Topic: THE FLOOR MEN (Read 29504 times)

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #180 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:15:35 PM »

It's after 4 p.m. and still no postman in sight.

Sigh.

Fortunately, UPS is timely. On DVD today, I received "The Last Starfighter" and "Starman."

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #181 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:16:03 PM »

Is it my day to start new pages?

Ginny · « **Reply #182 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:25:17 PM »

Thanks to Jane and Jose for vibes to make my back feel better. It does, even thought the muscle relaxant gave me nightmares

Today's conversation about writing and writers has been most illuminating to a humble ticket-buyer like myself.

DR vixmom - I hope your grilled cheese lunch was the first of many things that make this week better than last for you. See you Saturday! How much do I owe for GS cookies?

bk · « **Reply #183 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:27:45 PM »

I had no packages today. But it looks like both this week's amazon orders shipped today rather than tomorrow, so I should have those by Wednesday at the latest.

Danise · « **Reply #184 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:29:53 PM »

Evening all! Would you believe that I just got home about fifth teen minutes ago?! There was a very bad wreck on the Interstate and it took the bus forever to get to the off ramp to go around it.

I would like to sign up for the Official Jose “Eat Your Way Across” tour! If you have the time, how about Monday?

DR Ginny, I am also looking forward to meeting you.

In case I missed it, is there a plan in place for the book reading? Are we meeting up and walking there together or what? I’m starting to feel excited!

Jrand74 · « **Reply #185 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:42:34 PM »

DR RON - oh, I thought we were speculating! LOL

Jrand74 · « **Reply #186 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:43:18 PM »

Congratulations on the new bag, MR BK! Luggage ... can we ever have enough?

Nearly time for TOVARICH!

Danise · « **Reply #187 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:45:56 PM »

Quote from: JRand54 on March 14, 2005, 04:43:18 PM

Luggage ... can we ever have enough?

To bad only 2 bags and a carry on are allowed on the plane. Sigh. I'll be roughing it but I think I'll make it.

Danise · « **Reply #188 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:49:29 PM »

DR Ginny, I hope your back gets better. Vibes your way!~~~~~~~~~~

Ben · « **Reply #189 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:52:49 PM »

Danise, since I'm coming from downtown and I don't leave work until 4pm I will be going right to Drama Book Shop. I'm not sure who will be in midtown with you. I know that Ginny won't be arriving until after the reading starts and Vixmom and William F. Orr won't be attending, seeing as they are on the Isle of Long and with traffic they would be lucky to be in the city by the time the reading ends.

I will see you there and since you have a picture, I will be able to recognize you when you arrive at DBS.

Ron Pulliam · « **Reply #190 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:58:47 PM »

Quote from: JRand54 on March 14, 2005, 04:42:34 PM

DR RON - oh, I thought we were speculating! LOL

We were...we are....I just wasn't prepared for the extent of the speculation...so I rambled.

Danise · « **Reply #191 on:** March 14, 2005, 05:00:42 PM »

Well, I'm sure I'll figure the way there.

Matthew · « **Reply #192 on:** March 14, 2005, 05:00:44 PM »

Hi all... sorry to be VERY E&T the last few weeks or so. I won't bore you with the details, but this week seems more doable. The exciting news is that the DP and I found a two-bedroom apartment at a decent price in gorgeous Mountain View, CA. This will be the official "moving in together" thing, as we will be sharing everything. Quite exciting. I haven't had the chance to post the last few weeks, but I have read all the notes, quite a happening place here at HHW, as always. I'll try and do better around here the next few weeks!!!

Danise · « **Reply #193 on:** March 14, 2005, 05:21:00 PM »

Congrats DR Matthew! How exciting for you and DP!

