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There's a columnist in the Minneapolis paper that I like reading. I just read through each Friday paper from the month of October and I often laugh when he writes about ridiculous things. There were three columns, may have been on vacation for the fourth. He wrote about curling toes at a Target store, in reference to how he's fine with no greeter at the door as it's why he likes going there. The next was about the lobby at the orchestra, where there currently is a labor dispute. It was suggested that the musicians still have shows at other venues, like at the Target Center and have Lady Gaga as the guest conductor. Even the one about the boring Halloween had redeeming qualities, though I don't see a big deal about many things being pumpkin-flavored in the fall. This is likely since a comic tried doing the joke on an open-mic night, and I like pumpkin pie and pumpkin-flavored Dairy Queen Blizzard treats. But I still liked the Halloween column as it made a reference to something I contend with often, which is somebody who keeps pressing the 'walk' button at a traffic light. I press it once, I know it means a pedestrian will get a longer walk time. It doesn't mean that the walk light will arrive any quicker.
I also like the Charlie Brown and Snoopy cartoons. The ones for this month included Sally being overwhelmed when trying to learn math from Linus, along with Linus writing to the Great Pumpkin. There also was Linus wondering who took the last piece of cake, it was Lucy. Then there was Lucy being told by Schroeder that he doesn't give her gifts as she's loud rude and overbearing and mean, she said those kinds of people still like gifts.
I went with my date in the afternoon to see the Gopher football game against Michigan State, as we got some cheap tickets from Cub Foods, a big sponsor of Gopher athletics. Gophers lost 26-10, their only touchdown was on a pick-6. We left early, at the end of the third quarter, as it was cold and it looked like the outcome of the game wasn't in doubt. We missed just one touchdown due to leaving early. We parked at the state fairgrounds and took a shuttle to the stadium, it worked out real well. As we were leaving there was something about how Gopher coach Jerry Kill did not emerge from the locker room at halftime.
After the game we watched a video, it was 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown'. We had seen the play earlier this year, and I did recognize some things in the video that was also in the play. Liked seeing the bonus features, like creator Charles Schulz being interviewed on 'Tonight Show' by Johnny Carson. There was mention how it was just some songs at first, then these songs inspired the play.
30 Kasım 2012 Cuma
lake geneva postcard
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i ordered a postcard on e-bay earlier today, it was the maytag home on lake geneva in wisconsin. what prompted me to do so was seeing how the volume dropped to two listings and i wanted the cheaper one. i liked how all three orders from last week have already arrived, surprised they were received all on the same day. there was the wonder bread postcard from the world's fair in chicago in 1934, the wonder bread magnets- 6 in all- and the 8 hostess buttons. there really wasn't much else notable about the mail today, but i am used to monday being a high volume day and then very little on most other days.
i decided it was a good time to get some other postcards in the photo album since another one arrived. this included the one from the embassy suites hotel in bloomington as i had attended a conference there recently. the other was one that said 'thank you for your service', which was from my employer. this was available around veterans day to send to members of the military. i kept this one as i thought was handwriting was a little too sloppy to be read so it was better to use another one to actually send out. it looked like it wasn't too popular of a thing to do. i had checked the box after placing my card in it and noticed it was just one of about five cards, and as i recall the office i work in has over a hundred employees in it.
i made it to the comedy club tonight, and what was notable was how one of the performers said he was a native of idaho but now lives in great britain. he was back to do some shows as he will be headliner at the same club for the rest of the week. also got to speak with one of my comedian friends about a recent facebook invite, as it was about a podcast. haven't seen one before.
also notable today was what i sent back to the office after having it at home for a while. this happened to be two framed items from my work in suburban chicago. one of them was kept as a joke, saying i was no longer employed by the company as of late 2001 all due to a computer error. i even said to them 'somebody must think i still work here, they're still taking out taxes'. the computer error was due to my 401-k contributions as i recall. the other was an advertisement to my fellow customer service reps, if they wanted to move over to taking life and health insurance calls like i did. i used power point for it. i already had at my current office the teamwork award and 'key plaque' from my time working in that office. i keep those just like i keep my bowling trophies. I tried to clean the bowling trophies over the weekend- which was when i found the framed items again.
i decided it was a good time to get some other postcards in the photo album since another one arrived. this included the one from the embassy suites hotel in bloomington as i had attended a conference there recently. the other was one that said 'thank you for your service', which was from my employer. this was available around veterans day to send to members of the military. i kept this one as i thought was handwriting was a little too sloppy to be read so it was better to use another one to actually send out. it looked like it wasn't too popular of a thing to do. i had checked the box after placing my card in it and noticed it was just one of about five cards, and as i recall the office i work in has over a hundred employees in it.
i made it to the comedy club tonight, and what was notable was how one of the performers said he was a native of idaho but now lives in great britain. he was back to do some shows as he will be headliner at the same club for the rest of the week. also got to speak with one of my comedian friends about a recent facebook invite, as it was about a podcast. haven't seen one before.
also notable today was what i sent back to the office after having it at home for a while. this happened to be two framed items from my work in suburban chicago. one of them was kept as a joke, saying i was no longer employed by the company as of late 2001 all due to a computer error. i even said to them 'somebody must think i still work here, they're still taking out taxes'. the computer error was due to my 401-k contributions as i recall. the other was an advertisement to my fellow customer service reps, if they wanted to move over to taking life and health insurance calls like i did. i used power point for it. i already had at my current office the teamwork award and 'key plaque' from my time working in that office. i keep those just like i keep my bowling trophies. I tried to clean the bowling trophies over the weekend- which was when i found the framed items again.
duplicate requests
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i am doing special requests at work this week. it's rare that we get duplicate requests, but i got one today. i print them before trying to find them 'in the files' and noticed right away it was for the same account, different requestors. so i decided to give the title to who requested it first, figured that it was the fairest way to decide. there was a 10-minute difference on the requests. then i had the fill-in boss arrive right before i went to lunch asking why i hadn't delivered it. i said i had noted the system saying it was a duplicate request. odd that it brought management around, this is not typical. i later joked with a colleague later on how i wasn't about to give half-titles to two different people. figurewd it was a judgment call as to who got the title from me. but once i reiterated how it was a duplicate it looks like that was the end of it.
at the comedy club tonight i liked hearing some favorite jokes of mine from somebody who has joked about wanting to do a 2-man routine since i had a hawkeye jacket and he has a gopher jacket. he did one about tony the tiger and winter, along with a masterful one about minnesota and wisconsin towns that sound like innuendo.
when i went to do a weigh-in at work i saw somebody in that room, which is not typical. but they said there was a 'turkey to mistletoe' challenge to lose weight, first time i had heard of it. then she said something about liking zebra cakes from hostess, but also something about them being like paraffin. i hadn't seen any of these kind of cakes in my recent searches.
recently i was thinking of a song i really liked, and jogged my memory how it was 'impossible' by shontelle. while driving to the comedy club tonight, i heard 'christmas canon' by trans-siberian orchestra. when i stopped to look around in a convenience store, i liked hearing 'closer to fine' by the indigo girls. so much good music out there in various genres.
at the comedy club tonight i liked hearing some favorite jokes of mine from somebody who has joked about wanting to do a 2-man routine since i had a hawkeye jacket and he has a gopher jacket. he did one about tony the tiger and winter, along with a masterful one about minnesota and wisconsin towns that sound like innuendo.
when i went to do a weigh-in at work i saw somebody in that room, which is not typical. but they said there was a 'turkey to mistletoe' challenge to lose weight, first time i had heard of it. then she said something about liking zebra cakes from hostess, but also something about them being like paraffin. i hadn't seen any of these kind of cakes in my recent searches.
recently i was thinking of a song i really liked, and jogged my memory how it was 'impossible' by shontelle. while driving to the comedy club tonight, i heard 'christmas canon' by trans-siberian orchestra. when i stopped to look around in a convenience store, i liked hearing 'closer to fine' by the indigo girls. so much good music out there in various genres.
buy me a buzzcut
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when i was waiting for the bus this morning, i threw out some trash which included a package of chicken flavored ramen noodles. i had some of these while still in high school visiting somebody i knew already in college, didn't like them and don't think i've had them since. on the way home i threw out trash i found on the bus when i reached my stop, a wrapper for a roast beef sandwich from superamerica.
i think sooner or later i will end up with an account at amazon, as when i am searching i keep finding things they have that i like. this includes maytag books, such as the laundry encyclopedias and a microwave cookbook. i have two editions of the laundry encyclopedias, hand size and paperback, the third and fifth. looks like they have the second and fourth. with maytag cookbooks i already have a paperback handsize edition and something with larger pages but thinner volume, it appears to be a companion to their dutch oven.
at the comedy club tonight i spoke with a comic i had seen before a few times, once in the twin cities and another time in july in st. louis. he was introduced by another comic i know, then i found out why he spoke of st. louis. i said i had seen a comic do a joke about the menagerie owner who killed himself and released his wild animals- saying it was a neighbor to his parents- then he said 'i'm that guy'. the other comic when i was leaving said he would buy me a buzzcut, i said 'oh, we must be back at that one again'.
after i was at the comedy club i decided to go through my box of music, and decided to destroy two sample CDs that had been sent to me in the mail. they were from the teaching company, and i still have two others remaining from them. i might go through and evaluate these again real soon.
i had the pretenders song 'don't get me wrong' stuck in my head for a few days so i finally had to go onto youtube and play the song. my guess is i was thinking of it as i knew it was in the movie 'gung ho', starring michael keaton. it's a movie i have on VHS.
i did watch the charlie brown christmas special tonight before heading to the comedy club. it was largely by accident as i was switching over to the ABC where they air those specials now. reminds me of how it has been parodied on 'the simpsons' with santa's little helper playing snoopy.
i think sooner or later i will end up with an account at amazon, as when i am searching i keep finding things they have that i like. this includes maytag books, such as the laundry encyclopedias and a microwave cookbook. i have two editions of the laundry encyclopedias, hand size and paperback, the third and fifth. looks like they have the second and fourth. with maytag cookbooks i already have a paperback handsize edition and something with larger pages but thinner volume, it appears to be a companion to their dutch oven.
at the comedy club tonight i spoke with a comic i had seen before a few times, once in the twin cities and another time in july in st. louis. he was introduced by another comic i know, then i found out why he spoke of st. louis. i said i had seen a comic do a joke about the menagerie owner who killed himself and released his wild animals- saying it was a neighbor to his parents- then he said 'i'm that guy'. the other comic when i was leaving said he would buy me a buzzcut, i said 'oh, we must be back at that one again'.
after i was at the comedy club i decided to go through my box of music, and decided to destroy two sample CDs that had been sent to me in the mail. they were from the teaching company, and i still have two others remaining from them. i might go through and evaluate these again real soon.
i had the pretenders song 'don't get me wrong' stuck in my head for a few days so i finally had to go onto youtube and play the song. my guess is i was thinking of it as i knew it was in the movie 'gung ho', starring michael keaton. it's a movie i have on VHS.
i did watch the charlie brown christmas special tonight before heading to the comedy club. it was largely by accident as i was switching over to the ABC where they air those specials now. reminds me of how it has been parodied on 'the simpsons' with santa's little helper playing snoopy.
