Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 7 => Topic started by: bk on October 05, 2006, 12:26:29 AM

Title: FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 12:26:29 AM
Well, you've read the notes, the notes were fit as a fiddle, and now it is time for you to post until the fit as a fiddle cows come home.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 12:28:48 AM
And the word of the day is: MAJUSCULE!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 12:30:45 AM
And a very happy haineshisway.com birthday wish for our beloved former dear reader Jenny!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 12:40:43 AM
As I was saying... ;)

bk - I actually think I liked ACL just as much as you did/didn't.  I was just in a hurry earlier, so...

I knew that the orchestrations had been futzed with, but I had no idea that bits and pieces - in one case, the whole opening section - of certain songs were re-arranged, re-orchestrated and re-conceptualized.  I mean, if the song was a "pop song" back then, then keep it a "pop song" now - there's nothing wrong with that.  With all this talk from Mr. Breglio about wanting to be faithful to Michael Bennett's vision and legacy...

And I have to say my biggest quibble was not hearing a real piano in the pit.  Yes, that new Kurzweil keyboard/sample is pretty good, but that whole opening sequence has a great edge to it when it's played on a real piano.  Although, I didn't much of the music had that needed edge to it.  And I'm betting that the conductor is most likely using a click track for most of the dance sections to keep the tempos accurate - some tempos just seemed a bit too accurate, not internal "breathing" and rubato.  -I need to confirm or deny that with my friend who's playing in the pit - and who I will most likely sub in for eventually.  *And I would have also ditched the Key 3 book - even though it would be another potential sub for me - and brought in a real guitar.  That synth guitar is embarrassing.  In any case...

Alas, I think the whole production is a victim of sorts of just how much better the training of singers and dancers is nowadays.  Everybody strives to be clean.  Everybody strives to be perfect.  Perfect diction.  Clean lines.  Perfect unisons.  However, I think ACL works best when there is some "dirtiness" to it.  It just makes it more real.  *Even the "mistakes" seemed a bit too rehearsed to me.

-And, boy, do the pit singers get more of a workout than they used to!

As DR Cillaliz mentioned... I, too, wanted goosebumps, and I just didn't get them.

*And I'm also wondering why Tharon Musser's original assistant, Richard Winkler, did not get the lighting duties for the revival - especially since he's lit almost every major production of the show post-Broadway.  -I may have been sitting a bit too close to notice, but I didn't spot the Mondrian effect.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 12:47:52 AM
I actually have a bunch more quibbles, but... Well... I'll just leave it at this...

Since there was so much input from a couple of the "originals" for this revival, I was surprised at some of the modifications, fudgings and adjustments that were made to the choreography.  And I was also surprised at how some things just didn't seem in a good enough unison - especially since they had the couple of weeks in San Fran and the past couple of weeks of previews here in NYC.  There were a few moments of "glaring" sloppiness - at least to me.

*And I also don't think I've seen a company sweat so much after the Opening.  Yes, "God I Hope I Get It" is quite the marathon opening number, but there were some drenched dancers on that stage this afternoon after the opening.

**Oh... If you're going to finish a number, at least finish it in your light.  Not almost two feet out of it.  :-\

OK.  Basta! Enough!  Ich habe genug.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 12:49:12 AM
Well... I'm leading a group of people around Central Park in seven hours, so...

Goodnight.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Danise on October 05, 2006, 04:14:50 AM
I'm so very glad that everyone made safe and sound to NYC.   I hope you have a wonderful time.  

I had a scary thing just happen to men while I waiting for the bus.  A man approached me and asked for some money.  I gave him a couple bucks and he went on his way but nowdays you never knowl.  

I never felt alone before in that parking lot but I this morning.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Danise on October 05, 2006, 04:16:38 AM
Good morning, DR Ben!  I'm glad your eye is ok!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Danise on October 05, 2006, 04:29:25 AM
Traffic is bad this morning.

DR Vixmom I thought about our zoo visit all day yesterday and today was the walking tour!

Such good times/memories..

 :)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Danise on October 05, 2006, 04:30:20 AM
Well, no walking tour for me today.  It's work, work, work.  A four letter word.  

Have a great day everyone!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 04:42:42 AM
Hey, Danise!

Glad you're OK. I know that strangers approaching you when you're alone can be pretty scary. Having been mugged three times in 26 years I can tell you, I get a second sense and I have no problem crossing the street or getting away if I feel uncomfortable. That's not always possible but, still, I'm glad you're OK and on the bus on the way to work!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 04:47:28 AM
Regarding the after-glow event at Joe Allen's, I think I must regretfully decline. I know I said we would be there but I just don't think I can do it right now. Work is catching up with me and a 10:15pm play date when I have to be at the office at 6am the next morning just will not compute. We (Anthony and I) will be seeing the show (Thank You DR Jane!!!) but we will head home after the event.

Are there any pre-show dinner plans? I would love to spend time with you all and if it's possible before the show I could do that. Keep me posted as you wander around Central Park with Tour Guide Supreme Jose!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 04:49:42 AM
And the word of the day is: MAJUSCULE!
Casey would waltz
With a strawberry blonde
Who rested her head on the MAJUSCULE on his letterman's jacket.

(Didn't think I'd come up with one this time, did ya?!!!   ;D)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 04:55:06 AM
Well... I'm leading a group of people around Central Park in seven hours, so...

Goodnight.
Around the park?  You're never going to put a foot inside the park itself?  And why will you be taking a full seven hours to do this?

 ;)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 05:32:06 AM
Last night, after a satisfying Lost, der Brucer decided we were going to watch the Comedy Channel.  South Park was fairly funny, a gross-ish depiction of Internet games and those who play them.  What he really wanted to watch was the new Freak Squad.

The reason he wanted to watch Freak Squad was because one of the "superheroes" is named Log Cabin Republican, who can transform himself into a the leather-clad strongman "Burly Bear".  Totally absurd - we howled through almost the entire show.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 05:53:31 AM
It's back to work I go...

...And der B will be expecting me to actually cook dinner tonight, instead of just tossing something together at him.

 :-\

Ah, at least we'll have Ugly Betty.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Kerry on October 05, 2006, 05:54:49 AM
DR Laura-- Get back to bed; the sun isn't even up yet!!!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 06:32:18 AM
DR Laura-- Get back to bed; the sun isn't even up yet!!!

But if I'm going for a walk, this is the time to go.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 06:55:33 AM
I guess Ginny and Richard have left town without telling anyone. According to the Front Desk Clerk at the Comfort Inn they aren't registered!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 06:56:34 AM
Good morning, all!  Since I knew I would be out tonight, I decided to sleep in this morning.  I will work at home today, and head downtown around 5:30 with a liesurely bus ride.  I hope everyone on DR Jose's tour has a great time today.

I enjoyed PROJECT RUNWAY last night.  You're right, DR JRand56, a lot of delusional people: Angela's question about her dog dress only confirmed it.  During the previous episodes, her comments about her "Angela trademarks" made me guffaw  

TOD:  I'm sure DR Ben and I would agree: The Chad Mitchell Trio and nearly everything they ever recorded, and whom I still blame proudly for my political attitude.  I would divide their oeuvre into folk and fake song, just like nearly every other popular singer in the folk tradition.  But for the Mitchell Trio, some favorites would be thus:
   FAKE:  James James Morrison Morrison
              Come Along Home
              Willie Seton
              Four Strong Winds
              The Last Thing on My Mind
   FOLK:  The Greenland Whalers
              The Golden Vanity
I also love Judy Collins, whose "In My Life" album changed mine, Eric Anderson whose song "Thirsty Boots" still moves me beyond belief, Tom Paxton who wrote a lot of wonderful songs, and Joan Baez, especially for putting Villa-Lobos' "Bachianas Brasilieras No 5 onto her wonderful Album No. 5 and introducing me to a composer I had never heard of before then.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 07:10:40 AM
Oh, My Yes! The Chad Mitchell Trio. As Larry says, a big influence on my political and social views. I have every album they made including some of the later less than stellar pieces (after Chad left and they became the Mitchell Trio). I still love them.

I also have (and enjoy) everything by Peter Paul and Mary.

Larry, I will be joining the group for dinner at Rosie O'Grady's Since Ginny and Richard "aren't registered" I called her cell phone and we spoke about dinner tonight. Since you will all be there we will just push our way in to the crowd. Hope you don't mind  :D
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 07:19:21 AM
Larry, I will be joining the group for dinner at Rosie O'Grady's Since Ginny and Richard "aren't registered" I called her cell phone and we spoke about dinner tonight. Since you will all be there we will just push our way in to the crowd. Hope you don't mind  :D

Not in the least!  

