-
Well, you've read the notes, the notes were dressed and skated along, and now it is time for you to post until the 1000 Island cows come home.
-
And the word of the day is: SENTIENT!
-
I gotta tell you. I think I'll go watch the first few minutes of Camelot.
-
Thousand Island dressing on a roller skate - ridiculous!
It would clog up the bearing mechanisms.
A good oil and vinegar, on the other hand....
der Brucer
-
Photo of the Day: Canine Prewash Cycle
(http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/images/20080507-brass.jpg)
(From AndrewSullivan.com)
der Brucer
-
Weather on the news...
tornados near Cincinnati!
der Brucer
-
You lookin' at me!!!!
(http://yourscene.latimes.com/PHOTOS/LATM/1UserPhotos/252357E.jpg)
der Brucer
-
Slow morning here at HHW
-
The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation calls.
And I must answer.
-
Friday! Still a bit gloomy, but we are supposed to have SUN later today. Time will tell.
TOD:
DVD - more episodes of CHECKMATE
CD - Doris Day the 1960's singles
-
Things will pick up, I am sure DR BEN....once the regulars arrive.
-
"So...what do YOU think of DR MBarnum?"
(http://bp0.blogger.com/_TmUBWwWLKUU/SCPgQJ4vatI/AAAAAAAABfE/-x3zNUbj7ms/s400/rafta.jpg)
photo: Rafta, Rafta
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Just so you know:
Innovative cooking techniques, experimental gardening methods and high-tech explorations get the nod this afternoon as the Moon in Cancer forms a flowing trine to Uranus in Pisces (4:05PM PDT). Recede from the maddening crowd this evening as the Moon begins a void cycle at 5:07PM PDT -- a twilight zone experience that lasts until 6:11AM PDT tomorrow when the lunar orb enters Leo. Film and literary classics can ignite your imagination tonight.
-
Work today. Oh well.
-
Work today. Oh well.
-
Just another anonymous Abercrombie & Fitch live store model... Yawn! ;)
(http://bp3.blogger.com/__fWWAnGLVm4/SCNmQ9RLmeI/AAAAAAAAAjg/fNMWLFckOB0/s320/Abercrombie.jpg)
-
Work today. Oh well.
-
Is there an echo in here? :)
-
With a dog to clean the plates, why would you even need a dishwasher?
-
Are you going to make me post the lyrics to "Trine to Uranus" again?
-
No, I guess I'd better not.
-
But a moon causing that trine to Uranus - what are the odds?
-
... forms a flowing trine to Uranus ...
Not to Myanus it isn't!
der Brucer
-
And what about the Lunar Orb Entering Leo?
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%](http://i.ivillage.com/BS/fashion/star_signs/BS_leo_366.jpg)[/move]
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Friday morning greetings! Today's an information-waitressing day and then I get a 3-day weekend. Man, I'm ready.
-
Good morning, all! I had a "too many connections" problem for a while, but I also slept late. Today, I work at home on Victor Herbert and house cleaning: can't let those bugs back.
The reviews for CAMELOT were surprisingly much better than I ever would have thought, especially from an idiot music critic like Tommasini who clearly has ears of tin or the patience of Job. Perhaps they're all afraid of ofending the Philharmonic boobs who produced this mess?
TOD:
DVD: A couple of Netflix items, more Shakspeare plays
CD: The Brain from Planet X, Guy Haines, Petula Clark, 60s songs, Offenbach, Camelot London cast with Laurence Harvey, Camelot Broadway cast
VCR: anthropoligical studies
-
Oh Joy! Another re-opening, another show:
Welcome to My World
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/GEORDIEMC/Family/Open0001.jpg)
It’s not always busy:
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/GEORDIEMC/Family/Open0003.jpg)
The Mangers Strut
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/GEORDIEMC/Family/Open0002.jpg)
der Brucer
-
George:
Reminder -It's The Doctor's night!
Do you get SCIHD?
der Brucer
-
With a dog to clean the plates, why would you even need a dishwasher?
Deja vu!!! I used to say this ALL THE TIME to my mom when we'd set our plates down at home for the dog to lick clean. She'd always gag.
-
Good morning!
It had rained again early this morning, but it's beautiful outside right now and is supposed to get up to 80 today.
-
After that fairly dreadful CAMELOT last night, I, too, will take DR Elmore's lead and pull out the Original Broadway Cast recording and listen to the songs the way they were meant to be sung.
-
Aunt Edna suddenly found herself one sandwich short of a picnic.
(http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/ENGLISH/exhibits/hammond/pics/1476_picnic_under_tree_620.jpg)
-
Just another anonymous Abercrombie & Fitch live store model... Yawn! ;)
(http://bp3.blogger.com/__fWWAnGLVm4/SCNmQ9RLmeI/AAAAAAAAAjg/fNMWLFckOB0/s320/Abercrombie.jpg)
No phone number! - Will you never learn....
der Brucer
-
Page Two Cowardly Lion Dance!!!
-
TV Reminders:
MOONLIGHT!
GHOST WHISPERER!
NUMB3RS!
-
Friday Media Check:
CD - CAMELOT (OCR)
DVD - NATIONAL TREASURE (Blu-ray)
NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (Blu-ray)
J.A.G. - Season 6
DVR - last night's SMALLVILLE
last night's THE OFFICE
last night's 30 ROCK
last night's CSI
last night's GREY'S ANATOMY
MORAN OF THE LADY LETTY
-
No phone number! - Will you never learn....
der Brucer
All he needs to do is make a 1-900 call.
-
What little I saw/heard of "Camelot" last night, I have to say that the OBC and the movie on DVD are tons better. The OBC is perfection for the vocals. For orchestrations and proof of the sheer glory of the score, nothing beats the magnificent Alfred Newman supervision of the movie soundtrack. I barely recognized the Investiture sequence, musically. The phrasing was a bit off, IMO. The film's investiture sequence is one of the astounding glories of musical film. Oh, well...
And what was anyone thinking when they thunk of Gabriel Byrne for Arthur? (And what was Lerner thinking with al those nicknames liberally spread throughout the book? Lance, Ginny, Pelli, Lance, Pelli, Ginny, etc., etc.).
-
It's finally Friday here in Oakland CA.
I can't speak for anywhere else, though.
-
I watched "Survivor" (stupid Erik, stupid, stupid, stupid), "Gray's Anatomy" (good episode, except for what seems to be a "cop-out"), and "Lost" (GREAT episode, IMO) last night.
I have "Smallville", "Ugly Betty", and "Supernatural" waiting patiently in my DVR cache.
-
NOT REALLY SPOILAGE, BUT FOR YOU ULTRA-SENSITIVE TYPES, HERE'S SOME SPACE ANYWAY DEPARTMENT:
Yes, I think this "Survivor" will go down as the one with the stupidest group of men ever. And that's saying a lot.
