Haines His Way
Archives => Archive 1 => Topic started by: bk on March 25, 2004, 12:01:45 AM
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Well, you've read the notes, the notes have done their job, their work is finished and now it is time for you to post little posties all the livelong day. :o
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First of all - re the Notes - I must protest.
I did not eat myself silly :P. I ate myself quite serious.
As for the question du jour. Two extravagant purchases come to mind. One when I was a teenager. I traveled with my mother to Nassau. She went to gamble and took me along, in part, to keep her from spending too much. I was to hold her purse and control her if she wanted to spend over a certain amount each night. Of course this didn't work. Once she went past her limit she'd demand her purse back and eventually I'd be forced to give it to her. It was an interesting trip, to say the least! To get to the purchase... our first day in Nassau I saw in the window of an expensive shop a Murano glass figure of an orchestra conductor. The price of the figurine was everything I had saved up for the trip and then some. Each day I would go back to the window and stare at it. On the last day, I finally went in and bought it! I still have it (broken baton, but otherwise fine). But right now it's in a box - not broken I hope - because I had no room to put it out in my last move.
The other purchase was a drawing. I was a young impecunious actress. A friend of mine was a part-time art critic in Toronto. I went with her one Saturday to an exhibit she was going to be writing about. At the exhibit I fell in love with a drawing of a swimmer - one of a series. The cost for me at the time was HUGE and totally not SENSIBLE - but I bought it. Still have it - but also in a box.
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I have a thing when I get my first pay cheque from each film, I buy myself a present to celebrate. My first big film money, I bought a set of Encyclopedia Britannica. I still have them. On Psycho III I bought myself a six foot poster of Gunga Din. It was really not that expensive. When the man told me it was only six hundred dollars, I said, "Wrap it up." I was thinking it was going to thousands of dollars, which I'm sure is what it is worth now. It is a poster from a 1947 re-release of the film but it is still very elegant and hangs in my front hall. I also bought myself enormous four-sheet poster of The Scarlet Claw, a Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movie. All my other extravagant buys have mostly been books.
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Good morning, all! BK, I gather Tammy is now in Los Angeles? The last time I saw her was the day we recorded "Joshua Novick." I hope she's well and that you will give her my regards when you next see her.
My most extravagant purchase? When I started working on the Roxbury Gershwin recording project, we were editing GIRL CRAZY. I thought I'd be staying with the project so I bought the complete Kalmus edition of the orchestra scores for the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. I was fired during the prep for the next recording, STRIKE UP THE BAND, so I probably should have saved the money. Well, I always preferred Sir Arthur to George, and my departure from Roxbury introduced me to dear BK, so I've never regretted the extravagance whenever I look at a Sullivan score.
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Most extravagant purchases:
My season tickets to the Broadway tours.
My nice digital camera
My "notebook" computer (still in the box)
My many weekend trips with my daughter
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I got this lovely photo the other day with my nice digital camera (an extravagant purchase).
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Many of my extravagant purchases aren't of "things" per se, for instance, my trips to Europe over the years, (especially this last sojourn of 17 days), would probably be considered extravagant. We have the memories (how Hallmark) and the pictures but no specific thing.
My purchase of a full price ticket to see Barbara Cook in her Mostly Sondheim show.
Lunch at La Cote Basque, a high-end French restaurant in New York which will be closing this spring after over 30 years of dinner and lunch.
Considering the exchange rate at the time, High Tea at Harrod's in London this past Christmas holiday was extravagant but worth every penny (or pence).
I'm sure there are other things but I can't think of them at the moment.
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Sorry to hear La Cote Basque is closing. Guess I'll have to go to Lutece instead. Whoops!
BK & Panni: Were you at the Sunset Hamlet, or the one on Beverly Drive?
The most extravagant thing I ever bought myself was a little DAT recorder. During the run of Area 51 http://hometown.aol.com/mprovizr/Index.html (http://hometown.aol.com/mprovizr/Index.html) I realized there'd be no opportunity to get our cast of 17 into a recording studio (and Jay Aubrey Jones was leaving early for a paying job), so it would be, once again, up to me to preserve the thing on tape. So I walked into J&R and asked what I should do. The DAT that's been preserved for history was recorded exactly four years ago last night.
It's not like me to spend big sums of money on myself. Theatre tickets, sure, but things? Of course, Our Wedding cost a pretty penny, but we're still getting some of that back selling the CD www.WeddingMusical.com (http://www.WeddingMusical.com)
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Probably my most extravagent purchase was when I lost my prior job and took part of my termination paper and bought a new computer. As it turned out, I landed my current job in less than a week and the computer (which I still have) didn't even arrive until after I started my current job.
I'm about 2/3 done with KRITZER TIME. I knew it would be as good as BENJAMIN KITZER and KRITZERLAND, but I didn't expect it to be even better. It is. I'll make more specific comments after I am finished.
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I suppose my most extravagant present to myself was the HDTV I now have. I had a perfectly good widescreen set, but it wasn't capable of high definition, and once I knew I could get all of the TV networks' high definition over the air with an indoor antenna, I just couldn't rest until I had a high definition set.
A few months after I bought my new set, my cable service converted to high definition broadcasting too, but they still don't carry the WB in high definition, so I still made wise decisions in getting the HDTV and the HDTV receiver at the same time.
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I think my most extravagant purchases would be my trips to Los Angeles. It always wipes me out because I spend a lot of money on food and movie memorabilia and gifts for past interviewees who I get to meet! But the memories of my visits will stay with me always!
My other extravagant purchase would be my current computer. It has a lot of bells and whistles, like a DVD burner which I use frequently.
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BK & Panni: Were you at the Sunset Hamlet, or the one on Beverly Drive?
Over the hill, DR Noel. (Not us, the restaurant.) It was Sherman Oaks (or perhaps Encino.)
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My review is up on Amazon for Kritzer Time - but of course it was here first!
Welcome to Goddess Danise...and belated birthday to DRAngela.
I have been E/T - not feeling well but on the road to recovery!
Like DRCHARLES POGUE, when I get paid for work in theatre be it directing, acting, or etc - I always buy myself something with the money to remember the show by. My first such purchase was my first VCR way back in 1985!
With my check from LOVING LUCY I am being a bit more practical: new eyeglasses and contacts!
