Haines His Way

TOD: Everything is still packed up, so...

4 more days of commuting from Marietta to Atlanta for work!

Still no Freddy this morning  

I have not yet posted any posters as I didn't want to create a panic, but am thinking I may need to do so soon. I will also run down to the Humane Society after work and check through there lost and found listings. Everyone in my neighborhood is very familiar with Fred and are keeping a look out for him.

Mostly I am just trying not to think about it too much because it gives me such a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and in the center of my heart.

DR MBarnum:  

Please know that all of us here are thinking of you and Freddy with great affection and concern.

I cannot relate to the title of today's notes because I prefer to enjoy my salad undressed.

Wasn't MY fault.

bk, you can always just make your own:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 tablespoon dried chives
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground white pepper

The temperature is creeping up. I hope the A/C technician comes soon.

...And for positive vs. negative criticism...  -A couple of fragmented thoughts...

People tend to get hyper-critical lately, and I think that's mainly due to the fact that they want to get the word out there as soon as possible.  They want to be the first one to post.  They don't take the time to edit themselves.  They don't want to take the time to edit themselves - they want to present their feelings(!) and opinions in the moment.  And this works for both positive and negative critiques.

As for "enjoying" being negative, well... There just seems to be more creative ways to say something is bad than there are to say something is good.  And those metaphors and similes for "bad" also seem to be a bit more memorable.

As for what is said on chat boards - or even places like Amazon and the IMDB... Speaking for myself, I hardly ever read the comments that others have made.  I know there are musicals, pieces of music, interpretations, etc., that I have loved that others have not liked at all, and vice versa.  I also know that sometimes I require more than one initial listen or viewing to fully get - or not get - the piece and to fully form my own opinion.  -Yes, there have been a few things I've seen or read that I went back to again to make sure I really did not like - rather than just not understand.  I am not a regular reader of the chat boards - I only tend to look at them if something particularly juicy - positive or negative - was reported elsewhere.  All of us, to a certain extent, want to find out what all the fuss is about.  *That's also the reason I don't post my own reviews on Amazon and the like - I will like or dislike something for my own reasons, not yours/theirs.

On the flipside, I do tend to read the mainstream reviewers almost religiously - well, at least the ones in the New York Times and The Washington Post.  I'm always interested in what a Critic likes or dislikes, and, hopefully, I will get an insight as to why he or she feels that way.  And I'm familiar enough with the predilections and styles of most of the writers, that I'm able to disregard any comments that may end up coloring my own opinions.

I've heard that about DR JoseSPiano's hands.

And my Roman fingers.

DR Ben - As for Walmartopia...  Yep, there is some true Talent on that stage and behind the scenes.  And I know a bunch of them.  As always, I do wish them well, but, as I learned personally with Lestat last year, there are just some things that need to played out until the closing notice is posted, the last check is picked up from company management, and the last bottle of beer is knocked over at the closing party.

Eldar has Russian fingers - and Russian hands...

Speaking of single tickets...I decided to go see Young Frankenstein again!  Last night (after my direct-deposit posted to my account), I bought one ticket to tomorrow's matinee.  The problem is that this weekend is also Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival.  LOTS OF TRAFFIC!!  Fortunately, Bumbershoot is happening down at the Seattle Center (a couple of miles west of I-5) and Young Frankenstein is just to the east of I-5.  So, that shouldn't be a problem.  I hope I can notice the differences between the first time I saw it and what it'll be like tomorrow.

Since Murder At Hollywood High will not be "officially" going up for preorder (on the Kritzerland site, where all the books will be available - no more separate website for each book) until late next week, I thought I'd just give everyone here who cares a head start - because the first twenty-five people who order will definitely be getting something special with their orders.  Books will ship upon my return or sooner (I may have someone deal with the shipping as soon as they arrive).  The ONLY place to get a signed book is at Kritzerland or here - I will do only one signing this time and that's at my usual first signing place, Bookfellows, but that won't be until mid-November.  

So, if you'd like to be one of the first to get it (I only sign the hardcovers), then you may preorder right this very minute - the hardcover is $24 (it's close to $28 elsewhere) plus $5 for Priority shipping, for a total of $29.  Payment, as always, can be made to kritzerland@adelphia.net....

I just sent payment!  Am I one of the first 25??