galoot's hoot page

A Look Back

2008-12-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
I'm scheduled for a vasectomy on Saturday morning. Never done that before. I also went hunting for deer twice. Shot a doe on the first day. On the second day I learned more than I needed to know about the best way to dress a squirrel and stuff it with sausage for a SuperBowl halftime treat.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I can't remember.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My blog sister, R, gave birth to bouncing baby B, with some help from H. We're not close per se, but I know she reads this from time to time and I couldn't be happier for their family. A good friend from high school, Bryan and his wife Missy adopted a little girl this year.

4. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A creative outlet. I left improv for the most part last year. Maybe I should finally do a radio pilot. Hey, there's a resolution!

5. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 4. Big election. You might have remembered some of it.

6. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The garage sale and the gazebo.

7. What was your biggest failure?
The gazebo. The gutter.

8. What was the best thing you bought?
Netflix has been pretty cool. The new lawnmower rocks.

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
The wife, the kids.

10. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Anyone who continued to spread rumors as truth before, during and after the election. Especially after many were disproven. Both candidates. George W. Bush for continuing to block his people from answering questions on the record.

11. Where did most of your money go?
Home and Car Loans.

12. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Thanksgiving. My kids being in the same school again.

13. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier. Same weight. Richer.

A Look Back

2008-12-18T06:17:00.001-08:00

The Final Postdown

2008-06-19T11:02:00.001-07:00

I'm putting the kibosh on Galoot's Hoot Page and all the other damned blogs I started. Time to focus on one blog and one blog only. If you'd like to know what's up with what's going down with me, you can find out at:

The Occasional Truth

Later.

Cut Your Hair

2008-06-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

There is no delicate way of sharing this.

I was dropping a deuce this morning, when PGirl walked into the bathroom. She stood before me, hands cupped, holding several hanks of hair that resembled a Tribble that hadn't made it through the transporter. She said nothing.

"What is that?", I asked.

"PGirl Jr.'s hair.", she replied.

I looked at the hair again.

"Did it fall out?", I said, fearing that my princess was terminally ill.

"No. She cut it.", she said.

Hearing this, I wasn't exactly relieved as this could mean my daughter was deeply, psychologically scarred.

We're still not sure why the girl did this to herself. For the time being, I'll chalk it up to experimentation. I've had a few hair mishaps myself:

In grade school, I cut some hair off of my bangs, just before class pictures.
Out of 30 or so boys in my graduating class, 27 had some form of mullet going on for their senior pictures. I was in the majority group here.
One Halloween in Florida, about 10 years ago, I was preparing to go to bed. In my jack-o-lantern were several tea candles. I decided to pour water in to extinguish them. Before the flame went away, it shot up through the top of the pumpkin shell and burned off some of the hair where a widow's peak would be. If I had a widow's peak.
In the early nineties I grew my hair out longer than I'd ever before. When parted in the middle, it kind of looked like Bruce McCullough's wig in this video. The only folks, who had haircuts like this were 14 year old skatepunks and some lesbians.
I shaved my ankles one year because getting them taped for basketball was getting to be a pain.
I shaved my legs once in the shower, just because I could. I had a few nicks here and there, but it also uncovered scars I'd forgotten about.
The summer before college saw me attempt my first moustache. It was a Chevron. This survived through an Olan Mills family portrait and my first I.D. card at Central Methodist College.
The Chevron reappeared in 1994 during summer break, 1995 during summer stock and in 1996 during my first professional acting job - also in the summer!
The Chevron's cousin - the Horseshoe, showed up for some acting gigs here in Jamestown, including Helen Keller's pop in the miracle worker and Buffalo Bill. Also appearing throughout adulthood were the Goatee and Moustache and the Chin Strip and Moustache.
I cannot grow a full beard.
My beard and moustache come out red.
The soul patch or "flavor" have also grown on my face.
Don't you dare laugh at this post.

"...a Cosby sweater!"

2008-06-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

I inadvertently discovered part of my Father's Day gift when cleaning in the garage yesterday. I didn't unearth anything, rather I found that something was missing and likely being worked on. More on that next week.

If you are stumped on what to get Dad this Sunday, here is someting to consider:

Yes, Dr. William H. Cosby Junior, E.D.Dddddddd is auctioning off some of the iconic sweaters here.

Ya see.....

Mate, Mates, Mistake, Lake

2008-06-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Part 3 - Flannery's Pub

PGirl and I ate here last August when we checked out Alamo Drafthouse's "A Christmas Story" screening. We convinced Social and Viking to go, walked across the street from the hotel and dined.

The food was Irish and Irish-American. PGirl had a grilled cheese sandwich (with tomatos and bacon) while I had a Turkey Pastrami. We both had potato cheese soup. Social ordered mussels. We all had a good mix of drinks. Social and I had Guiness blends. He went with a Black and Tan, I had a Black and Gold. PGirl had a shandy. I don't remember what Viking ate or drank. No elicit photo shoots from this leg of the excursion, I'm afraid.

Next: Part 4 - Girl Drink Drunk or How The Kids In The Hall Delivered The Goods, Mr. Social Saved A Dragonfly and Galoot Almost Followed A Somewhat Famous Musician Into A Starbucks Bathroom

Top Chef Loses Me

2008-06-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

Massive spoilers at Media Del Arte.

Me and My Mate And My Mates At The Mistake By The Lake

2008-06-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

PGirl, The Viking, Mr. Social and I hopped in the man-i-van and headed out to Cleveland last Saturday. After a quick stop in Erie, PA for some cheap gas, chips and soda we made the short trek in under 3 hours.

1st Stop - Museum of Contemporary Art
Here, in a somewhat deserted parking lot, PreppyGirl hopped out to visit a fellow B.O.M. (Box Office Manager), Social and Viking admired some surrounding architecture, and I exchanged 17 paintings with a Chinese man. I kid you not. I was returning the paintings to our last gallery's resident, who is a professor in nearby Youngstown. We must have looked interesting.

2nd Stop - Marriott Residence Inn
We reserved a two bedroom, two bathroom suite downtown. Old hotel. Nice hotel. Old, nice hotel with an extra little room. Viking took advantage of it first by fluffing Mr. Social's pillow.

I used the room next in an ill-fated attempt to not use our toilets in order to "go green".

Finally, Mr. Social impressed us with his best reenactment of Marilyn Monroe in "Seven Year Itch".

For some unknown reason, PGirl declined to pose for a pic.

Coming Soon! 3rd Stop - Flannery's Pub

Make Them Laugh

2008-05-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

A tribute to some of Christopher Guest's creations at Media Del Arte.

Dining Out With The Joneses

2008-05-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Top Chef and Indiana Jones reviewed at Media Del Arte.

Beware The Blog!

2008-05-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

I'll be putting my radio/tv/movie posts here "Media Del Arte"

Bad Sports

2008-05-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

When it comes to sports radio, I mostly listen to ESPN radio and WGR550 out of Buffalo. ESPN has a mix of personalities on the air who seem to mostly favor the big three of MLB, NFL and NBA. WGR's hosts focus mostly on Sabres hockey and Buffalo Bills football. The emphasis at ESPN seems to be on the personality and the power of any given host to offer his/her opinion on what's going on in the sporting world and occassionally talk about pop culture. In Colin Cowherd's case, we find a host who makes a lot of analogies between sports and what a "normal" person might experience. He repeats a lot of his points within minutes of offering them (supposedly in case a new listener tunes in) and makes sure everyone knows he's a guy's guy. Whatever that means. Basically he treats his audience like two year olds. He does have one thing going for him over Jim Rome (the closest sports radio guy to him in terms of personality) and that is a lack of dead air. I applaud you for that Colin. Jim, do more thinking before the show, write it down and then perform. Just a tip.

The guys at WGR are mostly easy on the ears. They are informed fans, passionate about their local teams and do not toe the line when it comes to respecting a franchise or league. They truly air it out when broadcasting. I love them for it. Which brings me to this...

What the hell is going on with coverage of Spygate? This scandal centers around the New England Patriots videotaping opposing teams' defensive signals. Allegations came out at the beginning of the season with a former Patriot employee singing to the media. I'm not entirely sure of the timeline of who said what, but this drama popped up its head throughout the season, but had little effect on the Patriots. The folks at ESPN seemed to want to quash the story there and then, with various personalities saying, essentially, "If the tapes mattered so much, why are the Patriots dominating their games?".

As most of you know, the Pats almost went undefeated and had a stellar season. The Pats were fined and lost a first round draft pick. Walsh, the former Pats employee, spoke with the head of the NFL. Arlen Spector (sp?) demanded answers from the NFL. What bugs the guys at WGR (and me, the more I think about it), is that the Pats taped other teams from 2000 to the fall of 2007. Seems to me that 3 super bowl wins and several winning seasons might have benefited from having those tapes. My beloved Bills haven't had the greatest teams since I've moved to their region. However, I gotta believe that the Pats cheating ways may have had a little to do with the Bills losing to them 14 out of the last 15 matchups. But ESPN hosts don't seem to want to talk about this. Like the worst politicians and tv talk show hosts, they'd rather attack the whistleblower and Senator than the issue. One of my favorite ESPN guys, Tony Kornheiser intimated that both should sit down and shut up.

I'm not sure if the U.S. Government should get involved here, but I sure wish the NFL would do more. My gut feeling? More teams have been doing this and the Pats have taken the fall for the league. If that isn't the case, I think there is more to this story.

"I Like Pie."

2008-05-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

Last night's season finale of "The Office" was pretty damn good in my humble opinion. All of the characters seemed to be back in their comfort zones and the extension to an hour didn't feel like it. I won't spoil for those who haven't watched yet, but Kevin's relatively small subplot practically had me on the floor. I'm glad the producers didn't try to tie up all of the loose ends, despite the writer's strike. Some of the plots this year felt forced, but this season-ender didn't.

The Producers

2008-05-15T05:17:00.001-07:00

Watching "Top Chef"'s judges table last night, I had the feeling the producers of the show were bending rules to get a rivalry going between two of the contestants. For the sake of those who haven't seen it yet, we'll call these people Chef A, Chef B, and Chef C. All three were on the chopping block of last night's challenge for food that wasn't up to snuff. Chef B, however, completely missed one required ingredient. In season one, the third finalist was eliminated simply for omitting a required ingredient, despite the quality of his dish. The producers set their own standards then and there.

On last night's show, the judges mentioned B's omission while dining, but failed to bring it up at the judge's table. A red flag went up in my mind. Chef C, instead, brought it up at the table. B called C out because of the help he/she(B) he gave to him/her(C) earlier in the competition. Seemed to me that the producers wanted B's omission to not be considered. This way, A would be cut and B and C would be left to create some drama. Of course, I can't prove any of this, but it seemed fishy to me.

IPod-adise Found

2008-05-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

I returned home tonight with the kiddoes in tow, tried the numerology thing again and hit the garage for one more look-around. I first checked our newspaper bin, in case it had fallen in. Then I checked in some darker corners of the garage. Still nothing. I decided to come back in. On the garage stairs landing were my old running shoes which I wear for yard work. I checked inside each. Nothing. I then retraced my steps in putting the shoes on. I hadn't sat on the steps to do it the last time. No, I'd sat in the back of the minivan because I had unloaded our new mower from it moments before. I opened the back hatch and there it was on the floor of the vehicle. Bingo.

Oh Yenta, My Yenta...

2008-05-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

I've updated my relatively new blog, The People I Know. Didn't know about it before? Now you do. Keep reading and you just might be the subject of a post...

Little Lost IPod

2008-05-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

So, I can't find the IPod. I hadn't used it for most of the last week. However, I was considering using it while doing some yard work. I never did though. Last I recall, it was on a table near the door leading to the garage.

So far I've prayed to Saints Anthony and Jude. Then I tried numerology. Basically I thought of the IPod while randomly typing numbers into a database. The first results stated that the object was near water or where we keep our alcohol. I checked. Nothing in the kitchen. The next try came up with the object being where we kept our Christmas decorations. They're up in the attic and I had put some coats up there before doing the yard work. I checked. Nothing doing. Finally, the last try yielded a suggestion of a dirty place. I checked the garage. Nope.

Still looking...

Squeezing The Tube...

2008-05-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

The DVR is loading up with a lot of TV programs. PGirl and I have been catching up after the kids are asleep, but we have a ways to go....

Top Chef is in fine form this season. Clever challenges, less character-driven drama and an emphasis on the food! Finally. Food is what it is all about. Two of the chefs are lesbian partners...and I don't care. One of the chefs is a spastic white homeslice...and I don't care. Another chef has a faux-hawk hairstyle similar to one of the lesbians...and I don't care. Food, food, food.

Dexter finished it's run on CBS. I'm looking forward to catching season 2 on DVD. Funny and creepy. I don't care how watered down it came from being unrated on Showtime. Character and story are what counts for me.

Little People Big World rocks my world. Patriarch Matt Roloff still drives me nuts with his half-assed (no pun) planning of his family's lives and Matriarch Amy continues to live in the fantasy world of stereotyping boys, girls and store gawkers. Despite character flaws, they love each other and their kids. Fascinating stuff.

Battlestar Galactica is piling up on me. I have to make some frakkin' time late at night to catch up.

Jesus Saves....And Collects The Whole Set

2008-05-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

PGirl Jr. was helping me bring the dog in this morning from the back porch when GalootJr. came to us. He was carrying one of those 50 States Quarters commemorative coin collecting books. Basically a big, flat children's book sized mini-tome. He was holding it above his head singing, "Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.". PGirlJr. grabbed the book away from him and began to sing, "Money. Money. Money. Money." Their social commentary astounds me at times.

Kids In The Hall....Again

2008-04-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

PGirl arranged the tickets for a Kids In The Hall tour stop in Cleveland on May 31. I'm really jazzed. I've heard that all of the sketches will be new ones. One of the old ones I'd love to see is this little beauty...

If I turn out like this guy, I hope my kids let me live in their homes.

Disney Meets The Kettle

2008-04-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

So...Miley Cyrus and Disney aren't so crazy about a photo shoot she did with Vanity Fair magazine. From Disney, "Unfortunately, as the article suggests, a situation was created to deliberately manipulate a 15-year-old in order to sell magazines,"

That is unfortunate.

Most unfortunate.

KY - No jelly.

2008-04-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Galoots have returned from a 5 day trip to my old Kentucky home. Niece, M.I.A. was Christened on Saturday morning. Welcome to the church kiddo. The vacation was very relaxing - even the drive down and back. A few observations:

Things change. Two routes I revisited from my youth are heavily developed. Lots of subdivisions and the such.
No matter how built-up it has become, I always like driving through Cincinnati.
Skyline Chili makes for a tasty meal.
Yuengling beer travels well.
I miss living near some larger retails stores. While away I visited both Borders and Barnes & Noble.
Chuck E. Cheese abandoned the audience that built it. Kind of like MTV. What's next? Nickelodeon? Am I being childish?
People who hold cell phones to their ears while driving really need to get fined. Heavily. I had two of these drivers tailgate me and another cut me off in a span of a couple of hours.
My kids are growing up fast.
Babies are damned cute (inluding M.I.A. and high school friend Bryan With A "Y"'s daughter, Isabella.
Accountants rawk! Thanks for drinks and apps Debbie!
Finally, my folks are very hospitable. Big ups to the Colonel and Liz!

Train In Vain

2008-04-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

After a fun-filled morning of forgetting my train ticket, playing “Catch Me If You Can” with PGirl and an unremarkable visit to the Buffalo Exchange Street Amtrak station, I am finally on my way to Albany for a conference with my peers and some teaching artists. For those of you not in the know, my position – in some circles – is a Generalist. An outsider might break this down to being a gallery curator, education director, editor and services liason. I’ll tell you straight up that I do a lot of shit and get paid dirt. But I do love this job…

I decided to take the train after realizing that mileage reimbursement would cost more than paying a business class fare on the Empire line. The Organ Grinder and Saint Eileen took the same train to Long Island last summer (Mom recommended the Angus burger, which I have yet to try.) I’m in the last compartment behind the food car and so far, it ain’t too bad. This is better than the Greyhound (fewer stops, scabs, coughs and smells) and coach class on an airline (people reclining their seat into my knees – that’s my space too asshole!).

