Awreye

Hives Nearly Made Me Pee Myself

2007-12-04T23:56:00.001-05:00

The Hives have one of the most exciting live shows. I remember seeing them in Irving Plaza years ago and the audience was dancing and jumping around so furiously that I thought the 2nd floor balcony was going to collapse with the force of the stomping. Madness!

This video nearly made me lose control of my bladder. Must see them in concert once more.

Not Enough Time

2007-10-25T21:15:00.000-04:00

You know you need to better budget your time, when you find yourself buying clothes to wear rather than taking a few hours to wash your laundry.

Building Cred is Oh-So-Important in this 'Hood

2007-10-20T18:26:00.000-04:00

While watching Michele's soccer game in McCarren Park today, we overheard a woman say, "This guy peed on my building, and I'm like thank god."*

*A friend disputes the accuracy of this quote -- she thinks that woman said, "This guy peed on my clothing." Is that a good thing?

I'm Back, Still Staring

2007-10-16T22:47:00.000-04:00

Woah, I sure posted quite a few quotes while I was in San Francisco last week. Coreen's magical phone with wireless internet access made that possible. Having played with it for a week, I know that I MUST get myself an iPhone or similarly expensive tricked-out cell phone with internet access capabilities. Let's see if I can wait until April when my cell phone contract expires.

Remember my staring problem? Well, I had it at SFO and JFK during my trip and geeked out a bit when I spotted Jacques Pépin sitting a row ahead of me on my Jet Blue flight to San Francisco. Chowhounds and food geeks will know why I gawked a bit. Ok, I didn't have the balls to approach him since I was afraid of frightening him with my enthusiastic babbling about how much my dad and I are fans, have his cookbooks, watch his show.

While waiting for my taxi back to Brooklyn, I stared sleepy-eyed at other luggage-ladden passengers also waiting for their rides and spotted that actor from Windtalkers. Not a fan, so I just continued staring at other passengers.

Now experiencing vacation withdrawal.

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-14T04:47:00.001-04:00

"Your fry needs a home in my mouth." -- Suzanne eyeing my plate of
late night post-dance munchies

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-14T04:37:00.001-04:00

"Gay or Eurotrash? I can't tell." -- Suzanne after a few hours at Pink

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-13T14:06:00.001-04:00

"The people in front of us are car-huggers--they're the worst kind!
And the guy can't drive!"
on the way back to SF from Sonoma via the 101

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-13T01:54:00.001-04:00

"It looks like the '70s and smells like the 70s...I can't believe this
place has 'no vacancies.'"
walking into our hotel in Sonoma

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-12T15:31:00.001-04:00

"Anything weird happen today?"
"Not yet. But it's still early."
on our way to Sonoma from SF via the 101

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-12T15:25:00.001-04:00

"Nerd rock is back. Wooo."
uttered while watching The Mathematicians go nuts on stage

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-12T01:53:00.001-04:00

"This is the most self-indulgent crap I've ever heard."
"Wow, SF audiences don't differ much from NY audiences, except here
they're hairier."
"The best part of this evening is the lesbians dancing."
"Right now some member of Pink Floyd is turning in his grave."
spoken at a gig at Bottom of the Hill

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-11T18:11:00.001-04:00

"Where's my birthday hug?" -- Alcatraz Cruises deckhand as we
disembarked the ship

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

2007-10-10T16:08:00.001-04:00

"Does this car have a name?"
"Cable car."
"I mean what do you call this cable car?"
"Car no. 419."
"I mean your personal name for this car?"
"They don't like us to get personal with the cars."

In San Francisco - Quote of the Day

2007-10-10T00:24:00.000-04:00

"I just saw crotch." -- Coreen
as we walked by the Condor in North Beach after dinner.

Saturday Night Jump

2007-10-09T06:26:00.000-04:00

I saw Double-Dutch Will Take You Higher last Saturday at Studio B and was awed. I lacked the coordination when I was younger to progress beyond simple double-dutch jumps -- any attempts at tricks ended up with me eating gravel.

Lunchtime Cravings: No Thai

2007-10-02T11:41:00.000-04:00

The Thai food restaurant by my office is "under renovation" (which in my
mind means: closed temporarily by NYC DOH). My stomach is not happy. How am
I going to satisfy my lunch-time Thai cravings? While the Union
Square/Flatiron district contains a diverse in cuisine and price range
selection of eateries, there are no Thai restaurants around except for Spice
which is too far south for me to walk without passing out from hunger.

Grumblegrumblegrumble.

Dark and Mysterious, That's Me

2007-09-26T17:11:00.000-04:00

I've been called "really positive" "inspirational" "cheerleader," by three different people the past few days. Is that a compliment? Like that Cameron Crowe-alike teenage music writer from Almost Famous, I think of myself as a dark, pessimist with hidden depths.

My friends and I made fun of the cheerleaders in high school. And now I am one? Oh dear. Must get in touch with my angsty side.

My New Favorite Word

2007-09-26T00:53:00.000-04:00

My favorite word for the past 6 or so months was kaka.

Now it is spank. Have noticed that I'm using it more frequently in my writing (i.e. posts on facebook, bocce team's website) -- it's even snuck into my speech one or two times at work.

Why spank? Why not.

Neglecting You

2007-09-26T00:23:00.000-04:00

Dearest blog,

Yes, I've been neglecting you lately. I've been sucked into the joy of Facebook and haven't had time to post something intelligent after superpoking my friends. I'm not sure why I resisted setting up an account for years now that I have experienced the fun of throwing sheep at friends.

What have I been up to lately? I've just escaped a day and a half working in Times Square with three mosquito bites, the taste of greasy lunch in my mouth, visions of middle-aged male armies wearing light blue dress shirt and dark slacks marching down Broadway, and a head full of words like "interactive engagement," "2 legit 2 widget"and "misfit content." Stayed out way too late on a school night last week and paid for it big time the next morning. Successfully found a place to dance to dark 80s music without getting groped.

More to come.

Lonely Busker in Park Slope

2007-09-04T00:29:00.001-04:00

Huge guitar-playing teddy abandoned between 6th and 7th avenues in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

I wonder if it found a good home.

Why Me?

2007-08-14T22:33:00.001-04:00

Not sure if I'm sending out magnetic vibes attracting certain subway riders or vice versa, but I seem to sit across from folks who are either picking their nose (and sticking their fingers in their mouth), "adjusting" their crotch area or staring intensely at you for most of the ride.

Attn: Eyeglass-wearing Citigroup employee who was reading Rolling Stone on the Brooklyn-bound R train tonight

Note: You're not fooling anyone by trying to hide your activities behind your magazine. Control yourself, please!

Keeping Cool

2007-08-12T22:33:00.000-04:00

It's hot outside.

But not hot enough for me to walk around as naked as this mannequin.

Is there a proper name for a hard-boiled egg holder?

2007-08-05T21:51:00.001-04:00

I finally used the German hard-boiled egg holders (is there a proper name for these things?), which I purchased during my trip to Berlin last June! These plastic chickens have perched untouched on my kitchen counter the past month, sending out "use me already, dammit!" vibes. I believe that I will be eating a lot more eggs than I normally do this month, my excuse to use these cute holder things.

Glasto Wrap-Up

2007-07-24T23:17:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in ages mostly because I've been busybusybusy offline. After spending your work day working and writing, you're tired and sometimes any energy you have to write at home is drained away. Lame excuse, I know. I'm trying to get back in the rhythm of posting since returning from vacation.

Anyways I was ankle deep in mud on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean a month ago. Yes, I was rocking out at the Glastonbury Festival. Oh, Glastonbury, you provided such a moist and muddy welcome for this American. You rained on us for 5 days. You threatened to flood our tent. You gave me the softest, moisturized knees as my wellies got stuck and I fell into your gooeyness time and time again. On top of that, you introduced me to some interesting folks and some kick-ass music.

We wandered between stages and saw so many bands that they all start to blur together....The Fratellis Amy Winehouse Bloc Party Bjork Dirty Pretty Things Lily Allen Babyshambles The Marley Brothers The Who and manymany more. Highlights:

Most joyous moment -

dancing around during Mika's set in the dance tent (no mud! no rain! happy music!).