So now I'm putting all my Eric Anderson, who's sort of a better looking Dylan wannabe with two great songs, and Judy Collins into my iTunes.  Curse you, BK, and your ilk!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 07:22:34 AM
Good Morning!

Good Day!

How are you this beautiful day?
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 07:22:58 AM
And on that note, I think I better head on down to Columbus Circle.

Laters...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 07:24:57 AM
I'm going to jump in and mention the many volumes of English, Irish, Scottish, American and French folk songs arranged for the concert platform by Benjamin Britten, mainly for piano and voice, but there are volumes for harp and voice and guitar and voice.  While a lot of them, because of their rather daring accompaniments, sound less like the "folksong" as we tend to recognize it filtered through the 60s folk movement, many of them - "The Last Rose of Summer," "The Ash Grove," "The Water Is Wide," for example -  are moving beyond belief and capable of great power and emotion.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 07:34:36 AM
GOod morning!

This is the last of our summer days - high of 85 forecast for this afternoon. But because of the cool mornings, it doesn't feel like summer at all. The humidity is certainly lower than it is around here in July!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 07:36:55 AM
I dearly loved Peter, Paul, and Mary when I was growing up. That first album that had "Lemon Tree" and "If I Had a Hammer" and "500 Miles" was one of my favorite all-time non-show albums. In fact, it probably the only one I would play as consistently as MAME or MY FAIR LADY.

And, of course, when PP&M recorded "Blowin' in the Wind," well, that became my favorite folk song ever.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Charles Pogue on October 05, 2006, 07:37:35 AM
TOD:  

I'm a big, big fan of Glenn Yarborough, both as a member of The Limeliters and a solo artist.   Though it really is not a folk song, I loved his Baby, The Rain Must Fall.

I also like The Limeliters as a group as well as the Kingston Trio.  I like the Chieftains, though they're more Celtic folk, I suppose.  Two groups today that I like, which would be Bluegrass folk, are Zoe Speaks and Nickel Creek.

I'll have to think about songs.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 07:38:49 AM
I see in TV GUIDE that the PROJECT RUNWAY finale (two hours) is divided into two parts to be shown on consecutive Wednesdays starting next week. Should be interesting to see their Fashion Week designs and then hear the critiques.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 07:40:57 AM
Of course, an insane number of high quality TV shows on tonight on all the networks. Thursday really is an embarrassment of riches in drama and comedy. I wish some of these could be spread on Friday and Saturday, but, of course, the networks barely program those nights any more.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 07:42:23 AM
I see that the incredibly handsome Eric Dane (Dr. McSteamy) has become a permanent cast member of GREY'S ANATOMY. And there will be storylines about his expertise in plastic surgery that will be woven into the continuing stories of the other doctors on the show.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 07:43:12 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Page Two Dance!![/move]
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 07:51:46 AM
Kate and Anna McGarrigle (AKA the McGarrigle Sisters) are modern faves of mine.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 07:52:17 AM
I listen to lots of "folk" music on BBC and RTE (Radio Ireland).
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 08:02:13 AM
TOD: The first album I ever bought on my own was "Moving", by Peter, Paul and Mary. I sbsequently bought all their albums and eschewed the hysteria surorunding The Beatles (even in 3rd grade I was an elitist music snob!) until I eventually succumbed to the lurid lure of rock and its companion, roll.

I've been fortunate, over the last few years, to work on films featuring Pete Seeger, Billy Bragg, and Arlo Guthrie and I love them all.

BTW, if you want to see how Arlo looks now (with the blessing of color-correction and a Pro-Mist filter!) if you go to our distributor's website: www.firstrunfeatures.com  they now have up our "Sacco and Vanzetti" trailer. The iflm I did with Pete Seeger and Billy Bragg is "The Internationale", and you can see a trailer for it on our website:  www.willowpondiflms.com  .
I was happy to hear Stephen Colbert mention The internationale this week; he referred to it as the "commie fight song"! (SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, lovely SPAM!)

My favorite new-ish folk singer is Roy Zimmerman. He is like a modern day left-wing Tom Lehrer. Here's his website:  www.royzimmerman.com

My favorite songs of his will give you an idea of his subject matter: "Defenders of Marriage", "Dick Cheney", "Jerry Falwell's God", "Homeland Security". The songs are VERY funny, but with a biting edge of sarcasm and fantastic rhyme schemes that I'm sure members of this community would enjoy! You can listen to samples on his site. His webmistress is sending me a few copies of his new CD....I can't wait!

And my very favorite #1 folkie is Van Dyke Parks!!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ron Pulliam on October 05, 2006, 08:11:56 AM
DR Jose:  Sorry you didn't get the electrifying thrill from ACL that I felt in the peformance I saw at San Fran's Curran Theater.  

Of course, that theater is a bit of beaut in and of itself...it's intimate as all get-out and yet has a spacious stage/pit.

I had only the movie in my ACL past, in addition to the OBC album, of course.

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 08:14:41 AM
For Irish folk music:
Kevin Burke & Micheal O'Domhnail

For American Irish folk: The Dady Brothers, from NY
These guys are phenomenal musicians who tour Ireland every year. Their friends used to say "Gee, I wish I could go with you!". So they started taking their friends along. then it grew and grew until now they charter a luxurious motor coach, stay in nice hotels and have jam sessions every night. Local muscians show up, other musicians travel along with us, and the Dadys will crash gigs that friends are doing at local clubs.  They are very sweet guys and involved in a lot of good causes. I took my mom, her boyfriend, my best friend as well as my hubby on this trip last year and everyone had the time of their life. We all have different interests, and there was so much for everyone's interests. I highly recommend it as an easy and fun way to see the beauties of Ireland for the first time. (We plan to travel again with them in the future...)

http://www.dadybros.com/

(DADY SPAM, SPAM,SPAM!)

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jennifer on October 05, 2006, 08:17:27 AM
I loved last night's LOST.


spoilers.

*
*
*



I really enjoyed the new woman from the Others, Juliette.  And of course the leader guy is creepy as usual. I've loved watching him narrate some of the commercials (and the recap special last week).

I wonder now that they are focusing on the Others how much we will see of the other passengers. Or will this year be more focused on jack/sawyer/kate.

I will say that jack's backstory was not really as interesting as most have been. There were a few good tidbits. But much of it was sort of predictable (which most of the backstories have not been).

But very excellent show.

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:20:34 AM
Not interesting? I'm still dying to know who the man was who Jack's wife left him for? Will he turn up in some way on the island? Is he one of the Others?
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:21:27 AM
And it looked like the writers are setting up Juliette as Jack's love interest for this season. Something I read somewhere suggested that there will be more romance on LOST this season.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:22:45 AM
Having lunch with best friend John today, so I need to go get cleaned up.

WBBL.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 08:36:23 AM
I'm GREEN with envy---all you folks in NY have a GREAT time!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 08:48:26 AM
I'm up, I'm up.  Gonna try to jog pre meeting, which means I have to wake up and do so in the next half-hour.

I agree with everything Jose said, and I thought he said it clearly and succinctly.  He's right about the sweat, too - Mike was sweating after about ten seconds, with huge dark circles under his armpits - first time I have ever seen that in ACL.

I suspect that people who've never seen a production of the show, like our very own Ron, will really enjoy and/or even love it and that's a good thing because the show is wonderful and should be seen.  I just wish that their mantra for the last year had been followed - that what we were going to get would be completely faithful to Mr. Bennett and that it wouldn't be "updated" in any way - although there was that little thrown-away caveat that the lighting might be more "modern" (it's not, just different and not quite as good), that the sound might be more modern (it's not, and it sounds the same as before, so why do they need head mics), and that the set might be more modern ("well, if new color and runner lights are "modern" then they achieved their goal - although I found it more Vegas than B'way).  Still, a new generation of kids will see and love and be inspired by it, and that's a good thing, too.

I agree about the over-cleanness.  The original (and many subsequent companies) had joy, spirit, and dancers who were not just doing the choreography, but making it their own - personalizing it).  The only time where it should be absolute precision is the finale, because that's the point of that number.  Jose is right - the "mistakes" look rehearsed and not real.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jennifer on October 05, 2006, 08:54:56 AM
Re: last night's vote out on DANCING WITH THE STARS.


spoilers.

