tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75410738278505564402024-03-18T19:56:12.461-07:00A Month in the LifeA monthly look at life in Los Angelels.James Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-60921215565371981042011-01-09T18:15:00.001-08:002011-01-09T18:15:50.981-08:00January 2011 TestJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-76732921470837235802009-01-31T00:20:00.001-08:002009-01-31T00:20:30.816-08:00January 2009-Coming SoonJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-11627218808674531472008-12-31T17:23:00.001-08:002009-01-05T22:51:46.671-08:00Looking Back at 2008<strong>HELLO, AGAIN</strong><br />After sending out the 36th consecutive Monthly Update last January, I decided to skip February’s edition as a simple nod to Leap Day. Sometime over the summer I realized my nod had become a much larger tribute to Leap Year. <br /><br />And what a year it was. The election, the Olympics, and the economy dominated much of our time and conversation but we still found the time to see friends and family, to take on new challenges, and to explore more of Los Angeles. Here’s a look back at 2008 in the Cameron/Utt household.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT’S NEW?</strong><br />In March we both started new jobs. Daryl left Disney Interactive Studios to become the Marketing Manager at ReelzChannel (check your local listings.) He works downtown at L.A.Center Studios, which is home to Mad Men and Numb3rs. <br /><br />I’m at Universal Studios Home Entertainment working with the Curious George team. This Emmy-winning series is in it third season on PBS (check your local listings.)<br /><br />Daryl and I succumbed to peer pressure and joined Facebook. It’s a swell tool for catching up with high school, college and work friends but I only check it casually. <br /><br />The other new thing in our life is <a href="http://www.mutineertheatre.com/">Mutineer Theatre Company</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISvQ5AhLoB3n30hyphenhyphen-B9QjqSxK5k1ifLV3_hhABFzWIfqk4PBN8qD1am3uznTo77cCDkFSL6oEFF-hbYe6cTO92ypDlYfYCnbsD-4tl0ILx47k0xxijSBrwEa4Ad2CWqhaQ0cXVWE_vdwH/s1600-h/Logo+Squared.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISvQ5AhLoB3n30hyphenhyphen-B9QjqSxK5k1ifLV3_hhABFzWIfqk4PBN8qD1am3uznTo77cCDkFSL6oEFF-hbYe6cTO92ypDlYfYCnbsD-4tl0ILx47k0xxijSBrwEa4Ad2CWqhaQ0cXVWE_vdwH/s200/Logo+Squared.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288066278306606850" /></a>I could tell you all about the awesome people and the collaborative spirit of this new, non-profit company but why don’t you click on the website? It’s much cooler and you can see everyone’s <a href="http://www.mutineertheatre.com/about.shtml">pictures</a>.<br /><br />I’m the Dramaturge for MTC so I look for new plays and, in a production, my job is to make sure that the author’s purpose is clear and that the audience isn’t distracted by plot inconsistencies, factual inaccuracies, or unintended ambiguity. <br /> <br />Daryl signed on as Casting Director and did a great job with the auditions for our first production. It’s called Lie With Me and it was written by Keith Bridges and it opens in March. More details will follow. <br /><br />In the meantime, you can join us Saturday, January 24 for <a href="http://www.mutineertheatre.com/launchparty/index.shtml">The Launch Party</a>. We’ll have live music, complimentary food and beverage, a silent auction and more for a $25 donation. Click <a href="http://www.mutineertheatre.com/launchparty/index.shtml">here</a> for details and RSVP information. If you’d like to donate something for the auction, call or send me an e-mail. <br /><br /><strong>HAPPENINGS</strong><br />July 10 Daryl celebrated his 40th birthday with dinner and friends at The Polo Lounge in The Beverly Hills Hotel. <br /><br />July 29 we experienced our third earthquake since moving to LA. It lasted twice as long as the previous quakes or maybe it just seemed to since I was on the 33rd floor. <br /><br />On September 2, Daryl became a proud uncle as his sister Annette gave birth to Cameron Clark Saunders. <br /><br />October 25 we celebrated the wedding of our friends Byron and Shephard. This was a beautiful night with a concert, amazing food, old friends, new friends and lots of laughter. <br /><br />November 4 marked the first time we were close enough to walk to the voting center and it was the first time we attended an election-night party.<br /><br /><strong>INDUSTRY EVENTS</strong><br />The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences saluted Betty White for her 60 Years in Television. It was surreal seeing her and the entire cast of <em>The Mary Tyler Moore Show</em>—even Rhoda and Phyllis—in person. <br /><br />At another ATAS event, Shirley McLaine, Mitzi Gaynor, Toni Basil, Nigel Lythgoe and the Solid Gold Dancers all showed up to celebrate the history of televised dance. <br /><br />Daryl was at the Academy’s salute to TV Mothers and enjoyed hearing stories from Marion Ross and Erin Moran of Happy Days; Bonnie Franklin and Valerie Bertinelli of One Day at a Time; Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers of Leave It to Beaver; and Holland Taylor and Charlie Sheen of Two and Half Men.<br /><br />Although the AFI Night at the Movies was something of a logistical nightmare, we managed to catch Jodie Foster, Jim Carrey, and Jenny McCarthy on the red carpet. The biggest thrill of the evening was being in the same room with Sean Connery as he discussed his classic film <em>The Man Who Would Be King</em>.<br /><br />Daryl hung out with Lily Tomlin, Paula Poundstone, Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams and others at an awareness event for single payer healthcare reform.<br /><br /><strong>CONCERTS</strong><br />The Police ended their reunion tour at the Hollywood Bowl with Elvis Costello and Daryl was there to see it. We were back at the Bowl for <em>Warner Bros Night at the Movies</em> and I saw a program of German Romantics.<br /><br />We went to The Forum to see George Michael in one of his few stateside appearances. It was a laid-back show but he sounded terrific.<br /> <br />We had a great time at the El Portal Theater as Debbie Reynolds sang, joked, recounted stories and shared film clips in her one-woman show. <br /><br />I was in Santa Monica to see an all-Beethoven program at the opening concert of New West Symphony’s 2008/2009 season. It’s a solid ensemble with a terrific venue. <br /><br /><strong>LOS ANGELES SITES</strong><br />I finally made it to Skeletons in the Closet—the gift shop at the L.A. County Coroners Office.<br /><br />Glendale’s Forest Lawn cemetery has a museum with rotating art exhibits. We wandered through the new Tiki exhibit and saw their impressive stained glass recreation of DaVinci’s Last Supper. <br /><br />We visited the beautiful grounds of the historic Greystone Mansion which has appeared in films like <em>X-Men </em>and <em>Ghostbusters.</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyaBrAJT511pZtXPfj90yBCzI00ktjVNhdtuFr19XgDibo7iGEid-je_rZVbKN9olQjMY-riAfFprbxTeThqF6_HW8hxKlzOwvQ043V8Zjp56tALp_gNKh7p086XEqDNBD1hx3i83JCO_/s1600-h/Moonlight+Roller+Jubilee.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyaBrAJT511pZtXPfj90yBCzI00ktjVNhdtuFr19XgDibo7iGEid-je_rZVbKN9olQjMY-riAfFprbxTeThqF6_HW8hxKlzOwvQ043V8Zjp56tALp_gNKh7p086XEqDNBD1hx3i83JCO_/s200/Moonlight+Roller+Jubilee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288068475722454626" /></a>Charles Phoenix’s Moonlight Roller Jubilee was equal parts slide show, organ recital, roller-skating performance and nostalgic kitsch. The event was so popular he created a Christmas edition.<br /><br />Daryl got to tour the Bradbury Building. Although architecturally significant for its 1890’s design, the Bradbury is just as popular with fans of the movie <em>Blade Runner.</em><br /><br />We spent a beautiful summer afternoon with friends sailing from Marina del Rey to Malibu. <br /><br />Rose Tree Cottage, one of our favorite haunts, moved into its new home. As difficult as it was to leave the old Tudor-syle house the new location seems to be working out pretty well. The tea room and shoppe were very busy during the holidays.<br /><strong><br />TRAVEL</strong><br />We were in Las Vegas for a long weekend in April and Daryl returned in September to see Donny & Marie and Barry Manilow.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv80LSewgTwkj2hpKYnpo1aZWnrsIJffuH97WwtH5xAop10PSsoGEdBpW525U_kKqKoiiHL-ZB67qqUDYAKG-YnAy-yVEQkr_HTV55eufglQT78mh0xr-yIT8S4VBdOHNCzvl_Dx5ha0g/s1600-h/Chichen+Itza.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv80LSewgTwkj2hpKYnpo1aZWnrsIJffuH97WwtH5xAop10PSsoGEdBpW525U_kKqKoiiHL-ZB67qqUDYAKG-YnAy-yVEQkr_HTV55eufglQT78mh0xr-yIT8S4VBdOHNCzvl_Dx5ha0g/s200/Chichen+Itza.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288067955254730290" /></a><br />We spent the second week of September in Cancun. There was some rain and rough seas as Hurricane Ike made his way up to Texas, so we didn’t spend much time at the beach. Luckily the weather was clear the day we visited the pyramid and ruins of Chichen Itza. <br /><br />In October, Daryl was in North Carolina to meet nephew Cameron for the first time and to attend his dad’s 70th birthday party. It was the first time his extended family was in the same room and nobody took a picture! <br /><br /><strong>THEATRE</strong><br />This year we saw 9<em> to 5, The Joy Luck Club, Spring Awakening, Ann Landers: The Lady With All the Answers, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Joan Rivers: A Life in Progress By a Work in Progress </em>and the 16th annual Young Playwright’s Festival. <br /><br /><strong>MOVIES AND TV</strong><br />Some our favorites released this year (in no particular order) are <em>Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, Frost/Nixon, Wall-E, Bolt, Dark Knight, Hamlet 2, In Bruges,</em> and <em>Mamma Mia!</em> Disappointments included <em>Australia, Benjamin Button, Indiana Jones, and The Women</em>. <br /><br />We’ve only stuck with three of the new TV shows: CBS’s <em>Worst Week</em>, BBC America’s <em>Gavin & Stacey</em>, and—no one could be more surprised than me at this one—Fine Living’s <em>Whatever, Martha</em>. <br /><br />08-08-08 was a great date to have a TV as the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics unfolded inside the Bird’s Nest. I was hooked as soon as those light-up drummers began the countdown, but the most memorable image of the night was Li Ning running the torch around the stadium ceiling. Awesome.<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />In Neiman Marcus, Daryl spoke briefly to Jennifer Lopez about the Christmas selection of Fortnum & Mason biscuits. While shopping in Whole Foods he bumped into Melora Hardin (Jan on <em>The Office</em>) and got to tell her how much he enjoyed The Dinner Party episode.<br /><br />At the Arclight movie theatre in Hollywood, we either saw Cher or a surgically altered impersonator. We were in the audience with playwright David Mamet at an Upright Citizen’s Brigade improv show. <br /><br />Driving through Los Feliz, we pulled up next to Hellboy Ron Perlman. At a drugstore parking lot, we took the space vacated by Fantastic Four star Chris Evans. At the LA Farmer’s Market Daryl saw <em>Ugly Betty’s </em>Ashley Jensen. <br /><br />At the Las Vegas airport we congratulated Christian Siriano on his <em>Project Runway </em>win. At the L.A. Times Festival of Books at UCLA, I saw author Christopher Rice and <em>Avenue Q’s</em> John Tartaglia but Daryl got to see the man—the legend—Kirk Douglas.<br /><br />Daryl got Richard Simmons to take a picture with Flat Stanley. <br /><br />We were standing in the grocery section at Joan’s on Third wondering why it was so deserted…until Daryl realized he was standing between Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and their bodyguard. Like everyone else, we gave them their space. The next day the internet was abuzz with pictures of the couple leaving the store. We felt so trendy.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT’S MISSING?</strong><br />Normally, I include the names of friends and family members who accompany, invite, or visit us, each month, but in the interest of space, I’ve opted to leave those out. I trust you’ll forgive this omission. <br /><br /><strong>THANK YOU</strong><br />However, I can’t wrap up the wrap-up without thanking friends and family for calling, e-mailing, visiting, hosting, inviting, advising, listening, sharing, encouraging or for doing all the wonderful things you do.<br /><br />Until next time,<br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-78337804680306433222007-07-15T13:16:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:03.308-08:00February 2005: From Florida to Los Angeles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U6ludlZEsgNRbDCzHVTmABlGA-92XCxsLP6vdGqnaKppxzDupoYBS7MAWOmIq3EGxFzU5kW2hZ-Gk77V5_BbE1tPApQZDKGQ4T3VXtezLcYwvoZjeMDyH6O-K-PK9svDoR-NNOcpy8iS/s1600-h/Welcome+California.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U6ludlZEsgNRbDCzHVTmABlGA-92XCxsLP6vdGqnaKppxzDupoYBS7MAWOmIq3EGxFzU5kW2hZ-Gk77V5_BbE1tPApQZDKGQ4T3VXtezLcYwvoZjeMDyH6O-K-PK9svDoR-NNOcpy8iS/s200/Welcome+California.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090064165414713890" /></a><br />Daryl and I left Orlando on Saturday, January 15 and arrived that night in New Orleans. Sunday morning we walked the French Quarter, had beignets at Cafe du Monde, and then drove out through the Garden District, stopping to take a picture of the house from MTV's The Real World<br /><br />We were in San Antonio that night at a hotel next door to The Alamo. Monday morning we toured the RiverWalk and visited the Mission before continuing on to Tucson. No sightseeing Tuesday morning but that afternoon we were in Glendale.<br /><br />We stayed five days with our friends Byron and Shephard, getting our bearings, doing some sightseeing, and prepping to move into the condo Shephard had found in downtown Glendale. We are forever indebted to them.<br /><br />By the way, if you were to fly over the HOLLYWOOD sign veering towards the D, you’d be in Glendale. We can see the back of that famous hill from our living room and guest bedroom. Space-wise we lost a formal living room, formal dining room, home office, and 2-car garage so after the furniture arrived on Monday the 24th, we had to rent a small<br />storage unit to house a few pieces of furniture and all the Christmas decorations.<br /><br />That Thursday, we attended a taping of "ellen." We got to the NBC lot at 10:15 for a 4:00pm taping. Her guests were Bonnie Hunt and American Idol Kelly Clarkson. Unfortunately, Kelly's segment was pre-recorded. And so was Houston's Super Bowl bit. If you paid close attention, you might have noticed the coffee table flowers were different in the two pre-recorded segments. You might also have noticed Shephard, Byron, Daryl and James sitting in the middle left of the audience.<br /><br />The next day, our first houseguests arrived. My brother-in-law Tim and his son Nick had driven my car [with even MORE stuff in the trunk] from Orlando. The four of us visited Grauman's Chinese Theater [where we saw this large unlicensed mouse walking about], the Farmer's Market, Johnny Carson park, Santa Monica Pier and LAX. We had our first star-sighting at Mo’s Fine Foods in Burbank when we had dinner two tables away from Garry Marshall. Tim also helped me move the refrigerator and washer/dryer unit upstairs and for that I will be forever indebted.<br /><br />That following week we were kind of like hostages, waiting for the original washer & dryer to be removed, the new one to be connected and for the water heater to be replaced. On Wednesday, the 2nd,though, we did the StarLine Tour and saw the residences of Halle Berry, Tobey Maguire, Lucille Ball and lots more. It was fun to drive down the street and see the Governor’s Mansion from “Benson” and the Banks’ house from “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” We walked a bit on Rodeo Drive and saw the store that was so mean to Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” It’s down the street from Radio Shack so we’re not sure what they have to be so snobby about.<br /><br />On February 10, we did the Warner Brothers Studio Tour which was a lot of fun even though we weren’t allowed to take pictures in the museum or the soundstages. Our tour group saw the ambulance bay/receiving area from ER, visited the George Lopez set, walked through the grandparents' house from "The Gilmore Girls" and stood on the Central Perk set from "Friends," which is headed to the Smithsonian. In addition to stuff from Wonder Woman, Alice, the OC, Smallville, and Dawson's Creek, the studio museum has a whole floor of items from the three Harry Potter movies. Star-wise, we saw ER's Maura Tierney outside the makeup trailer and we got to see Noah Wyle driving by our tram. We also saw Fr<br />eddie Prinze Jr. and George Clooney.<br /><br />On the morning of February 11th, we drove to Las Vegas to meet up with my sister Susie, my Uncle Carl and my nephew Mathew. Daryl and I had never been there so we tried to see as much as we could. We went to the Mandaly Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo, Paris, Caesar's Palace, Circus Circus, and the Fremont Street Experience. Several of the hotels--like the Belllagio with its 20-foot animatronic rooster--had gone all-out for Chinese New Year.<br /><br />On Saturday we drove through Lake Mead Recreation Area and made it to Hoover Dam. We didn't do the tour down into the turbines but we still managed to spend almost 90 minutes walking the dam, reading the plaques, and trying to take it all in. On Sunday afternoon, we drove in the opposite direction and went to see Red Rock Canyon. It had gotten cloudy by the time we got out to snap some pictures, but it was still an awesome place and definitely worth the forty-minute drive.<br /><br />On Friday, February18, we were back on the Warner Brothers lot to see a taping of "Joey." We arrived at 1:30 and left at 10:30...for a 1/2 hour sitcom! Luckily, as the production dragged on, audience members left and Daryl and I were able to move to the first row for the last 90 minutes. The episode "Joey and the Neighbor" airs March 24.<br /><br />And now, the vacation is over. March is all about settling into the work routine. If you know of any opportunities in the Glendale, Burbank or Pasadena areas, let me know.<br />The next update will go out the week of March 21st.James Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-24412036279621729052007-07-15T13:20:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:03.221-08:00March 2005: Visits to Wisteria Lane and QueensDaryl is working as a Financial Analyst at Disney Music Publishing. His office is in the Disney Channel Building just a few blocks from the Walt Disney Studios. Driving to work in the morning takes about 15 minutes and there are lots of lunch places in walking distance. So far, Daryl has eaten lunch a few tables away from Harvey Weinstein, and watched Fred Savage navigate the lobby.<br /><br />I , too , have seen a few celebrities since I started working as a paid “extra” with Central Casting. Some highlights from my three-week resume:<br /><br />“King of Queens”--Airline Pilot<br />“ER”--Baptism Attendee<br />“Joan of Arcadia”--Hospice Doctor<br />“CSI“--Neighborhood Onlooker<br />“Las Vegas“--Hotel Security<br />“Desperate Housewives“--Pool Party Guest.<br /><br />I’m not sure when any of this is going to air, but most of it should be in late April or May. Careful “King of Queens” viewers might notice an airline pilot following Doug as he wheels Arthur--on a luggage cart--through an airport terminal. Fans of Las Vegas might notice a gray blue suit brush by Mary as she finally learns the identity of her secret crush. Depending on the editing of “Desperate Housewives” you might see a guy with a striped shirt and goatee, shaking hands with Carlos and Mike, staring at Gabrielle as she stomps across the patio in a rage, standing next to Edie and Felicia, walking away from Bree and Rex, jumping up from the gazebo as “someone” falls into the pool, or following Susan as she runs down Wisteria Lane.<br /><br />By the way, the sets for these shows are amazing in their detail. The one used for “King of Queens” is a permanent set with a full-scale plane interior, detachable cockpit, gangplank, waiting area, baggage claim, ATM, bar, etc. You can check it out at <a href="http://www.airhollywood.com/airplane_mockups/cockpits.html">http://www.airhollywood.com/airplane_mockups/cockpits.html</a><br />click on “Slideshow.”<br /><br />In addition to the work, Daryl and I have done more sightseeing. We had a real geek day where we tracked down the buildings used in 90120, the Brady Bunch, Charlie’s Angels, Melrose Place and Fantasy Island. That night we ended up on the red carpet of the Kodak Theater watching the last-minute preparations for the Academy Awards. The following week--like the guys in the film “Sideways”--we drove up to Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, and the Danish community Solvang. Downtown Solvang looks much like Fantasyland and has lots of places to shop and eat, but there are no rides. It was a beautiful weekend and we stopped at two of the missions on the California Mission Trail.<br /><br />The week after that, we finally had a hotdog at Pink’s. This LA institution is famous for ALWAYS having a line. [It’s also in the opening credits of “Joey.”] We waited for 45 minutes but it gave us time to catch up with Sara King, Jason Lasecki, and Derek Peterson who were in town. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2OxiFzF6zc9Mi2gT1BmE8SiCWqhv5vcTS3HY0Kv1rxtaYg9gW_8NXJi0PrPKSeLh1lUBwzMJ0_xz6ejs2l1Nx8jkd2HpmRpjIhl9jJVsOaBJCZF2VqnXuoXXUX5c4hDR28Lt0h_J1tay/s1600-h/Pinks.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2OxiFzF6zc9Mi2gT1BmE8SiCWqhv5vcTS3HY0Kv1rxtaYg9gW_8NXJi0PrPKSeLh1lUBwzMJ0_xz6ejs2l1Nx8jkd2HpmRpjIhl9jJVsOaBJCZF2VqnXuoXXUX5c4hDR28Lt0h_J1tay/s200/Pinks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090066046610389554" /></a><br />The next day, Daryl tracked down Walt Disney’s gravesite and the garage where he and Roy first started their movie venture. Both are about 10 minutes away from our apartment.<br /><br />Friday night we attended a taping of “That 70’s Show.” It was the finale of the 7th season, the last episode before Topher Grace leaves the series and Ashton Kutcher scales back to a recurring role. There were so many “Production Guests” in the seats that only 72 regular audience members were admitted; Daryl and I had tickets number 69 and 70. As you can imagine E!, ET, and Access Hollywood were there as the show wrapped to capture the crew as they circled the Vista Cruiser saying their goodbyes. It was like being at a graduation party that happened to be crashed by MaCauley Culkin, Shannon Elizabeth, Demi Moore and her kids. It took the ushers 45 minutes to empty the audience.<br /><br />Next month, we’re headed to Joshua Tree, Death Valley and several of LA’s museums. Stay tuned.James Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-1561415551833454132007-07-15T14:14:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:03.114-08:00May 2005: Saddleback Ranch and St. ThomasCongratulations to our Disney friends on the launch of the Happiest Celebration(s) and the West Coast visit of the Disney Magic. Here’s what we’ve been up to this month:<br /><br /><strong>CAREER<br /></strong>My job with Buena Vista Home Entertainment is going well. Daryl is still working at Disney Music Publishing, but he has picked up some side work painting cells for an art dealer in Hollywood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9g8dVng9UsjWD_Xm4ZRYdiaZfNyjEtT6EYgIBfp1JdA9CLcXKpplHCqunSE80w_19tcl1wIjfjcP6yhEJdVaFVcDgJPJos5_0mWSlXqhuPXisAWK0FTschpjPdKsKMrFqoe8yCEqbIcY/s1600-h/DH+Closeup+with+TH.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9g8dVng9UsjWD_Xm4ZRYdiaZfNyjEtT6EYgIBfp1JdA9CLcXKpplHCqunSE80w_19tcl1wIjfjcP6yhEJdVaFVcDgJPJos5_0mWSlXqhuPXisAWK0FTschpjPdKsKMrFqoe8yCEqbIcY/s200/DH+Closeup+with+TH.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090068181209135682" /></a><br /><strong>TV APPEARANCES AND TAPINGS<br /></strong>Thank you for the phone calls and e-mails regarding <em>Desperate Housewives.<br /></em>The last of my extra work is on HBO’s <em>The Comeback</em>. Since this is a show-within-a-show-within-a-show, there’s no telling what footage will make it to air, but it looked liked it was going to be pretty good. .<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />We continue to bump into celebrities; it’s just a fact of life out here. Daryl saw David Hasselhoff in the Disney Channel building and Giovanni Ribisi drove by us while were waiting to cross the street.. Melissa Joan Hart walked by our table at lunch two weeks ago. We saw Neal McDonough (<em>Boomtown, Medical Investigations</em> and <em>Minority Report</em>) when we were walking through a parking deck. We were shopping next to former <em>Walt Disney World Inside/Out</em> host JD Roth. And on Friday, Daryl was in line at Pink’s with Paul Dooley [Molly Ringwald’s Dad in <em>Sixteen Candles</em>.]<br /><br /><strong>FILMS</strong><br />We haven’t seen <em>Revenge of the Sith</em> yet, but we did see <em>Dream On, Silly Dreamer</em>. This documentary was created by people who lost their jobs when Disney Feature Animation switched completely to 3-D computer-generated films. The sound quality wasn’t great and the ending was abrupt, but there was humor, emotion and animation that kept the show interesting. The sold-out crowd was full of animators from lots of studios. Roy Disney was there to introduce the film and he got a standing ovation.<br /><br />I also have to recommend <em>ENRON: The Smartest Guys in the Room</em>. This solid documentary will make you think twice about trusting anyone in power.<br /><br /><strong>BOOKS<br /></strong><em>How To Be Lost</em> by Amanda Eyre Ward was a quick but thoughtful read about a New Orleans waitress trying to locate or close the case on her sister who has been missing for 20 years.<br /><br />One of the authors Daryl met at the Book Festival back in April was Charles Phoenix. He specializes in Southern California history and we have both of his recent books. His website is dedicated to nostalgia and features a “Slide of the Week.” Check it out. <a href="http://www.godblessamericana.com/">http://www.godblessamericana.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-jxxmzuIiwZfu0P0lm6ngNugTNeaZOnoWng0RL7GvwzJ8USYyYK856QvTcTDl_K3pyQlfUtK9rDQOyFYBwfOr8JH_Vvn1wvLfSqiz-OFltd1xdEbsfs8mUAyNaRb2fG5tj0M8CDqW7Xf/s1600-h/Bob+Baker+Marioneet+Co.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-jxxmzuIiwZfu0P0lm6ngNugTNeaZOnoWng0RL7GvwzJ8USYyYK856QvTcTDl_K3pyQlfUtK9rDQOyFYBwfOr8JH_Vvn1wvLfSqiz-OFltd1xdEbsfs8mUAyNaRb2fG5tj0M8CDqW7Xf/s200/Bob+Baker+Marioneet+Co.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090068726669982290" /></a><br /><strong>CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS<br /></strong>While talking with Daryl, Charles Phoenix suggested that we attend This Is Your Life, Bob Baker. Mr. Baker has run a marionette theater in downtown LA for 40 years or so. We got to see a “greatest hits” show with scenes from his favorite productions.<br /><br />In one scene a skeleton tossed a skull up in the air, caught it on his foot, balanced it, kicked it back into the air and caught it. There was also a funny sequence where a chicken laid an egg, the egg cracked open, and a baby chick got up and walked over to the mother, and they exited together, [with one puppeteer controlling all the action.]<br /><br />Bob Baker’s TV and film resume is expansive and he’s worked with everyone from Elvis to Spielberg. Here’s a list with some photos of his work. <a href="http://www.bobbakermarionettes.com/Credits.html">http://www.bobbakermarionettes.com/Credits.html</a><br /><br /><strong>CHURCH<br /></strong>We went to church twice this month. I know that’s nothing to brag about, but I wanted to share how different these two experiences were.<br /><br />We attended a service at Saddleback Church, the one started in 1980 by Rick Warren. The success of his top-ten book The Purpose-Driven Life has increased Pastor Rick’s congregation to 20,000 members.<br /><br />The Saddleback grounds were lovely. You could sit outside with your crying baby [or cigarette] and listen to the sermon on loudspeakers. Or you watch the video feed at the Terrace Café and enjoy a snack.<br /><br />The Worship Center was about the size of Target and had at least 2,000 people. Most of these folks were dressed in theme park attire: jeans, sandals, Hawaiian shirts and some halter tops here and there. The service opened with two contemporary Christian songs, moved on to the sermon and collection, and closed with Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Taking Care of Business.”<br /><br />The 50-minute service moved along nicely and Pastor Doug, dressed for a summer barbeque, was very entertaining. It was the first sermon I’ve experienced that was built around the TV show <em>24</em> and will hopefully be the last in which the minister discusses reading the Bible on the toilet.<br /><br />At the other end of the spectrum, we attended High Mass this past Sunday at St. Thomas The Apostle, Hollywood. This Episcopal--Anglican church was built in the 1930’s in a quiet neighborhood about a mile past Grauman‘s Chinese Theater. Inside this gothic structure, there wasn’t a 15-piece band, but an organist, a full choir singing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and lots of incense.<br /><br />The guest speaker, Father Alan McCormak, from Trinity College in Dublin, devoted his sermon to exploring the mysteries of the Holy Eucharist and transubstantiation. Except for the occasional police siren outside, it felt like we were in an English country church.<br /><br />We enjoyed both services, but they couldn’t have been more different. If you are in LA and looking for something to do on a Sunday, here are two options:<br /><a href="http://www.saddleback.com/flash/default.htm">http://www.saddleback.com/flash/default.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.saintthomashollywood.org/">http://www.saintthomashollywood.org/</a><br /><br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />Speaking of visitors, Daryl’s Mom and Dad were here for a week celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Daryl took a few days off from work to show them the sights, taking them to High Tea at the Huntington and touring the Gamble House. They got to see the “real LA” when the four of us got stuck in a 2-hour traffic jam on the way to Saddleback Church. Afterwards, we stopped at Downtown Disney to eat dinner and to watch part of the fireworks from the Esplanade.<br /><br />The following day, we took them on a walking tour of downtown Glendale including the Glendale Galleria. Then Mr.and Mrs. Cameron drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco, making stops at Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Monterey, and even Solvang. Their last night back here, we took them Canter’s Deli.<br /><br />This restaurant got its start in New Jersey in 1924 but the Canter Brothers moved it here in 1931 and the rest is history. Read about it here: <a href="http://www.cantersdeli.com/aboutcanters/">http://www.cantersdeli.com/aboutcanters/</a><br /><br />The restaurant is open 24 hours a day and the house specialty is a sandwich piled a half-pound high with Corned Beef and Pastrami called the Canter's Fairfax. Hmmmmm.<br /><br />We also ate there this month with our friend Mark Henso. He was in town to facilitate some team-building sessions for a big conference. Mark does this kind of thing a lot because he is the “Chief Imagination Officer” at <strong>sparkspace,</strong> a company he created five years ago in Columbus, Ohio. It’s going so well that he was just named one of “Columbus’ 40 under 40.” See what all the fuss is about and get inspired at <a href="http://www.sparkspace.com/">http://www.sparkspace.com/</a><br /><br />And stay tuned. The June Update is right around the corner.<br /><br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-27744160163227807402007-07-15T14:25:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:02.835-08:00June 2005: Tuech Family VacationHello! I hope all is well with you. Here’s what Daryl and I have been up to:<br /><br /><strong>SUMMER</strong><br />Besides the mountains and the impossible house prices, the other thing that makes California so different from Florida is the weather. Tomorrow is the first day of July and we haven’t turned on the air conditioner. In fact, this morning had the same kind of chill I remember from family camping trips to North Carolina.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrTzuzu8l7QBx88mqa3r5GEa_WqS_XcliIhxzFsP7pDyZ6MJO5X96oQdRQ5fpFYY__BmdV001l39SUyy4l9ZvsojePh-j0jZfGEQb5PigNB4k1wFf2SIKkmntSeBwmeuDystM_GLeqnvu/s1600-h/Toontown+Family.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrTzuzu8l7QBx88mqa3r5GEa_WqS_XcliIhxzFsP7pDyZ6MJO5X96oQdRQ5fpFYY__BmdV001l39SUyy4l9ZvsojePh-j0jZfGEQb5PigNB4k1wFf2SIKkmntSeBwmeuDystM_GLeqnvu/s200/Toontown+Family.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090084472020089474" /></a><br /><strong>FAMILY VACATION</strong><br />Speaking of family trips, June was especially full of fun because my sister Karen, her husband Tim, and boys Nicholas, Tyler and Cameron were out here for three weeks. They spent a week with us in LA, then drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco, went over to Yosemite National Park, came back to Glendale for a few more days and flew home. It was the trip of a lifetime and we were glad to be a part of it.<br /><br /><strong>SPORTS<br /></strong>The family treated us to our first game at Dodger Stadium. It was a terrific night with two double plays, stolen bases and a game-winning home run in the 9th inning by Hee-Sop Choi. The park was terrific, the crowd was good-spirited, and the weather was perfect.<br />Daryl even got to sample the #1-rated Dodger Dog.<br /><br />Miniature golf is kind of vacation tradition with my sister’s family, so we ended up playing in Sherman Oaks and Anaheim. We had a blast at both of them and I believe the Anaheim one was rated #1 by the Travel Channel even though the traffic roaring by on the Freeway was intense at a few of the holes. The first place has three courses and the second one has five.<br /><a href="http://www.laparks.org/shermanoaks_castlepk/index.htm">http://www.laparks.org/shermanoaks_castlepk/index.htm</a><br /><a href="http://anaheim.golfland.com/">http://anaheim.golfland.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>THEME PARKS</strong><br />We actually spent the day at Disneyland Resort. Thanks to our good friend Linda Kirwin [and FastPass] the family got to experience The Matterhorn Bobsleds, Soarin’ Over California, The Magic of Disney Animation, it’s a small small world, Mulholland Madness, Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. All before 5:00pm.<br /><br /><strong>FILM<br /></strong>I have to thank Nicholas, Tyler and Cameron for sharing <em>Napoleon Dynamite</em> with us. We thoroughly enjoyed this weird little film that won three MTV Movie Awards. We quoted it the whole time they were here. We also went to the historic El Capitan Theater in Hollywood to see the Hayao Miyazaki film <em>Howl’s Moving Castle</em>. The theater and the film were both awesome. This past Sunday, we had a family movie night and watched the new version of <em>Freaky Friday</em>. (We recommend all three titles.)<br /><br />The next day, we were able to tour the Walt Disney Studios. We visited the Disney Archives, strolled the Disney Legends Plaza, ate lunch at the Commissary, and took a family picture at the corner of Mickey Avenue and Dopey Drive.<br /><br /><strong>CULUTRAL ATTRACTIONS</strong><br />That afternoon we headed to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art [LACMA] to experience Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. Los Angeles is the first stop--check the website for other tour dates: <a href="http://www.kingtut.org/">http://www.kingtut.org/</a>. The items were amazing and the exhibit was laid out well, but the crowd detracted from that quiet sense of awe I was anticipating.<br /><br />We saw a much quieter exhibit when we visited the Los Angeles Public Library. There was a California history collection, a photography exhibit and all these wonderful murals throughout the building. Take a look at how cool this building is:<br /><a href="http://www.lapl.org/central/art_architecture.html">http://www.lapl.org/central/art_architecture.html</a><br /><br /><strong>HISTORICAL LANDMARKS<br /></strong>We did the movies stars homes, the Hollywood sign, and the Chinese Theater, of course, but we also took the family to a small street in Studio City where the Brady Bunch house still stands.<br /><br />We had dinner at Bob’s Big Boy of Burbank but spent more time in the parking lot. Built in 1949, this restaurant hosts a classic car show every Friday night. There were some amazing cars on display with engines so clean you could eat off of them. You might have seen this particular Bob’s in the films <em>Heat</em> and <em>The Spy Who Shagged Me</em>. Find out more at <a href="http://www.bobs.net/renovation/renov.html">http://www.bobs.net/renovation/renov.html</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKs1PUQHwGXUhcWY9TdJ01QtVeOYlexo4e-l-Zf8KipCoq_WzmnnuSlJOkb2BvhrmblGdRbKsZ5AdtvTPzsSbxA-SSHEBHJ6VuECaenPV28QcADgAjxgXa13L916jl-vgAkMEMxmbgkll/s1600-h/Tyler+%26+Cameron+at+Cabazon.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKs1PUQHwGXUhcWY9TdJ01QtVeOYlexo4e-l-Zf8KipCoq_WzmnnuSlJOkb2BvhrmblGdRbKsZ5AdtvTPzsSbxA-SSHEBHJ6VuECaenPV28QcADgAjxgXa13L916jl-vgAkMEMxmbgkll/s200/Tyler+%26+Cameron+at+Cabazon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090083540012186210" /></a><br />We stopped at Cabazon to visit the roadside dinosaurs made famous in <em>Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure</em>. Sadly, these kitschy roadside relics are now owned by a religious group whose website preaches about home schooling and the fallacies inherent in Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. They even sold dinosaur T-shirts with the phrase “By design not chance.” We adults scratched our heads at the politicizing of these landmarks but the kids didn’t seem to notice.<br /><br /><strong>THE OUTDOORS<br /></strong>After visiting the dinosaurs, we went on to Joshua Tree where my Uncle Carl gave us a swell tour of the high desert, Pioneer Town, and the local Harley Davidson shop. And as great as all that was, I suspect that what the kids will remember most is the two hours we spent pushing each other in a rolling office chair across my Uncle Carl’s patio. It started casually enough, but the next thing you know, there was this competition to go faster across the patio, to spin the chair while it raced across the concrete, and to remain in the speeding vehicle as it left the playing surface and hit the dirt. Did we get hurt? Just a little. Was it fun? Ridiculously so.<br /><br /><strong>EARTHQUAKES<br /></strong>On Sunday, June 12, at 8:40AM, we had our first earthquake. Nicholas thought someone was shaking the couch and Daryl thought someone was trying to get him out of bed. The rest of us knew it was an earthquake. We were here in the apartment, which shook like your car does when you drive over a bumpy road. The windows rattled, the plates clinked in the cupboards and then it was over. Four days later the same thing happened while we were at work….on the 9th and 17th floors. It was the same sensation with a greater feeling of actual danger.