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Hey where is DR Jose?
RE: last night's American Idol
Bottom 3: Diana, Camille, and Matt.
I was totally shocked that Diana (the cute 16 yr old) was in the bottom three. I thought she did great on Tuesday. I wasn't surprised that Amy (pink hair) went through to next week (she got GREAT REVIEWS, which IMO really helps). But Diana got nice comments too. So who knows.
Ryan sent Diana to sit back with the group. So it was down to Camille and Matt. Now they are my two least favorites, so I would have been happy either way. But I've really never liked Matt. So secretly I was hoping it was him. AND IT WAS.
I will say this, I felt so bad for him after he got the boot. He seems nice. He just wasn't my cup of tea. Especially since out of everyone left, to me, I have always been positive that he would NOT be the next American Idol.
Right now IMO, it could be LaToya, Fantasia, Diana, JPL, or Jasmine ... I really have no idea. But I knew Matt had no chance.
BUT that said, I thought the performance he gave AFTER he was kicked off, was amazing. He was charming and funny. His song was about love, and he walked up and sang it to Simon.
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Such extravagent postings, not in number but certainly in content. Now, we do need some more because I use these here lovely postings to wake up and get my brain in gear, so, to it, I say.
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I had a dire feeling Matt was going to be voted out because when I called, there was no busy signal and this was at a time when then others had busy signals. I objected to Matt's rejection not because I thought he was a great singer (he wasn't by a longshot), but because he was entertaining to watch. I cannot say that about Camile whose quavery vocals and zero amount of stage presence and ease is triply painful to sit through each week.
I think folks just forgot about Diana. She sang first, did a fine job, and at the beginning of a LONG two hour show, it's easy to be forgotten with other fine singers coming after you. I still think she has a real chance of winning.
Unquestionably the one with the most ease in front of the audience is LaToya. I really feel she's going to be the eventual winner.
Next week's theme is Motown.
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Looking through the $5.99 bins at Best Buy I picked up some fun DVDs of classic tv shows...a set of several episodes each of Scott Brady’s SHOTGUN SLADE series and John Bromfield’s U.S MARSHAL. Also found a set of Tarzan films with one film each of Gordon Scott, Buster Crabbe, Elmo Lincoln, Bruce Bennet, and Glenn Morris's Tarzans!
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My purchase of multiple theatre, concert and opera subscriptions must certainly qualify as extravagant.
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"THE JOGGING JEW"
"THE HUNGRY JEW"
"PAYING THROUGH THE NOSE"
I see a pattern emerging 8)
der Brucer
TOD:
Q. What is the most extravagant thing you’ve ever bought for yourself and do you still have it?
A. A wife/No!
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As penance for missing yesterday, I herewith post tu jokes (is tu half of a tutu?)
Joke the First:
What a life.....in America?
A husband and wife were having dinner at a very fine restaurant when this absolutely stunning young woman comes over to their table, gives the husband a big open mouthed kiss, then says she'll see him later and walks away.
The wife glares at her husband and says, "Who the hell was that?"
"Oh," replies the husband, "she's my mistress."
"Well, that's the last straw," says the wife. "I've had enough, I want a divorce!"
"I can understand that," replies her husband, "but remember, if we get a divorce it will mean no more shopping trips to Paris, no more wintering
in Barbados, no more summers in Tuscany, no more Infiniti or Lexus in the garage and no more yacht club. But the decision is yours."
Just then, a mutual friend enters the restaurant with a gorgeous babe on his arm.
"Who's that woman with Jim?" asks the wife.
"That's his mistress," says her husband.
"Ours is prettier," she replies.
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Joke the Second:
A man goes into a lawyer's office and says, "I heard people have sued the tobacco companies for giving them lung cancer, and McDonald s for making them fat."
The lawyer says, "Yes, that's true."
The man says, "Well, I'm interested in suing too."
The lawyer says, "Okay, McDonald's , or the tobacco companies?"
The man says, "Neither. I'm suing Budweiser for all the ugly people I've slept with."
der Brucer (Here's to ugly people - I'll drink to that!)
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My purchase of multiple theatre, concert and opera subscriptions must certainly qualify as extravagant.
One should never classify "necessities" as "extravagant".
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I got this lovely photo the other day with my nice digital camera (an extravagant purchase).
Great! I get Buzzards and you get Roadrunners!
Life is not fair!
der envious Brucer
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Matt's ouster last night was da pits.
Camile ought to be ashamed to even walk on the stage.
LaToya, to me, is a HUGE disappointment. Nothing she has sung in the past two weeks even registers remotely for me as a good performance.
Diana DeGarmo apparently grates on Simon's nerves...last week he said, "You remind me of a doll. A great..big...DOLL!" And said not a thing about her performance.
This week he took her to task for having started singing when she was little...for having been "bred to sing", as if that were somehow a bad thing.
Diana doesn't need Simon and he resents it, for some reason.
Bad choice last night, America. Very bad choice.
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What I love about Diana and Jon Peter are the gracious ways they take negative comments. Jon Peter said, "All right then, thank you anyway" the other night. I just loved him for that. Quite different from the attitude and feisty mouthing off we got from Fantasia and Jennifer.
To be honest, Fantasia reminded me of "Aunt Esther" (LaWanda Page) from the old SANFORD AND SON series in the way she puffed herself up with indignation when she didn't get raves from Simon. "You just don't know class, Simon," she said. Uh, that's classy?
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This will really P-off the Administration:
Log Cabin Republicans News Release
For Immediate Release
March 22, 2004
Contact: Christopher Barron
Log Cabin Republicans Public Affairs
(202) 347-5306 or (202) 297-9807 (cell)
Log Cabin Republicans Respond to "new" Anti-Family Constitutional Amendment
Call on Senator Allard to Co-sponsor Legislation to Extend Benefits and Privileges He Claims to Support
(Washington, DC)-Log Cabin Republicans respond to the so-called "new" anti-family Constitutional amendment unveiled on Monday.
"Log Cabin Republicans and the majority of Americans oppose any attempt to write discrimination into the Constitution. This is a weak attempt to sugarcoat a discriminatory amendment," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero.