"Lost" was interesting. I'm wondering if "Emily" is going to pop up again. What are various theories re: Christian & Claire? Ghosts? And I think this now confirms that Richard Alpert (does anyone get that joke? Or am I the only Baba Ram Dass/Timothy Leary aficianado here?) is "ageless." I know we talked about this when he appeared to the young Ben some time ago.
MORE SPACE SO THAT JOSE'S HEAD DOESN'T EXPLODE. :o
-
TOD:
CD: Capercaillie (DakotaCelt, are you listening?)
DVD: just finished up a bunch of review stuff, including a 3 DVD set called "Women & Spirituality," a set of late 80s early 90s Canadian documentaries where I was surprised to see Gabe and Zach's former Sunday School teacher listed as a Production Assistant! Now I'm on to something called The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, which so far is proving to be less than Christie-tastic. :) I also have to finish up John Dexter's production of Twelfth Night. Tommy Steele is actually quite charming, against all possible odds.
-
MORE SPACE SO THAT JOSE'S HEAD DOESN'T EXPLODE. :o
Given his reports out of L.A. the past couple of days, it's not his head that is in danger of exploding.
-
"So...what do YOU think of DR MBarnum?"
(http://bp0.blogger.com/_TmUBWwWLKUU/SCPgQJ4vatI/AAAAAAAABfE/-x3zNUbj7ms/s400/rafta.jpg)
photo: Rafta, Rafta
(Note: no clue on who the names of the individuals are but here goes poetic license...)
Ramya: Mr. Barnum is a charming individual
Kal: Really, what about me?
Ramya: Well....... You are nice too!
Kal: But can he dance and sing?
Ramya; I dont know.... but he is still a charming person
-
TOD:
DVD:
MAN OR GUN
TWINKLE IN GOD'S EYE
DVR:
Last nights Survivor and The Office
Monday nights Rules of Engagement
CD:
Bollywood Disco
Bollywood Jazz
-
TOD:
CD: Capercaillie (DakotaCelt, are you listening?)
One of my favorite groups. They did some of the music for "Blood is Strong" documentary a number of years ago.
-
I have survived the last 6 weeks of brutality... The paper and the final are done. I feel brain damaged, drained, etc...
-
Media check....
DVD: A Mighty Wind
VCR: Search for Tomorrow...
CD: Capercaillie, 20th Anniversary Collection from Green Linnet REcords.
Computer: Brain from Planet X
-
I was surprised to see Gabe and Zach's former Sunday School teacher listed as a Production Assistant!
The fact that they had to "quit the business" immediately after they worked with your sons is merely a coincidence. ;)
-
ATTN: Doctor Who fans.....
In the next episode airing in the UK, one of the guests on the show is Peter Davison's daughter Georgia Moffett.
-
The paper and the final are done.
CONGRATULATIONS, DR DakotaCelt. May you find rest and rejuvenation!
-
it's not his head that is in danger of exploding.
;D
-
CONGRATULATIONS, DR DakotaCelt. May you find rest and rejuvenation!
I shall.. Relaxing this weekend... and reading a fun book...
-
The fact that they had to "quit the business" immediately after they worked with your sons is merely a coincidence. ;)
Vice versa, actually. The films were done between 89-92. Gabe was born in 1996 and Zach in 1998, so they probably started Sunday School around 2001 or 2002.
-
What little I saw/heard of "Camelot" last night, I have to say that the OBC and the movie on DVD are tons better. The OBC is perfection for the vocals. For orchestrations and proof of the sheer glory of the score, nothing beats the magnificent Alfred Newman supervision of the movie soundtrack. I barely recognized the Investiture sequence, musically. The phrasing was a bit off, IMO. The film's investiture sequence is one of the astounding glories of musical film. Oh, well...
And what was anyone thinking when they thunk of Gabriel Byrne for Arthur? (And what was Lerner thinking with al those nicknames liberally spread throughout the book? Lance, Ginny, Pelli, Lance, Pelli, Ginny, etc., etc.).
To be honest, I think I will likely delete CAMELOT on the DVR without watching the rest of it. I was just so disappointed and irritated with the whole mess.
I do love Newman's Oscar-winning orchestrations for the film (wish the singers were up to their level of expertise).
In fact, CAMELOT is another musical I'd love to see redone correctly on film. I have no clue who'd be the right director for the project, however.
-
Heading down now to clean up to do my Friday errands.
WBBL.
-
I do love Newman's Oscar-winning orchestrations for the film (wish the singers were up to their level of expertise).
In fact, CAMELOT is another musical I'd love to see redone correctly on film. I have no clue who'd be the right director for the project, however.
Oooh--oooh--Baz Luhrman?
-
After that fairly dreadful CAMELOT last night, I, too, will take DR Elmore's lead and pull out the Original Broadway Cast recording and listen to the songs the way they were meant to be sung.
I think one of the reasons I'm so outraged over the CAMELOT debacle was that you lucky viewers saw it for free. My ticket cost $225! I think the entire audience should demand the Philharmonic refund the money. Everyne was so excited after last year's MY FAIR LADY, which was well-cast and did most of the score, but James Brennan directed the MFL, not the unclassy Mr Price.
-
I, too, love the Camelot orchestrations (and the gorgeous vocal arrangements by Ken Darby). I think Camelot and Finian's Rainbow are the apex of Darby's film achievements.
-
What little I saw/heard of "Camelot" last night, I have to say that the OBC and the movie on DVD are tons better. The OBC is perfection for the vocals. For orchestrations and proof of the sheer glory of the score, nothing beats the magnificent Alfred Newman supervision of the movie soundtrack. I barely recognized the Investiture sequence, musically. The phrasing was a bit off, IMO. The film's investiture sequence is one of the astounding glories of musical film. Oh, well...
Well, DR Ron Pulliam, for the investiture, you heard my beloved Trude Rittman's underscoring from the original production. Loewe adored her so much that he provided for her in his will; she'd worked with him from BRIGADOON through the end of Lerner & Loewe. Someone yesterday produced on Broadwayworld.com a sound tape of the entire Morgan le Fey sequence from 1960 with M'el Dowd and Roddy McDowell, including all of Trude's dance music for the court of Morgan le Fey and a complete "Persuasion" and it was a sheer delight to hear it all conducted by Franz Allers.
-
Congratulations, DR DakotaCelt!!!!!
-
Well, DR Ron Pulliam, for the investiture, you heard my beloved Trude Rittman's underscoring from the original production. Loewe adored her so much that he provided for her in his will; she'd worked with him from BRIGADOON through the end of Lerner & Loewe. Someone yesterday produced on Broadwayworld.com a sound tape of the entire Morgan le Fey sequence from 1960 with M'el Dowd and Roddy McDowell, including all of Trude's dance music for the court of Morgan le Fey and a complete "Persuasion" and it was a sheer delight to hear it all conducted by Franz Allers.
I don't know if it can be downloaded and saved, and I curse my technical ignorance.
-
Oooh--oooh--Baz Luhrman?
