Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 3 => Topic started by: bk on May 07, 2005, 12:05:21 AM

Title: SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 12:05:21 AM
Well, you've read the notes, they were quite succinct and brief, and now it is time for you to post until the succinct and brief cows come home.  To it, I say.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 12:07:11 AM
And the word of the day is: BULBOUS!

Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 12:08:13 AM
Happy Birthday Danise. I hope your day and year are wonderful.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 12:08:14 AM
As promised, here is photographic evidence of me wearing my new Fashion Plate duds at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 07, 2005, 12:13:26 AM
As promised, here is photographic evidence of me wearing my new Fashion Plate duds at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Pretty darned snazzy, BK!  You should be very proud! ;D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 12:16:37 AM
I've enjoyed seeing quite a few of the Coward plays - it is certainly the ability to deliver those lines that makes for enjoyment. Maggie Smith as Amanda.  Wow!

I've seen and enjoyed performances of "Private Lives", "Design For Living", "Hay Fever", "Blythe Spirit" and "Relative Values". I've also suffered through a bad professional production of "Private Lives".
Noel Coward plays need more than a Star name.

I've many favourite songs to list but shall leave most for others to mention. "If Love Were All" is wonderful. I am also fond of "I'll Follow My Secret Heart" and "I'll See You Again". I've never seen a production of "Bitter Sweet" but enjoy the music. Of the novelty songs I like "Nina" and "I Went To A Marvellous Party".
DR Ben will no doubt list some songs that are amongst my favourites too.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 12:18:20 AM
BK;  Lovely attire but you look so wan. Too much rain in California this year.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 07, 2005, 12:20:01 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]A VERY, VERY, VERY[/move]
[move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%](that's three verys)[/move]
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR VERY[/move]
[move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%](that makes four! ;) )[/move]
[move=leftt,scroll,6,transparent,100%]OWN DEAR READER DANISE!!![/move]
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 12:36:43 AM
All during the play I was thinking of Maggie Smith saying those lines.  And her hubby Robert Stephens would have been a splendid Elyot.

Has Ann caught up?

BULBOUS, baby, BULBOUS!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 12:38:37 AM
1973 performance BK and they were terrific.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Charles Pogue on May 07, 2005, 12:55:11 AM
Happy B'day, Danise!

The Lovely Wife & I are still up preparing for tomorrow's do.  The L.W. is chopping slaw, having just finished devilled eggs.  I am tarting up various rooms while I watch Jack E. Leonard as one of the panelists on What's My Line.

My favourite Noel Coward's are Private Lives, Design For Living, and Hay Fever...in which I once essayed the role of David Bliss -- I remember my line, "You're magnificent, you're...tawny!"  I saw a superb production of PRIVATE LIVES in London a few years back with Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan and a set that was exquisite.  Brilliant, brilliant production!

Favourite Noel Coward songs:  If Love Were All; Don't Put Your Daughter On The Stage, Mrs. Worthington; Nina; Play, Orchestra, Play, You Were There

Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Charles Pogue on May 07, 2005, 12:57:36 AM
I remember seeing a very interesting production of the Vortex at the Huntington Hartford here in LA.  I'm trying to remember who it starred...I want to say Stephanie Beacham, but could it have been Linda Thorson?
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 12:59:29 AM
I saw the Vortex at the Hartford as well.  Who WAS in it - it was a VERY interesting cast as I recall.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 07, 2005, 01:30:39 AM
A couple of days ago, a friend of mine asked if I could put together a CD of disco songs because her 8 year old daughter is going to a party and all the kids are bringing disco songs!  I said that I would be glad to!  I love ABBA and Donna Summer.  So, for the last three hours or so, I've been putting together two different CDs for her.  The ABBA CD is very simple:  I just made a copy of "ABBA GOLD" and added "Dream World" from the 4-CD ABBA compilation to make it almost a full 80 minutes.  The Donna Summer disc has taken me more than two and a half hours.  I have the CDs to Donna's 1977 "Live and More" concert and her 1999 "Live and More Encore."  I've filled up a whole CD between the two live CDs with up tempo dance songs and I've edited out a lot of the talking.  I don't think many eight year olds want to listen to her talk about...well, anything during a Disco Party...just bring on the music!  So that's what she's getting.  And just in case anyone is wondering, there are no Noël Coward songs on either of the disco CDs that I've compiled. ;)

As for Noel Coward, I've seen Blithe Spirit and it was absolutely delightful.  I've also seen Hay Fever that had some wonderful (local) actors, but the production just sat there like so much fish. :P I have a recording of Bitter Sweet, but I haven't listened to it in years.  I do remember enjoying it.  And I love the song "If Love Were All."

And did anyone know that if you search "Noel Coward" on www.ibdb.com, you won't get any results??  You actually have to search "Noël [alt+0235 on the number pad] Coward" to find the info.  That's just plain dumb. ::)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: elmore3003 on May 07, 2005, 04:16:07 AM
Good morning, all!  I'm having a strange payroll week:  everyone on the recording project with direct deposit were paid ear;ier this week.  As of today, there is still no activity in my account, and the business office in San Francisco seems very apathetic to my situation.  Im going through a period of anxiety over where the transfer could have gone to  I'm sure it will be resolved on Monday, but I'm very unhappy about it as I type this.

And today's my second-to-last B&N day before I'm off for around a month, so I'm trying to get my energy up for that and I'm failing: the DON GIOVANNI wasn't over until 11:30 last night, I wasn't home until midnight, and I got to bed sometime around 12:45.  The alarm at 6:30 this morning was quite unseemly.  And now enough of my complaining!

Dear Friend BK, you look splendid!

TOD:
  plays:  BLITHE SPIRIT, HAY FEVER (which I saw with Rosemary Harris in the late 1980s), PRIVATE LIVES
  songs:  If Love Were All (and most of the score to BITTERSWEET); Matelot; Sail Away; Nina, Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs Worthington; That is the End of the News. [move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]

                                      :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D :-* :-* :o :o :) ;) :D ;D       HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DRDANISE!!! :) ;) :D ;D :) ;) :D ;D ::) ::) :-* :-* :) ;) :D ;D
[/move]
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 05:10:20 AM
Saturday Birthdays are the BEST of ALL!!  ;D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 05:21:57 AM
Yes Mr BK - thanks for the photograph.  You are a rhapsody in blue!

I had the same problem with the production of PRIVATE LIVES, I saw, in addition to the clothing, although the second couple seemed to get more of their laughs than the leads - who seemed to mistake brittle for arch.