"Log Cabin's position has not changed. The far right should leave our sacred Constitution alone. Today the far right is trying to figure out the most politically palatable way to write discrimination into the Constitution. There is no way to do so. You can't disguise discrimination. Their strategy has changed, their motives have not," continued Guerriero.
Leading far right news organizations, including Pat Robertson's CBN News, report many on the far right support an amendment explicitly banning civil unions. Because the call to amend the Constitution has been weakly received, far right groups will try to push through this "new" amendment and then fight civil unions and domestic partner benefits in the courts and legislatures in the states where such laws have already been passed and might be passed by future majorities.
In announcing the most recent changes and attempting to soften the image of those associated with this amendment, Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) said, in referring to gay Americans, "I'm an American, they're Americans. I think they are entitled to the same benefits and privileges as any American..."
In response to Senator Allard, Guerriero said, "We agree with Senator Allard and we call on Congresswoman Musgrave and Senator Allard to live up to those words by co-sponsoring legislation, with us, that would extend the same benefits and privileges that he spoke of by creating domestic partner benefits for all federal employees and to co-sponsor legislation that would create federal civil unions."
der Brucer (pleased to see some bang for his buck!)
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I shall go blind if I keep using this site alone!
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Yes, where in tarnation IS everyone. Most unseemly. We need our denizens. Oh, denizens, come out, come out, wherever you are.
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My most extravagant purchases:
I suppose my first-class round-trip plane tickets to South Carolina over the Christmas holidays were an extravagance. They were certainly essential to my peace of mind and kept my stress to a minimum. But they were dear.
Personal "objets" that were an extravagance include my entire home stereo set-up with surround speakers and DTS receiver, and DTS DVD player; however, if one is going to spend a small fortune on CDs and DVD, it could be considered "essential"! (?)
I suppose the easel with signatures of the cast/crew of Baz Luhrmann's "La Boheme" was a bit of an extravagance.
Ditto my "Return of the King" poster autographed by 27 of the cast/crew including all the hobbits, Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Arwen, Peter Jackson and Howard Shore could be considered an extravagance, but....hey! I worked for that money and I'll danged well spend it the way I want to.
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Most extravagant purchase (in that it had absolutely no useful purpose):
An afternoon at the Ritz for high tea (which cost a whopping $55 for a tray of eensy-weensy strawberries, sandwices, cookies and, of course, lots of premium tea!)
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DR MattH, I totally agree with what you said about American Idol's Diana. I remember remarking at the time, how gracious she was when accepting Simon's comments. True class.
I don't know if LaToya will win. It's very hard to predict right now. I have no idea how the public is voting since we cannot see the top vote-getters. Plus things change as we progress. There could be many of the same people voting for Fantasia, LaToya and Jennifer. When one or more leave, their votes could easily go to the other.
Last night I was happy that my favs (JohnS and Jon Peter) were safe early. I know they aren't the best. But I just like them both.
But unlike last year (when I loved Clay right from the beginning), I am totally undecided on who I think should win.
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A quick post. Must work for an hour, then getting my hair trimmed (bangs are so long I can hardly see). Need to look good - more to the point, FEEL that I look good - for a big pitch meeting tomorrow. Good vibes would be appreciated.
Speaking of which - FS Pogue - would you care to discuss how your first meeting with the director went? I can totally understand if you don't, but just in case, I'm all ears.
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I just wrote "you're" instead of "your"... Must stop the whiskey with my cereal.
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I'm all ears.
That explains the long hair ;D
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I wish I had extravagant purchases to mention. I grew up with the thriftiest father known to man (as DR Jed, he'll confirm) so we didn't spend money on anything we didn't have to. Until I was about 16 I'd probably eaten out a grant total of 10 times. So I've inherited my dad's fear of spending, I'm afraid.
However, when I finally get down to my goal weight, I fully intend to go on a very extravagant shopping spree for a new wardrobe :)
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MEMO
FM: "Children of Eden" Accounting
To: JOSE CARLOS SIMBULAN
SUBJ: Invoice, supporting data for
In all future invoices please include a detailed breakdown of all notes played.
Justification for "excessive" notes will be required. As
Emperor Joseph II might have said: Your work is ingenious. It's quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that's all. Just cut a few and it will be perfect.
Sincerely
I. Cut Czechs
der Brucer - inspied by:
Orchestra Musicians Want to Tie Salaries to Notes Played (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,115109,00.html)
BERLIN (AP) — Violinists at a German orchestra are suing for a pay raise on the grounds that they play many more notes per concert than their colleagues do —litigation that the orchestra's director on Tuesday called "absurd."
The 16 violinists at the Beethoven Orchestra in Bonn argue that they work more than their fellow musicians who play instruments like the flute, oboe and trombone, and also say a collective bargaining agreement that gives bonuses to soloists is unjust.
But Bonn orchestra director Laurentius Bonitz said it was unreasonable to compare playing a musical instrument with other jobs.
"The suit is ridiculous," Bonitz said. "It's absurd."
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My most extravagant purchase took place about two years ago, when I won an auction for Alexis Smith's Tony Award for Follies on eBay. The seller only had the medallion--no base. And the thought more than occurred to me that it might have been counterfit. But in the end, I couldn't resist it. It was too rare a piece of theatrical memorabilia to pass by. And now I can actually call myself a Tony Award winner.
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So I've inherited my dad's fear of spending, I'm afraid.
We must cure you of that immediately, DR Ann!
(I've just deleted a long ramble with far too much of my life story.)
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Panni, 1st meeting went much better than anticipated, surprisingly painless, rather pleasant, though the rewirte will be more involved than I would have wished for. As the guy who jumped off a twenty-story building said as he passed each floor, "So far, so good."
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You'll notice I mispelled rewrite. Do you think it's Freudian?
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BK---
When you record LPs on CDs do you do it on a computer CD burner or a separate CD reader/writer? We could not hook up our phonograph to the computer so we bought a CD reader/writer and picked out one with an analogue input for the turntable. It doesn't seem to work and now we probably have to get a pre-amp as an in-between. What kind of hook-up do you have? Are you still using your Columbia Record Club Stereophonic Phonograph?
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Joke the Second:
A man goes into a lawyer's office and says, "I heard people have sued the tobacco companies for giving them lung cancer, and McDonald s for making them fat."
