The Genius Switch

Happy News!

2010-01-19T14:43:00.002-05:00

A big Genius Switch congratulations to my friends Beth & Frank on the birth of their son Connor James, who I've already nicknamed Cap'n Maverick. Mom and the Cap'n are doing well.

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

Frozen Fenway

2010-01-13T23:29:00.004-05:00

On a hot August afternoon, I heard that the mighty Boston University Terriers were facing off against the hated Boston College Eagles in hockey at Fenway Park on January 8, 2010. I knew at once I had to get tickets. And I did.

I apparently had forgotten, in the New York heatwave, that it might be a smidge cold. At Fenway Park. In Boston. In January. At night. Outside.

As the game approached, the harsh reality sat in. I was simply going to freeze to death.

The night of the game, I essentially piled on every article of clothing I owned and prayed that global warming would magically transform this January night into an August one. I hadn't been to Fenway since April 11, 2005, when the Red Sox got the World Series rings, so it was a bit of a homecoming.

It was flurrying snow as I walked to the park. Walking through the portal from the grandstand to my seat was like walking inside a beautiful snow globe. I have rarely seen Fenway look so beautiful. The rink was set up behind homeplate. The snow continued though the pre-game and most of the first period. I was definitely cold, but not as much as I had expected to be.

That changed as the night went on. The snow stopped and the bitter cold set in. A $7 cocoa didn't seem to help much. Luckily, BU played well and gave me many reasons to cheer, keeping the blood circulating a little bit. I loved seeing BU up on the Green Monster.

The third period saw the emergence of Sasquatch and for a few moments, the cold went away all together. I had waited 10 years to once again do a "Sasquatch-Sieve" chant, and I was going to enjoy every moment. More glee came when BU won 3-2, making our three plus hours in the stands worth it.

The night was incredibly fun and to share the experience with over 38,000 people made it even moreso. Despite the cold, I'm so glad I went and got to cheer on the alma mater.

Quote of the Day:
"Another belief of mine: That everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise" -Margaret Atwood

Rock & Roll (and Bluegrass) Music

2009-11-01T18:32:00.004-05:00

It has been an incredible month of music. September ended with seeing a taping of the Sundance channel show "Spectacle" and October ended with me attending the greatest concert I have ever been to. Let's recap...

"Spectacle" Hosted by Elvis Costello with guests Ray LaMontange, Lyle Lovett and John Prine.

My very first trek to the Apollo Theatre. My co-worker was kind enough to remember my love of Ray LaMontange and offered me tickets. I took Cheryl, my designated events buddy. It was so exciting just to feel the history of the Apollo, knowing pretty much every musician I have ever loved has walked on that stage.

Elvis Costello has always been one of those musicians to fly under my radar. When I hear one of his songs, I really like it, and then forget about him until hearing the next song. Elvis begins the show by singing a couple of his older songs and then brings out John Prine. I was woefully unfamiliar with his music, so being at the show made a great first impression. An interviewed followed and then it was Lyle Lovett's turn. I have a couple of his songs on my iTunes, but they aren't on the Most Played playlist. Hearing him perform live, however, may have changed that. As a musician he really does have an incredible presence about him. His interview followed, and it was getting to be quite late in the evening. However, the second wind came when Ray LaMontange took the stage. He is so incredible. He started with "You Are the Best Thing" and then went into "Jolene". What impresses me most is that he has this deep, gravel-like voice and during his interview with Elvis, just the most humble, mild-mannered, soft-spoken man. It just made me all the more excited for his Beacon Theatre show.

Bruce Springsteen #5

The final concert at Giants Stadium. I took the new NJ Transit train from Hoboken to Giants Stadium, which was cheap, easy and took me right there. Sure beats paying $30 and waiting in traffic to park. I met up with my friends Beth and Frank, where most of the time was spent deciding which commemorative t-shirt to buy. I departed them and headed towards my seat. It was fantastic. There really is something to be said for getting single seats. I was on the 50-yard line, three rows up. As a football fan, Giants stadium is enemy territory, but for a concert, it was quite friendly and fun.

Bruce and the E Street Band took to the stage and opened with a new song Bruce wrote for the occasion called "Wrecking Ball". It did not disappoint. Neither did the rest of the 3 hour 10 minute show. They played the entire Born in the USA album, with one of the best version of "I'm Going Down" I have ever heard. "American Land" was another highlight. At 60 years old, Bruce was still rockin' and showing no signs of age.

Here's the setlist:
Wrecking Ball
Badlands
Spirit In The Night
Outlaw Pete
Hungry Heart
Working On A Dream
Born In The USA
Cover Me
Darlington County
Working On The Highway
Downbound Train
I'm On Fire
No Surrender
Bobby Jean
I'm Goin' Down
Glory Days
Dancing In The Dark
My Hometown
Tougher Than The Rest
The Promised Land
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
The Rising
Born To Run
Raise Your Hand
The Last Time (Rolling Stones)
Waiting On A Sunny Day
Seven Nights To Rock
Kitty's Back
American Land
Jersey Girl

Steve Martin #6

Back in May, I was fortunate enough to see Ideal Man Steve Martin play a banjo bluegrass concert at a 125-seat venue. Suffice to say that Carnegie Hall was a teeny bit bigger. I went with my friend Brandon, who I had met at the previous concert. One of these days I will actually sit somewhere else besides the upper levels of Carnegie Hall, but that will have to wait for another day.

Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley opened the show. In an conservative estimate, I think he's 150 years old. But can still sing.

But I was there to see Steve Martin and again he did not disappoint. Backed again by the Steep Canyon Rangers, Steve put on an incredible show. He could just sit and stage and do nothing and I would still pay $50 to see it. Sadly, no pics for this show. I was too high up.

Ben Folds #3

I had my tickets to see Ben Folds perform with the Boston Pops since May. I didn't exactly want to wish my summer away, but I was so excited to see him play with the Pops conducted by my beloved Keith Lockhart. Erin took the drive up to Boston with me. And our friend Jon also joined us.

Ben Folds is a genius, pure and simple. It is always a joy to see him. I had first seen him six years ago at a small Boston club. What impressed me most is that at the time, I didn't recognize a single song he performed, but still enjoyed the show nonetheless.

Obviously, this show was a much different experience. Each song was a gem and not too surprised to hear the orchestra enhancing most of the arrangements. Highlights were "Landed", "Gracie", and "Zak and Sara". Keith looked adorable in an open button-down black shirt and pants. Ben closed the show with a solo piano version of "Rockin' the Suburbs". I never thought I ever live to see the day where I yell "F***!!" in Symphony Hall.

A great time had by all and well worth the five months wait.

Rock Hall 25, Night 1 - Madison Square Garden

I was certain when I left the Billy Joel concert at Shea Stadium last year that that would be the best, most definitive concert I would ever attend. Billy, Steven Tyler, Tony Bennett, Roger Daltry and Sir Paul McCartney closing it out. The bar was set incredibly high.

The bar reached an insurmountable level on October 29th when I attended the concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden.

This was a very pricey ticket, but when I first saw the lineup I knew I had to be there. I sucked it up and got a ticket via StubHub. I was in the back, but the stage was set more forward than usual and MSG is a small venue anyways.

At 7:30pm, a video highlighting the 25 years of the Hall of Fame plays. Then Tom Hanks takes to the stage (his production company, Playtone, is producing an edited version of the shows for HBO) to intro the evening. From there he introduces Jerry Lee Lewis.

It has been a life goal of mine to see Jerry Lee Lewis perform live. He is one of those performers I am in awe of. Personal history aside, he is a legendary musician. OK, so "the Killer" looks like every breath will be his last, he still sang a rockin' version of "Whole Lotta Shakin; Going On". It was one song, short and sweet, but I was more than satisfied.

Next up were Crosby, Stills and Nash. Stephen Stills looks like the Eugene Levy character in "A Mighty Wind". They opened with "Woodstock" and looking at the line-up, I realize this might be the closest I ever get to seeing a collection of caliber talent, like Woodtock. They were soon joined on the stage by Bonnie Raitt. She performed a song and went back. Jackson Browne, who I also love, sang "The Pretender" while CS&N provided background. They did the same for James Taylor during "Mexico". James stayed on stage with "Love the One Your With" The set finished with all of them singing "Teach Your Children".

Next up was Paul Simon (solo - #5). Uber-heart Paul Simon. He opened with "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", then followed with "Me & Julio Down By the Schoolyard" and "You Can Call Me Al", one of my all-time favorite songs. Then Dion comes on to duet "The Wonderer". Dion still has an amazing voice. David Crosby and Graham Nash provided background vocals on a haunting "Here Comes the Sun". Little Anthony & the Imperials did an a cappella solo. Paul returned to the stage with Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel #4). This was the emotionally charged part of the show for me. It was a 1-2-3 punch of "The Sounds of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson" and "The Boxer", my second all-time favorite song. Only at MSG can Artie point to 7th Avenue during the lyric, "come ons from the whores on 7th Avenue". They closed with a pitch perfect "Bridge Over Troubled Water", but we wouldn't let them leave until "Cecilia" was played. It was already one of the best shows ever and it was only halfway done.

Stevie Wonder is next to take to the stage. Audio problems plagued his set some. He opened with a cover of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind". After a couple of songs, including "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", Smokey Robinson joined him for "Tracks of My Tears". Smokey needs to lay off the Botox. John Legend joined in for "Mercy, Mercy, Me" and stayed for a cover of Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel". Stevie is having a really hard time with MJ's passing. Next up was B.B King (#2) and Stevie doing "The Thrill is Gone". Then Sting comes out during "Higher Ground", which soon morphs into "Roxanne". One of the big highlights of the night for me was having Jeff Beck some out for "Superstition", which closed out Stevie's set.

There was a bit of a delay to set the stage or Bruce. But it was well worth it at 11:45pm when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (#6) came on stage, with an electric version of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out". It only got better from there. Bruce brought out Sam Moore from Sam & Dave. They shared verses on "Hold On, I'm Coming" and "Soul Man". I was in full rock mode at this point. Those two together were magic. Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine assisted on a powerful version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad". More magic happens with John Fogerty comes on stage. I love, love, love John Fogerty and he went right into an incredible version of "Fortunate Son" and "Proud Mary". Bruce and John then pay tribute to Roy Orbison with "Oh, Pretty Woman". "Jungleland" followed and then Bruce introduced Darlene Love, who sang two songs. Tom Morello returns for "Badlands" and "London Calling".

Bruce calls for a bridge & tunnel summit. There is only one man who can unite New Jersey and Long Island. At 1am, Bruce says, "Ladies and gentlemen, the King of Long Island, Billy Joel!" This is when I go bat-crazy nuts and SuperHappyFunEllen fully emerges. How apropos that my 25th time seeing Billy Joel in person is at the 25th anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame show. Billy rolls right into "You May Be Right" and "Only the Good Die Young". Bruce and Billy duet "New York State of Mind". Clarence Clemons sax solo added more than I ever thought possible for the song. For their dueting finale, they traded verses on "Born to Run". I am euphoric.

For the grand finale, Bruce, Billy, John Fogerty, Sam Moore, Darlene Love, Jackson Brown Tom Morello and Peter Wolf all sing "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me (Higher and Higher)". It is 1:30am and I am beyond awed of what I just saw.

I cannot properly expressed how appreciative I am to have seen this concert in person. I have such a tremendous respect, love and admiration for all of these gifted musicians and it was incredible to honor this music I love so very much. Can't wait to see it again on November 29th on HBO.

Quote of the Day:
"Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to". -Viktor Emil Frankl

Random Thoughts & Ramblings

2009-09-27T22:35:00.002-04:00

I have been gone for awhile. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. It's hard to believe another summer has come and gone. When I haven't been working (and thankfully I have been), I have been able to take advantage of some of the things the city has to offer. Let's recap....

