The Power of Books

This is a duplicate post that was also noted on YPC's blog today. I found it an arresting set of images about the power of imagination and the written word. It is apparently from a design firm called Interesting and Creative Designs. I am both drawn to the photos and the diverse imagery they "unleash." Bold choices that make you wonder. Passing them on to enjoy as well and spark some thought. I should read more!!!!

Missing Andy Williams

I have always been a huge fan of Andy since my childhood days. He was the epitome of the 60s crooner and always sounded as smooth as silk. I remember the very young Osmonds being part of his show and was even more smitten with him then. I was also lucky enough to see him in his later years a decade ago in Branson and his voice was still just as mocha smooth.

In the years since, I have scoured vintage bins and amassed and nice collection of his hits but also his forgotten gems. My favorite two are 1959's Lonely Street which was the personification of romance and Under Paris Skies from 1960 where he really kicks it with the Quincy Jones orchestra swinging. If any one ever needs an Andy fix - let me know.

the Ivey Awards

Sadly - I was overlooked by the Academy again this year at last night's Ivey Awards. I suppose it was because the emphasis this year was on the technical categories at the show and that is not my strong suit. I actually thought the show itself fell a bit flat. It was a great year if you were performing in a production that featured Judy Garland. Host Shanan Custer definitely brought some panache to the proceedings, but this year's concept of "Make a Scene" didn't muster the excitement of past years. I still miss the original days of open seating where you could sit next to friends and colleagues without the hassle of reservations and late seaters stumbling over your lap because they were too long at the bar in the lobby and missed the opening number :(

There was an abundance of performances - some clunkers and some winners. Experimental theater still pushes my boundaries of tolerance even though I know everyone should have a place at the table. Maybe it is just that my sense of humor is pretty direct and something esoteric doesn't tickle my funny bone. Everyone likes a good musical theater romp though and who cares which theaters performed last year. Bring on the dancing girls and show tunes - that's what they want at the Tony's & Oscar's.

Humble speeches, beautiful dresses (Norah Long, Michelle Carter & Perrin Post), and a posh after party. I was a bit hesitant when I heard Le Meridien. But there was plenty of room to spread out, take in the skyline upstairs and the art work on the walls. Another banner year in Twin Cities theater. Maybe Next Time.

To Be or Not To Be

The marriage debate lingers on and on. Waiting for the upcoming election with both trepidation and a bit of exhaustion as to how it will play out. I still fear the numbers are against us when in the hands of people like this. Equal parts funny and tragic. How does one justify it??

Glee & Color Guard

Can I be more excited. Two of the things I love most are joining forces. On the 2nd episode of this season, we will get to see the color guard of William McKinley High. Yippee. I had heard this was a strong possibility.

Every year at the WGI National championships, they hold a GIANT masterclass on the Sunday afternoon following finals. It has become a huge party to end the season where all the contenders can mix together after the stress of competition. The last few season it had been Mia Michaels from "So You Think You Can Dance." But this year, whether due to scheduling or some of her cancer treatment, she was not able. So instead Zach Woodlee from Glee was brought in. The world of color guard is a unique thing and everyone on the outside world has no idea what it really is. Needless to say he was blown away by the talent and creativity and I remember him being quoted as "we have to work this into the show." Thus the clip today on WGI telling the process for staging the number and when to expect it. Can't wait!

Join WGI's Road to Glee

and now for something Completely Ridiculous

This is shared from my friend Lisa on Facebook. We have the theater connection but this is something that borders on insane.

It is the closer from the 1983 Playboy Follies, which appears to be some sort of televised special. Although with the tittie pasties at the end, it would have never survived network airing. So it must have been the early days of cable and the end of disco. I will not bother to make any comments, leaving that all up to yours. It seems to have red, white & blue patriotics, gay chorus boys, tap dancing, a smoke machine and showgirls. What else could one possibly want?

Toy Story 4

This is both corny and endearing. But maybe a reminder of the child in us all.

It is the true story of a boy who lost his favorite toy, a blue monkey, and how his mother recovered it by accident on eBay 3 years later. It is warm in fuzzy in every sense. But I am betting that each of us had that one special keepsake from our past. Mine was "Beady Bear", a very plain and used stuffed bear. The last I knew, he was still found in a basement box at my mom's house. I stumbled onto him maybe 7-8 years ago. But after seeing this, I will make a point of digging him out and making some out of him in our very old ages.

Ah Ah the Blue Monkey

Scouts Honor

Continuing the drum corps season after the summer.... here is a teaser from a new documentary, hopefully to be released in 2013 pending funding. It is from the Madison Scouts and is titles "Scouts Honor." It profiles the recent season of the corps as they mount a comeback to the upper ranks of DCI and also the legacy that is the Madison Scouts. It is more than a drum corps, but more like a brotherhood. Those of us that were privileged to march understand that bond. Now with this film, others will get a glimpse of the inside perspective. Looking back on my history over 30 years ago, it is indeed and honor and has shaped some of the paths I still follow to this day.

Dusty Road

In these last dog days of the season, I stopped by DQ today after treating Waylon to a frolic in the Mississippi. I wasn't sure what I was craving; just the idea of the ice cream stand jumped out at me on the drive home. Somehow, I was taken back to my favorite sundae from my childhood - a Dusty Road Sundae. The kid at the counter had never heard of it, but was able to make one with my ingredient list:

It is topped with thick hot fudge, a layer of malt powder, and I always toss some peanuts in. So it looks like tar and dust over ice cream. While looking on line, it seems they are somewhat unique to PA and maybe the rest of the world is missing out. Just saying...

Tube Talk

On reading my morning tablet blogs - I am starting to catch heavy winds of the Arrested Development reboot. It is currently filming and will be airing come the new year on Netflix. Thank God I have instant view and will be first in line to watch it. It pushed so many buttons and moved so fast that it was beyond prime time compatibility. If not watched; you need to start at Episode 1 and follow through to the Finale where they roasted the very FOX network they were being shown on.

In addition to the ENTIRE Bluth family cast, it seems that even every recurring role is also on board = Judy Greer @ Kitty, Scott Baio @ Bob Loblaw (say the name and you get his gist), & Henry Winkler @ Barry Zuckethorn. We can only hope that Liza will follow suit in her epic Lucille II role. Must See TV!

the Bluth family reunion

And this from another favored site; Shortlist.com. Artist Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has created new design works where he reconstructs detailed renderings of the floor plans from some of our favorite sit-coms. Ever wonder what the apartment complex would have looked like on Friends? How about the Frasier penthouse? All here, check.
Awesome sitcom floorplans