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Broadway Monday

9 to 5 The Musical It seemed only fitting that my first Broadway Monday feature after returning from California to see a preview of 9 to 5 The Musical, should be, well, 9 to 5 The Musical!

The show is based on the original movie from 1980 starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton which told the story of three female office workers who scheme to pay back their egotistical chauvinistic boss. Dolly has collaborated with Patricia Resnick and produced a musical that is going to knock the socks off New York in March 2009. For now it is in previews which means it could be significantly different by the time it hits the east coast. Now is the time when the kinks get worked out. So far the only kinks have been technical issues, and the cast is already tight! It should be squeaky clean by the end of previews.

I wish I could say that I had some music to accompany the post, but you'll have to follow my lead and rely on playing the video clips over and over to get a fix for the songs. Speaking of the music...it..is..FABULOUS! I simply can't wait for the recording. My BFF, Stephanie J. Block, has what theatre calls the "11 o'clock number" that brings down the house! Clips from "Get Out and Stay Out" start at 2:10.

The show was fabulous, but of course it was just wonderful to see an old friend! 9 to 5 The Musical is currently in previews at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles with plans to open in at the Marquis Theatre in Times Square, April 2009.

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 9

It's over now, in more ways than one, IMHO.

I just can't understand how anyone can watch tonight's debates and not see a clear winner. Let's see what the pundants have to say.

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 8

"So in closing, Reagan, Reagan, Reagan" ---McCain
Three times Grampy McSame dug up Ronald Reagan. Such new, innovative ways to campaign and debate. Why didn't he just start spouting "9/11! 9/11! 9/11!"

Oh no he did not just compare Barack to Bush!

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 7

Does John McCain think Ronald Reagan is sitting on his shoulder? So transparent.

What kind of rambly North Korea shit is McCain talking about? babble babble babble. Someone is taller than someone else...WTF?
Someone get a knife...no not for that!...we need to carve McCain and Israel's initials a tree trunk.
Ooo! Make it a three-way...McCain, Israel, and Georgia.

McCain approached this debate like a time to sit on the porch and tell stories.

Okay let me get this straight: McCain's definition of "reaching across the aisle"= Joe Lieberman? riiigght.

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 6

McCain has a soldier's bracelet.
So does Barack! Pad-dow!

McCain keeps saying that Barack "clearly doesn't understand" on a number of topics only to have Barack retort by schooling him on the subject in an eloquent fashion.

How many sub-committee meetings has John McCain attended lately? He keeps insinuating that Barack is never present.

Spank. Spank.

McCain may want to be aware of what his advisors are spouting. Turns out McCain's top advisor says we should talk to Ahmadiniejad. interesting....

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 5

Barack just called McCain on questioning Barack's loyalty to the troops. Atta boy!

McCain's pants just caught on fire.

According to McCain, Barack is wrong for standing up and threatening Pakistan. I can't help think he is opposed because he wants to save all the bullets for Iran. Treading close to getting called on the "bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran" gaffe...

And Barack shoots and scores!! Awesome! He totally called McSame on the "bomb Iran" quote! I love it!

Aaaandd here comes the POW talk.

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 4

If McCain has been so good at cutting spending in the last 23 years, why are we in this financial mess?

Miss Congeniality line for the 2nd time. Geez.
I can't believe he had the nerve to bring up torture after this weeks revelations.
"Shout out to my sista Sarah Palin!"

Barack is spanking McCain like a newbie at an S&M convention. McCain's neck is shrinking into his shirt collar.

Do you think McCain was "honored" to cut veteran's funding like he was honored to celebrate Fourth of July in Baghdad? Hmmm.

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 3

Barack is just so together and calm.

McCain seems to forget that he is part of the Washington "we". "We have let spending get out of control." How good does that sound.

Barack is doing a great job getting the first punch in. Stepping in front of McCain to speak first. He is much more poised this time as opposed to the primary debates.

"using a hatchet when you need a scalpel" nice. Barack's speech is so smooth.

So, McCain is in favor of 23 nuclear power plants. Someone ring up Homer Simpson.

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 2

I think Jim Lehrer wants an all-out catfight to break out. Even though Jim keeps asking the candidates to talk to each other directly, McCain WILL NOT look at or talk to Barack.

McCain has already retreated to sputtering out fundraising talking points. I guess he finally memorized some of his notes of the last few weeks.

