Spontaneous Musings

Half watching the West End Revival of Kiss Me Kate on Great Performances, and it's not very good. The one on National Theater Streaming is far better. Although the singer performing Lois Lane/Bianca is wonderful. And I like the intergrated casting. The difficulty with Kiss Me Kate is the misogynistic source material, and some of the Cole Porter songs do not date well, while others work quite well. Although the performances are quite good in places. And the guy who did the dance sequence for Too Darn Hot was a showstopper.

Yes, I am theater geek or a theater buff. Ask me about theater, and I can go on and on and on at length, with an almost encyclopedic knowledge. Same is true about television and film.

I fell in love with the theater in the fifth grade - when two tall black boys in a mostly white grade school in the 1970s put together a play as an alternative to playing baseball at recess. It was cold, and we had access to the gym. The play was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (actually twelve dwarves, we had a lot of folks involved). I was cast as one of the dwarves. I was a tall dwarf, but not that tall - since I was after all only eleven or twelve at the time. My first theater role was a dwarf. To understand how amusing that is? You need to know I was taller than everyone but the two kids directing the play. I think one of their names was DJ or TJ, can't remember. They were wonderful. Kind, smart, and a nice barrier against bullying. No one dared bully or tease me when they were present.

( Read more... )

Sorry for the tangent. Long way of explaining why I enjoy listening to actor podcasts.

Speaking of?

Schmactors is back - basically it's two character actors (James Marsters and his buddy, Mark Devine) from theater, television, voice, and film discussing you guessed it, theater, film, television and everything in between.

I have a fondness for character actors, I seldom love the leads. It's a problem, since it's hard to find anything that they are in. I think the reason is - that I was a character actor. I'm always crushing on actors that seem to only get a few roles, and everything else is hard to find.
I started watching Buffy because of Anthony Head, who I followed there from his previous role on VR5. I'd fallen in love with him - in the stage musical Chess, when he briefly took over his brother's role in the London run of the musical way back in 1988. I'd seen him perform it live - three rows from the stage, or maybe four rows. He blew me away when he sang Pity the Child in that run, and I was in love. (I took a course in London for two months - where we read plays, wrote reviews on the stage productions that we saw performed, and discussed them in detail.)

At any rate, it's getting late...so here's a picture that I painted of people I've seen on the subway, from memory, proof that the subway is perfectly safe. They are. Don't believe the idiots who say otherwise, they clearly don't live in New York.

[Note it won't last forever, because FB is quirky about its links.]

As always, the good news depends on your perspective, and mileage may vary on this.

To the tune of We're Accentuating the Positive, Eliminating the Negative...and Hanging on to the Affirmative but Don't Mess around with Mr. in Between...sung by Aretha Franklyn (mainly because her version is the only one I like.)

A lot of it is just showing the positive results from non-violent resistance via the courts, etc. But basically as my source states: "We the people are pushing back and making good news." However, there's also a lot of positive environmental news - showing that progress happens regardless, and we are globally making progress in regards to managing climate change and preserving the environment.

1.The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction that will block the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government while the case proceeds.

( Read more... )

https://democracyforward.org/updates/massive-coalition-of-unions-non-profit-groups-and-local-governments-file-omnibus-challenge-to-unconstitutional-reorganization-of-federal-government/

The court filing can be found HERE

2.This week was the deadline for Congress to act on a resolution that could have overturned the ban on TCE [not to be confused with ICE, this is a toxic chemical]. But thanks to your voices, your stories, and your pressure—Congress didn’t act. The ban on TCE stands.

( Read more... )

https://toxicfreefuture.org/blog/we-finally-won-a-ban-on-toxic-tce-now-some-in-congress-are-trying-to-roll-it-back/

3. Calling for “freedom from partisan interference in programming,” administrative staffers at the Kennedy Center went public with a push to unionize following an overhaul of the institution by the Trump clan.

