Friday, December 25, 2009

S: Is for Sad but True


O COME YE INVESTORS
tune--O Come All Ye Faithful lyrics by Felonius Ax
O Come, ye investors, bold captains of commerce,
Let‚s get our products made in old Saipan.
Come for the people, peaceful and compliant
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them because we can!
See how consumers, blinded by low prices,
Leaving their ethics, come here to buy.
Into our pockets they will pour their dollars.
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them because we can!

Child, in our sweatshops making designer watches,
Billionaires get richer from your twelve-hour days!

Thus ends the F.A.C.T.S we need to face.
Who would not hire you for ten cents an hour?
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them because we can!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

T: Is for Toys


Toys For The World
(to the tune of "Joy To The World" by George F. Handel)

Toys for the world are made by kids
And not by elves at all!
We work them night and day
For very little pay.
And little tiny hands
Make all your fav'rite brands
That fill up the shelves in every shopping mall.

Toys for the world that Santa brings
So your sweet kids can play...
What's underneath your tree
Is our economy.
And all those girls and boys
Who make you're children's toys
Are not getting squat from us on Christmas Day!
They're not getting squat from us on Christmas Day!

Toy F.A.C.T.S. we don't face.

Lyrics by Felonius Ax
(aka Clifford J. Tasner)

C: Is for Carols of a realistic kind


CAROL OF THE BILLS tune--Carol of the Bells lyrics by Diva Denz
Closing Bell Rings! Fill your stockings!
With Market Shares, Nothing we'll Spare!
Capital Gains, Nothing Remains,
For pension plans, wage earning clans
Ding Dong, Ding Dong, that is our song!
With Closing Ring, Profiteering!
Ownership Race, we'll set the pace!
Glee we reap from, Unearned income!
Oh, how it pounds! Closing Bell Sounds!
Through halls of gold, so Rich and Bold!

Gaily it rings, CEOs Sing
Songs of their gains. Free Market Reigns!
Social Social Social Social Security
Private Private Private Privatizing!

On, the bell tolls, Divert Payrolls
Our elite tones, Drown working homes.
Closing Bell Rings! Fill your stockings!
With Market Shares, Nothing we'll Spare!
Capital Gains, Nothing Remains,
For pension plans, wage earning clans
Ding Dong, Ding Dong, that is our song!
With Closing Ring, Profiteering!
Ownership Race, we'll set the pace!
Glee we reap from, Unearned income!
Oh, how it pounds! Closing Bell Sounds!
Through halls of gold, so Rich and Bold!

Gaily it rings, CEOs Sing
Songs of their gains. Free Market Reigns!
Social Social Social Social Security
Private Private Private Privatizing!

On, the bell tolls, Divert Payrolls
Our elite tones, Drown working homes.
Ding Dong, Ding Dong

F.A.C.T.S. we can't ignore.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A: is for accenting the problem


Prison Cells
(to the tune of "Jingle Bells" by J. Pierpont)

It's just a traffic stop - for D.W.B.
Then the cop plants drugs on you and busts you, one-two-three.
Or you could get popped - and if it's your third strike,
You'll get life in prison just for jacking someone's bike! Oh...

(Chorus)
Prison cells, prison cells - don't you break the rules.
We spend more on prison cells than we spend on our schools!
Prison cells, prison cells - You'll be doing time.
We'll lock you up for forty years and say we're tough on crime!

Here comes the D.A. Watch him rig the game.
He'll suppress the evidence that just might clear your name.
You could still appeal, but you're bound to fail.
Your court-appointed lawyer couldn't get Jesus out of jail! Oh...

(Chorus)

You'll be building toys. You'll be booking flights.
We'll force you to work so just forget about your rights.
We don't pay you much. You can't unionize.
Prison labor really makes our profit margin rise! Oh...

(Chorus)

We don't add no frills, nor rehabilitate.
We privatize the prisons and we get rich from the state.
If our venture fails, and if our stock should tank,
We'll let the public bail us out and laugh it to the bank! Oh...

(Chorus)

Lyrics by Felnonius A
(aka Clifford J. Tasner)

These are scary F.A.C.T.S.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

F: Is for farce


















There is an amazing group called Billionaires for Bush. They are a political satire group. My column this week is dedicated to their Christmas Carols all week. Enjoy

O COME YE INVESTORS
tune--O Come All Ye Faithful lyrics by Felonius Ax
O Come, ye investors, bold captains of commerce,
Let‚s get our products made in old Saipan.
Come for the people, peaceful and compliant
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them because we can!
See how consumers, blinded by low prices,
Leaving their ethics, come here to buy.
Into our pockets they will pour their dollars.
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them because we can!

Child, in our sweatshops making designer watches,
Billionaires get richer from your twelve-hour days!
Who would not hire you for ten cents an hour?
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them
O come let us exploit them because we can!

Now these are F.A.C.T.S. we can not ignore.

S: Is for Showtime and the SAG awards.


T: Is for the theatre Gods

Wondering what films to see, what video's to watch. The SAG nominations just came out. "An Education," "The Hurt Locker," "Inglourious Basterds," "Nine" and "Precious" took the nominations for best ensemble cast. Michelle Monaghan and Chris O'Donnell announced the nominations this morning at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

Best Actor nods went to Jeff Bridges for "Crazy Heart," George Clooney for "Up in the Air," Colin Firth for "Single Man," Morgan Freeman for "Invictus" and Jeremy Renner for "The Hurt Locker."

Best Actress: Sandra Bullock for "The Blind Side," Helen Mirren for "The Last Station," Carey Mulligan for "An Education," Gabourey Sidibe for "Precious" and Meryl Streep for "Julie and Julia."

Supporting Actor: Matt Damon for "Invictus," Woody Harrelson for "The Messenger," Christopher Plummer for "The Last Station," Stanley Tucci for "The Lovely Bones" and Christop Waltz for "Inglourious Basterds."

Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz for "Nine," Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick for "Up in the Air," Diane Kruger for "Inglourious Basterds" and Mo'Nique for "Precious."

Winners will be announced Jan. 23 in ceremonies at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Ballots will be sent to the 120,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild.

Did you know the SAG awards for best ensemble has matched the Oscar winner for Best Picture in seven of the last 14 years, including "Slumdog Millionaire."

best actor has matched the Oscar winner in 11 of the last 15 years, including Sean Penn for "Milk."

SAG's best actress winner has matched in 10 of 15 years. Streep won the SAG trophy this year for "Doubt" and Kate Winslet won the Oscar for "The Reader" after winning the SAG prize in the supporting category.

Now these are film F.A.C.T.S.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

T: Is for the terrifying F.A.C.T.S


Does the thought of convicted attacker getting out of prison early make you feel sick. Convicts who have thrown victims from a moving vehicle, beat them until welts and bruises covered their bodies and then raped them are being released. This same criminal also was convicted of coercion and tampering with a witness. An "oversight" allowing violent offenders to get out early if they have a consecutive term that includes a non-violent crime has just passed. As budget deficits grow and the economy tumbles, governors and legislators are cutting costs by allowing inmates, mostly low-risk offenders, to leave prison earlier than laws previously permitted. Nationwide, more states are beginning to release thousands of inmates early by increasing "time off" provisions. Last week, figures from the U.S. Department of Justice indicated that in 2008 the growth of the prison population was slower than in any year since 2000. Inmates to be release 1,000, which could save $5 million a year. A panel of federal judges ordered California to reduce its prison population by 40,000 because of overcrowding. Governor Schwarzenegger proposed releasing 27,000 inmates. Officials say inmates released early usually were incarcerated for drug offenses or property crimes. The early release provisions will save $21.4 million in one state alone. A Pew Charitable Trusts study found, state spending on corrections soared to $49 billion a year, up from $11 billion 20 years before. Prison costs are the top expense in some states, sometimes higher than the amount spent on education.

