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more whiskey...
hand knotted bow tie
books, pipe, whiskey
King of Pop
sports
American style breakfast
moolah, dinero, geld aka money honey!
crunchy, buttery salted popcorn
Wabash
beach
more sports....
good health & strong muscles
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
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Tanz Der Vampire is playing in Berlin at Stage Theater Des Westens in Charlottenburg. I'm not big on musicals but three things finally peaked my curiosity for wanting to see this show:
Tanz Der Vampire is playing in Berlin at Stage Theater Des Westens in Charlottenburg. I'm not big on musicals but three things finally peaked my curiosity for wanting to see this show:
- A buddy performs in it
- It's a musical remake of Roman Polanski's film, Dance of the Vampires
- It's the most successful German-language music -- ever
The set design changing from the foot of the moutain to the Vampire's mansion high atop it and several rooms within and back outside in the barren snow field is exciting to watch. The only downside to this production was the immensely loud orchestra which much of the time drowned out the actors.
As for the theatre, Des Westens is a veritable institution with remarkable eclectic architecture that's housed such legendary performers as Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, and, since the '60s, musicals among other cast performances. The inside looks every bit old world charm with red plush carpeting and drapery, chandeliers suspended from high ceilings, polished brass railings, and masks and motifs carved around the high looking-glasses and pillars.
by the second half (and after an espresso!) the story took off and the campiness grew on me
And, for once, the German audience actually reacted enthusiastically after each number even - amazingly! - giving a standing ovation at the end! I could barely believe my eyes and ears, y'all.
As for the theatre, Des Westens is a veritable institution with remarkable eclectic architecture that's housed such legendary performers as Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, and, since the '60s, musicals among other cast performances. The inside looks every bit old world charm with red plush carpeting and drapery, chandeliers suspended from high ceilings, polished brass railings, and masks and motifs carved around the high looking-glasses and pillars. 
Friday, December 21, 2012
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Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil came to Berlin on December 19 & 20th. I went to see it last night and, man, the O2 World Stadium's seating capacity of 12,000 was packed! Stands to reason: the travelling show typically runs only two nights per city -- and I got my ticket two months ago!
I was on the supposedly more exclusive ground level but, truth be told, it was hard to see (over people's heads) the whole stage so, ex priori, bleacher seats would've been better. But the show was nothing short of a spectacular.
The Berlin audience - as is typical - seemed to sit on their hands for most of the production; allowing themselves to give polite applause after each number rather the raucous cheering you'd hear at a soccer match -- and which these talented performers greatly warranted. But that all changed when, near the show's finale, the percussion dominated "They Don't Really Care About Us" was marshaled out to a military arrangement with ominous futuristic foot soldiers in gleaming black armor. At that the Germans didn't need any prompting to stand and clap along -- and they kept beat, too! I kid you not.
I love Michael Jackson music; and I am so thankful to have managed a ticket to see this jaw-dropping tribute to this century's greatest entertainer.
post scriptum: I respected the show's policy; the first pic was snapped before the production began.
I was on the supposedly more exclusive ground level but, truth be told, it was hard to see (over people's heads) the whole stage so, ex priori, bleacher seats would've been better. But the show was nothing short of a spectacular.
acrobats and contortionists, and dance numbers rivaled the lighting and video effectsAmazing transitions from one pop hit to the next with tunes ranging from The Jackson 5 to "Blood On the Dance Floor" and, of course, it wouldn't be a Cirque du Soleil production sans fantastic impossible costumes, soaring, flipping, twisting acrobats and contortionists, and dance numbers that rivaled the lighting and video effects.
The Berlin audience - as is typical - seemed to sit on their hands for most of the production; allowing themselves to give polite applause after each number rather the raucous cheering you'd hear at a soccer match -- and which these talented performers greatly warranted. But that all changed when, near the show's finale, the percussion dominated "They Don't Really Care About Us" was marshaled out to a military arrangement with ominous futuristic foot soldiers in gleaming black armor. At that the Germans didn't need any prompting to stand and clap along -- and they kept beat, too! I kid you not.