Go HERE

4. The MeidasTouch Podcast, a show critical of Trump, won Podcast of the Year at the Webby Awards.

https://www.newsweek.com/medias-touch-podcast-webby-award-donald-trump-democrat-2071984?emci=c60a435f-ab32-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&emdi=d3638486-ab32-f011-a5f1-6045bda9d96b&ceid=417324

5. Trump’s support among Latino voters, including those who voted for him in 2024, is fracturing.

https://www.thebulwark.com/p/exclusive-trump-losing-the-latino-voters-he-won-in-2024-equis-poll-survey-registered

6.Democrat Sam Sutton defeated his Republican opponent to win New York’s 22nd State Senate District special election — a district Trump won by 55 points in 2024.

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5310726-democrat-sam-sutton-wins-new-york-seat/

7. New record for batteries in California (CAISO) On May 20, 2025, battery discharge crossed 10 GW for the first time. That was enough meet a third of evening peak demand. Solar moved fast, but batteries are moving even faster.

https://energycentral.com/c/em/batteries-hit-new-heights-californias-energy-mix

8. In 2019, California's state wide battery capacity was 770 MW. California’s Energy storage has surge to 15,700 MW - including 2300 MW added since last September. That means a clean resilient energy grid to meet peak demand.

https://energycentral.com/c/em/batteries-hit-new-heights-californias-energy-mix

9. Fusion overtakes scission April 2025: for the first time ever, solar power generated more electricity than nuclear worldwide.

https://environmentamerica.org/center/updates/theres-now-five-times-more-solar-than-nuclear-power-in-the-world/

10. For the first time, a surge on China's renewable energy output has led to a 4.7% drop in the countries carbon and missions despite a 2.5% increase in power demand. This marks is major mile stone and China's energy transition.

https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-clean-energy-just-put-chinas-co2-emissions-into-reverse-for-first-time/

( the rest )

There you have it. This weeks list of how people helped slay their monsters and change the world peacefully and without violence. Slayers every one.

And an advertisement.

"Three weeks from right now, people will be taking to the streets across the United States on No Kings Day. Over 1,000 events are planned in all 50 states. Find an event near you: Click on the link and enter your zip code to see all the gatherings near you."

https://www.nokings.org/?SQF_SOURCE=indivisible

Join us on June 14th, all across this country, when we all show up and say NO, we have no kings, we are a representative democracy and we the people have a say in how our lives are run. Let's stand up for those being harmed by these policies, let's take care of our communities, let's take care of each other."

[No pressure, I'm not doing it - I can't physically and mentally do it. I do this instead. But if you can - please do.]

And here's a picture:

I finally stopped procrastinating and scheduled the first of my Shingles shots. (I've had Shingels, an admittedly mild case, and do not want it again. It's a burning itch and painful. Also takes forever to go away, with periodic phantom burning itches long afterward.) Doing it tomorrow, because that will give me two-three days - in case I get sick. (I didn't with the other vaccines, so it's unlikely I will. But one never knows.)

Tomorrow - Bob Dylan's musical "Girl from the North Country" premiers on Great Performances. I'm enjoying the televised presentations of Broadway shows. Means I can see them, and so can everyone else?

Rainy day. Cool. But I have the A/C and fans on - because they are blasting the heat again. Radiator heat.

Didn't sleep well last night - due to digestive issues and restless leg syndrome. (My legs and back were bothering me.) Hopefully will be better tonight.

More May Memage...or rather I'm catching up

10. Ellen Ochoa was born today in 1958 and was the first Hispanic woman to travel to space in 1993. Would you like to travel to space?

No. I've seen spaceships - they are not made for tall people. Or anyone who is even a little claustrophobic. Also, I get motion sickness. And I know what happens to the human body while it is in space - it's not pleasant. We were not created for 0 gravity. I have enough medical issues.

I rather like what William Shatner said after going to space, which is - there's nothing there. Stay here.

11. What’s your favourite way to eat eggs?

Poached on greens with lemon juice and lemon pepper. Or scrambled with a little cream.

I had coddled eggs with mother, but I prefer poached.

12. Do you regularly moisturize your feet?

No. Probably should. But my feet are a long ways from my torso. I'm six foot, and most of my height is in my legs. I'm long limbed.

13. Do you remember when you bought your first computer?

Yes. It was in the 1990s. A Macintosh - small screen. Prior to that - my parents did - and that was an Apple II way back in the 1980s. Big a clunky, with MS DOS. It was before we had Windows.

