Yes, I blog after not blogging for ages, and I'm talking teeth. TEETH!
At 10:30 this morning my implant landed, and I can now plan on chewing on both sides of my mouth. I say "plan" for one must gently introduce said implant to the idea, over the next two weeks. (It's been over a year since that space had to do anything, after all.)
Isn't that fabulous?
(If that sounds pathetic, you must be under 40. File this away for later reference. Trust me, it won't sound quite so pathetic later on.)
We also have a bright yellow living room, for my Linda is following the suggestions of our feng shui consultant, and so our subtle green living room had to go. The problem? Green = growth, which is not a good idea when cancer is around, naturally.
Otherwise, there's not much new to report, but this [fill-in-your-favorite-expletive] implant has been vexing me for over a year (maybe two!), so this qualifies as good news.
And in case you missed it, we've been needing some good news around here.
Which reminds me: My bum knee also got the green light. I can exercise now. Woop-dee-do!
(That was a little bit of overkill, because while I appreciate being able to exercise, I really love the idea of being able to chew. It's all about priorities, people.)
One last exciting bit: Our friend Jennifer was on the cover of today's Daily Hampshire Gazette! Above the fold!!
Congratulations, Jennifer!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Studio on a Saturday rarely disappoints....
And Saturday's show was no exception. My set went well, even though I had the ignoble task of being the first comic on the roster (after Rick opened, Jennifer was quick to point out). I took a bullet for the team, but it didn't hurt--the set worked, and that's all that matters. The best part of being first is that once my work was done, I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the show--for before I got up on stage, I was a wreck nervosa. But according to at least one comic, it didn't show (thanks, Sandy).
As for highlights, Jennifer unleashed a callback that was just perfection.
On the other side of the spectrum, there was a comic who appeared to want to make a mockery of right-wing bigoted nut jobs, but instead just said a lot of things that were too mean-spirited to be funny. People were uncomfortable, yet the comic soldiered on--or was that what he wanted? (Me, I need a little warmer response than that to keep going.) It was an attempt at parody that failed, and only made me appreciate how difficult this comedy business can be. (It also made me grateful that I don't go in for characters and the like--my innate character will have to do.)
Well, that's it for shows for the foreseeable. I'll let you know when and if something else comes up, but I have a feeling it won't be until the fall. Stay tuned....
As for highlights, Jennifer unleashed a callback that was just perfection.
On the other side of the spectrum, there was a comic who appeared to want to make a mockery of right-wing bigoted nut jobs, but instead just said a lot of things that were too mean-spirited to be funny. People were uncomfortable, yet the comic soldiered on--or was that what he wanted? (Me, I need a little warmer response than that to keep going.) It was an attempt at parody that failed, and only made me appreciate how difficult this comedy business can be. (It also made me grateful that I don't go in for characters and the like--my innate character will have to do.)
Well, that's it for shows for the foreseeable. I'll let you know when and if something else comes up, but I have a feeling it won't be until the fall. Stay tuned....
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Girls! Girls! Girls! review
This was a very happy-making show for yours truly, in part because a great deal of people came out to see The Comedy on my behalf (21 peeps, per one friend) and in part because some new, Linda- and illness-related material worked (whew!). Was also very happy to perform with a very talented group of women--including Andrea Henry, who gave me an update on her baby Eve.
As performance nights go, they don't get much better than this. Good to know I can make the people laugh despite all the very un-funny business swirling around me.
My one remaining show for the foreseeable is on May 31 in Cambridge, and I likely won't be trying to get anything new going until the fall, when my gal is out of the woods.
As performance nights go, they don't get much better than this. Good to know I can make the people laugh despite all the very un-funny business swirling around me.
My one remaining show for the foreseeable is on May 31 in Cambridge, and I likely won't be trying to get anything new going until the fall, when my gal is out of the woods.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Friendship redefined
I'm sorry if you've already seen this, but I had to share it here (it's also on the CaringBridge site--pardon any repeats). A friend of Linda's sent her a framed version of the following:
Friendship
Friendship is like pissing in your pants,
Everyone can see it,
But only you can feel its true warmth.
Thank you for being the piss in my pants.
Of course, "You are the wind beneath my wings" comes instantly to mind....
Friendship
Friendship is like pissing in your pants,
Everyone can see it,
But only you can feel its true warmth.
Thank you for being the piss in my pants.
Of course, "You are the wind beneath my wings" comes instantly to mind....
Friday, April 25, 2008
Pardon my vanishing act
This blog has been getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop, for I have been devoting my spare time to updating another blog--a CaringBridge site I developed for my gal Linda's large and far-flung group of friends and coworkers.
