Throwback Thursday!

 

Kitchen junk drawer. Needed a cleansing.

 

4 Chapsticks

8 eye drop bottles

9+ pieces of candy

12+ batteries

2 eyeliner pencils (?)

5 matchbooks

4 glue sticks

 

I should have a sale. Now...to throw them all back from whence they came...

 

 

 

 

 

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Glen Mar Post-Xmas Bailiú!

 

It's tough fitting parties in during the actual Christmas season so I had a party after the holidays last weekend. It was just as festive. Above:  Dad & Bob Wallner.

 



 

Paula Wallner, Mom, Aunt Ruth (Ircink) and Jackie Rindall.

Brother Jas, Rick Nowak & Uncle Bob Nowak.

 

Sue Nowak & Aunt Ev (Ircink) Nowak.

 

Darryl Rindall.

 

Mary Beth (2nd cousin) and Bernie Schroedl.

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Happy Birthday, Shelley Fabares!

I can't believe she's 70. The only actress to star in three Elvis Presley films (GIRL HAPPY, CLAMBAKE, SPINOUT), singer of the hit single, "Johnny Angel" and numerous TV/film appearances, Shelley is one of my favorites. I really do love her.

Here's Shelley in "Girl Happy". She's the one driving.

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"Exit, pursued by a bear."

That stage direction - from THE WINTER'S TALE, by William Shakespeare - is one of the most famous stage directions in all of theater. Here's another quote, from a member of the Wisconsin Arts Board in 2009 when reviewing Optimist Theatre's very first grant application: "I don't know if they can pull it off but, if they do, we need to be a part of it."

That's impressive. And Optimist Theatre has INDEED pulled it off. FREE Shakespeare in the Park at a new outdoor venue in Kadish Park, Milwaukee. FREE - this June. THE WINTER'S TALE! William freakin' Shakespeare! The Bard! But Optimist Theatre needs your help now. They're having a fundraiser in February at Turner Hall. $35 a ticket. And for an added incentive, BMO Harris Bank has issued a matching challenge grant. We raise $1,000 - they match it. We raise $5,000 - you get it, I know. Check out the link below with all the what-for's and how-da-ya-do's. If you can't attend the fundraiser, you can still pledge a tax-deductible donation. And remember - THE WINTER'S TALE is FREE this June for three weeks!

The new outdoor theater at Kadish Park (above). Who in the hell puts on FREE theater? Optimist Theatre in MKE does. Click here for fundraiser ticket information.

And if you're ever really pursued by a bear, you can't outrun it.

 Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company.  Your donation is 100% tax deductible and greatly appreciated.  Shakespeare in the Park and "To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now" would not be possible without your financial support.

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Happy Birthday, Elvis!

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Big fan. I mean, BIG fan, man. Happy Birthday (January 8) to the King! Here's Elvis singing "Memories" . And yes, EP - thanks for the memories...

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3 sub-zero essentials.

 

Everyone and their mother knows the Midwest (as well as other parts of the United States) have been in the grips of a polar vortex. -20, -30, -40, -50 temps with windchill. I work outside for a living so you can imagine the severe cold weighs on me - and my body. Among other things (layering, socks, footwear), here's three items I wouldn't be caught dead without. Or I might be dead. Or at least frostbitten.

 

1.)  Thermos. This was my Grampa Ircink's. It's old. Brother Jason gave it to me for Christmas. Filled this mofo at about 10:25 am with hot coffee. Had a cup when I got home at 5:15 pm. As hot as if it were freshly made.



 

 

2.)  Military arctic gloves. Used. Deerskin leather. Insulated. $10 at the Milwaukee Sport Show a couple years ago.

 

3.)  Thick wool pants. $20 on Ebay. Used them for a theater costume. Suspenders optional. Doesn't stay wet and dries quickly.

BONUS:  The beard. Well - it can't hurt. Keeps my face warm during bowhunting, in -30 degree windchill and it's convenient for potential acting gigs.

I would add a good hand cream like Udder or No Crack for the wear & tear on your fingers (splitting, cracked skin). OK - go outside in the -40 temps & have fun!

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Mt. Hua Shan. I don't think so.

The world's most dangerous hike? It's gotta be right up there. Tell me you don't have to pay for your tea when you get to the top....

Check it out.

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"Hellraisers".

Working on my Peter O'Toole impersonation. Listen - “I did quite enjoy the days when one went for a beer at one’s local in Paris and woke up in Corsica.” Pretty good, huh?

Richard Burton. Richard Harris. Peter O'Toole. Oliver Reed. There's no denying the many dysfunctions represented by this lot. There's also no denying the antics & joy one might experience in the company of these men. Or the talent.

"Hellraisers", by Robert Sellers (2011) is on my reading list. Check out a review here.

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The Perkins'! Christmas 2013.

Post-Christmas post. My buddy Nick and his wife, Angela, daughter Ava with Santa in Cedar Rapids, IA! Salute!

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gIRLS will be gIRLS.

Cheerily blow the bugle horn
In the cool green woods of morn;
Loose the hounds and let them go,
Wax the cord and bend the bow.

- from The Witchery of Archery, by Maurice Thompson

Grace showing her sister, Gwyneth (my goddaughter) how to shoot the bow! My Christmas gift to Grace. Gwyneth got the Barbie video. The bow, most likely, will belong to Gwyneth in less than a week.

Gwyneth has sprinkles of Maria, smatterings of Donovan, and she is the apple of her godfather's eye. I AM NINO JEFF!

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TCM Remembers 2013

Lest we forget...

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