I really like Halloween, but sadly I probably won't be doing too much partying tonight because I have to teach my class. In my place, I hope that you will bob for a few apples for me.
This morning I found some random facts about Halloween. Use them for cocktail party fodder tonight. Amaze your friends.
In 1926, magician Harry Houdini died in Detroit of gangrene and peritonitis resulting from a ruptured appendix.
In 1970, singer Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas married actor Dennis Hopper. They divorced after eight days.
In 1988, singer Debbie Gibson held a seance at her Halloween party to contact Liberace and Sid Vicious.
In 1993, actor River Phoenix died after collapsing outside a Los Angeles nightclub. He was 23
Monday, October 31, 2005
Monday, Monday
My personal wedding season is over, and it went out with a bang with Julie's extraveganza this past weekend. There will be a huge update in a few days, once I get my photos back and once I harass Allison for the shots that she took.
I've been away from the work e-mail for a few days, so this morning I've had to wade through all the press releases and memos and stuff like that. Among the detritus, I found this gem from a friend of mine. Thought y'all might like it:
*****
checked out your blog for first time in a bit. i quite enjoy your blogginess. the writing, of course ... but the girls, que maravilha!
julie married? gorgeous girl. com uma bundinha linda, cara!
i think you need to work up an excel spreadsheet with all your girlfriends, marital status, etc. i could introduce you to all the handsome sons of foreign rich men i went to sipa with, if you so desired. deal? :)
*****
In other news, today is my first day on the entertainment desk. Thus far I have learned that we have a TV studio (news to me, even after 6 years) and that I don't have a phone extension. However, I do have a Siamese Fighter Fish named Dereck II, a leftover from the my desk's previous occupant.
I've been away from the work e-mail for a few days, so this morning I've had to wade through all the press releases and memos and stuff like that. Among the detritus, I found this gem from a friend of mine. Thought y'all might like it:
*****
checked out your blog for first time in a bit. i quite enjoy your blogginess. the writing, of course ... but the girls, que maravilha!
julie married? gorgeous girl. com uma bundinha linda, cara!
i think you need to work up an excel spreadsheet with all your girlfriends, marital status, etc. i could introduce you to all the handsome sons of foreign rich men i went to sipa with, if you so desired. deal? :)
*****
In other news, today is my first day on the entertainment desk. Thus far I have learned that we have a TV studio (news to me, even after 6 years) and that I don't have a phone extension. However, I do have a Siamese Fighter Fish named Dereck II, a leftover from the my desk's previous occupant.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Jen's Wedding Photos Trickle In
The five rolls that I shot at Jen's wedding won't be in until Saturday, so we'll all have to make do with these couple that were just sent over to me by my friend Amy. Amy and I have known each other literally since kindergarden. Crazy.
Old Skool Norwalkers. We date back to the Reagan years.
Jen and her Pop
Joe, Jen's brother. This kid can dance.
Trust me, there are many more to come all the characters from Norwalk, Connecticut and beyond.
In unrelated news, last night my dinner turned to just drinks and so I had a lot of time to kill in the evening. I wandered into the Virgin Mega store where I picked up a few CDs. I took home Cab Calloway's Hep Cats and Cool Jive and John Coltrane's Transistion. The Cab Calloway is insanely good. Go get yourself a copy right now.
Oh, and how psycho is Atoosa Rubenstein? Against my better judgement I watched Miss Seventeen last night. It seemed like a simple enough reality show until Atoosa kicked Leah out because she basically said she really liked being on television and ultimately wants to be a celebrity of some sort. I say, good for Leah. She has goals. Apparently, though, Atoosa isn't into upward mobility beyond the cubicle maze and gave her the heave ho.
It was totally unfair, even by Miss Seventeen standards. However, let's not forget that basically these young girls are vying for an internship. An internship. I was an intern once at a big, glossy fashion magazine and let me tell you, all those chickies are going to be doing is fetching lattes and opening up a lot of mail. And I didn't have to go through a reality show in order to get that gig. I just sent in a resume and some clips.
So ladies, you've been warned. Then again, perhaps being cut by Atoosa is the best thing that could ever happened to Leah.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
La Wednesday
Yesterday morning I woke up and felt oddly refreshed.
"That's odd," I thought to myself. "I never feel particurally good after five hours of sleep the day after I have to work and teach my class."
Then I looked over at my alarm and realized it was 7:00 AM, not the expected 5:45 AM. Technically, I should have been at work by then.