As you may have guessed, Linda's surgery on April 1 didn't go quite as well as we had hoped. She's starting chemotherapy next week, and until we get through to the other side of this particular journey, I probably won't be blogging much.
Well, except to vent about things that have no business on Linda's site. (Like my wish for a particularly hot place in Hades for those who design trojan viruses--not very nice of me, but really not very nice of them, either. So there.)
As you may have guessed, Linda's surgery on April 1 didn't go quite as well as we had hoped. She's starting chemotherapy next week, and until we get through to the other side of this particular journey, I probably won't be blogging much.
Well, except to vent about things that have no business on Linda's site. (Like my wish for a particularly hot place in Hades for those who design trojan viruses--not very nice of me, but really not very nice of them, either. So there.)
Friday, March 28, 2008
The benefit of benefits....
Had a good show at the Bluebonnet Diner last night, even if I didn't manage to have any pie. (I keep forgetting that one of the Bluebonnet's major claims to fame is pie. How can one forget such an important fact? HOW?)
Anyway, the show featured students of our own professor of comedy, Jerry Caruso, including yours truly and a fellow alumna, Holly Givens (she has some wonderful new material on her wedding, which is great, since I missed it--and now feel a little caught up).
Anyway, two students of a very recent class performed and did well for their first time in front of a "real" audience--I mean they spoke, formed sentences, and had punchlines. That impresses the heck outta me. And one gal who had dropped from the scene for a while came back--and I was very glad to see and hear her material. She's got the quirky market cornered, indeed.
One newbie even interacted with the audience. I haven't had the nerve to do that yet (five years since graduation--or is it four?).
Best of all, around $750 was raised for the Cancer Connection, which is a very good cause. If one if going to have a bizarre avocation, it's great to have a bizarre avocation that can occasionally make money for good causes, no?
Was quite surprised and charmed to see some friends show up--and they offered some tremendous support re my gal Linda and her upcoming surgery. Well, offered up may not be the correct term--I asked them outright to think about Linda on the 1st, and they kindly complied.
In fact, I have been asking people all over to support her in any way they can, and have been offered thoughts, prayers, meditations and well wishes.
Hey--if it's positive, we'll take it. Anything and everything, cheerfully accepted! If it all helps Linda's surgery and recovery go well, then it's all been worth overriding my natural Midwestern inclination to not ask for help. (As it's not help for me, personally, it's a little easier--a flimsy loophole, but a loophole nonetheless.)
We're even dragging a Higher Authority into the mix, when this Sunday we become members of the Haydenville Congregational Church. Considering the prevailing views toward the likes of me and Linda in places of worship, joining a church was something I never thought I'd do. I thought I'd be spending the rest of my life in church basements, thank you, only darkening the door of sanctuaries for weddings and funerals.
So much for that.
Of course, I could just be becoming my mother, as women are wont to do. (She was an industrial-strength church lady, to put it mildly.)
If I find myself wanting to play bridge or join a Great Books club or even The Women's International League of Peace and Freedom, then I'll know I'm really on the road to Becoming Elaine....
Hey, if I've learned anything so far, it's this: You never know.
Anyway, the show featured students of our own professor of comedy, Jerry Caruso, including yours truly and a fellow alumna, Holly Givens (she has some wonderful new material on her wedding, which is great, since I missed it--and now feel a little caught up).
Anyway, two students of a very recent class performed and did well for their first time in front of a "real" audience--I mean they spoke, formed sentences, and had punchlines. That impresses the heck outta me. And one gal who had dropped from the scene for a while came back--and I was very glad to see and hear her material. She's got the quirky market cornered, indeed.
One newbie even interacted with the audience. I haven't had the nerve to do that yet (five years since graduation--or is it four?).
Best of all, around $750 was raised for the Cancer Connection, which is a very good cause. If one if going to have a bizarre avocation, it's great to have a bizarre avocation that can occasionally make money for good causes, no?
Was quite surprised and charmed to see some friends show up--and they offered some tremendous support re my gal Linda and her upcoming surgery. Well, offered up may not be the correct term--I asked them outright to think about Linda on the 1st, and they kindly complied.
In fact, I have been asking people all over to support her in any way they can, and have been offered thoughts, prayers, meditations and well wishes.
Hey--if it's positive, we'll take it. Anything and everything, cheerfully accepted! If it all helps Linda's surgery and recovery go well, then it's all been worth overriding my natural Midwestern inclination to not ask for help. (As it's not help for me, personally, it's a little easier--a flimsy loophole, but a loophole nonetheless.)