My favorites have been mentioned, but I will list them again.

BLITHE SPIRIT - I even like the movie version.  HAY FEVER and DESIGN FOR LIVING.  And as for songs, "If Love Were All" is indeed a lovely bit of work.

Sir Noel's "talent to amuse" will continue for many decades, I am sure.  And if just to add something new, I will say:  "Brief Encounter."

One of my favorite NPC (aka Destiny's Tot) story is from the early 1920's when he arrived at a party in full evening dress and discovered the rest of guests were dressed in casual clothes.  He stood at the door of the salon and said graciously:  "Now, I don't want ANYONE to be embarrassed!"
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: DearReaderLaura on May 07, 2005, 05:31:30 AM
Happy, Happy Birthday, DR Danise!!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 06:17:40 AM
Adore most everything of Noel Coward's that I've ever seen. HAY FEVER is probably my favorite along with PRESENT LAUGHTER. I've seen too many deadly versions of PRIVATE LIVES to put it in the first position though, as bk said, the play is marvelously crafted, but its effectiveness is at the total mercy of the actors and the direction.

Favorite song (among many): "London Pride."
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 06:18:46 AM
One Coward opus I've never seen in toto is TONIGHT AT 8:30 in all nine parts. I wish some enterprising theater would try mouting it again.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 06:20:46 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Happy Birthday to DR Danise !!!!![/move]
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 06:22:48 AM
Off in just a moment to enjoy LULLABY OF BROADWAY. It's not Noel Coward, but it'll be fun to watch after many years of not seeing it.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 06:23:14 AM
So sad to be all alone in the world . . . .
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 07:31:35 AM
LOL ain't it the truth, DR MATTH.

My sister Molly is bringing over her POTO DVD so that we can watch it this afternoon, so I will post MHO afterwards.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 07:32:54 AM
Went to a yard sale and bought a Yamaha PSS-280 for $5 which is about what it's worth, BUT I like having a little keyboard dedicated to sounds in the pit.....phone rings, bells, etc.  Then the main keyboard doesn't start suddenly playing a solo in celeste mode because SOMEONE forgot to switch out!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: vixmom on May 07, 2005, 07:47:23 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO DEAR DANISE [/color][/move]
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: vixmom on May 07, 2005, 07:49:12 AM
Have any other dear readers hreard this story?
Quote
Student Suspended Over Call From Mom in Iraq

   
 
COLUMBUS LEDGER-ENQUIRER / KRT
 Call Leads to Suspension


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
COLUMBUS, Ga. (May 7) - A high school student was suspended for 10 days for refusing to end a mobile phone call with his mother, a soldier serving in Iraq, school officials said.

The 10-day suspension was issued because Kevin Francois was "defiant and disorderly'' and was imposed in lieu of an arrest, Spencer High School assistant principal Alfred Parham said.

The confrontation Wednesday began after the 17-year-old junior got a call at lunchtime from his mother, Sgt. 1st Class Monique Bates, who left in January for a one-year tour with the 203rd Forward Support Battalion.

Mobile phones are allowed on campus but may not be used during school hours. When a teacher told him to hang up, he refused. He said he told the teacher, "This is my mom in Iraq. I'm not about to hang up on my mom.''

Parham said the teen's suspension was based on his reaction to the teacher's request. He said the teen used profanity when taken to the office.

"Kevin got defiant and disorderly,'' Parham said. "When a kid becomes out of control like that they can either be arrested or suspended for 10 days. Now being that his mother is in Iraq, we're not trying to cause her any undue hardship; he was suspended for 10 days.''


Opinions?


Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: vixmom on May 07, 2005, 07:52:51 AM
When I saw you in your new fashionplate duds bk  I could only think

"You're lovely,
Absolutely lovely.
Who'd believe the loveliness of you?"

They do suit you very well.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Danise on May 07, 2005, 07:56:15 AM
Aww, thank you all for the wonderful Birthday wishes!  :) :) :D

I slept in a bit-Hey, that's allowed on your Birthday.


I think Mr. BK looks spiffy in his new clothes.  Hubba, hubba!   :)

The POTO DVD will never be a part of my colletion.  Ugh.  I have two other versions of the story that I like much better.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: vixmom on May 07, 2005, 07:57:47 AM
The Vixter had her NYSMMA solo appointment this morning

She sang "to The Beloved" by Beethoven in German (her voice teacher is Austrian and likes to have her kids sing in German)

We won't kinow her score for a couple of weeks yet, by the judge told her she did very well and the voice teacher, who was the Vixter's accompianist, said that the Vixter sang perfectly and her German was flawless... so it comes down to the sight reading which the Vixter finds  more difficult....
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: vixmom on May 07, 2005, 07:59:09 AM
well a quick stop and a checlk on last nights posts and I am off. The Vixter has a noon call, and I am in charge of sanwiches for the matinee intermission  (for actors and crew) so I must get to the sandwich making.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 07:59:25 AM
Good Morning!

Slowly, but surely...

Note to self: If you go to Legend Brewing Co. after the show again, be sure to go with your old stand-by - their Brown Lager.  The Dunkelweizen is good, but it tends to "linger" so to speak...

*Of course, "it" also could have been the grilled cheese with bacon on rye, "wet" fries, and grilled donut sundae that's making me feel a little logey this morning...

;)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Danise on May 07, 2005, 08:04:35 AM
Have any other dear readers hreard this story?Opinions?




Well, like anything, there are two sides to this story.  Yes, the boy had a right to talk to his Mother.  No, he didn't have the right to get out of hand.  

The teacher should have been a little more understanding and given the boy a moment to speak with his mom--she could have asked him to step into the hall until the call (with a reasonable amount time--say ten minutes) was over.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 08:04:59 AM
Noel Coward...

Blithe Spirit, Hay Fever, Private Lives and Design for Living (for which I once recorded some doubled-piano tracks for with various Noel Coward songs).

The Olney Theatre Center in Olney, MD usually does a Noel Coward play each season, and they're usually directed by John Going.  They usually turn out to be quite wonderful productions.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 08:05:29 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR DANISE!!!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: vixmom on May 07, 2005, 08:06:00 AM
Happy Derby Day Bk, CP & his  Lovely Wife

Have a wonderful partay and may your horses run well!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 08:07:44 AM
DR elmore - I ended up in payroll-no-man's-land this week too...  Hopefully, both of our issues will be resolved by Monday.  -Sometimes computers can be a little too(!) accurate, if you get my drift.  Ah, well...
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 08:09:27 AM
Well, three hours to the matinee, and I want to head over to the Strawberry Street Festival for a bit beforehand. -And an absolutely gorgeous day for it too!