I called the desk, hopped into the shower and got to work within the hour. Just as I sat down I was told that a colleague was sick over at the business desk and so I had to go over there for the day. After work I hit the gym then fell asleep when I got home. Crappy weather like this will do that to me.
So here I am, Wednesday, anticipating a fairly easy day at work and then a dinner with one of my editors. I also never got a chance to drop off the film from Jen's wedding, all five rolls of it. I guess everyone will have to wait until next week to see them. On Friday I'm off to Julie's wedding in NJ. More photos. Whew.
"That's odd," I thought to myself. "I never feel particurally good after five hours of sleep the day after I have to work and teach my class."
Then I looked over at my alarm and realized it was 7:00 AM, not the expected 5:45 AM. Technically, I should have been at work by then.
I called the desk, hopped into the shower and got to work within the hour. Just as I sat down I was told that a colleague was sick over at the business desk and so I had to go over there for the day. After work I hit the gym then fell asleep when I got home. Crappy weather like this will do that to me.
So here I am, Wednesday, anticipating a fairly easy day at work and then a dinner with one of my editors. I also never got a chance to drop off the film from Jen's wedding, all five rolls of it. I guess everyone will have to wait until next week to see them. On Friday I'm off to Julie's wedding in NJ. More photos. Whew.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Guess Who's Back...Back Again...
Jen's wedding this past weekend was more fun than I knew what to do with. There was dancing and food, free flowing wine and I managed to get my own rooms at the hotels both Friday and Saturday nights. Aces.
As expected, I took a zilllion photos, which should all be processed and up on the interwebs by Friday. Of course, by the time Friday rolls around I'll be off to Julie's wedding in New Jersey.
In the meantime, I have a class to teach tonight and a couple of other assorted things to do attend to. Stay tuned.
As expected, I took a zilllion photos, which should all be processed and up on the interwebs by Friday. Of course, by the time Friday rolls around I'll be off to Julie's wedding in New Jersey.
In the meantime, I have a class to teach tonight and a couple of other assorted things to do attend to. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Nice Day for a White Wedding
This will be my last post for a few days. Tomorrow I leave for four days in Fairfield, Connecticut and its environs for my very best friend Jen's wedding. It's a big, fat Italian wedding and you should be jealous if you were not invited.
When I get back I will surely have an inhumane amount of photos of the festivities, from the rehearsal dinner to the manicures to the first dance. It's all happening. It's all tremendous.
When I get back I will surely have an inhumane amount of photos of the festivities, from the rehearsal dinner to the manicures to the first dance. It's all happening. It's all tremendous.
Dr. Boris in My Man!!!
About this time yesterday I was seriously starting to wonder if I would actually get my cortisone shot. Despite calling Dr. Boris' office twice, the secretaries seemed reluctant to have me come in...something about him being overbooked. Whatevs.
Then someone on the desk over here asked if I was waiting for a phone call. Some doctor's office had called her phone.
Long story short, the girls at Dr. Boris' office told me to come right away. I said, "Screw you, work," hopped the subway and then waited for and hour and fifteen minutes before he saw me. During that time I caught the end of Oprah, two evening newscasts and ate one jelly doughnut.
I thought I was going to have to really plead my case for a shot, especially since I had one back in March. Cortisone shots are steroids, and doctors generally don't like to inject them into someone's spine too often. They're pretty much a last resort for chronic pain. Perhaps I looked tired and scraggly enough for Dr. Boris to say, "OK, you want a shot, you'll get a shot."
The nurse brought me into the room with all the fancy equipment and asked me to pull my pants down. As I did, she laughed. "Yes! I remember you! I remember your tattoo." My tattoo is a red question mark on the small of my back that I got in a fit on needless rebellion on Valentine's Day, 2003, when I was 26 years old. Dr. Boris came in soon after and also chuckled at my body art.
"Oh, yes," he said. "Your tattoo. It is like you are giving me a target."
(In a different setting, his remark would be interpreted as rather dirty. But I digress...)
I laid down on my stomach and Dr. Boris started the show. You know you've got a condition when in order to give you a shot the doc has to bust out an X-Ray machine and drape himself (yet not you...?) in one of those lead smock things. He poked my back a bit and I watched it all on a screen above my head. (Note: Not recommended) It was kinda painful, not just because he was sticking needles into my spine, but because he was doing it when I was already tired and cranky. I apologized for flinching. Dr. Boris said it was all right.