We're even dragging a Higher Authority into the mix, when this Sunday we become members of the Haydenville Congregational Church. Considering the prevailing views toward the likes of me and Linda in places of worship, joining a church was something I never thought I'd do. I thought I'd be spending the rest of my life in church basements, thank you, only darkening the door of sanctuaries for weddings and funerals.
So much for that.
Of course, I could just be becoming my mother, as women are wont to do. (She was an industrial-strength church lady, to put it mildly.)
If I find myself wanting to play bridge or join a Great Books club or even The Women's International League of Peace and Freedom, then I'll know I'm really on the road to Becoming Elaine....
Hey, if I've learned anything so far, it's this: You never know.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Update
Well, the delivery guy just called. From Westfield.
At 6:05 p.m.. The delivery window was 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
Nice.
(Sole, not soul.)
At 6:05 p.m.. The delivery window was 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
Nice.
(Sole, not soul.)
Well, so much for that
Today, a brand-new elliptical machine was supposed to be delivered to my door--well, down into my basement, actually (I paid $100 for that privilege--those suckers are heavy).
I had the basement all cleared out, my rowing machine and TONY LITTLE GAZELLE (snigger) well out of the way, the mat down for the machine to rest upon and so forth, but the delivery folks never showed.
Called the number for the delivery service, and got an answering machine. So, I'm wondering, did they have Good Friday off, too, but neglected to tell me?
Since I had wasted four hours of my holiday waiting for this thing, I decided I didn't want it after all. Doesn't seem right to reward that sort of behavior, in my book. Especially for a (for me) big-ticket item. I can take--no, expect--a lot of crap service when I'm buying stuff at the 7-11 or the like, but when the price is on the other side of $1K, my expectations go up, if only a little.
And boy, did they not deliver--literally or figuratively.
So, I will not be getting an elliptical any time soon. Even though that means I still have to use my GAZELLE (snort!) for the foreseeable.
So I cancelled the order. And get this--I get to pay a restocking fee, even though it was never delivered.
Isn't that something?
The company, in case you're wondering, is Sole. (Not to be confused with soul, naturally.)
On other fronts, I've had to cancel my appearances (such as they are) at the Studio next week and in April. My gal is having surgery on April 1, and so close to home I will stay.
And really--with times like these, I think The Comedy and I are barely speaking to each other.
But this will all blow over....eventually.
And until it does, I'm guessing my funniest joke is in the basement. On the mat that was to support my fancy new machine.
Oh well.....
I had the basement all cleared out, my rowing machine and TONY LITTLE GAZELLE (snigger) well out of the way, the mat down for the machine to rest upon and so forth, but the delivery folks never showed.
Called the number for the delivery service, and got an answering machine. So, I'm wondering, did they have Good Friday off, too, but neglected to tell me?
Since I had wasted four hours of my holiday waiting for this thing, I decided I didn't want it after all. Doesn't seem right to reward that sort of behavior, in my book. Especially for a (for me) big-ticket item. I can take--no, expect--a lot of crap service when I'm buying stuff at the 7-11 or the like, but when the price is on the other side of $1K, my expectations go up, if only a little.
And boy, did they not deliver--literally or figuratively.
So, I will not be getting an elliptical any time soon. Even though that means I still have to use my GAZELLE (snort!) for the foreseeable.
So I cancelled the order. And get this--I get to pay a restocking fee, even though it was never delivered.
Isn't that something?
The company, in case you're wondering, is Sole. (Not to be confused with soul, naturally.)
On other fronts, I've had to cancel my appearances (such as they are) at the Studio next week and in April. My gal is having surgery on April 1, and so close to home I will stay.
And really--with times like these, I think The Comedy and I are barely speaking to each other.
But this will all blow over....eventually.
And until it does, I'm guessing my funniest joke is in the basement. On the mat that was to support my fancy new machine.
Oh well.....
Saturday, March 15, 2008
True confessions
While I am still perplexed by the hubbub over my ownership of a Tony Little Gazelle, there has been an upside to this misadventure in home gym equipment.
True confessions of an exercise sort.
Two people who felt the need to tease me ever so gently about owning a Gazelle have also told me about every embarrassing exercise video/DVD they have in their possession (or even once owned).
It is reminiscent of my early sobriety, when hearing a particularly gruesome tale of debauchery and destruction from another recovering drunk would somehow free me to share a smaller tale of my own variety of in-the-bag misbehavior. Not as bad as what I've just heard, of course--but to me, every bit as mortifying to admit.
Which, apparently, is how a lot of women feel about owning Richard Simmons' exercise videos.
True confessions of an exercise sort.
Two people who felt the need to tease me ever so gently about owning a Gazelle have also told me about every embarrassing exercise video/DVD they have in their possession (or even once owned).
