I'm wondering if it's more normal in black circles, or Jamaican ones, or what. It surprises me that it's a deal for anyone, and I'm wondering where I got this acculturation.

Rent parties used to be fairly common back in certain bohemian circles.

We had one once. It was kind of a bust.

The only party I've ever been to that involved money was a friend who was going to order in food for everyone -- she had drinks and things to nosh, and a menu, and just asked everyone to kick in a small amount to cover ordering the food, which seemed reasonable.

The flat $10 at the door thing seems weird to me, too.

If the Charlaine Harris books are the ones I'm thinking of (the blurb about the waitress and the brand-new love of her life who is tragically undead makes me think they are), then meh indeed.

I couldn't even finish the first one. Her writing seemed really flat to me, even though I thought the characters might be fun. Maybe some decent actors will make them more interesting.

Does Oxygen show Ever After *every* Friday night? I swear this is like the fourth week in a row I've flipped past it.

ita, is it a bad thing when bruises itch? If today's bruise weren't limited to my big toe, I think it would be as impressive as some of yours, but it itches.

This is totally not a rent party. This is my former boss, who is a professional woman in her 40s. She owns her own home and doesn't need to worry about covering her mortgage.

t shrugs helplessly

Perkins, itching around a wound usually indicates that you're healing.

Thanks for the happies, everyone.

I have discovered that Bob Marley is the perfect music to listen to while working on a production of Oliver at a jewish community center. Who knew?

And I can report that B&J's Dublin Mudslide ice cream is teh YUM!

Perkins, I've had bruises that I only discovered because they itched. They seemed to heal at about the same rate as any other bruise.

Oh, and btw... You Rock!

In college there was the occasional cover charge for a party, but I don't think I've run into it since. I associate rent parties with Langston Hughes because he made them seem so fun.

ita, Old Navy had fairy wings on sale for 1/2 off. It's like they were thinking of you.

Back. No Fitzmas plays, though they did have a "Top 5 Less Embarassing Nicknames than Scooter" countdown to start the clock. Two Rosa Parks plays, though.

Also, one of my favorite ensemble members has returned after a several year hiatus. I was pleasantly surprised.

Nothing particularly Halloweeny tonight. I'm not sure if the website needs to be updated or they only do Halloween shows on Halloween.

The Neo-Futurists? TMLMTBGB? I am whimpering with envy.

That would be them, JZ. My friends and I used to go once every month or so, but lately it's only been a couple times a year. It's still a lot of fun, but the hour drive home at 1am is getting more burdensome as the years pass.

t pedant

From way back....

Only individuals who are entitled to a state funeral ( by law, presidents, former presidents, presidents-elect, or anyone designated for one by the current president) can be said to "lie in state" in the Capitol Rotunda. All others who are accorded the honor "lie in repose."

The services for Rosa Parks have not been designated a state funeral.

t /pedant

It's one of those pieces of trivia that has stuck with me from when I worked on the Hill.