Author: Julie M. McKinnon

The Price

/ Julie M. McKinnon / Leave a comment

I’ll admit it: I wanted to see Arthur Miller’s “The Price” simply because the play stars Mark Ruffalo.

Realizing that I also would see Danny DeVito and Tony Shalhoub on Broadway was pure, sweet icing.

I knew nothing about the play before snapping up a preview ticket for the Roundabout Theatre Company’s show that opened Thursday at American Airlines Theatre. Here is how “The Price” is described by Roundabout Theatre Company:

When the Great Depression cost his family their fortune, Victor Franz gave up his dream of an education to support his father. Three decades later, Victor has returned to his childhood home to sell the remainder of his parents’ estate. His wife, his estranged brother, and the wily furniture dealer hired to appraise their possessions all arrive with their own agendas, forcing Victor to confront a question, long-stifled, about the value of his sacrifice. One of the most personal plays by the consummate voice of the American everyman, Arthur Miller’s The Price is a riveting story about the struggle to make peace with the past and create hope for the future.

Ruffalo plays Victor and Shalhoub his brother, Walter; the audience was totally engrossed when the duo finally shared their feelings and memories of what happened years ago. Jessica Hecht, whose face I recognized if not her name, plays Victor’s wife.

Turns out the show is DeVito’s first time on Broadway, and he does a fantastic job playing the furniture dealer. His character provides some much needed laughs during an otherwise intense play.

There were times during the preview I saw that some of the dialogue’s pacing and actors’ gestures seemed a bit off, which I’m guessing the star-studded cast has massaged. The show is absolutely worth the price.

 

 

Ah, Venice

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View of Venice View of Venice from San Giorgio Maggiore.

There really is no good way to describe Venice. Every attempt is trite.

You simply have to see Venice for yourself.

Venice is the primary reason I had long wanted to visit Italy. I frequently joked that I hoped to get to Venice before the series of more than 120 islands succumbed to the lagoon off the Adriatic Sea. That may well happen some day, but Venice will endure for years to come both physically and in my heart after spending several wondrous days there.

Sure, the floor in St. Mark’s Basilica is disturbingly uneven from flooding and settling. Not far away, the crypt in the Church of San Zaccaria is underwater much of the time. Both are part of Venice’s allure, along with the canals, gondolas, architecture, views and history.

I may not have a good way to describe Venice, or Venezia, but I have a few tips for visiting:

  • The Doge’s Palace is a must. Make sure to cross over to the prison via the enclosed Bridge of Sighs, which legend has it was named for the sound emitted by prisoners getting their final glimpses of Venice before being executed.View of the enclosed Bridge of Sighs.
  • Don’t plan on visiting the islands of Murano and Burano in the same day, unless you’re really crunched for time. Murano, known for colorful glass, and Burano, known for detailed lace, both deserve several hours to see their respective museums and other attractions.
  • One of the best tips we received from our very helpful hosts at B&B Corte Campana was to get artisanal gelato from Gelatoteca Suso, Calle della Bissa, 5453. Heaven.
  • Mosquitoes abound, and they are juiced. Trust me: Close your windows at night.
  • Make sure to wander, and if the path you’re on ends at a canal, just turn around and head in another direction. You never know what you might see.

To learn about how Venice works, watch this fascinating video also recommended by our bed and breakfast hosts: video.com/21688538

Ball Canning

/ Julie M. McKinnon / 1 Comment

image

Several years ago, a friend won a free party pack filled with Martha Stewart paper punches and other crafting supplies from an outfit called House Party. In return, she hosted a party, posted photos, shared coupons and did some surveys.  She invited me to her party, where we made greeting cards with her new supplies.

I was hooked.

I’ve won several great parties of my own since from House Party by filling out questionnaires and hoping for the best. Some have revolved around serving food – like Athenos® Greek yogurt and Breakstone’s sour cream – or trying items including HP photo products, L’Oréal Paris cosmetics, Glade air fresheners and the Meryl Streep movie Hope Springs. All involve coupons and typically other gifts for guests, who also are asked to complete surveys. Some of my guests have applied for and received free party packs from Shutterfly and other companies, too.

Without a doubt, the best party packs I’ve won or seen have come from Ball® brand canning supplies.

first canning party

One of my guests helping to can strawberry jam.

In 2010, I received a Ball® party pack that included a stainless steel canner, canning jars, utensils, pectin, cookbooks and other items. That party did involve a little more work because I was asked to can salsa and pepper jelly before the party for my guests to take home. It was a small request to make, though, for all of the fantastic items I received. At the party, we canned strawberry jam together, and I also sent some of that home along with other prizes from my free party pack.

This year’s free Ball® party pack features a granite canner and utensils, which I’m going to use as the grand prize at my party Saturday so one of my guests can, well, can. I also received jars and pickle mix, and we’re all getting cookbooks and coupons.

So what besides feedback and some photos do these brands get for giving out all of these free party packages? From me, some fierce customer loyalty.