It is reminiscent of my early sobriety, when hearing a particularly gruesome tale of debauchery and destruction from another recovering drunk would somehow free me to share a smaller tale of my own variety of in-the-bag misbehavior. Not as bad as what I've just heard, of course--but to me, every bit as mortifying to admit.
Which, apparently, is how a lot of women feel about owning Richard Simmons' exercise videos.
Resignation with a dash of hope
My friend Ed and I were discussing one of the latest dust-ups in the Democratic contest (Sen. Obama's former preacher ripping Hillary for not being a black man) and we both found Obama's response to same calculating in the extreme.
Yet if that's what it comes down to, we'll both vote for the man, for he offers a least the potential for change (while we both also harbor hopes that our gal Hillary will somehow win the day). I think my dear friend sums it up best:
I really do believe that this was (is) Hillary's time. It's easy for me to imagine 8 years of Hillary and then 8 years of Obama. I can't see the reverse happening. And now we might get a President McCain instead. Goddess save us!
A girl can indeed dream and so can a big homo from Palm Springs.
Yet if that's what it comes down to, we'll both vote for the man, for he offers a least the potential for change (while we both also harbor hopes that our gal Hillary will somehow win the day). I think my dear friend sums it up best:
I really do believe that this was (is) Hillary's time. It's easy for me to imagine 8 years of Hillary and then 8 years of Obama. I can't see the reverse happening. And now we might get a President McCain instead. Goddess save us!
A girl can indeed dream and so can a big homo from Palm Springs.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Bellows Falls--who knew?
Performed in a very small comedy benefit in Bellows Falls, VT Saturday night--the weather was less than ideal, and apparently all the local papers dropped the ball where listings were concerned--but still, enough people came to make a show.
The show? Just okay--the audience was small, and likely stupefied by the incredible Italian meals they just ate at the venue, Boccelli's on the Canal. Those gals do not fool around--every serving I saw was enough for three people, and it all looked beautifully prepared, too. I just had a cannoli, and it was better than any cannoli I've ever had (and hey, not for nothin', I was in NYC's Little Italy not that long ago).
They also have a nice little gourmet foods section, and the location--near a canal, naturally--is very picturesque. Once all is well on the home front, Linda and I have to make the drive up there and give Bellows Falls--and Boccelli's--a thorough look-see. The town has a tremendous case of the quaints, let me tell you!
This was supposed to be a show review, but has devolved into a restaurant review. Guess that says more about the show than anything I could have written, eh?
On other fronts, allow me to tell the world that doesn't already know this (thanks, Jennifer): I own a Tony Little Gazelle. This, apparently, is a hilarity-inducing statement, and one I hope brings you moments of glee (or smug superiority or whatever it is one gets from this knowledge).
I doubt it makes a whit of difference, but I have ordered a proper elliptical machine to replace said Gazelle, for, as you can imagine, I needed something more substantial for my aging carcass.
But please--do let the merriment continue!
The show? Just okay--the audience was small, and likely stupefied by the incredible Italian meals they just ate at the venue, Boccelli's on the Canal. Those gals do not fool around--every serving I saw was enough for three people, and it all looked beautifully prepared, too. I just had a cannoli, and it was better than any cannoli I've ever had (and hey, not for nothin', I was in NYC's Little Italy not that long ago).
They also have a nice little gourmet foods section, and the location--near a canal, naturally--is very picturesque. Once all is well on the home front, Linda and I have to make the drive up there and give Bellows Falls--and Boccelli's--a thorough look-see. The town has a tremendous case of the quaints, let me tell you!
This was supposed to be a show review, but has devolved into a restaurant review. Guess that says more about the show than anything I could have written, eh?
On other fronts, allow me to tell the world that doesn't already know this (thanks, Jennifer): I own a Tony Little Gazelle. This, apparently, is a hilarity-inducing statement, and one I hope brings you moments of glee (or smug superiority or whatever it is one gets from this knowledge).
I doubt it makes a whit of difference, but I have ordered a proper elliptical machine to replace said Gazelle, for, as you can imagine, I needed something more substantial for my aging carcass.
But please--do let the merriment continue!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Memories--still got 'em, thank Whomever!
Reading Jennifer's posts about her Alzheimer's-ridden grandmother recalls many occasions with my dementia-ridden father almost 10 years ago.
Dad was always "losing" his car, for one thing--lucky for him, he never carried a purse like Jennifer's grandma. One time when we were all visiting my brother and sister-in-law in D.C., Dad got up more than once to go outside--to look for his car. My dear brother brought him in each time, and each time he explained that he and mom didn't have their car because they flew in from Wisconsin. Dad looked at him like he was full of the bunk, but sat down.