Not if Nicole Kidman is tapped to play Guinevere!
-
Perhaps you all would have enjoyed Camelot more if your tv had bad picture and bad sound and you were playing The Drinking Game.
-
Not if Nicole Kidman is tapped to play Guinevere!
I actually see her more as King Arthur.
-
Not if Nicole Kidman is tapped to play Guinevere!
I wouldn't mind Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor in the leads.
-
Well, DR Ron Pulliam, for the investiture, you heard my beloved Trude Rittman's underscoring from the original production. Loewe adored her so much that he provided for her in his will; she'd worked with him from BRIGADOON through the end of Lerner & Loewe. Someone yesterday produced on Broadwayworld.com a sound tape of the entire Morgan le Fey sequence from 1960 with M'el Dowd and Roddy McDowell, including all of Trude's dance music for the court of Morgan le Fey and a complete "Persuasion" and it was a sheer delight to hear it all conducted by Franz Allers.
I have no problem at all with the OBC orchestral performance. But something was "off" in the performance last night (aside from Byrne's inability to hit a musical cue or keep up with the tempo of a song).
-
I don't know if it can be downloaded and saved, and I curse my technical ignorance.
If you post the URL I bet one of us could figure out if it could be downloaded. In fact with that handy dandy Freerecorder software George pointed us to, I'm sure it could be.
-
Here's the link to the original cast Morgan le Fey scene:
http://media.putfile.com/11-Nummer-11-86
-
Can any DR who has seen this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NGSVW32HL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
And this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2Bq-Y8O9iL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
please compare and contrast? Thanks! :)
-
I've been listening to the 1980s Richard Harrison London cast recording, which includes a bit more of the score than the OBC, but Fiona Fullerton is way to kittenish as Guenevere. Perhaps she hopes that will make her seem younger in the early scenes?
I like a great deal of the 1960s London cast with Laurence Harvey and Elizabeth Larner, and I wish EMI would release it on CD; the recording used for my CD was very scratchy.
Perhaps Kritzerland should lease it?
-
Here's the link to the original cast Morgan le Fey scene:
http://media.putfile.com/11-Nummer-11-86
For some reason Freerecorder isn't capturing this. George?
-
Can any DR who has seen this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NGSVW32HL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
And this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2Bq-Y8O9iL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
please compare and contrast? Thanks! :)
I saw the Richard Harris production live at the State Theatre, when Richard Burton and a miscast Christine Ebersole had the leads. My roommate at the time, and an acquaintance of our DR Ginny, was the conductor; Franz Allers was the original supervisor. It was very beautifully designed, but poor Burton was suffering neurologic problems so he looked like Richard III playing Arthur. When Burton asked to be replaced, Harris took over and wanted "his people" in, so my friend left the show shortly thereafter. The DVD has the wonderful Meg Bussert as Guenevere, and I need to buy it. I hear that Harris became more and more difficult. The production went to London, which is the source of John Yap's recording, which I am currently listening to.
I still love the movie, even though it's got problems; it's based more on the revisions Lerner did for London and the London designer John Truscott designed the movie. There are times, though, it strikes me as so 1960s hippie, and I would have expected more polish in the musical numbers from Logan.
-
Thanks, DR elmore3003! :)
-
Good Morning!
I'm up, I'm up... And nothing is exploding.
-
Harris? Harrison?
???
-
As for the Friday Media Check...
Hmm...
-
Hello, everyone.
TOD:
DVD: MEDIUM Season 2
VCR: THE PHANTOM LADY
BABY FACE
-
Harris? Harrison?
???
Okay, I got his name wrong. Ever since Bo Derek's TARZAN, I refuse to forgive him.
-
RELAXATION VIBES to DR DAKOTA CELT!!
-
Okay, I got his name wrong. Ever since Bo Derek's TARZAN, I refuse to forgive him.
I corrected my error. I have to say that Harris on the London cast recording is either wonderful or outrageous, such as his Act One finale monologue. He yells "vengeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaance!" very hammily.
-
Okay, I got his name wrong. Ever since Bo Derek's TARZAN, I refuse to forgive him.
;D
-
Damn! I forgot. Last night, did anyone tape CSI written by the TWO AND A HALF MEN team?
-
George:
Reminder -It's The Doctor's night!
Do you get SCIHD?
der Brucer
Why, yes I do! :D
-
very hammily.
Hammily We Roll Along!
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%](http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:-J4mpRZ-ysMDhM:http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/2039826/ham_Full.jpg)[/move]
-
Damn! I forgot. Last night, did anyone tape CSI written by the TWO AND A HALF MEN team?
I did. Do you want a copy?
-
I have survived the last 6 weeks of brutality... The paper and the final are done. I feel brain damaged, drained, etc...
CONGRATULATIONS, DR DakotaCelt. May you find rest and rejuvenation!
DITTO!! ;D
-
DR George...
I have a premonition that you're going to be very busy in the near future, to quote the old Saturday Night Live skit, "making copies!" ;)
-
(http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/images/2007/12/06/ham.jpg)
-
re: last night's SURVIVOR
*
*
*
adfjldafaf98d7 f97d98f7d a9f7df djakfujdlfjsauf dsauf oid aufoijklfd
Yes Erik is an idiot. But i actually understand why he did what he did. First off nat and cirie were very persuasive. But what they were saying did make sense. Erik and told everybody the same story. And he had to prove himself for cirie to trust him. The only thing is i don't really get why he thought cirie would flip. Crazy. At least when he first asked he totally refused (showing he is not a complete idiot). I really wonder if he could have won the whole thing. I felt so bad for him (even though i am cheering for amanda). I would actually be okay with any of the favorites winning. And it will be interesting to see if any of them turn on each other. I am also quite happy that there are 4 women in the finals.
afjlkadfda 7f8 da7f98d7a9f87da98 f7d98af798s7f98da7f987fd98 7
-
For some reason Freerecorder isn't capturing this. George?
Got it. :)
-
Larry, I was able to download the Camelot clip and I have the CSI episode. :)
-
What is George up to now?
-
I'm up, I'm up. Overslept, and now I must go do an annoying errand. I don't think I care to drive out to Valencia, however, and will have them come here.
-
How's the newly-repaired car doing, Bruce?
-
Hmm... I keep "forgetting" that my computer's clock is still on NYC/East Coast/Eastern Standard time... And the clock radio a few feet from me is on LA/Pacific time... So...
I guess what I'm trying to say is.... Well...
I'm not really sure... ???
;D
-
What is George up to now?
Right this very moment, I should be getting ready to leave for work, so that's what I need to do. Until later!
-
I did. Do you want a copy?
Yes, please, but not the CAMELOT!
-
I seem to remember reading somewhere that one [or more?] of the songs in Ilya Darling was actually written by Mr. Sondheim. Does anyone know if this is really true?
-
Larry, I was able to download the Camelot clip and I have the CSI episode. :)
Can the CAMELOT clip be converted to an mp3 file and emailed?
