Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 3 => Topic started by: bk on September 13, 2005, 12:05:39 AM

Title: BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 12:05:39 AM
Well, you've read the notes, you are now empowered for having read the notes, you are energized and charged and rarin' to go, and now it is time for you to post until the cows come home - they're still without power, those silly cows.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 12:07:38 AM
And the word of the day is:  PLASHY!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Tomovoz on September 13, 2005, 12:15:46 AM
I've won a couple of prizes on this here site but I can't think of any others. As I am not usually a partaker in competitions I guess my likelihood of winning prizes is somewhat reduced.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Tomovoz on September 13, 2005, 12:22:04 AM
A plashy line by Mr Sondheim is the puddle where the poodle did a piddle.
I wonder if Muddy Waters was ever described as a plashy blues singer.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 12:39:21 AM
I've won a few prizes.  About six or seven years ago, I bought a Zero candy bar from the candy machine at my work and when I opened it up, I saw that it was a winning wrapper for a portable CD player!!  I was so excited (even though I already had a portable CD player).  When I got it, I realized that it didn't have as many options as my (then) current CD player had (no "resume" or "random" features), so I gave it to my dad.  I don't think it was close to his birthday, but I explained that I had won it and that since I already had a CD player, I would be please if he would accept it.  He was pleased to accept it and he still has it to this very day! ;D
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Charles Pogue on September 13, 2005, 12:40:23 AM
The blackout here only affected us for about a minute, if that.  I was on the computer when it went off.  About forty-five secs to a minute, the power was back on.  I didn't even know there had been a blackout until it showed up as a news item on my home page.

BK, I love John Scott's score for the Charlton Heston film of ANTONY & CLEOPATRA.

When I still subscribed to PLAYBOY, I entered one of their sweepstakes and won two DVDs.  I was suppose to win a DVD and a powerbook or something.  But there was a glitch with the powerbooks, so they asked if I'd take two DVD players instead.  I said, "sure".  They were my first DVD players.  One's still in the box.  Never been opened.

When I was a kid, I won two tix to see TARZAN GOES TO INDIA by writing why I liked Tarzan movies.

I received the first ever Distinguished Alumni Award from The College of Fine Arts at the University of Kentucky.  Had to wear the cap and gown to a graduation and make a speech.  This wasn't actually a contest, of course.  But I suspect I was in competition with others for it before I was chosen.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 01:18:17 AM
Anthony and Cleopatra is John's favorite score among his many.  I, too, love it, along with his scores for Greystoke, The Final Countdown, England Made Me, and most recently Petite Coupures.  John gave me his new CDs of A Study in Terror, The Final Countdown and several others.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 01:42:54 AM
And a very happy haineshisway.com  birthday to Dave in the Valley.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Tomovoz on September 13, 2005, 02:34:30 AM
An early morning DR Elmore!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: elmore3003 on September 13, 2005, 02:53:48 AM
An early morning DR Elmore!

Hello, DRTomovoz!  Yes, it is.  I'm still working on Faith Prince's chart, so I dragged my body out of bed around 5:20 am or so.  I have a long day.  This is the second tuesday of the month, so tonight's my music librarian dinner at the Sazerac, and I've got a day of BABES IN TOYLAND and Chicago Humanities Festival.  

TOD:  Prizes?  I've always felt rather unlucky, but I realize I haven't done too badly:
  1.  Halloween, around 1956:  I won a pass for 10 free movies at the Paramount Theatre, but I cannot remember if the prize was for costume or a lottery.
  2.  Halloween, around 1958:  art contest to paint a Halloween scene on merchants' windows in downtown Middletown, OH.  There were around 50 winners.  I painted a realtor's window, as I recall, on Central Avenue.
  3.  March 1965:  I won the Miami University Bookstore Award for a paper on the problems of translating Greek and Latin into English.  The prize was the Oxford English Dictionary.
  4.  May 1985, Stephen Sondheim won the Pulitzer Prize; I nominated him.
 
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ben on September 13, 2005, 04:14:09 AM
I can't remember winning any prizes (except Anthony :-)

I voted this morning in our Democratic Primary. That doesn't mean the phone calls will stop. I voted for people who DIDN'T call me.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ben on September 13, 2005, 04:14:23 AM
Mornin' Larry!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: elmore3003 on September 13, 2005, 04:31:26 AM
Mornin' Larry!

Good morning, Ben!  I haven't voted yet, but what an excellent suggestion about voting for the ones who didn't call!  
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Michael on September 13, 2005, 05:24:26 AM
I have won cds here on HHW. A cheese plate when I was 7 and $100 in the lottery once. And that was about it.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Michael on September 13, 2005, 05:25:07 AM
Good morning, Ben!  I haven't voted yet, but what an excellent suggestion about voting for the ones who didn't call!  

Don't feel bad. I haven't voted either.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jennifer on September 13, 2005, 05:25:36 AM

Big brother:

Last night DR Cillaliz wrote:
Quote
If it's Ivette/Janelle, I think Ivette would have  Beau, Maggie and James.  Janelle would have April, Howie and Rachael. So the question would be whether April could get Jennifer to vote for Janelle. Not so sure she could do that if Maggie was pulling for Ivette.


I think that a Janelle/Ivette final would be: Howie/rachel/james for janelle.  And jen/beau/maggie for ivette.  The deciding vote would be april. And i sort of think she would vote for Janelle. However maggie would be in the jury house to manipulate her, which is bad.  I do think that james would vote for janelle, even though he was friendly with ivette.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Hisaka on September 13, 2005, 05:43:00 AM
Thank you for the information about THE PHILADELPHIA STORY 2-disc DVD set, DR MATTH.  I’m very interested in that DVD set and would like to get it, but, unfortunately, we have not it(region 2) yet here in Japan so we’ll just have to wait a few more months for its release here in Japan.  Cannot help… :'(
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: TPunk on September 13, 2005, 06:06:02 AM
I'm voting after school- since I didn't get up early enough to go before...but vote I shall!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: S. Woody White on September 13, 2005, 06:13:38 AM
Today is also election day for a special election in the Los Angeles area, one that der Brucer has been helping with.

(Amazing, how he can help with an election that's happening clear across the country, but that's what can happen with computers, the Internet, and everything.)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: S. Woody White on September 13, 2005, 06:14:38 AM
And now I have to get to work, already!  I haven't even had time to catch up on yesterday's posts!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 06:32:08 AM
Last night we watched the Japanese movie  " HERO"
also known as Ying xiong (2002)  Directed by Yimou Zhang, which was showing on one of our cable movie stations.

It was such a visually lush film I wished I was at DR Matt H's watching it on his set up instead of on my 20 inch ten year old set!  :D

I was wondering, DR Hisaka, if you could enlighten me as to whether the colors used in the film were of of any specific significance.

The story is retold several times  from different perspectives.  The first time all the characters are dressed in and the predominat color in all the scenes is RED, which I believe to be a color signifying  LUCK

Another scene is all in WHITE which I believe to be the color of DEATH or MOURNING

However there is a scene that is predominately BLUE and one that is GREEN and then there is a whole fight scene with YELLOW leaves swirling around, which all turn red at the end of the fight.

It was a very interesting movie but I felt I wasn't quite 'getting" it  and think I should like to see it again.

 

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 07:50:06 AM
I got an early start on the day...thanks, in part, to an early bedtime last night.

I've been to the bank, the gas station, the dry cleaners and my local coffee shop.  

The sun hasn't quite brightened things up.  I'm alone in the office and it feels like I'm the last one at the end of a long day rather than the first one at the start of one.

I've things to do today.  A briefing to attend.  One of my co-workers -- the guy I told y'all about who needs a double bypass -- has an appointment at Stanford Medical Center this morning.  He worked all day yesterday, but complained of chest pains.  I'm hoping Stanford admits him and performs surgery in the next 48 hours.

He should have been operated on two weeks ago.  
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 07:56:54 AM
I got an early start on the day...thanks, in part, to an early bedtime last night.

I've been to the bank, the gas station, the dry cleaners and my local coffee shop.  

The sun hasn't quite brightened things up.  I'm alone in the office and it feels like I'm the last one at the end of a long day rather than the first one at the start of one.

I've things to do today.  A briefing to attend.  One of my co-workers -- the guy I told y'all about who needs a double bypass -- has an appointment at Stanford Medical Center this morning.  He worked all day yesterday, but complained of chest pains.  I'm hoping Stanford admits him and performs surgery in the next 48 hours.

He should have been operated on two weeks ago.  


~~~~~VIBES FOR YOUR CO -WORKER~~~~~~



and prayers are also being said


and how are you feeling today DR Ron.. is your head feeling better ?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 07:57:47 AM
BB6 and what might happen:

I'm not so sure Maggie has the control any more.  April has already figured out the influence Ivette had on her, but she probably will get to the point where she understands Maggie was pulling all sorts of strings.

Once in sequester, I think April will be able to talk to everyone she once avoided and she will learn many truths.

As she has nothing to lose, the "displeasure" of the fiendsheep has no value any more.  Remember it was Maggie who told April and Ivette, at different times, that if they did certain things, it would be seen as an act "against" the friendship.

Maggie is evil.  Through and through.

Last night, she told Ivette that she believes Janelle lied about what the fans said at the "Two and a Half Men" set.  Her only ploy is to convince Ivette that Janelle is a liar and that Janelle must be taken out.  Maggie knows her only chance to win is if she and Ivette are standing at the end.  And that's just a "chance," IMO.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 07:58:21 AM
I haven;t seen anuything of our Southern HHW'ers today... is Ophelia giving them a hard time of it?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 07:59:47 AM
~~~~~VIBES FOR YOUR CO -WORKER~~~~~~

and prayers are also being said


and how are you feeling today DR Ron.. is your head feeling better ?

Thanks.  He's a really good guy.  

As for me, my allergies are still in place, but most of the sickly/weakish feeling has gone.

