The first book is: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Since my move from 10th to 14th Street, I have been surprisingly reliant on the plasma to fulfill my evening entertainment. Instead of the usual late-night movie watching ritual that I had formerly found myself performing (a good murder mystery goes a long way for my sleeping schedule), I now find myself tuned into the digital cable that I had entirely neglected previously. I turn it on while reading emails. I watch/listen as I cook dinner. I set the volume to near-maximum when I am in the shower. It is truly getting to be my at-home obsession.

What are you watching, one may ask. Well, it is not a specific show (who has the time or the regularity that requires), but an entire network of vignettes perfectly programmed to match my irregular attention span needs. Yes, I have discovered CURRENT TV.

current TV

What is it, you ask. To be honest, I did not know myself for a time. Let me describe it as I encountered it before I tell you about the online research I did. In between the MTV channels (MTV original, MTV U., MTV 2, VH1) on my cable, I found channel 22 and this strange station called CURRENT. With miniature documentaries, seeming to range from about 3 to 7 minutes, and including every subject imaginable (submitted by viewers), this channel immediately had my attention. I was learning about different subjects (Catholic-Protestant battles in Belfast, DC Drag Race, South African fashion), but was never burdened by a full-length feature, which, if partially missed, was not worth the watching. I suppose that could be a con, too: if I really like something, I want it to last longer than 5 minutes! But if I am not interested in something, it’s over in 5 minutes anyway and a new one is presented. Watching CURRENT, I feel informed and trendy at the same time, which really motivates the I’m-20-and-my-generation-needs-to-save-the-world voice in my head.

Al Gore, creator of CURRENT

A little internet research provides some intriguing nuggets about this channel. Apparently, CURRENT was launched in 2005 by former Vice President (and American posterboy for responsible energy) Al Gore. In these four years it has existed, CURRENT has the distinct title of being the fasting growing network of all time! Wow, that is quite impressive. With content that appeals to the highly-coveted 18-34 demographic that is both inter and proactive, the channel is meant to offer a imperfect combination of CNN and MTV, all the better for the imperfection of the combination. As Mr. Gore put it, the station is for young people “who want to learn about the world in a voice they recognize and a view they recognize as their own.”

Does that imply some liberal ideals? Obviously. AND IT SHOULD: after all, we know that each generation becomes a little more liberal than the last…THANK GOODNESS! And with a home state of California, this station had little chance of being provincial with its views. As someone who agrees with many of their viewpoints, it is hard to separate myself and say this is responsible journalism. It may not be, but it is never forcing anything upon you. I believe it encourages an open mind: no judgments, no hate, just a different side of things. I enjoy that. I may have not wanted to know about it, but it is great that I have that option.

Favorite Things to Watch:

Max and Jason

Max & Jason. They usually run an hour long series concerning a particular topic, which is always very enjoyable. With good commraderie between them and a stack of knowledge larger than the disk space of CURRENT’s lengthiest video, the show is a delight. And with their Style-specific edition, they show that documentaries can be sexy.

The Rotten Tomatoes Show

These two provide some of the most enjoyable commercials in the history of television. Well, mildly amusing at the very least. Ignoring that, this show (based on the movie-rating website) is great. Using viewer-created podcast reviews of movies, they intertwine relevant video feeds to the websites greater conclusions about a movie to create the final Rotten/Fresh rating.

InfoMania

An enjoyable look-alike of mock news programs, such as The Soup and The Daily Show. But the best part of this show are the lengthier segments where heavier topics are discussed in longer 3 minute pods. AND THEY ARE HYSTERICAL! I will attach a recent favorite of mine below [the GBF]. Thanks to Ilona for posting that on my wall!