14. Have you still got access to an Avon representative locally? Have you ever bought products from Avon?

No. No. Although there were reps at my workplace, I ignored them. I don't like spending money on makeup and buy little of it. Also we can get better products at Wallgreens or Sapphora.

15. Who cleans the toilets in your home?

There's only one. And there's only me. And I refuse to hire anyone to do house work for a one bedroom apartment. So...
( the rest )

Another photo...hopefully you can see it, I never know with FB links.

I got behind. Sorry about that. So you are getting 19 questions as opposed to four or five.

Brief whine? Sigh, FB at times pummels me with stupid opinions. Also it wants me to save the world? I cannot save the world. No one can save the world. It's not possible. Been there, done that, have the battle scars. I learned long ago, the only person you can save in this life is yourself and even that can be dicey, because let's face it the world is determined to kill us. Kind of hard to save something that is trying to kill you.

Oh, forgot, the Buffy Reboot has cast its Buffy - it's the female lead from The Skeleton Crew. (And yes, I thought she was a bit young for the role too. I've mixed feelings about this. But I'm also not the target audience?)

May Memage

1. The first of May – it’s Labour Day, also known as International Worker’s Day. If you’ve retired, how long (in years) did you work for before you stopped? If you are still working, how long will it be, before you retire?

Interestingly enough, it's not in the US, for various reasons they moved that to September. (I think it's because we have Mother's Day and Memorial Day in May, and that's one too many holidays? I don't know.)

With any luck it will be four and a half years. I plan on retiring at 62.
But we shall see.

2. Do you own a toolbox? What does it have in it?

I do. It's not a tool box though - it's a plastic container with various tools. And I can't find it - it's hidden in my closet. Handy - I'm not. That's my brother. The domestic, handy-man, gardening, and nurturing genes leaped over me and landed on him. He cleans, he makes maple syrup, he installs shelves and windows (even builds them) along with a loft space, he rewires his kitchen, he puts together his stove, he creates a huge five acre vegetable garden complete with a mini orchard, he takes care of his cats, his daughter, he outfits her car with a sink...the man is insanely talented. I'm lucky if I can assembly a table or a peddler that comes in the mail.

3. How old is the home you live in?

It's pre-war, so 1920s? Possibly earlier. It comes complete with a fall-out shelter.

4. Do you often wear shorts?

No, I prefer capris or pants that come down just below the knee, or long shorts.

5. Today, in 1864, Nellie Bly was born (the pen name of Elizabeth Cochrane, an American journalist). An American journalist, she is widely known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days in emulation of Jules Verne's fictional character Phileas Fogg. Have you read ‘Around The World in 80 Days’ or seen a film adaptation?

Yes, I've seen the television series (with Pierce Bronsan and the one with David Tennant, the one with Tennant is better), along with the film adaptation with David Niven. If you want to see one? See the one with David Tennant, Bronsan and Niven aren't as entertaining. I may have read it - but can't remember.

6. Do you sit at a dining table when you eat a meal at home?

I don't have one, so no. Did that when I visited mother. At home? I sit and eat at my coffee table with a dinner tray.

7. Are you usually early or late to meetings/appointments?

Early. I hate to keep people waiting on me. I'd rather wait on them? Also, I have a fear of missing something or missing the appointment.

8. Do you know how to find the North Star (Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere) or the Southern Pole Star (Sigma Octantis in the Southern Hemisphere) in the night sky?

No. I used to, but forgot.

9. What was the first fandom you were ever involved in?

Buffy.

[I have to go to bed, so stopping there tonight. You'll have to wait to see the rest, I guess. Here's a picture from my walk at lunchtime today:

I'll try to stay away from politics. ;-)

1. Krysten Ritter aka Jessica Jones joins Daredevil Born Again S2

During Disney’s 2025 upfront presentation on Tuesday, Krysten Ritter took the stage to announce that she is joining the cast of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. Joined by Daredevil actor Charlie Cox, Ritter revealed that she’ll be reprising her role as Jessica, the beloved Super Hero/private investigator.
( Read more... )

[I'm happy. I loved the Daredevil/Jessica Jones platonic pairing. And she's my fav next to Daredevil.]

2. The Diplomat has been Renewed for S4 on Netflix

The Night Agent also got renewed for S3, even though it has choppy plotting to say the least. S2 isn't as good as S1.