Laters...
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Danise on May 07, 2005, 08:19:02 AM
Thank you for the Birthday wishes, DR Jose!  

I'm just kicking back and taking it easy today.  I will go out later and get some Bar B Q from Sonnys.  I've been longing for some Beef ribs.  Yum!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: MBarnum on May 07, 2005, 08:29:50 AM
a HAPPY HAPPY birthday to you DR Danise!!

(http://i14.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/f7/78/aa_12_b.JPG)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Danise on May 07, 2005, 08:36:28 AM
Thank you also MBarnum!  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: TCB on May 07, 2005, 08:47:45 AM
(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sehrgrosse/large-smiley-012.gif)(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sehrgrosse/large-smiley-012.gif)


[move=UP,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR DANISE!!![/move]


(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sehrgrosse/large-smiley-012.gif)(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sehrgrosse/large-smiley-012.gif)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 09:14:24 AM
Progress report:

I have the yard now freshly mowed and my dinner is cooking as I type.

On to LULLABY OF BROADWAY . . . .
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 09:15:41 AM
Yes, indeed, a glorious day in the Southland. . . .
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 09:27:30 AM
It's already quite lovely out.  I must say I slept right up until the doorbell rang by she of the Evil Eye.  I was having some pretty strange dreams which were pretty incomprehensible to me. albeit, well-plotted.

Last night, I dreamed I was at Manderley.

In the dream was Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis, some third woman who was part of a menage a trois with them, and his "friends".  We were all at some movie theater to begin with, and I saw some things that I shouldn't have, and Mr. Depp became very friendly to me, as did his "friends".  Mr. Depp gave me a jar filled with what he called Thai marijuana, even though it looked like cocaine.  I disposed of it, and filled the jar with baby powder.  Meantime, Vanessa, and Johnny and the third woman had their business.  After that sequence, I went home (a house I didn't recognize) - my ex-wife was around briefly, and then my friend Debbie and her daughter were around and there was some confusion about who was picking who up and taking who where, and my daughter was in it (younger) briefly.  Then, at the house, Johnny Depp, as it turned out, was my neighbor and he kept coming over, trying to make sure I thought he liked me and was my pal.  His "friends" were keeping an eye on me, too.  The "friends" at the behest of Johnny, had offed someone and they were all quite nervous about me because I knew about it.  So did a couple of other people and they were nervous about them.  Then the police came, and I told them everything that had happened, and they were going to help me move somewhere else (they seemed very willing to move me into a posh neighborhood of my choice at their expense), the move being carefully handled so that I could not be traced or followed.  They assured me everything would be fine.  Then, the doorbell rang and I woke up.  

Strange.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 09:29:19 AM
Vanessa was doing some pretty raunchy things in this dream.  She didn't seem all that happy about the third woman, whom I can't remember much about.

I'm quite groggy still.  I shall try to not leave until tenish.  Then, I may or may not come back prior to Pogue's Partay.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Charles Pogue on May 07, 2005, 09:32:03 AM
I saw an exquisite production of PRESENT LAUGHTER with Peter Bowles a few years ago.  Last year in London we saw a rather mediocre, tired production of BLITHE SPIRIT with Penelope Keith. I'm off to Derby prep, then partay!  Probably won't be checking in for awhile, if at all the rest of the day.  The last people out of here won't probably be gone until 11:00 or 12:00.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 09:33:07 AM
Hit the road to dreamland.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 09:33:38 AM
Have a great party, DR CP and Wife!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 09:35:06 AM
Re the mobile phone controversy:  I have no doubt the teacher did exactly as they should, given the school rules.  I also have no doubt that the kid was completely obnoxious and surly in his response.  What the kid should have done was hand the phone to the teacher, explain it was his mother in Iraq and ask the teacher to speak to the mother to get special permission.  Believe me, the teacher would then have allowed the call.  I think in nine out of ten cases, kids think they are entitled to do what they please, when they please, how they please, and in today's world they are especially snarky about it in ways they've never been.

Mobile phones should not be allowed in schools.  Somehow, we all survived without them, didn't we?  Somehow we could get through a school day without having to have a cell phone glued to our ears.  Somehow, if an emergency came up, we were allowed to use a pay phone or the office phone.  But, now, what I see is kids coming off the schoolyard, calling or receiving a call from the parent telling the parent or kid that they're waiting outside to pick them up.  Duh.  Or the kid immediately calling their friends, like they just didn't see enough friends all day at school.  It's horrible.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 09:37:18 AM
Of course, Mr. Guy Haines does the deliciously delicious Noel Coward song, Sail Away, on the new album.  It's one of my favorite tracks because it's arranged for just two pianos and bass, one of my all-time favorite instrumental sounds.  I've done a few two-piano things - I grew up loving that sound on at least one of the old Julius Monk revues.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 09:55:14 AM
Happy Birthday, Danise!   ;D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 09:57:29 AM
My favorite Coward is Hay Fever, but that has much to do with it being the only time I've appeared on stage, as Simon Bliss in a college production.  Our Judith Bliss was, by the by, quite bulbous.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: TCB on May 07, 2005, 10:07:19 AM
Without a doubt, my favorite Coward play is PRESENT LAUGHTER.  I played Garry Essendine in a wonderful production of the show about twenty years ago.  Since this is one of Coward's less-frequently produced plays, due I am sure to the size of the cast required, rather than the quality of the show; there was an exciting sense of discovery by the audience of a jewel that they were unfamiliar with.

Coward can be either hysterically funny or deadly dull, and it depends more on the director and the actors than it does the writing.  I have seen BLITHE SPIRIT where the play literally flew from beginning to end; and I have seen other productions of the show where the opening scene between Charles and Ruth seemed to go on longer than GONE WITH THE WIND.  Wow, Margaret Mitchell and Noel Coward in one sentence.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 10:07:48 AM
Now, now, you dear, dear people out there in the dark must keep things lively today.  I must be on my way now because she of the Evil Eye is casting glances in my direction (north by northwest).  I shall be returning sometime this afternoon to ready myself for tonight's theatrical.  I shall also have a full report on the Pogue Partay and even some photographs of same.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Danise on May 07, 2005, 10:13:31 AM
I just finished watching "Blind Fury", a Rugar Hauer movie.  Pretty good.  

We're findely having a lovely sunny day with no clouds or rain.  