The lawyer says, "Yes, that's true."The man says, "Well, I'm interested in suing too."
The lawyer says, "Okay, McDonald's , or the tobacco companies?"
The man says, "Neither. I'm suing Budweiser for all the ugly people I've slept with."
der Brucer (Here's to ugly people - I'll drink to that!)
Aw, c'mon, you haven't slept with anyone ugly in eightteen years!
On the other hand, this proves your memory is still good. ;D
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I record to a stand-alone CD burner. I have two, one in the den, where I have my turntable, and one in the bedroom where I can do CD to CD. I've still never used the computer burner but would like to figure all that out at some point.
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Extravagant is in the eyes of the beholder, and the size of the wallet.
When I was just starting out on my own, working at the Alex Theater in Glendale as an "assistant manager" (back when it was still a movie theater and a dumpy mess), the thought of going to a theater to see live actors was absurd. Rediculous. Extravagant. Of course, my parents had never been much on going to the theater; even going to see movies was a high-ticket item, as far as they were concerned. (When I was able to get them into the theater for a re-release of The Sting, it was the first time they'd been to see a movie in over a decade.)
So, when it came time for my birthday that year, I had the unexpected pleasure of having it on one of my "weekends," which was in the middle of the week. I was still driving at the time, so I headed out that day to see what I could find for myself. Where I found myself was in Century City, buying a ticket to A Chorus Line, currently in it's first Los Angeles engagement, with much of the original cast. The seat was about four rows back, center. Adding to the cost was my decision to get a better shirt than the one I had on, a golden yellow dress shirt (but, since it was something I could also wear at work, maybe that wasn't so extravagant).
And I had myself a wonderful time.
When I got back to work the next day, Richard, the manager, was steamed at me for not having spent the night at home. He had wanted me to come in for some reason on my night off. (This is the same fellow who later quit his job just before getting caught with his hand in the till, but my stories about Richard can wait for another day.)
Was the ticket an extravagance? Yes. Was it worth it? Of course. It was also the last time I went to the theater until der Brucer started insisting that we go together, much more than a decade later. Like parents, like son.
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LauraII it is a nice feeling to know the vibes worked-and thanks for the compliment.
SWW thanks for the Secret Garden info. I believe I once had a tape of the Broadway cast. It was a copy a friend made so I’m not sure. I did not recognize Mandy, whom I don’t care for, and now I know why.
Sandra how did you do on your tests today?
Swishy Sarah count me as one who didn’t take your comment seriously.
Bruce even if you are stark raving mad, I’m glad your allergies have improved.
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Like DR Ben, I think I'd have to say my most extravagant purchase ever is one that's rather intangible - a two-week trip to Europe as a graduation present to myself. I have only photographs and memories left, but it was absolutely worth it.
Glad DR Charles Pogue's meeting went well, and GOOD VIBES going out to DR Panni.
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I grew up with the thriftiest father known to man (as DR Jed, he'll confirm)
Kinda hard to call a man who frequently shops for cars and such on eBay thrifty. Your father LOVES to spend money, Ann... as long as it's on sale!
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Noel I was going to ask the same Hamlet question you did. ;D
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Panni [move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]GOOD VIBES at your pitch meeting. [/move]
I have been tempted to cut bangs again, but then I remind myself how much work they are.
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Jeez, is this a holiday or something? Where in tarnation IS everyone?
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Re: Mandy - He falls into the category of a performer I used to like, but now can't stand. His over-the-top performance in the LaChuisa WILD PARTY is probably the main reason I liked the Lipa version better. By the way, the (non-musical) film of WILD PARTY with Jimmy Coco and Raquel Welsh is due out soon on DVD.
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Far be it from me to deprive the forum of its 50th post!
Like "Death," folks must be taking a holiday or something.
It's grey and windy and the dark cloudy skies are threatening to explode into rain, rain, rain at any second.
Maybe everyone is just bummed out that Matt Rogers was sent packing last night while Camile Belasco remains behind to torture us and another song next week!
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Charles Pogue, continued good vibes for painless, pleasant meetings.
SWW-LOL
My car, which I still have after 12 years, was an extravagant purchase. I use to be very frugal, heck I moved out of my parent’s home on a penny collection. For years, extras were usually spent on Keith, the boys & gifts. The kids were two & five and we were living in Massachusetts when I made the first extravagant purchase I can recall. I was out doing errands when I spied a hat in the window of a very nice clothing store. I love hats and often try them on for fun. Up to then I had only purchased sun hats, nothing expensive. This hat was very nice & I thought very flattering on me. Still I started to leave the store when, inspired by THE PREACHER’S WIFE which I had just watched the day before, I purchased the hat. Yes, I still have it, along with additional hats I have purchased over the years.
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Well, I can't speak for others, but I sure have been bummed out all day by his ouster. I just found him so much fun. Even Simon admitted Matt was a fun guy. I read something interesting about him at the website: he doesn't drink alcohol. That's unusual for a football player/former football player, isn't it?
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Topic du Jour
I can think of two extravagant purchases on my part. Both of them came after the lawsuits had all been resolved regarding my Mother’s death. The first was the purchase of a brand new, cherry-red 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST(this was in 1994). At the time, the only new cars I had ever owned were small economy cars, so, to spend over $30,000.00 on a sports car was totally beyond anything I could imagine. I kept the car until 1997, but then I went back to more economical vehicles.
The second purchase was even more impractical, but in the long run, even more memorable. That was my trip out to the site where the Titanic sank, while the first attempt was made to raise a section of the hull from the depths of the ocean. Since I couldn’t find any friends or family who were interested in going, I ended up having to pay single supplement rate for the trip (200%), which was already grossly overpriced to begin with. And since I had to sail out of Boston anyway, I figured I might as well stop for a few days in New York and see a couple of shows before heading out to sea.
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RLP we have already exploded into rain, rain, rain along with wind, wind, wind. Really only wind, wind but it looked better with three winds. :D
I got lucky & it eased up a bit as Echo & I were out on our morning hike. I would have gone today no matter what the weather sent my way. Echo is having surgery tomorrow morning to remove two or three growths we are concerned about. I'm sure they are benign as we have had to do this numerous times, still we want to be sure.
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Well, we've had two back-to-back days of pure, gorgeous springtime. Expecting some showers by the weekend, but today has been a little piece of heaven here.