*
*
*










I must say that i am not happy with this new voting system. It is really unfair, because it gives the judges very little say and the public a ton of say.

Last year it was 50-50. ANd if you got first place you got a #1 ranking (either from the judges or the public). But this year's voting is crazy. And i don't even think most people realize what they are doing.

The two worst dancers (sara evans and jerry springer) did not even make it to the bottom 2 (even though they were in the bottom from the judges).

Basically if you get a 29/30 from the judges your percent of judges vote will not be that different from if you were in last with 20/30 (maybe 12% of the judges vote to 10%).

But then they add that percentage to the public voting percentage. So if you get 25% of the public's vote (and someone else gets 15%). Then your 25% is added to your 10% (or whatever the judges gave you).

That means that the most popular should win.

Now granted many people are easily manipulated (they hated willa and now that the judges love her she is never in the bottom 2). And some people vote for the best dancers.  BUt i just don't get how monique and vivica can be the bottom 2. They are both fantastic.

I'm really disappointed with who went home (vivica). It was definitely not her time.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 09:12:35 AM
I spent a good deal of time on the phone tonight after I cleaned the den, so I only had time to watch the season finale from THE CLOSER's first season DVD set. Just love the opening when all her squad is making fun of her, and she enjoys their jokes. Finally, she starts to feel like she fits in. I loved that moment when I first saw it, and I love seeing it again and again.

This episode moved me to tears, it was such a satisfying conclusion to the season with everything coming full circle from the pilot. And the scene where she is called in to apologize was one of the best ever...it had me laughing out loud. I wondered how they could keep up the quality of the writing in the second season, but they managed to do it!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 09:20:33 AM
Happy Birthday to DR Jenny.

John Kander!!!  THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH....I am reticent, oh yes, I am reticent.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 09:21:02 AM
Have fun NY group!!!  

Looking forward to hearing DROWSY CHAPERONE views from those attending.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 09:21:55 AM
Thanks to DRJOSE for his views on ACL....it is SO dear to my heart (a Walt Disney reference), that I don't think I can see it again.  Not sure I even want to buy the new Cast CD....but I might not be able to resist it.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 09:25:58 AM
TOD:

I have a Limelighters LIVE at the New York World's Fair album that I enjoy VERY much.

CHAD MITCHELL TRIO...oh my....love them....Hang on the Bell, Lizzie!

Peter Paul & Mary...although when I first saw them on television I was shocked at how UNATTRACTIVE they all were....but they can SURE sing!

Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and a couple of others.  Of course the groups like The Back Porch Majority...such fun songs and enthusiastic singers.

BUT - if I can only have ONE group....one choice....it would be The Brothers Four.  I got their albums....mostly through the Columbia Record Club....  I Never Will Marry, Greensleeves, Banua, Superman....so many of their songs.

THE BROTHERS FOUR.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 09:26:46 AM
Looking forward to the Laura/Jeffrey throw down next week on Pwoject Wunway.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 09:27:38 AM
If you go here and put in your address you can find out some interesting things about your house.   ;D

www.zillow.com
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JMK on October 05, 2006, 09:45:23 AM
I'm baaaaack after a brief stint of remodelling heck--it wasn't quite the hell some other projects have been, but still caused some big inconveniences, especially with the "new" puppy.  But we have some nice new updates to greet Tom, Colin, Mike and Jane (not to be confused with Bob, Carol, Ted and Alice) with next week.  :)

In my absence I turned down a job producing CDs for a major liturgical organization (absurdly low pay for a full time plus job) and accepted another job as a private piano teacher at a local language immersion school.

Betsy and I were seriously disturbed (stop giggling) by last night's Lost.

What's new with y'all?
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: George on October 05, 2006, 09:57:30 AM
Last night, after a satisfying Lost, der Brucer decided we were going to watch the Comedy Channel.  South Park was fairly funny, a gross-ish depiction of Internet games and those who play them.  What he really wanted to watch was the new Freak Squad.

The reason he wanted to watch Freak Squad was because one of the "superheroes" is named Log Cabin Republican, who can transform himself into a the leather-clad strongman "Burly Bear".  Totally absurd - we howled through almost the entire show.

Horseracing.  I loved the "South Park" episode, but "Freak Squad" just didn't grab me.  I didn't think that it was funny at all.  But I'm glad that you howled through it. ;) No...I really am! ;D
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 09:58:41 AM
Good day one and all!!

Have fun in NYC to those of you who are visiting the big apple!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: George on October 05, 2006, 09:59:44 AM
I'm going to jump in and mention the many volumes of English, Irish, Scottish, American and French folk songs arranged for the concert platform by Benjamin Britten, mainly for piano and voice, but there are volumes for harp and voice and guitar and voice.  While a lot of them, because of their rather daring accompaniments, sound less like the "folksong" as we tend to recognize it filtered through the 60s folk movement, many of them - "The Last Rose of Summer," "The Ash Grove," "The Water Is Wide," for example -  are moving beyond belief and capable of great power and emotion.

Larry, have you ever heard Sarah Brightman's CD of Britten folk songs, The Trees They Grow So High (http://www.amazon.com/Trees-They-Grow-So-High/dp/B000007PJB/sr=8-1/qid=1160067158/ref=sr_1_1/104-9264336-3384736?ie=UTF8&s=music)[/b]?  If you have, what do you think of it?  What do you think of Sarah?? ::) I love most of what Sarah has recorded (this included). :)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: George on October 05, 2006, 10:04:31 AM
Now...off to work!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 10:12:03 AM
And as for the new crop....Cheryl Wheeler.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 10:23:24 AM
TOTD:

I tend to go more for instrumental groups than vocals..

American: I tend to like songs more than artists but I do tend to favour Peter, Paul and Mary and Chuch Suchy. Suchy is a  regional artist.  I also enjoy bluegrass. I also like Los Lobos when they used to do more of the Mexican root music.

Ben, I also enjoy the McGarrigle sisters. Excellent singers.

Metis and Canadian: La Bottine Souriante (they fuse Jazz with French-Canadian trad songs - feiry and fun to listen too) and Alex Carriere

American/Canadian Celtic: Rankin Family, Loreena McKennit, Cherish the Ladies,  Great Big Sea (Excellent singers of sea shanties), Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, Eileen McIvers, Reeltime, Anne Heymann, and Black 47 (they fused pop and rock with Irish trad music)

Galician (Spain) : Carlos Nunez and Luz Cabal (beautiful singer)

English / Scottish: Capercaillie (Karen Matheson has an incredible haunting voice and it goes right through you.), Robin Williamson, Talitha McKenzie, Fairport Convention, Silly Wizard,  Tannahill Weavers, Boys of the Loch, and the Battlefield Band

Breton (France): Kornog

Norway: Sissel (She started out as a folk singer and is very popular up here.)

and of course Irish Trad/Folk Music...
My all-time favorite is  The Chieftains!

I also like Altan (Mairead has a beautiful voice), Clannad, Anuna, Mary Black, Michael O Suillebhean, Matt Molloy, Derek Bell (He has recorded innumerable harp albums and classical music), Bothy Band, Kevin Burke, Tommy Potts, Sean O Riada and Ceoltoiri Cualann, Davy Spillane, DeDanaan, Deanta, Dubliners, Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem,  Seamus Ennis (wonderful piper and story teller. I am glad the Gael-Linn label is re-releasing his stuff again)


Those are the ones I can think of right now.....
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 10:26:12 AM
Larry, have you ever heard Sarah Brightman's CD of Britten folk songs, The Trees They Grow So High (http://www.amazon.com/Trees-They-Grow-So-High/dp/B000007PJB/sr=8-1/qid=1160067158/ref=sr_1_1/104-9264336-3384736?ie=UTF8&s=music)[/b]?  If you have, what do you think of it?  What do you think of Sarah?? ::) I love most of what Sarah has recorded (this included). :)

I have not seen that album George. From what I have heard from others, it is a wonderful album of Britton folk songs.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 10:34:07 AM
This morning I went for a walk, and this is what I saw:
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 10:34:57 AM
And this:
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 10:35:23 AM
Nice picture Laura... Ribbit! Ribbit!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 10:36:02 AM
I see we have floated on the back of a Coot right over to page 3!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 10:36:10 AM
And this:
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 10:37:31 AM
Thanks for sharing, I had always wondered what one looked like.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 10:37:32 AM
And now I should get to work!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jennifer on October 05, 2006, 10:49:23 AM
Can we please try to leave some space when talking about PROJECT RUNWAY.  We are still a few weeks behind here in canada.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 10:53:24 AM
Pete Seeger, how could I forget Pete Seeger!

