Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 1 => Topic started by: bk on December 24, 2003, 12:04:36 AM

Title: NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 12:04:36 AM: Well, you've read the notes, you know how I am villed with vague ennui, you know I've been stirring, you know what my true love sent me and you know the topic of the day, so what in tarnation are you waiting for? Let's get some festive and jolly postin' goin' on, shall we?

(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/weihnachten/smilie_engel01.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Ben on December 24, 2003, 01:04:19 AM: Oh, my, being overseas does have benefits. I do believe I'm the first post since the changeover.

It's 9am in London on Christmas Eve. Chitty is calling and then Harrods.

Later gaters.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Ben on December 24, 2003, 01:09:46 AM: DR Charles Pogue, I saw the question yesterday about our flat. Here's the answer. We are in Kensington, right on the border of Earls Court. Our tube stop is actually Earls Court so we are conviently located. It's a nice little studio with a fridge, a cooker (the British term for the stove and oven) and utensils. The shower could use some help, but then the British do prefer a bath over a brisk morning shower. Oh, well. We're very happy with our accomodations and the owner of the establishment.

TTFN
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 04:30:13 AM: Merry Christmas Eve Day! ;D

Working today - and attending Mr BK'S party tonight via the internet! What fun it will be!

My question for ASK BK day:

Are there any movies based on books that you think actually improve on the original material?

Here she is, boys, here's Gale!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 04:44:24 AM: My question for BK:

Do you have any plans to workshop the stage version of the First Nudie Musical at Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop or ASCAP or any similar one?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 04:45:29 AM: Another one:

Have you every written a Christmas or Hanukah song that has been performed in a show or sung in cabaret act of some kind?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 06:04:00 AM: Van Cliburn will be given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Grammy Awards Presentation!

And I guess you had to be there. I was 7 years old when he won the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition - held in Russia!

It was 1958! The Russians had Sputnik and we were scared of all those Commies - but an American boy from Texas went over there and showed them how to play the piano.

It was a stunning victory! And I still have my Extended 45 RPM record of Van Cliburn playing Tchaik's First Piano Concerto in B Flat Minor. I think I may have gotten it for Christmas!

He came home a hero! Was any other classical pianist EVER given a ticker tape parade in NYC? Yup, I guess you had to be there! But for awhile Van Cliburn was the hero of millions of American kids! ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: William E. Lurie on December 24, 2003, 06:17:41 AM: Ms. Storm (also known as Ms. Albright and Ms. Pomeroy)---

What do I do with the cage after I build it? Do I put the cats in it when they decide not to use the litter box (something that usually happens when there is all clean litter in it)?

Do I put the dog in it to keep her from sniffing all her gifts under the tree?

Do I put Ray in it to keep him from trying to figure out what his gifts are?

Do I hide in it myself to avoid more holiday stress?

Love to Freddie and Nudgie
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 06:24:42 AM: LOL DR WEL!

Don't forget Captain Huxley!

Hmmmmmmmmmm.....I think those are all good uses for a cage. But don't forget Olivia deHavilland could use it as well! And this is not to mention Eleanor Parker and Hope Emerson!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Diane on December 24, 2003, 07:07:19 AM: [move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE![/move]

Just about finsihed reading Benjamin Kritzer and I'm loving it! Bravo BK! ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MusicGuy on December 24, 2003, 07:08:59 AM: Good morning esteemed BK and all the DRs who are up and about early.....

Just a quick wish for you all, that you have a wonder "Christmas eve" day, and travel about your cities safely.

We have a quiet dinner here at home with Kerry and I, my mom, and a close friend of our's who is part of our extended family.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 24, 2003, 07:29:54 AM: Good Morning!

Season's Greetings!

I can't believe I've been "stirring" so early today. Well, early for me. Steve called me up, and asked if I would like to come over for breakfast before we head out to brave the malls and stores - with the rest of the last minute shoppers. So, I got up, showered, and hied on over to his apartment, ate breakfast, and now I'm using his nice, high-speed, internet connection to post here on HHW!

-Breakfast consisted of french toast made with a cinnamon-swirl challah bread, and thick cut pepper bacon. Yum! -I probably should have stopped at two slices of french toast, but the third was still quite dee-lish!

I don't have any questions right now... Oh, maybe just one...

BK: Are there any more cookies left? Did I need to same-day messenger some more? With the time difference working in your favor, it is possible. ;)

Well, it's about time to head on out to the fashionable West End of Richmond. I'll be back.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 24, 2003, 07:33:42 AM: -Oh, and on a serious note - if I may...

Driving into the theatre last night was OK, except for the flashing signs at the 14th Street Bridge. The DC government put up these nice new signs on the bridges in DC - the type that can show different messages. Well, they've been using them for traffic alerts, buckle-up reminders, etc. Last night, however, it was flashing the new, higher terror alert. Welcome to DC! I guess it's good to be informed, but it did unsettle me for a few moments.

Peace. Love. Happiness. Peace.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 07:47:54 AM: yes we are under an Orange Alert...but we shall have celebrations and fun nevertheless....

Try to think of it as art! ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 07:54:15 AM: Jrand: I'm sure there are some pulp novels where the movie improved on the book, like Kiss Me, Deadly, but those occurances are few and far between. Touch of Evil is another, and I think Psycho would be another.

If it were up to me, I would do a big reading of Nudie and maybe, if necessary, one workshop, but I really abhor the workshop process for the most part. If I had my druthers, I'd have it play a couple of cities prior to coming in. Speaking of Mr. Lehman Engel, did you know I was in the second ASCAP workshop in 1969? I would love to remember who else was there with me, but I just can't.

Jose: Plenty of cookies left - I took one batch to work and they were a huge success.

Diane: Glad you're liking it! Post about it when you're done.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: William E. Lurie on December 24, 2003, 08:03:51 AM: BK---

I found the following in today's Liz Smith column. It might help explain the gifts your true love has been sending:

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree is the one true God
2. Two Turtle Doves represent the Old and New Testament
3. Three French Hens are Faith, Hope and Charity
4. Four Calling Birds are the four gospels
5. Five Golden rings signify the Books of Moses
6. Six Geese a-Laying are the Days of Creation
7. Seven Swans a-Swimming are the gifts of the Holy Spirit
8. Eight Maids a-Milking are the Beatitudes
9. Nine Ladies Dancing are the Fruits of the Spirit
10. Ten Lords a-Leaping mean the Commandments
11. Eleven Pipers Piping represent the Faithful Apostles
12. Twelve Drummers Drumming hail the Apostles' Creed.

Doesn't your true love know you are Jewish?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 08:06:45 AM: DR Panni - where are you driving today?

You need a new Edsel! Check out this nifty 1959 model!

Ah yes MR BK, I agree with PSYCHO and KISS ME, DEADLY!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 08:14:29 AM: My true love is kaput, done, finito, adios muchacha, gone.