As of 6:15pm, I have:

• Purge unnecessary emails from my computer.
• Set up more email to send later. I pray that the hotel as actual, free internet service as promised.
• Edited half of a list-serve email.
• Almost completed a New York Times crossword puzzle.
• Scored some free business-class water and juice after a coach-classer was turned away from the food car for trying to make a purchase in stocking-feet.
• Listened to “On The Media”, “Only A Game”, “The Bryant Park Project”, “The Thundering Herd” and some tunes on the IPod.
• Talked to Saint Eileen (heading back from Cincy with The Organ Grinder), PGirl, The Viking Slacker and a board member
• Played some games on the IPod and my phone.
• Watched over the shoulder of another business-classer as he watched an eclectic mix of video on his ITunes including, “Nanny and the Professor”, Fleischer’s “Popeye”, an old sketch show with John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Marty Feldman (the title escapes me) and “The Whitest Kids U Know”.

All in all, I can’t complain.

Another Day. Another Blog.

2008-04-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try and add to this new, past-perusing blog whenever I can't think of anything clever to write here.

Without further ado, I present....

People I Know

Thursday, Thursday

2008-04-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

An old fallback:

Thirteen Things I Did Or Were Done To Me Today

Saw a puppet show that was partially funded by a grant I administer.
Showed my puppet street cred by dropping some puppet-speak (Paul Zaloom, "The Lion King") with the puppeteers. (I did the puppet thing about ten years ago. A live show, a street show and a public access show).
Walked the kids home from school.
Synced the IPod with some public radio programs. "All Songs Considered" is the bomb. I'm an effin' NPR geek.
Was informed that my office's emails have been blacklisted by alltel, verizon, comcast and roadrunner subscribers.
Attempted to fix things by putting on my "internet technology" hat.
Cooked some burgers that PGirl picked up from a swanky little grocery.
Microwaved zucchini, grated cheese, sour cream, flour and water as a side.
Almost sent my dog over the edge by putting a piece of hamburger inside of a chew toy.
Checked up on my Yahoo, fantasy baseball team, "Spitzer's 9".
Geeked out on a Stephen Malkmus and the Jick's concert on the IPod.
Red a cnn.com piece about The New Kids On The Block reunion.
Drooled over new CD releases that showed up at my office's radio station. Including R.E.M. and The Black Keys.

The Madness: Part 1.2

2008-03-21T06:31:00.001-07:00

The kiddoes have their own ways of dealing with the madness.

The Madness: Part 1

2008-03-21T05:43:00.001-07:00

The most memorable opening days of March Madness occurred about 14 years ago. Due to an accident I had, falling into my apartment's stair well (long story), I was laid up for a long weekend with contusions. On the first day of the injury, I was to remain awake in order to ward off any possible concussion after-effects. Luckily, this fell on the opening of the national championship tournament. To date, this was the only time I've ever seen all of the televised games of the opening round.

You know you're a tournament junkie when the manager of your favorite watering hole has your father-in-law call you 30 minutes before tip-off to ensure you've gotten your bracket in.

My Wine Cellar Bracket:

I'm also 12 for 16 for Thursday's games in the bracket above. For clarification, my wins are highlighted, my losses are stricken through with the actual winners circled. The strike-throughs in the sweet 16 and beyond are last minute changes I made before submitting the bracket. I'm two games better in my Yahoo Bracket.

March Madness

2008-03-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

I'll be submitting one of my brackets at the Wine Cellar and a second bracket on Yahoo. There is no "Sheet of Integrity" as both have different outcomes. I figure I can double my chances. What the heck.

On a related note, Christian Laettner just admitted on the Dan Patrick Show that he'd likely pee in a bottle, instead of stopping at a gas station if he had to drive through the state of Kentucky. He was joking, of course, but there are still probably folks around who wouldn't help him if his car broke down. I'll admit that his shot capped off the greatest game in NCAA tournament history. Still, he acted like a punk-ass-bitch when he stomped on the chest of one of Kentucky's players in that game.

Since the "shot heard 'round the world" is played ad-nauseum at this time of the year, I'll leave you with a reenactment:

Here's a bit of video from the game. A moment I'd forgotten about. Watch the fine acting by Duke's player in this tangle:

Patty's Pot On All Y'all

2008-03-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

The Galoots have survived yet another jam-packed weekend. I don't think we've ever been this active between January and April since moving to Western New York. A recap:

Friday saw the kiddoes and I heading up to PGirl's place of work. The three of them went to a youth series show called "The Gizmo Guys" while I joined The Unexpected Guests for Improvathon 2008 - basically 5 improv troupes performing a set each then joining for a "mixer" at the end of the night. Milton F. Hunter zinged a few audience members in "Good, Bad, Worse Advice" while Mr. Social poignantly became a punching/kicking bag, playing our disgraced governor in "Naive Replay". Jane brought the house down with a revelation of two sets of mommy parts in the final lyrics of "Way Off Broadway". A good time was had by all.

Saturday was mostly spent preparing for our St. Patrick's Day get-together, with some detours to swim class and ballet class. Galoot Jr. is taking to the pool like a fish out of H20. It was parent observation day at the ballet and PGirlJr. has some serious dancing chops. I couldn't be prouder. The St. Patrick's Day feast was bigger than we'd originally thought. Almost 30 folks showed up between 5:30 and 11:30pm. We went through:

11 pounds of corned beef brisket
2 shepherd's pie casseroles
1 pot of Guiness stew

Much Guinness was consumed as well as several "Dirty Girl Scouts", which are mixed drinks, not filthy female troop members. Only one dart game was played in the back room, but we made it more fun by keeping score on PGirlJr.'s pink Magnadoodle.

Sunday was catch up day. We slowly cleaned around the house after a Sunday school presentation of the stations of the cross. PGirl can write more about that production. Selection Sunday saw few surprises. Looks like Kentucky will play a 3 seed on Thursday. Also, I've begun watching reruns of Showtime's "Dexter" on CBS. Funny, funky, scary show. I know some people are miffed that some of the gore and language have been cut or dubbed for network TV, but I'd imagine those same folks would admit it is character and story that bring them back. I'm just saying...

On This Day In History

2008-03-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Preppy Girl has a fairly accurate account of what went down between us that set up our first date 10 years ago.

I can tell you we've also been through:

One presidential impeachment.
One horrific attack on New York City.
Elian Gonzalez's brief stay in the United States.
Encounters with Richard Simmons and Scut Farkas.
About one thousand arguments (the last one was about answering telephones).
A decade long journey to get to a fairly comfortable place in our life together.

On March 12, 1998, PGirl came down to the production office where we worked to meet up with me for our date. In tow, was our future neighbor Sylvia (I thought she'd been brought along as insurance of some sort) who soon excused herself. I was probably wearing blue jeans and an oxford shirt. She was wearing a short, black skirt and a multi-paneled, short sleeved sweater (the pattern reminded me of the Partridge Family bus, and she had one with blue and another in green).

We walked to our destination, Dicey Riley's, an honest to goodness Irish pub in Fort Lauderdale. We drank, we smoked and we talked for a few hours. We shared divorce stories from our families and discovered that her father and my stepfather had grown up twenty miles from each other. I'd even traveled within miles of her hometown when I was a teen (we might have seen one another at the mall).

Two long years had passed since my last serious relationship had ended and my bastard period went into effect. Was I looking for the one? Sure. But there was no pressure with PGirl (from her or myself). Things just went easy from the first date. We kissed in the parking lot and parted ways. Within a few days we went from a first drink, to lap-sitting on the second date to meeting my future mother-in-law by date 3 (on St. Patrick's Day). By December we were shacking up and by the following August, we were engaged. We moved fast, but it was the right kind of speed. It was right.

It still is.

You make me a better person every day.

Trifecta!

2008-03-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Kids In The Hall will be touring for a third time this decade beginning in April. I'm hoping to catch their performance in Cleveland on May 31 with the wife (if St. Eileen is reading this, please know that I'll be on my knees, begging you and the Organ Grinder to watch the kids for the evening!)

You don't have to be familiar with their work to enjoy these guys. Apparently, the sketches will be all new, but feature some recurring characters from their television show. If you haven't had the pleasure, below are links to my favorite KITH bits:

Chicken Lady At A Strip Club

Buddy Cole Coaches Softball

Two Clearly Insane Sisters

King of Empty Promises

Secretaries Talking About The New Temp

The Dream

Spitzer Take

2008-03-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

Our beloved, bulldog of a governor - the guy who told record companies that payola wasn't going to fly any more - may be leaving office. Elliott Spitzer seems to have illegally gotten some nookie to cross state lines for his pleasure. Maybe he and the young lady just got naked and talked. Whatever happened was bad enough for the dude to apologize for it publicly and hunker down with his closest advisors in NYC to figure out what to do next.

My guess is he'll resign. Not because of some partisan threat of impeachment (the 48 hour demand to step down is laughable posturing). No, I believe he'll resign because he likely committed one of the very crimes he built his career on prosecuting. If he gets boneheaded, and refuses to resign, then impeach the doofus.

The guy clearly messed up royally and should pay for it. I hope Spitzer will take the high road and do this because it is the right thing to do. I can't imagine that he'll do it the "Washington Way" and change the rules so he can legally fuck people.

Snow Day Like Today

2008-03-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

The nasty snow that walloped Ohio hit us with its eastern edge from Friday through early this morning, leaving almost a foot of the white stuff. We lucked out, as PGirlJr’s ballet and religious education classes were cancelled. The extra time was used to clean the floors and kitchen (in preparation for our St. Patrick’s party next weekend), do laundry, watch television and eat off-schedule. As the first dusk of daylight savings time approached, we headed out to a park on the south side to take the kids sledding.

PGirl and I are awful parents, because this is the first time we’ve taken the kids for some honest-to-goodness, hill-shredding sledding. Some things we learned today:

There is no simpler way to glide down a finely packed hill than on a molded piece of plastic. We took the Hudsucker route and chose roundly (“You know, for kids!”).
My son has no fear. He proved this as he not only climbed up some park steps with his disc in tow, but also promptly turned around at the top and sledded down them.
The more weight you have, the longer you’ll travel. We Galoots performed two tandem runs by linking to each other through a tangle of limbs and the grabbed edges of our cheap plastic vehicles. We must have looked like one of those Japanese cartoon teams, whose members operate individual vehicles which combine to form bigger vehicles or robot warriors.
Texas Hots taste real good after sledding.

Marathon Man

2008-03-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

The past week was a lot busier than it initially seemed. At work, I was sprinting to finish an online newsletter by Friday's end. Additionally, I spent a few hours, here and there, helping to set up for the ballet's fundraising ball. I accomplished all I set out to do, but the work is catching up to me. First of all, my eyes feel like they are bugging out of my head. Daddy needs some sleep. Secondly, I fell on some stairs at the ball venue. I was sore at first, but now I'm aching in my back a bit.

The ball was a modest success, raising over $3,000 for the ballet in a live and silent auction. PGirl and I were dressed up in formal duds. She wore a short, black cocktail dress with silver embroidery. I wore a tuxedo I bought at Value City a few weeks ago. Luckily, most of it was a good fit, though I had to have the jacket taken in. A Sicilian tailor on the south side of town did a bang-up job on it!

Since hitting the hay at 2 in the morning, I've been enjoying two marathons that have been playing on the satellite.

"Jackass 24 Hour Takeover" - This was live last weekend and aired again on MTV2 for the past day. I love "Jackass". It is a goofy damn delight. Always nice to see other people screw around and have fun.
"Little People, Big World" - I've never followed this one religously, but usually sit down to watch it. I don't know what draws me to it, but I suppose it might be because the show doesn't stress me out. PGirlJr. likes it too. The father, Mark Roloff, drives me nuts because he seems to push so much on his family. But he's a good guy. At least the kids are learning to be resourceful.

Blog Share

2008-02-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

As part of today's Blog Share, I'm hosting an anonymous poster. Some friends who are also hosting are Julia and Tracy. Thanks to R for the opportunity.

Letters to the men in my life:

Dear B,

I do not know what to say to you. I tried so hard to understand you but I never did. I still don't.

________________________________________________________________

Dear __,

Why? Why? Why? That question has been my frequent companion for the past 22 years. Why did you pick me? Why did you prey on me? Could you see how vulnerable I was? Why did you rape me that night? Did you know that your choice would haunt me for the remainder of my days? Did you know it would have some effect on every future relationship I entered into? Did you know 22 years later I would still feel the emotional scars almost as freshly as I did that night because I see the physical scars every day in my mirror? Did you know how many lives your actions would change in that instant? Would knowing have made a difference? Would you have made a different choice that night? Do you ever think about what you did? Does it haunt you too? Why?

________________________________________________________________

Dear D,

You told me you tried. You said you tried really hard but could not be the person I needed you to be. I needed you to be honest with me. I needed you to be my friend and not my worst enemy. Sometimes I only needed you to hold my hand and make me believe things were okay. I didn't ask you for the impossible, or at least I didn't think I did. I don't understand exactly what went wrong but it did go horribly wrong somewhere along the way. Our relationship made me overwhelmingly depressed. Now I know that the depression was a sign that my life needed to change. You wore me out emotionally. I had nothing left to give you. I had given up so much. I lost myself. I hope I didn't cause you as much pain as you caused me. I do want good things for you.

________________________________________________________________

Dear G,

Thank you. You helped me heal and you probably don't know that. You probably don't understand how deeply damaged I was when we first met in a bar that night. In fact, there could not have been a more perfect man in the world than who you were when you approached me on that fateful evening. I had a flawed opinion of myself and you helped change that. The friendship that has blossomed between us is a beautiful thing. Thank you.

________________________________________________________________

Dear M,

I learned a lot from you. I learned of a few new things I am unwilling to live with in a relationship. I learned how cruel one human can be to another. The most important thing I learned was that I am capable of standing up for myself. I do have a backbone. I can be the one who chooses to walk away. The fear of walking away was much worse than the actual walking was. You reminded me of that and I thank you.
________________________________________________________________

Dear L,

I had never met a man who held me in such high esteem before you came into my life. But you are too serious all of the time. The timing was not right for us. That's what you told me when you ended things anyway. You hurt me when you did that but I know you were going through some things and it was best that we break it off. I'm glad we still talk occasionally. I hope you find someone deserving of your kindness, your gentleness, and your wonderful heart. You are a good, good man. When we have talked, you have said that you are comparing other women to me and have not met anyone you want to be with. Please don't. You did not think I was perfect for you when we were dating. If you did, we might still be together. I did get hurt by my relationship with you, but I'm still happy to know you are sharing this world with me. I smile when I think about you. Your ex-wife was foolish to treat you the way she did. She lost out on a good man.

________________________________________________________________

Dear E,

Where did you come from? You are one of a kind, yet I wish all of the women I know could experience love with a man like you. After all of this time, I still get butterflies in the pit of my gut everytime I look at you and I look forward to many more years together. Thank you for your acceptance of me. I am flawed in many ways and you love me anyway. I feel fearless with you. I am unafraid of love for once. I wish you could get inside my head and know what it feels like for me to be with you. It feels pretty great. I think it is possible that God put all of those other creeps in my life so that I would realize a really good thing. I love you E.

The Busy "B"'s

2008-02-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a somewhat hectic week in the west side of Jamestown. To date:

The right pedal arm on our elliptical machine began to tear at a welding seam. Same thing happened last year with the left arm. Out of warranty with Sears and Nordictrak. No extended warranty. Nordictrak won't replace the damn thing even though there is clearly a defect. Screw you Nordictrak. Way to stand by your product.
I hooked up my travel plans for a conference in Albany this April. For the price of mileage reimbursement (and a boring-ass six hour drive in my own vehicle), I'll be heading there in business class on a train. So much sweeter...
PGirlJr. had some fun with Chinese New Year in her classroom. Both of the kids were trying to eat applesauce with chopsticks this morning.
In related food news, GalootJr. "delivered" baby pieces of roast beef and turkey from his sandwich at lunch time.
The family rejoined the YMCA (I was an employee almost 4 years ago) to work out on someone else's elliptical machines. Kids will start swimming lessons next weekend.
The last 50 seconds of a close Kentucky/Arkansas basketball game blacked out (looked like a glitch), only to be replaced with the start of a St. John's/Duke game. I sincerely hope this was coincidence, because the last thing a Kentucky fan wants to see is Dook instead of their own true blue. WTF CBS?

"I'm Going Where....