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My most extravagent purchase was a J.C. Leyendecker painting, one of his Saturday Evening Post covers from 1921. I payed $32,000 for it. I sold fifty rare books so I could buy it. One year later, I decided that if I was going to own a Leyendecker the one I had wasn't the right one, as it wasn't a classic Leyendecker subject. So, I sold it for $54,000. That's a pretty good return on the money for a year. I used that money for a variety and also a hollywood reporter of things, including buying more art. I've had to sell most of the great pieces, thanks to certain parties involving me in an unnecessary and totally fruitless lawsuit, but such is life.
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I am so boring with money. I have spent so much on overseas trips, theatre tickets and music but I have always saved for them so nothing seemed like an extravagence at all.
Only major expense not saved for was the recent operation on Magnus - and that was a priority and essential.
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The most extravagent things that I've purchased (not including my car, which is a necessity), have been CDs and records and my one trip to New York. In New York, I bought the original London cast recording (on vinyl) of 1776 for $60. That was probably the most expensive cast recording that I'd ever gotten. I also bought the London cast recording (also on vinyl) to Children of Eden. I probably didn't pay more than $40, but I got it at the same time, so it was all very expensive. On that trip, I saw five Broadway shows, including Victor/Victoria with Julie Andrews, Sunset Boulevard with Betty Buckley and Robeson with Avery Brooks. All three were wonderful, as was the entire trip.
Now I must be off to finish up getting my sister's house ready for me to move into it. After we clean up, I'll start cleaning and packing up my apartment. Hopefully, I'll be able to get it all done this weekend. It shouldn't be difficult...I just have to do it. James Cameron and Leonardo DiCaprio (Dogboy, as my niece refers to him) may claim to be the kings of the world, but I am the King of Procrastinators! I claim that title justly. ::)
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My most extravagant purchase took place about two years ago, when I won an auction for Alexis Smith's Tony Award for Follies on eBay. The seller only had the medallion--no base. And the thought more than occurred to me that it might have been counterfit. But in the end, I couldn't resist it. It was too rare a piece of theatrical memorabilia to pass by. And now I can actually call myself a Tony Award winner.
WOW, I'm so jealous!
I bid on a Merman purse once on eBay, but I lost. I don't do eBay anymore, it's simply too addictive.
My main extravagance is theatre tickets and trips to NYC. I mean, not that there isn't great theatre in DC (there's some amazing stuff and I'm seriously looking forward to the Tennesee Williams festival this summer), but I'm a Broadway Baby. I need me theatre and lots of it.
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Kinda hard to call a man who frequently shops for cars and such on eBay thrifty. Your father LOVES to spend money, Ann... as long as it's on sale!
Okay, I concede. But I sitll insist that he is thrifty...just not stingy. The is a man who, last time I was home, proudly showed me his new shoes that he'd bought at Ross (a discount store we have around the northwest) They were the ugliest shoes known to man, bright brick red leather tennis shoes...and no one else would buy them, so he got them at a great price. That didn't bother him, though, as he said modestly "I can wear anything and make it look good.." :)
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though the rewirte will be more involved than I would have wished for.
That Freud knew what he was talkin' about!
(It's a rare day when a rewirte ISN'T more than we wish for.)
But it's nice to hear the chap seems pleasant. Could be worse, could be far worse. And the rewirte would STILL be more than you wished for.
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WOW, I'm so jealous!
I bid on a Merman purse once on eBay, but I lost. I don't do eBay anymore, it's simply too addictive.
My main extravagance is theatre tickets and trips to NYC. I mean, not that there isn't great theatre in DC (there's some amazing stuff and I'm seriously looking forward to the Tennesee Williams festival this summer), but I'm a Broadway Baby. I need me theatre and lots of it.
Yes, Maya, but the problem with theatre in DC is that there is always that one really strange musician down in the pit, who makes the whole evening just a little weird!
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Good work-related vibes to DRs Charles Pogue & Panni ~~~~~~~~~~
I am trying to think of the most extravagant thing I've bought myself. Usually when there is something I want, I just wait for a birthday (like waterbed, bike ...).
I've also done NYC trips and theatre tickets. And I did take a cruise a few years back. But I cannot think of anything really extravagant that I own.
My mom is also very cost effective. But I think it was a good thing for my sister and I. Because we really learned how to manage our money early. Plus i know how to look for sales!
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ABIE SENDS...
GOOD VIBES TO ECHO!
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RE: the discussion a while back about steaming vegetables in the microwave
They take WAY more than ONE MINUTE. Or at least mine did. Closer to ten. And use water. Very important. I actually found a microwave cook book and it lists all kinds of veggies.
Yeah The Apprentice is on tonight!
Teams from the previews are: Kwame, Troy, and Bill vs Amy, Katrina, and Nick. They go to Atlantic City.
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TCB I wanted to go on that Titanic trip.....but you're right nobody else wanted to go!
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Thank you for the good vibes. Keep 'em coming. I've got to get this job! (A Chorus Line reference)
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I am watching Lost In Translation, and although it's interesting to see Tokyo, I am not liking much of anything else.
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Yes, Maya, but the problem with theatre in DC is that there is always that one really strange musician down in the pit, who makes the whole evening just a little weird!
*giggles*
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I am so boring with money. I have spent so much on overseas trips, theatre tickets and music but I have always saved for them so nothing seemed like an extravagence at all.
Only major expense not saved for was the recent operation on Magnus - and that was a priority and essential.
You are so right, Tomovoz. The money that we spend on our babies can never be considered an extravagence. And whatever the cost, it is still never enough to repay them for the unconditional love that they give to us each day.
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Dear Dogs Roller and Blackjack send their good wishes to Dear Dog Echo!
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MattH, re: Matt is somewhat to blame for his ouster. Last night in his farewell clip, they showed that moment when he came out of the first audition, singing opera...We never in the competition heard that powerful voice which he displayed in that moment. I, for one, kept waiting for it.
That, said, it's utterly inconceivable that the inadequate Camille is still in the running. Just as it was inconceivable she wasn't in the bottom three the previous week. The judges, for some inexplicable reason have been inordinately kind to her (though Simon's pretty much called a spade a spade). She's got to be living on borrowed time though...