I'm more chipper today.  
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JMK on September 13, 2005, 08:03:10 AM
tale
him

There, now I feel better.  ;)

Do any of you have your home water supply via a well, perchance?  One of the houses we're looking at is out in the country (truly beautiful site on 10 acres), but it gets its water from a well and I have no experience with that.  What are some cogent questions I should be asking?  I assume stuff like water quality and amount of water it produces, etc., but is there anything else?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 08:05:42 AM
Thanks.  He's a really good guy.  
 Would you tell me his first name?  (It helps me in the praying department)
 
Quote
most of the sickly/weakish feeling has gone.

I'm more chipper today.  

Good news indeed.  

I send some  

~~VIBES~~~  

and prayers in your direction as well that you will be feeling quite well by the end of the day  and for the foreseeable future!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:07:12 AM
Good morning!

I slept later today than I did yesterday and consequently I'm running behind in my daily routine.

I did take my walk this morning, but it wasn't as cool outside this morning and thus the walk wasn't quite as pleasant.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:09:49 AM
Good morning!

I slept later today than I did yesterday and consequently I'm running behind in my daily routine.

I did take my walk this morning, but it wasn't as cool outside this morning and thus the walk wasn't quite as pleasant.

Oh My Gosh!  Are you telling me there are actually days when your set-in-concrete routine goes awry?

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:10:04 AM
Last night we watched the Japanese movie  " HERO"
also known as Ying xiong (2002)  Directed by Yimou Zhang, which was showing on one of our cable movie stations.

It was such a visually lush film I wished I was at DR Matt H's watching it on his set up instead of on my 20 inch ten year old set!  :D



;D

Feel free to fly on down any time. And other DRs are always welcome.

I felt that way when I watched my DVD of BLACK NARCISSUS for the first time. Every new scene produced gasps for the gorgeous photography, even more remarkable when one realizes it was done in the studio.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:10:31 AM
I'm aghast!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:10:38 AM
I'm agape!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:10:45 AM
I'm agog!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:10:55 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Page 2 Dance!!![/move]
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:11:36 AM
Still ruminating over the break in routine, not the comments about "Black Narcissus" (which is totally in a class by itself as a stunning film).
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:11:41 AM
I'm agog!

About?

 ???
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:12:01 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Page 2 Dance!!![/move][/color]

I won't....nope...stop asking!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:12:35 AM
About?

 ???

Backtrack...
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 08:13:24 AM
Do any of you have your home water supply via a well, perchance?  One of the houses we're looking at is out in the country (truly beautiful site on 10 acres), but it gets its water from a well and I have no experience with that.  What are some cogent questions I should be asking?  I assume stuff like water quality and amount of water it produces, etc., but is there anything else?

My inlaws in Canada have well water.  They have to have certain taps (faucets) that are attached to a filteration system and they can only use the water from those taps for cooking or drinking

You also will probably be concerned about the age and quality of the water pump and the replacemewnt cost if you need one as if that packs up you're out of business

I know they also have to have the system treated with chemicals every so often to ensure that the water doesn't become bacteria ridden.


I know for closings we have done for upstate New York properties (where well water is still quite common)
the Mortgage Lenders will require a Well Certifications that the well is is good working order and the water meets are health code requirements.  There are  firms who specialize in just well testing  and I would assume there would be some kind of similar businesses in your area.


 
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:13:52 AM
Backtrack...

I got it!  ;D

But sometimes the body requires more rest than one can plan for.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:14:46 AM
The first thing I can ever remember winning was a salt and pepper shaker set playing Bingo.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 08:14:46 AM
tale
him

There, now I feel better.  ;)

 ??? ??? ??? ??
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:16:01 AM
Prizes:  I hardly ever win anything.  Practically never.

But then, there are times when I do win a bottle of wine (at a Christmas party for being able to name all of Santa's reindeer) or, as I did yesterday at a baby shower/pot luck here at work, a bottle of Spanish champagne (for being able to make the most words out of the letters of the soon-to-arrive baby's name)!

The prizes that would improve some aspects of my life (beyond inebriation, that is) always elude me.

No offense implied to the sparkling prizes I've won here, especially "Das Barbeçu"!

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:17:33 AM
I got it!  ;D

But sometimes the body requires more rest than one can plan for.

to the choir

preaching

you are

!!!!!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:17:40 AM
I've won three awards doing theater but among the parts that meant the most to me (Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, George in LA CAGE), nothing.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JMK on September 13, 2005, 08:18:53 AM
??? ??? ??? ??

It's my English major anal-retentive side rearing its ugly head.  Re-read the notes.   ;D
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:19:57 AM
I've won a couple of Oscar contests. Sometimes they were trivia contests and last year it was guessing the winners in the major categories which I got all correct.

These contests usually come with free passes for a year or six months to various theater chains, and I give many of these away.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:21:16 AM
And I won soundtrack albums to MY FAIR LADY and NASHVILLE in various contests.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 08:22:34 AM
I got it!  ;D

But sometimes the body requires more rest than one can plan for.

DR Matt H you wouldn't last five minutes living with me  ;D

I am impulsive, disorganized and as non scheduled as possible  one day my house looks like I've been ransacked and robbed and one day it is  immaculate (well actually THAT day hasn't come around for a while  but I have dreams....)



Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:22:45 AM
And I've won two Unseemly Trivia Contest prizes here in addition to being among the winners several other times but not taking home the unseemly prize.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:24:58 AM
DR Matt H you wouldn't last five minutes living with me  ;D

I am impulsive, disorganized and as non scheduled as possible  one day my house looks like I've been ransacked and robbed and one day it is  immaculate (well actually THAT day hasn't come around for a while  but I have dreams....)




I don't know if it's my Virgo nature or just being retired with time to do these things. But even as a kid, I liked to plot out my days to try to get everything done I wanted to do. I know; I've driven other people crazy with my "schedulitis," but otherwise, I am miserable.


Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:26:44 AM
And just a timely reminder for fans of the show:

HOUSE has its season premiere tonight - 9 p.m. EDT on Fox.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:27:10 AM
Ooh! Ooh!  I did "win" a SilvaScreen UK monthly trivia contest that should have yielded me a CD of the soundtrack to "Sideways" by Rolfe Kent.

But, alas, nothing ever arrived even though my name was posted as a winner.  I sent an e-mail informing them that two months had passed and I'd gotten nothing.  No courtesy of response a'tall!

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 08:30:50 AM
I don't know if it's my Virgo nature or just being retired with time to do these things. But even as a kid, I liked to plot out my days to try to get everything done I wanted to do. I know; I've driven other people crazy with my "schedulitis," but otherwise, I am miserable.

It's funny how different we "Virg's" can be.  I have my own "A.R." traits...but they seldom lend themselves to organizing my life.

My CDs, yes.  My DVDs, absolutely.  My cupboard, most definitely.  Socks and underwear -- Uh-HUH!  Clothes closet, make no mistake.

But organized "chaos" is what I have to live with in an apartment much smaller than the "stuff" I keep therein.

It must be one of those "cusp" things that differentiate how the traits play out.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 08:31:55 AM
;D

Feel free to fly on down any time. And other DRs are always welcome.
Thanks...who knows one of these days when you least expect it soem one may say SMILE! Vixmom has come to watch TV!  :D.

Quote
I felt that way when I watched my DVD of BLACK NARCISSUS for the first time. Every new scene produced gasps for the gorgeous photography, even more remarkable when one realizes it was done in the studio.
I am not familar with this movie.  What is it about?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 08:33:08 AM
More exciting than the season premiere of "House" is "Supernatural" on WB at 9:00. I hear it's scaaaary...and in a good way. :)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 08:36:07 AM
I don't know if it's my Virgo nature or just being retired with time to do these things. But even as a kid, I liked to plot out my days to try to get everything done I wanted to do. I know; I've driven other people crazy with my "schedulitis," but otherwise, I am miserable.




and I drive people crazy with my lack of organization... I am also a pack rat which I must admit drives dear vixdad a bit crazy (fortunately for me, he loves me)

on the other hand when one of my friends suddenly needs  a tap dancing cane or a collapsible walker or a 1975 issue of Time magazine  they know they can count on me!

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JMK on September 13, 2005, 08:48:49 AM
But, alas, nothing ever arrived even though my name was posted as a winner.  

Must be the same electronic hat that HHW uses.  ;)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:48:58 AM
More exciting than the season premiere of "House" is "Supernatural" on WB at 9:00. I hear it's scaaaary...and in a good way. :)

It's gotten good reviews, and I will probably record it while I'm watching HOUSE.

Of course, next week, when MY NAME IS EARL/THE OFFICE also premiere in the same timeslot, something will have to give!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:51:25 AM
DR Vixmom:

BLACK NARCISSUS tells the story of some nuns attempting to start a convent/school/hospital in a foreboding Himalayan outpost. It is one of the most startlingly beautiful and haunting films ever made.

Directed by Michael Powell and Emerich Pressberger who the next year did THE RED SHOES.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on September 13, 2005, 08:51:35 AM
A lovely morning here in Arizona. I celebrated by going for a walk to get coffee and a bagel.

I once won second place in a pie-baking contest.

I once won a sparkling prize - not for a trivia contest, but for naming the notes one day when BK forgot to name the notes. I submitted the title of one of DR Sandra's essays.

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on September 13, 2005, 08:52:06 AM
DR MattH: What is our chore for today?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:53:23 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]Page 3 Dance!!![/move][/color]
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on September 13, 2005, 08:53:27 AM
I don't know about the rest of you, but I love LOVE to see a photo of DR MattH as Smudge! I bet you look smashing in plaid.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:54:49 AM
DR MattH: What is our chore for today?


It's living room cleaning day. I would also like to bake some more chocolate cupcakes since my best friend John's birthday will be celebrated tomorrow. (It's actually on Saturday, but he's leaving town on Thursday for an extended golf weekend.)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 08:56:20 AM
I'm up, I'm up.  I guess some people watched Days of Our Lives yesterday, because I awoke to several orders.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:56:34 AM
I don't know about the rest of you, but I love LOVE to see a photo of DR MattH as Smudge! I bet you look smashing in plaid.

How sweet of you to ask! I'll scratch around the archives and see what I can come up with later today.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 09:00:08 AM
And right now, it's time to find some lunch around these parts. There just HAS to be something here for me to cook.