McCain is going to have one hellava TMJ problem tomorrow. clinch. clinch.clinch.

2008 Presidential Debate #1 live blog 1

Barack looks very calm and gathered as he lays out his plan for the financial crisis currently on Americans minds

McCain's opening approach seemed to be more interested in enlisting sympathy for Ted Kennedy who has been released from the hospital although someone forgot to tell McCain. Oh yeah. No plan outlined at all. We paused Tivo to laugh.

Jim Lehrer is being a little dicky. Trying to start a fight it seems. (wrings hands, giggles)

ho ho ho!

This presidential campaign is starting to feel more and more like the holiday season, replete with an Advent Calendar sponsored by John McCain!
Yesterday when I opened the dated door, I found presents from McCain and Palin! I'm getting all tingly inside like I should break out the sweaters and hot cocoa! Is it truly time for Christmas already?!
Still giggling from the notion that only John McCain could save the bailout talks so the debate should be postponed, I checked in to watch my favorite Rhodes Scholar Lesbian Political Talk Show Host to see that the talks have not only stalled, but John McCain's presence at said talks was no more than a hindrance cum photo op, and he failed to mobilize and solidify his party. Shock!
With the evening soon becoming the equivalent of Christmas Eve, I caught a clip of Katie Couric's interview with Sarah Palin. Remember how much fun the stocking stuffer portion of Christmas was? Yeah...put a little bow on this and shove it in the sock! (Hurry and watch. The grinches at YouTube have been yanking these videos right and left!)
I like to call this one "Lather. Rinse. Repeat."

...and we're back, kind of

I have been surrounded by technical difficulties for the last two weeks! Things are still not quite the same, (I have lost all data on my off site storage which was mostly music) and I'm a bit flustered about it. I think it would be best to delay Friday's debate until I am ready, uh I mean until the kinks are worked out.

Have you ever heard such a ploy to delay an ass-whoopin'? I tell you John McCain is addicted to any form of crisis that may give him a bump in the polls. Hey John, ever heard of the term "crying wolf"? At some point no one even listens. Not even the base. Not even Faux News was falling for this last night.

So Barack will attend talks regarding the bailout today instead of prepping for the debate. I guess McCain thinks that will actually make a difference in how Barack manages himself on Friday. Good luck with that one, John.

Upon return from my wonderful vacation to the west coast, I promptly messed up my computer and am unable to access the files I use to create Monday's feature "Broadway Monday"

Don't worry, the Geek Squad is coming this afternoon to get me fixed up! After that I will be back in business and ready to give a rundown of my wonderful trip.

I'm happy to say that my vacation was fraught with much less drama than has occupied my technology life in the last 10 days.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Spent the day in Palm Springs.  How beautiful our new retirement home will be!

Just got news of an addition to our plans for the show on Thursday.  OMG!  We are going to have such a good time and have such great stories to share!  Can't wait to fill you all in on the happenings!  Won't it be great when I can post pics?  Grrrr

technical difficulties

I'm having some problems posting pics with narrative while in LA, soooo I will be posting everything when we get back in one big, huge, honkin' post!  

Can I ratchet up the suspense or what?!

Follow my tweets for micro-blogging!

leaving on a jet plane, again

It's Saturday and this afternoon we are off to LA! finally!

So far our trip has been more interesting than fun, and more painful than relaxing.  We are quickly finding out that we both tend to get awful travel headaches.   My lovely spent the first day away with a terrible migraine and I followed it up the second day with what I will call the worst headache I have ever had in my life.  

All that aside, we had a very informative day at Thorne Research yesterday and learned a vast amount of information concerning the manufacturing of supplements, quality control and safety.

I foresee a shift in our supplement inventory in the near future.  

As with any type of seminar or meeting of professionals, there is always at least one attendee who stands out, makes a splash, in short ends up being the person we giggle at and refer to for the rest of the trip.  This gathering was no exception.  Behold, The Parrot Fish Lady:

This poor woman not only didn't know when to say when on plastic surgery/Botox, but she spent the vast majority of the morning mixing and concocting drinks, potions, pills, tinctures and gels for her consumption all while the presenter explained the importance of quality assurance in supplementation.  Note that she is mixing a drink of some sort in the pic above.  She was oddly obsessed with her hair as she constantly "curled" it with her fingers and as we passed a mirror on the plant tour, she stopped curled her hair, looked admiringly at herself and gave herself a little grin/smile.  Ka-reep-ee!  We both noted it and slowly moved to a safe area.  