It seems crime does pay and soon there will be no stopping it because the punishment will be a slap on the hand. Now this is a terrifying F.A.C.T.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

C: Is for Electronics Clean-Up


'Tis the season of buying new and replacing old electronics, and to commemorate its one year anniversary, the Broadway Green Alliance will be hosting an industry-wide electronic waste (e-waste) collection for actors, stage crew, producers, general managers and theaters from across the Great White Way, sponsored by WeRecycle! There will be a presentation featuring Wicked and Next to Normal producer David Stone, Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, Senior Scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and David Hurd, Director of Office of Recycling Outreach and Education, Council on the Environment of New York City.
Members of the casts of BGA shows, including Finian’s Rainbow, Guys & Dolls, Mamma Mia! 9 to 5, Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime, South Pacific, The Little Mermaid and Wicked, will perform two songs including an original song by composer John Mercurio.

You can learn more about this at http://www.broadwaygreen.com/

Where: DUFFY SQUARE, South side (between 45th + 47th streets; Broadway + 7th avenue)
When: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 12:00pm – 12:30pm
What is the Broadway Green Alliance: The BGA was created in 2008 as an Ad Hoc Committee of the Broadway League. It is an industry-wide initiative that seeks to educate, motivate and inspire the theater community and its patrons to adopt environmentally friendlier practices in all aspects of theatre production and everyday life. Working closely with the NRDC, the BGA identifies and disseminates better practices for theatre professionals and reaches out to theatre fans throughout the country.

What is E-waste? E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to old computers, cell phones, printers and other electronics that are no longer wanted. These products contain dangerous toxins like lead and mercury that should not be thrown in with the rest of the trash, but reused or recycled instead.

How can theatre fans help? Today's e-waste drive was organized by the BGA but theatre fans can do their part by taking their old electronics to retailers with recycling programs, mailing them back to manufacturers, or organizing a recycling event in their community – visit www.nrdc.org/ewaste to find out how. And to make it easier in the future – New Yorkers can tell the Governor and their state representatives we need a statewide electronics recycling program.

The Broadway Green Alliance (BGA), established in 2008 as an Ad Hoc Committee of The Broadway League, is an industry-wide initiative that seeks to educate, motivate and inspire the theater community and its patrons to adopt environmentally friendlier practices in all aspects of theatre production and everyday life. Working closely with the Natural Resources Defense Council, the BGA identifies and disseminates better practices for theatre professionals and reaches out to theatre fans throughout the country.

twitter at “broadwaygreen” and that is a green F.A.C.T.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A: Is for stars joining Art revived


Producers David Richenthal, Eric Falkenstein and Randall Wreghitt are pleased to announce that Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Matthew Modine (“And the Band Played On,” Short Cuts), Jennifer Morrison (Fox series “House M.D.,” the film Star Trek) and Tony Award winner Elizabeth Franz (Death of a Salesman) have joined the cast of the first revival of The Miracle Worker. The Tony Award winning play celebrates its 50th Anniversary of opening on Broadway.

Previously announced, The Miracle Worker will be directed by Kate Whoriskey (Ruined), will star Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Tony Award nominee Alison Pill (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, iconic roles made famous by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in the Tony Award winning play and landmark feature film adaptation.

A veteran of over 50 feature films Matthew Modine will make his Broadway debut in The Miracle Worker. He starred in Birdy, Married to the Mob, Vision Quest, Full Metal Jacket, Orphans, Pacific Heights and On Any Given Sunday. He earned Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominations for his performance in HBO's critically acclaimed and Emmy Award winning drama “And the Band Played On.” On stage he starred in the critically acclaimed Hartford Stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird and in the world premiere of Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas at the Geffen Playhouse, a satire about the film industry.

Jennifer Morrison will make her Broadway debut in The Miracle Worker. She is best known for her role as “Dr. Allison Cameron” on the critically acclaimed television series “House M.D.” She recently appeared in the feature film Star Trek as “Captain James Kirk’s” mother “Winona.” Following making her film debut opposite Richard Gere and Sharon Stone in Intersection she has appeared in the feature films Stir of Echoes, Grind, Surviving Christmas and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Morrison studied with the celebrated Steppenwolf Theatre Company and earned a theater degree from Loyola University.

Tony Award winner Elizabeth Franz returns to Broadway for the first time since starring in the 2002 Tony Award nominated production of Morning’s at Seven for which was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She is best known for her Tony Award winning performance as “Linda Loman” in the 1999 production of Death of a Salesman.

The Miracle Worker will be staged in the round for the first time at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50 Street) and will opening Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Additional casting will be announced shortly.

Set in the South in the 1880s, THE MIRACLE WORKER tells the story of real-life blind and deaf Medal of Freedom winner Helen Keller, who suddenly lost her sight and hearing at the age of 19 months, and the extraordinary teacher who taught her to communicate with the world, Annie Sullivan.
THE MIRACLE WORKER originally opened at The Playhouse Theatre on October 19, 1959 and was awarded the 1960 Tony Award® for Best Play in addition to garnering leading lady Anne Bancroft a Tony Award® for Best Actress in a Play for the role of Annie Sullivan and a Theatre World Award for newcomer Patty Duke for her portrayal of Helen Keller. Both actresses received Academy Awards® for their work in the feature film adaptation.

www.miracleworkeronbroadway.com

Now this is a revival of a F.A.C.T.

Monday, December 14, 2009

F: is for finding shelter


This year in Manhattan there’s been a bumper crop of hotel openings — and a few old ones getting a spruce up. Sadly, the stratospheric room rates, which normally start at about $600 a night in the top hotels, mean that staying in them is beyond the reach of most of us mere mortals. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dip in for an hour or two: hotels host some of the hippest restaurants and bars, and it’s often no harder to get a table than anywhere else in the city. Top ticket for dinner right now is Le Caprice, which opened last month as part of the relaunch of the Pierre after an 18-month renovation. The hotel is a towering monument to the days when the Astors, the Vanderbilts and the Carnegies threw up vast hotels at a rate to rival present-day Dubai. Last month the Crosby Street Hotel opened its doors in SoHo, the first outpost of British-owned Firmdale Hotels. Cucumber sandwiches beneath a set of Warhol-style pictures of the Queen — what could be more British? Locanda Verde is absolutely brilliant, offering unpretentious, hearty Italian food that won’t break the bank: $20 buys the portion of the most succulent garlic-roasted chicken. Tribeca, fast becoming movie central: DreamWorks has just moved in, the Weinsteins have set up home in the neighbourhood and Robert De Niro, who owns the Greenwich, has his office just around the corner.
The Ace Hotel has rooms that start at $99 a night.

From swanky chic to retro charm:

Crosby Street Hotel: Lime, pink and gold striped sofa — giddy-print fabrics and luxury bathrooms. Doubles from $495.

The Surrey: Muted greys and creams, with nice touches from the 1930s and sumptuous beds. This is a hotel for locals — ex-Upper East Siders, or their relatives — utterly bling-free and with fabulous, warm service. Doubles from $629.

The Greenwich: Shabby chic. Nice touches include in-room saunas and free soft drinks and sweets — but, best of all, some rooms have balconies overlooking the charming walled garden. Doubles from $459.

