December 27

Carol and Juli correctly identified  "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it." from The Lion King.

Try this one:
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends." 

In Theaters

Silver Linings Playbook - We didn't want to buck the crowds on Christmas Day to see Les Miz, so decided on this film which did not disappoint.  Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as the stars had great chemistry.  Although the story was by the books, the addition of mental illness added an interesting twist.  Robert De Niro was very good as the father with his own problems and Chris Tucker as a co-patient brought in comic relief. In this frenzy of football fever in the Washington DC area, there is an interesting side story involving the Eagles.  For a feel good film that has good acting, either see this film or wait for it on Netflix which should be soon.

Les Miserables- Couldn't wait for the weekend and saw this film the day after Christmas.  I was not disappointed.  The film followed the show to the letter and in a sense that was my only criticism.  They could have made the movie grander, but kept it simpler.   I was happy to note that all the actors did a wonderful job with their roles.  Although Sy thought Russell Crow as Javert was miscast, I actually thought his performance was outstanding. His singing was more nuanced than others.  Eddie Redmayne as Marius has been singled out as wonderful, but I thought he was miscast.  His voice is beautiful, but I would have cast a more rugged actor in the role.  Sy pointed out they needed a high tenor to play this role so I am sure that played into the decision to cast him.  All the accolades that Anne Hathaway is getting is well earned.  Hugh Jackman is great as well.  I particularly liked the actress who played Epinone, Samantha Banks and the two young actors playing Cosette and the young boy in the blockade, Daniel Huttlestone and Isabel Allen. For a bit of levity Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the innkeepers are a matched set and very amusing.  It was nice touch including Colm Wilkinson, the original Jean Valjean, in a cameo role.   You will shed a tear and at least hum along while you spend a little less than three hours viewing this a epic tale.  A sure Oscar nominee for the film and many of the actors. 

On Netflix:

Hope Springs - We missed this film in the theaters and were anxious to see it when it came on to Netfflix; but we were disappointed.  The movie dealt with an older couple who had intimacy problems.  Although it was funny at times and did hit the nail on the head in some instances, one scene where they both became angry and almost threw the towel in didn't make sense to both Sy and me.  Perhaps we both missed something.  On the plus side, it is always nice to see Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones in a film, but I felt their talents were wasted on this lightweight film.  Steve Carell played a straight role as the marriage counselor. 

Thoughts about Lincoln:

Some of you may wonder why we haven't seen Lincoln yet.  Actually Sy saw it Thanksgiving weekend with the "guys" plus Erin so I am waiting until it comes out on Netflix which will be quite some time.  Sy did say that Daniel Day Lewis deserves the Academy Award for his portrayal of Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones was outstanding.  Another friend thought Sally Fields was wonderful.  The historians in my family were upset with some of the inaccuracies in the film.  I guess you will have to go yourselves to make up your mind.  I'll be happy to print anyone's opinions and give you credit if you'd like.

Once again, Happy New Year to you all.
Roberta

December 24

Since I am home and there is nothing on TV, I had the opportunity to watch two films, see a show in DC and visit a lovely museum.  See my reviews below.  Tomorrow, Christmas, as most Jewish people do on Christmas, we go to the movies and out to eat.  We will be going to the movies with friends and then to a friend's home for dinner.  Look towards the end of the week to see what we saw.

Florrie, Yolanda, David, Carol F., Juli, Betty, Kathy, and Estelle correctly identified  "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary."   coming from Dead Poets Society.

Try this one: 
"Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it."

On Netflix:

This Means War - This very silly romantic comedy stars Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine (Capt. Kirk from the new Star Trek films) and Tom Hardy.  The two men work for the CIA and both are courting the Witherspoon character.  There are lots of car chases, shootings and enough silliness to cover many movies.  I was disappointed as it had such potential. 

On Netflix and Instant Streaming:

Margin Call - This very timely film about an investment bank in early 2008 would be confusing to me had I not had Sy as my consultant explaining exactly what this company did and how they solved their problem.  The all star cast is great starting with Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto (Spock in the newer Star Trek), Penn Badgley and Simon Baker.  Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore and Stanley Tucci have supporting roles, but add greatly to the story.  It is talky, no action at all which was fine with me. (see above)  For a thought provoking film, stream or put this film in your queue.