And Etoile on Amazon - was automatically renewed for S2.

3. In more Streaming News? "Netflix has acquired the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia and is developing new films and series based on the books. Greta Gerwig is writing and directing at least two Narnia movies for Netflix. The first film, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, will have a limited theatrical release in IMAX on November 26, 2026, before premiering on Netflix on December 25, 2026. The Narnia films will be "bigger and bolder than they thought," potentially including all seven books in the series."

GO HERE

4. CNN has an exclusive deal to air the live theater showing of George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck direct from Broadway.

CNN to televise George Clooney in the Broadway Play Good Night and Good Luck Live from Broadway on June 7

This is a first in Broadway History.

" The limited-run play’s penultimate performance from the Winter Garden Theatre in New York will air live on CNN and CNN International and stream on CNN.com at 7 p.m. ET.

“This announcement marks a historic Broadway first: never before has a live play ever been televised,” the network said in a news release.

The show is an adaptation of the 2005 movie Clooney directed of the same name and is based on veteran journalist Edward R. Murrow’s work and tension with Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare of the 1950s.

The play, which debuted in March, swiftly shattered weekly records, becoming the highest-grossing play in Broadway history. It has also earned five Tony Award nominations, including Clooney for best leading actor in a play.
( Read more... )

5. On PBS (PBS Passport via streaming and PBS at various local stations) - Great Performances - has shown to date the UK West End Production of Next To Normal and Yellowface (starring Daniel Dae Kim and Ryan Eggold) and coming up, Bob Dylan's Girl from the North Country, these are all filmed presentations of Broadway shows (not live, taped or filmed).

Note - other Broadway shows that have been filmed are: Merrily We Roll Along (bought by Sony) starring Danial Radcliff and Jonathan Goff, Frozen, Hadestown, and Aladdin.

If you get the chance to see either or both Next to Normal and/or Yellowface, do so. I highly recommend both. One is a beautifully rendered musical about mental illness and grief, and how the two intersect and are often difficult to separate, also their destructive influences on relationships and family dynamics. It has songs that will haunt you long after you hear them. The other, Yellowface, deals with race dynamics in the US, from multiple sides, and is a clever satire on all of it, from a Chinese-American perspective.

6. Netflix - unveils ... Wednesday starts August 6, with part 2 of the Season is in September

The Addams Family world gets bigger (and eerier) with Wednesday, returning for Season 2 Part 1 on Aug. 6, with Part 2 following on Sept. 3. Gen Z horror standout Jenna Ortega leads the altogether ooky drama’s cast as the titular supernatural detective, Wednesday Addams. The upcoming season will explore a new bone-chilling mystery at Nevermore Academy, as well as characters both familiar and strange to Wednesday fans.

“Wednesday Season 1 was a table setter, but there’s still so much of the world left to see. It’s been exciting to expand the scope and the vision of the show this season,” executive producer Alfred Gough said. Fellow co-creator and co-showrunner Miles Millar agreed, saying, “We have a broader canvas and more toys to play with. The world of Nevermore is much expanded — and we had a great time doing it.”

7. Bridgerton S4 airing in 2026 on Netflix

The cast is revealed, along with the plot thread, and some preview shots.
Also it's renewed for five and six.

***

I'm off to make dinner. So here's a picture from my walk today to the grocery store. We've moved from tulips to irises in NYC, specifically Brooklyn...odd flower irises, I kind of prefer tulips.

Miss me? Most likely not - it's not like there isn't a ton of content on the internet to weed through.

While I enjoyed my visit and being with my mother, I'm happy to be home.

For the most part, the trip went without a hitch. I got onto the island without any issues. It was pouring. But not until after we landed. And by Tuesday, the sun was out, blue sky, and temperatures reaching the lower 80s. Sunday and Monday had bits of sunshine. Actually it rained more in New York this past week than it did on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The trip back was delayed by about an hour - we sat on the tarmac waiting for inclement weather ahead of us to clear. Or so we were told by the pilot over a horrible intercom system. I could barely hear him, and spent the hour wondering if I'd heard him correctly. (I had.) When I got into Laguardia Airport, it was clearing for the most part, and I even saw spots of blue sky. However, the airport was packed - just about every flight was delayed. Apparently they were having tornado warnings in Chicago and Milwaukee, and inclement weather throughout the Northeast and Midwest.