<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS<br /></strong>In addition to seeing Alan Thicke at the Tut exhibit, Karen saw Marilu Henner at an Angels game and Daryl ate lunch at California Pizza Kitchen next to Mad TV [and Comedy Warehouse] performer Paul Vogt.<br /><br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />June started out with an impromptu visit from my oldest sister Gail and her son Mathew. The were driving from Oakland to Central Florida, as Mathew has a new job in Longwood. They were only here for the one night, but it was great to see them.<br /><br />The same goes for seeing Chris Clark last night at Disneyland. We caught up over dinner at Downtown Disney and then headed into the park to see the new fireworks show, to which we all gave a big thumbs up.<br /><br /><strong>OTHER STUFF<br /></strong>Believe it or not, there’s lots more to share, but it’s almost midnight, so I need to close. The July Recap is just around the corner. In the meantime, why not drop us a line about what you‘re doing this summer. Have a great weekend!<br /><br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-48371396511737525232007-07-15T14:43:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:02.617-08:00July 2005: Hollywood Bowl and Disneyland 50thHello! I hope all is well with you. It has been a busy month in the Cameron/Utt household, as you will soon read.<br /><br /><strong>THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL</strong><br />One of the great things about LA is that cultural events regularly feature the big names and professionals that most towns rarely get a chance to host. For example, our first event at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl was a sold-out, star-studded birthday celebration for composer Stephen Sondheim. There were performances by Josh Groban, Carol Burnett, Angela Lansbury, Jason Alexander, Bernadette Peters, Vanessa Williams, Eric McCormack, and Anne Hathaway. Theater buffs will recognize other performers on the bill like Barbara Cook, Marin Mazzie, Stephen Danieley, Len Cariou and Elaine Stritch. As you can see, the lineup wasn’t shabby.<br /><br />The show--which started with a <em>Simpsons </em>clip of Krusty singing "Send in the Clowns"--included selections from <em>West Side Story, Company, Follies, Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeney Todd </em>and<em> Sunday in The Park with George</em>. There were even three songs from Dick Tracy followed by an unscheduled appearance by director Warren Beatty. He was followed by another film director: Barbra Streisand. The crowd went wild. She didn’t perform--unless you count "Happy Birthday"--but it was still a great moment in a wonderful show that included an appearance by Steven Sondheim himself.<br /><br />Then following weekend we were back at the Bowl to see the Gershwin Festival with conductor Leonard Slatkin. The evening included a concert version of “Porgy and Bess” with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald and Wayne Brady. Audra and Brian were top-notch, of course, but Wayne Brady held his own against these Tony winners.<br /><br />The weekend after that we were back for an evening of Tchaikovsky. Conductor Bramwell Tovey was an excellent host, taking the time to explain the various motifs in <em>Sleeping Beauty</em>, summarizing the plot of <em>Eugene Onegin</em>, and cracking a lot of jokes. Prior to the Violin Concerto in D Major, he explained that most violinists perform an abridged version because the piece is so technically demanding. “But tonight,“ he said, “Jennifer Koh is going to play every note just as it was written.”<br /><br />She did that and more. As difficult as the concerto was--one of the strands broke on her bow in the middle of one solo--it always sounded like music. Even when Koh went up in the really high notes. She was so good, that the audience broke symphonic etiquette and gave her an ovation after each movement.<br /><br />The final piece on the program that night was <em>The 1812 Overture</em>. During the 3-minute finale, the brass section of the USC marching band joined the fray, as did fireworks and (recorded) cannon fire. It was BIG and LOUD and it brought the house down. But right in the middle of this huge spectacle was one USC band member frantically clutching his sheet music. And, even though I empathized with him [being a former band geek] it was disappointing that he couldn’t take the time to learn three minutes of music. Especially after Ms. Koh had just performed a 45-minute concerto from memory.<br /><br />The Hollywood Bowl is the official summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic but it has a wide range of programming. You can find out more at <a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/">http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc4mAE2sKI8urwYGIb8BG0J1gJk305OiFeeONC4jQE_TD1QCaCAYSd9XthlR8taRElAxDlBcAi051c9kV_OZJjm-gQtF5Qd5fHbGRGlwzY6NHkURh-qE7o4pqJkQFw0L4XVTm8LYVnC5K/s1600-h/SOM+SAL+Marquee.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc4mAE2sKI8urwYGIb8BG0J1gJk305OiFeeONC4jQE_TD1QCaCAYSd9XthlR8taRElAxDlBcAi051c9kV_OZJjm-gQtF5Qd5fHbGRGlwzY6NHkURh-qE7o4pqJkQFw0L4XVTm8LYVnC5K/s200/SOM+SAL+Marquee.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090088273066146466" /></a><br /><strong>FILM...SORT OF</strong><br />We also went to the <em>Hollywood Bowl Sound of Music Sing Along.</em> With 18,000 attendees, this is the largest SOM Sing Along in the world. The event started out with the Von Trapp Children, four talented tykes who are already showbiz veterans. They are barely in junior high and are already touring the world. You can check out their schedule, buy a CD, and see how they are related to Maria and the Captain on the website. <a href="http://www.vontrappchildren.com/">http://www.vontrappchildren.com/</a><br /><br />After their set, seven more Von Trapp children took the stage, but these were much older and more familiar. These were the actors who appeared in the film 40 years ago as Leisl, Kurt, Louisa, Friedrich, Birgitte and Gretl. They got a round of applause and then stepped off the stage to make way for the costume contest.<br /><br />It took an hour just to get through all 500 contestants. Although most were dressed as brown paper packages tied up with string or girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, there were a few silver white winters that melt into spring, and one warm woolen mitten standing 6 feet tall. There were lonely goat herds, singing nuns, and lots of curtain-inspired play-clothes. There was also a quartet of buxom/zaftig women in tight-fitting green-sequined tops who simply approached the microphone, did a shimmy and exclaimed, “Our hills are alive!”<br /><br />But our favorites were Fraulein Schlagel (the third place winner at the Salzburg Music Festival who bows repeatedly) and the carburetor (that the nuns remove from the Nazis’ cars.) The man who dressed as a 7-foot tall carburetor came in first place and won a seven-day cruise to Mexico. The woman dressed as Fraulein Schlagel came in second and won box seats to the Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale. Third place was “Big Maria” a man who looked like a cross between the St. Pauli Girl and Harvey Korman’s Mother Markham character.<br /><br />The communal viewing of the film had some great sequences--booing when the Nazis came on screen; thousands of cell phone swaying to “Climb Every Mountain,” and singing along to Do-Re-Mi. But just like a day at the beach when people are fighting over which radio station to play the loudest, the audience couldn’t agree on whether to ‘get-into’ the film or to mock it at every turn. Somehow it all worked out and I have to thank our friend Linda Kirwin for making sure we got to experience it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8ko1fFEbTw_3xuRJsXRY4J1aAW0VAJzVOqJ69xJO8zUl2pM_2lahxi73DaC_z9F47hkrLI4sDOsEDDkObTxkVIAHwf0oAlpcvCCO6qZ9Jnb2on-5cGbrvo9OaGYuw3wqZq3e5eOIUHrW/s1600-h/In+Good+Company.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8ko1fFEbTw_3xuRJsXRY4J1aAW0VAJzVOqJ69xJO8zUl2pM_2lahxi73DaC_z9F47hkrLI4sDOsEDDkObTxkVIAHwf0oAlpcvCCO6qZ9Jnb2on-5cGbrvo9OaGYuw3wqZq3e5eOIUHrW/s200/In+Good+Company.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090089063340128946" /></a><br /><strong>VOLUNTEER WORK<br /></strong>The following night, we were across the street volunteering at a tsunami-relief concert held at the historical <strong>Ford Amphitheater</strong>. Daryl and I assisted with the sponsor check-in and VIP party, then headed over to West Hollywood for a CD-release party to help out with gift bag distribution. [It was surreal to be doing this without my old SEM Team.] There was a red carpet, paparazzi, and an all-girl parking service called “Valet of the Dolls.” We saw Fran Drescher, Stephen Schwartz and Ann Hampton Calloway. All the music played at the concert is on Lee Lessack’s new CD <em>In Good Company</em>. You can hear music samples and find out more about the benefit on the LML Records site.<br /><a href="http://www.lmlmusic.com/igc.php">http://www.lmlmusic.com/igc.php</a><br /><br /><strong>THEATERS<br /></strong>When we met Stephen Schwartz that night, we were able to tell him how much we enjoyed Wicked since we had seen it the week prior. It’s a great show and the LA production--according to our friend Shephard who has seen both--was very close to the Broadway experience.<br /><br />As an extra bonus, Wicked was at the Pantages Theater. Getting to see this Art Deco time capsule was almost worth the price of admission. It’s difficult to get the scale of the theater and lobby from pictures, but here is a site with a few photos and lots of history:<br /><a href="http://www.broadwayla.org/pantages/pan_history.asp">http://www.broadwayla.org/pantages/pan_history.asp</a><br /><br />After the play, we headed to downtown LA to see a silent movie in another classic theater called The Orpheum. The movie was the first-ever Academy Award-winning Best Picture <em>Wings</em> starring Clara Bow, Buddy Clarke and Gary Cooper. The soundtrack was provided by Bob Mitchell, one of the premier theater organists. Even though he had to be helped onto the bench, Mr. Mitchell played for almost two hours, in the dark, with no sheet music. Here are some pictures and history on The Orpheum and the 1927 organ that is still in use. <a href="http://www.laorpheum.com/gallery.html">http://www.laorpheum.com/gallery.html</a><br /><br /><strong>BOOKS</strong><br />Only two completed books this month. I re-read <em>Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix</em> finishing it just in time to join the crowd on Friday, July 15th. It‘s amazing to think that 350 people were standing in line at midnight for a book. I finished <em>The Half-Blood Prince</em> the next day and enjoyed it much more than Book 5.<br /><br /><strong>DISNEYLAND’S 50TH<br /><br /></strong>On the 17th, we were up at 4:00am, on the road by 5:00am and parking the car by 6:00am for Disneyland‘s 50th. Before you go calling us crazy, I would like to point out that there were people who began queuing the previous afternoon. The line swelled to an estimated 10,000 people that were corralled into Disney’s California Adventure until 7:00am. It took an hour to get all of them across the Esplanade and into Disneyland. The rest of us were let in just after 8:00am, and believe it or not, it wasn’t that crowded.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d3bQZaWuo7phzUh8GXAgvU70Nl3kv39R5lv9pA84ABOyjejD7j4Deg309x7sWIFJMDzYLXL8nixCnIp9lVLwT0wXFrR9ZyGheoSiSRvj2yWZeOJDfHivnffo6IJ0nykEJSnnm5pUdCge/s1600-h/DLR+50th+Boats.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d3bQZaWuo7phzUh8GXAgvU70Nl3kv39R5lv9pA84ABOyjejD7j4Deg309x7sWIFJMDzYLXL8nixCnIp9lVLwT0wXFrR9ZyGheoSiSRvj2yWZeOJDfHivnffo6IJ0nykEJSnnm5pUdCge/s200/DLR+50th+Boats.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090087723310332562" /></a><br />Like any Summer day at Disneyland there half-hour waits for the E-tickets, but the longest one was the 140-minute wait for the refurbished Space Mountain Luckily we had FastPasses and the ride was awesome. People were in good spirits the whole day, but that may have been because we all got complimentary mouse ears with the date stitched in the back. It’s the first time I’ve ever worn them…and the first time in years that I didn’t get sunburned on my bald spot.<br /><br /><strong>VACATION</strong><br />Daryl spent this past week in North Carolina visiting family, spending time at the nursing home with his 91 year-old Grandmother, and attending a wedding. The ceremony and reception were held outside in 104 degree/100% humidity weather. It was almost like being back in Orlando. The trip was a lot of fun and, like most vacations, over too soon.<br /><br /><strong>MORE VOLUNTEER WORK</strong><br />While Daryl was out of town, I volunteered at the 2nd Annual “Freeze the Disease.” This celebrity hockey match raises funds for and awareness of the fight against Cystic Fibrosis. According to the ladies in the stands, the biggest celebrities there were Michael Vartan and Jason Priestly, but you can judge for yourself--and find out more about CF--by checking out the event website. <a href="http://www.freezethedisease.org/the_cause.htm">http://www.freezethedisease.org/the_cause.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />In addition to the names already mentioned... July 4th, Daryl had a conversation with Leah Remini [Carrie Heffernen on <em>King of Queens</em>] while he was at a Studio Center furniture store. Two weeks ago we saw Kyle Brandt [<em>The Real World: Chicago, Days of Our Lives</em>] and Jack Reilly [Mr. Carlin on <em>The Bob Newhart Show</em>] while we were at The Grove.<br /><br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />Brenda Godfrey, a lawyer friend from college, was in town taking a deposition for a case. As we drove around seeing the sights, she told us that while she was jogging that morning she saw actor James Cromwell [<em>Babe, LA Confidential, All In The Family</em>]. We think he had just finished up a scene for the HBO series Six Feet Under.<br /><br />The following week, our friend Alyce Diamandis was in town with meetings at Disney and ABC. We had dinner on Olvera Street and met up another day on the Burbank lot.<br /><br />Our friend Mark Witko was in town for a Disney Cruise Line event and was able to join us at Disneyland for the 50th. He was so much fun! He even waited in line with us to see the Echanted Tiki Birds. Is he a good sport, or what? And he even took the attached picture of us on Main Street. Thank you Mark!<br /><br /><strong>OTHER STUFF</strong><br />Somehow, we managed to do even more this month, but you will likely hear it about during a slower month. Although looking at the calendar…I’m not sure when that will be!<br /><br />Until then,<br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-31539518767059993312007-07-15T14:52:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:02.256-08:00August 2005: Michael Buble and Jazz at the Bowl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5g5A9w40pfHVSozB1Om6MiEZVPcUPmBiJwrJLhTRhZDFTPYwLnwFfS4CFAyuEiL3_MbJVXRUUXVD-BirCPfAgvgH7v0K_nmgr4_TpyE8L3KpFwLxQIFGRu28T2GnCLTsp25poAfSjT-5/s1600-h/Jackson+Square+Jan+2005.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5g5A9w40pfHVSozB1Om6MiEZVPcUPmBiJwrJLhTRhZDFTPYwLnwFfS4CFAyuEiL3_MbJVXRUUXVD-BirCPfAgvgH7v0K_nmgr4_TpyE8L3KpFwLxQIFGRu28T2GnCLTsp25poAfSjT-5/s200/Jackson+Square+Jan+2005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090092881566055138" /></a><br />In January, when Daryl and I drove out to California, the first stop was New Orleans. We got there around 10:00pm, drove through crowds of Saturday night revelers in the French Quarter, found a hotel, and crashed for the night. Sunday morning was spent visiting Jackson Square, a deserted Pat O’Briens, a bustling Café du Monde and what must be the world’s smallest grocery store. It was a quick tour made of small, pleasant moments. If only Katrina’s visit had been the same.<br /><br />I’ve been through a few hurricanes [Charley, Frances, Jeanne, Floyd, Georges, Irene, David] but nothing close to Katrina. Even last August, when we were without power for nine days following Charley, we still had our cars, restaurants, phone service, daily newspapers and an air-conditioned job site. The lack of fresh water, power, communication, food and shelter in New Orleans is nothing short of tragic.<br /><br /><strong>SOME GOOD NEWS<br /></strong>On August 22, I began working as an official Disney Cast Member again--with the Silver Pass and everything. Our parents are just relieved that we have insurance again. Daryl is also at Buena Vista Home Entertainment working in the Synergy department.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYUCNjCAsN9n9uCsQRu59r3rVevJmaKFbkVuyswmnZrfy1dmCvnGwpAANIYq26cjLcDgXkSpRDzoMMXaNmyPrXqReyWSyrcDXSb_d_Y3udNh9Jbr5dF2frVwRJVjRiCPuUYuy4oQScRgU/s1600-h/michael_buble--It's+Time.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYUCNjCAsN9n9uCsQRu59r3rVevJmaKFbkVuyswmnZrfy1dmCvnGwpAANIYq26cjLcDgXkSpRDzoMMXaNmyPrXqReyWSyrcDXSb_d_Y3udNh9Jbr5dF2frVwRJVjRiCPuUYuy4oQScRgU/s200/michael_buble--It's+Time.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090091906608478914" /></a><br /><strong>MICHAEL BUBLE AT THE GREEK THEATER</strong><br />For our birthdays, our friends Byron and Shephard took us to see Michael Buble at the Greek Theater. LA was the final date on his tour so he pulled out all of the stops, joking with the audience, doing impressions and singing for two hours without any visible water intake. Michael makes it look so easy, crooning "The Way You Look Tonight" one minute and then belting out Queen’s "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" the next. He even did some a capella work on the Carpenters’ "Song For You." It was a GREAT show and we are indebted to Byron and Shephard for making that happen. To see and hear more about Michael Buble--including his latest single "Home"--check out <a href="http://www.michaelbuble.com/">http://www.michaelbuble.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>BOOKS</strong><br />Another birthday present I enjoyed was the complete set of Armistead Maupin’s <em>Tales of the City</em>. These six books were written between 1977 and 1987 and tell the interwoven stories of the apartment residents at 28 Barbary Lane, San Francisco. The first book was turned into a highly-rated miniseries for PBS about ten year ago. I especially enjoyed the ‘time capsule’ aspect of the series as it touched on everything from the pet rock fad to Tylenol’s tamper-proof packaging to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.<br /><br /><strong>MUSEUMS</strong><br />That same weekend we were driving through a neighborhood and happened upon the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. It was interesting to see that even within Native American cultures there is a class system of noblemen, subjects, and slaves.<br /><a href="http://autrynationalcenter.org/swexhibitions.php">http://autrynationalcenter.org/swexhibitions.php</a><br /><br />This past Saturday we caught the Rembrandt exhibit at The Getty. It’s an amazing place to spend a day--even if you’re not into art--because the architecture, the view, the gardens and overall design are top-notch. I’ll probably spend more time on this in a future update, but in the meantime, here are some of the pieces in the museums collection <a href="http://www.getty.edu/art/">http://www.getty.edu/art/</a>.<br /><br /><strong>THEATER</strong><br /><em>The Book of Liz</em> was written by Amy and David Sedaris. It’s the story of an Amish woman who, tired of making cheeseballs and being under appreciated, leaves her compound and becomes a waitress in a Colonial-themed diner. [Their specialty is “Williamsburgers”] It was a wacky show that made us laugh a lot. It was performed in a cozy space by actors who appear on TV from time to time. Here‘s the cast list and information about the <strong>Blank Theater Company</strong>: <a href="http://www.theblank.com/mainstage.htm">http://www.theblank.com/mainstage.htm</a><br /><strong><br />STAR SIGHTINGS<br /></strong>Speaking of familiar faces, we passed by the <em>Teen People</em> 25 Under 25 party and saw singer Ryan Cabrera walking the red carpet. Oscar-Winner Geoffrey Rush was in the audience with us watching <em>The 40-Year Old Virgin</em>. I almost didn’t recognize Roy Disney when he stepped off our office elevator in his Hawaiian shirt, khakis, and sneakers.<br /><br /><strong>VISITORS<br /></strong>Other familiar faces this month included our friends Margo and Richard Gravely who stopped by a few weeks back. She and Daryl met over the phone back when she handled the Magic Kingdom Club for Disneyland and he did the same for WDW. They fell out of touch after leaving the company but reconnected when they both rejoined this year. It was great catching up.<br /><br />Our friend Tony Tropea was out here last weekend just as the temperature was climbing back into the high 90’s. Even though we got shut out of a TV Taping at Warner Brothers, we still had fun driving around the city pointing out TV landmarks like the Brady Bunch house and the Townsend Detective Agency from Charlie’s Angels.<br /><br /><strong>THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL</strong><br />This month, we saw two jazz concerts at the Bowl. The first was a Celebration of Antonio Carlos Jobim hosted by guitarist Oscar Castro-Nuevas. He had lots of big names from the Bossa Nova scene but I am not going to pretend like I had heard of any of them prior to that night. Even though my late arrival made me miss “The Girl From Ipanema,” hearing “Desafinado” and “The One Note Samba,” made up for it.<br /><br />Last night we attended Jazz Sophistication: George Duke and Friends. The main reason we signed up for this one wasn’t George Duke, it was Shirley Horn. We were turned on to her by our friend Marge Ann, who is very active in the Central Florida Jazz Society. She loaned Daryl her copy of Shirley’s album <em>Here’s to Life</em> and he became an instant fan. Listen for yourself:<br /><a href="http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/product.aspx?ob=disc&src=art&pid=9707">http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/product.aspx?ob=disc&src=art&pid=9707</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88WNSIOpHNGxOY2VEPaqhLk3IO5XyPS8chTQ0AW655axyjoCTSv3xFsP8qAd_MoJKrk6J8weuVKeyIszQDaFLfj8r9rqEqEARF-dDKqw9lOT7YEs1-cQG5invAcZ1jqTj9IvOAyfZQ0Zw/s1600-h/Shirley+Horn+Dianne+Reeves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88WNSIOpHNGxOY2VEPaqhLk3IO5XyPS8chTQ0AW655axyjoCTSv3xFsP8qAd_MoJKrk6J8weuVKeyIszQDaFLfj8r9rqEqEARF-dDKqw9lOT7YEs1-cQG5invAcZ1jqTj9IvOAyfZQ0Zw/s320/Shirley+Horn+Dianne+Reeves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090096751331588866" /></a>Shirley has been ill of late and unfortunately had to cancel. Her last-minute replacement wasn’t too shabby. It was the equally talented and more known Dianne Reeves. She put on a terrific show singing and scatting smoothly through standards like "How High the Moon" and "One For the Road." You can sample her 15+ albums at <a href="http://www.diannereeves.com/">http://www.diannereeves.com/</a>.<br /><br />Of course, this being a night devoted to jazz, it was hard to ignore what was happening in the city that made it famous. Dianne spoke the about the extended family that she and the band had in Louisiana and Alabama. She made a simple plea for people to donate to any charity that was helping and then slid into a mournful "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?"<br /><br /><em>Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans<br />And miss her each night and day<br />I know I’m not wrong because the feeling’s<br />Getting stronger the longer I stay away<br />Miss the moss-covered vines, tall sugar pines<br />Where mockingbirds used to sing<br />I’d love to see that old lazy Mississippi<br />Running in the spring<br />Moonlight on the bayous<br />Creole tunes fill the air<br />I dream about magnolias in June<br />And I’m wishin I was there<br />Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans<br />When that’s where you left your heart<br />And there’s one thing more, I miss the one I care for<br />More than I miss New Orleans</em><br /><br />Until next month.<br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-48018707855060573402007-07-15T15:01:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:01.683-08:00September 2005: From New York to HawaiiHello again. I hope all is well with you. Here’s a look back at September:<br /><br /><strong>DISNEY STUFF</strong><br />Daryl has joined the Synergy Team of Buena Vista Home Entertainment as a full-time employee. His last day as a temporary was also Michael Eisner’s last day. Daryl and his team were on the Disney Studio lot Friday at lunchtime to attend MDE’s brief, unscripted goodbye address. There were no characters, confetti or fireworks; just a man at a plain podium reminiscing about the job he had held for 21 years.<br /><strong><br />NEW TV SEASON<br /></strong>It’s great seeing new episodes of <em>Arrested Development, The Simpsons</em>, and (eventually) <em>Scrubs</em>. Of the new shows we’ve sampled, our biggest thumbs-up goes to NBC’s <em>My Name Is Earl</em>. The first two episodes each felt like independent films. We also wanted to get a plug in for FOX’s <em>Kitchen Confidential</em> since it needs a little help in the ratings. One show we are missing is HBO’s <em>Six Feet Under</em>. Shortly after the awesome final episode we drove to the neighborhood where the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home still stands and took some pictures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUPVdzf1O2gpguiPvTVvmG4Vcvg0VEo34af6z6MRChPwlQBcV9mKNalF1NURKSSNwSdlzr84jeaFZ45TuE5cdXkiQiN0WtLcsRkeoXEQ-FCZgYvaCFhyq-oAvEMx48Z5wzKiR6wILAvS8/s1600-h/Keane.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUPVdzf1O2gpguiPvTVvmG4Vcvg0VEo34af6z6MRChPwlQBcV9mKNalF1NURKSSNwSdlzr84jeaFZ45TuE5cdXkiQiN0WtLcsRkeoXEQ-FCZgYvaCFhyq-oAvEMx48Z5wzKiR6wILAvS8/s200/Keane.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090102605372013362" /></a><strong>KEANE AT THE GREEK THEATER</strong><br />Have you heard the English band Keane? We saw them Friday night at the Greek Theater performing the last concert of their world tour. We are still marveling at how full their sound was despite there being only drums, voice, and an electric piano on stage. What do they sound like? Decide for yourself at <a href="http://www.keaneband.com/">http://www.keaneband.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>DEAD END AT THE AHMANSON</strong><br />Our first time at the Ahmanson Theater was a treat. We saw <em>Dead End</em>, which was written in 1935 and chronicles a few New York days in the tenements along the East River. You might have seen the Humphrey Bogart film which launched the “Dead End Kids” (a.k.a. the Bowery Boys).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftWh2k6VvVLpTcJlhmDlJ8o_bOoS59TXonhlIH09N1OTi8mMSvxQkG9NcYglsbtBN9g34CkeWlHzB5q9BRsYGsQl1th8TNACVhhyh9QgQwVGp5RqcU3IrZITum5_i42-3tXRM-JFxpVBW/s1600-h/Dead+End.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftWh2k6VvVLpTcJlhmDlJ8o_bOoS59TXonhlIH09N1OTi8mMSvxQkG9NcYglsbtBN9g34CkeWlHzB5q9BRsYGsQl1th8TNACVhhyh9QgQwVGp5RqcU3IrZITum5_i42-3tXRM-JFxpVBW/s200/Dead+End.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090101565989927714" /></a>The story is still relevant and the actors did a great job, but for me the big hit of the show was the set. It was a complete street scene rising 4 stories into the flyspace. Each apartment building had working electrical, fire escapes, and residents that wandered throughout the background as the main stories unfolded. The street dead ends at the East River, or in this case an orchestra pit filled with 11,000 gallons of water. The kids were constantly diving into the water to hide from police, to cool off from the heat or to make the biggest splash possible. Some of the first row patrons probably felt like they were at Sea World.<br /><br />The show runs through October 16 with Jeremy Sisto [<em>Six Feet Under</em>], Tom Everett Scott [<em>That Thing You Do!</em>], Ricky Ullman [<em>Phil Of the Future</em>] and Joyce Van Patten. For more history and ticket information click here: <a href="http://www.taperahmanson.com/show.asp?id=304">http://www.taperahmanson.com/show.asp?id=304</a><br /><br /><strong>VOLUNTEERING<br /></strong>We both spent Saturday, September 17 doing volunteer work. While I was picking up trash at Venice Beach, Daryl was in Brentwood volunteering at the <strong>Hollywood Yard Sale</strong> sponsored by W Magazine and Guess Jeans. The event was hosted by Jane Kaczmarek [Malcolm in the Middle] and her husband Bradley Whitford [The West Wing] with the proceeds going to Katrina relief efforts. Some of the items were personal, some were used on TV shows, and many were provided by stores looking for press.<br /><br />How Hollywood was it? Well it‘s the only yard sale Daryl ever went to with valet parking, a guest registry, live bands, DJ’s, catering, and photographers. There was a green carpet for celebrities like Cheryl Hines [<em>Curb Your Enthusiasm</em>], Nia Vardalos [<em>My Big Fat Greek Wedding</em>] and Gail O’Grady [<em>American Dreams</em>] to pose on. You can see part of it at <a href="http://www.dailyceleb.com/production/?view=event&amp;eid=3493">http://www.dailyceleb.com/production/?view=event&eid=3493</a><br /><br />The next day Jane was at the Emmys talking about another charity effort <strong>Clothes Off Our Back</strong>. She and other celebs auction off their red carpet attire to benefit a variety of causes. The auction has been extended to October 5, so if you have $1500 lying around, Eva Longoria‘s dress could be yours. <a href="http://www.clothesoffourback.org/">http://www.clothesoffourback.org/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpiqq9h9Y48Xjfr29HqyPim395cygmU0ql2xQ2javkqqie0bH9-9sG548ViZ9oo4EyY8fpmV17CFeZVafs4Nw3pdVMVVrBKoKvMiOPbwFKaFL2y0hTl5g5uaH8HOuNghayuM4bQynqdfy/s1600-h/Pink+Martini.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpiqq9h9Y48Xjfr29HqyPim395cygmU0ql2xQ2javkqqie0bH9-9sG548ViZ9oo4EyY8fpmV17CFeZVafs4Nw3pdVMVVrBKoKvMiOPbwFKaFL2y0hTl5g5uaH8HOuNghayuM4bQynqdfy/s200/Pink+Martini.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090106131540163394" /></a><strong>THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL<br /></strong>We attended our final two shows at the Bowl. The first was <strong>Pink Martini</strong>, who are best described as a quirky “World Lounge” ensemble. This Portland-based, 14-member group performs mostly original songs that sound as if they were created during the first half of the last century. There were bouncy cabaret songs sung in French, lush orchestral numbers in Italian and a Japanese children’s song with a koto soloist. Their website has a radio you can click on to hear: <a href="http://www.pinkmartini.com/">http://www.pinkmartini.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZrJh0gWBSXk1SXKdHbkI-jG_9o4pBE7LcLXOHc8YPceurToFWZp6OhQC0t7u4ukLktABRLNPXW3-Uqv30i5XLhRxbazgjstByzKlZ2bCNc7_b3CwMIhTPuzcTTPFlo2GBlz1nJNG-ovT/s1600-h/Naleo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZrJh0gWBSXk1SXKdHbkI-jG_9o4pBE7LcLXOHc8YPceurToFWZp6OhQC0t7u4ukLktABRLNPXW3-Uqv30i5XLhRxbazgjstByzKlZ2bCNc7_b3CwMIhTPuzcTTPFlo2GBlz1nJNG-ovT/s200/Naleo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090111878206405474" /></a>Two days later we were back for <strong>Destination: Hawaii.</strong> The first act on the bill was <strong>Na’Leo</strong> (prounced “nah-LAY-oh“), three ladies singing mid-tempo ballads with tight harmonies. They seem to be a Hawaiian version of Wilson Phillips, until you consider that these women have 15 albums to their credit. You can sample their soft rock and island flavor at the website <a href="http://www.naleo.net/">http://www.naleo.net/</a> [NOTE: Their address ends with “net because www.naleo.com belongs to the National Association of Latino Elected Officials.]<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzg5XpTcW0w_7wc7v30xp48jOsnADOP89V-KSPmDxN_SUhn5bk8R6bVAmV2K3U29gyArytZj9mXLLxe9z49oD9GNZe75MZ27HJ0un75kSdpLn4i9DvT4K-z36XcjA3OncfWcs8ND8AQJ9/s1600-h/Kealii.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzg5XpTcW0w_7wc7v30xp48jOsnADOP89V-KSPmDxN_SUhn5bk8R6bVAmV2K3U29gyArytZj9mXLLxe9z49oD9GNZe75MZ27HJ0un75kSdpLn4i9DvT4K-z36XcjA3OncfWcs8ND8AQJ9/s200/Kealii.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090112045710130034" /></a>The headliner was <strong>Kealii Reichel</strong>. (pronounced “KEY-uh-LEE-ee ray-SHELL“) <a href="http://www.kealiireichel.com/biography_bio2.html">http://www.kealiireichel.com/biography_bio2.html</a> This man knows how to put on a show. He sang, played guitar and ukuele, performed a hula and talked about growing up in Hawaii. Preserving his heritage and sharing it with the world is central to what he does but Kealii didn't let that drag down a great show. In fact, he had four hula schools accompanying him and his band throughout the night so the stage was almost always full of activity. The show had warmth, beauty and lots of punch lines in Hawaiian.<br /><br />Afterwards, we headed home saying “Aloha” to the Hollywood Bowl for this season.<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS<br /></strong>In addition to the folks listed above, while Daryl was at the yard sale he saw Frankie Muniz from <em>Malcom in the Middle</em> and Alison Arngrim, better known as Nellie Olsen from <em>Little House on the Prairie.<br /></em><br />At lunch last week in Burbank, we passed Andrew Keegan [<em>10 Things I Hate About You</em>] as he was walking his dog, and then passed Jerry Ferrara [“Turtle” from <em>Entourage</em>] who was having a latte’ at an outdoor café.<br /><br />Some days, it seems like we just got to LA and other days it seems like we’ve been here longer than eight months. We’ve already experienced flooding, landslides, earthquakes, power outages and brush fires. Who knows what October will bring.<br /><br />Until next month.<br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-91629246179593726032007-07-16T14:38:00.000-07:002008-11-12T23:00:00.885-08:00October 2005: Halloween Across the RegionHello again. I hope all is well with you. I’m a little late with update this month because of everything we crammed into the last two weeks. Consequently, the update is a little longer than usual, too.<br /><br /><strong>ANNIVERSARY</strong><br />October 1st Daryl and I celebrated our 11-year Anniversary with dinner at a little place here in Glendale called the Tam O’Shanter. Daryl’s family hails from Scotland and the restaurant was frequented by Walt Disney, so it was inevitable that we’d end up there at least once.<br /><br /><strong>HALLOWEEN<br /></strong>Halloween has never been a big holiday in the Cameron/Utt household, but when in Rome…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQPZfTYJJb2f3apgId6O5EOxiYxIS7IPXE43A4uCAzNDJhrsATdviUf0i2sGoiRg_OqfUQ542bRUwfrFV3ZfZuebg9bS7pN5yBYqF4lib_8GJOG-1Nh_nmjstkTOvDz4Xzys7kOcdyX2g/s1600-h/Cid+and+Ghoul.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQPZfTYJJb2f3apgId6O5EOxiYxIS7IPXE43A4uCAzNDJhrsATdviUf0i2sGoiRg_OqfUQ542bRUwfrFV3ZfZuebg9bS7pN5yBYqF4lib_8GJOG-1Nh_nmjstkTOvDz4Xzys7kOcdyX2g/s200/Cid+and+Ghoul.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090127159700044738" /></a> <strong>KNOTT’S SCARY FARMS<br /></strong>Our friend Cid Stoll was in town to see the Halloween Haunt at Knott‘s Berry Farms, so she and I drove down to Buena Park on a Thursday night to check it out. Neither one of us is a big fan of people jumping out at us from all sides, but we gamely ventured into a haunted pirate maze. Amid all the zombies, monsters and sea-hags, the scariest encounter was with a ghoul who had the frightening… overpowering… aura… of… aftershave. While I appreciated the specter’s thoughtfulness, his attention to hygiene made it difficult to sneak up on his prey.<br /><br />Knott’s also re-themed their slow-moving mine train and log flume attractions for the event. Just imagine riding Splash Mountain with reduced lighting and people bursting out of the scenes when you least expected it. Cid and I both jumped a few times during these two rides.<br /><br />Then we caught the live show <em>The Happiest Hanging on Earth</em> which, while lampooning all things Disney, explored the eternal question: “Which celebrity or world figure is most deserving of being hanged in front of a live audience?” A troop of 16 actors and stunt performers brought to life--and then death--everyone from Darth Vader to Paris Hilton in a 30-minute show that felt more like an hour. The script was repetitive, the fake blood effect was exhausted in the first five minutes, and the Disney parodies just bogged the whole thing down. It was a real mess. The crowd was so indifferent, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the performers who still had two more shows to do that night.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69AfimDlZ51SQHwIf6buntrd1ml4KDrbdBadS898CTrpNOjqUiF7NBTC-P5JgNB9Bh7_oVlzmaTM63OODy9g1ZRtmOgRgFpa4JZxFHAC3z2b1G_oAfazVce3nK5Lrna1uULnR3zLcyufx/s1600-h/Haunted+Mansion+Holiday.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69AfimDlZ51SQHwIf6buntrd1ml4KDrbdBadS898CTrpNOjqUiF7NBTC-P5JgNB9Bh7_oVlzmaTM63OODy9g1ZRtmOgRgFpa4JZxFHAC3z2b1G_oAfazVce3nK5Lrna1uULnR3zLcyufx/s320/Haunted+Mansion+Holiday.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090129985788525522" /></a><strong>HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY<br /></strong>Cid, Daryl and I also made it down to Disneyland to see some of the new stuff, including the Haunted Mansion Holiday. Each year, for the thirteen weeks between the Halloween and Christmas seasons, the Haunted Mansion gets a yuletide overlay themed to <em>Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas</em>. I was never a fan of the movie but this attraction is done so well it’s hard not to be impressed. Other people certainly think so since there was a sixty-minute wait at 10:00pm. Luckily, a woman we had befriended during the fireworks was leaving for the night and gave us her family’s FastPass. As our friend Paula would say, “It was a Nightmare Before Christmas miracle.”<br /><br /><strong>YARD HAUNTS<br /></strong>Perhaps there is someone in your neighborhood that annually decorates their house for Halloween the way Jennings Osborne does his for Christmas. Maybe that person goes a step further and offers an interactive experience to the general public. If so, he or she has created a “Yard Haunt,” and may want to be added to--or check out the competition at-- <a href="http://www.hauntworld.com/states/">http://www.hauntworld.com/states/</a> Our friends Byron and Shephard did the research and took us to three of the best in the Burbank area on October 30.<br /><br /><strong>BONEY ISLAND</strong><br />Boney Island was created by Don Polizzi, one of the producers of <em>The Simpsons</em>.<br />On HGTV’s Extreme Halloween this year he said he always wanted to design rides when he was a kid, so one year he turned his yard into a walkthrough attraction. Boney Island, as the name might tell you, is an amusement park that caters to skeletons.