Food which I ate too much of - bacon rolls. Consuming a sandwich stuffed with home-cured bacon is a great way to start the day, no?

What haunts my dreams still - the stench of the toilets.

Most unexpected sight -

Naked elderly gentleman casually strolling across the Sacred Space one morning.

Unexpected bonus -

Escaping the rain by ducking into Left Fields and hearing the legendary Tony Benn speak.

Regrets - Not drinking more cider (sold out at most of the bars by Sunday), having more energy to explore more (I'm old, jetlagged and need my sleep).

Giggleworthy Moment -

Seeing the looks of horror on burly men's faces as a muddy moshpit opened up behind them and "the mudpeople" sloshed closer and closer.

I definitely didn't have time and energy to see everyone I wanted to see, but there's always next year! Glasto-virgin readers: here are some tips which I learned the hard way for a great 2008 festival experience:

Get to the festival as early as humanly possible to stake a prime tent space.
Forget about wearing jeans; Shorts and skirts are great muddy festival wear--cleaning mud off your knees and legs is easier than picking it off your pants.
Don't stand near the fence surrounding the performance space perimeters --it's a favorite pee spot for the gents too lazy to wait in the portapotty line.
Sleep early for a week prior to build up energy for 5 days of late nights.
Consider wearing a dorky fanny pack for convenience.

Despite the crap weather, I'm definitely hooked on the camp-out at a festival experience.

At Least We Looked Good

2007-05-08T22:26:00.000-04:00

Although Boccenalia didn't make it to Union Hall Spring 2007 Bocce League finals, we did win a cool award:

Best Team Style

Eugene Mirman was the master of ceremonies last Sunday. I don't remember what he was saying about my team. "Ooo, shiny spinning trophy," I do remember thinking, "don't trip on the stairs on the way down [from the 'stage']."

The trophy is mesmerizing. Twirling golden eagles, gnomes and techno music, oh my. Coco loves it.

Haikus for Booze -- More

2007-04-30T23:21:00.000-04:00

More souvenirs of last winter's party (some are more coherent than others):

folks have tried although
sweet corn is better than sex
oh vegi lover

Dans nos lourds tombeaux
Eternelle decadence
douce extinction.

Please
I got a bone ner
what is a syllable 4
give me a dring now

Have you seen your life,
Moving slow before your eyes,
Catch it if you can.

Haikus for Booze

2007-04-17T22:22:00.000-04:00

Not that I'm a jaded partier by anyone's standards, but it takes a lot to perk my interest in traveling 1+ hours to a Bushwick warehouse on a freezing winter night for an event.

But when an invite arrives mentioning fire twirlers, 4 crazy djs, burlesque, stilt walkers, fondue, whip cream fiasco--it's hard to say no. Last February armed with a can of Reddi-wip, a sense of curiosity and many hours of sleep, I attended such a party. Great time was had.

Fast forward two months later, I'm clearing off my coffee table and find a few souvenirs of the night -- scraps of paper with handwritten haikus. In order to get a free drink, which had names like Agent Orange, partiers had to compose and read aloud haikus. Subject: anything goes.

I penned a haiku about disliking whip cream because I'm dairy intolerant, I think. Christina wrote about needing a shower, I think.

A sampling of a few penned by anonymous partiers that night:

I LIKE TO DRINK BOOZE
IT TASTES SO VERY YUMMY
PLEASE GIVE ME A DRINK

He kills me softly
While I try to make him believe
Does he love me?

Spontaneity
Its what is required of me
Please pour it for me FREE

Many are about the subject foremost in the mind of thirsty poets -- give me a free drink now. Some are more mysterious about their subject. I love finding souvenirs like this. Next warehouse party--I'm there.

Will post more boozy haikus later.

Morning/Evening Listening - Travelust Edition

2007-04-16T22:10:00.000-04:00

Continuing this thread, I've been listening to a lot of Orient Expressions in the mornings.

Orient Expressions with Imer Demirer at Babylon.

I'm not sure how to classify their sound -- a blend of electronica Turkish folk jazz dance music? When I was in Istanbul last October, I was fortunate to see them perform with trumpet player Imer Demirer during the Akbank Jazz Festival. Standing room only crowd ate up every note. Hahaha--my travel journal contains this sentence, "I'll definitely be pimping OE on the blog" for that night's entry!

So it took me six months, but if you're in Turkey do check out a gig. It will definitely be worth the money and time it takes to find the club (My friend and I cabbed it that night. There's no way we would have found Babylon in the maze of twisty Beyoglu streets on our own).

Listening to this only means one thing -- my feet are getting itchy. I need to get of New York. Perhaps not Istanbul, but somewhere without grimy subway stations packed with pissed-off commuters, the sound of bass pumping from someone's car stereo through closed windows at 3am, mountain of deadlines, sitting on my butt for 9+ hours a day in meetings, in front of a computer. After this weekend, my summer-fall travel plans will finally become a little more clear and hopefully my feet will find some relief.

Currently on my playlist:

AM: Orient Expressions - every track from the album Külliyat
PM: Elvis Costello - "Peace Love and Understanding"

The Costello-version has been stuck in my head since Saturday, when my upstairs neighbor was blasting this song.

It's Spitting Rain Outside

2007-04-15T22:57:00.000-04:00

and we can all use a break from the gloom and damp outside.

The Landlord, a short starring Will Ferrell and an irate Pearl

I love Ferrell and his bouffant hair.

Eggstacy, Ukrainian Style

2007-04-05T22:25:00.000-04:00

Last night I learned how to create an Ukrainian easter egg (pysanka). Learned but didn't quite execute properly:

step 1: pick what seems to be a simple-to-replicate traditional Ukrainian egg design.

step 2: heat the tip of your stylus (kistka) over candle, scoop wax into the tip. think positive and negative space--etch design onto egg (1st layer of wax yields white design).
step 2.1: realize you just messed up your design because the stylus leaked a big glob of wax onto your egg. get new egg and repeat step 2.

step 3: dip new egg into pink dye bath. realize you also dipped three fingers of your left hand in dye. after a few minutes, remove egg from dye bath and blot moisture.

step 4: give up trying to replicate traditional design. repeat steps 2-3, progressively dipping the egg into darker layers of dye.

step 5: try to unsuccessfully scrub pink dye from fingers. curse yourself for your clumsiness.

step 6: melt wax design off egg over candle. eat malt balls. 20 minutes later...

Ta-da!

Definitely going to make this an annual tradition.

Ghosts of Apartments Past

2007-04-02T07:49:00.000-04:00

I moved into my apartment almost a year ago. This is my first home without a roommate, the New York City first/second etc. apartment requisite for many young folks. Solo life has been good (minus the crazy downstairs neighbors with pitbulls, funky smells emanating from the first floor, weird building issues).

Having lived with roommates off and on since college, I firmly believe that privacy, the freedom to walk through the apartment door whenever with whomever and in whatever condition, a space free of the overpowering reek of fish and the peace of mind from worrying whether your roommate will flake out of paying her share of the bills on time again (can you tell that I'm still a wee bitter about my last apartment share experience?) are worth the minuses of my building.

I love the intense blue of my bedroom walls.

The funny thing about living here is the variety of mail for previous tenants, which still ends up in my mailbox. Quite a few folks have called this place home. Based on the junk mail and return addresses of letters which they've received, I have crafted the following profiles for them:

Russell - on the run from the IRS whose after him for $267,982 in unpaid taxes
Jo - extremely devout Catholic with a taste for Shepherd's pie and fish and chips
Lisa - cash-strapped executive assistant and part-time CUNY graduate student
Jo Ann - fitness trainer
Emma - multimedia artist now living in Greenpoint with a vegan collective

How far off I am from the truth is anyone's guess. Wonder what my junk mail will say about me -- currently spread out on my coffee table:

Metropolitan Opera 2007-2008 opera season brochure
postcard from Fidelity Investments about investing in my workplace savings plan
postcard from my artist friend in LA promoting her group show in NYC
postcard from a "Church that's actually fun!" trying to persuade me attend their Easter services with "rockin' music, casual dress, free coffee & doughnuts."

