Rainbows: John Lithgow. One Night Only.

John Lithgow, an arm chair, a lamp, and a withered old story book. These were the four elements that made last night's performance of "Stories by Heart," a two hour show with Lithgow as the sole performer. The only thought that I had after the performance was: John Lithgow may be one of the most talented actors of this generation.

In the two hour time slot, Lithgow talked about the importance of storytelling in his family history. He discussed his father's exuberant, showman-like personality (a persona that he has inherited), and the stories that he loved to hear his father read. Lithgow goes on to share that his father lost his performer's energy after going through an operation. What made his father survive the medical problems was Lithgow moving home (since he was the only actor in his family and thus "between jobs") and reading these stories out loud. Storytelling raised his father's spirit through the last year of his life.

The background information from this personal reflection gave a feeling of family, joy, and the importance of storytelling that lasted throughout the night.

Lithgow went on to perform the story "Uncle Fred Flits By" from memory, playing all 11 characters (including a parrot). Lithgow was hilarious in his storytelling, and used the entire stage and few furniture pieces as a  performance space. He was able to play a doting young woman, a love struck teen boy, and an elderly woman with believability and captivation.

After intermission, Lithgow began with a personal story about being the new kid in elementary school. Since he was alone at the age of 10, he read his English textbook for fun. There, he discovered a story called "Haircut," a sinister tale about a seemingly jolly barber.

This story had a more somber and dark tone than the first tale, but was another facet to see in Lithgow's range.

I was amazed to see a stage performer use only his body and a few items to vividly tell a story. I felt like a little child at bedtime after the final story, desiring to say, "Can I have another story please?"

Rainbows: My favorite Michael Jackson

I do not know what Michael Jackson did after the 1970's. This isn't meant to be rude, because I simply lost track of his work after he began a solo career and left the Jackson 5.

I am in love with the music of the Jackson 5. Even though it has its flaws (I mean, how could Michael have understood loving the ladies at the age of 10?),
it remains the greatest pick-me-up type music I know.

It is not possible to get more depresses when listening to "ABC," "I Want you Back," or "I'll Be There." There is too much hop and joy to keep a listener down.

My all time favorite is the Jackson 5's Christmas album. The peppiest Christmas song that I know is their version of "Up on the Housetop". Though Christmas is 72 days away, give it a listen right now.

Lollipops: Local "Pub Grub"

I spent last summer eating, drinking, and having a jolly good time in British pubs. I recently felt a longing for fish 'n' chips, a pint, and the ambiance of pub culture.

Then, I found the Dog and the Duck Pub. This little pub downtown gave me everything that I needed, and felt authentically British. From the dart board, to the abundance of beer taps, I felt like I had entered another country. The dark wood decor, scarlet booths, and bottles of malt vinegar amplified my desire for fried food and Guinness. Both of these were soon appeased.

With meals around $10 and specials on drinks, the Dog and the Duck is worth a try. Call it a cultural experience.

I highly recommend stopping by for a quaint, UK-inspired meal (and a beer).

Rainbows: Penny Serenade

I had never heard of the movie "Penny Serenade" before this weekend, but understandably, because it was produced in 1941. What I found was a lovely story starring two classic actors I admire.

The movie's leads are Cary Grant and Irene Dunne, playing a married couple struggling through the adoption process and parenthood.

While the movie is not a memorable classic, it shows two characters acting like real people. They have money problems, they go to work, their baby cries. They are saddened by loss and not being able to get pregnant.

Though it is in not one of my favorite movies made during this age of Hollywood, it is a different glimpse into what life was like in the 1940's.

Rainbows: Sesame Street + Old Spice

I felt the need to share this video with the world. In case you loved that Old Spice commercial, "Sesame Street" has done an interpretation of this. Grover portrays the Old Spice man with just as much charm and humor of a foxy actor:



Compare it to the original video here:

Rainbows: 90's Relapse

Two of my favorite movies growing up were Big and It Takes Two. I have not seen either of these in eight years, so I decided to look back on them this weekend.

My main thought afterward was: What were the 90's (and late 80's) thinking?

Both movies host ridiculous plots that seemed totally normal for me as a child.

 First off, Big.

While this scene  may be one of the greatest in movie history...

...the rest of the movie is just inappropriate. Why did the "big" version of a 13 year-old boy have sex with his co-worker? If I was that co-worker and found out that I had slept with a 13 year-old I would freak out! When I first watched this movie at the age of 10 i was fine with their romantic relationship...but now, I find it disgusting!

Now, It Takes Two.

Yes, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were adorable children. I was obsessed with this movie back in the day...but now, the plot does not work at all. Identical strangers? Two people falling in love after sepending 20 minutes together? An expensive wedding dress that rips apart from one step on the train? (skip to 5:28)

Not to mention the 90's fashion...high waisted jeans, scrunchines, a touch of shoulder pads.

But for nostalgia's sake, it is a fun romp to watch these favorites at the age of 21.

Lollipops: Cookin' Chicken Fried Steak, y'all

That's right.

The one recipe I ever truly mastered was chicken fried steak. I have always been proud of this skill because it was the one way I felt my Texas pride. Unfortunately, none of my friends are fans of this delicious cubed steak coated in cracker batter recipe that I have mastered. They think it is gross.

In spite of this, I will continue to spread my love of this dish to anyone who will listen.

Here's my ideal recipe (published in Southern Living, June 2006):

Ingredients:

• 6  (4-oz.) cubed steaks (1 1/2 lb.)
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  pepper
• 1/4  cup  all-purpose flour
• 1/2  cup  egg substitute
• 45  saltine crackers, crushed (1 sleeve plus 7 crackers)
• Vegetable cooking spray

Preparation

1. Sprinkle steaks with salt and pepper. Dredge steaks in flour; dip in egg substitute, and dredge in crushed crackers. Lightly coat steaks on each side with cooking spray.
2. Cook steaks, in batches, in a hot nonstick skillet over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden, turning twice. Transfer steaks to a wire rack in a jelly-roll pan. Keep warm in a 225° oven. Serve with Cream Gravy.


And, why not? While you cook, please listen to this song.