* I was really pleased with the 10th anniversary edition of "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" in the primetime version. Regis was at his very Regis-y best. I did feel a tremendous sense of pride seeing my name in the credits. Soon after the shows aired, there was a reunion with the folks that have worked on the show during its tenure. It was a great time catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

* I went to a book signing with one of my favorite character actors, Wallace Shawn, who is also an accomplished playwright. He recently published a book of essays, thoughtfully titled "Essays". He didn't seem too excited to be there, and halted Q&A at one point to read another essay. Granted they weren't top notch questions, but every answer was a rambling non-answer. Still, glad I went. Always nice to do something different.

* I caught a performance of the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie, starring John Stamos and Gina Gershon. I am not a huge fan of fluffy musicals, which is what Bye Bye Birdie is. The redeeming factor was Bill Irwin who was absolutely amazing. He is such a fantastic actor and he made the show just a little more bearable.

* Got to see a screening on the new Matt Damon movie "The Informer!". Very good. Highly recommend.

* The Emmy Awards. Loved Neil Patrick Harris as host. Surprisingly liked giving awards out in genre. Disappointed Neil Patrick Harris and Jack McBrayer lost to Jon Cryer. And also disappointed Jim Parsons lost to Alec Baldwin, though I love 30 Rock. John Hodgman as announcer was another nice touch. Best dressed goes to Drew Barrymore and the actress who presented with Keifer Sutherland.

* Was reunited with Howard the Cat. Howard belongs to my former Boston roommate Rebecca. I ran into her not too long ago and was elated to hear Howard was still among us and not in Kitty Heaven. Soon after, I took a drive to the New Jersey suburbs and spent time with my favorite SnuggleBunny. I'd like to think the cat remembered me, but most likely, I smelled like food.

* A big Genius Switch congratulations to my friends Heather and Aaron on the birth of their first daughter, Madeline Eileen. Can't wait to meet the little one.

* Last week I was able to attend a taping of "Spectacle" at the Apollo Theatre. I had never been to the Apollo, so that in itself was exciting. Elvis Costello hosted John Prine, Lyle Lovett and Ray LaMontange. It was an incredible evening of music. A long night, but worth it to hear top musicans, with just a microphone and a guitar.

* Lots going on in the next few weeks. Hopefully I can remember to post before too much time passes.

Quote of the Day:
"A well-spent day brings happy sleep" -Leonardo da Vinci

Sir Paul McCartney (Billy #23)

2009-07-18T15:43:00.007-04:00

At Billy Joel's Last Play at Shea concert last year, I made a hearty squeal when he introduced Sir Paul McCartney to play "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Let It B'. So when it was announced that Sir Paul would be opening Citi Field with a series of concerts, I just knew I had to go.

Last night's show was amazing. I was on the field, about 15 rows back to the right. I was on the aisle and the people sitting directly to my left paid $100 more for their ticket. An Irish band called the Script opened and they were quite good. Sir Paul took to the stage a little before 9pm performing "Drive My Car". He sounded amazing and right off the bat, we all knew we were in for a great evening of music.

About 20 minutes in the rain started. Not about to pay $10 for a plastic poncho, I allowed myself to get drenched. But there was something oddly serene standing in the rain listening to Paul and a guitar and "Blackbird".

The rain kept on for most of the show, but stopped in time for "Live and Let Die", with an incredible fire and fireworks display.

But for me, the highlight was during the encore when Billy Joel was introduced to open Citi FIeld with Sir Paul and again played " I Saw Her Standing There". SuperHappyFunEllen briefly emerged and I was rockin' along.

All and all a two and a half hour show by one of the most important artists of my time. I felt so incredibly lucky to have been there.

Some pics from the show:

Quote of the Day:
"Everybody's gonna dance tonight / Everyone's gonna feel alright" -Sir Paul McCartney "Dance Tonight"

Steve Martin #5

2009-05-28T21:28:00.004-04:00

It's been about a year and a half since I last saw my Ideal Man, Steve Martin in person, and after tonight it was definitely worth the wait. Tonight's event took me to New York's Rubin Museum of Art, to see Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers perform bluegrass music.

A few months ago, Steve Martin released a CD of his own banjo compositions called "the Crow", an excellent CD in my completely unbiased option.

I was third in line. The event was held in a small auditorium, seating no more than 125 people. I had a close center seat. Steve and the band came out. No microphones, just acoustic music. The whole evening was so peaceful and joyful. Of course Steve was hilarious, spitting out one-liners in between songs. The music was fantastic. The 90 minute show went by entirely too quickly.

We weren't supposed to take pictures, but I was able to sneak a couple of flash-less ones.

Once again Steve Martin showed once again why he is my Ideal Man.

Quote of the Day:
"My wife titled this one. It's called 'When are you going to stop playing that goddamn banjo!'" -Steve Martin

Wedding Crasher

2009-05-17T13:56:00.004-04:00

OK, so I wasn't technically invited to my "Millionaire" co-worker, and friend, Nate's wedding. But he did say if I just happened to be strolling around Central Park around 1pm, that mabe I would stumble across something.

Lo and behold, I just happened to find Nate about to get married to his longtime girlfriend Stacy. I had intended to stay from a distance and watch from afar, but Nate was kind enough to let me watch up close. It was such a great wedding. Our friend Brandon officiated. There were no bridesmaids, no groomsmen. Just two people in love getting married in a simple, low-key ceremony amongst their loved ones.

I stuck around for a little bit longer while they took photos. While everyone went off to the reception, I spent the rest of the day getting lost in Central Park. A truly ideal day.

Congratulations and much love always Nate and Stacy!

Quote of the Day:
"If you live to be a hundred, I want to lve to be a hundred minus one day, so I'll never have to live without you." -Winnie the Pooh

Here Comes the Bride

2009-05-04T15:07:00.006-04:00

It was 10 years in the making, but it FINALLY happened. My friends Beth & Frank were married on Saturday May 2. Half of all BU were there to witness the much anticipated event.

From Beth looking absolutely stunning, to Frank looking suave, a good time was had by all. My stomach is still recovering from the four Shirley Temples I downed during the evening. At one point, partygoers didn't know if I was dancing or in the middle of a sugar-induced seizure (almost sure it was the dancing).

Some of the selected memories from the wedding: I got my first glimpse of Kerwick dancing and put whipped cream on my nose for the sake of a photograph. I almost arm-wrestled Ciaran for extra steak and took the obligatory event photo with J (awesome, by the way). Jenn became an honorary BU alum and Meg voluntarily photographed children. Cheryl spent entirely too much on a Coors Lite and Darren really loves bacon. Maria can slide the length of the dance floor and Darlene found a way to breathe in her dress.

A really fantastic night. A big congrats to Beth & Frank. May every wedded day be as fun as the wedding day.

Of course, pictures:

Els and the Bride:

Darlene and the Groom

First Dance:

J Giving Me Flowers:

More to come...

Quote of the Day:
"To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others" -Francois Mauriac

BONUS Quote of the Day:
"And what do all the great words come to in the end, but that? I love you - I am at rest with you - I have come home". -Dorothy L. Sayers

Simply the Best

2009-05-04T14:27:00.005-04:00

A very special Genius Switch congratulations to Prof. Peter Busher, winning the Metcalf Award, one of Boston University's highest teaching honors.

I was privileged to of had Prof. Busher as my freshman year science teacher. And in all, he is my favorite professor during my time at BU. This is ironic as science was not, and has never been, my forte. But because of his time, patience and incredible pity, I came out a better student. He always gave that extra effort to make sure I understood what he was teaching - usually in the form of a Top 10 List, based on my love for David Letterman. It meant a lot that he would take that extra time. As a result, I worked harder to learn, not only for myself, but as an appreciation to him as well.

I've been lucky enough to have kept in contact through all these years. There are few people as honest, generous and kind as Prof. Busher. He is someone who I always look forward to seeing because I know a good conversation with lots of laughter will happen. I consider him not only my favorite professor, but also my friend.

I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the Metcalf Award than Prof. Busher. He's an exceptional teacher and I am thrilled this honor is finally being bestowed upon him.

Congratulations!!

For more on him, BU Today wrote a really nice article on him too. Here's the link.

Quote of the Day:
"A professor can never better distinguish himself in his work than by encouraging a clever pupil, for the true discoverers are amongst them, as comets amongst the stars" -Henry Brooks Adams

Champions!

2009-04-23T20:36:00.004-04:00

A little delayed, but better late than never. I got the best birthday present a couple of weeks ago when the mighty Terriers of Boston University won the NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Championship on my birthday. It was a real nail-biter of a game, but it just made the victory all the more sweeter. Congrats boys.

GO BU!!

Quote of the Day:
"It matters not whether you win or lose; what matters is whether I win or lose" -Darrin Weinberg.

Anne Childers

2009-03-30T23:27:00.003-04:00

I was extremely saddened on March 26th when I heard of the passing of Anne Childers. Anne was a work friend of mine from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". She died of cancer at only 32 years old.

Anne was the one of the most beautiful, kind, awesome, generous people I have ever known. She was part of the team that helped me get from a freelance "QE" production assistant to a full-time one. She also gave me my job on "the Cut". She was a very important person in helping me break into the New York television production scene and for that I am eternally grateful.

The past couple of days I have been with my former "QE" crew. The only silver lining of these past few days is that I got to see many people I haven't seen in so long. But that just shows Anne's character; that she was able to bring all these people together.

I'm so thankful I knew her.

Below is a picture of Anne from November 2007. I will miss her dearly.

Quote of the Day:
"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of those people that makes a difference in the world. My hope still, is to leave this world a little bit better than it was when I got here." -Jim Henson

Live From New York...

2009-03-16T20:16:00.002-04:00

Four years ago, my friend Noelle helped fulfill a lifetime dream of mine: to see "Saturday Night Live" in person. We went to a rehearsal show. Cameron Diaz was the host, Green Day the musical guest. Special guest cameos included Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore and Justin Timberlake. That experience single-handily rejuvenated my love of television.

Next to Letterman, "Saturday Night Live" is my greatest TV love.

Getting tickets to "SNL" is next to impossible. To enter the "SNL" ticket lottery, you can enter one e-mail during the month of August. The show is assigned, and you have no choice if its the live show or the rehearsal. I've been trying for the past five years to win the lottery to no avail.

That changed a couple of weeks ago, when NBC sent me an e-mail, saying I had two tickets reserved for the March 14th live show. A week later, I discovered that the host would be "SNL" alum Tracy Morgan, musical guest Kelly Clarkson. I decided to take my cousin Bevin, as we agree a long time ago, whoever got tickets would take the other.

We got to 30 Rock around 9. We stood and stood and stood some more in the lobby. We then took the elevator to the 9th floor to the hallway to studio 8H. More standing and waiting ensue. Wearing my heeled boots was not the best idea. While waiting, former cast member Chris Parnell and "Big Love" actor Bill Paxton passed us. A little after 11pm, we were seated in the historic studio 8H.

I was content just being in the room and reveling in the history and that pretty much everyone I have loved has passed through that stage. The legendary announcer Don Pardo comes on stage while the "SNL" band plays. Don Pardo has to be about a bazillion years old, but his voice saying "It's Saturday Night Live!" is just as clear as it was 34 years ago. Jason Sudekis came on stage for warm-up. Next was Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen dueting Blondie's "One Way or Another". Then...showtime!

There was a cameo by Tina Fey in the opening. Andy Samberg, Bill Hader and Bobby Moynihan waved to us before a sketch. From there, I didn't really watch the show. I was watching Lorne Michaels skulk around the stage, the stagehands set up sets while another skit is going on, and the the precision of the cue card guys. I was absorbing everything I could with the behind-the-scenes action. It was truly incredible. The 90 minutes flew by.