I think the next thing on my agenda will be to take the doggies for a walk.   :D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 10:34:08 AM
The problem with cell phones in school has nothing to do with the cell phones themselves.  The problem has more to do with our increasing impatience with life.  

Kids are, by their nature, impatient.  They can't wait for their birthday.  They can't wait for Christmas.  They can't wait for summer.  Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?  And this impatience grows, to where they can't wait to tell their friends what happened ten seconds ago.  Remember the song "The Telephone Hour" from Bye Bye Birdie?  It's the same syndrome.

Somehow, some learn patience, but others don't.  They seek throughout their lives a way to make things "easier" (which often means of lesser quality), "simpler" (right, like programming a VCR), "faster".  Well, to be honest, just faster.

We've "progressed" from making macaroni and cheese by cooking the macaroni, developing a sauce, and baking it - to pulling a box of Kraft Macaroni-
'n-Cheese from the shelf and having the dish ready in less than half an hour, to shoving a pre-mixed bowl of EasyMac into the nuker and stuffing our faces within seconds.  At each stage, the quality goes down, but we're impatient and willing to make the sacrifice.

Oh, yes, it's faster to get a meal at McDonalds.  And if you never pay attention to the taste, you never notice how shoddy it is.

The same is true of communications.  We've gone from writing letters to sending telegrams to sending e-mails to IMing, and the language has become briefer in the process.  LOL.

And there is a side effect to all this speed.  We are also trivializing the messages we send and those we receive.  Again, the quality has dissipated.  What was once a newspaper article covering several pages became an hour-long news special report, but is now a sound bite.  There is no detail.

Let's get back to that question about the cell phone call from the mother serving in Iraq to her son.  A couple of generations ago, the soldier would have written a long, heartfelt letter to (usually) his family, that would have been treasured by all, and in turn he would have treasured every letter he received.  There was no instant communications worldwide.  Mama couldn't have called in the middle of the schoolday, interrupting his classes, making her call more important than his continuing life.  The letter would have been waiting for him when he returned home.  (I cringe thinking of the reverse, when he calls to tell her about a football game, and she has to tell him "Mommy can't talk right now, she's in the middle of a firefight.  Kisses.")  If there was something truly important, the call would be sent through the school office, who would in turn send the student a note to come to the office...and it had better not be something trivial interrupting the daily flow!  Impatience and triviality now rule.

I say ban the use of cell phones in school.  I say ban the use of cell phones by people driving cars, another breach of patience and care.  

And I say stop and really listen to people, instead of to sound bites.  I say stop and read a full message, instead of just the captions to the photographs.  I say stop and enjoy a meal, instead of eating while you drive and spilling your coffee in your lap and half your french fries under your seat.

Of course, will these wishes be granted?  LOL.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 10:35:59 AM
An arrangement for two pianos and bass is much nicer than an arrangement for two pianos and carp.

MR BK what if you had been awakened by the doorbell this morning and when you answered it - there was JOHNNY DEPP?
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jed on May 07, 2005, 10:38:15 AM
... so it comes down to the sight reading which the Vixter finds  more difficult....

Which we ALL find more difficult...


Congrats to the Vixter!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 10:40:06 AM
SWW - sometimes I think some of us are still not prepared to live in the 21st Century - and we're better off for it.

I love what technology has done for the work place and for home entertainment, and a few other things.  But mostly, I live in the past.  I don't have a cell phone or IM device other than my computer.  I like email because it saves a phone call now and then - but as you say, what we gain, sometimes is NOT made up for in what we lose.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Sandra on May 07, 2005, 11:09:48 AM
Happy birthday, Dear Reader Danise!!

And now, back to my IAAAAWWOTD paper. Only twelve pages to go.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Sandra on May 07, 2005, 11:11:05 AM
Page three dance!

The IAAAAWWOTD swing!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Rodzinski on May 07, 2005, 11:33:53 AM
Happy Birthday Danise!!!!!!!!!!

Hope your day is an especially special one!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Rodzinski on May 07, 2005, 11:36:52 AM
"Time and Again" is my favorite Coward song. I have it on my minidisk player and listen to it time and again.

A theatre group I was involved with did PRESENT LAUGHTER, and the megalomaniacal director chased one of the leading men off late in rehearsals, took the role himself and did the show reading lines right out of a book he carried with him onstage. "Disgrace" does not begin to describe it.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Rodzinski on May 07, 2005, 11:39:33 AM
I meant to mention this when Cillaliz brought up Rupert Homes the other day. A friend of mine was just in a small production of "Drood" on the East Side, and Rupert got wind of it and took the whole cast and crew out for a night of dinner and drinks on him. That's pretty cool, no?
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: MBarnum on May 07, 2005, 11:44:46 AM
I think BKs estimation of the cell phone/school "controversy" hit the nail on the head...and he said it much better then I could. My fear is that the teacher involved is going to bear the brunt of all this silly publicity.

Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: MBarnum on May 07, 2005, 12:22:10 PM
Well, things are a bit slow in these here parts!

I think I will go and flop on the couch with my cat and watch a movie and/or take a nap! I think I was up just a bit too late last night and it is catching up with me.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 07, 2005, 12:35:24 PM
1973 performance BK and they were terrific.

Did you see it in London while it was playing there, or did
they tour "the colonies"?

And you're quite right..."Private Lives" requires more than just good actors...it requires megawattage personalities whose very presence makes the enterprise magical.

"Private Lives" is a nice drawing room piece of adult fluff, but little more without larger-than-life personalities to make it work.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 07, 2005, 12:40:51 PM
Have any other dear readers hreard this story?Opinions?
Everything in this story is out of balance, IMO.

The kid's behavior...the school teacher's demand...the reaction after she learned he was talking to her mother...and the school's suspension.

For the language, the 17-year-old should be required to perform community service, spend 24-hours in a stock in a central location on the school campus, or be stropped in assembly with male parent present.

There's way too much crap going on.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 07, 2005, 12:43:36 PM
So sad to be all alone in the world . . . .


...maybe you could reach out and touch someone when you're feeling like this.....

:)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jennifer on May 07, 2005, 12:51:43 PM
Happy Birthday DR DANISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Rodzinski on May 07, 2005, 12:53:26 PM
...maybe you could reach out and touch someone when you're feeling like this.....

:)

Reach out and touch somebody's hand. Make this a better world, if you can.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jennifer on May 07, 2005, 12:56:20 PM
Re: the suspension

I suppose it depends how rude the kid was to the teacher.  And while I don't think cell phones should be allowed at school, I think that if they are, then this teacher should have been a bit more understanding.  I cannot even imagine having a loved one in Iraq.  But if I did, I think it's certainly more important to let a boy speak to his mother then make him hang up on her.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Ben on May 07, 2005, 01:17:25 PM
Happy Birthday Danise!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 01:55:28 PM
I was able to watch two DVDs this afternoon.