I didn't fly out until 4 pm. So had a nice lunch with one of mother's friends, an 86 year old, tiny woman, who came up to my thigh, and had traveled extensively in her lifetime, and at one time had worked as an EMT in volunteer rescue. She regaled us with stories from that time in the car on the way to the restaurant, and she insisted on paying for our meal (since mother had paid for hers the last go time). The restaurant, Dockside at Skull Creek - had a gluten free menu, and I was able to get fried shrimp, french fries, and cole slaw, with shrimp cocktail sauce - all gluten-free. (This is a rarity.) They actually have quite a few places on the island that have gluten free menus now. (But our go-to spot, Ruan Thai, is no longer an option. They no longer have gluten free available. Sad to say.) It was a lovely day - so I got to look at the boats, and watch the egrets and pelicans.

***

Backing up a bit to Monday. Saturday - Mother's street and front yard briefly flooded, but it also quickly cleared. We drove through it on the way to lunch (which we had to wait a bit to drive to - since it was coming down in buckets).
( Read more... )
After nothing but rain on Monday, or so it seemed (we watched television most of the day, chatted, read, and relaxed), however,Tuesday was a lovely day. So after lunch, we went to a private residential beach - at Dolphin Head, which is also a bit of a wildlife refuge and recreational area.



There's no development permitted, and they've increased the sand to build up the beach and protect the marsh land behind it.



People don't tend to swim in the water, and for the most part just enjoy the beach. It's never crowded and you don't see many folks lying on the beach or playing on it.

( lots of beach pictures )

Mother and I aren't huge beach goers - I don't particularly like sand or lying on beaches. Walking yes, lying no. And while I did go down to the water, I didn't dip my toes in it. I decided it had wild life in there, and I didn't want to get my feet caked with sand or the sandals. It did - there was a lot of seaweed washed up on a section of the beach. I did watch a flock of sand-pipers fly in and out of the waves, jumping about on the beach hunting sand crabs (these are crabs that burrow under the sand, with a little air hole, some find shells - they are kind of like hermit crabs).
They are tiny little birds, and I do not have the right camera to effectively capture them.

While Mother sat on a bench and talked to her younger sister (who lives in Michigan), I wandered about on the beach.

***

The next day, Wednesday was equally lovely. Blue skies, and in the low 80s.
So after going on a brief, but productive (if somewhat pricey) shopping spree (I bought six items, three shirts, three pants, and at least two of the shirts were heavily marked down - so not too bad), we went to Jarvis Park. We did lunch first at the Sante Fe Grill. Where I had a corn Enchilda, refried beans, and salad (I couldn't have the rice - since it was coated in a wheat flour sauce - and I'm ceiliac - yes, I know, it's rice, but I didn't mind - I have issues with rice.) Also a huge chocolate mousse for desert. Chocolate Mousse is basically my favorite desert next to flourless chocolate cake.

Jarvis Park is another environmentally sustainable recreational area designed to protect the marshland and environment, and provide an area for people to walk and exercise.

Originally it was just a small pond. Then it became a small park, with some plantings, and a small pound. Now it is a huge lake, with streams, and creeks, and a water reclamation center. Also a home to alligators, egrets, birds of all kinds, fish, etc. Although I only saw a few egrets this time. Mainly because people were out, the water was high, and it was warm.

( Two pictures or views of the lake )

( An ancient tree covered with Spanish Moss )

( walking through the woods )

The lake is just over about a mile or two around, and it took me about twenty - thirty minutes to walk it. I didn't do a brisk pace, mainly because my leg had been bothering me a bit. Mother sat on a swing chatting with her younger sister, while I walked the circumference of the park. Mother calls her sister each day. Mother is doing rather well health wise, her sister, not so much.

Anyhow, it's late, and while for the most part I slept rather well during my trip, I did not sleep well last night. I never sleep well prior to a trip. And I'd eaten things the night before that undoubtedly kept me awake.
So, I must beg you all adieu and go off to bed.

I'll leave you with another photo...this one of Mother's backyard, or rather the golf course that comprises her backyard. (I'm NOT a fan of golf, but this is pretty for the most part.) This is actually about five houses down from Mother. You have to walk about five minutes to see it.