At Signature Theater:

Holiday Follies - Saw this advertised on Goldstar and thought it would be a fun holiday performance and I was so right.  At first I thought that the performers would be singing traditional Christmas music which was fine with me as long as I don't have to listen to the tunes from Thanksgiving on.  I actually enjoy the music, but this show was different.  Except for just a few, the songs were ones I hadn't heard.  The performers were top rate with Betsy's son in law James Gardiner appearing in the cabaret.  They sang, performed and mugged throughout, but their wonderful voices were what made the show memorable.  The two accompanists were singers as well and their talents on the piano and guitar were excellent.  Too bad the show is over, but don't overlook offerings at the Signature.  I have never been disappointed!

Interesting Place to Visit:

National Women's Museum of the Arts - When my AAUW branch went a few weeks ago, I could not make it so took a ride into DC  to view their exhibition of Women in Rock and Roll.  It was an interesting exhibit starting in the 20's and extending to present day rock and roll female stars.  Costumes, memorabilia and video clips were included.  In addition, the fiber exhibit was of interest.  All items in the museum are done by women.  The admission is $10, $8 for seniors.  Since we went on a Sunday, we got a parking spot practically in front of the museum and there was no fee.  The building which was once the Masonic Temple, is gorgeous.  A treasure hidden in the shadows of the larger and more famous museums.

On this Christmas Eve, I wanted to wish all of my friends who celebrate Christmas a very Merry Christmas and to all a very Happy New Year!

Roberta

December 22

Martha H., Carol, Caroline, Florrie, Julie and Betty correctly identified "Snap out of it."coming from Moonstruck.

Try this one:

Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.
I need to vent a bit before my usual reviews.  As many of you know, the local theaters advertised certain days as bargain days.  The Reston Bow Tie Theater is one that has bargain prices all day Tuesday for all.  Sy and I wanted to see Skyfall and found a good time on Tuesday to go.  The first showing was 12:10 and I thought a bit early, but there was one at 3:30.  I take full blame that I didn't read it correctly and it was the 3D version and of course was more money.  No problem!  When we asked about the next show and the showing of Flight which we also were will to see, we were told they were in there "extreme" theaters and would be $11.  I asked what was extreme and they said it was their version of IMAX.  I understand businesses have to make money, but it would have been nice to know that there were very limited shows with the bargain prices.  We went on to Worldgate and found that Skyfall did not fall into the bargain prices since it was a Sony film.  At that point, we were frustrated and went home.  My new plan is simply to go to Cinema Arts which doesn't play these games, but whose theater needs a lot of rehab!

In Theaters:

Skyfall - Well we made it to Cinema Arts and saw Skyfall for $5.00 a piece. They apparently didn't have trouble charging a reduced price for a Sony film!   The theater was just fine with less than 20 people in attendance.  That being said, the film is your typical James Bond movie; lots of action, shooting, daring stunts and beautiful women.  They have set the stage for new characters in upcoming films as some of the old favorites are not gone.   Judi Dench does a very good job in her role as M.  She has a much bigger part than in previous films.  Daniel Craig is a good James Bond - rugged, but not the classic handsome. Javier Bardem plays a great foe. For a film that takes no thought and is pure escapism, see this film. 

On Instant Streaming and Netflix

Since Sy and I did not go to the movies, we streamed through Netflix and saw:

Love, Wedding, Marriage - This film starring Mandy Moore, Kellan Lutz, Jane Seymour and James Brolin was a lightweight romantic comedy.  It followed the formula with a little twist.  Moore plays a newly wed marriage counselor who tries to fix her parents' marriage and in the process jeopardises her own.  It passed the time, but wasn't that good.   

Interesting Read

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaason - I didn't want to read this book when proposed by the book group, but am very happy I did.  It was fascinating to get into the mind of Jobs.  Isaason did an outstanding job of making the book very readable even to the non tekkies.  The beginning and end, which followed his personal life, was the more interesting, but the middle regarding the founding of Apple and other companies and its products is what made Jobs, Jobs.  A genius and visionary - yes.  A bit nuts - also yet.  Do the two have to go hand in hand - not sure.  You won't be disappointed if your read this book.