First up was LULLABY OF BROADWAY. I hadn't seen this is quite some time, my only memory of it being that Doris did some fancy dancing in the movie, more than in any other musical she ever made.

Watching it again today, what an understatement that was! Looks like being paired with dancer Gene Nelson gave the Warner Brothers the idea that she was their own Vera-Ellen or Ginger Rogers. She dances throughout this film and makes one wish she had gotten to be either Astaire or Kelly's partner at some point in her career. (Well, she got to be directed by Kelly, but that's not quite the same thing.)

I remember bk remarking when he talked about the film that Gene Nelson was dubbed for some unknown reason. I, too, do not understand this. He had a perfectly pleasant singing voice, oh, maybe not a Dick Haymes smooth croon, but certainly he could have handled the singing he had to do in this film. I suspect he put up a fight when he found out his own voice wouldn't be used. Sounded like Bill Lee doing the dubbing, but a couple of quick checks in some references couldn't confirm this.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 01:58:55 PM
Forgot to mention that the DVD of LULLABY OF BROADWAY looked very good though I didn't find the color as eye-popping as some oher Technicolor films of the same period. Still, it was certainly a clean print that the transfer was taken from, and the DVD is sharp and the sound fine.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 02:01:29 PM
Then, I put in THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN, another DVD I set aside last week to watch and never got around to it.

Fox has done a marvelous job cleaning up and mastering this film for DVD. The travelogue nature of the movie made Rome and Venice seem like they were filmed yesterday. Enjoyed this bit of romantic fluff. Wasn't it DR JRand who said he couldn't stand Maggie McNamara? Whopever it was, I QUITE agree. What a pill.

The sound was a bit problematic on this for me. I couldn't figure out if Fox was using directional sound on the stereo voice tracks or if it was simply mastered poorly, but often when two people were talking, the person's voice on the right side of the screen would be coming out of my right front and rear speakers. This didn't happen every time there were multiple people on screen together, but it certainly did happen several times during the running of the movie.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 02:07:53 PM
Just checked the imdb. Hal Derwin does the singing for Gene Nelson. I've added that to my own reference list of dubbers.

Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jane on May 07, 2005, 02:15:07 PM
Ben I enjoyed the cast photos. :)

CP I like your idea of a party and keeping it flowing.  I much prefer small intimate groups to one large one.  Your Halloween party still sounds like the most fun to me since I miss the holiday so much.  Sadly you won’t find children trick or treating out here.

Bruce you look great!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jane on May 07, 2005, 02:18:20 PM
I saw an exquisite production of PRESENT LAUGHTER with Peter Bowles a few years ago.  Last year in London we saw a rather mediocre, tired production of BLITHE SPIRIT with Penelope Keith. I'm off to Derby prep, then partay!  Probably won't be checking in for awhile, if at all the rest of the day.  The last people out of here won't probably be gone until 11:00 or 12:00.

We saw a wonderful performance of PRESENT LAUGHTER at our festival here.

Have a fun party.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jane on May 07, 2005, 02:20:29 PM

Good vibes to the Vixter!

Keith is back in the house after gardening while the turkeys kept him company. ;DNow I can wash my hair instead of waiting for a flower delivery.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 02:23:40 PM
Yes, DRMATTH - that was and IS my estimation of Miss Maggie McNamara - performance wise of course, I did not know her personally.  And that sound problem on some FOX films is not unusual.  The Video of WILD IN THE COUNTRY is the worst offender - mysterious voices from out of no where and sound effects from the strangest of speakers.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 02:28:21 PM
Well I must say that I am hopelessly plebian and middle class in my entertainment choices - and must say that I enjoyed the film version of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.  I concur with the criticisms that have been posited in these parts....this and that is not right, certain things were NOT well done....

That said, since this is one of my favorite shows, I thought the music was handled well and the physical production stunning.  I know that opinions of Gerard Butler have been widely divided, but I found him fine.  Everyone else was very good.  Musically (again I liked ALW, though many people do not) - it was a grand show.  All in all, my disappointments were few.  The "added" scenes were okay by me - a sword fight, and some backstory - and the Phantom makeup was probably more grotesque on a BIG screen, but still was more realistic than that I have seen onstage.

So, put me down as one who liked it.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 02:32:16 PM
Here are two gifted performers in what I bet was a powerhouse production of Mr Coward's PRESENT LAUGHTER at the old Avondale Playhouse in Indianapolis.

Frances Farmer & Reginald Gardiner.  8)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 02:34:09 PM
Did you see it in London while it was playing there, or did
they tour "the colonies"?

And you're quite right..."Private Lives" requires more than just good actors...it requires megawattage personalities whose very presence makes the enterprise magical.

"Private Lives" is a nice drawing room piece of adult fluff, but little more without larger-than-life personalities to make it work.
I was indeed in London for all of 1973 DR RLP. the year of "The Good Old Bad Old Days", "The Card", "Gone With The Wind" "Gypsy", "Applause" Deborah Kerr in "The Day After The Fair". Other shows with Ingrid Bergman, Alec Guiness, Glenda Jackson, etc. Aso the year of "The Norman Conquests" (The plays and not the original event - I was still at School then).  A great year. Joseph had it's first West End appearance too. It had charm back then and was coupled with Jacob's Journey. It was for children and should have stayed that way IMHO.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 02:39:49 PM
But dRTOMovOZ - then we would never have had the JOSEPH MEGAMIX!!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 02:39:53 PM
Good Afternoon!

Back between shows.  Good matinee.  Lots of cute-cute-cute kids in the front.  And they clapped a lot.  And they danced too!

I was a bit a sleepy and tired throughout the show.  I, too, stayed up a bit too late last night.  But I had a good show, and managed to stay awake.  ;)

And a friend of mine who was in the audience today, came up to me at intermission and asked me to pass on a note to one of the guys in the cast.  It turns out that they were roommates in college - almost 20 years ago!  Small world.  -So, there was a nice mini-reunion at the stage door after the show.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 02:48:52 PM
From the twenty minutes of PHANTOM that I watched on Wednesday, the one thing I LIKED about Gerard Butler was that he made a convincing physical rival for Raoul in trying to win Christine. As physically appealing and charismatic in looks as Raoul (with the mask making him even more mysteriously alluring) along with his knowledge of music and Christine's voice, one could see why she had a major decision on her hands.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 02:49:44 PM
Hmmm....  I just had my "dinner"  - basically a "root hog" one as Steve likes to call it.  A couple of slices of turkey breast from the deli, a couple of chunks of cheese, pretzels (Newman's Own Salt & Pepper Rounds - my favorite), sesame-rice crackers...  And now "dessert" - sliced strawberries and half an iced cinnamon bun.