It was over before I knew it. It was such an incredible experience. I hope to be able to go again.

Quote of the Day:
"It's Saturday Night Live!" -Don Pardo

The Roser

2009-03-13T22:42:00.003-04:00

Congratulations and much love to my friend Rosie and her husband Jack on the arrival of their new son, William Douglas. Rosie is one of my oldest friends and I could not be more excited for her in this very happy time.

What makes the blessed event more special was that he was born on the same day as her dad. Rosie's dad is quite possibly the funniest person I have ever met. I have always adored him, but it wasn't until recently that I discovered just what an incredible man he is. This is an article from the New York Times a couple of weeks ago with Rosie's dad as the head of the project. It is a long article, but I assure you, definitely worth your time reading.

Quote of the Day:
"Dost thou love life, then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of" -Benjamin Franklin

Announcements

2009-02-20T12:44:00.002-05:00

It has been a flurry of excitement for my friends the past month. I just want to take a moment to offer my congratulations.

My childhood friend Matt and his wife, Holly, welcomed Henry Samuel into the world a few weeks ago. I am a huge fan of the name Henry and already know Matt is going to be the best Dad ever.

Congrats to my former boss Dominic and his wife Caden on the birth of their daughter Stella. She is joining big brother Sir William. So it only fair from this point on, she be addressed as Lady Stella.

My college friend Rachael got engaged to her beau. I am excited for her, not only because she is my friend, but because the wedding will be in California. I have suffered enough of this New York winter and welcome the chance to celebrate a happy occasion in a warm locale.

And finally, yay to my friend Jamie for popping the question to his long time girlfriend. Jamie is the best, and rarely have I seen him so happy.

Congrats and much love to everyone. These are good days.

Quote of the Day:
"The best place to succeed is where you are with what you have." -Charles Schwab

The Favorite Actor

2009-02-07T20:29:00.007-05:00

I've been having an internal debate the past few years. Every once in a while I'll be talking to a friend about movies and theatre and am inevitably asked who my favorite actor is. For many years the answer was easy: Jack Nicholson. Jack is the total package. His portrayal as the Joker remains one of my all-time cinematic performances.

But Jack is so awesome, that Jack transcended being just my favorite actor. He became a category unto himself on my hierarchy. Of course this thought didn't come to mind until I started noticing another actor: William H. Macy.

William H. Macy is a character actor, who has been in a lot of movies. He garnered an Academy Award nomination for "Fargo" and should have been nominated for "the Cooler". I first took notice of him in "Pleasantville", "Mr. Holland's Opus" and "Oleanna".

He is a wonderful actor. I adore him.

So it was with great joy when I read that he was taking over for Jeremy Piven in "Speed-the-Plow". I have always been a fan of David Mamet plays and had seen the show with Jeremy Piven. But having Macy in the role of Bobby Gould was even more special because of his long friendship and collaborations with Mamet.

Last week, two of my friends foolishly agreed to see the show with me. We had orchestra seats and the show was great. We made an attempt to meet Macy after the show by the stage door. But between weather, time, and uncomfortable heels, we gave up after a half hour.

However, I had a second chance this afternoon. I was able to get a front row center seat to the matinee performance of "Speed-the-Plow". It was incredible. To see him up close and see his expressions and reactions and seeing firsthand just what a phenomenal actor he is. Even though I had already see the show twice, it was like seeing it again for the first time.

Afterwards I made my second attempt to hang out by the stage door. This time I only had to wait about five minutes. I got my Playbill signed and he was kind enough to pose in a photo with me.

*sigh*

Speed-the-Plow runs through February 22nd and I highly recommend seeing it if you have the chance.

William H. Macy is one of our finest actors. And my favorite.

Quote of the Day:
"Why are nickels bigger than dimes? They just are." -Charlie Fox, "Speed-the-Plow"

When Els Met Oscar

2009-01-12T20:32:00.003-05:00

It's a safe assumption to make that television has had a significant influence upon my life. The show I loved most as a little kid was of course "Sesame Street". Although all the "Sesame Street" denizens hold a special place in my heart, one sticks out in particular: Oscar the Grouch. Oscar has always been my favorite. I always wanted to be a "Grouchkateer". My Mom likes to tell the story of when I was about three years old and asked me why Oscar was my favorite and my answer was, "Because he's misunderstood".

Yes, he is a grouch, but he has a good soul and that made me love him all the more. Every year I take a trip to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. My first stop is always to the television section to visit my beloved Oscar. Don't think I haven't shoved little kids out of the way to get to him, because I have.

So it was last Monday that made for a very special evening. I went to the Barnes & Noble by Lincoln Center for a Q&A and signing of a new book called Street Gang, celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street". Among the panelists were Roscoe Orman, who plays Gordon and Carroll Spinney, who is Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. The actress who plays Maria was also there and she looks fantastic. There were a couple hundred people there and surprisingly few children. I was in the second row.

Carroll Spinney is 75 years old now and has been with the show since the beginning. He brought on stage a black duffel bag. A few minutes in, the origins of Oscar came up for topic. Spinney takes the duffel bag and opens it. A little bit of green felt is seen. An audible gasp fills the room. He takes out Oscar!! (It is unbelievably painful for me to mention at this point that I forgot my camera at home -- you have no idea how mad at myself I was at this moment). He puts Oscar over his hand and starts speaking in Oscar voice. I am beside myself. And even though I could see it was a puppet and I could see him speaking, for about a minute it truly felt like Oscar was real.

More Q&A went on, yada, yada, yada.

So it was time for the book signing. I did buy Street Gang, along with Spinney's autobiography. There weren't too many people in front of me, yet the line was moving incredibly slow. I soon found out why. In everybody's book, Carroll Spinney was hand-drawing a picture of Big Bird.

When it was m turn, it brought me tremendous happiness to tell him that Oscar has always been my favorite and to thank him for all the happiness he has brought me in my life. His response was in Oscar voice, "Well that's a grouchy thing to say!". There have been few moments in my life that I felt such a pure joy. I shook his hand and went on my way.

As I've mentioned quite often in the Genius Switch, living in New York has given me the opportunity to do so many things that I would never get to do anywhere else. I feel so lucky to go to events such as this and meet people who had such a positive impact on my life and to be able to thank them. It means the absolute world to me.

Quote of the Day:
"Always start the day with a smile - that way you get it over with." -Oscar the Grouch

The Year in Review

2008-12-31T21:23:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that 2008 is over already. It's been an incredible year, where a lot of great things happened. So with that, I present a few lists to recap the year.

TOP 5 NEW YORK MOMENTS
1. The Year of Trivia.
I got a wonderful job at "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire". I wrote questions for the Cash Cab board game. I wrote questions for Grasshopper trivia and my team dominates Trinity Trivia each and every week. Oh, useless knowledge!

2. Saturday Night Live & Presidential Politics
I was about ten feet from Lorne Michaels, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers and James Downey talk about SNL's long history of presidential sketches and moments at the New York Times Center. I always love hearing behind-the-scenes stories and this event did not disappoint.

3. Katie Ellman Getting Serenaded By A Pink Gorilla
While at Extreme Trains, by friend and co-worker Katie Ellman had a birthday. Her fiancee (now husband) wanted to embarrass her and I was more than happy to help out any way I could. So he arranged for a singing telegram, but not just any singing telegram, but a singing telegram by a guy dressed up as a pink gorilla. It was awesome on so many levels.

4. August: Osage County
It won the Pulitzer and Tony for Best Play and well deserved. It's about the most dysfunctional family ever. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll get your money's worth. Yes, it's 3.5 hours, but it is without question, the most incredible stage piece I have ever seen. I cannot possibly recommend this play enough.

5. John Oliver
I got to see Daily Show correspondent John Oliver twice this year: first as emcee for the Revenge of the Bookeaters benefit followed by a panel discussion with the Daily Show writers at the Paley Center. He is hilarious and I fall for him more and more every time I se him. Humor and a British accent -- does it get better than that?

TOP 10 LIVE MUSICAL MOMENTS
1. Paul McCartney - "I Saw Her Standing There" / "Let It Be"
I saw one of the Beatles sing in Shea Stadium. And if it could be any cooler, it was the at the closing of a Billy Joel concert. Cheryl has the full-bodied scream I was unaware I could make on her camera. I realized what a monumental moment is was and savored it for everything it was worth.

2. Tom Petty & the Heartbreaker - "Gloria"
Tom Petty & the Heartbreaker's cover of "Gloria" is one of my favorites ever. It's never been officially released and rarely played. It's been six years since I heard it last and I was so excited when they played it during the encore of their Newark show.

3. Paul Simon - "The Only Living Boy in New York"
"The Boxer" is my favorite Simon & Garfunkel song (see below), and in recent years "The Only Living Boy in New York" has risen up the ranks to second. The fact that this was an acoustic version and that I was mere feet from Mr. Simon, made this scoot up high on the list.

4. Paul Simon - "The Boxer"
A couple of weeks earlier, I was at Town Hall for a benefit show and Paul Simon came out and did a four song acoustic set. The highlight was an acoustic version of "The Boxer", my favorite Simon & Garfunkel song and in the top five of my all-time favorite songs.

5. Bruce Springsteen - "Radio Nowhere"
I made my maiden trip to Giants Stadium to see Bruce Springsteen for the first time in six years. "Radio Nowhere" is one of my favorite new songs in the past year and Bruce did not disappoint in his live rendition.

6. Ben Folds - "Landed"
I went to the Manhattan outskirts to Terminal 5 to see Ben Folds. Every time I see him, I am reminded of his genius. "Landed" is such a beautiful song and hearing it in a small venue made it all the more special.

7. Ray LaMontange - "Trouble"
I was happily surprised that Ray LaMontange sold out Radio City Music Hall. He has a gravely timbre to his voice that is so rich. He sounds incredible on CD, but hearing "Trouble" in person was amazing. He has a forcefulness in his voice that must be heard in person. Please check him out if he comes 'round again.

8. Billy Joel - "Summer, Highland Falls"
There's nothing like a song about manic depression in a stadium to get it rockin'. "Summer, Highland Falls" is my favorite Billy Joel song, and I always get excited when I can hear it live.

9. Steve Winwood w/ Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - "Gimme Some Lovin'"
Steve Winwood was the opening act for the Tom Petty tour this summer. Halfway through Petty's set, he brings out Steve Winwood to sing his most known song from his days with the Spencer Davis Group, "Gimme Some Lovin'". This song has been a staple of my Best of the Best iPod playlist for quite some time, and having the Heartbreakers back him up only made it better.

10. Boston Pops w/ the Tanglewood Festival Chorus - "The Twelve Days of Christmas".
OK, so this one is a little out of place, but hear me out. I returned to Boston's Symphony Hall after a five year absence for the Holiday Pops and they did not disappoint. The highlight was a very creative arrangement of "the Twelve Days of Christmas". Each day was sung a la Queen, a la West Side Story, a la Oklahoma, etc... and it was wonderful. This would have been higher on the list had Keith Lockhart been conducing, but since the conductor was non-Keith, points were taken off.

TOP BOOKS I READ IN 2008 (not necessarily written in 2008)
1. Manhunt - by James L. Swanson
You got John Wilkes Booth. You got Lincoln. You got the assassination. You got the chase. This book was riveting.

2. Born Standing Up - by Steve Martin
Steve Martin is my ideal man. There is no way I would not love every word of this book.

3. Hitman - by Bret Hart
Hear me out on his one. Yes, it is an autobiography of a professional wrestler. But at over 550 pages, it is such a fascinating look at the rise and fall of one of wrestling's greatest superstars. I could not put this book down and I look forward to reading it again.