2008-02-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

...there's No Depression". It was the title of a Carter Family song. Uncle Tupelo, covered that song and appropriated the title for their first album. A couple of music writers from Seattle took it a step further and used it as the name of their magazine. Sadly, after covering alternative-country, cow-punk, Americana, roots-rock and basically all the music that Nashville has the balls to not consider "country" music for 15 years, the print version of "No Depression" is ending.

I've been a fan of these musical genres since 1991 when I heard Uncle Tupelo for the first time. After the group split in 1994, I was able to follow their type of music by reading what little coverage Rolling Stone gave it through groups like The Jayhawks, Freedy Johnston and UT's spinoffs, Son Volt and Wilco. Then, in 1997, I saw a band called Whiskeytown on the cover of a magazine I'd never seen before. Soon, I was picking up issues every other month at various bookstores, eventually becoming a subscriber.

No Depression introduced me to the wonders of Neko Case, informed me that Jimmie Dale Gilmore was part of a band before going solo called The Flatlanders, gave me some background on bands in my collection, including The Texas Tornados and The Flying Burrito Brothers. If you ever wanted to know more about Drive By Truckers, Iron and Wine, Alejandro Escovedo and Little Miss Cornshucks, No Depression was the magazine for you.

I heard Alden and Blackstock, the editors, on NPR last night. Sadly, it doesn't seem that they have much interest in keeping the articles going online. They're afraid that web-reader attention spans won't last past one page. I'm afraid they'd probably be right about that assumption. But I'd still read it all....

Expected Guest

2008-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to announce that my first guest-post has made it to the blog of my dear Little Theater crony and native Oklahoman, Tracy at Tracy Outloud.

Hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane...

What weekend?

2008-02-18T06:16:00.001-08:00

The Galoot/PGirl family fully intended to clean around the house this weekend. With only a ballet class scheduled, we were set to go Mr. Clean on our house's ass. What a difference two days will make. Not only did we only manage to do laundry and keep the kitchen and living room straight, we also escaped the property for several hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Not that Friday wasn't cool. After drinks at Mojo's and the Wine Cellar and a vegetable pizza at SubZone, PGirl accompanied me to the cinema to see "Definitely, Maybe", which was far better than I had anticipated. We saw a funny trailer for a Tina Fey movie too...

After PGirl Jr's ballet class on Saturday, we hiked out to Erie, PA (about 40 miles away) to hit the east side Value City. Seems that the ballet's fundraising dinner in March is a black tie affair (I'm a recent board member and will emcee a post-meal auction). So, I figured I'd pick up a tux for a good price. Little did we know that Value Citys all over are closing shop and selling everything. We wound up getting a tux, a suit, two dresses (one each for our ladies), shoes for PGirl, two ties, a tux shirt, a toy each for the kids and a bunch of other shit you wind up buying when a store is closing. Seriously. I bought four bottles of Cumin. Yup. Cumin.

We skipped mass yesterday (PGirl didn't have Sunday school), lounged a bit around the house, then headed over to a friend's house for chili, adult conversation and a mess of kids. Joining PGirlJr. and GalootJr. were a 5 year old girl, a 4 year old boy, a 3 year old boy, a 2 year old girl and a nearly year old boy. The kids went wild in a good way. No one seemed to get hurt and the girls and boys didn't fight. It was fun seeing the childless adults who might be closer to having kids watch the proceedings with a mixture of humor and terror. Fun was had by all. And my kids (at 9:30 a.m. as I type this) are still in bed after a hard day of play.

The(H)ater

2008-02-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

While watching "Lost" last night, I caught a promo for ABC's teleplay of "Raisin In The Sun". I love this play. I dug reading it in high school. I dug watching the Sidney Poitier/Ruby Dee starring film of it. I dug reading it with alternative education kids as a long term sub and watching the same movie with them 18 years after my first experience. I even dug the "Strangers With Candy" episode where all the speaking roles are filled with white kids while the black kids are all cast as trees in the background.

What I can't dig is a major bit of casting for this latest version. Sean Combs in the lead. This is a travesty in my opinion. I realize that the recent Broadway cast was transferred over to the new version and he was part of it, but I didn't like his casting then and I don't now. I haven't seen the show with Combs. My problem then and now is there are loads of actors struggling to make it that could have done wonders with the part. For the television version, why not Terrence Howard or Mekhi Pfifer? You know, actors? Combs tarnishes everything he touches. Even the commercial mentioned him as an executive producer. Why not a mention of Lorraine Hansbury?

This casting is the latest in irksome choices on the parts of broadcasters who choose gimmicks over substance. The recent "Grease" competition show and MTV's "Made" are guilty here. Both provide funding for coaches and instructors to elevate the participants to new heights, which is a smack in the face to people who take the long road, training hard for their craft. Disgusting.

The only good I could imagine coming of this is a new generation of kids will be able to experience the play for the first time. I can live with that.

WBF-Whoa!

2008-02-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

As a public radio fan, I try to catch as much programming as my work and family will allow. Mostly this entails listening to "Morning Edition" in the shower or "All Things Considered" during the last hour of work. On the weekends I try to listen to "Car Talk", "Wait, Wait" and "This American Life" on Buffalo's NPR hub, WBFO. "Fresh Air" and "On The Media" are also on my radar.

All of these programs are produced at different affiliates and syndicated around the country, leaving local stations to schedule them as they wish. Since these syndicated programs only fill up to 12 hours a day sometimes, the locals have to subsidize this with their own shows. This is where I usually tune out. WBFO fills up most of its own slots with jazz music, which I'm okay with. It is usually a good selection with minimal DJ commentary. On the weekends, the station fills in with blues shows which I'm not crazy about. Most of the artists seem to be middle aged guys who make bland, can't tell them apart type of blues music. South Florida was loaded with these acts. Wasn't crazy about them then, and certainly not now. (Though the Dillengers from Palm Beach County were pretty damn fun. And they played original tunes from time to time.)

What bugs me about WBFO (and the local NPR affiliates in South Florida) was that these stations were run from colleges and universities but seemed to offer little if no programming input from the students. I realize that most subscribers who keep these stations afloat probably don't listen to the Pixies or Spoon, but I'd imagine that there are some interns at these stations that have something to offer. I was spoiled in Columbia, Missouri by a local affiliate that played jazz, blues, alt-country, college and classical.

WBFO gets to me when they pre-empt "Fresh Air" with their "Meet The Author" series, a show modeled after...."Fresh Air". I don't mind that they produce the show. I mind that they get you used to a program at a certain time and then give you something else. It is shrewd marketing, but it nags the shit out of me. Turns me off immediately. WBFO's listener commentaries find me tuning out as well. The authors of these seem to be trying to nail down the way NPR commentators talk as opposted to, you know, writing pieces with substance. Gag me with a Baxter Black clone.

Lately, WBFO has turned a new leaf. They're offering "Buffalo Avenues" on Friday nights at 8pm. The show captures live performances and interviews with alternative and rap groups from the region. No pretense. No bullshit. It is what it is. And I like it. They've also begun airing a second stream of music on HD radio and online. It seems to be modeled after XPN in Philadelphia (home of "World Cafe") and even borrows live performances from that station.

In another note, they've begun playing "This American Life" four times over Saturday and Sunday. Not a bad start, though they shouldn't brag too much about being the only station in the country to play the program this much. "TAL" has over 10 years of episodes to play, but WBFO has chosen to repeat the same episoded over consecutive weekends. I known they're trying to hit as many listeners as they can, but they should know that a show this popular will have fans that will listen to four different episodes in a weekend.

I'll give them a thumb up for trying new things, and maybe even a hand in pulling their head out of their keister a little further...

The Future of Tomorrow

2008-02-08T04:55:00.001-08:00

I must be an internet addict because I continue to be astounded by how people new to the technology handle it.

An internet hoax made it to Jamestown's local music forum yesterday. Turns out when a volunteer fireman (disguised as a policeman in an unmarked car) turns on the light on top of his Honda Civic to pull you over and rape you, a quick call to #77 won't necessarily put you in touch with a police dispatcher.

Here's another tip. If you do join discussions on these amazing things called "forums", someone might not necessarily share your opinion on the matter at hand. A local real-life soap opera is sputtering along here in Lucy's hometown. When I tried to chime in, my ass was handed to me.
I used my real name on this one. And if you don't know it already, you can find another man who borrowed it famously right here.

Knowing the internet doesn't exempt you from wasting yours and other people's time with it. Loads of people seem to upload the same video clip to YouTube ad-nauseum. A simple Google check would tell you that many folks have already discovered a clip and have shared it with the world. Some young filmmakers have even recut films with edits they feel were better than the original.

I'm not above this either. I recently discovered live chats in Scrabulous and Gmail. Who knew?

Some pioneers of this genre (pre-interweb) are my Aunt Janet who told me a Carol Channing story once removed from the source. And my 8th grade music teacher who once told me an encounter her friend had with Eddie Murphy.

Damn It All!

2008-02-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

A head cold has been disrupting my sleep as well as these items:

A large standard poodle named Asa who lives with us, has recently discovered the joys of toilet water and kept nosing PGirl and myself a few nights ago.
A free credit report commercial whose jingle will not go away.

Something that has gotten into my head that I don't mind is a clip from "Tim and Eric's Awesome Show - Great Job!" on Adult Swim. If you view these videos, I cannot be blamed for their effects.

Day 7: We're Close To Heaven

2008-02-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it. PGirl just opened the garage door and will soon be with us again. This morning started out with a blessing: at 5:40 a.m. I got an automated phone call from the school superintendant informing me of a snow day. Yeah, I had a lot to do at work, but it wasn't anything that couldn't be rescheduled. My 4 day work week turned into a two day work week and I couldn't have had a better time with my kids....

Day 6: Pick Up Sticks

2008-02-01T07:04:00.000-08:00

Today was a wash at work. I managed to tackle almost none of what I'd hoped to as other work issues arose. Took the kiddoes to the Golden Arches for dinner and managed to finish the February newsletter while they played in Playland. We hit the hay early and woke up to....

Day 5: We're Still Alive

2008-02-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

The boy was sick today, so I stayed home with him. Poor guy was snotty, stuffed up and coughing like mad. He slept for most of the morning and we had some homemade chicken soup for lunch. I managed to get some housework and work-work accomplished too.

Day 4 - But There's So Much More

2008-01-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

But not too much. The kids were back in school on Tuesday (Monday was a conference day). They did really well with their morning routine and pick-up wasn't a hassle. The boy started to come down with something, evident by his crashing on the couch in his coat, hat and mittens. He had some crackers and juice for dinner, but nothing else. Around 12:30 in the morning, he'd wet his bed and had to change. Poor guy.

Day 3 - It's Just You and Me

2008-01-30T07:23:00.000-08:00

And we did next to nothing. The kids had a quiet bath, we played outside in the snow. Everyone helped out with the chores. Oh yeah, PGirlJr. hit GalootJr. on his wiener because he was "hiding a turtle in there". Turns out the boy stuffed one of her animal toys down his pants, like a kid hiding their bag of pot when mom comes a knockin'. That's my boy!

Day Two: There's So Much We Can Do

2008-01-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

After I finished the last post, I headed upstairs to put the kids and myself to bed. I was met there by PGirlJr. wearing a bikini and GalootJr. wearing a pair of boxer shorts that resembled his swim trunks. They invited me upstairs to hang out in their "hot tub". In our house, this could mean one of three things:

A gaggle of Barbie dolls lounging around the bathroom sinking with more water on the floor than in the sink.
A bathtub full of hot water which the kids drew themselves. They haven't done this to us yet, but it is probably inevitable and would amount to more water on the floor and an angry response from me.
An unimaginable scenario that would certainly chill me to the bone.

Thankfully, they produced a fourth option which was quite cute actually. On the bed that belongs to PGirl and myself, the kids had constructed pillows and the comforter in a small wall encircling a blue blanket meant to be the water. Damned adorable it was! We played for a bit, then watched "The Naked Brothers Band" which is a kid show that isn't as bad as you might think but not as good as it should be.

On Sunday, we slept in, ate some breakfast and dropped the girl off at Sunday school. The boy and I picked up a few groceries, returned to get the girl and had some lunch at home. At 1pm we headed to my offices because the current artist in the gallery had to take down her show. Luckily for us, she had a group mandala project as part of the exhibit, so the kids got to make a bit of art.

Napping, dinner and dessert filled the rest of the day - a good one.

P.S. If you're jonesing for a TV show with the chops of "My So Called Life", you should see "Friday Night Lights". I'm as serious as a heart attack here.

P.S.S. Some very recent dialogue:

Girl: GalootJr.'s in my room!
Me: GalootJr. get out of her room!
Sound of footsteps descending stairs.
Boy: Ow! My wiener!

more to come...

Day One - We Can Have Lots of Fun

2008-01-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

So far, so good. I crawled out of bed about 30 minutes after PGirl left to do some work on the newsletter and to work out on the elliptical. GalootJr. sulked on the couch for awhile, but soon made peace with his mother's business trip.

We did some breakfast, some dishes and some laundry, but mostly the kiddoes played. PGirlJr. made it to ballet class in time for one of the mothers to help her out with her bunhead. The trip to Chautauqua Comics was fun, and each of the kids picked out something to buy (Spiderman lunch box for the boy and Mickey Mouse comic book for the girl).

We attempted a nap in the late afternoon, and ate some dinner before having birthday cake. Both kids finished their veggies with a mix of regret, reluctance and nose-pinching. Ultimately they made it! A few phone calls to PGirl and Mr. Social (his birthday today) and now we're winding down for the evening. We'll live to see another morning.

Excellent!

2008-01-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

I turned thirty six today. It says so on Myspace so it must be true. I asked PGirl to tell me what 36 is like and she scowled at me. She can't be too mad at me because I've received some pretty cool gifts today. They include:

Pair of black trousers from Old Navy courtesy of PGirl. I'm a big fan of Old Navy khaki's with flat fronts. I've pretty much worn out my two brownish pairs and a dark gray pair as well, so these are a nice addition to the wardrobe. Also, three long-sleeve tees.
Gift card to Chautauqua Comics from the kids. I'll take the kids there and let them pick up a couple from the $1.oo bins. I'll get the latest issue of "Angel - After The Fall". Yeah, not only am I a Joss Whedon geek, I'm also a bit of a comic book geek. Now Whedon is doing comics and my head is exploding.
Some cash from the Silver Fox which we used toward a sushi dinner and the babysitter.
Black sweater with collar and zipper from the Kentucky Colonel and Miss Elizabeth (got it at Christmas, but it's still cool.)
Don't know what I'm getting from Saint Eileen and the Organ Grinder, but I'll probably get it when they come back in April.

Finally, I wrangled sort of a free gift for myself that I'll share with the community. Within a week or so the radio station in my office will begin airing Harry Shearer's satirical radio program, "Le Show". As a preemptive move, I emailed Mr. Shearer last week to guage his interest in doing a phone interview with me for the radio version of "Arts On Fire". He wrote back, "sure" and I'm hoping to set something up this week. Once it is in the can, I'll post a link to it. If you don't know the man or his work, click here and read all about him.

Finally, finally. PGirl is heading out to the Windy City for some work and play. So, I get the kiddoes all to myself this week. I think I'll challenge myself to post each day about this potentially ~~terrifying~~ wonderful experience.

The Moment Before....

2008-01-23T09:46:00.001-08:00

Weather-permitting, I will be attending a production of "Our Town" at a prep school I used to teach at. Say what you will about the play, but it is one of my favorites. During my last year at graduate school, I played Dr. Gibbs on the mainstage - a role which my thesis would eventually be based on. I'm jazzed to see these kids do this show. Some of my former students are in it and cast perfectly (in my opinion).

When I did the show in grad school, I employed an acting technique that my teacher called the "moment before". Basically, you look at the play and figure out what your character was doing just before entering a scene. Sometimes it is stated in the dialogue, but often it is up to you or the audience to decide. In "Our Town", the first time we see Dr. Gibbs, he is returning home from deliviring twins in the Polish part of town. When I did the show, I'd go out into a common area outside the arts complex and walk out to one building one hundred yards away, then back and try to time it so I'd walk onstage precisely at the right time. Along the way I'd try to think about what the character would be pondering.