Yummy!

;D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 02:50:08 PM
I know what you mean about tired, DR Jose. Around 3:30 this afternoon, after mowing the grass, eating dinner, and watching two films, my head starting bobbing. I lay down on the sofa and was out for an hour.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 02:58:54 PM
But dRTOMovOZ - then we would never have had the JOSEPH MEGAMIX!!
My point exactly.
The only pop star in that professional show was Gordon Waller. (Peter & Gordon).
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 03:05:33 PM
IMHO "Bigger is Better" ruined "Grease" as well. The innocence and nostalgia was destroyed by the movie and now the stage show is a concert of has been pop stars.  I saw "JC Superstar" in London in 1973 - I've never liked the show and could not see what the "fuss" what about then. "Godspell" was for me, far better.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 03:16:45 PM
Hello Ben.. a Noel Coward fan has arrived. Don't be a Cowardy Custard - post lots.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 03:20:12 PM
I know what you mean about tired, DR Jose. Around 3:30 this afternoon, after mowing the grass, eating dinner, and watching two films, my head starting bobbing. I lay down on the sofa and was out for an hour.

I contemplated taking a nap, but I had the feeling that if I did, I'd probably not get up in time for the 8:00 show...  Better safe than sorry.

-Can you say, "Coffee!"

:)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jane on May 07, 2005, 03:24:18 PM
I’m sure the boy was obnoxious and rude to the teacher, however, as soon as he told her it was his mother she should have dropped the subject.  I can imagine how emotional and difficult it is for the boy to know his mother could be killed and this might be his last chance to talk to her.  After the phone call the teacher could have talked to the boy about his behavior and offered sympathy for his situation.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Ginny on May 07, 2005, 03:31:20 PM
Glad to be home from Columbus, OH, in time to say:

Happy, happy birthday, DR Danise!

Now I'm going to eat pizza and watch The Producers movie with my DH Richard.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jane on May 07, 2005, 03:33:07 PM
Jose I like your “small world” story.

I feel so much better now I have showered and washed my hair.  The flowers from Bryan arrived and are beautiful.  

Best news of the day-Bogie ate something!  Not much but something.  He has been very sick and it has been a scary week for us.  Danise your birthday must be good luck. :D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Tomovoz on May 07, 2005, 03:36:32 PM
Good Bogie news DR Jane. Hope it continues.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jane on May 07, 2005, 03:38:58 PM
Thanks Tom.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 03:51:26 PM
OK... Time to head back in for the show...

Laters....
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 03:51:56 PM
Btw, BK - The new clothes look great.  And you look great in them.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Danise on May 07, 2005, 03:52:18 PM
Hi folks!


I spent a very lazy birthday.  I slept most of the afternoon away.  Just felt tired, went in, laid down and ZZZZZZZZZ.  Bear and Brandi both slept with me.  

When I got up, I went and got Bar B Q.  It was very good but I made the mistake of ordering two meals.  Way to much food for Mom and I.  

Someone had told me about a new place that was very close to home so I went there.  Very good stuff!  Yum! :D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jennifer on May 07, 2005, 03:55:05 PM
DR Danise, I meant to say how lovely your flowers are.

And DR Jane, that was so nice of you to send them!  For people who don't get flowers often they can be a wonderful treat.  I remember for a birthday a few years ago a friend unexpectedly did the same thing (for my birthday).  And it meant so much and was a really wonderful surprise.  So yeah to DR Jane.  I think you helped bring a smile to DR Danise's face.  And that is wonderful.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jennifer on May 07, 2005, 03:58:45 PM
DR Jane, sorry to hear Bogie was feeling sick.  Good pet vibes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: TCB on May 07, 2005, 04:04:59 PM
Jose I like your “small world” story.

I feel so much better now I have showered and washed my hair.  The flowers from Bryan arrived and are beautiful.  

Best news of the day-Bogie ate something!  Not much but something.  He has been very sick and it has been a scary week for us.  Danise your birthday must be good luck. :D


Great news about Bogie, Jane.

I had quite a scare with my Angel this spring.  She suddenly stopped eating, she lost a lot of weight, she became very listless, and her coat started to look matted and unkept.  She is twelve years old, so I was afraid that I was going to lose her soon.  Then suddenly, after about four weeks, she started eating again, she regained all of her old energy, and she gained a lot of her weight back.  Now, it is as if she has a new lease on life.  I am so very grateful that God gave me some more time with her.  





Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Danise on May 07, 2005, 04:05:03 PM
Thank you all once again for the wonderful Birthday wishes.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Dan (the Man) on May 07, 2005, 04:19:25 PM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]! ! ! ! !  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DR DANISE  ! ! ! ! ![/move]
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 04:45:40 PM
Back from the Pogue Party, which was, as always, splendidly splendid, and which is still going strong.  The food was yummilicious and the folks were interesting and fine.  I didn't win the derby pool this year (I did last year), but I didn't look at enough info - had I, I would have bet the winner, Giacomo, because that, of course, is the name of the Jester that Danny Kaye impersonates in The Court Jester, my favorite childhood film, and the horse's number (which I hadn't known when I placed bets) was 10, my lucky number.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 04:49:11 PM
On my pre partay travels, I got some really interesting and quite rare LPs, none of which are on CD, and all of which I will transfer.  The rarest was a promo LP never released - the soundtrack to the 1964 TV version of Once Upon a Mattress.  I have never seen this LP before, and I'm thrilled to now own it.  Two other interesting LPs, both on United Artists and both of which I'd also never seen - Jerry Herman and the Orchestra play Broadway hits (and not all his own), and Jule Styne and the Orchestra play Jule Styne.   Also got the London cast LP of Camelot, starring Laurence Harvey, which I believe has never been issued on CD.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Ginny on May 07, 2005, 05:20:58 PM
bk, thanks for your fashion plate photo.  Very snazzy!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 05:36:43 PM
I didn't overeat at the partay, so that part is good.  I sampled the ham, one small chicken drumette, some slaw, a biscuit, and lots of sweet gherkins - and a few cashew nuts.  If I'm hungry later, I'll still be able to nosh on a little something or other.