Vanguard

 After watching fifteen mini-docs at once and thinking my head is so full from forty-five minutes of varied factoids, Vanguard is what satisfies my craving for longer segments and real information. They tackle the harder subjects and give time to relfect on them. Think of a more active form of 60 minutes for the 18-34 demographic. With ebbs and flows like a real documentary, it is wonderful. Wikipedia says: “Current’s in-house journalism department, consisting of a team of young producers and correspondents who specialize in enterprising reporting on global issues. In addition to contributing original pods to Current’s daily shuffle, Vanguard airs a weekly half-hour program of longer and more in depth pieces.”

Need I say more?

Thank goodness of the courage of the Iranian people. To take such bold actions following the (fraudulent) election results from this previous Friday, which gave current Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a resounding victory and another four year term. I talked a little bit about the election in a previous entry and described both my disbelief in the results and my disappointment in the Iranian people for submitting themselves to such scrutiny as Ahmadinejad’s actions will provide. I think I put it like this:

And THIS was Iran’s chance to tell the world truly what they think. And to tell us what to think on the outside. This election could have reintroduced the world to Iran, a modern country with more than just a narrow perspective. The promise of a revitalized (and, dare I say, better respected) Iran, starting over fresh with the energy of the Revolution but today’s mindset, was in this election. [...] I am a little disappointed. When you have the chance to end such hateful rhetoric and actions, even if it is only every four years, would you sacrifice that chance and support hate?

Time would certainly prove me wrong about the strength of these great people! Days of domestic violence and civil strife (I know I have heard those two items together before) have plagued the country, leading to today’s revelation from the (irresponsible/tyrannical/biased) Guardian Council to recount disputed votes. In such a country as this, what a power the people hold. To add, the ayatollah has already confirmed Ahmadinejad’s victory…and, yet, the Iranian people press on still to seek justice. Well done.

It does not escape my judgment that this recount will do little to change the outcome of the election. While I am sure Mousavi had plenty of the vote, the election is NOT being redone. All those lost ballots will never be found, and the disenfranchised would-be votes for him will never be counted or submitted to the Council’s review. But pacifying these citizens is vital now to the stability of the government, I suspect. We shall see how things progress.

In the meantime, a narrative through headlines on the BBC:

• June 16- Iran clamps down on foreign media: The authorities announced tough new restrictions on foreign media, requiring journalists to obtain explicit permission before covering any story. Journalists have also been banned from attending or reporting on any unauthorised demonstration.
• June 16- Seven killed during Iran protest: The reports said the deaths came after “thugs” attacked a military post. The radio report said the attack occurred at the end of the “illegal” rally as people were heading home “peacefully”. “Several thugs wanted to attack a military post and vandalise public property in the vicinity of Azadi Square,” the radio said referring to the site of the protest.
• June 15- Tensions high in Tehran: Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters have taken to the streets of the Iranian capital.
• June 14- Iran reformists held after street clashes: Up to 100 members of Iranian reformist groups have been arrested, accused of orchestrating violence after the disputed Presidential election.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Many news organizations are confirming Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s victory in the Iranian Presidential election that took place on Friday, which will extend his tenure in office another four years. A Reformist and the main opponent to Ahmadinejad, Mir Hossein Mousavi, has already claimed the occurrence of voting irregularities, asking the Guardian Council to repeal the results. Mousavi believes there was a lack of election monitors at polling stations, resulting in the disenfranchisement of many Iranian citizens. The conservative-controlled Guardian Council, which vets Presidential candidates based on the uniformity of their Islamic law values, is unlikely to invalidate the results, particularly with the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s call for an end to the race.

Since his narrow defeat of the reformist candidates in 2005, Ahmadinejad has brought his country an unprecedented amount of publicity and, more often than not, criticism. His denial of the Holocaust, his consistent refusal to close Iranian nuclear research facilities, and his belief in Israel’s extermination (not to mention a particularly aggressive hatred towards the United States and “the west”) have all contributed to his being on the United States’ shit list. Within his own country he has attempted to do some good (decreasing dependence on oil, using oil money to assist home buyers and young couples, etc). But many of his ideas have entirely collapsed upon implementation.