4. State By State: A Panoramic Portrait of America
Each state is represented in essay form by a different writer, native to that state. Sarah Vowell tackles Montana, while Jonathan Franzen handles New York, and John Hodgman gives his two-cents to Massachusetts. It's pretty much all of my favorite writers in one tome.''

5. I Love You, Beth Cooper - by Larry Doyle
A former writer for the Simpsons, Doyle pens a hilarious story about the perils of teenage love.

OTHER HIGH POINTS
1. Vegas, Baby!
Turning 30 was secondary to hanging with my friends in Las Vegas. It was the best distraction ever. It also helped that I was a winner.

2. Art Monk's Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
#81 on the Washington Redskins, Art Monk is my all-time favorite football player. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was long overdue. And to go in with another class act, Darrell Green, made it a perfect day to be a Washington Redskins fan.

3. Christie's
I love Christie's auction house and this year did not disappoint. I went to previews of the James Brown estate auction - touching the last suit he performed in and saw threatening letters he wrote to his wife in prison. He also had the most garish taste in furniture of any human being ever. Towards the end of the year, I saw the most beautiful Louis Comfort Tiffany Wisteria Lamp circa 1905, estimated at only $200,000-$300,000, and eventually selling for $410,500. That same day I saw Helmut Newton photographs that went for $650K, and rare Marilyn Monroe photos.

4. Biking
I reclaimed a love of bike riding this year. Thanks to the organization of my roommates, I got back on the bike. We went to beautiful Whitehaven, PA and went on a 25-mile trail. It was peaceful and beautiful. I had so much fun, and despite my Dad's taunts, did not die.

5. Washington Post Tour
As a lifelong Washingtonian, I grew up reading the Washington Post. While visiting my hometown one weekend, my friend gave me a tour of her place of employment. It was awesome. I got to see where all my favorite Posties sit and revel in the history of the newsroom.

6. Teddy Roosevelt vs. the Bird
On that same weekend, I made my first trip to see the Washington Nationals. The only thing better than baseball, is baseball entertainment by oversized mascots. The usual presidents race was usurped by a special challenge by an oversized Teddy Roosevelt to the mighty Baltimore Orioles Bird. I still call shenanigans that Teddy Roosevelt won...

I heard the news that two of my childhood friends will be becoming parents in the next year, while I lost two influential professors. We also lost Paul Newman and Eartha Kitt but are also about to start a new era with a new president. Overall, 2008 has been a great year, appreciating all the good fortunes that have come my way. There's a high bar for 2009.

Quote of the Day:
"Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind ... the race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself." -Mary Schmich

Lewis Barlow

2008-12-08T23:01:00.005-05:00

During my years at Boston University, I was fortunate enough to have many wonderful professors. Only a select few had a significance in my life, and Lewis Barlow was among those. He passed away on October 29th, but I just found out about it. To say I am saddened is an understatement. Prof. Barlow was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. It was through his encouragement that gave me the confidence to not only pursue a career a television, but also the faith that I would be successful.

It was ten years ago that I was a student in Prof. Barlow's Producing I class. My fondest memory of it was I project I did with my friends Meg and Jess. Prof. Barlow assigned us to come up with an idea for a documentary and pitch it to the class. We decided to to "the Rise and Fall of Theme Restaurants". During the heyday of theme restaurants, it seemed anything with the remotest of interests would become a theme restaurant, for example: The Model Cafe. The Model Cafe was a restaurant owned by supermodels Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell. I was saying how this was inevitably going to fail because are you really going to look at a photo of Kate Moss and then order a hamburger with the works, fries and a soda? Barlow let out this belly laugh which at first startled me, but after that moment passed, realized we did a good job.

I would often find myself in his office, talking about the television industry, but also other minutia, like trivia. He would have loved that I was working on Millionaire now. In the late 1980s he was a contestant on Jeopardy! (he was also an early producer on Sesame Street, which further endeared me to him). In his favorite story, he recounted how he started off slow, but Double Jeopardy was very good to him and was in the lead going into Final Jeopardy. The category was American Women. The answer: She died in New Salem, Illinois in 1825. That was it. Barlow connected Illinois to Lincoln and said Lincoln's Mother. He was wrong. The correct question: Who was Anne Rutledge, Lincoln's mistress. Since hearing that story I have never forgotten that fact.

I feel incredibly blessed to have had Prof. Barlow as a teacher and advisor. He was a good man who touched the lives of me and countless student. Thank you Lew Barlow. Thank you.

May 2001 with Liz (Newell) Modena and Jill (Unger) Gold

May 2000 with Jill (Unger) Gold and Bill Lawson

Quote of the Day:
"A professor can never better distinguish himself in his work more than by encouraging a clever pupil, for the true discoverers are amongst them, as comets amongst the stars". -Henry Brooks Adams

Thanks

2008-11-27T14:17:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I celebrated Thanksgiving by making my way up north to Boston. It's been quite some time since my last trip and I was really excited for it. I got to see a lot of great friends, and visit many old my favorite haunts.

I thank everyone for taking time from their busy days to spend time with me and hang out and of course, freeload.

I am incredibly thankful for my friends in Boston in elsewhere.

Quote of the Day:
"There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality." -Pablo Picasso

New York Culture

2008-11-13T21:51:00.003-05:00

I love New York. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have been so fortunate this year having so many awesome concerts and events come my way. The fun has been continuing in the past month.

A few weeks ago I trekked to Radio City Music Hall to see the phenomenal singer Ray LaMontangue. He has this deep, gravel-like voice and I have been a fan since his first album. This concert was a few days before his third and latest album was released. Radio City was packed. He sounded so much better live than any of the recordings I've heard. Of course "Trouble" was a highlight, as was "Jolene". I highly recommend seeing him if he comes through your town.

A few weeks later returned to Town Hall to see one of my all-time favorite people, Mr. Henry Rollins. Henry Rollins is one of my Washington, DC homeboys. He goes against everything I usually go for. He's this intense, alpha-male, liberal, tattooed man who also addresses people as "Ma'am" and "Sir", and I am drawn to him more than I can possibly express. Although he's best known for fronting Black Flag and Rollins Band, he has been doing spoken work for a number of years and that's what brought me to Town Hall. Sadly I forgot my camera, which is unfortunate because I was in the 10th row. I could see the sweat dripping. He spoke about a lot of things, including the election, of course, but also trips to Pakistan and Cambodia, Thanksgiving with William Shatner and getting stripped searched at the airport. He spoke for 2 hours 45 minutes, seemingly in one breath. I was entranced the entire time and that time went by in an instant.

The following week took me to the Barrymore Theatre to see a revival of David Mamet's play, "Speed-the-Plow" with Jeremy Piven, Raul Espiroza and Elisabeth Moss. I loved it because I am a Mamet fan and it was about the entertainment industry. Jeremy Piven played to type. Mamet has the amazing ability to make every word meaningful in a 90 minute complete show.

The next night I was at the Paley Center to see a panel discussion with the writers of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. One of the writers was also the Executive Producer, Rory Albanese. Turns out I knew him from college. He was an actor on the BUTV soap opera I worked on. If I was smart, I totally should have brought video footage and blackmailed him for a Daily Show job. But alas, I am not that smart. John Oliver was also there. I love him more and more each time I see him. I swear I'm not stalking him. We just always seem to be at the same place at the same time. All the writers are geniuses and it was so great to hear about the craft and behind the scene stories.

Finally, tonight I went to Barnes & Noble in Union Square. Paul Simon just released a book of his complete lyrics and was there to promote it. I had gotten out of work at 5pm and Paul Simon was scheduled to start at 7. I bought a pre-signed book, as it was just an interview and made my way to the event area. I was two hours early. By some miracle, I found a free single seat. I was in between a very large man and a steel column. But I had my crosswords and the time passed quickly. The room was absolutely packed. Paul Simon came out and took to the dais. I was no more than five feet from him. He spoke of his father's influences, the moment he found out "the Sound of Silence" was a hit. He sang the new song he had debuted at 826NYC. He also sang a little "Slip Slidin' Away". He spoke for a little over an hour. The highlight was an acoustic performance of "The Only Living Boy in New York", by second favorite Simon & Garfunkel song after "The Boxer". The video is below. To hear those two songs - acoustic, I may add - in just few weeks apart, renders me speechless. My camera was flashing the battery was low and I prayed it would hold out until the song ended. It did. His exit was on my side so before he left the dais, I was able to shake his hand and say thank you. That's all I want from the people I really admire.

Next up: a screening of Frost/Nixon with a Q&A with Ron Howard afterwards on Saturday.

Quote of the Day:
"Let your honesty shine, shine, shine" -Paul Simon, "The Only Living Boy in New York".

Shameless Promotion

2008-10-12T21:44:00.002-04:00

I have been incredibly fortunate this year working the whole time. Aside from my main jobs, I also worked on a couple of freelance projects and a had reemergence of the New Yorker Caption Contest. Now everything I was involved with is available to all, and of course I wanted to share with you.

First up, the New Yorker Caption Contest. Remember way back in November 2007, when I begged all of you to vote for my New Yorker caption? Well, the New Yorker decided to put al book together of the 100 best contests and the one for which I was a finalist was selected. Alas I didn't win, but did come in second. The book claims that I got 30% of the vote compared to 43% to the winner and 27% to third. I call malarky for now winning, Check out page 198 and deem for yourself.

Next, I was one of many contributors to SmartLab's Amazing Animals Challege! trivia book for children. Of the 1,000 questions, I contributed about 50. It's a fun little book with some really interesting animal fun facts. It even comes with its own controller so you can challenge your friends!

Finally, the project I am most proud of. I wrote 600 questions for the Cash Cab Board Game. Yes, I wrote an entire board game. There are 200 easy, 200 medium and 200 hard questions. I've always loved trivia and I am still in disbelief that there's a game that I wrote. Growing up you never think that job exists, much less how to go about getting it. It's a fun game. I hope you enjoy.

Quote of the Day:
"Be true to your work, your word and your friend" -Henry David Thoreau

Paul, Ben and Paul

2008-10-09T21:27:00.003-04:00

I am remiss to have not written a few words about the passing of legendary actor Paul Newman. I, as many others, loved him: as an actor, a philanthropist and all-around good man. My favorite Paul Newman film is "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" with Elizabeth Taylor. He was at his most handsome, she at her most beautiful. He was intense and damaged and bought to Brick the right amount of vulnerability.

I had the honor of being in the same with him once. A couple of years ago I was at Madison Square Garden for the Big Apple to the Big Easy benefit for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. Towards the end of the evening, Paul Newman came out to announce Simon & Garfunkel. I was on my feet and screaming at him like he was still a teen idol. I was as up close and personal as one of 20,000 could be, but just to be in that same venue was amazing.

This is a loss not only because of never seeing those blue eyes again, but because there is one less person who put goodwill and the betterment of others before himself. It is the rare individual who serves as an example to everyone.

I will miss Paul Newman dearly.

***

Last Tuesday I made my first trip to Terminal 5, a small music hall in midtown west. The reason: to see Ben Folds, one of my favorite musicians. He was there to promote his new album "Way to Normal", which was being released that day. The downside is that because the album was brand new, nobody was that familiar with the songs. But the genius that is Ben Folds is even the songs I didn't know were good and kept my attention.

And to makes things a little more confusing, he played "fake" songs with the same title, but not on the album. Such innovation.

He did play my three favorite songs: "Landed", "There's Always Someone Cooler Than You" and "Rockin' the Suburbs".

I highly recommend seeing Ben Folds if you have the chance. And the album is really good too.