The Live at Carnegie Hall concert two CD set has some of the most amazing and moving material I have ever heard. It was the first CD I ever bought and I didn't have a CD player at the time. I had the record and I had put it on tape but I didn't know if I would ever see the CD again and I had the money in my wallet so I bought it. That was oh, so many years ago (about 15 I think).
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 10:56:43 AM
Larry, have you ever heard Sarah Brightman's CD of Britten folk songs, The Trees They Grow So High (http://www.amazon.com/Trees-They-Grow-So-High/dp/B000007PJB/sr=8-1/qid=1160067158/ref=sr_1_1/104-9264336-3384736?ie=UTF8&s=music)[/b]?  If you have, what do you think of it?  What do you think of Sarah?? ::) I love most of what Sarah has recorded (this included). :)

DR George, when I met Sarah during her POTO days, I mentioned to her how much I liked the Britten album.  She was quite lovely, and I don't believe she deserved the knocks she got in her husband's show.  I must say that she probably would not pass Britten's muster as a legit soprano and he probably would have hated her album of his arrangements, but I believe she once had a lovely light soprano - I recommended her once for a crossover album of CAMELOT that never happened.  I think she's lovely on Strouse's THE NIGHTINGALE.  

On the other hand, I think her PBS evenings and recordings are the height of overwrought, overproduced kitsch - kind of classical singing for people who don't like classical music or classical singing - and she's got neither the technique nor chops to carry off some of the stuff she attempts.  Some of the choreography and decor are so tasteless it stuns me.  She probably laughs all the way to the bank at these sort of comments, so more power to her!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 10:58:13 AM
Back from a brief meeting and hand-off with my musical director.  

We finally were able to figure out a time for our meet and greet and read-through - this Monday at 3:00.  Thank goodness!  The All That Chat Simply Sondheim review is up - very mixed, and I pretty much agree with everything except his error in saying that I sang A Parade In Town rather than Guy Haines.  He liked the song, though.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 11:02:02 AM
I forgot a group: Leahy!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: MBarnum on October 05, 2006, 11:14:20 AM
Just checked in with the NY Walking/talking tour led by DR Jose and attended by Cillaliz, Ginny, Vixmom, JHVW, and the Vixter (I think she was there...didn't talk to her). They were in the vicinity of the Art Musuem in Central Park when I called...the weather is lovely they say and they are having a blast!

I wish I was there!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: MBarnum on October 05, 2006, 11:15:30 AM
The movie HOOTENANNY HOOT had some wonderful folk singers in it and a duo named Joe and Eddie have become a favorite of mine.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: George on October 05, 2006, 11:21:21 AM
Just checked in with the NY Walking/talking tour led by DR Jose and attended by Cillaliz, Ginny, Vixmom, JHVW, and the Vixter (I think she was there...didn't talk to her). They were in the vicinity of the Art Musuem in Central Park when I called...the weather is lovely they say and they are having a blast!  

I wish I was there!

Me, too!!  Someday (when things settle down with my move and I start to save some money ::)), I would LOVE to travel to NYC again. :)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: FJL on October 05, 2006, 11:33:08 AM
Made a reservation at the Sheraton Universal Hotel on Univeral Hollywood Drive in (you guessed it) Universal City, California for eves of Dec. 8 and 9.  

I likely won't make it to the official opening night of BRAIN on December 8, but I got a ticket for the Saturday matinee on December 9th.    
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 11:39:31 AM
TOD

Oh, dear, so much to say, so little space!

SAGA - PART ONE - THE HIGH SCHOOL YEARS (1952-1956)

My first introduction to recorded Folk Music was after dinner in a big brick row house in South Philly. A class mate had invited me to have dinner with his family (The Piparis were a typical Italian immigrant extended family - and, as I discovered at dinner, Grandpa made his own "Dago Red" in the cellar).Dinner was quite an experience. A long dining table laden with all sorts of salads, pasta dishes, and breadstuffs. I dug in with gusto! Bruce, have some more, "Manja, Manja" said the hostess - and "Manja" I did! Ah, time to clear the table. Wait, what is this? platters of Roast Lamb, pots of Chicken stew, bowls brimming with various veggies, - DINNER IS SERVED! And, of course, there were the desserts to come!)

After dinner Frank invited me to his room to share is newest treasure - a group of Decca 78s by a group called The Weavers.
(With some guy named Pete Seeger)
(http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000002P1S.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1115769244_.jpg)

And what a collection of Songs:

1. On Top Of Old Smokey
2. Hard, Ain't It Hard
3. Goodnight Irene
4. Around The Corner (Beneath The Berry Tree)
5. Old Paint (Ride Around, Little Doggies)
6. (The Wreck Of The) John B
7. The Roving Kind
8. Tzena, Tzena
9. Wimoweh (Mbube)
10. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine
11. So Long (It's Been Good To Know You Yuh)
12. The Midnight Special
13. Rock Island Line
14. Sylvie (Bring Me Li'l' Water, Silvy
15. Lonesome Traveler
16. When The Saints Go Marching In

(For Folk purists, the inclusion of strings and chorus with arrangements and orchestrations by Gordon Jenkins is not appreciated.)

Quite an evening!

To be continued...

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 11:39:44 AM
Excellent news, FJL.  We're going to have a very special get-together for those who make it here.  It will probably be Saturday night after the show.  The show will be out by ten, so it won't be too late an evening.  Maybe we'll do it at Genghis Cohen, or maybe we'll figure out somewhere else that's fun.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: FJL on October 05, 2006, 11:44:29 AM
Possibly ignorant question, but do cabs roam the streets and wait at the hotels of L.A. the way they do in New York?  
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 11:44:40 AM
SAGA - PART TWO - THE COLLEGE YEARS (1957-1961)

The big folk event in college was the concert given by The Kinston Trio.

In the dorms, however, a different flavor of folk was being enjoyed:

Ed Mc Curdy: When Dalliance Was in Flower 1956
(http://f5c.yahoofs.com/shopping/3067200/simg_t_oe94658hetl8.jpg?rm_____DArFRvbw_)
and

Oscar Brand - Bawdy Songs & Backroom Ballads 1949
 
Burl Ives and Marty Robbins also got a lot of spin time.

To be continued....

der Brucer
 
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 11:47:21 AM
SAGA PART THREE - THE NAVY YEARS (1961-1971)

An early naval venture took me to New York City in the fall of 1961, where I made a few fun discoverys:

A trip to Greenwich Village uncovered The Cherry Lane Theatre where I saw:

1961
THE AMERICAN DREAM
presented in a Double Bill with:

THE DEATH OF BESSIE SMITH
by Edward Albee
produced by Richard Barr, Clinton Wilder
designed by William Ritman

with Rae Allen, John C. Becher, Roberts Blossom, Sudie Bond, Helen Page Camp, Nancy Cushman, Jane Hoffman, John McCurry, Ben Piazza, Lee Richardson, Harold Scott

After the show I went tromping about the village and found:
(http://www.bitterend.com/images/bitter.jpg)

The Bitter End, a sleazy looking folk dive - the singers passed a blue navy watch cap around after every few numbers. The entertainment was two guys and a girl singing stuff I'd never heard; they recorded it the following year:
(http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000002K9W.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)

After the folk singing, I wandered back to the Cherry Lane (they had a bar attached). While sipping on a scotch, I noticed that people (men) keep disappearing behind a curtained wall at the dark end of the bar. I decided to investigate! It took a bit for my eyes to adjust to the dark, and then: MEN DANCING - WITH EACH OTHER!

Well, I never……!

Back on the ship groups like The Seekers, The Brothers Four and The Limelighters were getting lots of spin.

To be continued....

der Brucer

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 11:49:15 AM
Beep Beep...DRLAURA....  Great photos....that froggy was certainly getting his eyes full!

Is HOOTENANNY HOOT out on DVD yet, DRMBARNUM?  Thanks for the Walk About report.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 11:49:21 AM
Thanks for sharing, I had always wondered what one looked like.