In the early days of Steppenwolf (out of Chicago), Gary Sinise and his castmates would run up on a hill behind their performance space (a church I believe), getting wound up and then run onto the stage for their cues. I think the characters were violent thugs in the play "Indian Wants The Bronx".

In 1997, one actor I worked with bested us all with his "moment before". I was playing Falstaff in "Merry Wives of Windsor" and running lights for "Romeo and Juliet" on alternate nights at Florida Playwright's Theater run by the generous Angela and Paul Thomas. These two gave me an acting opportunity I sorely needed, a couch to sleep on and occasional grunt work that kept food on the table. I love and miss you both! They also put together an eclectic cast for the Shakespeare repertory.

In R&J, the actor playing Romeo would come onto stage in his impending suicide scene, racked with grief. He was good. Tears were always hard for me to conjure up and I didn't like delving into "sense memory" to find them. Over the run of the show, some of the other actors noticed that Romeo would sit in a dark corner backstage and watch something on a video camera while listening to something else on headphones - just before he entered his emotional scene. Whatever he was experiencing would set him to tears. Finally, one of the cast picked up the equipment when Romeo was onstage to find out what was up. When he placed the headphones on, he heard Bonnie Tyler's version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Then he pushed play on the camera. Legend has it, that the video was footage of dogs and cats being euthanised at animal shelters. I kid you not. I shudder to think of it even now, but damn! The dude rocked the audience every night.

Ha!

2008-01-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

So, for the first time in many months, I watched a lot of televison this past weekend. Lately, I haven't as much on weekend afternoons, but I felt compelled on these past couple of snowy days. I appreciate good drama, science fiction and a handful of reality shows (please, no competitions where deceiving people is rewarded), but comedy is still key with me. Television comedy takes many forms, so I'll hit different sub-genres. After a few recent conversations, I feel like posting my favorite sketch comedy programs that are at the forefront of my mind.

Kids In The Hall
Saturday Night Live introduced me to the genre, but it was my parent's show at the time. KITH was something I could claim as my own. Thematically, the show ran all over the place, but it seemed to have something for every taste. If you liked absurd, recurring characters (minus annoying title cards and theme songs) you could enjoy The Head Crusher, Chicken Lady and Mr. Cabbage Head. Do you enjoy television and film parodies? Try "The Darcy Panell Show", "The Pit of Ultimate Darkness" or the foreign movie work of Francesca Fiore and her lover/director/co-star, Bruno Puntz-Jones. How about some slice of life humor? Drop in on rebellious teenager Bobby, lonely housewife Fran, corporate drone Dan Husk or secretaries Cathy and Kathy. KITH had it all and it took five very different talents to pull it off. This one is available on DVD and if you want to give it a try, you can buy one of two "Best Of" discs that will give you a taste without having to eat all of the "salty ham". Or just type "Kids In The Hall" on YouTube. You'll see more favorites including: Gavin, Buddy Cole, and Mr. Heavy Foot.

Saturday Night Live
I recall watching the early episodes with my parents and enjoying the recurring characters - The European Brothers, The Samurai and The Killer Bees. The other stuff was over my head, though I returned to it later and appreciated the social satire. Many people consider the first cast, the best and they may be right. I grew up with the show and continue to watch it today. Sticking with it is like riding a rollercoaster. A lot of highs and lows, sometimes occuring back to back. (Compare the '84-'85 season featuring Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest with the '85-'86 season featuring Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr.). My own favorites were the early '80's and the mid '90's, though great performers and writers existed throughout its history.

Monty Python's Flying Circus
I didn't see this until after watching "The Holy Grail", but I certainly enjoyed it. The fact that you had to live near a PBS station that ran it made it all the more special (though MTV aired it briefly in the latter part of the '80's.) You didn't have to be British to enjoy the comedy which mixed the absurd ("Argument Sketch") with social commentary (any time they played an English housewife). Some highlights include "Queen Victorie Steeplechase", "How Not To Be Seen" and "The Funniest Joke Ever Told".

Mr. Show
This was the closest thing in style and construction that Americans have ever come to Monty Python. Like KITH, this one was aired on HBO and certainly is best experienced uncut. Like Python, recurring characters seldom showed up, but you won't soon forget some of the situations that unfold into one another. I dare you to not laugh/cry if you get to see what happens when heavy metal band, Wycked Sceptre discovers they are gay through a record executive's intervention. Don't forget to check out a lost chapter in the history of American pornography.

The Dana Carvey Show
A brief-live, audacious cousin of Saturday Night Live, this one aired in the family hour on ABC. I'm astounded that some of the material got onto television. Carvey was the star, but the ensemble was destined for greatness. The cast included Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell. The head writer was Robert Smigel (owner of Triump, the insult comic dog). Notable for the debut of "The Ambiguously Gay Duo".

Honorable Mention

The State - These guys and gal were closer to my age than any of the prior programs and were about half funny to me. With a cast of 11, I think that too many cooks spoiled the soup.

Dishonorable Mention

MadTV - I've tried. I've really tried to like this show, but I can't embrace it. I can't argue against the mastery of celebrity impersonations that occur here. But impersonation is just that. When you reduce a character to tics and weird voices there isn't much left to play with in a scene. I'm just saying.

Nineties Music Episode 4: The Crappening

2008-01-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

Damn it. I've become one of those snarky fuckers from Best Week Ever. I didn't mean to! I swear!

76. Blues Traveler “Run-Around” - A good song, but their older stuff was better. I'm glad more people found them because of this.

77. Ice Cube “It Was a Good Day” - I don't remember this song, but I would wager that he scowled in the video for it.

78. Lenny Kravitz “Are You Gonna Go My Way” - Again, the older stuff is better, but this was a good song. Not many people can do throwbacks like Lenny.

79. Meredith Brooks “Bitch” - How many young, talented female singers were signed to be the next Alanis? Too many to count. This one was probably number 46.

80. Right Said Fred “I’m Too Sexy” - Another fraternity lip sync hit.

81. Paula Cole “I Don’t Want to Wait” - How many young, talented female singers were signed to be the next - insert name here? #24

2. Geto Boys “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” - A really good rap song. Really, really good. I'm not even going to mention the dwarf who raps. Oops.

83. The Breeders “Cannonball” - A rare, quality radio hit.

84. Snow “Informer” - I sort of recall this one. Didn't he look just like one of the Caucazoids from Color Me Badd?

85. Cypress Hill “Insane In The Brain” - Good enough to get them on the Simpsons. I liked this song.

86. The Cranberries “Linger” - Let's see. What kind of formula can we use to become famous? Rip off another band's sound - The Sundays. Totally change our sound to fit with another trend - No Doubt. Mix, stir, drink, rinse and repeat.

87. Billy Ray Cyrus “Achy Breaky Heart” - A big pile of poop. The apple didn't fall far from the tree on the Disney Channel.

8. Duncan Sheik “Barely Breathing” - Sounded like a lot of other songs.

89. Liz Phair “Never Said” - Another fine debut. Sold out on the last record though. A shame.

90. New Radicals “You Get What You Give” - I think Archie Bunker's niece sang on this tune. Didn't make it any better.

91. Sarah McLachlan “Building a Mystery” - Good song. Didn't buy her stuff though.

92. Public Enemy “911 Is A Joke” - Trying to reach the mainstream a bit here. Still good though.

93. Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories “Stay” - How many young, talented female singers....#78.

94. Fastball “The Way” - These guys had more recognizable songs on this album than you realize. Seriously, buy it, try it and you'll see. Way better than the one hit wonder status they were given.

95. Montell Jordan “This is How We Do It” - Bobby Brown? No. Could have been.

96. Nelson “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” - These two apples were launched miles away from the tree. What a waste.

97. Prince & The New Power Generation “Gett Off” - This dude still manages to put together stellar bands. NPG were second only to his "Little Red Corvette" line-up.

98. EMF "Unbelievable” - Jesus Jones did it better.

99. Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” - A female version of Sean Combs. Just as crappy.

100. Gerardo “Rico Suave” - Why?

Why Do I Torture Myself?

2008-01-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Galoot - the snob is about to crap on some more music.

51. Tupac (featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman) “California Love” - I used to dance to the song they sampled, "Woman To Woman" by Joe Cocker. It was called the plant dance. The plant dance consisted of me, nude dancing with a potted rubber plant held over my privates. I'm not kidding. I did this when completely hammered.

52. Sugar Ray “Fly” - Nice debut. Unfortunately they went with the flow of so many other groups around the same time and changed their sound whenever they had a hit.

53. Naughty by Nature “O.P.P.” - Good use of a popular sample.

54. Joan Osborne “One of Us” - Overplayed.

55. Fiona Apple “Criminal” - Her first single was better.

56. L.L. Cool J “Mama Said Knock You Out” - I bought the solo album of the guy who played guitar in that "Unplugged" session.

57. Jay-Z featuring Amil and Ja Rule “Can I Get A…” - I don't know this song.

58. Sophie B. Hawkins “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover” - Good tune. Didn't buy her records but still good.

59. Weezer “Buddy Holly” - The blue album still rocks the most. Not from this song, but I loved the lyric, "...wrestle with Jimmy...

60. Bell Biv DeVoe “Poison” - Really good song.

61. Sheryl Crow “All I Wanna Do” - Quite a debut song, the sound, the lyrics. Too bad she threw the rest of the band under the bus. Remember the "Tuesday Night Music" crew? That was the rest of the band. The guys who collaborated with her on the record. Cowrote some of it? Helped you to rise up from being a backup singer for the "King of Pop". Yeah. Remember them Sheryl?

62. Live “I Alone” - Great song!!!! I think it was the only one I played from that disc.

63. The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Mase & Puff Daddy “Mo Money Mo Problems” - Have you ever seen the print ads for Sean Combs' version of Def Comedy Jam? He's the only person in them. No comedians around. He pays off artists to use the most recognizable parts of their songs because he knows he can't produce an original song that would make enough money to pay for his umbrella carrier. Good for him.

64. The Presidents of the United States of America “Peaches” - Obnoxious song.

65. Digital Underground “The Humpty Dance” - A group that was better than this novelty made them out to be.

66. Edwin McCain “I’ll Be” - I don't think I know this song.

67. Deee-Lite “Groove Is In The Heart” - Very good dance song. Played this a lot at fraternity parties.

68. Will Smith “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” - He should have stuck with acting at this point.

69. Korn “Freak on a Leash” - Waste of space.

70. Jamiroquai “Virtual Insanity” - This guy might have been the next Stevie Wonder.

71. Arrested Development “Tennessee” - As overplayed as this was, I really liked this song back then. Still do.

72. Barenaked Ladies “One Week” - Shitty song from a good band. They do great live shows.

73. Marcy Playground “Sex and Candy” - You sound like Kurt Cobain? Cool, let's do a song.

74. Cher “Believe” - I actually have a story for this. A couple of years after this came out, my family went to Ireland to visit with Saint Eileen's cousins. On the first two nights, we stayed at the house of a man who worked for my stepdad, The Organ Grinder. While riding back from a Pub in his car, the host began to play this album. He asked the Drunk Mick and myself about how Cher's music was perceived in our country. We lied to him, telling him that her music was considered borderline genious and that she was a virtuoso to boot.

75. Kris Kross “Jump” - Another catchy hip hop song.

Mo' Music Mo' Problems

2008-01-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

26. Eminem “My Name Is” - I liked this song. Video was very funny. Unfortunately, this artists who seemed like he had a sense of humor turned out to be a guy who couldn't take jokes aimed at him. What a waste.

27. Counting Crows “Mr. Jones” - See last post.

28. Ricky Martin “Livin’ la Vida Loca” - Obnoxious song.

29. Vanilla Ice “Ice Ice Baby” - If you like the novelty of a white rapper, please try some with chops (Beastie Boys, 3rd Bass, MC Paul Barman)

30. *NSYNC “Tearin’ Up My Heart” - I wouldn't know this song if it bit me on my ass.

31. Radiohead “Creep” - Cool debut by a very talented group. Glad they elevated themselves past MTV's flavor of the year.

2. BLACKstreet “No Diggity” - Again, I don't know this song.

33. Spice Girls “Wannabe” - I liked red haired spice.

34. Third Eye Blind “Semi-Charmed Life” - How many movies used this in their trailers?

35. Oasis “Wonderwall” - Hate Oasis. Hate, hate, hatidy hate them.

36. C+C Music Factory “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” - Another lip sinc favorite at the college.

37. Green Day “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” - I'm thanking goodness that they didn't sell out after this cross-over hit like other groups (I'm talking to you No Doubt).

38. Christina Aguilera “Genie In A Bottle” - Yawn.

39. Goo Goo Dolls “Iris” - Yeah, they sold out.

40. Color Me Badd “I Wanna Sex You Up” - Catchy.

41. Spin Doctors “Two Princes” - It's too bad these guys got the hype that other deserving bands of their ilk could have.

42. Collective Soul “Shine” - Wish I could forget it.

43. En Vogue “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” - These gals had class, chops and great producers. They should have been more successful than they were.

44. The Fugees “Killing Me Softly With His Song” - Remake. Boooring.

45. Hootie & the Blowfish “Only Wanna Be With You” - Nice enough guys. Wasn't a fan.

46. Shania Twain “You’re Still the One” - I hate new country.

47. Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch “Good Vibrations” - Please, God, no.

48. Matchbox Twenty “3 AM” - Should have focused on their music more than their haircuts.

49. Jewel “Who Will Save Your Soul” - Not a Jewel fan.

50. Alice in Chains “Man in the Box” - They said shit on the radio!

Mr. Jones and Galoot

2008-01-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

In regard to the 90's music list....

I only posted on the top 25. "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows wound up later on the list. I do have a memory of this that I want to share. At my college, lip synching competitions reigned supreme during homecoming and Greek Week activities. My fraternity had a pretty good track record of wins, including:

"YMCA" - In full costume.
"ABC" by Jackson 5 - performed by my African American brothers, a.k.a. Delta Sig Dark
"Thing" - Aretha Franklin - I was in this one as Elwood Blues.

Some of my best friends (Skippy and Grinder) were in another fraternity. I remember being rushed by these guys, but went another route. In another life, who knows? Anyway, these guys did a lip sync of Mr. Jones that consisted mostly of Corey doing the lead part, just hopping around the stage. Whenever the chorus would come up, another brother, Frank would come out like a 20 year old Charles Nelson Reilly/Fred Schneider hybrid and yell out, "Look everyone, it's Mr. Jones!" At this point, Skippy (whose last name was Jones) would come out and dance for a bit. I loved the gag and still think fondly of it.

Smells Like A Memory List...

2008-01-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

Both In Java & R have posted their recollections of these songs from the nineties. Let's see, I started the decade as a high school senior and ended it engaged and about to be married. Should be fun...
01. Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – I remember picking up the disc on the same day I bought Uncle Tupelo's "Still Feel Gone". I probably got them both at Streetside Records in Columbia, Missouri. I think "Polly" was my favorite song, but despite it's constant video airings on MTV, I wouldn't skip this track.
02. U2 “One” – I wasn't crazy about this song, or much of U2's output in this decade. Sadly, I remember the Ben Stiller Show on Fox spoofing the video. The band (Stiller as Bono, Bob Odenkirk as Larry Mullen Jr. and Andy Dick as Adam Clayton) hawked "Lucky Clovers" cereal.
03. Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way" - It took my future wife to recognize a pretty good pop song. Maybe they didn't suck that bad.
04. Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You” – I pretty much switched the stations when this came on.
05. Madonna “Vogue” – Good song. Good video. Good lord Madonna never looked so good.
06. Sir Mix-A-Lot “Baby Got Back” – I remember a lot of people being turned on to hip-hop with this one. In a bad way.
07. Britney Spears “…Baby One More Time” - This was the last video where she wore clothes that didn't accentuate the weirder parts of her body (a linebacker's neck, for instance).
08. TLC “Waterfalls” – How many of you got tested for H.I.V. after seeing this video. Catchy tune about catching sickness.
9. R.E.M. “Losing My Religion” – I skipped "Out of Time" and picked up again with "Automatic For The People". Probably inspired a lot of folks to try mandolin.
10. Sinéad O’Connor “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Really good song. Compelling video.
11. Pearl Jam “Jeremy” – I think Jeremy shot himself and not the rest of his class. What do you think?
12. Alanis Morissette “You Oughta Know” – I remember girls in grad school at parties, huddling up to sing along when this came on. Kind of like they used to when the Violent Femmes would come on at a party. Ironically, with more violent undertones.
13. Dr. Dre (featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg) “Nuthin’ but a “G” Thang” – I probably remember this one because of the sample and not what they did with it.
14. Mariah Carey “Vision of Love” – Last pop record I bought for myself. If she had married me, she would have been Mariah Barry.
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers “Under the Bridge” – Really good song. I dare say I like their introspective stuff more than their white-boy rap, goofball shit.
16. MC Hammer “U Can’t Touch This” – Another tune that turned white kids onto "hip-hop"
17. Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” - I have no recollection of this song. Beyonce is a hack.
18. Metallica “Enter Sandman” - Overplayed. Way overplayed. Brought them a new audience. Good for them.
19. Beastie Boys “Sabotage” - A video that MTV overplayed that I loved! Good song. Lots of moshers emerged from the crowd at Lollapalooza 1994 for this one.
20. Hanson “MMMBop” - Crap.
21. Celine Dion “My Heart Will Go On” - Shit.
22. Beck “Loser” - The shit.
23. Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue “Whatta Man” - The shiznit.
24. House of Pain “Jump Around” - Good for getting the college kids out on the dance floor.
25. Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun” - Underrated band for sure. These fellas got lumped in with the Seattle sound. They were better than a label. I mean, listen to their stuff..