***

This past Tuesday I was at Town Hall for "Revenge of the Bookeaters", a benefit for NYC826, a Brooklyn charity to help kids explore their creativity in writing, video and the arts.

It was such an ideal evening. It opened with "This American Life" host Ira Glass doing what he does best. Then came out our host for the evening, John Oliver from "the Daily Show". I fall more and more in love with him each time I see him. He is hilarious. Next were performances by Thao Nguyen and Department of Eagles. Dave Eggers and Sarah Vowell came out and explained the charity.

The highlight was a four song acoustic performance by Paul Simon. First was "American Tune". Then, "Mrs. Robinson. Third was a brand new song he wrote six months ago and had never performed live. Finale, he played not only my favorite Simon & Garfunkel song, but in the top five of my all-time favorite songs: "The Boxer". It was truly a magical moment. I was in complete bliss.

Acoustic Paul Simon is a very hard act to follow, but South African singer Tunde Adebimpe. She was phenomenal.

The evening ended with a reading of a Jonathan Frazen essay from the new book, "State By State: 50 Writers, 50 States". The reading featured the author, Parker Posey, Boby Carnivale, Patricia Clarkson and Sarah Vowell.

It's difficult to have a more fun, jam packed evening for $46. A good event for a good cause.

Quote of the Day:
"I had a really hard time opening up, because I always felt so vulnerable. My natural response to a stressful situation is to shut down, I do weird things, like I don't cry..." - Amy Adams

Pedal, Pedal, Pedal

2008-09-21T17:15:00.003-04:00

I am known for many things, my athletic ability is not one of them. I used to be back in the day, but laziness and love of all things idle have left me a little out of shape. So I decided to change that. I agreed to go on a bike ride in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania with my roommates Eileen and Cathy. It wasn't until a couple of days before the trip that the trail was 25-miles.

This scared me.

But I was determined not to let this get the best of me. It was an ideal day, cool with hints of warmth. It's what a true autumn day is. I was feeling pretty good and then fatigue. I stopped a couple of times and kept going. When my left knee started to hurt, I recommended that we take a lunch break. After some time, I found a good pace and am proud to say, made it through all 25-miles unscathed. And I did not get eaten by a bear.

I woke up this morning to be in debilitating pain, but aside from some soreness in my legs, feel pretty good. This trip made me realize how much I really love biking and I hope to be able to do it again soon.

I think I tired myself more this afternoon praying for football wins than pedaling all that distance yesterday.

Quote of the Day:
"I can't believe its only 4:30pm. It feel like its 7pm tomorrow". -Ellen Teitel, after biking 25-miles.

Live From The Times Center, It's Monday Night!

2008-09-15T22:36:00.003-04:00

It's no secret that I love Saturday Night Live. Next to Letterman, it is my greatest television obsession. So when I saw in New York magazine last week that a panel discussion with SNL people was scheduled, I rushed to get tickets.

So tonight my roommate Cathy and I headed to the Times Center to see a panel discussion consisting of Lorne Michaels, Jim Downey, Seth Meyers and Amy Poheler talk about SNL and Presidential Politics. We were in the second row and I swear I made contact with Lorne.

The evening was sponsored by the Museum of the Moving Image. They had speaker after speaker and I felt like I was in an infomercial. I paid good money to see Lorne Michaels talk about SNL, not see a laptop presentation on the Living Candidate website. After what felt like an eternity, the program finally started.

The highlight for me was watching the panel watch the Sarah Palin/HIllary Clinton skit from last Saturday. It is such a rare thing to see Lorne watch a sketch and get a reaction and that moment in itself was so special. I've also determined that I want to become best friends with Jim Downey. Jim Downey is the mastermind behind almost all the classic SNL political sketches, including my all-time favorite sketch of Bill Clinton in McDonald's. He is so relaxed and awesomely full of stories. Seth Meyers is hilarious, as is Amy Poheler. It will be sad to see her leave SNL.

It was so great to hear behind-the-scenes antidotes and be in the room with so many brilliant minds. It just makes me appreciate them all the more.

Quote of the Day:
"It's always exciting to say 'Live from New York!'" -Amy Poehler

Hall of Famers Art Monk & Darrell Green

2008-08-02T21:49:00.003-04:00

It's been an emotional day for me. Let's take a trip in the wayback machine to the 1980s. The Washington Redskins were an unstoppable football team. We had the greatest head coach in Joe Gibbs and the most talented roster of players a fan could ever hope for. Charles Mann, Doug Williams, Ricky Sanders, Brian Mitchell, Dexter Manley, Chip Lohmiller, Monte Coleman, Gary Clark, Jeff Bostic, Timmy Smith, Russ Grimm, Don Warren, the list goes on and on.

But two members of that memorable era stand out more than the others: wide receiver Art Monk (#81) and cornerback Darrell Green (#28). Today, both of them were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

In all sincerity and without hyperbole, Art Monk is my all-time favorite football player. He's been my favorite ever since I started watching Washington Redskins football and nobody has come close to being his equal. Monk's call to the Hall of Fame is way overdue. This was his eighth time on the ballot and it is shameful that he had to wait this long.

The only redeeming factor of Monk waiting this long was that he was inducted with Darrell Green, a class act in every sense of the word. The one time NFL's Fastest Man, was elected on his first ballot, and deservingly so.

To have two Redskins inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same class was so special. And to see Joe Gibbs on the dais looking on made it extraordinary. It hasn't been easy being a Redskins fan in recent years. We've had some moments, but have not shown our dominance since the early 1990s; really since Monk and Green played. Tonight was so great to don the burgundy and goldlwith pride and give thanks to these men that brought Washington, DC so much glory.

I was close to showing outward emotion, especially when Monk took to the microphone. The ovation he got truly celebrated a man that gave so much to the team, city and fans. I wish I was in Canton to express my love and appreciation along with the Redskins fans there. It was extraordinary.

Hail to the Redskins! Hail victory. Braves on the warpath. Fight for 'ol DC!

Quote of the Day:
"Just the fact that after I retired and this whole Hall of Fame thing and not making it [for several years] to see how the community really responded to that and supported me, I think that's probably the best part, for me, of my career to know that people enjoyed and respected and appreciated me more than just being an athlete, but just as a person." -Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Monk

Bruce Springsteen #4

2008-08-01T16:43:00.003-04:00

I wasn't planning on seeing Bruce Springsteen, but I am very glad I did. My roommate Eileen was on a concert kick and had never seen the Boss live. She asked if I wanted to go, and who am I to refuse. Plus, I had never been to Giants Stadium, so why not. Here's the setlist:

Summertime Blues
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Radio Nowhere
Prove It All Night
Two Hearts
The Promised Land
Spirit In The Night
Light Of Day
Brilliant Disguise
Pretty Flamingo [Tour Premiere]
Blinded By The Light
Cadillac Ranch
Candy's Room
Night
Because The Night
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
Mary's Place
Incident On 57th Street
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
Jungleland
Born To Run
Bobby Jean
Dancing In The Dark
American Land
Jersey Girl [Tour Premiere]
Rosalita

* Brilliant Disguise is one of my favorite songs so that was a highlight. Radio Nowhere is my favorite new song of the year, so it was great to hear that live.

* I was honestly more excited to see Eileen at her first Bruce concert. She had a great time and exceeded all of her expectations.

* The show didn't start until 9:30 and the natives were definitely getting restless. But all was forgiven with the opening notes of "Summertime Blues" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out".

* Really cool to hear "Jersey Girl". It was one of those songs I never intended to hear live.

* During "Because the Night", Nils did a sommersault during his guitar solo. It's easy to forget the E Street Band are in their 50s and older.

* Bruce Springsteen has such an amazing stage presence. It's one thing to like his music and a completely different monster seeing him live. He played for over three hours and just gave his all. He really makes the effort to earn the fans money.

Quote of the Day:
"Blow away the dreams that tear you apart / Blow away the dreams that break your heart / Blow away the lies that leave you nothing but lost and brokenhearted" -Bruce Springsteen, "The Promised Land"

Jim Thistle

2008-07-29T20:52:00.002-04:00

I was extremely saddened this afternoon when I heard about the passing of Jim Thistle. Jim Thistle was a professor of mine during my senior year at Boston University. He taught Broadcast Journalism for Non-Majors. Prof. Thistle was a pioneer in the Boston local news industry and each story, each lesson was given by a true master.

During one class, I was assigned a story about the pigeon problem in Provincetown (say that three times fast). It was an end-of-the-newscast type of story, so I made it light and funny. It was really hokey. While I was trying to read the story during the newscast, Prof. Thistle kept making these coo-ing sounds in my earpiece. It was impossible to keep a straight face.

As graduation neared, I often turned to Prof. Thistle for advice and he readily gave it. His experience in television was immeasurable and I was smart enough at the time to know that each story had a reason, a purpose. Each was like gold.

Soon after my Red Sox internship ended, I was incredibly stressed about what I was going to do for work. I had run into Prof. Thistle shortly before my internship ended, once again asking for advice. He told me to send him my resume and I did. Within a week he called me saying that WLVI-TV (Channel 56) was looking for an Assignment Desk Editor and passed along my resume. I interviewed and got the job. Prof. Thistle saved the day. I only ended up staying there for a couple of months, but because of that opportunity, it opened the door to other jobs I would have never have known about otherwise. To Prof. Thistle, I am eternally grateful.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Thistle family. They can take comfort in knowing Jim Thistle was a man of great integrity and with the purest heart. His satisfaction came from the success of others. He will be greatly missed.

WCVB Tribute
BU Tribute/Donations to the Jim Thistle Scholarship Fund

Quote of the Day:
"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention." -Duguet

Billy #22 (Last Play at Shea #2) - THE GREATEST CONCERT EVER!!!

2008-07-19T02:13:00.005-04:00

Honestly folks, I am still shellshocked over what I just saw. I wrote in April 2006 after the last Madison Square Garden show that I would be content not seeing another Billy show, because it was so close to perfect. Scratch that, because I saw Billy play WITH FREAKIN' SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY AT SHEA STADIUM!!!!!!!!!!!! There might be a mention of this in the notes. Here's the setlist:

Star Spangled Banner
Miami 2017
Prelude/Angry Young Man
My Life
The Entertainer
Summer, Highland Falls
Zanzibar
Allentown
Ballad of Billy the Kid
New York State of Mind (with Tony Bennett)
Root Beer Rag
Goodnight Saigon
Don't Ask Me Why
Keeping The Faith
The Downeaster "Alexa"
This Night
Movin' Out
Under The Boardwalk/An Innocent Man
Shameless (duet with Garth Brooks)
She's Always A Woman
Captain Jack
Lullabye
River of Dreams/A Hard Days Night
Walk This Way (with Steven Tyler)
We Didn't Start The Fire
It's Still Rock 'n Roll To Me
My Generation (with Roger Daltrey)
You May Be Right
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Only The Good Die Young
I Saw Her Standing There (with Paul McCartney)
Piano Man
Let It Be (with Paul McCartney)

* FREAKIN SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY!!!! IN SHEA SHADIUM!!!! I SAW A BEATLE IN SHEA STADIUM!!!!!!! Cheryl is my witness, when Billy announced Sir Paul and he came out on stage, I voiced this guttural scream that I did not know I was capable of making. There were rumors, but to actually see Sir Paul come on stage, in Shea Stadium and start playing "I Saw Her Standing There", it was truly unbelievable. And before playing "Let It Be" Sir Paul made a couple of comments and you could hear a pin drop. 60,000 people were silent to hear Sir Paul speak.

* Also unbelievable, seeing Steven Tyler, on stage with Billy Joel. This was a total surprise. Steven sang "Walk This Way" and was excellent. Another highlight was seeing Billy play with the scarves on the microphone stand after Steven left the stage.

