We've been back a week. The pictures in my head of the things that we did on vacation are still vivid enough that I can close my eyes and summon the memories as if they were as fresh as yesterday. I really need that too because this week they have me working at a great play - but it's a show that requires a lot of patience and perserverence dealing with the public.
I'm not going to say which show because I don't want to implicate anybody or give anyone ideas about how to jam up theater management.
The subject matter is attracting an older somewhat harder of hearing patronage and much to my dismay they are all crabby. That's not always the case. I've spent some time working at Journey's End and those patrons were all lovely. It's a similar demographic.
These patrons - woof. Last night, I got several complaints about my equipment. Two people were so insistent that the manager gave them the option to come back again and see the show for free. I work very hard to make sure my equipment is functioning properly before the show. There's a playback that can only be heard by my patrons that plays before the show to help the patrons adjust and test their headset. In spite of all those efforts, people still complained. What more can I do? It's the failing of the equipment.
Now. If the show had an intermission, that would be a different creature. Because then the patrons could exchange their headsets for better ones if the need arose. I'm not looking forward to today. Traditionally, the Wednesday matine attracts the nastiest patrons.
But while we're on the subject of patrons, they've got some nerve. I offer free freaking service. They aren't "entitled" to use the headsets. The ADA requires that facilities make accessible activities that were not previously accessible by the physically challenged. I don't think, being slightly hard of hearing qualifies as being truly disabled.
Don't get me wrong. I've got patrons who have some serious hearing loss. But for the most part, they're just people who want to hear a little bit better.
I've never seen so many people get so up in arms about a free service.
May 23, 2007
Barbados - Catamaran
Our last full day in Barbados was spent riding a catamaran to a couple of beautiful snorkeling spots where we saw lots and lots of beautiful fish and swam with sea turtles. I guess I don't really need to say anything more than the catamaran took us up the west coast, the best place for both those activities. Everything was beautiful.
May 21, 2007
Barbados - Oistins
On Friday afternoon we went to Oistins for the famous fishfry. Here are some cool shots from the Oistins market.
Oistins is a fishing town where you can watch fishmongers cleaning the fresh catches of the day for purchase.
Nothing is hidden. Everything is out in the open, like this lovely bin of fishheads on ice.
Everyone can get in on the action. These cranes are picking at the nasty leftover fish scraps in the trash heap.
While we still had some time to kill before the fishfry, we wandered into a boatyard with beautiful wooden points in various stages of repair. This trip to the boatyard was my second favorite adventure on the island.
And of course the fishfry itself was really great. The location consists of 20-30 small shacks, all competing for your business. Here is the guy who won our hearts. He was friendly without being pushy, complimented Jon on his wife's smile and looked like he really knew what he was doing at the grill. We shared a plate of grilled red snapper and then a plate of grilled marlin. Both platters were delicious. I didn't catch his name but if you ever find yourself at the fishfry in Oistins, be sure to stop at Pat's Place.
Oistins is a fishing town where you can watch fishmongers cleaning the fresh catches of the day for purchase.
Nothing is hidden. Everything is out in the open, like this lovely bin of fishheads on ice.
Everyone can get in on the action. These cranes are picking at the nasty leftover fish scraps in the trash heap.
While we still had some time to kill before the fishfry, we wandered into a boatyard with beautiful wooden points in various stages of repair. This trip to the boatyard was my second favorite adventure on the island.
And of course the fishfry itself was really great. The location consists of 20-30 small shacks, all competing for your business. Here is the guy who won our hearts. He was friendly without being pushy, complimented Jon on his wife's smile and looked like he really knew what he was doing at the grill. We shared a plate of grilled red snapper and then a plate of grilled marlin. Both platters were delicious. I didn't catch his name but if you ever find yourself at the fishfry in Oistins, be sure to stop at Pat's Place.
May 20, 2007
Barbados
I've finally uploaded our vacation photos and I won't bore you to death with all the details but here are some pretty pictures with brief explanations.
Frangipani grows like crazy all over the island.
Some other amazing flora includes this enormous snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue whose tallest leaf stood at 4.5 feet high.
I really, really like plants and flowers. If you are interested in seeing more pictures, you can find them by clicking on either of the above two photographs.
On our first trip to Bridgetown we visited the synagogue which claims to be the oldest in the Western hemisphere. There was a synagogue in St. Thomas that claimed to be the oldest as well, but Jon reminded me that, there, it's only under the American flag that they can say theirs is the oldest. Here are a couple of interior shots from the temple in Barbados.
The one in St. Thomas was nicer. It had sand floors. But this synagogue has an amazing old cemetery with remarkably old and cool headstones.
Jon took some shots of these headstones that have little illustrations that demonstrate the profession of the person buried beneath.
We walked around a bit after our visit to the synagogue. Here is a slice of life photo of a vendor selling fresh coconut water.
Frangipani grows like crazy all over the island.
Some other amazing flora includes this enormous snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue whose tallest leaf stood at 4.5 feet high.
I really, really like plants and flowers. If you are interested in seeing more pictures, you can find them by clicking on either of the above two photographs.
On our first trip to Bridgetown we visited the synagogue which claims to be the oldest in the Western hemisphere. There was a synagogue in St. Thomas that claimed to be the oldest as well, but Jon reminded me that, there, it's only under the American flag that they can say theirs is the oldest. Here are a couple of interior shots from the temple in Barbados.
The one in St. Thomas was nicer. It had sand floors. But this synagogue has an amazing old cemetery with remarkably old and cool headstones.
Jon took some shots of these headstones that have little illustrations that demonstrate the profession of the person buried beneath.
We walked around a bit after our visit to the synagogue. Here is a slice of life photo of a vendor selling fresh coconut water.
May 18, 2007
Melinda Doolittle Went Home
I was surprised that Melinda received the least amount of calls after American Idol on Tuesday night, resulting in her leaving the show. But she's probably already got a recording contract as a result of her consistently excellent performances. I was absolutely confident that she was going to be one of the final two contestants. She was my favorite.
May 16, 2007
American Idol - Three Final Contestants
Last night, the contestants sang songs picked by the judges, the producers and then finally by themselves. We saw the contestants being celebrated by their home towns where they were informed of the choices made for them by the judges.
Simon and Randy picked good songs for their contestants - Wishing on a Star for Jordan and I Believe In You and Me for Melinda - but Paula failed Blake when she picked Roxanne for him. Jordan did a decent job performing Wishing On A Star and the judges liked it. Melinda closed the segment with I Believe In You and Me and performed it flawlessly much to the admiration of the judges. But poor Blake was stuck in the middle with Roxanne. Unless your Sting or Eddie Murphy in the opening of 48 hours, you're not really going to have much success performing that song without sounding like a copycat - which was the sentiment expressed by Simon. Paula of course loved it and Randy seemed please but unenthusiastic with the choice.
Then it was the producers turns to pick songs for the final three. For Jordin they chose Hard for the Money. It was pretty lacklustre. Watching her, I got the feeling she wasn't thrilled with the choice that was made for her. She went through the motions of performing the song while not actually connecting to it. The producers saved Blake by choosing a Maroon 5 song - This Love -which perfectly suited his voice. And for Melinda they chose the oddly titled Nut Bush City Limits. I guess it was meant to bring out her inner Tina Turner and she did a great job performing it but it really was a kind of sucky song.
Then the contestants got to pick their own song. Jordin picked I Who Have Nothing which she had some success performing earlier in the season. She did do a nice job. But not as good as Blake and Melinda. Blake performed something called When I Get You Alone and it was really entertaining. Melinda reprised her version of I Am Woman and again it was perfect.
I'm pretty sure Melinda will be one of the two moving on to the finale. And I would be disappointed if Blake didn't make it, but it could go either way between Jordin and Blake.
Blake should be rewarded for his creativity and originality. I'd love to see him move on. But then again Jordin just has raw talent that if nurtured properly could help her become an enormous star. They both deserve to move on. But between the two of them, I prefer Blake.
Simon and Randy picked good songs for their contestants - Wishing on a Star for Jordan and I Believe In You and Me for Melinda - but Paula failed Blake when she picked Roxanne for him. Jordan did a decent job performing Wishing On A Star and the judges liked it. Melinda closed the segment with I Believe In You and Me and performed it flawlessly much to the admiration of the judges. But poor Blake was stuck in the middle with Roxanne. Unless your Sting or Eddie Murphy in the opening of 48 hours, you're not really going to have much success performing that song without sounding like a copycat - which was the sentiment expressed by Simon. Paula of course loved it and Randy seemed please but unenthusiastic with the choice.
Then it was the producers turns to pick songs for the final three. For Jordin they chose Hard for the Money. It was pretty lacklustre. Watching her, I got the feeling she wasn't thrilled with the choice that was made for her. She went through the motions of performing the song while not actually connecting to it. The producers saved Blake by choosing a Maroon 5 song - This Love -which perfectly suited his voice. And for Melinda they chose the oddly titled Nut Bush City Limits. I guess it was meant to bring out her inner Tina Turner and she did a great job performing it but it really was a kind of sucky song.
Then the contestants got to pick their own song. Jordin picked I Who Have Nothing which she had some success performing earlier in the season. She did do a nice job. But not as good as Blake and Melinda. Blake performed something called When I Get You Alone and it was really entertaining. Melinda reprised her version of I Am Woman and again it was perfect.
I'm pretty sure Melinda will be one of the two moving on to the finale. And I would be disappointed if Blake didn't make it, but it could go either way between Jordin and Blake.
Blake should be rewarded for his creativity and originality. I'd love to see him move on. But then again Jordin just has raw talent that if nurtured properly could help her become an enormous star. They both deserve to move on. But between the two of them, I prefer Blake.
The Sopranos - Heidi and Kennedy - Episode 83
Christopher's death in the first five minutes of Episode 83 was the most shocking of the entire series. Perhaps it was because of the way he died. Christopher was driving Tony home from a meeting with his asbestos-dumping guy where he learned that Phil wanted a 25% cut of the asbestos-dumping business before he could resume dumping at Barone's. While driving he was trying to talk Tony into accepting the deal and wondered what happened to the "stop and smell the roses" philosophy bandied about by the two men after their extensive hospital stays. He was also distracted by the radio and continued to fiddle through the stations until he got to Comfortably Numb (not the Pink Floyd version by the way). It was around that moment that Christopher swerved into the wrong lane of traffic and then swerved again, causing his car to flip over and over until finally landing in a pile on the side of the rode.
Tony was looking over at Christopher, lying in a heap behind the steering wheel when he heard him asking for Tony's help because he would never pass a drug test. Tony looked at the back seat where he saw a tree branch had somehow crushed the baby's carseat. Then he made a decision I never imagined he would make. He pulled himself out of the wreck, limped over to the driver's side of the car and suffocated Christopher. But it wasn't just that he suffocated Christopher, it was how he did it. When he saw that Christopher was coughing up blood he knew how badly injured Christopher was. He suffocated him by holding his nose and mouth so he could choke to death on his own blood. He held his nose and mouth with one hand and waited until Christopher was dead. With his bare hand. Hand.
The rest of the episode he tried to convince himself and those around him that Christopher was better off dead. His unfeeling gangster pals agreed but I got the feeling they didn't care either way. Actually, they don't really seem to care about each other - at all - except in as much as they can trust a guy. And I guess Christopher was no longer trustworthy. Their reaction made me think that in the world created by David Chase the death of someone you can no longer trust is the result of some kind of kharma. In other words, Christopher had it coming to him.
The accompanying story line followed AJ's descent into a world antidepressants and violence. We saw him talking to his therapist about how even tempered he's been feeling about Christopher's death and Bianca's desertion. In stark contrast to the peace AJ seems to be feeling, the next time we see him, he's laughing with his friends about violently amputating some kid's toes in a previous episode - as if that violent episode had somehow pacified his inner rage. After that his friends beat up a Somalian guy who crashed into the door of Jason Parisi's car - calling him the N word and telling him was in the wrong neighborhood. When AJ went to see the therapist after that he was clearly distraught and I saw the beginnings of a conscience, sadly lacking in his father - who to deal with the death of his believed surrogate son Christopher, decided to go to Las Vegas, screw Christopher's girlfriend and gamble.
The episode ended with Tony winning at roulette. It seemed Christopher's death was what he needed to break his losing streak which was thoroughly explored in the previous episode.
I really enjoyed this episode even though it was highly upsetting. It was the first time, that viewers really got to see just how ruthless and loathsome Tony Soprano really is. Sure there have been hints over the years, but the fact that he would kill Christopher just to appease his own guilt about failing the young man he'd taken under his wing as a tribute to his friend, Christopher's dead father, in such an intimate and cruel manner and then celebrate his death for freeing his guilty conscience. It was just despicable.
Other things happened in the episode but for me, the above two storylines were the highlights.
Tony was looking over at Christopher, lying in a heap behind the steering wheel when he heard him asking for Tony's help because he would never pass a drug test. Tony looked at the back seat where he saw a tree branch had somehow crushed the baby's carseat. Then he made a decision I never imagined he would make. He pulled himself out of the wreck, limped over to the driver's side of the car and suffocated Christopher. But it wasn't just that he suffocated Christopher, it was how he did it. When he saw that Christopher was coughing up blood he knew how badly injured Christopher was. He suffocated him by holding his nose and mouth so he could choke to death on his own blood. He held his nose and mouth with one hand and waited until Christopher was dead. With his bare hand. Hand.
The rest of the episode he tried to convince himself and those around him that Christopher was better off dead. His unfeeling gangster pals agreed but I got the feeling they didn't care either way. Actually, they don't really seem to care about each other - at all - except in as much as they can trust a guy. And I guess Christopher was no longer trustworthy. Their reaction made me think that in the world created by David Chase the death of someone you can no longer trust is the result of some kind of kharma. In other words, Christopher had it coming to him.