Where in tarnation IS everyone? You'd think it was the day before Christmas. My kitchen smells of foodstuffs. Off to work shortly where I will be posting often, as I'm just organizing footage - I was supposed to do that yesterday but a) one of my editors didn't show up, and b) I was asked to complete doing the notes for show one (there were just a few).
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jennifer on December 24, 2003, 08:15:13 AM: Hey Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

I have some Christmas smilies to share.

But first tv reminders:

For anyone interested World Idol is on Dec 25th from 8pm to 10pm EST. This is one of the only shows that EVERYONE who posts here should be able to watch.

I think it should be interesting to see Simon Cowell and Canada's judge Zach Werner critique the contestants.

One interesting thing is every country will show their own version. So if we here in Canada watch Fox we should get a completely different show than if we watch on CTV (the Canadian station). Of course I will probably watch them both.

On Friday night dec 26th is the Kennedy Center Honors which always has lots of theatre stuff.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jennifer on December 24, 2003, 08:17:41 AM: Here are my smilies:

(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/weihnachten/weihnachten019.gif) (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/weihnachten/weihnachten008.gif) (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/weihnachten/weihnachten002.gif) (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/weihnachten/weihnachten011.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jennifer on December 24, 2003, 08:19:37 AM: Here is my ask BK question: What will you be preparing for your party? And are you cooking everything? (for some reason I cannot see you cooking everything!).

But all this talk of food is making me hungry.I cannot wait for X-mas eve dinner tonight. And presents!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 08:24:17 AM: I am indeed cooking everything, but it's only two things - a huge batch of my special spaghetti with my special sauce, and my famous tuna pasta salad. And lots of little dessert treats that I did not cook.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:28:18 AM: DR WEL, DR Michael Shayne posted those "12 Days " references several days ago, but a refresher is always welcome.

For Ask BK Day: We need a studio recording of SOMETHING'S AFOOT. To my knowledge, it's never been done, and I'm sure you could round up a terrific cast. Would you be interested?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:29:05 AM: DR Ron, I see you logged in. Merry Christmas!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Ron Pulliam on December 24, 2003, 08:32:39 AM: Merry Christmas to one and all and all and one!

My visit in South Carolina is going very well. We've shopped and seen sights and gone hither, thither and yon...we've visited, we've laughed, we've been hysterical, and we have been quiet and introspective.

Yes, I think we've done everything but cry. There will be no crying, though. I hope.

I've eaten very well...and mostly nutritionally...but despite my protests, there have been way too many sweets, too many pies, too many cakes, too many candies. And what do you think? There is black walnut fudge cooling in the kitchen; there are sweet potato pies in the baking! S-i-g-h!

The pond, which is about 20 feet outside the back door, is mostly calm with only a slight ripple on the surface (it's a flowing body of water, rather than a still one). The sky is overcast. We had rain last night, but the 50ish weather is supposed to turn cold tonight, and I can hardly wait as I love the briskness of cold weather.

I hope BK's party is fun and festive and becomes the talk of the town. I hope all of your festivities are fun and festive and the talks of your respective towns.

I do hope no one does anything unseemly that makes him or her the "talk of the town", though. I visit here once a year and I already know where many of the skeletons rest in which closets and it's not a pretty sight, not by a long shot. Yes, it's a small town and it's a "Peyton Place" where everyone knows everyone else's business. Even those who "keep to themselves" are suspicious and subject to discussion on a recurring basis. I feel eyes and telescopes and binoculars focused on me at all times. When it gets intense, I sing and dance and do a little commercial for myself. That shows 'em that I don't care one whit!

Right.

I'll rejoin all y'all on a more regular basis just before the start of the new year.

Happy "Happy", everyone!

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%][size=10]Ho! Ho! Ho![/size][/move]
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 08:33:20 AM: DRMATT how is your tree doing? What is the best comment you have had on it when people see it?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Ron Pulliam on December 24, 2003, 08:38:22 AM: DRMattH: Thank you for your greeting. I DO look forward to getting back to having a chat with you. I'm glad you enjoyed LOTR:TROTK. It is actually playing in Aiken SC in a multiplex, but I don't want to see it unless it's on a large screen in DTS sound! If I'm going to go through the "theater-going" experience, it has to offer all the bells and whistles!

I brought a huge selection of CDs with me, but it's "Wicked" that stays in my player. "I'm Not That Girl" is simply wonderful...I thought it beautiful when I first heard it last May and it grows more beautiful with each listen. Come Dec. 30th, I shall "Defy Gravity" and fly back to California!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 08:40:48 AM: Question for BK:

As I am still on a Bollywood kick (for which you are responsible) I would like to know if you have watched any other Bollywood films besides GUMNAAM. If so what were they and what did you think of them?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:51:49 AM: My friend John was out with his kids this morning and brought me some doughnuts on his way back home. He hadn't seen the tree, so he came in and brought his two kids (age 6 and 4), and they couldn't keep their hands off the WIZARD OF OZ ornaments. They wanted to take them home and put them on their tree. I guess that's the best reaction I've had to the tree: a little child will lead the way! :)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:55:23 AM: Speaking of Van Cliburn, I believe he was the first classical recording artist to ever sell a million copies of an LP. Seems like I remember reading that somewhere. And he was some kind of gorgeous to look at, too!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 09:00:23 AM: Indeed DRMATTH his recording of the Tchaik sold a million on the RCA Red label! I love my EP on the RCA Black label, but the concerto isn't complete.

Van was also on Ed Sullivan many times. And there was a biography a few years ago - I don't know if he still plays....I think he has arthritis or something....but I am glad he is getting his Lifetime Achievement Award! I will be watching! It was a shock to see his blonde/red hair the first time on tv!

LOL - I can just hear the kids now..... ;D

JUST CHECKED and Van Cliburn still maintains a heavy concert schedule! He is still out there banging on the Steinway. He also sponsors the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

I think Benjamin Kritzter should be in that competition. I don't know why, I just do.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jay on December 24, 2003, 09:09:47 AM: A very merry Christmas to all the Dear Readers who celebrate the holiday!

A question for Dear Readers who do NOT celebrate Christmas: How will you be spending December 25th? Are there things you do traditionally? In my case, December 25th is usually a day at the movies followed by dinner at a Chinese restaurant.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matthew on December 24, 2003, 09:11:59 AM: Hello, DR's. It's Christmas Eve and I'm VERY thankful that the food poisoning that invaded my body later Monday eve has finally left and I am feeling quite better now. Anyhow, Merry Christmas to all. I will be quite E&T the next week or so as I will be flying off to NYC tomorrow eve for 5 days of fun and shows. I will post if I can find a place to do so. However, I will definately post when I get home before I go to Disneyland. Cheers!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 09:42:07 AM: The posting frenzy seems to have come to a halt!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 09:52:04 AM: No halten zie posting frenzich. There don't seem to be any editors here, so unless I'm made to do some busy work or help David with notes on a show that isn't mine, I might actually get out of here before four, maybe by one or two. That would be splendidly splendid, as it would give me enough time to do everything without rushing.

I don't really know Something's Afoot. But I thought there was an album done of it.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 10:25:15 AM: BK, don't forget to be answering your BK questions of the day!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 10:46:43 AM: Regardez quelle discoverie en le site Lillian Vernon!