-
THIS is the actual Camel Lot:
(http://www.cardsunlimited.com/largeimage/PushkarCamels.jpg)
-
And the word of the day is: SENTIENT!
And The Song Of The Day Is: BEING ALIVE
-
THIS is the actual Camel Lot:
(http://www.cardsunlimited.com/largeimage/PushkarCamels.jpg)
So that's where your parents found you! :)
-
LOL, Singdaw.
-
Can the CAMELOT clip be converted to an mp3 file and emailed?
It's a .wma file, so I think it's fairly small to begin with. I'm at work now, so I can't see what size it is...and I can't download it here at work. :P I think I can just e-mail it to you when I get home tonight, if you can wait.
-
That is Ok DR Elmore, I know you have a difficult time telling the two apart (maybe those new glasses were not so good, huh!)
RICHARD HARRIS:
(http://www.movieactors.com/freezeframes5/unforgiven87.jpeg)
RICHARD HARRISON
(http://i10.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/b1/6d/79f0_1_sbl.JPG)
Note the differences.
-
:o Oh, my! Be still my heart!
;)
-
It's a .wma file, so I think it's fairly small to begin with. I'm at work now, so I can't see what size it is...and I can't download it here at work. :P I think I can just e-mail it to you when I get home tonight, if you can wait.
If you send it to me, I can convert it to MP3, George. I wonder why Freerecorder wouldn't do this for me--maybe it's a Vista thing. It's worked perfectly on every other application I've used it for.
-
Jeanne - car is driving very well indeed, but I also wouldn't mind having the rather large amount of dough I spent on it back in my bank account.
-
If you send it to me, I can convert it to MP3, George. I wonder why Freerecorder wouldn't do this for me--maybe it's a Vista thing. It's worked perfectly on every other application I've used it for.
Okay...but I can't until I get home later, tonight. Not so later tonight, the family is all going to the Red Wind casino for the seafood (and other kinds of food) buffet. My niece's birthday was three weeks ago and at the casino, you can get a free meal within a month of your birthday, so we're all going and two of us will eat for free. :) Anyway, we're meeting at 5:30, so it won't be incredibly late.
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It's a .wma file, so I think it's fairly small to begin with. I'm at work now, so I can't see what size it is...and I can't download it here at work. :P I think I can just e-mail it to you when I get home tonight, if you can wait.
How can I wait, can I wait tlll tomorrow comes? Another Lerner & Loewe reference and one of my favorite Julie Andrews moments.
-
Our LA Times review - pretty good - no real obvious pull quotes, unless one of you can figure out what they are:
Science doesn't get much more fictionalized than in the silly sci-fi musical "The Brain From Planet X."
A mutation of such movies as "The Brain From Planet Arous" and "Plan Nine From Outer Space," the show spins a comic tale of space aliens who choose the 1950s San Fernando Valley as the launching point for their takeover of Earth. Introduced at Los Angeles City College in 2006, the show returns, with some interim tweaking, at the Chance Theater, as an early event in the two-month Festival of New American Musicals.
Much of the fun of David Wechter and Bruce Kimmel's show, as staged by Kimmel, is its low-tech re-creation of low-tech B movies. Some gags are slap-on-the-forehead obvious, such as the alien spacecraft constructed of taped-together pie tins hanging from a stick. Others are guffaw-inducingly unexpected.
Man-of-many-faces Michael Irish provides Rod Serling-like setup; Mark Rothman, outfitted with a bouffant-size brain, is a Mel Brooks of a space villain who's saddled with squabbling henchmen Emily Clark (in intergalactic glamazon mode) and Daniel Berlin (how does he sustain that helium voice?). Allison Appleby and Bob Simpson, as unsuspecting Valley householders, imitate such TV moms and pops as the Stones and the Andersons. The cast of 15 is supported by a keyboard-percussion-reeds trio.
The music and lyrics, mostly by Kimmel, are pastiches, at their cleverest when they nod toward shows you'd little suspect ("42nd Street"? "Company," for goodness sake?). Overall, there's so much copying going on that audiences can make a virtual trivia game out of identifying the sources.
One could call the show derivative, meaning it as a put-down, but "The Brain" would just take it as a compliment.
-
Very positive review, though, having read through it again.
-
Our LA Times review - pretty good - no real obvious pull quotes, unless one of you can figure out what they are....
Could you say: "Some gags ... are guffaw-inducingly unexpected."
-
Or would the "..." make the quote suspect?
-
Just a thought.
-
…the show spins a comic tale…
…fun…
…guffaw-inducingly unexpected…
LA Times
-
Mark Rothman...a Mel Brooks of a space villain...
-
So that's where your parents found you!
They really had their hearts set on a gnu, but when they saw me, well... ;)
-
YOu could paraphrase... just a couple of ideas
THe fun of science inducing guffaws....
"Pastiches, at its cleverest"
-
Funny pic singdaw
-
They really had their hearts set on a gnu, but when they saw me, well... ;)
They chose right.
-
I have survived the last 6 weeks of brutality... The paper and the final are done. I feel brain damaged, drained, etc...
But you did it! CONGRATULATIONS!
-
DR Jose, thanks for the photo. The sauce looks as it should. :) Since they are made with beef it has been years since we have eaten them. I should go and try the sauce on something else.
-
I should go and try the sauce on something else.
Like, for instance, one roller skate? ;)
That's the title of my next novella: The Sauce on Something Else. :)
-
They chose right.
Ah. A Baby reference. :)
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(http://a1516.g.akamai.net/f/1516/1052/0h/www.1800flowers.com/800f_assets/images/headers/em_20080509_dog_right.jpg)
-
cute
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DR Jose, if you are doing cemeteries -- Marilyn Monroe (another favorite of DR Megan) is at Westwood.
It is somewhat difficult to find the entrance & I can't remember the directions. this might help:
Pierce Bros Westwood Village
1218 Glendon Avenue, Westwood
(310) 474-1579
My aunt, uncle & sister all had their memorial serves held there. Until my aunt's service I had never been there.
-
My computer just shut down on me again. It is doing it again. Bye.
-
DR Jane - :) Well, they do sell it in 8 oz. and 16 oz. containers, so... I'll see if it's shelf-stable enough to ship.
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Cute dog picture! This was yesterday's Comcast Picture of the Day:
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I didn't take this picture.
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Well.. I took this picture when I got here on Wednesday... -The May Gray.
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DR Elmore,
I recorded CSI last night as well, though I haven't watched it yet, and I suspect there will be tornado warning banners across the bottom of the screen for the entire episode.
I also have read HORRENDOUS things about it. No one I know who saw it liked it AT ALL.
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I think Harris is VERY hammy in that stage DVD version of CAMELOT. He's better in the movie, I think. To be fair, however, I haven't watched that Harris-stage version in quite some time. I had it on tape (which is the last time I watched it), though I did buy a used DVD copy of it for the archives. I've yet to watch it.