Juliana and I won't be able to play our little "making people uncomfortable" game tonight, for her mother will be joining us, and mum has no sense of humor about such things.  A shame, as Jules and I love the looks we get.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Jrand73 on May 07, 2005, 06:05:02 PM
Soy sauce!!!!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 07, 2005, 06:30:20 PM
I shall now be on my way to see Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Keep the home fries burning until my returning.  Too few postings, if you ask me.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 06:58:47 PM
Der Brucer and I are back from dinner/Cabaret Fest Day Two.  The singer was very pleasant, although she was using a kareoke-ish system, where all she had to do was add her voice.  Nice work if you can get it.

We dined and listened at Abstractions, a sushi bar at the western end of downtown Rehoboth.  For someone who "doesn't like rice", der B is really taking to sushi.  He particularly likes what they do with eel, and Abstractions has a soft-shell crab maki that is really good.  He also tried some sea urchin...I kind of dared him to...and found it "squishy."  I, on the other hand, had some octopus.  I didn't mind it, but I don't need to try it again.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: François de Paris on May 07, 2005, 07:57:12 PM
Cheers and good wishes across the Ocean to our thoroughly modern Danise on her Bday!
Not... on her bidet :o :o, 'cause that'd be too French of me! ;D

Joyeux Anniversaire, Danise!

Did your pets remember the day?
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: François de Paris on May 07, 2005, 08:04:36 PM
Can Bear do this at home?

http://www.hartill.net/Max/Images/pup_09.jpg

-- NO comment! -- ;)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 08:05:58 PM
The London CAMELOT is good since it has "The Jousts" on it, but none of the stars can hold a candle to the Broadway players. I have it on LP, too.

I would have thought some folks here might have had bootleg video copies of that 1964 ONCE UPON  A MATTRESS.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: François de Paris on May 07, 2005, 08:07:54 PM
That darn cat!!

http://www.costablancaexpats.net/pgal/albums/jokes/web_tich_in_bidet.jpg

 :D
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 08:08:03 PM
Who else has the SPAMALOT cast recording yet? I don't, but one of the guys whom I'm going to NYC with got it today.

Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 08:10:19 PM
Glenn Erickson was very preturbed about Disney's full frame release of IN SEARCH OF THE CASTAWAYS. He says that Disney filmed all of those films at 1.66:1 for later TV use. I suspected as much.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 08:10:54 PM
Good Evening!

Another good show tonight with a "weird" audience.  They were very responsive during the show, but then they all sat down and listened to the curtain call sequence.  Of course, after "Waterloo", they all stood up and cheered wildly, and then wondered why no one was coming back on stage.  Ah, well.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow.  All of us have tons of friends in the audience, so they crowd should be lively.

*I also realized that tomorrow was probably a light day ticket-sales-wise since it's Mother's Day - which is a very traditional thing here in Richmond.  Church, then brunch, then a trip to Kohl's and Wal-Mart to exchange the gifts.  ;)  Seeing a show is not a normal thing to do.  However, we did have a bunch of people celebrating early this week - lots of sons and daughters with their mothers in the audience last night and today.  In any case...

I'll have at least 6 people at the matinee and 12 at the evening show that I know.  And after the evening show, a bunch of us will be going out for a sort of "Bon Voyage" party.  Good times for sure!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 08:12:06 PM
Whew!!  Page Five!!!!!

Let's do the CHA-CHA!!!

Or rather the CHA-CHA-CHA!!!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Matt H. on May 07, 2005, 08:12:07 PM
Enjoyed an ANGEL DVD episode tonight before HDTV kicked in. This one featured the return of Elisabeth ("Was it because I'm a lesbian?") Rohm.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: François de Paris on May 07, 2005, 08:13:24 PM
Greetings from Josie too!
(Josie who?)

http://www.grzbiela.de/josie/loubidet.jpg
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: François de Paris on May 07, 2005, 08:21:18 PM
Say it with "flowers"!

http://www.geocities.com/PicketFence/1133/PlazaVzla/Bidet.gif

Bye!

http://www1.hellocrazy.com/reserved/cards/200409272116080.bidet.gif

Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 07, 2005, 08:45:58 PM
Hi, elmore!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: elmore3003 on May 07, 2005, 08:47:34 PM
I just got in from a lovely production of "A Little Bit of what you Fancy," featuring Mr Anthony Morelli.  My escort was the charming DRRodzinski, and we met DRBen at the show.  The production was lively, funny, and just the right length with a charming cast of personalities, each given several moments to shine.  Anthony is a very talented performer and a joy to watch.  He moves well, his clowning background is a major asset, and he's quite funny.  I liked the direction and choreography quite a bit, and I especially liked the arrangements of the musical director, one Mr Jason Wynn.  The vocal direction and vocal arrangements are very tight and a lot of fun.

After the show, DRRodzinski led the four of us down Lexington Avenue to a diner where we had a bit to eat and some socializing.  I'm off to bed now.  This baby is tired.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: elmore3003 on May 07, 2005, 08:48:10 PM
Hi, elmore!


Howdy, Jose!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: François de Paris on May 07, 2005, 09:42:55 PM
I just got in from a lovely production of "A Little Bit of what you Fancy," featuring Mr Anthony Morelli.  My escort was the charming DRRodzinski, and we met DRBen at the show.  The production was lively, funny, and just the right length with a charming cast of personalities, each given several moments to shine.  Anthony is a very talented performer and a joy to watch.  He moves well, his clowning background is a major asset, and he's quite funny.  I liked the direction and choreography quite a bit, and I especially liked the arrangements of the musical director, one Mr Jason Wynn.  The vocal direction and vocal arrangements are very tight and a lot of fun.

After the show, DRRodzinski led the four of us down Lexington Avenue to a diner where we had a bit to eat and some socializing.  I'm off to bed now.  This baby is tired.

I liked your review, Mr LM, because it is... succinct and brief, and vice versa... and versa vice Miami, mon ami!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 10:22:20 PM
It's far too quiet around here.  I took some time to write a letter to my Dad, and when I got back there was just one more post!  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 10:27:16 PM
Today, Sunday the 8th of May, is "Have a Coke Day!"

This is because, on May 8th in 1886, Coca Cola was first sold to the public at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia.

Cherry Coke and Diet Coke came later, but are acceptable substitutes for the Coke you have on "Have a Coke Day."

