Vacation

I've been fortunate enough to of never had to work the week between Christmas and New Year's. I headed back to our Nation's Capital on December 23rd for my Dad's birthday. This began my week of excessive feasting.

Usually, I am not a big holiday person, but there are few things I enjoy more than being home on Christmas morning. Santa was good to me. That afternoon, Mom and I drove to her friend's house outside of Annapolis. This has been a long-standing tradition and one I always look forward to. It's full of great food and conversation. This was the first time I had seen Sally since Kristin's funeral almost 2 years ago and just as long as I had been in her house. It was very therapeutic for me.

The day after Christmas, Mom and I made our 3rd Annual Waking-Me-Up-At-5:30am-To-Go-To-The-Mall. Surprisingly, we were not the only people there. I did get some post-Christmas bargains, which made the trip worthwhile. We were home by 8am and I promptly retuned to my jammies and hibernated for another 3 hours. The next stop was to my favorite restaurant, Pines of Rome, for their world-famous white pizza. And just when my stomach couldn't take any more, I had Italian again with my Dad for dinner.

On Tuesday, I had breakfast with Jenn. That afternoon was spent with Jamie and Karen. Later that evening, the three of us and Matt followed a long-standing tradition and went bowling. Despite not having "the Ellen" with me, I did pretty well. But what really made it special is knowing that you have friends that you don't get to see very often, and still pick up like no time has passed. I've known Karen and Jamie since I was 5 years old and Matt since the 4th grade.

The next day I took the Metro downtown and went to the Corcoran Museum of Art. There was a complete Andy Warhol retrospective on exhibit and it was amazing. I have been a long time fan of Warhol's work. His theories of the media and fame, I have always found interesting. Plus, I always feel so elegant walking through the Corcoran. I made a brief stop at the National Christmas tree before heading home to pack.

On a very rainy and foggy morning, I drove to Foxwoods casino to meet up with Robin, LoveBunny and Robin's sister-in-law Deb. It looked like the gambling gods were very much against us, The slots were mean and the roulette tables were downright cruel. I couldn't get a roll going at all. We were all feeling pretty dejected. It was still early so we decided to check our keno tickets and get a snack before calling it an early day. To my pleasant surprise, my keno ticket was a winner!! We enjoyed a nice early dinner and I was back in Hoboken by 9pm.

Yesterday I got up early again and headed to the Met right when it opened to see the Van Gogh drawings exhibit. The line was incredible. It took a half hour just to get into the exhibit and I just happen to be behind 4 of the world's most annoying people. Once I got into the exhibit and get as far away as possible from them, my annoyance quickly turned into awe. I have never been so impressed with a showing ever. It was extraordinary. Despite the crowd, it was fantastic. I wish I could have seen more of the drawings up close. I even bought the catalog to read more about the exhibit. I love getting lost in the Met. The weather was so lovely when I left that I walked from the Met to Port Authority via Central Park.

Since then, I have attempted to tidy my room up and do laundry, watch movies and the like. As for New Year's Eve, I plan on rockin' it in with my man Dick Clark.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. My best to everyone. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Quote of the Day:
"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for my having been there." -Jim Henson

Take It To The Man

I am really going to be sad with the New York transit strike is over. It's been such joy getting to and from work. My commute has cut in half. Only buses seem to be going through the Lincoln Tunnel. The whole area around there is a ghost town. I've been able to sleep in a little longer and get home at a decent time, all in thanks to the transit strike.

Only a few more hours in the countdown until the big Christmas vacation begins! I am heading home tomorrow and if I don't talk to you, I wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season.

Quote of the Day:
"I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Everett Edward Hale

Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys

I honestly don't remember the last time I witnessed such a destruction of the Dallas Cowboys by my beloved Washington Redskins. Each play was like a work of art. I had so much fun.

I know we probably won't make the playoffs and I accept that, but the worst record we can have is 8-8, which is not a losing record. We really should have 3 more wins than we do, but I won't squabble over that.

Boooooo to Bill Parcells, who did not even shake Joe Gibbs' hand after the game. Even when Gibbs waved to him, he did not wave back. That is classless.

Next up: the Giants on Saturday.

Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Quote of the Day:
"He is not a coach. He is God." -Tony Kornheiser on Joe Gibbs

John Spencer

I am absolutely shocked, stunned and saddened to read of the passing of one of my favorite actors, John Spencer. He died earlier today of a heart attack at age 58.

He is best known for his Emmy-winning role of Leo McGarry on the West Wing, but I have been a fan of his for quite some time. I first became familiar with him during his stint as Tommy on LA Law. What made the characters of Tommy and Leo so great were the imperfections and struggles of them. He channeled his own battle with alcoholism and his reputation of being a workaholic into these roles. That real element always gave an extra spark to those roles which were extra layers to his already natural talent.

He had such an distinctive voice, effervescent charm and honest presence about him. I have always looked forward to seeing him on the screen, big or small. And yes, he was one of those older men that I found strangely attractive and he held one of the top places on the Hierarchy.

I will definitely miss him. A true loss for the entertainment community.

Quote of the Day:
"Redemption comes to those who wait / Forgiveness is the key." -Tom Petty, Lonesome Sundown

Dinner With Friends

Last night I went to dinner with my friends Rebecca and Mike. They are great people, who I never get to see enough of. All the sudden, 5 months have passed and I realized, "Oh, I haven't seen Rebecca and Mike in awhile. I should call them." We feasted at the Cheesecake Factory, which is always a good dinner destination.

And also, I am restraining myself from saying most importantly, I got to see their precious cat, Howard. Howard is the most beautiful cat ever. When I was Rebecca's roommate in Boston, Howard was in essence, my first pet. I was never allowed to have a cat or dog as a child, and always wanted one. Howard lived up to all pet expectations and I am so happy to have Howard so close by again.

Quote of the Day:
"We must choose. Be a child of the past with all its crudities and imperfections, its failures and defeats, or a child of the future, the future of symmetry and ultimate success." -Frances E. Willard

My Favorite 22-Minutes of the Year

What: A Charlie Brown Christmas
When: Tuesday, December 6, 8pm
Where: ABC

What makes it even more uber-special is that A Charlie Brown Christmas is celebrating it's 40th anniversary. Really, is there anything better on earth than Snoopy dancing? I don't think so.

So watch and enjoy!

Quote of the Day:
"All I want is what I'm entitled to. All I want is my fair share." -Sally Brown, "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful

It's Sunday morning. I wake up and peer outside my window to see the first flakes of the season fall onto the ground. Ordinarily, I would take that moment to absorb the beautiful image, then roll over in the warm, comfy confines of my bed. But not today. I got up and went to work. It's not that bad. I'm just digitizing - essentially baby-sitting the editing machine. Still, it would have been nice to stay snuggled between the flannels. That really is the best part of winter.

Quote of the Day:
"Some people like my advice so much that they frame it upon the wall instead of using it." -Gordon R. Dickson

Autumn, Kaufmann Hall

I've been on a Tom Petty kick for awhile. Maybe it was because I saw him in concert in June and was all aflutter about Conversations with Tom Petty book and the anticipation of his new solo album next year. A part of me was beginning to feel he was overtaking Billy Joel as my #1 favorite in music. But after last night, I was pleasantly reminded why Billy Joel has been #1 in my mind for over 15 years.

Cheryl and I trekked to the upper reaches of the Upper East Side to the 92nd St Y and joined a room full of superfans for Billy Joel: Questions, Answers, & A Little Music. We were sitting 2 rows behind the Child Bride. She is quite striking in person and does look very young. Alas, I didn't get a look at the ring. The evening started off a little slow -- it began with Billy speaking with Rolling Stone writer Anthony DeCurtis, who looked so befuddled and asking really lame questions. The conversation went nowhere. It was a half hour later when it was just Billy on stage that the true fun began.

I've read, seen, heard countless interviews with Billy over the years, and most of the stories I was already familiar with. But he is such a stong storyteller and conversationalist, that much of what he said retained it's value, honesty and humor. Unfortunately, I did not get picked to ask my question, but it was fine. Aside from a few stupid questions and annoying people, the audience really engaged BIlly with good questions.