Ben · « **Reply #194 on:** March 14, 2005, 05:55:16 PM »

Danise, you'll be fine. As you know, you're on 46th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. Your hotel is on the south or downtown side of the street. When you leave your hotel turn left and walk toward 7th Avenue. When you get to the corner (there will be a tourist trap electronics store right on the corner on your left and across the street from that on the other corner is a TGIFriday) cross the street ALL THE WAY to the other side (there is an island in the middle of the street which divides 7th Avenue and Broadway) to where the Marriott Marquis Hotel is located. You'll see the poster for La Cage Aux Folles. This is Broadway and 46th Street. Walk downtown (to your left) continuing to 40th Street. At 42nd Street magically Broadway becomes 7th Avenue. When you get to 40th Street, cross to the other side (the south side) and turn right. You will be going about halfway across the block to 250 W. 40th St. I haven't been to the store for a while so I don't remember exactly which building it's in, but the address is easy to see on the front. MapQuest and other map sites are not much help in situations like this but you should have no problem getting from your hotel on 46th Street to 40th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. Just remember you're walking downtown (or south) for six blocks. Stay on the side of the street where the Marriott Marquis is located and you'll be there in no time. If you're unsure about getting there on time, you can leave a little early and get to the bookstore and browse around. It's a nice place to look through.

TCB · « **Reply #195 on:** March 14, 2005, 05:55:54 PM »

T.O.D.

Favorite Stephen Schwartz songs:

Ginny · « **Reply #196 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:04:55 PM »

Quote from: Ben on March 14, 2005, 04:52:49 PM

I know that Ginny won't be arriving until after the reading starts...

Alas, DR's Danise and Ben, I probably won't even arrive in the city until after it's over. My plane is due in at 5:06 and my niece's at 5:08, to different terminals at LGA. We're going to get together at the airport and taxi into the city together. Even if both planes are on time (which is iffy), I douby we'll be there before 7. $:-\$

Ginny · « **Reply #197 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:06:17 PM »

Danise - Midtown is very easy to get around and Ben has given you great directions. You'll be fine - I just wish I could be there!

TCB · « **Reply #198 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:13:20 PM »

Quote from: MBarnum on March 14, 2005, 12:36:05 PM

I don't recall if I mentioned this or not, but season one of DRAGNET (the 1960s run) is coming to DVD in a two-dvd set...I am quite happy about this!

Don't tell me, Michael,.................. you have the hots for Ben Alexander. (He used to own a car lot in Redondo Beach)

bk · « **Reply #199 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:41:32 PM »

I decided to have buyer's remorse. I went back to the mall and went to the Tumi Shop, which I hadn't even noticed the first time I was there or I would have just gone in there.

I bought a much pricier but lovely carry-on/overnight bag. They had several to choose from, but I opted for the smallest of them because I just hate carrying big things. The most roomy was, of course, the biggest and if I traveled more or packed heavier I probably would have sprung for it. It had two really large compartments including one with an extra fold-out section so you can include pants and shirts on hangers. But, it really felt and looked too much like a real suitcase, even though it definitely fits easily in an overhead compartment. I looked at the smaller version of that case and liked it a bit better - then he showed me the leather version of the smaller case and that was the one. It's still got two rather nice-sized compartments, and then lots of little extra zip-up compartments all over the bag. It doesn't really look much bigger than your standard computer carry-on, the ones with all the pockets, but it's quite pretty and I really like it a lot. I'm presuming it will meet all my needs, but if for some reason I'm not happy with it after this trip, I'll just return it and get the bigger one. Tumi ain't cheap, but it's the only piece of luggage I've ever personally bought and it will last me for many many years, so it's a good investment. I'm returning the one I got at Bloomingdale's. I'm told they're very good about taking stuff back, so that won't be too much of an ordeal. I'm going to do it right now and then head over to Mr. Grant Geissman's house to hear two tracks.

Michael · « **Reply #200 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:44:50 PM »

The "movie" of The Magic Show is a horror show.

It was never released to the theaters and made its debut on the CBC tv network.