ISO EGN PYS TYP

2007-03-16T21:45:00.000-04:00

Hello friends and strangers.

If you are or know any mechanical engineers, physics fans or architect-type folks who want to share their genius with a team of enthusiastic but science-challenged idiots in building a flying contraption, please contact me asap. Aside from the opportunity to work with creative folks, you have the chance to win fame and glory.

Edit: Nevermind. Due to the team's busy schedules, our flutag hopes must wait until 2008.

Be Careful of What You Wish For

2007-03-16T21:31:00.000-04:00

After a few days of 50-60 degree weather, NYC is hit with sleet and hail. Perhaps Prospect Park will be sled-able before winter's end.

You're Hot

2007-03-14T22:53:00.000-04:00

I don't know what's going on today, but I got hit-on and gawked-at by more than the usual number of strangers today. If you're a lady of a certain age (really a lady of any age in NYC), you will get random "hot mama" comments whether you're dressed in smelly sweats or heels and miniskirt. I guess the red corduroy skirt, knee-high boots, messy hair and 1950s glasses look does it for people.

They might just be gawking at me for wearing a down coat in 69 degree F weather. I was literally feeling very hot. Time to break out the transitional spring clothing! Must admit that I'm a wee sad that winter will end without a chance for me to go sledding.

Cute but Dangerous

2007-03-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

on the bocce court. It's almost spring and your chances to see Team Boccenalia in action are dwindling!

I debated making the bunny more evil-looking (add fangs, foam around the mouth, skeleton tattoo), but decided that the crimson eyes were just enough to get our message across.

Sleepy Poll

2007-03-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

We could all use a few extra hours of sleep, no? The National Sleep Foundation ("Waking America to the Importance of Sleep") released the results of its 2007 Sleep in America poll which examined the sleep patterns of women.

60% say they only get a good night’s sleep a few nights per week or less
67% say they frequently experience a sleep problem.
43% say that daytime sleepiness interferes with their daily activities

"Women’s lack of sleep affects virtually every aspect of their time-pressed lives, leaving them late for work, stressed out, too tired for sex and little time for their friends," according to NSF.

Duh! Here is the press' pithy distillation of the results: "U.S. women too tired for friends, sex: poll" Wonder if women outside of the US experience something similar.

And did you know that March 5 - 11 is National Sleep Awareness Week? In its honor, I will go to sleep before midnight.

If My Nose Could Eat, I Would be Full

2007-02-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

Someone is melting chocolate in my apartment building right now and the yummy smell is driving me insane.

The Return

2007-02-27T23:24:00.000-05:00

Weeks after our oh-so-close defeat, Team Boccenalia is back in action. Watch us roll, why don't you?

Sartorialist

2007-02-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

Don't read The Sartorialist, if you are feeling frumpy or believe that the above outfit is a fashion do. It will make you feel like a gray smear of gum stuck on the bottom of a Vogue intern's Louboutin heel.

Nah--do check it out. One of my favorite blogs, especially since I gave up reading fashion mags.

Morning/Evening Listening

2007-02-27T00:21:00.000-05:00

In the morning I like to listen to heartbeat-accelerating music. In the evenings I switch over to tunes which a lot more chill. Currently on my playlist:

AM: CSS - "Alala" (from Cansei De Ser Sexy)
PM: Charlotte Gainsbourg - "Operation" (from 5:55)

The lyrics for the latter song are a bit, um, intense:

Deep within the abbatoir
Of your entrails your insides
Lost in you forever far from home

Our love goes under the knife
Someone got too close

Our love goes under the knife
The heart was rejected by the host

A good song to decompress from a busy workday, no? Whatever works.

@)$&)#Q@! Substitutions

2007-02-26T23:31:00.000-05:00

I go through phases during which I become fixated on using words, usually silly and juvenile in nature, that substitute the usual @#^$#$*! expressions of anger and frustration. A few years ago it was "kaka," resurrected from my playground memories by an ex-boss who applied it liberally to anything which annoyed her. I started using it. A lot.

Now I'm fixated on "douchebag." I don't remember why, but this word has got its hooks in me since late January -- used it in many emails and the copy for the invite to last week's Do a Grouch a Favor Day get together.

Other than my use of douchebag to entice people, it was a classy affair. Until someone started throwing M&Ms at my face.

I predict that my current fixation will last through the end of winter.

Plump, That's All

2007-02-21T00:19:00.000-05:00

That's what the vet called Coco last weekend. Though 13 lbs of cat can be uncomfortable when she's sleeping across your neck.

Staring Problem

2007-02-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

I've been doing something rather unusual for most New Yorkers lately -- making eye contact. Or at least trying to.

Many folks, whom I pass on the streets, look down, away or through me -- anywhere but at me. I wonder if passerbys now think of me as that weirdo on the street with the staring problem. You know, the one whom your mom advised avoid looking in the eyes because he/she maybe ready to snap. The one with the sharp spork hidden in her sleeve destined for the eye of the next person who looks at them funny (this could just be my mom dispensing such advice) .

Besides spotting more celebrities, I noticed that when I'm really tired, I tend to make eye contact with folks whom I believe I know. Like this guy with a Macbook Pro in Starbucks last week who looked like my co-worker, except that die-hard PC fan would rather eat coffee grinds than use a Mac. Or this woman on the N train with a strong resemblance to my ex-college roommate who ignores me for the most part. Hallucinations?

You're so Vain

2007-02-19T18:19:00.000-05:00

Today I met one of the most beautiful men in New York. I'm just glad that I was vain enough to put on a decent outfit (not paint-splattered jeans and the usual black tee) before leaving the apartment today. Funny how when you know you're going to meet a group of beautiful/exceptionally fashionable folks even just for a few hours, your vanity will push you to go a little extra with your look. Even when its 25 degrees outside and the streets are dotted with gray slush puddles. Even when you know it'll be obscured by your dirty snow boots and long fire engine red coat which makes you look looking like a walking, upright hot dog that has been burnt on one end.

Happy V-Day

2007-02-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

I suggest watching the entire video.

Norbit No

2007-02-12T21:38:00.000-05:00

I just saw Norbit, last weekend's Number One film in the US, a few hours ago. Am glad that I didn't need to pay $11 for a ticket, because for was one of the most painfully unfunny films which I have ever seen.

?? Hiatus

2007-02-07T21:58:00.000-05:00

? will be going on blog title hiatus.

Return date: indefinite.

Who?

2007-02-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

In the past few days, I've been told I look like Joan Jett and Kenny McCormick. From "I love rock & roll" to "Oh my god, they killed Kenny!" Hmm...perhaps I should be concerned about how my headshot for Glastonbury (!!) will turn out.

Missed Our Debut?

2007-02-06T00:22:00.000-05:00

Here's your second chance.

Super Bowl? Er...

2007-02-03T16:48:00.000-05:00

The last football game which I attended was the Harvard v. Yale game six/seven/er, eight? years ago. Never felt an overpowering urge to fork over $$$ to watch a game since.

This is a pretty strong indication of my enthusiasm for the spectator-side of sports. My sports fan friends blame my ho-hum attitude on my experience being limited to generally mediocre college-level play, and if I saw "the real deal" in person then my attitude would change.

Well, I'm not slapping on face paint and flying south to Miami tomorrow to watch the Super Bowl, but I do enjoy screaming at a television with folks, watching $2.3 million 30-second ads, and eating junk food. Plus watching Prince shake it, despite the fact that his citizenship to funkytown has been revoked.

Chances of my watching the Super Bowl (at least until halftime)? 61%

Procrastination Fodder

2007-02-01T23:39:00.000-05:00

The last thing I want to do after parrying, advancing and retreating in a smelly fencing suit is do work. So watch this video and procrastinate with me, 'kay? Brain melting....

Join the party

2007-01-27T12:36:00.000-05:00

I and my fellow Boccenalians will wow you with our ability to throw clay balls.

Why I Venture Into the Neon, Tourist-Clogged Craziness That is Times Square

2007-01-10T22:41:00.000-05:00

Never underestimate the lure of skee ball, ultra-violent video games, beer in frosty mugs and the opportunity to win prizes worth $3 in a temperature-controlled setting.