Mais oui!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 24, 2003, 10:48:56 AM: I was having trouble finding a hat - one that offered ear protection. But yesterday I stumbled upon a makeshift Nepalese shop downtown that sold colorful knit caps with flaps. I bought one for $15, and when I plopped it on my head before taking Archie the spaniel for his walk last night, Gord had to tell me that I looked just like John Gielgud in Lost Horizon.

Regardless, I really like the new hat - much the way Steve Lawrence liked his "New Pair of Shoes" (A What Makes Sammy Run reference.) I was trying to think of other songs about new clothes or accessories. Anybody?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Tomovoz on December 24, 2003, 10:58:23 AM: It's already Christmas Day in the Hobbit land and OZ. All the best of everything to you all for this season of joy and for the New Year.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 11:01:04 AM: Tan shoes and pink shoelaces.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Tomovoz on December 24, 2003, 11:01:14 AM: James Brown" Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 11:01:18 AM: White sport coat and a pink carnation.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 11:01:46 AM: First name initial.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 11:02:09 AM: I'm not wearing underwear today.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Tomovoz on December 24, 2003, 11:02:19 AM: Dolly Parton had a new "Coat Of Many Colors" too.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Tomovoz on December 24, 2003, 11:04:55 AM: New dress song from the fifties "You Can't Do The Bop In The Sack". (for young Hainsies - the "Sack" was a dress!)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Diane on December 24, 2003, 11:11:59 AM: So..Just finished reading Benjamin Kritzer..
Loved It, Loved it, Loved It! ...If I was Benjamin I would have wanted to kill my mother for doing such a heartless thing! :'(

2 more hours of work! Gonna start reading the second book now...

Merry Christmas Tom! ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 11:12:05 AM: I watched Whoopi Goldberg's new show on TV last night. I was not impressed. I have always thought she was a very funny lady, but this show stank! Some of the actors were horrible and the writing was just not funny.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 11:20:30 AM: But other than that, Mrs Lincoln, how did you like the play?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Diane on December 24, 2003, 11:22:18 AM: Jrand: LOL...you crack me up ;)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 24, 2003, 11:25:04 AM: I agree with DR MBarnum on Whoopi (very funny) and her TV show (dud). I've seen a few episodes, including one in which President Bush (a not-great lookalike) had to use the WC in Whoopi's hotel. Things soon became preachy. One show that always gets laughs out of me is the never-preachy King of Queens.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 11:28:32 AM: Diane: Feel free to write an amazon.com review.

MBarnum: Gumnaam is the only full-length film I've seen - otherwise just excerpts.

I did write a Christmas song about fifteen years ago - I can sort of recall the music and the intent of the lyric, but I'd have to dig it out. Never recorded or even sung in public, though.

Best news: I'm done for the day (although I'll put in three hours on Saturday as a favor).
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 11:33:56 AM: Dan, I agree...King of Queens is one darn funny show!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 11:44:00 AM: Thanks DR DIANE!

And remember what Miss Jayne Mansfield said:

"It's NOT Christmas at my house until I have received my Frederick's of Hollywood catalog!"
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 11:51:20 AM: Quote from: JRand53 on December 24, 2003, 11:44:00 AM
And remember what Miss Jayne Mansfield said:

"It's NOT Christmas at my house until I have received my Frederick's of Hollywood catalog!"

I'll bet Mickey made sure she got that catalog, too!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Panni on December 24, 2003, 11:52:36 AM: bk - "The straw that broke the Kimmel's back" - My hat is off to you. I was villed with a vague ennui myself until I read that and laughed out loud.

DR Jrand53 - I'm trying not to drive to too many places today because it will be MADNESS out there. Tonight I'll drive to bk's partay and sample all the delicious food he's made. Maybe the shtupping geese will still be in the tub. I've seen all sorts of animals shtupping - but never geese.
I like the look of that Edsel. It's too late to get it in time for the partay, though. Shame. What a sensation I would've made, pulling in front of chez Kimmel in that gorgeous thing.

For anyone who missed my late night post - I highly recommend IN AMERICA.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 11:55:17 AM: Oh so true, DRPANNI - it's like driving on air - because you ARE! But you have to wear white gloves and hat when you drive in your Edsel.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: George on December 24, 2003, 11:57:01 AM: Very soon I'm going to be leaving to go to my parent's house. We do most of our Christmas celebrating and present-opening on Christmas eve (tonight!) because of my niece and her "other" (father's) family. Don't worry, both sides of the family are all actually quite close, even after my sister's divorce. :)

I hope everyone has a great day and evening today and great day tomorrow! And that we all have a good time during this late December time of year. :D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 12:02:35 PM: MR BK must be happy heading home to prepare for the party! How wonderful! 8)

MR BK will you be posting digital pictures of the party in progress for those of us who cannot be there? ???

Have fun, DRGeorge.

We may do some Christmas Eve unwrapping as well. ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Maya on December 24, 2003, 12:03:23 PM: Same to you, George!

Jrand--I wouldn't be surprised if Jayne Mansfield had created Fredericks' of Hollywood!

BK--Lately, I've been experimenting with recording myself doing songs, and I was wondering what is the average amount of takes it takes one of your repertory singers to nail the song?

I can't wait to open my Christmas presents...I know one of them is the Wicked OCR!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Panni on December 24, 2003, 12:04:06 PM: [Oh so true, DRPANNI - it's like driving on air - because you ARE! But you have to wear white gloves and hat when you drive in your Edsel]

...which would not be possible, DRJrand53, because in my previous post I removed my hat to honor bk's wit and it (the hat, not the wit) blew away and was trampled on by a bunch of disgruntled pipers who'd just lost their Christmas gig chez Kimmel and were on their way to the Musicians' Union to file a grievance..
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 12:04:20 PM: LOL DRMaya - I am sure Jayne would agree with you.

LOL DRPanni - well keep your white gloves because you also have to wear them when you use the riding mower out there in Southern California!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: George on December 24, 2003, 12:06:23 PM: My questions for BK today (not holiday related):

You have so many recordings and movies. Do you keep track of them all in a list of some sort? And have you ever started to look for something that you absolute know that you have, but can't find it at all? Do you lose (or misplace) things very often? What do you do? Keep looking until you find it because YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY SURE that you own it or do you just give up in frustration?

I have a list of my musicals and a couple of titles are missing. :'( I've looked everywhere that I think that I could have stashed them, but so far, no luck. I hate it when that happens.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 12:10:35 PM: DRGeorge -that is the worst!!! I don't know about Mr BK, but I usually give up and then later on when I am looking for something else, I find what I was previously looking for.

I think it is also possible to look for something so hard, that you overlook it!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jennifer on December 24, 2003, 12:28:57 PM: Hey my Wicked cd arrived today. So I am happy. We have no mail here tomorrow, fri, sat, and sunday, so I knew it was today or wait till monday.