The Ace: Retro — huge 1950s-style Smeg fridges for minibars, turntables rather than iPod docking stations and 1970s furniture — but don’t come looking for glam. Bunkbed doubles from $99 per night.

Now these are F.A.C.T.S. for out of town guests.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

S: is for focus on Service





















The new video “WAR ON CHRISTMAS DAY” debuts today. This is the first video from Carol Hall’s award-winning CD, HALLWAYS, The Songs of Carol Hall. The song, “War On Christmas Day”, was inspired by a young Pvt 1st Class, a friend of Carol Hall’s family, who had just finished her second tour of duty. The video was made in gratitude and appreciation for the valiant men and women serving in our armed forces. Performed by Scott Coulter, Tim Di Pasqua and Tom Andersen, “War On Christmas Day,” is the 12th cut on the award-winning CD, and has lyrics by Carol Hall and music by Robert Burke. HALLWAYS, The Songs of Carol Hall (LML MUSIC) was originally released on March 11th, 2008 nationally in stores and online at iTunes and Amazon.com. The CD’s critical and popular success led to a second printing, which shipped January 20th, 2009. Most recently winning the Bistro ASCAP Award for Outstanding CD, the album is being readied for a third printing. In a time when we are celebrating those close to us, this video brings us back to reality. This video will move you like no other. How easy it is to forget we are missing our young who so bravely are giving their lives. What a gift and we forget to cherish that. This vedio gives us a reality check. To view the video go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agC3t3KOvRs

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

T: is for the theatre Gods


The theatre Gods are shouting with glee as the Roundabout Theatre Company announces Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine return to Studio 54 with Sondheim on Sondheim, a new original Broadway musical starring Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, Tom Wopat, Leslie Kritzer, Norm Lewis, Euan Morton & Matthew Scott. Music & lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim, and conceived & directed by James Lapine.

Sondheim on Sondheim will begin previews on March 19th, 2010 and open officially April 22nd, 2010 at Studio 54 on Broadway (254 West 54th Street). This will be a limited engagement through Sunday, June 13th, 2010.

It has been over 37 years since Barbara Cook appeared in a Broadway musical. Ms. Cook won the 1958 Tony Award for her portrayal of “Marian Paroo” in The Music Man. She has been called one of the greatest interpreters Sondheim and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Theatrical Event for her solo, limited engagement concert Mostly Sondheim in 2002.

Vanessa Williams received a 2002 Tony Award nomination for her performance of the “Witch” in Into the Woods and made her Broadway debut in 1994 in Kiss of the Spider Woman.

C: Is for Carrie Newcomer


Rounder Records announced Carrie Newcomer’s latest album Before and After, set for release on February 23rd, 2010. The acclaimed singer/songwriter has created a brand new album that captures her uniquely irreverent and spiritual take on the world. This latest release, Newcomer emphasizes “is not an album about being flashy or playing lot of notes, it’s about playing the most elegant notes and placing them perfectly.” And indeed, Before and After combines the very best of Newcomer’s folk-roots sound, overlaid with Appalachian and classical influences. Featuring a special guest appearance from Mary Chapin Carpenter, coupled with Newcomer’s voice, the album launches itself with an unforgettably haunting and beautiful collaboration from two of acoustic music’s most resonant female vocalists.

Before and After is Newcomer’s twelfth release on Rounder, with prior albums including Regulars & Refugees, The Age of Possibility, The Gathering of Spirits, the Betty’s Diner collection and her last album, the critically acclaimed The Geography of Light. The melodious sound on Before and After results from closely working with a core of exceptional musicians who combine piano, violin, mandolin, cello, bass and percussion with Newcomer’s adept guitar work and soulful voice, which the Austin Statesman has described as being “as rich as Godiva chocolate.” As always, Newcomer’s work is inspired and influenced by her friendships and collaborations with influential authors, theologians and fellow songwriters, including Parker J. Palmer, Phillip Gulley, Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, Scott Russell Sanders, Barbara Kingsolver and Jill Bolte Taylor.

It is no surprise that her music has been praised in Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Acoustic Guitar, Performing Songwriter, Paste Magazine and many other outlets. She has toured with Alison Krauss and Union Station, and her song “I Should’ve Known Better” was recorded by Nickel Creek on their Grammy®-winning, gold-selling album This Side. Her successful 2008 release, The Geography of Light, earned her Artist of the Year and Album of the Year from Folk Wax Magazine.

In addition to a busy year of recording and touring, in 2009 Newcomer was invited by The American Centre to visit India as a cultural ambassador, where she met and performed concerts with Indian musicians, and taught workshops on songwriting and community involvement – continuing her emphasis on outreach and helping others. About her impressions of India, Newcomer says, “music can be a language deeper than words. I love our differences. Cultures are rich, and what makes each culture unique should be celebrated, but I was also powerfully moved by what we share as a human family.”

For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit www.carrienewcomer.com and www.rounder.com.

Her music reaches the heart of America and that is a F.A.C.T.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

A: Is for on again off again Art


Reeve Carney will play the superhero Spider-Man in the on again off again Broadway musical, Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark.
U2’s Bono and The Edge will be bringing the music and lyric to the mega-production, which will be directed by Julie Taymor.
Carney joins previously announced cast members Evan Rachel Wood as Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker’s girlfriend and Alan Cumming as Norman Osborn (aka Green Goblin).” Carney is the lead singer of the rock band Carney. He also starred in 1999’s Snow Falling on Cedars portraying a young Ethan Hawke and plays Ferdinand in the upcoming Julie Taymor movie The Tempest. Julie Taymor stated, "Having recently finished shooting 'The Tempest' with Reeve as the young prince, I was thrilled to cast him in an entirely different role as Peter Parker in Spider-Man. Not only is Reeve a great rock and roll singer but his acting is equally fresh and authentic."

On a business note: Michael Cohl has joined the production as lead producer on the show. Jeremiah J. Harris is now second producer on the show. The full producing team for the project is Michael Cohl, Jeremiah J. Harris, Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle, Marvel Entertainment/David Maisel, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. The show will open in 2010 at the Hilton Theatre in New York.

Visit www.SpiderManOnBroadway.com.

With all the gossip floating around this show I will believe it is a F.A.C.T. when it opens.

F: Is from Film to Broadway to Museums


Disney Theatrical Productions donated objects from the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical The Lion King, to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Costume elements from the show’s protagonist Simba, and the tribal shaman Rafiki, will join the ranks of iconic objects from Broadway musicals Cats, Rent and The King and I. The stylized lion mask and headdress of Simba and costume, custom shoes and hat designed for Rafiki will be added into the museum’s permanent entertainment collections. This landmark musical event recently surpassed the 50 million mark in worldwide attendance, becoming the first American musical to reach that milestone.

The costume components designed by Julie Taymor, and the mask (co-designed by Michael Curry) were conceived for the original Broadway production, which opened on November 13, 1997. Taymor, a designer and director, has garnered acclaim for her innovative productions combining actors, masks, puppetry, ritual and large theatrical landscapes. Taymor won the Tony Award for Best Costume Design and Best Direction of a Musical for The Lion King.

The Simba mask-headdress is made of carbon graphite, a lightweight but durable material cast from a silicone mold, paint and polyester fibers. The Rafiki costume is made of cotton fabric, decorated with metal amulets, and a horsehair collar. The hat is made of textured kente cloth and the custom shoes are made of rubber.

To date, the show has been presented in 13 different countries.

The National Museum of American History collects, preserves and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. Now these are F.A.C.T.S.