The accompanying story line followed AJ's descent into a world antidepressants and violence. We saw him talking to his therapist about how even tempered he's been feeling about Christopher's death and Bianca's desertion. In stark contrast to the peace AJ seems to be feeling, the next time we see him, he's laughing with his friends about violently amputating some kid's toes in a previous episode - as if that violent episode had somehow pacified his inner rage. After that his friends beat up a Somalian guy who crashed into the door of Jason Parisi's car - calling him the N word and telling him was in the wrong neighborhood. When AJ went to see the therapist after that he was clearly distraught and I saw the beginnings of a conscience, sadly lacking in his father - who to deal with the death of his believed surrogate son Christopher, decided to go to Las Vegas, screw Christopher's girlfriend and gamble.
The episode ended with Tony winning at roulette. It seemed Christopher's death was what he needed to break his losing streak which was thoroughly explored in the previous episode.
I really enjoyed this episode even though it was highly upsetting. It was the first time, that viewers really got to see just how ruthless and loathsome Tony Soprano really is. Sure there have been hints over the years, but the fact that he would kill Christopher just to appease his own guilt about failing the young man he'd taken under his wing as a tribute to his friend, Christopher's dead father, in such an intimate and cruel manner and then celebrate his death for freeing his guilty conscience. It was just despicable.
Other things happened in the episode but for me, the above two storylines were the highlights.
May 13, 2007
May 12, 2007
Barbados - Still hot
Jon and I are having a great time. We're doing so much during the day that we're going to bed early which means we're waking up early which is why I find myself using the internet at 7 in the morning. I checked my emails, looked at my friends' blogs, checked to see new comments on my flickr photos and now I'm blogging.
Yesterday, I had an amazing facial. Hydradermie by Guinot. It was the best facial, I've EVER had. I was going to get a massage and deep cleansing but instead I upgraded to the more expensive fancy facial. What's nice is since yesterday, I've discovered there is a spa very close to our apartment that does the same treatment for around the same price. Three of the Hydradermie treatments in one month are supposed to do wonders for your face. It felt good and my skin looks AMAZING.
Then we went swimming in the ocean but it was so windy that the current kept either knocking me over or pulling me ashore. So then we went swimming in the pool. I swam with my snorkeling gear on. It's long been my problem that I can't coordinate my breathing with my fourth swim stroke properly. But with the snorkel mask I can actually swim laps. I wish I could wear snorkel gear at my local pool in Queens without people looking at me like I was a freak.
Last night we went to Oistins. We were smart. Instead of spending $15.00 per person on the shuttle offered by the hotel, we took the bus for 75 cents each. The busses here are great. In Oistins we took photos of some drydocked boats waiting for repair. I feel like I got some great shots. Oistins is famous for its fishfry. So the second part of the evening we pigged out on some amazingly fresh fish. We had grilled red snapper and grilled marlin and we met some other travellers who made us feel superior because they paid $25 per person to get to the fishfry when they could have taken the bus. But they were nice.
Two days ago, we took the bus to someplace absolutely amazing. The west coast of Barbados has the most beautiful beaches with the best snorkeling. We visited Mullins Bay and snorkeled for hours. Then we spent an hour and a half getting back.
Today, we're taking a free shuttle into Bridgetown. This will be our second trip. The first trip we had two missions. One was to visit the Synagogue. The second was to find me a new bathing suit. Jon's indulging me. I want to go back for the sole purpose of taking pictures, but we might pick up some souvenirs along the way.
Tomorrow, we're booked for a catamaran cruise. Six hours. Two snorkeling stops. One lunch on the beach.
Then Monday, it's home for us. But that's okay with me, because seven days is about my limit for any vacation.
Yesterday, I had an amazing facial. Hydradermie by Guinot. It was the best facial, I've EVER had. I was going to get a massage and deep cleansing but instead I upgraded to the more expensive fancy facial. What's nice is since yesterday, I've discovered there is a spa very close to our apartment that does the same treatment for around the same price. Three of the Hydradermie treatments in one month are supposed to do wonders for your face. It felt good and my skin looks AMAZING.
Then we went swimming in the ocean but it was so windy that the current kept either knocking me over or pulling me ashore. So then we went swimming in the pool. I swam with my snorkeling gear on. It's long been my problem that I can't coordinate my breathing with my fourth swim stroke properly. But with the snorkel mask I can actually swim laps. I wish I could wear snorkel gear at my local pool in Queens without people looking at me like I was a freak.
Last night we went to Oistins. We were smart. Instead of spending $15.00 per person on the shuttle offered by the hotel, we took the bus for 75 cents each. The busses here are great. In Oistins we took photos of some drydocked boats waiting for repair. I feel like I got some great shots. Oistins is famous for its fishfry. So the second part of the evening we pigged out on some amazingly fresh fish. We had grilled red snapper and grilled marlin and we met some other travellers who made us feel superior because they paid $25 per person to get to the fishfry when they could have taken the bus. But they were nice.
Two days ago, we took the bus to someplace absolutely amazing. The west coast of Barbados has the most beautiful beaches with the best snorkeling. We visited Mullins Bay and snorkeled for hours. Then we spent an hour and a half getting back.
Today, we're taking a free shuttle into Bridgetown. This will be our second trip. The first trip we had two missions. One was to visit the Synagogue. The second was to find me a new bathing suit. Jon's indulging me. I want to go back for the sole purpose of taking pictures, but we might pick up some souvenirs along the way.
Tomorrow, we're booked for a catamaran cruise. Six hours. Two snorkeling stops. One lunch on the beach.
Then Monday, it's home for us. But that's okay with me, because seven days is about my limit for any vacation.
May 08, 2007
Barbados Is Hot
Jon and I made it to Barbados. It's hot down here. The beach is beautiful and breezy, so as long as we're on the beach it's not so bad. We're staying at the Amaryllis Beach Resort. Our room has a view of the ocean which looks both sapphire and turquoise. Yes. The ocean is striped. I'm not kidding. Well, at least it looks that way through my sunglasses. We have been repeatedly warned about the hot caribbean sun. So, at every opportunity today I've been slathering on the 45 spf lotion we picked up at Eckerd's on Sunday. Yet, somehow, I've still managed to manufacture freckles, but thankfully without the sunburn, so far.
You will probably be amazed by this, but I've taken less than 10 pictures so far. On our walk this morning, I saw two interesting houses - two pictures. And I may have taken one of the ocean from my lounge chair. I don't remember. Maybe I was just sizing up the shot. I don't remember because my memory is shot to pieces. The last week or so, I've been having trouble remembering the silliest things. Anyway, while I'm luxuriating in this cool, air conditioned internet cafe, Jon is looking for a supermarket where we might be able to pick up some supplies. Our room has a kitchenette which is fortunate because the hotel restaurants are expensive with a capital "e".
I should be able to upload pictures at the hotel's business centre. We'll see. If not, I'll post some pictures when we get home.
Enjoy the nice spring weather. We'll be home soon.
You will probably be amazed by this, but I've taken less than 10 pictures so far. On our walk this morning, I saw two interesting houses - two pictures. And I may have taken one of the ocean from my lounge chair. I don't remember. Maybe I was just sizing up the shot. I don't remember because my memory is shot to pieces. The last week or so, I've been having trouble remembering the silliest things. Anyway, while I'm luxuriating in this cool, air conditioned internet cafe, Jon is looking for a supermarket where we might be able to pick up some supplies. Our room has a kitchenette which is fortunate because the hotel restaurants are expensive with a capital "e".
I should be able to upload pictures at the hotel's business centre. We'll see. If not, I'll post some pictures when we get home.
Enjoy the nice spring weather. We'll be home soon.
May 06, 2007
The Sopranos - Episode 82 - Walk Like a Man
Spoilers about episode 82 follow.
Tonight's episode was very upsetting.
Walk Like A Man was no doubt chosen as the title of the episode because both AJ and Christopher were challenged by their circumstances to act like the men they are expected to be instead of the men that they are.
On the one hand you had Christopher who has been staying clean and sober by avoiding the situations that caused him to drink and use drugs. His friends have started noticing that he doesn't hang around the strip club like he used to and they are starting to resent him for it, especially Paulie. Paulie challenged Christopher by having his nephew rob tools from Chrisopher's father-in-law's store. You might recall that those tools were being supplied by a connection made through Paulie in the first place. But still. The whole point of stealing from the father-in-law was to create problems for Christopher.
When Christopher tried to talk to Tony about it, Tony told him that his problems stem from his absence from the strip club. He's not in the loop. He's a ghost, therefore he's losing respect. After Paulie's nephew steals from the store a second time, Christopher beats him up, throws him out a window and breaks his back. While Christopher and Tony were meeting about this Paulie drove in circles on Christopher's front lawn destroying $40 thousand in landscaping. A peace is reached. Christopher went to the Bada Bing club to settle things with Tony and Paulie. He decided to have a drink with Paulie to close the deal and ended up getting wasted. Feeling sorry for himself he went to talk to his writer friend played by Tim Daly. When Tim Daly's character told him that he didn't want to hear about Chris's war stories, Chris shot him point blank in the head. Dead. He murdered his friend after having a few drinks. That was very, very upsetting.
It seems that Christopher's father figures (Tony and Paulie) are failing him. This theme has been a constant through these last few episodes. And continued through AJ's story line.
As you remember, last week, AJ's fiance returned her engagement ring and broke it off, which has sent him into a downward spiral of despair and suicidal ideation. After responsibly setting him on the path of therapy, Tony then irresponsibly suggested to AJ that he start hanging out with Patsy Parisi's kid who has become a successful bookmaker at his sleep away college. AJ's new friends invited him to drink at the Bada Bing strip club and then later in the week to a frat party on campus. From the frat party they invited him along to rough up one of their debtors. AJ helped hold down a kid his own age while his friends beat him up and poured sulfuric acid on his feet - all for squelching on his bet. But that's what Tony wanted. He wanted him to hook up with Patsy's kid so his son would stop feeling sorry for himself. But I think he also wanted to set AJ on the same path that Tony's father set him on all those years ago. I think he wants AJ to become a criminal like him.
Tony as a father figure has let down two of his charges. First his nephew by discouraging him from staying sober and then his own son by encouraging him to hang out with hoods.
It was an upsetting episode all around.
Tonight's episode was very upsetting.
Walk Like A Man was no doubt chosen as the title of the episode because both AJ and Christopher were challenged by their circumstances to act like the men they are expected to be instead of the men that they are.
On the one hand you had Christopher who has been staying clean and sober by avoiding the situations that caused him to drink and use drugs. His friends have started noticing that he doesn't hang around the strip club like he used to and they are starting to resent him for it, especially Paulie. Paulie challenged Christopher by having his nephew rob tools from Chrisopher's father-in-law's store. You might recall that those tools were being supplied by a connection made through Paulie in the first place. But still. The whole point of stealing from the father-in-law was to create problems for Christopher.
When Christopher tried to talk to Tony about it, Tony told him that his problems stem from his absence from the strip club. He's not in the loop. He's a ghost, therefore he's losing respect. After Paulie's nephew steals from the store a second time, Christopher beats him up, throws him out a window and breaks his back. While Christopher and Tony were meeting about this Paulie drove in circles on Christopher's front lawn destroying $40 thousand in landscaping. A peace is reached. Christopher went to the Bada Bing club to settle things with Tony and Paulie. He decided to have a drink with Paulie to close the deal and ended up getting wasted. Feeling sorry for himself he went to talk to his writer friend played by Tim Daly. When Tim Daly's character told him that he didn't want to hear about Chris's war stories, Chris shot him point blank in the head. Dead. He murdered his friend after having a few drinks. That was very, very upsetting.
It seems that Christopher's father figures (Tony and Paulie) are failing him. This theme has been a constant through these last few episodes. And continued through AJ's story line.
As you remember, last week, AJ's fiance returned her engagement ring and broke it off, which has sent him into a downward spiral of despair and suicidal ideation. After responsibly setting him on the path of therapy, Tony then irresponsibly suggested to AJ that he start hanging out with Patsy Parisi's kid who has become a successful bookmaker at his sleep away college. AJ's new friends invited him to drink at the Bada Bing strip club and then later in the week to a frat party on campus. From the frat party they invited him along to rough up one of their debtors. AJ helped hold down a kid his own age while his friends beat him up and poured sulfuric acid on his feet - all for squelching on his bet. But that's what Tony wanted. He wanted him to hook up with Patsy's kid so his son would stop feeling sorry for himself. But I think he also wanted to set AJ on the same path that Tony's father set him on all those years ago. I think he wants AJ to become a criminal like him.
Tony as a father figure has let down two of his charges. First his nephew by discouraging him from staying sober and then his own son by encouraging him to hang out with hoods.
It was an upsetting episode all around.
Camera Dump
I emptied out my camera for the first time in a month. I did this because Jon and I are going to Barbados tomorrow and I wanted a clean canvas.
Here are some of the more memorable images.
Red Wall
Jon and I were walking one day and he liked this wall. He asked me to take a picture of it.
Scallions
What can I say? I like to photograph fruits and vegetables. Is that really so wrong?
Macy's Marker
New York City has been adding these plaques to the sidewalks in front of famous landmarks, like Macy's.
Dead Bird
Walking down 30th Avenue, I saw a dead pigeon. I took its picture because I thought it was interesting that his feathers match the color of the sidewalk where died.
Here are some of the more memorable images.
Red Wall
Jon and I were walking one day and he liked this wall. He asked me to take a picture of it.
Scallions
What can I say? I like to photograph fruits and vegetables. Is that really so wrong?
Macy's Marker
New York City has been adding these plaques to the sidewalks in front of famous landmarks, like Macy's.