j.c. penney buttons
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i had heard something about j.c. penney giving away buttons as part of a contest, so i went to their location inside maplewood mall tonight after i was done printing things at the library. one is blue and has a white bird on it, possibly a dove. the other is red and white, looks like it's depicting a ribbon. i have entered both codes on these buttons, will find out later what i won if anything. looks like it's a holiday shopping campaign as the website includes the word 'christmas'.
i picked up a harvey pekar book at the library, it was hard to find the graphic novel section at first. i did a search for his books and chose 'the quitter' as the title intrigues me. i have three weeks to read it. when first flipping through it i noticed two things: a beatnik next to a microphone and some football players. this was called a 'virtuoso' graphic novel in the inside cover.
there was a long all-employee meeting today in the afternoon, i had mostly the baby carrots and the fruit since it was too close to lunchtime and had already eaten. then i had to rush to finish up special requests that had piled up before leaving for the day. i actually took a later bus home but it was a minimal difference, about 15 minutes. when i reached my stop i went to a convenience store to get a sandwich and potato chips, and got the same clerk from sunday who wanted to talk about the special on bananas. i said i already had one at home. i wanted to get in and out so we didn't talk near as long as before. i think this is the first time i've heard somebody at a convenience store try so hard to sell fruit. most of the time, people aren't thinking of eating healthy in these types of establishments, they're thinking of eating fast.
i decided to destroy another disc so i could make room for one i valued more in a nice folio, it was of me singing 'take me out to the ball game' at the all-star game fanfest in st. louis in 2009. before i went to the library i sent another donation to a salvation army box. in the bag was a photo album that i had no use for as it was meant for larger postcards/photos, along with a few books that didn't do anything for me. i had meant to send the album there as part of last week's cleanup, and said i need to make it count when going to send another bag their way.
i picked up a harvey pekar book at the library, it was hard to find the graphic novel section at first. i did a search for his books and chose 'the quitter' as the title intrigues me. i have three weeks to read it. when first flipping through it i noticed two things: a beatnik next to a microphone and some football players. this was called a 'virtuoso' graphic novel in the inside cover.
there was a long all-employee meeting today in the afternoon, i had mostly the baby carrots and the fruit since it was too close to lunchtime and had already eaten. then i had to rush to finish up special requests that had piled up before leaving for the day. i actually took a later bus home but it was a minimal difference, about 15 minutes. when i reached my stop i went to a convenience store to get a sandwich and potato chips, and got the same clerk from sunday who wanted to talk about the special on bananas. i said i already had one at home. i wanted to get in and out so we didn't talk near as long as before. i think this is the first time i've heard somebody at a convenience store try so hard to sell fruit. most of the time, people aren't thinking of eating healthy in these types of establishments, they're thinking of eating fast.
i decided to destroy another disc so i could make room for one i valued more in a nice folio, it was of me singing 'take me out to the ball game' at the all-star game fanfest in st. louis in 2009. before i went to the library i sent another donation to a salvation army box. in the bag was a photo album that i had no use for as it was meant for larger postcards/photos, along with a few books that didn't do anything for me. i had meant to send the album there as part of last week's cleanup, and said i need to make it count when going to send another bag their way.
29 Kasım 2012 Perşembe
Michael West • Pre-Order 'A Fond Farewell'
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There are still two weeks left for you to purchase a special something for yourself this Christmas, for for someone you know who loves music. Out and proud Michael West is offering the opportunity to pre-order his new album, 'A Fond Farewell,' out in time for Christmas. Michael makes his own blend of Southern Rock, Folk and Country, coming together to make glorious music. Take, for example, the title song off the upcoming record, which you can here below. This is "A Fond Farewell".
I will proudly tell you I have already placed my order, and think you should too! To check it out, visit the official page on IndieGoGo. To learn more about Michael, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Michael on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
There are still two weeks left for you to purchase a special something for yourself this Christmas, for for someone you know who loves music. Out and proud Michael West is offering the opportunity to pre-order his new album, 'A Fond Farewell,' out in time for Christmas. Michael makes his own blend of Southern Rock, Folk and Country, coming together to make glorious music. Take, for example, the title song off the upcoming record, which you can here below. This is "A Fond Farewell".
I will proudly tell you I have already placed my order, and think you should too! To check it out, visit the official page on IndieGoGo. To learn more about Michael, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Michael on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.
The Times of Harvey Milk
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'The Times of Harvey Milk' is a brilliant documentary film about the great gay rights warrior. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for 1984, and was awarded Special Jury Prize at the first Sundance Film Festival, among other awards. To commemorate his passing on November 27, 1978, I offer up this post of the full-length version of the movie, featuring the narration of Harvey Fierstein.
Remembering the life of Harvey Milk, and how he fought for the rights of all, is keeping the hopes and dreams of equality for all alive. Watch this film, and remember why Harvey Milk is still a legend.
'The Times of Harvey Milk' is a brilliant documentary film about the great gay rights warrior. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for 1984, and was awarded Special Jury Prize at the first Sundance Film Festival, among other awards. To commemorate his passing on November 27, 1978, I offer up this post of the full-length version of the movie, featuring the narration of Harvey Fierstein.
Remembering the life of Harvey Milk, and how he fought for the rights of all, is keeping the hopes and dreams of equality for all alive. Watch this film, and remember why Harvey Milk is still a legend.
Still Time to Make a "Formal" Pledge to Eric Himan
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Just wanted to remind everyone there is still time to be a part of the fundraising for Eric Himan Band's 'Formal' album. I will fully admit I have long been addicted to the music of Eric Himan, for longer than I might think. After all, the above pictures were taken by me, at two different shows at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live. So when I saw Eric was putting something together for a new album for the Eric Himan Band, I was eager to be a part of it. And you have that same chance. The thought of Eric getting all electrified was exciting, and I remembered I had a video of him playing the electric guitar, on the Phil Collins' classic, "In The Air Tonight."
With a range of investments from $10 to $2,000, anything is possible. I say investments, for you are always getting something back for your money. You can check that out at the official Pledge Music site.
Just wanted to remind everyone there is still time to be a part of the fundraising for Eric Himan Band's 'Formal' album. I will fully admit I have long been addicted to the music of Eric Himan, for longer than I might think. After all, the above pictures were taken by me, at two different shows at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live. So when I saw Eric was putting something together for a new album for the Eric Himan Band, I was eager to be a part of it. And you have that same chance. The thought of Eric getting all electrified was exciting, and I remembered I had a video of him playing the electric guitar, on the Phil Collins' classic, "In The Air Tonight."
With a range of investments from $10 to $2,000, anything is possible. I say investments, for you are always getting something back for your money. You can check that out at the official Pledge Music site.
Sarah Jane Morris • Migratory Birds
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A couple of weeks ago, I was looking out my window, and noticed there were an impressive number of birds landing on the back lawn. I was so taken aback, I needed to get my camera out and take some pictures through the screen that was between me and the birds. I knew full-well it was time for the flocks of blackbirds to be heading south for winter, so I thought it was only right I would add Sarah Jane Morris' title cut to the 2008 album, 'Migratory Birds' to accompany the photographs. Hit play now...
It wasn't long before the huge flock seem to be on the move once again, with birds taking off as others were still landing on the yard. I wasn't sure where they were coming from, or where they were going. In fact, they seemed to be coming closer and closer to the window, and the noise just kept growing in volume.
As I stood by the window with my camera to my eye, I swear I was beginning to have some serious flashbacks to watching Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds,' as the view out the window grew darker, filling with more and more blackbirds. They seemed to be coming way too close to the house, before swooping up and over the roof.
But soon they had vacated the back year, although I continued to hear them, either on the front yard, or on the field across the street. Either way, I have to admit I was breathing a bit easier now they were not filling up my view. And it also gave me the chance to listen to some more music by Sarah Jane, which is always a good thing. Check out "Blower's Song" also off the 'Migratory Birds' album.
A couple of weeks ago, I was looking out my window, and noticed there were an impressive number of birds landing on the back lawn. I was so taken aback, I needed to get my camera out and take some pictures through the screen that was between me and the birds. I knew full-well it was time for the flocks of blackbirds to be heading south for winter, so I thought it was only right I would add Sarah Jane Morris' title cut to the 2008 album, 'Migratory Birds' to accompany the photographs. Hit play now...
It wasn't long before the huge flock seem to be on the move once again, with birds taking off as others were still landing on the yard. I wasn't sure where they were coming from, or where they were going. In fact, they seemed to be coming closer and closer to the window, and the noise just kept growing in volume.
As I stood by the window with my camera to my eye, I swear I was beginning to have some serious flashbacks to watching Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds,' as the view out the window grew darker, filling with more and more blackbirds. They seemed to be coming way too close to the house, before swooping up and over the roof.
But soon they had vacated the back year, although I continued to hear them, either on the front yard, or on the field across the street. Either way, I have to admit I was breathing a bit easier now they were not filling up my view. And it also gave me the chance to listen to some more music by Sarah Jane, which is always a good thing. Check out "Blower's Song" also off the 'Migratory Birds' album.
Hot Pants Road Club • "Don't Call Me In The Morning" Music Video
To contact us Click HERE
I will tell the truth, I really know very little about Hot Pants Road Club. I learned they are from Austria, and enjoy making their own sound blending Funk, Soul and Pop come alive when they play. I also know they made a video for "Don't Call Me In The Morning" that positively makes me smile, and even laugh.
You can purchase the single "Don't Call Me In The Morning" on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Hot Pants Road Club, visit their ReverbNation page.
I will tell the truth, I really know very little about Hot Pants Road Club. I learned they are from Austria, and enjoy making their own sound blending Funk, Soul and Pop come alive when they play. I also know they made a video for "Don't Call Me In The Morning" that positively makes me smile, and even laugh.
You can purchase the single "Don't Call Me In The Morning" on iTunes and Amazon. For more about Hot Pants Road Club, visit their ReverbNation page.
28 Kasım 2012 Çarşamba
Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre presents one more performance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"
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Photos and review by Sue Suchyta
The Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre presents one more performance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 8 p.m. April 27 in the Berwyn Center, 26155 Richardson in Dearborn Heights.
For move information, go to www.dhctstage.org.
Children and adults will enjoy the the Peanuts characters in the musical based on Charle's Schulz's much-love characters.
From the excellent opening number, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" to the closing number "Happiness" you'll find yourself reliving memories from your youth as you see a favorite comic strip come to life on the DHCT stage.
Director Marc Walentowicz has brought together a strong cast.
Ron Williams brings out the kid in all of us with his trusting, optimistic Charlie Brown, who manages to stay hopeful despite the curveballs life throws his way.
Emily Gedert is entertaining as Lucy, the bossy big sister who does a very good job of getting her way most of the time. Her song "Little Known Facts" is very funny.
Brian Welch shines as Snoopy, whether he's waiting for supper or stalking the Red Baron as he flies his dog house.
Sara Mayne is funny and full of childish joy as Sally. Resplendent in a pink dress any little girl would love, she hunts rabbits with Snoopy, expresses righteous indignation about her "C" grade on a coat hanger sculpture, and practices her "new philosophy" -- "Why are you telling me?!" -- to the amusement of all.
James Mayne has fun with Linus, Lucy's little brother who survives her bossiness with his clever comebacks. He has fun with his blanket dance, with Clara Albright (who also plays Peppermint Patti) bringing the dancing comfort object skillfully and enthusiastically to life.
Others in the strong supporting cast include Cory Chambless as Schroeder, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie, Dustin Hanson as Roy, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, and Sophia Tyler in a delightful cameo role as Woodstock.
