sleep.
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I believe the day is almost done.
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(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQg9ine4Cb-DkFY66I9EoB2EBaJxjQU_zuNcA&s)
:))
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Too late to go anywhere, so maybe I'll just rustle up some wacky noodles and be done with it.
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DR George I believe you are also expecting storms up your way? I hope ours arrive later than 5:00.
It really doesn't look like very much is happening, or is going to happen, but we'll see.
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Great, now they are saying the storms will begin at 4:00. We have an errand to do at 5:00.
Good luck!
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Oh, look! It's Page Six!!
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We’re at our seats for Gypsy.
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My friend David sent me this very current graphic:
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We’re at our seats for Gypsy.
Hope you have a great time, Michael!
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A couple of understudies on tonight. Sasha Hutchings is playing June instead of Jordan Tyson, and Shanel Bailey is playing Edna instead of Krystal Mackie.
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Enjoy DR MICHAELG
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Storm begone vibes for DR JOHN G and DR JANE.
HAIL!
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I’m pretty sure I’ve heard Ms. Hutchings in a recording before, vs. Ms. Tyson.
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But to be honest, the only cast member name I really recognize is Audra.
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Good evening!
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Wordle: 3/6
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DR George I believe you are also expecting storms up your way? I hope ours arrive later than 5:00.
It really doesn't look like very much is happening, or is going to happen, but we'll see.
It seems to be centered down here but you were still showing up on the map.
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Great, now they are saying the storms will begin at 4:00. We have an errand to do at 5:00.
Good luck!
Thanks.
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Storm begone vibes for DR JOHN G and DR JANE.
HAIL!
Thanks.
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Wordle: 3/6
Very nice!
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Keith got Wordle in four.
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Did all of those 250 workers originally decide to work from home vs going into the office? I'm surprised the office shut down.
We were all sent home in March 2020 and have been home since.
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I'm up, I'm up - eleven hours of sleep.
That's great, BK!
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(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQg9ine4Cb-DkFY66I9EoB2EBaJxjQU_zuNcA&s)
LOL!
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Wordle: 3/6
Congrats, Kevin!
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Keith got Wordle in four.
Good for Keith!
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We’re at our seats for Gypsy.
Hope you have a great time, MichaelG!
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I am excited to hear the theeder report from DR MICHAELG
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New episode tonight of The Amazing Race.
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My question for ASK BK DAY.....do you have a current favorite "reality" show?
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We’re at our seats for Gypsy.
Enjoy.
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But to be honest, the only cast member name I really recognize is Audra.
You don’t recognize Danny Burstein?
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Back from bells. We’re playing for the church’s 50th anniversary this Sunday.
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And the rain continues. More than an inch so far.
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And the rain continues. More than an inch so far.
Yikes! It's somewhat overcast here, but the sun is definitely shining.
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RUPERT'S PAGE SEVEN DANCE!!
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Howdy, Rupert!
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It’s supposed to continue raining throughout tomorrow.
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Watching a brutal film called Riot in Cell Block 11. Good stuff.
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It’s a Criterion release. It features an interview with Stuart Kaminsky who wrote a bio of the director, Don Siegel. Kaminsky has also written a number of mysteries. He lived in Sarasota when I was there. I interviewed him a few times. Nice guy. Very low key.
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Subsisting tonight on some thawed leftovers, namely chicken mixed with lentils. It’s kinda boring.
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Hope weather is good back at my house. And safe weather thoughts for everyone.
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Did all of those 250 workers originally decide to work from home vs going into the office? I'm surprised the office shut down.
We were all sent home in March 2020 and have been home since.
I guess the surprise is that that is changing after all this time.
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Keith got Wordle in four.
Good for Keith!
Thanks.
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Back from bells. We’re playing for the church’s 50th anniversary this Sunday.
Lovely.
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We were in the cell phone lot at the airport waiting to collect friends when the wind began to pick up. It took forever for their luggage to come out and we were all concerned we wouldn't get home in time. Fortunately there was only a little rain for part of our drive and the sky is still clear.
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Hope weather is good back at my house. And safe weather thoughts for everyone.
Ditto!
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We were in the cell phone lot at the airport waiting to collect friends when the wind began to pick up. It took forever for their luggage to come out and we were all concerned we wouldn't get home in time. Fortunately there was only a little rain for part of our drive and the sky is still clear.
The sky isn't clear, but there's not been any rain up here, yet.
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I think it will get to us first.
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Another lovely review. I am especially tickled that every reviewer has singled out the staging of Holmes and Watson - which is mine. I don't mind Cheryl getting the credit, though. But it's everything I love doing, every step of it.
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Wonderful and congratulations :)
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https://www.discoverhollywood.com/Discover-Hollywood-Blog/2025/March/DRAT-THE-CAT-The-Group-Rep-Theatre-at-Lonny-Chap.aspx
Reviewed by Chris Cassone
Ira Levin, author of this 1965 revival, warned up and coming writers never to insert two exclamation points in a title. His perky-quirky Victorian musical comedy closed after eight performances. He confessed that the title was a result of a name change from "Cat and Mouse" to the title of the show's opener, with its overused punctuation.