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzPCWe2h1AWRbz6gf59nO6YogJmkqFd3_5qFWzTSu0zXYuaXaMqJz_zzy7DuZw5za4_MYHA_7a4_c9QXKEihcBjEJrhl12zTgYAGJlbj5cvsYMKBSBRVK8dlKu2ld0UrvfQ-vUZGkMn3a/s1600-h/Skele-Tones.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzPCWe2h1AWRbz6gf59nO6YogJmkqFd3_5qFWzTSu0zXYuaXaMqJz_zzy7DuZw5za4_MYHA_7a4_c9QXKEihcBjEJrhl12zTgYAGJlbj5cvsYMKBSBRVK8dlKu2ld0UrvfQ-vUZGkMn3a/s320/Skele-Tones.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090134774677060642" /></a>Walking through the yard, you will see the band called the “SkeleTones”, a sideshow area featuring “The Once-Human Cannonball,” concessionaires selling “Rotten Candy” and a midway featuring a “Batting Cage.” Most of the scenes featured animation, music and family-friendly dialogue, like the dangling spiders who were cracking wise on the famous line from <em>The Fly</em>. One example: “Help Meeee…Help Meeee…Help Meeee, Rhonda. Help, Help Me Rhonda.” Their dedicated website is <a href="http://www.boneyisland.com/">http://www.boneyisland.com/</a> but there’s nothing on it now that the season is over.<br /><br /><strong>FRIGHT GALLERY<br /></strong>Right behind the Disney Studios is a house that’s been hosting live Halloween-themed shows for 25 years. This year’s program “Twisted” was performed six times a night for 4 nights. The neighbors must be pretty tolerant since each performance filled the street with onlookers and the adjacent blocks with parked cars.<br /><br />“Twisted” was <em>The Wizard of Oz</em> meets <em>Beach Blanket Bingo</em> performed by an all-zombie cast. The set took up the entire front yard and was done in black, white and gray until Dorothy landed in Sunny California. Then it magically turned to color, just in time for our heroine to kill the Wicked Witch of the West Coast, and met The O.Z. This 20-minute show zipped along with lots of one-liners and a musical finale from <em>Hairspray</em>. It was a crowd-pleaser and I hope somebody from Knott’s Scary Farms was there taking notes for 2006. <a href="http://www.thefrightgallery.com/">http://www.thefrightgallery.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>HALLOWED HAUNTING GROUNDS</strong><br />After “Twisted” we headed for the granddaddy of LA Yard Haunts: <em>The Hallowed Haunting Grounds</em>. Started 33 years ago, this eerie graveyard experience is most often compared to The Haunted Mansion, the attraction that inspired the owners. You won‘t hear the bouncy “Grim Grinning Ghosts” song because this is a haunted graveyard best observed with solemnity.<br /><br />Nothing jumps out at you, but you might get tangled in cobwebs as you search the cemetery for shrouded figures and apparitions. There’s no stretching room, but there’s a mausoleum whose side seems to breathe in and out, a lantern that floats though the darkness, and a sculpted bust that ages in front of you. There’s no ballroom scene either, but peaking in the front windows of the house reveals a see-through ghost playing the organ and a disembodied head chanting like Madame Leota.<br /><br />Click on this link <a href="http://www.hauntinggrounds.org/hhgpics.htm">http://www.hauntinggrounds.org/hhgpics.htm</a> and scroll down through the pictures. The individual shots might be a little clunky but these things are hard to capture on film. And when you consider that it’s a free, temporary attraction set up in someone’s front yard, living room, front bedroom and side yard, the Hallowed Haunting Grounds becomes even more impressive.<br /><br />It was estimated that 4,000 people visited each night. [Can you imagine inviting 4,000 people to your neighborhood?] We stood in line for an hour to see this one but it was worth it, especially since 2005 was the final year for the display. I wonder who will try to top it next year?<br /><br /><strong>HALLOWEEN AT THE DISNEY STUDIO<br /></strong>Like much of California, the Studio Cast Members celebrate Halloween in a big way. On the 31st, there was a costume contest, giveaways, and photo ops with Zorro Mickey, Chicken Little and Abby Mallard. There was a Chicken Little decorating contest with fifty entries that included likenesses of Elton John, Stitch, KFC and “Chicken Little Richard.”<br /><br />The costume contest had four categories and took about an hour to finish. The judges on stage included Dick Cook, the head of the Studio; Jay Rasulo, President of Parks & Resorts; and Bob Eiger, celebrating his 31st day as CEO. The award for Funniest Costume went to a the guy dressed as “Little Orphan Annie: The Later Years.” Best Disney went to Mrs. Incredible. Normally, a store-bought costume gets an immediate thumbs-down from me, but this Elastigirl looked truly INCREDIBLE.<br /><br />Best Group was the BVHE Team--including yours truly--as “Mousketeers Who Didn’t Make the Cut.” Scariest went to a guy dressed in a white hooded robe and white face paint. I didn’t think he had a chance until he announced ominously that he was “The Ghost of Hand-Drawn Animation at Disney” and the crowd went wild. I guess it pays to know your audience.<br /><strong><br />BURBANK TOWER EVENTS<br /></strong>The Burbank Tower, where Daryl and I work, hosted a Pumpkin-Carving Contest and a Haunted House experience this year. There were only 10 pumpkins entered, but I was happy to accept First Prize for my effort. Two first place wins in one day, when will that happen again? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MZAjkCcfTLMcu6yVgmCJNQoNdiaZfKBJzSDIzRMCcJ9NMaWte0Ppj9rL7RbrQ2IlbDJa4y5S6AvnSmf6mRZvo7yb4N3043Tlv8fWqYzDMIYD2UO51zkSxXtqzxTFXvYwlBPd2hTDsHzE/s1600-h/First+Place+Pumpkin.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MZAjkCcfTLMcu6yVgmCJNQoNdiaZfKBJzSDIzRMCcJ9NMaWte0Ppj9rL7RbrQ2IlbDJa4y5S6AvnSmf6mRZvo7yb4N3043Tlv8fWqYzDMIYD2UO51zkSxXtqzxTFXvYwlBPd2hTDsHzE/s320/First+Place+Pumpkin.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090134147611835410" /></a>I wasn‘t sure what to expect with the haunted house on the 28th floor, but everyone was talking about it, so I headed upstairs. The elevator doors opened onto a lobby that had been decorated to resemble the one in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. When we entered the haunted hotel, I was amazed at how much work the team had put into this experience. Black plastic sheeting lined the entire maze, masking the walls, the doors, the cubicles and most importantly, the light.<br /><br />Our group of five made our way through 10 different stations including the front desk, the pool, the restaurant, the ballroom, and the bar. Along the way people would scare us by yelling, jumping out or just “coming alive” when we were least expecting it. There were folks down on the floor who would brush their hands against our legs or pretend to grab us by our ankles. Because it was a hotel, there were references to <em>Psycho</em> and <em>The Shining</em>, like a wall that had the word REDRUM all over it. There was so much detail, I can‘t imagine how much time it took to set this thing up.<br /><br /><strong>WEHO HALLOWEEN CARNAVAL</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-OZCylOQue6YZC0P8baAnbuSEbJCTUyTIg9zT-ECv18BFjeKKV0-TTtDzB7-s6Bwu3HWMy1JnD227HWr7-btb5dYOcJZCBxBZyRGaB0TVTtI5-sDWOi8f-2lIywZdRNo29HnikZnzYM8/s1600-h/Halloween+05.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-OZCylOQue6YZC0P8baAnbuSEbJCTUyTIg9zT-ECv18BFjeKKV0-TTtDzB7-s6Bwu3HWMy1JnD227HWr7-btb5dYOcJZCBxBZyRGaB0TVTtI5-sDWOi8f-2lIywZdRNo29HnikZnzYM8/s400/Halloween+05.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090125377288616866" /></a>After work, we--and 30,000 other people--headed to West Hollywood [WEHO] for the annual Halloween Carnaval [Their spelling.]. It felt like Mardi Gras, with less alcohol, no formal parades and much wider streets. We walked the entire route and doubled back to the car, which MapQuest later told us was four miles.<br /><br />One of the first costumes we saw was a woman covered in blood with a bullhorn. I thought she was a "zombie gym coach" until I realized she was trying to raise my consciousness about prison conditions at Guantanamo Bay. Later we encountered a rapidly-moving group of young adults advocating “White Power” and several people carrying large signs proclaiming Jesus’ disapproval of the event. These protests seemed ineffective given the fun mood of the crowd, but here I am mentioning them to you now, so maybe it was worth their effort.<br /><br />One drag queen decided to turn the tables on one of the sign-toting protestors. She simply followed him around for at least a half hour as if the two of them were both in a costume. She stuck to him like glue, telling passer-bys things like “See what I put up with to make this relationship work?” And wouldn’t you know it, people started asking them to pose for pictures, too.<br /><br />But the fun of the night was seeing and photographing all the creative costumes. We’d tap someone on the shoulder and say, “Olive Oyl, can I take your picture?” She’d pose for us and then move on.<br /><br />We walked through the crowd for about three hours, passing many incarnations of Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Napolean Dynamite, and Clark Kent. On the ladies’ side, the popular costumes seemed to be fairy, wench, Rainbow Brite, and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. One woman who dressed like the cartoon character Strawberry Shortcake actually smelled like her namesake. Also clever was the guy dressed as NBC’s “This program is brought to you in living color” peacock who could fan his tail feathers on command.<br /><br />As we made our way back to the car, we passed the hooded figure from Scream, a Playboy Bunny, some Soccer Hooligans, Spongebob Squarepants, Aunt Jemima and even comedian Bobby Lee who was sitting in the middle of the street. Apparently he was taping an on-the-street segment for <em>Mad TV</em> and just needed a rest. We got back to our car by 11:30, but people were just arriving to the party which we heard lasted until 4:00am.<br /><br /><strong>BRUCE WEBER AT THE ARCLIGHT<br /></strong>The weekend of October 8, we saw three documentaries by Bruce Weber. <a href="http://www.bruceweber.com/">http://www.bruceweber.com/</a> Although I think he’s a much better photographer than filmmaker, I did enjoy <em>Chop Suey</em>. We got there early so Daryl could meet Bruce and ask him to sign his copy of <em>Bear Pond</em>. Former model Bruce Hulse and actor Robert Gant were there and later that same night we saw Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis [Frodo and Gollum from <em>Lord of the Rings</em>] leaving <em>A History of Violence</em> which, ironically, starred Viggo Mortensen.<br /><br />We were back at the theater on October 25 to see five short films entered in the Hollywood Film Festival. One of them <em>Once Not Far From Home</em> was produced by Todd Thompson, whom we knew from Walt Disney World. Todd and his film’s star, Erik Per Sullivan [Dewey on <em>Malcom in the Middle</em>] were there. Also on the screen and in the audience that afternoon was Charles Robinson [Mac Robinson from <em>Night Court</em>.]<br /><a href="http://www.arclightcinemas.com/coming_soon.jsp">http://www.arclightcinemas.com/coming_soon.jsp</a><br /><br />Thanks to our friend Alyce Diamandis for telling us about the Film Festival screening. We met up with her and two of her friends from high school for a great dinner at the <strong>Palms Thai</strong>, home of the world famous <strong>Thai Elvis.</strong> He’s good and the food is great. You can read more about both in this LA Weekly review. <a href="http://www.laweekly.com/ink/05/41/counter-gold.php">http://www.laweekly.com/ink/05/41/counter-gold.php</a><br /><br /><strong>BOOKSOUP<br /></strong>On Tuesday, October 25, we went to pick up a copy of the new autobiography <em>Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of A Movie Star</em>. While waiting for the BookSoup event to start, we befriended Kathy, who had lived in WEHO for 20 years or so. It was because of her that we ended up going to the Halloween Carnaval. She knew where to park, where to eat, and how to manage the crowds.<br /><br />Turns out she also knew Tab Hunter. When we got up to the table for him to sign our book, he saw Kathy and lit up like a Christmas tree. He turned to the audience and started to brag about her horse-riding skills and she started to blush. It was a sweet moment. Afterwards, the three of us chatted some more and made plans to meet at the Carnaval, which we did. <a href="http://www.booksoup.com/">http://www.booksoup.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnZM8BD7Cq7OCZoYJaUcj7-WJ-ZJ1NvGWMqOQRh-t5l9KewZDk4b1_5abxSz6cgoknOa7Hnw8dkcyQbVEICGYp6W6lQVnoLLSe9kKJDXkiR9s2rw36vhpCJd9imETgKwT9dbRPjdY9mJF/s1600-h/Disney+Soda+Fountain.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnZM8BD7Cq7OCZoYJaUcj7-WJ-ZJ1NvGWMqOQRh-t5l9KewZDk4b1_5abxSz6cgoknOa7Hnw8dkcyQbVEICGYp6W6lQVnoLLSe9kKJDXkiR9s2rw36vhpCJd9imETgKwT9dbRPjdY9mJF/s200/Disney+Soda+Fountain.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090136290800516146" /></a><strong>DISNEY’S SODA FOUNTAIN AND STUDIO STORE<br /></strong>Another place we went to for the first time this month was the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store next to the El Capitan Theater. There were 15 kinds of ice cream to choose from but only two lunch items: Hotdog & chips or grilled cheese & chips. No hamburgers, fries or salad. It was almost a month ago so I might be exaggerating on the menu. But I do remember that Mike O’Malley from <em>Yes, Dear</em> sat down next to us fifteen minutes after Cid Stoll said we’d never see any celebrities in the heart of the Hollywood tourist corridor. <a href="http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/soda_fountain/main.html">http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/soda_fountain/main.html</a><br /><br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />In addition to Cid and Alyce, we had a visit from our friend Francesca Galarraga. The three of us had dinner at Barzak, which has been used a few times this season on Desperate Housewives [including the scene where Bree slapped her mother-in-law.]<br /><strong><br />STAR SIGHTINGS</strong> [In addition to the folks mentioned above]<br />While we were at the taping of the <em>Freddie</em> Christmas episode, Sarah Michelle Gellar watched everything from the sidelines. At the Tab Hunter signing, we saw Kyle Gass [Jack Black’s singing partner from Tenacious D] standing outside of BookSoup. And two weeks ago at our favorite lunch spot, Studio Caffe’ Maggazino, we had the privilege of sitting next to Harrison Ford.<br /><br />I doubt we’ll be able to top lunch with Han Solo next month, but who knows?<br /><br />Until then.<br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-41400153651789403752007-07-16T14:53:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:59.785-08:00November 2005: Pee Wee and Other Big AdventuresHello again. I hope all is well with you. October’s Update was pretty long, so there has been a conscious effort to streamline this month’s edition. Enjoy!<br /><br /><strong>PEEWEE'S BIG ADVENTURE</strong><br />The first day of November found us at the Arclight Theater for a screening of <em>Peewee’s Big Adventure</em> because it featured an informal Q&A with star Paul Ruebens. He shared funny stories about writing the first screenplay [literally by-the-book] and working with Tim Burton, and how he landed on the stolen bike concept. None of which will I recount here in the interest of time, but I will tell you that we met Diane Salinger who played waitress Simone at the Dinosaur-themed truck stop.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WxWXzmSstw1JRsvZ6fWUGApqrDoFHk2tkNPt4ORRYovtvC-Sn36u025GSmGQh1JjuW7kSGdbG9Iwt0U2pCaIzmmBmEIXTOpiWU9S41JcY21npbd6BSvQhGhj_F4ZOQFPYROdTOgyaiiS/s1600-h/Brini+Mawell+%26+Daryl.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WxWXzmSstw1JRsvZ6fWUGApqrDoFHk2tkNPt4ORRYovtvC-Sn36u025GSmGQh1JjuW7kSGdbG9Iwt0U2pCaIzmmBmEIXTOpiWU9S41JcY21npbd6BSvQhGhj_F4ZOQFPYROdTOgyaiiS/s200/Brini+Mawell+%26+Daryl.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090143274417339506" /></a><strong>BOOKSOUP</strong><br />November 3rd we were at BookSoup to meet and participate in a Q&A with the Style Channel’s Brini Maxwell. Her <em>Guide to Gracious Living</em> is a great little book dedicated to helping you “add style to your life; and life to your style.“ Brini is a big fan of Mid-Century design and she especially enjoys Palm Springs for its abundance of now-classic architecture <a href="http://www.brinimaxwell.com/">http://www.brinimaxwell.com/</a><br /> <br /><strong>DAYS OF OUR LIVES 40th ANNIVERSARY</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwb98ZK-ugWqk_B7DPdXPV5eYRy3mk1mJEIzfHt4zmCyqTW-W_zE5f0E5hsBa7m6yiekrWJ7UFNlaZ9Zqb4P-MrhyGI0JOJcpNWTE5xkJQ-rbo9HPqnjq_9-KaggPpHkhbgn_K8K-ISDK/s1600-h/Days+40th+Gang.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwb98ZK-ugWqk_B7DPdXPV5eYRy3mk1mJEIzfHt4zmCyqTW-W_zE5f0E5hsBa7m6yiekrWJ7UFNlaZ9Zqb4P-MrhyGI0JOJcpNWTE5xkJQ-rbo9HPqnjq_9-KaggPpHkhbgn_K8K-ISDK/s400/Days+40th+Gang.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090142295164795986" /></a> Our friend Linda Kirwin invited me to this event and boy, was it a blast walking the party and bumping into Bo, Hope, Abe, Roman, Maggie, Alice, Victor, Tony, Stefano, Dr. Marlena Evans and the other residents of Salem.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMJFggeEpe13p8d6nlZs8g6ID1livPOua8K2OxeoEq0mTMu3WWf6jPRS3oGaFlZloDguXDmuoY3LbYmD2z9YE_vfSuFA30R6E7ervNXy_uCY1TsB0ld8vWrfx6sUxhKCsx537piUDmZjH/s1600-h/Palladium+Marque.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMJFggeEpe13p8d6nlZs8g6ID1livPOua8K2OxeoEq0mTMu3WWf6jPRS3oGaFlZloDguXDmuoY3LbYmD2z9YE_vfSuFA30R6E7ervNXy_uCY1TsB0ld8vWrfx6sUxhKCsx537piUDmZjH/s200/Palladium+Marque.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090145988836670626" /></a>Also cool was that the shindig was held at the Hollywood Palladium, which opened back in 1940 with Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Since then it has hosted everything from the Emmy Awards to Nirvana. Click here for more information <a href="http://www.hollywoodpalladium.com">www.hollywoodpalladium.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>PALM SPRINGS<br /></strong>The following week, we headed to Palm Springs [which has a street named after Ole Blue Eyes.] Daryl and I stopped at the Visitors Center and picked up a self-guided tour of the Mid-Century architecture that Brini Maxwell referenced. We enjoyed seeing the Rat Pack era homes and even toured one that was on the market for $1.4 Million. Then we swung by the honeymoon house of Elvis and Priscilla’s and the swinging motel, the Orbit In. You can explore the golf courses and awesome natural beauty of Palm Springs at its official website: <a href="http://www.palm-springs.org/album.htm">http://www.palm-springs.org/album.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>CABAZON<br /></strong>During that same trip, we stopped in Cabazon to have breakfast at the Wheel Inn--the desert restaurant Simone worked at in Peewee’s Big Adventure. In sticking with the prehistoric theme of the giant dinosaurs outside the diner, all the waitresses wore sabre-tooth tiger-print dresses. Only in America.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAxj_ERDFIgZhDEsJ6F_KIDr4ibFmVM6tEqtaTTYHONchURqrSVkQ7U1E5-wympb8tM4nQHp_XSguO9T0z4axxponm0BWnYidhV3q88UOW38DlcAqCCyh9XTqll-9WjvOz88FA7gB4SdH/s1600-h/From+Los+Rios+Farms+Oak+Glen.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHAxj_ERDFIgZhDEsJ6F_KIDr4ibFmVM6tEqtaTTYHONchURqrSVkQ7U1E5-wympb8tM4nQHp_XSguO9T0z4axxponm0BWnYidhV3q88UOW38DlcAqCCyh9XTqll-9WjvOz88FA7gB4SdH/s320/From+Los+Rios+Farms+Oak+Glen.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090144545727659138" /></a><strong>OAK GLEN<br /></strong>About 40 minutes later, my Uncle Carl was guiding us through the mountainous apple country of Oak Glen. Because of the winding roads, fall leaves and quaint stands around every turn I felt like we were back in Western North Carolina. The three of us sampled dumplings, scones, strudel and lots of shops. We came home with fresh cider and a bag of “Arkansas Black” apples that were the size and color of plums. I’ve attached a picture Daryl took at the Los Rios Rancho to give you an idea of how beautiful it was that day. And here’s some general information and more pictures of Oak Glen: <a href="http://www.oakglen.net/index.html">http://www.oakglen.net/index.html</a><br /><br /><strong>THANKSGIVING</strong><br />The following week, we were invited to Thanksgiving dinner with our friends Rob and Shawn. A great meal was followed by a friendly game of Penny Rummy/Michigan Rummy and the movie <em>White Christmas.</em><br /><br /><strong>THE DROWSY CHAPERONE</strong><br />This month, we also got to see a new musical at the Ahmanson called <em>The Drowsy Chaperone</em>. The script, staging, music, and the performances were all top-notch. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie05fh7Eo49sN0JL-kCqRDiC1RWWfUieknguvPcN8tZs4uGEjOzWr-ah1Fyz6ZKGkXUqRcQZX60f2ut4Qnfy0rsTgOCDCJAxvS4yvQ1ttkBHj3MirbcRzQu7oj6mPUIxKILopahB8mFb9M/s1600-h/Drowsy+Chaperone.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie05fh7Eo49sN0JL-kCqRDiC1RWWfUieknguvPcN8tZs4uGEjOzWr-ah1Fyz6ZKGkXUqRcQZX60f2ut4Qnfy0rsTgOCDCJAxvS4yvQ1ttkBHj3MirbcRzQu7oj6mPUIxKILopahB8mFb9M/s320/Drowsy+Chaperone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090148630241557698" /></a> It’s headed to Broadway, and if you get the chance, treat yourself to this funny and truly delightful show starring Sutton Foster, who won a Tony for <em>Thoroughly Modern Millie</em>. You can click on this link for a few pictures and some of the great reviews: <a href="http://www.taperahmanson.com/show.asp?id=314">http://www.taperahmanson.com/show.asp?id=314</a><br /><br /><strong>VISITORS<br /></strong>Our friend Ryan Giannetta drove up from Anaheim on the 13th and we did a mini-Disney heritage tour taking him to the site of the Hyperion Studios, the site of the garage where Walt and Roy started out, and the Disney family plot at Forest Lawn cemetery. It only seemed fitting that we ended up at the El Capitan to see <em>Chicken Little</em> in Digital 3-D.<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS<br /></strong>Besides Peewee Herman, Brini Maxwell and the casts of <em>The Drowsy Chaperone</em> and <em>Days of Our Lives,</em> there really were no sightings this month.<br /><br />So December looks to be a busy month between us traveling and friends visiting. I’ll return in early January with all the details. Until then, Daryl and I wish you Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas and a peaceful, yet prosperous New Year.<br /><br />James & DarylJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-53657024398186068082007-07-16T14:59:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:59.143-08:00December 2005: Christmas in London<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUyBauMpiLLj3aLzukO5lbeoAYlsJEQKGCJfZWp6DLmAIg47BjPovVSZDAH9udrEJqqYKAQEHMoZo2ntElXJ7PHmPHBgiFZo1iFnP4A2MwQzhBhcHYiv0gwPavAnAA5AGothWG6jyAvMf/s1600-h/Daryl+and+James+at+Tower+Bridge+small.JPG"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUyBauMpiLLj3aLzukO5lbeoAYlsJEQKGCJfZWp6DLmAIg47BjPovVSZDAH9udrEJqqYKAQEHMoZo2ntElXJ7PHmPHBgiFZo1iFnP4A2MwQzhBhcHYiv0gwPavAnAA5AGothWG6jyAvMf/s400/Daryl+and+James+at+Tower+Bridge+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090279523664870674" /></a><br /><strong>LONDON</strong><br />Can you believe that we moved all the way to the West Coast and THEN decided to go to London for Christmas? If you are thinking about it making a trip across the pond, we recommend picking up a copy of <em>Lonely Planet: London</em>. A good internet site is <a href="http://www.londontown.com/">http://www.londontown.com/</a>. And don’t forget the <em>Transportation For London</em> site that has all of the bus and train schedules. <a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/">http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/</a><br /><br />Visiting during the Christmas Stretch posed a few problems. Much of the city closes down for the entire week. Underground service was reduced or closed on holidays. The daily temperature was rarely above 2 degrees Celsius. [ It snowed briefly the morning of the 26th.] Even so, we walked everywhere, took the Underground with no problems, and enjoyed the mostly smaller crowds.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HpaUqOtaFC9Dg4WPdR-X6YlM4C9W-Z6OtLKfTo61M_WE5TMCMAI7y7cxdr5K6_boHabankUpvAsSpzc_m1fBWwkaXDIkpDKEJt8dzP7Bf9aiyoY2P37k0FfZG6w6swOj26MmE5agIMPN/s1600-h/Mind+the+Gap2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HpaUqOtaFC9Dg4WPdR-X6YlM4C9W-Z6OtLKfTo61M_WE5TMCMAI7y7cxdr5K6_boHabankUpvAsSpzc_m1fBWwkaXDIkpDKEJt8dzP7Bf9aiyoY2P37k0FfZG6w6swOj26MmE5agIMPN/s400/Mind+the+Gap2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090167227449949394" /></a><strong>HELPFUL LONDON TERMS</strong><br />Signs do not say "EXIT." They say “WAY OUT”<br />The drugstore is called “the chemist.”<br />Soccer is called “football.”<br />"Take out” is called “Take Away.”<br /><br /><strong>BLOOMSBURY SQUARE</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIpJCSsFDn3iJTzdhIcI7OcM3jemSzBl9DrH_XIM3-Sz-ekEA_n4OrBQvzkg445W2Sq0Y8phxEmIaAmWbbcJx8fcU_VGDM9ay1ONyXWlbR3BvO9WrvFSX9lXwDneAsnodW5ZUOu3ZUDsD/s1600-h/Snow+small.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIpJCSsFDn3iJTzdhIcI7OcM3jemSzBl9DrH_XIM3-Sz-ekEA_n4OrBQvzkg445W2Sq0Y8phxEmIaAmWbbcJx8fcU_VGDM9ay1ONyXWlbR3BvO9WrvFSX9lXwDneAsnodW5ZUOu3ZUDsD/s400/Snow+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090289075672137026" /></a>We stayed at the Hotel Montague on Bloomsbury Square, which is across the street from the British Museum and within walking distance of three Underground stations. The neighborhood was historic and very quiet. It was easy to imagine some of the Bloomsbury Group--which included writers E.M. Forster and Virginia Woolf--meeting in one of the row houses in the early 1900‘s. It was easy to imagine the "Who Will Buy?" segment from Oliver! taking place here, too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OQCw_9cHHJKCI8_cs4w5ycG8485CSuOPfqTn8nAb86pvE9-9VHthJiWNFUJ_15c2Isvp9evgcItszmRvCnw84LR2dhBemGBGuKo8tSIf4_7vS0SJ27PexMFpvNcLczcN3l73b3nCT9d1/s1600-h/St+Pauls.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OQCw_9cHHJKCI8_cs4w5ycG8485CSuOPfqTn8nAb86pvE9-9VHthJiWNFUJ_15c2Isvp9evgcItszmRvCnw84LR2dhBemGBGuKo8tSIf4_7vS0SJ27PexMFpvNcLczcN3l73b3nCT9d1/s200/St+Pauls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090167699896351970" /></a><strong>CHRISTMAS EVE<br /></strong>We walked into the hotel at 9:00am Christmas Eve and promptly took a four-hour nap. After showering, we headed to St Paul’s Cathedral for the 4:00pm Carol Service. We arrived at 2:30 and there was already a line! The building holds about two thousand people so we were inside and seated in about ahalf hour.<br /><br />The service started with a lone voice from the Boy’s Choir singing “Once In Royal David’s City” and ended with the entire congregation joining in on “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Throughout the presentation, lessons were read by various dignitaries--including David Brewer, Lord High Mayor of London--as the choir and clergy progressed from the altar to the main entrance doors. It was a beautiful service. <br /><br />After an Italian meal at one of the few places still open in Piccadilly Circus, we headed over to Westminster Abbey for the 11:30pm Christmas Mass. We were there with plenty of time to spare, so we walked down to Buckingham Palace and back up through St James Park. By then, people were queuing up, so we followed suit, and ended up behind TC and Mark from Alabama and Tucson.<br /><br />The First Eucharist of Christmas at Westminster Abbey included a sermon and Holy Communion. Perhaps it was the late hour or the openly crabby Dean, but the service just couldn’t hold a candle [forgive the pun] to the one at St. Paul’s. That said, I did enjoy singing “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” and “In the Bleak Midwinter” and with completely different melody lines.<br /><br />As the crowd exited, we walked through the church, marveling at all of the monuments and statuary devoted to the movers and shakers of English history and culture. It was interesting to think that every king and queen since William Conqueror [in 1066] had been crowned on that site. [All but two, actually. Their names are hidden somewhere on this page. Can you find them? Just kidding.]<br /><br /><strong>CHRISTMAS DAY</strong><br />The next day, we slept until 12:30 because everything was closed and we still had some jet lag. After watching the annual broadcast of <em>The Snowman</em>, we walked down to The Strand for afternoon tea at the Savoy Hotel. This was my first time at a proper English tea, and it was quite a treat. Imagine sitting down for all the cucumber, salmon, egg salad and ham sandwiches you can eat. Then imagine digging into scones with clotted cream, mince pies, and other desserts, while you nurse a pot or two of tea. It was a great way to spend a winter afternoon. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemOMkHB4k39013MppBST-g-k61EnIpivoUKZ-E9xIkxeto5Ss2E_mFpqxGDiOMVsaNdEht-a4RZ6gIAHDaioEPxr5yV0kAj7rsBmeKQOtYpmPzawJE5ajbZ2Ga6EbMYXfctTDFTSxQLUr/s1600-h/Savoy1.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemOMkHB4k39013MppBST-g-k61EnIpivoUKZ-E9xIkxeto5Ss2E_mFpqxGDiOMVsaNdEht-a4RZ6gIAHDaioEPxr5yV0kAj7rsBmeKQOtYpmPzawJE5ajbZ2Ga6EbMYXfctTDFTSxQLUr/s400/Savoy1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091325803467980146" /></a> Afterwards we explored more of the Savoy and were introduced to Kaspar the Kat. Since the 1920's, this 3-foot high sculpture has "lived" at the Savoy Hotel in London, and is assigned to eat with any group of diners that have 13 in their party. Apparently in the late 1890’s the first guest that rose from a table of 13 was later shot and killed. It is Kaspar's duty to bring the number of any dining party to 14, thereby protecting other diners from an unfortunate fate.<br /><br />When we left the hotel we crossed the Thames via the Waterloo bridge and made our way down to the London Eye. It was closed for the holiday, so we walked back along the river and crossing at Blackfriar‘s Bridge. We headed in the general direction of our hotel, but got off course and walked by St Bartholemew’s Hospital, Smithfield Central Markets, and the Dickens’ House Museum.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZqhoABZOWVKYl-qV5ApqieyTxT0PAA9UhQ6ZkpYKfWN6NwPyvVU6wNWyPwG9az3Nrnr96wfFZLqUf9RkDzKKV4wpOSqkDlP_mjV9XXE7ScFVXXiVTZ8Fiylw-gcU0Dnkp-HK8Gw4pOOo/s1600-h/Christmas+Carol+small.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZqhoABZOWVKYl-qV5ApqieyTxT0PAA9UhQ6ZkpYKfWN6NwPyvVU6wNWyPwG9az3Nrnr96wfFZLqUf9RkDzKKV4wpOSqkDlP_mjV9XXE7ScFVXXiVTZ8Fiylw-gcU0Dnkp-HK8Gw4pOOo/s320/Christmas+Carol+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090290952572845410" /></a><strong>A CHRISTMAS CAROL</strong><br />The next day we got to see Patrick Stewart perform his one-man version of Dickens’ classic story. He did not disappoint. On a bare stage with minimal lighting, almost no sound effects, and just three pieces of furniture, Stewart brought the story to life with humor, emotion and drama. If this production is ever headed your way, get a ticket. You can read about how he came to mount the original production here: <a href="http://www.christmascaroluk.com/abouttheshow.html">http://www.christmascaroluk.com/abouttheshow.html</a><br /><br /><strong>MARY POPPINS<br /></strong>Unfortunately, this was a disappointment as neither Daryl nor I found it to be practically perfect in any way. There were young audience members loudly unwrapping their candies through the first three songs which may have contributed to our not feeling supercalifra--you get the idea. But I think it’s safer to say that the reliance on spectacle, the radically different plot, and the focus on the parents’ story just left us indifferent.<br /><a href="http://marypoppinsthemusical.veriovps.co.uk/home/">http://marypoppinsthemusical.veriovps.co.uk/home/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B2k2qBMwcDHLnEXZe1lJH-N8N2az7rVGxgDJ2zhD4q6Fg2kfAzo9JcvJyoNkVOjo4UgDTNTJFe1mJGFg7dVZR_Br-DAnLvz33ejbRJK5jQr9RXETjtPZ9Gp9IaYfElPjaqtREEUsqzGb/s1600-h/Mary+Stuart+small.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6B2k2qBMwcDHLnEXZe1lJH-N8N2az7rVGxgDJ2zhD4q6Fg2kfAzo9JcvJyoNkVOjo4UgDTNTJFe1mJGFg7dVZR_Br-DAnLvz33ejbRJK5jQr9RXETjtPZ9Gp9IaYfElPjaqtREEUsqzGb/s320/Mary+Stuart+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090290716349644114" /></a><strong>MARY STEWART<br /></strong>The next night, we saw a great play about the bitter relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots [played by Harriet Walters and Janet McTeer, respectively.] I knew that Mary got the axe but I had never studied how her beheading came about. The script addressed many topics--power, blackmail, seduction, religious fundamentalism, family honor, responsibility, unrequited love, leadership--but didn’t feel scattered. It was presented on a spare set with careful staging and two actors at the top of their game. It was such a great show that I want to sit down and watch it again right now. (Thanks to Jill Caruth for recommending it. More on her later)<br /><a href="http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/display?contentId=86324">ttp://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/display?contentId=86324</a><br /><br /><strong>MUSEUMS<br /></strong>London has so many great museums, it seems that you could go to a different one everyday for an entire year. Here are the ones we made it to on this trip:<br /><br /><strong>THE BRITISH MUSEUM<br /></strong>Most of our time in this one was spent visiting the Egyptian wing and the controversial Elgin Marbles. These Friezes were removed--with permission--from the Parthenon in the early 1800’s. Although there is much controversy about where their rightful home is, I was happy for the opportunity to see them and pleased that photography was allowed.<br /><a href="http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/ixbin/goto?id=enc852">http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/ixbin/goto?id=enc852</a><br /><br /><strong>VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM<br /></strong>Also known as the V&A. Free. Awesome. Too much to see in one day. We went to the 4th floor and checked out British History 1600 to Present Day. We plan to visit again. You should, too. <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/">http://www.vam.ac.uk/</a><br /><br /><strong>THEATER MUSEUM<br /></strong>Another free one. We were in Covent Garden and saw a sign. I thought it was going to be a storefront/souvenir stand, but it was much more. It is affiliated with the V&A and there are plans to rename it the Victoria and Albert Theater Museum. If you want to learn about how the West End became what it is today, check this place out. <a href="http://theatremuseum.org/collections/history.php?PHPSESSID=874314551b348c588f72ab497dae663b">http://theatremuseum.org/collections/history.php?PHPSESSID=874314551b348c588f72ab497dae663b</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvRJJ0gfwI8nTAXm0jU46x6NGjcZ-jD3pt2SPx1AqIJMdkLxy9qdDDUqdGIVxh5bUmiJfYWfQyV_NskOc0lX9bgNCesd_2OJJTzO-LQl738LQ7EfYlCjPrKHLWZMB0o0qdxhg1ICF0_Mc/s1600-h/Lord+Leighton+House+small.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvRJJ0gfwI8nTAXm0jU46x6NGjcZ-jD3pt2SPx1AqIJMdkLxy9qdDDUqdGIVxh5bUmiJfYWfQyV_NskOc0lX9bgNCesd_2OJJTzO-LQl738LQ7EfYlCjPrKHLWZMB0o0qdxhg1ICF0_Mc/s320/Lord+Leighton+House+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090279227312127234" /></a><strong>LORD LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM<br /></strong>Lord Frederic Leighton was an accomplished painter and head of the Royal Painting Society. He lived just off of Holland Park in a beautiful house with a paint studio on the top floor. During his travels, he became so enamored of Islamic tilework and architecture, that he added on to his house in that style. The homepage has a great picture of the addition.<a href="http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leightonhousemuseum/general/">http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leightonhousemuseum/general/</a><br /><br /><strong>SOMERSET HOUSE</strong><br />Calling this place a “house” is pretty ridiculous. It’s actually a former palace situated on the Thames. The computer-generated film loop showing four hundred years of renovation for the property was almost as interesting as the collection itself. There were British Watercolors, gold and silver pieces, an ice rink and a cozy café. I think the most incredible thing we saw there were the micro-mosaics made of marble and other stones. Here’s a blowup of one from 1833: <br /><a href="http://www.gilbert-collection.org.uk/thecollections/italian_mosaics/mosaicsLarge06.html">http://www.gilbert-collection.org.uk/thecollections/italian_mosaics/mosaicsLarge06.html</a><br /><br /><strong>BRITISH TELEVISION<br /></strong>I got to see some personal favorites like <em>Dave Allen At Large</em>, <em>The Goodies</em>, and <em>The Young Ones</em>, and discovered other comedies like <em>Morecambe and Wise</em> and game shows <em>Countdown </em>and <em>Hard Spell</em>. We caught bits of the long-running nighttime soaps <em>Coronation Street</em> and <em>EastEnders</em>. Unlike American soaps, there is almost no background music and no glamour. The actors truly look like ordinary blue-collar folks and none of the characters runs a perfume or modeling company.<br /><br />If you saw the movie <em>Love, Actually</em> you might remember the old rock ‘n roller who becomes fixated with having the number one song the week of Christmas. As it turns out, the “Christmas Number One” is kind of a big deal in Britain. We even saw a special that recounted the last 30 years and ended with this season’s winner "That's My Goal" by Shayne Ward. He was the big winner on the talent show <em>The X Factor</em> and this was his debut single. The video is like a highlight reel of his journey through the show. <a href="http://www.shayne-ward.com/news/">http://www.shayne-ward.com/news/</a><br /><br /><strong>SPORTS<br /></strong>The day after Christmas is known for a two things: shopping and football. There were 10 or 11 games taking place on Boxing Day and we road on the Tube with several fans of the victorious Chelsea Football Club. They are about two thirds through the season which started in July, runs through May and features 47 matches. You can see the statistics on the team website under “Fixtures and Reports.” [What fixtures they are referring to, I‘m not sure.] There’s also a link for betting on “football, golf, tennis, horse racing, greyhounds, cricket and snooker.” <a href="http://www.chelseafc.com/index.asp">http://www.chelseafc.com/index.asp</a><br /><br />Speaking of cricket, I saw some reports on “The Ashes” which Australia had won 7 years in a row until the UK won it back earlier this year. I saw the game-winning play about 5 times during the week, but still have no idea exactly how cricket is “won.” Here’s a website where you can read a quick history of the Ashes, buy a 3-hour DVD of this year’s momentous game or just look at the smallest trophy in professional sports: <a href="http://www.334notout.com/">http://www.334notout.