(Just kidding; I already had a steak thawed out! More pre-planning!  :D )
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 09:09:20 AM
More exciting than the season premiere of "House" is "Supernatural" on WB at 9:00. I hear it's scaaaary...and in a good way. :)

 I can't watch scary at night... or I won't sleep

That's why I don't watch the 11 PM news!  ;D
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 09:10:38 AM
DR Vixmom:

BLACK NARCISSUS tells the story of some nuns attempting to start a convent/school/hospital in a foreboding Himalayan outpost. It is one of the most startlingly beautiful and haunting films ever made.

Directed by Michael Powell and Emerich Pressberger who the next year did THE RED SHOES.

 Is it a US movie or a foreign film?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ginny on September 13, 2005, 09:10:40 AM
Greetings from our empty nest!  We delivered DS Rob yesterday afternoon to the newest (not quite complete) residence hall at the University of Cincinnati.  We are very pleased with his accommodations, since the dorm where he lived last year was a real dump.

TOD - Aside from centerpieces at banquets and the like, the award I'm most proud of is:

"Edmon Low Award:  Edmon Low was a professor of library science at the University of Michigan for 23 summer sessions and five full years.  During his long career in the library profession, he served as the library director at three universities. He was a national  leader in library legislation and held a number of professional leadership positions, including president of the Association of College and Research Libraries, president of the Oklahoma Library Association, and vice-president of the American Library Association. Colleagues remember Low for his kindness, his sense of humor, his integrity, and his devotion  to the library profession. The U-M class of 1972 established the Edmon Low Award to honor him upon his retirement.  This award is given annually to the library/information science student who seems most likely to follow the professional  tradition set by Professor Low. Students select the recipient of this award."

My good grad-school friend, Ann, and I were the first co-recepients of this award in the spring of 1973.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 09:13:11 AM
I don't know about the rest of you, but I love LOVE to see a photo of DR MattH as Smudge! I bet you look smashing in plaid.

 I would like to see that as well.  I would also like to see   your Nunsense performance which you have mentioned having on tape.  BTW did you ever record  La Cage? ( I may have to make that trip after all  :D)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 09:15:05 AM
And right now, it's time to find some lunch around these parts. There just HAS to be something here for me to cook.

(Just kidding; I already had a steak thawed out! More pre-planning!  :D )

speak not to me of steak while I sit here gnawing on a piece of styrofoam the store passed off to me as a "delicious and healthful rice cake"
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 09:19:38 AM
Greetings from our empty nest!  We delivered DS Rob yesterday afternoon to the newest (not quite complete) residence hall at the University of Cincinnati.  We are very pleased with his accommodations, since the dorm where he lived last year was a real dump.
hopefully the part he is residing in is finished!  What will you do with all your new found free time and space?

Quote
TOD - Aside from centerpieces at banquets and the like, the award I'm most proud of is:

"Edmon Low Award:  Edmon Low was a professor of library science at the University of Michigan for 23 summer sessions and five full years.  During his long career in the library profession, he served as the library director at three universities. He was a national  leader in library legislation and held a number of professional leadership positions, including president of the Association of College and Research Libraries, president of the Oklahoma Library Association, and vice-president of the American Library Association. Colleagues remember Low for his kindness, his sense of humor, his integrity, and his devotion  to the library profession. The U-M class of 1972 established the Edmon Low Award to honor him upon his retirement.  This award is given annually to the library/information science student who seems most likely to follow the professional  tradition set by Professor Low. Students select the recipient of this award."

My good grad-school friend, Ann, and I were the first co-recepients of this award in the spring of 1973.

Very nice!!  You should be proud!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matthew on September 13, 2005, 09:21:23 AM
I'm up, I'm up!!  And I've caught up on the last two days of posts.  

Tech for "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" (ILYYPNC - in Internet lingo) went just swell.  As predicted, the sound isn't our normal quality (new person) and I still can't hear the cast and they can't hear me.  Hopefully that will change tonight with the addition of monitors.  The sound guy is new, young and is doing a great job for the knowledge he has, just probably should have had more experience before attacking a show like this.  The director is a complete idiot, and I don't care if he reads this on this board or not or if any of you know him, which I doubt, but he is an idiot.  He's treating the creative staff like they are 5 years old and perhaps have never done a show before.  HE should talk, the scenic designer designed a fabulous set that aids in the flluidness the show should have but the director either didn't give a <insert word here> or just didn't understand how the set worked.  I find that hard to believe as myself, the SM, and the cast totally understands how the set was designed to work.   We're all hoping he and his ... ummm ... DP.... who is the "movement director" (that is a totally different post!)  will hie themselves away from the theatre after we open on Saturday.  

Our combo rocks, though.  The violin part is so much fun, and the bass really fills things out.  Musically, we're having a ball.

bk, I'm totally in love with "Stages" especially the title song, I love the "sound" of the CD, that late 70's sound, how much fun is this music!!!!  Thanks for sharing.

As I was catching up with TiVo this morning, the Fed Ex guy came and brought me a Fed Ex package from our very own DR Michael S, it's all very exciting!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 09:26:24 AM
Black Narcissus is a Brit film - a one-off masterpiece the likes of which you have never seen.  It's from a novel by Rumer Godden.  Be sure to get the Criterion DVD.

Matthew - so glad you like it!  When we were remixing the eleven tracks, I insisted that it retain the 70s drum sound.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ginny on September 13, 2005, 09:28:41 AM
hopefully the part he is residing in is finished!

Yes, vixmom, his ROOM is finished, but they were still working across the hall and the interior of the elevator was still plywood.  He's there early, because he's on the team that helps other students move in.  The official opening of his building isn't until Saturday and they were working like crazy yesterday.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jrand73 on September 13, 2005, 09:30:58 AM
DR TPUNK - getting to the curtain call is what he means....five minute pauses would NOT bother him at all.  And the way he is talking to the audience, sometimes I think he is doing TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jrand73 on September 13, 2005, 09:31:17 AM
Happy Birthday Dave in the Valley!  
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: FJL on September 13, 2005, 09:32:24 AM
My favorite prize, because I so didn't deserve it, was for the office Super Bowl football pool.  I know nothing about football, but simply took a few of the leftover choices.  I didn't even watch the game, but I came into the office the next day, being the ONLY person in the pool not to have watched the game, and the guy who was holding the money came to my office and grudgingly started counting out the bills, one by one.  It's over ten years later, and people still talk about it with amazement whenever an office pool comes up.

Award that I didn't realize I should have been there for:  I co-won the Stanley Goldstein Accounting Prize in college, but there was so many awards announced that I didn't know mine was anything special.  So I didn't do to the dinner, because I had a computer class right at the same time as the Accounting Department Dinner.  The next day, one of the teachers said to me, "You know, it was like being at a wedding, and the groom didn't show up."  No one had told me that award was a big deal, especially given that I was a co-winner rather than a sole winner, and I probably would have missed the computer class if I had known.  

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jrand73 on September 13, 2005, 09:35:03 AM
Well I have won a couple of sparkling prizes here - and they were lovely.  I won DAS BARBECU and my favorite the CD with two Danny Kaye soundtracks!

The most exciting prize I have won was from a radio contest:  They had four short pieces of movie related music that were to be identified.  They included the Universal title theme from the 1940's; a song from LOVELY TO LOOK AT; a Shirley Temple song; and something from Scott Joplin, I think.  ANYWAY - I won a $100 gift certificate to Half Price Books - and I had a coupon for 30% off so I got $130 worth of stuff!!!  And that's a lot of stuff when you go to the 50 cent and $1 section!  I also got my first edition ATLAS SHRUGGED that day and it ended up costing me $35.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: FJL on September 13, 2005, 09:40:01 AM
Yes, I've won the sparkling prize in the Trivia contest as well. :) The Cinderella Cd was a particular favorite, just lovely.

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on September 13, 2005, 09:51:55 AM
Tomorrow I am going to Las Vegas. Maybe I'll win something there. Oh wait -- I don't gamble.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 09:53:21 AM
I'm not a winner as a rule. I have won a few things, though -

In fifth grade I won the award for Best Dressed. My mother was so proud (I wasn't allowed to pick out my own clothes until well into the 7th grade, thus instilling my hatred for khakii pants and wool sweaters).

In undergrad school I won the Best Supporting Actor in a Musical award in our theatre dept. (and I wasn't even a theatre major, which really burned some people's butts) for playing Jack in INTO THE WOODS.

I won a full-tuition scholarship to graduate school. And a fellowship. And somehow I still have $25,000 in student loans.

I recently won the money pool at the Tonys party I went to. $85 ain't bad!

And when MTI used to have their "Who Am I?" contest, I won three or four times. That's how I got my recordings of VIOLET and CHILDREN OF EDEN.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on September 13, 2005, 10:02:28 AM
I don't know about the rest of you, but I would LOVE to see a photo of DR Jason as Jack from "Into The Woods."
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jennifer on September 13, 2005, 10:05:18 AM
DR RonP, re: big brother 6

Maggie is indeed evil.  But i still think she controls the other maggots.  She (maggie) asked april if she knew that the promise of voting for a member of the Friendship to win was for the FINALS also. She is securing that April knows she has to vote for Ivette vs Janelle.

I think that April might be able to think for herself if it is Maggie vs Janelle.  Although I still think she would vote for Maggie.  But if it is Ivette vs Janelle and if Maggie is in the sequester with April. I think Maggie will continue to bully her.  Makes me want to scream.

I hope she doesn't win either Part 1 or Part 2 of the HOH comp.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jennifer on September 13, 2005, 10:08:58 AM
I once won a Ronald McDonald watch! :)

Tonight is the premiere of Gilmore Girls!

I was not planning to watch Bones.  But I just heard that someone I know is in it. So I will probably see it.  Also, not planning on watching Supernatural.  But I love the WB, so I may record it after Gilmore Girls.

