November 22

Jen Kenney, Betty, Sara, Alison, Carol Frank, David, Jeff and Estelle were correct in identifying "I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under a blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said, "Thank you." and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.". coming from A Few Good Men.

Try this one:

"You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube. A well-scrubbed, hustling rube with a little taste...Good nutrition has given you some length of bone, but you're not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you, Officer Starling?"

On Netflix and HBO:

Love and Other Drugs - This film starring Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal is a poignant story about a woman living with Parkinson's and a playboy pharmacy rep who finally finds his match in her. It is based on the book Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman by Jamie Reidy. There is much nudity and sex in the film, so it is not for your children, but it is a good story. The chemistry between the two is good and believable. This is a reunion of Hathaway and Gyllenhaal as they co-starred in Brokeback Mountain. The side story of Gyllenhaal's brother is lame and unnecessary, but as a film it held my interest and is worth seeing.

At Signature Theater:

A Second Chance - This two person play tells the story of people who find love the second time around. She is divorced and he is a widow. Before they can make a commitment, they have to work through issues and leave old baggage behind. It is done all in song. The main players, Brian and Diane Sutherland are husband and wife in real life, but the play is not based on their story. Both actors have lovely voices and the five piece band, who are on stage throughout, do a wonderful job. Scenes are changed through large photographs projected across the back wall of the stage. It is a very effective use of minimalism. Not sure how long it will be there, but if you get a chance, see it. We did get our tickets through Goldstar at a discount and it is being played in the small intimate theater of Signature. This play has played Broadway,so if you are in the New York area, check to see if it is still there. It is probably an off Broadway production.

More notes about Signature and the Shirlington area:

Betsy Kemp's daughter Erin Driscoll will be in Signature's next performance - Hairspray which actually has previews this week. Signature also has "Brown Bag Thursdays" from 1-2 on the first Thursday of the month. You will get a behind the scenes glimpse into the current productions and events at the theater. The next one is December 1 about the current show A Second Chance and on January 5 they will be discussing Hairspray. A nice way to spend an hour and the Shirlington area is chocked full of great restaurants. Two of our favorites are: Carlyle Grand and Extra Virgin. We have never had a bad meal at the Carlyle and Extra Virgin has a great lunch special. All you can eat pasta (the mushroom ravioli is to die for!) that includes salad and dessert. The food is not you typical all you can eat, but quality. Unfortunately, the special is only good on week days. (Sorry Bill!)

With the start of the holiday season, many good movies will premiere this weekend. After the holiday feast, you might want to catch one of those movies.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Roberta