Theater Review – “Monty Python's Spamalot”

If there is one musical you see in your lifetime make it “Monty Python's SPAMALOT.” Theater gets a bad rap in the day and age of IMAX and 3D blockbusters, but “Spam” brings to the stage something audiences haven’t seen before, the Finland fish slapping dance. Uh, well, that and more. In an adaptation from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Spamalot” brings the best of the Monty Python films with the best of musical theater. So take British humor, clever songs, real talent, whimsy and a love story, smoosh it together and you make a Tony award winning show.

“Spamalot” is the tale of King Arthur, his quest to recruit knights, not days, but knights and their adventure to find the Holy Grail as given to them by God’s feet and fulfill all requirements of a Broadway show. Is it a prerequisite to see “Holy Grail” before “Spam”? Only if you want to laugh at the mere mention of the word “Ni” before the punch line, but fear not non-Grail viewers, the comedy is all inclusive and you’ll laugh just the same as the rest of them at the line “It’s just a flesh wound.”

The show is such a great break from the traditional clichéd musical theater (that I know and love having a minor in theater myself). I can’t begin to tell you how terrific it is to sit and relax in a show and not know how the ingénue will be wooed by the hansom and brave main character or other predictable plot points. “Spamalot” even pokes fun at the usual formulas that have created instant recoils at the mere mention of the word “musical.” Just prepare to laugh your bum off at the creative social commentary and hilarious British satire.

I do not consider myself well versed in many things, but musical theater is definitely one of them, so with just good ol’ lots of experience under my belt, I recommend “Spamalot” as a show that anyone, young, old, male, female, nearly dead, French, or otherwise would enjoy. Here’s the link to check its traveling schedule and hope you catch it soon otherwise some French guard might fart in your general direction. So beware and don’t runaway from Monty Python’s “Spamalot.”

“Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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Dating Advice & Tips - Help!

Where have all the single guys gone?
I’m serious.
Where are they?

The “dating scene” vanishes for those of us in our mid to late 20’s. What do you do when you’re out of college, have had the same friends for years - have met all their friends and their boyfriend’s friends, you’re too old for the club/bar scene, and dating a coworker is out of the question? Where do you meet quality single men?

In some of the books I’ve read (yes, I have bought books about dating) they say just to do the things you love. Well, there’s an issue when what you love is the movies, going out to dinner with friends and family, reading/writing and other solo activities. I can’t help what I love doing, right?

So where do I meet datable guys?

I tried online dating. That was semi successful leading to many great dates, a boyfriend for a short time but nothing substantial. I’ve tried friends setting me up, my parents setting me up, I smile at guys at the grocery store, at the gas pump, while we’re out to eat, whenever. But no luck.

I have a lot to offer. I’m not horrible to look at. I’m college educated, hold a steady job. Manage my own blog and contribute to another website. I freelance, take piano lessons, have a slight TV addiction. I enjoy going to the movies, bowling, trying almost anything once (recently tried ATVing, whitewater rafting and horseback riding – all were great fun!). I’m curious, inquisitive, stubborn, can admit when I’m wrong, able to apologize, etc. I mean – I’m not completely undatable.

So what is it then? Why is it so easy for some and such a struggle for others? Weird, right?

I’m on a treasure hunt and I need your help. I need the advice of anyone reading. I’m open. Where should I go, what should I say, what not to say, etc. Help!

Also, are you in a similar situation, because I feel like the only one? Share your single stories too. Then we can swap tactics and collaborate.

Can’t wait to read the comments!

“Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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AD/HD Tips & Tricks for Reading, Studying & Other Things That Need Attention

In a recent article released by ADDtude Magazine, they discuss tactics to help ADDers develop reading skills and absorb the information they are reading.

Here’s what can hinder an ADDers' ability to sit and read a book - In a lot of the books I’ve read about AD/HD they mention “blinks” in regards to the inattentiveness aspect of AD/HD. These aren’t visual blinks, but mental blinks that occur all the time and can cut out important information - say - during a lecture or while reading. It’s an involuntary, momentary laps in attention. So it’s not done on purpose and it doesn’t mean that person isn’t trying to pay attention, it just happens on its own.

One way to combat this may be to read in shorter increments. When writing, these blinks can happen too, so make sure you proof read at least one day after writing something or have someone else read it purely for those missed words (that way it doesn’t have to be a person who knows about your topic). When listening to speeches make sure to take notes. Personally, and this certainly isn’t for everyone, I wrote down just about everything my professors would say, almost like a script to make sure I didn’t miss any key words. Or bring a tape recorder so that you can play it back.

One tip I wanted to suggest is reading during commercial breaks. Besides balancing my TV addiction with my school work or a book I’m reading for fun, it breaks up my concentration enough so that I can have vested interest in the book when I come back to it and can sit and absorb the information while watching the TV. Reading in spirts like that I think gives the attention span the variety it’s seeking.

Another way to actively engage your brain in order to absorb information is to type it up. I’ve done this as a means of studying as well as a way to memorize lines for a play. Typing out hand written notes, or whatever it may be, forces you (and your brain) to pay attention TWICE – when reading the information on the page and when typing it out.

In another article called “Getting Things Done the ADD Way” ADDitude mentions some of the following skills:

Daily Action Plan – Make it a routine! If you have trouble remembering to do things (like I do) than writing it down in the same place and checking it regularly can definitely help. Also, get lots of Post Its. I LIVE off of Post Its!

Time Management – Always a struggle for ADDers. ADDitude suggests using a timer or learning to say “No.” Those are great suggestions but also just set an agenda for yourself and follow through. Following through is also rewarding because you’ve accomplished a task and you’ve accomplished time management.

How do you get things done in your AD/HD lifestyle? It’s difficult, I know, so share your tips and tricks!

“Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

Read more!