I truly cannot tell you how much we laughed later in the evening as we recalled the absurdity of the situation.  

So now that is out of the way and we can hopefully concentrate on what is sure to be a stupendous week in LA!  We are starting off the stay with a trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market tomorrow morning at 5am!  Yahoo!  Stay tuned!

prepare to be inspired

I dare you to watch these without goosebumps. No, I double dog dare you!

def·er·ence
noun
1.respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
2.respectful or courteous regard: in deference to his wishes.

Give Palin 'Deference,' McCain Camp Says

Where was all the respect, dignity and submission from the Republican Party when Hillary was running in the primaries? I don't recall Hill's campaign manager demanding "deference" before she would grant any interview with the press.
What happened to the "pitbull" hahkee mom gal who is tough as nails?

I'm goin' on vacation, ya'll

***Broadway Monday and Wowee Wednesday will be suspended until September 22nd***

We have spent the weekend madly prepping for our trip to WA/ID/CA. Whew! I'm tired!
Let me just say that everyone likes to come home to a clean house and no laundry after vacation, but when entrenched in said preparatory activities, it seems like a waste of time.
But, it's done now and let's hope we can keep it that way until we leave!

So, My Brain is going on vacation!
We will be leaving this week for Sandpoint, ID via Spokane to take part in a seminar and facility tour of one of our favorite supplement companies. After that, we are catching a quick flight down to Los Angeles to spend a few days seeing the sights before we catch the premier of 9 to5 starring my favorite Broadway actress, Stephanie J. Block!

I will be posting as much as possible from the trip, and of course, Tweeting! Stay tuned!

So it's been a week of Palin, Palin, Palin. Are you as sick of her as I am? Although, I have to admit that the last week has been like a political Hanukkah. I found myself giddy with excitement as I launched my browser each morning never quite sure what the day's gift would be.

Yesterday I decided that I would post all the things I have been working on this week regarding Caribou Barbie, and then let it be. I don't wish to fuel the media blitz via my post tags.
It's been the RNC's week to be in the spotlight. We had ours and it was spectacular. Full of positivity and hope. It saddened/excited me that they squandered the chance to make their argument. Two nights were spent attacking Barack and Joe. Two nights were spent spinning lies. Two nights were spent trying to convince a weary America that the Party is still Grand. Two nights wasted.
I don't want to waste my time anymore feeding the negative.

Sarahcuda

Can someone please tell me why Michelle Obama is branded unpatriotic for admitting that she has felt less than proud of her country in the last 8 years, but is finding her hope again, however Sarah Palin's husband belonged to a sessionist group Alaskan Independence Party and it is barely mentioned? Who is unpatriotic?

John McCain's campaign slogan/credo has long been "Country First". Put aside how laughable that is in the first place coming from someone who has obviously been slapped by the nationalistic righty stick so many times that he willingly goes along with the party that just a few years ago threw him to the wolves and left him for dead. Instead, think about how well John McCain's VP choice, Sarah Palin, sits on the ticket when she has a history of activities not-so-Country-Firstish:

• once a member of the Alaska Independence Party, a secessionist group that promotes treason
  

• Palin was listed as a director on the filing papers for Ted Stevens' 527 group that is currently under investigation for slimily redirecting funds/bribes for pet projects. The activity that Stevens is being investigated for is the exact thing John McCain rails against on a continuing basis: pork barrel spending


• Finally, to Sarah Palin the slogan "Country First" clearly does not refer to the actual country/terra firma or it's inhabitants since she is full throttle, gung-ho about drilling in Alaska and promotes aerial hunting of wolves and bears.

Bren, this one's for you!

It was one of the first things we said when the news of Bristol Palin's pregnancy broke: What would the Republicans say if this were one of Obama's daughters?

If I know my readers, and let's face it I do have four friends, then we would agree that the smack being talked would be "There goes another black teenager pregnant out of wedlock." "Probably doesn't even know the father." "Probably isn't her first." You get the picture.