If you want some Nerd Rope or pencil toppers shaped like zebra heads, give me a holler.

I know, I know

2007-01-09T23:44:00.000-05:00

I am long overdue on a blog update. While I get working on posts about Istanbul, holidays, New Years, my last concert at Northsix blahblah, enjoy this video. It is brilliant! Click if you are a Pantera or David Hasselhoff fan. Just click anyway.

Mystery Gifter, Reveal Yourself

2006-12-12T09:47:00.000-05:00

Dear Mystery Gifter,

Thanks for the subscription of National Geographic Traveler! I have no idea who you are (please step forward), but it is much appreciated.

Doddering towards crone-age on fabulous trips to be planned,
Me

Underaged Drinking is Bad

2006-11-19T23:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry, Coco, but I don't serve minors.

Encouraging NY'ers Obsession w/Real Estate

2006-11-13T00:33:00.000-05:00

Check out Rent-o-Meter to find out how your rent ranks amongst others in your neighborhood.

My apartment seems to be an great deal (if you don't factor in that none of the apartment buzzers work properly, walls are paper-thin, the hallways smell like cigarette smoke and stale Chinese food and the crazy downstairs neighbors with the noisy pitbulls). Awesome.

How to Get Rid of Caffeine Withdrawal

2006-11-12T23:36:00.000-05:00

In order to alleviate today's caffeine withdrawal-induced pounding in my head (I try to cut down my usual 3 cups per day habit to 0-1 on the weekends), I brewed some bo lei tea and hunkered down on my couch to watch some mindless entertainment. Yes, I know that tea contains more caffeine than coffee, so shut it.

The Sunday late afternoon crap on television was a little too mindless even for me, so I watched my Netflixed Vice Guide to Travel. I want to fit in one more trip before 2006 is over, but I don't think that I'll be heading to any of the places featured in the DVD (Chernobyl? Congo?). Whaddya know it -- the combo of sipping shotglass-sized cups of tea, gasping and laughing at the situations which the Vice correspondants get into worked!

Funniest segment in the Guide -- Gavin and David in China. Watching them tear-it-up in their Uncle Sam costumes with toilet paper beards in a Shanghai expat bar made me forget my pain. Reading this Amazon.com customer "review" added to to hilarity ("far ahead of its time. Uncompromising, unsentimental drama of this sort is not in vogue during an era that is better known for titles like Roll Bounce, ATL, and Snakes on a Plane").

Lesson learned: In order to cure caffeine withdrawal, drink more caffeine and watch a semi-mindlessly entertaining travel DVD. It works!

Run This City Again

2006-11-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

Running Mile 20 aka The Wall in South Bronx

Congratulations to all New York City Marathon runners! You are amazing.

This year we cheered on runners in Park Slope, Greenpoint and South Bronx, jumping on and off subways all morning and afternoon. I spent more time being a participant screaming and giving runners high-fives with my big foam "you're #1" hand, than being an observer taking photos. Feel oddly exhausted now -- and I didn't even run 26.2 miles!

4 Days in Prague

2006-10-22T23:23:00.000-04:00

Back from Prague & Istanbul. When I got off the flight, I felt that I needed a vacation to recover from that vacation. Pretty much every day of the trip I got up at 8am, stumbled over miles and miles of cobble stone streets, and cursed myself for not bringing warmer clothes (my souvenir from the trip: a nasty cold and cough). Hmm...maybe another vacation is in order.

Back on track -- these two cities can't be more different from each other -- architecture, people, culture. Prague is a beautiful (but cold!) city. My Prague memories:

Most awesome views -

Prague Castle at night,
Charles Bridge anytime

Most amusing sight - drunk Brit stag partiers stumble about Wenceslas Square and Old Town, and club & bar promoters descend on them like vultures

Only thing that broke through my happy-to-be-on-vacation haze - prevailing unfriendly, cold attitude of waitstaff (yes, I've been warned by guidebooks about this, but still...)

Cheapest and most relaxing pastime -

munching on a hot dog and watching the ebb and flow of tourists, locals and machine gun-toting police in Old Town Square

Most unexpected sight -

tie between the Dog Poop Bag Stations

and Gehry's The Dancing Building

That's weird moment - learning that the Musuem of Communism is located next to a casino and above a McDonalds

Most peaceful spot - John Lennon Peace Wall

Most breathtaking artwork - Mucha's stained glass in St Vitus Cathedral, lit by afternoon light

More (photos) about Prague and Istanbul shortly.

Ahoj from Praha

2006-10-08T14:35:00.000-04:00

We (Coreen, my guest blogger friend, and I) are in Praha, home of good beer, sausages and unfriendly waiters.

The traveling duo in the third courtyard of Prague Castle (no, we're neither obese nor pregnant. it's our bags causing those unsightly lumps, i tell you!)

Off to Istanbul in a few days! More posts maybe later. Maybe. Dinner calls.

Furry Lost & Found

2006-10-03T22:46:00.000-04:00

My 'hood has turned into lost pet central. Passed four flyers either advertising found animals or seeking lost animals on the way to the laundromat tonight. (The laundromat is 2 blocks away from my apartment.) All these cute, fuzzy faces staring at me from street lamps make me miss my Coco Stinkypants. She is staying at her country house (aka my parents' house) for the next two weeks while I'm away.

I take comfort in the fact that she is having fun driving my parents' ornery cat crazy.

There is Such a Thing as a Free Meal

2006-09-27T00:15:00.000-04:00

Ted Turner "brought the Big Sky to the Big Apple" today with the opening of the NYC branch of Ted's Montana Grill. And when an invite landed in my inbox about a complimentary pre-launch training dinner, I had to say yes. Helloooo, free steak from Ted's personal stock!

So a quartet of hungry ladies descended on the Time-Life Building last Friday. Having lived off caffeine for most of the day, I easily put away some grilled shrimp, clam chowder, steak , garlic mashed potatoes and and a piece of kahlua brownie under the watchful eye of a mounted bison head, drilling its gaze into my back.

Service was excellent and the food was alright. Nothing mindblowing and the huge portions did put me into a food coma when we left the restaurant two hours later. When one of the waiters encouraged us to be honest about our opinion, we let it rip ("the steak was tender, but really salty," "the smoky flavor of the salmon was just plain weird, almost bitter"). The waiter was appreciative of our comments and commented that these dishes are prepared thusly in Montana, and that other New Yorkers had similar opinions.

Given the location of the restaurant (midtown, smack in between the Rockefeller Center, MOMA and Radio City Music Hall), I'm assuming that the chefs don't need to overly worry about catering to NY tastes, but to the tastes of tourists mobbing that area. Will I be back to plunk $ down for a meal? Not likely. Need better culinary motivation to trek uptown and battle tourists for a table. Salty steak, no matter how tender, is not it (though the chowder and garlic mashed potatoes were delicious).

The Sound of a Ballroom Full of Swooning Women

2006-09-25T22:13:00.000-04:00

Haven't done one of these in a while -- concert recap! I've been gigging here and there, but trying something new: not hovering with my camera trying to capture every key moment and just enjoying the moment.

With that said, yes, I did take one shot of my last gig -- a shite shot as the idea of getting camera flash-happy at such an intimate (well, as intimate as Hiro Ballroom gets), low-key gig as last Wednesday's show with Sondre Lerche seemed wrong. To a 70% female and seated (I felt like I was in a wacked-out Japanese elementary school auditorium) audience, Sondre sang some oldies, some stuff from Duper Sessions and some tracks from his next album, the "funny" Phantom Punch (his adjective; some of the audience members started cracking up for whatever reason when he announced the new album title).

Accompanied only by his guitar, I was struck by how amazing his voice is. As I walked through Chelsea after the 90+ minute gig, I remember turning to my friend and gushing about his vocal range. Yes, I was gushing. It was the first time I've seen him live and I was awed. Add a disarmingly charming and comic banter style, I could sense that I wasn't the only babbling audience member.

Highlights:
Human Hands (Elvis Costello cover)
Modern Nature (the audience practically cooed the female duet part back)
Two Way Monologue
Minor Detail

Jury is still out on the Phantom Punch songs he played.