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>SHOPPING</strong> <br />We braved the serious shoppers on Boxing Day at Selfridges. Explored the large assortment of biscuits and teas at Fortnum & Mason--a London fixture since 1707 and reportedly, the Queen’s grocer. We walked through Notting Hill’s famed Portabello Road even though all the shops were closed. We went to Harrod’s on their first day open after the holidays. We should’ve kept on walking and avoided the crowd. It was very uncomfortable.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDQ9doeHGMwF7dTjXlOaCXZbM-N5BUF84mGiafAEEC88wxJmoyZcey4Qj5hVIX_55NccMHNv3_dkQHgOxyDSbexG5uVXPXOXgDaLlMwkDMotxUqZYfGvnWGrEM44QbVnO4cXp87Jvdswg/s1600-h/Shopping.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDQ9doeHGMwF7dTjXlOaCXZbM-N5BUF84mGiafAEEC88wxJmoyZcey4Qj5hVIX_55NccMHNv3_dkQHgOxyDSbexG5uVXPXOXgDaLlMwkDMotxUqZYfGvnWGrEM44QbVnO4cXp87Jvdswg/s320/Shopping.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090286850879077682" /></a><br /><strong>DINING<br /></strong>We had great food on this trip. Right around the corner from <em>Mary Poppins</em> was a terrific Thai place whose name escapes me at the moment. Not too far from that place was Grand Indian, which was also tasty. We had awesome pub grub--meat pies, bangers and mash (sausages & mashed potatoes)--at Night and Day [on Russell Square] and at The Railway [in the Kew Gardens station.] We had a great lunch at the very popular Wagamama’s. <a href="http://www.wagamama.com/food_sub_favourites.php">http://www.wagamama.com/food_sub_favourites.php</a> [If you are looking to start a restaurant franchise here in the states, I would recommend this one.]<br /><br /><strong>LAST DAY<br /></strong>The famous London weather didn’t kick in until our last day of sightseeing so the obligatory photo of us in front of Tower Bridge is somewhat gloomy. Luckily, that afternoon went to visit Jill Caruth. Daryl works with her daughter JJ and she thought her Mom would like a visit from two strangers. When we called on Thursday to get directions she recommended seeing <em>Mary Stuart</em> and for that we will always be grateful.<br /><br />Ms. Caruth lives in Wandsworth Common, We took the train and walked to her flat in Wandsworth Common. [It sounds like something from Harry Potter but it’s an actual suburb south of the Thames.] We had tea, biscuits, jam, cake and lots of laughs. It was a great way to end the week and we appreciated her hospitality.<br /><br /><strong>FLYING HOME</strong><br />We made it to Gatwick airport in plenty of time for our flight home, and hours ahead of the planned Underground Strike. There was so much that we didn’t do on this trip--The Tate Modern, The Tower of London, Hamsptead Heath--that we were sad to leave. <br /><strong><br />THE REST OF THE MONTH<br /></strong>Even though London was probably the busiest week, we managed to do lots prior the trip.<br /><br /><strong>WATCHING LEFT<br /></strong>My friend Keith was listening to NPR one afternoon and heard the story of a nun who was abducted, held captive and tortured psychologically and physically. She was freed but soon realized she would never escape the effects of the ordeal. Using her story as a starting-off point, Keith wrote a play that explores the daily challenges of a torture survivor and her family trying to lead a “normal” life. The play was produced in Washington, D.C. at Charter Theater and nominated for a few awards.<br /><br />Some folks heard about <em>Watching Left</em> and invited Keith do an informal reading with an audience at The Road Theater in North Hollywood. Tagging along for the sole rehearsal and the official reading made me appreciate how difficult it is to write, cast, direct, produce, and present even a simple no-frills production with 5 performers and some folding chairs. <br /><br />And even though the final result was rough around the edges, the script was still heard and it was still live theatre. The actor playing the father slipped right into character within the first three lines. Later in the show he played a store manager with the same ease. It was exciting to see Keith’s words actually come to life and I enjoyed his Q&A with the audience afterwards.<br /><br />In the meantime, you can read up on Keith’s theater company at <a href="http://www.chartertheater.org/">www.chartertheater.org</a> and the Road Theater at <a href="http://www.roadtheatre.org/mission.htm#history">http://www.roadtheatre.org/mission.htm#history</a>.<br /><br />If you would like to know more about Sister Dianna Ortiz, the woman whose story led Keith to write the play, check out <em>The Blindfold's Eyes: My Journey from Torture to Truth</em>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570754357/104-9860354-6842311?v=glance&n=283155">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570754357/104-9860354-6842311?v=glance&n=283155</a><br /><br /><strong>HOLIDAYS IN LA<br /></strong>Keith was in town during the Disneyland Cast Christmas Party so we dragged him along. They close the park early so that employees can bring their families and experience the park with [mostly] shorter lines. Some of you may remember Walt Disney World doing this about 15 years ago.<br /><br />Our friends Byron and Shephard drove us out to Woodland Hills to a neighborhood FULL of Christmas lights, which is always fun. I’m amazed at the time, money, labor, and electricity that goes into some of these yards. Some of the displays were done so well and some of them were just puzzling. What is Christmas-sy about a cutout of Shrek, The Incredibles or Transformers?<br /><br />Daryl’s Department Holiday Party was at a house in Bel Air. On the way home. we drove down Rodeo Drive and looked at the holiday decorations. Would you believe Baccarat crystal chandeliers were hanging from every light post? Only in Beverly Hills.<br /><br /><strong>MOVIES<br /></strong>We managed to fit in <em>King Kong</em>, <em>Goodnight and Good Luck</em>, <em>The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Miss Henderson Presents</em> and <em>Brokeback Mountain. <br /></em><br />STAR SIGHTINGS<br />I was the Security Desk standing next to <em><strong>Harry Hamlin</strong></em> and never realized it until Daryl mentioned it as we got on the elevator. We saw the Food Network’s <strong>Rachel Ray</strong> arriving at Sur la Table for a book signing. At the movies, Daryl saw <strong>Drew Carey </strong>in the lobby. <strong>Michael Rosenbaum</strong> [Lex Luther on <em>Smallville</em>] sat two rows ahead of me in <em>King Kong.<br /></em><br />2006 has gotten off to a busy start, as you might have been able to guess by the delayed delivery of the December Update. Thank you for your patience this month and thank you for staying in touch over the last year.<br /><br />May 2006 be a bright, prosperous year for you.<br /><br />James & DarylJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-78849051512515881332007-07-16T15:42:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:57.873-08:00January 2006: A Trip to DC and A Year in LAHello again. I hope all is going well for you. <br /><br />Daryl and I started 2006 off with the traditional Southern “lucky” meal of black-eyed peas and collard greens thanks to our friends Shawn and Rob. Here are some highlights from the rest of the month: <br /><br /><strong>A YEAR IN LA</strong><br />January 19th marked one year as residents of the Greater Los Angeles area. As much as we’ve done during our time here, there are probably 526,600 more things still left on the “Living in LA” list. I’ll be happy if we knock out 20 this year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fGfwohu10yPXcngDE3NdbdgN9GsUYZkVmeNJw0TXnM471MHhGkp4XlBpV6O64fSabC9oH5rABFUgnxBdvLnWZCTa4hstiFLdC34P-idPOj_kTopjhz4N78SFHJvR6vxEuufnaTvqMOBu/s1600-h/Vanna_White%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fGfwohu10yPXcngDE3NdbdgN9GsUYZkVmeNJw0TXnM471MHhGkp4XlBpV6O64fSabC9oH5rABFUgnxBdvLnWZCTa4hstiFLdC34P-idPOj_kTopjhz4N78SFHJvR6vxEuufnaTvqMOBu/s200/Vanna_White%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091340724184366562" /></a><strong>WHEEL OF FORTUNE<br /></strong>Here’s one thing I can cross off the list: Attend a taping of <em>Wheel of Fortune</em>. It only took me 30 years and a gracious invitation from friends at SOAPNet. [Quick plug: “Watch today‘s episodes tonight.” Contact your local cable provider or visit. <a href="http://soapnet.go.com/">http://soapnet.go.com/</a>] <br /><br />When you attend a <em>Wheel</em> taping, there are only two rules you have to follow: 1. Do not shout, speak, or whisper the answer. 2. When Vanna claps, you clap. The second rule is a lot harder than it sounds, especially when you consider that the 1992 Guinness Book of World Records listed Vanna White as the world’s most frequent clapper. They estimated that she puts her hands together an average of 720 times per show. Ouch!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5icUtr1T5dFMXkLP7yQ6g4lNG2sAJloT4syM_UAaPUBXPuj0zfRgsklVuXAO0WCtowzqy0tTHNkZS15pnt6shAn_tGvBEXuOnlOQx83ZOXcZAEUTvK-TLqLEq1qIi5HgrjVp1nHQeryO/s1600-h/Chuck+%26+Susan+Stafford.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5icUtr1T5dFMXkLP7yQ6g4lNG2sAJloT4syM_UAaPUBXPuj0zfRgsklVuXAO0WCtowzqy0tTHNkZS15pnt6shAn_tGvBEXuOnlOQx83ZOXcZAEUTvK-TLqLEq1qIi5HgrjVp1nHQeryO/s320/Chuck+%26+Susan+Stafford.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091336588130860466" /></a><em>Wheel of Fortune</em> debuted on NBC in 1975 with host Chuck Woolery and manual letter-turner Susie Stafford. My sisters and I watched it regularly that summer. [I think it was paired with <em>High Rollers</em> starring Alex Trebek and Ruta Lee.] Back then, after each puzzle was solved, the winning contestant had to immediately blow their jackpot on the [overpriced] goods filling the set. Leftover amounts were put towards a gift certificate or put “On Account” to be used later in the show. Chuck regularly explained that if you hit Bankrupt, you’d lose all your cash, “but once you buy a prize it‘s yours to keep.” The biggest prize was usually a Chevy Vega.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdky42Pv6wBo8le4mGpj4uu6Jiik39L7lpEwMJN0jbmyVM86ck7fms8dkwOtHW5r6-qltL4JfXknLlyN6PI_K2_aH-cuD5BNSzMEbXmQw6il-vUmVxwvLaKG748WrIC_nmv2eHrTeNcOMA/s1600-h/allgames_mobilestore%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdky42Pv6wBo8le4mGpj4uu6Jiik39L7lpEwMJN0jbmyVM86ck7fms8dkwOtHW5r6-qltL4JfXknLlyN6PI_K2_aH-cuD5BNSzMEbXmQw6il-vUmVxwvLaKG748WrIC_nmv2eHrTeNcOMA/s320/allgames_mobilestore%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091335673302826402" /></a>Boy, have things changed. The two cars up for grabs at last weekend’s taping were a Land Rover and a Porsche Boxster. Not too shabby. And now there’s an online component that lets “Wheel Watchers” win identical prizes at home. Genius! No wonder Wheel is routinely one of the highest-rated syndicated shows. You can find out more about the show or just run your curser over the wheel and watch it spin. It’s all at <a href="http://www.wheeloffortune.com/indexflash.php">http://www.wheeloffortune.com/indexflash.php</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp33ti1CERy18yKtyAuDK6PLJZU1ElA4uFncKM2kHt3mb4s5WGNmt55e77Rlx4zLvB9gDPq91pWbRdn4BgfG2nZd4MiLyMD7LVseWP0Tme3ZfLI7mKF4aDy2HZ7OltaSZNTfy6JRT2LqEc/s1600-h/soapnet_logo%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp33ti1CERy18yKtyAuDK6PLJZU1ElA4uFncKM2kHt3mb4s5WGNmt55e77Rlx4zLvB9gDPq91pWbRdn4BgfG2nZd4MiLyMD7LVseWP0Tme3ZfLI7mKF4aDy2HZ7OltaSZNTfy6JRT2LqEc/s320/soapnet_logo%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091338984722611650" /></a><em>Wheel of Fortune</em> teamed up with <em>SOAPNet</em> to do a week of shows--all in one day--with soap stars playing for charity. I watched them tape Monday’s show and then went to hang out/assist in the VIP and Press Rooms while the other four were recorded.. It was fun watching the episodes backstage with about-to-compete celebrities like:<br /><br /> Corbin Bernsen--LA Law, General Hospital<br /> Galen Gering--Passions<br /> Rebecca Herbst---General Hospital<br /> Susan Flannery--The Bold & The Beautiful<br /> Lorenzo Lamas--Falcon Crest, The Bold & The Beautiful<br /> Kristoff St. John--Young & The Restless<br /> Alison Sweeney--Days of Our Lives<br /> Jack Wagner--General Hospital, Melrose Place, The Bold & The Beautiful<br /><br />I can’t tell you if anyone went home with a car or anything but I will tell you that we had a laugh when one contestant thought the correct answer was “beluga snails.“ Find out who the big winner was the week of February 27. Check your local listings.<br /><br /><strong>MOVING<br /></strong>Almost a year to the day that we arrived in CA, it was moving time again, only this time we were helping out my Uncle Carl. It took two weekends and several trips in the U-Haul to get everything into the storage unit. Carl had a house under contract but unfortunately [or fortunately] the inspection revealed shoddy construction and questionable building permits. He’s renting a place in Joshua Tree while he looks for another house.<br /><br /><strong>ROSEMARY CLAIRE BRIDGES</strong> <br />The following week we were in Washington, D.C. for the birthday and christening of my goddaughter Rosemary Claire Bridges. At the tender age of one she’s just beginning to master words like “mama,” “dada” and “plbtff.” She’s developed an appreciation for the music of Gwen Stefani, but that might just be her dad’s influence. Rosemary has an amazing array of facial expressions that leads us to believe that she may one day be a great dramatic actress like her mother Rachel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEgJcEL4tjraYi4qWdVGDrtMoMt73xqdcnRKJQB18-k08cuXZ6AUHe8fqi5XpW86_rSMPRjsVU0wRIfi96iUcxXuf8Mnt9TWPJ3a9mzvDU9311VCSPeg-UjnUMHat93JdN4qFdQ1ThDG5/s1600-h/Eating+small.JPG"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEgJcEL4tjraYi4qWdVGDrtMoMt73xqdcnRKJQB18-k08cuXZ6AUHe8fqi5XpW86_rSMPRjsVU0wRIfi96iUcxXuf8Mnt9TWPJ3a9mzvDU9311VCSPeg-UjnUMHat93JdN4qFdQ1ThDG5/s320/Eating+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091333177926827410" /></a><br />Rosie showed great composure at her christening until Reverend James began to dab her with holy water. She started crying directly into his sweater where the microphone was pinned, demonstrating her unique flair for comedy. The congregation had a big laugh and then Rosie was back in her parents’ arms, looking just as adorable as ever. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxK5vsKYhTduBHnCLDQLJyzoynTx6I4qZt6YPgXFpNKYOupHdD-ktL-wQuGjbgAJzTtMGPm-PKapEHwKX6eBYQ92tKpJdRju9l1c68PngOceZq7xifniw1iC3lfcMZRWGwU0R5xW1EIwJ/s1600-h/Rosemary+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxK5vsKYhTduBHnCLDQLJyzoynTx6I4qZt6YPgXFpNKYOupHdD-ktL-wQuGjbgAJzTtMGPm-PKapEHwKX6eBYQ92tKpJdRju9l1c68PngOceZq7xifniw1iC3lfcMZRWGwU0R5xW1EIwJ/s400/Rosemary+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091332765609966978" /></a><br /><strong>MONKEY BOY AT CHARTER THEATER</strong><br />That night we were lucky to see the Charter Theater comedy <em>Monkey Boy</em>. In the play, a young girl standing in a hotel lobby is taunted unmercifully by a large cockatoo. Fifteen years later, the same parrot now named Monkey Boy is given to her as a birthday gift and her life begins to unravel. My friend Keith wrote the very funny Monkey Boy with two friends and Rachel played the lead. It was a BUSY weekend for the Bridges family!<br /><br />Next up, Keith is directing <em>Wonders Never Cease</em> a new play by one of the co-writers of <em>Monkey Boy</em>. I love this set up: “Ever wonder what your childhood would have been like if the stuff you ordered from the ads in the back of comic books actually worked? This guy does. In this magical new comedy from Charter Theatre, find out what it's really like to have x-ray vision, hypnotize total strangers, read minds and rule an undersea kingdom of sea monkeys.”<br /><br />If you’re in the DC area, swing by Georgetown for a show. Dates and ticket information are at <a href="http://www.chartertheater.org/">www.chartertheater.org</a><br /> <br /><strong>THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST</strong><br />The following week, Daryl and our friend Cynthia were at the Ahmanson Theater to see <em>The Importance of Being Earnest</em>. They had okay seats, but just before the lights went down, an usher asked if they wanted to move closer, so they followed her…to the front row! It was an excellent production featuring Lynn Redgrave and Miriam Margolis, but there even more actors in the audience. <br /><br /><strong>DARYL’S STAR SIGHTINGS AT EARNEST<br /></strong>Dana Delaney--<em>China Beach</em><br />Robert Sean Leonard--<em>Dead Poets Society</em><br />Sharon Lawrence--<em>NYPD Blue</em><br />Joan Van Ark--<em>Knots Landing</em><br />Juliet Stevenson--<em>Emma, Truly Madly Deeply</em><br />John Michael Higgins--<em>Best in Show, A Mighty Wind</em><br /><br /><strong>MOVIES</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2UTZwEGRBQEmOwW4N2YzJqIlf18p_Z3J_kpsCjaEexLuwdcEGP8mCUuyEdj0LcV5IULKM2wov-lHRnpPBWLvCSlOD_5ctRstNnW2tHB09pFVPnSxZFppBE8qPXPgug_uF_3892bnMEQj/s1600-h/Bubble+Poster.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2UTZwEGRBQEmOwW4N2YzJqIlf18p_Z3J_kpsCjaEexLuwdcEGP8mCUuyEdj0LcV5IULKM2wov-lHRnpPBWLvCSlOD_5ctRstNnW2tHB09pFVPnSxZFppBE8qPXPgug_uF_3892bnMEQj/s320/Bubble+Poster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091340170133585362" /></a><br />We got to be part of Hollywood history last weekend. On Friday, January 27, Steven Soderbergh‘s new film <em>Bubble</em> debuted in theaters, on DVD and on cable TV simoultaneously. We watched the film on HDNet in the comfort of our home and enjoyed it. The low-budget film takes place along the Ohio/West Virginia border and follows a week in the lives of doll factory workers. Because it was shot on digital video and featured amateur actors, you wouldn’t think it could be so entertaining, until you remember that it was directed by the guy responsible for <em>sex lies & videotape, Ocean’s 11,</em> and <em>Erin Brockovich</em>. He has five more films in the works under the same contract and <em>Bubble </em>bodes well for the future. Here’s a good write-up from NPR <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5167394">http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5167394</a><br /><br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />The first guest of the year was our friend Monty who stopped by on January 2nd for a quick visit. The weather was a little iffy but we had fun before he headed out to Vegas to spend a few days with his family. <br /><br />Before I forget: Happy Groundhog Day!<br /><br />Until next month,<br />James & DarylJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-45553205559880158462007-07-16T15:48:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:57.028-08:00February 2006: Year of the Dog and Las VegasHello again. I hope all is going well for you. <br /><br /><strong>CHINESE NEW YEAR</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWNPWgJwkorXcMDjtQcv3MFWgCJTidVNgB2BgLWM0Bv6Ge_GwbnhXoYCk6lAk-sLTVGzilBIwdbe1R2SUrVOk6630Abx5oRzmakhZ6jR59jOFsrP8lHYzamQwS-uVN9PPEWYR1CR7WSg4/s1600-h/Dragon+small.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWNPWgJwkorXcMDjtQcv3MFWgCJTidVNgB2BgLWM0Bv6Ge_GwbnhXoYCk6lAk-sLTVGzilBIwdbe1R2SUrVOk6630Abx5oRzmakhZ6jR59jOFsrP8lHYzamQwS-uVN9PPEWYR1CR7WSg4/s320/Dragon+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091350525299736146" /></a><br />February 4th, we headed to Chinatown for the 107th Golden Dragon Parade. It was like any other community parade except this one had lots of dragons in it. Here is a photo recap from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtIba4J4mikjGznl2K4Y-16Fm2l4RI0PdAybnC81a04RzNAC73BPjWhOzYbk8phaHzUM1FaseHTF9wvVD2iBtulFqRvhiVkY_oLiPKUr6UnD1bQ_cMXNnWm-15xF5ykZmwJtZVq9FR3hw/s1600-h/chinese_zodiac.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtIba4J4mikjGznl2K4Y-16Fm2l4RI0PdAybnC81a04RzNAC73BPjWhOzYbk8phaHzUM1FaseHTF9wvVD2iBtulFqRvhiVkY_oLiPKUr6UnD1bQ_cMXNnWm-15xF5ykZmwJtZVq9FR3hw/s320/chinese_zodiac.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091349722140851778" /></a>We are now in the Year of the Dog. Tradition says that the Buddha summoned all animals to him before he departed from the earth. Only twelve species came to say good-bye so as a reward, he named a year after each one in the order in which they arrived. Find your Chinese Zodiac sign at <a href="http://www.logoi.com/zodiac/zodiac.html">http://www.logoi.com/zodiac/zodiac.html</a> and read up on the different animals and traits at <a href="http://www.chinatoday.com/culture/zodiac/zodiac.htm">http://www.chinatoday.com/culture/zodiac/zodiac.htm</a></p><p>After the parade, we walked around the shops, had some dinner and watched people repeatedly hit the “Money” and “Luck” gongs outside the Sincere Importing Company.<br /><br /><strong>SANTEE ALLEY</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAZtYKnDO27ZQMJIwgGFgdSHfLcD18l00Rnrv5QDyrXCI6x-bT-R7JLFSeSINQwsM_5rVpjx7cbyCBodVm5ZBYPhsbbWGDN3skWX5ij0D4hVjv-349T6nOw-0txtOKAPa7IHL6jqwNyoK/s1600-h/Santee+Alley+small.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAZtYKnDO27ZQMJIwgGFgdSHfLcD18l00Rnrv5QDyrXCI6x-bT-R7JLFSeSINQwsM_5rVpjx7cbyCBodVm5ZBYPhsbbWGDN3skWX5ij0D4hVjv-349T6nOw-0txtOKAPa7IHL6jqwNyoK/s200/Santee+Alley+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091352406495411810" /></a><br />The following weekend, our friend Cynthia took us to Santee Alley, which is a cramped shopping district rife with low-cost Gucci knockoffs, pirated DVDs, and other unlicensed goods. It was a fun morning but not recommended for the claustrophobic. The attached website will tell you everything you need to know if you are interested in the Santee Alley experience. <a href="http://www.la.com/shopping/specialty/santeealley/437">http://www.la.com/shopping/specialty/santeealley/437</a></p><p><strong>PHILLIPE’S ORIGINAL</strong><br />Did you ever wonder where the “au jus” sandwich came from? Some say it was invented in LA at Phillipe’s Original. You can get the story at their website <a href="http://www.philippes.com/">http://www.philippes.com/</a></p><p>The floor is full of sawdust, the food is served on paper plates, and our wait was 20 minutes at every cashier. I had the Lamb au jus sandwich and boy was it gooooood. Totally worth it. Their coconut cream pie wasn‘t bad either--but it can’t hold a candle to the coconut praline pie made by my sister Susie. <br /><br /><strong>GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWXW9MSKPV0V_JnTmYAqdE3L3ibYgTVcfzsczq-Tc-Z96wVu9O2l6OEQQs_IehIxt9PPXzbsyK9w3eslwkB9T-foAglhczTOnYHBPBLYayL9sLr7BkgEPQPRnA0V9DXg0oLNm7pQB6JR3/s1600-h/Venezia+small.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWXW9MSKPV0V_JnTmYAqdE3L3ibYgTVcfzsczq-Tc-Z96wVu9O2l6OEQQs_IehIxt9PPXzbsyK9w3eslwkB9T-foAglhczTOnYHBPBLYayL9sLr7BkgEPQPRnA0V9DXg0oLNm7pQB6JR3/s200/Venezia+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091352754387762802" /></a><br />After lunch we went to the LA Public Library to see the exhibit of travel posters. It was a great collection that is all available on line at <a href="http://www.lapl.org/virgal/travel/travel-1.html">http://www.lapl.org/virgal/travel/travel-1.html</a></p><p>We also enjoyed the series of author photos by Nancy Crampton [on display through April 2.] The black and white photos were mostly journalistic in tone, but the accompanying quotes--from folks like Isaac Singer, Sam Shepherd, and Alice Walker--ran the gamut from the humorous to the profound. <br /><br /><strong>DUKES OF MALIBU<br /></strong>The next day, our friends Diana and Linda took us over to Duke’s of Malibu. This beachfront restaurant is named for Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing [and Olympic gold medalist.] Walls are filled with vintage surfing pictures and the menu is filled with delicious seafood. I hear the Sunday Brunch is terrific. For more about the restaurant, <a href="http://www.dukesmalibu.com/">http://www.dukesmalibu.com/</a></p><p>For more about the man, click here: <a href="http://www.hawaiianswimboat.com/duke1.html">http://www.hawaiianswimboat.com/duke1.html</a></p><p><strong>SANTA MONICA'S 3rd STREET PROMENADE<br /></strong>After dinner we drove to Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade to wander the stores and soak in some night life. There is a good mix of restaurants, boutiques, movie theaters, and entertainment, but there are lots of panhandlers. Surprisingly, they are not mentioned on the 3rd Street website. <a href="http://www.downtownsm.com/">http://www.downtownsm.com/</a></p><p><strong>LAS VEGAS<br /></strong>Even though we’re not smokers, drinkers or gamblers, we had a great President’s Day Weekend hanging out with friends in Las Vegas. Mike was busy managing the Official NASCAR Store so we spent the bulk of our time with Paula and Anthony. We went through the Wynn, Rio, Bellagio, Mandaly Bay, Luxor, and Aladdin--which is in the process of becoming the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. We drove by the new Hooters casino and hotel. I suggested they change the name to the “Hootel.“ <br /><br /><strong>FASHION SHOW MALL</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe7Z3ZzHAGQ3-hFZCZm44JeKq2wav50cmJAFif7Opb5LdF0GUDGY56YAyAUgsX1iZSfCrtoRy8gycidkaVa_sAhYKf2iasQEuw-ZpAuwy3PFT7OlZI_no6n0FYBK0V9bD3hObVBiFRlKj/s1600-h/Fashion+Mall+small.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixe7Z3ZzHAGQ3-hFZCZm44JeKq2wav50cmJAFif7Opb5LdF0GUDGY56YAyAUgsX1iZSfCrtoRy8gycidkaVa_sAhYKf2iasQEuw-ZpAuwy3PFT7OlZI_no6n0FYBK0V9bD3hObVBiFRlKj/s200/Fashion+Mall+small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091355782339706514" /></a><br />As the name might suggest, this multi-level Vegas mall hosts daily fashion shows. During our visit, the techno music started, the lights flashed, and a full catwalk and stage rose from the mall floor. The crowd gathered round as models walked the catwalk in skimpy swimwear from Everything But Water. Fifteen minutes later, the stage disappeared and people went back to their shopping. <a href="http://www.thefashionshow.com/html/Mallinfo.asp">http://www.thefashionshow.com/html/Mallinfo.asp</a> The Official NASCAR Store is here, too.<br /><strong><br />THE IMPERIAL PALACE<br /></strong>This casino resort is anything but imperial or palatial, but it does have an awesome car museum located on the 5th floor. We didn’t have enough time to do the museum, but we were so impressed with the cars we saw from the ticket desk that we’re planning to see the collection on another visit. Supposedly there is $100 million worth of antique, classic, muscle and special interest automobiles, all available for purchase. Here is the website to find out more www.autocollections.com and this is their 2006 calendar you can print out <a href="http://www.imperialpalace.com/auto_calendar_06.html">http://www.imperialpalace.com/auto_calendar_06.html</a></p><p>As we walked through the Imperial Palace, we saw people playing blackjack against “Dealertainers” impersonating celebrities like Bette Midler, Little Richard, or Dolly Parton. Guests seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it looked like sad affair to me.</p><p><strong>LIBERACE MUSEUM<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN5nkX3CgFoEgjUeLCAT0rVFPwWaqDaqZCavPBp_irD1YXEF94550a4LEtAfElIX4EO6GenEYPOqOF_GhY8htyTBp-Ky83LcwMPR06LNjBmWs1RwW0Cf7FHEX1Xp60SRGV53nXvSb0w8z/s1600-h/Liberace+%26+Daryl+Small.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheN5nkX3CgFoEgjUeLCAT0rVFPwWaqDaqZCavPBp_irD1YXEF94550a4LEtAfElIX4EO6GenEYPOqOF_GhY8htyTBp-Ky83LcwMPR06LNjBmWs1RwW0Cf7FHEX1Xp60SRGV53nXvSb0w8z/s200/Liberace+%26+Daryl+Small.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091354549684092546" /></a>There are 5 cars. One is completely covered in rhinestones. There are 10 pianos. Two are covered completely in rhinestones. There are 20 costumes. Most of them are completely covered in rhinestones. Nothing says taste and class like a bunch of rhinestones. <a href="http://www.liberace.com/museum.cfm">http://www.liberace.com/museum.cfm</a></p><p><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />None in LA this month, but while walking through the food court at Caesar’s Palace, we saw Entertainment Tonight anchor Mark Steines.<br /><br /><strong>ACADEMY AWARDS</strong><br />Believe it or not, Daryl and I will be on the red carpet outside the Kodak Theater this Sunday. You might see us in the background as the stars make their entrances. Tell you all about it next month.<br /><br />Until then,<br />James & Daryl</p>James Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-77470446154865156542007-07-16T15:59:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:56.270-08:00March 2006: Live from the Academy Awards Red CarpetHello again. I hope all is going well for you. It’s a little late, but here’s a look back at March 2006 in the Cameron-Utt household.<br /><br /><strong>78th ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDKVxXhGYFbOvNc6xzBBFbSjbISYJiADcELwppNKhNMShc7Rf8eixkgNvROIZj3zsMy8iA1Wut1IM0nOPsnvkhV-PoEV5F7l7xsrqjyjL2hNlLd3PchzVn57VfTLunCQ8jMeeJMui0i5N/s1600-h/white_gloves+Oscar.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDKVxXhGYFbOvNc6xzBBFbSjbISYJiADcELwppNKhNMShc7Rf8eixkgNvROIZj3zsMy8iA1Wut1IM0nOPsnvkhV-PoEV5F7l7xsrqjyjL2hNlLd3PchzVn57VfTLunCQ8jMeeJMui0i5N/s320/white_gloves+Oscar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091766621731372706" /></a>Of the many events that take place in Hollywood, none is more famous than the Academy Awards. This year, Daryl and I got to sit in the bleachers as the celebrities walked the red carpet. Did you see us? Probably not, so I’ve attached a picture of Nicole Kidman being interviewed. If you look to the right of her wrinkle-free forehead, past the two speakers, you’ll see me in beige and Daryl in purple stripes.<br /><br />Attending the event was free. All we had to do was register with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, provide a recent photo, submit our address for the last ten years, and pass a background check. Nothing to it! Over 20,000 people signed up for this year’s event and only 400 made the final cut. <br /><br />If you are interested in attending next year’s Academy Awards, bookmark the following page and start checking it August 1st. The registration period lasts a week, but you should submit your information as soon as the site goes live. <a href="http://www.oscars.org/bleachers/">http://www.oscars.org/bleachers/</a><br /><br />So what was it like? Here’s a quick overview of the day:<br /><br /><strong>9:30am</strong> Pick up credentials at check-in table.<br /><strong>9:45 am</strong> Grab gift bag with camera, M&M’s and Krispy Kreme<br /><strong>10:00am</strong> Pick up free drinks and go to assigned seats<br /><strong>10:15am</strong> 1st Celebrity: Chris Harrison of The Bachelor<br /><strong>11:00am</strong> Red Carpet cleared of morning journalists<br /><strong>12:00pm</strong> Complimentary lunch from Subway<br /><strong>1:00pm</strong> Afternoon media trickle in and begin setting up<br /><strong>2:00pm</strong> E!, Extra, ET, Insider, Melissa & Joan arrive<br /><strong>3:00pm</strong> Rachel Weiz and George Clooney arrive<br /><strong>4:00pm</strong> There is someone famous everwhere<br /><strong>5:00pm</strong> J. Lo, Latifah and Charlize straggle in <br /><strong>5:30pm</strong> Bleacher guests escorted across the red carpet El Cap<br /><br />It was kind of like an 8-hour workday, except our only tasks were to take pictures and scream a lot. It’s not for everybody. The couple next to me was visiting from Texas and the husband left after a half hour because he didn’t want to miss the UT basketball game. But for those us that are into films, it was like having box seats at the All-Star game or sitting courtside at the Final Four. The people whose work you’ve been following during the season are all there in one place. And the people whose work you haven’t been following--Lee Majors, for example--show up, too.<br /><br />The Red Carpet is about a block long. Joaquin Phoenix did no interviews and he reached the Kodak Theater in about five minutes. Jessica Alba and Kiera Knightley took about an hour each as they posed for pictures and did interviews. George Clooney took the full two hours.<br /><br />The emcee for the red carpet is usually Army Archard, but this year he turned over the show to Robert Osborne, host of Turner Classic Movies. While we were waiting for the stars to arrive, he asked the crowd which movie was going to win Best Picture and the overwhelming winner was <em>Crash</em>. <br /><br />Once the celebrities exited the security tent and made their way down the carpet, the bleachers went wild. No one is “announced” so we were constantly scanning the crowd for famous faces. Twelve years of reading <em>Entertainment Weekly</em> prepared me well for the task, but a few celebrities slipped by unnoticed. I’m still not sure how we all missed Jack Nicholson.<br /><br />As glamorous as the red carpet is on the surface, it’s really just an industry-wide office party. People were being introduced to each other’s spouses, underlings were trying to get face-time with higher-ups, and many were just there for the free food and booze. <br /><br />Oscar night also reminds me of the Senior Prom because of the fixation on everyone’s wardrobe and who-showed-up-with-who. And, like prom, the actual event is kind of a drag unless you or your best friend get crowned king or queen. The real fun for most of the industry starts at the after-party. <br /><br />But for us mortals, the fun was the pre-party. I could write an entire Update about all the funny stuff from the red carpet, and another one about all the geeky moments. Instead, though, here are three highlights:<br /> Jamie Foxx and Matt Dillon both waving to us when we yelled out their names. <br /> George Clooney coming over to the bleachers to sign autographs. <br /> Dolly Parton showing off more white meat than a bucket of chicken.<br /><br />A week after the show, friends were showing me pictures that their co-worker Ingrid had taken from her seat in the Oscar bleachers. They looked just like ours because Ingrid was sitting next to Daryl the whole day! Can you believe that? [You can see her aiming her camera at Nicole Kidman in the attached photo.] She has already taken the time to crop, organize and post her pictures online and she graciously allowed me to include the link below. Thank you, Ingrid! <br /><br />STAR SIGHTINGS--78th ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS EDITION<br />Amy Adams—<em>Junebug,</em> Jessica Alba—<em>Fantastic Four</em>, Marc Anthony—<em>Big Night</em>, Eric Bana--<em>Munich/Troy/Hulk,</em> Ed Begley, Jr.—<em>A Mighty Wind</em>, Sandra Bullock—<em>Crash, </em>Gary Busey—<em>Buddy Holley Story</em>, Kate Capshaw—<em>Temple of Doom </em>& Mrs Spielberg, Steve Carrell—<em>40 Year-Old Virgin,</em> Helena Bonham Carter—<em>Wallace & Gromit,</em> George Clooney—Winner, Sup Actor, Judi Dench—<em>Mrs Henderson Presents,</em> Matt Dillon—<em>Crash,</em> Will Ferrell—<em>Anchorman, </em>Jamie Foxx—<em>Ray,</em> Morgan Freeman—<em>March of the Penguins,</em> Dan Futterman—<em>The Birdcage &</em> Writer, <em>Capote, </em>Jennifer Garner—<em>Alias, 13 Going on 30,</em> Paul Giamatti—<em>Sideways/Cinderella</em> <em>Man,</em> Selma Hayek—<em>Frid</em>a, Terence Howard—<em>Crash, Hustle & Flow,</em> Felicity Huffman—<em>TransAmerica,</em> William Hurt—<em>History of Violence, </em>Catherine Keener—<em>Capote, 40 Year-Old Virgin,</em> Nicole Kidman—<em>The Interpreter,</em> Keira Knightly—<em>Pride & Prejudice,</em> Queen Latifah—<em>Last Month,</em> Heath Ledger—<em>Brokeback Mountain,</em> Jennifer Jason Leigh—<em>Fast Times At Ridgemont High, </em>Christopher Lloyd—<em>Back to the Future</em>, Jenifer Lopez—<em>Monster In-Law,</em> Ludacris--<em>Crash,</em> William H. Macy—<em>The Cooler,</em> Lee Majors—<em>Six Million Dollar Man,</em> Terry Moore—<em>Come Back, Little Sheba, </em> Dolly Parton—<em>Travelin’ Thru, </em>Ryan Phillipe—<em>Crash, </em>Jaoquin Pheonix—<em>Walk the Line, </em>Keanu Reeves—<em>Constantine, </em>Mickey Rooney—<em>Andy Hardy, </em>Jane Russell—<em>Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, </em>Peter Sarsgaard—<em>Flightplan & Kinsey, </em>Jane Seymour—<em>Wedding Crashers, </em> Jada Pinkett Smith—<em>Matrix Triology,</em> Will Smith—<em>Hitch</em>, David Strathairn—<em>Good Night and Good Luck,</em> Meryl Streep—<em>Prime & Lemony Snicket, </em>Hilary Swank—<em>Million Dollar Baby, </em>Charlize Theron—<em>North Country,</em> Uma Thurman—<em>Prime, Kill Bill,</em> Bruce Vilanch—<em>Get Bruce</em>! & <em>Celebrity Fit Club,</em> Nancy Walls—<em>40 Year-Old Virgin, The Daily Show,</em> Naomi Watts—<em>King Kong, The Ring, 21 Grams,</em> Rachel Weicz—<em>The Constant Gardener,</em> Michelle Williams—<em>Brokeback Mountain</em>, <em>Dawson’s Creek, </em>Luke Wilson—<em>Old School, Legally Blonde, </em>Reese Witherspoon—<em>Walk the Line</em><br /><br />Behind the Camera:<br />Robert Altman—Director, <em>The Player, MASH, Nashville,</em> Noah Baumbuch—Director/Writer, <em>Squid and the Whale,</em> Tim Burton—Director, <em>Corpse Bride</em>, Alice Davis—Walt Disney Imagineer, Sid Ganis—President, A.M.P.A.S. , Dan Glickman—Current head of MPAA, Paul Haggis—Director/Writer, <em>Crash</em>; Writer, <em>Million Dollar Baby,</em> Don Hahn—Producer, <em>The Lion King</em> <em>Beauty and the Beast, </em>Grant Heslov—Writer/Producer, <em>Good Night & Good Luck,</em> Luc Jacquet—Director, <em>March of the Penguins,</em> James Keach—Producer, <em>Walk The Line</em> and husband to Jane Seymour, Ang Lee—Director, <em>Brokeback Mountain</em>, <em>Sense & Sensibility,</em> Bobby Marisco—Writer, <em>Crash,</em> Larry McMurtry—Writer, <em>Brokeback Mountain, </em>Bennett Miller—Director, <em>Capote, </em>Diana Osanna—Writer, <em>Brokeback Mountain, </em>John Singleton—Producer, <em>Hustle & Flow</em>, Director, <em>Boyz In the Hood, </em>Steven Speilberg—<em>Munich, Schindler’s List, ET,</em> Duncan Tucker—Director, <em>TransAmerica,</em> Jack Valenti—Former head of the MPAA John Wagner—Writer, <em>History of Violence,</em> Todd Wagner—Producer, <em>Good Night, Good Luck</em> and <em>Enron: Smartest Guys in the Room</em><br /><br />Entertainment Media:<br />Jann Carl, Steve Cocajuru, Chris Connelly, Giuliana Depandi, Dayna Devon, AJ Hammer, Chris Harrison, Leonard Maltin, Mark McGrath, Vanessa Minnillio, Nancy O’Dell, George Pennachio, Tony Perkins, Lisa Rhinna, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Sam Rubin, Ryan Seacrest, Joel Siegel, Lara Spencer, Debra Wilson, and Jeanne Wolfe<br /><br /><strong>THE CHERRY ORCHARD--MARK TAPER FORUM<br /></strong>We saw more stars at the Mark Taper Forum’s production of Anton Checkov’s <em>The Cherry Orchard.</em> Anette Bening, Alfred Molina, Sarah Paulsen, and Rafael Sbarge contributed to a successful but ultimately uneven show. [The LA Times Calendar guest reviewers recommending everything from RAVE to REFUND. <a href="http://www.calendarlive.com/stage/300700,0,2127659,reviews.event">http://www.calendarlive.com/stage/300700,0,2127659,reviews.event</a>]<br /><br />Daryl had gone online and found $20 tickets. Our seats were at far-far-far-house-right. But because the Forum is done in three-quarter round we actually missed some of the dialogue aimed at the far-far-far-left. We would’ve enjoyed the show more had we sat in the center section. Our next two $20 theatrical experiences went much better.