Weekend Update

2008-01-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

Some random thoughts on the weekend:

Degrassi has turned really crappy as of late. 90210 crappy. Characters just out of high school who are running their own businesses crappy. Crap, crap, crappy.
The commercial with the guy getting ready to buy a big tv, who then gets his hand slapped by the dude in the pig make up - creeps me out. If you haven't seen it, please don't seek it out.
The kiddoes were playing really well together this weekend. A lot of make-believe stuff. It was fun to watch them. GalootJr. was doing great in the mall to boot. Didn't take off once!
We upgraded to an HD package on our main tv. Holy shit the picture is clear! Our locals from Buffalo don't come in HD through our system, but we get to see a lot of our favorites (Discovery, ESPN, TNT, etc.). I'll get to see some Kentucky games crystal clear.
Miley Cyrus seems to be channeling Reba for her sitcom skills. Reba's sitcom skills suck. Miley Cyrus is channeling suck.

Turd's-Day Thirteen

2008-01-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

The blogosphere welcomed another Unexpected Guest today with the addition of my good friend, The Viking Slacker 0r Slacker Viking. Whatever. This is a Turd's Day Thirteen list dedicated to him because he is the shit.

Thirteen Things You Don't Need To Know About The Vicking Slacker Slacker Viking:

He is a surrogate uncle to PGirl and GalootJr. They love him unconditionally, even when he smells of the smoke.
One of the few doodles I have done in my adult years was a mocking one of him when we were rehearsing for "12 Angry Men". When I passed it to him, it was the first time that I busted his balls in a long standing fued of cracks.
He's a bass player. "His playing is so sweet, I'm getting chubby."
His hairstyle often alternates between mohawk and stubble. Rarely longer....
He is a serious gamer.
He often portrays eccentric old men or eccentric young boys in our improv shows.
He throws New Years parties pretty well.
He works with me at the Arts Council.
He doesn't drink beer.
He drives an Oldsmobile that sounds like a hot rod.
He loves Kids In The Hall.
He loves Frisky Dingo.
He might love you.

That Was The Year That Was

2007-12-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Roasted a turkey for Thanksgiving.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I think I did. I could do better though.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
The Drunk Mick and his wife welcomed my niece, M.I.A. into the world.

4. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Disposable income. Bigger dents in my loans.

5. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 28, 2007. I watched "House of 1,000 Corpses". What a piece of crap.

6. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Making improvements at home and at work.

7. What was your biggest failure?
My yard.

8. What was the best thing you bought?
Gifts for PGirl. New television. New windows (more of a gift actually).

9. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Again, PGirls. The kids have settled down a bit.

10. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The current administration at the White House. I've never witnessed a more arrogant group of people in power, in our country.

11. Where did most of your money go?
Home and Car Loans.

12. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The Holidays.

13. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier. Fatter. Richer.

Small World

2007-12-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

I'll be taking part in a mentoring program for school-age kids soon. I enjoy this type of volunteerism and happily bounded two blocks from my office for an orientation this week. The trainer ordered pizza for the mentors and I was delighted to see she had ordered from Dave's on Main Street. Their pizza is as close to New York City/Long Island that I've seen in Jamestown. A lot of folks turn their nose up to the stuff, but I prefer the thin to the thick. I think my late step-grandfather's biases against Sicilians might have had some merit...
Anyway, as I was transported back to Islip, New York in the seventies, I overheard the trainer talking about having lived in Cincinnati. My ears perked up. I had lived across the river in the Bluegrass State from 1979 to 1990 - my formative years. I asked her which part of Cincinnati she was from. "Claremont", she replied, "but I grew up in Northern Kentucky". A fellow country-woman.

When someone asks you where you're from and Kentucky is the place, one usually doesn't reply, "Kentucky". The state is split up into several very diverse regions. The Lake Cumberland area is someone resortish and has dry counties within. The Lexington and Louisville areas are known for their Universities and being different arms of the thoroughbred racing world. The Southwestern part of the state is home to Paducah, which is kind of a funky little place. And Eastern Kentucky, well, this is the birthplace of Loretta Lynn and some very bad jokes. "What's the definition of a virgin in Kentucky? A girl who can outrun her brother...

Northern Kentucky is distinct for several reasons:

Like the Kansas Cities and St. Louises which bridge two states, Northern Kentucky is sometimes considered an extension of Cincinnati. And, contrary to some Hollywood movies filmed here, there is no part of the area referred to as South Cincinnati. You're either in downtown or drowning in the river.
It is home to Cincinnati's airport ( Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport). Many travellers are confused by this.
Covington has a high concentration of German-Catholics and also features a restaurant called "The Anchor" which has never been closed and makes Goetta.
There are 8 Catholic High Schools in this region. 4 coed, 2 boys schools and 2 girls schools. The trainer went to Newport Central Catholic School and I went to a rival school, St. Henry.
Good pizza was hard to find for several years around here. A chain called "LaRosa's" was and is still popular. Imagine a giant version of Lunchables pizza heated up and that is what you get.
Cincinnati-style chili is also rampant in Northern Kentucky. Skyline is the most well-known and you may find it canned at your local grocery.
Rural areas (a.k.a. B.F.E. and the Boonies) are mere minutes away from the urban areas, making for a nice pastiche of cultures.
The annual Riverfest fireworks display is kicked off by a yelling contest between Ohio and Kentucky.

So, now you are armed with enough information to keep up in a brief conversation regarding the place where I learned to drive and shave, Northern Kentucky.

Last Curtain Call

2007-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

The show is over! Despite bad weather, we pulled off some really fun performances. I dare say that this year's "Nutcracker" was better all around.

Being the last day, PGirl rounded up the older Ginger Snaps for a photo op offstage. Yeah, we're some hardcore girls.

PGirl Jr. made her debut in the ballet as a mouse. While her costume was hot and cumbersome, I liked it. If only to pad out the skinny little girl who used to be such a rounded cutie. She managed to take on two toy soldiers at a time.

I hope she continues to do this. She could become pretty good if this goes on. Mouse this year, maybe an angel next year. Who knows, maybe she fill out my blouse some day!

Mutha Snap

2007-12-14T09:31:00.001-08:00

Sympathize with PGirl, because this is what she wakes up to every morning - without the makeup.

We've played two performances to schools so far and we have two general public performances to go. Fun is had by all backstage. All of my snaps throw their own signs at me in the hallway beneath the stage.

They all dance in front of me, but occasionally one will look upstage at me. I'll throw a sign back at one when it happens again. We'll see who cracks first.

Ginga Siznaps

2007-12-10T06:49:00.001-08:00

"The Nutcracker" opens this Thursday and, like the holidays, it seems to have crept up on me. Granted, my part this year is about 3 minutes long compared to about 20 minutes last year and I have attended only a handful of brief rehearsals. Yesterday, I began to bond with the dancers who will be emerging from my character's hoop skirt. Little girls all, they spent some time with me offstage, waiting for our entrance. I told them that I felt the 2nd Act of the ballet is a metaphor for gang life, how each groug dances instead of fights. A couple of the more rambuctious girls agreed with me and showed me "fronting moves". Another flashed what appeared to be a gang sign at me. I told them that the Metatrons (the group that comes before us) thought they were all that and we should show them what's up. There was some modest agreement and we entered the stage to do our thing. So far, so good.

I Love Those J-I-N-G-L-E Bells

2007-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

Broken record time here....

If you love the holiday tunes and can stream audio where you live or work, please try these links:

Ralphie's Radio
Live 365's free streams sound a bit scratchy, which works perfectly for these tunes from the '30's and '40's. You'll feel like Darren McGavin is about to head down to the basement and wrestle with the furnace!

WOXY
The late, great 97x (Rain Man said, "Bam! The future of Rock and Roll.") went all internet a while back and offers another season of holiday songs on a third stream. From original tunes by Sufjan Stevens to DJ/Classic mash-ups and everything in between, this is a must from anyone who spent their formative years in the eighties and nineties. They even have some Regis and Kathy Lee here!

Pandora
One of the web's great music experiments stretches as it offers holiday songs. Just type in the name of an artist followed by "holiday" and you get your own personal station.

Big Turkey

2007-11-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

Dinner went off without a hitch and the weekend was pretty fun and relaxing. I purchased PGirl's gifts yesterday and am keeping my fingers crossed for them to score! I'm lost for anything else to write so I'll respond to my wife's tag:

Tagged by Preppygirl (and, in all honesty, looking for an easy post) - here goes:

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments. What is it?
1. Produce: Avacados
2. Bakery: Apple Fritters
3. Meat: Pork Tenderloin
4. Frozen: Vegetable Lasagna
5. Dry goods: Dry onion soup mix.

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?
1. Casual, comfy khakis
2. Light, sweat shirt
3. sneakers

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. "Fuck."
2. "What the Fuck?"
3. "Fuck!"
4. "Feck"
5."Come on!"

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?
1. Shower.
2. Pick up or drop off the kids, see them off to school.
3. Talk to my wife.

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?
1. Bills for next month.
2. Fix something in or around the house.
3. Clean the floors.
4. Straightening up the computer area.
5. Take the dog for a long walk.

We're going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Something to do with monkeys.
2. Petting zoo.
3. Insect house.

You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?
1. The Office
2. Mythbusters
3. Pardon The Interruption
4. No Reservations

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. Butter pecan
2. Peanut butter swirl
3. Pistachio

Somebody stole your wallet… in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?
1. Health insurance card.
2. CVS card.
3. Appointment cards
4. Receipts
5. Piccies of my kids and PGirl

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?
1. Ask a girl out who is pretty cool. No pressure to sleep with her. Someone to talk to. You'll have a good time and you're not getting married to her anyway.
2. Work harder at basketball.
3. Go to the record store and pick up everything from SST that you can carry out.
4. Don't grow a mustache.

You're it Java!

Mimi

2007-11-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules. My “tagger”: In Java, Literally

2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.

a. I was in the Boy Scouts for a while. Was sort of working toward Eagle Scout when I quit. Guess that is why I'm making less money than I should be.

b. I am obsessed with media, checking out several websites, blogs, newspapers and magazines each week.

c. I love video games, but can't own a system for long because of my addictive personality. I pretty much limit myself to Monopoly on my cell phone and Sudoku too.

d. I have little patience for people who break driving, parking and pedestrian rules. I use my horn to let them know my displeasure.

e. I dislike most of the local radio stations around Jamestown and company-owned stations in general.

f. I think U.S. politics and "Survivor" are among the most awful examples of how people behave.

g. I have night terrors.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).

Nick Dean
3 Carnations
Stinkypaw
Tracy
Steve
Princess Slea
Monkey.

I'll link these up soon!

Oh Yeah...

2007-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

....some more highlights of the weekend.

Set the DVR to record Food Network's Thanksgiving shows.
Set the DVR to record a new season of "Kenny Versus Spenny" on Comedy Central. Don't watch this show with the kids.
Wilco was on Austin City Limits!

Come On Feel The Illinois

2007-11-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

Princess Slea, her sister-in-law, Fem-Monkey and the kiddoes came a calling this weekend. Fun was had by all. Some highlights:

Fem-monkey began the Wine Cellar's World Tour, which entails the drinking of over 40 beers served in-house. A T-Shirt and plaque entry await the survivors. Contestants are not expected to finish in one night. The Wine Cellar staff will keep your record card on file for years....
MonkeyJr. (aged 3) told me a variation on the Chicken crossing the road joke. Why? To eat the broccoli of course.
I found out that my god-daughter (Vampiress, aged 6) is dating a boy in her hometown. I proceeded to fake-phone the lad and threatened him to peals of laughter coming from PGirl Jr.'s room.
Ran with the dog down to Washington and 3rd streets downtown on Saturday morning. Felt good!
Listened as my poor PGirl's voice became more and more Suzanne Plechette-ish all weekend.
Made some too-salty chili for dinner yesterday.
Watched the Bills squeak by the lowly Dolphins. Our running back did have a good game, running in the sole-touchdown and following it with a two-point conversion.
I beat the top guy in my Fantasy Football League, with some help from the Patriots' bye week (this dude's team has Tom Brady and a few other Pats on it) and the fact that his second string QB was clobbered and taken out early yesterday. Trading deadline is Friday and the playoffs start in a few weeks, so I'm hoping for a trade. As of tomorrow, I should be in 4th place and playoff eligible, but that can change quickly...

Geekoween

2007-10-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Tracy for this little gem....

List 5 things that certain people (who are not deserving of being your friend anyway) may consider to be “totally lame,” but you are, despite the possible stigma, totally proud of. Own it. Tag 5 others.

I record and watch "The Best of the Andy Williams Christmas Specials" every December. This is one of those specials run on local PBS stations during pledge drives. This thing is basically a time capsule of how holiday tunes were updated throughout the fifties, sixties and seventies. See the Osmonds as they serve hot chocolate to the Williams Brothers! As a kid, I used to daydream about being in a television program like it where I would be sitting on a bar stool in a ski lodge, spin to face the camera and sing a holiday favorite with others in matching sweaters. This started a trend in my mind which included singing "Endless Love" (circa 1981) with Anna Eddins as a duet and growing a mullet and handlebar mustache, wearing a duster and playing guitar for Heart (circa 1987). I'm not kidding.
I was a card-carrying member of the Rocky Horror Picture Show fan club. Skywalk Cinemas in Cincinnati used to play this every Saturday night. When I was 15 years old I convinced my boss at summer camp to take as many staff as possible to see it. The Denton Affair cast was in its 8th year of performing live in front of the screen, there was a virgin auction, it was very cool for me to be there. Over the next 3 years, I'd grab everyone who would go to see it. I've never dressed as a character, but would consider it if the opportunity arose. Don't dream it. Be it.
I offer answers to trivial questions being posed in total strangers' discussions. I figure it could help keep their conversations going. Why not?
I've taken up comic book collecting again. In the '80's I collected G.I. Joe, X-Men and Avengers comics. In the '90's I picked up some graphic novels including "The Dark Night Returns". Two years ago I picked up "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen". Now I'm reading "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" Season 8 and The Walking Dead.
If I think I've spotted a celebrity in public, I'll follow them around until I can confirm their identity. I once "stalked" Peter Cetera around the Dallas airport for several minutes. Finally I approached him in a bookstore and asked him if he was Peter Cetera. It went something like this:

Me: Mr. Cetera?
Peter Cetera: Yes?
Me: I'm a big fan.
(Totally wasn't.)
Peter Cetera: Thank you.
Uncomfortable silence.
Me: Thanks for the music.
Peter Cetera: Thank you.

I tag In Java, Mr. Social, Makkaio, Jenny and R (presuming the latter two haven't already done this and aren't too busy. Seriously, these ladies blog almost every day. In Java too!

My So Called Church Life

2007-10-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

Okay...

I know that the title of this post might seem to be a stretch, but I'm compelled to write about Sunday mornings and give a shout out to "My So Called Life" - the best damn television show from the last twenty years (in my humble opinion).