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I began my afternoon by watching last night's GREY'S ANATOMY. Even though I had to "suffer" through an SD version of the show rather than the HD version, I still really enjoyed it. Great lines from all the regulars at one point or another. Loved Bailey's description of Sloan to the nurses. I replayed it I was laughing so hard.
And, of course, the soldier story was very touching.
-
Then I watched NATIONAL TREASURE on Blu-ray. Yes, it's another turn-off-your-brain-at-the-door Jerry Bruckheimer production, but it's still fun to watch this treasure hunt through Washington, Philadelphia, and New York.
The Blu-ray looks wonderful, and the uncompressed sound is spectacular.
-
I only had time left to listen to about 30 minutes of the commentary featuring the director and Justin Bartha who plays Riley. They're great pals so they spent what I listened to joshing and ribbing each other and not talking nearly enough about the movie. The back and forth sarcasm got kind of tiresome, to be honest.
-
Looks like a lengthy list of bonus features to watch when I go back downstairs which should take me right up to GHOST WHISPERER tonight.
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And, of course, the soldier story was very touching.
[size=8]SPOILER ALERT!!![/size]
:'(
[size=8]END OF SPOILER ALERT!!![/size]
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Well, I need to run an errand, and then head out to meet up with BK for the trip out to Anaheim.. :) So...
Laters...
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I seem to remember reading somewhere that one [or more?] of the songs in Ilya Darling was actually written by Mr. Sondheim. Does anyone know if this is really true?
Yes! According to a Sondheim Site -He wrote the lyrics to a song called I THINK SHE NEEDS ME which was unused in the show and has never been recorded,
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Thank you, DR ArnoldMBrockman! :)
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Yes! According to a Sondheim Site -He wrote the lyrics to a song called I THINK SHE NEEDS ME which was unused in the show and has never been recorded,
Has anyone posted lyrics to this long-lost song??
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Has anyone ever seen the lyrics??
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[size=8]SPOILER ALERT!!![/size]
:'(
[size=8]END OF SPOILER ALERT!!![/size]
Yes, alas, I had my hopes up. Oh, well . . . .
-
I've got some writing to do, and then I'll head back down to continue with NATIONAL TREASURE.
WBBL.
-
Back from a slew of errands.
-
I had my hopes up.
\
He's got
High hopes
He's got
High hopes
He's got
High apple pie
In the sky hopes.
-
Our own Amy Adams will play opposite Meryl Streep in a big-screen adaptation of "Julie & Julia." I saw a photo of Meryl as Julia Child. Should be delicious fun!
-
I always thought it would be exciting to see the action described in "Guenevere" - I was wrong. that was the biggest disappointment for me....there was nothing else I expected to be GREAT!
I think the last sentence of the review for THE BRAIN would compel me to buy a ticket.
-
One could call the show derivative, meaning it as a put-down, but "The Brain" would just take it as a compliment.
But imagine it printed across the chest of Richard Harrison!
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DR Elmore,
I recorded CSI last night as well, though I haven't watched it yet, and I suspect there will be tornado warning banners across the bottom of the screen for the entire episode.
I also have read HORRENDOUS things about it. No one I know who saw it liked it AT ALL.
DR Matt H, I think DR George is sending it to me. I thank you for your offer. The Pst or Daily News critic liked the episode, so I'm curious about it.
I just got back from a meeting with tenor Kip Wilborn about some work. It was a lovely visit.
-
Mmmmm....apple pie
-
DR dB - thanks for sharing the photos of Woody's opening. :)
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That's not what I meant, and you know it! ;)
-
Mmmmm....apple pie
I met Kip at Artie's. I had carrot cake. Mmmmmmm . . .
-
tenor Kip Wilborn
Speaking of three-lettered hunks, it was nice to see Tuc back on Desperate Housewives.
-
I shall now be on my way to gather up Jose and Miss Adriana Patti for the trek out to the Heim of Ana, after which I shall return with a full report.
-
Our own Amy Adams will play opposite Meryl Streep in a big-screen adaptation of "Julie & Julia." I saw a photo of Meryl as Julia Child. Should be delicious fun!
"Our own"? Has she posted here? When?
-
I also have to finish up John Dexter's production of Twelfth Night. Tommy Steele is actually quite charming, against all possible odds.
And will this go up for auction on ebay? Inquiring bidders want to know!
-
"Our own"? Has she posted here? When?
Well, it's cheating a litbit, but I thought that formulation came into use last Oscar-time because she worked with bk and some of the DRs on What If, back when.
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Well, it's cheating a litbit, but I thought that formulation came into use last Oscar-time because she worked with bk and some of the DRs on What If, back when.
You are correct in your usage DR Singdaw. I do believe those that have worked with BK on CDs and plays and such are often referred to as "our own."
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DR Elmore left a bizarre phone message on my work phone.
-
Check out this wonderful short video (http://www.amazon.com:80/Rodgers-Hammersteins-South-Pacific-Broadway/dp/B0017I1G0W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210343539&sr=8-2) of the recording session of the new South Pacific! :D
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They really had their hearts set on a gnu, but when they saw me, well... ;)
So obviously, they weren't singing "It Had To Be Gnu..."
-
You are correct in your usage DR Singdaw. I do believe those that have worked with BK on CDs and plays and such are often referred to as "our own."
I understand BK using it...but I always thought I had missed something or other when others were using it and I couldn't place an association.
-
So obviously, they weren't singing "It Had To Be Gnu..."
Or "It Had to Be Yew".
-
DR Ron Pulliam, if I start referring to myself in the third person, feel free to bitchslap me to your heart's content... :)
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If I got a makeover, would I be the gnu yew?
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DR Ron Pulliam, if I start referring to myself in the third person, feel free to bitchslap me to your heart's content... :)
Oh, it won't take anything as severe as that....! ;)
But I DO appreciate that sentiment! ;D
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True. I need so much correction.
-
True. I need so much correction.
Are you saying that you need someone to personally wind you up for the day?
;D
(I believe that's a "Dress Gray" reference).
-
This has been a very "tired"-making day.
Among other weekly end-of-week clusters, it happens to be the last day for entering requsitions for fiscal year fund expenditures (County FY runs July 1 through June 30) into our PeopleSoft financials data system.
Yes...they need seven weeks, at least, to prepare for the new fiscal year and they can't have us encumbering this fiscal year's funds beyond today.
I've entered something like 11 requsitions in the past three days. I've never done more than about 5 a year until recently.
-
a "Dress Gray" reference
That's what happened once when I accidentally mixed a light and dark load of laundry. :-\
-
I need to know the weekend will begin in less than an hour.
I need to know I'll have something yummy to eat for din-din.
I need to know I'll get up in the a.m. and get coffee and chocolatines.
I need to know I'll go to Trader Joe's and stock up on yummies.
I need to know I'll not only get through the DVR-cache store of last night's/tonight's TV shows but that I'll also be able to watch one of the hundreds of DVDS I have NOT yet watched.