<br /><br /><strong>PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY--BOSTON COURT<br /></strong>Boston Court is a relatively new and smaller house in Pasadena but every seat was excellent for this show. Oscar Wilde’s script still engages with its ruminations on beauty, youth, purity and vice but everything else--acting, lighting, sound design, sets, props and costumes--was just as solid. The direction, by Michael Michetti, was so strong that Daryl went back on Sunday to see the show performed with the understudies in the leads. <a href="http://www.bostoncourt.com/the_show.htm">http://www.bostoncourt.com/the_show.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>DAME EDNA: BACK WITH A VENGEANCE--AHMANSON THEATER</strong><br />Dame Edna Everage, self-proclaimed international megastar (and idol of millions) puts on one heck of a show. Whether doing a prepared bit or improvising with the audience, she was hilarious. We laughed a lot, especially when she was making fun of our fellow audience members. For example:.<br /><br />“Fixing up a home is expensive, isn’t it? You have to save a lot , of course. And ma‘am, you‘ve obviously saved a lot by making all your own clothes.” <br /><br />Daryl found $20 tickets for this show, too, in the 7th row! I still can’t believe how close we were. If Dame Edna is coming to your town, make plans to attend. Check out her website for tour information and some Edna humor. <a href="http://www.dame-edna.com/">http://www.dame-edna.com/</a><br /><strong><br />SAN FRANCISCO</strong><br />Daryl spent the weekend of the 25th with good friends in the City By the Bay, San Francisico. David Fernandez was in town for a conference and they went to the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill for afternoon tea in the Laurel Court. Later, they met up with another old Orlando friend, Charles Lougee. Charles moved to San Fran about 2 years ago and was a great tour guide through the city. A few of the highlights were Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, the Palace of the Legion of Honor and the Castro district. Daryl was also happy to see Denise (Gigi) Pasternak on Sunday as the whole group took a ride on a cable car and explored Chinatown. <br /><br /><strong>25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE<br /></strong>Daryl & David were able to see a production of the play while in San Francisco. The set was straight out of a junior high school gym, complete with bleachers and a basketball hoop. The cast was top-notch and the story kept us guessing right up to the end who will win the Bee. Of course, we won’t Bee revealing that here. [Daryl’s joke, by the way.]<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS--NON-OSCAR EDITION</strong><br />On March 19, we were in Santa Monica to see <em>20,00 Leagues Under the Sea</em> on the big screen with our friends Shawn and Rob. Walking to the theater, we passed by Steven Spielberg as he chatted on his cell phone. After the movie, we dined next to Paula Poundstone and her kids.<br /><strong><br />VISITORS</strong><br />Our fiend Mark Witko was in town and in addition to joining Daryl at <em>Dorian Gray</em>, he went with us to Larchmont Village, which is sort of like Park Avenue in Winter Park. Many of our former Disney co-workers were in town for a conference so we hung out in the hotel lobby and caught for three hours. We had dinner with Lisa Becket and her team at the oldest restaurant in Hollywood Musso & Frank‘s. <a href="http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/locations/mussoandfranks.html">http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/locations/mussoandfranks.html</a><br /><br />And we are already halfway through April, it seems. Passover starts tonight and Easter is this weekend. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. We’ll be back in three weeks.<br /><br />Until then,<br />James & Daryl<strong></strong><strong></strong>James Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-81411541101567433882007-07-16T16:22:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:56.129-08:00April 2006: Festival of Books and the Getty VillaHello again. Can you believe it is already May 1? Here’s a look back at April 2006 in the Cameron-Utt household.<br /><br /><strong>THE GETTY VILLA<br /></strong>In the hills of Malibu sits an Italian villa full of Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. The villa is adorned with marble floors, tiled walls and painted ceilings. The garden features fountains, statuary, flowers, herbs and a view of the Pacific Ocean. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IE4ZpNxA72o9b-z9mA2e3JW1l4-oxSTFkQRwyvo6Xw_pOUfqo9u3HXAwbdbemt8V-SsthFvj34W5m2Zhli7FXydZbzmVsZgwDfZ_eZQwqX6IpV_EhAHcFnF5AltzPY3g_vqeUDwRAOmo/s1600-h/Getty+Villa+Post.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:right;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IE4ZpNxA72o9b-z9mA2e3JW1l4-oxSTFkQRwyvo6Xw_pOUfqo9u3HXAwbdbemt8V-SsthFvj34W5m2Zhli7FXydZbzmVsZgwDfZ_eZQwqX6IpV_EhAHcFnF5AltzPY3g_vqeUDwRAOmo/s400/Getty+Villa+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094684175835676498" /></a>The Getty Villa and grounds are beautiful and we had perfect weather on our visit three weeks ago. We were there about four hours, strolling from one gallery to the next, brushing up on our Greek and Roman mythology and pondering object that date back to 6,500 B.C. In addition to jewelry, coins, and Grecian urns, there are many fantastic sculptures.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLELVOcWmFDShwT4j2dx_ZpYZICC4mONRHUzhWo_jNs2Kwub37SL22I5bgcE9XJV_O9VsBNtjRvExYUY3gCNE0it1qfQ9WhE8Aa6YXqaesMwUxHaS4r0fhEHxPE-iF-i0nKo1iCuv0Cba/s1600-h/Kouros.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLELVOcWmFDShwT4j2dx_ZpYZICC4mONRHUzhWo_jNs2Kwub37SL22I5bgcE9XJV_O9VsBNtjRvExYUY3gCNE0it1qfQ9WhE8Aa6YXqaesMwUxHaS4r0fhEHxPE-iF-i0nKo1iCuv0Cba/s320/Kouros.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094685275347304290" /></a><br />There‘s also one controversial statue that I read about in Malcolm Gladwell’s <em>Blink.</em> Gladwell writes about the value and validity of “snap” judgments and the first chapter of his book is all about a statue at the Getty Villa that cost millions of dollars to acquire. Scholars have studied the piece carefully to verify its authenticity. Unfortunately, without the benefit of any research, many are convinced the statue is a fake because of their first impression or gut feeling. Judge for yourself.<br /><br />If you want to see the controversial kouros in person, or visit a one-of-a-kind museum you won’t soon forget, click on the link below to order free tickets. <a href="http://www.getty.edu/visit/">http://www.getty.edu/visit/</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>SANTA MONICA<br /></strong>After lunch at the Getty Villa, we headed down to Santa Monica to meet our friend JJ. In addition to a walking tour along the ocean, we also stopped in to the Tudor House for a proper English tea.<br /><br /><strong>DAVID SEDARIS/ROYCE HALL-UCLA</strong><br />If you listen to NPR or read The New Yorker, you might be familiar with author David Sedaris and his stories about growing up in Raleigh, NC with his nutty family, living in France with his partner Hugh, and working as one of Santa’s helpers at Macy’s. If not, you can sample his work here <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/sedaris.html">http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/sedaris.html</a><br /><br />During the presentation, he read three completed stories--including one about a religious discussion between a sheep and a crow featured is in this week’s New Yorker. The fourth piece was an unfinished essay that he will debut at Princeton for their upcoming commencement address. Lucky for us, at each stop on his tour, he has been testing the address and editing his speech based on the audience reaction. Like everything else he read, this got huge laughs, too, so I expect the Princeton audience will enjoy their guest speaker.<br /><br /><strong>MOVING/THE DESERT</strong><br />After a few false starts, my Uncle Carl found the perfect house for himself and his dog Jake. We helped him move the weekend of the 22nd, and are still marveling at the awesome views he has of Joshua Tree, San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and Saddleback Mountain.<br /><br /><strong>LATIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoiQ1p-4u7rX5k2KrDm1oenR1NI-URIMp_Q_iCP-64RF8ws9U44KG6L1jD3R1utk_aneLz-lXUmCuvlMZmgfh7GSpgvg_ASccbs38_p1XMSevWczyyZwKM_B6-XJELd2SnPnJuwiiNHGY/s1600-h/Literary+Places+Post.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoiQ1p-4u7rX5k2KrDm1oenR1NI-URIMp_Q_iCP-64RF8ws9U44KG6L1jD3R1utk_aneLz-lXUmCuvlMZmgfh7GSpgvg_ASccbs38_p1XMSevWczyyZwKM_B6-XJELd2SnPnJuwiiNHGY/s320/Literary+Places+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094686452168343410" /></a>Even though the weather was warmer and the crowds were bigger, the festival was just as good as last year’s. Every genre was represented including mystery, sci-fi, culinary, biography, travel, arts, self-improvement and many more. Several booths were dedicated to the art of writing, the business of getting published, and the support organizations available to aspiring writers.<br /><br />Of the 300-plus authors appearing this year, the big names included Joan Didion, Dave Barry, Joyce Carol Oates, and Ray Bradbury. Getting into some of these discussions is like trying to get autographs at Super Soap Weekend. Instead, we just walked the festival and bumped into folks like Rhea Pherlman, Henry Winkler and special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen. We joined a crowd that was doing a giant crossword puzzle and Daryl got the final answer.<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/">http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63fH4iVZG9mEGYuhD64nYzWaS4yeInGamT2J8iZS0yYtENpk6UHLdTN0iTPI-0CdjtUy2x7qQYOskBH7ZP7rBRmfu8XlU3uaI8JAoEaUY3lxBEFH5HR97bnu_hu68baygHW1sPMFhZrhq/s1600-h/Hwd+Heritage+Musuem+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63fH4iVZG9mEGYuhD64nYzWaS4yeInGamT2J8iZS0yYtENpk6UHLdTN0iTPI-0CdjtUy2x7qQYOskBH7ZP7rBRmfu8XlU3uaI8JAoEaUY3lxBEFH5HR97bnu_hu68baygHW1sPMFhZrhq/s320/Hwd+Heritage+Musuem+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094687126478208898" /></a><br />One of the booths had a calendar tracing the history of a barn that sits across the street from the Hollywood Bowl. The barn was used in Cecil B. DeMille’s silent film <em>The Squaw Man</em>, the first full-length motion picture to be shot in Hollywood. Over the years, the barn was moved from its original location and used in films such as <em>Fear Strikes Out</em> and TV shows such as <em>Bonanza</em>. It was designated an historic landmark in 1956 and now houses the Hollywood Heritage Museum. Take the virtual tour at <a href="http://www.hollywoodheritage.org/">http://www.hollywoodheritage.org/</a><br />You can see that it’s not that big, but the museum staff is knowledgeable and committed to preserving the artifacts and architecture from the early days of California’s film industry. They do movie screenings, history tours, and historical conservation. Details are on their website.<br /><br /><strong>VISITORS<br /></strong>Our friend Paula came over from Vegas to hang out and see LA sights like Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Olvera Street and Sidney Bristow’s apartment from Season One of <em>Alias.</em><br />Our friend Yogi was working at Disneyland at the beginning of the month. I met him after work and we were able to do Tower of Terror, Mike and Sully to the Rescue, California Screamin‘ and a trip on the Disneyland Railroad. <br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS<br /></strong>At the Sedaris reading, we saw Joel Grey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her husband Brad Hall. While on the way to lunch Friday, we crossed the street with Ewan McGregor. He was dressed completely in leather and carrying his motorcycle helmet.<br /><br />And now, I must sign off to prepare the apartment for friends arriving on Wednesday.<br /><br />Until next month,<br />James & DarylJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-87043407371474781762007-07-16T16:27:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:55.608-08:00May 2006: Visitors, Trader Vic's and TatsuHello again. May was a busy month in the Cameron/Utt household. Here are some of the highlights:<br /><br /><strong>VISITORS--PART ONE</strong><br />We started the month with a visit from friends from Phoenix, Malinee and Carlton Press, and Orlando, David Fernandez. After a day at Disneyland, Malinee and Carlton headed to area relatives, and David stayed on for another week of sight-seeing in Los Angeles. <br /><br /><strong>HOLLYWOOD LANDMARKS</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHp-T61UjUcwKLLXhUUeWJEA1KjtHV5OZwGnFfO_3PEJE8dtR6UX2cm8v6SqJcht4oAyl5UOecc4S091rh3zYS4rU0sBbAjyxwX1rI2ebDuaZeh2pANEo6ZB_8QVTylzE0eKINDdtHeRW/s1600-h/David+Henson+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHp-T61UjUcwKLLXhUUeWJEA1KjtHV5OZwGnFfO_3PEJE8dtR6UX2cm8v6SqJcht4oAyl5UOecc4S091rh3zYS4rU0sBbAjyxwX1rI2ebDuaZeh2pANEo6ZB_8QVTylzE0eKINDdtHeRW/s320/David+Henson+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095010705019322338" /></a><br />David is very knowledgeable about Old Hollywood so we made sure to take him by all of the major film studios: Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Disney, Universal, Sony [previously MGM] and the Henson Studios [previously Chaplin]. <br /><br />One of David’s favorite films is <em>Gone With the Win</em>d and even though the sets are long gone, he still got to see the Selznik Studios building which is [sort of] the first very shot in the movie.<br /><br />He also recognized the Alta Nido apartments that William Holden’s character lived at in the Oscar-winning <em>Sunset Boulevard</em>.<br /><br /><strong>TRADER VIC’S</strong><br />The three of us spent a sightseeing day in Beverly Hills and topped it off with a terrific dinner at Trader Vic’s. The food was delicious, the service was smooth and their signature cocktail was a hit with the drinkers at the table.<br /><br />The Beverly Hills restaurant was the second in what has become a global chain with over 20 locations including Munich, Osaka, Beirut and Dubai. <a href="http://www.tradervics.com/restaurant-1.html">http://www.tradervics.com/restaurant-1.html</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIIt_Rmb7W6kfgyhm-PqHMAKenGXmMEDVP7MOh-DJpTdc0e8ljCQoCWdEiDdeu-bRLudv3d1lUTVgncRMThkQ96ti-trgugfVlcjFXeHOl1w2qCAkNnKGcE2fFMN129Sgg11MxA-z1206/s1600-h/Trader+Vic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIIt_Rmb7W6kfgyhm-PqHMAKenGXmMEDVP7MOh-DJpTdc0e8ljCQoCWdEiDdeu-bRLudv3d1lUTVgncRMThkQ96ti-trgugfVlcjFXeHOl1w2qCAkNnKGcE2fFMN129Sgg11MxA-z1206/s200/Trader+Vic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095006968397774738" /></a>I was surprised to learn that the restaurant was named after a real person, namely Vic “the Trader” Bergeron. He was one of those larger-than-life characters who traveled the world, wrote books and, capitalizing on his love of Island culture, became a restaurateur. He created over a thousand different cocktails but his most famous has to be the Mai Tai. The name is an abbreviation of the Tahitian phrase “Mai Tai - Roa Ae." (or “out of this world - the best.”) <br /><br />In this 1970 article below, Vic explains his creation of the famous drink and shares the original Mai Tai recipe, the subsequent changes in the mixture and the current formula which has been in use since 1964. <a href="http://www.tradervics.com/mai-tai-1.html">http://www.tradervics.com/mai-tai-1.html</a><br /><br /><strong>VISITORS--PART TWO</strong><br />Two weeks later, Daryl’s mother and sister--Rita and Annette--flew in from North Carolina for a few days. Daryl took them to Disneyland, the Getty Villa and Malibu. Rita left Saturday morning and Annette’s husband, Paul arrived that afternoon. We took the two of them to see the HOLLYWOOD sign, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Hollywood & Highland--where FOX was setting up for the <em>American Idol</em> finale.<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoGwn4zsh_wwGG6MYDwXXECjhF0XFYbgi43kHfU7h4pmbusf0crjJ_ahk3V-KI3Zd4-LPB2rnab3EBVw6qAhHOUUWi1RHSZzORZClt05sNBNA5bpervTexi_gZgEUE8oj7Du2mhVQIUp6/s1600-h/Carousel+Post.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvoGwn4zsh_wwGG6MYDwXXECjhF0XFYbgi43kHfU7h4pmbusf0crjJ_ahk3V-KI3Zd4-LPB2rnab3EBVw6qAhHOUUWi1RHSZzORZClt05sNBNA5bpervTexi_gZgEUE8oj7Du2mhVQIUp6/s320/Carousel+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095007672772411314" /></a><br />After spending the weekend with us, Annette and Paul headed north to visit Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park. On the way back to LA, they visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium and toured Hearst Castle. They had an awesome time. We might have to take the same vacation this fall.<br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/seki/">http://www.nps.gov/seki/</a><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/">http://www.nps.gov/yose/</a><br /><a href="http://www.mbayaq.org/">http://www.mbayaq.org/</a> <br /><a href="http://www.hearstcastle.com/">http://www.hearstcastle.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>US BANK BUILDING</strong><br />We got to talking about the skyline of Los Angeles during their visit. Though not as recognizable as New York or Chicago, it is home to the 77-story US Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Read more and see a picture of it here: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Bank_Tower">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Bank_Tower</a><br /><strong><br />ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS & SCIENCES<br /></strong>On Thursday, May 18, I was at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater for a lecture hosted by Phil Alden Robinson who wrote and directed Field of Dreams. His guest was Paul Haggis, the first person to write back-to-back Oscar Winners for Best Picture, namely, <em>Crash </em>and <em>Million Dollar Baby</em>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjlGpK6orAIK72iw7WWRFt51B9sxQf5znCoxpI655sGO7bPyl-U3kf6dEQRnkA0hlP0TnuOl-jVypvUZj0tqWcADFsZXY6TaEBI2_J-l0M1bBkZWV9AHZcCCzvK4S6_I22OPVpaBqrPmC/s1600-h/Robinson+AMPAS+Haggis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjlGpK6orAIK72iw7WWRFt51B9sxQf5znCoxpI655sGO7bPyl-U3kf6dEQRnkA0hlP0TnuOl-jVypvUZj0tqWcADFsZXY6TaEBI2_J-l0M1bBkZWV9AHZcCCzvK4S6_I22OPVpaBqrPmC/s320/Robinson+AMPAS+Haggis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103994373998052898" /></a>It was a casual discussion filled with encouragement and insight for struggling writers. Haggis got his start on <em>Scooby-Doo</em> and worked his way up to <em>Facts of Life</em> and <em>thirtysomething.</em> Robinson talked about how difficult it was to watch his original screenplay become the Dolly/Stallone vehicle <em>Rhinestone.</em> <br /><br />They agreed that the best way to uncover problems in a script was simply to read it aloud to someone. “The flaws will jump off the page!” Phil got a big laugh with this but then he and Paul began commiserating on how painful it is to brave that first read-through. <br /><br />The 2-hour program included film clips, audience questions, and lots of laughs. All for $5. I’ll be back. <a href="http://www.oscars.org/events/">http://www.oscars.org/events/</a><br /><br /><strong>HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM<br /></strong>While I was attending the AMPAS lecture, Daryl was at the Hollywood Heritage Museum for a “Hollywood Past & Present” event. Hosted by the author & photographer of the book, it was an interesting look at the changes in and around Hollywood from the early 20th century to today. <a href="http://www.hollywoodheritage.org/main.html">http://www.hollywoodheritage.org/main.html</a><br /><br /><strong>TATSU--THE TALLEST, FASTEST “FLYING” COASTER</strong><br />Two days later--Memorial Day Friday-- I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain to ride <em>Tatsu</em>--my first “flying coaster“ experience. Instead of sitting upright as the train went through drops, banked curves and loops, I was lying on my stomach with my arms out in front of me. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATRQMvcz71SONteoz1Z1ZBnJeoiFUXCn8qGcvF911rigkwZaF8hXOXiBvYSIuwEEMFqSN1MGXA33MjBEBROhYNKU1RIlyYOKSSVs3FYfpC3zJBoRbPuI3_FcDSBglW8RHlRJ_YQ5Q29Ia/s1600-h/Tatsu+Post.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATRQMvcz71SONteoz1Z1ZBnJeoiFUXCn8qGcvF911rigkwZaF8hXOXiBvYSIuwEEMFqSN1MGXA33MjBEBROhYNKU1RIlyYOKSSVs3FYfpC3zJBoRbPuI3_FcDSBglW8RHlRJ_YQ5Q29Ia/s400/Tatsu+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095008231118159810" /></a>As the coaster pulled out of the station and climbed up 100 feet, I was searching the ground for a soft spot to land in case my harness came undone. Once that initial panic subsided, I enjoyed the ride a lot. There are some twists in the track that deliver the “flying sensation” you might experience in an especially vivid dream.<br /><br />For the facts and figures about <em>Tatsu,</em> click here: <a href="http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/ParkPress/tatsu-factsheet.pdf">http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/ParkPress/tatsu-factsheet.pdf</a><br /><br />Six Flags Magic Mountain has seventeen roller coasters, including several record holders. My least favorite of these was X. Billed as a “4-D coaster“, this ride reminded me of an especially vivid nightmare. Imagine going up a 200-foot hill backwards, taking the first drop upside down and then riding a free-spinning rocking chair through a track modeled after the human intestine. Naturally, it’s a big hit with the kids.<br /><br />Here’s a picture from a fan site. Notice that the people at the front of the train are facing forward. The people riding the rear seats are upside-down.<br /><a href="http://www.coastergallery.com/2005/MM81.html">http://www.coastergallery.com/2005/MM81.html</a><br /><br />On the positive side, there is also the Psyclone. It’s an exact replica of the famous wooden coaster in Coney Island. The only thing Six Flags changed was the spelling.<br />For information on the other thirteen coasters or the park in general go here: <a href="http://www.sixflags.com/">http://www.sixflags.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>MANN’S CHINESE THEATER</strong><br />Later that night, we saw our first movie at the historic Chinese Theater. <a href="http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/">http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB2jVefoV88rTkwdyZfLdpT6jlEWWJ-_g1TFqqbXyx93vmytobWswOpf0rxZrNTPSqyl4-qLuQl4D1rWS245WNMZl_mHWjgY9Tp3p6c8ZFM4qJ6u_l4c4BWH6eRbwm4SYG9LAY9OlG3-K/s1600-h/Chinese+Theater.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwB2jVefoV88rTkwdyZfLdpT6jlEWWJ-_g1TFqqbXyx93vmytobWswOpf0rxZrNTPSqyl4-qLuQl4D1rWS245WNMZl_mHWjgY9Tp3p6c8ZFM4qJ6u_l4c4BWH6eRbwm4SYG9LAY9OlG3-K/s200/Chinese+Theater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103994782019946034" /></a>It was the perfect venue to see an “event movie” like <em>X-Men: The Last Stand</em>. Our 10:00PM show was completely sold out with a line that was already wrapping around Hollywood Boulevard when we joined it at 8:30.<br /><br />A favorite for Hollywood Premieres, the Chinese Theater is most famous for its courtyard of celebrity handprints. Here’s a map which tells you who and where each one is:<a href="http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/forecourt.php">http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/forecourt.php</a><br /><br />But the inside of the theater ain‘t too shabby. In fact, I think the words opulent, grand, and ginormous came to mind as we entered the auditorium. Daryl and I took some time after the show to admire the details that made this one of the premier movie palaces. Here’s one picture from a company that did the earthquake retro-fit on the structure.<br /><a href="http://services.pcl.com/projects/Archived/5200160/index.aspx">http://services.pcl.com/projects/Archived/5200160/index.aspx</a><br /><br />Thanks to Shawn Anderson for pulling the group together and including us. It was a great evening.<br /><br />Oh and one more thing. Judging by the audience reaction to the trailers, the biggest hit of 2006 may just be <em>Snakes On A Plane</em>. <br /><br /><strong>DESCANSO GARDENS</strong><br />Two days later, we were with our friend Cynthia at Descanso Gardens. It’s about five minutes north of us in LaCanada/Flintridge. Once a private compound, this 160-acre site is filled with flowers, trees, miniature train rides, and an estate house. The gardens are famous for its Rosarium, which was in spectacular bloom the day we visited.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAXKQsB6SnXZTIuj9aNHuUK_8grQwbm1lPsabDPSOJximalt_ciMPlsAmHcIQMm-tivB9WMbL_PrwYIvkzmlCqJkHU5I4keWRuFc_HESe18cq9AJX462l2opqaQ8ziM1BG-TzaQJZZTZ1/s1600-h/Descanso+Post.JPG"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAXKQsB6SnXZTIuj9aNHuUK_8grQwbm1lPsabDPSOJximalt_ciMPlsAmHcIQMm-tivB9WMbL_PrwYIvkzmlCqJkHU5I4keWRuFc_HESe18cq9AJX462l2opqaQ8ziM1BG-TzaQJZZTZ1/s320/Descanso+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095009300565016530" /></a> <br /><br />I wish the website had more pictures, because it a beautiful place. We are definitely going back. <a href="http://www.descansogardens.org/site/">http://www.descansogardens.org/site/</a><br /><br /><strong>THE MELTING POT<br /></strong>Two days after that, Annette and Paul were back in town and we had dinner in Pasadena at The Melting Pot: A Fondue Restaurant. The four of us had a lot of fun dipping vegetables in gooey cheese, meat into seasoned oil, and marshmallows into warm chocolate. It was a tasty, interactive meal where we couldn’t help but play with our food.<br /><br />Our server Adrian told us that the Pasadena location was the 100th store in the chain. He also told us that the very first Melting Pot is still located on Horatio Ave in Maitland, Florida. Fittingly, it was the site of our first visit, many years ago, thanks to friends Byron and Shephard. Maybe there’s one near you: <a href="http://www.meltingpot.com/">http://www.meltingpot.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />I saw Wonder Years star Fred Savage in the lobby of the Disney Channel Building a few weeks ago. David Fernandez saw Jeff Goldblum while he was at the movie theater. <br /><br />When we were in the parking deck of Hollywood and Highlands, we saw Carlos Alazraqui. You might recognize him as the face of Detective James Garcia on Comedy Central’s <em>Reno 911</em>. He’s also the voice of Mr. Crocker on The Fairly OddParents and the “Yo quiero Taco Bell” Chihuahua. You never know who you might be standing next to out here. <a href="http://www.carlosalazraqui.com/active/site/index.php?id=213">http://www.carlosalazraqui.com/active/site/index.php?id=213</a><br /><br />We already have several things on the books for June. With luck I’ll have that Update ready before the July 4th holiday rolls around.<br /><br />Until next month,<br />James & DarylJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-75113587142756422032007-07-16T16:36:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:54.626-08:00June 2006: San Diego to Solvang With the TuechesHello again. June was a busy month in the Cameron/Utt household. <br />Here are some of the highlights:<br /><br /><strong>TUECH FAMILY VACATION</strong><br />My sister Karen came out for two weeks with my nephews Tyler 11 and Cameron 9. They flew into Las Vegas to spend time with our friends Paula and Mike and then drove to Glendale on Friday June 9.<br /><br /><strong>CARS AT THE EL CAPITAN THEATER<br /></strong>Their first night here, we went to the historic El Capitan Theater to see <em>Cars</em>. Outside the theater were life-sized version of Lightening McQueen, Sally and Mater that looked identical to the film characters. Once inside, an organist played a medley of Disney tunes, which we quizzed each other on. Then there were two previews, a NASCAR pit crew demonstration, an audience challenge, and finally, the actual movie, to which we all gave a thumbs-up.<br /><br /><strong>SOLVANG</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeGaBs-sxIWvr-P05NOcrbDXY1ES4yhA4hRZ_WU-TpAt2KCq-4nUJsiMy4ks7571nv-Y41IuKcjWeOSf2FsdJ8M3eYMvTWeGPm1TNRpCLX-L7K9-e9G2KNK1i1rupH03gAZImPIYC3hJH/s1600-h/Solvang+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeGaBs-sxIWvr-P05NOcrbDXY1ES4yhA4hRZ_WU-TpAt2KCq-4nUJsiMy4ks7571nv-Y41IuKcjWeOSf2FsdJ8M3eYMvTWeGPm1TNRpCLX-L7K9-e9G2KNK1i1rupH03gAZImPIYC3hJH/s200/Solvang+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095446060084314114" /></a><br />My family is Danish, so the next day, we headed up to Solvang, a Danish community north of Santa Barbara. We shopped, we ate, took lots of pictures, and stopped off at the Danish bakery to eat a little more. There were windmills, a statue of Hans Christian Andersen, half-timbered houses and shops. There are more pictures here:<br /><a href="http://www.solvangca.com/1/photo/index.html">http://www.solvangca.com/1/photo/index.html</a><br /><br /><strong>MISSION SANTA INES<br /></strong>Another important part of Solvang is Mission Santa Inez, the nineteenth of the twenty-one missions on California’s Mission Trail. We enjoyed touring the grounds but you can’t beat the view of the Santa Ynez Valley from the parking lot. <br /><a href="http://www.missionsantaines.org/home.html">http://www.missionsantaines.org/home.html</a><br /><br /><strong>LEGOLAND</strong><br />Another Danish thing. We drove to Carlsbad to visit the only Legoland park in the United States. One of the things I love about the park--besides all of the Lego brick sculptures everywhere--is the absence of background music. What you hear most are other families enjoying their day. <a href="http://www.legoland.com/California.htm">http://www.legoland.com/California.htm</a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMz_GtTGbewuOsvEnMhAtBnAy8lWUhKxIXCMaqMVtepT-nF6vr7f7NfVT4FiMMgiKGIa0Sh0Fvq7Lxcb2d5Ihsb99IMRNWLv5uzK3XJ185JaMcbOefRxDb-JlQC-1jukzxqAk0zmxH-8y5/s1600-h/LEGO+Fire+Post.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMz_GtTGbewuOsvEnMhAtBnAy8lWUhKxIXCMaqMVtepT-nF6vr7f7NfVT4FiMMgiKGIa0Sh0Fvq7Lxcb2d5Ihsb99IMRNWLv5uzK3XJ185JaMcbOefRxDb-JlQC-1jukzxqAk0zmxH-8y5/s320/LEGO+Fire+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095447597682606130" /></a>Karen, Tyler, Cameron and I competed against three other families in the Fun Town Fire Academy. Karen and I had to power a fire truck using the pump mechanism of a railroad handcar. Once we arrived at the end of the track, Tyler and Cameron jumped out and, with life-saving accuracy, put out the fire. They jumped back in and we returned the truck back to the starting point for a first-place finish.<br /><br />Tyler and Cameron also did the Volvo Driving School. The cars are single-passenger and kid-sized so parents have to watch from the sidelines. And because the cars are not tethered to a track, drivers must stay on the right side of the road and obey traffic lights and stop signs. Most of the kids took these instructions seriously, but both times we were at the attraction, there was one kid who was either beyond the task (too young) or “over it” (too old.) And believe it or not, one of the older girl drivers was talking on her cellphone and ran a red light. The operators called her out over the PA system and she had to hang up. If only it were like that in real life…<br /><br />Of the three coasters at the park, Tyler and Cameron’s favorite has to be the Lego Technic: Test Track. The queue was short so they rode this wild mouse-style attraction five times. They even got Karen, fear of heights and all, to join them three times.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLscIQMlyLGjVJAOwvkVTuo8-QDNGAn_Sr7utaDebWKc8ZGZd-fZPyfHzGz6Lb4G4sKnQjNJg0_3VNV243Iwu8m81nYT44BmZE3Sq6a2InD_LotbnNaRaLt-mWgSlyd6s-hbrJzn0Kj_w/s1600-h/LEGO+Miniland+Post1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLscIQMlyLGjVJAOwvkVTuo8-QDNGAn_Sr7utaDebWKc8ZGZd-fZPyfHzGz6Lb4G4sKnQjNJg0_3VNV243Iwu8m81nYT44BmZE3Sq6a2InD_LotbnNaRaLt-mWgSlyd6s-hbrJzn0Kj_w/s400/LEGO+Miniland+Post1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095447911215218754" /></a><br />After Test Track I think the most time we spent at one attraction was Miniland, which includes re-recreations of New York City, Washington DC, New Orleans, San Francisco, and New England. Florida is there, too, represented by Kennedy Space Center and Daytona International Speedway. <br /><br />New York City features Central Park, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square, the Guggenheim, and the Statue of Liberty. The skyline includes the Empire State Building, the Chrysler building, and an under-construction Freedom Tower.<br /><br />The detail at the street level was amazing and there were button-activated sounds and vignettes. I think our favorite was making the break dancers spin on their heads to old school rap music. This website has some great Miniland pictures:<br /><a href="http://neptune.lunarpages.com/~mindsc1/ca2001/miniland.htm">http://neptune.lunarpages.com/~mindsc1/ca2001/miniland.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>PETCO PARK--PADRES vs. DODGERS</strong><br />Later than night we headed to San Diego and the recently-built Petco Park for a baseball game between the Padres and the Dodgers. This was a fun game because the rivalry was so bitter. And of course, the Dodgers lost.<br /><a href="http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=sd">http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=sd</a><br /><br /><strong>STAR OF INDIA</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-FDivQJp4CeQJSvZSQ-oXcOTrUm5zas325xGozItLIAFfRv8nXntxBfyKuvo0MzYUpioRFyMjmLYO16pACVMq6pZdQgMfOa3uyKDHvm6GW3PaKicLt6HcMFBc0EGUNocIXaYwNW2f3Nu/s1600-h/San+Diego+Ship+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-FDivQJp4CeQJSvZSQ-oXcOTrUm5zas325xGozItLIAFfRv8nXntxBfyKuvo0MzYUpioRFyMjmLYO16pACVMq6pZdQgMfOa3uyKDHvm6GW3PaKicLt6HcMFBc0EGUNocIXaYwNW2f3Nu/s200/San+Diego+Ship+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095448349301882962" /></a><br />Our hotel was a block from the water and the San Diego Maritime Museum so our view included the Star of India the world's oldest active ship. Built in England in 1863 as a cargo vessel, the Star of India has sailed to India, New Zealand, Australia, South America and the Bering Strait. Read more about this beautiful ship and others in the museum at <a href="http://www.sdmaritime.com/contentpage.asp?ContentID=48">http://www.sdmaritime.com/contentpage.asp?ContentID=48</a><br /><br />Other vessels in the collection include a steam ferryboat, a soviet attack submarine, and the H.M.S. Surprise, which Russell Crowe famously captained in <em>Master and Commander</em>.<br /><br /><strong>SAN DIEGO ZOO<br /></strong>Long-considered the premier zoo in America, it was one of the first to create more natural-looking enclosures without any bars. Karen and I loved it when we visited in 1979 and it was still pretty awesome. They’ve added a lot to it and there are more trees.<br /><br />As if riding the coaster the day before wasn’t enough to test Karen’s fear of heights, the first thing we did was drag her onto the Skyfari for a leisurely open-air ride about 10 stories above the zoo. She was a great sport, especially when Cameron began pointing out how rusty some of the passing gondolas were.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_JPOs27zcJyU-PFFj2-i9K5E1Mghn-dQFU48BCY5gn8a5wZSe753aMNZw3GPITGq3fEiK3xFu_pcVYd6D3BY0D5NV3qpohJhB7nJr0K9voZzGcrGZEOU2PkEnRGJEJOSz0rqdojJ3bEP/s1600-h/Zoo+Post.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_JPOs27zcJyU-PFFj2-i9K5E1Mghn-dQFU48BCY5gn8a5wZSe753aMNZw3GPITGq3fEiK3xFu_pcVYd6D3BY0D5NV3qpohJhB7nJr0K9voZzGcrGZEOU2PkEnRGJEJOSz0rqdojJ3bEP/s400/Zoo+Post.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095448911942598754" /></a>We arrived safely at the back of the park and spent the day making our way towards the entrance. It was a good plan, but no matter what route we took, there was going to be a lot of walking. Luckily, the park has added moving sidewalks at a few of the steeper inclines and a double-decker bus route with stops throughout the park.<br /><br />The warm temperature didn’t bother the elephants or giraffes but the pandas were napping, the lions were lounging and the koalas were curled up in slumber.<br /><br />We enjoyed the new Monkey Trail exhibit since the chimpanzees were active and entertaining. Another popular exhibit with the Tuech/Utt clan were the aviaries where you had to keep your eyes peeled for all the species hiding in the trees. Our favorite animal encounter was probably the lone meerkat who “barked” at us repeatedly while he stood guard. <a href="http://www.sandiegozoo.org/">http://www.sandiegozoo.org/</a><br /><br /><strong>BALBOA PARK</strong><br />The zoo is part of the cultural/museum/performing arts complex known as Balboa Park. There are thirteen museums throughout the complex including the Air and Space Museum, the Model Railroad Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Museum of Photographic Arts. Most of them are free on Tuesdays. For a full list of what’s there and the admission prices click here: <a href="http://www.balboapark.org/">http://www.balboapark.org/</a><br /><br />We walked most of the grounds and saw the Botanical Garden, a recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion [which Tyler recognized from a Tony Hawk video game.] The predominately Spanish Revival architecture reminded Karen and me of Rollins College.<br /><br /><strong>SAN DIEGO AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM</strong><br />We had time to do one museum and Tyler and Cameron picked a good one: the San Diego Automotive Museum. It’s basically one big room filled with classic cars and motorcycles. We spent about an hour taking pictures of the collection which included the first dune buggy built with a fiberglass body by Meyers Manx, a 1948 Tucker Torpedo, a Model T, and some Indian motorcycles. <a href="http://www.sdautomuseum.org/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=100">http://www.sdautomuseum.org/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=100</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-l2V2Dw1cJqxyV7J09o26i5zHPX2HqtalAFqUkuKIHhZzCTKClhRoqMhvNmFxLb2J7SjJ5LTi6bDWvGT3IGrrSyLntztfpF-NbAzNdd-T26SryVTyRKIuTcfMW0nfQtQMA8dSzVU2m1Y/s1600-h/Louie+Mattar+Post.