I didn't go back to work afterwards to finish the double shift I was assigned. Instead I went home, stretched out on my bed and let the cortisone do its thang as I watched hours of the Style network. Eventually I fell asleep.
This morning I woke up with still a little bit of sting in my leg. I packed up some extraneous books, brought them to The Strand and then picked up my new painkillers. At three o'clock this afternoon I walked to work in the sunshine, for once not limping or feeling like I was dragging my left leg behind me.
In short, I feel amazing. No ill can come my way. Yay.
Then someone on the desk over here asked if I was waiting for a phone call. Some doctor's office had called her phone.
Long story short, the girls at Dr. Boris' office told me to come right away. I said, "Screw you, work," hopped the subway and then waited for and hour and fifteen minutes before he saw me. During that time I caught the end of Oprah, two evening newscasts and ate one jelly doughnut.
I thought I was going to have to really plead my case for a shot, especially since I had one back in March. Cortisone shots are steroids, and doctors generally don't like to inject them into someone's spine too often. They're pretty much a last resort for chronic pain. Perhaps I looked tired and scraggly enough for Dr. Boris to say, "OK, you want a shot, you'll get a shot."
The nurse brought me into the room with all the fancy equipment and asked me to pull my pants down. As I did, she laughed. "Yes! I remember you! I remember your tattoo." My tattoo is a red question mark on the small of my back that I got in a fit on needless rebellion on Valentine's Day, 2003, when I was 26 years old. Dr. Boris came in soon after and also chuckled at my body art.
"Oh, yes," he said. "Your tattoo. It is like you are giving me a target."
(In a different setting, his remark would be interpreted as rather dirty. But I digress...)
I laid down on my stomach and Dr. Boris started the show. You know you've got a condition when in order to give you a shot the doc has to bust out an X-Ray machine and drape himself (yet not you...?) in one of those lead smock things. He poked my back a bit and I watched it all on a screen above my head. (Note: Not recommended) It was kinda painful, not just because he was sticking needles into my spine, but because he was doing it when I was already tired and cranky. I apologized for flinching. Dr. Boris said it was all right.
I didn't go back to work afterwards to finish the double shift I was assigned. Instead I went home, stretched out on my bed and let the cortisone do its thang as I watched hours of the Style network. Eventually I fell asleep.
This morning I woke up with still a little bit of sting in my leg. I packed up some extraneous books, brought them to The Strand and then picked up my new painkillers. At three o'clock this afternoon I walked to work in the sunshine, for once not limping or feeling like I was dragging my left leg behind me.
In short, I feel amazing. No ill can come my way. Yay.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Tuesday's Troubles
The amount of pain that I'm in right now cannot be overstated. Any second now Dr. Boris should be calling me and summoning me to his office, cortisone shot in hand. I even wore good underwear today knowing that others will see it when Dr. Boris sticks that needle clear into my spine.
I did not sleep a lot last night due to the aforementioned back problem. I did, however, cry and curl myself into a little ball like a snail. I thought about going to the bodega to get some Tylenol. but that would have involved putting on pants. I wasn't up to it.
I am looking forward to getting this shot, popping some pain killers and kickin' back with some Herbie Hancock CDs while I repose. I also have "Annie Hall" on DVD back at the house. Oh, Dr. Boris, where are you?
I did not sleep a lot last night due to the aforementioned back problem. I did, however, cry and curl myself into a little ball like a snail. I thought about going to the bodega to get some Tylenol. but that would have involved putting on pants. I wasn't up to it.
I am looking forward to getting this shot, popping some pain killers and kickin' back with some Herbie Hancock CDs while I repose. I also have "Annie Hall" on DVD back at the house. Oh, Dr. Boris, where are you?
Monday, October 17, 2005
The New Millard!
Here he is...the new Millard...named...Frank!
A little boy named Frank?
My mom, brother Andrew and I have decided to secretly call him "Ivan" or "Ivanushka." (That means "little Ivan in Russian).
At Last, Someone Else Agrees With Me
Last week I made fun of the new book, Top of the Class: How Asian Parents Raise High Achievers - And How You Can Too.
Imagine my glee when I picked up The New York Times Sunday Styles section and saw that they also wrote a piece about it.
At first it seemed to just be an interview with the authors, but the reporter got some experts, and Asians at that, who said that maybe the tricks that Soo and Jane recommend aren't the best idea. And how would Soo and Jane know, anyway? They don't even have any kids? Who are they to dole out parenting advice.