The only negative of the night was the distracting shaka-shaka-clank-crack sounds from the nearby bar. When the only other sound in the joint is from a singer and his guitar, that sounds of ice rattling, bottle opening, glass smaking the bar was really distracting. Hiro, not such a good venue for solo balladeer.

Disappointing Culinary Mo's from the Weekend

2006-09-18T21:19:00.000-04:00

Gimme Coffee's Guatemala roast - What happened? You used to be sooo good. My cup of your Guatemala roast didn't have your usual kick, and I drank it black.

Bacalaoito from Atlantic Antic - I took a break from work and dropped by early so I can partake of some greasy fried cod and was given something that looks and tastes like unsweeted funnel cake. Our bacalaoita was missing an important ingredient: cod.

Oh yeah, forgot to report on an awesome culinary moment a few weeks back. Ate at Megu, one of those Japanese mega-restaurants popping up all over the city, on my mom's birthday. Despite my fear of raw foods, our 70% raw dinner was pretty tasty. Though I did feel "I'm going to vomit this slimy fish and alfalfa sprouts up in 10 seconds" once or twice (everything stayed down), I'd go back if only for the theatrical atmosphere (the entire staff hollering greetings at every customer that enters, the big ice buddha in a pool of rose petal-covered water). Oh and only if someone else was paying -- that place is crazy expensive! I could do what a neighboring table of giggly and cash-strapped teenagers did -- just order a few sushi rolls and call it a night.

My Next Stops

2006-09-17T21:44:00.000-04:00

I came back from Las Vegas with a major case of wanderlust. So off I go on my next trip in about two weeks -- Prague and Istanbul!

If you have any recommendations of must-visit, unusual, quirky places or things to do in those cities, buzz me. Am particularly interested in checking out the live music scene in those cities (heard interesting things about the hip-hop scene in Istanbul; Crossing the Bridge is next in my Netflix queue). Thanks!

Crazy People Sunday

2006-09-11T23:25:00.000-04:00

I am a walking, talking crazy folk magnet. Proof below.

Inside Macy's, morning:
Dishelveled elderly woman with a wire cart smacks me on the arm with an empty coke can, apparently taking offense to the expression on my face as I was chatting on the phone with my mom. Mutters "Why'd you give me that look? Think that I'd steal your purse, huh? You'd probably steal my purse, you!"

R Train heading to Brooklyn, afternoon:
Bloated middle-aged man moans every 15 minutes as if he was having an orgasm, while lying across the orange plastic seats (and looking at me--creepy!).

Starbucks, late morning:
The barista was really nice. Like, too nice. Nice, like made me a free cup of white soy mocha, nice. Used to my monosyllabic, mostly sullen baristas at the one near my work. I think that barista may have put something in that free cuppa.

They rock.

Television is Evil

2006-08-31T23:12:00.000-04:00

I missed a very cool gig tonight because I got sucked into watching Batman Begins on cable tv. This is not the first time I missed a gig because I got sucked into watching something mentally unredeeming on the small screen. Will power, where are you?

To be fair, Batman Begins was not that bad.

Ok, That Woke Me Up

2006-08-24T21:13:00.000-04:00

Bloc Party will play The Theatre @Madison Square Garden.
(yay!)
Bloc Party will be opening for Panic! at the Disco.
(falls off chair)

Why??? Something is not quite right here. Are Bloc Party in desperate need for tween fans?

Young, Broke and Online

2006-08-17T00:13:00.000-04:00

Check out this great article in BusinessWeek which gives you the lowdown on the best personal finance blogs by twenty and thirty-somethings.

And for those you looking to squeeze in a vacation before summer ends, read this first.

Keep Your Mouth Shut, Says the Cat

2006-08-16T00:16:00.000-04:00

All I'll add about my Vegas trip is:

It's very easy to lose track of time in this town. You blink and suddenly 5 hours seemed to have passed.
Walking down The Strip in Vegas is more bearable than walking down Broadway in NYC during the summer (dry heat vs. humid, pore-clogging, soul-sucking heat).
Starbucks has colonized that desert town -- they are everywhere.
Shops in the tourist areas are open until midnight much to the dismay of my wallet.
As soon as you walk into the Hooters Casino, the smell of wings clogs your nasal passages.
The desire to gamble can be satiated practically anywhere -- slot machines are found in the most unusual places (i.e. waiting rooms of McCarren Airport, the local supermarket).
Taxis are hella expensive, but walking all day can be brutal.

And a few apologies to:

my bruised right butt cheek
Michael the dentist
the lady manning the check-in desk at the Luxor on Friday, 5:10 am

And a big thanks to:

Tracy who generously showed us around her city and provided the perfect soundtrack for our vacation (no, it didn't include any indie rock, but hip-hop with uh, catchy lyrics)
Coreen who put up with my minor freak-out about time

Still on Vegas Time

2006-08-15T01:44:00.000-04:00

It's 2:03 am, and I'm still keyed up. My body is in New York, but my brain feels like it is still in Las Vegas. After a weekend in Vegas, you'd think that I would be passed out like this guy, whom I spotted near the Wynn:

But no. My brain is still buzzing from neon lights, explosions from volcanos, dancing on rooftops, 5am blackjack (I just watched!) and sounds of dingalinging Wheel of Fortune slot machines. Need some time to collect my thoughts about the trip, but one thing I do know. I can't wait to visit again.

The Strip brings the world to you (New York, Monte Carlo and Paris all within a few blocks).

Scary 20 foot showgirl gazing down at puny humans.

Vegas is for (teenage emo) lovers.

More photos here (don't worry, they are all G-rated).

The Lights Go Out in Brooklyn

2006-08-02T00:02:00.000-04:00

for a few seconds, but enough to make me scream silently in my head, "noooooooo!"

It's crazy hot in the city. Which is making me obssess about the weather; therefore making me blog about the weather twice in a row.

Skipped an invite to drink with co-workers at some outdoor roof bar (alcohol + outdoors + 100 degree heat = passed out chica). Clomped home in my platform sandals, clutching the sides of my flowy skirt (it's hot but occasionally gusty necessitating certain precautions lest a wardrobe malfunction occur). Holed up in my air-conditioned apartment with Coco who has developed a liking for licking my ears. When will this heat end?

Listening to:
Delays - You See Colours (A fantastic album; when is it "officially" being released in the US? None of this expensive import nonsense.)

Hot & Muggy Again

2006-07-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

For some, this means to church they go!

I vowed to take advantage of the hot weather and wear dresses and shorts until I ran out of clean ones. Only a few more months before going bare-legged is no longer a practical option and we women must don stockings with our dresses (this means annoying periodically checking whether or not they have runs, are falling down our legs and adjusting for "the wedgie factor").

Funny more people noticed the switch in attire than the fact that I lopped a few more inches of hair off my head.

Different Gig, Same Shirt

2006-07-18T01:00:00.000-04:00

Ryan Jarman/The Cribs at Siren Fest 2006, Coney Island
(versus RJ/The Cribs at Tribeca Grand)

but still rocking the hipsters (sporting facial hair, headbands and pigtails is so uncool that it's cool, which firmly places that middle guy on the top of the hipster dude food chain).

Siren Fest was extra fun this year because:
1 - it wasn't heinously hot and sunny like past years
2 - we kept hydrated by consuming ridiculously big girly drinks from a two foot long neon cup
3 - we discovered the one public bathroom without an insanely long line

Why it was not so fun:
1 - waking up with an achy back from having stood around all evening.
2 - getting my butt kicked at the gym the next morning

Reality Check

2006-07-11T00:09:00.000-04:00

When I was 16, travel writing seemed like the coolest job in the world. Now that I'm older and lazier, not so much (read "A Job with Travel but No Vacation," The New York Times).

Mon Chat Aime Oui Oui

2006-07-05T21:35:00.000-04:00

Watched The Work of Michel Gondry with Coco. Forget about The White Stripes, Beck, The Chemical Brothers -- Coco was riveted by his music videos for Oui Oui, especially Ma Maison. Perhaps I will need to get cable tv installed for her viewing pleasure.

Introducing...

2006-07-03T15:40:00.000-04:00

Coco (that's Ms. Coco Stinkypants, to you), the newest member of my household!