* I love the Who. And when Roger Daltry came out to sing "My Generation", I was in hysterics. At the end, Billy pulled a Pete Townsend and smashed a guitar. So amazing.

* "Shameless" is a favorite Billy song and I had never heard it live. It was great to see Garth Brooks too. That was nice.

* "Summer, Highland Falls" is always a treat. It is my favorite Billy song.

* There were times the stadium was actually shaking. The energy was absolutely amazing.

* Cheryl and I had MUCH better seats for this show. Though it pained me to pay more than face value, StubHub came though and we got really lucky with our seats. There were 4 seats down from us empty the whole show. It makes me sad that 4 Billy fans probably missed out on great seats because of greedy, greedy scalpers.

* God, this was such an incredible show. I feel so lucky to have seen it.

Quote of the Day:
"She was just seventeen / if you know what I mean" - Sir Paul McCartney's first words in Shea Stadium, July 18, 2008, "I Saw Her Standing There"

Billy #21 (Last Play at Shea #1)

2008-07-17T20:44:00.002-04:00

This was a big Billy event at Shea Stadium. Cheryl and I had a great time. Setlist followed by notes:

Star Spangled Banner
Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
Prelude/Angry Young Man
My Life
Everybody Loves You Now
The Entertainer
Zanzibar
Allentown
Ballad of Billy the Kid
New York State Of Mind (w/ Tony Bennett)
Big Man on Mulberry Street
Root Beer Rag (Instrumental)
Movin' Out
Goodnight Saigon
Don't Ask Me Why
This is the Time (w/ John Mayer)
Keeping the Faith
Downeaster "Alexa"
Stand By Me into An Innocent Man
Boys of Summer (w/ Don Henley)
She's Always a Woman
Captain Jack
Lullabye
River of Dreams w/Hard Days Night interlude
Pink Houses (w/ John Mellencamp)
We Didn’t Start The Fire
Still Rock and Roll
You May Be Right
Please Please Me
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
Only the Good Die Young
She Loves You
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Piano Man
Souvenir

* Cheryl and I were far, far away. We had to rely on the video screens to see the Piano Man. Also, the lights stayed on where we were sitting and had some chatty people in front of us.

* This is my 21st time seeing Billy Joel and I heard three songs for the first time: Root Beer Rag, This is the Time and Souvenir. See, this is why I keep going.

* It dawned on me about the time Billy said he hasn't put out new material in 15 years that I have officially been going to Billy shows for half of my life.

* Throughout the show, I camera guy came around our section and the section next to us, shooting b-roll for the DVD. If I do make it to the DVD, I really hope I'm not dancing. That would just be a bad situation for everyone.

* It was a completely sold-out filled stadium. It really was a sight to see. It was so great to be amongst so many people who appreciate Billy's music as much as I do.

* Highlights were Captain Jack and This is The TIme. The one-two punch of Miami 2017 and Angry Young Man was a real treat.

* I am so excited for Friday. The bar has been set very high.

Quote of the Day:
"Some folks like to get away / take a holiday from the neighborhood" -Billy Joel, "New York State of Mind"

Tom Petty #10

2008-06-19T00:53:00.005-04:00

#10 was definitely a treat. Tom was looking pretty stylin' tonight with a maroon blazer and purple shirt. And to celebrate my 10th Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers show, they played "Gloria", my absolute favorite Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover. It's been six years since I last heard that song live.

Setlist, then notes:

YOU WRECK ME
LISTEN TO HER HEART
I WON'T BACK DOWN
EVEN THE LOSERS
FACE IN THE CROWD
MARY JANE
END OF THE LINE
BAND INTRO
SAVING GRACE
FREE FALLIN’
YOU DON’T KNOW HOW IT FEELS
SWEET WILLIAM
LEARNING TO FLY
DON'T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE
REFUGEE
RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM
GLORIA
AMERICAN GIRL

* This was my first time at the new Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. A beautiful arena. My seat was way closer to the stage than last night and cost me $30 less. Got there just in time to see Steve Winwood perform "Gimme Some Lovin'". I knew then, the show was going to be changed up a little bit.

* Gloria, Gloria, Gloria. Seriously, I almost knocked over a guy holding beer. I was so excited. I was jumping and screaming and it wasn't until a minute in that I had my digital camera with me. Got it out and was able to record the audio for most of the performance. This is the one song that hasn't been publicly released and I have not found a bootleg with it. I am so happy. Hearing Gloria was worth the price of admission alone for both shows.

* Pretty much the same setlist as last night. The show was under two hours, but it was less jamming, so I could deal.

* I really want Benmont Tench to be my friend. He is so awesome.

Let the Tom Petty withdrawl begin. I just hope I don't have to wait another two years to see them again.

Quote of the Day:
"Yes I've been your fool before / and I probably will again" -Tom Petty, "Ways to Be Wicked"

Tom Petty #9

2008-06-18T01:03:00.002-04:00

When: June 17, 2008
Where: Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Opening Act: Steve Winwood

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers concert #9 was good, if not a little uneven. Below is the setlist, followed by comments:

YOU WRECK ME
MARY JANE
I WON'T BACK DOWN
EVEN THE LOSERS
FREE FALLIN'
CABIN DOWN BELOW
SWEET WILLIAM
END OF THE LINE
CAN'T FIND MY WAY HOME (w/Steve Winwood)
GIMME SOME LOVIN¹ (w/Steve Winwood)
SAVING GRACE
FACE IN THE CROWD
HONEY BEE
YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS
LEARNING TO FLY
DON'T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE
REFUGEE
RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM
MYSTIC EYES
AMERICAN GIRL

* Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers didn't go on stage until 9:35pm. Tick tock, tick tock.

* The crowd was so energetic and so into it for the first five songs. Probably the most diehard crowd I can remember. There was even chanting. But after those first five songs, it seemed the band - not the crowd - took themselves out of the intensity. They went into lesser known songs, Cabin Down Below and Sweet William, a song only released in Europe. It really deflated the crowd and it took some time to get that level back.

* Seeing Steve Winwood perform Gimme Some Lovin', one of my favorite songs, with the Heartbreakers was a highlight. That and Even the Losers.

* Ya know what makes Benmont Tench so cool: the man wears a suit and tie when he comes on stage. Love ya Benmont.

* Mike Campbell is continuing his transformation into Adam Duritz. Seriously. He has the white-guy dreds and the big beard. His bad taste in fashion is countered only by his incredible guitar mastery.

Looking forward to Newark tomorrow!

Quote of the Day:
"Tell me why you lay there / revel in your abandon" -Tom Petty, "Refugee"

F*****g Playwrights

2008-06-08T18:45:00.002-04:00

In the past week I took in two plays by two of our most noted playwrights -- both of whom have writing styles of the, um, colorful sort.

First up was "November" written by David Mamet. I saw Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross a few years ago on Broadway and have seen scads of his films through the years. It helps that William H. Macy, Mamet's friend, former student and co-founder of the Atlantic Theatre Company, appears in most of his work. It's a fair statement that I became a fan Mamet because of my tremendous fandom of William H. Macy. Mamet has such a knack for dialogue, peppered with curses and swears, not for arbitrary reasons, but because they belong.

"November" stayed in that Mamet tradition, though lesser so than in other works. The play starred Nathan Lane as a fictional president. This is the first opportunity I've had to see Nathan Lane on stage, so I did all I could to take it all in. It also stars Dylan Baker, who I saw in Mauritius and who creeped the hell out of me in "Happiness", as well as Laurie Metcalf, best known as Jackie on "Roseanne". This play would have been a lot better had it come out at the beginning of President Bush's second term instead of the end. Still, the points were still on the mark and did play for many laughs. Nathan Lane truly is a master of the stage and it was a treat to finally see him in his element.

Next up is Reasons to Be Pretty a brand new play by Neil LaBute. This was third play in his trilogy of plays about women and appearance. The first, The Shape of Things, I saw as the movie, not the play. The second was Fat Pig, staring Jeremy Piven, I saw a couple years back and now, Reasons to Be Pretty. Besides liking LaBute's work, the other draw to the show was Allison Pill, my current favorite stage actress who I saw in Blackbird and Mauritius. She has such immense talent and it is a treat anytime I can see her on the stage. This was my favorite play of the trilogy. The focus is on beauty and how it exists and the pressures of coping with beauty and/or lack thereof. It was both wonderfully acted and written. Huge kudos to all.

Quote of the Day:
"The best way to make fire with two sticks is to make sure one of them is a match." -Will Rogers

Billy #20

2008-05-24T18:14:00.002-04:00

Last night I trekked to lovely Mohegan Sun to attend my 20th Billy Joel concert. Here's the setlist followed by notes:

Prelude/Angry Young Man
My Life
The Entertainer
Downeaster Alexa
Allentown
Zanzibar
New York State of Mind
Movin' Out
Keeping the Faith
Don't Ask Me Why
She's Always a Woman
Captain Jack
River of Dreams
Highway to Hell
We Didn't Start the Fire
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
You May Be Right
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
Only the Good Die Young
Piano Man

NOTES:
* This 20th show was the most disappointing. I was really excited since Mohegan Sun's arena only holds about 10,000 people and this would be the most intimate venue I have seen him in. I guess I got spoiled from all the Madison Square Garden shows, because this was largely a clunker.

* The highlight was the one-two punch of "She's Always a Woman" and "Captain Jack". It's always a treat to hear "Captain Jack" so I savored those moments.

* I saw the Child Bride watching in the wings, wearing a grey shirt and jeans. Billy was glancing at her throughout the show.

* Overall, Billy appeared to be on automatic pilot. He looked bored and just going through the motions. The show was under two hours and that included his banter and encores. He stayed at the piano for most of the show and didn't move around the stage like he usually does.

* It was definitely older crowd than concerts past, and maybe that had some kind of impact.

* I still enjoy seeing him in concert because its fun and even his worst songs ("Don't Ask Me Why") are better than a lot of other music out there. Let's hope this was an off-night and the next time will be better.

Quote of the Day:
"People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent." -Bob Dylan

The 30s So Far

2008-05-12T20:43:00.010-04:00

It is inexcusable that I have gone so long without posting. My apologies. Please find it in your hearts to forgive me.

I had the bestest birthday ever! Erin, Lucy, Cheryl and Jenn joined me in lovely Las Vegas. We really had the most wonderful time. I was a winner, went to my first nightclub and experienced first hand what its like to be a VIP.

Vegas was more magical than I had remembered. And it's grown so much since I was lat there 14 years ago, so it really was like going for the first time. That and the whole now-being-legally-allowed-to-gamble thing. I stuck to penny and nickel slots mostly. I tried the tables, but expect for one good run on blackjack, they were not good to me The slots, however, were. At one point I was playing this one penny slot and all the sudden, there are these six panthers on the screen throwing gold coins at me. The numbers kept going and going and going. When they stopped, I had 17,000 credits or $176! I also won $100 on a Press Your Luck nickel slot. My dreams of saying "No Whammy" at an apropos moment finally came.

The highlight of the trip was dinner at Prime in the Bellagio. It's a Jean-Georges restaurant and the finest steakhouse in Las Vegas. The restaurant was so elegant and service was beyond impeccable. I had shrimp wrapped in bacon for an appetizer and the waiter didn't even laugh at me when I ordered my Shirley Temple. Jenn and Cheryl had gotten me a tiara, showing everyone that I was the birthday girl. Had one of the most delicious steaks ever. Just when I thought the evening couldn't get better, the maitre de, Phillipe, invited us to sit on Prime's private patio for dessert and to watch the fountain shows. We followed Phillipe onto the patio and escorted to the front table complete with a "reserved sign". The view of the Strip was fantastic. We ordered dessert and took in the views, conversation and friendship. Phillipe then gave us VIP passes to The Bank, the finest nightclub in Bellagio. Not that I'm exactly a nightclubby person, it was still to have the passes, even better to walk by all the people who didn't. The dinner exceeded any expectations I had for the trip. I was a VIP on a Saturday night in Bellagio Las Vegas. It doesn't get much better.