The highlight though was anytime he had his hands on the piano keys. He played the complete versions of my all-time top 2 Billy Joel songs, "Summer, Highland Falls" and "Miami 2017". Also played in its entirely: "Famous Last Words" (which he said was the first time he ever played it live), "Vienna" and the Beatles "A Day in the Life".

We also got to hear good chunks of "Laura", "Rosalinda's Eyes", "It's Still Rock & Roll To Me" (which in the middle of, realized had the same melody as Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" and segwayed into playing that -- in which I went into silent hysterics because that's my favorite Dylan song), "Tomorrow is Today", "Scandinavian Skies", "Lullaby" -- really delving into the vault. It was so incredible.

He did a little classical, and also paid homage to his influences, like Dylan, like the Beatles and the Stones. Cheryl and I were both struck my his amazing ear for pitch, melody, rhythm, tone. He plays "Like a Rolling Stone" as effortlessly as Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and picks up patterns between the various genres of music.

The man is also quite funny. He recounted selling his house to Jerry Seinfeld and meeting Bono at the Garden recently. When asked how married life was treating him, he jumped on his chair, a la Tom Cruise. A musical genius and wit to boot!

Billy also said this upcoming tour will feature a lot of album tracks that often get buried. I am so excited for the shows. Maybe I will finally hear "You're My Home" and "Captain Jack" live. *fingers crossed*

The three hours flew by. If anything, it made me wish that I could just have a few hours of his time and talk to him about music. He is a wealth of information and his passion for music is so evident. I had such an incredible time and hope I get to see him in this type of venue again before another nine years pass.

Thanks Billy!

Quote of the Day:
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there." -Herb Caen

The Warm Up

Billy Joel-mania continues. I was flipping through the new issue of New York magazine and saw that the Piano Man is doing one of his Questions, Answers and a Little Music seminars at the 92nd Street Y next Tuesday. To my very pleasant surprise, the $30 tickets were still available. Needless to say, I snatched that up.

I went to one of these before waaaaay back in 1996 during my senior year of high school at George Washington University. He had actually called on me to ask a questions, but the stupid microphone guy gave the microphone to another girl. Gar!!! Perhaps, nine years later, I can finally ask if he wrote the prelude to "Angry Young Man" while writing it, or if it just came about. Will keep you posted.

Let's give a shout out to my roommate Suzanne, who is celebrating her "21st" birthday today.

Man alive did it get cold today. Earlier this afternoon, it was rainy, but still bearable. But as 4pm approached, that all changed. It got very windy and the temperature plummeted. Not fun. Oh, how I wish summer was right around the corner.

Because I am a follower, not a leader, I have also changed the settings on The Genius Switch, so everyone can make their comments. Thanks Cheryl!

Quote of the Day:
"You can pretend to be serious; you can't pretend to be witty." -Sacha Guitry

Sold!

The greatest thing about New York City is the ability to do so many thing here that would be impossible to do elsewhere. Yesterday I did one of my favorite things to do in the city - I went to an auction preview. This one took me to Christie's for a music memorabilia auction. But to my very pleasant surprise, there was also a preview for a Bob Mackie auction as well.

In the music section, they were showing lots of stuff from the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Doors, The Who, Joni Mitchell, Ella FItzgerald and Buddy Holly among others. There were a couple of items that were a little more exciting than the rest: a pair of Bob Dylan's black sunglasses, the necklace Jimi Hendrix wore in the famous picture of him getting the guitar on fire, a silver box for Christmas 1980 from John Lennon & Yoko Ono and a pair of Roy Orbison's sunglasses. The only item I questioned as a piece of music memorabilia was a book report Britany Spears wrote in the 5th grade about White Fang. Even sadder was the estimated selling price of $500-700.

In the Bob Mackie preview, there were beautiful gowns, costumes and sketches he made for the Carol Burnett show and the Sonny & Cher show among others. There were also some Elton John stage outfits for sale as well. It was so wonderful to see dresses and headwear up close and see all the attention to detail. They are true pieces of art. It was such a treat to see this.

And the cost of seeing all these hallmarks of pop culture: free. Doesn't get much better than that.