And THIS was Iran’s chance to tell the world truly what they think. And to tell us what to think on the outside. This election could have reintroduced the world to Iran, a modern country with more than just a narrow perspective. The promise of a revitalized (and, dare I say, better respected) Iran, starting over fresh with the energy of the Revolution but today’s mindset, was in this election.

And it is now gone. All that promise is lost.

A report from the BBC tells the following in a day’s aftermath:

“On the streets of Tehran, police have sealed off Mr Mousavi’s campaign HQ, preventing his supporters from holding a news conference.

There have been reports of police deploying on the streets of Tehran and beating people with truncheons as small groups gather to protest.

One opposition newspaper has been closed down and BBC websites also appear to have been blocked by the Iranian authorities.”

I am a little disappointed. When you have the chance to end such hateful rhetoric and actions, even if it is only every four years, would you sacrifice that chance and support hate?

]]> http://intertwines.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/the-fall-of-iran/feed/ 1 ras521 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad http://intertwines.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/the-fall-of-iran/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/intertwines/~3/LSqz8sV__Hk/ http://intertwines.wordpress.com/2009/06/11/the-would-be-boys-george-beyonce/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:07:23 +0000 ras521 http://intertwines.wordpress.com/?p=368 ]]>

Xena or Beyonce?

I recently discovered this duet on YouTube, featuring Beyonce and (infamous) George Michael. In concert at London’s O2 Arena, Beyonce performs one of my favorite songs of hers, If I Were a Boy. I cannot really find a reason for George Michael to be present (considering he is male), but she seems to appreciate his presence…if eyes signify appreciation, that is. If only he could manage to use the correct lyrics and sing a bit louder to match Beyonce’s energy!

Oh, I forgot. Did I mention Beyonce had just arrived in London after her audition for a new television series, Xena: Bootylicious Princess? [Sorry, it needed to be said.]

Susan Boyle

What an exponential climb to celebrity Susan Boyle has made, becoming yet another facet of pop culture that will consistently be associated with 2009 and oh-remember-when moments of our histories. From relative obscurity, this Scottish singer appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and all over internet connections becoming an overnight sensation about the globe. Further, with an unconventional look, a story to tug at the heartstrings, and a little dramatic flair for exhaustion,  she followed the Britney-laid path: before her 15 minutes were up, she was already in the mental health hospital. Poor gal. I imagine that life under the world’s microscope could be overwhelming.

Ms. Boyle did sign herself up for the contest, though, and that is where my trouble with the whole situation begins. She did place herself in this situation no matter how improbable the resulting fame seemed at the time.  That makes things very difficult. Can we blame anyone for the endearing train wreck that her life in the spotlight has become? The media has blown it out of proportion, for sure, but such was she discovered.

What is our obsession with this woman? I am quite sure that I cannot point out the reason of her success. Can you?

I do not mean to imply that she lacks talent. She is really quite good: few nerves, decent breath support, and a vibrato many Broadway belters would be jealous of. I enjoy listening to her more each time I play one of her videos, and it is one of those inexplicable things that the reason for it eludes me.

And yet, I think I know why. As the judges have said, it is the juxtaposition of the voice and the package. It should not matter. And it does. Why does the dissonance between the two enthrall so much? It is not a beauty issue AT ALL. I think it is more about the whole idea of her, the entire package: older woman, no job, charitable, seems to have a little crazy in her, and possesses a gorgeous and previously undiscovered voice. That is what is amazing about her.

For the other side of things (said more plainly and more hilariously than my own words), here is a funny vid from Current TV. He is right: who will remember the real winners of the show in a year?

Personally, I am waiting for the “LEAVE SUSAN ALONE” video a la Chris Crocker. I hope she gets well and using that lovely voice before that needs to happen!

Leave Susan Alone!

