April showers April 25, 2007
There’s no hot water in our apartment building. Apparently this happened sometime Monday night (I get this information from Erin, not our super because he has a policy of telling us nothing). I tried to take a cold shower this morning, I really did. I’ve done it before, but this morning, I swear, our water supply was melted from a glacier, I’m surprised there weren’t ice chunks in it. It was way colder than room temperature. How can that be? Isn’t it just as hard to refrigerate water as it is to heat? Doesn’t it take as much energy? I couldn’t stand it. So, I went to work scuzzy. No one seemed to notice, but I was in a mighty bad mood. So, at lunch I walked across the street to my gym, and showered there. Again, no one at work seemed to notice anything about me was different when I returned from lunch with soaking wet hair (I don’t know whether I like the fact that I can get away with looking bad, or if I’m offended that no one notices me). Here’s hoping things are back to normal tomorrow.
Cherry goodness April 23, 2007
I stumbled upon this delightful beverage on my lunch hour today. I had tried Coca-Cola Zero last summer, and it was too sweet for me, but I’m willing to try just about any cherry flavored cola, so I bought a bottle and took with me to enjoy in the sun. I enjoyed it a lot. We just may have found the official beverage of choice for Summer 2007.
I want to cry April 20, 2007
You know, or maybe you don’t, how highly I esteem the great nation of Canada. I do. Not only for the great comics and candy, but also for the people and the stories, and perhaps most importantly, L.M. Montgomery. She’s probably where my Canuck obsession began. And now, I feel as if Canada is letting me down in the most horrible of ways. Yes, I will Blame Canada. Why, oh why are they letting this happen?
Golden Compass videogame April 19, 2007
Sega is doing the Golden Compass videogame. I guess I should have known I couldn’t have the game anyway; I have a Playstation 2 which is now outdated. If it comes out on PS3, well, I’ll just have to upgrade. The things I do for my obsessions.
book notes April 18, 2007
I just finished this book, and I really enjoyed it. I think you might too – it’s a melodrama about an orphan that’s adopted by three spinster sisters who are sham spiritualists. I had one issue with the story, but it didn’t bother me too much, and overall, just a really good read. The heroine was highly engaging, and I was always anxious to see what would happen next. First time novelist is a librarian from Maryland. Click on the picture for a real review, or just do yourself a favor and go check it out immediately!
I was at Barnes & Noble yesterday, and noticed that the next #1 Lady’s Detective Agency book is out. I’ll look forward to reading that just as soon as NYPL gets it in.
I also noticed this in the store window. Who in their right mind is going to buy a box set with 6 of the 7 Harry Potter books? I can understand having a three, or four book set, but come on now, in 3 months there’ll be the full 7 book box set; surely it’s worth the wait?
so, I saw some shows April 17, 2007
I’m so behind on telling you about shows, it’s ridicledackle, but here’s a little recap. I saw Howard Katz at the Laura Pels Theatre. Wasn’t a huge fan of the play, but I am a huge fan of Alfred Molina! This is an actor that just never lets me down. I would be thrilled to see him in just about anything.
While in CA I checked out The Marvelous Wonderettes which I heard about from a friend. I thought it’s be a good vacation show as it’s a jukebox musical based around girl group songs from the 50’s and 60’s. I was right. It’s not going to change the face of musical theatre, but it was a very good time, the perfect companion piece to Forever Plaid (a review show of boys songs from the 50’s), and I would recommend it. Special shout-out to Kim Huber, I thought she was really great.
I really wish I’d gotten my act together and told you about this show right when I saw it, so maybe you could have gone to it. The Voysey Inheritance newly adapted by David Mamet, was wonderfully engaging. I’ve heard that Mamet cut at least an hour off of the show which seems amazing, particularly because I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Yes, there were conversations that could have gone longer, but overall, I felt like I got everything I needed for the story, and was left wanting just a little more, which isn’t a bad thing.
I’m not going to say anything about Inherit the Wind right now, because it’s getting it’s own posting. But I will tell you this is the first of three Broadway plays that I saw last week. Three! That’s what I call crazy, sexy, cool. Well you know, that and TLC. An interesting note, they are selling little stuffed monkeys in the lobby of the Lyceum theatre. I’ve yet to decide if this is a brilliant marketing scheme, or a sign of the decline of American theatre production.
Finally, finally, finally I saw Grey Gardens, and I almost don’t know what to say. It is as magnificent as people say. The second act is based on the Maysles famous documentary, and the first act is a fictional preamble to that. Having watched the documentary very recently, I can tell you that both Christine Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson are magical. They do not merely imitate these women, they are them. The music was poignant and touching. The whole experience was just a delight. If you’re in New York this spring or summer, this is a must see. And lastly, I would like you to know that they are selling little stuffed cats in the Walter Kerr Theatre lobby. What’s going on? What children are going to see Inherit the Wind and/or Grey Gardens?