Quote of the Day:
"Any life, no matter how long or how complex it might be, is made up of a single moment - the moment in which a man finds out, once and for all, who he is." -Jorge Luis Borges

Why I Will Never Be In The Armed Forces

This was a very stressful morning; moreso than any Saturday morning should be.

I woke up around 8:30am, in anticipation of the Billy Joel tickets going on sale. I turn on the TV and sit up in bed only to see that the mouse traps between the wall and the television shelf are askew. I begin to panic. It's too early to think about a mouse corpse underneath the rubble of wooden traps. I watch Ebert & Roeper, trying very hard to distract myself from what I know I need to clean up.

It takes me about 45 minutes to psych up the energy and resolve to dispose of this unwanted roommate. I open up some sterile gloves and triple bag garbage bags. I peer over to the spot of perish and see a small gray mass beneath the traps. It was like the photo of Kurt Cobain's suicide, where all you see is his leg. Kinda the same thing here, but with a mouse. After taking many deep breaths, I sweep the crime scene into the bag and toss it outside. The long national nightmare is over.

Very keyed up, I then prepare to get Billy Joel tickets for his show at the Garden. At 9:59am I am frantically pushing refresh on my computer, until I get the screen to get tickets. After much stress, I do get tickets. They are not the best seats, but good enough. I'm just happy to be going to the show. Just for kicks, I also tried my luck at getting a ticket for the Boston show 5 days before the NY show. Luck was on my side because I got a ticket next to the stage, 12 rows up. It is so much fun being a superfan.

Quote of the Day:
"I know it sounds calculating, but if you're not cute, you might as well be clever." -David Sedaris

Dear Santa,

With the holiday season right around the corner, I just want to make sure I can make things as easy as possible for people to buy me things that I covet, but don't want to pay for myself. The easiest way is to go to amazon.com and choose one of the 110 items on my Wish List. That way, I will be surprised and know I will love it.

Let me also take this time to remind you of the 4 things to never, ever, ever buy me.

1. Mugs. I can only drink so much cocoa. And for my 14th birthday, I got 3 of them.

2. Stationary. Too many helpless trees have been sacrificed in order for me to write correspondences. I appreciate the fine art of letter writing as much as anyone else, but I'd rather have a written word than a blank page.

3. Beach towels. I don't go to the beach. I rarely use swimming pools. I am too albino and pale to attempt to get sun. Please, no beach towels.

4. Bath products. It's not that I don't enjoy a good vanilla scented body wash or a strawberry-mango-lavender-banana mask. Face it, bath products are the mercy gift. It's when you have no idea what to get someone and don't have the energy to put any creativity into the gift. So nay on the bath products.

Let the holiday season begin!

Quote of the Day:
"How many Ganneshes' do you have? ... 19?!?!" -Suzanne Temple

And...Action!

Last night I went to the off-off broadway one-act performances of EATFest. My friend Aimee was in a play called "Cupid's Bow" and was excellent. She was a co-worker of mine at Mystery Diagnosis. I would always hear so much about the shows she was doing and auditions she was going on. This was the first opportunity I've had to actually see her act and she was fantastic.

"Cupid's Bow" was about 2 people who meet in a coffee shop and the mysterious connection between them. It always brings me such joy to see my friends in their element.

The other one-acts included "Reunion", about 2 people at their 40th high school reunion. "Final Answer" - about a game show going horribly wrong and "A Touching Story", an exploring the perils of threesomes.

If your in New York and need something to do this Friday at 9pm or Sunday at 7pm, check them out at 311 W. 43rd (b/w 8th & 9th Ave). Tickets are $15 and worth every penny.

Afterwards I joined Aimee and some of her friends for dinner and catching up. All in all a very nice evening.

Quote of the Day:
"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do."
-Bob Dylan

Shout Out

Much love and congratulations to my friend Sarah. Not only has she finished her tenure in the Navy, she has also gotten engaged! Talk about a win-win situation. I could not be happier for her. Yay Sarah!!

I am loving this weather. 70 degrees in mid-November. Bring it on! Although Mother Nature will have revenge on us tomorrow with lots of rain and a cold front. I will savor today as much as I can.