Our cat that drives the plot is a young feminist socialite from New York's elite upper east side who stealthily swipes her High Society neighbors' jewels. "Cat burglars" were just coming into vogue at the turn of the 19th Century as the press played up their traits: quiet, sneaky, graceful, typically operating at night and, the reason the public fell in love with the stories, they used their skill and agility to avoid confrontation. They would always use finesse rather than brute force or violence.
Pit this cat against an up-and-coming NYC detective, add twenty-one songs and you have our mad-cap musical. Think Julian Fellow's "Gilded Age" meets the Keystone Kops with a taste of Meredith Wilson's Americana. A little hackneyed and overdone, but once I let my guard down, it became very enjoyable. Our high school drama club would have loved a production like this. Not so nowadays with songs like "A Pox on The Traitor's Brow." "Mr. C, uh, what's a pox?"
Our cat, Alice, played athletically by Sydney DeMaria was perfect with her coy "meow's" and her prancing, cat gestures. She is a perfect red-haired Audrey Hepburn with swanky grace and sneaky sleekness. Remember, it is a love story as well and, just like we all knew the idol's diamond eyes would go missing, so too were we ready for Bob and Alice to fall in love. Officer Bob, played by the sheepish, "aw, shucks" Alex Reusch could sing and dance with the best of them. And the best of them was DeMaria, whose clear, strong voice had us all on her side.
Their "Homes and Watson" number was choreographed so perfectly. The two of them were very sure of themselves, could dance together well and their vocals complimented each other. When that happens, musical magic takes place.
The ensemble was a well-oiled machine of timing and singing. Director Bruce Kimmel gets kudos for his playful touches of the era. The Keystone-esque Kops who, when knocked on their police helmets, would elicit a crack from the drummer's wood block. These Kops also would march across the stage like an early silent film, with shutter flash and stutter-step. And Shon Le Blanc's costumes were perfect. It seemed the cast members were always appearing in something new. And the cat with her black tights, ears and tail was playfully evil.
Let's talk about my favorite part of the show: the duet between Alice's parents played by Constance Mellors and Lloyd Pedersen. Alice's father had a decidedly unique tenor that cut through and her mother, who matched him note for note, both had the cleverest, finger-pointing-est repartee of a duet, "It's Your Fault," - symmetry in the blame game of parents who believed each other was the reason their child turned out a criminal. Anyone who has raised a child knows this dance. The rapid-fire lyrics had this listener gasping for air. Well done.
And the band must be applauded. How only five can make the sound of a small orchestra, is a marvel. Deserving that credit is musical director and pianist, Gerald Sternbach who directed from the rear of the stage, pointing, glancing, gesturing to get his musical points across to his team: drummer, percussionist Craig Pilo, Tom Marino on trumpet, Paul Cotton on woodwinds and bassist Tim Christensen.
The tango, "Wild and Reckless," was another piece that was so well choreographed. Cheryl Baxter outdid herself with twenty bodies to move around that stage. And who can resist a tango? Several scenes, especially the returning of the jewels, were clearly reminiscent of the silent era.
While certainly not the most memorable of Broadway shows, The Group Rep's Drat! The Cat! was a harmonious romp, a slice in time, a good versus bad, boy meets girl feast for your ears and eyes - an original, historical rom-com.
It is only here weekends until April 27. Grab your tickets now.
Drat! The Cat! Group Rep's West Coast Premiere of the musical with books and lyrics by Ira Levin, and music by Milton Schafer, directed by Bruce Kimmel, with musical direction by Gerald Sternbach, featuring a live Five Piece Band, running on the Main Stage of the Group Rep Theatre, March 21st through April 27th. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood (818)763-5990
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Most excellent review!!
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That's great, BK!
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Great review, BK!!!
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And another.
Drat the Cat Review – A Levin Flop turns Gold
March 24, 2025 Elaine Mura Entertainment, Splash Magazine. Uncategorized
With book and lyrics by Ira Levin and music by Milton Schafer, DRAT THE CAT makes its West Coast debut – only 60 years after its initial Broadway run. A talented and renowned playwright with hits like Rosemary’s Baby, The Stepford Wives, The Boys from Brazil, and Deathtrap, Ira Levin decided to try his hand at a musical. The idea of a cat burglar and a detective struck him in 1957; and in 1961, he began to write the musical comedy. In 1965, DRAT THE CAT opened on Broadway starring Lesley Ann Warren, Elliot Gould, and Charles Durning – but played for only eight performances before it was closed. Of course, Ira’s brainchild was up against some Broadway blockbusters, including Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly, and Funny Girl. Besides that, even if audiences seemed to enjoy the show, there was a newspaper strike at the time. And so this little spoof of turn-of-the-century melodrama faded away. Even after Stephen Sondheim wrote a note to Levin praising his lyrics and Bruce Kimmel (the show’s current director) produced a recording of the almost-lost musical, DRAT THE CAT was not fated to become one of Levin’s famed pieces. In 2025, the Group Rep proudly revives DRAT THE CAT for today’s audiences.