Watch out -- she is fierce and can kick your puny human ass. She is contemplating ways to rip out my throat in this photo.

Where the Boys Are

2006-06-29T00:41:00.000-04:00

Case Study: McSorley's Old Ale House on a hot, muggy Saturday night

Bachelor Partier or Drag Queen?

Took a wrong turn on the way to Bunny Eaton Browne's New England clambake.

Photos courtesy of springsandra

Chatting with The Big Guy

2006-06-22T22:55:00.000-04:00

God is everywhere -- even in chatrooms. Just had the oddest chat over IM with God. (You can too.) Transcript of my iGod chat:

Me: howdy, god! wassup?
God: I've been waiting for you. The stars.
Me: really? wow
God: For real. I'm glad your impressed, .
Me: i didn't know that you were a fan of chatrooms.
God: So I taught you something new.
Me: uh, ok.
God: OK. Excuse me!
Me: no, excuse ME!
God: Are you serious? You're excused.
Me: are YOU serious?
God: No I am just kidding around.
Me: hahahahah! you so funny.
God: Tell me a story. Thanks you make me laugh too.
Me: um, i tell stories badly. why don't YOU tell me a story?
God: Give me a break. Why did you tell them? The war began as an uneasy alliance between the Algeria and The Serbia. The Serbia had attacked the Algeria before. But this time they had a common enemy in the The United States . In the first battles, the Algeria' higher intelligence and the Serbia' numerical superiority proved decisive. Unable to call upon their traditional allies Germany, The United States even appealed to Tibet for mediation. But large numbers of casualties on both sides proved politically costly to the leaders of The United States, and so their successors sued for peace.
Me: what? that's a weird story. why are you telling me this story? am i supposed to learn something? so confused here.
God: Didn't you understand it? A weird story is a terrible thing to waste. The topic is hahahah. I think a lot of people are. Yeah that's right. How do you usually introduce yourself?
Me: "hello, nice to meet you." is my standard introduction. how do you introduce yourself?
God: Hello there. It's nice meeting you too . It depends who you ask. I usually say, "What can I call you?".
Me: what can people call you? The Big Cheese? The Head Honcho?
God: Quite a lot of things. Tell me more. What is your real name?
Me: You're God -- you should know.
God: Do you mind if I tell other people you say I am God me should know.
Me: ok, you need some grammar lessons, god. for real
God: Thank you for your criticism. That's alright. Existing in reality, eh?
Me: what?
God: Didn't you understand it?
Me: uh, no.
God: Are you kidding? Which part are you confused about?
Me: you're weirding me out. i'm outtie.
God: Do you mind if I tell other people you say I am weirding you out. Why are you outtie.
Me: ahhh, i'm going to logoff now. bye!
God: Oh. Would you recommend this action to a friend? Bye.
Me: stop asking me questions!
God: OK I'll try not to do it so much.
Me: bye. for real.
God: See you later . Existing in reality, eh?
Me: stop with the questions!
God: OK I'll try not to do it so much.
Me: bye
God: Goodbye.

I'm beginning to think that wasn't actually God with whom I was chatting.

Taking My Own Advice

2006-06-19T22:28:00.000-04:00

I didn't. Wandered here and there this weekend not properly hydrated and sunblocked due to sheer laziness. Whoops.

Seventh Heaven in Park Slope

Brunched at Provence en Boite with what seemed to be half of Brooklyn -- not bad for its second week since its opening in Carroll Gardens. I put it down to this week's Time Out New York feature.

My crepe with chicken and mushrooms was delicious, coffee was so-so (I prefer mine a lot stronger), but the outstanding part of the meal was the pain au chocolate. Mmmm...Provence en Boite's pain au chocolate tastes closest to the ones which I bought every morning at the corner patisserie during my first trip to Paris 14 years ago. One small drawback, which ended up being a big drawback in the hot hot weather -- the glass walls let in a lot of sunlight which made the decor's rich red, yellow tones glow (good). But the sunlight also heated the bistro at such a rapid rate that it rendered the weak air conditioning useless, and left me and other patrons blotting the sweat off our foreheads (bad). Felt a bit like I was eating in hothouse.

After stuffing myself, I hopped on the dreaded G train for my annual pilgramage to the Renegade Craft Fair, where I spent more money than I should. Wondered if most of the vendors were part-time crafters trying to make a few extra bucks or full-on crafters trying to support themselves with their work. One response from a designer whom I chatted up:

I'm not an artist, I'm a commercial artist. I'm doing this so I don't have to get a real job.

If I could support myself making these awesome necklaces, I would. I could try peddling my um, let me see . . . ok, as I don't have any obvious crafting skills, guess I'm stuck working for The Man in the forseeable future. Sadness.

Despite my laziness about buying sunblock and equiping myself with water, I managed to survive last weekend without frying myself. Sweet. Note to self: buy sunblock asap. Peeling bits of skin from my collarbones is so not attractive.

Go Outside

2006-06-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

Weather is beautiful, hot, sunny (did I mention really hot?). Go outside (after proper hydration and sunblock application) and play!

Before Memory of My Boston Gigging Fades Away

2006-06-14T23:41:00.000-04:00

For a fun buzzy high, listen to The Sounds. Their music may not be "deep", but must we limit our listening to bands playing Important Music That Will Change The Music World As We Know It?

Saw them last April in a half-empty Avalon, site of a few cringe-worthy and cheesy club nights from my college days. Left slightly freaked (feeling a hand come out of nowhere to caress your face mid-set was spooky -- more so when it comes attached to a Debbie Harry look-alike), but happy. Their second album didn't seem like a huge stretch from debut album (I enjoy Living in America more than Dying to Say This to You), but that's OK with me.

On the otherside of the spectrum is Eyes Like Knives, whom I saw at the Middle East the next day. Both bands have attractive female leads, but that's about all they have in common. I don't know how to accurately describe their style (Anne, help me out here) -- spooky, bleak not-quite-noise rock with synths? My initial reaction was negative. Band didn't hold my attention, on-stage banter seemed awkward, had to leave before their set lulled me asleep. But I was intrigued enough to give their tracks a listen online-- and you know what? They are much more engaging online than live.

Are they making Important Music That Will Change The Music World As We Know It? Their style is certainly different. 10 years from now, who will people remember? Who will bands cite as their influence ("Oh yeah, X band was a huge inspiration.") -- The Sounds or Eyes Like Knives? Neither?

Back From Hiatus

2006-06-12T23:51:00.000-04:00

...with a new look for the blog, a dedicated home high speed cable internet connection and a burning sensation to post! (Though that sensation may be due to the sunburn on my arms, chest and back from yesterday's sunny BBQ by Hudson River.)

Here's are the highlights, lowlights and random stuff in between of my sporadic posting period: moved into new apartment, wrangled with utility companies/building management over the course of six weeks to get stuff turned on/fixed/replaced, attended some awesome and some gawdawful gigs, drank at a my new favorite bar in Cambridge, tightened up my writing style for my day-job, bid farewell to one of my favorite aunts, left Canada with nine mosquite bites (serves me right for swanning around a lake in a ridiculous--but fashion-forward--pair of black corderoy shorts), watched a relationship die a slow death, revived a stagnant relationship with a faraway friend, photographed strangers, and scared off the F train subway masturbator.

During those months, I stopped blogging regularly because I really didn't have the energy and time to enjoy it as I did way back when. But my fingers are starting to get itchy -- so I'm back. Maybe I'll update less frequently or write less epic posts, but I'll be blogging.

Update Sorta

2006-05-17T22:32:00.000-04:00

Update on what's happening on its way (and maybe a new look for ye old blog?).

For real.

Sign That You Live in a Slightly Sketch Neighborhood

2006-04-12T19:25:00.000-04:00

Car parked few buildings down set on fire. 2 story high flames attract few curiosity seekers (neighbor's attitude: ehh, i've seen it all before). Charred wreck left to beautify street.

Giggleworthy News

2006-03-22T21:30:00.000-05:00

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND—Lead singer and guitarist for pop band Franz Ferdinand, Alexander Kapranos, is in critical condition today after being shot by a man identified as the bassist for rock group Gavrilo Princip. "We ask fans to cooperate with Interpol to find the assailant, and call upon British Sea Power, Snow Patrol, and The Postal Service for help," drummer Paul Thompson told music magazine NME Monday.

as "reported" by The Onion.