Also, I am VERY excited to hear that my favorite Piano Man, Billy Joel is going back on tour. It's been far too long since I've seen him - he last toured in 2002. Tickets go on sale Saturday and I will be right there to get them. It's so much fun to be a superfan.

Quote of the Day:
"Geek, when used correctly, is usually a compliment. It means eccentric, skilled, quirky, unique." - Mat Laibowitz

Yay Global Warming

First off, what a heartbreaking loss for my Sons of Washington yesterday against Tampa Bay. Granted, going for the 2-point conversion after the false start on the extra point was nothing less than genius, but still really, really hurt nonetheless. We'll rebound next week.

I am proud to report that for once my theory has been disproven. Last week Conan O'Brien and his wife had a baby boy and gave him the name Beckett O'Brien. That's a good name. Good for you Conan!

It was such a lovely weekend here in Hoboken. Temperatures in the 60s. Perfect weather for walking and gaping at the beautiful New York skyline. This is my kind of winter.

Quote of the Day:
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

The Little Things

I went to the post office this morning, not in a very good mood, because the envelopes to be mailed were paid bills, depleting me of all funds in ye olde bank account. But then, as I am leaving, in the corner of my eye, I see something -- a smile. A green smile. I walk closer and see it's a stamp of Kermit the Frog and other Muppet characters. Yes, Muppet stamps. I went back in line and bought a few packs of them. My mood completely changed and I am happy. Yay Muppets!!!

I hope everyone voted today. I absolutely love voting. It's a shame I don't live in Chicago, because then I could have voted all day!! :)

Quote of the Day:
"Early morning cheerfulness can be extremely obnoxious." -William Feather

Random Thoughts and Ramblings

Because nothing is really going on, I thought I would share some thoughts on nothing in particular. In random order...

* Yay Redskins!!! I think I was in college the last time my beloved Sons of Washington beat the Eagles. We are undefeated at home this year and for the first time in ages, I am optimistic about the team. Joe Gibbs, the greatest coach in the history of professional sports, once again worked his magic. Mark Brunell is coming back to life and our defense is awesome. Hail to the Redskins. Hail to the Redskins indeed.

* Last week I bought Conversations with Tom Petty by Paul Zollo. I have been a diehard Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers fan for years and have been waiting quite some time for the release of the book. It is everything I hoped it would be. What makes the experience even more amazing is listening to "Playback" in the background while reading. Not only is Petty an accomplished musician and songwriter, but also an articulate speaker and masterful storyteller. I'm learning the origins of his many hits and also some of his other acomplishments that I was unaware of his involvement in. What's also so cool is him getting to meet and perform with so many of his heroes and idols, and having them appreciating Petty's work just as much. I am loving every page of this book and will be very sad when that final page is turned.

* I feel I must reiterate my complete frustration at people who stand on the left side of the escalator. This is really, really irksome and bothers me to no end. Really people, escalator courtesy is like driving -- the left side is for PASSING!!!

* I've been checking out the setlists for the latest Aerosmith tour. The Boys are diving into the vault and pulling out some gems. You should check them out. Lenny Kravitz is opening for them.

* Wouldn't it be awesome if I won the $225 million MegaMillions jackpot? I think it would. :)

* I am so excited that all the good movies are coming out soon. On the top of the list: Rent, Walk the Line and Memoirs of a Geisha.

* I know the holiday season is still a little ways off, but I must recommend one thing to get you into the holiday spirit -- the Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris. It works in essay or play form, but if you have never read the Santaland Diaries before, might I suggest you buy David Sedaris reading it. It's the funniest, most entertaining story and his voice only enhances that. You will never look at Macy's the same way again.

* An addition to the horrible celebrity baby names list: Kevin Sorbo and his wife named their daughter: Octavia. *sigh*

Quote of the Day:
"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend."
-Albert Camus

Shopgirl

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Steve Martin is my ideal man. I went to see his latest movie Shopgirl last night and I loved it. What was so great about this movie is how it is not a typical love story. It's a great commentary on material and true love.

Claire Danes was wonderful. It's a rule that my age bracket love her, since she was our hero in My So-Called Life. I'm glad to see her live up to all the potential. She's a lucky gal -- getting to make out with Jared Leto AND Steve Martin. Lucky, lucky lady.