If you didn't get to see the list of movies that have been added to the National Registry at the Library of Congress here they are:

3:10 to Yuma (1957 version)
Anatomy of a Murder
The Augustas
Born Yesterday
Breakfast at Tiffany's
A Christmas Story
The Corbett-Fitzsimmins Tjitle Fight
Dirty Harry
Hours for Jerome:  Parts 1 and 2
The Kidnapper's Foil
Kodachrome Color Motion Picture Tests
A League of Their Own
The Matrix
The Middleton Family at the New York World's Fair
Our Survivor Remembers
Parable
Samsara:  Death and Rebirth of Cambodia
Slacker
Sons of the Desert
The Spook Who Sat by the Door
They Call it Pro Football
The Times of Harvey Milk
Two-Lane Blacktop
Uncle Tom's Cabin
The Wishing Ring: An Idyll of Old England

I haven't seen most of these films.  To read why they are included and a little about them, an article appeared in Wednesday, December 19's Washington Post.

December 11

It has been a while since I posted, but with the holidays, it has been busy.  I know Sy and I will be seeing many films during the next few weeks so I'll be posting more.  Here are a few things we've done in the last few weeks.

Carol, Betty, Florrie, Mark B, Yolanda and Lucy correctly identified "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains.” coming from Bull Durham

Try this one:  "Snap out of it"

On Netflix and On Demand:

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - We didn't want to go out to the movies, so watched this film On Demand with friends.  At first I thought it would be silly, but turned out to be a thought provoking film.  Steve Carell stars with Keira Knightley.  I tend to like Carell better in more serious roles.  Although the film was not a "pick me up" it did hold our interest.  The ending could have been better, but then it would have been a cop out. 

On Netflix:

A Dangerous Method - This film is called a biopic where Viggo Mortensen stars as Sigmund Freud, Michael Fassbender stars as Carl Jung and Keira Knightley stars as Sabina Spielrein a patient of Jung, then Freud and eventually one of the first female psychoanalysts (this must be my Knightley fix).  How their lives and relationships ebb and flow are the main points of the film.  It is slow and very talky.  All the actors are quite good, but at times I found it hard to look at Knightley as her facial expressions were painful to view.  The history of Freud and Jung as well as the what happened to them later was interesting, but as a film it was dull. 

At MetroStage in Alexnadria VA:

A Broadway Christmas Carol - All too often we overlook performances right in our back yard and this performance should not be overlooked.  The three performers are outstanding singers, dancers and actors.  The story is a parody of A Christmas Carol with Broadway songs with different lyrics.  It is hysterical!!  We laughed out loud.  It was a shame that only about 25 people were in the audience, but it was so well worth the price of admission.  This production will be there until December 23 and half price tickets are available on Goldstar. 

High School Productions:

Although I know I am bias, last week we went to Woodson to see their choir perform. The students did a wonderful job.   The thing that struck me the most is that our schools have become so politically correct.  Included in the program were Christmas, Chanukah, Iraqi peace song, Norwegian, Spanish and Italian songs.  They were performed beautifully and the staging was first rate.  Even if you don't have a student in these productions, they are usually free and worth seeing.

November 14

Yolanda, Carol, David, Kathy, Betty, Florrie, Sheila correctly identified  "My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you." from the wonderful movie Yankee Doodle Dandy.

Try this one:
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains.”

On Netflix:

Anonymous - This is the film that explores whether Shakespeare's works were really written by Shakespeare.  It is very confusing going back and forth in time and you are not quite sure who is who.  Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson star.  Once I got all the characters straight, I found it intriguing, but I would not waste a choice on it. 

Iron Jawed Angels - My AAUW group recently had a speaker from the Lorton Workhouse who spoke on the arrest of the suffragettes and their placement in Lorton VA.  The group also took a trip to Lorton to see the museum and visit the art gallery.  To further investigate this topic, the movie group watched this film.  It tells the story of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns who band together to convince the government to adapt a constitutional amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote.  Hilary Swank played Paul and Frances O'Connor played Burns.  Angelica Huston played a leader of another suffragette group who did not approve of Paul's tactics.  It is a movie that rang true.  If you are interested in this part of our history.  See this film. 