I need to know I'll get a good night's sleep.
I'm very needy at the moment.
-
That's what happened once when I accidentally mixed a light and dark load of laundry. :-\
Are you still washing dresses?
-
I occasionally use PeopleSoft to look at things, like my pay stub, but I've never had to enter data into it.
-
I'm very needy at the moment.
Sounds like you're on a "need-to-know" basis! ;D
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I occasionally use PeopleSoft to look at things, like my pay stub, but I've never had to enter data into it.
The County converted to it in 2000. It was supposed to make our auditing process simpler.
It did not. It has become increasingly more labor-intensive than ever.
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Are you still washing dresses?
Oh, no. All my frocks are dry-cleaned. 8)
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DR Elmore left a bizarre phone message on my work phone.
You're really lucky I didn't leave the one I wanted to.
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[size=8]PAGE 7[/size]
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It has become increasingly more labor-intensive than ever.
Typical government decision-making! Does that at least mean job security? ;)
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You're really lucky I didn't leave the one I wanted to.
Which was going to be DR elmore3003 belting out a few phrases of 'You're The One That I Want'... :)
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Just so you know:
Innovative cooking techniques, experimental gardening methods and high-tech explorations get the nod this afternoon as the Moon in Cancer forms a flowing trine to Uranus in Pisces (4:05PM PDT). Recede from the maddening crowd this evening as the Moon begins a void cycle at 5:07PM PDT -- a twilight zone experience that lasts until 6:11AM PDT tomorrow when the lunar orb enters Leo. Film and literary classics can ignite your imagination tonight.
A MOON VOID ON A FRIDAY NIGHT>>>>>OMG!!!!!!!
Is that why I'm catching a cold?
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[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/218N4TSXZ0L._SL500_AA140_.jpg)[/move]
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Is that why I'm catching a cold?
It depends... do your trines feel inflamed?
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Which was going to be DR elmore3003 belting out a few phrases of 'You're The One That I Want'... :)
Wrong! It was much ruder.
-
If you're going to say something rude...
...sit next to me! :)
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I had a long day. I woke up with a sore throat and a bit of a runny nose, but knew I couldn't be sick today so I got all gussied up in "look like a professional" clothes and went to work. I had a fairly uneventful morning, then went to the annual meeting of the Iowa Association of Legal Assistants where I gave a presentation on immigration law. It went pretty well, but it's impossible to explain immigration law in 40 minutes, so it was really general and really basic with a few horror stories thrown in. I was glad to finish that.
-
I bought a really good directory for Edith to use at the office. She went to see me speak and was really funny, she started asking how much the book costs etc. I laughed and said "Don't worry about it" I had already found out it was reasonable and planned to buy it. She was very pleased to have it.
-
When I came home I had an amazing Hallmark moment. I opened my mailbox and found a pink envelope with a return address from DR JHVW and his brother Andy. I opened the envelope and found a card that says "To a Wonderful Aunt on Mother's Day" Inside it says "You are a very important woman in my life and I wanted you to know it. Happy Mother's Day, Dear Aunt"
Holy moly on rye, between PMS, my cold, being tired and the wonderful card, I burst into tears. It was one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me
-
DR jhvw sounds like he's in very good spirits and doing well.
-
Typical government decision-making! Does that at least mean job security? ;)
I have that anyway! :)
But I might have some leverage to restructure my job for an upgrade! :)
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If you're going to say something rude...
...sit next to me! :)
No, no....he's sitting by me! You can stand by and "overhear" stuff.
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No, no....he's sitting by me! You can stand by and "overhear" stuff.
Don't fight over me; you're both pretty.
And I'm flattered by the attention. Thank you.
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Nice, DR Cillaliz.
-
It's supposed to rain here all weekend. Oh Joy
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Nice, DR Cillaliz.
Thanks DR Laura, I thought it was very cool.
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I need some food. Think I'll order a pizza. I haven't had one in a long time
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Which was going to be DR elmore3003 belting out a few phrases of 'You're The One That I Want'... :)
I'm listening to the new Broadway cast recording of Grease right now and I just caught up to this post. What a coinky-dink! ;)
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When I came home I had an amazing Hallmark moment. I opened my mailbox and found a pink envelope with a return address from DR JHVW and his brother Andy. I opened the envelope and found a card that says "To a Wonderful Aunt on Mother's Day" Inside it says "You are a very important woman in my life and I wanted you to know it. Happy Mother's Day, Dear Aunt"
Holy moly on rye, between PMS, my cold, being tired and the wonderful card, I burst into tears. It was one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me
That is so sweet, Cillaliz! My niece has gotten her mother's boyfriend Father's Day cards, even though my sister (her mother) and he have never been married or lived together. My niece also refers to him as her step-father. :)
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We'd be dancing for joy if we had rain, DR Cillaliz. Last measurable rain was Feb. 22 and none in sight until the monsoon in mid-July.
-
Well, I'm off to the casino for my birthday buffet with the family. Hopefully, I'll be home in time to watch Doctor Who (as it's broadcast), but I'm at least recording it, so I won't miss it. :)
Have a good evening, all!!
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DR Jane - :) Well, they do sell it in 8 oz. and 16 oz. containers, so... I'll see if it's shelf-stable enough to ship.
That is so sweet!!! :D It is ok though. I should just go there myself one of these times we are in L.A. We haven't gone since the kids were young.
-
I wonder if graverobbers ever get "disinter-ry"!
:D
-
Just so you know:
Innovative cooking techniques, experimental gardening methods and high-tech explorations get the nod this afternoon as the Moon in Cancer forms a flowing trine to Uranus in Pisces (4:05PM PDT). Recede from the maddening crowd this evening as the Moon begins a void cycle at 5:07PM PDT -- a twilight zone experience that lasts until 6:11AM PDT tomorrow when the lunar orb enters Leo. Film and literary classics can ignite your imagination tonight.
Is it healthy to let Uranus go into a void cycle while you are out in public?
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Just another anonymous Abercrombie & Fitch live store model... Yawn! ;)
(http://bp3.blogger.com/__fWWAnGLVm4/SCNmQ9RLmeI/AAAAAAAAAjg/fNMWLFckOB0/s320/Abercrombie.jpg)
They have live store models? Have those models seen EVENING PRIMROSE?
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When I came home I had an amazing Hallmark moment. I opened my mailbox and found a pink envelope with a return address from DR JHVW and his brother Andy. I opened the envelope and found a card that says "To a Wonderful Aunt on Mother's Day" Inside it says "You are a very important woman in my life and I wanted you to know it. Happy Mother's Day, Dear Aunt"
Holy moly on rye, between PMS, my cold, being tired and the wonderful card, I burst into tears. It was one of the sweetest things anyone has done for me
:D You got me teary eyed.
-
DR jhvw sounds like he's in very good spirits and doing well.