Laura Tyler's choreography is fun and whimsical, and works well with the theatre-in-the-round seating.
For fun for all ages, take a trip down memory lane and spend some time with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang.
For more information, go to www.dhctstaage.org.
Marissa Campitelle (left) as Marcie, Sara Mayne as Sally and Emily Gedert as Lucy.
Ron Williams (left) as Charlie Brown and Emily Gedert as Lucy.
James Mayne (left) as Linus and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.
James Mayne (left) as Linus, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.
The Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre presents one more performance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 8 p.m. April 27 in the Berwyn Center, 26155 Richardson in Dearborn Heights.
For move information, go to www.dhctstage.org.
Children and adults will enjoy the the Peanuts characters in the musical based on Charle's Schulz's much-love characters.
From the excellent opening number, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" to the closing number "Happiness" you'll find yourself reliving memories from your youth as you see a favorite comic strip come to life on the DHCT stage.
Director Marc Walentowicz has brought together a strong cast.
Ron Williams brings out the kid in all of us with his trusting, optimistic Charlie Brown, who manages to stay hopeful despite the curveballs life throws his way.
Emily Gedert is entertaining as Lucy, the bossy big sister who does a very good job of getting her way most of the time. Her song "Little Known Facts" is very funny.
Brian Welch shines as Snoopy, whether he's waiting for supper or stalking the Red Baron as he flies his dog house.
Sara Mayne is funny and full of childish joy as Sally. Resplendent in a pink dress any little girl would love, she hunts rabbits with Snoopy, expresses righteous indignation about her "C" grade on a coat hanger sculpture, and practices her "new philosophy" -- "Why are you telling me?!" -- to the amusement of all.
James Mayne has fun with Linus, Lucy's little brother who survives her bossiness with his clever comebacks. He has fun with his blanket dance, with Clara Albright (who also plays Peppermint Patti) bringing the dancing comfort object skillfully and enthusiastically to life.
Others in the strong supporting cast include Cory Chambless as Schroeder, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie, Dustin Hanson as Roy, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, and Sophia Tyler in a delightful cameo role as Woodstock.
Laura Tyler's choreography is fun and whimsical, and works well with the theatre-in-the-round seating.
For fun for all ages, take a trip down memory lane and spend some time with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang.
For more information, go to www.dhctstaage.org.
Marissa Campitelle (left) as Marcie, Sara Mayne as Sally and Emily Gedert as Lucy.
Ron Williams (left) as Charlie Brown and Emily Gedert as Lucy.
James Mayne (left) as Linus and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.
James Mayne (left) as Linus, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.
Streetlight Manifesto with Hostage Calm @ Clutch Cargos
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Hostage calm has been tagging along with Streetlight Manifesto on there North American tour. Last Wednesday they stopped by Clutch Cargos in downtown Pontiac. The show was awesome!Hostage Clam, a punk rock band started off the show, with there up beat songs they really got the crowd hyped! But sadly as they kept playing the energy of the crowd went down. One other thing this band brought with them was a message about same sex marriage. Front man of the band Cmar explains, “This show will be FREE, and it will be a demonstration in celebration of this monumental accomplishment for the LBGT rights community and for our state. Let this be a way for our punk community to show our support: support for individuality, equality and the ideals that are foundational to the hardcore scene. We will have donations set up for Freedom to Marry. Let's use the success and example of our state to fuel the national movement for equality growing across this country.”
Streetlight Manifesto’s crowd was INTENSE! I have never seen so many people moving at once! Every where I looked people were skankin’ and moshing, it was crazy. At the end of the day everyone was sweaty and gross and in need of a shower from all of there rocking out.
https://www.facebook.com/jacobgiampatakespictureswww.MOTORCITYBLOG.net - Detroit's Anti-Blog
Hostage calm has been tagging along with Streetlight Manifesto on there North American tour. Last Wednesday they stopped by Clutch Cargos in downtown Pontiac. The show was awesome!Hostage Clam, a punk rock band started off the show, with there up beat songs they really got the crowd hyped! But sadly as they kept playing the energy of the crowd went down. One other thing this band brought with them was a message about same sex marriage. Front man of the band Cmar explains, “This show will be FREE, and it will be a demonstration in celebration of this monumental accomplishment for the LBGT rights community and for our state. Let this be a way for our punk community to show our support: support for individuality, equality and the ideals that are foundational to the hardcore scene. We will have donations set up for Freedom to Marry. Let's use the success and example of our state to fuel the national movement for equality growing across this country.”
Streetlight Manifesto’s crowd was INTENSE! I have never seen so many people moving at once! Every where I looked people were skankin’ and moshing, it was crazy. At the end of the day everyone was sweaty and gross and in need of a shower from all of there rocking out.
https://www.facebook.com/jacobgiampatakespictureswww.MOTORCITYBLOG.net - Detroit's Anti-Blog
Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical at the Fisher Theatre Review
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Review by Peter Schorn
In the midst of a 25-city national tour on its way to the Great White Way of Broadway for a revival starting in April 2013, the musical Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical brings its tale and tunes of madness to the Fisher Theatre for one week only, Nov. 27 thru Dec. 2, 2012.
Unlike previous musicals I've seen this year - the dour Green Day-spawned American Idiot and the wonderfully campy hair-metal celebration Rock of Ages (which was far better than the movie) - I went into Jekyll & Hyde totally cold without the slightest idea of what was coming other than Skid Row front man Sebastian Bach did a stint on Broadway in the titular roles and it was a modest success, nominated for several Tony Awards. I didn't know any of the songs or how the story based on the classic Robert Lewis Stevenson novella of worse living through chemistry would play out. I've never seen the Frederic March or Spencer Tracy movies, but I'm pretty sure Bugs Bunny did a cartoon version.
Set in 19th Century London, Dr. Henry Jekyll - played by the never-going-to-lose-this-prefix former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis - is attempting to cure his mentally ill father, believing a potion of his creation could separate the evil from the good in people, ushering in a era without war and suffering. (Who knew hippies started in 19th Century London?) When the hospital's board refuses to let him experiment on a patient, he decides to experiment on himself. What could possibly go wrong? That's right, folks! The murderous Mr. Edward Hyde - Jekyll's bad news evil twin who occupies the same skin - stalks the London night committing mayhem. Hydejinks ensue.
Musicals live and die by the quality of their songs and while the show unfolded I thought the tunes were competent enough, but sitting here a couple of hours later, I can't recall a single melody, though my companion thought "A New Life" stuck for them. (It's really not helping that the trailer for Les Miserables I watched 12 hours ago is tromping through my mind.) There's no "Music of the Night" or "I Dreamed a Dream" or even anything as good as in the overrated Rent. It was all well-sung, but there's little there there. The book doesn't help much either in setting up the relationships and motivations. Most of the exposition is crammed into the lyrics and it makes the already thin songs clunk at times.
More problematic is Maroulis in the titular roles because he's simply not good enough an actor to convey the tortured-but-mild Jekyll and the sinister Hyde. He sings well, but his Hyde is too sketchy and totally lacks menace, coming off like a gothy Hot Topic clerk who watched A Clockwork Orange and The Crow and thought trying to act that way might impress the chicks. I couldn't place what bothered me about his performance in the first act, but it came to me in the second as I realized that he was the only person on the stage who didn't seem to be in the show with the commitment of the rest. He was a Tony-nominee for Rock of Ages, so it's probably just a problem of being a poor fit for the material, cast for his supposed sex appeal more than anything. (The way he looks in the trailer below is totally unrelated to how he is in the show.)
Not a poor fit at all and the hands-down star of the show is Deborah Cox as Lucy, the lady of the evening whom attracts the attention of both sides of Dr. J. I was totally unfamiliar with her - as I said, I went in stone cold, reading none of the press materials or articles - and initially thought she was playing Emma, Jekyll's fiance, who was actually the Julie Andrews-esque Teal Wicks. But then came Cox's introductory number, "Bring On the Men," and I realized why her name shared the marquee.
Originally a successful R&B singer, she has great presence on stage (though you have to work with the dissonance of a latte-skinned Canadian playing an illiterate Cockney prostitute) and her voice - that voice! - is simply tremendous, turning every song into a show-stopper. (One song - can't recall which it was - had a sorta fake ending which prompted the audience to applaud, only to have to stop for the final bars before they could really cut loose.) She sounds like a less-bombastic Whitney Houston and had a subtlety and dynamism which elevated the material to such heights it almost seemed worthy of her. Every forgettable song soared and by the end I wished it had been a one-woman show called Lucy: Portrait of an Sexy Illiterate Cockney Prostitute.
Back on the downside, the production seemed drab and dingy; fitting, I suppose, for the seedy streets of Victorian London, but it came off more like being cheap and uninspired. There's some cool use of video projection towards the end of the show, but it's too little, too late.
The fundamental problem with Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical is that it can't escape it's origins which smack of trying to replicate the smash success of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera without the indelible songs and story. Add in an out-of-his-depth lead and there's not much to recommend catching this show - we saw some people leave at intermission and not return - but if you ever get a chance to see Deborah Cox perform, don't miss it. She's slated to star as Josephine Baker in a show on Broadway in 2014 and it may not be too ridiculous to suggest that the Tony Award for that year can already be engraved.
In the midst of a 25-city national tour on its way to the Great White Way of Broadway for a revival starting in April 2013, the musical Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical brings its tale and tunes of madness to the Fisher Theatre for one week only, Nov. 27 thru Dec. 2, 2012.
Unlike previous musicals I've seen this year - the dour Green Day-spawned American Idiot and the wonderfully campy hair-metal celebration Rock of Ages (which was far better than the movie) - I went into Jekyll & Hyde totally cold without the slightest idea of what was coming other than Skid Row front man Sebastian Bach did a stint on Broadway in the titular roles and it was a modest success, nominated for several Tony Awards. I didn't know any of the songs or how the story based on the classic Robert Lewis Stevenson novella of worse living through chemistry would play out. I've never seen the Frederic March or Spencer Tracy movies, but I'm pretty sure Bugs Bunny did a cartoon version.
Set in 19th Century London, Dr. Henry Jekyll - played by the never-going-to-lose-this-prefix former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis - is attempting to cure his mentally ill father, believing a potion of his creation could separate the evil from the good in people, ushering in a era without war and suffering. (Who knew hippies started in 19th Century London?) When the hospital's board refuses to let him experiment on a patient, he decides to experiment on himself. What could possibly go wrong? That's right, folks! The murderous Mr. Edward Hyde - Jekyll's bad news evil twin who occupies the same skin - stalks the London night committing mayhem. Hydejinks ensue.
Musicals live and die by the quality of their songs and while the show unfolded I thought the tunes were competent enough, but sitting here a couple of hours later, I can't recall a single melody, though my companion thought "A New Life" stuck for them. (It's really not helping that the trailer for Les Miserables I watched 12 hours ago is tromping through my mind.) There's no "Music of the Night" or "I Dreamed a Dream" or even anything as good as in the overrated Rent. It was all well-sung, but there's little there there. The book doesn't help much either in setting up the relationships and motivations. Most of the exposition is crammed into the lyrics and it makes the already thin songs clunk at times.