I know Jimmy Fallon was originally signed on to play the Jason Schwartzman role. I think Jimmy would have done a better job with the character, but I'm not taking anything away from Jason. Far be it for me to criticize the man who I loved in Rushmore.

Go see Shopgirl. Let me know what you think.

Quote of the Day:
"Each person must live their life as a model for others." --Rosa Parks

Down By the River

Ahhh, Boston. What was supposed to be a two day jaunt turned into a week of seeing as many people as possible. My friends, Robin & LoveBunny, were incredibly patient and kind in letting me freeload at their house for an extended stay.

Last Tuesday was one of those really great days. I made my rounds at my alma mater, Boston University, visiting professors and friends, getting to pretend that I am popular. It was so much fun walking around and taking in the sights and transporting myself back into college life. Then I realize that I'm going into my 6th year out and everyone looks very, very young.

I also got to see some Fenway friends last week. They really are family and it's so nice that even though so much time has passed, we are able to pick up right where we left off.

I wasn't back in Hoboken long before heading out again. My friend Alissa and I drove to lovely Cornwall-on-Hudson on Saturday to visit Chris the Accountant. He lives in the country on a mountain. We saw deer and wild turkey and ate free fudge. It was a great day.

All in all, I have had an awesome 2 week vacation. I got to visit a lot of friends, eat plenty of good food and relax. Back to the working world. *sigh*

Quote of the Day:
"We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh." --Agnes Repplier

Home Sweet Home Cont... / Wedding Bells Pt. II

Ahhh, to be home again. A quick trip, but a good one.

Dad took me to the B&O Canal path in search of wild mushrooms, berries and moss to photograph. It's been ages since I've been down to the B&O Canal. I think when I'm home next summer, I will have to take a trip to Great Falls and do some climbing and walking. I was also treated to my favorite restaurant, Pines of Rome. White pizza...mmmmmm...

Today, I went to Liz & Eric's wedding. They are very good friends of mine from BU. They are such a wonderful couple and it seems like they've already been married for years. Liz looked absolutely stunning and Eric definitely had the Boogie. We ate, and ate and ate some more, danced and more eating. The band, called In Touch, I believe, were awesome and highly recommend them for any wedding in the New York area. Everything about today was perfect. I feel so blessed to of been part of their special day.

Next stop: Boston.

Quote of the Day:
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it." --Winston Churchill

Home Sweet Home

Greetings from Maryland!!

Seeing as I have the next two weeks off, I decided to take a road trip and wrap myself in the comforts of home. As always, there was a chocolate cream pie awaiting my arrival in the fridge. Yum. This was capped off by a homemade turkey dinner. Yay being home!

Yesterday I entered the 21st century and upgraded to a DVR. This is the greatest thing ever. The idea of taping up to 100 hours of programming and having no tapes to use and switch out is fantastic. I was drooling all day and have now heard twice that I am never leaving the house again. Judging by how this week's recordings go, they may be right.

Quote of the Day:
"It's good to be just plain happy; it's a little better to kow that you're happy; but to understand that you're happy and to know why and how and still be happy, be happy in the bliss and the knowing, well that is beyond happiness, that is bliss." --Henry Miller

Wedding Bells Pt. I

My childhood friend Matt got married on Saturday in Charlotte, NC. It's been a long time since we were close and I've only seen Matt a handful of times in recent years, but still felt an enormous amount of joy and happiness for him. He was very much on my mind.

I know I'm in my late-20s and the average age of marriage bypassed me two years ago, but I am still awed that my circle of friends are of acceptable age to get married, have children -- essentially, be adults. Time has been going by entirely too quickly.

Love ya lots Matt and congratulations!!

Quote of the Day:
"I can take any amount of criticism, so long as it is unqualified praise." --Noel Coward

The Theory

We all have our pet peeves. Some more insidious that others, but still irritating nonetheless. For example, I hate it when on an escalator, a person is just standing on the left side, when it is clearly the passing side. Often at times, people are also standing on the right, making it impossible to get around them. I hate those people.

