A Handful of vitamins and a sleeping pill….. June 10, 2009

Such a great cast in this show....

Ok, here’s what happened….I was at dinner last night for a quick birthday cheeseburger at Woodberry Kitchen down the street from WBAL…they make great burgers and the fries are divine(aren’t all fries?)…a  birthday treat. And because I was attending the new show at the Hippodrome after dinner…Spring Awakening…I brought along my vitamins….I’m serious about my vitamins. And because I have a bit of a sleeping issue(I’m also serious about my sleep)…I’ve discussed this here before, I wake up in the middle of the night, and can’t go back to sleep….so an over the counter sleep aid helps me slumber more peacefully. Unfortunately, as I gobbled my fistful of vitamins…I also gulped the sleeping pill….hmmmmm. That can’t be good.

I can only say, it is a real testament to how riveting Spring Awakening is, that I not only stayed awake….but actually remember the entire show! And let me tell you….if you are going expecting an updated Oklahoma….you will be in for a surprise. It is the story of young people coming into their sexuality and all the problems and issues that come along with that, and the show depicts it quite….ummmm…..graphically. As in bare body parts/looks pretty real to me sex on stage graphic. And as they say in the biz….”strong language”. That said, if that doesn’t bother you, you’ll love the show. And I guarantee you won’t go to sleep.

A Zone Drone…… August 14, 2008

Two little Zone Drones

Yes, I’ve become a Zone Drone….an “Olympic Zone“ Drone that is…..and I’ve had lot of people ask me…”where on earth are you?”, and I don’t wonder that you would wonder! Big fiery torches, gorgeous old ruin-looking brick and stone walls in the background, gorgeous blue pool….But it’s right here in town, and for us right at the bottom of TV Hill.  Clipper Mill is providing us that beautiful setting, and this part of the condominium and townhouse complex was indeed created from the ruins of the old Clipper Mill, thanks to the as always creative efforts of Struever Brothers.  The mill burned  in 1995…the tragic  Clipper Mill Fire is well remembered, because a brave young firefighter lost his life there.  The link above was written by a woman whose firefighter husband broke his leg, when one of the huge granite block walls came tumbling down in that fire. But as she says…he was lucky.

Wow...

But like the mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes, Clipper Mill has taken on a whole new, and a much better life than it ever had before. Seriously, if you’ve never seen the place, you have to check it out. Not only are there the great condos, partments, green contemporary homes and the staggeringly  beautiful pool setting, but the offices they’ve created from the space are incredible…modern yet with the old stone and brick walls….really, really nice. And there’s a coffee shop, all kinds of art galleries and  studios (beautiful blown glass), and Woodberry Kitchen….Spike Gerdje’s latest creation, which is hot, hot, hot. Marianne Banister and I tried to meet there last night for dinner…Ummmm….no we didn’t, because we couldn’t get in! The place was packed, so if you go, make a reservation in advance, even on weeknights or you’ll end up like us.  We ended up(and happily so) at The Dogwood Gourmet on 36th Street in Hampden, just down the road. They seriously, have some of the best food in town and so pretty….great appetizers and small plates, nice wine list, and innovative entrees. You can’t go wrong….and it won’t hurt to have a reservation here too…especially on the weekends. It’s popular, and one of my favs.

So, if you join us tonight at 7:30 for The Olympic Zone….NOW you know where we are! Maybe we’ll see you there….