More problematic is Maroulis in the titular roles because he's simply not good enough an actor to convey the tortured-but-mild Jekyll and the sinister Hyde. He sings well, but his Hyde is too sketchy and totally lacks menace, coming off like a gothy Hot Topic clerk who watched A Clockwork Orange and The Crow and thought trying to act that way might impress the chicks. I couldn't place what bothered me about his performance in the first act, but it came to me in the second as I realized that he was the only person on the stage who didn't seem to be in the show with the commitment of the rest. He was a Tony-nominee for Rock of Ages, so it's probably just a problem of being a poor fit for the material, cast for his supposed sex appeal more than anything. (The way he looks in the trailer below is totally unrelated to how he is in the show.)
Not a poor fit at all and the hands-down star of the show is Deborah Cox as Lucy, the lady of the evening whom attracts the attention of both sides of Dr. J. I was totally unfamiliar with her - as I said, I went in stone cold, reading none of the press materials or articles - and initially thought she was playing Emma, Jekyll's fiance, who was actually the Julie Andrews-esque Teal Wicks. But then came Cox's introductory number, "Bring On the Men," and I realized why her name shared the marquee.
Originally a successful R&B singer, she has great presence on stage (though you have to work with the dissonance of a latte-skinned Canadian playing an illiterate Cockney prostitute) and her voice - that voice! - is simply tremendous, turning every song into a show-stopper. (One song - can't recall which it was - had a sorta fake ending which prompted the audience to applaud, only to have to stop for the final bars before they could really cut loose.) She sounds like a less-bombastic Whitney Houston and had a subtlety and dynamism which elevated the material to such heights it almost seemed worthy of her. Every forgettable song soared and by the end I wished it had been a one-woman show called Lucy: Portrait of an Sexy Illiterate Cockney Prostitute.
Back on the downside, the production seemed drab and dingy; fitting, I suppose, for the seedy streets of Victorian London, but it came off more like being cheap and uninspired. There's some cool use of video projection towards the end of the show, but it's too little, too late.
The fundamental problem with Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical is that it can't escape it's origins which smack of trying to replicate the smash success of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera without the indelible songs and story. Add in an out-of-his-depth lead and there's not much to recommend catching this show - we saw some people leave at intermission and not return - but if you ever get a chance to see Deborah Cox perform, don't miss it. She's slated to star as Josephine Baker in a show on Broadway in 2014 and it may not be too ridiculous to suggest that the Tony Award for that year can already be engraved.
A Christmas Story - Redford Theatre - Fri/Sat
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| A Christmas StoryNovember 30 & December 1st All Seats $4 Friday Nov 30th doors open at 7pm live organ music 7:30pm Saturday Dec 1st doors at 2pm live organ music 2:30pm Saturday Dec 1stdoorsat 7pm live organ music 7:30pm Free Supervised Parking www.Redfordtheatre.com 313.537.2560 |
| MGM-UA / 1983 / 1 hour 34 minutes. / Metrocolor Peter Billngsley Melinda Dillon Darren McGavin This heartwarming comedy depects humorist Jean Shephard's recollections of being a kid in the 1940s and the special Christmas that brought him the ultimate longed-for gift, a regular Red-Ryder air rifle. Join us at our beautifully decorated theatre. Bring your camera for a free picture with Santa. |
8MM - Crimson Lounge Riverview - Sunday 12/2
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If you are looking to check out a new detroit area venue and some new music while you are there head on down to the Crimson Lounge this Sunday night for a show with 8MM
The Crimson Lounge is located at 13634 Sibley Rd, Riverview, MI. (734) 283-3100
If you are looking to check out a new detroit area venue and some new music while you are there head on down to the Crimson Lounge this Sunday night for a show with 8MM
The Crimson Lounge is located at 13634 Sibley Rd, Riverview, MI. (734) 283-3100
| 8MM Announce Inaugural East Coast Tour Between The Devil And Two Black Hearts First Edition Vinyl Available November 30th “Weight Of You” Selected For Dead In 5 Heartbeats Soundtrack | ||
| 8MM, the husband/wife duo featuring Grammy-nominated producer/mixerSean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, No Doubt) and Stop Staring! celebrity modelJuliette Beavan, is getting everything set for their introductory East Coast tour. After wrapping up a West Coast run in support of their new album Between The Devil And Two Black Hearts, they’re ready to hit the highway after a three-week break. The tour kicks off in Cleveland on Friday November 30th and concludes in NYC at Piano’s on Friday December 7th. In conjunction with this leg of their national tour, the band will be releasing the first edition ofBetween The Devil And Two Black Hearts on 12” red vinyl on November 30, 2012. In addition, Sean and Juliette are getting in the holiday spirit by releasing the re-mastered version of their holiday album On A Silent Night, which includes Christmas classics such as “Santa Baby”, “Blue Christmas”, and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” along with their original “On A Silent Night”. It can be purchased via bandcamp (http://8mmofficial.bandcamp.com). Since the release of their fifth studio album, 8MM has been endorsed by Skullcandy headphones, Youngblood cosmetics, and Peter Grimm hats. In addition, their song “Weight Of You” has been placed on the soundtrack for the independent film Dead In 5 Heartbeats. The movie is based on founding member of the Oakland, California chapter of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club Sonny Barger’s novel. It was shot on-location in the state of Arizona over a 24-day period and real Hell’s Angel Club members played the fictional motorcycle club members. 8MM is Juliette Beavan (vocals) and multi-instrumentalist Sean Beavan (vocals, guitar). Between The Devil And Two Black Hearts was released on September 15, 2012 via ChelseaGirl Records.
http://www.8mmlovesyou.com/ http://8mmofficial.bandcamp.com https://www.facebook.com/8mmlovesyou http://twitter.com/8mmGirl http://deadin5heartbeats.com |
27 Kasım 2012 Salı
The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr
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Something’s afoot at the Davis Art Center. It is Acme Theatre Company’s annual gift to the city of Davis, a free production on the center’s outdoor stage, preceded by a barbecue, giving everyone a chance to buy a burger, have a cup of strawberries with a sinfully large dollop of whipped cream, and lounge around on the grass waiting for the show to start.
This year’s production is “The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged)” by Jess Gorgeson, Adam Long and Daniel Singer of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, and directed by Emily Henderson, Geoffrey Albrecht and Hope Raymond.
This is a parody of all of Shakespeare’s plays, traditionally performed by only three actors, but ingeniously arranged so that nine actors can actually do the roles.
Improvisation plays an important role and it is normal for the actors to deviate from the script and have spontaneous conversations about the material with each other or the audience, giving the appearance of something that may be being made up on the spot.
After an “overture” of sorts by many instruments from tuba to kazoo, it was announced by Brian Stewart that the evening’s show would feature an all-male cast. This prompted instant outrage from the female actors in the audience, who organized a protest on the spot, pulling women out of the audience to join in a protest march and occupy the stage.
Peace was restored when the men agreed to let the women be understudies and the play got under way. Beginning with “Romeo and Juliet,” the men (Stewart, Aaron Hirst and Antonio de Loera-Brust) found ingenious ways to work their way through several plays. “Titus Andronicus” was done as a cooking show with Loera-Brust as the hand-less chef, and, recognizing that none of the three was African-American, “Othello” was presented as a rap.
All of the comedies were combined into one convoluted reading by Hirst (the justification being that they all recycle the same plot devices anyway).
When the men ran out of steam, the women “understudies” (listed in the program as “The Company” — Leah Julian, Alina Lusebrink and Hannah Nielsen) took over the stage to present all the histories as a football game, with the crown as the football. Lusebrink’s death as Julius Caesar was a sight to behold. It naturally segued into the sequel, “Anthony and Cleopatra,” where Nielsen displayed a most electric-looking wig.
“Macbeth” was reduced to a witch’s pot and a duel, but done in thick Scottish brogue.
As the first act comes to an end, the stage is littered with crumpled pages of the plays that have been done. Only two are left undone, “Coriolanus,” which they refuse to do because they feel the “–anus” part is vulgar, and “Hamlet.”
The actors are nervous about doing Shakespeare’s most difficult play and run out of the theater, leaving technician Camilla Biaggi nervously telling jokes to the audience and finally calling for intermission, to give herself time to find the missing actors.
Naturally, the actors never return and it is left to the tech crew (Biaggi, Wil Forkin and Nick Mead) to do “Hamlet,” which they do with the help of some audience participation — a couple of people pulled from the audience and the entire audience enlisted to become Ophelia’s subconscious, her ego, superego and id, all to help her produce the perfect reaction to being ordered to “get thee to a nunnery.”
When they finally finish “Hamlet,” the cast does it again, in double-time, and then backwards.
To say this show relies on slapstick is a gross understatement, but it is wonderful fun and all the action should keep even small children entertained. What better way to spend some time on your holiday weekend, than stopping by the Art Center for a hilarious show done by incredibly talented and dedicated young actors?
Something’s afoot at the Davis Art Center. It is Acme Theatre Company’s annual gift to the city of Davis, a free production on the center’s outdoor stage, preceded by a barbecue, giving everyone a chance to buy a burger, have a cup of strawberries with a sinfully large dollop of whipped cream, and lounge around on the grass waiting for the show to start.This year’s production is “The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged)” by Jess Gorgeson, Adam Long and Daniel Singer of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, and directed by Emily Henderson, Geoffrey Albrecht and Hope Raymond.
This is a parody of all of Shakespeare’s plays, traditionally performed by only three actors, but ingeniously arranged so that nine actors can actually do the roles.
Improvisation plays an important role and it is normal for the actors to deviate from the script and have spontaneous conversations about the material with each other or the audience, giving the appearance of something that may be being made up on the spot.
After an “overture” of sorts by many instruments from tuba to kazoo, it was announced by Brian Stewart that the evening’s show would feature an all-male cast. This prompted instant outrage from the female actors in the audience, who organized a protest on the spot, pulling women out of the audience to join in a protest march and occupy the stage.
Peace was restored when the men agreed to let the women be understudies and the play got under way. Beginning with “Romeo and Juliet,” the men (Stewart, Aaron Hirst and Antonio de Loera-Brust) found ingenious ways to work their way through several plays. “Titus Andronicus” was done as a cooking show with Loera-Brust as the hand-less chef, and, recognizing that none of the three was African-American, “Othello” was presented as a rap.
All of the comedies were combined into one convoluted reading by Hirst (the justification being that they all recycle the same plot devices anyway).
When the men ran out of steam, the women “understudies” (listed in the program as “The Company” — Leah Julian, Alina Lusebrink and Hannah Nielsen) took over the stage to present all the histories as a football game, with the crown as the football. Lusebrink’s death as Julius Caesar was a sight to behold. It naturally segued into the sequel, “Anthony and Cleopatra,” where Nielsen displayed a most electric-looking wig.
“Macbeth” was reduced to a witch’s pot and a duel, but done in thick Scottish brogue.
As the first act comes to an end, the stage is littered with crumpled pages of the plays that have been done. Only two are left undone, “Coriolanus,” which they refuse to do because they feel the “–anus” part is vulgar, and “Hamlet.”
The actors are nervous about doing Shakespeare’s most difficult play and run out of the theater, leaving technician Camilla Biaggi nervously telling jokes to the audience and finally calling for intermission, to give herself time to find the missing actors.
Naturally, the actors never return and it is left to the tech crew (Biaggi, Wil Forkin and Nick Mead) to do “Hamlet,” which they do with the help of some audience participation — a couple of people pulled from the audience and the entire audience enlisted to become Ophelia’s subconscious, her ego, superego and id, all to help her produce the perfect reaction to being ordered to “get thee to a nunnery.”