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So this morning I get a call from Harlan Ellison, who says: "I don't know how to tell you this but...you and I are under the covers together." There is a book out written by an Australian bibliophile, John Baxter, called a POUND OF PAPER. In one of the many appendices, he asks several known writers and book collectors along the lines of Harlan and Ray Bradbury and others in whose illustrious company I should not be included, but apparently am, the time-old question if your house caught fire and you could only save one book from your collection which one would it be: My answer was one of my British firsts of SHE by H. Rider Haggard. Along with my reasons why. I have no memory of talking or corresponding with Mr. Baxter and can find no email trail. But I must have done so. It was the answer I would have given, couched in exactly the words and phrasing I would have used, with the details I would have used, I even vaguely remember giving/writing this answer sometime back, but I can't remember where or when (A Rodgers & Hart reference!).
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I don't know about being under the covers with Harlan. That skeeves me, frankly.
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"Skeeves"? Am unfamiliar with this term. Please explain.
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The strongest of positive vibes from Echo's friends in the land down under.
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Echo says thank you Abie.
And Panni, we both wish you GOOD VIBES on this must get job.
JRand53 as much as I like LOST IN TRANSLATION I do find people either like it or they don’t with not many in-betweens.
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Skeeves - gives me the willies. In other words, if I were under the covers with Mr. Ellison (or these days, with anyone) it would give me the willies.
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Dear Echo Dog says thank you to dear Dogs Roller and Blackjack and to her friends down under, Fosca & Magnus.
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I am stillr eading Kritzer Time and I love it!! My favorite of the three. If you haven't read it do so and if you have read it again!!
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Yay. Are you almost finished with it?
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almost
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"Skeeves"? Am unfamiliar with this term. Please explain.
I was unsure at first too Charles...
The definitions relating to "skeeves" from the Berkeley Online American-English Slang Dictionary:
skeeve adj 1. a gross, creepy, etc. person. ("He is such a skeeve.")
skeeve (one) out v 1. to sicken; GROSS OUT. ("That guy really skeeves me out.")
skeevy adj 1. gross, creepy; ICKY, etc. Term was common in Brooklyn, NY, USA in the 1950s and 1960s. ("He's so skeevy.")
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Charles Pogue-nice story. I especially like the fact, if asked today, the answer would be the same. It would have been a shame if you had wanted to change your answer. And having read DRAGONHEART, I think you are too modest.
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DRs Panni and Charles Pogue, best wishes for successful completion of your projects. My sudden deluge of assignments has ended, and now I'm heading into my what-if-the-phone-never-rings-again anxiety. Do you go through this angst as well?
DR George, I thought I was the King of Procrastinators, and I have my dear friend BK to swear to it. I wish you well with your move.
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Let's have a full report when you finish, Michael. Skeeves has been one of my favorite words for the last ten years. A movie poster dealer I know taught it to me.
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Evening all.
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]BRANDI AND BEAR SEND BEST VIBES TO DEAR DOG ECHO![/move]
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]YOU GO PANNI! GET THAT JOB!! [/move]
I would have to say that I have bought many things over the years that I guess I shouldn’t have but right now these two trips, back to back, have to be the most expensive and scary things I have ever bought.. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence but I’ve been sick to my stomach since the night I hit the “Buy” button. Between that and my legs hurting and waking me up every morning at about 2 AM, I’ve been in a miserable, foul mood.
I didn't get to read the book today. Sorry.
Good news, I've lost 18 pounds as of this morning! Hoop, hoop, only 12 more to go!
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JRand -- whatever can you MEAN about "Lost in Translation"? It won an Oscar for screenplay and many folks grieve that Bill Murray didn't win.
:D I ain't among them.
And I also don't know what was Oscar-worthy about the non-story/screenplay.
But perhaps I'm too rooted in narrative literature to appreciate it.....
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From Archie to Echo - Good Vet Vibes
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Extravegent Items? I just bought an reproduction of a Peter Ellenshaw prepreductions sketch from Mary Poppins. Limited edition of 350 copies
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Congratulations on the weight loss, Danise!
And don't ::) WORRY! You'll have a great time ;D on your wonderful trips!
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Re: Lost in Translation
I am someone who is right in the middle on this one. I didn't love it. But I did like it.
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Dear Dog Echo sends a big thank you to Bear, Brandie and Archie.
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DRs Panni and Charles Pogue, best wishes for successful completion of your projects. My sudden deluge of assignments has ended, and now I'm heading into my what-if-the-phone-never-rings-again anxiety. Do you go through this angst as well?
Yes, yes, and YES! (That's three yeses.) My anxiety is of the "Now they'll find out that I'm not really a writer" variety. I don't have room in my office space now for all my kudos - but in my former offices I had walls full of awards, posters of my work, everything possible of that type. I never kept any of it in the living spaces of the house because they weren't to show off to anyone. They were for me and me alone. When I would look up in despair from my work, I would force myself to look over the history of Anna the WRITER and repeat the mantra "You must be good. You couldn't keep fooling them this often." (Of course, that kind of bull doesn't really work.)
There was one rather prestigious writing award that I was nominated for twice - ten years apart. The first time - I won - and I was convinced it was a fluke. When I was nominated the second time, I said to myself, "If you win this, it really means something." So I won. And as I was going up to the podium to accept the award, guess what I was thinking? ..."Yeah, well, if you won it THREE times, that would mean something...."
Good vibes on your phone ringing very soon, Larry!
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Let's send vibes to everyone right this very minute. Send them here, send them there, send them everywhere. Send them to me, too, because boy do I need them.
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Just reread what I wrote :o and I sound quite the awards whore. What I meant by "I don't have room for all my kudos" is not that there are so many the room won't hold them - I meant that I have practically NO wallspace in the office area of the cute but tiny guest house in which I now reside.
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[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%][size=8]GOOD[/size][/move]
[move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%][size=8]VIBES[/size][/move]
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Thank you, td, I can feel 'em already and they iz potent.
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Welcome 10 GUESTS. Why don't you join us? As much fun as it is to look in on the zoo from afar, it's even more fun to be in here in the thick of things.
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Good VIBES to all!!!
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AND MOST EXCELLENT VIBES TO MR BK, AUTHOR DEEVINE!