S: Is for Stritch at the Carlyle


The Carlyle Hotel, announced the return of resident leading lady, Elaine Stritch, to the Café Carlyle in an all-new show: “At Home At The Carlyle: Elaine Stritch Singin’ Sondheim. . . One Song At A Time.” The strictly limited engagement will play the month of January 2010, at the legendary nightspot, with opening night set for Tuesday, January 5 (through January 30).

The iconic musical theater careers of Ms. Stritch and Stephen Sondheim are inextricably linked, and this new show is the culmination of a personal and professional relationship that has spanned the better part of four decades. In “At Home At The Carlyle: Elaine Stritch Singin’ Sondheim. . . One Song At A Time,” Ms. Stritch (with Rob Bowman, Music Director) will perform the music of Mr. Sondheim, orchestrated by Tony, Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Jonathan Tunick.

“At Home At The Carlyle: Elaine Stritch Singin’ Sondheim. . . One Song At A Time” will play Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:45 p.m. There is a $125 music charge for all performances. Dinner is required for all shows. There will be dinner seating’s at 6:00pm, 6:30pm and 7:00pm. The Café Carlyle is located within The Carlyle Hotel (35 East 76th Street at Madison Avenue).

Stritch's Broadway credits include Angel in the Wings, Pal Joey, On Your Toes, Bus Stop, Goldilocks, Sail Away (which she performed in both New York and London), a concert at Carnegie Hall to celebrate Noel Coward’s centennial), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (following Uta Hagen in the role of Martha), Company and Showboat. Other stage credits include the concert version of both Follies and Company at Lincoln Center and her appearance in A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters with Jason Robards. Ms. Stritch made her film debut in the 1957 remake of “A Farewell To Arms.” Today's audiences remember her for Monster-in-Law” with Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez, and “Romance and Cigarettes,” with James Gandolfini and Susan Sarandon. Ms. Stritch’s television credits include “The Cosby Show,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Soul Man,” and “30 Rock,” for which she has received a 2007 Emmy Award for her guest starring role as Colleen, Jack’s (Alec Baldwin) mother. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance in “An Inconvenient Woman,” written by Dominick Dunne and won an Emmy for her recurring role on “Law & Order.” Ms. Stritch won a Tony Award and two Drama Desk Awards for the Broadway production of Elaine Stritch At Liberty and a 2004 Emmy Award for “Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program.” In 2005, Elaine made her New York cabaret debut with her critically-acclaimed show “Elaine Stritch: At Home at the Carlyle” and returned the following year with an all new program entitled “Elaine Stritch: At Home at the Carlyle…Again.”

T: Is for Trouble with Health Care


One of the leading progressive champions of health care reform is pessimistic, he sees virtually no path to passing strong legislation and predicting potential congressional losses for Democrats as a consequence. Howard Dean stated that Senate Democratic leadership was "in deep trouble" on health care, even after Majority Leader Harry Reid gather over the weekend the 60 votes needed to get legislation to the floor. This is going to be death for the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] and the [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee]. Why would anyone donate if they're supporting candidates who defeat the Democratic agenda?"

Despite countless attempts over nearly a century, no chamber of Congress has ever before passed comprehensive health reform. This is history. Tragically, 39 Democrats, mostly corrupt, bought-out Insurance Industry shills, crossed the aisle and found themselves on the wrong side of history. Representative Paul Ryan Just Said No To Affordfable Health Care For America's Middle Class. The House of Representatives took historic bipartisan action by passing health insurance reform. Putting big insurance company profits before struggling middle class families. For years, middle class families have seen their health insurance costs skyrocket, while insurance companies have made enormous profits by limiting coverage.

The nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation launched a new campaign called Patients United Now "to educate citizens about the threat of government controlled health care." As part of the campaign, an ad called "Survivor" was released on Wednesday that says Washington wants to bring "Canadian-style" health care to the U.S. -- and began airing on Wednesday a 30-minute documentary-style video entitled "End of Patient’s Rights — The Human Consequences of Government-Run Health Care." The video is airing nationally on cable networks and will air on A&E, the History Channel and the Washington NBC affiliate after "Meet the Press" on Sunday. The notion of a "government-run" health care plan is a F.A.C.T people should read up on before you lose your rights!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

C: Is for Carrie


The 2010 Grammy Nominations were announced. As I reported earlier Carrie Fisher new show Wishful Drinking is an outstanding look at a Hollywood life gone array. Carrie received a nomination in the Best Spoken Word Album category for her bestselling memoir version of Wishful Drinking .

For a full list of nominations: http://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/52nd_show/list.aspx

In Wishful Drinking, Carrie Fisher recounts the true and intoxicating tale of her life as a Hollywood legend, told with the same wry wit she poured into bestsellers like Postcards from the Edge. The daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher became a cultural icon when she starred as “Princess Leia” in the first Star Wars trilogy at 19 years old. Forever changed, Carrie’s
life did not stay picture perfect. Fisher is the life of the party in this uproarious and sobering look at her Hollywood hangover.

Wishful Drinking has been extended on Broadway through January 17th, 2010. This is one entertaining night of theatre.

A: Is for AIDS


I already told you Broadway star and vocal magician James Barbour. Saturday Night December 12th will feature stage veteran, The Broadway community to commemorate World AIDS Day, yesterday, December 1st dimmed the marquees of Broadway theaters, at exactly 8:00pm for one minute.

In addition to Broadway theaters, participating venues across the city including the Brooklyn Bridge, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, the Chrysler Building, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre and the Washington Square Park Memorial Arch also showed their support.

A roster of notable guests, including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and actress and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Naomi Watts, kicked off the global Light for Rights campaign in New York City as lights on numerous landmarks all over the city turned off to remember those we have lost to AIDS and turned back on to emphasize human rights for those living with HIV/AIDS around the world.

The global initiative, organized by UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS); amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research; Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; and the World AIDS Campaign, will showcase the importance of fundamental human rights as citizens and organizations around the world fight AIDS.

The New York anchor event began at 6:00 p.m. in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, where the Secretary-General and Naomi Watts will be joined by Kenneth Cole, chairman, Kenneth Cole Productions and chairman of the board, amfAR; New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and 13-year-old Honduran AIDS activist Keren Dunaway-Gonzalez, who is living with HIV.

During the event, at 6:15 p.m., the lights on the Washington Square Park Memorial Arch will be turned off and then re-illuminated as the speakers talk about the importance of human rights when confronting the AIDS pandemic.

AIDS is a F.A.C.T

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

F: Is from stage to film

From left, Angel Ramos, Vilma Ortiz Donovan, Kenneth Harrigan and Casimiro Torres, the “Castle” cast.

The original cast of the hit Off-Broadway play, The Castle, heads to the film studio to set their performance on celluloid. Shooting started taking place yesterday in Manhattan, with a portion of the film to be filmed before convicts in a New York Correctional Facility. The Castle was conceived and directed Off-Broadway by David Rothenberg, who founded The Fortune Society 42 years ago It was written in collaboration with and performed by Vilma Ortiz Donavan (6 years), Kenneth Harrigan (16 years) and Angel Ramos (30 years) and Casimiro Torres (16 years) -- all of whom share their own real-life stories and collectively served 70 years in prison.

The Castle, a unique theatrical event that presents a searing, first-hand look at the lives of four formerly incarcerated New Yorkers and their re-entry into society, following a successful world premiere at its namesake venue in February 2008 and became a critical hit and an instrument of education and change within the New York State Department of Correctional Services system. The Castle received its Off-Broadway premiere to critical acclaim in March 2008 where it was presented by Eric Krebs and Chase Mishkin at New World Stages. It ran for 14 months giving its final performance in May 2009.