The regular mailman came early but no cd. But sometimes for packages they send a special truck. And he came. I saw him pull up and ran to the door and he through me the cd. Yep, he threw it to me. And I actually caught it :)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jennifer on December 24, 2003, 12:30:51 PM: I don't celebrate Christmas per se. But I have a lot of family and friends who do, so I sort of end up doing a lot of Christmasy stuff. For instance my aunt always hosts a Christmas Eve dinner. And we always go and decorate the tree.

But Christmas day is often for movies, since it's one of the only things to do.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 12:36:27 PM: Haven't been commenting on the WICKED cast album, but I guess it goes without saying that I was impressed with the singers. They are stupendous. I think I see what some of the carping critics have said about the music, but like so many recent scores, the more you listen to it, the better you like it. These are not Tin Pan Alley numbers (though there's nothing wrong with Tin Pan Alley).
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 12:39:58 PM: Let me throw the question out to DRs about SOMETHING'S AFOOT. Is there a cast recording or studio recording of it, possibly a British studio recording? If not, there is a definite need for one. No, the score is no SWEENEY TODD, but for a light, fun mystery whodunit, I like it much better than BAKER STREET's score, and if something like ZANNA DON'T has a cast recording, SOMETHING'S AFOOT deserves SOMETHING!

Also, correct if I'm wrong, but was there a made-for-cable version of the show a couple of decades ago with someone like Tessie O'Shea as the Miss Marple-like character (the one who sings, "I Owe It All to Agatha Christie")?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: TCB on December 24, 2003, 12:52:41 PM: This will not do. No, this will absolutely not do at all. Less than 70 posts by 4:00 p.m. EST. We must post! We must post till the cows come home, except in Washington where the cows have Mad Cow Disease. Of course, I would be Mad too, if my only source of amusement was getting milked twice a day by some old geezer with cold hands.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: TCB on December 24, 2003, 12:55:47 PM: Sorry, that last post of mine was udderly ridiculous!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jason on December 24, 2003, 01:06:05 PM: Greetings from Louisville! I hope you are all having wonderful holidays so far. I, myself, slept until noon and awoke to find a plethora of gifts to wrap, including the ones that I had brought with me for the family. For all my worries about my parents and my dad being out of work, you'd never know it from the ridiculous spread under the tree. As usual, they went way overboard and, even though I don't know exactly what are IN the boxes, from the sheer number of them, I know they spent a fortune on me and my brother--and on each other, as well. An example: PART of my brother's Christmas stash includes four brand new tires for his car and a new car battery. That's just PART of it! I don't know whether I should be relieved that know that my parents are actually doing well enough to afford those things or if I should be worried that they're spending beyond their means. I know the holidays aren't about the gifts, but it makes me feel incredibly loved to know that they are willing to make a few sacrifices here and there so that they can afford to give us nice things. THAT'S what it's about, I suppose...the love. And we're all about the love here at HHW.com, too, aren't we? Yes, we are.

Presently, more love is being cooked up in the kitchen upstairs. I smell the wonderful aroma of green beans (home grown and canned), broccoli casserole, homemade creamed corn and frying chicken. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! :D

We'll have our chicken dinner tonight--my parents, my brother and myself-- and exchange our gifts from one another and tomorrow, assuming my brother is feeling well enough, we shall all trek out to Lexington to my mom's parents' home, where we will exchange more gifts. My dad's parents were supposed to sup with us tonight, but because of their age and my brother's flu, we thought it best to postpone our dinner with them until he's not even remotely able to get them sick. My grandfather, who is 85 years old, did stop by today (yes, he still drives!) and dropped off some homemade fudge, cookies and peanut rolls (which are my dad's very favorite thing in the world, so my grandfather makes them for him every year). He's truly just about one of the sweetest men you'd ever hope to meet in your life and we're very lucky to still have him with us. In fact, I'm lucky enough to still have all four of my grandparents, and for the first time in 27 years, I am able to give THEM a gift for Christmas, so that excites me.

TOMOVOZ: The state bird of Kentucky is the red cardinal, but we do have lovely bluebirds here, as well. I hope you're having a lovely holiday down under. :)

MBARNUM: I agree about Whoopi's show...bleh! And King of Queens is a hoot!

BK: I hope you have a wonderful party tonight. I wish I could be here to enjoy with you and your guests...unfortunately (well, FORTUNATELY), I'll be opening gifts and eating chicken tonight. :P

To all my friends and loved ones here at HHW: I wish you all the happiest holiday possible. You're an amazing group of people and the best is all you deserve, so...MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANNUKAH, HAPPY KWANZAA! I'll speak to you all soon...
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 24, 2003, 01:06:11 PM: DR Matt H: I checked out Something's Afoot on the IBDB and noted that the cast included not only Tessie O'Shea, but also Liz (Helen Seinfeld) Sheridan and Gary (Roger de Bris) Beach. Lu Leonard was a standby. The name rang a bell, and the IBDB told me she was in five musicals that, together, ran for about eleven months. I think I should get back to work.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 01:07:35 PM: LOL, DR TCB you are hilarious! Thanks for some great humor in the late afternoon.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 01:11:49 PM: Thank you, DR Dan.

I agree that WHOOPI isn't everything it could be, there have been some hilarious moments in the series, and the one where President Bush drops by to use the toilet was very funny despite the preachiness (and I don't mind that as long as they can be funny, too. With WHOOPI, sometimes yes and sometimes no.) I still think the most unheralded comedy on TV is LESS THAN PERFECT. I just love those characters.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on December 24, 2003, 01:35:17 PM: DR Matt,

I only watch Whoopi because Gord enjoys it so much. (He watches Alias for my benefit.) He also tries never to miss Less Than Perfect, though I've only seen parts of it. I think the only current shows where he and I are in sync are Monk, and Without a Trace.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 01:37:22 PM: DRMATTH when we did a production of SOMETHING'S AFOOT in 2000 I searched in vain for a cast recording. At that time nothing was available.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 01:38:08 PM: MR BK must be busily arranging Chez Kimmel for the soiree'!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 01:38:20 PM: Maya: The number of takes, of course, varies from singer to singer. I'll normally do at least two on everyone, because I like to hear what they're doing without direction on the first take. Then we listen, analyze, chat about it, and then if need be do as many as we need. Sometimes we get lucky - Kristin Chenoweth got Lion Tamer in one take - I just told her "go home, it's perfect". We played it back, she agreed and voila. Sometimes I'll do as many as seven or eight takes to get what I need, then I edit the best bits from each take. I'd begun doing a whole pre-mix day of nothing but comping vocals. Listen to each take, use the best lines from each and make a seamless whole out of them. I've been known to use one syllable from one take and the second syllable from another. It's all about getting the most honest real-seeming performance, whether it's one full take or a comped bunch of takes. If the comping is done correctly know one will ever have any idea how many takes are used. If it's not done correctly (listen to the Bernadette Peters' CD of Gypsy) then it's obvious and bad.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 01:39:20 PM: I actually managed to get out of work by eleven-thirty or so, ran some errands and am now home cooking merrily away. We must have lots of festive and jolly posts to keep the haineshisway.com holiday spirit alive.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 01:49:39 PM: Quote from: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 12:39:58 PM
Let me throw the question out to DRs about SOMETHING'S AFOOT. Is there a cast recording or studio recording of it, possibly a British studio recording? If not, there is a definite need for one. No, the score is no SWEENEY TODD, but for a light, fun mystery whodunit, I like it much better than BAKER STREET's score, and if something like ZANNA DON'T has a cast recording, SOMETHING'S AFOOT deserves SOMETHING!