Dead Bird
Walking down 30th Avenue, I saw a dead pigeon. I took its picture because I thought it was interesting that his feathers match the color of the sidewalk where died.
Ooga Chugger
In light of David Hasselhoff's recent bout with insobriety, I thought I would post something that maybe paints him in a better light.
Which activity of Hasselhoff's in the following video is your favorite?
1) Bouncing with tribal people in a safari outfit
2) Flying on his motorcycle
3) Tobogganning in a fur coat
Which activity of Hasselhoff's in the following video is your favorite?
1) Bouncing with tribal people in a safari outfit
2) Flying on his motorcycle
3) Tobogganning in a fur coat
May 03, 2007
American Idol - Final Four
The final four contestants are Lakisha Jones, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle.
May 02, 2007
American Idol - Bon Jovi Mentors Remaining Six Idols
Jon Bon Jovi was this week's guest mentor which means that all the contestants had to sing Bon Jovi songs. It's too bad he didn't go the way of Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Lopez. They had the decency to NOT INSIST that the contestants only sing their songs. It gave the contestants a much great selection than Bon Jovi's limited book. Not to take anything way from Bon Jovi. It's just that most of their songs kind of sound the same and none of them are particularly good for showing off someone's vocal talents. But with that said, he was pretty nice to the contestants. All the contestants acted excited to be in his presence. I have to admit. He is pretty handsome. But I'm one of those people who actually prefers his acting to his music, so I'm not the most subjective person when it comes to critiquing his music.
On to the show. Opening for the American Idol's menagerie was Phil Stacey in the first spot. I know I've said repeatedly that I'm not a fan of Phil Stacey but even I can't deny him his moment in the "I finally don't suck" spotlight. He finally found a song that matches his mediocre voice and he sang the bejeezuz out of it. I found my listening to him and not watching him. When I listened to him "only" I enjoyed his rendition of "Blaze of Glory", a song I don't know. But when I did watch him, it was difficult. Is it just me or does he look unwell?
Jordin struggled through Living On A Prayer. She shouted her way through the song, like she did last week. Yet. Last week the judges didn't mention anything about her having shouted her way through the song while criticizing Lakisha quite harshly for doing so. That was last week. This week, the judges seem to have forgotten about the "Jordin Sparks Will Be The Next Idol" conspiracy and judged her appropriately. The cool thing about Jordin is she knew she didn't do well. So she was accepting of the judges' critiques - without being defensive - which is always a good quality for an American Idol contestant. I hope she doesn't have to go home tonight. I like her. She's confident and spunky.
At this point, I wondered again, why these poor contesants had to sing these lame songs. But I guess if you can sell a lame song well enough, you can succeed at anything in the music industry.
Lakisha found the one song probably of the Bon Jovi book that was good for her voice. And she sang it beautifully and she didn't shout and she brought a tear to my eye and she restored my faith in her ability to overcome her obvious lack of training. She sang something called "This Ain't A Love Song" a song I had never heard of either. I say either because before her meeting with Jon Bon Jovi, her only experience with him or his music had been an interview she'd seen on Oprah Winfrey. How cool is that? That's like Yoko Ono saying she had never heard of the Beatles when she first met John Lennon. Whether you believe it or not, it was probably humbling for Jon Bon Jovi to hear something like that - which in my opinion was much needed as you'll see in the chapter about Blake Lewis.
In his film clip, Blake was shown displaying his arrangement of "You Give Love A Bad Name" to JBJ and his accompianist. He expressed doubt that Blake's interpretation of his song would be well received because the song was such a familiar part of the rock-n-roll lexicon. He thought that Blake was taking a huge risk. That made me laugh. Because who walks around thinking that "You Give Love A Bad Name" is as untouchable as "Hey Jude" or "Feelin' Groovy". Did JBJ really expect the audience to storm the stage with torches and pitchforks because Blake dared to change "You Give Love A Bad Name"? (Honestly. What hubris.) Blake Lewis nailed it of course. His rendition made the song more interesting that it ever was any time I've heard it on the radio. He took a boring, generic 80's rock song and turned into an excuse to show off his originality, personality and inate abilites. Go BLAKE!!!
Chris Richardson sang "Dead or Alive", apparently employing the nasal technique so lauded during country music week. I'm still don't see his alleged resemblance to Justin Timberlake, either vocally or physically. I don't have anything more to say about him.
Melinda sang "Have A Nice Day". I never heard it before but as I was listening to it, I realized it's one of those tracks that falls somewhere near the end of the album. It would have been song 5 on the B side of the vinyl release. But she sang it like it was the most important song ever written and probably made that song sound better than it ever has or ever will. In other words, I didn't like the song, but I loved the singer.
The show ended with a pre-recorded message from the President and Laura Bush. You may not like President Bush and chances are that you don't because his approval rating is so low, but you have to admit that it was nice of the President to take the time to thank the people who helped raise $70 million last week. He's not running for office again. He didn't have to do that. I thought it was nice.
Because none of the contestants were sent home last week, tonight they'll be sending home two people, which means tonight we find out who the final four American Contestant Idols will be. I predicted a long time ago that Gina Glocksen would be in the final four. I'm sorry that she's not. I'm hoping the final four are (in no specific order) Melinda, Jordin, Lakisha and Blake. I'll be surprised if Phil and Chris make it. But they probably will.
On to the show. Opening for the American Idol's menagerie was Phil Stacey in the first spot. I know I've said repeatedly that I'm not a fan of Phil Stacey but even I can't deny him his moment in the "I finally don't suck" spotlight. He finally found a song that matches his mediocre voice and he sang the bejeezuz out of it. I found my listening to him and not watching him. When I listened to him "only" I enjoyed his rendition of "Blaze of Glory", a song I don't know. But when I did watch him, it was difficult. Is it just me or does he look unwell?
Jordin struggled through Living On A Prayer. She shouted her way through the song, like she did last week. Yet. Last week the judges didn't mention anything about her having shouted her way through the song while criticizing Lakisha quite harshly for doing so. That was last week. This week, the judges seem to have forgotten about the "Jordin Sparks Will Be The Next Idol" conspiracy and judged her appropriately. The cool thing about Jordin is she knew she didn't do well. So she was accepting of the judges' critiques - without being defensive - which is always a good quality for an American Idol contestant. I hope she doesn't have to go home tonight. I like her. She's confident and spunky.
At this point, I wondered again, why these poor contesants had to sing these lame songs. But I guess if you can sell a lame song well enough, you can succeed at anything in the music industry.
Lakisha found the one song probably of the Bon Jovi book that was good for her voice. And she sang it beautifully and she didn't shout and she brought a tear to my eye and she restored my faith in her ability to overcome her obvious lack of training. She sang something called "This Ain't A Love Song" a song I had never heard of either. I say either because before her meeting with Jon Bon Jovi, her only experience with him or his music had been an interview she'd seen on Oprah Winfrey. How cool is that? That's like Yoko Ono saying she had never heard of the Beatles when she first met John Lennon. Whether you believe it or not, it was probably humbling for Jon Bon Jovi to hear something like that - which in my opinion was much needed as you'll see in the chapter about Blake Lewis.
In his film clip, Blake was shown displaying his arrangement of "You Give Love A Bad Name" to JBJ and his accompianist. He expressed doubt that Blake's interpretation of his song would be well received because the song was such a familiar part of the rock-n-roll lexicon. He thought that Blake was taking a huge risk. That made me laugh. Because who walks around thinking that "You Give Love A Bad Name" is as untouchable as "Hey Jude" or "Feelin' Groovy". Did JBJ really expect the audience to storm the stage with torches and pitchforks because Blake dared to change "You Give Love A Bad Name"? (Honestly. What hubris.) Blake Lewis nailed it of course. His rendition made the song more interesting that it ever was any time I've heard it on the radio. He took a boring, generic 80's rock song and turned into an excuse to show off his originality, personality and inate abilites. Go BLAKE!!!
Chris Richardson sang "Dead or Alive", apparently employing the nasal technique so lauded during country music week. I'm still don't see his alleged resemblance to Justin Timberlake, either vocally or physically. I don't have anything more to say about him.
Melinda sang "Have A Nice Day". I never heard it before but as I was listening to it, I realized it's one of those tracks that falls somewhere near the end of the album. It would have been song 5 on the B side of the vinyl release. But she sang it like it was the most important song ever written and probably made that song sound better than it ever has or ever will. In other words, I didn't like the song, but I loved the singer.
The show ended with a pre-recorded message from the President and Laura Bush. You may not like President Bush and chances are that you don't because his approval rating is so low, but you have to admit that it was nice of the President to take the time to thank the people who helped raise $70 million last week. He's not running for office again. He didn't have to do that. I thought it was nice.
Because none of the contestants were sent home last week, tonight they'll be sending home two people, which means tonight we find out who the final four American Contestant Idols will be. I predicted a long time ago that Gina Glocksen would be in the final four. I'm sorry that she's not. I'm hoping the final four are (in no specific order) Melinda, Jordin, Lakisha and Blake. I'll be surprised if Phil and Chris make it. But they probably will.
April 30, 2007
The Sopranos - Chasing It - Episode 81
In each episode of the final episodes that I've seen so far, it seems like David Chase is slowly unraveling the world that he's knitted so carefully over the years. He's deconstructing his world by destroying Tony's friendships. Each week we see Tony Soprano losing hold of his world one person at a time. In last night's episode, we saw a different side of Tony's relationship with Hesh - one of many surrogate fathers Tony has adopted throughout the years of the show.
Question: What is pulling the on the loose string of their well knit relationship?
Answer: A $200,000 personal loan given by Hesh which Tony needed to cover some gambling debts.
It seems that through all the years I've been watching of the Sopranos, I missed Tony's gambling problem. But it makes sense, right? I mean. Aside from being unfaithful to his wife, Tony doesn't really have any vices. He seems bored and lonely. With the exception of that dead body the feds dug up in the previous episode, everything seems right in his world. But is it? He's so bored, he distracts himself with gambling and losing badly. Things are going well with his wife, so what does he do? He creates conflict. Over what? Gambling.
Add that he probably doesn't like to watch his wife succeed. Why else would he want to use the money she just earned from the sale of her spec house (to her cousin, no less) to gamble? It's a good thing she said no to that sure thing. Aside from the fact that he was reaching rock bottom he was also trying to undermine Carmella's newly restored self-esteem.
We also saw the beginning of the end of his relationship with Dr. Melfi. She doesn't want to put up with his crap anymore and told him basically to shit or get off the pot after he told her that he considers her office an oasis from the week. Dr. Melfi didn't like that.
It's worth mentioning that AJ proposed to his girlfriend and she refused him. Poor AJ. Honk twice if you think he's going to be killed by Phil Leotardo in vengeance.
Oh. And in the spirit of not leaving any loose ends, David Chase et al treated us to a storyline about the gay gangster's surviving family. It seems his teenage boy has turned goth, antisocial and borderline psychotic since his father's death. The gay gangster's widow goes to Tony for help. She needs $100,000 to relocate and set her family straight. But Tony loses the money on a bad bet and ends up sending the kid to an $18,000 boot camp for messed up kids.
Question: What is pulling the on the loose string of their well knit relationship?
Answer: A $200,000 personal loan given by Hesh which Tony needed to cover some gambling debts.
It seems that through all the years I've been watching of the Sopranos, I missed Tony's gambling problem. But it makes sense, right? I mean. Aside from being unfaithful to his wife, Tony doesn't really have any vices. He seems bored and lonely. With the exception of that dead body the feds dug up in the previous episode, everything seems right in his world. But is it? He's so bored, he distracts himself with gambling and losing badly. Things are going well with his wife, so what does he do? He creates conflict. Over what? Gambling.
Add that he probably doesn't like to watch his wife succeed. Why else would he want to use the money she just earned from the sale of her spec house (to her cousin, no less) to gamble? It's a good thing she said no to that sure thing. Aside from the fact that he was reaching rock bottom he was also trying to undermine Carmella's newly restored self-esteem.
We also saw the beginning of the end of his relationship with Dr. Melfi. She doesn't want to put up with his crap anymore and told him basically to shit or get off the pot after he told her that he considers her office an oasis from the week. Dr. Melfi didn't like that.
It's worth mentioning that AJ proposed to his girlfriend and she refused him. Poor AJ. Honk twice if you think he's going to be killed by Phil Leotardo in vengeance.
Oh. And in the spirit of not leaving any loose ends, David Chase et al treated us to a storyline about the gay gangster's surviving family. It seems his teenage boy has turned goth, antisocial and borderline psychotic since his father's death. The gay gangster's widow goes to Tony for help. She needs $100,000 to relocate and set her family straight. But Tony loses the money on a bad bet and ends up sending the kid to an $18,000 boot camp for messed up kids.
Sleep Goggles
Wow. I sure could have used a pair of these last night.
According their website, Glo To Sleep goggles help slow down those pesky brainwaves that make your thoughts and worries gnaw at the backs of your eyes until you have to give up trying to go to sleep and start blogging.
Of course, if I get a pair of those, I'll probably need one of these to help me wake up in the morning.
According their website, Glo To Sleep goggles help slow down those pesky brainwaves that make your thoughts and worries gnaw at the backs of your eyes until you have to give up trying to go to sleep and start blogging.
Of course, if I get a pair of those, I'll probably need one of these to help me wake up in the morning.
April 28, 2007
Chicken Fried Veal
I don't know what got into me last night but I spontaneously decided to chicken fry our veal cutlets. At least I think they were chicken fried. And I used a wok instead of a skillet. And the wok was treated instead of cast iron. Anyway.
I got home. Started heating up the oil. Mixed some spices into some flour. Cracked an egg. Dredged the cutlets through the egg and flour and then dropped everything into the boiling hot oil. I've never been good at frying. Last night's dish was acceptable but not great. It was more like veal cutlet tempura than chicken fried veal. Maybe olive oil isn't the best for deep frying.