The Castle, an imposing upper west side residential facility for the formerly incarcerated, was opened (and is maintained) by The Fortune Society, a non-profit organization that helps put men and women, recently emerged from prison, on their re-entry into society. The organization was established by Mr. Rothenberg following the success of the 1967 Off-Broadway production of the play, Fortune and Men’s Eyes (itself, a play about a young man’s experience in a youth detention center).

This is a film that should open the eyes for many and that is a F.A.C.T.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

S: Is for Seductive


On December 19th one of the most anticipated movies arrives on the scene. Nine is a free-fall affair, following the mental meanderings of moviemaker, Guido Contini (but read: Fellini), and the women who shape his life. They come in all shapes, sizes and roles. The cast was mined from Oscar gold, save for Kate Hudson, a mere nominee allowed to pass because of her dancing skills. Daniel Day-Lewis, Guido, replacing Javier Bardem, who dropped out due to exhaustion and needed a year off to recuperate from his Oscar-winning work ("No Country for Old Men").

The ladies running around loose in Guido's feverish brain are his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz, who was cast Oscar-less but won one during the shoot), his muse (Nicole Kidman) and his producer (Judi Dench). Rounding out the star-studded cast are Kate Hudson, Penélope Cruz, Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson and Sophia Loren. From the moment it was announced, Nine was a film that nearly every actress wanted a role in and was willing to audition for. Director Rob Marshall had his pick.
Marshall agrees: “I saw just about every female star in Hollywood. A lot of these women don’t usually audition and I was impressed at how they were putting themselves on the line"

To see how fabulous this is going to be check out the just released trailer.http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/nine/

Now this is a film I can't wait to see and that is a F.A.C.T.

Friday, November 27, 2009

T: is for topping the charts


Former US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's memoir has topped the US bestseller list in its first week of release, industry figures have shown. With almost half a million copies sold, Going Rogue: An American Life beat new blockbusters by James Patterson and Stephen King Nielsen.Her sales have topped those of Barack Obama, whose Audacity of Hope sold 67,000 copies in its first week. A string of public appearances have helped to boost both her profile and book sales. An appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, during which Palin said a run for the White House in 2012 was "not on my radar screen right now", boosted the programme's ailing ratings. However, first week sale statistics show her book has sold less than former president Bill Clinton's 2004 memoir, My Life, at the same period of sales, but is just ahead of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's 2003 Living History.
In October, Palin's book jumped to the top of the bestseller lists on the strength of advance sales only. The title refers to claims that while on the campaign trail with Mr McCain, Palin pursued her own agenda.

I guess controversy sells to a ignorant and innocent public but that F.A.C.T. she is getting away with this is disgusting.

Will I read the book ...... probably. Will I buy it .... not a chance in hell. This is a trash novel at it's best and that is most definitely a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Carols


Missing those holiday carols Broadway star and vocal magician, James Barbour, will repeat last season’s holiday sold-out success with this season’s Holiday Concert 2009 which will be presented in both New York and Los Angeles. The New York Concerts will begin on Friday, December 11th at Bill’s 1890 Restaurant & Café (57 East 54th Street – between Park & Madison)
and continue through Saturday, December 19th. The evening will feature a musically inspired reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Clement Clarke Moore’s wrote this classical holiday poem for his nine children in 1822 while they lived at 57 East 54th Street, the building which now houses the Café. The Los Angeles schedule will present one concert only on Monday, December 21st at The Colony Theatre (555 N. Third St. - Burbank, CA). Both concerts will feature special guest appearances by Broadway and Hollywood luminaries; to be announced in the coming weeks. Mr. Brbour most recently ignited Broadway audiences to thundering standing ovations for his emotionally blistering portrayal of Sydney Carton in “A TALE OF TWO CITIES” at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, a performance he has repeated for Public Television set to begin airing in late November of this year. He has starred on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as The Beast, Carousel as Billy Bigelow, Urinetown as Officer Lockstock and as Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre as well as several othrs. He appeared in the Broadway production of Cyrano and the national tour of The Secret Garden. His voice can be heard on the upcoming international recording of A Tale of Two Cities, the PS Classics recording of Assassins, the Sony Classical cast recording of Jane Eyre, The Gift on Geffen Records, the upcoming release of Frank Wildhorn’s Dracula, as well as on the live CD recording of his self-produced stage show Broadway in Concert (for which he won an LA WEEKLY Garland Award). His television credits range from the pilots of “The District,” “Just Shoot Me” and “Flashpoint” to appearances on “Sex and the City,” “Ed,” “That’s Life,” “Some Enchanted Evening: Celebrating Oscar Hammerstein” (PBS), “Beauty and the Beast: A Concert on Ice” (CBS), the PBS mini-series “American Experience: John & Abigail Adams” (playing Thomas Jefferson) and the upcoming film version of A Tale of Two Cities for public television. Film credits include Alchemy (Tribeca Film Festival and ABC Family) starring opposite Tom Cavanagh and Sarah Chalke; Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights, Waiting for Lefty, The Tell-Tale Heart and Twinkle Toes with Sally Kirkland. As an author and producer, James is responsible for creating three concert series, James Barbour: The Holiday Concert and Love Songs (both at New York City’s famed Sardi’s Restaurant) and Back From Broadway/Broadway in Concert (the latter in conjunction with Steinway Concert Artist Hershey Felder). Mr. Barbour is considered one of the most sought-after performers on Broadway today. He is on the A-list of actors asked to develop new works for the industry’s leading writers and composers including Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Frank Wildhorn, and Christopher Durang to name a few. He is currently developing a new musical concert called The Romantics. Mr. Barbour has worked tirelessly in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and is on the Artists’ Committee of The Actors Fund.




THE HOLIDAY CONCERT playing schedule is as follows:
NEW YORK EVENINGS
Friday, December 11th 7:30pm
Saturday, December 12th 7:30pm
Monday, December 14th 7:30pm
Tuesday, December 15th 7:30pm
Wednesday, December 16th 7:30pm
Thursday, December 17th 7:30pm
Friday, December 18th 7:30pm
Saturday, December 19th 7:30pm

NEW YORK MATINEES
Saturday, December 19th 3:00pm
NEW YORK CONCERT TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT:
www.SmartTix.com
212-868-4444
$60 (Premium Seating), $45 (Gold Seats), $25 (Silver Seats)
(Plus $25 food & drink minimum per person)



LOS ANGELES EVEVNING
Monday, December 21st at 7:00pm

LOS ANGELES CONCERT TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT:
www.ColonyTheatre.org
818-558-7000 (Ext. 15)

$40
(includes a reception after the show at the theatre)


ABOUT JAMES BARBOUR

JAMES BARBOUR was nominated for the Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Awards for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Sydney Carton in the Broadway musical version of A Tale of Two Cities, and won the Sarasota Magazine Best Actor Award for the Asolo Rep pre-Broadway production.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A: Is for art and success


The Metropolitan Pavilion was crowded on November 17th for it's annual ARTWALK. This event brings art lovers and artists together at a benefit for the Coalition for the Homeless. 30 Rock star, Alec Baldwin, opened the live auction with "I want you all to spend money… not just a little money: a lot of money because our fellow New Yorkers are hurting. Buy a painting… okay, buy a really crappy painting and then go see 'Night in Rodanthe': I really like Diane Lane!" Richard Gere, who sat front-and-center beside his wife, Carey Lowell, stood, doing a star turn, then approached the podium to speak. Wheelchair-bound artist, Chuck Close rolled to the podium in the vehicle designed for him by the same doctor who constructed the two-wheeled Segway. Celebrities and artist both donated and bought such items as Ivanka Trump's spinal and diamond earrings, Robert Rauchenberg's 'please walk all over me' carpet, Matthew Barney, Louise Bourgeois, Donald Baechler, Pat Steir and Wade Guyton were a few of the attendee’s. Southby's Vice President of Contemporary Prints, Christopher, Gaillard, opened the bidding. Bids ran high, but considering the state of things, not high enough. New Yorkers take care of those who have littel as artfully as possible through Coalition for the Homeless.