Coots are all over the place out here in the ponds. Roadrunners are much harder to find, but there are some around.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: FJL on October 05, 2006, 11:49:55 AM
Just checked with the hotel, and they said getting from the hotel, cabs are usually waiting.  But I may have to rely on public transport getting back to the hotel.  
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 11:50:30 AM
Men dancing with men?  They say it still happens in New York City.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 11:50:36 AM
Frank invited me to his room to share is newest treasure - a group of Decca 78s by a group called The Weavers.
(With some guy named Pete Seeger)

A great documentary about The Weavers: "Wasn't That A Time"---which also, I suspect, inspired the mockumentary, "A Mighty Wind".

Don't forget to tell us the rest of the story, DR der Brucer!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 11:51:06 AM
Coots are all over the place out here ...

Sounds like Indiana.  ;D
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 11:51:06 AM
SAGA PART FOUR -THE LATER YEARS

Bought myself a piano and learned enjoy playing songs by Leonard Cohen, Rod McKeon, and Don Mc Lean. My wife played guitar and banjo, so I picked up a little acoustic so I could accompany her when we did folk songs for the kids.

Also went to see a concert by Glenn Yarborough, with lots of songs from one of  my favorites:
(http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00003Q078.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)

"That's okay, Rose would say, don't you worry none, we'll have good times bye-and-bye, next years when the works all done."

Saw it in the same venue (The Wiltern in LA, I think) where years later Woody and I went to see a fantastic concert by his favorites:

(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000000NO2.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)

And, now, THE END

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 11:51:54 AM
A great documentary about The Weavers: "Wasn't That A Time"---which also, I suspect, inspired the mockumentary, "A Mighty Wind".

Don't forget to tell us the rest of the story, DR der Brucer!

Great documentary, DR EDISAURUS...and thanks for the links yesterday!  ;D
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 11:54:36 AM
Quote from: Edisaurus link=board=4;threadid=1162;start=on't forget to tell us the rest of the story, DR der Brucer!
[quote

Obviously, I'm a little slow...

Ah, The Bitter End...I love their Sunday "homemade jam" sessions!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 11:57:58 AM
The Mule, Old Rivers, and Me.....
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 11:59:06 AM
MR BK - have you heard your Theremin yet?
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 12:00:21 PM

Don't forget to tell us the rest of the story, DR der Brucer!

Sorry, it is one of my very rare tales that does not have a scandalous ending.

der Brucer

The other parts of the saga however......... ::)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 12:02:53 PM
You can use your computer as a Theremin....if you care to.

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~squires/vt/ (http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~squires/vt/)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 12:06:45 PM
.. NY ...Art Musuem in Central Park ... blast!


In our post 9/11 electronic "peek-a-boo i see you" environment, I wouldn't string those phrases together. 8)

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 12:08:45 PM
FJL - cabs will always be AT the hotel, but no, they don't roam the streets.  However, we'll get you back - me or someone else or we'll call a cab.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 12:14:03 PM
And this:

Here's another coot:
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/2995020/42010652.jpg)

and more cootery:
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/2995020/42010627.jpg)

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 12:14:38 PM
Oh, yes, Oscar Brand. He still has a weekly radio show here in New York on WNYC. It's great listenin' on a Saturday night.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 12:17:14 PM
Excellent news, FJL.  We're going to have a very special get-together for those who make it here.  It will probably be Saturday night after the show.  The show will be out by ten, so it won't be too late an evening.  Maybe we'll do it at Genghis Cohen, or maybe we'll figure out somewhere else that's fun.

I thought it was on Dec. 8.   I plan on heading back to NYC on Dec. 9.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Ben on October 05, 2006, 12:19:09 PM
Tamara Dobson, the actress who played Cleopatra Jones in two films from the 1970s has died.


Tamara (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061005/ap_en_mo/obit_tamara_dobson;_ylt=Aql3buACOrbaRwSkf_Um6K9X24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 12:19:57 PM
Of mice and men, DR ELMORE....of mice and men....
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 12:20:15 PM
And Woody has taken to mooning the neighbors again:

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/12217421/193210006.jpg)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/12217421/193210004.jpg)

der Brucer


Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 12:20:23 PM
A great documentary about The Weavers: "Wasn't That A Time"---which also, I suspect, inspired the mockumentary, "A Mighty Wind".

Don't forget to tell us the rest of the story, DR der Brucer!

Except the Weavers are not represented by the groups in "A Mighty Wind."  They appear to be based on Ian & Sylvia, The Chad Mitchell (or kingston) Trio and the New Christy Minstrels.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 12:20:35 PM
Tamara was great....but she was no Christie Love, sugar.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 12:23:14 PM
Those are beautiful flowers, DerBrucer!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 12:25:49 PM
I've just written my hosts to see if they'll mind putting up with me from Dec. 1-Dec. 9.  I would hate to be evicted!  I had to evict DR MBarnum, but I am much easier to get along with.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: MBarnum on October 05, 2006, 12:29:58 PM
Hey, FJL...how come your hotel gets 4 stars and mine only has 2?
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: MBarnum on October 05, 2006, 12:32:21 PM
I will be at the opening night and I guess I had better be there Saturday too...I ain't travelling all that way to get left out of the festive festivities!

Now, I guess I should find out how to get tickets!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 12:34:00 PM
"Jerry Falwell's God:

OK - Is that the God belonging to Jerry Falwell, or a declaration of Jerry Falwell's divinty,

Both appropriately biting.

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 12:36:37 PM
I had to evict DR MBarnum, but I am much easier to get along with.

Do I detect the airing of dirty abandoned laundry!

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 12:52:03 PM
Thursday....

Tomorrow the full moon will be in Aries - take the initiative, be bold, assess your emotions and MAKE CHANGES.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: FJL on October 05, 2006, 12:58:26 PM
I frankly think there should be HHW festivities all weekend that weekend.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: FJL on October 05, 2006, 01:00:38 PM
For BRAIN FROM PLANET X tickets, dial 323-664-2787.  Again, that's 323-664-2787.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 01:05:09 PM
We can do the get-together Friday if that's better - it's just that there'll be a little after-party at the theater, so we'll get a later start, which is why I thought Saturday might work better.

On a wonderful note (B#), books arrived today, earlier than expected, so I'm going out to Ye Olde Garage right now to begin shipping.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 01:10:59 PM
Do I detect the airing of dirty abandoned laundry!

der Brucer

Well, he did leave his jockeys behind!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 01:12:41 PM
I'm sorry, but last night's PROJECT RUNWAY:

[yawn]
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 01:14:38 PM
Sounds like the walking tour is having a great day! I'm delighted the weather cooperated.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: FJL on October 05, 2006, 01:15:31 PM
MBarnum - If I were Jose (but I'm not), or a dirty old man (but I'm not), I'd say that any place you happen to stay is a four-star hotel.

But seriously, there are really good rates at the Universal, and since I don't drive, I'm saving on car rental, so I'm splurging a little - just a little.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 01:16:22 PM
Except the Weavers are not represented by the groups in "A Mighty Wind."  They appear to be based on Ian & Sylvia, The Chad Mitchell (or kingston) Trio and the New Christy Minstrels.

I think the storyline of the film itself was the inspiration, you know, the old "getting the band back together".
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 01:17:12 PM
Well, he did leave his jockeys behind!

But one's jockeys belong behind!

der Brucer

Oh dear, soon we'll have "The Randy Vicar and the Jockey's Behind"

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 01:17:17 PM
I watched last night's CSI: NY. Two cases, one involving a model killed with an icicle and the other dealing with a runner in the New York Marathon killed during the race. Both cases interesting. The model's killer was pretty obvious. The runner story was a bit more perplexing.

And, in procedural soap opera news, two of the CSIs who were dating now aren't since one wants to have "a little space."
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 01:19:18 PM
OK - Is that the God belonging to Jerry Falwell, or a declaration of Jerry Falwell's divinty,

Find out for yourself. It's the song of the week on Roy's website:

www.royzimmerman.com
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 01:20:32 PM
.. or a dirty old man (but I'm not),

It's never too late!

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 01:21:07 PM
My husband wants me to ask y'all of any of you know Frank Scardino. He's involved in the Johnny Mercer doc and Greg figured you might know him...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 01:22:39 PM
Find out for yourself. It's the song of the week on Roy's website:

www.royzimmerman.com

I'll do that.

Have you ordered your Hitchcock Presents one hour shows CDs yet?

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 01:22:39 PM
Next I watched BATHING BEAUTY. I had never seen this before, and I'm guessing this will be one of the films in next year's Esther Williams boxed set. It looked gorgeous. Very deeply saturated Technicolor and just a couple of specks.