I love Michael Jackson music; and I am so thankful to have managed a ticket to see this jaw-dropping tribute to this century's greatest entertainer.
post scriptum: I respected the show's policy; the first pic was snapped before the production began.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
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As the year ends I'd like to share about a very historical event celebrated in 2012: the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Since I was already in the UK this spring I wanted very much to be in London for the official Diamond Jubilee celebrations. I took the bus down from Edinburgh that weekend. The first day was awash with miserable rainy weather but that did not stop crowds from packing along the River Thames to watch the parades of sea vessels, hoping to see the Royal Family. Twice I almost caved in - I loath crowds...and standing in the cold rain - but, in the end, stuck it out and eventually got a glimpse of the Queen! No, not Elton John. The real deal. Didn't know it, though, until I got back to the hotel room and watched the rest via television coverage. I was just stoked to have made out some tiny figure on the distant royal barge; but the pink silhouette turned out to have been her. So I didn't get soaking wet for nothing. And the old girl stood the whole time!
It was wonderful seeing all the streets and show windows bedecked for the occasion. Visitors came from all over the world and the British people were nice and understanding of the extra tourism. (Had to get used to it, really, as the Summer Olympics were just weeks away.) Pomp and pageantry tends to bring out people's best behaviours....
While in London I took a spin on the Eye and a train ride up to visit Oxford - for the second time - and toured the Duke of Marlborough castle. Talk about living large! The "house" seemed as vast as the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and then there were the grounds and gardens which rolled out neat and green as far as I could see. Whew! Must be nice.
As the year ends I'd like to share about a very historical event celebrated in 2012: the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Since I was already in the UK this spring I wanted very much to be in London for the official Diamond Jubilee celebrations. I took the bus down from Edinburgh that weekend. The first day was awash with miserable rainy weather but that did not stop crowds from packing along the River Thames to watch the parades of sea vessels, hoping to see the Royal Family. Twice I almost caved in - I loath crowds...and standing in the cold rain - but, in the end, stuck it out and eventually got a glimpse of the Queen! No, not Elton John. The real deal. Didn't know it, though, until I got back to the hotel room and watched the rest via television coverage. I was just stoked to have made out some tiny figure on the distant royal barge; but the pink silhouette turned out to have been her. So I didn't get soaking wet for nothing. And the old girl stood the whole time!Visitors came from all over the world and the British people were nice and understanding of the extra tourism
It was wonderful seeing all the streets and show windows bedecked for the occasion. Visitors came from all over the world and the British people were nice and understanding of the extra tourism. (Had to get used to it, really, as the Summer Olympics were just weeks away.) Pomp and pageantry tends to bring out people's best behaviours....
While in London I took a spin on the Eye and a train ride up to visit Oxford - for the second time - and toured the Duke of Marlborough castle. Talk about living large! The "house" seemed as vast as the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and then there were the grounds and gardens which rolled out neat and green as far as I could see. Whew! Must be nice.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
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A hippyish hostel reminiscent of burgeoning internationalism in the immediate wake of the Berlin Wall osmosis. But, then again, "dated" has its appeal. Sunflower Hostel lies on a long stretch of residential street that is otherwise empty. It is pretty much a stone's throw from the Warshauer train station (near the O2 Stadium) and you know you've arrived when you spot the giant metal sunflower blooming from the front of the building. Inside, an eclectic - or typically Berlin - decor of psychedelic murals and plush toys epoxied to all sides of walls; purple cows hang from the ceiling! Staff are tight-knit and, oh what's the word, organic. You know, caravan clothes probably fashioned from hemp, Rastafarian dreadlocks, tattoos, females with unshaven armpits and, very probably protest nuclear energy on their off days. But nice. Male employees were nicer than their female counterparts.
The hostel offers wi-fi, bed linen, a huge luggage storage - all FREE! - a licensed bar and coin laundry. The all-you-can-eat breakfast for 3 euros is worth taking advantage of; a buffet of fresh seasonal fruits (apples, plums, pears, etc) salami, cheese, rolls, cereal and milk, tea and coffee.
I'm definitely not of the hippy mold but Sunflower Hostel is still groovy by me.