This is helpful art and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for food with a interesting twist


Chef Julian Medina (Toloache) continues his pan-Latin theme with croquetes de queijo (Brazilian cheesy poofs), lechon (Cuban roasted suckling pig), and Peruvian arepas with coffee-glazed pork belly. Have you ever eaten watermelon fries? That’s just global genius. They're terrific -- a combination of crunchy, sweet, and salty. There's a considerable and exotic fry menu with hearts of palm, cactus, and avocado fries coated in panko and served with a homemade made ketchup made with a slightly sweet, bitter tea that adds depth to ordinary ketchup.

A modern Latin eatery that opened last year in the East Village. The newest Yerba Buena Perry opened a few weeks ago on Perry Street in the West Village. The space is sleek, furnished with white leather banquettes, black & white tiled floors, dark wood table tops, and exposed brick walls. Several of the dishes and the drinks are flavored with the restaurant's namesake, yerba buena (Spanish mint.) This fall, it's mezcal, a spirit made from the agave plant, but smokier and more complex than tequila. There's a wonderful selection of untraditional ceviches, like seared rib eye mixed with aji amarillo, cilantro and sea urchin as well as flounder with lime, red onions, avocado and habanero. I had a good tuna ceviche tossed with onion, pickled watermelon and a soy jalapeno sauce, and an even better, aji amarillo-spiced flounder ceviche, scattered with diced sweet potato, raw and toasted maiz cancha, which is a little like the Peruvian version of corn nuts, only better.

This is a place to try for the adventurous and for those who love fine food and that is a F.A.C.T.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

S: Is for Special Events


As the day grows near, kids of all ages can't wait for the magic of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation. On Wednesday afternoon, November 26th, the annual blossoming of the giant helium balloons of the world's most famous Parade begins. Taking place on West 77th and 81st Streets between Columbus and Central Park West, the annual inflation is a rite of passage for many. Ever since 1927, when giant balloons were first introduced into MacyHs Parade, New Yorkers and visitors alike have started their Thanksgiving holiday celebration by gathering to watch the inflation of the giant size character balloons. This year, viewers will be thrilled to see 32 Balloons grow to a size larger-than-life and prepped for their flight down Broadway on Thanksgiving morning. Public viewing hours will be from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

At 3:00 PM, spectators will enter the magical behind-the-scenes world of Macy's "Balloon Inflation Station" at the northeast corner of 77th St. and Columbus Avenue and exit at the southeast corner of 81st Street. There will be no other points of entry. Entry to "Balloon Inflation" will close to the public at 10:00 PM. As an added convenience to families visiting the newly inflated balloons, Charmin Ultra® will provide the most fabulous public facilities on the Upper West Side. Located on the southwest corner of 77th Street and Columbus Avenue, these luxurious loos on wheels have all of the comforts of home, including hardwood floors, wallpaper and fully functional sinks.

"Our Balloon Inflation is for many people almost as exciting as the Parade itself. Inflation grows each year with more Parade lovers coming out Thanksgiving eve to experience it. This has become in many ways an annual tradition and event onto itself," says Robin Hall, Executive Producer/Director of the 77th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Preparations for Balloon Inflation begin early on Thanksgiving eve. Macy's Parade Balloonatics gear up for the next 36 hours prepping these giants for their flight down Broadway. The large Balloon line-up - 15 giant character Balloons and 11 novelty Balloons occupy two full city blocks to accommodate their expansive inflated dimensions. By mid-morning on November 26h, the Balloons arrive in their crates from the Parade Studio and enormous canvas drop cloths are laid out to cover all of 77th and 81st Streets, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, encompassing the American Museum of Natural History.

The magic begins as the Balloons are carefully unrolled onto the ground cloths, then tethered with nets and anchored with sandbags placed at five-foot intervals. These retaining nets are critical to this operation as they prevent the Balloons from flying away as they're being inflated or drifting off during slumber until Parade morning. Macy's technicians and crews fill the giant Balloons with helium (from four industrial tank trailers supplying almost a quarter million cubic feet), which are pumped into the separate compartments of each Balloon. Spectators are awed as they see right before their eyes a massive balloon with an undistinguishable shape become Parade favorites.

At 10:00 PM, the crowds disperse from the inflation site and last minute adjustments are made before the crew retires for the night. At 6:00 AM the next morning. Macy's Balloonatics top off each Balloon with a final blast of helium to ensure a successful flight down the line of march. Finally, the Balloons take to the sky around the corner of Central Park West and 77th & 81st Streets and prepare to march into history and the hearts of children of all ages who eagerly await that magical moment when we say, "Let's Have A Parade!"

These are blown up F.A.C.T.S

T: Is for Macy's Thanksgiving Parade


As adults around the country are getting ready for their families to gather, New Yorkers are getting ready for The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a national icon ever since its inception in 1924. Back then, it was called the Macy’s Christmas Parade even though it was held on Thanksgiving. This year the parade will step off at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26. The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade draws over 3 million spectators to the city itself while another 44 million, tune their television sets to NBC and CBS. As a child in California this parade was a integral part of my wanting to live in New York. I was glued as my television set tuned into giant balloons dancing across the sky as performers from every walk of life gathered. It seemed to appear as if it were seamless. Recently I found out it takes an army to pull off this fantasy of childhood memories. Over 4000 employee's and volunteers give up their diners and their day to create the magic and oh what magic it is.

The Times Square Chronicle had a chance to visit the warehouse that starts it all off. Like Gepeto's workshop Macy's has hidden the creative geniuses inside the former Tootsie Roll factory on Willow Avenue, where floats come to life. The studio has a staff of 24 full-time and 28 part-time employees. However over 300 people are needed the night before the parade On the eve of each Thanksgiving, the staff at the Macy's Parade Studio makes sure that every float and balloon has been safely dismantled and deflated. Once their creations have been sufficiently shrunk, the artists can send the finished pieces on their late-night trek to Manhattan. There are floats that are over three stories high and they must fit through the Lincoln Tunnel. There’s a lot of engineering involved.

This year there are five new floats, including the closing float with Santa. This is the first time in over 40 years that we have changed it stated . Over 3 stories tall It includes two houses (one of which is Santa’s), a North Pole, Santa's reindeer and sleigh flying over the scene and of course a bag full of toys. Ms Claus will be perched on a balcony waving goodbye.

Another float that has been redesigned is the ice skating float that depicts Central Park. Hamburger Helper pays tribute with Local Heroes Helping Everyday float and the cast of Yo Gabba Gabba will show "There's A Party in My City" on their float.

The new balloons include a Pillsbury Dough boy, Spiderman, Ronald McDonald and the new stuff toy this year, Sailor Mickey. Do you know where they test out the balloon to make sure they're ready to take flight? In a remote field in North Dakota, but it's exact location is a secret.