Why would I do this at 11:00 at night? I don't know. I just don't know.
I got home. Started heating up the oil. Mixed some spices into some flour. Cracked an egg. Dredged the cutlets through the egg and flour and then dropped everything into the boiling hot oil. I've never been good at frying. Last night's dish was acceptable but not great. It was more like veal cutlet tempura than chicken fried veal. Maybe olive oil isn't the best for deep frying.
Why would I do this at 11:00 at night? I don't know. I just don't know.
April 27, 2007
Big Rock Candy Mountain
Jon and I recently purchased a refurbished, Sandisk MP3 player from Woot. It was only $30.00 and with this purchase, we have landed feet first in the 21st century of technology. Between our recent purchase of cell phones with cameras, our upgrade from digital cable service to DVR and this recent purchase, we are finally the techno savvy Gen X'ers we were always meant to be. Some friends showed us how to convert our CD's into MP3's. They came over on Monday night. We ate pizza and drank beer (I think we still owe money for pizza come to think of it). And had a great time. We got some good advice and in the process, Jon and I have discovered a new hobby that we can enjoy together. We only purchased one to see how we liked it and now I'm sorry we didn't buy two. It's not that it's a problem sharing it, except that when we're sharing it, only one of us can use it at a time.Last night, Jon added the soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou. When he brought it to bed and sharing the earphones, we listened to my favorite song from the soundtrack, Big Rock Candy Mountain by Harry McClintock. I'm sure I'm not the first one to discover the joy of this song. The lyrics speak of a hobo paradise where everything a hobo could dream of exists in abundance.
The reason I love this song so much is it exemplifies how people dream who they are. For example, if you are school teacher, you might dream of having your own school where all the teachers work with a curriculum that you've designed; where all the supplies grow with the apples on the trees in back of the school house; where all the children behave like angels and all the parents agree with your teachings and the school's paradigm. If you're a fire fighter you might dream of a machine that can be lowered over a fire to snuff it out immediately without causing further damage to the people within or the structure without.
At Big Rock Candy Mountain, the hobos dream of empty trains where they can ride alone; where bulldogs are rendered harmless by their rubber teeth and where every barn is full of hay for their comfort. Here are the lyrics, if you don't already know them. Read them, and you'll see what I mean. It's charming.
Big Rock Candy Mountain
One evening as the sun went down and the jungle fire was burning
Down the track came a hobo hiking and he said boys I'm not turning
I'm headin for a land that's far away beside the crystal fountains
So come with me we'll go and see the Big Rock Candy Mountains
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains there's a land that's fair and bright
Where the handouts grow on bushes and you sleep out every night
Where the boxcars are all empty and the sun shines every day
On the birds and the bees and the cigarette trees
Where the lemonade springs where the bluebird sings
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains all the cops have wooden legs
And the bulldogs all have rubber teeth and the hens lay soft boiled eggs
The farmer's trees are full of fruit and the barns are full of hay
Oh, I'm bound to go where there ain't no snow
Where the rain don't fall and the wind don't blow
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains you never change your socks
And the little streams of alcohol come a-trickling down the rocks
The brakemen have to tip their hats and the railroad bulls are blind
There's a lake of stew and of whiskey too
You can paddle all around 'em in a big canoe
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains the jails are made of tin
And you can walk right out again as soon as you are in
There ain't no short handled shovels, no axes saws or picks
I'm a goin to stay where you sleep all day
Where they hung the jerk that invented work
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
I'll see you all this coming fall in the Big Rock Candy Mountains
April 26, 2007
American Idol Results Show
I recorded the show because I was working and then later fast forwarded through most of it. Especially, the part with Bono.
Nobody was sent home. Which of course they didn't tell you until the last possible moment of the program because they were fund raising.
Honestly, is it necessary? Between News Corporation, Coca Cola and Ford - those three alone could wipe out hunger in most of the regions they were raising money for. Isn't it enough that we buy and read publications put out by News Corp, drink Coke and drive Mustangs? Those companies wouldn't exist without the buying American public.
You get my meaning, right?
Just let the show be the entertaining show it is without trying to extract duckets (derived from ducats) from its adoring audience. If we want to give to charity, we'll do it on our own.
Nobody was sent home. Which of course they didn't tell you until the last possible moment of the program because they were fund raising.
Honestly, is it necessary? Between News Corporation, Coca Cola and Ford - those three alone could wipe out hunger in most of the regions they were raising money for. Isn't it enough that we buy and read publications put out by News Corp, drink Coke and drive Mustangs? Those companies wouldn't exist without the buying American public.
You get my meaning, right?
Just let the show be the entertaining show it is without trying to extract duckets (derived from ducats) from its adoring audience. If we want to give to charity, we'll do it on our own.
Libretto by Sir Mix-A-Lot
Over at Addled Writer, I found this video of Baby Got Back done in the style of Gilbert & Sullivan. If you are old enough, you'll recognize the footage from a popular 80's movie.
April 25, 2007
American Idol - Six Give Back
Because American Idol is "giving back" the contestants were required to sing inspirational songs. All six constestants chose songs meant to inspire people to want to change the world in which we live from a place of misery and despair to one of happiness and charity. And in between we were shown footage of Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest touring slums in Africa. Later we were shown footage of Randy Jackson touring the distaster stricken areas of Louisiana. All of the footage was very depressing - particularly the fly covered, starving orphans in Africa.
And somehow, in spite of all that sadness, everyone was somehow able to put on a show.
Chris Richardson sang a ho-hum version of Change the World by Eric Clapton. However, I couldn't tell if Chris's blah performance was because of who he is, how he sang or if the song itself was bland.
Melinda sang a real pretty song that I never heard before but it was real pretty and she sang it real well. In my opinion it was the best performance of the evening.
Blake Lewis sang Imagine. And I tried to imagine that the song was more exciting than it was. I kept waiting for him to break out into his beatbox routine and to make the song more exciting that it was. But I guess that he would have been blaspheming John Lennon somehow had he done that.
I didn't believe that Lakisha believed in her ability to belt out "I Believe". She was accused by judges of screaming through most of the song. There's that pesky technique thing again. I believe in her ability to improve. I just wish she had a better coach because I'm afraid she is going to blow out her voice before American Idol is over.
Phil Stacey was so boring it was like watching paint dry or water boil when he sang a really dull Garth Brooks ballad. He was able to work some kind of magic on the judges though because they thought he sounded good and that he's finally coming into his own. I still can't believe that Gina Glocksen went home before this guy.
Jordin Sparks closed the show with "You'll Never Walk Alone". Yes. I agree that she was emotionally connected to the song and that she's entertaining to watch but it sounded to me like she was shouting even more than Lakisha was, an observation NOT made by the judges. The judges thought it was the best American Idol performance ever. I have to disagree. She was shouting. But sometimes I get the feeling that the judges really, really, really, really want America to pick Jordin as the A-number-one Idol.
I predict that Blake, Lakisha and Phil will be in the bottom three tonight and sadly, I predict that either Blake or Lakisha will be going home. Phil has at least one more week in him. If he doesn't go home tonight, which I doubt will happen, he'll be going home next week.
And somehow, in spite of all that sadness, everyone was somehow able to put on a show.
Chris Richardson sang a ho-hum version of Change the World by Eric Clapton. However, I couldn't tell if Chris's blah performance was because of who he is, how he sang or if the song itself was bland.
Melinda sang a real pretty song that I never heard before but it was real pretty and she sang it real well. In my opinion it was the best performance of the evening.
Blake Lewis sang Imagine. And I tried to imagine that the song was more exciting than it was. I kept waiting for him to break out into his beatbox routine and to make the song more exciting that it was. But I guess that he would have been blaspheming John Lennon somehow had he done that.
I didn't believe that Lakisha believed in her ability to belt out "I Believe". She was accused by judges of screaming through most of the song. There's that pesky technique thing again. I believe in her ability to improve. I just wish she had a better coach because I'm afraid she is going to blow out her voice before American Idol is over.
Phil Stacey was so boring it was like watching paint dry or water boil when he sang a really dull Garth Brooks ballad. He was able to work some kind of magic on the judges though because they thought he sounded good and that he's finally coming into his own. I still can't believe that Gina Glocksen went home before this guy.
Jordin Sparks closed the show with "You'll Never Walk Alone". Yes. I agree that she was emotionally connected to the song and that she's entertaining to watch but it sounded to me like she was shouting even more than Lakisha was, an observation NOT made by the judges. The judges thought it was the best American Idol performance ever. I have to disagree. She was shouting. But sometimes I get the feeling that the judges really, really, really, really want America to pick Jordin as the A-number-one Idol.
I predict that Blake, Lakisha and Phil will be in the bottom three tonight and sadly, I predict that either Blake or Lakisha will be going home. Phil has at least one more week in him. If he doesn't go home tonight, which I doubt will happen, he'll be going home next week.
Grey Gardens - Again
I'm working at Grey Gardens again this week. It's still just as good as ever. Actually, I think it might be a little better. I've noticed subtle changes in the various performers since the last time I worked the show which was about a month ago. Tony voters are out and about, getting their last looks at new shows and revivials that will make up the Tony nominees in a couple of weeks or so. Lots of shows have been tweeked or fine tuned for the occassion. The dramatic pauses are a 1/2 second longers. The knowing glances are a little bit more knowing. You get the idea.It's been a while since I've spotted any celebrities. Today, I spotted Bruce Vilanch watching the show from fourth orchestra. I found out from a random patron that he recently performed in Hairspray as Edna Turnblatt. That random patron also mentioned that he was very funny in the part. But I don't know. I saw Harvey Fierstein do it and he was great. I can't imagine anyone else doing the part better (with the exception fo Divine of course, who didn't have to sing and dance in the John Waters movie, I might add). It's a shame they tapped John Travolta for the movie version of the musical version of Hairspray. Fierstein would have been just fine and I'm sure Travolta won't be as funny.
Yesterday, walking down the street, passed by Roger Rees, who has been in a lot of plays and movies. I only know him from Men In Tights. He played the Sheriff of Rotingham. He looks amazingly sexy for someone born in 1944. Amazingly. Very handsome man.
April 21, 2007
What a Day
Today's matinee was challenging. Well, there were two challenges that I met. This week, I'm working near Times Square so gettting through the crowd alone was challenging.
When you come up that first staircase from the subway at the Times Square station you are instantly confronted with thousands of people - New Yorkers, tourists, Martians - walking past and through each other to get to the street. When I exit Times Square, I walk toward the Lichtenstein and hang a left for the escalators. Usually there is either a group or an individual performing there, making noise and causing people stand in useless clumps. More often than not the performers aren't worth the trouble: a guy playing garbage cans like they were drums; a man dancing with a doll as his fake partner; kids dancing, doing flips and jumping around; a woman playing a saw. Every now and then the gathering crowd is treated to an actual jazz quintet or a classical violinist earning money while attending Juilliard. But that's only occassionally. Usually, it's just dreck.
But that wasn't the first challenge. That's just a normal commute through Times Square station. The first challenge, after fighting my way through the crowds on Broadway, was the surprise of having to fight a crowd where I didn't expect there to be a crowd. Right in the middle of the street and not far from the theater, Project Dance had set up a platform flanked by enormous speakers, so their dancers could perform for New York City. I have no idea at all why they were doing this. But their music was extremely, extremely loud with the thumping bass that always accompanies bad and loud music. So while I was pushing my way through the mesmerized crowd that at that moment was watching teenagers in ridiculous costumes performing a routine to Puttin' On The Ritz, my first thought was whether or not my patrons were going to hear this loud music while they were watching (and listening to) the play. I was concerned that I wouldn't have enough headsets.
Once I entered the main auditorium I met my second challenge. Down by the stage, in front of orchestra right, the theater's electrician was setting up a closed captioning board for a special group that was coming in for the matinee. Panic set in. Between the loud music coming from the street and the 70 or so partially to totally deaf people that were coming to the show, I was very concerned I wasn't going to have enough headsets. Add that there is usualy a high volume of distribution on matinees and that today was the first truly nice day we've seen in a while, I was genuinely concerned my demand was going to exceed the 100 or so headsets I had in my booth.
Quick but separate conversations with the house manager and the person in charge of the closed captioning group soon put me at ease. The house manager said that the performance would be halted for the duration of the show. The person in charge of the special event for the hearing impaired assured me that everyone in her group probably would NOT be taking a headset, just one out of every four or so.
In the end, I only handed out 50 headsets. Normally, that would be considered high volume, but I was happy with that number because that means I had enough for everyone. Whew!
When you come up that first staircase from the subway at the Times Square station you are instantly confronted with thousands of people - New Yorkers, tourists, Martians - walking past and through each other to get to the street. When I exit Times Square, I walk toward the Lichtenstein and hang a left for the escalators. Usually there is either a group or an individual performing there, making noise and causing people stand in useless clumps. More often than not the performers aren't worth the trouble: a guy playing garbage cans like they were drums; a man dancing with a doll as his fake partner; kids dancing, doing flips and jumping around; a woman playing a saw. Every now and then the gathering crowd is treated to an actual jazz quintet or a classical violinist earning money while attending Juilliard. But that's only occassionally. Usually, it's just dreck.But that wasn't the first challenge. That's just a normal commute through Times Square station. The first challenge, after fighting my way through the crowds on Broadway, was the surprise of having to fight a crowd where I didn't expect there to be a crowd. Right in the middle of the street and not far from the theater, Project Dance had set up a platform flanked by enormous speakers, so their dancers could perform for New York City. I have no idea at all why they were doing this. But their music was extremely, extremely loud with the thumping bass that always accompanies bad and loud music. So while I was pushing my way through the mesmerized crowd that at that moment was watching teenagers in ridiculous costumes performing a routine to Puttin' On The Ritz, my first thought was whether or not my patrons were going to hear this loud music while they were watching (and listening to) the play. I was concerned that I wouldn't have enough headsets.