Mother Nature blessed us with perfect 80 degree days. I could not asked for anything more.

And then I went right into my new job at "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire". It's been great. I've been reunited with friends and doing work I truly enjoy. All is well.

Nothing overly exciting since. Trivia has made its triumphant return to the Grasshopper, which makes me very happy. I had greatly missed my sliced steak sandwich... and the guys too. YooHoos and SnoBalls have had their moments of dominance again. We have a pair of second places and a third. We're pacing ourselves for a big comeback.

I'll try and be better with posting. Although work, home, dinner, TV day after day doesn't seem noteworthy enough to write about. I'll see what I can do. Below are a few Vegas pics.

Quote of the Day:
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." - Christopher Marley

Final Answer

2008-03-28T21:00:00.002-04:00

Things are coming together.

Since January, I have been fortunate enough to work on a great new History Channel show called "Extreme Trains". This has been one of my most positive work experiences. I've met people who are not just co-workers, but true friends as well. So, it was with sadness and anticipation that I gave my two week notice on Tuesday because...

...I accepted an offer to be a researcher for "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire". I am beyond excited for this. My love of game shows is well documented and this is the genre of television I want to work in. After passing the "Millionaire" test twice to be a contestant but not getting picked for the show, I decided the only way I was going to make money from this show was to work for them. I've been trying to get in for quite some time now, and on Tuesday, that effort and determination paid off.

So here's what my next couple of weeks look like: finish things up at "Extreme Trains". Fly to Las Vegas. Turn 30. Start new job.

Let's hope all of this good luck holds up in Vegas!

Quote of the Day:
"It was such a lovely day I thought it a pity to get up." -W. Somerset Maugham

One Year

2008-03-17T21:30:00.003-04:00

This is a momentous anniversary for me today. It has been one year since I have had a caffeinated beverage -- no Cherry Coke, no Dr. Pepper, no Pepsi. It's a wonder the soda companies have not crumbled because of this.

I have always loved soda with every fiber of my being. It was as commonplace in my home as water and milk. It was not uncommon for me to drink at least 20 ounces a day. Each sugary sip was better than the last. It became a necessity which I thought I would never be able to do without.

Last year, seeing the age of 30 looming, decided to curb some of my bad habits. I still eat badly, and that is more of a gradual process. Exercising is still an effort for me, so although something I want to improve, not something to dedicate to fully. That left my one beloved vice -- soda.

It was hard. I can only imagine trying to quick smoking or alcohol, because the withdrawl from soda sucked and I'm sure is tenfold with other vices. I had huge headaches and went to bed even earlier than I do now. I longed for one more sip of Cherry goodness, but willpower took over. I plead guilty to the occasional root beer or Shirley Temple, but those were seldom and caffeine-free. Weeks turned into months and months into this one year.

I am proud of my accomplishment. I know a lot of people have bigger demons to conquer, but this was a big thing for me to give up. Next up, that pesky gambling problem. Probably not a good thing the NCAA tournament is starting and Las Vegas is right around the corner...

Quote of the Day:
"I never intended to be a run-of-the-mill person." -Barbara Jordan

Girl About Town

2008-02-10T18:42:00.001-05:00

I need to renew my driver's license. So yesterday I got up early to be at the DMV right when it opened. I present my birth certificate, social security card, bill and bank statement. The woman behind the desk says my birth certificate is not applicable because it was the hospital issued, not the government issued one. Ugh! I leave renewal-less. Call my Mom, who finds the copy but not the original. So now I need to contact Vital Records and get a copy. Here's the thing: the license expires February 29th. I really, really hope it comes in time.

When I'm not mad at government bureaucracy, I am at the theatre. Last week I went to see the Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George. A fan of the original, this version definitely held up. The staging was absolutely incredible, and the actors had amazing voices.

Last week I was at the Paley Center (formerly the Museum of TV & Radio) to see a tribute to Gary David Goldberg, the creator of "Family Ties", "Spin City" and "Brooklyn Bridge". The panel consisted of Gary David Goldberg, Michael Gross, Meredith Baxter-Birney, Michael Boatman, Richard Kind, Marion Ross and as an unannounced surprise, Michael J. Fox. "Family Ties" is one of my all-time favorite shows, and Alex Keaton one of my all-time favorite characters. My favorite moment of the evening was Michael J. Fox telling a story about how this hedge fund manager recently came up to him at a dinner. He went on and on about how Alex was an inspiration and he got into finance because of this character. And in a way of honoring what Alex Keaton did, donated five million dollars to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Michael J. Fox found this interesting considering he disagreed completely with Alex's philosophies and questioned Alex's morals and ethics. But karma has a way of working everything out.

Today I was at Carnegie Hall attending a performance of solo piano. It was amazing. It was so relaxing and a quiet sereneness surrounded me. I would definitely go to something like this again sooner than later.

On the work front, I am once again among the employed. I am a researcher for a new History Channel show called "Extreme Trains". Over eight episodes, it shows how the railroads built America and how they remain vital today. I am working with an incredible group of people and have no doubts this will be a show worth watching.

Quote of the Day:
"Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win." -Jonathan Kozol

Hail To The Redskins!!

2008-02-02T20:45:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Art Monk and Darrell Green, two of the finest men to ever play for the Washington Redskins, on their election into the Football Hall of Fame. Art Monk, finally getting in on his 8th try, is not only my all-time favorite Redskin, but my all-time favorite football player. This is an overdue honor and I could not be happier than he is finally getting his bust in Canton.

Darrell Green was also an exceptional cornerback for the Redskins. Not to mention an incredible class act.

This is a proud day for the Sons of Washington. Hail to the Redskins.

Quote of the Day:
"Whether I deserved to play in the NFL or deserve even to be in Hall of Fame, I just loved the game, loved to play, loved being out there." -Hall of Famer Art Monk

Coach Joe Gibbs

2008-01-08T20:31:00.000-05:00

I love Joe Gibbs. In my completely unbiased, SuperFan opinion, Joe Gibbs is the greatest coach in the history of professional sports. He's been the leader of my beloved Washington Redskins for the majority of my life. So it broke my heart to see him resign this morning.

I understand his reasoning, and I accept that. But to realize that I will never see Coach Gibbs guiding the Redskins on the sidelines, is still hard for me to grasp. After his first retirement, we Redskins fans always hoped for his return, and eight years later, we got our wish. With retirement #2, we know he's not coming back.

It's been a tough season both on and off the field. And despite the various obstacles, we were still a good team. Hopefully whoever takes the reins will build upon the team Gibbs created.

Joe Gibbs is truly a man among men, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. I will miss him as Head Coach of the Washington Redskins more than words could ever possibly express.

Hail to the Redskins.

Quote of the Day:
"I love the Redskins. I'm a Redskin. I'm a Washingtonian. So much of our lives [are here]. This is what we love." -Coach Joe Gibbs at his farewell press conference

Post Christmas

2007-12-31T15:01:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, a huge congratulations to my beloved Washington Redskins for securing a playoff spot by defeating the hated Cowboys last night. I've had confidence in my team all season. We had a few heartbreaking losses and the tragic death of Sean Taylor, but still we managed to forge on. We have Seattle on Saturday and I shant wave my optimism. Go 'Skins!

I was home for a week or so celebrating the holidays. This was nice because I really haven't had the chance to be home for awhile. The week pretty much consisted of eating, eating, shopping, eating, returning, eating, sleep. The big event of the week was the celebration of my Dad's 70th birthday. Yes, the Big Guy turned the big 7-0. And although I ate possibly the largest meal ever (nothing shows my true appreciation better than taking full advantage of him), it didn't stop me from gorging myself the rest of the holidays.

And the holiday season wold not be complete without being forced out of bed at 5:30am the day after Christmas to be the first at the mall for post-Christmas slashing sales. And although getting up early is not my first choice, it is ultimately the best decision. Macy's was not crowded and I actually had my own personal shoe guy. Clothes were neatly hung on racks untouched and rampaged by the masses. Prices were really slashed and the hardest thing to resist was buying for the sake of immediately eBay-ing. After much restraint, I was successful in buying what I needed and leaving the extraneous to other bargain shoppers. By the time I finished my mall rounds at 10:30am, I felt like I already put in a full day.

As for New Year's Eve, I am continuing my tradition of rockin' it in with Dick Clark and falling asleep soon after. I hope the rest of you are spending this New Year with friends and loved ones. Be safe and have fun!

Quote of the Day:
"I like coincidences. They make me wonder about destiny, and whether free will is an illusion or just a matter of perspective. They let me speculate on the idea of some master plan that, from time to time, we're allowed to see out of the corner of our eye." -Chuck Sigars

Now I've Seen Everything

2007-12-20T22:52:00.000-05:00

I was walking in Times Square tonight and outside of the Charmin public restrooms there was a person dressed up as a toilet next to someone dressed as the Charmin bear.

It was the saddest thing I have ever seen.

Quote of the Day:
"Regardless of what I do, I'm a hero." -David Letterman

The Farnsworth Invention

2007-12-06T21:52:00.000-05:00

I had high expectations going into seeing the Farnsworth Invention on Broadway last light for the following reasons:
1. It's a play about the guy who invented television.
2. It's written by Aaron Sorkin
3. It stars Hank Azaria.

And what made it even better was that my ticket was free. Free always bumps things up a notch.

The play itself was pretty good, although not Sorkin's best work. He tried cramming a lot of information about the men and situations, and as a result, made the scenes a little clunky. I probably enjoyed it more because I was familiar with the subject. All in all, a good show. I would not recommend if you care little for television and/or science.

Quote of the Day:
"We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves." -Lynn Hall

Random Thoughts and Ramblings

2007-11-28T16:12:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile and I don't want to deprive you of yet another edition of Random Thoughts and Ramblings. Let us begin:

* The Writer's Guild Strike really, really sucks. It sucks for multiple reasons. First, many of my friends are in the WGA and it saddens me to have them not work. This is a worthy strike though, and they should continue until their demands are met. Second, this lessens the available jobs for me in an already small market. And finally, I am in Letterman, Conan, Daily Show, Colbert withdrawl. I need new episodes. I missed Dave and his Mom play "Guess the Pie" on Thanksgiving. My favorite moment of the year. And too many bonehead politicos have had their actions go unobserved by Jon Stewart. So please mega-corporations, give the writers what they want.

* Top Five Songs Played on iTunes:
- "Radio Nowhere" by Bruce Springsteen
- "The City of New Orleans" by Arlo Guthrie
- "There's Always Someone Cooler Than You" by Ben Folds
- "Almost Lover" by A Fine Frenzy
- "Shelter From the Storm" by Bob Dylan

* Steve Martin recently released his autobiography focusing on his childhood through his stand-up career. I have not had the opportunity to read it yet, but I think it's a safe assumption that this is an absolute get and a must buy.

* Last night Cheryl and I went to see a screening of Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story, starring John C. Reilly. I probably haven't laughed this much in a movie theatre since seeing a sneak preview of There's Something About Mary almost ten years ago. I great broad comedy about biopics. Afterwards there was a Q&A with John C. Reilly, Kristen Wiig and the producer. It was as good as the movie.

* A couple of weeks ago I was walking on the upper west side and this woman stops and asks me for directions. It takes me a second to realize it's 70s supermodel Lauren Hutton.

* I really hate those store coupons in which half the coupon is small print in all the departments and items that are NOT applicable. Seriously, what's the point of printing the coupon when there are more restrictions than uses.