The biggest change this year is that 2.6-mile parade route will bypass Broadway for the first time in its history this year. The parade route beings at Central Park West and 77th Street, then travels down to Columbus Circle and makes a turn onto Central Park South. When the parade reaches Seventh Avenue it will turn and go down Seventh Avenue, taking it through Times Square, to 42nd Street. It will then turn east to Sixth Avenue and travel down to 34th Street and Herald Square by Macy's. The parade will turn at Macy's and end at Seventh Avenue.

The parade will feature 1,500 dancers, cheerleaders, singers and performers; 15 giant character balloons; 800 clowns; 35 novelty or ornament balloons, balloonheads and balloonicles; 24 floats; 10 marching bands; and a slew of celebrity performers.

Wake up this Thanksgiving holiday morning and catch the featured Broadway shows. Bye Bye Birdie star
John Stamos and the Conrad Birdie Fan Club Girls will perform “Put on a Happy Face” on NBC. The cast of Shrek the Musical will perform will perform “I’m a Believer.”

God of Carnage stars Christine Lahti and Jimmy Smits will be interviewed live from Times Square on the CBS. Also on CBS, the 40 member cast of the new Broadway production of Ragtime will perform “The Wheels of a Dream.”

Other performers in the parade include: Bello, Andrea Bocelli, Keke Palmer, Grandma and the cast of the Big Apple Circus, the cast of Hair, Boys Like Girls, DJ Lance Rock, Kermit the Frog and Tiffany Thornton, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, cast of Billy Elliot, Sarah Hughes, Jane Krakowski, Ziggy Marley with Judah Marley, Miss America 2009 - Katie Stam, the Radio City Rockettes, Katharine McPhee, Mitchel Musso, The Pizzarelli Quartet, and Jay Sean.

Fun Facts: Live animals including camels, goats, elephants and donkeys were a part of the original Parade, that started at 145th Street and Convent Avenue and traveled 5.5 miles to 34th Street and Herald Square.
In the first Parade horses pulled the floats. A particular white steed, that was to aid in the Ben-Hur float, disappeared at the last minute before the start of the Parade.

In 1925 and 1926, bears, lions and tigers were added to the live animals used but this had to be discontinued because they scared the children along the line of march.

In 1927, Macy's replaced the live animals in the Parade with its now signature giant helium balloons. The first balloons included Felix the Cat, The Dragon, The Elephant and Toy Soldier.

1928 saw the first release of the giant Balloons into the air at the end of the Parade. Equipped with a return address label, in 1929, Macy's began offering prizes for the return of the giant balloons.

In 1931, Clarence Chamberlain an aviator flying above New York City catches the Pig Balloon in mid air in order to claim the $25 reward money. The practice of releasing the Balloons was discontinued in 1933.

Santa Claus has ended the Parade every year except in 1933 the only year when he led the Parade.

The 1933 edition of the Parade was the first ever recorded for newsreels and subsequently shown in theatres around the world.

The Parade was canceled in 1942, 1943 and 1944 due to World War II. At the start of the war, Macy's donated the Balloons (that where made of rubber at the time) to the government’s rubber scrap heap in a ceremony held at New York’s City Hall.

In 1947, the holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street, brought the Parade’s magic to theatres worldwide.

In 1948 NBC began telecasting the Parade nationwide, as spectators from coast-to-coast began referring to the Parade as the “Macy's Day Parade.”

Due to a helium shortage in 1958, the U.S. Government asked Macy's to go light on the use of the gas. Macy's decided to inflate the Balloons with air and hoist them on trucks with cranes for the journey down Broadway.

The most bittersweet year of the Parade had to be 1963. Less than a week after President Kennedy's assassination, the country was still in mourning. But, it went on so as not to "disappoint the millions of children."

In 1969 the Macy's Parade Studio moved to its current home in Hoboken, New Jersey.

In 1971, the winds were so bad, the balloons had to be cancelled. Television viewers had to settle for clips from the 1970 Parade.

The Dino the Dinosaur Balloon was inducted into the Museum of Natural History in 1975 as an honorary member.

In 1977, the “Parade Lady” Jean McFaddin took the helm of the Parade, which she leads for the next 24 years.

In the 1980’s, the smaller “novelty” balloons were introduced, including the Macy's stars and the 30 ft. triple-scoop ice cream cone.

“Falloons” were also introduced at this time. A combination of float and cold air balloon, a highlight of the creativity of the Macy's Parade Studio.

In 1989, the Parade marched through its very first snowstorm.

The 1990’s the Parade Balloons added new characters from the Internet, videogames and contemporary cartoons. Sonic the Hedgehog, Jeeves and the Rugrats were just a few of these Balloons.

In the past 77 years the Parade has attracted a sea of celebrities including: Harpo Marx, Jackie Gleason, Bob Hope, Diana Ross, Sammy Davis, Jr., Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Barry Manilow, NSYNC, Shania Twain, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Sarah Brightman, and Christina Aguilera, among others.

Macy's is the world’s second largest consumer of helium. The United States Government is the first.

In its 77-year history more than 300,000 Macy's employees have participated in the Parade. More than 50,000 clowns have delighted millions of children along the Parade route.

In 2004, Macy's introduces another new Parade innovation. The “Balloonicle,” a combination cold air balloon and self-propelled vehicle.

In 2005, the M&M's chocolate candies balloon caught on a streetlight in Times Square. Two sisters were struck by falling debris, suffering minor injuries. As a result, new safety rules were introduced. Those rules came in handy for the 2006 parade, as balloons were lowered because of rain and high winds. The M&M's balloon was retired after 2006, and replaced by a float saluting Broadway theatre and musicals.

In 2008, Keith Haring's Figure with Heart grazed the NBC booth off camera during the live broadcast, momentarily interrupting the introduction of the next float. Hosts Al Roker, Meredith Vieira, and Matt Lauer were largely silent as viewers heard snippets of their voices. No one was injured

In 2008, a Coca Cola ad aired in the during Super Bowl XLII. The commercial's plot consisted of Underdog and fictional Stewie Griffin balloon chasing a Coke bottle-shaped balloon through New York City. The spot ended with a Charlie Brown balloon holding the Coke balloon. The advertisement won a Silver Lion Award in Cannes.

Now these are Thanksgiving fun F.A.C.T.S

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

C: Is for Nail Care


Want to give the gift that is kept of so secret by celebrities? Fake nails kits by Kiss. Give the Perfect Stocking Stuffer this Holiday Season … Without Breaking the Bank!

1) Manicure Salon and the Pedicure Salon Kit by Kiss: Manicure Salon Kit includes everything needed to get the perfect manicure each and every time, The perfect gift! Each $9.99

2)Metallic Design Nails on the Go from Dashing Diva
Available November 23rd – January1 at participating Dashing Diva locations and online at www.dashingdiva.com

Dashing Diva introduces new Metallic Design Nails on the Go – shiny, pre-glued, press-on nails designed to add spark to any holiday style. The metallic toned nails have adhesive already on each nail, for simple application. Once applied, these nails can be worn for a single event or up to several days after. To remove, simply soak nails in warm water and peel away, with no damage to the natural nails.

Price: $8.00

3) Limited Edition Holiday Design Nails from Kiss
Available November 1st – January 1st 2009

Spice up the holiday season with one of these four limited edition designs, available in Medium and Real Short lengths.

Price: $6.99

Availability at all major drug stores nationwide including Rite Aide, CVS, Duane Reade and Kmart.

5) Holiday Party Kits from Pink by Kiss
Available at Rite Aid November 1st – January 1st

Think Suri Cruise, now you can be like the young pop princesses and have cool, unique, nails with the new Holiday Party Kits from Pink by Kiss.