Until some time passed. Then, he'd get back up and head outside to look for his car again.
He also had dementia where food was concerned. When he was still living at home, I remember coming in one afternoon to find him sitting with a pile--no, make that a mountain--of empty ice cream sandwich wrappers in front of him. When I asked him about the summit, he denied eating the sandwiches in all those wrappers--but did admit that ice cream sounded good, so he got up and got another sandwich to add to the pile.
These are the times that make me hope that his dementia was caused by chemical exposures and not--you got it--genetics. Just in case, I've been waging a small-scale campaign to get Linda to agree to put me in a Lavender Ladies Home if I start going off the same deep end as Dear Old Dad.
She's having none of it. So far. But I bet if I asked her where my purse is 3,000 times, she might reconsider.
Especially as I haven't carried a purse since 1990.
Dad was always "losing" his car, for one thing--lucky for him, he never carried a purse like Jennifer's grandma. One time when we were all visiting my brother and sister-in-law in D.C., Dad got up more than once to go outside--to look for his car. My dear brother brought him in each time, and each time he explained that he and mom didn't have their car because they flew in from Wisconsin. Dad looked at him like he was full of the bunk, but sat down.
Until some time passed. Then, he'd get back up and head outside to look for his car again.
He also had dementia where food was concerned. When he was still living at home, I remember coming in one afternoon to find him sitting with a pile--no, make that a mountain--of empty ice cream sandwich wrappers in front of him. When I asked him about the summit, he denied eating the sandwiches in all those wrappers--but did admit that ice cream sounded good, so he got up and got another sandwich to add to the pile.
These are the times that make me hope that his dementia was caused by chemical exposures and not--you got it--genetics. Just in case, I've been waging a small-scale campaign to get Linda to agree to put me in a Lavender Ladies Home if I start going off the same deep end as Dear Old Dad.
She's having none of it. So far. But I bet if I asked her where my purse is 3,000 times, she might reconsider.
Especially as I haven't carried a purse since 1990.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
File that under, "Okay"
Last night's set at The Studio was an odd affair, but okay. At first, I thought the audience was tentative; later, after I watched a few comics of the comics who followed me, it became clear: The crowd was drunk. In a near-stupor, actually.
Also noticed before the show that Zoe's diner was chock-a-block with students eating and drinking with relish. I only noticed because I'm a booth kinda gal, and there were none to be had--they were all packed with people in the college-age range.
Methinks some sort of hideous, gut-wrenching exam period must have taken place this week, and the surviving scholars were out celebrating.
That celebrating in college = destroying as many braincells as possible (after you've so carefully cultivated same) is one of life's little ironies.
Suffice to say, "celebrating" students are not exactly prime comedy audiences, but they weren't terrible. Just okay.
Let's leave it at that.
Speaking of leaving, I forgot my comedy notebook on the T. Jennifer assigned great comic significance to same, saying it indicated it was time for me to just put away my old material and start concentrating on the new.
Well, it could also indicate that I'm one preoccupied dykesaurus these days, and am lucky that my head is attached.
I would heartily enjoy focusing on the creation and refinement of new material, but I just don't think I have it in me these days. Jennifer thinks that being worried out of one's mind sets the stage for great comic creativity.
We shall see, eh?
Also noticed before the show that Zoe's diner was chock-a-block with students eating and drinking with relish. I only noticed because I'm a booth kinda gal, and there were none to be had--they were all packed with people in the college-age range.
Methinks some sort of hideous, gut-wrenching exam period must have taken place this week, and the surviving scholars were out celebrating.
That celebrating in college = destroying as many braincells as possible (after you've so carefully cultivated same) is one of life's little ironies.
Suffice to say, "celebrating" students are not exactly prime comedy audiences, but they weren't terrible. Just okay.
Let's leave it at that.
Speaking of leaving, I forgot my comedy notebook on the T. Jennifer assigned great comic significance to same, saying it indicated it was time for me to just put away my old material and start concentrating on the new.
Well, it could also indicate that I'm one preoccupied dykesaurus these days, and am lucky that my head is attached.
I would heartily enjoy focusing on the creation and refinement of new material, but I just don't think I have it in me these days. Jennifer thinks that being worried out of one's mind sets the stage for great comic creativity.
We shall see, eh?
Thursday, March 06, 2008
In a spin....
We've had some rather challenging health news to contend with lately, so I've been a little behind in blogging, especially the "Show Reports" I promised to post here, if nothing else. Sorry about that!