MY SO CALLED LIFE
MSCL (as the kids called it) has been re-released on DVD. Not sure what happened to the prior release from a few years back, but who cares. The show rocked. It presented teens as they truly were in the early nineties and for the last several years for that matter. "90210" was soapy trash. "Party of Five" was cooked the moment that Charlie showed up in the second episode with the same stubble from the previous episode. And, besides, no family goes through that much tragedy without being profiled on Dateline NBC or being turned into a Lifetime movie. "Saved By The Bell" was the crap that Dan Schneider would have produced if he weren't living down Dennis Blunden and sadistically preparing to unleash over a decades' worth of awful, young comedians via Nickolodeon (another Viacom outlet which sold its soul by moving away from "Pete and Pete" and toward the dookie-fests that were and are "All That", "Keenan and Kel", "Amanda", "Josh and Drake", the list goes on - apologies to Keenan who does a mean Bill Cosby).

If I have a point, it is that MSCL destroyed all of those shows in quality. It was probably too realistic for the folks that flocked elsewhere. Too painful to see people who were living as they too were living. This show spoke to me. I was 4 years removed from high school and 8 years older than protaganist, Angela Chase when I started watching the show. I moved schedules around to catch it. If DVR's had been around then, 19 hours of this program would still be protected on the hard drive. If you haven't watched the show, if you've blown it off before, put it into your Netflix cue and smoke it.

CHURCH
The family and I have begun, yet again, to go to church regularly. Since PGirlJr. has been attending Sunday school at the local Catholic elementary, it just made sense to start going to mass just before the class. Plus, I just think it was meant to be this way. I believe that things happen for reasons - good and bad. The opportunity for Kate to begin a journey towards Communion, Confirmation, Confession, etc, was the spark under our asses to do this again. It has been about twenty years since I've attended on a weekly basis.

I don't recall attending mass until I was 8 years old and beginnin CCD classes. Still attending public school, I'd go to classes on weeknights at St. Barbara's church in Kentucky. The teachers were cool, I was able to draw a lot, and the stories from the Bible were okay by me. I don't think I fully understood what taking Communion was, but I got to wear a suit that first time (and got into trouble with Saint Eileen for wearing the suit vest over a dress shirt on a future trip up the aisle and strutting back to my seat).

Two years later, I began to go to Catholic School at St. Henry and continued through their high school. As a student, I attended Mass weekly and had religion classes as part of the curriculum. I remember going to Mass on Sundays infrequently as we spent most weekends with The Colonel. By the time I could drive, I was splitting weekends between households and driving the Mick to church when not a my mother's house.

Throughout all this time, I never really got anything out of mass that I was aware of. Mostly I'd daydream about girls, replay movies in my head or think about "Saturday Night Live" from the night before. I was annoyed by the singers who would hold notes longer than everyone else. They seemed to be showing off to me. The homily was basically a wash and I didn't read along with the Gospel or the other readings. I was just there.

Throughout college and grad school, I was a virtual no-show, attending only one Easter and Christmas. I began to go again once I met PGirl. Luckily she is the love of my life and being Catholic made things easier for both of us. We didn't go every Sunday, but when we did, I'd read along and listen to the homily. I took a lesson away from it every week and tried to apply it where I could. I was still annoyed by singing (mostly by the cantor who just seemed to be so damn smug), but stuck with it.

Once we moved to Jamestown with the girl, we tried again. But the last six years have been rough. Our church is older and doesn't have a cry-room, so we have to stick it out. Around the time that my daughter could sit through a service, my son began to get squirmy. Another 3 years went by.

Now, for the time being, both kids can be occupied for an hour with little fuss. GalootJr's fascination with bathrooms has subsided, so I don't have to miss out on the homily anymore. The peace is holding. I figure we have about 8 years before PGirlJr.:
1. Decides to stick with going to church because she gets something out of it.
2. Starts the Barry trend of lapsing for several years.
3. Decides to stick with going to church because there will be a boy (or girl - did I mention that I'm not a hardline Catholic?) to fixate on a few pews up.

And I can still daydream and get the message. Only, the daydreams aren't about girls anymore. Just whatever snack I'll eat during the game. And for those of you who might be getting riled up about the lack of the Big JC in my post. Here ya go:

Be more like him. Peace!

Nutcracker Again

2007-10-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

PGirlJr. has a costume fitting for The Nutcracker tonight. She'll be a mouse in the first Act. The moves she does are adorable!

Though I wasn't asked to reprise my role as the Party Host for this year's production, another performer has dropped out and I've been tapped as a replacement. So, this December, I'll be playing the part of Mother Ginger. I'll write more about this development as it comes to me, but I'm pretty sure I won't be ad-libbing in this production as the character simply pulls strings lifting her massive hoop skirt to let the Ginger Snaps emerge from underneath.

In completely unrelated news, I found out why gloves should be worn while cutting Jalapeno peppers at Saint Eileen's house yesterday. My left hand felt like fire for 8 hours yesterday.

Wings and More

2007-10-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend found us traveling once again. We took a day trip to Buffalo. PGirl and PGirlJr. went to a bridal shower and dropped myself and GalootJr. off at the Buffalo Zoo for a few hours. Our friends who we visited in Toronto two weeks ago met us at the Zoo. Not a bad little city zoo. Weather was nice and the place wasn't packed at all.

After a brief detour to Delaware Park to watch some playground basketball, the girls picked us up and we all went to Anchor Bar - home to the original Buffalo Wing. Bottom line - wings were great, but the service was awful.

If you weren't able to catch my stunning announcement at our local high school, it should be embedded at the top of this post. If not, you may view it here.

The Most Sincere Pumpkin Post Today

2007-10-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

PGirl's job change has been blitzing the media. Our newspaper carried an article last week about it, but I can't find a link to it. Same text and better picture may be found here.

I'm proud of my lady. She is perfect for the job and deserves to be happy at what she is doing. On account of the distance she travels to and fro daily, I mostly take the kids to school and pick them up in the afternoon. It is a nice change of pace for me and has helped me to organize my time at work.

Speaking of work, I'll be teaching improv to high schoolers again as a joint Drama Club between Jamestown High School and The Arts Council For Chautauqua County (my place of employment). I'll be putting out a flyer this week at the school, but also recorded a super cheap announcement for the club to be aired on the morning announcements. It will only be available on Thursday until I get a copy. Check out some morning cheese here.

Halloween is still several weeks away, but I like to get started on things early here. The decorations have gone up, the costumes have been purchased and I've started lapping up a month's worth of holiday goodness. My favorite Halloween tricks and treats.

Listening to Halloween songs. You'd be surprised how many there are out there. Don't limit yourself to songs made for the holiday. Expand your horizons to include classical music, Broadway tunes, TV themes and goth music! The best Halloween streaming on the web can be found at Live 365.
Tess's Indie Wave is my favorite station on the afore-mentioned website.
Cobwebs In The Closet is a close second.
It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. If you don't like this special, there is something wrong with you.
My kids' costumes. They've managed to be cute and perfect every year to date. GalootJr. put his fireman coat, hat and boots on last night over only his briefs. I told him to see PGirl , open up his coat and shake his hips. He surprised both of us by whipping off the coat, throwing his hat across the room, kicking off his boots and then dancing. Violently. I think I should put more parental controls on the TV.
Candy corn. Yummy.
Making jack-o-lanterns. We'll have to wait another week so they won't rot before the 31st.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Watch it every year. The college PGirl works at is doing the original stage version later this month. Don't dream it! Be it!
John Carpenter's Halloween. Fuck Rob Zombie.
Columbus Day. A day off between Labor Day and Thanksgiving!
Falling Leaves. We have lots of them and our region is close to peak.
Pumpkin Seeds. A very tasty by-product of our jack-0-lanterns.
Thanksgiving isn't far away...

Must Read Thursday - On Wednesday!

2007-09-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'll cheat a bit here and unveil my Thursday Thirteen a bit early. You're welcome for this gift.

Meet my niece.

The Mick and his lovely wife welcomed my niece, M.I.A., into the world last Friday afternoon. The whole family is doing well. Hopefully we'll be seeing them soon.
PGirl cannot blog at work and sends her best. I'm sure she's checking in with all of your blogs on the weekends. Her new job is taking on more shape every day and she is tired, but happy with the new job. We had lunch together in the building she works in and it certainly took me back several years. Bonus: Free copies of USA Today and the New York Times are available during the week at the university, which the PGirl brings home to her baby daddy. Woo-hoo!
The Kiddoes are both in the same school for part of each day. GalootJr. is doing the Pre-K thing next door to PGirlJr.'s 1st grade homeroom. Both are settling into nighttime routines with some minor revolting. Quote of the Week: While watching the Bills game at the Silver Fox's house on Sunday, the boy was acting up. PGirl remarked how she hoped this was a stage, to which GalootJr. replied, "This is not a stage!".
Chicago was next on the vacation route after Northern Kentucky a couple of weeks ago. The wedding, shopping and eating were welcome reprieves from the daily grind. A visit with Favor8 and the missus found us at at Gio's bar and grill on the Northside, 312 beers flowing and laptops open as Favor8 and I took part in our Fantasy Football...
Draft. I picked up Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Matt Stover and the Bears defense in our 12 team league - The Dirty SanchezFFL. This was the first time I'd done a live draft and it was quite the learning experience. Our first games were played last weekend, and my team, Nancy Boys United, defeated Sick Baby's Diapers. Those aren't made up, they are totally the real team names. I can't print some of the league's team names. Seriously, they are that bad. Speaking of football...
The Bills lost one of their special teams players to a potentially devasting injury on Sunday. Please send your best wishes to Kevin Everett.
Music still rocks my world at work and in the car. Our city played host to a Local Music Showcase last weekend that was well attended. Loads of people milled about on Third Street and other avenues on Saturday night, taking in several concerts at a number of venues. On Sunday night, an awards show went up with live performances and hall of fame inductions. This all was a good shot in the arm for locals who feel we don't need festivals in the city. Streaming Audio of the Week: Illinois Street Lounge on SomaFM. You can stream this on I-tunes under the 50's-60's area of radio.
The Local Blogosphere is churning along nicely. Makkaio was a presenter at the awards on Sunday and the butt of a lame-ass presenter joke written and performed by my improv troupe. In Java took me back to the mid-nineties with some old videos last week. Jamestown Lawyer did a bang up job with the Local Music Showcase and awards last weekend. The Sunday night affair was truly inspired. Well done.
Work sucks, but I need the bucks. Actually things are going well here. I have a lot on my plate, but at least it is all in front of me.
Food tastes good! PGirl and I had some Gyro plates in Greektown while in Chicago. Last night we had some delicious pizza from Subzone. Forte hooked us up with a couple of tins of Sushi last week and Timothy's tomato bisque was exquisite today.
Southern Tier Brewery made it into Bon Appetit's October issue last weekend! On page 78, you'll find descriptions of some select brews to have this Autumn and what to serve them with.
The Unexpected Guests are moving down the street to the Reg Studio Theater this weekend. We didn't want to counterprogram the music last weekend, so adjust your calendars and get your asses down here for some laughs.
My alma mater suffered the loss of a student to a tragic suicide recently. Thanks to Tracy for the update. My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow Eagles...

Holiday Road

2007-08-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

The kiddoes and I are spending a few days in Kentucky at the Colonel's house before we head up to Chicago for a "hitchin"! So far, so good. We've been getting up early to play in the pool before breakfast almost every day. I spend some time swimming with the kids, then I keep them in the shallow end and read a bit by the poolside. I'm reading "The Wastelands - Dark Tower 3". It has been really fun and relaxing so far. I was bad and took some work with me, but I do that before the kids get up and it relieves me to be ahead of the curve when I get back to work.

Last night I met some high school friends at an Applebee's and followed that up with a trip to Barleycorn's. Big Red Letter Day for the kids as I took them to see "The Simpsons Movie" this afternoon. We were all supposed to go to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner tonight, but the Colonel is under the weather. So I took the kids to a family pub where they ate for free. Oh yeah, I took the kids to Border's yesterday too. Love it!

I know it is probably just urban sprawl and I'm noticing things more, but I've seen a lot of guys around here wearing golf shirts, pleated pants and cell phone holsters. The new gunslingers I suppose.

We'll hook up with PGirl on Friday for some wedding fun!

Low Power To The People

2007-08-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

Listen up reader(s)!!! The low power, community based, arts-centric WRFA-LP will be broadcasting live from about 15 feet below my office all day in luverly Jamestown, New York. 10,000 Maniac keyboard playin' virtuoso and station manager Dennis Drew will be hosting the whole damn affair. There will be several local musicians playing throughout the day as well as some witty banter. Tune in and you may even hear me in the Arts On Fire segment.

Not anywhere near Jamestown? No problem, you can stream us online by clicking here:!

Update: My boss just said "condom riot" on the air. Genius!

Update 2: Brian Hanna just played a song about bugs with his son Evan. Shades of Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players.

Purple Nightmare?

2007-08-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm working from the home office (dining room table) today, while the kids take a day off from their summer schooling at Chautauqua. They've played a few games, ate breakfast and watched "Sesame Street" so far. We'll be taking a break shortly to play outside, however, something made me jump from my seat a few moments ago to grab the remote. Sure, one of the munchkins might have inadvertantly switched over to Skinemax, but this wasn't the case.

What I heard in the back room was the beginning of "Barney". I hate "Barney". I think it is one of the most derivative crapfests in children's television. The melodies used were mostly children's songs to begin with, so why the hell do they have to change the lyrics? The child actors are awful and will probably grow up to be annoying Broadway wannabes. Yeah, I'm bitter. I was outvoted by my children's chanting, "Barney, Barney, Barney..." They can watch today, but you can bet I'll be popping in "The Electric Company" DVD before the day is through. No electronic media can teach my children better than Morgan Freeman - before playing God and voice-overs about man-love in a New England prison.

Last Comic Standing

2007-08-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, I read the comics or "funnies" every day. Every damn day! If a newspaper is handy, I'll read about half of the strips published, but mostly I have bookmarks to a a select few:

Funky Winkerbean
For Better Or For Worse
Luann (A real shitty strip, yet still compelling. I'm getting blue balls from all the "will they, won't they" of Brad and Toni)
Dilbert
Pearls Before Swine
Get Fuzzy

Recently, I stumbled upon a blog devoted to deconstructing these very strips. The dude who writes here is spot on !and guarantees getting a deep laugh out of me every other post. Please, please, please try The Comics Curmudgeon

Once Bitten, Nice Guy

2007-08-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ian and Makkaio have turned me (pun intended) on to a new internet game featuring werewolves versus vampires. By clicking below, you'll see the website, let a little digital blood, but won't be obligated to do a damn thing!

Check it out!

Hey Makkaio! Good match the other night. Throwing darts is fun! As far as tradition is concerned when winning the match, I've gone a few without being stricken. Though I did catch a plastic dart in the head. Can't remember which evening though...

The Kitchen Sink

2007-08-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

"What in the hell has been happening with Galoot and PGirl?", you ask.

PGirl is watching "You've Got Mail". As I type this out. I hope she'll want to catch up on "Entourage" and "Flight of the Conchords" when I'm finished with this. I'm sending her HBO vibes right now, but I'm not sure she's getting them. HBO. HBOOOOOOOOO.....

Cleveland was the destination for our 7 year anniversary and PGirl's birthday present - VIP tickets to a screening of "A Christmas Story" at the house where exteriors were shot oh so long ago. It was a day of reminiscing and of landing some sweet-ass deals. As we took a two lane highway from Saint Eileen's that weirdly led directly to our hotel, we talked about the early days and looked at the scenery on an otherwise dreary day.

We picked up a couple of camping chairs at a rural Wal-Mart Supercenter for $10 a pop and made it to the Holiday Inn Express a few hours before the event. This was not your ordinary Express either. It was located in the theater district, downtown, in an old hotel. Vintage elevators, big lobby, the works. Ali let slip that it was our anniversary and the clerk upgraded us to the jazuzzi room for no extra charge. It was pretty damn cool. Top floor, high ceilings corner of the building with views of Lake Erie and the football stadium. Oh! And a widescreen TV bigger than myself and H put together. The clerk showed up soon with complimentary champagne. We were on cloud 9!

After dipping our toes in the jacuzzi, we drove to Flannery's Irish Pub for dinner, then on to the event. I'll let PGirl fill you in on some of those details. But the highlight for me was meeting Harry F'ing Knowles! The big redheaded dude in the picture above. He runs one of my favorite movie/tv websites.