Once I entered the main auditorium I met my second challenge. Down by the stage, in front of orchestra right, the theater's electrician was setting up a closed captioning board for a special group that was coming in for the matinee. Panic set in. Between the loud music coming from the street and the 70 or so partially to totally deaf people that were coming to the show, I was very concerned I wasn't going to have enough headsets. Add that there is usualy a high volume of distribution on matinees and that today was the first truly nice day we've seen in a while, I was genuinely concerned my demand was going to exceed the 100 or so headsets I had in my booth.
Quick but separate conversations with the house manager and the person in charge of the closed captioning group soon put me at ease. The house manager said that the performance would be halted for the duration of the show. The person in charge of the special event for the hearing impaired assured me that everyone in her group probably would NOT be taking a headset, just one out of every four or so.
In the end, I only handed out 50 headsets. Normally, that would be considered high volume, but I was happy with that number because that means I had enough for everyone. Whew!
Cute Puppy Playing
I was looking for something cute on YouTube that I could use on my site by searching for "puppies playing". I found a lot of really sweet home videos, but this one was my favorite. It's really, really cute. This puppy is named Gizmo. Did I mention it was cute?
April 19, 2007
American Idol - Sanjaya Went Home
Even Vote For The Worst couldn't help Sanjaya Malakar after his dismal performance on Wednesday night's show.
So for all you Sanjaya haters out there, congratulations.
So for all you Sanjaya haters out there, congratulations.
April 18, 2007
American Idol - 7- Country Music
Nothing slows down the momentum of well-liked and well performing contestants like Country Music week on American Idol. With the exception of Melinda and Jordin who could sing the contents of their dresser drawers with meaning, everyone did poorly last night. One might argue that Phil Stacey did well last night, but as I've mentioned time and time again, I don't like him.
Country music is always challenging for the contestants because usually the songs are boring unless they are sung by the incredible personalities for whom they were written. Martina McBride was the guest mentor and she'll perform on tonight's show. Like Jennifer Lopez, she took a break from her busy touring schedule to work with the contestants. It must have been a real hardship. She was lovely with the contestants like all the mentors. I'd be amazed if any of the mentors actually said what they thought truly about anybody they have helped.
Phil Stacey sang "Where the Blacktop Ends" by Keith Urban. I'm not a country music fan and as a result, unless the song is exceptional, all the songs sound the same to me. I couldn't tell you one thing about that song except that the lyrics were . . . oh no, I can't tell you anything about those either. Never mind. Apparently, the judges felt he was in his element, that he's most comfortable singing country music. I have to admit, his performance last night had more personality than previous performances combined but I still don't like him as a solo performer, maybe as part of a Naval singing group or something. Oh yeah. That is what he does when he's not on American Idol. I almost forgot. I still can't believe Gina Glocksen went home before this guy.
Jordin Sparks sang Broken Wing by Martina McBride. In her little segment with Martina McBride, McBride was blown away by Jordin Sparks. And after she performed the song, the audience and the judges were very impressed. Simon even told her that with that song, he finally sees Jordin as the American Idol. Again, I couldn't tell you what the song is about. But I can tell you that Jordin is more enjoyable to watch than most of the remaining contestants. And listening to her sing is an absolute joy.
Sanjaya really disappointed me last night. He picked the absolute worst song anyone could have picked for a singing competition. Bonnie Raitt wrote Something To Talk About and sings it like no one else can because she wrote it for herself. I've already explained my theory that when a song writer writes a song for him or herself, only that artist can perform it well. You know already that I am a fan of Sanjaya and before last night I believed him to be a fairly decent singer. If I'd only seen last night's performance, I wouldn't have understood at all why he was on the show. He didn't do anything to make the song his own. He moved around awkwardly in a bad outfit which made him hard to watch. And he forgot to apply any technique or music theory he's learned over the years to anything he was singing, which made him hard to listen to. Add the fact that he repeated "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About" about 50 times in two minutes and you've got an equation for the most boring performance of the evening.
Lakisha sang the corniest song of the evening, Jesus Takes the Wheel by Carrie Underwood. Lakisha was really out of her element on this one. She was connected to the song emotionally but her voice was not a good match for the arrangement. But I can't blame her for having trouble. Country music isn't that interesting and it's very, very hard to make it interesting. Especially if you have no real technique or music theory to lean on which is what I suspect is the contributing to factor to all of Lakisha's weak performances. If only she had more technique to rely on maybe she could have made that incredibly corny song work.
Chris Richardson proved last night how much he truly does suck. He's been hiding behind pop songs which don't require much from singers in terms of range and personality. Last night, he sang out of key and entirely through his nose. He chose the song Mayberry by Rascal Flatts, a sentimental song about how simple life used to be for the singer when he lived in Mayberry. This was a bad choice for Chris, not just because he couldn't sing the song, but because he's too young to sing a song a like this. This is a good song for someone 40 and older to sing, someone whose lived a little bit. He's too young to make any connections at all with a song like this.
Melinda Doolittle chose a great song. Up until Melinda all the song choices were ballads or as boring as ballads. "Trouble is a Woman" by Julie Reeves was upbeat and fun - more like a square dancing song than a corny ballad. The song allowed Melinda yet another opportunity to show off all of her fantastic singing qualities - including phrasing, lyric interpretation and good technique. (And by technique I mean tools in her singing arsenal that contribute to how she sounds when she sings.) It was the best performance of the evening.
Blake Lewis sang "When the Stars Go Blue" by Tim McGraw. Boring. It was boring. To me it sounded like he was singing out of key for the whole song. He looked uncomfortable to me. There wasn't much he could do to that song to make it his own and I don't really know why he chose it.
That's my round up. Who do I think will be going home tonight? I have no idea. I just hope it's not Melinda or Jordin.
April 17, 2007
Sadness on Virginia Tech Campus
Yesterday's tragedy at Virginia Tech makes me feel sad for the people who lost members of their family and beyond. People who were present while their friends and teachers were being wounded and murdered now have to live with the trauma caused by the acts of one highly disturbed individual. Not that I don't feel bad for the families. Of course I do. But it's not just the families that suffer. Every time something terrible like this happens, any innocence associated with an institutution where a tragedy of this nature occurs is irrevocably lost.
People who thought that Virginia Tech was a safe place to work or attend classes or send their children to school will never think that again.
Jon and I first of heard about the shooting driving home from a weekend in South Jersey and I turned on 1010 WINS for a traffic report. It reminded me of when I was listening to a news report on NPR about a plane crashing into one of the towers at the World Trade Center. When I heard that news it didn't quite make sense. I understood the words the newscaster was speaking in his well modulated voice but didn't comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy until much, much later. And innocence was lost. Before that happened, it never occurred to many of us that anyone would hijack a plane and kill thousands of people in order to honor some suicide pact made in the name of God.
After watching the news last night and listening to the convocation this afternoon on the radio; after watching interviews with survivors of the gunman's rampage and hearing the speeches given by President Bush and religious leaders at the memorial service on the Virginia Tech campus it is only now that I comprehend the full extent of this tragedy. I'm sure no one expected the academic and hopeful environment of a place like a college campus to be disturbed by the actions of one destructive and suicidal individual.
To the people who lost those 32 family members, you have my deepest sympathy.
People who thought that Virginia Tech was a safe place to work or attend classes or send their children to school will never think that again.
Jon and I first of heard about the shooting driving home from a weekend in South Jersey and I turned on 1010 WINS for a traffic report. It reminded me of when I was listening to a news report on NPR about a plane crashing into one of the towers at the World Trade Center. When I heard that news it didn't quite make sense. I understood the words the newscaster was speaking in his well modulated voice but didn't comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy until much, much later. And innocence was lost. Before that happened, it never occurred to many of us that anyone would hijack a plane and kill thousands of people in order to honor some suicide pact made in the name of God.
After watching the news last night and listening to the convocation this afternoon on the radio; after watching interviews with survivors of the gunman's rampage and hearing the speeches given by President Bush and religious leaders at the memorial service on the Virginia Tech campus it is only now that I comprehend the full extent of this tragedy. I'm sure no one expected the academic and hopeful environment of a place like a college campus to be disturbed by the actions of one destructive and suicidal individual.
To the people who lost those 32 family members, you have my deepest sympathy.
April 13, 2007
Curtains for Onion Breath
This week I've been handing out headsets hand over fists to the patrons at Curtains currently playing at the Hirshfeld Theater. My headset console is located in a former closet, a situation which invites intimacy apparently. The patrons, very often, stand inches from my face when they make their requests for headsets "that work".
I'm not sure what's happening but onions seem to be popular with my older lady customers. More than half the women I've helped have expressed more than their need for a device to help them hear better. The sulfuric, acidic smell of onions has passed through many of their dentures and into my sweet unassuming face.
Of course, I can't say anything to them. A lot of the ladies are really sweet, and I've made at least $20 in tips this week.
But lordy loo. It takes a lot of energy to stand there smiling in the face of so much bad breath.
I just want to offer them all breath mints.
I'm not sure what's happening but onions seem to be popular with my older lady customers. More than half the women I've helped have expressed more than their need for a device to help them hear better. The sulfuric, acidic smell of onions has passed through many of their dentures and into my sweet unassuming face.
Of course, I can't say anything to them. A lot of the ladies are really sweet, and I've made at least $20 in tips this week.
But lordy loo. It takes a lot of energy to stand there smiling in the face of so much bad breath.
I just want to offer them all breath mints.
April 12, 2007
April Showers Bring Aches and Pains
This damp weather is a good sign that Spring is here and that the weather will soon be warming up. But the damp weather is making me stiff and achy from head to toe. I'll probably end up taking some ALEVE to aleviate my symptoms.
April 09, 2007
The Sopranos - Episode 78 - Home Movies
The Sopranos finale started with a subtle episode that was designed to feel like a dream. A big chunk of the show was spent up in the Adirondacks where Bobby Bacala and his lovely wife Janice (Tony's sister) have a summer home. The show's title comes from Janet's gift of home movies Janice converted to DVD for her brother's birthday. It also suggests that the past somehow played a part in the storyline. The past haunted Tony and Janice throughout the episode.
===========
Last night's episode started with a flashback to the day Johnny Sac got arrested. But something was added to the flashback. If you recall, Tony was meeting with Johnny that day, but ran away when he saw the Feds coming over a hill. He ran home for miles through the snow. In this flashback, we see Tony dropped his gun. And we were shown a young boy watching from a window in Johnny Sac's house. I'm still not clear who the young boy was and I'm actually not sure he was watching from Johnny's house.
After this scene, Tony and Carmella were awoken by pounding on the front door, the kind of pounding that policemen do early in the morning when they're hot for an arrest. Carmella jumped out of bed and asked "is this it?" I was wondering the same thing. Was this it? Was Tony going to be arrested? He was.
The Essex County police department arrested him because his gun was used in crimes committed by the young man who had found the gun in the flashback. The charge may have been that Tony Soprano owned a gun? I'm not sure how that works, but it doesn't matter because the charges were dropped so the Feds could pick up the charges later in the episode. We briefly saw Tony in jail. And just to keep the show feeling real, the scene came complete with a guy using the toilet for all the world to see. Tony made bail and was welcomed home by his family and crew with the exception Christopher whose absence was not explained. In a parallel scene we see the Brooklyn crew welcoming back Phil from his stay in the hospital. In those few minutes, we caught a glimpse of most of the people who will most likely be making up the drama for the upcoming season.
Well. None of the above really matters much for the episode at hand except that it caught up the viewers with the what's been happening since the last season. When the Sopranos is on hiatus, the characters lives advance - they do not stop. So, we get the feeling that we are really following their story lines in some kind of real time, well, real for television anyway if that makes sense.
So. While Tony was dealing with his arrest, Janice was hassling Carmela about coming up to the Adirondacks for Tony's birthday. Carmela was hesitant but Janice was a total dick about it. After Tony's lawyer told him the gun charges have been dropped, Tony decided to make the trip after all -Most likely because Bobby was working out some kind of shady dealings with some Canadians. I don't think he really cared about seeing his sister.
The scenery up in the Adirondacks was breathtaking. And Tony spent a lot of time staring out at the big lake much like he stares out at his pool. While Tony and Bobby were bonding over automatic weapons in the woods and speed boats on the lake, Bobby revealed a weakness to Tony. He told Tony that he never killed anyone, that his father never wanted him to be a killer. We see Tony filing that one away in his mental cabinet under "things to use against people later on."
And while the men were out playing, Janice was filling in Carmela on the work she'd been doing with her therapist. Her therapist explained to Janice that their mother was a splitter - that she wasn't happy unless everyone was at odds with each other. And that once Livia's children started talking, she stopped loving them because she didn't like her family to express opinions.
Chase, the show's writer, always manages to keep Tony's mother involved in the story line.
The birthday dinner was surprisingly tension free, except for when Janice told Tony he's changed. Tension started building right there because we could see Tony filing that one away under "grudges to hold against my sister." Tony received two very nice gifts. One was a set of golf clubs from Carmela and the other were the home movies mentioned earlier on.
Dinner blended into a Monopoly game which started out nice enough. But as the liquor bottles emptied tensions started rising. I was nervous watching the game because Tony can't stand seeing his sister have a good time and he always has to ruin it and I knew this was some kind of quiet before some kind of storm. The first indication that there was going to be a problem came when Bobby objected to the Free Parking rule, which is an accepted home rule that everyone plays with - except Bobby Bacala. And when he started saying how it's wrong for people to make up rules in a game which has printed rules, I got the feeling he was referring to something else, perhaps about his life as a mobster, perhaps about how the rules of being promoted to Capo don't quite apply to him because Tony never moves him ahead.