I don't know why this book bothers me so much. I guess it's just that the idea of forcing a kid to do math problems when he'd rather be playing his saxophone disturbs me, as it should.
But I digress...
Imagine my glee when I picked up The New York Times Sunday Styles section and saw that they also wrote a piece about it.
At first it seemed to just be an interview with the authors, but the reporter got some experts, and Asians at that, who said that maybe the tricks that Soo and Jane recommend aren't the best idea. And how would Soo and Jane know, anyway? They don't even have any kids? Who are they to dole out parenting advice.
I don't know why this book bothers me so much. I guess it's just that the idea of forcing a kid to do math problems when he'd rather be playing his saxophone disturbs me, as it should.
But I digress...
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Happy Fall
The rain finally went away this week-end, which was welcome since I was going stir crazy in my house. On Friday I walked into my house at around 2:00 PM and didn't leave again until Saturday around noon. No one should ever spend that much time in a 500 square foot studio.
Anyway, I kept a bit of a low profile this week-end. Friday I only went to physical therapy and on Saturday I wandered around SoHo and Nolita. I hit Cafe Gitane for breakfast, as I often do. The rest of my idle time was spent reading and writing. Large projects abound.
Anyway, I kept a bit of a low profile this week-end. Friday I only went to physical therapy and on Saturday I wandered around SoHo and Nolita. I hit Cafe Gitane for breakfast, as I often do. The rest of my idle time was spent reading and writing. Large projects abound.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
How to Raise A Kid That Will Surely Get Beat Up on the Playground
For the past few days my friend Becky and I have been making fun of a book that came in. It's called, "Top of the Class: How Asian Parents Raise High Achievers and How You Can Too."
Basically, these two chicks, Soo and Jane, try to enlighten silly American parents about how the Asian lifestyle leads to Asian over achievers. By adopting their "methods" we lazy, non-Asians can also acheive the level of success and status that they have. To back up these claims, they use statistics such as that even though Asians only make up 4% of the population, they make up 20% of the Ivy League, etc.
In short, it's the most ridiculous premise for a book I have ever read. It is also unitentionally funny since these two have taken self-importance to a whole new level. The best part is that Jane, who is now a lawyer, is portrayed as the slacker sister growing up, while Soo, who it is noted is a doctor and also married to one, was the more model student.
Every day Becky and I read from this book and give ourselves a good laugh. Order a copy for yourself, crack open some boxed wine and prepare to also be amused.
Today's "tip" from my new friends, Soo and Jane:
"Teach your child never to underestimate the physical, emotional and social havoc financial insecurity can wreak, even if one loves what he does for a living."
So...in the eyes of Soo and Jane, artists are out, accountants and other corporate drones, are in.
More to come!
Basically, these two chicks, Soo and Jane, try to enlighten silly American parents about how the Asian lifestyle leads to Asian over achievers. By adopting their "methods" we lazy, non-Asians can also acheive the level of success and status that they have. To back up these claims, they use statistics such as that even though Asians only make up 4% of the population, they make up 20% of the Ivy League, etc.
In short, it's the most ridiculous premise for a book I have ever read. It is also unitentionally funny since these two have taken self-importance to a whole new level. The best part is that Jane, who is now a lawyer, is portrayed as the slacker sister growing up, while Soo, who it is noted is a doctor and also married to one, was the more model student.
Every day Becky and I read from this book and give ourselves a good laugh. Order a copy for yourself, crack open some boxed wine and prepare to also be amused.
Today's "tip" from my new friends, Soo and Jane:
"Teach your child never to underestimate the physical, emotional and social havoc financial insecurity can wreak, even if one loves what he does for a living."
So...in the eyes of Soo and Jane, artists are out, accountants and other corporate drones, are in.
More to come!
Dude, Where's the Arc?
I don't know about anyone else, but I've had just about enough of this rain business. It's been raining since Saturday, and it's not even warm rain. It's cold rain, the kind that bites and stings you as you hop over puddles. It's the kind of rain that brings the risk of getting an umbrella to the eye as you descend into the subway.
I think I would prefer snow.
Anyhow, the news today is that I am offically Crazy Aunt Pauline. Yes, my brother Rob managed to successfully reproduce himself and the little guy came into the world yesterday, via my sister-in-law, Hun. The kid still has no name (?!?!) since I guess the parents need more time to think about it. Nine months clearly wasn't long enough. Doesn't everyone know what they want to name their kids? My sons will be Andre, Ivan or Edward. This is a non-negotiable. The way I see it, if I'm being split in two to birth these kids, I should be able to name them whatever I want. So if I want to name them, say, Striped Platypus, then by all means, I will.