DWTS Update:

Well we are heading to the semi-finals and to be honest anyone who is eliminated now on is deserving of winning the title.  I was a bit surprised to see Giles eliminated, but he just doesn't have the same fan base as the others who are remaining.  Even though Sy loves Cheryl, I felt Emmett Smith had the weakest performance this past week.  My prediction for the finals are Shawn and Melissa.

October 31

Betty, Carol, Estelle, Suzanne, Jen, Ursula and Eric correctly identified   "Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not the end." coming from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Try this from one of my all time favorite movies:
"My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you."

At George Mason University:

"Into The Woods" - This production performed by the Center for the Arts Department of Theater and School of Music rivaled any Broadway revival.  The students for the most part had wonderful voices and acted with poise beyond their years.  The actors playing the Witch, Baker's Wife, Cinderella, Prince Charming and Baker were outstanding.  The scenery design was well crafted and the production was done with flair.  The show which debuted in San Diego in 1986 and went on to Broadway with Bernadette Peters as the Witch and Joanna Gleason as the Baker's Wife did not win the Tony for best musical that year as it was against Phantom of the Opera.  The lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are intricate and melodies aren't ones that you come out humming, but I must admit even though I am usually not a Sondheim fan, I did enjoy the show.  It is not a show for children as the second act is very dark.  I did read that a children's version is done that leaves out the second act entirely.  The show runs for over three hours.  I am now interested in seeing the DVD version.  Once again, don't overlook regional productions done by local colleges; these young people are the stars of the future.

On Netflix:

Peace, Love and Misunderstanding - This indie film stars Jane Fonda and Catherine Keener.  It is a relationship story of mother and daughter.  There are love stories as well between involving the daughter and her children.  Although it was fine, it was not fully developed and wasted the talent of these two accomplished actresses. 
On Netflix and Instant Streaming

Monsieur Lazhar - This French indie film tells the story of an Algerian immigrant who takes  the job as an elementary school teacher.  I won't give any more than that so as not to give anything away.  It is a lovely story of caring and healing.  Since I was stuck in the house due to Sandy, it passed time in a pleasurable way.  

We Have a  Pope - I am not sure if this is a comedy or drama so I'll call it a dramady.  This Italian film tells the story of a cardinal who is elected pope, but doesn't want the job.  Some of the scenes, especially with the other cardinals, are quite funny.  Since I am not Catholic, I wonder how this film is viewed by those of the faith.  I found it good, not great, but good. 

DWTS:

Once again the judges are rigging the results.  Kirstie Alley is not in the same league as the other contestants, but they continue to give her better scores.  Giving her the extra two points for the group dance, was just not right.  I was sorry to see Sabrina go.

The pickings at the movies are slim in my opinion.  Hope with the holidays around the corner, some good films will be in our local theaters.

Roberta

October 27

Betty, Carol, Yolanda  correctly identified "Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you're not good at them." coming from Tin Cup.

Try this one (once again courtesy of Sy):

"Everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not the end."

Betty Jenkins wrote:

I loved your review of Legally Blonde.  My friend's daughter co-wrote the book with her college friend Amanda Brown.  She gave up all her rights, as her mother did not think she should be associated with that trivial book.  :-)  However, she did get a good sum of money and was invited to the opening of the musical on Broadway.  :)

On Netflix:

Tyler Perry's Good Deeds - Once again I had to get my "black" groove on (no offence intended) and saw this movie.  Perry's movies are almost formula driven.  He usually plays the good guy who saves someone.  This film is no different.  Here he plays a CEO of a company.  He is the good son who has always done what was expected of him and is very unhappy.  In walks into his life a beautiful janitor in his building and you can fill in the blanks from there.  I don't know where he gets such beautiful people, but one person is more attractive than the other.  Thandie Newton playing the janitor and Gabrielle Union playing his fiancee are gorgeous!.  For a feel good movie, see this one. 

On Netflix and Streaming:

Mirror, Mirror - This adult spoof of the fairy tale Snow White stars Julia Roberts as the Wicked Witch as she narrates the story.  It is not for kids and is a hoot.  Nathan Lane plays her assistant and is hysterical.  The seven dwarves are great and although have a shady line of work, they are Snow White's protectors and heroes.  It appeared that all the actors had fun with the production..  For an adult version of the story, see this film. 