As the bottles emptied, the game grew more intense and Janice decided it would be fun to tell a frightening story about when Tony and Janice's father shot a bullet through a woman's beehive hairdo. Tony objected to Janice telling this story because it paints their father in a bad light, and he can't accept the fact that his father had any thing to do with the bad parenting he recievedd. So, Tony started to make cutting remarks about his sister in retalliation. Eventually, Bobby stood up for his wife and asked Tony to stop dogging her. But Tony didn't stop and Bobby slugged him and they had a big fight and Bobby won. Bobby beat the tar out of Tony. After the fight Bobby ran out to his car and Carmela helped Tony off the floor. Tony had gotten a monopoly piece stuck to his face (some thankful humor to dissipate the scaryfeeling and give the viwer a brake from the tension - a perfect example of good directing/writing whatever) and Carmela flicked it off.
The next day Bobby and Tony went to their meeting with the Canadians while Janice and Carmela were left to wonder what's going to happen next. Janice told Carmela a story about how she blew up at ex-boyfriend once for hitting her (which was actually a sanitized version of the incident where she shot and killed Richie Abril) to illustrate how Janice is actually like the Soprano father and then explained that Tony is actually more like Livia, their mother. Their father would react to things immediately while their mother would let things simmer. This angered Carmela because she thought Janice was implying that Tony was simmering about the previous evening's fight and she shouted at Janice that Tony was not a vindictive man.
At the meeting with the Canadians, Tony offered to kill someone for them in order to get a lower price on expired Fosamex. And guess who he wants to do the kill. Yes. That's right. He wants Bobby to do the kill. Tony proved that even though he said there were no hard feelings regarding the fight, it was actually going to cost Bobby something. In the end, Bobby committed the murder because he knew it was a mistake to punch out the head of his crime family. He took his lumps. He paid the price.
In the end, Tony was watching the DVD his sister made for him. He was watching in that tired, amused way he always seems to watch TV. Who knows what he was thinking?
This episode laid out the groundwork for what's coming up in this final season. It was a good episode and completely in keeping with Chase's style of layering and building and taking his time with a good story.
===========
Last night's episode started with a flashback to the day Johnny Sac got arrested. But something was added to the flashback. If you recall, Tony was meeting with Johnny that day, but ran away when he saw the Feds coming over a hill. He ran home for miles through the snow. In this flashback, we see Tony dropped his gun. And we were shown a young boy watching from a window in Johnny Sac's house. I'm still not clear who the young boy was and I'm actually not sure he was watching from Johnny's house.
After this scene, Tony and Carmella were awoken by pounding on the front door, the kind of pounding that policemen do early in the morning when they're hot for an arrest. Carmella jumped out of bed and asked "is this it?" I was wondering the same thing. Was this it? Was Tony going to be arrested? He was.
The Essex County police department arrested him because his gun was used in crimes committed by the young man who had found the gun in the flashback. The charge may have been that Tony Soprano owned a gun? I'm not sure how that works, but it doesn't matter because the charges were dropped so the Feds could pick up the charges later in the episode. We briefly saw Tony in jail. And just to keep the show feeling real, the scene came complete with a guy using the toilet for all the world to see. Tony made bail and was welcomed home by his family and crew with the exception Christopher whose absence was not explained. In a parallel scene we see the Brooklyn crew welcoming back Phil from his stay in the hospital. In those few minutes, we caught a glimpse of most of the people who will most likely be making up the drama for the upcoming season.
Well. None of the above really matters much for the episode at hand except that it caught up the viewers with the what's been happening since the last season. When the Sopranos is on hiatus, the characters lives advance - they do not stop. So, we get the feeling that we are really following their story lines in some kind of real time, well, real for television anyway if that makes sense.
So. While Tony was dealing with his arrest, Janice was hassling Carmela about coming up to the Adirondacks for Tony's birthday. Carmela was hesitant but Janice was a total dick about it. After Tony's lawyer told him the gun charges have been dropped, Tony decided to make the trip after all -Most likely because Bobby was working out some kind of shady dealings with some Canadians. I don't think he really cared about seeing his sister.
The scenery up in the Adirondacks was breathtaking. And Tony spent a lot of time staring out at the big lake much like he stares out at his pool. While Tony and Bobby were bonding over automatic weapons in the woods and speed boats on the lake, Bobby revealed a weakness to Tony. He told Tony that he never killed anyone, that his father never wanted him to be a killer. We see Tony filing that one away in his mental cabinet under "things to use against people later on."
And while the men were out playing, Janice was filling in Carmela on the work she'd been doing with her therapist. Her therapist explained to Janice that their mother was a splitter - that she wasn't happy unless everyone was at odds with each other. And that once Livia's children started talking, she stopped loving them because she didn't like her family to express opinions.
Chase, the show's writer, always manages to keep Tony's mother involved in the story line.
The birthday dinner was surprisingly tension free, except for when Janice told Tony he's changed. Tension started building right there because we could see Tony filing that one away under "grudges to hold against my sister." Tony received two very nice gifts. One was a set of golf clubs from Carmela and the other were the home movies mentioned earlier on.
Dinner blended into a Monopoly game which started out nice enough. But as the liquor bottles emptied tensions started rising. I was nervous watching the game because Tony can't stand seeing his sister have a good time and he always has to ruin it and I knew this was some kind of quiet before some kind of storm. The first indication that there was going to be a problem came when Bobby objected to the Free Parking rule, which is an accepted home rule that everyone plays with - except Bobby Bacala. And when he started saying how it's wrong for people to make up rules in a game which has printed rules, I got the feeling he was referring to something else, perhaps about his life as a mobster, perhaps about how the rules of being promoted to Capo don't quite apply to him because Tony never moves him ahead.
As the bottles emptied, the game grew more intense and Janice decided it would be fun to tell a frightening story about when Tony and Janice's father shot a bullet through a woman's beehive hairdo. Tony objected to Janice telling this story because it paints their father in a bad light, and he can't accept the fact that his father had any thing to do with the bad parenting he recievedd. So, Tony started to make cutting remarks about his sister in retalliation. Eventually, Bobby stood up for his wife and asked Tony to stop dogging her. But Tony didn't stop and Bobby slugged him and they had a big fight and Bobby won. Bobby beat the tar out of Tony. After the fight Bobby ran out to his car and Carmela helped Tony off the floor. Tony had gotten a monopoly piece stuck to his face (some thankful humor to dissipate the scaryfeeling and give the viwer a brake from the tension - a perfect example of good directing/writing whatever) and Carmela flicked it off.
The next day Bobby and Tony went to their meeting with the Canadians while Janice and Carmela were left to wonder what's going to happen next. Janice told Carmela a story about how she blew up at ex-boyfriend once for hitting her (which was actually a sanitized version of the incident where she shot and killed Richie Abril) to illustrate how Janice is actually like the Soprano father and then explained that Tony is actually more like Livia, their mother. Their father would react to things immediately while their mother would let things simmer. This angered Carmela because she thought Janice was implying that Tony was simmering about the previous evening's fight and she shouted at Janice that Tony was not a vindictive man.
At the meeting with the Canadians, Tony offered to kill someone for them in order to get a lower price on expired Fosamex. And guess who he wants to do the kill. Yes. That's right. He wants Bobby to do the kill. Tony proved that even though he said there were no hard feelings regarding the fight, it was actually going to cost Bobby something. In the end, Bobby committed the murder because he knew it was a mistake to punch out the head of his crime family. He took his lumps. He paid the price.
In the end, Tony was watching the DVD his sister made for him. He was watching in that tired, amused way he always seems to watch TV. Who knows what he was thinking?
This episode laid out the groundwork for what's coming up in this final season. It was a good episode and completely in keeping with Chase's style of layering and building and taking his time with a good story.
April 08, 2007
Easter Sunday
It's cold outside which is why I am inside. I slept late this morning, snuggling up with my husband under our warm blanket but I had to get up eventually, right? Because at some point every morning, the bacterial growth in my mouth compels me to rise from the comfort of my marital bed and journey to the bathroom for my ritual morning oral ablution. In other words, my morning breath tasted so bad I had to get up and brush my teeth.
Today was a good old fashioned do nothing kind of day, meaning I did nothing. Then I took a nap for a couple of hours and I've been tooling around on the computer, messing around with some old photos from some old trips.
I spent some time tweeking my panoramic shot from Thingvellir, Iceland.
I know it looks like a small picture but it's something like 120 inches long. I've been trying to upload the image to my Shutterfly account so I can get a printout and maybe get it framed but Shutterfly isn't accepting the image. I guess I'll have to tweek it a little more.
I just finished the last of some garlicky, peppery chicken soup I made to combat this latest viral onslaught Jon and I are undergoing at the moment. And I'm drinking a Tom Collins with actual vodka. And it's good. I broke down and bought some mixers at the supermarket. This is the first time in my life, I've ever made a drink like this.
It's tasty. Yum. Tonight I'll be watching the beginning of the end of The Sopranos.
Tony Soprano has risen again. God bless HBO.
Today was a good old fashioned do nothing kind of day, meaning I did nothing. Then I took a nap for a couple of hours and I've been tooling around on the computer, messing around with some old photos from some old trips.
I spent some time tweeking my panoramic shot from Thingvellir, Iceland.
I know it looks like a small picture but it's something like 120 inches long. I've been trying to upload the image to my Shutterfly account so I can get a printout and maybe get it framed but Shutterfly isn't accepting the image. I guess I'll have to tweek it a little more.
I just finished the last of some garlicky, peppery chicken soup I made to combat this latest viral onslaught Jon and I are undergoing at the moment. And I'm drinking a Tom Collins with actual vodka. And it's good. I broke down and bought some mixers at the supermarket. This is the first time in my life, I've ever made a drink like this.
It's tasty. Yum. Tonight I'll be watching the beginning of the end of The Sopranos.
Tony Soprano has risen again. God bless HBO.
April 07, 2007
Kitchen Confidential
This was a great book. Bourdain provides a candid look at the culinary industry. If you have romantic notions of what chef's life is like, forget about it. It's hard, never ending, relationship straining work that imagine only very specific personality types are cut out for.
I entertained the idea of becoming a chef up until about 10 years ago when I met a women named Sharon who worked as a sous-chef before becoming an administrative assistant. She said it was awful. Really awful. She described most of her work environments as hostile and mysoginistic. Coincidentally so did Bourdain.
Before becoming a chef you should read his book.
I entertained the idea of becoming a chef up until about 10 years ago when I met a women named Sharon who worked as a sous-chef before becoming an administrative assistant. She said it was awful. Really awful. She described most of her work environments as hostile and mysoginistic. Coincidentally so did Bourdain.
Before becoming a chef you should read his book.
David Zayas
I was just sitting in the internet cafe minding my own business when all of a sudden David Zayas sat down next to me use a computer. Who is David Zayas? He is a really good character actor that I really enjoyed on the show Oz. I've seen him pop up here and there on different shows but most memorably for me, I remember he played a small part in the movie Wit.
How cool is that? He was right next to me. Of course, I didn't want to bother him. So. I didn't.
Here is his picture.
He played a really, really bad guy on Oz.
How cool is that? He was right next to me. Of course, I didn't want to bother him. So. I didn't.
Here is his picture.
He played a really, really bad guy on Oz.
April 05, 2007
American Idol Surprise
I was surprised and disappointed last night when Gina Glocksen was told to go home. Haley Scarnato might have better boobs but she certainly is not a better singer. And I know I write about how much I like Sanjaya but he wasn't better than Gina either. Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey are two other people I would have predicted to go home before Gina but alas I was wrong.
I hope Gina gets signed by someone. I can't wait to see what she does next.
I hope Gina gets signed by someone. I can't wait to see what she does next.
April 04, 2007
American Idol - Nine Singers Left
Last night's hour of competition passed by quickly not only because it was good but because Jon and I had saved the show on our DVR. We were able to fast forward through the miles and miles of commercials that pay the salaries of everyone working on the American Idol assembly line and most likely half the executives at FOX.
Guest mentor Tony Bennett provided the contestants with solid and practical advice. Some of them listened and some of them didn't. He was very nice and said something nice to everybody which you could tell gave them all a boost.
Blake Lewis opened the show with his mostly on key rendition of Mac The Knife. Although his wasn't the best performance of the whole evening, I thought he did a good job. At this point he is my favorite male contestant. It is a weird song. It wasn't until a night of karaoke at a bar in Jamaica, when Jon and I were on our honeymoon, that I learned that Mac The Knife is about a hit man. The lyrics are a dark contrast to the jazzy hip music. And it's a weird song. He wriggled a little too much for my taste. I often think that contestants would do better if they would just stand still and sing, but they often insist on moving around.
If you missed Phil Stacy's performance last night, don't feel bad, because you didn't miss much. He put me to sleep with his Frank Sinatra imitation style rendition of Night and Day. I was surprised when Tony Bennett said that Phil Stacy was a good singer. He may be. But I just don't like him. I still think he looks creepy like that nice boy, serial killer who might be living next door to you. And I hate his cocky swagger. I just dislike him in general. With that said, I can hear his training when he sings and would agree that, technically, he MAY be a good singer. He just doesn't have a good voice, in spite of his training.
Melinda Doolittle gave the most polished performance of the evening with her interpretation of I've Got Rhythm. I like listening to her sing and I like watching her perform. With the perfect combination of talent and training, she does everything right. A naturally good voice added to training and practice creates get great singers like Melinda Doolittle. Phil Stacy may have the same training but he just doesn't have the same talent. And he'll never be the American Idol. If this competition is really about talent, then Melinda Doolittle will definitely win.