But tonight I am watching Canadian Idol and Big Brother and Rock STar INXS!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: FJL on September 13, 2005, 10:10:28 AM
DR Jason - For someone who doesn't seem to see himself as a winner, you certainly have won a lot!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 10:16:35 AM
All sparkling prizes have been packed up and will be going out today.  If anyone is due a sparkling prize and hasn't sent the address again, do so.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 10:18:31 AM
Welcome seven GUESTS.  We're talkin' about prizes.

And now - Dino at the piano.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 10:18:31 AM
I'm aghast!

I'm agape!

I'm agog!

...I have just
Ate a grape
And a frog.

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 10:20:09 AM
DR RonP, re: big brother 6

Maggie is indeed evil.  But i still think she controls the other maggots.  She (maggie) asked april if she knew that the promise of voting for a member of the Friendship to win was for the FINALS also. She is securing that April knows she has to vote for Ivette vs Janelle.

I think that April might be able to think for herself if it is Maggie vs Janelle.  Although I still think she would vote for Maggie.  But if it is Ivette vs Janelle and if Maggie is in the sequester with April. I think Maggie will continue to bully her.  Makes me want to scream.

I hope she doesn't win either Part 1 or Part 2 of the HOH comp.

I don't think for a minute that April would ever vote for Ivette.  The pact is broken.  Maggie is grasping.

When Maggie won the veto a week ago and told April she wanted to use it...and that she did not want to be standing beside her in the finals...I think April finally realized that Maggie's only interest in the "pact" was in how it could benefit HER.

Maggie can say she loves April, but April sure doesn't benefit from it.

For the pact to have been adhered to, Ivette would have had to decline using the veto.  By using it, she voted against April.  It's not even semantics...just the facts.

The pact is dead.  Long live anarchy among the fiendsheep.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jennifer on September 13, 2005, 10:20:19 AM
I have also won the football SuperBowl pool. But i watched!

Oh and I once won a baseball contest, but that was based on skill (you had to write an essay).

My sister won us a trip to London with theatre tickets. So that was good.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 10:21:49 AM
...I have just
Ate a grape
And a frog.



Ahh!  Then you must be François, in disguise!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:23:10 AM
WOW.  What a lot of winners we have here!

I won a doll in a raffle in the movies when I went to see Yellow Submarine

I won $100 on an instant lottery scratchoff game, and I nearly fainted... Lord knows how I would react if I won a big one!

I won the half time pot in a football pool at work and deserved it as much as DR FJL did!! I also had failed to see the game and had  no idea I had won until the $$ was being counted out to me.

I won a regents Scholarship Award in high school which gave me  (if I remember correctly) $250 a semester for college semester

I won tickets in a call in radio contest to a Willie (Willy?)  Nelson concert back in the late 70's

 
That's all I can think of.
 
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jennifer on September 13, 2005, 10:24:27 AM
I don't think for a minute that April would ever vote for Ivette.  The pact is broken.  Maggie is grasping.

When Maggie won the veto a week ago and told April she wanted to use it...and that she did not want to be standing beside her in the finals...I think April finally realized that Maggie's only interest in the "pact" was in how it could benefit HER.

Maggie can say she loves April, but April sure doesn't benefit from it.

I'm not convinced that April would not vote for Ivette.  I think she is leaning towards Janelle.  But if april has nothing to lose and is trying to tell it like it is, why did she promise maggie last night that she would vote for the friendship over janelle and keep their friendship pact.

And i still believe that april thinks maggie loves her. It would have been funnier to see maggie dump april and keep ivette.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:27:22 AM
...I have just
Ate a grape
And a frog.



 I used to have a little sign in my office (years and years ago) that read

"Eat a live toad first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day"
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:27:39 AM
Have you ever had frog a la peche?

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:27:52 AM
or peche a la Frog?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 10:27:58 AM
I have won...

A cake
A $500 Savings Bond (still not matured!)
A 13" color TV
Tickets for Pippin at the Valley Forge Music Fair
A Campbell Soup Sweatshirt
The Buddy OCR CD
Various lotteries in amounts from $1 to $100
A rechargeable power drill
Two Unseemly Trivia Contests

All told, I'm one lucky guy...
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 10:30:03 AM
Ahh!  Then you must be François, in disguise!

Hmmm...that would be the second set-up line I wouldn't touch today.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 10:32:08 AM
or peche a la Frog?

Neither of which is really not much to write home about, eh?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:34:17 AM
Neither of which is really not much to write home about, eh?
Would you like some pond water?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 10:35:44 AM
When I was eight I won a jar of bubbles (what ARE those called - you know, when you blow bubbles) in a drawing at the Picfair Theater.  I won a set of lobby cards from Cruising (!) at some memorabilia show.  I won last year's Derby bet at the Pogues.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:37:46 AM
When I was eight I won a jar of bubbles (what ARE those called - you know, when you blow bubbles) in a drawing at the Picfair Theater.  
Bubbles!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:38:26 AM
I'm forever blowing bubbles......
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:39:27 AM
Pretty bubbles in the air.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:39:48 AM

They fly so high
Nearly reach the sky,
Then like my dreams
They fade and die.


Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 10:40:04 AM
Fortune's always hiding;
I've looked everywhere.
I'm forever blowing bubbles,
Pretty bubbles in the air.





Gosh!  Where did that come from?  I have no idea why I know that or where its from.........
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: MBarnum on September 13, 2005, 10:40:29 AM
I won a Cassette stereo at a Christmas Party

I won $70 at the Horse races.

I won a sparkling prize

I might win more things if I would just enter more contests.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matthew on September 13, 2005, 10:42:09 AM
I've won a sparkling prize here, I've won a portable phone at the church Christmas Party - that's all.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DERBRUCER on September 13, 2005, 10:47:54 AM
I can't remember winning any prizes (except Anthony :-)

That doesn't mean the phone calls will stop. I voted for people who DIDN'T call me.

You are waging a losing battle.  The "smart money" has learned that aggressive phoning is one of the keys to election victories. If you want to use your vote as a protest against the phoners, you must NOT vote. The phone lists are usually strategized by folks like me and we usually only list likely (based on voting history) voters.

In the better GOTV (Get Out The Vote) operations I have run, I send runners to the polls every two hours and have them check off the names of the folks who have voted; then, I generate phone lists for the missing voters so our phoners can call them and remind them to vote (I even list the address of their polling place so the phoners can help them out!) - and, yes, it does help!

der Brucer
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jrand73 on September 13, 2005, 10:48:45 AM
DR MBARNUM if you can win a contest without entering then you are really lucky!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: MBarnum on September 13, 2005, 10:51:57 AM
Finally, I have been able to get my favorite radio station on my radio here in my cubicle. I had to place my radio in a very precarious position, but by golly I can now get 920 AM (which plays Music of Your Life) and that makes my day a happy one.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matthew on September 13, 2005, 10:52:06 AM
It's a really drab day here in the SF Bay Area, one of those "feeling like doing nothing" days when you have TONS of stuff to do.  Very hard to be motivated.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DERBRUCER on September 13, 2005, 10:53:35 AM
...but what an excellent suggestion about voting for the ones who didn't call!  

But then you are most likely voting on the losing side!
If you really care about who represents you, but you want to avoid those pesky phone calls, volunteer to work on your favorite's campaign - if you're one the phoners you wont be home to answer ;D

der ever-helpful Brucer
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matthew on September 13, 2005, 10:55:04 AM
I could sit here and futz around at the computer and listen to bk's music, the guy haines CD's and stuff like that and be rather contented today.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jennifer on September 13, 2005, 10:57:45 AM
For DR RonP or any other cooking experts.

You were mentioning grilling pans a couple of weeks ago. Do you actually have one? And if so is it square or round?  And do you have the recipe you were talking about for steaks?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Cillaliz on September 13, 2005, 11:20:13 AM
Hi all,
I'm actually pretty lucky when it comes to winning things.  

I won a trip to San Diego (from Phoenix) in a contest where you had to sing different words to Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" from KSLX It was one of those contests in a bar -

I won $1000 raffle from the local Rotary and only bought one ticket. I actually heard the drawing live on the radio and before it was announced I  kept repeating my name over and over....when they said it I almost drove off the road!

Once a guy bought me a square in a super bowl pool for $10 and I won $600.  

I won an NCAA basletball pool where I put in $5 and won $535

Let's see, lots of little stuff, drawings that sort of thing. Tons of movie passes from trivia contests on the radio.

I did win most improved in a bowling league once, but when you're really bad, it isn't hard to be the most improved!

There are a lot more little things, but those are the highlights
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 11:21:31 AM
I have also won some prizes on radio call-in contests:

A case of Mountain Dew (which I never picked up because I don't like Mountain Dew and I didn't live in the city in those days and I wasn't about to lug a case of soda across town and then onto the speed-line train.)
CDs by John Cougar Melloncamp, Paul Young and David Bowie
Tickets to a Dire Straits concert

I am a lucky, lucky guy!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DERBRUCER on September 13, 2005, 11:22:00 AM
Today is also election day for a special election in the Los Angeles area, one that der Brucer has been helping with.

And you do know, Dear Readers, what I have been doing!

I have generated customized phone lists to keep the phone bank people busy right up till the polls close 8)  

der Brucer

PS: For those of you who care about the strategy, we are phoning those people who were mailed absentee ballots and have not yet returned them (or at least they haven't arrived). We remind the voter that if they haven't mailed their ballot, they can still fill it out and drop it off at their polling place.

In CA anybody can request an absentee ballott for any reason. In recent elections, roughly 40% of the votes were cast by absentee - meaning the election was probably determined well before the actual polling day. In this particular election, one of the more threatening challengers has already dropped out of the race; however, his name is still on the ballot! This is a special election, conducted like an open primary - if one candidate gets 50%+1 they win the seat, otherwise the top vote getters in each party compete in a run off. The "other party" is running only one candidate, who is a relative unknown (their best shot was the widow of the previous seat holder, but she refused to run); "our party" has four candidates on the ballot, one of whom (who was the front runner) has dropped out, one of whom is a gal with absolutly no political experience, but because she pledged to use $500,000 of her own money in the campaign was endorsed by the party operatives in the state capital, and one more who is a nobody knows/nobody cares dilatante.