When they finally finish “Hamlet,” the cast does it again, in double-time, and then backwards.
To say this show relies on slapstick is a gross understatement, but it is wonderful fun and all the action should keep even small children entertained. What better way to spend some time on your holiday weekend, than stopping by the Art Center for a hilarious show done by incredibly talented and dedicated young actors?
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
To contact us Click HERE
It would be difficult, if not impossible, not to find something to relate to in Sacramento’s Cosmopolitan Cabaret’s sparkling, delightful new production, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”
This musical, with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, was the second-longest running off-Broadway musical comedy (“The Fantasticks” was No. 1). It is a celebration of the mating game. Act 1 explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act 2 reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws, newborns, trips in the family car and pickup techniques of the geriatric set.
Who can’t relate to the angst before a first date?
Will my hopes be met? Will my fear dispel?
Will I captivate? Or will I repel?
Will I show him/her just how wonderful I am?
Or will I be a date from hell?
The show, directed by Glenn Casale, stars four talented artists — Michael Dotson, last seen as a member of the barbershop quartet in Music Circus’ “The Music Man”; Jerry Lee, memorable for his performance in the Cabaret’s recent “Forbidden Broadway”; Jennifer Malenke, new to the Cosmopolitan Cabaret, but recently seen on “The Voice,” singing with Florence and the Machine; and Melissa Wolfklain, also part of the “Forbidden Broadway” cast, and recently appearing as Jan in Music Circus’ “Grease.”
These four take on more than 20 roles throughout the evening, and it would be difficult to choose the funniest from among the vignettes, though “The Marriage Tango,” with a young married couple (Lee and Wolfklain) trying to find a way to have an intimate moment without the kids interrupting would be right up there. When Wolfklain asks her hubby how he pulled off the amazing feat of getting the kids to bed on time, he admits he promised to take the little ones to Disneyland.
“I figured we’d wait a few months and tell ‘em it burned down,” Lee says.
Dotson is also very funny in “Tear Jerk” as a macho man dragged to a chick flick by his girlfriend Wolfklain.
My movie satisfaction is mindless violent action,
Some muscle men to tussle with Stallone.
A thriller that would thrill us, with Arnold or Bruce Willis,
And lots of naked shots of Sharon Stone.
… and is then embarrassed to find himself sucked into the plot of the film, and fighting not to show the tears he is crying.
Malenke and Lee are perfect nerds in “A Stud and a Babe,” wishing they were more appealing, he longing for bulging biceps and she wishing for a larger bust (“my breasts would be rounder,” “my pecs would astound her”).
At the other end of the life span is “I can live with that,” featuring a widow and a widower meeting at the funeral of a mutual friend and the dance they do around the notion of dating each other, though they still both love and miss their departed spouses. It is a less funny and more poignant moment that will touch the heart of those of us “of a certain age” who have attended too many funerals lately.
This musical premiered in 1996 and so some of the material is a bit dated, but it is nonetheless very funny and a great way to spend an evening.
It would be difficult, if not impossible, not to find something to relate to in Sacramento’s Cosmopolitan Cabaret’s sparkling, delightful new production, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”This musical, with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, was the second-longest running off-Broadway musical comedy (“The Fantasticks” was No. 1). It is a celebration of the mating game. Act 1 explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act 2 reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws, newborns, trips in the family car and pickup techniques of the geriatric set.
Who can’t relate to the angst before a first date?
Will my hopes be met? Will my fear dispel?
Will I captivate? Or will I repel?
Will I show him/her just how wonderful I am?
Or will I be a date from hell?
The show, directed by Glenn Casale, stars four talented artists — Michael Dotson, last seen as a member of the barbershop quartet in Music Circus’ “The Music Man”; Jerry Lee, memorable for his performance in the Cabaret’s recent “Forbidden Broadway”; Jennifer Malenke, new to the Cosmopolitan Cabaret, but recently seen on “The Voice,” singing with Florence and the Machine; and Melissa Wolfklain, also part of the “Forbidden Broadway” cast, and recently appearing as Jan in Music Circus’ “Grease.”
These four take on more than 20 roles throughout the evening, and it would be difficult to choose the funniest from among the vignettes, though “The Marriage Tango,” with a young married couple (Lee and Wolfklain) trying to find a way to have an intimate moment without the kids interrupting would be right up there. When Wolfklain asks her hubby how he pulled off the amazing feat of getting the kids to bed on time, he admits he promised to take the little ones to Disneyland.
“I figured we’d wait a few months and tell ‘em it burned down,” Lee says.
Dotson is also very funny in “Tear Jerk” as a macho man dragged to a chick flick by his girlfriend Wolfklain.
My movie satisfaction is mindless violent action,
Some muscle men to tussle with Stallone.
A thriller that would thrill us, with Arnold or Bruce Willis,
And lots of naked shots of Sharon Stone.
… and is then embarrassed to find himself sucked into the plot of the film, and fighting not to show the tears he is crying.
Malenke and Lee are perfect nerds in “A Stud and a Babe,” wishing they were more appealing, he longing for bulging biceps and she wishing for a larger bust (“my breasts would be rounder,” “my pecs would astound her”).
At the other end of the life span is “I can live with that,” featuring a widow and a widower meeting at the funeral of a mutual friend and the dance they do around the notion of dating each other, though they still both love and miss their departed spouses. It is a less funny and more poignant moment that will touch the heart of those of us “of a certain age” who have attended too many funerals lately.
This musical premiered in 1996 and so some of the material is a bit dated, but it is nonetheless very funny and a great way to spend an evening.
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Christmas has come early to Winters, beating even the venerable old Macy’s Thanksgiving parade by a week. “Miracle on 34th Street,” directed by Anita Ahuja, opened last weekend and will run weekends through Dec. 2 at the Winters Community Center.
This stage adaptation of the beloved 1947 movie classic was adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies.
Yes, the pace of this production is sometimes plodding and there were lots of missed and made-up lines throughout the evening, but who cares, when everyone on stage and in the audience is having such a good time, and when you can enjoy the delight of Mikenzie Hapworth-Eldridge, the littlest elf, who stole every scene in which she appeared.
It’s the story of Kris Kringle, who has just been booted out of the senior home in which he has been living because of his insistence that he is the real Santa Claus. In a piece of serendipity, he turns up at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade just in time to save the parade from a drunken Santa Claus, and does such a convincing job that he is offered the opportunity to be the in-store Santa for the season.
Has Tom Rost ever looked more dapper? This stalwart of many Winters theater productions is perfectly suited to the role of Kris. His humility and passion for his role will convince anyone that he really is Santa Claus. He and little Emilia Orosco also must have had a good dialog coach to be able to converse and sing together so convincingly in Dutch.
Wendy Rash is Doris Walker, the very practical, no-nonsense mother of young Susan (Sophia Tolley). Doris believes in “utter realism and truth” for her daughter, without a shred of fantasy. It is Doris who hires Kris and then must face the consequences when he begins sending customers to other stores and convincing little Susan that fantasy is important in life.
Sophia Tolley does a good job of being the “you can’t fool me” child of her mother, but slowly pulled into Kris’ fantasy world and beginning to believe that maybe there really is a Santa Claus after all.
Jim Hewlett, featured as the town cop in last year’s “Fruitcakes,” takes on the role of Fred Gayley, Susan’s neighbor, who has developed a good relationship with Susan and tries to bring a little playfulness into her life. He would also like to have a closer relationship with Doris. Gayley befriends Kris and ultimately solves all of the old man’s problems, and receives a very special gift from Kringle as well.
Dona Akers is Mrs. Shellhammer, the head of the toy department, at first entranced with Kris’ performance, then appalled when she overhears him sending parents to different stores for toys that Macy’s does not stock, or where they can buy them more cheaply. She is ready to fire him until Mr. Macy himself (Howard Hupe) gets flooded with compliments on the store’s true spirit of Christmas and comes to Kris’ support.
Eleanor Yeatman puts on her best Lily Tomlin-as-Ernestine impression to portray Miss Saywer, head of Macy’s Human Relations Department, who gives Kris a psychological evaluation and sees him as a danger to the community and is determined to have him committed to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital.
Michael Barbour is Judge Harper, who will decide Kris’ fate at a sanity hearing, while Germaine Hupe is the formidable prosecuting attorney who gets trapped by her own granddaughter.
Shows like “Miracle on 34th Street” are wonderful for community theaters because they offer so many opportunities for members of the community to have a small role. Angel Clute-Bixby and Justice Brewer, for example, start off the evening as drummers marching onto the set and playing a little drum duet.
Alexis Velasquez grabs the microphone and gives a good rendition of several Christmas carols.
And there are a number of children who sit on Santa’s lap or become elves: Amelia Doran and Marc Velasquez, for example, in addition to others mentioned previously. Sam Peterson is one of the children and also does a surprisingly good job as Lou, one of the postal workers who handles Santa mail.
This is a play that exudes kindness, love, humanity and maybe a little bit of magic as well. It’s a fun family show to start the Christmas season.
Christmas has come early to Winters, beating even the venerable old Macy’s Thanksgiving parade by a week. “Miracle on 34th Street,” directed by Anita Ahuja, opened last weekend and will run weekends through Dec. 2 at the Winters Community Center.This stage adaptation of the beloved 1947 movie classic was adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies.
Yes, the pace of this production is sometimes plodding and there were lots of missed and made-up lines throughout the evening, but who cares, when everyone on stage and in the audience is having such a good time, and when you can enjoy the delight of Mikenzie Hapworth-Eldridge, the littlest elf, who stole every scene in which she appeared.
It’s the story of Kris Kringle, who has just been booted out of the senior home in which he has been living because of his insistence that he is the real Santa Claus. In a piece of serendipity, he turns up at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade just in time to save the parade from a drunken Santa Claus, and does such a convincing job that he is offered the opportunity to be the in-store Santa for the season.
Has Tom Rost ever looked more dapper? This stalwart of many Winters theater productions is perfectly suited to the role of Kris. His humility and passion for his role will convince anyone that he really is Santa Claus. He and little Emilia Orosco also must have had a good dialog coach to be able to converse and sing together so convincingly in Dutch.
Wendy Rash is Doris Walker, the very practical, no-nonsense mother of young Susan (Sophia Tolley). Doris believes in “utter realism and truth” for her daughter, without a shred of fantasy. It is Doris who hires Kris and then must face the consequences when he begins sending customers to other stores and convincing little Susan that fantasy is important in life.
Sophia Tolley does a good job of being the “you can’t fool me” child of her mother, but slowly pulled into Kris’ fantasy world and beginning to believe that maybe there really is a Santa Claus after all.
Jim Hewlett, featured as the town cop in last year’s “Fruitcakes,” takes on the role of Fred Gayley, Susan’s neighbor, who has developed a good relationship with Susan and tries to bring a little playfulness into her life. He would also like to have a closer relationship with Doris. Gayley befriends Kris and ultimately solves all of the old man’s problems, and receives a very special gift from Kringle as well.
Dona Akers is Mrs. Shellhammer, the head of the toy department, at first entranced with Kris’ performance, then appalled when she overhears him sending parents to different stores for toys that Macy’s does not stock, or where they can buy them more cheaply. She is ready to fire him until Mr. Macy himself (Howard Hupe) gets flooded with compliments on the store’s true spirit of Christmas and comes to Kris’ support.