This is one of those (regretful)  instances when my competitiveness got the better of me. Katharine was describing her performance in last year’s upstate triathlon a few months back. With four months of training on her side, she did quite well in her overall rating with running being an area she really excelled in. As a consummate braggart, I declared how easily I could slay her rating and the triathlon course. And now, here we are: it is three months later, and nearly at a time to register for the triathlon. And going back on my claim to kick her time to the curb would seem weak on my part, and I cannot concede that. Damn.

Where does that put me? Well, I’ve been attempting to exercise a bit more and eat healthier.

West Side Highway Biking/Walking Paths

The former was easy enough to accomplish considering my complete lack of exercise before I began this “training period”. I have gotten into a fairly regular pattern of exercise now after two weeks. Usually, I try to run as often as possible (trying to reach about 15 miles per week) with a little bit of swimming mixed in for flavor. Utilizing both East River Park’s and the West Side Highway’s biking/walking paths, I’ve been able to attempt a 3 mile run twice a week and a longer 5-6 mile run once a week. That may sound very tame (and it is!), but it gives me a large amount of recovery time in between and room to grow. My endurance is certainly not what it used to be, so I am working to get that a little better. The swimming helps that a lot, I think.  Though I do find swimming at the gym terribly awkward. The biking has been ignored thus far, and I do not expect that I will get much biking in before the triathlon other than on the gym’s awful machines. I have yet to attempt any real gym workouts (aka weight room exercises). I am a little too scrawny and feel silly using a machine that a much more dedicated gym rat may find more useful.  But I think today may be the day to try it.

The brand that I rely upon, Green Giant

The latter item, the food one, I knew would pose the greatest challenge for me. Without a doubt, I am under the psychological spell of food. I need a snack before bed. I need to eat certain foods while watching a movie. I have to eat foods to know I am full even if my stomach is already filled to capacity. It’s unhealthy, but has always worked for me so far. BUT there is hope! Considering I love vegetables so very much, I try to cook as much as I can. Throwing in a little plain ole’ chicken to my veggie mix adds the protein I need to “bulk” up. And fruits, now somewhat neglected, are saved for my dessert (and may or may not have a dollop of pudding or yogurt on them). It has been incredibly successful in keeping me satisfied, and I would guess that it is also very healthy. Most importantly, I have been guzzling water and tea, as many people have suggested. It is said that one should drink [their weight / 12] 8 oz glasses of water. I doubt that this number is scientific, but I am willing to try it.

2 months left! Overall, I am not sure what kind of results to expect and when to expect them in terms of my actual fitness level.  But I have hope…and that hope is that I will devastate my sister in this contest!

Any recommendations?

Today, I remembered an entry I wrote many months ago (back when I was updating more regularly). While in a somewhat depressed mood, feeling blue because my friends were studying abroad for the semester, I vowed to travel more. The thought was, “Hmm. I’ve got this money. I don’t really need to save it. Why not spend it on something frivilous that I will actually not regret a few days after?”.  That seems a reasonable explanation, if not entirely true. More accurately, “Damn. My closest friends are moving away in my last semester, I am moving to another country soon after they return, and I am already feeling out of the loop. Emotions. Double Damn.” So, I made this semi-public assurance to myself that I would see them in one of my travels this semester, while attempting to acclimate to a life of travel and friend destabilization.

As I mentioned soon after making that promise, I had bought a ticket to London on Student Universe, which was incredibly cheap at the time (something like $450+/- round trip). Thank god, I am a student: real life is too expensive! Anyway, I put off life (Italian lectures, 4 jobs, and free meals at the dining halls) for 10 days and traveled across the pond to see Jess and Meredith, who seemed to be in their touristic element while in London, seeing every site possible and making 3+ facebook albums for each. As such, I was excited to see them (who will deny the appeal of being tagged in a bundle of facebook photos? Not Narcissist, not me!).