As for the news, it's not really my news to share--particularly in such a public forum. Suffice to say The Comedy has not been in the forefront on my little, round noggin' these days.
But I'm still performing, not to worry (or do, as the case may be 8-). Have some time at The Studio tomorrow night, and a lovely little fundraiser in Vermont on Saturday.
As for my last show, the Saturday night edition of the "Taste of PACE," it went very well, if memory serves. Memory also tells me that my set paled in comparison to that of my dear Comedy Buddy, colleague, and friend, Jennifer Myszkowski, she who can turn weeping into hilarity. That is an art , people, and I am very, very grateful I was there to witness it. She practically did knock the people off their seats, indeed. A joy to behold, but to tell you the truth, it was a heck of an act to follow--happily there were quite a few acts between us.....
As for the news, it's not really my news to share--particularly in such a public forum. Suffice to say The Comedy has not been in the forefront on my little, round noggin' these days.
But I'm still performing, not to worry (or do, as the case may be 8-). Have some time at The Studio tomorrow night, and a lovely little fundraiser in Vermont on Saturday.
As for my last show, the Saturday night edition of the "Taste of PACE," it went very well, if memory serves. Memory also tells me that my set paled in comparison to that of my dear Comedy Buddy, colleague, and friend, Jennifer Myszkowski, she who can turn weeping into hilarity. That is an art , people, and I am very, very grateful I was there to witness it. She practically did knock the people off their seats, indeed. A joy to behold, but to tell you the truth, it was a heck of an act to follow--happily there were quite a few acts between us.....
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Taste of PACE: Aptly named!
I approached last night's show with some trepidation, for it had all the markings of a disaster: A very long and varied series of music and musical acts with one standup comic, yours truly, in the mix. Well, happily, my trepidation was for naught. I didn't exactly cause anyone to fall out of his/her chair (as promised by le roi de hyperbole over at PACE), but I didn't hear crickets the whole time, either. The audience was there for music, but they were open to some comedy, too, bless them.
Methinks the Spaulding Grey monologue may have helped, as did the fact that I followed a very funny rendition of "Suppertime!" by a dear woman in a Snoopy suit.
Hard to lose under these conditions, let me tell you.
Anyway, the rest of the night was very entertaining, and if you somehow read this in time, I would strongly suggest you consider making a trip over to PACE for tonight's show. I can't imagine a more varied and entertaining combination of acts are going on anywhere else in the Happy Valley this evening, and I'm not just saying this because I'm on the docket tonight (as is my dear comedy buddy, Jennifer Myszkowski).
One thing I'm looking forward to: Hearing "One hand, one heart" from West Side Story again. I am a sucker for that musical!
Methinks the Spaulding Grey monologue may have helped, as did the fact that I followed a very funny rendition of "Suppertime!" by a dear woman in a Snoopy suit.
Hard to lose under these conditions, let me tell you.
Anyway, the rest of the night was very entertaining, and if you somehow read this in time, I would strongly suggest you consider making a trip over to PACE for tonight's show. I can't imagine a more varied and entertaining combination of acts are going on anywhere else in the Happy Valley this evening, and I'm not just saying this because I'm on the docket tonight (as is my dear comedy buddy, Jennifer Myszkowski).
One thing I'm looking forward to: Hearing "One hand, one heart" from West Side Story again. I am a sucker for that musical!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Somewhere in the middle....
Last night's Girls! Girls! Girls! was neither the best of times nor the least--a sorta middle-of-the-road, went-okay-kinda show, I'd have to say. The audience was there for the comedy, but they were a subdued lot. Especially for bits that usually get uproarious laughter--for Jennifer as well as yours truly.
Of course, I was not on the top of my game, being on the mend from a very unfunny cold/flu/who can tell? I forgot my way twice, which I should admit is typical (who am I kidding?). Also dropped from my memory banks two new bits that I thought might work, but I did remember enough of some other new bits (that largely worked, happily), that I don't feel too bad about it.
I'm particularly grateful that I didn't have a coughing jag, which I think indicates the sort of show it was. Didn't kill, and didn't really think that was in the cards, truly. Was grateful to get through my set without the whole room wanting to hand me a Hall's mentholyptus.'
(Yes, we keep our expectations on the low side, we do.)
And the high-ranking person from Big Company didn't show, but the dear pastor did, as did a number of her flock. Couldn't ask for more there, certainly.
So, that's how the latest in the Girls! x 3 franchise went for me. Jennifer, Arielle, Bethany and Erin did wonderfully, by the way--I was very happy to see them all (as was the audience, in their low-key way.)
If you feel as though you missed out, never fear: The next all-women show is on May 17, when I hope to be hale and hearty and in full recollection of all of my new material.