The film itself has about 10 minutes of plot spread over 100 minutes, but there are two Williams water ballets, two Red Skelton routines, three numbers by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra, three numbers by Harry James and His Orchestra, and assorted other routines.

Basil Rathbone has WAY too much Max Factor smeared on his face. The blush was laid on particularly thick. Skelton's makeup was also too heavy in some scenes. I'm thinking Jack Dawn and the other makeup artists were using glamor techniques on the men as well as the women, and it just didn't come off very well.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 01:42:35 PM
Find out for yourself. It's the song of the week on Roy's website:

www.royzimmerman.com
...a hyped-up drag who gives deities a bad name!

Who could ever love a God who changed Oreos into Hydrox!

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 01:44:14 PM
And Woody has taken to mooning the neighbors again:
der Brucer

Moonflowers---I love them. And they smell so good!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 01:45:22 PM
Assorted TV News:

Fans of EUREKA will be happy to know the show has been renewed for a second season.


When they return from their hiatuses after the baseball playoffs and World Series, JUSTICE will move to Monday nights at 9.

VANISHED, currently in that slot, will move to Fridays at 8 p.m.


The CW's 7th HEAVEN and RUNAWAY will move to SUnday night while the CW's entire SUnday night comedy block will move to Monday nights.


The premiere of LOST was last night's highest rated show.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 01:45:46 PM
Have you ordered your Hitchcock Presents one hour shows CDs yet?
der Brucer

Ah, I wanted to thank you for finding that! But I didn't see where to order it. Do you happen to remember....???
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 01:48:31 PM
One more tidbit:

Get ready for CROSSING JORDAN and/or MEDIUM to return earlier than expected. KIDNAPPED, NBC's Wednesday at 10 p.m. series, lost another million viewers in last night's ratings (down to only 5.3 million viewers). NBC has told the producers to wrap the story up in the original 13 episodes which were ordered. However, with ratings this low, I don't think NBC will leave KIDNAPPED there, and one of their two standby shows will undoubtedly be put in the schedule soon.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 01:59:06 PM
Ah, I wanted to thank you for finding that! But I didn't see where to order it. Do you happen to remember....???



 TVDVDPLANET (http://www.tvdvdplanet.com/movie/drama/The_Alfred_Hitchcock_Hour.html)

der Brucer

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 02:10:48 PM
Have some household chores I need to do before cleaning the bedroom areas. Then back to TV.

WBBL.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 02:15:55 PM
On a wonderful note (B#), books arrived today, earlier than expected,

I "C"! How exciting! I'm glad I was able to B sharp and order one!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 02:17:27 PM
TVDVDPLANET (http://www.tvdvdplanet.com/movie/drama/The_Alfred_Hitchcock_Hour.html)
der Brucer

Thanks so much! Off to spend more money! (Anything to avoid doing my taxes and spending *more* money!)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 02:41:47 PM
DR EDISAURUS - did you invest in the berserk and lurid AVENTURERA yet?  Miss Ninon Sevilla is a revelation.

I am from Indiana, I do not know Eddie Scardino.

DR MATTH - I really like Red's routines in BATHING BEAUTY, but you are certainly correct in thinking that the makeup people put it on the gentlemen with a trowel during those years.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 02:42:29 PM
DR EDISAURUS - do you remember the UNLOCKED WINDOW episode...and I remember one called something like WHERE THE WOODBINE TWINETH that really scared me when I was little.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 02:43:49 PM
Those DR's who have seen the revival of ACL (in NYC or elsewhere) - are you considering buying the Cast CD?  It comes out on Tuesday, and it's 12.99 at Amazon.com, but I am reticent, oh yes, I'm reticent (for the second time today.)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 02:45:36 PM
Books are shipped.  I was actually surprised at how few there were to ship to people from this here site, and I actually got concerned that somehow I may have missed a few - I always print out the paypal order pages - for example, I could have sworn I saw dear reader George had ordered it, and yet I had no printout for him.  I guess I'll have to go back and check the paypal site itself.

Meanwhile, if you're thinking about getting the book from around these here parts, now would be a good time to order as a) the books are in stock, and b) I ordered less than usual.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 02:48:10 PM
Oh GREY GARDENS the documentary is going to be on TCM on October 29, hosted by Osborne and Mary Louise and Christine.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 02:49:10 PM
Hurray....I will soon know how to write a dirty book!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 02:49:18 PM
George had indeed ordered and I'll be able to ship his, too, on my way to an afternoon meeting.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 02:51:28 PM
What's with this NEW film about Capote, Harper Lee, and the writing of IN COLD BLOOD....it's called INFAMOUS, I guess....

Anybody know anything?
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Cillaliz on October 05, 2006, 02:53:18 PM
I guess Ginny and Richard have left town without telling anyone. According to the Front Desk Clerk at the Comfort Inn they aren't registered!

They're still here, or there were very good imposters along with use today
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 02:55:03 PM
Hurray....I will soon know how to write a dirty book!

Will it be an autobiography?

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 03:01:35 PM
Will it be an autobiography?

der Brucer

LOL....typed with one hand.  8)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:06:28 PM
Good Afternoon!

WHEW!

But that was a good WHEW!

:)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:10:34 PM
Many, many thanks to Ginny, Richard, Debbie, Priscilla and John for letting me lead them through yet another portion of New York City.  And, boy, did we get a glorious day of weather to walk through Central Park and the Upper East Side!

*And we "owe" DR vixmom a Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3.  ;)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 03:12:22 PM
Thanks so much! Off to spend more money! (Anything to avoid doing my taxes and spending *more* money!)

Try "hunting" for this wardrobe:

(http://cdn.digitalcity.com/instore/content/merchant-1/jimmy-choo-leapard-purse-255a100406_2837821168.jpg)
(http://www.neimanmarcus.com/products/mn/NM-0PJJ_mn.jpg)
(http://www.zappos.com/images/725/7252535/1396-281387-d.jpg)

You'll need a bit over $4000!
Aren't you glad nobody wears a hat anymore!

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:16:06 PM
DR FJL - As for cabs in L.A...

There are always tons of cabs around Universal because of Universal City Walk (restaurants, bars, shopping, movie theaters, etc.), and the theme park (Universal Studios).  And since you'll be at the hotel, the bellmen will be more than happy to call a cab for you if one - or two or three... - are not already waiting in the carport.

As for getting back from LACC or Genghis Cohen - or wherever you end up - if you're near a subway stop, there are usually cabs circling since the subway stops are near business centers and not residential areas.  Additionally, just ask the cabbie for his card, and give him a call for your return trip.  They like a "guaranteed" fare and tip.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:18:08 PM
DR JRand - As for the OCR of the ACL revival... The CD will be available for download from iTunes - along with the "bonus track" of "And...".  Just give the sample tracks a listen and decide from there.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 03:18:30 PM
DR EDISAURUS - do you remember the UNLOCKED WINDOW episode...and I remember one called something like WHERE THE WOODBINE TWINETH that really scared me when I was little.

An Unlocked Window
TV Series: "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" (1962)
Original Air Date: 15 February 1965 (Season 3, Episode 17)

WHERE THE WOODBINE TWINETH

TV Series: "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" (1962)
Original Air Date: 11 January 1965 (Season 3, Episode 13)

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:22:58 PM
As for the Topic of the Day...

Peter, Paul and Mary

My parents also had a Time-Life(?) collection of folk songs.  Each folk song was preceded by a couple of paragraphs - and pictures - of the artist or artists who made it famous, as well as some background of the song itself.  I was first introduced to "Tom Dooley", "The Riddle Song", "On Top of Old Smokey" among other through that book.

-Now if I could just remember the name of that book?!?!?   It was red, hardcover...  Hmm...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 03:31:12 PM
DR EDISAURUS - do you remember the UNLOCKED WINDOW
I don't, but in researching where to get the hour-long episodes, many viewers mentioned how frightening this episode was. The name seems vaguely familiar, but I think I was at an age where it was either on past my bedtime, or I was thought too young to see it. My father would tell me about the shows later, though. In fact, I never saw The Jar, but heard about it from my Dad and was just as scared from his description! (He liked to tell me scary bedtime stories, too!)

Besides referring to anything found in a jar in the dank recesses of our basement as "Thedy Sue", he also used to quote a line from another episode about a man who was an invalid and used to call for "Barbara....bring me some hot chocolate in my bone china cup"! I didn't know what bone china was as a child, so I assumed it was made from real bones...making it even more creepy and LUUURID! Anyone know what episode that was?