This turn of events will get the family off my back for a while. Under normal circumstances they like to harangue me about not being married or not making enough money. I think a grandchild, who has accomplished nothing other than emerging from the womb, should hold their attention, at least for a few years.
I think I would prefer snow.
Anyhow, the news today is that I am offically Crazy Aunt Pauline. Yes, my brother Rob managed to successfully reproduce himself and the little guy came into the world yesterday, via my sister-in-law, Hun. The kid still has no name (?!?!) since I guess the parents need more time to think about it. Nine months clearly wasn't long enough. Doesn't everyone know what they want to name their kids? My sons will be Andre, Ivan or Edward. This is a non-negotiable. The way I see it, if I'm being split in two to birth these kids, I should be able to name them whatever I want. So if I want to name them, say, Striped Platypus, then by all means, I will.
This turn of events will get the family off my back for a while. Under normal circumstances they like to harangue me about not being married or not making enough money. I think a grandchild, who has accomplished nothing other than emerging from the womb, should hold their attention, at least for a few years.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Way Too Early For Rain and Fog
I was prevented from taking my dark, morning walk to work this morning because of the rain and winds swirling around New York City. Seems my pipe dreams of an Indian Summer have been thwarted. Mother Nature, I shake my fist at you.
It seems that I have acquired fans. I have gotten emails from people offering advice on how to deal with my herniated disc. Across the board, people tell me not to get the surgery, not that I was considering it anyway. I find it much more socially acceptable to take the pain killers, not only for what they do for my back but what they do for my creativity.
I'll have more links later on, but I wanted to toss this one in for you to enjoy with your morning coffee. I found it yesterday, so it might be old by now.
Anyhoo, Salon.com did a piece about guys who date dolls as opposed to real live women. It seems creepy at first but if you factor in what these dolls could do for people such as burn victims or the handicapped, it doesn't seem so strange after all.
Since it's on Salon you either have to subscribe or you have to watch a little commercial to get a one-day pass. Either way, it's worth it.
It seems that I have acquired fans. I have gotten emails from people offering advice on how to deal with my herniated disc. Across the board, people tell me not to get the surgery, not that I was considering it anyway. I find it much more socially acceptable to take the pain killers, not only for what they do for my back but what they do for my creativity.
I'll have more links later on, but I wanted to toss this one in for you to enjoy with your morning coffee. I found it yesterday, so it might be old by now.
Anyhoo, Salon.com did a piece about guys who date dolls as opposed to real live women. It seems creepy at first but if you factor in what these dolls could do for people such as burn victims or the handicapped, it doesn't seem so strange after all.
Since it's on Salon you either have to subscribe or you have to watch a little commercial to get a one-day pass. Either way, it's worth it.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
This Is Why I Walk to Work
On one level I am completely insane for walking to work every morning. It's dark, usually chilly and it takes me a good half hour to get from one end of town to the other.
On the other hand, it works the kinks out of my back and takes the sting out of my herniated disc. Sometimes I can even run errands along the way.
This morning on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 23rd Street I heard a guy yelling, "Free Krispy Kremes!" I was kind of hungry so I stopped. He said I could have a box of one dozen Krispy Kremes if I let him take my photo with the box. He was also standing by a Z100 truck, so I figuerd it would be fine. But what do I know? With my luck it'll probably end up on some dirty, doughnut fetish site.
Nevertheless, the early birds at The Job seem to be enjoying them as well. So, yay for early morning exercise and getting free doughnuts out of it.
In other news, last night's Brandi Carlile show was AWESOME. One of the electric guitars broke early in the set, and so it turned out to be an all-acoustic show. In addition to the regular four-piece band, she added a cello, which really gave all the songs a wonderful richness. I am such a fan.
Oh, and I heard that "Gold Digger" song again this morning while trying to find something to wear. I really need to get that album..
On the other hand, it works the kinks out of my back and takes the sting out of my herniated disc. Sometimes I can even run errands along the way.
This morning on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 23rd Street I heard a guy yelling, "Free Krispy Kremes!" I was kind of hungry so I stopped. He said I could have a box of one dozen Krispy Kremes if I let him take my photo with the box. He was also standing by a Z100 truck, so I figuerd it would be fine. But what do I know? With my luck it'll probably end up on some dirty, doughnut fetish site.