Next, I have a had a theory for some time now, that celebrities should not be allowed to name children. It has really gotten out of control, especially in recent years. We've cringed at the naming of Apple, Banjo, and Jermajesty, but now we have a whole new crop of names that make those names seem like Mary, Jennifer and Tom, like Pilot Inspektor and Moxie Crimefighter.

But this one, THIS ONE, takes the cake. Nicolas Cage and his wife recently had a baby boy, Kal-El Coppola Cage. If this name wasn't bad enough on it's own right, Kal-El is the birth name of Superman on the planet Krypton. Yes, he essentially named his son Superman. Little Kal-El's crib just might as well be in a therapist's office.

Quote of the Day:
"Silent gratitude isn't very much use to anyone." --Gertrude Stein

Across the Narrows

What a great weekend. I made a rare public appearance at a bar on Saturday night to celebrate Darren and Kerwick's birthdays. I got to meet Hot Pete, Cheryl's new beau, who is a keeper. Ex-roomie Rachel and Nate also came, as did roomie Erin. We were so close to having all 5 roomies out and about at the same time, but to no avail.

Yesterday, Cheryl, Jenn and I made a pilgrimage to lovely Staten Island for the Across the Narrows concert. We got to rock out to the reunited Lemonheads. Mostly, it was nice to see that Even Dando hadn't gone all Axl. He looked good and the band sounded great. Next were Doves, a British band Jenn knew of that were really good.

I was supposed to join Jenn and Cheryl for an Oasis/Jet concert in June, but unfortunately, work kept me from going. I got a second chance when they were the two bands to close out the show. We attempted to stand amongst the crowd towards the stage, but as Oasis came on, that proved to not be a wise move. Instead, we broke free and stood towards the back, with a clear view and lots of room to dance, or in my case, attempt to dance. Oasis were awesome. I haven't seen them since March 1996 and nice to see they still have it.

I'm a little sore and a little tired today, but well worth it. Always a good time when you can be with friends and listen to great music.

Quote of the Day:
"There are many things that I would like to say to you, but I don't know how." --Oasis, Wonderwall

I Wanna Be a Producer

It's nice to know that there are other TV geeks out there and that I am not alone. Last night I went to an event for the New York Television Festival. It was a producers panel sponsored by TV Land.

Participants included:
* Diane English, creator of Murphy Brown and one of my television heroes.
* Phil Rosenthal, executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond
* Mike Scully, producer for the Simpsons
Among others.

It was a great conversation about the state of sitcoms and how to compromise with the networks. I was also awed being in the same room with these amazing television minds, who created smart, memorable television. They are inspirations.

Quote of the Day:
"A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. That's why there are so few good conversations: due to scarcity, two intelligent talkers seldom meet." --Truman Capote

Proof

Last night I went to see the film version of Proof starring Gwyneth Paltrow. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing the stage version, but based on the movie, it seems like it translates better to the stage. I think it was an excellent story, but not a movie I would see again anytime soon.

Also, I found out that the episode of Mystery Diagnosis that I was the Associate Producer for will be the season two premiere. The first airing is at 9pm on Friday October 14th on the Discovery Health channel. You all should DEFINITELY check it out. I put in lots of hours and sacrificed many a weekend working on it. I think you will really enjoy it, in my completely unbiased opinion. Check it out!!!

Quote of the Day:
"Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while, nine out of ten people couldn't start a conversation."
-- Kin Hubbard

Coca-Cola Relieves Fatigue

Ahhhh, Sunday, always a good day until about 6:30pm, when you realize the weekend is over.

Yesterday Hoboken hosted the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival. They do this about twice a year and I always enjoy it. It's always crowded with people, but it's the good kind of crowded. Everyone is strolling around, taking their time. They all have a giant pretzel or crab cake in their hands. The main street is lines with various booths selling jewelry, crafts, artwork, and the like.

I ended up buying a photograh that I had my eye on at the last Arts & Music Festival. It's the side of a barn which reads Coca-Cola Relieves Fatigue. Seeing as caffine is my most major addiction, and I often chug it to rid myself of the sleepies, I had no choice but to buy it. Plus it was matted and framed nicely. Also, in my hopes of one day being a grown-up and owning my own home, would like to start amassing some art/photography collection to display.