Nido Student Residence

It was certainly a welcome change to see them again and live an entirely ridiculous life in London together. When, but in these years of your life, can you pick up and leave your home one day, and live together with your friends in the (slightly off) center of London the very next? It is a fantastic feeling of power. To be honest, the reality of a temporary life abroad wasn’t as glamorous. Both Jess and Meredith lived together in NYU’s London housing unit, called Nido, in which each suite is roughly the size of a large walk-in closet with a bathroom (the size of a very small closet) and two beds. Situated in Islington, very nearby St. Pancras and King’s Cross Stations, Nido looks like an improved version of the monstrosity on 3rd & 13th in Manhattan: colorful, but what the hell were they thinking? After rearranging the room a bit, we had a large king size bed to share among the three of us and little standing room to move about in. Not a penthouse at the Ritz, but snazzy enough for the likes of me (Did I mention that it was a free place to stay?).

It was one of those very perfect vacations, where relaxation can somehow coexist with business and checking things off the to-do list. We never planned in advance. We went with the flow and did things that interested us all. And I loved it so very much. Here is an account of the trip (of what I remember of it, that is):

• Two West End shows: Sunset Boulevard & La Cage aux Folles.

J & M outside "Sunset Boulevard"

Sunset Boulevard: A well-reviewed revival Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical interpretation of the classic 1950’s film. With minimal sets, a small cast (playing their own instruments, as is currently favored), and an intimate theatre, this production makes an overwhelming score and story seem more gritty. Rather than a tableau of replicated scenes from the film, the small size of this incarnation gives the feeling of a psychological study, which works well in a show with two main leads. I am sure the size also accounts for the length of this show’s run, which (without a star) would not be very long if they maintained the high costs associated with the original Patti LuPone and Glenn Close productions. Overall, enjoyable (though still over-the-top). I am told it is closing soon.

Graham Norton as Zaza

La Cage aux Folles: After struggling to convince Jess and Meredith to see this production, which features Graham Norton, we saw this outstanding show on the last night of my trip. I am so thrilled we did (and even more so that it is now being transplanted to New York). Though Mr. Norton seemed to be quite ill at our showing- or else just a bad singer-, he was still absolutely hilarious in a show that is absolute heaven! Jerry Herman’s fantastic score is so moving and powerful (in spite of the melodrama of it all) that you can hardly resist singing with them by the end. Much better than the movie, I say! And I have since discovered the Royal Variety performance with the would-be Albin/Zaza in New York, Douglas Hodge. Favorite song at 4:50 min.

• Running in London. Apparently, the weather was warm enough in February to run about the town. Or maybe I had consumed a few too many fish & chips meals with Guinness and could pretend it was warmer than it actually was out of necessity. Regents Park with Meredith was probably the best place to run, where there was little to disturb us but thousands of ducks and geese. And it was very nearby Nido, which helped. Other random runs were an excellent way to explore, as well.
  

  Regents Park

• Breakfast at the Tate Modern’s Ground Level Cafe. The girls had class one morning, and I had to throw together the final script for Julius Caesar. So, I walked myself down to the Thames, crossed, and went into the Tate Modern for a little breakfast. No art, just tasty treats. Far too many cups of tea later, I had finished editing and had successfully people watched for over two hours. Success.
  

  Tate Modern Cafe

• Shopping on Oxford Street. One of the many benefits of a worldwide recession is a decreased Pound-to-Dollar exchange rate. While there, it was 1 Pound to 1.46 Dollars…much better than the 1 to 2 of my trip six months earlier. Jeans from Zara were roughly $10. Trench coat from Uniqlo was about $45. Spending excessive amounts in a faltering economy…priceless.
  

  Oxford Street

• Random & exceptionally long walks! I love walking cities, and I truly believe that walking is the only way you can really get to know a city. Therefore, I forced Jess and Meredith to walk everywhere (except on Jess’ birthday when everyone was in heels and we took the tube). We discovered the lovely canal bank leading to Camden town. Small boutique shops with gorgeous clothes at cheap prices lined streets we discovered. By the end of my trip, Jess and Meredith always asked me where we were and if we were near something. Even if I had no idea, at least I could give the appearance of knowing the city from all my walking.
  