Nevertheless, the early birds at The Job seem to be enjoying them as well. So, yay for early morning exercise and getting free doughnuts out of it.
In other news, last night's Brandi Carlile show was AWESOME. One of the electric guitars broke early in the set, and so it turned out to be an all-acoustic show. In addition to the regular four-piece band, she added a cello, which really gave all the songs a wonderful richness. I am such a fan.
Oh, and I heard that "Gold Digger" song again this morning while trying to find something to wear. I really need to get that album..
Monday, October 10, 2005
Links, Linkons, Linkez...
Rainy weather is great for reading, so here are some link to good things I've read over the week-end and today.
Crazy story about how writer JT LeRoy may not even exist!
I didn't realize that Domino woman was a real person with a sordid past. (The best kind to have!)
Yet another seedy crack motel burns in New Jersey
A writer returns home to New Orleams just days after Hurricane Katrina
Crazy story about how writer JT LeRoy may not even exist!
I didn't realize that Domino woman was a real person with a sordid past. (The best kind to have!)
Yet another seedy crack motel burns in New Jersey
A writer returns home to New Orleams just days after Hurricane Katrina
Rockin' the Cat Show
The week-end turned out to be a lot of fun. Friday night I worked, feh. On Saturday I went to a gathering of people in honor of a writers' birthday at Niagra. I really like that bar, mostly because Jesse Malin is part owner and I am a sucker for Jesse Malin. (There's some random Pauline trivia for you.)
Sunday I thought I was going over to Linda's brunch in Queens, but then La Madre showed up and was like, "All right! We're goig to the cat show!" I was overwhelmed with guilt, since all she wanted was to go to the cat show. So I put on some clothes and headed over to Madison Square Garden.
Anyway, the cat show was fun. Cat people are really serious about their animals. You can't touch their fluffy creatures or ask silly questions. I am a big fan of Russian Blues and Abyssinians. I also got lots of cat food samples for La Madre to take home to Pookie the Fearless, who is still in Connecticut.
The rest of Sunday was spent napping, trying to get through the New York Times and having impromptu Pauline Dance Parties. Tonight I am going to see Brandi Carlile at the Mercury Lounge. So should you.
By the way, I'm really getting into that new Kanye West song, "Gold Digger." That stuff is hi-larious.
Sunday I thought I was going over to Linda's brunch in Queens, but then La Madre showed up and was like, "All right! We're goig to the cat show!" I was overwhelmed with guilt, since all she wanted was to go to the cat show. So I put on some clothes and headed over to Madison Square Garden.
Anyway, the cat show was fun. Cat people are really serious about their animals. You can't touch their fluffy creatures or ask silly questions. I am a big fan of Russian Blues and Abyssinians. I also got lots of cat food samples for La Madre to take home to Pookie the Fearless, who is still in Connecticut.
The rest of Sunday was spent napping, trying to get through the New York Times and having impromptu Pauline Dance Parties. Tonight I am going to see Brandi Carlile at the Mercury Lounge. So should you.
By the way, I'm really getting into that new Kanye West song, "Gold Digger." That stuff is hi-larious.
Friday, October 07, 2005
John Mayer at the Beacon!!!
The Show:
Last night's show at the Beacon Theater was amazing. I can't stress that enough. I know that Mayer gets a lot of flack for playing teenie bopper, sensitive songs, (Hey, it pays the bills and wins him Grammys) but last night he schooled New York in blues and funk.
I'm glad that I was picky about which seat I bought, because being in the orchestra, and not the upper decks, was important. The ushers weren't being too picky abut who was sitting or standing, and towards the end of the show I moved up from row R to about row K. This is an important part of the story.
The Pick:
Mayer played two encores, which, for fans such as myself, really wasn't enough. I mean, he was tearing it up all night on the electric guitar, and I could have watched all night.
After he finished up he started tossing guitar picks into the audience. I was no where near front and center, so I silently moped that I would not get one.
Out of nowhere I felt a THWAP! on my thigh and I saw a small,black object bounce off me and into the pitch black of the theater. It was one of the picks. That Mayer guy's got quite on arm on him if he managed to hit me out in left field, But just as soon as I saw it, I saw the guy behind me scramble to find it. I frowned again...(it was a bit like trying to get a baseball at a Mets game) I was an inch away from getting a pick and some overgrown fratboy behind me got it.