Holiday Party Kits include 60 press-on nails that fit snugly on small fingers - 20 design nails, and 40 solid nails in order to mix and match and wear on more than one occasion. Simply find the correct sizes from the set and press on…it’s that simple!

Price: $7.99

Now these make a great holiday F.A.C.T.

A: Is for art and success

They say the play is the thing but the Donmar Warehouse production of HAMLET, starring Jude Law and directed by Michael Grandage, is in its final weeks on Broadway. The hit production will end its limited engagement Sunday, December 6 at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street). The producers of HAMLET recently announced that the production had recouped its investment after seven weeks.

Jude Law returned to Broadway for the first time since 1995 when he made his Tony Award-nominated debut in Jean Cocteau’s Indiscretions (Les Parents Terribles). Other theatre credits include Les Parents Terribles (National Theatre), Dr. Faustus, ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore (Young Vic) and Death of a Salesman (West Yorkshire Playhouse). Upcoming films include Dr. Watson in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes, being released on December 25 and Tony in Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, released on September 24 and Repossession Mambo.

Performances are Tuesday at 7:00 PM, Wednesday at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available through Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com. A limited number of $35 tickets, subject to availability, will be made available for purchase by students at the Broadhurst Theatre box office on the day of the performance only. One ticket per valid student ID. Tickets are subject to availability and the number of student tickets for each performance may vary.

Now that is a successful F.A.C.T.

Monday, November 16, 2009

F: is for fruit that can save your life.

Read this....It could save your life!!
We all think eating fruits means, cutting it and popping it into our mouths. It's important to know how and when to eat. Do not eat fruit after your meals. Fruit should be eaten on an empty stomach. If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role in detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss for other life activities. If you eat fruit with your meal and not alone the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil. Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach. If you master the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't ever drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.
You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. A good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff, It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks. Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack . Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive...

These are F.A.C.T.S that can save your life!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

S: Is for the Strengths of Women

When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day. An angel came by and said: “Why spend so much time on that one?”
The Lord answered:
“Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her ?" “She must be washable, but not made of plastic. She must have more than 200 moving parts which all must be replaceable and she must function on all kinds of food. She must be able to embrace several kids at the same time, give a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart and she must do all this with only two hands”.

The angel was impressed. “Just two hands....impossible!“ And this is the standard model? “Too much work for one day....wait until tomorrow.

“I will not”, said the Lord. “I am so close to complete this creation, which will be the favourite of my heart”. “She cures herself when sick and she can work 18 hours a day”.

The angel came nearer and touched the woman. “But you have made her so soft, Lord” 



“She is soft", said the Lord, “But I have also made her strong. You can’t imagine what she can endure and overcome.“

“Can she think?" the angel asked.

The Lord answered: “Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate.

The angel touched the woman's cheek....
“Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her.”

“She is not leaking....it’s a tear” the lord corrected the angel. And the Lord said: “Tears are her way of expressing grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride.”

This made a big impression on the angel; “Lord, you are genius. You thought of everything. The woman is indeed marvelous
Indeed she is! Woman has strengths that amazes man. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when feeling like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cries when she is happy and laughs when she is afraid. She fights for what she believes in. Stand up against injustice. She doesn’t take “no” for an answer, when she can see a better solution. She gives herself so her family can thrive. She takes her friend to the doctor if she is afraid.
Her love is unconditional. She cries when her kids are victorious. She is happy when her friends do well. She is glad when she hears of a birth or a wedding. Her heart is broken when a next of kin or friend dies. But she finds the strength to get on with life. She knows that a kiss and a hug can heal a broken heart.

There is only one thing wrong with her, she forgets what she is worth...

This was given to me from a friend and I in turn give it to you. Make it a F.A.C.T. to remember what you are worth.

T: Is for taking the high road

I may not have wanted Sen. John McCain as president but I admire his always taking the high road. When he lost the presidency his concession speech was one of the best I ever heard and I was impressed. Now Sen. McCain has received a signed copy of Sarah Palin's new memoir "Going Rogue." It seem the obnoxious Ms. Palin sent him a signed copy yesterday. His statement, I will read it with interest." The book according to most contains a great deal of score-settling aimed at former McCain campaign aides, yet the senator stressed that he was "proud and honored" to have had Palin as his running mate. Ms. Palin that was McCain's down fall. One of the reasons I voted for President Obama was because I didn't want Ms. Palin anywhere near making decisions that would effect my life. McCain went on to say: "One of the things about campaigns that lose, there's always mistakes made and the campaign that wins is always the perfect campaign," he said. "I'm proud of the campaign we ran. I'm proud of Sarah Palin and we continue to have a great and wonderful relationship. So, I'm very proud of the campaign we ran and I have moved forward." He has also finally responded to the question: Can Palin be a viable presidential candidate herself in 2012? "Sure," he said. "I think there are a number of viable candidates out there. I think that Sarah Palin is obviously one of them and we'll start through the process in about a year or so of selecting our nominee, but I think she's a very strong force in the Republican Party. I can't predict who's gonna get the nomination but I certainly think she would be competitive."

All I can say is, with this book and her obvious lack of propriety, who the hell would want her as president. I for one do not and that is a F.A.C.T. that will never change!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

C: Is for Charity


“Bernadette Peters: A Special Concert for Broadway Barks Because Broadway Cares” was an astounding success raising $615,000 to benefit Broadway Barks and Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. Tony, Grammy and Golden Globe Award winning actress, and long-time BC/EFA friend and Bernadette Peters performed a special one night only concert Monday night at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre, produced by BC/EFA. Peters, the quintessential New Yorker, born in Queens, performed material from her Broadway career and recordings, as well as popular songs and personal favorites and included selections by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and Jerry Herman. Among the highlights, the evening’s “prologue” featured a reunion of Into the Woods original cast members Joy Franz, Merle Louise, Kay McClelland, and Lauren Mitchell joining Peters to “recreate” the show’s opening number. Special guest Mary Tyler Moore, co-founder of Broadway Barks with Peters, performed the role of the “narrator” for that special performance. Peters opened the second act of the concert by bringing to the stage and singing to some of her furry, four-legged friends from BARC Shelter (Dylan, Jennie, Biggie, Sammy, Rosie, Cody, Nina and Mimi) and The Humane Society (Hazel, Puffie, Snoopy and Mimi). Theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni was also on hand with pups Minnie and Chico. All of the dogs featured on stage and many more are available for adoption from these local animal shelters. For more information, visit www.BARCShelter.org and www.HumaneSocietyNY.org.

BROADWAY BARKS, is the annual star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, came about as a result of Bernadette Peters’ and Mary Tyler Moore’s passion for animals. This year’s Broadway Barks attracted an audience of more than 7,000 theater fans, pet owners, and animal lovers, and featured the participation of more than 27 animal shelters from the New York City area, as well as Broadway stars from the hit shows of the season, ending in a total of over 140 adoptions. Originally conceived as a program to promote the adoption of shelter animals, Broadway Barks has evolved into an event that has not only focused on the plight of homeless animals, but has opened the door of communication and fostered a spirit of community among the numerous shelters and rescue groups working throughout the city. Previously, many of these groups struggled in anonymity and isolation left to their own devices for promotion and fundraising in a job which is emotionally draining. As Broadway Barks looks toward the future, their goal is to continue in the path already established as well as to focus more attention on education, targeting such areas as responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter, and the importance of pet identification. For more information, please visit www.BroadwayBarks.com