It's good to have goals, eh?
Of course, I was not on the top of my game, being on the mend from a very unfunny cold/flu/who can tell? I forgot my way twice, which I should admit is typical (who am I kidding?). Also dropped from my memory banks two new bits that I thought might work, but I did remember enough of some other new bits (that largely worked, happily), that I don't feel too bad about it.
I'm particularly grateful that I didn't have a coughing jag, which I think indicates the sort of show it was. Didn't kill, and didn't really think that was in the cards, truly. Was grateful to get through my set without the whole room wanting to hand me a Hall's mentholyptus.'
(Yes, we keep our expectations on the low side, we do.)
And the high-ranking person from Big Company didn't show, but the dear pastor did, as did a number of her flock. Couldn't ask for more there, certainly.
So, that's how the latest in the Girls! x 3 franchise went for me. Jennifer, Arielle, Bethany and Erin did wonderfully, by the way--I was very happy to see them all (as was the audience, in their low-key way.)
If you feel as though you missed out, never fear: The next all-women show is on May 17, when I hope to be hale and hearty and in full recollection of all of my new material.
It's good to have goals, eh?
Friday, February 22, 2008
Comedy alert!
The next Girls! Girls! Girls! is tomorrow, Saturday, February 23, and you won't want to miss it.
Well, I'd rather you didn't, but if you can't make it, that's okay, too.
If what I've heard is true, the audience could have a member of the executive team from Big Company there, as well as the pastor of the church that Linda and I have been going to of late. An interesting mix, that.....
If you can't make this show, there's more on the horizon, not to worry. Go to the strange land that is MySpace for details.
Well, I'd rather you didn't, but if you can't make it, that's okay, too.
If what I've heard is true, the audience could have a member of the executive team from Big Company there, as well as the pastor of the church that Linda and I have been going to of late. An interesting mix, that.....
If you can't make this show, there's more on the horizon, not to worry. Go to the strange land that is MySpace for details.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Here's an idea!
Come to think, I did something along these lines with the last Bush "rebate"--I think I sent the ill-gotten gains to GLAD in Boston or some such GLBT-friendly cause.
If you're not feeling GLBT-friendly (what in the world are you doing here?!), there are oh-so-many other lefty causes who could use this cash.
Unless, of course, your cause could use the cash most of all (this I understand all too well).
Dear NCLR Supporter,
Want to do something really stimulating with your tax rebate check?
Want to undo the damage done by the policies of the Bush White House?
Want to do a small part to truly help make change in 2008?
Here’s a thought: sign that 2008 rebate check over to NCLR. We’ll make sure you see the real value in the stimulus package plan.
Now I know most of us actually need this money to take care of bills, debt, and daily necessities. But for those of you who might be considering putting it towards your daily latte intake or that fabulous outfit you saw in the Bloomingdale’s window, please think about fueling the fight for justice instead.
In this year of great peril and promise, your rebate check will go a long way towards further energizing NCLR’s always cutting-edge legal work. Not to mention, you get a tax deduction to boot.
As a token of our appreciation, we'll sign your name (with your approval, of course) to a card to President Bush and the House and Senate leaders, thanking them for thinking of us.
So, if this sounds like a good personal stimulus plan, just sign over your check and send to us with your name and address. You can count on us to take care of the rest—so you can rest easy.
Thank you, Kate Kendell, Esq.
Executive Director
National Center for Lesbian Rights
If you're not feeling GLBT-friendly (what in the world are you doing here?!), there are oh-so-many other lefty causes who could use this cash.
Unless, of course, your cause could use the cash most of all (this I understand all too well).
Dear NCLR Supporter,
Want to do something really stimulating with your tax rebate check?
Want to undo the damage done by the policies of the Bush White House?
Want to do a small part to truly help make change in 2008?
Here’s a thought: sign that 2008 rebate check over to NCLR. We’ll make sure you see the real value in the stimulus package plan.
Now I know most of us actually need this money to take care of bills, debt, and daily necessities. But for those of you who might be considering putting it towards your daily latte intake or that fabulous outfit you saw in the Bloomingdale’s window, please think about fueling the fight for justice instead.
In this year of great peril and promise, your rebate check will go a long way towards further energizing NCLR’s always cutting-edge legal work. Not to mention, you get a tax deduction to boot.
As a token of our appreciation, we'll sign your name (with your approval, of course) to a card to President Bush and the House and Senate leaders, thanking them for thinking of us.
So, if this sounds like a good personal stimulus plan, just sign over your check and send to us with your name and address. You can count on us to take care of the rest—so you can rest easy.