Now, how to justify spending $200 on these Hitchcock DVDs???
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 03:40:35 PM
DR EDISAURUS - did you invest in the berserk and lurid AVENTURERA yet?  Miss Ninon Sevilla is a revelation.
I am from Indiana, I do not know Eddie Scardino.

Aventurera...oh yes...she will be mine!
And it's Frank Scardino, but I'll give you a pass, you being from Indiana and all.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 03:41:32 PM
Try "hunting" for this wardrobe:
der Brucer

The cats would never allow it!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 03:43:16 PM
LOL...I thought the EXACT same thing about bone china.  Always imagined it in the shape of a skull.

Justify?   Research of course.  
The cast of THE UNLOCKED WINDOW (thanks for the info DR derBRUCER) includes Louise Latham, Dana Wynter, and John Kerr.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:43:55 PM
DR Jose:  Sorry you didn't get the electrifying thrill from ACL that I felt in the peformance I saw at San Fran's Curran Theater.  

Of course, that theater is a bit of beaut in and of itself...it's intimate as all get-out and yet has a spacious stage/pit.

I had only the movie in my ACL past, in addition to the OBC album, of course.



...I also just have to wonder if the show in San Francisco was indeed more "electrifying" since the material was still so fresh for the cast.  They were still truly learning the steps.

I sensed a bit of "energy conservation" going on at the show I saw yesterday - which can happen on two shows days.  And having a two-show day before the official opening night...  And knowing how much extra rehearsal goes on during the preview process, some fatigue is bound to set in.  As I mentioned previously, it would be nice to see the show again after it opens... When the cast has had time to get some proper rest... And after the all the pressure is off...  When they can "breathe" and have fun.  *Most of the press was apparently in last weekend, so...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:46:04 PM
Well, I'm guessing and hoping that there's an HHW contingent enjoying a supper at Rosie O'Grady's as I type this post.  And then they're off to The Drowsy Chaperone... And then off to Joe Allen... etc., etc., etc...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JMK on October 05, 2006, 03:46:56 PM
What's with this NEW film about Capote, Harper Lee, and the writing of IN COLD BLOOD....it's called INFAMOUS, I guess....

Anybody know anything?

According to Portland reviewer, former Theater Guild President Jack Booch (hey BK--remember our hilarious discussion about him over dinner?), it's much more true to actual events than the Capote film.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 03:48:00 PM
Thanks for the recommendation DRJOSE....I may do that.

Where are the photos from the HHW NYC celebration!!!

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 03:48:57 PM
According to Portland reviewer, former Theater Guild President Jack Booch (hey BK--remember our hilarious discussion about him over dinner?), it's much more true to actual events than the Capote film.

Thanks DRJMK - hopefully Truman doesn't have a sister like Edith Farmer to write to all the newspapers to correct the "slander and lies."
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 03:49:24 PM
The cats would never allow it!

Because thet would resemblesent it.

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:50:50 PM
Thanks for the recommendation DRJOSE....I may do that.

Where are the photos from the HHW NYC celebration!!!



You're welcome.  And I'm sure you can make a rather informed decision just listening to the 30-second clips of each song.

As for the pics... I did not have my camera with me today.   However, everyone else did, so...  Maybe later tonight.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 03:52:44 PM
Well, I'll be on the 9:00 Acela back down to DC in a few hours, and since I still have to get some things together here in prep for my cruise... :)

Laters...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: MBarnum on October 05, 2006, 03:53:37 PM
BK, I do hope you found my book order!!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 04:00:21 PM
That was a lovely ensemble you chose, Der Brucer. Just lovely.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: George on October 05, 2006, 04:07:44 PM
George had indeed ordered and I'll be able to ship his, too, on my way to an afternoon meeting.

Whew!  And thank you. ;)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: TCB on October 05, 2006, 04:35:14 PM
MR BK - have you heard your Theremin yet?


Isn't that a vitamin?


(And yesterday was Ask BK Day)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: TCB on October 05, 2006, 04:38:10 PM
I've just written my hosts to see if they'll mind putting up with me from Dec. 1-Dec. 9.  I would hate to be evicted!  I had to evict DR MBarnum, but I am much easier to get along with.


But do you leave behind a pair of underwear to be auctioned?
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 04:42:36 PM
What is the name of the SHIP you will be on DRJOSE?  And what are the rules concerning fraternization with the paying passengers?

Stick to first class!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 04:43:41 PM
SAGA PART FOUR -THE LATER YEARS

Bought myself a piano
Which is now in our living room...
Quote
...Saw it in the same venue (The Wiltern in LA, I think) where years later Woody and I went to see a fantastic concert by his favorites:

(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000000NO2.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
The Nylons are NOT a folk group, however.  They do a capella in the style of the 50's.  (Do/did?  Two of the members from then have died, replaced by others, and they faded from view)

Quote
And, now, THE END

der Brucer

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 04:49:17 PM
Here's another coot:
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/2995020/42010652.jpg)

and more cootery:
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/2995020/42010627.jpg)

der Brucer
Ah, yes.  I remember taking those pictures well.  (Along with your avatar.  If we didn't occasionally take each other's pic, no one would know what we look like!)
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 04:51:59 PM
And Woody has taken to mooning the neighbors again:

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/12217421/193210006.jpg)

(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL242/891350/12217421/193210004.jpg)

der Brucer
By way of explanation, those are moonflowers.  I planted the seeds the same time as this year's morning glories.  I know not why it took them until now to start blooming!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jrand73 on October 05, 2006, 04:53:47 PM
Beautiful photos of beatiful flowers.

We usually have a few naked ladies in our front yard.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: S. Woody White on October 05, 2006, 05:11:35 PM
Quote from: Edisaurus on Today at 08:02:13am
Quote
"Jerry Falwell's God:
 
OK - Is that the God belonging to Jerry Falwell, or a declaration of Jerry Falwell's divinty,

Both appropriately biting.

der Brucer
Yep, both ideas really bite.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 05:31:18 PM
We usually have a few naked ladies in our front yard.

We have naked ladies, too! It's a very old-fashioned southern bulb.

In answer to DR Laura's question yesterday about what's blooming, at my house it's mums, sedum autumn joy, roses and jewelweed, which I would pull up but the hummingbirds like it.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 05:32:20 PM
By way of explanation, those are moonflowers.  I planted the seeds the same time as this year's morning glories.  I know not why it took them until now to start blooming!
My mother grows moonflowers every year. I love the smell of them at night!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 06:09:23 PM
The only book order that seemed to have gone missing was George's and I got his shipped today, too.

Edisaurus, before you spend two hundred bucks, check eBay for An Unlocked Window and The Jar specifically - search each of those titles.  That's where I got backup copies from and they're quite good and quite inexpensive.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Edisaurus on October 05, 2006, 07:02:31 PM
Edisaurus, before you spend two hundred bucks, check eBay

Thanks so much for the tip, BK!

I'll try and track down the hot-cocoa-bone-china-cup episode, too. I think my father would get a real kick out of seeing those, since they have become lore in my family.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Jane on October 05, 2006, 07:32:28 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR JENNY!!

That's about all I have time to post, haven't even had a chance to read past page 2 and will have to wait until tomorrow to read about the NY gathering I missed.

Since I'm fighting a cold I just had a bowl of turkey soup, yep-it wasn't tofu.

JMK-I'm looking forward to seeing the changes you made at the house, I'll check them out after I play with, my guy, BeeGee and meet Blanche.

Off to wash dishes & play with Sherlock.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:12:46 PM
I have no reticence whatsoever about buying the CHORUS LINE cast album. Since much material was left off the original recording, I'm hopeful that "And," the missing portions of the montage (which includes Don's solo among others who are missing), "the Tap Combination," and other pieces of music will be there.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:15:29 PM
From what I've read, INFAMOUS will go into more depth with the relationship between Truman and Perry Smith than CAPOTE did.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:19:08 PM
I watched the laserdisc of THE LITTLE MERMAID tonight. There has been so much carping about the new Disney Enhanced Home Theater remastering on the new DVD that I wanted to refresh my memory about the sound of the original laserdisc soundtrack. To be honest, I found it fairly underwhelming.

I also have read folks carping that the transfer looks soft on the new DVD. Well, on my display, the laserdisc transfer wasn't always rock solid and vibrant either, and colors seemed quite variable once I started concentrating.