The lights came up in the theater and I figured I would go home. Not so. I noticed Mr. Fratboy had a look of defeat on his face. Seems like he didn't have the pick either. That meant that somewhere within a four foot radius of myself, there was a John Mayer guitar pick...and I was going to find it.
Thank goodness for my spectacles. I looked around and around and as gross as it was to reach around on the floor of the Beacon Theater...what to my wondering eyes should appear to the right of me...but a guitar pick!
It was a custom made one for the John Mayer Trio. I guess they made picks with each of the guys' faces on them and are selling them as merch. This one came from John's stand, but it had Pino Palldino's face on it.
I smiled like a little girl with a new Cabbage Patch Kid. After coming to Mayer shows for literally four years, I was finally leaving with a real trophy.
And yes, I am the biggest dork for bothering to write about all this. Who cares?!?!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Cat Show!
Wow. This week just keeps getting better and better. First, I scored a ticket to see John Mayer tonight. Then I got some Citizen of Humanity jeans. Now I hear that The Cat Show is at Madison Square Garden this week-end.
Who's coming with me?
Latest Piece on The Simon
Please read my latest piece on The Simon about the quagmire that is rebuilding the World Trade Center.
Then you are free to go.
Then you are free to go.
Thursday is a Wonderland
I have very little to do today, shy of getting to the John Mayer Trio show later tonight. (Whoo hoo!) I finished my author profile for The Job, am waiting for the next assignment and I am still deciding between dance class or gym for afternoon exercise. Should I be worried about the lull?
Probably not. Tomorrow I actually get a reprieve from waking up 5:30 AM to get to work. Some kind soul put me on an evening shift, which means that I have my morning to go to physical therapy and then dance class. You're all just too good to me.
Here's a link to everything you ever wanted to know about giant squid sex.
Need a job? Karachi, Pakistan is looking for more women to work in the morgues.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Friendster Just Got 50% More Creepy
Last week there was that blip where you could see everyone who's viewed you on Friendster. It was good for a laugh and a minor, Friday afternoon freak out.
Eventually the folks at Friendster gave us an option, one could be viewed by others when they logged on or be annonymous. Any sane person would choose to remain anonymous.
That's all fine and good. But since October 1st, my profile has been viewed 50 times. How nice. The creepy part is that only 20 of those people show up on my "Who's Viewed Me" list. Who are the other 30? And why am I suddenly getting so many views, when before I never really got more than 40?
Bah.
Eventually the folks at Friendster gave us an option, one could be viewed by others when they logged on or be annonymous. Any sane person would choose to remain anonymous.
That's all fine and good. But since October 1st, my profile has been viewed 50 times. How nice. The creepy part is that only 20 of those people show up on my "Who's Viewed Me" list. Who are the other 30? And why am I suddenly getting so many views, when before I never really got more than 40?
Bah.
Oh, Happy Day
Oh, happy day. It's October, it's still warm out and after three days of exercise, my back is actually starting to feel better. No more shooting pain! Whoo ha!
Even better is that yesterday I landed I ticket to the John Mayer Trio. At first I didn't think I was going to find one at a decent price, being that he's playing the Beacon and it seems to have been sold out since the beginning of time. But, no matter. I got on Craigslist, put up a posting that I was one girl who needed one ticket and decided to see what what would happen.
I ended up scoring a $45 orchestra seat from a guy I only knew over the e-mail as Mitchell. He told me to meet him on th Upper East Side later that night for the exhanging of currency for goods. We were supposed to meet at 7:00 PM, so I hopped the 6 train right after working out. As soon as I got off at 77th Street, I had a voice mail. Mitchell was going to be a half hour late. I realized I had to amuse myself. Luckily the UES has lots of shops.
Long story short, I ended up buying my very first pair of Citizen of Humanity jeans. I don't know why but I walked into Big Drop on 76th Street and said to the sales girl, "I need some new jeans but my thighs are huge and muscular because of all the running I do." She totally helped me out and it turned out that she went to Syracuse as well and finished the year after me. Small world.
So now I have a ticket to go see my favorite musician as well as I pair of hottie new jeans to wear to the show. Yes, I realize the John Mayer audience will be mostly women anyway, but who cares? They'll probably appreciates my Citizens more than a room full of guys, anyway.
Today's agenda: Finish author profile for The Job, eat hummus, decide between tap or jazz class for tonight.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
The Anti-Wedding Crasher
Yesterday Jen and I were on the e-mail talking wedding stuff when I pointed out that I am the Anti-Wedding Crasher. I don't need to crash weddings, because I seem to be invited to them all. Sometimes I'm even in them. (Third bridesmaid to the left...) We had a good laugh about this and then Jen reminded me I needed to pick up my dress next week for her wedding on the 22nd.