Thank you, Kate Kendell, Esq.
Executive Director
National Center for Lesbian Rights
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Silver lining of sorts
Last night's show in Chicopee was one of those stunningly bad shows that make the good shows that much sweeter. The comics performed in front of a video beanbag (I kid you not) game and an electronic trivia game. The sound system would be at home in the New York City subway.
The crowd directly in front of us was there for comedy, but the bar was to our left and full of loud people who were there to drink and what-all, and to the right was a serious poker game.
Not an ideal scenario, but I wasn't expecting anything less. (Thank you, Jennifer.)
The good news is that I saw some of my favorite comics/people, received some very encouraging feedback, and left there feeling pretty darn good about The Comedy and some people in it.
And not once did I think of drowning my sorrows in some high-octane butterfat. I didn't have sorrows to drown. Good thing--considering the strict diet* I'm on these days, that sort of thing would probably kill me.
* I'm supporting Linda in her need to avoid wheat, sugar, salt, dairy and most things that taste good. (At home, anyway.)
The crowd directly in front of us was there for comedy, but the bar was to our left and full of loud people who were there to drink and what-all, and to the right was a serious poker game.
Not an ideal scenario, but I wasn't expecting anything less. (Thank you, Jennifer.)
The good news is that I saw some of my favorite comics/people, received some very encouraging feedback, and left there feeling pretty darn good about The Comedy and some people in it.
And not once did I think of drowning my sorrows in some high-octane butterfat. I didn't have sorrows to drown. Good thing--considering the strict diet* I'm on these days, that sort of thing would probably kill me.
* I'm supporting Linda in her need to avoid wheat, sugar, salt, dairy and most things that taste good. (At home, anyway.)
Saturday, February 09, 2008
What's up with that, eh?
A dear friend of mine who lives out in California relayed a disturbing tale to me this week. Seems he was talking to an old friend of his about the Democratic candidates, and when he expressed his reservations about Sen. Obama, she became, in his word, "incensed," and refused to discuss it further.
He fears this may be a metaphor for the Democratic party.
This episode is unsettling on a number of fronts, but first and foremost is this: If you can't discuss your candidate with someone who is critical of him or her, you risk looking like someone who doesn't have much in the way of arguments as to why you support your guy or gal. Rather like the people who stick their fingers in their ears and say, "La-La-La I Can't Hear You!" when you're trying to tell them something they don't want to hear. It may spare their feelings, but it sure as heck is no way to defend a position.
If one wants to look like a thoughtful, reasonable adult, that is.
It also raises an issue I've been wondering about this week as well, about Obama's candidacy being a cult of personality and sexism. And as my friend in California's experience attests, cult members can be a twitchy lot, especially where their fearless leader is concerned.
As for sexism, I think it is far more deeply ingrained in the American psyche than even racism, especially among white liberals. But then, this also occured to me: What better way to attone for being an affluent white male than to vote for a black male candidate?
All this makes me worry as to what might happen if Clinton wins the nomination. My fear is that all the Obama fanatics will stay home on election day. Methinks anyone who could get swept up like that could just as easily become disillusioned, and say what the fook does it matter?
But then again, maybe my neighbors offer some hope. Right up to the election, they had an Obama sign in their front yard. The next day, it was gone.
Perhaps that's a better metaphor for our party? We shall see....
He fears this may be a metaphor for the Democratic party.
This episode is unsettling on a number of fronts, but first and foremost is this: If you can't discuss your candidate with someone who is critical of him or her, you risk looking like someone who doesn't have much in the way of arguments as to why you support your guy or gal. Rather like the people who stick their fingers in their ears and say, "La-La-La I Can't Hear You!" when you're trying to tell them something they don't want to hear. It may spare their feelings, but it sure as heck is no way to defend a position.
If one wants to look like a thoughtful, reasonable adult, that is.
It also raises an issue I've been wondering about this week as well, about Obama's candidacy being a cult of personality and sexism. And as my friend in California's experience attests, cult members can be a twitchy lot, especially where their fearless leader is concerned.
As for sexism, I think it is far more deeply ingrained in the American psyche than even racism, especially among white liberals. But then, this also occured to me: What better way to attone for being an affluent white male than to vote for a black male candidate?
All this makes me worry as to what might happen if Clinton wins the nomination. My fear is that all the Obama fanatics will stay home on election day. Methinks anyone who could get swept up like that could just as easily become disillusioned, and say what the fook does it matter?
But then again, maybe my neighbors offer some hope. Right up to the election, they had an Obama sign in their front yard. The next day, it was gone.
Perhaps that's a better metaphor for our party? We shall see....
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