Also, correct if I'm wrong, but was there a made-for-cable version of the show a couple of decades ago with someone like Tessie O'Shea as the Miss Marple-like character (the one who sings, "I Owe It All to Agatha Christie")?

It was Jean Stapleton and Andy Gibb as the stars. All the rest were Canadians
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 01:53:00 PM: Lorne Greene Star OR Canadian?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 02:09:41 PM: Quote from: JRand53 on December 24, 2003, 11:02:09 AM
I'm not wearing underwear today.

Neither am I. Commando rocks HainesHisWay today.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 02:18:01 PM: All of my gifts are wrapped and in bags waiting for trips later this evening or tomorrow to their destinations.

What is the BEST gift YOU are giving this year?

(Besides of course yourself, love, peace in the world, and your good health).
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 02:19:59 PM: Much garlic cooking - yummilicious smell. But it won't be good unless I have more hot posts to read.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: TCB on December 24, 2003, 02:28:22 PM: Well, since it doesn't appear that we will be having a rash of new posts anytime in the near future, let me take this moment to wish each and every one of you the very best of the holiday season. Regardless of whether you celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, Rhamadon, or Kwanza; may the joy of that celebration stay with you throughout the year to come. The men, women, and yes even the children, at Haines His Way, have become a family to me during the last six months. Certainly there have been disagreements along the way, but those types of arguments exist within every family. The important thing is that we allow each other the right to their own opinion (even when you are wrong and I am right) and we learn something because of those differences. Thank you dear Mr. Kimmel for providing us with a gathering spot for fun, friendship, comfort, companionship, encouragement, and lively discussion. Happy Holidays, one and all!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 02:33:57 PM: For MR BK - here is a hot POST....

Miss Leslie Parrish!!!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Maya on December 24, 2003, 02:36:54 PM: Jrand--I think the nicest present I've bought for anyone this Christmas is for my mom. I found her this beautiful scarf with crushed velvet floral patterns in dark blues and reds. I hope she will love it.

BK--thanks! It doesn't surprise me it took Kristin only one take for Lion Tamer! What a simple, lovely performance!

Only a few hours til we open presents, hehe!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 02:50:52 PM: We MUST have a rash of new posts, otherwise we'll have a rash, and we can't have THAT. Maya and everyone else, we MUST know what presents you receive. I love this jernt.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 24, 2003, 02:51:02 PM: Good afternoon!

WHEW! Well, we made it back from our shopping expedition in one piece. And, actually - and surprisingly - the stores were not mobbed at all - at least the ones we went to. No major traffic, no major lines. The longest line we hit was at Sam's Club - which always has a line, so, it was nothing out of the ordinary there. We headed out to the new mall out in the West End of town, and just worked our way back east.

The mall was fun, and a lot of stores were already putting up their post-Christmas sales signs... and some were even starting their post-Christmas sales! So... Even though I was in "helper" mode today, I did manage to get some shopping done for myself. *For any Williams-Sonoma fans, the post-Christmas deals are wonderful - especially on their prepared foods (fudge!)! I even managed to pick up a nice brooch for my mom at Hecht's - sshh, don't tell her! *My brothers and I have sort of given up giving gifts to our parents the past few years - my mom usually "protests" and tells us that we should spend our money on the grandkids, so... But we usually end up picking up something small for them. Just doesn't feel right not getting them anything - even if they "say" not to give them anything.

-And while we were at Sam's Club, I got to pick up my Christmas present from Steve! A personal percussion massager. With the way my shoulder has been acting up, I'll be putting it to good use.

After hitting a few more stores, we eventually got some lunch at this funky place in Carytown called The Eatery. Great subs and cheesesteaks, as well as fried chicken, pizza and Chinese Food. Very cheap too - and big portions! We wrapped up our day of shopping at the chocolate store and then the grocery store - love those self-checkout lines! So...

Now I'm back at my apartment doing some decompressing and resting my feet. I'm actually a bit store weary, but it was fun. I'll probably be heading out later for dinner with Steve and some other friends.. We'll see. Yes, I know it's Christmas Eve, but it's also a day off for me too. Maybe I'll make a dent in my pile of DVDs... Or I could just take a nap... too.

So, until later..

Oh, another question for BK:

How many people were/are invited to you Christmas Eve soiree?

**Oh, I also got a Christmas card in the mail today... from the cab driver in Orlando who found my cell phone! -I guess I did give him my card! A very nice surprise, indeed.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Ron Pulliam on December 24, 2003, 02:52:10 PM: DR MattH: We drove through Clinton a week ago when we went to Spartanburg to visit a cousin. Drove right past Presbyterian College, too!

We are going to my cousin Debra's house tonight -- my Uncle Rock is barbecuing chicken and ribs. It's an annual thing at her house with her immediate family, my aunt and uncle (her parents) and my mother and me. Tomorrow, the whole family will gather at my aunt's and uncle's for dinner (this is the first time in nearly 8 years the get-together won't be at my mother's house -- we are digging it!!).

The day has been warmish, but the temperature is dropping as I type. I have been holding off "something" all week -- sore throat, sniffles, sneezing, all have played a part in my bodily functions, but nothing has overwhelmed me yet. Keeping my toes crossed!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: S. Woody White on December 24, 2003, 03:14:46 PM: Tomorrow we will be having roast beef! This is a good thing, because der Brucer's daughter is doing the cooking, and while she certainly can screw up a roast beef, she can't screw it up as badly as she screws up everything else...I hope. :P

For our part of tomorrow's dinner, der Brucer and I went to three separate grocery stores, trying to find a chocolate silk pie. We finally found something like a chocolate silk pie, but it wasn't listed on the box as such. Methinks the silk worms are on strike for better wages. Apparently, the chocolate silk pie is one of der Brucer's son-in-law's favorites. I guess he likes to floss during dessert.

I need to make cookies. We're out of cookies, and Christmas without cookies is...well, cookieless.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: S. Woody White on December 24, 2003, 03:22:25 PM: Hey, I got to start Page Four again!

[size=10][move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HAPPY[/move][/size]
[size=10][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]D[/move][/size]
[size=10][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]A[/move][/size]
[size=10][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]N[/move][/size]
[size=10][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]C[/move][/size]
[size=10][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]E[/move][/size]
[size=10][move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]![/move][/size]
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 03:23:51 PM: What time does the party start? Is it a come and go affair, or a come and stay all night do?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Danise on December 24, 2003, 03:27:52 PM: (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/travesmilies/smilie_ho.gif)
Well, here we all are on this very Merry Christmas Eve. Here's hoping everyone is happy and safe.

Glad everyone liked my grapics from last night. It takes me awhile to learn how to do something sometimes but when I do I make up for lost time, quick!