Chris Richardson butchered Night and Day while simultaneously hypnotizing the judges into believing that he was good. His performance was mediocre at best. He's another one who looks creepy enough to have buried his neighbor's dogs in his mother's backyard, yet every week, he manages to convince the viewing public that he's worthy of their votes. I can only hope that we don't have to endure his smug face and limited vocal range for much longer.
Jordin Sparks delivered the second most polished performance with On A Clear Day. She sang with joy and lit up the stage with her youthful enthusiasm. She's just good. She's got talent and she has clearly had some training and did some practicing. See the above description of Melinda Doolittle's performance. I don't want to repeat myself. If American Idol is about choosing the youngest person with the most potential for a singing career then Jordin Sparks will be the next American Idol.
Gina Glocksen almost brought me to tears with Smile by Charlie Chaplin. I thought it was a great performance - sweet, sensitive, modest - and she connected with the lyrics. I hope she's makes it to the final four. I'm not sure she will but I really hope she does. She's gets better every week.
Sanjaya Malakar represented himself well with his version of Dancing Cheek to Cheek. His was my second favorite male performance of the evening. He definitely sounded better than Chris Richardson yet the judges wouldn't even comment on his vocals. Why are they so hard on Sanjaya? I guess being an awkward teen is too much of a reminder of what adolescence was like for most of us. And Sanjaya is displaying an in your face kind of awkwardness that makes everyone uncomfortable. If only he would just stand still and sing. I think his voice is lovely but he's not ready for this competition. He needs a couple more years to percolate.
Haley Scarnato looked pretty.
Lakisha sang Stormy Weather. She is an example of someone with a lot of talent but not enough training. You can hear the missing technique from time to time like in last night's performance. The opening was all over the place when it came to pitch, but she found her key again during the middle and end of her performance. She's got the confidence but I really hope she'll benefit from the coaching I imagine the contestants receive on a weekly basis. I like her but I think she'll be a third place finish in the end.
Okay. That's my weekly wrap up of the American Idol.
I have to go back over to the August Wilson theater for another performance of Jersey Boys. Don't be envious. It's not my favorite show and I don't have anything to read.
Guest mentor Tony Bennett provided the contestants with solid and practical advice. Some of them listened and some of them didn't. He was very nice and said something nice to everybody which you could tell gave them all a boost.
Blake Lewis opened the show with his mostly on key rendition of Mac The Knife. Although his wasn't the best performance of the whole evening, I thought he did a good job. At this point he is my favorite male contestant. It is a weird song. It wasn't until a night of karaoke at a bar in Jamaica, when Jon and I were on our honeymoon, that I learned that Mac The Knife is about a hit man. The lyrics are a dark contrast to the jazzy hip music. And it's a weird song. He wriggled a little too much for my taste. I often think that contestants would do better if they would just stand still and sing, but they often insist on moving around.
If you missed Phil Stacy's performance last night, don't feel bad, because you didn't miss much. He put me to sleep with his Frank Sinatra imitation style rendition of Night and Day. I was surprised when Tony Bennett said that Phil Stacy was a good singer. He may be. But I just don't like him. I still think he looks creepy like that nice boy, serial killer who might be living next door to you. And I hate his cocky swagger. I just dislike him in general. With that said, I can hear his training when he sings and would agree that, technically, he MAY be a good singer. He just doesn't have a good voice, in spite of his training.
Melinda Doolittle gave the most polished performance of the evening with her interpretation of I've Got Rhythm. I like listening to her sing and I like watching her perform. With the perfect combination of talent and training, she does everything right. A naturally good voice added to training and practice creates get great singers like Melinda Doolittle. Phil Stacy may have the same training but he just doesn't have the same talent. And he'll never be the American Idol. If this competition is really about talent, then Melinda Doolittle will definitely win.
Chris Richardson butchered Night and Day while simultaneously hypnotizing the judges into believing that he was good. His performance was mediocre at best. He's another one who looks creepy enough to have buried his neighbor's dogs in his mother's backyard, yet every week, he manages to convince the viewing public that he's worthy of their votes. I can only hope that we don't have to endure his smug face and limited vocal range for much longer.
Jordin Sparks delivered the second most polished performance with On A Clear Day. She sang with joy and lit up the stage with her youthful enthusiasm. She's just good. She's got talent and she has clearly had some training and did some practicing. See the above description of Melinda Doolittle's performance. I don't want to repeat myself. If American Idol is about choosing the youngest person with the most potential for a singing career then Jordin Sparks will be the next American Idol.
Gina Glocksen almost brought me to tears with Smile by Charlie Chaplin. I thought it was a great performance - sweet, sensitive, modest - and she connected with the lyrics. I hope she's makes it to the final four. I'm not sure she will but I really hope she does. She's gets better every week.
Sanjaya Malakar represented himself well with his version of Dancing Cheek to Cheek. His was my second favorite male performance of the evening. He definitely sounded better than Chris Richardson yet the judges wouldn't even comment on his vocals. Why are they so hard on Sanjaya? I guess being an awkward teen is too much of a reminder of what adolescence was like for most of us. And Sanjaya is displaying an in your face kind of awkwardness that makes everyone uncomfortable. If only he would just stand still and sing. I think his voice is lovely but he's not ready for this competition. He needs a couple more years to percolate.
Haley Scarnato looked pretty.
Lakisha sang Stormy Weather. She is an example of someone with a lot of talent but not enough training. You can hear the missing technique from time to time like in last night's performance. The opening was all over the place when it came to pitch, but she found her key again during the middle and end of her performance. She's got the confidence but I really hope she'll benefit from the coaching I imagine the contestants receive on a weekly basis. I like her but I think she'll be a third place finish in the end.
Okay. That's my weekly wrap up of the American Idol.
I have to go back over to the August Wilson theater for another performance of Jersey Boys. Don't be envious. It's not my favorite show and I don't have anything to read.
I Am Anonymous
Last night, I saw someone from high school that I haven't seen since she graduated in 1984. I never really spoke to her when we were growing up and vice versa so it was a strange moment of non-vocal recognition. I was standing by my headset booth next to the bar when I saw her. She was wearing one of those "pay-attention-to-me-I'm-important" blue tooth devices on her ear. (No offense to anyone who uses them but you really aren't be going to use it in the theater so you might as well take it off before you come in because unless you're the president or the parent of a sick child, no one needs to get in touch with you that badly. )
And she looked her age - about 40, maybe even a little older and that made me feel good. I actually took joy in the fact that she looked her age or older than me. (Well, I like to think I look younger than I am, maybe I don't, but if you don't agree, I don't want to hear it.) I felt good until I got home and googled her. Turns out she's a tremendously successful lawyer and president of the lawyer's association where I grew up. And she's on several of those watch lists that quantify people of a certain age in a certain profession. And for the first time in a long time I felt less important than I am and embarrassed that this girl I competed with in grade school, middle school and high school is so much more professionally successful than me. I guess most people are more successful than me.
Anyway, that prompted me to conduct a google search for my maiden name to see what came up. I figured if I could google her then she might do the same (although that is ultimately egotistical to think that after seeing me people just go on and on, wondering who I am and what I'm up to). The google search turned up 35 pages of results with my maiden name. There are so many people that have my old name, that the one entry that did come up for me is lost in a sea of VG's. That's really great. I don't have to worry about people holding my blog against me.
Not that I'm going to ever write how I truly feel about anything that is really important to me.
I have secret personal blogs that you'll never find no matter how hard you search.
But I am anonymous unless you know where to look.
And she looked her age - about 40, maybe even a little older and that made me feel good. I actually took joy in the fact that she looked her age or older than me. (Well, I like to think I look younger than I am, maybe I don't, but if you don't agree, I don't want to hear it.) I felt good until I got home and googled her. Turns out she's a tremendously successful lawyer and president of the lawyer's association where I grew up. And she's on several of those watch lists that quantify people of a certain age in a certain profession. And for the first time in a long time I felt less important than I am and embarrassed that this girl I competed with in grade school, middle school and high school is so much more professionally successful than me. I guess most people are more successful than me.
Anyway, that prompted me to conduct a google search for my maiden name to see what came up. I figured if I could google her then she might do the same (although that is ultimately egotistical to think that after seeing me people just go on and on, wondering who I am and what I'm up to). The google search turned up 35 pages of results with my maiden name. There are so many people that have my old name, that the one entry that did come up for me is lost in a sea of VG's. That's really great. I don't have to worry about people holding my blog against me.
Not that I'm going to ever write how I truly feel about anything that is really important to me.
I have secret personal blogs that you'll never find no matter how hard you search.
But I am anonymous unless you know where to look.
March 30, 2007
A Full Night Of Sleep
As the title of this post implies, I finally got a full night of sleep.
This week, I've been suffereing the ill effects of a bad cold. It started on Saturday with a mild sore throat and by Monday night, my cold had turned my sinuses into a mucus factory. To say I've been uncomfortable would be putting it mildly. I've had headaches all week and per usual when I have cold, sleep has been elusive. Why is it that when you need the most sleep that it's hardest get?
But last night, I was finally able to get some sleep. 8 hours.
What a relief. I still have my cold. It's been demoted to a mild annoyance that brings on sneezing every 30 minutes or so. And there is still pressure behind my left eye.
But I think my cold is on it's way out.
Wahoo!!!
This week, I've been suffereing the ill effects of a bad cold. It started on Saturday with a mild sore throat and by Monday night, my cold had turned my sinuses into a mucus factory. To say I've been uncomfortable would be putting it mildly. I've had headaches all week and per usual when I have cold, sleep has been elusive. Why is it that when you need the most sleep that it's hardest get?
But last night, I was finally able to get some sleep. 8 hours.
What a relief. I still have my cold. It's been demoted to a mild annoyance that brings on sneezing every 30 minutes or so. And there is still pressure behind my left eye.
But I think my cold is on it's way out.
Wahoo!!!
March 29, 2007
Good Bye Chris Sligh
The most clever contestant in American Idol's history, according to Ryan Seacrest, was sent home last night. Chris Sligh did a crappy job singing Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by the Police and was punished for it. He was sent home last night.
The results show was almost interesting. Gwen Stefani performed that strange Sweet Escape song with special guest singer Akon and 6 Japanese dancers. Akon sang "ooh" and "aah" in a way that I guess only Akon can sing. Since I first heard the song, I haven't understood why it had to be Akon singing the oohs and aahs. It seems like anyone could have sung that party. No. Really. I'm not kidding. Listen to the song. Here's his part: "Whohoe, whihooWhohoe, whihooWhohoe, whihooWhohoe, whihoo"
She could have gotten school kids to sing it. Two nuns in an elevator. A policeman on horseback.
I was sorry to see Chris go. Especially since Phil Stacy is staying. Chris has way more personality than Phil, he just picked a really bad song for vocalizing last night. Why would anyone pick a Police song. There's no way anyone could sing better than Sting. Singers sing best when they sing the music they write for themselves. Sting sings Police songs well because they are written for him. Chris is a song writer. It's too bad we couldn't hear him singing one of his own songs. We probably would have heard him at his best if we could have.
I'm pretty sure Phil Stacy doesn't write music.
Hopefully this will give a boost to Chris Sligh's songwriting career.
The results show was almost interesting. Gwen Stefani performed that strange Sweet Escape song with special guest singer Akon and 6 Japanese dancers. Akon sang "ooh" and "aah" in a way that I guess only Akon can sing. Since I first heard the song, I haven't understood why it had to be Akon singing the oohs and aahs. It seems like anyone could have sung that party. No. Really. I'm not kidding. Listen to the song. Here's his part: "Whohoe, whihooWhohoe, whihooWhohoe, whihooWhohoe, whihoo"
She could have gotten school kids to sing it. Two nuns in an elevator. A policeman on horseback.
I was sorry to see Chris go. Especially since Phil Stacy is staying. Chris has way more personality than Phil, he just picked a really bad song for vocalizing last night. Why would anyone pick a Police song. There's no way anyone could sing better than Sting. Singers sing best when they sing the music they write for themselves. Sting sings Police songs well because they are written for him. Chris is a song writer. It's too bad we couldn't hear him singing one of his own songs. We probably would have heard him at his best if we could have.
I'm pretty sure Phil Stacy doesn't write music.
Hopefully this will give a boost to Chris Sligh's songwriting career.
March 28, 2007
The Latest in Scam Spamming
This is copied from the spam folder in my old email address. Notice that the sender didn't even bother to put in a name. What a lazy spammer. He could have at least inserted the name on my old email in the salutation line. Honestly Sam Samo. You've got to get it together if you're going to succeed in swindling suckers.
==========================
From: Sam Samo..Abidjan Cote D'Ivoire.
Attn: .
Dear,
I am Sam Samo,son of late Mr and Mrs Paul Samo. My father was a very wealthy GOLD and COCOA manchant who based in ACCRA GHANA andABIDJAN respectively, The economic capital of cote D’Ivoire.
He was poisoned to death by his business associate on one of their business outings. When my mother died on the 21ST october 1994 , My father took me so special because I am motherless.
Before the death of my father on the 25th November 2004. He sincerely called me on his bed side and told me that he had a sum of 15.000,000 US DOLLARS (fiften MILLION USA DOLLARS)He kept in one of the Security Company Here in Abidjan. He also used my name to Deposit the consignment as his only Son for next of kin. He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned by his business associates, That I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money and use it for investment purposes, I want you to assist me in clearing this fund into your account overseas as a beneficiary of the fund, and also use it for an Investment purpose.
I am honourably seeking for your assistance in the following ways.
(1)To help me retreive the consignment from the Security company where the consignment was deposited
(2)To assist me to transfer the money to your account successfully.
(3) To provide a bank account into which this moneywould be transfer to.
(4)To serve as the guardian of this fund sinceI am a Boy of (19)yrs .