Eleanor Yeatman puts on her best Lily Tomlin-as-Ernestine impression to portray Miss Saywer, head of Macy’s Human Relations Department, who gives Kris a psychological evaluation and sees him as a danger to the community and is determined to have him committed to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital.
Michael Barbour is Judge Harper, who will decide Kris’ fate at a sanity hearing, while Germaine Hupe is the formidable prosecuting attorney who gets trapped by her own granddaughter.
Shows like “Miracle on 34th Street” are wonderful for community theaters because they offer so many opportunities for members of the community to have a small role. Angel Clute-Bixby and Justice Brewer, for example, start off the evening as drummers marching onto the set and playing a little drum duet.
Alexis Velasquez grabs the microphone and gives a good rendition of several Christmas carols.
And there are a number of children who sit on Santa’s lap or become elves: Amelia Doran and Marc Velasquez, for example, in addition to others mentioned previously. Sam Peterson is one of the children and also does a surprisingly good job as Lou, one of the postal workers who handles Santa mail.
This is a play that exudes kindness, love, humanity and maybe a little bit of magic as well. It’s a fun family show to start the Christmas season.
A Christmas Carol
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It helps to understand that the version of “A Christmas Carol” by Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent — currently at the Davis Musical Theatre Company, under the direction of Jan Isaacson, with musical direction by Chris Congdon — was originally produced in the mid-1990s by Radio City in New York and was a holiday favorite at Madison Square Garden for more than 10 years.
Knowing that helps to explain what scantily clad Rockettes are doing in Victorian London and why the sepulchral Ghost of Christmas Future becomes a beautiful ballerina. This makes me think that perhaps other elements I found jarring also might have been part of the original production and not just poor directorial choices.
But to start with the good, DMTC finally has its orchestral mic-ing perfected. Hallelujah. After so many years of being unable to hear the orchestral blends, thanks to microphones and mounted speakers on each side of the theater, I was able to hear the orchestration clearly. It is just sad that so much of the music is forgettable, with one or two tuneful exceptions.
Forgettable or not, the DMTC chorus was top-notch and in great voice for all of the ensemble numbers.
Steve Isaacson is the best person in the company to play Ebenezer Scrooge. He can make a sour face better than anyone, and his snarls read genuine, as does his glee as he realizes he has not missed Christmas after all. He is positively cute in his giddiness. Hats off to him for performing this role two weeks after spinal surgery.
Jeff Nauer played the dual roles of Scrooge’s deceased partner Jacob Marley, and, in the past, his old boss the ebullient Fezziwig. He handled both roles well and was particularly entertaining as Fezziwig. I was disappointed, however, that his entrance as the chain-covered ghost had absolutely no sense of terror about it, but that he simply walked into Scrooge’s living room as if he were the butler.
Likewise, the chorus of ghosts writhing on the floor in one of the more tuneful numbers, “Link by Link,” do so in bright light in an old Victorian mansion at night. I am still wondering why that lighting choice was made.
I was impressed in the opening scene with the young woman playing the lamplighter (Leanna Friedrich), and was pleased that she later appears as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Friedrich has a lovely voice and a wonderful stage presence, though I am confused about why the ghost would join in the company at Fezziwig’s and dance with them, if she and Scrooge are supposed to be invisible.
Adam Sartain, who plays Young Ebenezer in the past, is also the Ghost of Christmas Present and a right jolly fellow he is, too, though he knows how to get his message across when he has to. He was a highlight.
When the pair visit the home of Bob Cratchit (Scott Griffith) and his wife (Dannette Vassar), I was surprised to see that the Cratchit family now only has two children, not the traditional six, though this is not the only inconsistency with the original book and previous versions on stage and screen. We now learn that Ebenezer’s father was sent to debtors’ prison, and his mother died shortly after that, leaving Ebenezer and his sister orphans. Ebenezer’s girlfriend, too, is now named Emily, not Belle.
David Ewey is a strong presence as Ebenezer’s good-hearted nephew Fred, who never gives up on his uncle and continues to extend the hand of family and friendship.
This is a show with some production and vocal problems, but they should not detract from the overall spirit of the production. It’s a good opportunity to get kids into the holiday spirit and we can all recite, with little Jimin Moon, as Tiny Tim, “God bless us, every one!”
It helps to understand that the version of “A Christmas Carol” by Alan Menken, Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent — currently at the Davis Musical Theatre Company, under the direction of Jan Isaacson, with musical direction by Chris Congdon — was originally produced in the mid-1990s by Radio City in New York and was a holiday favorite at Madison Square Garden for more than 10 years.Knowing that helps to explain what scantily clad Rockettes are doing in Victorian London and why the sepulchral Ghost of Christmas Future becomes a beautiful ballerina. This makes me think that perhaps other elements I found jarring also might have been part of the original production and not just poor directorial choices.
But to start with the good, DMTC finally has its orchestral mic-ing perfected. Hallelujah. After so many years of being unable to hear the orchestral blends, thanks to microphones and mounted speakers on each side of the theater, I was able to hear the orchestration clearly. It is just sad that so much of the music is forgettable, with one or two tuneful exceptions.
Forgettable or not, the DMTC chorus was top-notch and in great voice for all of the ensemble numbers.
Steve Isaacson is the best person in the company to play Ebenezer Scrooge. He can make a sour face better than anyone, and his snarls read genuine, as does his glee as he realizes he has not missed Christmas after all. He is positively cute in his giddiness. Hats off to him for performing this role two weeks after spinal surgery.
Jeff Nauer played the dual roles of Scrooge’s deceased partner Jacob Marley, and, in the past, his old boss the ebullient Fezziwig. He handled both roles well and was particularly entertaining as Fezziwig. I was disappointed, however, that his entrance as the chain-covered ghost had absolutely no sense of terror about it, but that he simply walked into Scrooge’s living room as if he were the butler.
Likewise, the chorus of ghosts writhing on the floor in one of the more tuneful numbers, “Link by Link,” do so in bright light in an old Victorian mansion at night. I am still wondering why that lighting choice was made.
I was impressed in the opening scene with the young woman playing the lamplighter (Leanna Friedrich), and was pleased that she later appears as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Friedrich has a lovely voice and a wonderful stage presence, though I am confused about why the ghost would join in the company at Fezziwig’s and dance with them, if she and Scrooge are supposed to be invisible.
Adam Sartain, who plays Young Ebenezer in the past, is also the Ghost of Christmas Present and a right jolly fellow he is, too, though he knows how to get his message across when he has to. He was a highlight.
When the pair visit the home of Bob Cratchit (Scott Griffith) and his wife (Dannette Vassar), I was surprised to see that the Cratchit family now only has two children, not the traditional six, though this is not the only inconsistency with the original book and previous versions on stage and screen. We now learn that Ebenezer’s father was sent to debtors’ prison, and his mother died shortly after that, leaving Ebenezer and his sister orphans. Ebenezer’s girlfriend, too, is now named Emily, not Belle.
David Ewey is a strong presence as Ebenezer’s good-hearted nephew Fred, who never gives up on his uncle and continues to extend the hand of family and friendship.
This is a show with some production and vocal problems, but they should not detract from the overall spirit of the production. It’s a good opportunity to get kids into the holiday spirit and we can all recite, with little Jimin Moon, as Tiny Tim, “God bless us, every one!”
Mistakes Were Made
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If there ever was any doubt that Eric Wheeler is one of this area’s most talented actors, a visit to Capital Stage’s production of “Mistakes Were Made,” by Craig Wright (directed by Carolyn Howarth), will convince you.
In this 90-minute mostly frenetic and ultimately surprisingly poignant comedy, Wheeler carries on non-stop telephone conversations with several people, his mostly unseen receptionist Esther (Anne Mason) and a large koi fish named Dolores (created by puppeteer Richard Bay).
Wheeler is Felix Artifex, a second-rate theatrical producer who has discovered an unknown playwright who has written a play about the French Revolution (“Mistakes Were Made”) that Felix thinks could finally be his ticket to the big time.
Though Felix describes his career to this point as simply “filling up theaters with moldy chestnuts and two-bit stars,” he is the eternal optimist and he knows he has a potential hit on his hands. He envisions a big production, with a huge cast and a big-name star.
As the play begins, he is on the phone with Johnny Bledsoe, the Hollywood hunk-du-jour, trying to convince him to star as King Louis (“… so you tell me, Johnny … who is the star of the French Revolution, if King Louis is not the star?”). Bledsoe apparently wants a special role as the “kid,” who is the handsome pal of Robespierre, written just for him, but with more lines than Louis. He’d also like the playwright to consider making this a one-man show.
While trying to make a deal with Bledsoe, Felix is also talking with the playwright, who is adamant that he is not going to change his play. Felix walks the fine line of lying to each of the men and making impossible promises, trying to reach a compromise so the show can go forward as he envisions it.
At the same time, he is receiving frantic calls from a guy named George Cossetta, calling from a desert somewhere, with a caravan of sheep being pursued by a bunch of guys with flame throwers. This apparently is part of a hair-brained, somewhat shady scheme to raise money to finance “Mistakes Were Made.”
As the calls continue to come, bells ring, buzzers buzz, Felix’s mood, like a traveling salesman’s, changes with each caller, whether wheedling, flattering, self-deprecating, threatening or profane. In the brief respites between calls, in moments of self-revelation, he converses with Dolores (wonderfully manipulated by puppeteer Janey Pintar), whom he overfeeds — despite warnings from his secretary — while he continues to wait for a call back from his ex-wife.
In less competent hands, this play might be less entertaining, but Wheeler allows Felix Artifex to become a man desperately, if comically, grasping for that brass ring that has hitherto eluded him and shows the lengths to which he will go to get it. Ultimately, he also lets the audience see the man behind the caricature and makes him a real human being.
Like the recently staged “Fully Committed,” which was a one-man tour de force for Matt K. Miller, “Mistakes Were Made” is a wonderful vehicle for Wheeler and his opportunity to shine for 90 minutes. Wheeler makes the best of it.
If there ever was any doubt that Eric Wheeler is one of this area’s most talented actors, a visit to Capital Stage’s production of “Mistakes Were Made,” by Craig Wright (directed by Carolyn Howarth), will convince you.In this 90-minute mostly frenetic and ultimately surprisingly poignant comedy, Wheeler carries on non-stop telephone conversations with several people, his mostly unseen receptionist Esther (Anne Mason) and a large koi fish named Dolores (created by puppeteer Richard Bay).
Wheeler is Felix Artifex, a second-rate theatrical producer who has discovered an unknown playwright who has written a play about the French Revolution (“Mistakes Were Made”) that Felix thinks could finally be his ticket to the big time.
Though Felix describes his career to this point as simply “filling up theaters with moldy chestnuts and two-bit stars,” he is the eternal optimist and he knows he has a potential hit on his hands. He envisions a big production, with a huge cast and a big-name star.
As the play begins, he is on the phone with Johnny Bledsoe, the Hollywood hunk-du-jour, trying to convince him to star as King Louis (“… so you tell me, Johnny … who is the star of the French Revolution, if King Louis is not the star?”). Bledsoe apparently wants a special role as the “kid,” who is the handsome pal of Robespierre, written just for him, but with more lines than Louis. He’d also like the playwright to consider making this a one-man show.