A hippyish hostel reminiscent of burgeoning internationalism in the immediate wake of the Berlin Wall osmosis. But, then again, "dated" has its appeal. Sunflower Hostel lies on a long stretch of residential street that is otherwise empty. It is pretty much a stone's throw from the Warshauer train station (near the O2 Stadium) and you know you've arrived when you spot the giant metal sunflower blooming from the front of the building. Inside, an eclectic - or typically Berlin - decor of psychedelic murals and plush toys epoxied to all sides of walls; purple cows hang from the ceiling! Staff are tight-knit and, oh what's the word, organic. You know, caravan clothes probably fashioned from hemp, Rastafarian dreadlocks, tattoos, females with unshaven armpits and, very probably protest nuclear energy on their off days. But nice. Male employees were nicer than their female counterparts.
arrogant French couple inconsiderately commenced copulatingI frequently stay here owing to their low - and upfront - rates, comfortable surroundings and, at the risk of sounding corny, memorable short-term friendships. One winter I lodged as a long-term guest in a shared room of 8 beds. Luckily the roommates were sociable and pleasant which made the stay not an insufferable or trying experience -- except for the time this arrogant French couple inconsiderately commenced copulating and had the gall to hate us for being disturbed by it. Frogs! Otherwise it was all civilized and sunflowery.
I'm definitely not of the hippy mold but Sunflower Hostel is still groovy by me.
Sunflower Hostel Berlin
Helsingforser Str. 17
10243 Berlin
Helsingforser Str. 17
10243 Berlin
E-Mail: hostel(at)sunflower-hostel.de
Tel: +49 – (0)30 – 440 44 250 Sunday, December 16, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
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I chose Blue Sky on three consecutive weekends due to the weekend price hikes in Edinburgh. Plus I wanted to check out Glasgow. The dorm rates were a simple 10 euros (by the third visit the price had went up to 11 euros). I had no problem making a reservation over the telephone and its location is not so difficult to find from the Buchannon bus station although it would be a bit more helpful to list their proximity to the Mitchell Library. All in all it comprised about a good twenty minute walk.
The facilities are not bad. There is a community kitchen on the ground floor and free wi-fi downstairs -- if your laptop corresponds to a certain bandwidth or something. Mine didn't. The owner knew of this problem from previous American guests but nonetheless was inconsistent in fixing the set-up. That was just one thing that irked me about Blue Sky Hostel.
On one of the wall murals was the word "Nigga" distinctly written in marker...and, no, it was not in homage to my book. The owner's reaction was indifferent. "Oh," he shrugged, "these #%@! people write so much #%@! on my #%@! walls, man." Really? I didn't see Canada Sucks scribbled anywhere.
65 Berkeley Street
www.blueskyhostel.com
(Same owners of West End Backpackers Hostel on 3 Bank Street)
I chose Blue Sky on three consecutive weekends due to the weekend price hikes in Edinburgh. Plus I wanted to check out Glasgow. The dorm rates were a simple 10 euros (by the third visit the price had went up to 11 euros). I had no problem making a reservation over the telephone and its location is not so difficult to find from the Buchannon bus station although it would be a bit more helpful to list their proximity to the Mitchell Library. All in all it comprised about a good twenty minute walk.
The facilities are not bad. There is a community kitchen on the ground floor and free wi-fi downstairs -- if your laptop corresponds to a certain bandwidth or something. Mine didn't. The owner knew of this problem from previous American guests but nonetheless was inconsistent in fixing the set-up. That was just one thing that irked me about Blue Sky Hostel.
the owner is a skinny caricature of an '80s punk rocker with foul-mouth and smokes like a chimney!I found this place to be terribly familiar; as in informal and crass. Owned and operated by a Canadian (and his dear old mother) - it took me a while to understand why I found their accents so unnerving - the hostel is run more like his personal frat house or school project. A skinny caricature of an '80s punk rocker, the man is loud, foul-mouthed and rarely shuts the hell up; and smokes like a chimney!
On one of the wall murals was the word "Nigga" distinctly written in marker...and, no, it was not in homage to my book. The owner's reaction was indifferent. "Oh," he shrugged, "these #%@! people write so much #%@! on my #%@! walls, man." Really? I didn't see Canada Sucks scribbled anywhere.