(5) To make arrangement for me to come over to your country to further my Education and to secure a residential permit in your country. Moreover, I am willing to offer you 15% of the total sum as compensation for your effort /input after the successful transfer of this fund to your nominated account.
Furthermore, you can indicate your option towardsassisting me.
Thanks and God bless you for your anticipatedcoperation.
Best Regards,
Sam Samo.
==========================
From: Sam Samo..Abidjan Cote D'Ivoire.
Attn: .
Dear,
I am Sam Samo,son of late Mr and Mrs Paul Samo. My father was a very wealthy GOLD and COCOA manchant who based in ACCRA GHANA andABIDJAN respectively, The economic capital of cote D’Ivoire.
He was poisoned to death by his business associate on one of their business outings. When my mother died on the 21ST october 1994 , My father took me so special because I am motherless.
Before the death of my father on the 25th November 2004. He sincerely called me on his bed side and told me that he had a sum of 15.000,000 US DOLLARS (fiften MILLION USA DOLLARS)He kept in one of the Security Company Here in Abidjan. He also used my name to Deposit the consignment as his only Son for next of kin. He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned by his business associates, That I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money and use it for investment purposes, I want you to assist me in clearing this fund into your account overseas as a beneficiary of the fund, and also use it for an Investment purpose.
I am honourably seeking for your assistance in the following ways.
(1)To help me retreive the consignment from the Security company where the consignment was deposited
(2)To assist me to transfer the money to your account successfully.
(3) To provide a bank account into which this moneywould be transfer to.
(4)To serve as the guardian of this fund sinceI am a Boy of (19)yrs .
(5) To make arrangement for me to come over to your country to further my Education and to secure a residential permit in your country. Moreover, I am willing to offer you 15% of the total sum as compensation for your effort /input after the successful transfer of this fund to your nominated account.
Furthermore, you can indicate your option towardsassisting me.
Thanks and God bless you for your anticipatedcoperation.
Best Regards,
Sam Samo.
Grey Gardens - Again
I wrote that I had problems with a patron at the theater where I was working last night. What I failed to mention was the name of the theater. I am at the Walter Kerr Theater again, working Grey Gardens again. I told you that there was a very small crowd last night, no doubt because of the absence of Christine Ebersole. Her understudy was up to the task. She was certainly talented enough but when you see an understudy take over for a big star you start to appreciate why that bigger star they are replacing is so enjoyable to watch.
The biggest problem I had was the physical difference between the two performers. The understudy, (whose name forgive me, I can't remember) is at least one foot shorter than Ms. Ebersole. That was very distracting for me because the person they play is very tall. And then there's the fact that the understudy just doesn't have the same presence as Christine Ebersole. Also, she's not as connected to the part which I imagine she will improve as she gets more opportunities to work on it.
But Christine Ebersole was back in today and she was brilliant, really brilliant. Maybe it's because I've been feeling emotional lately, but from the middle of Act II to the end of the show, I was weeping. When she's singing Around the World, about her life of fear, missed opportunities and psychological abuse at the hands of her parents, she makes me cry every time. It's the kind of performance that makes you want to go out and live because you don't want to end up as crazy shut-ins with 50 cats like her and her mother. That song touches me.
There's another song called Choose to Be Happy that has one meaning but the actors playing out their parts on stage make it ironic because they are not happy. I cry during that one sometimes as well.
The show ends with a reprise of a song we heard at the top of the Act I but before that, the two Edies sing a beautiful duet about Another Winter in a Summer Town. Today, for that number, I needed one tissue and a half to get me through.
If you're feeling sad before you go to see Grey Gardens, this show will really help you express some tears and you may feel sadder. Personally, I like to have a good cry when watching sad movies or plays. It makes me feel like I'm understanding the story the way it was intended by the creators and performers. But if you're looking for a feel good experience, I would definitely recommend something else entirely. Hairspray, Curtains, The Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago. Those shows leave you with that good feeling. Those shows will pick you up.
I don't know though. Maybe you'll feel better after you see Grey Gardens just because the performances are so good. But maybe not.
Consider yourself warned.
The biggest problem I had was the physical difference between the two performers. The understudy, (whose name forgive me, I can't remember) is at least one foot shorter than Ms. Ebersole. That was very distracting for me because the person they play is very tall. And then there's the fact that the understudy just doesn't have the same presence as Christine Ebersole. Also, she's not as connected to the part which I imagine she will improve as she gets more opportunities to work on it.
But Christine Ebersole was back in today and she was brilliant, really brilliant. Maybe it's because I've been feeling emotional lately, but from the middle of Act II to the end of the show, I was weeping. When she's singing Around the World, about her life of fear, missed opportunities and psychological abuse at the hands of her parents, she makes me cry every time. It's the kind of performance that makes you want to go out and live because you don't want to end up as crazy shut-ins with 50 cats like her and her mother. That song touches me.
There's another song called Choose to Be Happy that has one meaning but the actors playing out their parts on stage make it ironic because they are not happy. I cry during that one sometimes as well.
The show ends with a reprise of a song we heard at the top of the Act I but before that, the two Edies sing a beautiful duet about Another Winter in a Summer Town. Today, for that number, I needed one tissue and a half to get me through.
If you're feeling sad before you go to see Grey Gardens, this show will really help you express some tears and you may feel sadder. Personally, I like to have a good cry when watching sad movies or plays. It makes me feel like I'm understanding the story the way it was intended by the creators and performers. But if you're looking for a feel good experience, I would definitely recommend something else entirely. Hairspray, Curtains, The Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago. Those shows leave you with that good feeling. Those shows will pick you up.
I don't know though. Maybe you'll feel better after you see Grey Gardens just because the performances are so good. But maybe not.
Consider yourself warned.
American Idol - Top 10 Finalists
Gwen Stefani was the guest this week on American Idol. When she was announced as the guest last week I was concerned that the contestants were going to have a limited choice of No Doubt songs for the show. But the producers expanded the contestant's choices by letting them sing songs from artists that influenced Gwen Stefani as well as Stefani's songs themselves.
Everyone did better with the exception of Chris Richardson who creeps me out. Phil Stacy was still creepy but even I have to admit he did a better job than the week before.
Gwen Stefani gave surprisingly helpful and intelligent advice. She spoke to the contestants plainly and honestly and in terms they understood. Her advice was concise and useful.
She told the contestants to respect the melodies of their chosen songs, advice which they all followed.
The weakest performances came from Haley, Phil, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh, and as much as I hate to admit it, Sanjaya. Gina Glocksen sounded better than she ever has singing a great Pretender's song. Lakisha, Melinda and Jordin did the best.
Everyone did better with the exception of Chris Richardson who creeps me out. Phil Stacy was still creepy but even I have to admit he did a better job than the week before.
Gwen Stefani gave surprisingly helpful and intelligent advice. She spoke to the contestants plainly and honestly and in terms they understood. Her advice was concise and useful.
She told the contestants to respect the melodies of their chosen songs, advice which they all followed.
The weakest performances came from Haley, Phil, Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh, and as much as I hate to admit it, Sanjaya. Gina Glocksen sounded better than she ever has singing a great Pretender's song. Lakisha, Melinda and Jordin did the best.
Dealing With People
So last night I had an unhappy customer. The headset I gave her before Act I died somewhere in the middle of the act. She yelled at me at intermission telling me I hadn't done my job properly and scolded me for not testing the headset before I gave it to her. But I did and she saw me test it and she tested it herself before she sat down. She complained that she missed the first act and that she was going to complain to the manager.
She was sitting in the third row and last night's show was even louder because there was a smaller than usual number of people in the audience (less people absorb less sound making things louder). So while I felt bad I knew her claims were exaggerated. An usher who witnessed this public chastising told me the patron had been difficult right from the outset of the show, complaining about her very good seats in the third row, about bathroom location, etc.
So, I gave her a second set. And wondered for most of Act II if I should or shouldn't have given her a second pair in case the pair I gave her conked out. But I ended up relaxing somewhere in the middle of Act II and tried to enjoy the show.
After the show, she handed back the headset without making eye contact and she was completely sullen. She didn't say a word as she headed back into the auditorium to meet her husband. It wasn't over. She waited until she was one of the last patrons in the theater and on her way out, she gave me one more parting shot. "NEXT TIME, DO YOUR JOB THE RIGHT WAY!" I was so upset, I kept dropping things.
To make matters worst, I'm in the midst of a big fat cold. Last night, my big fat cold was responsible for my baby migraine headache.
She was sitting in the third row and last night's show was even louder because there was a smaller than usual number of people in the audience (less people absorb less sound making things louder). So while I felt bad I knew her claims were exaggerated. An usher who witnessed this public chastising told me the patron had been difficult right from the outset of the show, complaining about her very good seats in the third row, about bathroom location, etc.
So, I gave her a second set. And wondered for most of Act II if I should or shouldn't have given her a second pair in case the pair I gave her conked out. But I ended up relaxing somewhere in the middle of Act II and tried to enjoy the show.
After the show, she handed back the headset without making eye contact and she was completely sullen. She didn't say a word as she headed back into the auditorium to meet her husband. It wasn't over. She waited until she was one of the last patrons in the theater and on her way out, she gave me one more parting shot. "NEXT TIME, DO YOUR JOB THE RIGHT WAY!" I was so upset, I kept dropping things.
To make matters worst, I'm in the midst of a big fat cold. Last night, my big fat cold was responsible for my baby migraine headache.
March 27, 2007
Weather Wassup
What is up with this bizarre weather? It's too warm for early spring. Why can't we just have some normal spring weather in the 50's and 60's? Why can't we get some early spring thunderstorms? I am not happy about this. My brow is moist with humidity. Yes. I'm sweaty and I haven't even walked outside yet, well, not in the last three hours or so.
I hope it cools down. I hate when we skip through spring and go directly to summer. I like my fall and spring weather and I WANT IT NOW!!!
I hope it cools down. I hate when we skip through spring and go directly to summer. I like my fall and spring weather and I WANT IT NOW!!!
March 24, 2007
Theater Theatrics
There was a lot of drama at tonight's production of [insert name of show here]. First, there were three substitute ushers who didn't know what they were doing, working house right mezzanine. The situation was so bad that the patrons had to wait in lines to be seated. This could have been resolved earlier on in the evening had one of the several people in charge of the ushers bothered to explain the goings on of the [insert name of theater here].
Then a patron insisted on being seated after the overture started. The ushers have specific instructions to wait until after the second song of Act I before they can seat latecomers, yet this patron started screaming that she wanted to be seated immediately. She had to be ushered into the lobby where not only one, but two house managers tried to calm her down. Eventually she was calmed down and joined the rest of her party.
But the drama didn't stop there. During intermission a patron came up to me in a panic asking me if I was an usher because someone needed a medic. I pointed her in the direction of one of the more experienced ushers so she could get the house manager. Turns out the woman had fallen up the stairs on the way back from the ladies' room and hit her head. It was bleeding but she was a trooper. The house manager was very diligent and made sure the woman was okay. She kept asking the woman if she wanted an ambulance and the woman declined each offer of medical attention. The house manager gave her an ice pack for the swelling and some Bacitracin and band aids for the bleeding. Then she gave special instructions to two different people to watch the woman from the distance to monitor her condition.
Very exciting evening. And I didn't even watch the show.
Then a patron insisted on being seated after the overture started. The ushers have specific instructions to wait until after the second song of Act I before they can seat latecomers, yet this patron started screaming that she wanted to be seated immediately. She had to be ushered into the lobby where not only one, but two house managers tried to calm her down. Eventually she was calmed down and joined the rest of her party.
But the drama didn't stop there. During intermission a patron came up to me in a panic asking me if I was an usher because someone needed a medic. I pointed her in the direction of one of the more experienced ushers so she could get the house manager. Turns out the woman had fallen up the stairs on the way back from the ladies' room and hit her head. It was bleeding but she was a trooper. The house manager was very diligent and made sure the woman was okay. She kept asking the woman if she wanted an ambulance and the woman declined each offer of medical attention. The house manager gave her an ice pack for the swelling and some Bacitracin and band aids for the bleeding. Then she gave special instructions to two different people to watch the woman from the distance to monitor her condition.Very exciting evening. And I didn't even watch the show.
March 22, 2007
American Idol Results Show
A good chunk of the 1/2 hour results show was dedicated to everything except paying attention to the contestants. Most of the time was given to Lulu and Noone (looks like no one doesn't it?)
But hey isn't this show about those poor people making fools of themselves every week for our entertainment.
Peter Noone performed "A Kind Of Hush". If he were contestant the judges would have told him he made a poor song choice because that song is just boring. Lulu performed "To Sir With Love" and looked and sounded great. I was impressed that they sang the songs they're known for rather than some new lame projects they're promoting.
30 seconds went to that stupid Ford commercial video spot.
Ryan Seacrest spent precious moments promoting the big American Idol charity project.
30 seconds were spent telling Stephanie Edwards and Chris Richardson were in the bottom two.
And Ryan spent about 10 seconds telling Stephanie that she had to leave the show.
She didn't even get a goodbye montage.
But hey isn't this show about those poor people making fools of themselves every week for our entertainment.
Peter Noone performed "A Kind Of Hush". If he were contestant the judges would have told him he made a poor song choice because that song is just boring. Lulu performed "To Sir With Love" and looked and sounded great. I was impressed that they sang the songs they're known for rather than some new lame projects they're promoting.
30 seconds went to that stupid Ford commercial video spot.
Ryan Seacrest spent precious moments promoting the big American Idol charity project.
30 seconds were spent telling Stephanie Edwards and Chris Richardson were in the bottom two.
And Ryan spent about 10 seconds telling Stephanie that she had to leave the show.
She didn't even get a goodbye montage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)