(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/travesmilies/smilie_tannenbaum.gif)

Have fun, enjoy and I'll be back later to see who is still up--remember to check outside your window from time to time--you never know what your going to see!
(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/travesmilies/smilie_weihnfenster2.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 24, 2003, 03:39:12 PM: Love the smilies, Danise! Now I just have to learn how to do them!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: ArnoldMBrockman on December 24, 2003, 03:42:42 PM: AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Laura II on December 24, 2003, 03:56:06 PM: I hope everyone is enjoying Christmas Eve! I should be at Mass right now, but I'm sick, and the doctor told me I mustn't go until tomorrow. (I just said mustn't!) We don't really know what I have, but it's not the flu. The doc gave me antibiotics even though the strep test was negative. So yes, here's to feeling better tomorrow!

I hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas! Also, happy Hanukkah to everyone who celebrates it!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 04:17:51 PM: Does anyone know how or when "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music has become a Christmas song?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 04:20:10 PM: I don't know DR MS but I heard it played today on the bagpipes!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 04:22:15 PM: If football players get athlete's foot....what do astronauts get?

Missle toe....hahahahahaha.

GREAT smilies DRDanise!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 04:28:10 PM: Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker is on TRIO tonight! ;D

http://www.matthewbournesnutcracker.com/ (http://www.matthewbournesnutcracker.com/)

This link requires FLASH - but it's pretty neat!

I liked Mark Morris' Nutcracker a few seasons ago and look forward to this one as well! 8)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: JoseSPiano on December 24, 2003, 04:29:33 PM: Ummm.... Thank you, DR Michael Shayne...

As for "My Favorite Things" becoming associated with Christmas... My guess is it was used commercially at one time, and it stuck. It's a spng that talks about "favorite things", so... Those could be satin dresses, snowflakes... toys, cars, jewelry. And doesn't JCPenney use the song around this time of year? Or Macy's? Or Hecht's?

I've also seen it in a lot of Christmas song books. So...

-OK, I'm going to interrupt my own rambling at this time.. Boy, do I want to take a nap!

Feel better, Laura II!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 04:56:13 PM: It is my theory....and it is ONLY a theory...that perhaps the malls were not quite so crowded this year because a LOT of people did a LOT of their shopping ONLINE! Jrand53/Unscientific Poll LLC
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 05:09:04 PM: Party starts at six and I usually throw everyone out by ten or ten-thirty.

Spaghetti sauce is simmering, everything else is ready.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 05:18:52 PM: Danise those were WONDERFUL Christmas smilies!!!

Michael Shayne, that is one Santa whose lap I would be very happy to sit on! LOL!

JRand53: Best gift I am giving is ATTACK OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE DVD. I am giving it to my neice Katie and her fiance. Katie loved that movie when she was a kid and I had given her my video of it a few years ago when I upgraded to DVD. Unfortunately I had to swipe the video back to send to Laurie Mitchell prior to her interview (she hadn't seen the movie since she made it in 1958). Anyway, the DVD is part of their Christmas present from Uncle Mike...along with the $600 wedding dress! Egahds!!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MBarnum on December 24, 2003, 05:19:43 PM: I think everyone should take photos of there Christmas tomorrow and post them this weekend on HHW!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MusicGuy on December 24, 2003, 05:28:34 PM: Dear esteemed BK -- A VERY happy Christmas eve to you and to all of the guests that will be sharing your party in person.

I'm just taking a very short break.......the main course is done and simmering away slowly. It is genuine old-fashioned, cold weather comfort food.....homemade Chicken ala King, with long grain and wild rice, french cut green beans with slivered almonds and genuine Nueske's brand bacon (...."if you ain't eatin' Wham, you ain't eatin' ham !! ..." ). Also, in honor of dear BK, we start off with a nice little appetizer of shrimp cocktail shrimp.

All the veryt warmest and best wishes to all of the nice dear readers at this unique site.....the happiest place on the entire internet!

8) ::) ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 05:32:54 PM: A dress AND ATTACK OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE? It's the BEST Christmas ever!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 05:51:49 PM: Is that the doorbell?

I am really enjoying Bourne's NUTCRACKER!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Danise on December 24, 2003, 05:52:03 PM: Hi all!

I just posted something for Jose on the tech board. I hope it makes sense to you. It explains how to post a smiley face and where I get them at.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are enjoying yourself right now.

I'm watching A Christmas Story. Didn't mean to but you get hooked on it. Here's a question for you. When the Father closes the door, he catches the dogs---what? It that an ear or a tail? Mom says it's tail, I say it's an ear. Anyone know who is right?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 05:57:52 PM: Yes, we will have photos galore from our Christmas Eve Do. So, you won't want to miss any of the excitement tonight. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell the man in the street and the woman in the window - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the friendliest and warmest right here at haineshisway.com
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 06:04:01 PM: As the man on the street used to say:

Heigh Ho Steverino!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 06:05:08 PM: Quote from: JRand53 on December 24, 2003, 04:28:10 PM
Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker is on TRIO tonight! ;D

http://www.matthewbournesnutcracker.com/ (http://www.matthewbournesnutcracker.com/)

I remember when it was Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 06:06:35 PM: Very rainy out. I like it, but it will probably deter some folks from coming. But, I'm expecting quite a few people (I don't invite all that many, but mostly everyone this year said they'd drop by), so it still will be festive and jolly, not necessarily in that order. I'm always intrigued to see when the first guests arrive. I always go on the assumption that some people will be prompt and arrive at six, so I tend to have the food ready then. Usually no one shows up until six-thirty or later so you'd think I'd learn - but if I didn't have everything ready then EVERYONE would show up at six on the dot.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 06:13:08 PM: Quote from: bk on December 24, 2003, 06:06:35 PM
Very rainy out. I like it, but it will probably deter some folks from coming. But, I'm expecting quite a few people (I don't invite all that many, but mostly everyone this year said they'd drop by), so it still will be festive and jolly, not necessarily in that order. I'm always intrigued to see when the first guests arrive. I always go on the assumption that some people will be prompt and arrive at six, so I tend to have the food ready then. Usually no one shows up until six-thirty or later so you'd think I'd learn - but if I didn't have everything ready then EVERYONE would show up at six on the dot.

Well the best way to do it is call the party for 5:30 and then people will show up at 6:00 the way you really wanted them to.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 06:14:38 PM: Question:

Do people look at "Christmas" as a religious time of year or as a more festive time of year to celebrate the end of a year?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 06:17:42 PM: LOL Tchiak doesn't mind, DR MS!

MR BK do you have valet parking?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Danise on December 24, 2003, 06:18:53 PM: Liquid snow, huh? Well, I can't speak for anyone else but I always try to plan to arrive a few minutes after the time set. Don't want to be the first person at the door but not the last either.