The Money lady's campaign has been fun to watch:

Candidate claims she "has always been a good Republican".

Reporter claims she was previously registerd as an American Independent (George Wallace's old party).

Candidate claims that that registration was " a fraud".

Newpaper publishes photocopy of the registration with what is unarguably her signature and the AI party block checked..

Candidate claims she never filled out the party chioce block (yeah, sure).

Candidate tells press "I Mispoke"

Reporter unearths even earlier registration from her home in another county where she was registered as a Democrat.

Candidate publically admits to telling an "absolute falshood".

"Our side" has been out spent 10-1, but, if we can hold the Dem to under 50% and take the plurality of the Republican votes. we get to a run-off in November for which we have a good chance of winning.

The local paper has been so incensed by the string-pulling from the state capital that the enditorial endorsement was for voters to vote for either ouy guy or the Dem and force a run-off where the voters can have a chance to really evaluate the candidates.

(If anybody has read this far, you have far too much time on your hands :)






Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Cillaliz on September 13, 2005, 11:22:45 AM
Having a rough day at work. I could stand winning a few things in court today, but not so lucky this morning. Let's hope it gets better this afternoon!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 11:23:38 AM
Page Five

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/WandaDuck/dance-contest.jpg)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 11:25:00 AM
DR MBARNUM if you can win a contest without entering then you are really lucky!

But I get e-mails to this effect all the time!  They say I've won some international lottery, but I don't remember ever entering. ;)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: FJL on September 13, 2005, 11:28:40 AM
I did win about $37.50 on a nickel at Slots O'Fun in Vegas.  When all those nickels started pouring out of the machine, the waitress (who had not been particularly attentive to anybody up to that point) high-tailed it over to me and asked if she could gte me anything from the bar.  I guess they wanted me to drink a little, so they could win the money back from me.  :)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 11:33:06 AM
For DR RonP or any other cooking experts.

You were mentioning grilling pans a couple of weeks ago. Do you actually have one? And if so is it square or round?  And do you have the recipe you were talking about for steaks?

I have the round pan, a picture of which I posted here the day it was being discussed.

For the recipes:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_16096,00.html (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_16096,00.html)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 11:38:52 AM
I'm listening to "Night Letter" over and over again. So much fun...
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jennifer on September 13, 2005, 11:40:39 AM
DR RonP, I could not remember if you had the round pan or the square one.  I was looking for a grill pan this weekend and saw one of each. Is there anything I should look for?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 11:45:16 AM
Oh. I don't have any pictures of me as Jack in INTO THE WOODS, but I did just email the head of the theatre department at my undergrad school to see if he has any. I'm not holding my breath. I did manage to find a couple of pictures from our production of HMS PINAFORE, which was just after INTO THE WOODS. This was 1997. I turned 21 during the run of PINAFORE. In fact, I seem to recall this photo shoot was on my birthday. Hmm...go figure.

I'm in the very front.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 11:49:01 AM
And a second one...
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 12:03:27 PM
Of all the people in those pictures, I am the only one who actually made the move to New York and to my knowledge, I am the only one still in 'the biz.' The rest of them have become teachers, business-people or whatever they chose to be. They're happy, so I'm happy for them. It's just weird (and a little sad and lonely) to think of how many of my classmates who were so incredibly talented have chosen other fields.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DERBRUCER on September 13, 2005, 12:06:17 PM
bk's notes:

Quote
According to the newscaster, the outage was affecting Glendale, Burbank, Studio City, North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, downtown LA, West Los Angeles, and they also said that two terminals at LAX had been affected. The latter, of course, made no sense whatsoever, and an hour later they said that the airport had not, in fact, been affected.

An hour later they finally revealed the problem, which they’d known since the minute it happened – some worker (read boob) had inadvertently cut the wrong power line. I would like someone to explain to me exactly what he was doing cutting power lines, and how such a mistake could happen. I would like someone to explain to me how the DWP has no backup system for such an emergency. I would like someone to explain to me why a cut line in Burbank would shut down power to two million people.

Answers:

A. The airport was affected, momentarily. The power plant douth of LAX was shut doen as a safety measure and:

Quote
The power flickered for a few moments at Los Angeles International Airport before emergency generators kicked in. No flights were delayed, airport spokespeople said.
A backup generator also powered the air traffic control tower at the airport for about an hour.

(From the  Daily Breeze (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/1843567.html))

B. "They did not know what caused the problem the minute it happened.

Here is the timeline for the La Times

Quote
- 12:37 p.m. A worker cuts through wrong wires, apparently triggering a short circuit. The mishap occurs during installation of a system meant to better sense voltage fluctuations. Station E in Toluca Lake shuts down.

- Station S automatically shuts down in response to changes at Station E.

- Scattergood and Haynes, two of the DWP's four generating plants, stop transmitting to the system.

- Within three to five minutes, the DWP management is notified.

- The DWP contains the problem by manually shutting down power in some areas of the city.

- About 1:30 p.m., DWP management learns of the causes for the blackout.

- 2 p.m. Power is restored to 90% of affected customers.

C. The problem was not a single cut line, but rather the cutting of a cable consisting of numerous lines which probably shorted together.

D. The reason for the work, again the LA Times:

Quote
The automated system workers were installing was meant to detect surges or drops in voltage, said Ed Miller, the DWP's director of power systems, operations and maintenance.

"They cut a bundle of wires," Miller said. "The supposition is that by cutting them together, they created a short that triggered the circuit breakers." Miller said cutting wires one by one might have avoided an electrical short.

Ironically, the system the work crew was trying to install would have identified the power problem much more quickly, Miller said. It would be able to "decipher just what had happened." As it happened, DWP engineers needed an hour to determine where in the system the outage began.

E. The reason you have no back-up system is becasue your government officals refuse to pay for one!

Quote
California receives much of its power from lines running down the coast from the Pacific Northwest, and from an eastern line through Utah, said Robert Lasseter, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

California's system appears better-designed than many, Lasseter said, because the failure in Los Angeles didn't leave the rest of the state in the dark, as happened across the Northeast during the massive, regionwide blackout in the summer of 2003.

The local grid, however, is a tightly knit network in which an isolated failure can ripple across the system, power experts say.

A decade ago, hot weather caused power lines near a tiny Oregon town to sag into a tree, plunging much of California and the West into darkness.

Last month, a faulty sensor at a new power transfer station in Sylmar caused neighborhoods throughout Southern California to lose power.

"Blackouts and power systems are just like forest fires: You can minimize them, you can localize them, but you can't stop them," Lasseter said.

"If L.A. gets [power running] in an hour or so … is that a major risk or not? How many billions of dollars do you want to put in to make sure that happens half as often?"

There was little political will in Los Angeles last week to pay for improvements. The City Council, by a 9-4 vote, rejected a $1.2-billion bond that the DWP wanted to issue to upgrade its power infrastructure.

The plan was to have up to $950 million of the bonds go to capital improvements for the power system.

Up to $250 million would have gone toward the purchase of a natural gas field to serve as a power reserve.

F. bk concludes

Quote
Of course, no one will be explaining anything, which is life per usual for the DWP and the country at large.



Not true. Here at HHW we ferret out the truth and 'splain everything!

der 'splaining Brucer




Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 12:07:11 PM
Jason, I see your hair was much less boufant back then.

Nice pictures!!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 12:07:54 PM
I have always wanted to be in a Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta, but, alas, the silly casting directors always want people who can sing!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Michael on September 13, 2005, 12:11:48 PM
Anyone read reviews on the 4dvd release of Ben-Hur that is out today.

A certain website had people complaining that the white horse look a little on the yellow side and that the filmer is softer than the previous release. But they did like that the took it from the Camera 65 print and not the 35 reduction. These people are idiots. Fighting over the tiniest minute things.

At least there were no floaters.

So are there any respectable reviews out there?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 12:26:11 PM
"Not true. Here at HHW we ferret out the truth and 'spain everything!"

Well, the rain in 'spain stays mainly in the plain.

The airport, as I stated, was NOT affected, not the way the newscasters said it had been.  The two terminals were NOT shut down as the newscasters reported.

A line was cut.  What does it matter if it was a single line or bundled line?  A line was cut by someone who should have known better (read boob).

They DID know what the problem was within minutes of it happening, because it was REPORTED by a spokesperson from the DWP - she said that's what they thought it was, although they refused to confirm it.

If they hadn't known exactly what it was within minutes, they a) would not have given that info, and, more importantly b) would not have ruled out terrorism as a possible cause - which they blatantly did (and with good reason, since they knew the cause).

So, you believe what you wish, and I will believe what I wish.  And the world goes round.



Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 12:35:26 PM
I should also mention that I have won two lovely Late Show with David Letterman mouse pads by entering the weekly Top Ten contest at the Late Show website.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 12:39:10 PM
I just did something really stupid. My friend and I were supposed to go to Pennsylvania to see one of our ALADDIN kids in a production of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH on Sunday. Having completely forgotten, I just booked a ticket for myself to see THE LION KING on Sunday night.

I'M SUCH AN IDIOT!!! I feel really bad, and the LION KING ticket is no refund/no exchange, so I won't be going to PA.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

:(
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 12:43:20 PM
Anyone read reviews on the 4dvd release of Ben-Hur that is out today.

A certain website had people complaining that the white horse look a little on the yellow side and that the filmer is softer than the previous release. But they did like that the took it from the Camera 65 print and not the 35 reduction. These people are idiots. Fighting over the tiniest minute things.

At least there were no floaters.

So are there any respectable reviews out there?

What is the fluff strand count?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 12:44:59 PM
I just did something really stupid. My friend and I were supposed to go to Pennsylvania to see one of our ALADDIN kids in a production of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH on Sunday. Having completely forgotten, I just booked a ticket for myself to see THE LION KING on Sunday night.

I'M SUCH AN IDIOT!!! I feel really bad, and the LION KING ticket is no refund/no exchange, so I won't be going to PA.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

:(
just one ticket?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 12:59:05 PM
just one ticket?