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-l2V2Dw1cJqxyV7J09o26i5zHPX2HqtalAFqUkuKIHhZzCTKClhRoqMhvNmFxLb2J7SjJ5LTi6bDWvGT3IGrrSyLntztfpF-NbAzNdd-T26SryVTyRKIuTcfMW0nfQtQMA8dSzVU2m1Y/s200/Louie+Mattar+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095449405863837810" /></a><br />The vehicle I spent the most time at was Louie Mattar’s 1947 Cadiallac, which he and two other men drove from San Diego to New York and back without stopping [except at lights and stop signs.] It was a 6,320-mile trip that required them to eat, cook, sleep, bathe and use the bathroom in the customized car. Louie had installed a refrigerator, stove, sink, washing machine and chemical toilet. There was a supply trailer/tank reserve that they pulled behind them that they gassed up at airports using moving fuel trucks. They could even check the engine or change a flat tire without stopping the car. <br /><br /><strong>ROADSIDEAMERICA.COM<br /></strong>If you are planning a trip by car, check out Roadside America. They catalog all the low-tech, mom-and-pop attractions, and crazy architecture that is generally found on our nation’s two-lane highways. No matter what state you are from or heading to, I’ll bet there’s something that will pique your interest. <br /><br />For example: I can’t believe I lived in Orlando ten years without knowing there was a replica of Graceland in the Pine Hills area. Not a model, but an actual house with the music note gates and all. Check it out:<br /><a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==1899">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==1899</a><br /><br /><strong>MORLEY FIELD FRISBEE GOLF COURSE AND SHOE TREE</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcQD7iqDCOEDaGbFqJvLsbMdmW72_Ng6w6kp9v95hwneLtwP0-3iVgWyh4N0S3Fr9t455qnm33k7OCvVF4oDjX2V3xyVGBdb-ZlespTrSqrK0rp53fgGnfWa0rwHPVe4Qy2GgsVYMa9nN/s1600-h/Shoe+Tree+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcQD7iqDCOEDaGbFqJvLsbMdmW72_Ng6w6kp9v95hwneLtwP0-3iVgWyh4N0S3Fr9t455qnm33k7OCvVF4oDjX2V3xyVGBdb-ZlespTrSqrK0rp53fgGnfWa0rwHPVe4Qy2GgsVYMa9nN/s200/Shoe+Tree+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095450050108932226" /></a><br />Roadside America had this listed for the San Diego area and I was intrigued by a tree covered in cast-off shoes. This tree was three stories tall and it had shoes on every single branch. There were sneakers, slippers, heels and even two pairs of roller blades. I’m not sure how or why it was started but it is still going strong. <br /><a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/sights/sightstory.php?tip_AttrId=%3D12032">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/sights/sightstory.php?tip_AttrId=%3D12032</a><br /><br />Just as interesting to the four of us was the fact that the Frisbee Golf Course was being used. I thought the sport was just a fad from the mid-70’s, but Morley field was doing fine attendance-wise. We were even asked to step aside twice so that people could play through.<br /><br /><strong>GRAVITY HILL--LA JOLLA</strong><br />We left San Diego on Friday, heading north on the Pacific Coast Highway on our way to La Jolla. Although it is correctly pronounced “LAH HOY-uh,” the boys enjoyed pronouncing it “LAH-joll-LUH” for the duration of the trip.<br /><br />We took a fifteen-minute detour to experience Gravity Hill. Following the instructions on Roadside America, we lined up the back wheel to the proper telephone pole, shifted into neutral, and immediately felt the car being pulled uphill. Spooky. <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==3418">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==3418</a><br /><br /><strong>MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO</strong><br />Continuing up the PCH, we next stopped at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Billed as the “Jewel of the Mission Trail,” San Juan Capistrano is the seventh of the twenty-one missions and dates back to 1776. <a href="http://www.missionsjc.com/">http://www.missionsjc.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fI2ySH6euFhdIm5wWNm-KKA5Tr6Uf5r3Kvio64VWUdDCjPT67HTSKspMwUUI_m89ZGKgqe0uN0273sU_WYm1GW05cIZjYTkSKn8vzc98GEJYl32pbf8V-arZDgvW3jMwcWaaOwFULJaA/s1600-h/MSJC+Post.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fI2ySH6euFhdIm5wWNm-KKA5Tr6Uf5r3Kvio64VWUdDCjPT67HTSKspMwUUI_m89ZGKgqe0uN0273sU_WYm1GW05cIZjYTkSKn8vzc98GEJYl32pbf8V-arZDgvW3jMwcWaaOwFULJaA/s320/MSJC+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095450793138274450" /></a>On March 19th [St Joseph‘s Day] the cliff swallows return to the Mission and the town after a 6,000 mile flight from Argentina. Leon Rene wrote a 1939 hit song about the annual bird migration called “When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano.“ It’s been recorded by folks like Glenn Miller, The Ink Spots, Pat Boone and Elvis Presley. <br /><br />The birds stick around until October 23rd [Day of San Juan.] and then it‘s back to South America. I wonder if there is an Argentine song called “Cuándo los Pájaros Retorno a Goya, Corrientes?”<br /><br />We thought we saw a swallow, but it flew by so quickly that none of us was really sure. Yesterday, I read that because of development in the area, the insect population is decreasing and that many of the birds have begun to relocate. With or without the swallows, the Mission truly is a jewel.<br /><br /><strong>LONG BEACH AQUARIUM<br /></strong>We continued up the PCH, driving through towns like Encinitas and Oceanside and ended up at the Long Beach Aquarium just in time for its Shark Lagoon Free Friday Nights. We were able to pet sharks, rays, horseshoe crabs and guitarfish “using at least two fingers.” Then we moved over to the large tank and watched the nurse sharks and swordfish swimming around. We peeked in on the adjacent lorikeet habitat and then checked out the gift shop. Afterwards, we walked over to the Long Beach lighthouse for a view of the Queen Mary. <a href="http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/VISITOR_INFO/visit.htm">http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/VISITOR_INFO/visit.htm</a><br /><br /><strong>WALT DISNEY’S TRAIN BARN<br /></strong>Back in Glendale, we headed over to Griffith Park to see Walt Disney’s Train Barn which is open the third Sunday of the month. Walt had an extensive steam train layout occupying the backyard of his house on Carolwood Drive and in 1999 his train barn was relocated to become a museum operated by the Los Angeles Live Steamers. <br /><br />On Father’s Day, Imagineers were sharing old blueprints with interested dads and granddads. Inside were pieces from Walt’s Carolwood Pacific line, lots of railroading/Disney memorabilia, and train-themed Disney cartoons.<br /><a href="http://www.carolwood.com/">http://www.carolwood.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT<br /></strong>Next we headed to the other side of Griffith Park to visit two Frank Lloyd Wright homes.<br /><br /><strong>HOLLYHOCK HOUSE<br /></strong>This house gets its name from a geometric motif Wright created based on the flowers that were to be planted around it. Recently restored after the 1994 earthquake and located in Barnsdall Park, the Hollyhock House offers daily tours. We enjoyed walking through the 3000 square-foot home and comparing the blooming hollyhocks with Wright’s design. Here is the official website: <a href="http://www.hollyhockhouse.net/hhphotos.html">http://www.hollyhockhouse.net/hhphotos.html</a><br /><br /><strong>ENNIS HOUSE<br /></strong>We then drove into the neighborhood of Los Feliz to check out the Ennis House. Built in 1924 for Mabel and Charles Ennis, this larger and more-famous structure was also damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Unfortunately, last year, it was declared unsafe after heavy rains caused a retaining wall to fail. A full-scale restoration is in progress so the property is surrounded by chain link fencing. Even so, the house is still an imposing sight. The Ennis House Foundation website has before and after pictures.<br /><a href="http://www.ennishouse.org/htmls/photo_page.htm">http://www.ennishouse.org/htmls/photo_page.htm</a><br /><a href="http://www.ennishouse.org/htmls/threat.htm">http://www.ennishouse.org/htmls/threat.htm</a><br /><br />FYI: Over 20 movies have been shot at Ennis House including <em>The Rocketeer, Rush Hour, House on Haunted Hill</em> and <em>Blade Runner</em>. It was also used in the TV series <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>.<br /><br /><strong>RANDY’S DOUGHNUTS</strong><br />The next day we started out at Randy’s Doughnuts, the place with the giant doughnut on its roof. It’s an icon of California Crazy architecture and pops up in LA-specific films. The doughnuts were tasty and the service was friendly.<br /><a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/donut.html">http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/donut.html</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUg_9VX5QGXi4Ddv49ZrPPVn3RBLFWhprMwCTaEYVcMlWUeOWKAywf0_kHZsvcX_2SIJTvxia1qco-y7LUIIPS6PA3bni9YjinnCKVaZNCkl0WehKbUpdXSnACFHbF9SxdxKR3f03sFgc/s1600-h/Kindle+Donuts+Post.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUg_9VX5QGXi4Ddv49ZrPPVn3RBLFWhprMwCTaEYVcMlWUeOWKAywf0_kHZsvcX_2SIJTvxia1qco-y7LUIIPS6PA3bni9YjinnCKVaZNCkl0WehKbUpdXSnACFHbF9SxdxKR3f03sFgc/s320/Kindle+Donuts+Post.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095457111035166962" /></a><br /><strong>KINDLE’S DO-NUTS<br /></strong>About three miles east was a place that looked almost identical to Randy’s, except for the name and the spelling. We were at Kindle’s Do-nuts to sample the Texas Donut. It’s not spiced with jalapeno or anything, it’s just an enormous doughnut. It’s as big as your head. You could use it for a cushion. It fed our family of four. Seriously. <a href="http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalsnacks/">http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/socaleats/socalsnacks/</a><br /><br /><strong>WATTS TOWERS<br /></strong>Another few miles to the east and we were at Watts Towers, a National Historic Landmark. <br /><br />There are three major towers in this amazing piece of folk art and the tallest one stands almost 100 feet tall. The whole thing was built over a period of 33 years single-handedly by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia without any scaffolding or special tools. He didn’t use any plans, he just built the forms out of metal, bound them together with wire and then covered them with cement and decoration. No welding, no rivets, no bolts.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o8z7DJsaUDW9n59KzgMtXmwgRuk1S4wpaDd9ZZOqsj8qKNkwDmNgD54q5dzEeV92MxsB8GIpQcGPa_BmOgy6k3VlZ_4VaSUNtaBvQXYh-c-P5BG4-n2k1TYPxbYbTJWFalsyhggY0H_R/s1600-h/Watts+Towers+PostJPG.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_o8z7DJsaUDW9n59KzgMtXmwgRuk1S4wpaDd9ZZOqsj8qKNkwDmNgD54q5dzEeV92MxsB8GIpQcGPa_BmOgy6k3VlZ_4VaSUNtaBvQXYh-c-P5BG4-n2k1TYPxbYbTJWFalsyhggY0H_R/s320/Watts+Towers+PostJPG.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095451871175065762" /></a><br />From 1921 to 1954, he filled the triangular piece of land next to his house with the towers, a gazebo, a birdbath, the “Ship of Marco Polo,” a 300-foot long wall and other objects all decorated with shells, bottles, broken pottery and tiles. And when he was done, he deeded the property to a friend and moved away to live near relatives. He died in 1965 without ever returning to see the towers. <br /><br />Karen and I took about 100 pictures at Watts Towers. It was fascinating to think about the time and money spent amassing the raw materials; lugging the tools, tile, and concrete 80 feet in the air using just a window-washers belt; staying committed for 33 years. It’s amazing what one person can achieve. Pictures and more of Simon’s story are at: <a href="http://www.arts.ufl.edu/ART/RT_ROOM/watts/tower2.html">http://www.arts.ufl.edu/ART/RT_ROOM/watts/tower2.html</a><br /><br /><strong>MCDONALD’S<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnco159xJ7o8krwZhiwp1cf65GOnT6OkY2IwmrIedqCm1hqYA8M5DxnhR57dL0IeBHztAZtiPrpNr-QkuLGYy5qCQmAEg0xsjeFj8HBMk9BRnDOOVBeYpB_0UoGkYxTMxvwNDMrqUlH4LT/s1600-h/Downey+Golden+Arches+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnco159xJ7o8krwZhiwp1cf65GOnT6OkY2IwmrIedqCm1hqYA8M5DxnhR57dL0IeBHztAZtiPrpNr-QkuLGYy5qCQmAEg0xsjeFj8HBMk9BRnDOOVBeYpB_0UoGkYxTMxvwNDMrqUlH4LT/s200/Downey+Golden+Arches+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095452236247285938" /></a>A few miles to the east we completed our tour of fatty foods in Downey, home of the World’s Oldest McDonald’s. Built in 1953, it was the last one to feature the red-and-white striped tile exterior. The building, and its 60-foot high neon sign with "Speedee the Chef" are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Here are some photos <a href="http://www.downeyca.org/visitor_mcdonalds.php">http://www.downeyca.org/visitor_mcdonalds.php</a><br /><br />It still has the golden arches and the walkup window, but they’ve added covered seating and a small museum. The four of us walked through the collection of photos, newspaper ads, commercials, and Happy Meal toys. Interesting fact: When the restaurant opened, a Cheeseburger was 19 cents, French Fries were 10 cents and a Shake was 20 cents. Funny fact: One of the commercials, featured a young Chris Meloni. [<em>Law & Order: Special Victims Unit</em> and HBO's <em>Oz</em>]<br /><br /><strong>LOS ANGELES ARBORETUM<br /></strong>We ended up the day walking off the morning’s fat intake in Arcadia‘s Los Angeles Arboretum. In addition to flora of all varieties, there are free-roaming peacocks on the grounds (and in the trees.) Free-roaming film crews are also common here. The day we went a small production team was shooting some jungle scenes. We never found out the name of their film but I did find out some other things that were shot there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j1NH5X_oy5Buwo0RIjmpUGVUJKSFG7SZDfpj6SyuBoEJpX_-BhUJ6UT5m3_xIwm4eigOVgewuq6llPBWjmk6rf7VfhQ-X_VbJSs_1zFV_rkD0qWdgHQsrPEryVuz_mcKZrCW2D1pZDup/s1600-h/Mr+Roakes+House+Post.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j1NH5X_oy5Buwo0RIjmpUGVUJKSFG7SZDfpj6SyuBoEJpX_-BhUJ6UT5m3_xIwm4eigOVgewuq6llPBWjmk6rf7VfhQ-X_VbJSs_1zFV_rkD0qWdgHQsrPEryVuz_mcKZrCW2D1pZDup/s200/Mr+Roakes+House+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095452614204408002" /></a>The first Bob Hope/Bing Crosby/Dorothy Lamour film <em>Road to Singapore</em> did some location work here. Other notable film productions at the Arboretum include <em>The Yearling, The Best Years of Our Lives, The Women, Till the Clouds Roll By, Notorious</em> and most of the early <em>Tarzans.</em> Less notable films shot here include <em>Cobra Woman, Cyclops</em> and<em> Attack of the Giant Leeches. <br /></em><br />Television series using the Arboretum include <em>Sea Hunt, Mission Impossible, Lassie, Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Knots Landing,</em> and <em>Hart to Hart.</em> <br /><br />The most recognized location at the Arboretum has to be the Queen Anne’s cottage that was used as Mr. Roarke’s house on <em>Fantasy Island</em>. It looks the same as it did 30 years ago, so it’s not hard to imagine Herve Villechaize peeking out of the tower exclaiming “De plane! De plane!” Take a virtual tour of the cottage here <a href="http://www.arboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=getFrontPageFeature&catagory=history&FeatureID=80a9b6c5-5f83-11d6-a274-00d0b76949cb&TypeID=1&CFID=1308612&CFTOKEN=38498243">http://www.arboretum.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=getFrontPageFeature&catagory=history&FeatureID=80a9b6c5-5f83-11d6-a274-00d0b76949cb&TypeID=1&CFID=1308612&CFTOKEN=38498243</a><br /><br /><strong>DODGER STADIUM--DODGERS VS MARINERS<br /></strong>The next day we were at Dodger Stadium to watch Los Angeles lose to Seattle. It was depressing. Maybe that’s why LA’s team motto is “Think Blue.”<br /><a href="http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=la">http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=la</a><br /><br /><strong>OTHER THINGS<br /></strong>Believe it or not, we did a lot more before Karen, Tyler and Cameron left on June 22. We went to the Getty Center, where Karen overheard a woman ask the guard, “Are all these paintings real? I think some of them are fakes because I saw a Monet just like this one at the Bellagio.”<br /><br />We toured Palm Springs with my Uncle Carl and took a moonlit hike through the desert. We played miniature golf in Ventura, drove by the <em>Poltergeist</em> house in Simi Valley, and shopped at the Brentwood Country Market. We went to the Hollywood Bowl, Chinatown, and the Walsh’s house from <em>Beverly Hills, 90210</em>. We ate Italian in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, barbeque in Montrose, French food in Larchmont Village, Thai food on Hollywood Boulevard, sushi in Glendale, and Baja Fresh in Beverly Hills. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WjcR9kgQr95z1shXNcThfF5vuN5vUOcxtEMlY1kkcakPog2Gl4_WgCrzSafRrea6FibJK2sJaaqZ8MQuxjklS6JUHSvL1OhuaUTtIVIbNQwhY_CzcsCy0ySw-AD_DWXsLXDnrL1m_jfn/s1600-h/Collage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WjcR9kgQr95z1shXNcThfF5vuN5vUOcxtEMlY1kkcakPog2Gl4_WgCrzSafRrea6FibJK2sJaaqZ8MQuxjklS6JUHSvL1OhuaUTtIVIbNQwhY_CzcsCy0ySw-AD_DWXsLXDnrL1m_jfn/s400/Collage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095457669380915458" /></a><br />In the car, we played about 20 rounds of the Alphabet Game but we never stopped playing Punch Buggy. That game is always on. And, because it’s summer vacation, there were daily viewings of <em>The Price is Right</em> and <em>MXC </em>when we returned to the apartment. <br /><br />Daryl and I had a lot of fun hanging out with Karen, Tyler and Cameron. We were sad to see them go but looking forward to our next visit together.<br /><br /><strong>LOS ANGELES FIM FESTIVAL</strong><br />After Karen and the boys left, I spent a week in Westwood working at the LA Film Festival assisting with the different screenings and staffing the information centers. Even though I didn’t see any of the 250+ movies, I did attend a session with Jennifer Westfeldt, the writer and star of <em>Kissing Jessica Stein</em> and her new comedy <em>Ira and Abby</em>. <a href="http://www.lafilmfest.com/">http://www.lafilmfest.com/</a><br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS<br /></strong>Nobody this month, unless you count Kathy Griffin’s house from her Bravo series <em>My Life on the D-List.</em> Daryl is “pretty sure” he saw Anderson Cooper drive by us the week that he broadcast here. We were right by the CNN building too, but a positive ID was not made<br /><br />Enjoy the Fourth! I can’t believe the American Bicentennial was 30 years ago…<br /><br />Until next month,<br />James & DarylJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-20775012865060153162007-07-16T16:53:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:52.853-08:00July 2006: A Drive-In, Classic Cars and ConcertsHello again. I hope all is well with you.<br /><br />I’m a little late with the July 2006 Update, so let‘s not waste any time. Here are some highlights:<br /><br /><strong>A PLAY<br /></strong>Most of my July was spent writing a play, which I am hoping to do a reading of in early November. It’s the story of two friends who leave Orlando for the bright lights of California and--just kidding. It’s an untitled drama that my friend Keith is reviewing. Daryl and I brainstormed about ten great titles. Sadly, the two best ones are already taken. If you are writing a play and you need a title, you better cross off <em>Long Day’s</em> <em>Journey Into Night</em> and <em>Starlight Express.</em><br /> <br /><strong>OSCAR BLEACHERS</strong><br />One day, I hope to sit inside the Kodak Theater for the Academy Awards as a nominee and eventual two-time winner, but next year, I’m happy to remain outside. Are you interested in sitting along the red carpet for the 2007 Academy Awards? Free tickets are distributed lottery-style to folks that pass three rounds of background checks. Online sign-up begins Monday, September 18 so bookmark this website and be ready with all your information. Good Luck! <a href="http://www.oscars.org/bleachers">http://www.oscars.org/bleachers</a><br /><br /><strong>DRIVE-IN MOVIE GUERRILLA-STYLE<br /></strong>Remember the classic drive-in? They always had names with some sort of “evening“ reference: The Twi-Lite, The Star-Time, and my favorite, Asheville’s Dreamland Drive-In. I never saw a movie there but it was fun to drive by the Dreamland marquee at night, with its inviting neon clouds and drowsy moon, showcasing dreamy titles like <em>My Bloody Valentine, Nightmare on Elm Street, Terror Train</em>, and whichever <em>Friday the 13th</em> was in release.<br /><br />Twenty years later, the Dreamland, like most of its breed is gone. In its place is the 21st century “guerilla drive-in” offered by companies like <a href="http://www.hollywoodmobmov.org/">Hollywood Mobile Movie</a>. If you have a blank wall and enough place for 20 cars, you can host your own show. Their tagline is perfect: The drive-in that drives in. <a href="http://www.hollywoodmobmov.org/">http://www.hollywoodmobmov.org/</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjLdojl17QVphuXhJQtrto711Iz3w6br4ppj8CxC0tQ5Wh01tKJPcFXlzcb7WzJTAmG9l36B1gP_0Acln-wc88k96Jj21QeQDzeiRNNAPHNpukEYGYmgBD94gZ20TLeCVz7Semi09w6es/s1600-h/Seeleys+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjLdojl17QVphuXhJQtrto711Iz3w6br4ppj8CxC0tQ5Wh01tKJPcFXlzcb7WzJTAmG9l36B1gP_0Acln-wc88k96Jj21QeQDzeiRNNAPHNpukEYGYmgBD94gZ20TLeCVz7Semi09w6es/s200/Seeleys+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111745510445666930" /></a> <br />Glendale has a defunct furniture store called Seeley’s, whose neon marquee and clock burn every night as if the place is still doing great business. [Which it is, as a makeshift soundstage. The newsroom scenes from Anchorman were shot here, and the evening we visited there was a shabby-hotel set plainly visible through the giant display windows.] The neon clock out front still keeps great time. Instead of the numbers 1 through 12, the face reads G E O R G E S E E L E Y. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S2a8AcIsFPA9ipfTHEv7JnAg92ziz4ydMGE-u4dQNU0F4y0N_cHjsV6zXEZl-2qyeXTOWBKLBzpjlbysWECCNUSJkaq-qXQwly5kcZKRK84m_MbOSDig0SFP_58BRCBXtAWjUkMu4GSn/s1600-h/Seeley+Clock+Post.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S2a8AcIsFPA9ipfTHEv7JnAg92ziz4ydMGE-u4dQNU0F4y0N_cHjsV6zXEZl-2qyeXTOWBKLBzpjlbysWECCNUSJkaq-qXQwly5kcZKRK84m_MbOSDig0SFP_58BRCBXtAWjUkMu4GSn/s200/Seeley+Clock+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111746309309584002" /></a>We pulled up at “fifteen past G” and parked on the backside of the two-story warehouse where a big screen had been draped from the roof. This was Daryl’s first drive-in movie and he was pleasantly surprised to find a modest concession stand offering complimentary popcorn and free samples of a new ice-cream treat called “<a href="http://www.blisscotti.net/">blisscotti</a>.” Mmmmmmm. <br /><br />We tuned our radio to the proper frequency, grabbed some snacks and waited for the show to start. After a few commercials, a trailer, a music video, and a short film, we were ready to watch the evening’s main feature: <em><a href="http://www.thepuffychairmovie.com/">The Puffy Chair</a></em>. Now that I think about it, that would’ve been the perfect film for the long-lost Dreamland marquee!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyLY32aVFhH_4yY6V1f0yHTWw1H-5N9KE8-mTRqpv4zxHMSGerQRS1s_hnsBz_rPMyAzN1IEaAvdxjnAJaDCCXjdazm8LDKN5A2gMUOVJDlqmQqDl-S_DIKHFenrUMhN0lfcRKzbwZIOI/s1600-h/Puffy+Chair.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyLY32aVFhH_4yY6V1f0yHTWw1H-5N9KE8-mTRqpv4zxHMSGerQRS1s_hnsBz_rPMyAzN1IEaAvdxjnAJaDCCXjdazm8LDKN5A2gMUOVJDlqmQqDl-S_DIKHFenrUMhN0lfcRKzbwZIOI/s200/Puffy+Chair.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111749298606822034" /></a><br /><em>The Puffy Chair</em> is a road trip/buddy comedy that Daryl and I both enjoyed, in spite of the inevitable distractions prone to a busy intersection near a railroad crossing and the hospital. Added to the soundtrack of the 90-minute feature were a train, the thumping bass line of passing cars, barking dogs, an ambulance, two fire engines and a medical helicopter. Mobile Movie could have advertised that <em>The Puffy Chair</em> was being shown in “Sensurround.”<br /><br />In spite of challenges caused by the noise and abundance of ambient light, The Puffy Chair ended up being a solid little film. Ebert and Roeper liked it, too, but I’m sure they saw it under much different circumstances. <br /><br /><strong>LINDA RONSTADT AT THE GIBSON AMPHITHEATER</strong><br />“People never know what to expect when they come to one my shows, so I always take a moment at the beginning to go over the program.” Thus began a concert whose first half was American Standards and whose second half showcased how Ronstadt’s recording career started in the 60‘s and never really stopped..<br /><br />Her first hit was with the Stone Poneys singing the Michael Nesmith tune “Different Drum.” Since then, she’s done a little bit of everything: pop, rock, folk, country, mariachi, and operetta. She‘s recorded with a diverse roster including Aaron Neville, Dolly Parton, The Chieftans, David Sanborn, George Jones, Phillip Glass and Kermit the Frog. Her back-up work includes The Eagles’ “Take It Easy;” Emmylou Harris’ “Mr. Sandman;” and Paul Simon’s “Under African Skies“ from <em>Graceland</em>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfCgp5HuN7qIVH0ka10ztuTrd4hWRxmwcDm1h-DcoedeV3WTCla1YB5UwBSfoK0BBoA6x-a2pOx9QJEJ8ScK_GJ9KQNrePJ86gmnpEFRAanX-E315cdT_9ilbTOlpzgbA1t83tPzNp9Nv/s1600-h/Six+Ronstadt+Albums.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfCgp5HuN7qIVH0ka10ztuTrd4hWRxmwcDm1h-DcoedeV3WTCla1YB5UwBSfoK0BBoA6x-a2pOx9QJEJ8ScK_GJ9KQNrePJ86gmnpEFRAanX-E315cdT_9ilbTOlpzgbA1t83tPzNp9Nv/s400/Six+Ronstadt+Albums.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104870160779380306" /></a>After fifteen years in the folk/rock/country field, Linda surprised the music industry in 1983 by releasing an album of standards called <em>What’s New</em>. She was riding in a car in England when she heard Frank Sinatra singing “Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry” and decided to do the album. The record company agreed to pursue it but she insisted on a full orchestra and <a href="http://www.nelsonriddlemusic.com/">Nelson Riddle </a>who had worked extensively with Sinatra. Ironically, Nelson Riddle had never heard of Linda Ronstadt and had to ask his daughter if she was any good. They ended up doing three albums, collectively known as <em>‘Round Midnight</em>, before Riddle died in 1985.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhQSkCXNALxIrEN3XtPdGZcgC5-h20hGO8Wux3B4cBqrtUYqjM5zAoqun01DfFRWczYX1rADwMa9vqTtsYUSnU8_g5vtX2Aj7At8y86NPhk4vQMew9GxgrOBXHE1JJEDprx4Y7yYTSYws/s1600-h/Whats+New-Lush+Life-Sentimental.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhQSkCXNALxIrEN3XtPdGZcgC5-h20hGO8Wux3B4cBqrtUYqjM5zAoqun01DfFRWczYX1rADwMa9vqTtsYUSnU8_g5vtX2Aj7At8y86NPhk4vQMew9GxgrOBXHE1JJEDprx4Y7yYTSYws/s400/Whats+New-Lush+Life-Sentimental.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104869868721604162" /></a><br />She performed about 12 songs from ‘<em>Round Midnight</em> so I could‘ve left the concert at the break and been happy, but the second half wasn‘t too shabby since it had “When Will I Be Loved,” “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me“ “Ooh Baby, Baby“ and “Just One Look.” The two songs that got the biggest response were the Oscar-winning “Somewhere Out There“ and her terrific cover of Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou.” It was a wide range of styles and vocal ranges but she handled it all, sometimes sounding eerily similar to recordings made twenty or thirty years ago. It’s hard to believe she turns 60 this year.<br /><br />Linda Ronstadt doesn’t have an official website but here are Amazon links where you can sample <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002H3S/sr=1-2/qid=1153337979/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-6505777-6620633?redirect=true&ie=UTF8&s=music">'Round Midnight</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Linda-Ronstadt/dp/B00006J424/ref=pd_sim_m_4_img/102-4404745-2661763?ie=UTF8&qid=1153337979&sr=1-2">The Very Best of Linda Ronstadt</a><br /><br />She adds French <em>chansons</em> to her repetoire with her newest album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adieu-False-Heart-Linda-Ronstadt/dp/B000FP2IYQ/ref=pd_sim_m_3/102-4404745-2661763?ie=UTF8&qid=1153337979&sr=1-2">Adieu False Heart </a>. <br /><br /><strong>KRISTEN CHENOWETH</strong><br />Two nights later, we were at the Greek Theater with our friends Byron and Shephard to see stage and screen star Kristen Chenoweth. She originated the role of Glinda in the Broadway hit <em>Wicked</em> and won a Tony for her work as Sally in <em>You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown</em>. She also had a recurring role on <em>The West Wing</em> and played Marian the Librarian in the TV version of <em>The Music Man</em>.<br /><br />Kristen interspersed the show with stories about growing up in Oklahoma and her imitation of Meryl Streep in <em>The Devil Wears Prada</em>. Towards the end of “Popular,” her big hit from <em>Wicked</em>, she flubbed two lines. Afterwards she laughed good naturedly and marveled, “I can’t believe I forgot the words to a song I have literally sung 2,000 times!” It was exactly how you would expect her to react.<br /><br />Her clear, expressive voice moved from torch, to patter, to coloratura with no evident strain. She was as nice as she could possibly be, even joking about the empty seats in the audience. We enjoyed the show, but the 20-something woman sitting next to me LOVED it. She told me so afterwards but it really wasn’t necessary since I had noticed her lip-synching quietly to every song. I thought it was going to drive me mental at first but she was so darn polite about it, her performance actually added to the experience, but please don’t tell Kristen I said that.<br /><br />Here‘s Miss Chenoweth’s website which is in dire need of an overhaul. It looks like a page from the back of Seventeen or Young Miss.<br /><a href="http://www.kristinchenoweth.com/">http://www.kristinchenoweth.com/</a><br /><br />I checked. It looks worse:<br /><a href="http://www.seventeen.com/?iv_arrivalSA=1&iv_cobrandRef=0&iv_arrival_freq=1">http://www.seventeen.com/?iv_arrivalSA=1&iv_cobrandRef=0&iv_arrival_freq=1</a>&<br /><br /><strong>3 MEN AND A BABY. . .GRAND<br /></strong>Two weeks later we were at Los Angeles Community College with our friends Rob, Shawn and Diana for another terrific concert. John Boswell, Brian Lane Green, and Lee Lessack are individual Broadway/Cabaret/Film/TV performers and recording artists who also tour as the group <em>3 Men and a Baby…Grand.<br /></em><br />The singing by all three was strong as they sampled Broadway tunes and some original compositions, but my favorite part of the show has to be the piano solo by John Boswell. He took song titles from the audience, writing them down on a legal pad until he had a total of 21. He reviewed the list with the audience, set the pad in front of him and immediately performed an 8-minute medley incorporating every song. In the order he had written them down. No prep. No sheet music. No sweat.<br /><a href="http://www.lmlmusic.com/concerts_main.php?id=2">http://www.lmlmusic.com/concerts_main.php?id=2</a><br /><br /><strong>HEATWAVE<br /></strong>Speaking of sweat, we don’t get too much of that here. Los Angeles is blessed with such comfortable temperatures most of the year that many homes and apartments don’t even have air-conditioning. Unseasonably warm isn’t too bad for us, since we have AC, but there were friends, especially those with pets home all day, who were pretty miserable this month. It finally cooled down last week.<br /><br /><strong>13TH ANNUAL GLENDALE CRUISE NIGHT<br /></strong>Glendale hosts a block party every summer with 300-plus cars, an oldies concert, community groups and live animals from the Glendale Rescue squad. It’s a quick walk downtown from our apartment, so we didn’t have to worry about parking. Unfortunately, we did have to worry about the July heatwave. It was so muggy that Daryl and I didn’t spend too long at the fair.<br /><br />We skipped the “Sha Na Na“ show completely even though it was probably the only chance I’ll ever have to see the one band in history to perform in the movie <em>Grease</em> and at the original Woodstock.<br /><br />The big stars at the event--besides a headless and obviously female Bob’s Big Boy--were the automobiles. My favorite was the <a href="http://www.hubcapcafe.com/ocs/pages01/stud5401.htm">1954 Studebaker Commander</a>.<br /><br /><strong>LONDON CALLING</strong><br />If you are a regular reader of the Update, you may remember that while in London last Christmas, we visited Mrs. Jill Caruth at her flat and had tea. It was the quintessential English afternoon. This month, she was in town as a birthday surprise to her daughter and we were able to meet her and JJ for a specifically-LA experience: dinner and drinks at the Polo Lounge. We were there for three hours, I think, just catching up and enjoying a delicious meal. What a treat to see her again. Now it’s our turn to cross the pond.<br /><br /><strong>KATHY GRIFFIN<br /></strong>Kathy Griffin’s Emmy-nominated reality series <em><a href="http://www.bravotv.com/Kathy_Griffin/bios">My Life on the D-List</a></em> wrapped up this month and we were supposed to see her live but she cancelled the show with no announced reason. We only found out when we got to the theater and saw a hand-drawn sign out front, which was pretty D-list, I have to say. It was two days after her appearance on Larry King where she discussed her recent divorce and we think that was why she backed out. We had a great time anyway since we ended up hanging out with JJ and her husband Adam.<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS<br /></strong>We did see a few stars this month. As we were leaving the Polo Lounge, we saw Paula Abdul talking with some skinny blond. At a fundraiser on the Paramount backlot, we bumped into James Getzlaff, who starred in Bravo’s reality series <em>Boy Meets Boy</em>. Earlier in the month in the Target homewares aisle, Daryl recognized and talked to <em>Designed to Sell</em> co-host <a href="http://www1.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hdts/article/0,1805,HGTV_15857_2526763,00.html">Lisa LaPorta</a>. <br /><br />My apologies for the delay in getting this out, but the first week in August was a full one. I’ll be back to tell you all about it next month.<br /><br />Until then,<br />James & Daryl<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002H3S/sr=1-2/qid=1153337979/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-6505777-6620633?redirect=true&ie=UTF8&s=music"></a>James Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-16786163100747345372007-07-30T19:38:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:52.071-08:00July 2007: The Boy Wizard and the Boys from JerseyHello again. I hope you are enjoying the summer. Here’s a look back at July 2007 in the Cameron/Utt household.<br /><br /><strong>HARRY POTTER 2007</strong><br />I can never remember what year the first Harry Potter book was published, but I won’t soon forget that Book 7 was released in 2007. The franchise offered a unique opportunity for Potter-philes to watch Movie 5 and read Book 6 the week prior to <em>The Deathly Hallows </em>debut.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqcI0nSrGHjttU-nnl0i8l8F9suQg7YdbE5lWcKR814oxJHTpyTCrMol_95mOEYIiCW0Xl4dXZYVlma7Pjed8iZedj6cq3mixW_boj9-snnSmF4gtqQzvnfNm0Xw0RKGEyn8LSjTriKBI/s1600-h/HP+All+Three.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqcI0nSrGHjttU-nnl0i8l8F9suQg7YdbE5lWcKR814oxJHTpyTCrMol_95mOEYIiCW0Xl4dXZYVlma7Pjed8iZedj6cq3mixW_boj9-snnSmF4gtqQzvnfNm0Xw0RKGEyn8LSjTriKBI/s400/HP+All+Three.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093194608162979506" /></a>Much has been made about <em>Order of the Phoenix </em>the longest book yielding the shortest movie in the series. [Harry’s godfather, for example, only has four scenes: "Here's the family tree. Look, I'm a dog. Now I’m in the fire. Let's fight the bastards! The End.”] I was thankful for the reduced running time since it meant one less CGI Quidditch match to sit through. The main plotline was there—<em>Harry Potter</em> meets <em>The Devil Wears Prada</em>—and Imelda Staunton was perfectly cast as headmistress-from-hell Delores Umbrige.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_KeSc343mYG2JQcgTxVE-EAR4CpFhrzgXhU17MuvgXx_23sO5q0Lr5weDnDQRTshROcO4NodeJWZ4T-kRiRqJBxb3eP2mbZsFLwolu6wVBDhS1vuHAVU2hXQpIcC_uutcILnujdOJajZ/s1600-h/HP-Handprints.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_KeSc343mYG2JQcgTxVE-EAR4CpFhrzgXhU17MuvgXx_23sO5q0Lr5weDnDQRTshROcO4NodeJWZ4T-kRiRqJBxb3eP2mbZsFLwolu6wVBDhS1vuHAVU2hXQpIcC_uutcILnujdOJajZ/s320/HP-Handprints.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093194925990559426" /></a>Leaving the Chinese Theater on opening night, we got to see the still-drying hand, foot and wand prints of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. The concrete slab has since been incorporated into the courtyard near those of George Clooney and Brad Pitt. (Photo by Shephard)<br /><br />The following week, I re-read <em>The Half Blood Prince </em>and headed to Borders Friday at midnight to find I was Potter Nerd Number 282. The store was hosting a Grand Ball in which kids and adults were making wands, challenging each other with trivia questions, and complimenting each other on their costumes. There were lots of Gryffindors, a Tonks, a Hagrid (or was it Hurley from <em>Lost</em>?) and for some reason, two Pikachu’s. Unfortunately, Borders was so clogged with people that the air conditioning and PA systems were ineffective. Two of the sales girls had to stand near the counter and scream “Numbers 41 through 50!” while handling complaints about the heat.<br /><br />The Fire Marshal In My Head directed me to the sidewalk so that I could wait the next half hour in the cooler air and open spaces of downtown Glendale. Finally, with book in hand, I walked back home and turned to page 1 at about 1:00am. Saturday was spent leisurely reading the remaining 758 pages. I wasn’t the only one doing this, since Warner Bros blamed the book’s release for a drop in ticket sales for <em>Order of the Phoenix</em>.<br /><br />In case you are still immersed in <em>The Deathly Hallows </em>I won’t include any plot points here—they’re not called “spoilers” for nothing. I will say it was an enjoyable read with a fitting conclusion for the series. Future generations are sure to embrace Harry Potter as kids continue to do with <em>The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings </em>and <em>Star Wars</em>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eLosCObrqSllYb2T5gtpM3fIkens9CVeDGPFcvEGRRLZ9uz6L53F-HEgetXS18-XreJSa6jkAeXm4cYEbUK0QS9yxbXkSWC4FNRFqo7iX7QZ5IT_RxoW6xnJErznoOANRcFR5b1ye4mA/s1600-h/UK+HP+Covers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eLosCObrqSllYb2T5gtpM3fIkens9CVeDGPFcvEGRRLZ9uz6L53F-HEgetXS18-XreJSa6jkAeXm4cYEbUK0QS9yxbXkSWC4FNRFqo7iX7QZ5IT_RxoW6xnJErznoOANRcFR5b1ye4mA/s400/UK+HP+Covers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093198284654984914" /></a><br />Bloomsbury, Harry Potter's U.K. publisher released two different editions overseas. The adult version looks pretty good but I think the kids cover missed the mark completely. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6500000/newsid_6503000/6503099.stm">The kids seem to agree</a> as you can see in this BBC message board. In typical English fashion, 10 year old Lottie dismisses the art as “rubbish.” If you’re curious, here’s a link to <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6500000/newsid_6501100/6501105.stm">all seven U.K. covers</a>.