I've lived in Jamestown for almost 6 years now and I still can't figure out why my neighbor's family has chosen the curb directly across from my driveway to park their cars. I think they must have the same gene that compels them to walk in the middle of the street even though the sidewalks have been ice-free since April.

PGirl just switched over to a recorded "Entourage". My vibes are working. I want an Italian Ice. A mango flavored Italian Iiiiiiiiiiiiiice...

The best blog in Chautauqua County is not mine. I concede victory to In Java. She's been at it longer than me and she actually updates it on a regular basis. Lawyer revealed his identity to me last week and I just can't hold a grudge against the guy. Plus, he might do my living will. Morbid? Maybe.

Best of the Best?

2007-07-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

In a stunning announcement two weeks ago, it was revealed to the world that Galoots Hoot Page was voted "Best Local Blog" along with 4 others in a write in category of the Chautauqua Region Word. The area I live in probably has around 100,000 people in it (county-wide), so this is no small distinction. Unfortunately, none of the 5 blogs listed was given top honors. Somehow, we're all supposed to share this. I don't think so. Call me selfish, but I have worked long and hard (often while working) at making this the best damn blog this county offers. The only "fair and balanced" way I can show you why I should have been crowned "King Of Chautauqua Bloggers" is to offer you some information about the other 4 that, if made public, would certainly convince you that I am your man.

1. "King of Chautauqua Bloggers" implies that a man should hold this distinction. That automatically rules out In Java and Preppygirl. I don't know what gender Jamestown Lawyer is. Disqualified for not being obvious as to what you really are, attorney-person! So this leaves Makkaio and I to duke it out.
2. Makkaio is a pacifist and holds a public office around here. Even if we did fight, he would take the higher road and lay down his weapons, making me the winner by forfeit. I'd still shoot him dead with my cross-bow. Plus, he has his own domain name. Utterly pretentious.
3. Assuming Makkaio's security detail shoots me down in cold blood and probably in the back, this would leave the other three to fight over the title. Hopefully you would still pick me in death because:

In Java would probably have to assume her husband's position in City Hall and serve out his term. She'll have little time to blog and will have to work two jobs.
Preppygirl would mourn me for like, five minutes, before moving the kids out to England in order to try and find another father figure like Hugh Grant or Colin Firth. Her new posts would be infrequent and in the British language - hard to read.
Even if you still want to go with Jamestown Lawyer, this person is into law. And we all know what a mess our country is in because of Gonzalez and all those firings.

So, if you aren't going to pick me, I could care less. Throw away your vote. I still score a moral victory.

Peace!

What's In A Name?

2007-07-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Preppy Girl works at a place whose “season” runs nine weeks straight in the summer. The place has concerts, plays, operas, symphonies, lectures and classes every day of the week and is crawling with rich people – new money and old. Due to the demands of the job, PGirl always has to work on July 4. Since both of our kids attend a summer school within her place of work and were participating in a “holiday parade”, I decided to join them and hang out for a while. A new, fenced-in dog run was recently installed there, so I took our pooch, Asa, along with me.

After a short walk from one of the entrances to the square of this community, I met up with PGirl, her assistant and a buddy of mine from The Unexpected Guests, who I’ll refer to as Milton F. Hunter. The parade of kids was absolutely adorable. They convened at the steps of one of the square’s buildings, sang some songs, marched to the amphitheater and sang some more. What happened as we waited for the parade to start was what I’d like to recount here.

As we waited on a sidewalk corner, many people stared at us. I thought maybe it was because of what we wore, that the rich folks could tell we weren’t money. PGirl had her work windbreaker on and I was slumming it in a pair of khaki cargos, track shoes and an oxford shirt. In L.A. I would’ve been mistaken for an incognito celebrity. In this place – a dogwalker.

But it wasn’t our clothes people were staring at. It was Asa. Our dog is a standard poodle who doesn’t wear his hair in any of the traditional poodle cuts. We usually get him short, cuts all around so he looks sort of like an Airedale. This often prompts people to look at him, wondering what breed he his. Our groomers give us shit for not asking for something fancier, but we like the way he looks. Several people approached us, saying things like, “I just have to ask, what kind of dog is he?” or “What a beautiful cinnamon boy!” (He’s apricot in color). The majority of him asked his name, which I readily revealed. After the 6th or 7th inquisitor, though, I began to have fun.

A woman approached, asking the standard questions. When she inquired about his name, my improv-addled mind pushed me to blurt out, “Alistair”. Milton stifled a laugh and PGirl shot me a smirk. After the lady left, my wife asked, “What are you doing?”. I smiled back, “Just having a laugh!”.

A few moments later, another lady approached us with the name question. I replied, “Acadian Driftwood”. She didn’t bat an eye. Milton was having a hard time not busting up this time. We walked over to the grass across from the singing area to listen to the kids. Several more people and their dogs visited with us, but no one was asking his name. I was getting anxious. Finally, the next mark approached.

“What is your poodle’s name?”. I started running through a short list of ridiculous “A” names. Before I could settle on one, she cut me off with her next question. “Is it Coco?”. I choked back a laugh. Coco was a brilliant name. My voice quivering, I said. “No. His name is…”. I was having difficulty coming up with a clever name. “Coco” kept ringing in my ears. I gave up and gave in. “Asa.”, I said. “His name is Asa”. She walked away from us and Milton and I gave up our fun and games.

Woman Of The Year

2007-06-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

In honor of my dear wife Preppy Girl's thirty@#$$#$$% birthday (last Sunday), I present to y'all...

Thirteen Things You Might Not Know About Preppy Girl

She is a bonified expert in romantic comedies. No joke here. She watches as many as she can see in what free time she has (even made for cable). As much as I bitch about "Prince and Me 2" and "The Cutting Edge 2" and "Ashton Kutcher Drags Amanda Peet Down To His Sublevel Piece of Crap RomCom", her knowledge of these films astounds me.
She once did a pub crawl in Bemus Point with a blow up doll. His name (modified with a permanent marker.....Mr. Tud. They weren't alone, but with her bridesmaids at her bachelorette party.
She took me home to meet her mother on our third date. Boy did I have her family fooled! In a foreshadowing moment, I spent part of the evening talking trivia on the phone with my future B.I.L. and fellow Guest, Mr. Social.
She introduced me to the joys of Key West. Which we attempt to recreate on every subsequent trip. Seriously. We almost always hit Hog's Breath Saloon, Captain Tony's, The Book Store, Blue Heaven and The Conch Train Tour.
She can always talk me down. From whatever trips my fuse.
She is an excellent teacher. To her employees, to our kids and to me (with all things Microsoft Office.)
She rode on Kentucky Colonel's motorcycle. And flipped me the bird on I-75.
She is a great gift buyer/giver/wrapper. Very good taste all around.
She is a competitive dart thrower. Having played in a league in Florida, she has taught me the sport and hopefully will teach it to our kiddoes.
She is a Jeep fanatic. We've owned or leased three since we've been together. That Patriot is looking good and affordable! Even the kids had a Jeep rocking chair when they were infants.
She hung out with one of the villains from "Crocodile Dundee 2". No lie.
Her hair looks really good when it is up. It looks good whether in an up-do or just clipped in.
She has three tattoos. And one of them makes a sound when pressed upon...

Just Words

2007-06-28T06:07:00.001-07:00

I've recently been informed that Galoot's Hoot Page has been nominated for "Best Local Blog" in the Chautauqua Region Word weekly arts/entertainment paper. Certainly, I am honored by even being considered for this distinction, but I have to give some credit to those blogs which I read often. Included are websites I visit often.

Preppy Girl's Guide - By the woman who got me into blogging just over a year ago. My wife, my soulmate, my love. A window into our humble life in Western New York.
And You Know What Else - The mostly anonymous "R" is a young, married and funny lawyer who is married to a galoot-like fellow, also working in law. Takes me back to the days before we had kids.
Mama Drama - The Houston Chronicle hosts blogs by several moms at various stages in their lives. My favorite to read is by Jenny Lawson, who also has a more profane blog - The Bloggess.
Starry Night Boutique - Preppy Girl's same sex soulmate and BFF, the Princess herself, gives us a unique look into life in her midwestern town. Imaginary friends, hairless cats and angry drivers rule.
In Java, Literally... - Runs a close second to Preppy Girl for my vote for favorite local blog. WRFA's newsreader and improv audience regular enlightens the world to her existence in the Southern Tier, including her husband - a government official and skateboarder.
What Jeff Killed - A large orange cat in California is "death itself" to the other critters in his domain. His adopted owners document his exploits graphically and with humor.
Chautauqua Area Music Profile - Ever wonder what musicians from my part of the state talk about? Surprisingly, not much about music. Check out the forums for threads of local debate.
Post Journal - Jamestown's own newspaper has improved since I moved here five years ago, but it still has a ways to go. Check out the letters section for the Bill O'Reilly wannabes and the opinions section for the editor's "fair and balanced" comments.
G-Mail - Google mail is the only account I have that hasn't been spammed.
Harry Shearer - Visit on Wednesdays for a rebroadcast of his Sunday night, one man, many voices program "Le Show".
Arts Council - The website for my workplace. New and improving. And I helped!
Weather Channel - More bugs than Weather Bug, but I still visit for the forecast.
Chautauqua Region Word - Arts, entertainment, cartoons and more.

Where It's At

2007-06-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Busy beavers are we in Western New York.

Jamestown has been the location of several events since Memorial Day weekend.

Lucy-Desi days came and went - though we skipped town after a late-night improv set.
The Gus Macker tournament took over 3rd street for a few days as did the...
...Wild Rib Cook Off, which expanded this year.
Yassou - St. Nicholas' church's annual Greek festival took down its tents today. PGirlJr. and GalootJr. each took several turns on the dancing platform. Icing on the cake is the church only being 8 blocks away from our house.

The Sopranos ended its run a week ago tonight. I've only seriously watched the show for the last two seasons, but loved every minute I saw, including the final episode. Without getting into spoilers, I will say that the last five minutes of the show were gripping, and I was immensely satisfied with the ambiguous nature of the conclusion. I'm sick of reading t.v. critics trying to rally people behind them by claiming that David Chase let the fans down. As if all of the bitchers out there could agree on an ending to the story.

Father's Day was cool. PGirl and GalootJr. surprised me last night with the gift of a new DVD player. This one upgrades regular images up to near the quality of High Def - which our newest TV is equipped with. We watched "For Your Consideration" on it. Very funny movie. This morning we had breakfast with the Silver Fox, The Greater Spy and his family. Then we headed down to visit with The Organ Grinder and Saint Eileen for some lunch and dessert. All is well!

PSlea and Monkey visited with the kiddoes last week. Having them around was a blast. Reminded me of when my Uncle Bill, Aunt Maureen and their 3 kids lived with us in Long Island 30 years ago. We did birthday parties for PGirlJr. and my niece, attended a ballet recital for PGirlJr., did an improv show, cooked in, ordered in and more. Monkey and I finally had a boy's night out with The Greater Spy, Ian and Kip, doing the Jamestown pub crawl until the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Billiard balls were played and darts were thrown (including one plastic one at my hand, due to a sadistic tradition that The Unexpected Guests have). Can't wait to see our Illini brethren again!

Kids

2007-06-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

My children are consistent in making me crack up. Regarding their recent exploits:

Galoot Jr. - During our recent trip to the Kentucky Colonel's homestead:

Climbed into Colonel's car. When I lifted him out of it, an unpleasant smell wafted past my nostrils. I set the boy down in the driveway (in front of Mick, Mrs. Mick and a few other party guests) and asked if he had pooped his pants. After GJr. said he hadn't, I pulled back the waist band of his shorts and stuck my face down there to take a look. Without hesitation, the boy blasted an air biscuit, inches from my mug. While the small crowd laughed, GJr. walked a few steps, stretched his arms out and continued on his way.
Peed off of the back porch into the grass. A perfect, golden arc into the lush bluegrass. He then pulled his shorts up, clapped his hands together and rubbed them. A new day had dawned.

PGirl Jr.

During the trip to Kentucky, she flirted throughout the afternoon with a 12 year old boy who was a cousin's guest. During a game of head to head Halo, she sat next to her object of affection, hands on her knees, giggling at everything he said and did.
This morning, as we pulled out of the driveway, we noticed three rabbits on the lawn, eating their breakfast. PGJr. said that rabbits are good because they don't bite people. I told her that, any wild animal had the potential to bite if they were scared. PGJr. remarked, "If a rabbit bites someone, they become Rabbit Man.". "Like Spiderman?", I asked. She replied, "Yes."

The Real Dressing Room - Florida

2007-05-22T15:52:00.001-07:00

This is an improvised video shot in 1995 at Florida Atlantic University. It was made backstage during the production of "Measure For Measure", taped, directed and edited by cast member Bron Barry - no relation, but a very cool dude who's living and working in L.A. now.

I love, how, only a few years into the Real World's existence, we "young people" knew what utter bullshit it was. I'm pretty sure we made this around between San Francisco and London seasons. Look for Jimmy McJamestown (pictured above), Charlie Berfield, Keven Scotti, Reggie Garcon, Paul Casali, Des Gallant and many others (including Bron!), improvising our hearts out.

Now that I know the rules of improv, I'm picking my performance apart (it has been 12 years since I've seen this). But it is kind of fun to watch. Thanks to Bron for posting this! Beware, it is almost 18 minutes long and contains profanities. Enjoy!

A Quick One While She's Away...

2007-05-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

What is up?

Work and home are busy, busy, busy now!

Some updates:

Asa got a haircut at Groomingdale's yesterday. We kept some hair on his muzzle, ears and tail. He looks freaky! But I love it. I spoke with our groomer about some Halloween cuts for October....

Galoot Jr. and myself are getting haircuts tonight. Fun stuff.

I've been growing a beard for a play reading in June. I'll be playing Buffalo Bill at an unveiling for a wood-cut, billboard that was uncovered on the side of my office's building a few years ago. This thing is vintage and very cool. Please don't laugh at our website. We'll be presenting a new one soon!

It took a few seasons, but it appears that Jim and Pam might finally be getting together on The Office! Very funny, very cool episode. I've already seen conspiracy theories on the net regarding Ryan's taking the job at corporate. Remember when Wallace said it would be nice to have another M.B.A. at work? Ryan is still in business school, no? Big theory is Wallace was talking to Karen, then Karen was the one talking to Ryan. What do you think? In other sweeps-period type developments, one of the gals I dated in graduate school was playing, Grace, the receptionist at Dunder-Mifflin in NYC! PGirl was very pleased when I paused the image to reveal this to her!

We're going to attempt a marathon trip next week. On Thursday, PGirl and I will drive 3 hours east to Elmira and catch my mentor's production of Cabaret at the college. On Friday night, we'll be back in town for The Unexpected Guests annual Lucy-Desi Days show. Early on Saturday morning, we're going to beat it out of town to vist the Colonel, the Mick, Momma Hen and Taken for a Memorial Day weekend hootenanny!

Uninspired....

2007-05-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

...so I'll steal another type of entry. From PSlea,

Four Things about Me

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1) Puppeteer - For a very brief stint, I worked two puppets for an ill-conceived, ill-fated Saturday morning, 6am, public access, children's show that basically served to sell a video of the puppets (with different performers). One character was a cowboy/cyclone and the other was a Rastafarian, rotary telephone. His name was Rastaphone.
2) Usher/Concessions Dude - I worked at Loew's Cinemas in Florence, Kentucky. At that time, nine auditoriums were considered a multiplex. Itchy polyester pants. Free popcorn and movies. I served Ozzy Osbourne and his entourage.
3) Camp Counselor - My first job stretched out over 3 summers at two different scout camps. Too many stories to tell here. The cub scout camp was the most fun though. Not because of the kids. No, the older guys on staff were like a fraternity and were insanely cool and funny.
4) Book/Music Seller - I helped to open the Border's in Boynton Beach, Florida eleven years ago. If I went back into retail, I'd consider that chain.

Four places I have lived:
1) Islip, New York - My first memories were in an old house on Long Island. We lived a few miles from the ocean. It is congested as hell now, but I like visiting when I can.
2) Delray Beach, Florida - I rented a very cool, recently renovated little apartment from Jimmy McJamestown's folks. Only stayed for 4 months. It was about 50 yards from a 7-11.
3) Deerfield Beach, Florida - Shacked up with PGirl for almost 2 years before we married. Her first condo.
4) Northern Kentucky - My formative years were spent in this part of the southern midwest. Mere miles from Cincinnati and B.F.E.