And that brings us to this weekend’s viewing of 110 in the Shade. This was my first exposure to the story as I’ve never read or seen this musical, or the play, The Rainmaker, that it’s based on (Shhh, don’t tell your I’ll get my theatre degree revoked), and while the story was interesting, I didn’t think it was told too well – don’t know if this is the play’s fault or the musical adaptation. All I know is the first and last song were about the lack of rain, and all the songs in the middle were about Lizzie not having a husband; it seemed a little out of wack. Of course Audra McDonald was great, I wouldn’t have expected anything else. I’m still not under her spell as everyone else I know is, but she is great. I was happy to see John Cullum again. I can’t believe he’s still working so much at his age, but good for him. And you know who’s spell I am under? Christopher Innvar’s; he is big time dreamy. Oh please, oh please, let Christopher keep doing lots of NY plays so I can keep seeing him. There were no stuffed animals being sold at Studio 54, but I was not left in any way disappointed – we were sitting next to Michael Cerveris. Yowza! Now that’s a memorable afternoon at the theatre.
and another thing about shoes… April 14, 2007
Do you remember back in the late 80’s/early 90’s when those Sam & Libby ballet flats were so popular? I surely do. I’ll never forget how thrilled I was to wear my pair to school after having waited ages for my mother to buy them for me, and one of the most popular girls in school spoke to me that day. She said, “oh, how many pairs of Libbys do you have?” When I answered, “one,” the conversation was over. Oh, kids can be so cruel.
So it cracks me up that now I see this shoe absolutely everywhere I look. These little ballet flats come in many different shades and the same generation of girls have all bought essentially the same shoes they had in grade school all over again now that they’re working girls - just trading a gold medallion for the bow. Needless to say, I will not be joining in on the craze – not because I’m older and wiser, but because I don’t like gold. Now if I could get my hands on some old school Sam & Libbys, that’d be a different story.
this makes me happy April 13, 2007
I’m sure everyone’s heard about this already, but it pleases me so much, I felt the need to put it on the ole’ blog. I saw a feature on Stephon Marbury on 20/20 (where I get all of my news since I don’t watch the regular news, and I don’t read the newspaper – plus I really love John Stossel) and was so impressed with his integrity. He’s endorsing sneakers that aren’t to be sold for more than $14.95. I love it!
They did a little comparison between his sneakers, and “other” celebrity endorsed shoes that cost over $100, and their shoe expert deemed them to be equal in quality. I myself don’t wear shoes like this, so I can’t support him with my money, but I did want to help spread the word in my own small way. And as soon as I figure out what team Stephon Marbury plays on, that can be officially my favorite team (I’m sure they’ll be glad to know). So if you or anyone you know needs some high-top sneakers, please buy Starbury’s; you’ll save a bundle and be using positive reenforcement to make our world just a little bit better.
*Click on pictures to visit the Starbury website*
Easter 2007 April 9, 2007
I’m sure this is sacrilegious, and probably ensures my place in hell, but as of yesterday, Easter is officially my least favorite holiday. I was in charge of a special children’s musical number at church, and then during the 2nd and 3rd hour of church in charge of both the special Easter activity and the singing activity for the kids. I knew there’d be some kids on sugar highs, or sugar crashes, and that things would be a little hectic. But I wasn’t prepared for all of the kids to be sugar-impaired, and most of the other adults to be missing. For one reason or another, we ended up with one teacher for the younger kids, one teacher for the older kids, the pianist, and me. I was overwhelmed to say the least. To try to have a special lesson about the last week of Jesus’ life while kids are literally falling out of their chairs as they begin sugar detox is, to put it nicely, a challenge. One I’m not sure I met yesterday.
The topper was when, at the end of church, I was handing out little plastic Easter eggs filled with stickers to all of the kids. I know it’s not much, but I’d purchased it all with my own money because I wanted the kids to have a treat. I was informed by several of the children in short order that stickers do not an Easter treat make. Apparently, only sugar is acceptable. I tried not to take it personally as I understand that they were jonesing bad. Luckily, seeing these pictures of my adorable nieces and nephews do much to aid my Easter recovery.
a new friend April 9, 2007
How delightful! On the same day I bought my new hedgie friend, I found Emily Martin, and purchased a print of one of her hedgehog pictures. I am completely taken with her artwork, and will most definitely add her to my list of people I blog stalk. If you ever want to buy me something (come on, you know you do) anything at her etsy shop would be an excellent choice.
hedgehog April 6, 2007
Dog post aside, the pet I truly intend to have is a hedgehog. Their popularity as a household pet is rapidly growing in America. Did you know that you can litter box train a hedgehog? You can. And they are not that prickly, you just need to pet them with their fur, not against it. I’d already have one, but they are illegal in the five boroughs of New York City. But as soon as I move, I’m going to get one, yes indeedy.
Yesterday I saw this little guy at Duane Reade, and I couldn’t resist. He’s really cute. A Fisher Price Touch and Cuddle Hedgehog. I knew I had to buy him, but I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll keep him or not. I do happen to be expecting a new niece this summer, and I have a feeling she might like a hedgehog too.