<br /><br />If you want to learn more about the Potter-verse there’s plenty online at <a href="http://www.mugglenet.com/">Muggle Net </a>including a comprehensive <a href="http://www.mugglenet.com/infosection/characters/characterlist.shtml">character database </a>that has seventy-five entries under “B” alone. <a href="http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/">The Leaky Cauldron </a>promotes itself as “The Most Trusted Named in Potter.” <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2007-07-25-harry-potter-spoilers_N.htm">JK Rowling discusses spoilers</a> here and <a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/harrypotter/default.asp?sec=3">answers readers' questions</a> here. This Yahoo article details the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070723/ap_en_bu/harry_potter;_ylt=Au6J1iDKlGjHvQTBHOxz0A9xFb8C">record-setting first-day sales </a>and challenges of such large-scale printing and distribution<br /><br />I also recommend the August 3rd <em>Entertainment Weekly </em>which devoted 36 pages to the Harry Potter phenomenon.<br /><br /><strong>JERSEY BOYS AT THE AHMANSON THEATER</strong><br />The next day, we joined Diana and Kim at the Ahmanson to see the 2006 Tony Winner for Best Musical <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=524">Jersey Boys</a>. It’s the story of the 60’s/70’s group The Four Seasons told with their songs and plenty of four letter words. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc2lnk2dhH6ixuKhsZik4dvqnumKPIuKzm_yctjA7BE3eVDcfFA2Q6Ep00EMicTHXi_Mek6cqRjv2YefnUQyqn3feJyq8hGc2V4gOSVLJfAfHCWUekKN6b8M_uVYU6SIzEZPUMPG4mYaA/s1600-h/Jersey+Boys.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc2lnk2dhH6ixuKhsZik4dvqnumKPIuKzm_yctjA7BE3eVDcfFA2Q6Ep00EMicTHXi_Mek6cqRjv2YefnUQyqn3feJyq8hGc2V4gOSVLJfAfHCWUekKN6b8M_uVYU6SIzEZPUMPG4mYaA/s400/Jersey+Boys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093205349876186946" /></a>Instead of dance numbers, this production uses humor, top ten hits and clever staging. It was as slick as a sharkskin suit. Structurally, the play moves chronologically through their rise and fall, giving each Season the chance to tell his side of the story. Daryl and I learned a lot about the group, such as the story behind “December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” where the group name came from, and the role Joe Pesci played in their formation. <br /><br />Frankie Valli is such a vocally demanding part that two guys alternate the role during the week. Imagine having to hit all the high notes in “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Sherry,” “Rag Doll” and “Dawn” nightly. Rick Faugno earned two standing ovations for his work as Valli in the performance we saw.<br /><br />If you like the Four Seasons or have wondered what a musical version of The Sopranos might feel like, check it out. The show runs through August 31. Thank you, Diana for setting this up.<br /><br /><strong>THE SIMPSONS MOVIE</strong><br />This weekend we headed over to the new AMC Century City 15 to see <em>The Simpsons Movie</em>. Like some of their best half-hour episodes, the film had plenty of one liners, sight gags, and political nose-tweaking. Daryl, Cynthia, I and the rest of the audience had a great time, so I wasn’t surprised that it was the number one movie this weekend. With $72 million, it was the fifth largest opening this year beating out <em>Transformers</em> and <em>Ratatouille.</em> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wPrlKKG1I6AjUBdjBqRG25LxiEz8PWMCMgdWMypiQle8WcfcQhEPVA0e_lav2FVGYJqHatNbcvc49jYXhQv5Z9LdML6a8ho1SmLWWe_U4n_kGc98LTy3xUnmyxd5lKphNROeZkN3DQlm/s1600-h/Kwik-e-Mart2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wPrlKKG1I6AjUBdjBqRG25LxiEz8PWMCMgdWMypiQle8WcfcQhEPVA0e_lav2FVGYJqHatNbcvc49jYXhQv5Z9LdML6a8ho1SmLWWe_U4n_kGc98LTy3xUnmyxd5lKphNROeZkN3DQlm/s320/Kwik-e-Mart2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093203640479203074" /></a>As part of the promotional push for the movie, 7-Eleven converted some of its franchises into <a href="http://www.7-eleven.com/kem.asp">Kwik-E-Marts</a>, the not-so-convenient store run by Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. The outside is painted those distinctive colors and features characters like Bart, Milhouse, and Comic Book Guy. For sale inside are Springfield-specific items like <em>Krusty-O’s Cereal, Duff Beer</em>, and <em>Squishees</em>. We drove by the one in Burbank and I had to laugh when I saw that 7-Eleven <em>had a line to get in</em>. That’s as crazy as a midnight crowd at a bookstore. Oh wait.<br /><br /><strong>THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL</strong><br />We made it to the Hollywood Bowl to see Mozart’s comical opera <em><a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tix/performance_detail.cfm?id=3224">The Magic Flute</a></em>. This was a concert version without costumes, or sets or props. Or subtitles, which took everyone by surprise. It was a bit of a challenge at first but Alfred Molina was there to narrate between the arias and make sense of it for those of us unable to follow along in the original German. We'll be back tonight for more German singing as I finally get to see <a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tix/performance_detail.cfm?id=3243">Beethoven's 9th </a>performed live. Thanks to Justen and Kim for inviting us to both events!<br /><br /><strong>DARYL'S BIRTHDAY</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFlVXzZP8YnCFat1c2RVCr2u6j9F40FuSORPOeJ5DMJ8rzMLCLZos_Gi7KqfEfQxnBpPu3K2Y0bhhD3CycU-G4W7EQcq-lvbSQ4uok2mGXl-1TKSuxsqikIlGe7BclK_7rfn3U6kWsXnP/s1600-h/rose-tree-cottage.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFlVXzZP8YnCFat1c2RVCr2u6j9F40FuSORPOeJ5DMJ8rzMLCLZos_Gi7KqfEfQxnBpPu3K2Y0bhhD3CycU-G4W7EQcq-lvbSQ4uok2mGXl-1TKSuxsqikIlGe7BclK_7rfn3U6kWsXnP/s320/rose-tree-cottage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093200316174515954" /></a>For his birthday, I took Daryl over to Pasadena for a proper English tea at <a href="http://www.rosetreecottage.com/Tea.html">Rose Tree Cottage</a>. Covered in ivy and nestled among other half-timbered Tudors, you half-expect Jane Austen or Beatrix Potter to greet you at the door. <br /><br />Between cucumber sandwiches and scones, we got to talk with owners Mary and Edmund Fry who have been serving up pots of tea and petit-fours for twenty years. They gave us the sad news that the Rose Tree was being forced out of its little cottage to make way for low-cost housing. Then they gave us the good news that the business will be continuing at a new location, although this one will be hard to top. Wherever they land, I’m sure we’ll follow.<br /><br />After tea we walked around the attached shop, which has everything from clothes to crumpets. Daryl picked up a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Tea-Rooms-America/dp/0966347862/ref=sr_1_1/002-8339299-8000822?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185819200&sr=8-1">The Great Tea Rooms of America</a> which features The Rose Tree Cottage and its feline ambassador Miss Moppet on page 87. <br /><br />Daryl was working backstage at Disneyland on his special day and had two surprises. Mickey and Minnie stopped for a private photo op outside Team Disney and the entire cast of High School Musical Pep Rally completely caught him off-guard when they burst into “Happy Birthday.”<br /><br />The following weekend we were at our friend Bhavani’s for an informal birthday get-together with friends. We played games, laughed a lot and didn’t get home until late because we were having so much fun. Thank you, Bhavani!<br /><br /><strong>FOURTH OF JULY</strong><br />Speaking of birthdays, we celebrated July Fourth in Santa Monica with our friends JJ and Adam. JJ hails from London, so instead of hotdogs and potatoes chips she served the English equivalent: bangers and mash. It was tasty!<br /><br />Because of the continuing dry spell, the community fireworks were cancelled, but that didn’t stop the neighborhood from launching some private pyrotechnic shows. Their little dog Hamish thought he was in a war zone. Thank you JJ and Adam! <br /><br /><strong>CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS:</strong><br />Although Daryl was disappointed by <em>I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry</em>, he talked briefly to Seth Rogen [<em>Knocked Up/40 Year-Old Virgin</em>] as everyone was leaving the theater. At the Disney Commissary last week, I saw Victor Garber from <em>Alias</em> who is currently shooting the new series <em>Eli Stone </em>on the lot. <br /><br /><strong>NEXT MONTH</strong><br />Who knows what the stars will bring. Until then, James & DarylJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-51963689665774389482007-08-31T22:26:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:51.237-08:00Ronnie, Nancy, and a Summer ShowerHello again. I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day holiday. Here’s a look back at August 2007 in the Cameron/Utt household.<br /><br /><strong>SUMMER MOVIE ROUNDUP</strong><br />This weekend marks the traditional end of the Summer Movie Season. This year’s didn’t look so hot because every movie had a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 13 in its title. Fans complained that there were too many films on the slate. Critics were skeptical about quality and <em>Evan Almighty </em>only egged them on. But, in a true “Hollywood ending” 2007 became the most profitable summer on record.<br /><br />Daryl and I did our part to support the local economy. Here’s what we spent our money on and how we’d rank them: <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJDDRPw8SoPnGpL8OoXrTNoevXd9Nnq6_xOtZgQdYF1L792m7XjqVXkvCJkhhGI9PkQ3-_KtOmYe02e7T-HlCaP-ijWQmuacc21MN6V__axWhl80zA-KVrivp0aS7POL-HrghEPlJ_ztx/s1600-h/Bourne+Superbad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJDDRPw8SoPnGpL8OoXrTNoevXd9Nnq6_xOtZgQdYF1L792m7XjqVXkvCJkhhGI9PkQ3-_KtOmYe02e7T-HlCaP-ijWQmuacc21MN6V__axWhl80zA-KVrivp0aS7POL-HrghEPlJ_ztx/s400/Bourne+Superbad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105845839910078050" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriFXf5R1cFMzwG02UW3cP8-ikZCdiSmGIZ930qJ8DPF8yI_80bw6aZfKZSSzTdsxk5uMPO7nvij2uCxPyK2iJGrDlvkzAwn7BnRQmIuGPsg6xLYGDWeK9S4FQfkYh6QnGlUlzkZ0Nk4n0/s1600-h/Summer+Movie+Tally.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriFXf5R1cFMzwG02UW3cP8-ikZCdiSmGIZ930qJ8DPF8yI_80bw6aZfKZSSzTdsxk5uMPO7nvij2uCxPyK2iJGrDlvkzAwn7BnRQmIuGPsg6xLYGDWeK9S4FQfkYh6QnGlUlzkZ0Nk4n0/s400/Summer+Movie+Tally.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105846097608115826" /></a><br />We skipped <em>Transformers, Pirates, Die Hard</em> and <em>Shrek </em>but did see that other summer blockbuster: <em>High School Musical 2</em>.<br /><br />*In what may soon become the routine release model for smaller films, the mockumentary <em>Closing Escrow </em>debuted on HDNET August 22nd, opened in theaters the 24th, and will be available on DVD September 4th. <br /><br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />Florida friends Juliet and her son Indy stopped by for a walk around Glendale and some dinner. Then they went to Disneyland, took a boat to the Channel Islands and enjoyed the lower humidity of California. We met up again on Sunday the 12th in Simi Valley to visit the Reagan Library.<br /> <br /><strong>RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypaybGkzQdZpw4TF8aQ_-2EFaPt5BgaN6Wy_wchBgacJhzrGyNNcStc1jIUHVFaIykpkP7u-K2uk7UVspo_JY3DDOOgpmOnF5AtQkVP7-9-AYPP9Ah7aWLpfVPgeU6Llrd7AaFeOFOh4t/s1600-h/Reagan+Library.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypaybGkzQdZpw4TF8aQ_-2EFaPt5BgaN6Wy_wchBgacJhzrGyNNcStc1jIUHVFaIykpkP7u-K2uk7UVspo_JY3DDOOgpmOnF5AtQkVP7-9-AYPP9Ah7aWLpfVPgeU6Llrd7AaFeOFOh4t/s200/Reagan+Library.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105852866476574450" /></a><br />About 45 minutes northwest of Glendale is an unassuming southwestern-style museum and library dedicated to 40th president Ronald Reagan. The welcome video was an upbeat introduction to Ronnie’s All-American personality and his various careers, but it had sad parts, too. I can’t forget a grief-stricken Nancy at her husband’s funeral or the strangely cheerful narration by Merv Griffin who died the day of our visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reaganlibrary.com/airforceone/dtc_home.asp?gid=7">Permamanent exhibits </a>include a mock-up of the Oval Office, Ronnie’s presidential diaries, and a section of the Berlin Wall. Visitors can see the x-ray from the day he was shot, scenes from his movies, and the Ronald Reagan Pub which was moved a long way from Tipperary, Ireland. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxnuqvfG2kiPVZPNl2PT_5OUqhU9_PvEQq6olK7cqek2nW5-V3l3UjfdlB85W7bwE1BNmTBaVh5XpanmJbVGqysQ4BM9IIyK5rczeTOnc3mdRCurWKdP6Xhp6uxj3nzQnsC5F1eXBno_H/s1600-h/Jelly+Bean+Portrait.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxnuqvfG2kiPVZPNl2PT_5OUqhU9_PvEQq6olK7cqek2nW5-V3l3UjfdlB85W7bwE1BNmTBaVh5XpanmJbVGqysQ4BM9IIyK5rczeTOnc3mdRCurWKdP6Xhp6uxj3nzQnsC5F1eXBno_H/s200/Jelly+Bean+Portrait.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105852621663438562" /></a> Gifts that the president received—like 500 belt buckles and a portrait made of jellybeans—are here, too. What you won’t find here is controversy. There are no exhibits about the record deficit produced by Reagan’s trickle-down economic policy, the government’s slow response to the AIDS epidemic, or the president’s personal struggle with Alzheimer’s. Perhaps when more time has passed, these facets of Reagan’s two terms in office will be addressed. <br /><br />That said, my two favorite things were purely sentimental. One was the Reagan family bible upon which he was sworn in. The other was the love story woven throughout the building with snapshots, video footage and Ronnie’s personal letters to Nancy. They adored each other and he never stopped courting her. <br /><br />The most impressive exhibit has to be the hangar-sized building that houses Air Force One. Walking through the 707/SAM 27000 Indy asked the best question: “How did the plane get here?” A helpful guide told us that the wings were removed and the pieces were shipped by truck and reassembled.<br /><br />After five enjoyable hours, we said goodbye to the 80’s and said goodbye to Juliet and Indy as they left us for the second time on their trip. In a nod to the Reagan/Carter debate, I should have tilted my head and declared, “There you go again.” We hope to see them soon.<br /><br /><strong>LEONID METEOR SHOWER</strong><br />Later that night we headed an hour north into less populated territory to see our first meteor shower. At about midnight we pulled off of a deserted two-lane road near Edwards Air Force Base and the six of us set our sights on the skies. <br /><br />Sitting in folding chairs and laying on the hood of a car, we let our eyes adjust to the lower light level and waited. And waited. There’s no sound, no warning, just a short streak of light here, one way over there, another right above us, followed by five minutes of nothing. We filled that time by teasing the members of our party fearful of the snakes, coyotes and desert tarantulas which we had assured them were indigenous to the area. <br /><br />I’m sure we ended up seeing more of the shower because we had twelve eyes searching the heavens. Since there were no other stargazers but us, we chattered away like we were on a high school camping trip. The conversation was punctuated with “Ooh, look!” or “You missed it” or “Pass the ginger snaps this way.” <br /><br />We didn’t get home until 3:00 am but it was totally worth it. It was my favorite star sighting this year. Thank you, Linda, for setting this up and thank you, Shawn and Bhavani, for driving!<br /><br /><strong>TWO MOONS?</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYxYnmdNA3xjaMBw0bANw4SxuOqlxqrEaPF_O9fnKOb9-6cvtpIpWit8fzXjwMt_61FOqIMJ6MsuVEhXPEKENDfaHVHuRFX36ZLbcA8wgSvdaatpejpdi8jtIwkS88F4agurjZDoxO5lX/s1600-h/NASA's+Morrissey+Picture.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYxYnmdNA3xjaMBw0bANw4SxuOqlxqrEaPF_O9fnKOb9-6cvtpIpWit8fzXjwMt_61FOqIMJ6MsuVEhXPEKENDfaHVHuRFX36ZLbcA8wgSvdaatpejpdi8jtIwkS88F4agurjZDoxO5lX/s200/NASA's+Morrissey+Picture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105849765510186706" /></a><br />A few days later we heard that Mars would be so bright in the sky on August 27th that it would look as though there were two moons in the sky. I accidentally slept through this one but that turned out to be a good thing. Turns out the e-mail was just another urban myth. Back in 2005, <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/07jul_marshoax.htm">NASA debunked this annual Mars hoax </a>and, for some reason, accompanied its online post with this picture of British mope-rocker Morrissey. Huh? Maybe the space administration officially upgraded him to “star.” <br /><br /><strong><em>PUSHING DAISIES </em>at HOLLYWOOD FOREVER</strong><br />ABC’s new series <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0925266/">Pushing Daisies </a>is about a pie maker named Ned who can bring people back from the dead for one minute. He touches them again within 60 seconds and they die permanently. If Ned doesn’t that person lives and someone else dies. On paper, it sounds morbid, but the show is actually a comedic fairy tale.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJJ7uiExGNfpLDcfzG0foUpin0zp1FyqB2-bfbailXcrby8xDro-o3Jf_q9-76AHW1o1iWotKF2EXl7aYsJTAqMEmxsqfjPtUR345yn3B3jtBCxRfESG2XEmpwZBbHfj8IIAF7KzQrhy7/s1600-h/Pushing+Daisies+Post.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJJ7uiExGNfpLDcfzG0foUpin0zp1FyqB2-bfbailXcrby8xDro-o3Jf_q9-76AHW1o1iWotKF2EXl7aYsJTAqMEmxsqfjPtUR345yn3B3jtBCxRfESG2XEmpwZBbHfj8IIAF7KzQrhy7/s200/Pushing+Daisies+Post.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105847922969216690" /></a> In order to dig up some publicity, ABC hosted a screening of the pilot August 16th at <a href="http://www.hollywoodforever.com/Hollywood/">Hollywood Forever cemetery</a>. A mausoleum wall was the screen and the adjacent lawn provided seating for the young, hip types who came out for the free show. Staffers wandered the crowd handing out complimentary white flowers. That’s right, they were pushing daisies.<br /><br />In typical Hollywood fashion, the premiere started an hour after the posted time since the cast was stuck doing interviews with Access Hollywood, ABC7 and USA Today.<br />Once that was done, the actors and director Barry Sonnenfeld were introduced to the crowd by the writer, producer, and creator, Bryan Fuller.<br /> <br />The pilot unrolled with Jim Dale's whimsical narration, eye-popping color, and lots of quirky characters. It was charming, clever and sweet but Daryl and I both thought it would fare better as a big-screen movie. You can judge for yourself by watching <a href="http://abc.go.com/fallpreview/pushingdaisies/index">a preview </a>at ABC.com or viewing the <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=wRjsbNPCtBw">extended preview </a>on YouTube. The show premieres Wednesday, October 3 at 8:00pm<br /><br /><strong>NANCY WILSON at THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL</strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6EJMl0dmEVGv-f0KqiHgk_K_GcLTvInjMgb9EAs0Yfwbz-u2BvU6W51osmOZrl2ptIA_dcIkGou9Ft7AZohTaA7hyROhmzcciLM8dGj4YCI_XwdrVQFiWocbt5lQKIw_tAgwO0hmFepS/s1600-h/Nancy+Wilson+Marquee.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6EJMl0dmEVGv-f0KqiHgk_K_GcLTvInjMgb9EAs0Yfwbz-u2BvU6W51osmOZrl2ptIA_dcIkGou9Ft7AZohTaA7hyROhmzcciLM8dGj4YCI_XwdrVQFiWocbt5lQKIw_tAgwO0hmFepS/s200/Nancy+Wilson+Marquee.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105847682451048098" /></a><br />We were back at the bowl on Wednesday, the 29th for <a href="http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tix/performance_detail.cfm?id=3267">Nancy Wilson’s 70th Birthday Celebration</a> with guests Arsenio Hall, Patti Austin, James Ingram, Natalie Cole, Ramsey Lewis and Terence Blanchard. <br /><br />I wasn’t familiar with the first couple acts on the bill, so when Patti Austin came out things finally picked up. Nancy Wilson came out with James Ingram and the two performed their duet “Wish You Were Here.” They played off each other very well and flirted for comic effect. Then James sang his 1980 hit “One Hundred Ways”—nailing every high note—and the crowd went wild. <br /><br />Besides two songs from Natalie Cole, the second half was all Nancy Wilson. Pianist Ramsey Lewis accompanied the birthday girl on “God Bless the Child.” She performed “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” with a full band but spent most of the song improvising with the bass player. That was amazing to watch. Then she went in another direction, effortlessly breaking our hearts with the subdued “Guess Who I Saw Today?” It was my favorite song of the night.<br /><br />She told a few stories, sung a medley of hits and thanked her fans for their support and her family for their patience, adding “I’m kind, tolerant, forgiving, loving, honest, and good but rarely on the same day.” Nancy sounded great, she looked great and I’ll she felt great knowing that 18,000 people came to her birthday party. By the way, her 71st album <em>Cannon Reloaded </em>comes out this year.<br /><br />Thank you, Rob and Shawn for making this happen. <br /><br /><strong><em>OUT LATE </em>at MACHA THEATER</strong><br />My own birthday weekend was more low-key as several friends stopped by for Cuban food and chocolate cake. (Thanks, guys!) As an early present, Daryl and I went to see the play Out Late at MACHA Theater. <em>Out Late </em>tells the story of a closeted doctor, married for 47 years, who begins an affair with one of his patients in this unflinching look at the costs of personal happiness. <br /><br />The exceptional cast had just four actors, all equally strong: Nic d’Avirro, Judy Jean Berns, Kasey Mahaffy and Megan Maureen McDonough. The set was smart, the lighting effective, and the direction was solid. The show has since closed you can read this <a href="http://www.lasplash.com/publish/Los_Angeles_Performances_116/Out_Late_-_Theater_Review.php">review</a> and see a list of other works by <a href="http://www.newplaysla.com/timplays05.07.pdf">playwright Tim Turner.</a><br /><br /><strong>MICHAEL BUBLE at THE GREEK THEATER</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_lLd03sQVIpjR1tgtcT5oGjtmoDRQ-uCAnKwQsyk7KO8sFV58AF-Vc8qZPI7DqUSV07t_Ach-6G8M296ruvFtRa2pO-eN0Faj3_ETjRSzPvKqkRmqIjU3nyouynUqlv1sD1CEaZtvrb-/s1600-h/Michael_Buble_Call_Me_Irresponsible.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_lLd03sQVIpjR1tgtcT5oGjtmoDRQ-uCAnKwQsyk7KO8sFV58AF-Vc8qZPI7DqUSV07t_Ach-6G8M296ruvFtRa2pO-eN0Faj3_ETjRSzPvKqkRmqIjU3nyouynUqlv1sD1CEaZtvrb-/s200/Michael_Buble_Call_Me_Irresponsible.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105858561603208962" /></a><br />Daryl also managed to fit in a Michael Buble concert at The Greek Theater. Like Sammy Davis Jr. or Dean Martin, Buble makes it look so easy. His voice is superb live and his comic timing ensures that the show is going to have some laughs. His new album <em>Call Me Irresponsible </em>and features the single "<a href="http://www.michaelbuble.com/">Everything</a>."<br /><br /><strong>QUICK HITS</strong><br />On September 13, <em><a href="http://fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/sunny/">It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia </a></em>begins its third foul-mouthed season on FX. Any doubts I had about this sitcom losing its edge disappeared when I saw the first episode’s title: The Gang Finds a Dumpster Baby. So wrong.<br /><br />Owning a <a href="http://www.moller.com/">personal flying saucer </a>may become a reality in 2008.<br /><br />Do you ever get nostalgic for the impersonal, computerized voice of Texas Instruments’ <a href="http://www.speaknspell.co.uk/speaknspell.html">Speak & Spell</a>?<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />At the Arclight movie theater we saw <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0940173/">Danny Woodburn</a>, better known as Kramer’s acting buddy Mickey on <em>Seinfeld.</em><br /><br />At the Pushing Daisies premiere, we saw <a href="http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=Lee+PAce">Lee Pace</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0295484/">Anna Friel</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0564277/">Chi McBride</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001436/">Swoosie Kurtz</a>, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0338746/">Ellen Greene</a>. <br /> <br /><strong>NEXT MONTH</strong><br />Back to the Bowl and some travel east. Tell you all about it next month.<br /><br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-72488014759753267382007-09-30T19:04:00.001-07:002008-11-12T22:59:49.832-08:00A House Blessing, Home Entertainment and the Hollywood BowlHello again. I hope all is well with you. Here’s a look back at September 2007 in the Cameron/Utt household.<br /> <br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />Our buddy David Fernandez, in LA for some Disneyland meetings, got to spend Labor Day Weekend with us. He joined us for dinner with friends, had tea at Rose Tree Cottage, drove by the house from <em>Father of the Bride </em>and did a little shopping in historic Pasadena .<br /> <br /><strong>PARAMOUNT NIGHT/HOLLYWOOD BOWL</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxwufDp08-AqL9PHCLxC8T6BWhNZj5JrjbfYzUNDiPd80VmQM71-6j8OhKvDkrWCRi1hdF9Lpxy744BLXTEaiiBDCLGXNhaPZo5tlI9ZqIJXazYsIk4vc595zgW-dSssiWpKKo1s01_0j/s1600-h/Paramount+Bowl+Marquee.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxwufDp08-AqL9PHCLxC8T6BWhNZj5JrjbfYzUNDiPd80VmQM71-6j8OhKvDkrWCRi1hdF9Lpxy744BLXTEaiiBDCLGXNhaPZo5tlI9ZqIJXazYsIk4vc595zgW-dSssiWpKKo1s01_0j/s200/Paramount+Bowl+Marquee.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145832890463130690" /></a>David finished off the visit with his first Hollywood Bowl concert. Leonard Slatkin conducted The Big Picture: The Films of Paramount Pictures which included themes from <em>The Godfather, Love Story, True Grit, A Place in the Sun, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Chinatown , Indiana Jones </em>and <em>Titanic.</em> Movie scenes accompanied the scores, which was the perfect evening for a film buff like David. Emcee Leonard Nimoy introduced a collection of music from the various Star Trek incarnations (and smartly avoided saying “…to BOWL-dly go.” Daryl and David tell me it was a great show and want to thank Rob and Shawn for inviting them.<br /> <br /><strong>A HOUSE BLESSING</strong><br />The following weekend, we joined our friends Ashika and Gaurav for their house blessing. It was a Hindu ceremony led by a priest and attended by family and friends.<br /> <br />There were about twenty of us, some in traditional Indian garb, seated on the living room floor around a small open fire. The doors and the windows were open for symbolic and practical considerations. The priest intoned the blessings and placed various spices and food into the flames. The rising smoke helps to cleanse the house and to discourage negative spirits or energy from settling in. <br /> <br />Like a wedding, different parts of the ceremony focused on Ashika and Gaurav, their parents or the group at large. There was some call-and-response, too, but since it wasn’t in English, I can only assume that we were pledging to help maintain a healthy, happy home—physically and spiritually—for our friends. We also passed around spices that were to be thrown into the fire en masse. This was definitely the high point for the younger family members.<br /> <br />Afterwards, we returned the living room to its regular state and stopped by the dining room table for some samosas, naan, and jalebi<br /> <br />Early on, the priest tied small cords onto each of our wrists which we are to leave on until they break off. Daryl’s is already gone but mine is still going strong, reminding me to think good thoughts for Ashika and Gaurav. I hope that strengthens their blessing. <br /> <br /><strong>A MOVIE CALLED “ONCE”</strong><br />Here’s a great example of irony: Our buddy Justen has seen the movie <em>Once</em> four times. <br /><br />Daryl and I accompanied him on that fourth viewing and could see why this small <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtbKuw_5RcjILmKrTwVw8fyYwBFnTMRQJRl1oFKVlWP7L_bFun8-m6rh3tdHk4emohNoNXhhpkBpRrD-RTxEJqFTaSbogNi7LHfYqlym49_IDiRip1WjttqFTOgrTt1p8bxMmUOPbIc6y/s1600-h/Once+Movie+Poster.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtbKuw_5RcjILmKrTwVw8fyYwBFnTMRQJRl1oFKVlWP7L_bFun8-m6rh3tdHk4emohNoNXhhpkBpRrD-RTxEJqFTaSbogNi7LHfYqlym49_IDiRip1WjttqFTOgrTt1p8bxMmUOPbIc6y/s200/Once+Movie+Poster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145833113801430098" /></a>story of a Dublin street musician resonated so strongly. It’s a musical without splashy dance numbers, opulent sets, or dream sequences. Instead, songs that move the story forward are performed by leads Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová within the context of the scene. We picked up the soundtrack the next day. <br /> <br />Check your local art house for show times or look for the DVD in December. You can sample the music at the link above but I recommend hearing it within the story for maximum impact. A big thanks to Justen for sharing this wholly unique experience with us.<br /> <br />Incidentally, Glen and Markéta fell in love during the filming and are now touring as The Swell Season. They’ll be at the Wiltern Theater November 10.<br /> <br /><strong>RUFUS WAINWRIGHT/HOLLYWOOD BOWL</strong><br />The next night we went to our final Hollywood Bowl show of the season: Rufus Wainwright Sings Judy Garland. Rufus, the son of folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, has five albums of original songs. He isn’t a household name but you might recognize his distinctive voice performing “Hallelujah” on the Shrek soundtrack. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEPZ1qqg3sJLnRJXwJoUwQgoA_vYdbRIvho9SCtM8QeMjuq56WWLI9IUEmehYCl023T9PTEBAkDLuEJB9uDrbTjQO3AsUqLctpGAD1qVb4i_0eg5tdABYW_Xa-_gm9BjIyio02t85P7vp/s1600-h/Rufus+%26+Judy+Posters.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEPZ1qqg3sJLnRJXwJoUwQgoA_vYdbRIvho9SCtM8QeMjuq56WWLI9IUEmehYCl023T9PTEBAkDLuEJB9uDrbTjQO3AsUqLctpGAD1qVb4i_0eg5tdABYW_Xa-_gm9BjIyio02t85P7vp/s400/Rufus+%26+Judy+Posters.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145855731099210898" /></a>Judy at Carnegie Hall is one of my Mom’s favorite albums, and I guess it’s one of Rufus’ because he performed the entire album of her classic 1961 concert. He did all twenty-six songs in order with the original arrangements starting with “When You’re Smiling” and ending with “Chicago ” Rufus even stopped to talk to the audience at the same points Judy did. During her concert, Judy went into the audience to give a kiss to Rock Hudson. Rufus went down and planted a kiss on a gracious Debby Reynolds who was in the front row with daughter Carrie. The crowd went crazy. <br /> <br />Reviewing the track listing for Judy at Carnegie Hall will give you an idea of how intimidating it would be for anyone to mount this show. Wainwright performed signature songs like “Over the Rainbow”, “You Made Me Love You,” “The Trolley Song” and “The Man That Got Away” with an air of tribute, not imitation. He didn’t camp it up until the encore when he performed “Get Happy” in Judy’s fedora-coat-and-stockings outfit from Summer Stock. That was pretty funny.<br /> <br />Rufus’ sister, Martha Wainwright stopped the show with her mournful take on “Stormy Weather.” Like Rufus, her voice is hard to categorize but it reminded of Patsy Cline, k.d.lang, and Blossom Dearie. Mom Kate McGarrigle provided piano accompaniment on “Everytime We Say Goodbye.” Another special guest was Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft who took the stage and belted out “Nothing Could Be Finer Than To Be In Carolina.” <br /> <br />Rufus originally staged the show in Carnegie Hall and did so well that he took it to London, San Francisco and, ultimately The Hollywood Bowl. This final concert, that we were lucky to see, took place September 23, the forty-sixth anniversary of Judy’s Hollywood Bowl appearance. To learn more about Rufus or to find out the release date for his Judy Garland CD and DVD visit his official website.<br /> <br />Thank you to Rob and Shawn for inviting us along.<br /> <br /><strong>AUTUMN IN NEW YORK</strong><br />Daryl spent the last weekend of the month in the city that never sleeps. He was in town for meetings and the Madison Square Garden premiere of <em>High School Musical On Ice. </em> <br /><br />After meetings on Friday, Daryl got to see our friends Lee and Jessica and their new baby Lizzy. Later that evening, Daryl was able to see Girl Gang, a play written by Mark Knowles, his co-worker at Disney Interactive Studios. Daryl loved the musical with all the action of a pulp fiction novel and enough “camp” to fulfill its promise of a 1950’s B movie. <br /> <br />The next day Daryl was at MSG to preview the new HSM Karaoke video game. The game was so popular, that rather than lose their turn to sing, some families opted to miss the first few minutes of the ice show! <br /> <br />On Sunday, Daryl met up with Jeff Zitofsky, a college buddy that he hasn’t seen since 1990. They toured the Guggenheim, lunched at Alice’s Tea Cup and walked through Central Park before Daryl had to head for the airport.<br /> <br /><strong>WHAT’S ON TELEVISION?</strong><br />The new TV season started at the end of September. In no particular order, here are the shows we’ve added to an already-full viewing schedule: <br /> <br /><a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/pushingdaisies/index?pn=index">Pushing Daisies</a> is the new ABC show I wrote about last month. It’s charming, but I’m not expecting it to last the whole season. <br /> <br />The <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/dirtysexymoney/index?pn=index">Dirty Sexy Money </a>pilot set up this ABC series well, but there was almost too much information. Peter Krause plays the lawyer hired to protect spoiled Darling family from themselves while he solves his father’s murder. The second episode had more emotion but still managed to overdo it with the “rich-people-are-crazy” scenes.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5205IpNFLVas32NAFfsUhVE9hRlXw3nyOXUleaw7B0Cy6G0j8SWVRXF6NyS6QM_0O1jSggNI_kSIXH1zK10nVVVZXJG7R5vTxQ6sLaVzKVsNt3AMo-cWuWHPkozZKyJv-K1rAI5TXiVt/s1600-h/tv1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5205IpNFLVas32NAFfsUhVE9hRlXw3nyOXUleaw7B0Cy6G0j8SWVRXF6NyS6QM_0O1jSggNI_kSIXH1zK10nVVVZXJG7R5vTxQ6sLaVzKVsNt3AMo-cWuWHPkozZKyJv-K1rAI5TXiVt/s400/tv1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145855937257641122" /></a><a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/reaper">Reaper</a> is a comedy from The CW about Sam, a 21-year-old loser who discovers his parents sold his soul to the Devil. Now, in addition to working at a Home Depot-esque warehouse, he has a part-time job collecting escapees from Hell and sending them back downstairs. (The closest portal is at the DMV, naturally.) Strangely, this new responsibility to well-dressed Satan seems to be improving Sam’s outlook on life.<br /> <br />The pilot for the HBO’s <a href="http://www.hbo.com/tellme/">Tell Me You Love Me </a>couldn’t decide if it was <em>thirtysomething</em> or <em>Cinemax After Dark</em>. Three couples struggled with marital angst—and staying clothed—as the show explored the differences between commitment and trust; desire and need, intimacy and exposure. It bounced between gratuitous nudity and self-indulgent moping like an artsy French film—but it was still compelling. By the third episode, the creators seemed to find the proper tone. Now, this examination on what it means to be in a relationship offers uncomfortably honest stories told with equal amounts of frankness and subtlety. HBO has renewed it for a second season.<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/">Mad Men</a> is a one-hour drama from AMC set in a Madison Avenue advertising firm during the year 1960. The building is rife with smoking, drinking, discrimination and repression. The elevators have attendants, the switchboards have operators and the offices have only male occupants. Even though computers, cubicles and casual Fridays are 30 years off, these men and women face contemporary issues like promotions, politics, balance, burnout, and office romance. It’s my frontrunner for next year’s Emmys and has already been renewed for 2008. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYNba9FCbTTc-6cyZe_3tBhksWJOwJz2mIexENr9YVSNv6Lw5BI-cxrexSWRTxtTbzW3t7ni11pHZwp2b5-NjbE53_Bi49h9Tzb7-OqSPqa9JLBQd9FLGM_eI8rrpth4xV9GDdgb8v_X2/s1600-h/TV2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYNba9FCbTTc-6cyZe_3tBhksWJOwJz2mIexENr9YVSNv6Lw5BI-cxrexSWRTxtTbzW3t7ni11pHZwp2b5-NjbE53_Bi49h9Tzb7-OqSPqa9JLBQd9FLGM_eI8rrpth4xV9GDdgb8v_X2/s400/TV2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145856177775809714" /></a>Daryl discovered the BBC America gem <a href="http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/100/index.jsp">How Clean Is Your House? </a>whilst he was home sick one day. Hosts Kim Woodburn and Aggie MacKenzie tour the most disgusting houses in Britain, clutching their noses at the overwhelming “honk” of rotting food, floating pet dander, and neglected toilets. One homeowner even let her eleven parakeets fly and poop freely throughout her living room, dining room and kitchen. For eight years! <br /> <br />While each house is being de-cluttered and disinfected, useful cleaning and health tips are shared. Kim and Aggie show how to clean without harsh chemicals, how to reduce the presence of household pests, and how to remove pesky stains from teacups. (Lemon juice and salt.) Another tip: In Britain, dishwashing liquid is called “washing up liquid” and laundry detergent is called “biological powder.”<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.crosswords.tv/">Merv Griffin’s Crosswords</a> is a syndicated game show on which contestants vie for cash and trips while solving a 15 x 15 puzzle. I like this one so much I signed up to be a contestant and was accepted. My episode was taped last week but I’m contractually obligated to stay mum about it until after its broadcast. I’ll forward the airdate when I find out myself.<br /> <br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />Daryl and I were sitting in the front window of a small café when Hilary Duff peered in, gauged the line (we think) and turned away to leave. At the Rufus Wainwright show, we saw Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O’Connell and two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank. <br /> <br /><strong>NEXT MONTH</strong><br />October should be fun. Tell you all about it next month.<br /> <br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-15653080564389823132007-10-31T17:03:00.000-07:002008-11-12T22:59:49.227-08:00October 2007: Pumpkin-PaloozaHello again. I hope all is well with you. Here’s a look back at October 2007 in the Cameron/Utt household. <br /><br /><strong>ANOTHER OPENIN’ ANOTHER SHOW/ATAS SALUTE TO TV THEMES</strong><br />It’s hard to imagine <em>The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Mission Impossible </em>or <em>Hawaii Five-O</em> without thinking of their theme songs. With current shows like <em>Heroes</em> and <em>Brother and Sisters</em> opting out of elaborate opening credits altogether, it was great to spend an evening at The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) for its tribute to TV themes <em><a href="http://www.emmys.tv/events/2007/anotheropen-wrap.php">Another Openin’ Another Show</a></em>.