There's no word as to when "Have a Pepsi Day" is celebrated.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 10:28:30 PM
Mr. Pogue, is your party still partaying, or are you in the clean-up stage now?
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: DearReaderLaura on May 07, 2005, 10:33:28 PM
So, DR Danise -- was CAKE a part of today's festivities????
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: S. Woody White on May 07, 2005, 10:46:33 PM
If Harry S. Truman were still alive, he would be 120 years old today.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Rodzinski on May 07, 2005, 10:55:09 PM
He also would have been BURIED ALIVE!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Rodzinski on May 07, 2005, 11:02:46 PM
Yes, Ben's Anthony and his castmates put on quite an enjoyable show of music hall ditties from early in the 20th Century, and some earlier than that. There's plenty of singing along, but not too much, and the atmosphere is one of a cast having the time of their lives. Methinks Vixmom and Co. will enjoy themselves.
After the show, it was the Lenox Diner, where Ben, Anthony and I enjoyed omelets while Elmore had a burger and onion rings. We closed the joint down.
The Gal is off at an 80s-themed slumber party, so it was good to have something else to do.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Rodzinski on May 07, 2005, 11:05:13 PM
Giacomo. King of Jesters and Jester to the King.

I actually caught the race, and it was quite exciting. Coming down the stretch it seemed like any one of 10 horses could win the thing. Just glad Steinbrenner's horse didn't win.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 07, 2005, 11:20:01 PM
I was out and about all day and now I'm back.  This morning, I worked on two disco CD compilations (ABBA and Donna Summer) for a friend's 8-year old daughter, who went to a disco party!  For 8 year old kids!  She (the daughter) had never heard of either ABBA or Donna Summer, but when I brought the CDs to her house this afternoon, she really liked the songs on the CDs.

After that, I went on a little shopping spree (with my birthday money ;D).  I went a local music store and got the songbook to And the World Goes 'Round:  The Songs of Kander and Ebb.  I used to have this songbook but I have no idea where it is now.  I've been looking for it in my stuff for a couple of years and I have not found it.  So, I finally bought another copy.  I also got "The Alan Menken Songbook."  It has a couple of songs that Debbie (Shapiro) Gravitte recorded on her Alan Menken CD (produced by our very own BK!) and it also has songs that I've never heard of.  The only problem is that the songbook doesn't say where any of the songs come from.  That's a bit frustrating.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 07, 2005, 11:27:54 PM
After the music store, I went to the local mall and went to the CD/DVD store, FYE.  I bought the DVD to "Man of La Mancha."  It was only $9.99...I almost bought the CD, but that was $18.99!!  I can wait.  But I did buy the 2-CD newly remastered movie soundtrack to "Mary Poppins" (I've never owned the soundtrack, not even on LP) to go with my brand new London cast recording.  That was on sale for $19.99, but I figure since it's 2 CDs, that that should be a good price.  Little did I realize....  

After I bought those, I went to Circuit City and guess what they had:  the 2-CD newly remastered movie soundtrack to "Mary Poppins" and it was only $13.99!! :o That's $6 cheaper!!  FORTUNATELY, I did not open the copy that I just bought for $19.99.  I bought the $13.99 copy at Circuit City and returned (unopened) the $19.99 copy for a refund!!  Yea me! ;D

I guess this means that I should buy the brand new DVD. ::)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 07, 2005, 11:44:49 PM
Next, I went to Toys "R" Us, just to pass the time until I met my friend Margo (whose daughter wanted the disco CDs) at Red Robin (http://www.redrobin.com/) for dinner.  I signed up for their e-mail stuff and on my birthday, I got an e-mail coupon for a free burger!  So I had some ranch chicken burger but I had them exchange a boca burger for the chicken.  I just wasn't in the mood for chicken.  It was very good...just not for $10.  I got the free sundae for dessert and they didn't sing to me.  Whew.

And the main reason I was dilly-dallying around all day, was that Margo and I went to see "A Midsummer Night's Dream" that Margo's daughter Alexis was in.  She plays one of the actors in the acting troup.  Tonight was their final performance and it was quite good.  There was a lot of energy, the costumes were wonderful (some modern, some not...but it all worked) and the set was absolutely beautiful.  It was a series of panels with art nouveau forest images with nymphs everywhere, all in very bright colors.

I then came home, wrote all of these posts (this definitely counts as a frenzy ;D) and am now watching "Ebert and Roeper."  They didn't like "Giminy Glick in La-La-Wood" (or whatever the actual title is) and they both loved "Crash."
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Joey on May 08, 2005, 12:46:09 AM
Hello All!

Again sorry for the errant and truancy lately. Finals week flew by, but what kept me from the boards was trying to squeeze in every bit of possible time I have just enjoying the company of my amazing roomates and my friends here at school. (Three of my roomates are graduating and moving away and another is getting married.) They are family to me. We had our picture together, so I always ask people if they want to see my family photo so I show them the picture of us I have in my wallet. I have had an amazing year and though it is very hard to say goodbye, I know I have new and exciting things coming my way so it is bittersweet. These are the closest friends I have ever made and these will most definitely be lifelong friendships.

I also got caught up enough to know I gave the wrong link for my donation page for the marathon! So sorry! The actual link is http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/nf1gunn I am at $95 dollars with two weeks to go so I am not doing bad at all considering I started a week ago. I am hoping I will be able to get more donations when I go home tomorrow. Thank you for all the good vibes!
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: Joey on May 08, 2005, 12:49:00 AM
And Belated Birthday Wishes for DR Danise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%](http://www.felixthecat.com/cards/BelatedBirthdayCardthumb.jpg)[/move]
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 08, 2005, 01:07:31 AM
Well, it's after 1:00 a.m. and I must go to sleep.  My housemate just got home and, as usual, he turned on his radio...I don't know why he does that but EVERY time he comes home, no matter what time of day or night, he turns on his radio.  Fortunately, if I'm in my bedroom, he keeps it pretty quite, but he still turns it on.  Oh, well.

Anyway, I'm off to sleep.  Goodnight, Joey.  And I hope BK is having/had a wonderful time at Thoroughly Modern Millie.  
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: bk on May 08, 2005, 01:08:27 AM
I'm back, I'm back.  The show was VERY long, and then we were hungry so we got a bite to eat and now I must write some short notes.
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 08, 2005, 01:09:09 AM
Hello All!

I also got caught up enough to know I gave the wrong link for my donation page for the marathon! So sorry! The actual link is http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/nf1gunn I am at $95 dollars ....

Ummm...no you're not. ;)
Title: Re:SUCCINCT AND BRIEF
Post by: George on May 08, 2005, 01:10:25 AM
Okay, I'll wait until the new notes are up. ;D