If it comes tomorrow or Saturday (shipped yesterday), I will spend some time analyzing these two aspects specifically.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:22:10 PM
I wasn't quite as enchanted with UGLY BETTY tonight as I was last week. The mean-spiritedness is so pervasive in the show that it becomes a little oppressive to me. I also thought the first half was surprisingly slow-paced. The plot seemed overly contrived to put as many stumbling blocks in their paths as possible. I got a little tired of that.

Still there were some funny moments, Betty and her family are really fun, and I'll hope for better next week.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:24:49 PM
GREY'S ANATOMY had one really fascinating case (the teen girl impervious to pain). Izzy's story was very frustrating.

Is there only one nice hotel in Seattle? Odd that so many folks connected to the hospital are staying there at the same time.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:26:51 PM
CSI had four cases tonight. Once again (they've had this many cases before), it's overkill on simple cases because with that many, no case gets more than a few minutes and can't possibly include the twists and turns that CSI is noted for.

Unusual that the narration was done by the corpses (someone must have read Billy Wilder's first draft for SUNSET BOULEVARD), but that was merely a gimmick. They had no insight into the solution of the crimes committed against them.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:28:46 PM
Something was wrong with the digital feed from ABC tonight. On both cable and over-the-air broadcasting, there was a lot of audio interference. I switched to the analog signal for both UGLY BETTY and GREY'S ANATOMY since it was clear.

Of course, we're experiencing some seriously shifting weather patterns, so perhaps that had something to do with so much interference.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:29:11 PM
It's very lonely in here at the moment.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Matt H. on October 05, 2006, 08:52:59 PM
I'm heading off to bed now.

GOod night!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: elmore3003 on October 05, 2006, 09:26:55 PM
But do you leave behind a pair of underwear to be auctioned?

Believe me, I will leave no underwear for them to discover!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 09:45:55 PM
Believe me, I will leave no underwear for them to discover!

'Cause you always travel with a little trowel so you can bury unmentionables in the garden, discretely 8)

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 10:01:49 PM
I forgot to mention that I had an absolutely fantastic meal at the Cheesecake Factory.  I normally have the same one or two items that I always do, creature of habit that I am.  But I tried something new - farfalle with bacon, peas, sundried tomatoes, and roasted garlic in a light cream sauce and it was out of this world yummilicious.  I split a Caesar salad and then, bad boy that I am, we also split a peanut butter cheesecake that was faboo.  I'm still full from it, but I ran very briskly this morning so hopefully I'll be fine.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 10:20:32 PM
I have to chuckle at bk's title for today's discussion.. Natalie MacMaster, a fiddler from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has an album called "Fit as a Fiddle".
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 10:21:57 PM
...he also used to quote a line from another episode about a man who was an invalid and used to call for "Barbara....bring me some hot chocolate in my bone china cup"! ... Anyone know what episode that was?

Sure (says he, glibly, haven't spent an embarassingly long time finding an answer).

The problem finding an answer - it was NOT Hitchcock!

(http://www.twilightzonemuseum.com/show/images/5unclesimon.jpg)

From  Twilight Zone Museum (http://www.twilightzonemuseum.com/show/05.php)

Quote
Uncle Simon

ORIGINALLY BROADCAST AS EPISODE 128

STARRING CAST: Cedric Hardwicke, Constance Ford, Ian Wolfe
WRITER: Rod Serling
DIRECTOR: Don Siegel

SUMMARY: Barbara cares for her Uncle Simon, who can't stand the sight of her and vice versa. Barbara will get his entire inheritance, provided she stays in his house and cares for his latest invention.

REVIEW: V

Barbara has been caregiver to her uncle Simon Polk, a retired scientist and despicable human being, for the last twenty-five years. Obviously, she's only been in it for the estate she ultimately inherits. So, he's spent his post-stroke years building a robot that will take his place once he's gone to the grave. If she fails to care for the robot, she'll be shown the door by Simon's lawyer. If she stays, she'll inherit his entire estate. Cedric Hardwicke and Constance Ford (who played Edward O'Brien's fiancee in Serling's "The Comedian") cat it up very well with some classic old-school barbs. But instead of seizing the moment and getting out of the "decaying barn" once and for all, "Raggedy-Ann corpse" Barbara decides to stay locked up with the robot, who demands the same "hot chocolate in the English bone china cup" just as "ancient albatross with the dirty mouth" Simon did. Robby the Robot from "The Forbidden Planet" was hauled out of storage to play Simon's robot.

The DVD set:
(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BC8T1E.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)

is available at  Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BC8T1E/ref=nosim/?tag=ecoladirectories)

Cost:

New $89.99 Amazon Direct
New $54.65 Secondary supplier via Amazon

May I play my cross-hand piece now?

der Brucer

Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 10:26:35 PM
In answer to DR Laura's question yesterday about what's blooming, at my house it's mums, sedum autumn joy, roses and jewelweed, which I would pull up but the hummingbirds like it.

We always enjoy photos here!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 10:34:30 PM
- farfalle with bacon, peas, sundried tomatoes, and roasted garlic in a light cream sauce and it was out of this world yummilicious.  I split a Caesar salad

Their  MENU (http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu.htm)says it has chicken, not bacon:

Quote
FARFALLE WITH CHICKEN AND ROASTED GARLIC
Bow-Tie Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Tomato, Pancetta, Peas
and Carmelized Onions in a Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cream Sauce

Maybe the local spot does a variation.

And a "Caesar Salad" without an anchovy in the dessing is like a banana split without a banana.

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Cillaliz on October 05, 2006, 10:41:57 PM
What a day we have had!  Thank you DR Jose for a fabulous walk through Central Park and the Upper East Side. We had so much fun.  We took pictures during the day but forgot to take pictures at dinner and at Joe Allen when we were joined by Danny Burstein and Lenny Wolpe, both of whom gave stellar performances in DROWSY CHAPERONE.   We also got a wonderful backstage and on stage tour.  

This was an incredible night. Thank you Elmore and FJL for making it possible...from Cilla and Jon
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 10:45:58 PM
We always enjoy photos here!

(http://www.lisashea.com/birding/photos/cangoose/cg2.jpg)

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 10:47:51 PM
...but forgot to take pictures at dinner and at Joe Allen when we were joined by Danny Burstein and Lenny Wolpe, both of whom gave stellar performances in DROWSY CHAPERONE.  

The DA loses pictures, and the defense doesn't even take them!!!!

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: bk on October 05, 2006, 10:49:39 PM
The pancetta, of course, is basically the bacon I spoke of - I forgot about the chicken.  I may have to go back soon to have it again!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 10:51:08 PM
We always enjoy photos here!

And one of your own kind:

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 11:02:07 PM
Good Evening!  Good Morning!

...I've been packing since I got back to DC a little after midnight.  I'm almost done, and I'll take care of the final bit of packing when I wake up in a few hours.   -Why, oh why did I opt for the 10:30 flight instead of the 11:45 one?!?!?!  In any case...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 11:03:11 PM
DR Cillaliz - You're very welcome.  And thanks for the The Drowsy Chaperone and Joe Allen get-together report.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 11:03:50 PM
Hmmm... Just read the NY Times review of A Chorus Line...

Ditto.

:-\
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DearReaderLaura on October 05, 2006, 11:04:19 PM
Nice goose, DerBrucer.  And nice roadrunner.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: Maria on October 05, 2006, 11:05:35 PM
I'm back from Ottawa after a very long day of traveling. More later.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: JoseSPiano on October 05, 2006, 11:07:40 PM
Well...  Frankly, I'm a bit exhausted right now, and in definite need of a few hours of sleep, so...

Goodnight.
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 11:08:51 PM
Nice quacker DerBrucer... However you do not want to cross a Canadian goose in a parking lot...
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 11:15:59 PM
However you do not want to cross a Canadian goose in a parking lot...

It's OK if my son-in-law is along with his shot gun - DINNER TIME!

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DERBRUCER on October 05, 2006, 11:44:32 PM
Goodnight, Keyser Soze, wherever you are.

der Brucer
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 05, 2006, 11:59:58 PM
It's OK if my son-in-law is along with his shot gun - DINNER TIME!

der Brucer

Hunting season just opened!
Title: Re:FIT AS A FIDDLE REDUX
Post by: DakotaCelt on October 06, 2006, 12:01:43 AM
Page 8 dance!