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEiAhUb3bwO8ljQ6iyuCNutv0FTe1ioMFrtiFX0PNUEpuoaQeqPhpaiPtbw5p1zViCnzhyphenhyphencGkcH-T8ztHb_KVLkN1xwTOKURloN6PPSTv5-TGKPbbVm3poxZ2EPfym64hRagW8vVXNHLY/s1600-h/Another+Openin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEiAhUb3bwO8ljQ6iyuCNutv0FTe1ioMFrtiFX0PNUEpuoaQeqPhpaiPtbw5p1zViCnzhyphenhyphencGkcH-T8ztHb_KVLkN1xwTOKURloN6PPSTv5-TGKPbbVm3poxZ2EPfym64hRagW8vVXNHLY/s400/Another+Openin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145866902309147906" /></a>Hosted by Monica Mancini and Divided up into categories Like “Action/Military,” “Medical”and “Sci-Fi/Fantasy” the program sampled about 120 show themes, from <em>All in the Family </em>to <em>Wild Wild West</em>. We got to sing along with <em>The Brady Bunch’s </em>Maureen McCormick, rub elbows with <em>Man from U.N.C.L.E.</em> Robert Vaughn and see original <em>Bionic Woman </em>Lindsay Wagner. <br /> <br />Vic Mizzy is most known for the themes to <em>Green Acres </em>and <em>The Addams Family</em>. While recording Acres, he realized that Eva Gabor wasn’t the best singer and encouraged her to act the lyrics. “She only had to sing the last note and luckily we got it in the first take.” The Addams Family has been his most lucrative song and can be heard regularly at sporting events and in commercials. Summing up its success, Mizzy deadpanned, “Two snaps and you get a house in Bel-Air.” <br /> <br />John Schneider and Jean Louisa Kelly performed several songs, including <em>Dukes of Hazzard, I Love Lucy </em>and <em>Three’s Company.</em> Jean Louisa climbed onto the piano and sang a Marilyn Monroe/JFK version of <em>The Mickey Mouse Club </em>to which John replied, “After that, I’m sure Walt’s no longer frozen.”<br /> <br />Mike Post has scored twelve series for Steven Bochco, including the unfortunate <em>Cop Rock</em>. Their first collaboration was <em>Hill Street Blues</em>. Post played the music once for Bocho and the rest is history. The theme for <em>L.A. Law </em>went through four or five versions because there was a committee of people weighing in with “…it needs to reflect the majesty of the law…I don’t hear courtroom energy…make it more sexy…” and so on. That’s why it sounds like the way it does. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxpZI8_HfDxQRa527rO33NUulqeCZj4e9d-d5Ydop-gdJonmks2ILt71OQ24UCCGZUmx0L2XQ9-KScNmCggj7AX-uuUSFrfR15Fr_YvsJrAUjIhntx7avst8MWwBcSohgng1iwWxUJA_G/s1600-h/Bocho+Post.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxpZI8_HfDxQRa527rO33NUulqeCZj4e9d-d5Ydop-gdJonmks2ILt71OQ24UCCGZUmx0L2XQ9-KScNmCggj7AX-uuUSFrfR15Fr_YvsJrAUjIhntx7avst8MWwBcSohgng1iwWxUJA_G/s400/Bocho+Post.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146123234547307938" /></a>Stacy Keach, star of Mike Hammer, performed that show’s piano-based theme “Harlem Nocturne” and introduced its composer Earle Hagen. Mr. Hagen wrote the song in 1939 and he must have been about 5 years old at the time because he barely looked a day over 60. He has 3000 hours of television to his credit. His easiest composition may have been <em>The Andy Griffith Show</em> which he wrote thinking, “it needs to be simple enough to whistle.” His toughest was probably <em>I Spy </em>because the international series required musical cues reflecting so many different cultures. <br /> <br />Some factoids I picked up this event:<br />•<em>The Addams Family </em>was recorded with Lawrence Welk’s harpsichord. <br />•Future Oscar-winner John Williams wrote the theme to <em>Lost in Space</em>.<br />•<em>Kotter</em> was re-titled after John Sebastian submitted his song “Welcome Back.”<br />•Mike Post composed <em>NYPD Blue</em> based on two words: drums and subway.<br />•Henry Mancini agreed to score <em>Peter Gunn </em>thinking it was a western.<br />•Composer Earle Hagen is the whistler heard in <em>The Andy Griffith Show theme</em>.<br /> <br />Thanks to Shawn and Diana for inviting us along to this fun night full of celebrities.<br /> <br /><strong>OAK GLEN</strong><br />About 90 minutes east of Los Angles and 4500 ft above sea level is the apple-growing region known as <a href="http://www.oakglen.net/index.html">Oak Glen</a>. The terrain, temperature, and low moving clouds all remind me of the Smoky Mountains. At this time of year, when the leaves are turning, it is especially evocative.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuF-hFENsHCiGPfZLM3PUlyvS7vdutGg6xdg6RYe4Rsx44z7HwJHIycRnHtt7tfUwh-lEr8K5PLo6bHUj75Ylgpfj0D50d1sIEr1T0GbyVSe8TnokO-F09A5wGAszZYsor_EPXPAqo1I9/s1600-h/Snow+Line.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuF-hFENsHCiGPfZLM3PUlyvS7vdutGg6xdg6RYe4Rsx44z7HwJHIycRnHtt7tfUwh-lEr8K5PLo6bHUj75Ylgpfj0D50d1sIEr1T0GbyVSe8TnokO-F09A5wGAszZYsor_EPXPAqo1I9/s320/Snow+Line.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145870467132003602" /></a>We were there on Friday which meant less traffic and fewer crowds. On the down side, some locations and attractions were closed. We sampled and shopped at five growers including Parrish Pioneer, Riley’s, Law’s and Los Rios. <br /> <br /><a href="http://www.snow-line.com/Snow-Line/Photos.html">Snow Line Orchard </a>was a new stop this year. Our favorite apple varieties there were the Pink Lady—named because of the marbled pink flesh—and the sweet & crunchy Honey Crisp. Snow-Line also had these sinfully delicious <a href="http://www.snow-line.com/Snow-Line/Mini_Donuts.html">apple cider mini-donuts </a>which were the perfect size and texture. I don’t usually seek out donuts, but I’ll be looking for these babies next year.<br /> <br />After an afternoon in what felt like Western North Carolina, we continued on to the high desert of Joshua Tree to spend a fun, laid back weekend with my Uncle Carl.<br /> <br /><strong>RAYMOND CHANDLER TOUR</strong><br />The following Saturday we took the first-time-ever “Raymond Chandler’s Hollywood ” tour offered by the Hollywood Heritage Society. The presentation was a work-in-progress but we enjoyed this close-up look at some of the haunts that were around during the time that Chandler was writing classics like <em>Farewell My Lovely </em>and <em>The Big Sleep</em>. <br /> <br /><strong>CAHUENGA BUILDING</strong><br />Private detective Philip Marlowe works in the fictional Cahuenga Building supposedly located at the intersection of Cahuenga and Hollywood Boulevard. Our first stop was 6404 Hollywood Boulevard to see the kind of office described in Chandler’s books. Located on the third floor was a working office owned by a film noir buff. He had appointed the two-room suite with vintage furniture, a manual typewriter, a rotary phone, a hat rack, and an oscillating fan. The only thing missing was Marlowe himself. <br /> <br /><strong>FREEMAN HOUSE BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzyu9Hg8FRzwPzwgfkRG3xFTimmyPKdUZWwCXzgnVLPSSz68jn2gJzMpD9ofnl0CUGE1LyFG7eN2c_D0x7vGT0de_0sXNw3cppjQHuz8OUnidTxkecWd403dxar38NKoOkC1eel_VnYTi/s1600-h/Freeman+House.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzyu9Hg8FRzwPzwgfkRG3xFTimmyPKdUZWwCXzgnVLPSSz68jn2gJzMpD9ofnl0CUGE1LyFG7eN2c_D0x7vGT0de_0sXNw3cppjQHuz8OUnidTxkecWd403dxar38NKoOkC1eel_VnYTi/s200/Freeman+House.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146111041135154498" /></a>A few blocks northwest of the “Cahuenga Building” is the house Frank Lloyd Wright built for Harriet and Samuel Freeman in the late 1920’s. It sits above the intersection of Franklin and Highland but I never noticed this architectural gem because it is hidden behind some foliage and a four-story cactus.<br /> <br />The Freeman House has the pressed concrete tiles of the Hollyhock and Ennis Brown houses and—like its more famous sisters—suffered extensive damage during the 1994 earthquake. The USC School of Architecture owns the building and is refurbishing the foundation and interior. The have pictures from the house’s heyday here.<br /> <br />It had some classic Frank Lloyd Wright touches, such as a budget that more than doubled during construction. The Freemans dumped Wright and architect Rudolph Schindler completed the project, eventually adding an apartment to the lower level where bandleader Xavier Cugat lived for a while. <br /> <br /><strong>VILLA CARLOTTA</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot9MY4F9_-HkGJPEsRDJrTmclO5ympHtfryD8oOvGRC7N_lxw9jIuICiC0im9CwIobAIrTdpiinIVUtOo5IsEqMZp6C-6ly1e3GcF2vXBpE_zSXJf3oUCnhr3oQRZSseB4kKDwx3tn4EW/s1600-h/Our+Guide.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot9MY4F9_-HkGJPEsRDJrTmclO5ympHtfryD8oOvGRC7N_lxw9jIuICiC0im9CwIobAIrTdpiinIVUtOo5IsEqMZp6C-6ly1e3GcF2vXBpE_zSXJf3oUCnhr3oQRZSseB4kKDwx3tn4EW/s200/Our+Guide.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146108730442749234" /></a><br />At the entrance to this four-story courtyard apartment building we were met by a man wearing a smart ascot, tweed vest and riding pants. All he was missing was a megaphone or a polo mallet. Our guide looked right at home in the Villa Carlotta since the place reminded me equally of the Tower of Terror and the Venable house in <em>Suddenly Last Summer</em>. <a href="http://www.pennyhead.com/angelcity/">See for yourself</a>.<br /> <br />Inside on the right was the two bedroom apartment which functioned as Louella Parsons’ office. She used to hand the couriers her columns through one of the courtyard windows. Upstairs we got to peek in our guide’s studio apartment. He explained that when the Villa Carlotta opened maid service was included. Every apartment had a second entrance so that the maid could enter the kitchen directly and prepare breakfast for the resident. <br /> <br />This was a building that actually welcomed movie folk in a time when landlords posted signs reading: “No Dogs. No Actors.” A frustrated Gloria Swanson famously remarked “We didn’t even get top billing!”<br /> <br /><strong>CHATEAU ELYSÉE</strong><br />Across the street was our next stop, the Chateau Elysée. Built in the French Normandy style, in 1929, this stately building operated for years as a hotel to the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAFzWHCmSRZYeq-VURYdar5b91eZOTPC1uVssql-RDP3TdgjnY2Gt9IDyz_TgVPsHyBdG1hPvGYwSR5uzapBpEIncAP5DbpuWvTaI7Wzn9c5a3m_D3xrwo1ddr5y-IcOW8mBkWb27JLaL/s1600-h/Chateau+Elyse.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAFzWHCmSRZYeq-VURYdar5b91eZOTPC1uVssql-RDP3TdgjnY2Gt9IDyz_TgVPsHyBdG1hPvGYwSR5uzapBpEIncAP5DbpuWvTaI7Wzn9c5a3m_D3xrwo1ddr5y-IcOW8mBkWb27JLaL/s200/Chateau+Elyse.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146111217228813650" /></a>stars and later as a retirement home for aging actors. It was purchased by the Church of Scientology in the early 70’s, returned to like-new condition in 1989 and functions today as the church’s Celebrity Center International.<br /> <br />The grounds were lovely and the interior portions that we saw—rear lobby, side hall and <a href="http://www.scientology.cc/en_US/about/tour/restaurant/index.html">Renaissance Restaurant</a>—were also immaculate. <br /> <br /><strong>MORE CHANDLER</strong><br />At tour’s end, we were given instructions on how to find the house from Double Indemnity (6301 Quebec Drive ) and the tower referenced in Chandler’s book The High Window. Featured prominently in the film Dead Again, the tower is located near the Freeman House in the Broadview Terrace/Los Altos/ High Tower Drive area. <br /> <br />I haven’t seen it for my self but there is a book called <a href="http://members.aol.com/chandlerla/">Raymond Chandler’s LA </a>by Elizabeth Ward and Alain Silver. It features excerpts from his writings paired with photographs of the locations which inspired them.<br /> <br />If you’d like to learn more about the man, here is Chandler’s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Chandler">wikipedia entry</a>, a critical essay from Salon.com called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Chandler">The Case for Raymond Chandler</a>, and an examination of the <a href="http://home.comcast.net/~mossrobert/html/la.htm">real life events incorporated into Chandler’s novels</a>. <br /> <br /><strong>CHOC WALK/DISNEYLAND RESORT</strong><br />The next day, we were at the annual CHOC Walk fundraiser benefiting <a href="http://www.choc.org/">Children’s Hospital of Orange County</a>. We met our friend Margo and her four-year-old daughter Ruby on Main Street before 7:00am. The little one was excited to be there but disappointed that none of the rides were open. Once we started moving, she cheered up. <br /> <br />Disneyland had posted enthusiastic cast members along the route, but I didn’t really need Alice and the Mad Hatter’s encouragement after a mere 15 minutes of walking. They actually slowed us down as walkers stopped to take pictures. We made our way through Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney. I think the route was somewhere in the 5K range. Next year it might be more cost-effective to have everyone walk through the Indiana Jones queue twice. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg37Fe8ei7hSmqprbw3t8K2f_zlLm9OXF6eVhQgQXOjZpq4HJyXglUscDMY0mPja0m5-s39oncoYE4GaeUL3RzipSqiI-FwC2JTxVrvX0XDX7r50bJPDx9ZBWaKHR80RksvnY1hsjQt-P/s1600-h/CHOC+Walk.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg37Fe8ei7hSmqprbw3t8K2f_zlLm9OXF6eVhQgQXOjZpq4HJyXglUscDMY0mPja0m5-s39oncoYE4GaeUL3RzipSqiI-FwC2JTxVrvX0XDX7r50bJPDx9ZBWaKHR80RksvnY1hsjQt-P/s200/CHOC+Walk.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146113691129976162" /></a>Afterwards, Daryl got friends Ryan and Ann into the park, while I stayed outside with Margo and Ruby. Margo’s husband Richard and older daughter Lea were headed to the resort but ran into some traffic since the highway exit ramp, parking deck, tram, and security were still recovering from the morning’s glut. Margo and I entertained ourselves playing hide and seek with Ruby and catching up. By the time we got everyone inside, secured a stroller and met up with Daryl, it was time for lunch. Following that, Daryl and I headed out about 1:00pm, leaving our tickets with Richard and Margo so the kids could ride Buzz Lightyear twice in row.<br /> <br /><strong>CAROL BURNETT: A WOMAN OF CHARACTER</strong><br />Later that week, we made our way to <a href="http://www.mtr.org/index.htm">The Paley Center for Media </a>in Beverly Hills. They were premiering a new Carol Burnett documentary for PBS that is airing this week as part of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/">American Masters</a>. Check your local listings because it’s a terrific show.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYH-gdRbIpqr9UGJnNJyUwkoqrqBBQOfJl3Ysz2R3ClMA0A1XCih-FsV8ecUiqPi4lQT66Ebx3fVSR8sjMS_Cv6Ruq8Uzfju_uf6qO0dNY3c26_CIIgMktT1mddQC_C9uT5bRqcvT92au/s1600-h/carol-burnett+American+Masters.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYH-gdRbIpqr9UGJnNJyUwkoqrqBBQOfJl3Ysz2R3ClMA0A1XCih-FsV8ecUiqPi4lQT66Ebx3fVSR8sjMS_Cv6Ruq8Uzfju_uf6qO0dNY3c26_CIIgMktT1mddQC_C9uT5bRqcvT92au/s320/carol-burnett+American+Masters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146115383347090802" /></a>In addition to <em>The Carol Burnett Show</em>, there were clips from <em>The Garry Moore Show, Once Upon A Mattress</em>, and specials with Julie Andrews and Beverly Sills. More than a career retrospective, the film explores Burnett’s non-traditional upbringing, her alcoholic parents, her marriages, her daughter’s struggle with drugs and lots more. At the end of the film when the narrator says “For more on Carol Burnett, go to PBS.org” Carol, sitting in the first row, shouted “There’s nothing left!” and got a big laugh. <br /> <br />In the lobby, people mingled with the stars and part of me really wanted to say something to Carol, Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, but I rarely approach celebrities. Sometimes I feel guilty that I haven’t shown more appreciation to folks whose work I admire. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjbRdEYUzZOsEBKGhJfcc026IQqf9D67Wp0iBmGsE3T6ksQjfk69q8-JBbwThVg6or2CrZ9mmw_UEM5rYQ-LlwwSGhFZy33lfM3hvBBYq7EmXeDbmrkZxPrJ84ziv5a0LQd4Tvy_G553L/s1600-h/CB+Trio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjbRdEYUzZOsEBKGhJfcc026IQqf9D67Wp0iBmGsE3T6ksQjfk69q8-JBbwThVg6or2CrZ9mmw_UEM5rYQ-LlwwSGhFZy33lfM3hvBBYq7EmXeDbmrkZxPrJ84ziv5a0LQd4Tvy_G553L/s400/CB+Trio.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146118557327922578" /></a>There’s no way that Carol, Tim and Harvey could have left that theater without knowing their work had brightened our lives. Even that old clip from <em>Went With the Wind </em>brought the house down. I laughed so hard during all the show clips that there were tears coming out of my eyes. All I could think as we left the building was “I’m so glad we had this time together.”<br /> <br />Thanks to Christy and Shawn for inviting us along to this one. <br /> <br /><strong>PUMKINPALOOZA AT DESCANSO GARDENS</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSk-osXgM3hcCuc_rLAJVl7QqwivpjqIIZtxtfnWR2XUbtIMyLuIioqKNry4IXusGKFNQT_GAfyS0lYzCWX3qpT7OO9KLssujmpNZLdb0LqPL-mQ_xAPPlLBT4PkohPQTkpqJ6e2FeaFk/s1600-h/Teletubbies.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSk-osXgM3hcCuc_rLAJVl7QqwivpjqIIZtxtfnWR2XUbtIMyLuIioqKNry4IXusGKFNQT_GAfyS0lYzCWX3qpT7OO9KLssujmpNZLdb0LqPL-mQ_xAPPlLBT4PkohPQTkpqJ6e2FeaFk/s200/Teletubbies.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146108442679940386" /></a>Did you know that the pumpkin is considered a fruit? I didn’t until Daryl, Diana and I drove up to Descanso Gardens for <a href="http://www.descansogardens.org/site/pumpkinfest.cfm">PumkinPalooza</a>. Although there weren’t that many pumpkins on display, there was a kids costume parade, sing-along, petting zoo, crafts station and festival shop. Beyond the festival doings, I think the highlight for Diana was seeing the rose garden. (I wonder if they’ve considered staging “Rose-a-Palooza?”). She and Daryl took about 100 pictures, but you can’t really blame them. It was an amazing display. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GotOLQnJTtowbob-ZoBNQjThljTNouhk4YrZOusTPt7Krhka7LsYau6AHHkbE9NcRrMJbynq4FJJlZKPMAXaoeDqvhEbAqwXVnCHb2yNxaASmqEtpL05pOGkQ8Gsco6YjwQqU-BRFAg-/s1600-h/Descanso+Roses.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GotOLQnJTtowbob-ZoBNQjThljTNouhk4YrZOusTPt7Krhka7LsYau6AHHkbE9NcRrMJbynq4FJJlZKPMAXaoeDqvhEbAqwXVnCHb2yNxaASmqEtpL05pOGkQ8Gsco6YjwQqU-BRFAg-/s320/Descanso+Roses.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146124054886061490" /></a><br /><br />We left in time to lunch at <a href="http://www.zekessmokehouse.com/site/menus/Montrose.pdf">Zeke’s Smokehouse </a>and to stroll the Farmer’s Market in downtown Montrose That evening at Diana’s we were joined by Kim for our first experience with the Wii game console. It was awesome. We bowled, played Skee-Ball and competed in a bunch of midway games, laughing a lot. I’m recommending that Diana host an annual competition called <em>Hallo-Wii-n</em>. Thank you, Diana!<br /> <br /><strong>HALLOWEEN CARNAVAL IN WEHO </strong><br />A few nights later, for the third straight year, we spent Halloween evening in West Hollywood (WEHO.) We got there at 7:30, walked along Santa Monica Boulevard and looped back to the car by 9:30. Sure, the party goes on until all hours of the morning, but navigating the crowds becomes a real challenge around 10:00.<br /><br />In addition to food stands and vendors, the event has stages with live music, DJs and under-dressed dancers of both sexes. There are also evangelicals and Hare Krishna’s looking for converts. Daryl and I are just there for the wacky costumes. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mP1ppLCfqOqnMIklbcfLlxi8p98t2dhViEC3TN-sOAEWPg0ZYgEz45e0lnJ8kVk7gNEc9GmVeCWMTAAK5GywaZtyKKP6pDz3AdsbvKEy0h44KyAGD7ng58q4mBigkXMQknBwy2gkFcmh/s1600-h/WEHO+2007+A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mP1ppLCfqOqnMIklbcfLlxi8p98t2dhViEC3TN-sOAEWPg0ZYgEz45e0lnJ8kVk7gNEc9GmVeCWMTAAK5GywaZtyKKP6pDz3AdsbvKEy0h44KyAGD7ng58q4mBigkXMQknBwy2gkFcmh/s400/WEHO+2007+A.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145863895832040642" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZp_u4PgwOTDxRvGt5WUeGptjpodEUJzsfdHUYsSRHALY5CueOIp3Z5WAEGqQ3i_2UaoHEMJm1zmsnfST6ZgAfugJRps-nw964zziHVR8662pWy3_nBKvjY32rCH5y1sVouT_JDqS49Yy/s1600-h/WEHO+2007+B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZp_u4PgwOTDxRvGt5WUeGptjpodEUJzsfdHUYsSRHALY5CueOIp3Z5WAEGqQ3i_2UaoHEMJm1zmsnfST6ZgAfugJRps-nw964zziHVR8662pWy3_nBKvjY32rCH5y1sVouT_JDqS49Yy/s400/WEHO+2007+B.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145864217954587858" /></a><br />I didn’t have time to snap one of my favorites: A black T-shirt with the message “My costume would’ve been funnier but the writers are on strike.” Official photos and contest winners should be posted soon at <a href="http://www.weho.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/detailgroup/navid/339/cid/1974/">WEHO Halloween Carnaval</a>.<br /> <br /><strong>STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />At the Carol Burnett presentation, we were especially thrilled to be seated behind Tim Conway, Florence Henderson, Phyllis Diller, Carl Reiner, Jon Cryer and Harvey Korman. <br /> <br /><strong>NOVEMBER</strong><br />We will definitely be giving thanks that the fires were finally put out. <br />Until next month,<br /> <br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541073827850556440.post-39947232556277477992007-11-30T09:45:00.000-08:002008-11-12T22:59:47.719-08:00November 2007: Two TV Tapings and TurkeyHello again. I hope all is well with you. Here’s a look back at <strong>November 2007 </strong>in the Cameron/Utt household. <br /><br /><strong>MERV GRIFFIN’S CROSSWORDS</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nRzI3GM5wz-Z3bVoOZEch1O8emhyphenhyphenE3vQoV2q3bcCzPDr0c6SNbvHqDg6JE5D-njwdmbF8eLmMYSchlEdVRnWaM1BTcCHh3lyPdJC7iID7BLgarVfVjoc4BUQonfbOeTgINLXD2J5j5B_/s1600-h/Merv+Logo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nRzI3GM5wz-Z3bVoOZEch1O8emhyphenhyphenE3vQoV2q3bcCzPDr0c6SNbvHqDg6JE5D-njwdmbF8eLmMYSchlEdVRnWaM1BTcCHh3lyPdJC7iID7BLgarVfVjoc4BUQonfbOeTgINLXD2J5j5B_/s400/Merv+Logo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146151830439564834" /></a><br />Another item that can be checked off my <em>100 Things To Do Before I Die </em>list is “Be A Contestant on a TV Game Show.” Back in September I competed on <a href="http://www.crosswords.tv/">Merv Griffin’s Crosswords </a>but wasn’t able to discuss it until the first airing November 5. The episode is being re-run Wednesday, December 19. Angelenos can see it at 3:30 on KNBC 4 and Orlandoans can tune into WRDQ/Action 27 at 8:30pm. The times for the rest of the country are <a href="http://www.crosswords.tv/showtimes/wheretowatch.aspx">here</a>.<br /><br /><strong>BACKSTAGE STUFF</strong><br />On Tape Day, I arrived at 7:00am with three changes of clothes that were not white, patterned, or logo-ed. They liked the green shirt I was wearing but made me remove my cotton undershirt because some of the white was visible at the collar. (Imagine their surprise when they found the skin beneath it was actually whiter.) <br /><br />The standards and practices person went through the 20-page contract with us and we learned that the producers retain the right to NOT award prizes. For example: If the national news pre-empts a bunch of shows, as it did during Katrina, the production company isn’t legally required to pay. <br /><br />At 10:00am, once everyone’s questions were answered and the producer had gone through all the rules and mechanics of playing the game, the first contestants were chosen. The rest of us were confined to the holding area which was appointed with tables, folding chairs, snacks and magazines. There was also a TV so we could watch the action on the stage.<br /><br />Even though <em>Merv Griffin’s Crosswords </em>is a 30-minute show, it takes the production team an hour to complete a taping. Podiums have to be moved, camera and sound problems occur, and the giant puzzle board experiences a glitch now and then. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrINjOhljSFrShEUxNKMeAXMZCvWncpPVJPGjVXt9CGWYpczk3qBJwfREeBgX00XohuJgqkMWSJq6w0SpxSDM1des-y7cXmk0OGyh6zPmgTvzn7k4XKWA0aa0SrIn7ZPukrObOq7mXWK1_/s1600-h/TY+Treadway.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrINjOhljSFrShEUxNKMeAXMZCvWncpPVJPGjVXt9CGWYpczk3qBJwfREeBgX00XohuJgqkMWSJq6w0SpxSDM1des-y7cXmk0OGyh6zPmgTvzn7k4XKWA0aa0SrIn7ZPukrObOq7mXWK1_/s200/TY+Treadway.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146145478182933970" /></a><br />One thing that doesn’t slow down the game is host Ty Treadway. Like Alex Trebek, he has to keep everyone’s name straight, keep an eye on who’s in the lead and read every single clue. It’s a tough job. The day I was there Ty was battling a head cold but remained upbeat through all six tapings. He’s a total professional. <br /><br />They put me on the final show of the day and I passed the time meeting the other contestants and watching them play. Some of the sharpest players in the holding room didn’t fare as well on set. Here’s why:<br /><br /><strong>PLAYING THE GAME</strong><br /><em>Merv Griffin’s Crosswords </em>starts out with Players 1 and 2 answering the crossword puzzle clues and spelling their answers. After the first commercial break, Players 3, 4 and 5 are added. Known collectively as spoilers, these contestants can unseat the leaders and take their money with one correct answer. In the first episode that day, a woman answered one question—the very last one of the game—and automatically went to the Final Round.<br /><br />Around 4:30pm we were escorted to the green room where watched the second-to-last show and were miked by the sound people. Ty stopped in to wish us luck and to check the pronunciation of our names. After that we were led to the studio. As Player 5, I sat offstage as the first round was played. At the commercial break they brought the three of us spoilers onto the set to join the game. The lights came up, we made our way to the podiums, and Ty introduced us.<br /><br /><em><strong>SPOILER ALERT! If you’d rather watch the show December 19 without knowing the outcome, skip to VISITORS.</strong></em><br /><br />Whatever strategy I had planned disappeared as soon as those cameras came on. It was everything I could do to look relaxed. My interior monologue went something like this: <em>“Is this ringer working? How did he know that answer? Why did they take my shirt? Am I sweating? What if I choke and end up on YouTube?</em>” <br /><br />I tried to ring in a few times but Player 1 was on a roll and the round finished with me in the same place I started. During the commercial break, I calmed down and strengthened my resolve to answer at least ONE question. Midway through Round <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos0QoSQJitcez0PaPw8UKoRv8m1RL1SvckCvkXgPWTNi8C1jb9w8jKmttXFiftFcIKNR5K5oiOQGuvaJVYVtE6uYZ-8TGnKf2PBnzyvL-eL26XA85bPFeDPEB93oaB65_fIt7QuK_e5Vw/s1600-h/Spoiler.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos0QoSQJitcez0PaPw8UKoRv8m1RL1SvckCvkXgPWTNi8C1jb9w8jKmttXFiftFcIKNR5K5oiOQGuvaJVYVtE6uYZ-8TGnKf2PBnzyvL-eL26XA85bPFeDPEB93oaB65_fIt7QuK_e5Vw/s200/Spoiler.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146161133338728114" /></a><br />Three I finally got my chance. No one else remembered the Charlton Heston film <em>The Omega Man</em>. I rang in, spelled “o-m-e-g-a” and moved into first place. I defended my lead by answering four more answers. At the end of the game I had earned $2,400 and qualified for the Final Round.<br /><br />The last commercial break was a blur. The standards and practices person was there as the crew reviewed the do’s and don’ts of the Final Round. “Speak clearly. Let Ty finish the clue before your respond, etc.” Someone handed me a bottled water which I promptly spilled on my shirt. They rushed me to wardrobe where a blow dryer was employed to erase the spot. Before I knew it I was standing with Ty Treadway about to start the Final Round. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokKhVfh9mNknWU2nd2wZLErSO3sP811QAQnrvi4BSC9OofYqXw_cjULloXS22h5NNl-DkuRrYKKayNWOjCkae80F-mnQmfna5ju5YTKXv7wd0I1d2eLAgQ4fC10G5U73ShEZA2PoXDOYM/s1600-h/Final+Round.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokKhVfh9mNknWU2nd2wZLErSO3sP811QAQnrvi4BSC9OofYqXw_cjULloXS22h5NNl-DkuRrYKKayNWOjCkae80F-mnQmfna5ju5YTKXv7wd0I1d2eLAgQ4fC10G5U73ShEZA2PoXDOYM/s200/Final+Round.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146146259866981874" /></a> He was very encouraging, but once the cameras came on, my main thought was, “Everyone’s staring.” With 1:30 on the clock, I asked for the first clue. I nervously spelled “b-u-b-b-a” and moved onto the next clue, gaining confidence with each correct answer. With a few seconds left, I solved the last clue and won an XBOX 360, a week in Cancun and an additional $5,000 for my trouble. <br /><br />Everyone came back onstage for the last shot and, after signing some papers, we were all free to go. I headed home, gave Daryl the news, and then wondered when I would get my winnings. <br /><br />Things you might not notice watching the show at home.<br />• Many contestants live in LA but use their hometowns on the air.<br />• Winnings aren’t disbursed until four months after the airdate.<br />• <em>Crosswords </em>is shot on the stage next to <em>Hannah Montana.</em> <br />• All name tags are returned to be re-used.<br /><br />Contestant coordinator Kathie and her team were very organized and pleasant whether it was administering the audition questionnaire, prepping us for competition, or calling us with the air date. It’s not an easy job, but they never let us see them sweat. <br /><br />I must give a big thank-you to my friend Jim who made me watch the <em>The Omega Man </em>in high school.<br /><br /><strong>VISITORS</strong><br />Our friend Juliet was in town and we had lunch at <a href="http://www.billysdeli.com/about_glendale.php">Billy’s Deli</a>, a Glendale institution for almost 50 years. Waitress Evelyn—famous for her tableside banter—offered Juliet this Thanksgiving zinger: “They’ve got a new breed of turkey called the Hilary Clinton. It comes with two small breasts, two large thighs and one left wing.” Evelyn’s got a million of ‘em, folks but this is the first one suitable for a family audience. <br /><br />Our buddy Nate was here this month, too. His first night, the three of us went to <a href="http://www.epinions.com/trvl-review-4F10-BE38BD8-3949538E-prod3">Café du Village</a> in Larchmont for a delicious meal of French/Mediterranean fare. Driving there, Nate mentioned that all he needed to complete his visit to California was a celebrity sighting. “Somebody cool like Joel McHale from <em>The Soup</em>.”<br /><br /><strong>STAR SIGHTING</strong><br />As we left the restaurant that night, Nate’s wish came true. Joel McHale, host of E!s <em>The Soup</em>, walked right by us. I quietly pointed him out to Nate but Daryl said “Hey, Joel! We love your show! We’re going home to watch it right now!” Although surprised by the shout-out, Joel thanked us and headed to his car. <br /><br />We couldn’t believe it. The three of us continued walking along Larchmont asking each other “What are the chances?” We were looking in one of the shop windows when Joel appeared again. This time, he introduced his wife Sarah, told a few jokes and invited us to a taping. <br /><br />We said yes immediately even though Nate would have to reschedule his flight home. I felt bad about that but the additional time in Burbank allowed him to tour the Disney Studio lot and to visit the Disney Archives.<br /> <br /><strong>THE SOUP</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimTbh8IuD5_y_AFbIS5PRlDZjgkJXlhgXcjsxQN3TkQRuKlb2wjy5hz48F-eW3Iou6nZePkq0AyJ74fCBzQrTFNIN26a4aYyQ3rF0FpCXcIEDvC5FDPn3qUbSYzjDcobvkCTYKRR0N7Tt/s1600-h/The_Soup_Set.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimTbh8IuD5_y_AFbIS5PRlDZjgkJXlhgXcjsxQN3TkQRuKlb2wjy5hz48F-eW3Iou6nZePkq0AyJ74fCBzQrTFNIN26a4aYyQ3rF0FpCXcIEDvC5FDPn3qUbSYzjDcobvkCTYKRR0N7Tt/s200/The_Soup_Set.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146160020942198402" /></a><br />Once upon a time there was TV clip show called <em>Talk Soup </em>which debuted in 1991 on E! Its host was the charming <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001427/">Greg Kinnear </a>who left to become an Oscar-nominated actor. His successors included the less-charming <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0378217/">John Henson</a>, the always goofy <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005452/">Hal Sparks</a>, and the stunningly beautiful <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0878768/">Aisha Tyler</a>. As the show’s content shifted from Ricki Lake excerpts to reality programming clips, “Talk” was removed from the title. The revamped program debuted in 2004 with host <a href="http://www.eonline.com/on/personalities/bio/joel.jsp">Joel McHale</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/thesoup/">The Soup’s </a>slogan says it all: “We watch TV so you don’t have to.” With just a green screen, some props and a small audience, Joel presents a half-hour recap of the week’s stupidest, funniest, and most outlandish TV moments. He cracks wise on everyone, himself included. It’s a simple premise but McHale and company make us laugh every Friday. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ6FDsHqEJO6dECHBUkLD8QU1C0HC02axvyV1wdOUlnxTjCep5R2r47cy5nuYsSqfMfAYfP7iMKl4owznUunH_a_HyuwEN8lpzyDHQw5Fwo7lGxv-z0uy6sKa2muhJk0pRwi3Ux0GpZEE/s1600-h/Nate+%26+Joel+McHale.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ6FDsHqEJO6dECHBUkLD8QU1C0HC02axvyV1wdOUlnxTjCep5R2r47cy5nuYsSqfMfAYfP7iMKl4owznUunH_a_HyuwEN8lpzyDHQw5Fwo7lGxv-z0uy6sKa2muhJk0pRwi3Ux0GpZEE/s200/Nate+%26+Joel+McHale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146160300115072658" /></a>The live taping was no exception since it included some of our favorite clips of the last year. You might hear us laugh throughout <em>The Soup Presents The Best of the Worst Daytime TV Moments </em>when it airs Monday, December 10 at 8:00pm. Joel was just as funny in person and talked with us during the course of the taping. He even posed with Nate for the attached picture. We thanked Joel and promised to come back for future shows. <br /><br />A big Thank You to Nate, too, since none of this would’ve happened without his visit.<br /><br /><strong>CAMPO GORILLA RESERVE AT L.A. ZOO</strong><br />Thanks to our friend Cynthia, we got to preview the new <a href="http://www.lazoo.org/about/press/1107/110707gorillas.html">Campo Gorilla Reserve </a>at the L.A. Zoo. It’s as lush as the gorilla habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and houses two of its former residents, bachelors Hasani and Jabari. They share the space with family members Kelly, Evelyn, Glenda and Rapunzel. <br /><br />Because it was an evening preview, some of the environment and it residents were difficult to appreciate, but you can see how beautiful the $19 million exhibit is in this <a href="http://www.lazoo.org/gorillas/photos/">slide show</a>. I hope the elephant habitat the zoo is working on is just as spectacular. <br /><br />Thank you, Cynthia!<br /><br /><strong>THANKSGIVING AT THE O’NEILL’S/SOLVANG WITH DIANA</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy1GBlt23i4lweqXm-ntfgmR4A-ktPaMABQfdKcIVGoGWoiiTf53JaJUWQ3LZ37UMGUR87ghKE1zQ0zib4ymdCMsfETa2GbABHILSLroKlest9qlhpmtCVjaiDYNiqS0u-gjoqKoWNkju/s1600-h/Turkey+%26+Solvang.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy1GBlt23i4lweqXm-ntfgmR4A-ktPaMABQfdKcIVGoGWoiiTf53JaJUWQ3LZ37UMGUR87ghKE1zQ0zib4ymdCMsfETa2GbABHILSLroKlest9qlhpmtCVjaiDYNiqS0u-gjoqKoWNkju/s320/Turkey+%26+Solvang.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146160605057750690" /></a>We’ve spent every Thanksgiving in California with our friends Shawn, Rob and the O’Neill family. The turkey is always moist, the table is beautiful and the company is top notch. After the meal, we play games and watch Christmas movies. We miss our families during the holidays and we are grateful to have friends that welcome us into their home.<br /><br />The next day we took our friend Diana to the Danish village of Solvang. We hit our usual stops: Jul Haus, Little Bit o’Denmark restaurant, Solvang Antique Center and the neighboring Santa Ynez Mission. <br /><br /><strong>THE HISTORY BOYS AT THE AHMANSON</strong><br />The last day of the month, Daryl and I went to Alan Bennet’s Tony-winning drama <a href="http://www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/productiondetail.aspx?id=3512">The History Boys </a>at the Ahmanson Theater. Set at a 1980’s English prep school where the faculty is readying its students for university interviews, the play explores issues of power, class, gender, unrequited love, politics, ethics and tradition.<br /><br />The script does a good job capturing the mix of youthful bravado and teenage cynicism of these highly educated boys, but the set changes kept taking us out of the narrative. Even when moving between two identical classrooms, the stage went black and a large screen appeared with erratic, black and white videos of the students going to class, studying in the library, and horsing around to uptempo British pop music. Designed to camouflage moving scenery these breaks had the opposite effect. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtLBcpbnjLZSMsH2sjMvlywL_2gfNSAHWNK-oNBFoFrRdiISit0B2tcYYZIAP2SIVk9mMomvRj7l4QuP_oWezcgFNPdFWeotyJx7eGBWsA2UH99uVS9x__zviV3zcnTtD2Na37-mFcDXt/s1600-h/HB+Ahmanson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtLBcpbnjLZSMsH2sjMvlywL_2gfNSAHWNK-oNBFoFrRdiISit0B2tcYYZIAP2SIVk9mMomvRj7l4QuP_oWezcgFNPdFWeotyJx7eGBWsA2UH99uVS9x__zviV3zcnTtD2Na37-mFcDXt/s400/HB+Ahmanson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146161343792125634" /></a>Act I’s repeated references to classical poets, a scene played entirely in French, and a rambling narrative frustrated some of our fellow playgoers. Many did not return for Act II, but Daryl and I liked The History Boys. It’s a play full of small moments which needed a more intimate space than the Ahmanson and a simpler set design. <br /><br />The film version of <em>The History Bo</em>ys, featuring the original London cast, airs the morning of December 6 on Cinemax. I’ve already set our DVR.<br /><br />Thank you to Byron and Shephard for making sure we got to see this! <br /><br /><strong>MORE STAR SIGHTINGS</strong><br />Two familiar faces in the <em>The History Boys </em> cast were <a href="http://imdb.com/name/nm0656739/">Peter Paige </a>from Showtime’s <em>Queer As Folk</em> and film/TV veteran <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakin_Matthews">Dakin Mattews</a>. You might recognize Dakin as the mission commander in the Epcot attraction <em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybLGzie1mfU">Body Wars</a></em>.<br /><br />While shopping in Woodland Hills we ate lunch a few tables over from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005519/">Wilmer Valderrama</a> and his entourage. <br /><br /><strong>DECEMBER</strong><br />Our tree is up and the last of the house decorations should be in place this week. Daryl and I will be visiting friends and family this month. If we don’t get to tell you in person, please accept our wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.<br /><br />Until next month,<br />JamesJames Utthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02176399930992091021noreply@blogger.com0