Not that I go to that many parties.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 06:27:52 PM: going to my sister's for PRESENTS back in a while!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 06:54:18 PM: just for the fun of it. . .
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 06:54:56 PM: a little more fun. . .
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 06:55:45 PM: spreading some Christmas cheer. . .
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 06:56:16 PM: are we cheery enough?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 06:56:41 PM: LOL
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 06:56:53 PM: Maybe some more cheer. . .
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 06:56:55 PM: I GOT MY YOU BET YOUR LIFE DVD'S!!!!!!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 06:57:33 PM: one for my baby, and one more for the road. . .
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 07:02:07 PM: THERE dr td!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 07:06:30 PM: Thanks, Jack. . . you've got real email, too. . .
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 07:07:21 PM: Alrightie then, where is everyone? ? ?
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 07:24:56 PM: Very nice TD!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Laura II on December 24, 2003, 07:34:26 PM: Thank you, Jose! Over the last few hours, I've felt much better. Looks like I should be much improved by tomorrow!

Danise--I was watching A Christmas Story too! I do believe that the father catches the dog's ear in the door. At first I thought it was a tail, but it looked too thin and floppy to be one. So yes, my guess is it's an ear.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 07:35:32 PM: DR TD shouldn't you being spending this evening with your family instead of entertaining us???
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 07:36:21 PM: (http://www.artie.com/20030826/arg-dumb-santa-35-url.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 07:38:39 PM: (http://www.toons.artie.com/christmas/arg-santa-fear-orig-url.gif)

(http://www.toons.artie.com/christmas/arg-santa-chimney-rev-url.gif)

(http://www.toons.artie.com/christmas/arg-christmas-wreath-whitebg-url.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 07:41:45 PM: (http://www.gaspirtz.com/animated/christmas-cartoons/02.gif)

(http://www.gaspirtz.com/animated/christmas-cartoons/06.gif)

(http://www.offthemark.com/Images/xmas/xmas02.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 07:44:17 PM: (http://www.offthemark.com/Images/xmas/xmas01.gif)

(http://www.offthemark.com/Images/xmas/xmas03.gif)

(http://www.offthemark.com/Images/sundays/sunday11.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 07:45:39 PM: It's party time dude!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 07:46:03 PM: Quote from: Michael Shayne on December 24, 2003, 07:36:21 PM
(http://www.artie.com/20030826/arg-dumb-santa-35-url.gif)

Been there, done that.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 07:46:28 PM: (http://www.offthemark.com/Images/xmas/xmas08.gif)

(http://www.offthemark.com/Images/xmas/xmas10.gif)

(http://xmasfun.com/Fun/Cartoons/Images/ChristmasCard.gif)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 07:47:15 PM: Quote from: Michael Shayne on December 24, 2003, 07:35:32 PM
DR TD shouldn't you being spending this evening with your family instead of entertaining us???

Been there, done that, too.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 07:49:37 PM: [size=12]Rudolph got his Christmas wish to be a real boy....almost[/size]

(http://microbiology.ucdavis.edu/sklab/images/Lab%20Christmas%20Party-1996/20391_21.jpg)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Emily on December 24, 2003, 07:56:17 PM: you guys crack me up :D

If I don't have a chance to say it tomorrow: may each and everyone of you have a Merry Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and/or End of December full of peace, love and happiness!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 07:56:28 PM: :o

You too, DREMILY!!! ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jrand73 on December 24, 2003, 07:57:54 PM: MR BK must be too busy being the HOST to check the computer.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 08:01:47 PM: (http://www.gaymart.com/christmas/4full/cd_409.jpg)

(http://www.gaymart.com/christmas/4full/cards_139.jpg)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: td on December 24, 2003, 08:06:53 PM: ROTFLMAO ! ! ! ! !
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jennifer on December 24, 2003, 08:09:07 PM: Hey everyone.

In case DR Jose doesn't understand DR Danise's smiley instructions it is very simple. Just go to clicksmilies.com, and put your cursor on the smiley you want and you copy the link. It copies with the image brackets already on it. You just post it under "reply" not quick reply and presto. You can even preview it to see what you've done. But as long as you see the image brackets it should work.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jennifer on December 24, 2003, 08:11:07 PM: The best gift I gave this year. Hmmm. Well I think the most fulfilling was buying all the presents for my sister's little niece and nephew (who live in Nanuvut, way up north). I had strict limits and bought a lot of stuff.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 08:15:57 PM: (http://www.jokesandpictures.com/pictures4/christmas12.gif)

(http://www.jokesandpictures.com/pictures4/christmas13.jpg)

(http://www.jokesandpictures.com/pictures4/christmas9.jpg)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:21:23 PM: DR Danise, that's definitely an ear in the door of A CHRISTMAS STORY. No tail looks like that! :D

DR MBarnum, but if you sit in Santa's lap, won't that holly get in the way, . . . er, . . . never mind.

I think that pic of Santa is one of the best gifts I've gotten this year! ;D
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 08:24:36 PM: The Night Before Chanukah
'Twas the night before Chanukah, boichiks and maidels
Not a sound could be heard, not even the dreidels
The menorah was set by the chimney alight
In the kitchen, the Bubbie was hopping a bite
Salami, Pastrami, a glaisele tay
And zoyere pickles mit bagels-- Oy vay!

Gezint and geschmock the kinderlach felt
While dreaming of taiglach and Chanukah gelt
The alarm clock was sitting, a kloppin' and tickin'
And Bubbie was carving a shtickele chicken
A tummel arose, like the wildest k'duchas
Santa had fallen right on his tuchas!

I put on my slippers, ains, tzvay, drei
While Bubbie was eating herring on rye
I grabbed for my bathrobe and buttoned my gottkes
And Bubbie was just devouring the latkes
To the window I ran, and to my surprise
A little red yarmulka greeted my eyes.

When he got to the door and saw the menorah
"Yiddishe kinder," he cried, "Kenahorah!"
I thought I was in a Goyishe hoise!
As long as I'm here, I'll leave a few toys."
"Come into the kitchen, I'll get you a dish
Mit a gupel, a leffel, and a shtickele fish."

With smacks of delight he started his fressen
Chopped liver, knaidlach, and kreplach gegessen
Along with his meal he had a few schnapps
When it came to eating, this boy sure was tops
He asked for some knishes with pepper and salt
But they were so hot he yelled out "Gevalt!"

He loosened his hoysen and ran from the tish
"Your koshereh meals are simply delish!"
As he went through the door he said "See y'all later
I'll be back next Pesach in time for the seder!"
So, hutzmir and zeitzmir and "Bleibtz mir gezint"
he called out cheerily into the wind.

More rapid than eagles, his prancers they came
As he whistled and shouted and called them by name
"Come, Izzie, now Moishe, now Yossel and Sammy!
On Oyving, and Maxie, and Hymie and Manny!"
He gave a geshrai, as he drove out of sight
"A gut yontiff to all, and to all a good night!"

Anon
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Maya on December 24, 2003, 08:26:36 PM: Wauwa--Feel better soon!

BK--Have fun at your party!

And everyone--

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:30:54 PM: DRs td and Michael Shayne, thanks for the hilarious and eye-opening photo gallery. Puts me in a great mood before bed.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 08:31:52 PM: The only movie I remember where the audience actually threw popcorn and whatever else that they had at the screen.