At Kennedy Center:  (Note:  I wrote this review before the one that appeared in Friday's Washington Post and was happy to see that they actually noted some of the same things I did and even used similar wording.)

War Horse - This British transport arrived in New York in 2011 and won the Tony that year for best drama.  Kennedy Center's rendition of it is quite good.  Most of you have seen the movie that was up for an Academy Award last year I believe, so you know the story - boy's love of his horse.  The magic of this play is the technology.  The horse, Joey, is a mechanized type puppet run by three humans.  Although two or three are under the casing, one puppeteer is visible throughout.  After awhile you don't even see him.  How they get the very movement of the horse is almost lyrical. There were some scene that could only be described as poetry in motion.   I was happy I had seen the movie beforehand as some of the dialogue was hard to decipher and I think I would have been lost in the story.  Theater tickets are out of sight in price, but Goldstar has some discounted tickets as well as the Kennedy Center.

Interesting Place to Visit:

Last week I visited the town of Occoquan and Gunston Hall the historic home of George Mason.  It was a beautfiul day which added to the enjoyment.  Occoquan is a small version of Old Town Alexandria or Georgetown.  The shops are quaint and the town is right on the Occoquan River makes it a very serene setting.  Walking around the streets and window shopping was fun.  A number of years ago, Wendy and the girls took me to tea at the Bicyle Cafe.  There are many places to have a bite to eat.  After an hour or so there, my group rode off to Gunston Hall which is about 15 minutes away.  I am always in awe of historical homes and this one was no exception.  Our docent was terrific which added to the fun.  For a lovely day trip, take the drive out to these areas.
This weekend the east coast is gearing for a whopper of a storm.  If you have electricity, you can wait out the storm by catching up on some videos.
Roberta

October 16

Carol, Lucy and Betty correctly identified "If he even so much as twitches, I'll blow him straight to Mars" coming from The Hunt for Red October.
Try this one:
"Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you're not good at them."

At Theaters:

Argo - All I can say is WOW!  This true story had me on pins and needles, the stress was almost too much to take!  Ben Afleck has directed and starred in a wonderful movie about the incidents surrounding Americans caught in Iran at the height of the takeover of the Embassy in 1979.  Although you know how it ends, the suspense it unbelievable.  John Goodman and Alan Arkin provide some comic relief, but the story is wonderful.  Do yourself a favor and see this one, you won't be disappointed. 

On Netflix:

Bernie - I have to say at the outset I am not a fan of Jack Black, but he is wonderful in this role and who knew he had such a lovely singing voice.  This is yet another movie based on a true story about Texan mortician Bernie and his relationship with the meanest widow in town.  I don't want to give too much away, but it is a black comedy (no pun intended.)  Shirley MacLaine plays the widow and Matthew McConaughey plays the local DA.  After you view it, I know you will have the same reaction as Sy, this can't be true, but it is.  It is played as a pseudo-documentary where members of the cast talk directly to someone off camera about Bernie.  Look for McConaughey's mother as one of the townspeople. 

Community Theater:

Reston Community Players in "Legally Blonde" - All I can say is the actors outperformed the play.  All the actors sang, danced and performed in a very professional manner, but the story is silly and lame.  If you can get passed the story and go simply for the lovely singing and dancing, you'll have an enjoyable evening of theater.

Book Review:

Defending Jacob by William Landay - This book is wonderful.  It has a surprise ending that makes you think - could you do what she did?  I won't give any more details than that.  It is an easy and fast read that will keep with you long after you finish reading it.

DWTS:

I know a lot of you have given up on this show, but actually it has turned out to be quite a good season as most of the dancers are at least finalists from seasons past.  Last evening although the two lowest performers - Bristol Palin and Kristy Alley danced the best they ever have, the other dancers really danced rings around them so one of them should go home!  My prediction for the finals will be another showdown with Giles Marini and Shawn Johnson and I am once again not sure who will come out on top.  That said, last night's performances by Kelly Monaco was a sizzler!