I feel battered by the news. To date, I've sent cards, subscribed to The Atlantic, New York Magazine, The New Yorker and Vanity Fair (Vanity Fair is by the way the cheapest at $18 a year (it's a special deal), after that it is $30 dollars a year, includes unlimited digital, print, and a tote bag. Everybody gives out tote bags. I now have more tote bags than I know what to do with. Also given to various charitable and non-profit organizations.

So finally a little good news from my sources on other social media platforms that you may not have access to.

As always, the good news may well be in the eye of the beholder, your mileage may vary on some of it.

Good news from the American Resistance and its Global Allies

1. Australia and Canada elected liberal Prime Ministers. ( Read more... )

https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/03/australia/australia-election-results-albanese-dutton-intl-hnk?cid=ios_app

***

Trump’s administration is facing more than 200 lawsuits over his immigration policies, his ill-advised tariffs, his revenge against law firms, his attempts to shut down government agencies, and many more actions. Trump appears to be in deep denial. [Honestly, sometimes I think the man is either a frustrated litigator or just likes to be sued? At least we are winning most of them.]

An unprecedented in history legal blitz against the Trump Administration (No President in the History of the US has faced this many lawsuits within their first 100 days.)

The below includes items like political rallies and actors speaking out against the Doofus politically. I didn't number them, because it would require renumbering and that leads to all sorts of issues.

( The Resistance wins lots of legal cases against the Trump Administration, along with a lot of lawsuits and court cases being filed )

Non-Court and Non-Political Related Good News

11. The Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honored the “Six Triple Eight,” an all-Black, predominantly female unit of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II.

( Read more... )

Learn More About the 6-Triple 8 Here

12.In the “groundbreaking” results of an immunotherapy clinical trial, most cancer patients saw their tumors disappear.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/27/health/cancer-immunotherapy-solid-tumors.html?unlocked_article_code=1.C08.XEHY.yLYIErw8VKKE&smid=url-share&ck_subscriber_id=2454664808

13. Dozens of miniature horses galloped for a good cause in New Zealand - their own.
( Read more... )

https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2025/apr/23/great-northern-gallop-new-zealand-miniature-horses-race-in-pictures?ck_subscriber_id=2454664808

14.“A City in a Park”: Chattanooga, Tennessee, Is North America’s First National Park City.

( Read more... )

https://nicenews.com/environment/chattanooga-tennessee-first-national-park-city-north-america/

( the rest regarding environmental, the arts, animals, science, etc.. )

I hope you found something in there to smile about? If not, here's a pretty tree?

I know I do. So, found some and it made me smile today. As did the lovely blue sky, and the tulips I saw at lunch time, and the warm weather. Outside my window, it is quiet and peaceful, the trees are green and golden, with a smattering of red. And the sky is hazy blue with streaks of clouds fading slowly into twilight. Although we should still have light until at least 8pm.

It's the little things that make life worth living, I think? Not the big ones. Considering how many places around the world are war torn and struggling, I am reminded once again...there but for the grace of god, go I. I forget occasionally. I was reminded again today, by an unexpected source, who in an odd way provided me with the courage to send out the first of my cards to the US Federal Government for Project Snail Mail. Then hunted down more cards and stationary provided over the years by various charitable institutions in order to send more. (I don't know about anyone else? But I get a lot of stationary items from charitable foundations, even ones that I never give money too.)

It's scary writing these posts and making them public - since I do not know who is reading? One really never does when posting on social media. It's akin to posting on a bulletin board in the middle of Times Square. But I hope in some small way by posting them - I've made at least one person's day a little brighter? Or happier? Or put a smile on someone's face? There's a song about this, from the musical Pippin: Spread a Little Sunshine.

I can't do the rallys, protests, marches or the phone calls - that's not my bailiwick, but I am a good writer - and can write, or so I've been told. So I will do that. I can also draw and paint. And take photos. So I will do that too.

So, I'll be brave and continue...to post these lists in unlocked posts.

As always, the good news is in the eye of the beholder. With any luck some of it has brought a smile to your face or a sense of a relief, or at least a spark of hope however small in this crazy mixed up world.