While trying to make a deal with Bledsoe, Felix is also talking with the playwright, who is adamant that he is not going to change his play. Felix walks the fine line of lying to each of the men and making impossible promises, trying to reach a compromise so the show can go forward as he envisions it.
At the same time, he is receiving frantic calls from a guy named George Cossetta, calling from a desert somewhere, with a caravan of sheep being pursued by a bunch of guys with flame throwers. This apparently is part of a hair-brained, somewhat shady scheme to raise money to finance “Mistakes Were Made.”
As the calls continue to come, bells ring, buzzers buzz, Felix’s mood, like a traveling salesman’s, changes with each caller, whether wheedling, flattering, self-deprecating, threatening or profane. In the brief respites between calls, in moments of self-revelation, he converses with Dolores (wonderfully manipulated by puppeteer Janey Pintar), whom he overfeeds — despite warnings from his secretary — while he continues to wait for a call back from his ex-wife.
In less competent hands, this play might be less entertaining, but Wheeler allows Felix Artifex to become a man desperately, if comically, grasping for that brass ring that has hitherto eluded him and shows the lengths to which he will go to get it. Ultimately, he also lets the audience see the man behind the caricature and makes him a real human being.
Like the recently staged “Fully Committed,” which was a one-man tour de force for Matt K. Miller, “Mistakes Were Made” is a wonderful vehicle for Wheeler and his opportunity to shine for 90 minutes. Wheeler makes the best of it.
26 Kasım 2012 Pazartesi
Houston Aeros vs. Rockford Ice Hogs
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Went to the 'X' in St. Paul tonight and saw the Houston Aeros game against the Rockford Ice Hogs, the Aeros won 3-2. They led 1-0 after 1 and 2-0 after 2. I donated a can of Spam to the food drive, along with 50 cents. I got a tree ornament, a Wild gingerbread man in a stocking, for $6. I already had an Aeros shirt from the most recent game at this venue in early 2011, along with some Wild socks and a Wild bath towel. There was mention of the game on the news tonight, shortly after the reporter gave a brief update about the NHL's labor dispute. It was relevant as the Aeros are a minor league affiliate of the Wild, and playing this game helps fill the void a little. One fan did hold up a sign about the labor dispute, saying 'We want the Wild back!' on one side and 'Hey Bettman, Hey Fehr' on the other. But it was hard to read what the rest of it said. I know these are the reps for both sides in the dispute. It was the fourth Aeros game at this venue, and I have seen 3 of them, missing the first as I didn't live in the area at the time.
I had hoped to find another place with Hostess snack cakes but came up empty, trying Walgreen but maybe it's just as well as I had already found a decent amount at 5 different stores this weekend. The tough thing will be pacing myself while I try to eat all of it before it expires, but it helps how some things (like the cereal and cookies) have a longer shelf life than others. Those extend into next year. I know it is best to eat first what expires first, and I was paying attention to the labels to see what the expiration dates were. There are some stores that I haven't tried yet, so it's likely that I will find some more. I am familiar with those legal disclaimers like 'while supplies last' and 'selection varies by store'. 'For a limited time only' is another.
I had hoped to find another place with Hostess snack cakes but came up empty, trying Walgreen but maybe it's just as well as I had already found a decent amount at 5 different stores this weekend. The tough thing will be pacing myself while I try to eat all of it before it expires, but it helps how some things (like the cereal and cookies) have a longer shelf life than others. Those extend into next year. I know it is best to eat first what expires first, and I was paying attention to the labels to see what the expiration dates were. There are some stores that I haven't tried yet, so it's likely that I will find some more. I am familiar with those legal disclaimers like 'while supplies last' and 'selection varies by store'. 'For a limited time only' is another.
Wonder Bread Search
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I finally decided to get a loyalty card from Walgreen earlier today, when I was on lunch and getting some soap and toilet paper. But the three items, including some Hostess mini-donuts, did not yield any points apparently. Hopefully I will find items that do. This is my 8th loyalty card, if you count Enterprise Rentacar which still hasn't arrived yet. At the Hostess display I noticed there wasn't much left, mostly some fruitcakes and those don't interest me.
I did see in the news how the hearing for Hostess at bankruptcy court did happen, with the judge urging mediation between managment and labor unions instead of liquidation. What I do know is that the articles I read about the liquidation of the Montgomery Ward department stores in 2000-2001 were helpful. The one from the Wall Street Journal- when speaking of Wards- said it is likely to stir nostalgia with customers, but it won't break a competitor's heart. I am noticing how many other companies make snack cakes and bread, and actually I hadn't bought much of either in recent years. If I had, it was the Little Debbie oatmeal creme pies or the brownies. One feature claims that Little Debbie will be stepping up production. Looks like they want to fill the void in some form.
At the comedy club tonight, I expected there would be some Twinkie jokes, and there was but just one. It was about how much they are now going for on Craigslist, I had heard more about them being listed on E-bay. The comic was referring to how the company had filed for bankruptcy before, and not even that could stop the Twinkies since they're really popular. Also at the club was some loud patrons behind me that kept wanting to know when a server would be around as they wanted to order drinks. They were warned twice by an employee how there was no talking. They even asked a performer, right before he was to go onstage, if he was a server. This was despite his outfit, which didn't look like a server's as he was wearing a zip-up hoodie. He called them 'hipsters' when he took the stage. They liked having a shout-out, even if it wasn't flattering.
After the show I went to a Cub Foods to see what they had for Wonder Bread and Hostess items. There was no snack cakes to speak of, the display box had competitor products in it. Still some Wonder Bread left, so I got a package of hamburger buns. I have been eating the hot dog buns at a steady rate of two a day to use them up before they expire. Also found some sandwich bags hanging next to the bread display. At the Bobby and Steve's in Minneapolis I found some sweet rolls and coffee cakes, at the 'beehive' gas station some donut sticks, and the Superamerica I had been to just two days earlier two honey buns. They didn't have much else left and the clerk was surprised that there was anything left at all. A convenience store in downtown St. Paul had some single cupcakes.
I did see in the news how the hearing for Hostess at bankruptcy court did happen, with the judge urging mediation between managment and labor unions instead of liquidation. What I do know is that the articles I read about the liquidation of the Montgomery Ward department stores in 2000-2001 were helpful. The one from the Wall Street Journal- when speaking of Wards- said it is likely to stir nostalgia with customers, but it won't break a competitor's heart. I am noticing how many other companies make snack cakes and bread, and actually I hadn't bought much of either in recent years. If I had, it was the Little Debbie oatmeal creme pies or the brownies. One feature claims that Little Debbie will be stepping up production. Looks like they want to fill the void in some form.
At the comedy club tonight, I expected there would be some Twinkie jokes, and there was but just one. It was about how much they are now going for on Craigslist, I had heard more about them being listed on E-bay. The comic was referring to how the company had filed for bankruptcy before, and not even that could stop the Twinkies since they're really popular. Also at the club was some loud patrons behind me that kept wanting to know when a server would be around as they wanted to order drinks. They were warned twice by an employee how there was no talking. They even asked a performer, right before he was to go onstage, if he was a server. This was despite his outfit, which didn't look like a server's as he was wearing a zip-up hoodie. He called them 'hipsters' when he took the stage. They liked having a shout-out, even if it wasn't flattering.
After the show I went to a Cub Foods to see what they had for Wonder Bread and Hostess items. There was no snack cakes to speak of, the display box had competitor products in it. Still some Wonder Bread left, so I got a package of hamburger buns. I have been eating the hot dog buns at a steady rate of two a day to use them up before they expire. Also found some sandwich bags hanging next to the bread display. At the Bobby and Steve's in Minneapolis I found some sweet rolls and coffee cakes, at the 'beehive' gas station some donut sticks, and the Superamerica I had been to just two days earlier two honey buns. They didn't have much else left and the clerk was surprised that there was anything left at all. A convenience store in downtown St. Paul had some single cupcakes.
Chicago Hot Dogs- Chris and Rob's
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I needed to do laundry tonight so I decided to go across the street from the laundromat to eat and to the Chicago hot dog place- known as Chris and Rob's. There are three locations in the Twin Cities, in St. Paul, Fridley, and Minneapolis. I like looking around at all of the pictures on the wall each time I am there, and the employee recognized me as the one who had given their business card before. He did ask when I was leaving if I would be writing about it. I think it is so cool that this place is inside a former railroad car, though they've added onto it. I would say it was a fairly routine visit as it meant getting a chili cheese dog, no onions, tater tots, and a can of Sprite. I like how I can go someplace where I am known since I am there often enough.
Doing laundry, well I guess there was a good story from this visit as well. Since I was asked to help with folding bedsheets just out of the dryer. This is kind of a two-person job. I would have liked seeing the Charlie Brown special on TV tonight but I already have the Thanksgiving special on video so I can watch it whenever I want. It in many ways was a big deal to give up a comedy night, but the day before a holiday I knew I had some errand running to do. After laundry it meant going to the library to print things, arrived during the final 20 minutes but it was long enough to get things done.
After the library I did go to a Rainbow Foods and got a box of Hostess mini-muffins, blueberry. There isn't much left in most stores I've tried, if anything at all. It varies at to what is left, but more often than not it is the Donettes- at least in the snack cake section. Sometimes I've seen other items, like sweet rolls or fruit pies. But I am still being careful about checking the expiration dates before buying, giving me more time to eat them. Even checked what it looked like at the Wonder Bread and Hostess bakery outlet in Maplewood, where I was at a few days earlier. It was no real surprise to me when I pulled into their parking lot and seeing a homemade 'Closed' sign up, as there's no need to be open any longer if all of the inventory has been sold and there have been no more shipments.
One of the news stories today was about the bankruptcy court approving the company's request to liquidate, which was expected after Hostess was unsuccessful in mediation talks with the bakers union. It did get mention on the ABC affiliate in the Twin Cities. I also decided to order a few souvenirs on E-bay, one of them was a Wonder Bread postcard from the Chicago World's Fair from 1933-1934. The other items were Wonder Bread magnets on bottle caps, and Hostess buttons with most or all of the characters used to advertise their products. Reminds me of the McDonaldland characters, but I know very little about the Hostess characters besides Twinkie the Kid.
It was a fairly slow day at work, no surprise there when right before a holiday. But some of this was due to IT issues. I got one payoff report early, then the other two were in the mid-afternoon, with just over an hour to complete before our record-keeper left for the day.
Doing laundry, well I guess there was a good story from this visit as well. Since I was asked to help with folding bedsheets just out of the dryer. This is kind of a two-person job. I would have liked seeing the Charlie Brown special on TV tonight but I already have the Thanksgiving special on video so I can watch it whenever I want. It in many ways was a big deal to give up a comedy night, but the day before a holiday I knew I had some errand running to do. After laundry it meant going to the library to print things, arrived during the final 20 minutes but it was long enough to get things done.
After the library I did go to a Rainbow Foods and got a box of Hostess mini-muffins, blueberry. There isn't much left in most stores I've tried, if anything at all. It varies at to what is left, but more often than not it is the Donettes- at least in the snack cake section. Sometimes I've seen other items, like sweet rolls or fruit pies. But I am still being careful about checking the expiration dates before buying, giving me more time to eat them. Even checked what it looked like at the Wonder Bread and Hostess bakery outlet in Maplewood, where I was at a few days earlier. It was no real surprise to me when I pulled into their parking lot and seeing a homemade 'Closed' sign up, as there's no need to be open any longer if all of the inventory has been sold and there have been no more shipments.