The usually very able Norman Campbell directed this fiasco. They never could decided if it was going to me filmed stage presentation (complete with shots of the audience applauding etc) or a film adaptation. It kept on switching back and forth.

Saving graces were original cast member Anita Morris and Didi Conn who lost one of the best songs one important to the development of the character. The cut out West End Avenue and it was one of the most glaring badly edited moments I had ever seen. (Some of the other bad editing in musicals include the already mentioned William Katt Pippin and the film version of A Little Night Music where Lliassons was so rudley dropped from the film.)

The late Jack Creley who I worked with for a year on a tv series and was in the film did not have nice things to say about the film, but did have wonderful things to say about Anita Morris.

I don't remember much else about the film except that some of the illusions were different from the Broadway version (which I saw) and that some of the illusions in the film turned up in Merlin. (Which I also saw) Come to think of it I actually saw Merlin before the film version of The Magic Show which is why I realized that Merlin had used illusions.

Michael · « **Reply #201 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:48:24 PM »

I should mention that as a musical comedy star Doug Henning was not. The best thing about the Magic Show when I saw it was that he was no longer in it. His Merlin performance was an embrassment. Thank god there was Chita Rivera, Nathan Lanem Michelle Nicastro, George Lee Andrews and Edmund Lyndeck in the cast. BK recorded one of the songs from the show.

I wonder if Merlin is the only Best Musical, Book and Score nominee never to be recorded in its entirity.

Michael · « **Reply #202 on:** March 14, 2005, 06:51:06 PM »

I am listening to KC's version of Lion Tamer. I have it on repeat play. For a different (Male take) of the song Bill McKinley does a wonderful version on his Everything Possible CD. Also does a great version of Disneyland with alternate lyrics.

Jane · « **Reply #203 on:** March 14, 2005, 07:23:15 PM »

Quote from: Ginny on March 14, 2005, 04:25:17 PM

Thanks to Jane and Jose for vibes to make my back feel better. It does, even thought the muscle relaxant gave me nightmares

I hate those things. I found a mild tranquilizer works better.

Michael · « **Reply #204 on:** March 14, 2005, 07:25:08 PM »

Has anyone seen any of the new MGM musicals being released tomorrow?

Bells Are Ringing, Brigadoon, Easter Parade, Bandwagon all being released by Warner Bros along with Finian's Rainbow which was produced by WB.

S. Woody White · « **Reply #205 on:** March 14, 2005, 07:25:39 PM »

Der Brucer and I are quite happily stuffed.

I went Chinese tonight, with Sweet and Sour Chicken, and a veggie stir-fry of snow peas, water chestnuts and bean sprouts in a light garlic sauce, all served over rice. An easy enough meal to make, but lots of prep.

Jane · « **Reply #206 on:** March 14, 2005, 07:30:14 PM »

Matthew congratulations on the move. May you and your DP be very happy.

'night all.

TCB · « **Reply #207 on:** March 14, 2005, 07:30:59 PM »

Well, I think it is a shame that Mario has left American Idol, regardless of his reasons. Not having been a follower of AI until this year (and I still have my doubts), I was surprised at the number of contestants who did not seem to possess the complete package to be an entertainer. By that I mean not only having a good voice, but also having stage presence, the ability to move, and the knack for connecting with an audience. After all, this contest is not being presented on the radio, it is a televised contest, and as such, I would expect more from these competitors.

Mario was not just a singer, but a showman. Even when he didn’t pick a song that I was particularly fond of, he was still a pleasure to watch. I can’t imagine that Mario would walk out of the contest in hopes of signing a recording contract, when he is still under contract to AI. They (the producers) could make it pretty rough on someone if that person should decide he knows best what is good for himself. He could end up linked to that AI contract for a very long time. Personally, I have no idea of whether or not Mario is gay (although frankly, I had just assumed that he was), and it sad to think that in the year 2005, it should still be an issue, but, let’s face it, it is.