  The canal to Camden

• Fish & Chips. So very many take out boxes of fish & chips. I nearly positive that my blood has been replaced by cooking oil entirely.
  

  My meal of choice, Fish & Chips

Enjoy some of the other (odd & random) photos from the trip, taken from Jess.

]]> http://intertwines.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/another-trip-to-london/feed/ 0 ras521 Nido Student Residence Sunset Boulevard Graham Norton La Cage 2 Regents Park tate modern cafe Oxford Street The canal to Camden My meal of choice http://intertwines.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/another-trip-to-london/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/intertwines/~3/jUDIXK0RzqM/ http://intertwines.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/russia-vs-the-west-round-2/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:04:06 +0000 ras521 http://intertwines.wordpress.com/?p=322 ]]>

With a worldwide economic recession, fears of terrorism & violence, and a dangerous revival of 90’s fashions, one would assume that Russia could hold off on making any strategic moves to take over the world….at least for a few years. The USSR fell less than 20 years ago, and an agenda to reestablish many of their policies and ideals is already reemerging, creating worries for the west.

Russia's Gazprom

An article from BBC News, [A MUST READ] which sounds as though it was pulled from a Cold War newspaper, details the newest attempts made by the Russian energy company, Gazprom, to destabilize any control European countries may have had over their energy independence.

In what sounds like a pointed threat to the west, the deputy chairman of Gazprom said, “Only three countries can be suppliers of pipeline gas in the long-term – Russia, Iran and Qatar. So there is no other choice than to deal with these suppliers. [...] Europe should decide how to handle this situation… and if Europe doesn’t need our gas, then we will find a way of selling it differently.”

What a horribly undiplomatic and unprofessional thing to say. While most likely correct, the entirely rude manner this man uses reflects very poorly on the country that potentially (in all likelihood) controls Gazprom. Suddenly, heating one’s home becomes a politically contentious issue. If you cannot be friends/allies with this, that, or the other, you cannot heat your home.

How appealing it would be to simply turn to Qatar for energy, which now seems the only country on friendly terms with the west. Or even more appealing to tell the whole group to bugger off and BE energy independent. But that cannot be the case, sadly. Instead, Europe is at least 25% in Russia’s possession, with 7 nations entirely dependent upon it. And this is expected to increase: by 2020, Russia expects to provide 33% of Europe’s energy.

If we needed yet another reason to spend more for research into alternative energies, there it is. Energy is power.

Apparently, 2009’s Tony Awards saw a drastic spike in ratings, as reported by Playbill, well into double digit increases. I think the presence of Neil Patrick Harris, this year’s (dull) host, is to blame for these gains in viewership. He was all over day-time and late-night television, advertising the show in a way that Whoopi (presumably, by contract with The View) could not. Though I hardly know of him, the greater part of the country seems to idolize N.P.H. as some kind of all-American poster boy. If they only knew…

But, it is EXCELLENT, I say. Any press theatre can obtain will certainly benefit the entire theatre-loving community. Particularly in a season full of critically-acclaimed and artistically diverse productions, the increased interest validates the claim that shows can be both smart and bankable. Plus, better ticket sales will generate more jobs and spending in New York- perhaps enough to stimulate some real growth the economy…well, maybe not. But it is telling that this year, when all feared the Great White Way’s death with 11 shows closing in January, tickets sales were the highest ever recorded by the Broadway League ($943.3 million, according to the NY Times) and 40+ new shows opened. That is quite encouraging news if this is really the Great Depression: Volume 2.

But ratings fail to reflect a program’s quality (See Arrested Development for details). So, what did I think, you may ask.