;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D
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Good DOGGY/KITTY! to all our companions out there.
Good LUCK, Everyone who needs it!
Good FORTUNE, to each and every one of us!
Good GOLLY, but I've gone maudlin!
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Good vibes to all, especially Bruce who needs them and for phones ringing with good news.
Danise I’m truly impressed with the success of your diet.
Panni it’s okay, I understood what you were saying. ;D
I think Keith would say I’m the queen of procrastination :-[
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As to today's topic:
The single most extravagant thing I ever bought was a re-release poster for The Invisible Man Returns. I paid $500 bucks for it, back in 1980, when I barely had two nickels to rub together, much less 500 simoleons.
I loved that poster. But when Michael and I decided to set up house together back in 1998, that poster became an issue. Because Michael hated it. Passionately. So I decided to sell it on eBay. And to my surprise, it sold for just under four thousand dollars.
And I took 500 bucks from that four grand, and bought myself three Edgar Rice Burroughs first editions. The Moon Maid, Tarzan Triumphant, and Tarzan's Quest. In their original dust jackets.
The rest of it was spent on our first trip to New York City, in July of 2001. We saw lotsa shows, had a gay old time, and I spent nearly a grand at Footlight Records.
All in all, I think I traded up. In every sense. Micheal is better that some dopey old poster any day of the week.
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RLP, you must go see my response to "joecaps" in the Ben-Hur thread at FSM.
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Suddenly, we're in VistaVision.
What's up with that???
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And I have some odd (and for me, at least, terrific) news:
Rialto Pictures is re-releasing the original, uncut Japanese version of Godzilla into theaters this spring and summer.
I've always wanted to see the Japanese version of this movie. I doubt I'll miss Raymond Burr.
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RLP, you must go see my response to "joecaps" in the Ben-Hur thread at FSM.
The Film Score Monthly message board fills me with fear. You're a brave man, BK, to risk your sanity in perusing it...!
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I'm a one-man posting frenzy!!!
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Robin I like your story with the happy ending. And thanks for the GODZILLA news. I hope it comes to Ashland.
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Robin - the original Japanese version of Godzilla (Gojira) is a masterpiece - a wonderful film. I've had it on video for years in a beautiful subtitled transfer, which I burned onto DVD.
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Keith made some popcorn & we are going to watch something, maybe a movie. 'night.
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Well I finished Kritzer Time and I am speechles. So that's why I am writing. I can't believe that a 40 something person is crying. What beautiful and bittersweet ending to the trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the third chapter of the Kritzer saga most of all. Beautifully written with warm memories of Los Angeles that is long gone and a time that was more innocent than the harsh realities of today.
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And I am still teary eyed and my nose is running. I would love a chapter 4 in the Kritzer saga when he goes to college and meets Cindy Williams.
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Now I can go back and start sprucing up www.brucekimmel.com (http://www.brucekimmel.com)
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Skeeves has been one of my favorite words for the last ten years. A movie poster dealer I know taught it to me.
Whenever Lurch goes on vacation, the Addams Family brings in a substitute butler from England named Skeeves. He used to work for Bertie Worster.
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Oy. I just pigged out on marzipan and other chocolates that my lovely daughter sent me from Hungary and Switzerland. I actually had no intention of eating the sinful goodies - but she asked me on the phone how I liked the chocolates - so I had to taste them. And that was the end of Anna. I'm not in the greatest of moods as it is, so with all this sugar in my system, I'm going on a major sugar high ;D -- then crash city. :'(
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The good news: The new kitchen table finally arrived.
The not-so-good news: We have to assemble it. As in, attach the central piller to the table top, and then to the base, and then flip the whole thing over because otherwise the table top will be on the bottom, and the underside of the base isn't a good workspace.
This can wait until tomorrow, of course. I don't feel butch enough right now to put together tables and flip them over.
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Michael Shayne - Why shouldn't a 40-something person cry when he reads something that touches him deeply? Good for you!
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A friend loaned me LOST IN TRANSLATION, and tonight I had 90 minutes to watch a movie, and it's a bit over that, so I opted for MAMBO ITALIANO instead. Cute independent gay film with an ending I didn't much care for, but definitely some funny moments and some poignant ones, too.
I think we never heard that big voice from Matt Rogers because he lived in fear of those damning words from the judges we've heard many times before: "You have a theatrical voice." He did everything he could to "pop" up his sound, and the fact is, he doesn't have a pop style voice. I think it was meant for bigger singing.
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Michael Shayne, don't forget to write your amazon and barnesandnoble.com review, and cut and paste it into the Kritzer Time thoughts thread on the Kritzer board here.
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Welcome 13 GUESTS. Come in and join the party.
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Welcome 15 GUESTS.
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Time to go check on the tomatos I've been roasting, see if they're ready for a run in the blender to make sauce! (See how exciting life can be in the country!?)
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Thank you, td, I can feel 'em already and they iz potent.
You are most welcome, sir!
It is in part due to all of the previous good vibes from the denizens and frequenters of this here website that my family has received most excellent health reports over the last two days!
1. Yesterday, I took my father to his primary care physician who enthused wildly about dad's current state of health: clean lungs, excellent blood pressure, great pulse, everything in working order, shingles gone, weight maintained for four weeks (!) and reasonable sugar counts. Needless to say, this is indeed happy news; made all the more happier by her comment that next week's visit to dad's oncologist should prove to be nothing to worry about at all! (AND, she doesn't want a follow-up visit for two months!)
2. Today, I went with my mother to her orthopedic surgeon's appointment - the first check-up since her bone immoblizer was removed - and he gave her a glowing report: the bones have indeed fused, quickly, and all systems are go! She should continue to walk more than just from our living room to the bedroom, to walk as much as she can to further strengthen the muscles which could have atrophied. The x-rays look phenomenal; he displayed the x-rays from September, December, January and today, the progress visible even to an untrained eye. Her shoulder's torn rotator cuff will still be a bit of a burden, but he gave her a cortizone shot which will ease her flexibility for a while. He gave her permission to wear her brace ONLY when walking, and like dad, told her she doesn't need a follow-up visit for two months! (Of course, we will be seeing him on a social visit before then, when I prepare a great standing rib roast for him and his family in a few weeks - a token of our appreciation).