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| Oh? I should look behind me, eh! |
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| What's that you say, eh? |
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| Dontcha know, eh! |
65 Berkeley Street
www.blueskyhostel.com
(Same owners of West End Backpackers Hostel on 3 Bank Street)
Monday, December 10, 2012
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Romeo und Julia (German) is being performed at the Deutsche Oper by the Staatsballet Berlin. I saw it over the weekend and wore my new bow tie and velvet jacket. The play, as we know, is by Wm Shakespeare but this ballet adaptation (in three acts) is by the late John Cranko. And as a ballet there is only dancing and leaping and twirling on tippy-toes -- not a stitch of dialogue!
Easy enough feat, you may think, but in watching it I was amazed at just how precise the choreography must be in order to 'speak' volumes between the characters; and then when I re-considered this is a Shakespearean work known by everyone under the Sun I had to admit: maybe Cranko's ballet wasn't such an easy feat. The performance was absolutely stirring and moving and utterly beautiful! It's probably owing to Mr Cranko that Eugen Onegin is one of my favorite ballets.
Romeo und Julia (German) is being performed at the Deutsche Oper by the Staatsballet Berlin. I saw it over the weekend and wore my new bow tie and velvet jacket. The play, as we know, is by Wm Shakespeare but this ballet adaptation (in three acts) is by the late John Cranko. And as a ballet there is only dancing and leaping and twirling on tippy-toes -- not a stitch of dialogue!
Easy enough feat, you may think, but in watching it I was amazed at just how precise the choreography must be in order to 'speak' volumes between the characters; and then when I re-considered this is a Shakespearean work known by everyone under the Sun I had to admit: maybe Cranko's ballet wasn't such an easy feat. The performance was absolutely stirring and moving and utterly beautiful! It's probably owing to Mr Cranko that Eugen Onegin is one of my favorite ballets.
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| At the ballet..dapper as ever |
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| Deutsche Oper Berlin (Intermission) |
Thursday, December 6, 2012
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Located on the Grassmarket (West Port Street, to be exact) beneath the grand, imposing Edinburgh Castle, Art Roch Hostel is a converted old Salvation Army barracks with three floors, a cool upper Rec room, an outdoor smoking patio - because everybody in Europe smokes! - and long-term guests who couldn't be farther from salvation if they died and went straight to Hell. I have never met so many socially inept people under one roof -- and I've been inside a penitentiary and mental hospital!
In particular there was one Portuguese jerk who put the looey in LOSER. Everybody hated this fat, friendless turd. But this much can be said of the hostel: it offers great rates, colorful characters, and not a dull moment. Plus there is an old school video game in the lobby (see pic). I got addicted to playing Burger Time.
PS: It is also supposedly owned by the fifth wealthiest Scotsman, Malcolm Scott, a useless point of trivia the long-term guests never failed to impart like Scott was their drinking buddy.
PPS: Considering Powers was threatened and given 24hrs to vacate the premises by the head janitor - in other words, thrown out...by the ugly janitor - I regard the following news updates with a pinch of schadenfreude. Oh yes, y'all, my German is improving....
Located on the Grassmarket (West Port Street, to be exact) beneath the grand, imposing Edinburgh Castle, Art Roch Hostel is a converted old Salvation Army barracks with three floors, a cool upper Rec room, an outdoor smoking patio - because everybody in Europe smokes! - and long-term guests who couldn't be farther from salvation if they died and went straight to Hell. I have never met so many socially inept people under one roof -- and I've been inside a penitentiary and mental hospital!
a jerk who put the looey in LOSER
PS: It is also supposedly owned by the fifth wealthiest Scotsman, Malcolm Scott, a useless point of trivia the long-term guests never failed to impart like Scott was their drinking buddy.
PPS: Considering Powers was threatened and given 24hrs to vacate the premises by the head janitor - in other words, thrown out...by the ugly janitor - I regard the following news updates with a pinch of schadenfreude. Oh yes, y'all, my German is improving....
- http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2012/07/24/backpackers-are-being-ordered-to-leave-hostel/
- http://www.ehap.org.uk/about-ehap/news/hostel-sit-in.aspx
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| some of my old buddies...and the fat turd |
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