Nice to hear. :)
-
DR George, you have a very thoughtful niece.
-
My computer has shut down so many times today I have lost a number of my posts. I think I missed commenting on the nice photo of SWW at the festive place of work.
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***TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT VIBES***[/size][/color]
for DR Jane!!!![/size][/color]
-
Caught up with LOST. Way cool! :)
-
Thank you Singdaw! I do fear I won't have this computer much longer. It is funny how long I insisted Keith not get me my own computer. I did not want a lap-top. Now I don't want to be without one again.
-
I am very happy that I recorded Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty last night. A "short" meeting lasted much longer than I anticipated. I'll watch them after Dateline is over
-
Thank you Singdaw! I do fear I won't have this computer much longer. It is funny how long I insisted Keith not get me my own computer. I did not want a lap-top. Now I don't want to be without one again.
Vibes for your computer. Is it still under warranty? Every laptop I've ever had had a problem within the first 3 years. I've always gotten a 3 year warranty and gotten it repaired for nothing.
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CAMELOT is my favorite movie musical of all time. Mr. Harris is a little like everyone's Uncle Norman. You love him dearly, but at times he does something or says something that just makes you cringe, but you still love him. I adore the rest of the cast. I think Ms. Redgrave and Mr. Nero are smoldering on the screen (with good reason).
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DR Jose, thank you for letting me eat vicariously with you :D
(http://www.haineshisway.com/community/attachments/TamalesGreenSauce.jpg)
Next I want a photo from Stan's ;)
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Okay...but I can't until I get home later, tonight. Not so later tonight, the family is all going to the Red Wind casino for the seafood (and other kinds of food) buffet. My niece's birthday was three weeks ago and at the casino, you can get a free meal within a month of your birthday, so we're all going and two of us will eat for free. :) Anyway, we're meeting at 5:30, so it won't be incredibly late.
I was just there for dinner last night. It was wonderful, but not quite the buffet you get on Friday and Saturday night. They had plenty of crab last night, but the appeal of crab is wasted on me. It was nice last night because it wasn't very crowded.
-
They really had their hearts set on a gnu, but when they saw me, well... ;)
So, what's gnu with you?
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LOL-DR Cilla, Keith hardly ever purchases a warranty. ;D Overall I know we are ahead of the game money wise, still one would be nice at the moment.
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LOL-DR Cilla, Keith hardly ever purchases a warranty. ;D Overall I know we are ahead of the game money wise, still one would be nice at the moment.
The only things I get a warranty on are laptop computers. It has paid off everytime. On other things, I don't bother.
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DR dB - thanks for sharing the photos of Woody's opening. :)
[size=12]W-H-A-T ?[/size]
[/b]
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Speaking of three-lettered hunks, it was nice to see Tuc back on Desperate Housewives.
They could have a great cabaret act... KIP AND TUC!
-
DR Cilla, good thing you got those warranties. Keith had many laptops for work & never had a problem. I think I just got un-lucky on this one. I shouldn't say totally un-lucky, for now it is still functioning. :)
-
Sherlock has been so very good. He stands with his paw in the soaking bowl for ten minutes, twice a day now, without complaining. Then we tell him "settle" and he goes down on his side while Keith uses the hair dryer to completely dryer. Yes there are treats during all this, still he is so good.
-
We returned to the vet today for a re-check. The infection is somewhat improved, enough that the doctor could now take a slide of the "whatever" on his very clean foot. It seems he has two things going on which may or may not be related. The infection and the "whatever".
No wonder we suspected a variety of causes when we first examined his paw. Seems we were right about several of them. The good news is the "whatever" should shrink on its own.
-
It is that time....
'night
-
Speaking of three-lettered hunks, it was nice to see Tuc back on Desperate Housewives.
It sure was. I wish they'd become regulars instead of just recurring characters.
-
DR Jennifer,
I don't know if you saw the news or not but MEN IN TREES has been canceled by ABC. I know you like the show, so I thought you'd like to know if you didn't already.
I'm still antsy waiting to find out the verdict for WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB on ABC and MOONLIGHT on CBS.
-
I spent about an hour and a half watching the first special feature on the NATIONAL TREASURE Blu-ray. It's a Blu-ray specific feature that takes a sentence by sentence analysis of the Declaration and then branches off into documentaries that the statements in the document are in reference to. There are over 30 featurettes branching off from the Declaration itself.
-
Then I watched tonight's GHOST WHISPERER. A little bit of a different style of ghost for Melinda to deal with. Interesting and a big cliffhanger for next week's show.
-
And once again I loved, loved, loved MOONLIGHT. Not quite enough vampire stuff to suit me this week, but I did like the bits that were used. And a very moving set of emotions for Mick dealing with the family in question.
The World War II stuff wasn't very realistic (hairstyles gave them away).
-
After that, I went back to NATIONAL TREASURE and finished watching the other featurettes and documentaries mostly ported over from the last DVD special edition: 10 different featurettes with stuff like deleted scenes, an alternate ending, etc.
There was also a pop-up trivia track that I watched a little of but didn't sit through the entire movie with it on.
-
Tomorrow I'll try to watch some of the other shows from Thursday night on my DVR that I didn't get to today.
-
Going to write for a bit now and then head down to bed.
Good night!
-
Are we at page 9 yet?
-
This should do it.
-
Page 9 Ghost Whisperer dance
-
Hmmm, you can hardly see the ghost in that dance
-
This has been a very "tired"-making day.
Among other weekly end-of-week clusters, it happens to be the last day for entering requsitions for fiscal year fund expenditures (County FY runs July 1 through June 30) into our PeopleSoft financials data system.
Yes...they need seven weeks, at least, to prepare for the new fiscal year and they can't have us encumbering this fiscal year's funds beyond today.
I've entered something like 11 requsitions in the past three days. I've never done more than about 5 a year until recently.
I am not a huge fan of PeopleSoft....
-
Okay...but I can't until I get home later, tonight. Not so later tonight, the family is all going to the Red Wind casino for the seafood (and other kinds of food) buffet. My niece's birthday was three weeks ago and at the casino, you can get a free meal within a month of your birthday, so we're all going and two of us will eat for free. :) Anyway, we're meeting at 5:30, so it won't be incredibly late.
I was just there for dinner last night. It was wonderful, but not quite the buffet you get on Friday and Saturday night. They had plenty of crab last night, but the appeal of crab is wasted on me. It was nice last night because it wasn't very crowded.
And tonight, the ENTIRE seafood buffet was completely wasted on me. :P There was almost nothing that I wanted (other than the desserts ;)). Anyway, I didn't starve, but if I had known what was really available, I wouldn't have gone at all. The only consolation was that it was free...but again, it would've been better for me to go on a different night. :-\
-
Well, I'm off to the casino for my birthday buffet with the family. Hopefully, I'll be home in time to watch Doctor Who (as it's broadcast), but I'm at least recording it, so I won't miss it. :)
Have a good evening, all!!