Roberta

October 3

David, Carol Frank, Juli, Betty, Wendy correctly identified   Striker:  Surely you can't be serious."
Rumack:  "I am serious....and don't call me Shirley."  coming from Airplane.
Try this one courtesy of Sy:

"If he even so much as twitches I'll blow him straight to Mars.:

 

At theaters:

 

Trouble With The Curve - This is the perfect movie for women and men alike.  I am not going to identify who will like what, but it is a relationship movie involving father and daughter as well as a romantic story between daughter and scout.  In addition, there is plenty of baseball for the sports fan.  Clint Eastwood plays Clint Eastwood - cranky old man like he was in Gran Torino.  Amy Adams is always delightful and once again she is as his lawyer daughter. Justin Timberlake plays a scout and Adams' love interest.  For a feel good movie, this one won't disappoint. 

At theaters and On Demand:

Arbitrage - Richard Geer stars as a billionaire who finds himself in trouble at work, home and with the law.  Sy thought it would be more about finance, but it was more of a story about a man who digs himself into a hole and how he crawls out of it.   I found it engaging and Geer plays a cad quite well.  It co-stars Susan Sarandon.   My friend Melissa said when she saw it her friend didn't like the ending. See it for yourself and decide.

On Netflix:

Contraband - I have always been a fan of Mark Wahlberg and this film in which he stars does not disappoint.  Although it was a bit violent as it dealt with drug lords and smuggling,the violence was not gratuitous.. Wahlberg plays a reformed smuggler who has to return to the life for one last job to save his brother in law.   Kate Beckinsale costars.

DWTS:

I promised myself I would not watch this edition, but like an addict, I couldn't control myself.  I did miss the first episode, but was pulled into it again this week.  A lot of my favorites are dancing so it is fun to watch.  At this point in the game some of my front runners are Giles, Sabrina, Shannon and Apollo.  I do have to say Emmett is always a favorite as he is dancing with Cheryl.  Why Bristol and Christy are still on and Joey was voted off surprised me, but at least most of the dancers can dance!

September 10

It has been a while since I last posted.  I am on a temporary job assignment and find it difficult to watching DVDs as I am catching up on TV programs I tape each night.  That being said:

Carol Frank, Betty, David and Kathy Luke correctly identified North by Northwest's working title as The Man on Lincoln's Nose.

Try this one:  "Striker:  Surely you can't be serious."
                     Rumack:  "I am serious....and don't call me Shirley."In Theaters:

The Borrne Legacy - Sy is a fan of the Bourne series so we went to this latest installment.  Surprisingly it is very engaging.  Although totally unrealistic, it held my interest and was fun to watch.  Jeremy Renner plays the new super human spy.  I like that they have left the door open for Matt Damon to return as Jason Bourne as well.  It would be fun to see them both in a film.  Renner does a nice job with the role.  The only scene that made me actually laugh out loud was one of the chase scenes.  The audience applauded when Reston was displayed on the screen as a place in the movie.  For a fun movie, there is violence, but not too much, see this film. 

The Odd Life of Timothy Green - I was busy at school so couldn't go to the movies with Sy, Sarah and Amanda so they are giving their opinion of the film.  I'll have to catch it on Netflix.  Sarah says;"It was a very touching family orientated story. "  Both Sarah and Amanda thought the actors were very good.  Amanda liked all the jokes in the movie.  Sy said that the film was more than just science fiction it was how the child effected the lives of those around him.  Sarah gives the film Amanda and Sy give it a

On Netflix:

Jane Eyre - This 2011 adaption was produced by the BBC and starred Mia Wasikowska as Jane, Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester and Judi Dench as the housekeeper.  All of you know the story which is timeless.  I found this adaption a bit slow, but beautifully filmed.  For a lovely film and to refresh your memory of the classic, put this film on your cue. 

Wolftrap Concert:

Barry Manilow - As a Manilow fan from way back, it was such a pleasure to see his concert .  We were fortunate to have sixth row seats on the aisle and had a good view of the stage and him.  He sang all his hits closing with Copacabana and I Write the Songs.  Watching the audience members was as much fun.  Many people had glow sticks and it was a hoot looking at the audience swaying their sticks back and forth.  Manilow still looks good although he has had much work done.  He is very thin and with two hip replacements still moves quite well.  A real audience pleaser!

That's it for now.  Enjoy the beautiful weather here on the east coast.