In order to fit into all these dresses and not ruin other people's photos with my glutton, I've been at the gym after work. Yesterday's romp on the treadmill was aided by MTV's True Life: I Want the Perfect Body II. I am a big fan of all the MTV reality shows, from Real World to Made to My Perfect Sweet 16. But True Life is defintely my favorite.
In this episode one of the characters was a 24-year-old woman who wanted to compete in a fitness competition. Watching her body transformation over the course of an hour was amazing. It really was a testament to what getting off your arse and working out can do. I won't give away the ending, just check it out.
Back at home, it was time to get OCD with the housework. Just because I haven't been home a lot doesn't mean that a mess has not grown. There were clothes and shoes everywhere, bags of groceries, small piles of mail and a seriously overdue ConEd bill. (Whoops!) It's a good thing my cat, Pokie The Fearless, is still summering in Connecticut, because I don't think I would have been able to find him among the detritus.
By 11:00 PM everything was straightened out, including two loads of laundry. My bathroom is now the cleanest room in my apartment. It got the total once-over: Bleach in toilette, Ajax on the counters...I even took out the long glass shelves in the medicine cabinet, washed them by hand and tossed every piece of old make up I haven't used in six months. It was all rather freeing. Try it!
Designers Wanted
My friend Cass is organizing a sample sale for Men's and Women's clothing designers seeking exposore to buyers from major fashion retail stores.
He has two, 4-hour events planned in November which should attract between 200 to 400 people, including media professionals and buyers for high-end stores.
Cost is $100 registration and 25% of sales for the night.
Holler back.
He has two, 4-hour events planned in November which should attract between 200 to 400 people, including media professionals and buyers for high-end stores.
Cost is $100 registration and 25% of sales for the night.
Holler back.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Is Your Refridgerator Running?
I just found this story about how people are having a hard time dealing with their refridgerators post-Katrina.
Seems that the refridgerators, with all the food inside, have been closed and hot for over a month, inviting smells and maggots and goodness knows what else. Good stuff.
Seems that the refridgerators, with all the food inside, have been closed and hot for over a month, inviting smells and maggots and goodness knows what else. Good stuff.
Good Morning Starshine!
I took the train into Stamford on Saturday so that I could do some shopping before Jen's bachelorette. La Madre was there to pick me up and take me to a mall in Trumbull, where my goal was to find shoes for the dress I bought for Julie's wedding. I ended up not finding shoes but bought a hot new outfit for Jen's outing, because I felt schleppy in my jeans in green tank top. (That, and I've already been photographed in the green tank top, and I wanted something new.)
I sat in the front seat of her car and made some off-handed remark about how I felt fat, blah, blah...I expected it to go unnoticed until my mom said, <insert Russian accent here>, "You are not fat, Pauliney, but I do think you should do more sit-ups."
Great. Just great.
So...Sunday, I went to the gym here at The Job and did some abs and arms, just like I was told. I didn't have an iPod with me, so I had to watch the TVs on the treadmills while I did some cardio. This is when I realized that Laguna Beach and America's Next Top Model are the two best shows to watch when you're trying to get your sweat on. Granted the people on Laguna Beach on, like, 16, and have the metabolism of jackrabbits, but envying their abs was enough to keep me running. Well done, Kristin!
I'll be back for more today. With all these weddings coming up in October, it would be in my best interest to get La Junk out of La Trunk. Think of the photos!
There will be photos from Jen's bahcelorette, or at least the pre-party, in a few days. I had to jet out early in order to get a train back to NYC, and I left my camera on a table in the first bar. (Eeek!). However, one of the girls picked it up and will be developing the roll this week.
Apparently I missed some of the real shenanigans later on in the evening and thus have no photos of it. For the sake of Jen and her future marriage, perhaps this is for the best.
There were some really wonderful stories in this weekend's New York Times. Check it:
A Great Story About the new Trend for All Things Russian (Told ya so!)
I Can't Get Enough of Weddings Lately, So Here's a Story About Unruly Wedding Guests
Where Do All Those Chinese Delivery Guys Come From? This Gives You An Idea
OK, that should keep you busy for a while. It actually seems like I might be busy today. I need to finish a big article today, so I should focus on that instead of trying to dodge editors that can see me clear across the room.
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