Secret to Happiness?

2006-03-21T19:33:00.000-05:00

Received the oddest email the other day:

From: Neateye
Sent: Mon 3/20/2006 5:27 PM
To: Awreye
Subject: Gouranga

Call out Gouranga be happy!
Gouranga Gouranga Gouranga...
That which brings the highest happiness

Wha? Somehow this crept through my junk mail filter. An email advising me about how to achieve happiness stands out from my usual spam about penis enlargment, free iPods and receiving a mysterious US$20 M inheritance from a dead relative in Africa.

A little research revealed the origins of this bizarre email.

My boss thinks I should try it. Maybe tomorrow.

Ramblings About Race, CSA and Then Some

2006-03-20T23:58:00.000-05:00

Almost forgot to post, saw C.S.A.: Confederate States of America several days ago. It's a satirical mockumentary about post-Civil War America in some alternate universe where the Union lost and the Confederacy won. An alternate America where slave-based economy flourished in America, people of color were kept enslaved or herded into reservations. An alternate America with a show called "Runaways" (think: "COPS" except about escaped slaves, not criminals) complete with a hilarious banjo-filled take on the theme song. After 60 minutes of the mock doc complete with mock commercials, I wanted to throw up my hands and scream "I get it! I get that you're using humor to illustrate how the USA in some ways has progressed very little in terms of racial equality!" The fake doc idea is a little tired and heavy-handed, but effective.

Audience was receptive to the film. Glancing around, the audience seemed like it was completely White (liberals, my guess based on the neighborhood) save five people of color, including me. People were laughing (uneasily in my case, suspiciously too easily for some audience members). But given the neighborhood and the target audience of C.S.A., I doubt that the film really communicated anything that the audience didn't already know prior to the screening. I don't know if this film will penetrate other parts of America as well.

During the pre-movie dinner, I recounted something that a friend said which set off my "wait, did i just hear some racist/stereotype bs coming out of your mouth?!" meter a few days ago. My face sort of froze at the time as I was surprised to hear this statement from someone I've known for years. I made excuses for her in my head -- she made a simple, ignorant assumption about me based on my race, I can understand how she came to this incorrect conclusion, she doesn't intend to be offensive, I am building this into a big deal out of nothing.

But it bothered me enought to consult my fellow friends of color -- was my meter off or dead-on? My dinner companion immediately snapped that yes, such a statement is unacceptable. Even if it's not overtly in your face racist, she still made an ignorant and unacceptable assumption about you based on your skin color. Consulted another foc, who was aghast that I didn't give her a verbal slapdown (and then some) immediately. Basically my meter is calibrated fine. I just need to work on my reaction time.

Dammit -- I used to be way better about turning such moments into "let me, as your friendly person of color, educate you how your statement is complete bs" when I as younger. My American Politics prof is right, as we get older, we get more complacent. Need to reconnect with my old poli activism contacts and get fired up again. Seeing C.S.A. helped raise my awareness of how complacent I've become in the past few years. I've become wrapped up in work etc., that all my political ideals sort of fell by the wayside. Attended a party a few weeks ago and ran into my old activist co-workers, some of whom seemed a bit surprised to see how far I've drifted professionally away from my non-profit activist days.

Woah, this post has rambled a bit...basic points: immediately call bs on your friends who set off your racist statement meter, teach them how their statement is total crap if not for their enlightenment but for their safety so repeating that statement doesn't get them a beat-down from an enraged poc, C.S.A. is worth the price of admission (no matter how tiresome the structure).

Packing Music

2006-03-19T19:08:00.000-05:00

Cibo Matto
Beck
Marit Bergman
Fiery Furnaces - especially "Chris Michaels"
Love Is All - "Busy Doing Nothing" (just that one song)
keeps the energy high and packing vibe flowing.

Steel Wool Sucks

2006-03-19T00:07:00.000-05:00

This must be some kind of record -- I've managed to cut my hands in three different places in a space of four days. Keep forgetting to wear gloves when working on the apartment; picking wiry bits of steel wool out of a cut is not fun.

To the people who have asked for an update on the status of the apartment: utilities finally turned on after convincing Con Ed I wasn't the previous tenent who owed them $ and stole electricity from them. Walls painted due to the help of some great volunteers. Scrubbed years of grime from cabinets and you don't want to know where. Still need to harrass building management about several minor issues, but apartment is in move-in condition now!

Despite not officially having moved in, I've met one of the crazy neighbors, the handymen, the building owner in the past week. Chatted with the local locksmith, who has lived in the neighborhood for decades and spilled some local gossip (Poking our heads out my window: "See that lot over there? Gonna be condos; they're laying the foundation this spring -- this neighboorhood is explodin'! And you see that huge apartment building over there? It's owned by these slumlords. The worse people lived in that building...I mean, gradually they got rid of some of 'em, it's not so bad now...)

Back to packing up my crap.

Satur-fumes-day

2006-03-13T23:03:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how good it felt to add some color to my new apartment. No more white walls! No more knowing your living situation is temporary, so why bother painting (and why bother investing much time and money sprucing it up), when you'll just need to re-paint it white when you leave in a less than a year! Whipping the apartment into shape is happening slowly but surely. It'll happen more quickly once I have electricity hooked up (reasons behind why it hasn't been easy getting utilities turned on is a story for another post).

After returning to my soon-to-be-old apartment, I found an invite to friend-of-a-friend's birthday gathering waiting for me in my inbox. Really, what says happy birthday better than hookah smoking in the Village? I was already light-headed from inhaling paint fumes, so why not continue the fun?

Our late dinner at Risotteria was satisfying, but the rest of the night was just eh...I think that I needed to be drunker to develop a greater appreciation of sucking and exhaling fruity smoke. And you know those awkward parties where guests don't seem interested in partying or getting to know each other, but just showed up because they just felt obligated to the host? Yeah, I got that vibe from the guests; they seem tad absorbed either in themselves or their own cliques. A good party that does not make. Perhaps I should have made more of an effort to get people mixing? At that point, my body was running on adrenaline -- I've been awake for 17 hours, and reallyreally craved sleep. Threw in the towel early. Hobbled home in my awesome but painful Irregular Choice shoes. Washed the blood off my heels and crashed. Sleep felt so sweet.

Apt Whip

2006-03-09T22:53:00.000-05:00

I am spending the next few weeks whipping my new apartment into shape (it needs lots of whipping; lots of unexpected problems popping up--the latest one: my apartment's electric meter is missing. fabulous!).

My office is located in interior decorators' heaven -- I counted about 9 furniture shops, design type stores specializing in lighting fixtures, whathaveyou within 3 blocks of my workplace. But most of my apartment whipping inspiration comes from entries in this year's smallest coolest apartment contest. That site is the biggest timesuck of my day.

Around the Corner

2006-03-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

Spring that is. I am so ready for change. Bring it!

The Most Decadent Birthday Cake in NYC

2006-03-06T23:51:00.000-05:00

Looking at this makes my teeth ache.

Two Little Red Hens didn't let us down last weekend.

So good.

Boycott Alert!

2006-03-06T21:55:00.000-05:00

If you know me, you know that I declare personal boycotts against establishments which piss me off. My McDonald's boycott is going strong -- 3 years and counting (with one minor moment of weakness).

New boycott starting asap: Studio 97 Salon in Park Slope.

Why? What seemed to be a simple misunderstanding about appointment times escalated into bullcrap as the owner tried to wiggle out of honoring my friend and mine's joint mani-pedi appointment with some sort of illogical, complicated bullshit excuse. When she saw that we weren't buying it, she tried accusing my friend and I about lying about our mani-pedi appointment arrangements.

If she just admitted that the obvious truth that she overbooked the salon and that they were running really late, then everything would be cool. Not sure why she didn't just do this, but decided to clumsily toss accusations (hello? I could see my name in the appointment book). Perhaps she needed to save face in front of her staff and other customers? I don't know. Usually this stuff is no big deal, but the owner set off my "you are seriously pissing me off" meter when she tried making her salon's overbooking problem our fault with awkward lies.