One of the news stories today was about the bankruptcy court approving the company's request to liquidate, which was expected after Hostess was unsuccessful in mediation talks with the bakers union. It did get mention on the ABC affiliate in the Twin Cities. I also decided to order a few souvenirs on E-bay, one of them was a Wonder Bread postcard from the Chicago World's Fair from 1933-1934. The other items were Wonder Bread magnets on bottle caps, and Hostess buttons with most or all of the characters used to advertise their products. Reminds me of the McDonaldland characters, but I know very little about the Hostess characters besides Twinkie the Kid.
It was a fairly slow day at work, no surprise there when right before a holiday. But some of this was due to IT issues. I got one payoff report early, then the other two were in the mid-afternoon, with just over an hour to complete before our record-keeper left for the day.
rupert murdoch and 'free press'
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i decided to like a nonpartisan page on facebook called 'free press' after getting an email in my hotmail account that suggested it. the message said rupert murdoch wants to own another media outlet and wanting to let the government know we are not for it. naturally, this name is close to some actual papers, i had heard of the detroit free press before.
i heard from my college roommate, who informed me of plans to be in sioux falls next month for the holiday. will have to see if it works in my schedule to go there.
i heard from my college roommate, who informed me of plans to be in sioux falls next month for the holiday. will have to see if it works in my schedule to go there.
whopper jr. at burger king
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i went to burger king in eagan this evening and had a whopper junior, first time i had been there in a while. liked reading the paper there, at least what was left. besides ads, i found two sections of comics- one from the st. paul paper and the other from the minneapolis paper- and the local section where i liked reading about the development plans for the former schmidt brewery and the union depot in st. paul. i had driven past the brewery before and mainly noticed the water sales being advertised, like a gallon of spring water for 50 cents. it's nice to see the grain belt bottle up on the corner as well, as it can't be covered up like the other billboards were.
i stayed in with my date and watched the bears-vikings football game, bears won 28-10. we later on watched an episode of 'little house' where the town of walnut grove banded together and said they didn't want the railroad taking away their farms.
after i went home tonight i went over to a convenience store and asked if they had any wonder bread or hostess items left as i didn't see any, but the clerk was unsure if they had ever carried it. he seemed unaware of why they went out of business, i said it was likely a combination of factors. he kept telling me about certain items being sold for real cheap, like 6 bananas for 99 cents. i got a compliment about the winter boots i was wearing, i said it was due to going to the gopher football game this weekend, he also seemed unaware of what the game result was so i said the gophers lost. he must have been bored if he wanted to talk to me for a while, but at first i didn't mind too much as i like to hear people's stories. but eventually i knew i needed to move on as it was the stop i wanted to make before going to the grocery store.
it was nice to see a picture i was in tagged on facebook, it was taken at the comedy club on tuesday. i said i don't dance much but i took two dance classes in college, as the caption made a reference to dancing. not sure why, but it was the one where i was wearing a black shirt.
i stayed in with my date and watched the bears-vikings football game, bears won 28-10. we later on watched an episode of 'little house' where the town of walnut grove banded together and said they didn't want the railroad taking away their farms.
after i went home tonight i went over to a convenience store and asked if they had any wonder bread or hostess items left as i didn't see any, but the clerk was unsure if they had ever carried it. he seemed unaware of why they went out of business, i said it was likely a combination of factors. he kept telling me about certain items being sold for real cheap, like 6 bananas for 99 cents. i got a compliment about the winter boots i was wearing, i said it was due to going to the gopher football game this weekend, he also seemed unaware of what the game result was so i said the gophers lost. he must have been bored if he wanted to talk to me for a while, but at first i didn't mind too much as i like to hear people's stories. but eventually i knew i needed to move on as it was the stop i wanted to make before going to the grocery store.
it was nice to see a picture i was in tagged on facebook, it was taken at the comedy club on tuesday. i said i don't dance much but i took two dance classes in college, as the caption made a reference to dancing. not sure why, but it was the one where i was wearing a black shirt.
25 Kasım 2012 Pazar
Wearing Black Shirts
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At the comedy club tonight it was pointed out I was wearing a black shirt, same as one of the performers. So we had a picture taken on camera phones, but not on my phone. We had our backs turned to each other. I made a joke about the famous Siskel and Ebert pose where one has thumbs up and the other thumbs down, but it would have been harder to do in this pose. I was asked to look angry so I found a way to do that, and it meant showing a 'pirate eye'. This pose likely pleased my friend who was also in the picture, since he has called me a 'dirty land pirate' numerous times before.
I didn't buy any more Wonder Bread or Hostess items today, but I did go through what I've got to figure out the 'schedule' of seeing these items are eaten before they expire. It shouldn't be too hard as most of the expiration dates are for next month, and just four for this month. I'm nearly finished with the bag of Donettes and the hot dog buns, then it's on to the fruit pie and the single cupcake. I may want to find a souvenir or two on E-bay, as there are some but some of the listings are expensive. My guess is the postcards will stay as a lower demand item, especially when compared to the diecast model trucks. For those who know me well they know I like postcards anyway. But I will need some time to get a good look at what is available, and this means knowing what key words to enter. I prefer 'buy it now' items over 'bid on' items, but I have done some bidding before. It varies as to what I see on the company's website, sometimes I do see more than just a 'we are closed' announcement as of course the bankruptcy court judge advised mediation, which was scheduled for today. But the late reports say the mediation failed, so the company will be going out of business. The judge said he was thinking of all of the jobs at stake, more than 18,000.
I didn't buy any more Wonder Bread or Hostess items today, but I did go through what I've got to figure out the 'schedule' of seeing these items are eaten before they expire. It shouldn't be too hard as most of the expiration dates are for next month, and just four for this month. I'm nearly finished with the bag of Donettes and the hot dog buns, then it's on to the fruit pie and the single cupcake. I may want to find a souvenir or two on E-bay, as there are some but some of the listings are expensive. My guess is the postcards will stay as a lower demand item, especially when compared to the diecast model trucks. For those who know me well they know I like postcards anyway. But I will need some time to get a good look at what is available, and this means knowing what key words to enter. I prefer 'buy it now' items over 'bid on' items, but I have done some bidding before. It varies as to what I see on the company's website, sometimes I do see more than just a 'we are closed' announcement as of course the bankruptcy court judge advised mediation, which was scheduled for today. But the late reports say the mediation failed, so the company will be going out of business. The judge said he was thinking of all of the jobs at stake, more than 18,000.
Chicago Hot Dogs- Chris and Rob's
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I needed to do laundry tonight so I decided to go across the street from the laundromat to eat and to the Chicago hot dog place- known as Chris and Rob's. There are three locations in the Twin Cities, in St. Paul, Fridley, and Minneapolis. I like looking around at all of the pictures on the wall each time I am there, and the employee recognized me as the one who had given their business card before. He did ask when I was leaving if I would be writing about it. I think it is so cool that this place is inside a former railroad car, though they've added onto it. I would say it was a fairly routine visit as it meant getting a chili cheese dog, no onions, tater tots, and a can of Sprite. I like how I can go someplace where I am known since I am there often enough.
Doing laundry, well I guess there was a good story from this visit as well. Since I was asked to help with folding bedsheets just out of the dryer. This is kind of a two-person job. I would have liked seeing the Charlie Brown special on TV tonight but I already have the Thanksgiving special on video so I can watch it whenever I want. It in many ways was a big deal to give up a comedy night, but the day before a holiday I knew I had some errand running to do. After laundry it meant going to the library to print things, arrived during the final 20 minutes but it was long enough to get things done.
After the library I did go to a Rainbow Foods and got a box of Hostess mini-muffins, blueberry. There isn't much left in most stores I've tried, if anything at all. It varies at to what is left, but more often than not it is the Donettes- at least in the snack cake section. Sometimes I've seen other items, like sweet rolls or fruit pies. But I am still being careful about checking the expiration dates before buying, giving me more time to eat them. Even checked what it looked like at the Wonder Bread and Hostess bakery outlet in Maplewood, where I was at a few days earlier. It was no real surprise to me when I pulled into their parking lot and seeing a homemade 'Closed' sign up, as there's no need to be open any longer if all of the inventory has been sold and there have been no more shipments.
One of the news stories today was about the bankruptcy court approving the company's request to liquidate, which was expected after Hostess was unsuccessful in mediation talks with the bakers union. It did get mention on the ABC affiliate in the Twin Cities. I also decided to order a few souvenirs on E-bay, one of them was a Wonder Bread postcard from the Chicago World's Fair from 1933-1934. The other items were Wonder Bread magnets on bottle caps, and Hostess buttons with most or all of the characters used to advertise their products. Reminds me of the McDonaldland characters, but I know very little about the Hostess characters besides Twinkie the Kid.
It was a fairly slow day at work, no surprise there when right before a holiday. But some of this was due to IT issues. I got one payoff report early, then the other two were in the mid-afternoon, with just over an hour to complete before our record-keeper left for the day.
Doing laundry, well I guess there was a good story from this visit as well. Since I was asked to help with folding bedsheets just out of the dryer. This is kind of a two-person job. I would have liked seeing the Charlie Brown special on TV tonight but I already have the Thanksgiving special on video so I can watch it whenever I want. It in many ways was a big deal to give up a comedy night, but the day before a holiday I knew I had some errand running to do. After laundry it meant going to the library to print things, arrived during the final 20 minutes but it was long enough to get things done.
After the library I did go to a Rainbow Foods and got a box of Hostess mini-muffins, blueberry. There isn't much left in most stores I've tried, if anything at all. It varies at to what is left, but more often than not it is the Donettes- at least in the snack cake section. Sometimes I've seen other items, like sweet rolls or fruit pies. But I am still being careful about checking the expiration dates before buying, giving me more time to eat them. Even checked what it looked like at the Wonder Bread and Hostess bakery outlet in Maplewood, where I was at a few days earlier. It was no real surprise to me when I pulled into their parking lot and seeing a homemade 'Closed' sign up, as there's no need to be open any longer if all of the inventory has been sold and there have been no more shipments.
One of the news stories today was about the bankruptcy court approving the company's request to liquidate, which was expected after Hostess was unsuccessful in mediation talks with the bakers union. It did get mention on the ABC affiliate in the Twin Cities. I also decided to order a few souvenirs on E-bay, one of them was a Wonder Bread postcard from the Chicago World's Fair from 1933-1934. The other items were Wonder Bread magnets on bottle caps, and Hostess buttons with most or all of the characters used to advertise their products. Reminds me of the McDonaldland characters, but I know very little about the Hostess characters besides Twinkie the Kid.
It was a fairly slow day at work, no surprise there when right before a holiday. But some of this was due to IT issues. I got one payoff report early, then the other two were in the mid-afternoon, with just over an hour to complete before our record-keeper left for the day.
rupert murdoch and 'free press'
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i decided to like a nonpartisan page on facebook called 'free press' after getting an email in my hotmail account that suggested it. the message said rupert murdoch wants to own another media outlet and wanting to let the government know we are not for it. naturally, this name is close to some actual papers, i had heard of the detroit free press before.
i heard from my college roommate, who informed me of plans to be in sioux falls next month for the holiday. will have to see if it works in my schedule to go there.
i heard from my college roommate, who informed me of plans to be in sioux falls next month for the holiday. will have to see if it works in my schedule to go there.
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