The time is spring in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and the place is New York City. The entire wealthy glitterati are in horror: a clever, stealthy cat burglar is lifting diamonds from high society’s darlings. The police must step in – but who is up to this monumental task? When Roger Purefoy (Lloyd Pedersen) – the former chief of detectives and the best sleuth in town – unexpectedly dies, the job is up for grabs. The Superintendent of Police (Doug Haverty) and the Chief of Police (Rob Schaumann) finally turn to his son Bob (Alec Reusch), an earnest, good hearted but bumbling detective. When he accidentally stumbles on the cat burglar – none other than the daughter of a millionaire New York businessman – he almost immediately falls for Alice Van Guilder (Sydney DeMaria). True, she does bop him with a bottle and secrete his chained-up person in a hidden room. But love is love. And Bob isn’t ready to give up on her as he desperately tries to reform her evil ways. Will he succeed? Thereby hangs the melodramatic tale.
Skillfully directed by Bruce Kimmel, who actually knew and respected Ira Levin in the “good old days” of Broadway super hits, DRAT THE CAT gives a run for the money while earning the respect of contemporary audiences. He is aided in no small part by a talented cast who are clearly having a lot of fun bringing this show to life. Kudos to DeMaria, who has the voice of an angel, and to the huge ensemble cast. There is even a band with piano by Gerald Sternbach, bass by Tim Christensen, flute/clarinet by Paul Cotton, trumpet by Tom Marino, and percussion by Craig Pilo.
Kudos to the production team, including Audrey Szot (scenic design), Shon Le Blanc (costumes), Krys Fehervari (wigs), Echo Brejcha (lighting), John Harvey (sound), and all the others without whom the show would have floundered. The Group Rep pulls off another winner from the ghost of a flop. Ira Levin would have been proud. Congratulations, and keep up the good work.
DRAT THE CAT runs through April 27, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays (talkbacks after the show on Sundays 3/23 and 3/30). The Group Rep performs at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets are $44 (seniors/students $38, 10+ groups $30). For information and reservations, call 818-763-5990 or go online.
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Great reviews. But Meredith Wilson? Puhleeze.
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Watching Heretic, which features a truly creepy Hugh Grant performance.
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Good night, friends.
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And others.
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An hour into Heretic and it has devolved into silliness.
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Good night, Singdaw.
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Let’s say goodbye to Rupert.
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In one …
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Eight!
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But to be honest, the only cast member name I really recognize is Audra.
You don’t recognize Danny Burstein?
Not by name, though he looks familiar. But from his credits I don't know where I would have seen him. Clearly lots in the audience knew him.
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Seeing and hearing Audra McDonald doing Rose's Turn from fifth row center was amazing!
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This was our first time ever seeing her live and she was incredible throughout.
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It was my first time seeing Gypsy so I have no theatrical reference point. It was good with excellent performances throughout, but I don't think I need to see it again. The act one stuff with the kids' acts wore thin. The overamplified sound design didn't help.
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I see now that I recognized Sasha Hutchings from singing Cowgirl in the Warriors concept album.
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Glad you enjoyed Audra. And fifth row!
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I survived Heretic. The ending was the expected bloody mess.
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To rinse after that, I am starting The Busby Berkeley Disc, a compilation of his best numbers from 1933 to 1937. I have seen it before. It never gets old.
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Good night, all.
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Love Danny Burstein
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I will try and come tomorrow and explain where I’ve been
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Great reviews BK!
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I’m just trying to ketchup
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This was our first time ever seeing her live and she was incredible throughout.
The first time I saw Audra Ann McDonald (though I didn't know it at the time) was in the first national tour of The Secret Garden where she played the Ayah! Quite a few years after that tour, I found my program and saw that she was in that cast, as well as Amanda Naughton, who went on to star in Rupert Holmes' Remember WENN on American Movie Classics!
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I wish Remember WENN could be officially released. :-\
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Glad you enjoyed Audra. And fifth row!
I know! Amazing!
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I will try and come tomorrow and explain where I’ve been
Hope you're otherwise doing well, Vixmom!
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Been doing very well, been carousing about Manhattan with occasional breaks for work
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Finished with my viewing.
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New notes are written.
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The really are.
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They'll be posted in ten minutes.
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Can we get to the next page in ten minutes?
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That is the burning question.
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The world is waiting for the answer.
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As am I.
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Finally on the last of Beethoven symphonies, the ninth.
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Sure has a famous tune.
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I think page nine is lurking around here somewhere.
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See?
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You know who just responded to me on Facebook on a thread about Pickwick Books - Morgan Brittany. How fun. She used to hang out there in the years I did.
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New notes are up.
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Up are new notes.
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I've seen them.
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I've read them.
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I wrote them.
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George seems to have gone the way of all flesh.