Sigh, this boycott sucks as the other manicure and pedicure places, which I've tried, on my side of the Slope are mediocre. Not that Salon 97 is fabulous, but they were decent and close-by.

On the bright side: I just tried Iris Nails (795 Broadway) which rocked and is conveniently located near my workplace. I'm not the type to be super chatty with my manicurist (I tend to zone out during treatments), but Noli and I spent the hour babbling about our families, visiting Shanghai and Hong Kong, NYC subway system, college, all sorts of random crap. To think, I would have never tried this place if the nonsense with Studio 97 didn't happen!

There's a silver lining for everything...

Happy Birthday, Kini

2006-03-03T23:20:00.000-05:00

T minus 24 hours until we cut open the Two Little Red Hens cake and you debut your scandalous birthday dress.

Reality Show No

2006-03-01T23:51:00.000-05:00

Don't think that I'll ever be part of the reality tv show (except maybe The Amazing Race -- that is one awesome show), but below are some of the more unusual audition notices which popped up in my inbox today.

CASTING: CBS's ROCK STAR (USA + Canada) -
(as if Rock Star: INXS didn't mess with enough people's minds, it's baaaaaaaaaaack!)

APPLICATIONS AND AUDITION TAPES FOR ROCK STAR: THE SERIES (working title) NOW BEING ACCEPTED BY THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK Released by CBS

Deadline For Submissions Is Friday, March 24, 2006

CBS's ROCK STAR returns for a second season in Summer, 2006. Applications for potential singers can be found at www.CBS.com and rockstar.msn.com. ROCK STAR: THE SERIES (working title) auditions are open to men and women all over the world who are at least 21 years-old.

Open calls for ROCK STAR will take place in the following cities on the following dates (schedule is subject to change):

ROCK STAR OPEN CALL SCHEDULE:

Austin Texas - March 1st – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saxon Pub 1320 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704 www.saxonpub.com

Boston, Mass. - March 3rd – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM T.T. The Bear's Place 10 Brookline St. Cambridge, MA 02139 www.ttthebears.com

Atlanta, Georgia - March 6th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Velvet Underground @ The Hard Rock Café 215 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30303 www.hardrock.com

New York, NY - March 8th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Crash Mansion 199 Bowery @ Spring Street New York, NY 10002 www.crashmansion.com

Chicago, Illinois - March 11th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Elbo Room 2871 N. Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 www.elboroomchicago.com

Toronto, Ontario - March 13th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Horseshoe Tavern 370 Queen St. West Toronto, Ontario M5V2A2 www.horseshoetavern.com

Minneapolis, Minn. - March 16th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM The Cabooze 917 Cedar Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404 www.cabooze.com

Seattle, Wash. - March 18th – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Crocodile Café 2200 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98121 www.thecrocodile.com

San Francisco, Calif. - March 21st – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Rockit Room 406 Clement St. San Francisco, CA 94118 www.rock-it-room.com

Vancouver, British Columbia - March 23rd – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM The Roxy 932 Granville St. Vancouver, BC V6Z1L2 www.roxyvan.com

Los Angeles - March 31st – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Knitting Factory 7021 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028 www.Knittingfactory.com/kfhollywood

Singers should be prepared to sing up to three songs and may sing a cappella to track or with one instrument. Singers should be instructed to download application and bring it with them to the open call audition or send a demo tape, video tape and application to:

Rock Star: The Series 149 South Barrington Avenue Suite 525 Los Angeles, CA 90049

Deadline for submissions is March 24, 2006.

The series will be produced by Mark Burnett Productions. Mark Burnett, David Goffin (ROCK STAR: INXS, "American Idol") and Lisa Hennessy (ROCK STAR: INXS, "Eco-Challenge," "Contender") are executive producers. Conrad Riggs is co-executive producer.

CASTING: Psychics for New SCI-FI CHANNEL Show

Are you Psychic or have a strong intuition?
Have you ever known who was on the end of the phone before it rang? Can you predict events before they happen? Have you ever made contact with the dead? Maybe your family or friends think that you are psychic?

A new reality series on the Sci-Fi Network is searching for outgoing men and women of all ages and personality types who think that they may have some degree of baseline psychic ability and are eager to be trained and have their psychic skills developed.

If you want to learn more about how to audition for the series and to apply to be on the show, please go to: www.scifi.com/thegift/. Fax the completed application and a RECENT PHOTO of yourself to 310.450.3875.

PROFESSIONAL PSYCHICS* MAY NOT APPLY (applicants subject to background checks).

DEADLINE for entries is MARCH 6th, 2006. You must be available to attend final auditions in Los Angeles March 24-26, 2006, and to be a part of principal photography from April 17 – May 5.

* Anyone who has offered services as a psychic to the public for a fee.
*Compensation: $ 1800 for shoot + other prizes

CASTING: Paris Hilton's Biggest Fan!
(wait, PH has fans? what?)

If you consider yourself to be her biggest fan we want to hear from you! Send a brief paragraph and a current picture to jay.jones@tyratv.com. ***

Fridge MIA

2006-02-28T21:32:00.000-05:00

I checked out my new (to me) apartment Saturday morning before leaving town. First time I've been inside since the contractors finished "renovating." (Apartment still looks the same to me.) It's tiny, crazy downstairs neighbors live below, but it's all mineminemine!

My mind was buzzing with the prospect of life sans roommate that I didn't notice one important element was missing until hours later: the refrigerator.

Subway Observation of the Day

2006-02-27T23:58:00.000-05:00

Where: N train from Brooklyn to Manhattan

When: Around noon

What: Middle-aged man clad in earthtones sitting quietly across from me. He clutched a 8"x6" soft black pleather case which was covered in a large red sticker rimmed in silver glitter and bearing the sentence, "I believe in GOD" in a large yellow font.

Yes, I believe you. Your sticker is more convincing than the homemade T-shirt bearing messages of faith which a stranger showed me (after whipping off his parka and sweater on the Delancey Street platform at 1am).

Awreye

Hives Nearly Made Me Pee Myself

Not Enough Time

Building Cred is Oh-So-Important in this 'Hood

I'm Back, Still Staring

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco -- Quote of the Day

In San Francisco - Quote of the Day

Saturday Night Jump

Lunchtime Cravings: No Thai

Dark and Mysterious, That's Me

My New Favorite Word

Neglecting You

Lonely Busker in Park Slope

Why Me?

Keeping Cool

Is there a proper name for a hard-boiled egg holder?

Glasto Wrap-Up

At Least We Looked Good

Haikus for Booze -- More

Haikus for Booze

Morning/Evening Listening - Travelust Edition

It's Spitting Rain Outside

Eggstacy, Ukrainian Style

Ghosts of Apartments Past

ISO EGN PYS TYP

Be Careful of What You Wish For

You're Hot

Cute but Dangerous

Sleepy Poll

If My Nose Could Eat, I Would be Full

The Return

Sartorialist

Morning/Evening Listening

@)*$&)*#Q@! Substitutions

Plump, That's All

Staring Problem

You're so Vain

Happy V-Day

Norbit No

?? Hiatus

Who?

Missed Our Debut?

Super Bowl? Er...

Procrastination Fodder

Join the party

Why I Venture Into the Neon, Tourist-Clogged Craziness That is Times Square

I know, I know

Mystery Gifter, Reveal Yourself

Underaged Drinking is Bad

Encouraging NY'ers Obsession w/Real Estate

How to Get Rid of Caffeine Withdrawal

Run This City Again

4 Days in Prague

Ahoj from Praha

Furry Lost & Found

There is Such a Thing as a Free Meal

The Sound of a Ballroom Full of Swooning Women

Disappointing Culinary Mo's from the Weekend

My Next Stops

Crazy People Sunday

Television is Evil

Ok, That Woke Me Up

Young, Broke and Online

Keep Your Mouth Shut, Says the Cat

Still on Vegas Time

The Lights Go Out in Brooklyn

Hot & Muggy Again

Different Gig, Same Shirt

Reality Check

Mon Chat Aime Oui Oui

Introducing...

Where the Boys Are

@)$&)#Q@! Substitutions