Just me. I sometimes like to take myself out for a treat. Besides, none of my friends can afford to buy a ticket to that show right now. (I can't either, but it was a cheap seat up in the nosebleed section). It'd be nice to have someone to go with, but everyone I know has 1) seen the show, 2) is broke, 3) doesn't care to see it or 4) a combination of any of the previous choices.

Since the ticket is will-call and they require photo ID and the credit card with which the ticket was purchased, I have to be the one to pick it up or the $50 is a complete waste.  :-\
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 01:00:30 PM
Didja ever think you'd live to see the day when a $50 theatre ticket was considered a CHEAP SEAT?!?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 01:08:21 PM
Didja ever think you'd live to see the day when a $50 theatre ticket was considered a CHEAP SEAT?!?

Oy--I remember the day when I saw the ad for Ballroom with the $25 top ticket price.  I thought that my days of seeing B'way shows was coming to an end.

Sorry about your ticket dilemma, but at this point, you might as well let yourself enjoy the show.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:09:36 PM
BK answered the question about BLACK NARCISSUS. It stars Deborah Kerr if that helps you make up your mind. She won the NY Film Critics' Best Actress award for her performance, and she was eminently worthy of it!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:12:42 PM
We've returned to mid-summer conditions today. I knew it didn't feel particularly cool on my walk this morning, and it's hot and a bit sticky outside.

When fall finally arrives, I'm going to have a HUGE grin on my face.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:18:03 PM
VARIETY had a very positive review of the new BEN-HUR on-line today, and I'll be glad to cut and paste the review here if you'd like, DR Michael Shayne.

No mention was made comparing the last release four years ago with the new one in terms of image quality. I was kind of hoping to see that kind of comparison. I know of a few sites that will deal with comparisons, but they haven't reviewed it yet, so that's still forthcoming.

The review also lamented that the 1925 version of BEN-HUR was not given a running commentary and deserved one. I heartily agree! The story of its making is every bit as interesting as the 1959 version.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JMK on September 13, 2005, 01:18:21 PM
(what ARE those called - you know, when you blow bubbles)

Lunchboxes?   ;D
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:19:13 PM
I got my cupcakes baked, and I had two (unfrosted ones) for dessert. They are devil's food cupcakes with dark chocolate icing.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 01:20:44 PM
Didja ever think you'd live to see the day when a $50 theatre ticket was considered a CHEAP SEAT?!?

I remember back in 1976 when  some seats were going for $20 and  my friend Michael Palmer,

 ( I wonder what ever happened to Michael... I lost touch with him over the years... but I digress)

 said "I wouldn't pay $20 to see GOD!"

Too bad it wasn't 2 tickets I would have tried to pick them up from you.  With the  "will call" I know you can call and change the name at the box office because when I buy tickets for my folks I have them held under their names.

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:23:54 PM
I watched about 30 minutes of the Norma Shearer/Leslie Howard ROMEO AND JULIET today while I was cooking and eating my lunch.

You certainly can see the $2 million dollars spent on this production. A huge cast, dazzling costumes (the ball scene is staggering in the wardrobe department), really opulent settings.

I noticed that William Daniels did shoot Norma Shearer's close-ups with a soft focus lens (she was in her early 30s).

Since all of the youthful characters are much older than the parts they're playing, it kind of works. And they've made the more mature characters like Capulet and the Nurse much older to compensate.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:27:58 PM
Page 6 Dance!!!


Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 01:29:57 PM
BK answered the question about BLACK NARCISSUS. It stars Deborah Kerr if that helps you make up your mind. She won the NY Film Critics' Best Actress award for her performance, and she was eminently worthy of it!

I will have to pick  it up.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:31:02 PM
Later in the afternoon, I started LADY JANE. I adore the Tudor period of Enlgish history and the complexities surrounding the succession after the death of Edward VI have always been fascinating to me. I've never seen this movie in its entirety, so I am eager to finish it.

The first 50 minutes or so look fine for the most part. I saw part of a laserdisc of LADY JANE at a friend's house some years ago, and it looked just awful - lacking color and sharpness. Those problems seem to have been remedied for most of what I've seen thus far. Hope it continues looking this good.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 01:31:43 PM
We've returned to mid-summer conditions today. I knew it didn't feel particularly cool on my walk this morning, and it's hot and a bit sticky outside.

When fall finally arrives, I'm going to have a HUGE grin on my face.

 iwas going to ask you if you were being affected by the hurrican Ophelia but I guess you are far enough inland to be safe.  I have forgootn exactly where  you are in the Carolinas....

 the memory is the first thing to go..... ::)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:34:45 PM
With three solid hours of TV to watch tonight (and an hour to record - SUPERNATURAL), DVDs will pretty much go on the back burner, but I would like to finish LADY JANE tonight if I could.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 01:36:13 PM
DR DtM: The top ticket price that I found on a BARGAIN (!) ticket site was $239 - and that was before the $15 surcharge. And the site required that you buy a pair of tickets at that price. You could either buy 2 or 4 - that was the only choice.

Ridic.

I'm just going to go an enjoy myself as much as I can without feeling too guilty for screwing up my plans with Russell. But I really do feel bad about it right now...
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JMK on September 13, 2005, 01:36:18 PM
MattH:  you may know this already, but Lady Jane's score is by Stephen Oliver, who wrote a kind of UK Pippin called Blondel (lyrics by Tim Rice).  Evidently the show stank, but the CD is great IMHO.  Mr. Oliver sadly died at a very young age not long after these two accomplishments.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:36:36 PM
iwas going to ask you if you were being affected by the hurrican Ophelia but I guess you are far enough inland to be safe.  I have forgootn exactly where  you are in the Carolinas....

 the memory is the first thing to go..... ::)

We're only 20 miles from the South Carolina line, so the southern part of NC midway across the state.

No, right now, we aren't in Ophelia's path. But one stays alert at this time of year since you never know what might happen.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:39:11 PM
MattH:  you may know this already, but Lady Jane's score is by Stephen Oliver, who wrote a kind of UK Pippin called Blondel (lyrics by Tim Rice).  Evidently the show stank, but the CD is great IMHO.  Mr. Oliver sadly died at a very young age not long after these two accomplishments.

I saw his name in the credits, but I wasn't familiar with him. Thanks for the info on BLONDEL which, of course, I've never heard of. Too bad BLONDELL didn't have a Bob Fosse to mold a slight story into something unique and entirely theatrical.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 01:43:55 PM
We're only 20 miles from the South Carolina line, so the southern part of NC midway across the state.

No, right now, we aren't in Ophelia's path. But one stays alert at this time of year since you never know what might happen.

 I know what you mean, the last "bad" hurricane I saw here on the Island of Long was Gloria back in 1986 . The inconvenience of no electricity  for  a week now seems small compared to what the people  on the Gulf Coast are experinecing now, although I WAS living in a basement apartment and didn't have any windows.....

***Knocks wood furiously***

But this time I year I always make sure we have plenty of ice, the cooler is handy, the battery run lanterns and radio are all given fresh batteries and extra batteries are put by and we get in a case of bottled water.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: vixmom on September 13, 2005, 01:50:33 PM
We;ll time to wrap uo the day and head on home laters gators
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 01:53:25 PM
I have some chores to take care of and a birthday gift to wrap, too, so I will sign off now.

WBBL.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 02:05:03 PM
MattH:  you may know this already, but Lady Jane's score is by Stephen Oliver, who wrote a kind of UK Pippin called Blondel (lyrics by Tim Rice).  Evidently the show stank, but the CD is great IMHO.  Mr. Oliver sadly died at a very young age not long after these two accomplishments.

He also wrote the score and songs to the 9-hour The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby with Roger Rees.  I have the album and the songbook to that show.  When I was in college at Western Washington University, the head of the music department looked at the songbook and liked Oliver's arrangement of "God Bless Ye Merry, Gentlemen" and the (non-audition) University Choir sang it in one of their concerts. :D
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 02:15:29 PM
I'm supposed to have the Ben-Hur DVD tomorrow - along with the new DVDs of Psycho II and III (the latter by our very own Pogue).

Here is a Ben-Hur comparison - these captures would certainly lead one to believe that the new transfer is better - certainly the color and the framing are.  I do think I see a hint of a FLUFF STRAND though.  

http://www.thecinemalaser.com/



Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 02:34:42 PM
DR Michael Shayne:

Here is a link to another review. It's got too many grammatical errors for me to endorse, but the writer does try to deal with the entire set of discs.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=17563
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 02:41:03 PM
Here's the VARIETY review by Timothy Gray:

Many DVD "special editions" are cynical attempts to seduce consumers into buying something they already own. But, four years after Warner Home Video's last edition of "Ben-Hur," the company is putting out a DVD set that merits the revisit. In keeping with the mega-scope of the biblical epic, this collector's edition offers four discs with 10 hours of extras, including a smart documentary and the 1925 silent version of the pic, making its DVD debut.
When MGM's film bowed in 1959, comic Mort Sahl famously wisecracked, "Loved him, hated Hur." That dichotomy has followed the film over the years, with fans proclaiming it one of the pinnacles of Hollywood filmmaking, and detractors rolling their eyes at its oversized style mixed with an old-fashioned sensibility.

Even the film's detractors may be converted after listening to the info in the DVD's docus. "Ben-Hur: The Epic That Challenged Cinema," produced and directed by Gary Leva, offers folks like George LucasGeorge Lucas, Ridley ScottRidley Scott, Arnon MilchanArnon Milchan and Michael DouglasMichael Douglas talking about the film's influence on pics as diverse as "Bullitt," "The Matrix," "Star Wars," "Gladiator" and "The Aviator."

Each of the doc's 10 chapters tackles a different area of study. Cinematographers Janusz Kaminski and Ernest Dickerson talk about "Ben-Hur's" composition and lighting; sound man Ben Burtt praises the audio effects (and lack of music) in the chariot race. In one of the more interesting segments, production designers Anthony Pratt and Arthur Max weigh the virtues of matte paintings vs. CGI vs. actual sets.

Editor Joel Cox, director Frasier Heston and d.p.d.p. Caleb Deschanel offer insights as the doc intercuts the chariot race with the pod-racer sequence from "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace."

