Haines His Way

Dani-Gosh that is nice you could take your mother outside to smoke and to have company while you did it.

Good evening to all-

Just wanted to pop in before I toddle off to bed.

I just have to say...

Reading accounts like DR Danise's of Bear's visit with her Mom, or DR JoseSPiano's of his concert experience:  that's what makes being a part of HHW so special for me.  Thanks to all who share the experiences of their lives, and who take the care and time to transmit their essence to the rest of us.

That is all.

Smooches, kids!

Today I saw the movie Year of the Dog with Molly Shannon. My friend and I liked it very much and it took some turns we didn't expect. Shannon was very good in a dramatic role. Nice to Laura Dern in a film again and the always wonderful Peter Sarsgaard was very good in a supporting role. I last saw him in The Dying Gaul and didn't recognize him at first. The Dying Gaul is another film I recommend too.

Jose I’m in wonder as to WHY the “entertaining” man was waiting in line for an autograph.

Well, he was getting a CD autographed for a friend of his.  -He called to make sure he had not bought a CD she didn't already have.

Additionally.... Maurizio Pollini is truly one of the towering figures of Western Art Music in the 20th Century.  His recordings of Chopin remain the benchmark all subsequent accounts strive to achieve.  And even though his dedication to the works of Boulez and Stockhausen is questionable - the works of these composers will undoubtedly not remain in the collective musical conscious of future generations, nor do they have any current redeeming cultural value - Pollini's commitment to new works is to be admired.





I, too, had to wonder why he stayed, especially since he had such a "passionate" response to the Boulez.   He even complained that it was the second time in three years that he had been "subjected" to the Boulez.  Well, since the programs are published in advance... DON'T GO!!!   Or at least don't complain about it.

OH!  I did want to ask him... "So, has Pollini ever played one of your compositions?"  

In short, I guess the lesson I learned today is that there is a difference between "criticism" and "bitchy opinions".  

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes to the Vixter...


She had a great day, she came home this afternoon from her Youth Gathering in New Jersey, the traffic (remarkably) was light so they got home nearly two hours earlier than expected.

The counselers knew that it was her birthday and she awokt toa happy Birthday banner and a cake along with  a birthday crown.  She loved the weekend away , their group snagged second row seats for the concert  "Captive Free" is the name of the Christian rock grouo that performed.  I am told they were "awesome"  also "awesome" was speaker/preacher Bill Yonker.  


We had balloons on the table and cards and presents when she arrived home so the festivities continued...

Vixdad and I sprung for the longed for but seemingly unattainable  Nintendo DS (in Pearl Pink!)   causing opened mouth shock and the remark

"Oh I love you guys, I mean I always loved you and I still love you but in a much deeper way"


I think I should be pleased....

Today was a good day.  

 I am so glad

The she went off to her other Church Youth Group where she came in 4th in Limbo

And just one more comment about the "entertaining man"...

Well, I think I know why he was fired from his last academic position.  


I, mean, he really thought less of Pollini for his dedication and programming of the Boulez sonata on today's program.  And the Stockhausen on last year's program.  You can like or not like the choice of repertoire, but that's not a reason to de-value the performer.  Again, he could have left before the Boulez began, and simply hung out in the lobby until the encores began.

Oh... And I was also amused by his description of the "knuckle busting" nature of the encores.  -And an program of Chopin, Debussy and Boulez is not "knuckle busting"?

By any chance was he an older gentlemen chatting with  sweet young thing?


I think he sat across the aisle from me some years ago when we took Vixdad's parents to see Phantom... loudly explaining how the stage effects were achieved  during the performance

DR vixmom - Thanks for the party report.

So, what kind of cake was served?

Well the cake was/is a yellow cake with fudge buttercream frosting and filling with red butter cream roses

but it was never served....

Part 2 of the Vixter Birthday celebration shall take place at my parents' home tomorrow evening.   My mom went to see "The Pirate Queen" with her Red Hat Society friends  and didn't plan to get home until  an hour or so after the Vixter was due at Youth Group....


There WAS a Spotted Dog Sundae with a candle in it at the Outback however!!  

Some of my favorite birthday celebrations have been at Outback.  Thanks for sharing The Vixter's with us, DR Vixmom!  (Is this 13 or 14?)

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where does the time go?

I must say the food and service is always reliable, the portions are neither overwhelming or barely there and the prices are reasonable... it ain't haute cuisine , but it's good!

And sometimes you just gotta have a Bloomin' Onion!

Will we never get to page eight?  Just finished Lonely Are The Brave, and shall now watch The List Of Adrian Messenger.

Sure.

I began my evening of viewing with the second part of ELIZABETH I. THough I find the story more interesting in the first part (Elizabeth's last chance to marry and have a child, Mary Queen of Scots, and the death of the Earl of Leister), I do think Hugh Dancy as the Earl of Essex deserved the Emmy for his mercurial performance as the second Robin in Elizabeth's life.

Jeremy Irons won it, and I'm guessing his icon status earned him the honor (not that he didn't give a wonderful performance in the first part of the story). Dancy's role had a much broader range which he met quite superbly.

Will we never get to page eleven?

Will I have the energy to watch something else?