What an excellent day for football! The Patriots-Steelers game was quite the nail-biter. Good to see the Pats eek it out. With my Redskins having a bye week, they go into week 4 still undefeated. Hail to the Redskins!

Quote of the Day:
"I'm too tall to be short." -- Big Bird

Yee Haw

Steve Martin is my ideal man. Just when I think I cannot possibly love him more, I do. He possesses every quality I want in a man.

Last night, Erin and I went to an event for the New Yorker Festival in which Steve Martin and other banjo players, including the legendary Earl Scruggs, talk about and play the banjo (as well as special appearances by a fiddle, guitar, and yes, a mandolin). It was so much fun. It definitely enhanced my awareness of the banjo and gave me a greater appreciation of it. I also enjoyed watching Steve Martin reveling in the company of these banjo masters.

It was great to do something out of the ordinary and still have it be enjoyable. So take a couple of moments to take a listen to some bluegrass music. I assure you that you won't be disappointed.

Quote of the Day:
"If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." -- Mister Rogers

Rock You Like a Hurricane

Last night I went to the Big Apple for the Big Easy benefit concert at Madison Square Garden. What an awesome show.

There was one highlight which stood out from all the rest: Paul Newman introducing Simon & Garfunkel. And then Simon & Garfunkel playing Mrs. Robinson, Homeward Bound and Bridge Over Troubled Water (w/ Aaron Neville). I would of liked to of heard the Boxer, but beggars can't be choosers I suppose.

Other notables:
* John Fogerty absolutely rocked. He is AWESOME.
* Dave Matthews and Jimmy Buffett covering Neil Young's Heart of Gold.
* The Dixie Cups singing Going to the Chapel.
* Bette Midler singing "I Think It's Going to Rain Today".


Other celebs included Elton John, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Bill Clinton, Jessica Lange, Scarlett Johansson, Lenny Kravitz, Cyndi Lauper, Ed Bradley and a bunch of New Orleans singers and bands.

Really a fun time. And all for a good cause.

Quote of the Day:
"For we are always what our situations hand us / It's either sadness or euphoria" - Billy Joel, Summer Highland Falls

The Day After

Another great Emmy night last night. Of course the highlight of the evening was the surprise appearance of David Letterman, who gave a very heartfelt tribute to Johnny Carson. During Dave's tribute, he made mention of how a comedian knew he had a career once they appeared on the Tonight Show.

My respect for Jon Stewart grew even more, when he, in turn, paid tribute to Dave during the Daily Show acceptance speech for Best Variety Series. He said the way Dave felt about Carson's Tonight Show is the way comedians of this generation feel about Dave.

I love William H. Macy. He looked so good last night. I can't explain it, but I find him so attractive. He has this presence about him that I find incredibly irrestible. *sigh*

The only downer of the evening was seeing Jeremy Piven get robbed of his Best Supporting Actor Emmy. He really deserved it.

Tonight after work, I went to the Barnes & Noble in Union Square to meet one of the greatest actors of our time, Alan Alda. He just wrote his memoirs and this was the first stop on his book tour. There were more people than I had expected. He did take time to shake everyone's hand and talk with them for a few moments. Very classy.

Redskins-Cowboys tonight. Hail to the Redskins!!!

Quote of the Day:
"There is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved." -- George Sand

My Christmas

Stupid Detoit Lions and their inability to beat the Bears!! I finally get in on a football elimination pool and poof, I'm out just like that. Grrrr...

At least I got to see the giant apple pop up at the Mets game this afternoon.

Football aside, today is my favorite day of the year... the Emmy Awards! The picks are made, the VCR is set. Let the fun begin.

Quote of the Day:
"I never said I wasn't a hypocrite." --Ellen Teitel

The First Impression

Inspired by my good friend Cheryl, I have decided to start a blog of my own.

I've been on a bit of an unexplained nostalgia kick lately, and would love to know what you fine readers are up to. I don't know if it was going to my 5-year college reunion last May or knowing the big 10-year high school reunion is right around the corner that was the trigger for this trip down memory lane. Anywho, drop a line when you get the chance.

Happy reading!!

Quote of the Day:
"There is no off position on the genius switch" -- David Letterman