Without further ado, Hopefully Spreading Sunshine and Tulips...with some Good News from the US Resistance and It's Global Allies

(  Eighty-Eight Items )

Whew. Most of that was folks standing up, pushing back and resisting. There are a few non-political, non-court related links up there - mainly environmental related.

Hope you found something above to make you smile?

If not? Here's a photo of Tulips.

Hmmm, Hugh Jackman is currently in residence at Radio City Music Hall, doing From New York City with Love, and it's until October 2025, and it's kind of affordable? I may get tickets. I love Hugh Jackman.


April Memage

21. In Egypt, National Food Day is a day to celebrate the country's diverse cuisine. Do you like falafel?

Yes. And it's gluten-free - so added bonus. Though it does depend on how it is cooked.

22. What do you have hanging on the walls of your home?

Enlarged photos of Sunflowers and my family, most of the photos were taken by me. Two were taken by family members. I'd post photos of them, but alas, it would take me forever to find them.

23. What is your favourite kitchen gadget and why (excluding the large appliances such as the oven/fridge/freezer)?

The Dash Mini Waffle Maker that Wales got me for my birthday one year. I adore that thing. It's cute. It's green. And it makes mini-waffles.

24. On average how far do you walk every day?

2-3 miles. 2 miles, commute, and an additional mile at lunch time. Add in stairs and wandering about workplace.

25. Do you ever watch the birds in nature? Can you identify any by their song or by their appearance?

Yes, was doing it tonight. I can see them out my window frolicking among the light lime green leaves of a budding tree. Each of the trees behind me has different colored leaves, one is Kelly Green, one is lime green, one is red (Japanese Maple - I'm thinking), one darker green. Quite lovely. And little sparrows (I think they are sparrows ) playing among them. Sometimes I see robins and cardinals.

No, I can't identify by their song, and rarely by appearance. I can tell the common ones - robins, cardinals, jays, and sparrows. There's a lot of black birds - some are crows, and some are another type of black bird that I can't remember the name of.

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Photos taken at lunch time:

I took a walk across the street and around the financial district, which is in reality a nifty little cafe/dining district on cobble stone streets and in 19th, 18th Century and possibly 17th Century buildings.

( Cobbled Stone Street with Eateries )

NYC is funky. At one moment, you feel as if you've stepped into a European City, and another, well a modern architectural jungle.

Also went to the pier, and walked further along it. Got a nice photo of the
Brooklyn Skyline (usually I see the Manhattan skyline, kind of nifty to be looking at the Esplanade from the opposite direction).

There's the Seatrack NYC Ferry zipping along in front.
( Read more... )
And here's one of the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance...

Passover and Easter are occurring the same time this year, which hasn't happened in a while. I don't celebrate either. I do a little for Easter, but I'm not religious or anything.

Anyhow, yesterday, I watched the 1970s film, Jesus Christ Superstar, which utilized the original cast of the Broadway Musical that premiered in 1971 or thereabouts. They'd just finished recording the cast album, when they were asked to do a film version. What I didn't know, until I watched part of a cast reunion/making of the film documentary special, was it was filmed in Israel. The entire film version of Jesus Christ Superstar is filmed in the Israeli desert, along the shores of Gailee, and among the Roman and old city ruins. And in the caves. It lends a certain spiritual weight to the musical, and to some of the lyrics, which state this soon will be nothing but ruins. It also reminds me that in at the time this all was taking place historically - it was the beginning of the end of the Roman Empire. ( Read more... )

The film wasn't just filmed in Israel. It was filmed in the ruins, and among the scaffolding of restoration efforts. It utilized tanks from the Six Day War that had happened just six weeks prior (this was filmed in the 1970s). With the only bits of modern times: the Israeli tourist bus the cast arrives and leaves in, two army planes flying overhead, and the tanks.

History has a tendency to repeat itself in rhyme.

I don't have much planned. And am being extraordinarily lazy this weekend, but at least getting a little more sleep if in snatches. It's a quiet Easter. And my reluctance to take the subway anywhere...means that I'm much the homebody. I'm admittedly giving my knees a break from climbing up and down so many stairs. I'll probably watch Easter Services from the live stream at the Church, from the comfort of my small living room.

Here's a photo from my walk around Greenwood Cemetery, yesterday.