FOUR TV SHOWS I LIKE TO WATCH
I think I recommended some shows in a previous entry...

Four Places I've Been on Vacation:
1) Ireland - Weeks before my wedding, my family went and visited my Mom's cousins.
2) Key West - Possibly my favorite place to go.
3) Lake Cumberland, Kentucky - Houseboating for a week - several hundred dollars. Beer in a dry county - 50 bucks. Going nude down a slide into the water at midnight - priceless!
4) Warren, Pennsylvania - As a 14 year old. Don't try this. Ever.

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
1) Sushi
2) Pizza
3) Bagels with cream cheese, salmon and capers.
4) Bacon

I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1) Home.
2) Mother's Day morning.
3) Key West
4) At a Pavement concert.

Silver Screen

2007-05-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! A lot of blogging folks seem to be on a movie kick. I'll chime in here.

The family will be packing in the "man"ivan soon to head over to the Park 60 Drive In. At dusk, we'll be watching "Spiderman 3", munching on popcorn and trying to keep the kids from killing each other. I love the drive-in, because we can all see a movie together without GalootJr. making a run for the exits before the first reel is over.

I'm looking forward to seeing this movie. Hopefully it will be entertaining. What follows are my favorite super hero movies. In no particular order...

Spiderman 2 - Perfect balance of humor, hubris and action. This one managed to be a Sam Raimi movie, while preserving the integrity of Peter Parker.
X-Men - Not bad for an "origin" story. Wolverine's entrance was memorable.
X-Men 2 - Nightcrawler was well realized here. Shame the controls were turned over to Brett Ratner for number 3.
Superman - Still rocks my world after almost 30 years. I loved Christopher Reeves' take on the character.
Blade - Thoroughly entertaining bit of vampire killing. Wesley Snipes owned the character.
Superman 2 - Richard Donner was asked to leave production after much of this one was in the can. I'd like to see his cut that is available on DVD.
Batman Begins - Very, very cool! Almost perfect cast all-around.
Batman - I liked the music, the sets and the costumes. I'm still not crazy about Michael Keaton though. And Jack Nicholson was good, not great.
Ghost World - Based on a graphic novel about two teens facing life after high school graduation. Funny. Sad. Quirky.

While We're On This Subject...

2007-04-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

My favorite places to eat breakfast are...

Aldo's - A Jamestown greasy spoon. It is what it is. Some of the best diner food I've ever had.
Stringtown - A Florence, Kentucky greasy spoon. Best biscuits and gravy!
Denny's - If you can't eat at a local place, find one of these chains.
Tom Sawyer's - A Boca Raton joint that serves breakfast in a pot. Literally. Three biscuits on the bottom, covered with gravy, topped with scrambled eggs with whatever you like and sprinkled with cheese.
Bagel City South - Cram a bunch of tables and chairs into a small Jewish deli and this is what you get. If you can't make it to a New York City diner, this is the Boca Raton version.
Bob Evans - 2nd best biscuits and gravy ever.
Original Pancake House - IHOP? I don't think so.

Honorable Mentions -

Cracker Barrel - Pretty good southern food, yes. But I hate, hate, hate, waiting forty five minutes to get a table. The gift shop can only hold my attention for so long.
Coffee Cup - This Jamestown restaurant has the best monthly breakfast specials of any breakfast joint I've been to. The waitresses are really nice, but...for a place with this name, they should really try to give you a refill more than they do.

Glorious Food

2007-04-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Ingloriously Ripped From Jenny at Mama Drama

1- Can you cook? If yes, do you like to cook?
I can cook and I love it. I'm getting better at cleaning as I go.

2 - When does your whole family come together to eat?
Usually everyone is at the table 4-5 times a week.

3 - What do you have for breakfast?
Breakfast bar or bowl of cereal most of the week. Sometimes a bagel with salmon, cream cheese and capers from Timothy's. Big breakfast (bacon, eggs, etc.) once a week.

4 - How often do you eat out?
Once a week.

5 - How often do you order-in or take-away?
Once a week (alternates with #4).

6 - Re: 5 & 6 - If money was no question, would you like to do it more often?
Not necessarily. If money wasn't a question, I'd probably cook more.

7- Are there any quarrels because of food?
PGirl Jr. is notoriously picky. I have a thin skin sometimes when cooking breakfast.

8 - Are you vegetarian or can you imagine living vegetarian?
I could be a vegetarian. Just a matter of finding what you like.

9 - What would you like to try out that you haven't dared yet?
Beef Tartar.

10 - Would you rather cook or bake?
Cook. I'll bake once we get a stand mixer.

11 - What do your kids like to eat best? What would your kids never eat?
They like mac and cheese, pizza, some pasta. They don't like certain vegetables.

12 - What do you dislike most?
Processed American cheese slices.

13-what are you hungry for right now? Sushi.

Monday, Monday

2007-04-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

While driving today - a lot of miles - I remembered on book trilogy that should have been on the list. The Barrytown Trilogy by Roddy Doyle. These books follow the Rabbit family of Northern Ireland. The first book, "The Commitments", was made into a film in the early '90's. "The Snapper" and "The Van" were also made into films. Though I love "The Commitments", "The Snapper" is my absolute favorite. Trivia: Colm Meaney of "Star Trek Deep Space Nine", played the patriarch in each film, though the names of the family changed after the 1st film.

I drove 3 hours to Rochester this morning for a two hour regional meeting of my peers. I decided to take an alternate route home that would have gotten me back in the same amount of time. When looking at the map, I realized if I drove an hour out of my route, I could surprise my old college professor and mentor, John Kelly. We met in college in Missouri. He's since taught in Louisiana and got his current job in Elmira, New York last year. With the help of PGirl on Mapquest (like Chloe Sullivan from "24") I managed to walk into a production meeting John was having for his spring musical. He smiled and was otherwise unfazed, saying something like, "You made it."

Elmira is a lovely little town. We talked about doing a two man show this summer for charity. Should be fun.

PGirl Jr. has the chicken pox. Check out my wife's blog for details.

I sewed a button on my favorite work pants this weekend. When I showed it off to PGirl and Galoot Jr. (who were sitting down at the time), my crotch was level with the boy's face. I tugged on the button, an action which my son mistook for my making water. Quote Jr., "Don't pee on me! I'm not a toilet."

The local news - a Time Warner cable station - revisited my improv troupe last month for a VIP Chautauqua piece. They aired interviews and performance footage of us for three consecutive segments over the last few weeks. As soon as it is up on Mr. Social's YouTube page, I'll post a link. If you don't want to place my voice with my mug, don't watch it!

Read All About It

2007-04-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Ten Book Series I Have Enjoyed Throughout The Years:

His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman - A young girl bridges several alternate earths (including ours) and combats a bureaucratic government with the help of a Texas hot air ballon pilot, a talking polar bear, gypsies, witches and a boy from America. Sounds hokey, but it isn't. In Lyra's world, the soul manifests itself as an animal which is always by your side. Unless someone tries to seperate them....
Harry Potter - The first book was a joy to read, as a young orphan finally found a home at a school of magic. The fourth book was a classic middle of the journey story (think "Empire Strikes Back"). As the books have become longer, the story has become darker, richer and more involved.
The Great Brain - Fun vignettes about a boy in turn of the century Utah who schemes his way through life. Ferris Bueller as a Mormon.
Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - If Monty Python had written books about science fiction/fantasy...
Ramona/Henry Huggins - Sister Juanita would read these to us in the fourth grade. Beverly Cleary rocked.
Macdonald Hall - Two Ferris Bueller-y types play pranks in a Canadian boarding school. Written by a then-juvenile Gordon Korman.
The Three Investigators - Three Hardy Boy-esque archetypes (fat kid, jock kid, non-descript kid) solve local mysteries. Bonus points for having a secret, airstream trailer base in a junk yard.
Lonesome Dove - The original is a classic, the sequel - a dark, dark wrap-up and the prequels were fair to middling. Catch the miniseries, all of which are pretty decent. The last book released (number 2 in chronological order) is supposed to be televised this year on CBS. With Val Kilmer no less!
Xanth - Piers Anthony's characters were based on mythological creatures and magicians who live in a land not unlike Florida. Several generations of characters are covered in these books. A lot of winking references to modern conveyances.
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader - Perfect for long or short hauls on the porcelain throne.

Three series I should read:

The Lord of The Rings - I still haven't made it through "The Two Towers" yet. I think I was spoiled by the movies.
The Chronicles of Narnia - Sounds cool enough.
The Dark Tower - I have a copy of the first trade paperback of the first book on my night stand. Trying hard to get through it. I need to just plow through the damn thing until I'm hooked.

Boob Tube

2007-04-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Quick and Cheap today....

Thirteen Television Shows You Should Be Watching:

The Office - Since beginning as a virtual copy of the British version with the pilot, this one has come into its own. The Jim and Pam story arc is painfully realistic and it looks like they'll wait until the season finale to come to a resolution (if any). Steve Carell's character tries so hard to please everyone and usually fails. Best pushing the envelope lines since "Arrested Development".
30 Rock - I didn't start watching this until mid-season, but I love it. If you enjoy Alec Baldwin's commitment to absurd characters on "Saturday Night Live", then you should like this show. Eccentric characters abound. This show is like "My Name Is Earl", but without the heart.
Mythbusters - Fun for the whole family! If you've ever wanted to see old proverbs, urban legends and myths tested scientifically, this show is for you. Things often explode on this program.
Friday Night Lights - Imagine the best parts of "My So Called Life" and "Once and Again" mashed up with a season of rural Texas high school football and you get this gem. Like a lot of NBC shows, you can catch up with repeats on Bravo. Hopefully they'll do a marathon soon!
Battlestar Galactica - The producers took the premise of the original ABC series and infused it with dramatic story arcs. Not just a sci-fi show. There are robots, robots who look like humans, and the humans they may or may not want to kill off. Some former "Deep Space Nine" people work on this show.
Pardon The Interruption - A daily dose of sporting news, delivered and debated by two balding sports writers from D.C. Fun, informative and bombastic.
The Daily Show - The first 10 minutes of this show are some of the funniest comedy you'll see in a given week, month or year.
Conan O'Brien - Still rocking late night after several years on the air. The comedy bits before and after the 1st interview are worth recording the show.
Saturday Night Live - Some folks still think the first season was the best. I say you can't compare them that way. The topical humor of the mid 70's only flies on cable stations now. Love it or hate it, the show still manages to knock you on your ass, laughing at least once each episode. Best line of the season, "Bobby McFerrin raped my grandmother." And for those MadTV folks out there who like to bash SNL regularly, you are invited to the grown up table to feast on some adult comedy any time.
The Venture Brothers - A scientist, his idiot-teenaged sleuth sons and their homicidal bodyguard try to get by in life while being targeted by a butterfly themed villain named The Monarch. You really have to see this cartoon to believe it. By far, the best use of Patrick Warburton's voice in an animated series, ever.
24 - This season has sucked and blowed like never before, but I'm hanging with it to see how they'll wrap it up. Ricky "The Ricker" Schroeder showed up a few episodes ago as a Jack Bauer type without all the family baggage. Greatest line of the season - when Ricky's character enters a warehouse where Bauer has recently dispatched ten terrorists with bullets and then hanged their leader on a chain in order to secure two nuclear bombs. Ricky's line, "Damn Jack!"
Austin City Limits - Unshackle yourself from terrestrial radio, "American Idol", MTV and anything run by Clear Channel to see some truly diverse musical acts in a live setting. Check local listings as it airs on PBS.
Project Runway - And I though "Top Chef" was great. This competition for clothing designers provided the template for all the other Bravo knockoffs.

Seven Songs

2007-04-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

I didn't get tagged for this one, but I liked it so much, that I had to share. Basically you pick seven songs that you've been listening to and tag seven friends to share. Here are my picks:

1. “Listening Man” by The Bees (U.K.) - This one has been playing on Sirius a lot lately. I sounds like Bob Marley by a bunch of white dudes. Like UB40 without the crap remake baggage. I don't think the album is out yet. These guys are real throwbacks.
2. “Jacksonville” by Sufjan Stevens - I posted a link to a live video version of this tune a few months ago. The recorded version is good, but the live version is better. The only song about Helen Keller that I know about.
3. “Rise Up With Fists” by Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins - Lewis reminds me of Neko Case with a better singing voice. A lot of her songs are alt-country, but (as my friend Conroe put it) there's some blue-eyed soul in their as well.
4. “Company In My Back” by Wilco - This one's gotta be a few years old now, but I still love it. I have no idea what it is about, but it is a beautiful track.
5. “He War” by Cat Power - Another song from the recent past. I like the overdubs of Chan Marhsall with her own lead vocal.
6. “A Method” – by TV On The Radio - Last summer I heard this song over and over on WOXY.com. Nice studio song, but I wonder what the live version is like.
7. Unknown - by Half Japanese – Jad and David Fair are a couple of brothers who taught themselves how to play instruments and recorded a lot of music. Think Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes fronting The Minutemen. I don’t know the title of the song, but I heard it in a documentary about the band a couple of weeks ago. I wrote an email to Jad Fair, asking him for the title. We’ll see if he gets back to me!

Tag: Brother Mick, Preppygirl, PSlea, Mr. Social, Julia, TCrowe and Momma Hen

Guilty Pleasure of the Week: The Bridge - A soft rock channel on Sirius. I almost stayed in the car last week to finish hearing "Blue Bayou" by Linda Ronstadt.

Keeping It Real

2007-04-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Movie boyfriends? Movie girlfriends? Have all of you blogesses gone insane? If you're going to crush on a media personality, at least choose real people and not characters on the silver screen. I present to you:

Eight Of My Television News Girlfriends

Ann Curry - She's exotic and reads the news really well. Plus, she's vulnerable from losing the "Today" anchor job to Meredith. I'm here for you Ann.
Robin Meade - Finally, CNN has put her name on the morning show she does. You rock my world Robin.
Chris Jansing - She kind of looks like a manga character, but since her hair has grown out, it kind of balance out her features. MSNBC stands for My Super Nubile Broadcasting Crush.
Campbell Brown - She must be like, 6 feet 2 inches or something. Sort of tomboyish. Lenny likes!
Jodi Applegate - Whatever ever became of...? Jodi was like a shorter, more wholesome version of Campbell. She rocked my weekend "Today" visits.
Natalie Morales - Muy caliente!
Maryalice Demler - Our Buffalo NBC co-anchor. Former beauty queen, though she doesn't flaunt it. The only brunette with frosted tips that keeps the crunch in my cereal.
Hannah Storm - Emigrated from the sporting news world into that crapfest at CBS. Hannah, you can join my morning news team any day!

And Five Who Missed The Cut:

Katie Couric - You used to be cute, but the blond dye has affected your look for the worse. You should really consult someone in wardrobe.
Jodi Johnston- Another morning person from Buffalo. The clothes she chooses have done her in.
Meredith Viera - I lusted after you on "West 57th" years ago. But "The View" showed some sides of you I'm just not crazy for. Sorry.
Connie Chung - You chose Maury over me. Whatev.
Soledad O'Brien - We could have had something.

Who Are You?

2007-04-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

Another acquaintance from my college days has been in the blogosphere for several months now. Unlike my other chums from Fayette, Missouri in the nineties, I do not know the identity of this person. She is being coy and dropping hints here and there, but she hasn't cracked yet. Looks like we'll have to use the process of elimination here:

She isn't Tony Vrooman, Dino English or Tony Primeau because those guys are dudes.
She isn't Flybunny because Flybunny is Flybunny.
She isn't Gwen Stefani, because Gwen Stefani sucks.
She isn't old girlfriend, Doctor SLK, because I don't think my old flame would want to reveal much in a blog.
She isn't Doctor SLK's old roommate Doctor H, because she is even less likely to blog.
She isn't the always entertaining MelMcD. because she said so.
She isn't TCrowe, because Skippy has TCrowe to himself in a cool house in Rocheport.

I'm not going to give out other names I'm thinking here, because I'm not feeling like it. But this is kind of fun.

P.S. Tracy, she might be one of your music sorority sisters or a theatre sorority sister...