So, BK and DRs one and all, I happily accept the good vibes which have been posted previously, and with great happiness spread
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]GOOD[/move]
[move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]VIBES[/move]
right back at ya!
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td, what good news! Thanks for sharing it with us. Good news is always a blessing.
Good vibes to all who need them! ~~~~~~~
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Vibes, vibes and xylophones all around.
I've been trying to watch a movie I TIVOd called Nightmare, but it's really really bad. It IS based on a Cornell Woolrich story, whose work I love, so I'm trying to slog through it, but it's really inept.
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td, that is terrific health news regarding both of your parents. How wonderful to know that all of our combined Good Vibes can do so much good for others. We had better not let the FDA hear about this, or we will not be allowed to dispense good vibes without a prescription.
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Wussburgers of the world, unite! Let's have a little late-night frenzy action.
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td - Wonderful news about your parents!
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td - Wonderful news about your parents!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
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Wussburgers of the world, unite! Let's have a little late-night frenzy action.
I did a little frenzied post of at The DVD Place, too. . . . ;)
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td- at last-- some good news for you. I'm very happy.
Most extravagant thing(s) I've bought for myself-- Various pieces of art. Yes, I still have them (and will get more). I can't help it. And I don't regret it for a second!
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td- at last-- some good news for you. I'm very happy.
Most extravagant thing(s) I've bought for myself-- Various pieces of art. Yes, I still have them (and will get more). I can't help it. And I don't regret it for a second!
I tried buying a piece of Art once, but he was out of my price range.
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Linkletter or Garfunkel?
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As predicted - sugar high - now crash. I think I'll just be quiet for a bit.
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I think I'm going to have to declare that today was National Wussburger Day here at haineshisway.com. We squeaked by but barely, baby, barely.
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Linkletter or Garfunkel?
Knowing TCB, Carney! ;D
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I added some white wine to the tomatoes and made a nice little puree, then put it over a burner to cook out the alcohol, plus a few grinds of pepper. Not bad, for a tomato sauce starter, but it'll need garlic, onion, and some other seasoning. Still, as an experiment things have turned out pretty good, and we should be able to get lots of tomatoes this summer, so I'll be able to make up lots of home-made sauce to be stored in the freezer.
I think of this as an early experiment leading to my making my own stock. And who knows, can lobster bisque be far behind? Yummers!
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Well, I'm back lest I be labeled a Wussburger - like that famous songwriting duo, Alan and Marilyn Wussburger.
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I am about to leave for a farewell party - my neigbours across the road. They are moving about 10 miles away - not a great distance in this rural area. Good, caring neighbours who have never been the "in your space" kind. We have known their kids all their lives - it will be strange to not have them collecting for various charities, fun runs, etc.
See you all tomorrow,
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That's GREAT news, Dear Reader TD! May your parents' recuperations continue at an accelerated pace!
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I am not (usually) a Wussburger. As of this afternoon, my sister and I are pretty much finished with fixing up her old house (that I'm going to move into)! All we have now to do is paint some baseboards and some wainscoting and it's done! Now the hard part (as always): cleaning and packing up my apartment. :P I hate that part. Tomorrow morning, I'm taking a friend to the hospital to have her knee operated on (arthroscopically). Someone else is picking her up, so I don't have to stay the whole time. After that, I will come home and start to clean my apartment. I MUST!! (I also have most of the weekend to move.) At least I don't have a lot of big items to move...my bed and love seat are the biggest and heaviest. The rest aren't so bad.
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I was at the L.A. Philharmonic this evening, Dear Readers. Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted Shostakovich's 9th Symphony and Mahler's Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Boy's Magic Horn), with baritone Matthias Goerne the vocal soloist. I'd not heard Mr. Goerne before, and I was quite impressed. He has a very resonant voice which at times reminded me of Dietrich Fisher-Dieskau. His shading of the words in the songs was exquisite.
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skeevy adj 1. gross, creepy; ICKY, etc. Term was common in Brooklyn, NY, USA in the 1950s and 1960s. ("He's so skeevy.") [/i]
As one who grew up in Brooklyn, NY, USA during the aforementioned timeframe, I will validate that the term "skeevy" indeed was quite common. We had a few other cherce words and phrases, too.
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What's this? No clever retort from Dear Reader TCB regarding "The Boy's Magic Horn?"
No "Here's one for Mahler" from our beloved BK?
What is this site coming to?
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I got some lovely presents tonight. My landlady (in the Big House) came back from Mexico and brought me a pair of "Frida Kahlo earrings" - that's how they were sold she tells me - beautiful dangling silver earrings. She also brought me back a gorgeous handmade cloth purse. Very nice.
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I'd not heard Mr. Goerne before, and I was quite impressed. He has a very resonant voice which at times reminded me of Dietrich Fisher-Dieskau. His shading of the words in the songs was exquisite.
I've never seen him in person, but in his photos he looks very un-opera singerish. More like the Roto-Rooter guy who comes over to unplug your drains.
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And one for Mahler. I live to please.
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I've never seen him in person, but in his photos he looks very un-opera singerish. More like the Roto-Rooter guy who comes over to unplug your drains.
LOL. As I watched him tonight, I wavered between picturing him as a bouncer in a bar or being cast as a sadistic Nazi officer in some bad WWII B-movie. He looks more than a little like Uncle Fester on "The Addams Family." But he's blessed with a terrific voice and wonderful interpretive skill.
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I think everyone is asleep on the job, Jay. I'm wide awake for various reasons. One being that my daughter phoned a few hours ago to say she thought she had food poisioning and was feeling very sick. I haven't been able to get hold of her since then. So I'm on mother-alert. Not that I could do anything here in Studio City for her in San Francisco, but still... Old habits die hard.
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George, much vibage to you... I hate moving! Yet, I find I do it quite a bit. My upcoming move to the westside in a couple months will be my TENTH in 4 years. Oy!
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I think everyone is asleep on the job, Jay. I'm wide awake for various reasons. One being that my daughter phoned a few hours ago to say she thought she had food poisioning and was feeling very sick. I haven't been able to get hold of her since then. So I'm on mother-alert. Not that I could do anything here in Studio City for her in San Francisco, but still... Old habits die hard.
Oh dear! I hope she's all right. I had food poisoning once and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.