Fourth disc includes another good hourlong film that was included in the 2001 DVD, the 1993 Turner Entertainment docudocu "Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic," produced and directed by Scott Benson and written/co-produced by May Adair Kaiser. The film provides an overview of "Ben-Hur," from the 1880 book by General Lew Wallace, through an early stage version (the chariot race featured horses running on treadmills), the silent pic and the making of the 1959 version, concluding with its then-record-setting 11 Oscar wins.

Footage from the April 4, 1960, kudocast is choppily edited, with winners mysteriously appearing out of nowhere to grab their trophy. Still, the segment is a lot of fun. Even hardcore movie buffs may have a tough time identifying some of those presenters, but it's easy to see why kudocasts were shorter in those days. Most acceptance speeches consist of one sentence ("My humble thanks to everybody!"); accepting as best director, Wyler was one of the longest-winded winners, with a 13-second speech.

Also entertaining are the trailers from the era, which exclaim flatly that this is "the finest motion picture achievement in screen history!" and "the entertainment experience of a lifetime!" It's a reminder that studios always revved up the hype, but once did it without the benefit of online blurbmeisters.

There is also a "Ben-Hur collector's edition with Bible Study Guide," written by Rev. Robert H. Schuller and his son Rev. Robert A. Schuller, co-chairmen of Crystal Cathedral Ministries. The special edition will be available at DVD stores and Christian retail stores.

The film looks terrif, in a newly remastered print from the original 65mm film elements. Also included are a new audio commentary by film historian T. Gene Hatcher (interspersed with vintage comments from Heston); screen tests, including Leslie Nielsen's; and newsreels.

The silent version, restored by Thames Television and with a scored by Carl Davis, is new to DVD, though the Fred Niblo-helmed version had been released on VHS. This silent film merits its own extras; there are none here. Maybe they're waiting for the deluxe super-bonus-special-collector's six-disc version someday.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 02:42:17 PM
I'll have PSYCHO II tomorrow if the mailman does his job. (Also the new version of COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER).
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Michael on September 13, 2005, 02:53:47 PM
Oy--I remember the day when I saw the ad for Ballroom with the $25 top ticket price.  I thought that my days of seeing B'way shows was coming to an end.

Sorry about your ticket dilemma, but at this point, you might as well let yourself enjoy the show.

I saw it and paid the 25$ and sat front row center.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Michael on September 13, 2005, 03:08:04 PM
That DVD talk was so painful too read

Here is a sample

The chariot race sequence is also incredibly well done in this version, with some very cool camera angels such as the one where you see the carts race past you from the ground's view making for an interesting watch.

Sounds like a teenager who is flunking English.

And he has some of his facts wrong as in the running time. There is not additional 10 minutes of footage. The extra time is the overture entracte and exit music.

He dismisses the 1925 silent version. Which is part of 350+ film preservation while the 1959 version is not.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 03:38:49 PM
Among several items I am expecting from UPS today is the 4-DVD "Ben-Hur" set.

I hope, I hope, I hope!  Not that I'll have time to watch it any time soon.

But still.....
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Ron Pulliam on September 13, 2005, 03:40:18 PM
My BIG WISH:

I wish that Ivette would evict Maggie tonight.


That would be SO cool.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Danise on September 13, 2005, 03:46:25 PM
Evening folks.

Sorry to E & T.  Your just going to have to bear with me for awhile.  Work is very busy and I'm so tired by the time I get home.

I think I need a vacation.   Hey, I think I am going to have a vacation but at times it seems like a million years away.   :)

I would love to have dinner with everyone who's there on Monday at Barrymores.  The only thing is I might be a hair late.  I have that tour but it says it get's back at about 5:30 PM.  I might want to go to my room and freshen up a bit but I will be there by 6:30 at the latest.  

Hate to post and run but I have some work I have to do.  I was chosen to do the T-shirt design for the American Heart Walk again but they want my design by FRIDAY!  I was just told that today.

I have to do some brainstorming and come up with something.

Have a good evening.  

Laters!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: TPunk on September 13, 2005, 04:16:16 PM
I don't know if it's my Virgo nature or just being retired with time to do these things. But even as a kid, I liked to plot out my days to try to get everything done I wanted to do. I know; I've driven other people crazy with my "schedulitis," but otherwise, I am miserable.



I don't know aboutt "schedulitis" but I definitely admit to being, as Rodzinski would say, a "planner".  I have to plan, I am compelled to plan, and if someone else is in charge of planning, I am usually in agony and/or doing my own research and planning as backup.  ::)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: TPunk on September 13, 2005, 04:28:55 PM
I just did something really stupid. My friend and I were supposed to go to Pennsylvania to see one of our ALADDIN kids in a production of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH on Sunday. Having completely forgotten, I just booked a ticket for myself to see THE LION KING on Sunday night.

I'M SUCH AN IDIOT!!! I feel really bad, and the LION KING ticket is no refund/no exchange, so I won't be going to PA.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!
:(

Can you sell your LK ticket on Talkin' Broadway?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Cillaliz on September 13, 2005, 04:39:05 PM
My BIG WISH:

I wish that Ivette would evict Maggie tonight.


That would be SO cool.

TOTALLY cool, but it won't happen
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Cillaliz on September 13, 2005, 04:41:06 PM
Well, my afternoon turned out much better than the morning did.  As the judge left the bench he said "Well, Priscilla, you're batting 500 today, if you played baseball you'd be in the Hall of Fame"
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: TCB on September 13, 2005, 05:13:34 PM
I have won...

A cake
A $500 Savings Bond (still not matured!)

You, or the bond?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: TCB on September 13, 2005, 05:18:02 PM
DR MBARNUM if you can win a contest without entering then you are really lucky!

Oh I can think of a number of things that MBarnum could win, without even entering.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:09:47 PM
Good Evening!

I'm here.  I'm here...

All in all, it was a good weekend of auditions down in Charlotte.  The SETC staff did their usual bang up job of getting everything and everyone organized.

The overall attendance was affected by the gas prices, and some people who had cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina.  However, there were a couple of people who auditioned who were from the New Orleans area, and a few of them were directly affected by the storm.  They did admit it was very tough going early on, but that things had start to improve once the government agencies got their act together.  And I guess if they were able to make it Charlotte to audition, well...

The show must go on...
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:13:16 PM
There was one "incident" in the men's bathroom at the Charlotte airport that brought a smile to my face...

-How's that for a "teaser"!  ;)

-But it was something truly cute and innocent...

As I walked into the bathroom, there was a father and his young son at the urinals.  The young boy was probably around two or three years old.  As I was walking by, I heard the little boy say...

"Let's race, Daddy!"

:D
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:21:22 PM
As for yesterday's Topic of the Day...

Mayo - Duke's.  I used to like Miracle Whip, but I can't stomach the stuff anymore.  I can taste the "processing".  Blech.

Mustard - Yellow, Brown, Dijon, etc.. French's, Gulden's, Grey Poupon, etc.  It's all good.

Ketchup - Heinz 57

Hot sauces of all sorts.  Gravies of all sorts - and sometimes those powdered mixes actually do taste "good".   ;)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:28:16 PM
Today's Topic of the Day...

Various prizes from call-in radio contests: t-shirts, movie tickets, concert tickets, theatre tickets, carnival tickets, etc.  Nothing ever "major", but to a ten year old, just winning was "major".

Lottery - Scratcher and numbers - prizes from a free ticket/play to $500.

I won a songwriting contest when I was in the 4th grade.

I was Safety Patrol of the Year - well, second place - when I was in eighth grade.  I won a $100 Savings Bond which I had cashed in a few years ago.

Various honors, ribbons and certificates at Piano "festivals".

That's all that comes to mind right now.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:33:36 PM
OH!

And like DR Jason, I, too, won that MTI "Who Am I?" contest a few times.  In fact, I was the Grand Prize winner one year.  Over the course of the year, I won a bunch of CDs.  Most of the time, they were new to me, but sometimes I ended up winning another copy of a CD I had already won.  -Did I really need two copies of "Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know"?  Did I really need ONE?  ;)

However, my favorite prize CD was the Jay studio recording of Most Happy Fella.

And the Grand Prize was a signed copy of one of Steven Suskin's books.

*And I just remembered that there was one time where I would have received a CD of something I already owned, and when I contacted "Bob at MTI", he was more than happy to ship me something else.

:)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:40:18 PM
The Evita auditions today went very well.  We were just hearing Eva's and Magaldi's.  It was a very cool way to spend the day.  Playing for (and hearing) potential Eva's sing "A New Argentina", "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", and "Rainbow High" was quite thrilling at times.  And playing for (and hearing... and "looking at") potential Magaldi's was lots of fun too.  -Especially when they started unbuttoning their shirts!

*One young gentleman "apologized" for just shaving his chest, and another one "suggested" that he'll probably do some push-ups out in the hall next time before coming in.

:D
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:44:33 PM
...And Larry Fuller paid me a very nice compliment today too.

:)

*Oh, and Hal Prince was not in attendance today.  He was actually at Ripley-Grier today too, but he was sitting in on the reading of the Vegas version of Phantom of the Opera.  -But he will be at the final callbacks on Thursday.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:45:55 PM
OH!

And I happened to meet former DR Joy.  She's working for Dave Clemmons now, so she was helping out with the auditions today.  Always very nice to meet another DR in person.  *And she "enjoyed" some of the Magaldi's today too.

;)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Rodzinski on September 13, 2005, 06:50:48 PM
BK- Didn't you win a trip to the TV studio to see a live taping of a Sherriff show, or was that mythical?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Rodzinski on September 13, 2005, 06:51:29 PM
I wonder if Dan (the Man)'s Mountain Dew is still sitting somewhere just waiting for him to claim it.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Rodzinski on September 13, 2005, 06:51:55 PM
What about Craigslist, Jason?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:52:47 PM
And Ripley-Grier was just plain buzzing today with activity.  On my way back from lunch, I happened to run into director, Eric Schaeffer, in the lobby.  Eric's rehearsing the new Kathie Lee Gifford show, Hurricane Amy based on the life of Amy Semple McPherson (sp?).   Consequently, Carolee Carmello was also there.  The whole Sweeney Todd gang  was also there again - Michael Cerveris, Patti LuPone, etc.  -Then the aforementioned Phantom gang - Hal Prince, Gillian Lynne, etc.  Oh, and Megan Lawrence - who I had just seen as Lucetta in Two Gentlemen of Verona was also having lunch down in the lobby.