I didn't, but I recorded it, so I'm going to watch it now. I watched "Ghost Whisperer" and then "Battlestar Galactica" started recording, so I came across a one-hour show about the original London production of the musical Lord of the Rings. It was quite fascinating and seeing how it all came together (and at times almost fell apart) was fun...and it was in hi-def! :) I just wish I had caught the very beginning to record it. It's not going to be on again, that I can find.
-
Back from a lovelier than lovely evening with dear reader Jose. We had a rather large meal at Claim Jumper - although none of us really overate, we all felt like we did. I'll let Jose give you the particulars.
-
He has photographs, too.
-
I saw two more reviews for the Brain - both excellent, so that was nice. I'll print them here in a moment.
-
I gotta tell you.
-
The Brain performance was very good this evening, but we had one of those unresponsive audiences that just didn't want to laugh - it was a great effort for them to laugh, but ultimately, despite themselves, they finally did laugh - in fact, some things that never get laughs got big laughs. Our Brain Tap mark was very good, too.
-
Now I must write Ye Olde Notes - but first I'll go hunt down the two reviews.
-
Review one:
The Brain From Planet X
by Obed Medina, EDGE Los Angeles
May 9, 2008
The place: San Fernando Valley. The time: 1958. The Bunson family shares a neighborhood with the likes of the Cleavers, the Gillis, but not the Bradys, they haven’t moved in yet. Their unsuspecting lives are about to change when an evil oversized brain from Planet X decides to target earth for conquest. With his two assistants, he sets out to destroy humanity by disintegrating the very ideal of the "nuclear family." Prepare yourself for ultimate annihilation, 1950’s style.
Straight out of the B-movie genre of that same time period, The Brain from Planet X definitely pays tribute to those movies in a way that is refreshing, witty, smart, and funny. It also closely follows the campy nature of these films while doing so in a self depreciating manner that, I feel, lends this musical (yes, it’s a musical!) its charm. Bruce Kimmel’s book and lyrics (he’s also the director of the show for this production) manages to lampoon much of the Eisenhower Era by referencing women’s movements, gender roles, sexuality, and war without getting too political.
To pull off something as zany as "The Brain From Planet X," you would need finely tuned cast to pull it off, and this cast does. Allison Appleby and Bob Simpson are perfectly matched as Joyce and Fred Bunson. Appleby’s comedic turn comes when she finds liberation (weirdly enough) after her body is taken hostage by the will-bending ray guns wielded by Zubrick (Daniel Berlin) and Yoni (Emily Clark). These two alien assistants play off each other like a comedy duo while each struggles with new emotions that overcome their own bodies here on earth. Zurick embraces his sexuality while Yoni uses hers to better understand the male species.
The rest of the cast does well in sustaining the wacky nature of the show. Shannon Cudd, as the Bunson’s slutty teenage daughter, Donna, is funny enough as she goes from late night lip sucking sessions with his disinterested would-be beatnik boyfriend Rod (Dimas Diaz) to unexpected savior to her family. And finally, there is the Brain itself. Mark Rothman is hilarious in a subtle way that reminded me of Mel Brooks. The humor he brings is so casual that it had a stand up comedy routine to it that enhanced the show. His timing is perfect and it should be. His past experience as one of the youngest television writers for The Odd Couple, Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley, has prepared him for world for the ultimate this ultimate role.
The Chance Theatre is a very tight and intimate space and they use it to full advantage. Kudos to the director, Bruce Kimmel and set designer Masako Tobaru for their inventive use of space, minimal sets, and projections to create an intergalactic struggle of epic proportions.
The Brain from Planet X runs through June 8 at The Chance Theatre, 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, CA 92807. For schedule, ticket prices and more information visit The Chance Theater’s website.
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Review two:
Singing Visitors from Outer Space Deliver Treasures
by Stan Jenson, Blade Magazine
May 8, 2008
Anaheim’s Chance Theater, celebrating its tenth season, was recently voted the #2 Live Theater Group in OC by the readers of The Register (SCR topped the list). They are probably the county’s top interpreter of serious works like Sondheim musicals and such, but their current production, The Brain From Planet X, is proof that when silly material is presented by an excellent company, the results can be spectacular.
The Brain from Planet X, with music, lyrics and direction by Bruce Kimmel, is a send-up of those bad sci-fi movies of the 50’s, much in the vein of The Rocky Horror Show. A slapdash trio of aliens from Planet X visits Planet Earth with the intention of world domination. Quite naturally, they decide to start with the San Fernando Valley. Little do they anticipate the wily resistance of local inventor Fred Bunson, his doting wife Joyce, and their lovely daughter Donna. Various scenes are lovingly lifted from such cinematic giants as "Invaders From Mars," "The Creeping Terror," and "Plan Nine from Outer Space." We encounter such obligatory characters as the military leader General Mills and his adjunct, Private Parts; Joyce’s dying-but-clever octogenarian father, Professor Leder; and Donna’s amorous beatnik boyfriend Rod. 1958 was never this much fun!
In the hands of a lesser company, this show could be tedious, but at The Chance, it sparkles. Allison Appleby and Bob Simpson excel as the uber-ordinary Valley couple, Fred and Joyce. She lovingly welcomes him home from work each evening with a cold beer and a Donna Reed smile – that is, until the Behavior Modification Ray of the aliens turns her into an emotionless automation. The military wants to bomb the sinister alien craft, but cannot pierce its shield without the secret invention of Fred and Professor Leder. You’ve heard all these lines before, but in this combination, they’re hilarious.
The aliens themselves include Yoni (Emily Clark), a man-hungry female, and Zubrick (Daniel Berlin), a man-hungry male. They are led by the deadpan Brain (Mark Rothman). Picture Ben Stein with his brain on the outside of his head doing Vaudevillian soft shoe in a floor-length glittering cape. It’s that sort of a show. Also noteworthy are Michael Irish as the narrator (who doubles as the geriatric Professor Leder) and Shannon Cudd as the libidinous daughter.
The 17 songs are bright and brief, accompanied by an offstage trio capably led by Bill Strongin. The voices are uniformly excellent, and the radio microphones make every syllable audible without actually sounding amplified. Adam Cates’ choreography is lively, appropriate, and damned funny. At the very mention of a brain tap, the entire cast dons tap shoes and does a production number. Masako Tobaru’s extensive use of projections allows her set design to rapidly move from location to location.
In short, The Brain From Planet X is a delight from beginning to end, fast moving and constantly fun. Writer/director Bruce Kimmel has lovingly mined every cliché for maximum laughs, and keeps his excellent company moving at locomotive speed. See it – or risk annihilation from the planet!
“The Brain From Planet X” continues at The Chance Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim Hills, 92807, through June 8. Tickets are $27 - $30, and available at www.chancetheater.com, or by phone at (714) 777-3033.
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Good Evening!
...What bk said. ;)
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So... I went here tonight...
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e49/JoseSPiano/BrainChance.jpg)