(http://www.horror-wood.com/Santmar2.jpg)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:35:09 PM: Got a lovely Christmas surprise tonight. A dear friend and his lover called tonight and invited me to Christmas brunch at their house tomorrow morning. I have truly been blessed with great and thoughtful friends this holiday season. I wish for everyone the warmth and thoughtfulness I've experienced this season to follow them every day in 2004.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 08:35:46 PM: (http://www.dacre.org/flash/www/gbq04040.jpg)

(http://www.fast-rewind.com/santaclaus3.jpg)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:40:03 PM: Finished TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. earlier tonight and then put in WHITE CHRISTMAS. Loved the latter as much as ever even though I think I've found a few more continuity errors watching it on a larger, sharper screen. Also, I'd never noticed before that Vera-Ellen is wearing ruffled panties under her costume in the "Choreography" number.

As for TO LIVE AND DIE, I did NOT remember that it ended the way it did! I only saw it once many years ago reviewing it for my newspaper, and I liked it a lot, but I did not recall that it ended that way. Amazing.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Michael on December 24, 2003, 08:46:39 PM: (http://www.art-posters.net/posters/newart/xmas131.jpg)

(http://www.robertarmin.com/susangordon/images/miracle1.jpg)

(http://www.charitysplace.com/review/images/miracleon.jpg)

(http://www.castalbumdb.com/jpg/J497.jpg)
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:49:57 PM: DR Ron, I truly hope you aren't coming down with something, but from the way it sounds like you're running around, you could be exhausted and suseptible to catching something.

Funny that you've been past my old college. It's more than I've done since I graduated!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:53:57 PM: Who has seen that Richard Attenborough as St. Nick version of MIRACLE ON 34th STREET? It was on HBO the other day, but I just couldn't bring myself to watch it. To watch it would seem to be disloyal to Natlie Wood's memory or something!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Matt H. on December 24, 2003, 08:57:16 PM: Hope Santa is good to all who believe in him, and for those who don't, well, I hope you have a pleasant Thursday, too. Good night.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: DearReaderLaura on December 24, 2003, 09:03:58 PM: Hello, fellow Dear Readers. DR Sandra and I are home from our whirlwind trip to California and Nevada. We'll catch up with posts tomorrow, hopefully.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Laura II on December 24, 2003, 09:54:50 PM: Merry Christmas!!!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jason on December 24, 2003, 10:01:49 PM: Where are all the fabulous guest posts from BK's party?? I hope he's having fun.

As expected, the chicken was FABOO (and there are plenty of leftovers, so I can snack on some cold chicken tonight...yum!) And, of course, we had the traditional banana croquette (bananas, Miracle Whip and peanuts) and, as usual, they were faboo too. There's a whole plate of them in the fridge callin' my name, and we'll have fresh ones tomorrow at my grandparents' house.

The gifts have been opened and it was a truly spectacular time. I got a digital camera, so I will most certainly be sending some pictures sometime soon, and I got a Mini-Disc Recorder, a couple of sweaters, a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt and the pleasure of seeing my mom getting as excited as I've ever seen her when she opened the DVD copy of "Imitation of Life" that I got for her. She also loved the copy of "To Kill A Mockingbird" that I got her. My dad loved the two DVDs I got for him, too ("Deliverance" and "The Hunt for Red October"--both his favorites). My brother got lots of good stuff, too, and he gave me a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble!

Anyway, I have to figure out this new camera (it's so small I'm afraid to pick it up), so I must run. Hope everyone is having a loverly evening and I hope your tomorrows are just as wonderful.

Merry Christmas, everyone!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: MusicGuy on December 24, 2003, 10:22:44 PM: Happy (almost) real Christmas to all the H/Ks, and to dear esteemed, jovial, yule-ish, and festive BK...

Our little dinner was very nice, and it was a wonderful evening. DR Kerry got me the most beautiful tie, with great 30s period illustration characters by John Held all over it, in a musical/orchestra theme. Also, he gave me a lovely original pastel that I had seen early in the year and admired.

Off to bed now, and then tomorrow is a drive up to Prescott, to spend Christmas day with our nephews and relatives.

Good noight all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS !!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Tomovoz on December 24, 2003, 10:32:21 PM: A very tiring and pleasant enough Christmas day in the land of OZ. 100 degrees F and Christmas dinner outside. May get to read all the posts later but it will be Christmas Day for you all soon, so have a wonderful day and I shall look forward to reading posts about a cool or cold day.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jay on December 24, 2003, 10:52:18 PM: [move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Party Report![/move]

First off, a heartfelt thank you to Dear BK for being the most gracious of hosts and putting on a swelligant and elegant Christmas Eve party!

For me, the most enjoyable aspect of the soiree was meeting a sizable contingent of Dear Readers whom I had not previously met in the flesh. Present were Dear Reader Charles Pogue (and his Dear Wife Julieanne), Dear Reader Panni/Anna (and her Dear Daughter Rachel, visiting from San Francisco) and Dear Readers Noel and Joy, visiting from New York. Also present was Dear Recording Engineer Vinnie and a host of other simply marvelous folks, a couple of whom admitted to being lurkers whom we tried to convert to posters.

Also present by proxy, in the form of foodstuffs, were Dear Reader Jose, whose cookies were scrumptious, and Dear Readers Laura and Sandra, whose fudge was outrageous!

Apparently, Guy Haines stopped by early on in the party, but he had another engagement and he left just before I got there.

The food was divoon. Dear BK made spaghetti with his secret recipe tomato/mushroom sauce, a cold pasta/tuna salad, and there beaucoup delicious sweets.

The conversation was sparkling, and I am sure that the ears of several Dear Readers who were not present burned at various times throughout the party.

It was a wonderful event and I am grateful to Dear BK for having me!
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Jay on December 24, 2003, 11:00:17 PM: I have begun my annual year-end marathon movie going, Dear Readers. Yesterday I saw In America, which I highly recommend. Today I saw Mona Lisa Smile and Something's Gotta Give. These are not bad films, necessarily, but they are not amongst the year's best, in my humble opinion (IMHO, in internet lingo), either. The latter is definitely worthwhile for Dianne Keaton's performance. And I am most disappointed that we do not get to see more of Juliet Stephenson in Mona and Frances McDormand in Something.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 11:00:21 PM: What a partay! Final guests just left (we had two very late arrivals - friends from work). I must now try to construct tomorrow's notes so I don't have to wake up early.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: bk on December 24, 2003, 11:49:15 PM: Oh, and I'll have partay photos galore up in tomorrow's posts.
Title: Re:NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING
Post by: Charles Pogue on December 24, 2003, 11:59:04 PM: Just a brief Christmas goodnight! BK's partay was peachy! Full of scintillating guests. I recognized all the DRs right off from their pictures. I had three of Jose's delicious cookies. Laura and Sandra's fudge, as Jay mentioned, was delightfully obscene. I had fun exploring BK's lovely home...or should I say the museum with all its wonderful artifacts. And the spaghetti sauce was something special as was the tuna pasta. I had two helpings of both. More anon! If I don't get to bed, Santa won't come!