Only in New York.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 06:56:08 PM
DR vixmom - Ah, it didn't register to me that you saw a matinee of Phantom.  A lot of times, Hugh does stay in between shows.  Although, he's managed to streamline his make-up process, so he does head out between shows sometimes.  In any case...  Do you think the vixter would like a phone call from Mr. Panaro?

:)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Rodzinski on September 13, 2005, 06:58:52 PM
My winnings:
I won a third of thousand bucks (aka $333.33) in a team trivia contest in Atlanta several years ago.

I won two tickets to a Mel Torme show in Toledo. The funny thing is I was just thinking about that show today before I even knew what the TOD was.

I won this week's football pool at the PLAYBILL office. ($60 or so)

I won a DVD player at a company picnic.

Plus a couple sparkling prizes.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Rodzinski on September 13, 2005, 07:01:49 PM
My fame sighting: Yesterday walking to the Y to play racquetball, SCTV's Joe Flaherty was out on the street having some laughs.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 07:02:47 PM
Not too long ago, BK had several impromptu trivia contests and I won a copy of Rupert Holmes' "Widescreen" CD!  I just remembered that. :)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 07:12:33 PM
Yes, I won a contest as a child and got to visit the set of a sci-fi TV show, got a year's supply of Oscar Mayer products, and a pair of shoes.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Cillaliz on September 13, 2005, 07:13:44 PM
Did you sing "Oh I wish I was an Oscar Meyer weiner"?
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 07:15:13 PM
RE: The Sparkling Prizes for the Trivia Contests...

Would it be too much to ask that those who submit correct answers to the trivia contest to post every now and then?  -At least the winners.

???

;)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: TCB on September 13, 2005, 07:20:34 PM
I used to win a lot of trivia contests on my radio station whenever they were giving away tickets to a touring company that was coming to Seattle.  They always asked a question about Broadway, and at 6:30 in the morning,  I was apparently the only one who have ever heard of Broadway

A few years ago, they had an online game that you had to play for, I believe, three months.  You had to become a movie mogul and decide which ones of the new summer releasaes would become a hit and which would tank.  I have no idea how, but I won second prize in the damn thing.

And I have won four acting awards, which sounds pretty impressive until you realize that I have been acting for 50 years and have done over 200 productions.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Tomovoz on September 13, 2005, 07:28:24 PM
You're over 50? You must have had work done or led a pure life.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: TCB on September 13, 2005, 07:33:14 PM
You're over 50? You must have had work done or led a pure life.

It's the pure life.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Tomovoz on September 13, 2005, 07:36:35 PM
I assumed as much - from all that injury inducing praying.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 08:13:25 PM
You, or the bond?

Neither!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Dan (the Man) on September 13, 2005, 08:25:22 PM
DR Jose reminded me of another prize I won--when I was in sixth grade, I won the "Boy of the Month" award.  One of the privileges of the award was that I got to wear the official "Boy of the Month" pin every day.  I liked the pin so much that I kept it and told Sister Rosaria that I lost it.

Ha!  She bought that story lock, stock and barrel!  And Freddie Trotz, who was "Boy of the Month" the next month (for the third time that year) and who I couldn't stand because of his goody-two-shoes ways, had to go pinless.  Hee!  Hee!
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:27:01 PM
Finished LADY JANE and thoroughly enjoyed it. Poor girl was a pawn for the machinations of others (according to the film). She seemed to be one of the innocent bystanders in the Catholic-Protestant war for power.

Besides, Cary Elwes was walking perfection as her husband.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:32:35 PM
I just remembered another prize I won. The TCM website used to have a monthly contest called The Writer's Hat where you submitted one or more reviews for that month's scheduled films, and the one they judged the winner received a lot of TCM merchandise. I won it once and was given honorable mention twice more.

I rarely go to the website any more, so I don't know if they still do this or not.

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:35:27 PM
Not terrifically impressed with the first episode of BONES. Oh, it was OK, but the leading lady, a forensic bone specialist, had a very off-putting personality, and I didn't find myself pulling for her, something I'd think is essential in a crime procedural such as this.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: JoseSPiano on September 13, 2005, 08:35:31 PM
Hmm... Internet connections again tonight...

In any case... I've been "fighting" a dull headache for the past couple of hours, and I think it's just from my schedule over the past few days.  I mean, it can't possibly be a sinus thing coming on.  Nah! Pshaw!  So...

Goodnight.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 08:36:08 PM
DRs TPunk and Rodzinski: Thanks for the suggestions on re-selling the LION KING ticket. I honestly hadn't even thought of those options - and I used to be a Craiglist junkie!

As I said, I have to be the one to pick up the ticket (with photo ID and Mastercard in hand), so I told my friend I wouldn't be able to make the trip to PA. I felt so bad and I tried to apologize over and over again, but I think he's still a little hurt/upset. I really do feel awful about it... But he dragged me to that TRAILER PARK thing last night, so he owes me. ;)

DR Jose: I'll take that call from Mr. Panaro! Haha!! (I'm joking. If he calls me, I'll bitch-slap you from here to Magnolia Bakery!)

I would like to announce to the board that tonight was my fourth night doing a workout with my new Pilates ball. This is no lie - I can already tell a difference in the way I'm carrying myself and the flattening of my abs. It's slight, but I definitely look different in my clothes already. That's what happens when you don't slouch.

Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:37:55 PM
HOUSE wasn't at its best tonight either. There were some good lines and funny patter, but LL Cool J as the death row inmate with the mysterious illness didn't grab me much.

More interesting was the patient Dr. Cameron had diagnosed with terminal cancer but was postponing telling the woman. Sadly, that storyline onloy popped up a little during the hour.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Jason on September 13, 2005, 08:39:56 PM
"Bones" didn't really do it for me, either, and I'm a forensics freak. I'll keep watching to see if it gets any better. "Supernatural," however, hooked me from the get-go and I'm very much looking forward to next week's episode.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:40:29 PM
But RESCUE ME actually rescued my evening of TV watching. It was a terrific episode, funny in places but also poignant and with some nice cliffhangers for a season ender.

It won't be back until next summer, but I'm already missing it.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:41:02 PM
I did DVR SUPERNATURAL and will watch it tomorrow.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 08:44:48 PM
I also have VERONICA MARS to wrap up tomorrow evening. Can't WAIT for that.

I'm not sure there are any premieres tomorrow night I care about watching.

I will definitely pass on the new Chris O'Donnell-Adam Goldberg legal series.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Matt H. on September 13, 2005, 09:02:55 PM
Off to bed now. Hope tomorrow will be a bit cooler than today.

Good night, everyone.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 09:25:34 PM
Macchus would love to post, but he is so completely non-computer savvy, he can't ever get his password to work, and he doesn't want to reregister.  Strange, but true.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 09:26:54 PM
I humbly apologize for inadvertantly leaving out contest winner Robert Armin from the list.  I had him written down, but I was so tired last night I just missed it when I typed.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: bk on September 13, 2005, 10:43:53 PM
Am I to understand that there have been no posts in one hour and fifteen minutes???  Is that what I am to understand?  Am I to understand that haineshisway.com is now populated with nothing but WUSSBURGERS?  In fact, not only WUSSBURGERS, but WUSSBURGERS WITH CHEESE.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: DearReaderLaura on September 13, 2005, 10:46:48 PM
I have been out all evening running errands. Now I'm going to bed so we can get an early start in the morning. Good night, fellow Dear Readers.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Tomovoz on September 13, 2005, 10:54:53 PM
i've been listening to the best of Dave Clark Five.
I wonder if Dave Clark's "Time" will ever make it to CD.

I remember arriving in London the day "Blondel" closed. I've always enjoyed the wit of Tim Rice in the lyrics.

Reminds me of "Twang" which was a disaster but had some funny lyrics.  We have a local production of "Blitz" on Video. Must transfer that too. The show was staged here by a "Youth theatre" and Bart came out for the show.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 10:55:54 PM
When I was a senior in high school, I won the National School Choral Award for my school.  It was voted on by the other students in the class, so it wasn't really a "national" award. ::)
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 10:58:55 PM
I watched "Supernatural" tonight.  It was...interesting.  It held my attention (of course, the attractiveness of the actors helped ;)), but I don't know about the storyline.  The two guys are brothers whose mother died when they were infants (they're estranged now and in their early to mid-twenties).  She was killed supernaturally...I can't even really describe what happened.  Anyway, their father became a ghost hunter-type guy (they were trained to do the same thing) but has been missing for three weeks.  They go look for him and solve a mystery in California where for the last 20 years, men have been disappearing on a particular stretch of highway.  After they solve that mystery, the younger guy's girlfriend dies the exact same way as their mother and they decide to go looking for their dad and try to find out what happened.  Make sense??  Actually, it did while watching it.  But it seems that the whole series is going to be about them looking for their dad and just coming across supernatural mysteries and solving them.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: Tomovoz on September 13, 2005, 11:03:34 PM
Well we're trying to keep the board alive DR George.
I wonder at the fascination with subjects "out of this world" since the X-files had such success. Do we all want to believe that there is more so that we can escape the horrors of reality in the world as we see it.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 11:42:47 PM
"Medium" was a hit and now "Ghost Hunters" is going to premier real soon.  "Supernatural" is yet another "out of this world" type show.
Title: Re:BLACKOUT
Post by: George on September 13, 2005, 11:46:59 PM
Well we're trying to keep the board alive DR George.
I wonder at the fascination with subjects "out of this world" since the X-files had such success. Do we all want to believe that there is more so that we can escape the horrors of reality in the world as we see it.

Well, "we" don't all believe.  I just like the show "Medium."  I think it's fairly well written and the episodes make sense and have shown real character development over the season...in my humble opinion (IMHO, in Internet lingo).