As you may have guessed, I was not completely bowled over by N.P.H.’s hosting abilities. He said, as a guest on The View, that he would attempt to replicate John Stewart’s Oscar-hosting technique, being witty and smart. In reality, this technique became lame and uninvolved. N.P.H. did very little throughout the evening until his 11 o’clock number sung through the credits. Whoopi flew, rollerskated, and dressed in so many ridiculous costumes as last year’s host. N.P.H. wore a shiny suit, walked down the aisles a few times, and made one good joke about Brett Michael’s “headbanging” incident. I like the guy, but he was a miserably dull host!

I did, however, enjoy the new format they utilized this year. Musical numbers seemed to bookend each award presentation, making the evening fast-paced and perfect for a theatre-loving couch potato. I cannot believe those three hours past so quickly! While their selection of random regional and touring productions (Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys, and Mamma Mia) was questionable, it provided them with more performance material to sell tickets.

The Winners: Much of the night went as predicted. Ok, ALL OF IT was as predicted. The big winner of the night was Billy Elliot, which picked up awards for Best Musical, Direction, Choreography, Sets, Featured Actor, and Leading Actor awards. As you’ll hear in the clip, all 3 actors playing Billy were nominated together for 1 award. And together, they had the most endearing acceptance speech of the night.

Billy Elliot the musical revolves around motherless Billy, who trades boxing gloves for ballet shoes. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife caused by the eighties’ coal miners’ strike of Northern England. While the Billy performance offered nothing for people like my mother (who loves the singing and dancing of traditional shows), I suspect the dancers of the world found a piece to call their own.

The fiercest competitor (though, without claws) was Next to Normal, which provided the best performance of the night. Carrie Fisher offers a fun introduction to the scene (TRUST ME, listen to the whole thing…it gets really good).

Next to Normal tells the story of a mother struggling with worsening bipolar disorder and the illness’ effect on her family. Alice Ripley, the mother, easily took the award for Best Actress in a Musical (and what a crazy acceptance speech it was).

Angela Lansbury in "Blithe Spirit"

Thank god for Angela Lansbury. At 83 years old, she wins her 5th Tony Award! How fantastic. Apparently, her performance is Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit is outstanding and strangely similar to Geoffrey Rush’s in Exit the King in zany energy. I hope I can move like that at 83 (or even Estelle Parsons at 82 in August: Osage County).

God of Carnage took the Best New Play award, as expected. With stars like James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Marcia Gay Harden, and Hope Davis involved, it was sure to be a hit with critics and audiences. With the Pulitzer Prize winner, Ruined, excluded from contention (because it never actually played Broadway), Carnage only faced competition from Neil LaBute’s reasons to be pretty. With the prize gone, reasons has (unfortunately) already announced its closing date. I saw the LaBute on opening night, as a friend was investing in it. While not thrilled by it, it grew on me day-by-day after as I thought more about it, and I am sad to see it go. I am sure more Tony losers will follow on reasons‘ heels.

Janet McTeer in Mary Stuart

The Losers: I was disappointed to see Janet McTeer of Mary Stuart lose the Best Leading Actress in a Play award to Marcia Gay Harden. I have yet to see Ms. Gay Harden’s performance, but I cannot describe how enthralling Ms. McTeer’s Mary Stuart was. And performing night after night in an onstage rain, drenched in period dress as the men go about in modern…wow! She was outstanding. That was sad to see, while still expected.

Geoffrey Rush - "Exit the King"

The Best Leading Actor in a Play category was rife with talent and celebrity names. Geoffrey Rush, whose hilarious performance as a 400 year old in Exit the King stole the award, faced stiff competition from Gandolfini, Daniels, Esparza, and Sadoski. Esparza (of Speed-the-Plow) and Sadoski (of reasons to be pretty) both gave outstanding performances. Many thought Mr. Esparza would grab the award merely for putting up with Jeremy Piven’s sushi antics (and the 2 replacements he had to accomodate in Piven’s absence). Mr. Sadoski was the essence of reasons and gave such a unique and heart-felt performance. I would argue that he was Mr. Rush’s main competition, though Rush was damn funny in an otherwise dull show.

Overall, an intriguing (and money-making) theatre season.