I agree that the families should be left out of the debate because they are not running for the office. I think we all know if the shoe was on the other foot, all bets would be off and the slaughter of an Obama daughter would be at hand, no holds barred. At the very least she would be knocked silly by a plethora of Bibles being thrown in her direction. James Dobson leading the charge, of course.
Because the pregnancy is on the Republican side, it has been spun as admiration for a teenager who is morally doing the "right thing" by keeping the baby. If it were on the Dems side, the discussion would be about the candidate's inability to govern his household. How ever could we trust him with the country? Gasp!
What do you think?

Can I get some love on the hilarious comparison of Sarah Palin/Karen Walker/Tina Fey?

turn about is fair play or Hypocrisy 101

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family," Palin said in a statement released by the McCain campaign. "We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy, as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."

Oh Really?

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."
-------John McCain, at a Republican dinner in 1998

Stings don't it?

we interupt regularly scheduled drooling...

This is going to come as a surprise, but I have to suspend this week's Wowee Wednesday. I know, I know. Blame Sarah Palin. It's her fault! She just keeps feeding me too much good material and Wowees be damned, I must report it! Now you knew this was coming, right? Ultra-right-wing VP candidate, pregnant teenage daughter, what's next? You guessed it! She cut funding to programs for teen mothers!

Let's take a minute to think about what would happen if she, by some not so far stretch of the imagination became president, and wielded her line-item veto pen on funding to national programs? Or used it to sign off on Alaskan oil drilling, or approval of another wingnut judge for the Supreme Court?

Are you registered to vote? Have you started mobilizing your friends and family to support Barack Obama?

Separated at Birth?

Folks, I can hardly keep up with the twists and turns being thrown our way. No I'm not talking about the over active Atlantic hurricane season. I'm talking about this Alaskan hockey mom that wants to take a go at being our VP! Just when I have my thoughts together and prepare a post on the latest news, something else comes to the front. This, my friends, is gold! (get the McCain reference?..."my friends"...he says that all the time...ohhkay)

I guess I will begin by referring to the tattered piece of paper I have been scribbling on in the car for the last few days in attempt to keep up with the hilarity that is John McCain's choice for VP, Sarah Palin.

• The idea that McCain's choice of Sarah Palin is a nod of respect to Hillary voters and more importantly to women in general is offensive and disrespectful. As Debbie Wasserman-Schlutz so grandly put it "I know Hillary, and Sarah Palin is no Hillary"
• Amen to bullet #1. Palin is fervently Pro-Life, Pro-Drilling, Pro-Gun, Pro-It's-Not-Global-Warming, Pro-Capital Punishment, Pro-Creationism, Anti-Gay Marriage, and most delightfully Pro-Abstinence. (see next bullet for the delight)
• Sarah Palin's 17-yr-old daughter is pregnant by her high school boyfriend. Whoopsie!
• Palin's "vast" experience consists mainly of two mayoral terms for a town of roughly 8500 and then won election as the Governor of Alaska in 2006. So, that figures to be about 8 yrs in service to be generous not including city council, PTA, and Bake Sale Chairwoman.
• McCain is so far removed from the masses that he truly believes that women will be delighted to vote for Palin. This logic reduces the assumed political knowledge of women down to whether or not a candidate has a vagina.
• And now, for the piece de resistance, the cherry on top, the coup de gras:

Broadway Monday

Funny Girl

"The musical is set in and around New York City just prior to and following World War I. Ziegfeld Follies star Fanny Brice, awaiting the return of husband Nick Arnstein from prison, reflects on their life together, and their story is told as a flashback. Fanny is shown as a stage-struck teen who gets her first job in vaudeville. Her success as both a comedienne, and a singer leads her to meeting the sophisticated Nick Arnstein. They soon become romantically involved and marry. As Fanny becomes a major star with Ziegfield, Nick's business ventures fail and he is arrested for embezzlement.The musical ends where it started: Nick arrives, and he and Fanny decide to separate."

Funny Girl, the true story of Fanny Brice, sounds depressing but in reality this musical was a huge success, spawned a number of hits, and most importantly helped propel a young Barbara Streisand into the stratosphere!

In 1968 the show was forever captured on film as Funny Girl made it to the big screen. A great comparison of the stage production vs. the film, song by song, can be found here. Apparently the only permanent record of the Broadway show is the cast recording.

Today's feature gives me the chance to feature my favorite Fanny Brice, Stephanie J. Block. Enjoy her awesome rendition of Don't Rain On My Parade!