One thing does puzzle me. Having not watched the show before, I am still a little confused about all these dynamics between Ryan and Simon and Paula, etc. On AOL’s AI site they are still showing that clip from last month between Simon and Paula and the executive producer. In the clip, Simon is accusing Paula of talking about him behind his back, and finally Paula blurts out, “There is someone he can’t stand.” Now could anyone explain that moment to me? I assume the “he” is Simon; but is the person he can’t stand supposed to be one of the finalists?

S. Woody White · « **Reply #208 on:** March 14, 2005, 07:45:00 PM »

I've an early appointment tomorrow. Night.

JoseSPiano · « **Reply #209 on:** March 14, 2005, 08:18:38 PM »

Good Evening!

So...

I took the 1 Train down to 4th Street, where I transferred to the V Train and took that to 2nd Avenue. At least I think that's what I did. In any case...

So, after walking around the immediate area for a few, I started walking up 2nd Avenue. I did pass the 2nd Avenue Deli, but I did not go in. I just wasn't that hungry at the time - and if I'm going to eat there, I better be HUNGRY! However, I was tempted by the Polish Cafe just up a few blocks. So, by the time I was at 16th Street I decided to cross over to the west side of 2nd Avenue. Once across, I just kept going over to 3rd Avenue. Then I started walking back down 3rd.

Kiehl's. Chickpea - got lunch there, a pretty good falafel sandwich. Various other stores, and more Starbucks than you could shake a stick at - whatever that means. I even passed the old Carl Fischer building. It brought back many memories of my music store days.

Once I got back down to Houston, I headed east... And this is where I started confusing myself, sort of purposely. I basically walked through most of NoHo and SoHo. Groome. Wooster. Grand. Prince. Lafayette. Astor Place. Etc., etc., etc.

I would reach one corner, look one way then the other. Then pick a direction. Lots of window shopping.

I did get a fresh donut from Balthazar, and an exquisite and exotic chocolate truffle from Vosgues Chocolates - it was flavored with ginger and wasabi and black sesame seeds.

I checked out the Apple Store on Prince street. Total mob scene. But fun store. -And the John Lennon Songwriting Bus was in town today too, so they had some aspiring songwriters hanging out.

Across the street from the Apple Store, was a Tumi store, so I decided to check that out too. BK - Congrats on your purchase/investment! It was actually sort of charming when the salesman showed me their new 3-in-1, and then looked at the price tag. Only $695. There was a glint of shock in his eye (too) since it was a new piece they just recently got in. But it really was a nice piece of luggage. The other sales clerk showed me some things from the more sporty line, and she was very honest with me - that if you wanted your luggage to keep looking good over a period of time, their regular line was a better investment. I appreciated her candor.

There was a great little toy store I stopped in, as well a shop with wonderful photos of rock 'n rollers from the 60s and 70s. True art photographs.

After a while, I lost track of where I started and what I had just seen, so I started making my way west. I walked through the NYU area, and through Washington Square Park - and the Arch. Eventually, I hopped on the very-crowded - rush hour, ya' know - subway, and headed up to Times Square.

Once I worked my way through the tunnels, I surfaced at 40th Street and 8th Avenue, and headed over to the Clurman. Penny was not there, but the lighting tech was. I checked out the piano - and made some adjustments to it(!). And then left.

I got back on the subway and headed back uptown to 66th Street. I grabbed a quick bite to eat a Ollie's, and then headed across the street to Loew's to watch "Millions".

What a BEAUTIFUL movie! Magical, whimsical, touching, funny and a little bit suspenseful too. Danny Boyle's previous movies include "Trainspotting" and "28 Days Later". Let's just say this movie is a true departure from those movies. It's a kid's movie for adults. I did cry, but not sob. A very gentle cry. I'm still smiling.

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Author Topic: THE FLOOR MEN (Read 29504 times)

Ben

Ben