When I told my 15-year-old that last week was National Turn-off
the TV Week and we should join in the celebration, he rolled his
eyes and asked if this was one of my crusades like the banishment
of all high fructose corn syrup products in the house.
”
Nay, this time I mean it,
”
I said.
When I told my 15-year-old that last week was National Turn-off the TV Week and we should join in the celebration, he rolled his eyes and asked if this was one of my crusades like the banishment of all high fructose corn syrup products in the house.
“Nay, this time I mean it,” I said.
Instead of tuning into Comedy Central, I headed to the Morgan Hill Playhouse to catch some standup last Thursday night. With a bad taste in my mouth from a poorly executed standup show in Las Vegas last month, my critic’s antennae were on high alert and I sat near the exit door in case I had to dodge the rotten tomatoes. Was this going to be the stagecoach stop for mediocre comics or the breakout night for rising stars?
Although the gang from EMF Motor Sports played a role in helping create a laugh track for the comedians, rising star Mike Betancourt knew how to work the crowd. When an audience member in the front row shouted out, “You’re running with it! I like it!” Mike was quick on the comeback, “Thanks, Dad.” Mike’s best line came when explaining he was a former Home Depot employee in the plumbing department, “Our motto, it’s not my department!”
Neal and Beth Mahoney of Morgan Hill joined in the no-television night while meeting up with their neighbor and South Valley Symphony board member Kristin Carlson at comedy night. While new to the area, Jon Mockabee – a friend of Don Jensen’s – joined Peter Connelly for a drink at the Rosy’s on the Beach portable bar in the lobby. Mockabee wants the community to know he’s “going to spend my money and plant my feet in Morgan Hill.” Mockabee seemed to be a warm, friendly addition to the community in contrast to the last act of the night. Dubbing themselves the Romantically Dysfunctional Songwriters, Chris Valenti and Phil “Screaming Psycho” Johnson played their dysfunction to a “T.” Tweeked is their humor with songs such as, “Hey Little Goth Girl,” “Whale Blubber,” “Don’t Pass Out,” and my favorite, “Passive-Aggressive.” If you missed last week, comedy night at the Playhouse is every fourth Thursday of the month. Show up early, the house sells out.
I avoided “Great Performances” on PBS on Friday and went instead to live ballet. “Middle Kingdom” by Ballet San Jose brought out the outfits of Chinese Silks at the pre-performance party hosted by Fry’s Electronics at Paolo’s Restaurant. Morgan Hill Charter School eighth-grader Tim Smedlund was there with his father, Ernie Smedlund. Fulfilling a requirement for his World of Work class, where each student shadows a volunteer from the student’s career choice, the 13-year-old Smedlund was introduced to Paolo’s owner and executive chef, Carolyn Allen, by Charles Lewis. Allen shepherded Smedlund into the kitchen for a preview of some of the work he will encounter during his week in the restaurant. Lewis has arranged for Smedlund to experience a one-week apprenticeship with Allen.
“Strangely, I’m not a morning person but I like to cook bacon. I like to cook breakfast.” That’s a good start, Tim, but won’t you try one of Arcadia’s lobster corn dogs with tarragon aioli? Or A.P. Stump’s sea bass wrapped in cabbage with lentils and tiny vegetables? I know you can’t drink Justin Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc but what a pairing with the sea bass! Tim, oh Tim, what a world awaits your palate once you get past your reticent taste buds!
South County supporters of Ballet San Jose include Bob and Rachel Spivack, Kevin and Pam Stuart, and Ginny and Robert Christopher. Alexsandra Meijer enchanted the audience with her liquid dancing during the first act pas de deux. Brava!
I skipped the reruns of Green Acres and opted to end my no-TV week by joining more than 250 supporters of the San Martin Neighborhood Alliance spaghetti dinner at the San Martin Lion’s Hall. Not shy to show their true selves as they dove into their spaghetti with gusto were sisters, Ellie and Cara Fisher, both 7, and their friend, Anna Jensen, also 7. Honorary guests included Bill Agler, Wilma Ash, Rein Groen, Warren and Ethel Gwinn, Nori Shiba and Mary Hiraki. Spotted at one of the tables was longtime San Martin resident, Mrs. Borns, and Ruby King made the rounds spreading sunshine. Larry and Julia Gallego hit it big on the raffle while bids ran high on the 10 bales of alfalfa in the silent auction – wait – bales of alfalfa? That’s a first for the silent auctions I’ve attended. According to Eagle Scout-4H member-and San Martin resident, Travis Blanchard, “That’s what makes us San Martin.” That and the Mike Cox art work of bacteria. San Martin Township is the place to be.
Ciao for now.