* Top 5 Non-Late Night TV Shows
- Pardon the Interruption
- How I Met Your Mother
- Dirty Sexy Money
- Project Runway
- The Biggest Loser

* Also striking are the Broadway stagehands. I feel so bad for families who have planned holiday trips to New York, revolving around a Broadway show, only to have it cancelled. One benefit though -- many restaurants that are impossible to get into, have zero waits. Might as well enjoy John's Pizzeria and Virgil's BBQ while I can.

Quote of the Day:
"Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -Thomas Paine

Loser

2007-11-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

It is with great sadness in which I announce that I did not win the New Yorker Caption Contest. According to the readers of the New Yorker, "Give him a martini when he wakes up" was deemed funniest.

I would like to give a tremendous and appreciative thanks to everyone who voted for me. Next time, my friends. Next time.

Quote of the Day:
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." -Albert Schweitzer

Congratulations Abound!

2007-11-11T15:11:00.000-05:00

The past couple of days have been full of love. I have been in the midst of so much love, that even I am becoming an optimist. With that said, here's why...

Congratulations and much love to one of my oldest friends Nathalie and her husband Armen on the birth of their daughter, Taleen Alice McOmber.

This is Nat's first child, and the first of the childhood friends to spawn. Taleen is very lucky to have Nat as a mother.

Yesterday, I drove to Pennsylvania to attend the wedding of my friends Jenn and Kevin. This was an all-around wonderful day. While being seated, a pianist was playing the score from "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". Jenn looked absolutely beautiful. During the ceremony, and to celebrate Kevin's Quaker heritage, we had three minutes of silence to envision our good thoughts for the couple. This was followed by any family or friend who wanted to speak their sentiment aloud to do so. The ceremony ended with a lone bagpiper, and as we all know, I loves the bagpipes. The afternoon also gave me the opportunity to see some friends from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy". I don't get to see them very often, so that was a treat in itself. The reception was just as lovely as the ceremony, with Jenn and Kevin really adding their touch to the occasion.

The Bride and Groom

Finally, a big, appreciative thanks to everyone who voted for me in this week's New Yorker's Caption Contest. The results will appear in the November 26th issue, and I will be sure to make a announcement if I prove victorious. If I don't, you shall never hear another word about it ever again, while I sink into a mire of pity and dispair.

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

The New Yorker Caption Contest

2007-11-05T12:10:00.000-05:00

I am a finalist the New Yorker's Caption Contest this week. Please click on the link below to vote for me. Let's validate to the New York intellectual elite what you all have always known -- that I am very funny. Also, please forward the link to all family, friends, co-workers, random people you see on computers to also vote for me. I need all the help I can get.

Much thanks!!

http://www.cartoonbank.com/CapContest/CaptionContest.aspx?tab=vote&affiliate=ny-caption

Quote of the Day:
"For me, being funny is the best revenge." -Art Buchwald

Saturday in the Bookstore with Steve

2007-10-27T19:33:00.000-04:00

After getting shut out of three Steve Martin events, I was worried that my streak of seeing him once a year in person was in jeopardy. With the help of the "Highly Admire" gods and PR flacks, that didn't happen. My yearly Date with Steve remains in tact.

This year's encounter took place this afternoon at Barnes & Noble. He had a signing of his new children's book, "The Alphabet from A To Y With Bonus Letter Z". He was accompanied by the illustrator (and New Yorker cartoonist) Roz Chast. Barnes & Noble denied us photography, so no visual evidence this time around, but he was wearing an olive green suit and crisp white shirt.

The irony was that this was a signing of a children's book, yet there were only a sprinkle of actual children. The majority were older people. One of whom, was a gentleman next to me who felt it necessary to give a play-by-play of the happenings. "He has his own pens". "He's drinking Fiji water". "She's signing first".

Because it was just a signing -- no Q&A -- and it was just a signing of the children's book, the line went by very quickly. I told Roz Chast I enjoyed her New Yorker cartoons and told Steve I was looking forward to his memoir next month. And then I threw myself at him declaring my undying love forever. OK, maybe not that last part.

I always treasure my moments of being in the same room as my Ideal Man. He continues to live up to expectations.

Quote of the Day:
"Each person's life is lived as a series of conversations." -Deborah Tannen

The Second Coming

2007-10-22T01:09:00.000-04:00

Sleep was sparse in October 2004. Nights were spent watching the Boston Red Sox work their way through the American League playoffs. I wasn't going to let a little thing like sleep keep me from witnessing history.

I was at Game 3 of the ALCS vs. the Yankees sitting in makeshift bleachers in right field. The temperature was very low and the lack of effort the Red Sox were producing erased any chance of cheering to warm up. I could see the wind swirling and even dropped hot cocoa when my hands were too frozen to grasp the cup. The Red Sox lost to the Yankees in or about 22-7, one of the greatest Red Sox collapses. The Sox were down 0-3, and another season was to be over..

But we all know, that didn't happen. The Red Sox made heart-pounding comeback after heart-pounding comeback. Games lasted over five hours and extended into the wee hours of the morning. Never before had I dreamed so much of Tim McCarver. Every pitch was entracing. The sheer drama made watching almost unbearable. But I did. And over the next week, each moment was more exciting that the last. When the Red Sox did defeat the Evil Empire and put the Curse of the Bambino to the test, I was elated.

The World Series wasn't as stress-induced as the ALCS, but yet couldn't help imagine how they would find a way to lose. In the last three outs before their victory, I was on the phone with my Mom, a lifelong fan. She refused to feel any glimmer of victory until that third out was made. When it was, Mom was overcome with emotion and so was I.

Fast forward three years.

I am reading InStyle's latest trends in boots when the Red Sox win the ALCS. "The Red Sox win the pennant!!", Joe Buck yells. Jason Varitek leaps into Jonathan Paplebon's arms and I give an extended glance before returning to the article. The game had been on in the background for most of the night, but my concentration is paring down my unread magazine pile.

I don't care about this Red Sox victory. As I watch the celebration unfold, I have no emotion. No twinge of celebration. No jumping. No screaming. No manic phone calls. I simply return to my magazine.

My disdain is at the new management. I hate how they have whored out the Red Sox legacy. I hate how they ruthlessly discarded many of my friends who devoted years to the organization. While I have nothing against the players taking the field (save for JD Drew), the spark that made the Red Sox special to me is no longer there. It's been five years since I left and too much has changed and not for the better there. I am eternally grateful for the years I had and the family I made. It saddens me to see that gone now.

If the Red Sox win the World Series, I'll give a small smile. But this series is nothing I'll lose any sleep over.

Quote of the Day:
"I couldn't remember when I had been so disappointed. Except perhaps the time I found out that M&Ms really do melt in your hand." -Peter Oakley

Runnin' Down a Dream

2007-10-16T13:22:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. So it's a safe assumption that my review of Peter Bogdonovich's 240-minute documentary, "Runnin' Down a Dream" about the band's 30-year history is going to be a bit biased. Here we go...

I have been eagerly anticipating this documentary since last summer. Although it comes out on DVD today, and will be airing on the Sundance Channel later this month, I felt compelled to see it on the big screen. It was shown last night at the Sunshine Theare and I was there.

I loved every frame of "Runnin' Down a Dream". What the band lacks in physical appearance and fashion sence is more than made up for in talent, ability, songwriting and stage presence. Part one focused on the band's roots in Gainsville, the formation of Mudcrutch and the move to LA.

Not a lot was new information, but I did learn that Tom exhibited pirate behavior more than once. He stole Ron Blair and Stan Lynch from another band. When Ron Blair left, he stole Howie Epstein from Del Shannon's band. As for songs, he kept "the Insider", written for Stevie Nicks for himself, and also Dave Stewart's "Don't Come Around Here No More". But having the best was important to Tom, and as fans, we are grateful for that.

Part two focused on 1985 to the present. After such care and detail was made to the first part, I was really surprised there was a complete omittance of the She's the One soundtrack (with the exception of a brief playing of "Angel Dream (No. 3)". That's a shame because it is a good album, and should have been recognized. Also, towards the end of the film, they show the band's live performance of Van Morrison's "Mystic Eyes". Although this is a great song, I would have preferred to see the band cover another one of his songs, "Gloria", which is one of my all-time favorite Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers performances. During the Highway Companion section, I was disappointed "Square One" was not played, as it is my favorite song.

There were so many great moments, that it's impossible to pick a favorite. I loved Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder, two musicians I truly admire, wax so poetically about them. Seeing footage of the Heartbreakers acting as the back-up band to Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash were other highlights. I can't wait to get the DVD and watch it all over again.

Quote of the Day:
"Basic research is what I am doing when I don't know what I'm doing" -Werner von Braun

I Am Not Making This Up

2007-09-19T22:11:00.000-04:00

For those who know me, my Hierarchy is extensive. There's the main Hierarchy and the sub-hierarchies. Growing up, the Favorite Writer Hierarchy had one name and one name only: Dave Barry. Dave Barry is a humor writer, and a good enough one to win the Pulitzer Prize. I heart him. His column was the first thing I read every Sunday morning. It wouldn't be Christmas unless Santa bought the new Dave Barry book. He was the best.

When I was a senior in college, he was having a signing at Brookline Booksmith promoting his first novel, "Big Trouble". Not going was not an option. The problem was that his appearance was at the same time as a class. This was a conflict because I had never been late for a class, nevermind skipping one outright. But this was senior year, and this was my favorite writer, so I opted to skip to see Dave Barry.

Meeting him was great. He was very nice and I made him laugh, which I was quite proud of. I even got to have my picture with him, which I have to honestly say, is the greatest photograph I have ever taken (Man, I wish I still looked like this). Circa September 1999:

Now, eight years later, much has changed. Dave Barry stopped his column. There isn't always a new humor book every year. David Sedaris, Sarah Vowell and Tony Kornhesier surpassed him on the Favorite Writer Hierarchy. Yet, when I read that he was going to be at the Union Square Barnes & Noble tonight promoting his new book, I couldn't resist going.

I got a seat right up front. By the time he came out, all the seats were filled. He informed us today was Talk Like a Pirate Day, so we all gave an enthusiastic "Arrrrggghhhh!!". He told us about getting older, AARP, and how he got his start. He was hysterical and it's been quite some time since I've laughed so hard. He asked us trivia question and the prize was a "Dave Barry for President" bumper sticker. I won one by knowing the name of the Clinton's dog (Buddy).

He did a Q&A before the book signing. Knowing he is good friends with Gene Weingarten, I told him that I was one of Gene's "I Heart Gene" chatters and asked about the screenplay they were writing. I also asked if the publishers put him up at the Hotel Shpennsylvania (a reference to my ALL-TIME favorite column: http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1&tid=34939126). He laughed and signed the book and bumper sticker.

I was on the PATH before reading what he wrote. It brought a big smile to my face:

Shameless flattery definitely propels him back to the top of the Hierarchy.

Quote of the Day:
"Pez. It doesn't matter if it's a candy -- it could be a construction material for all we know -- but it comes out of Popeye's mouth and that's cool" -Dave Barry

Neil Patrick Harris Was Robbed!

2007-09-17T19:55:00.000-04:00

"[Insert Losing Nominee's Name Here] was robbed!" That was pretty much my mantra during the 59th Emmy Awards last night. As all of you know, Emmy night is my favorite night of the year. And my expectations were not met.

But to show I'm not a total sourpuss, I'll start with the highlights:
* The opening with Stewie and Brian from Family Guy. Bravo!
* Portia de Rossi's dress. Absolutely beautiful.
* Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert giving Steve Carell the Best Actor, Comedy award by default.
* Lewis Black's ranting monologue against network TV executives. Credits go by entirely too quickly, or are so compacted you can't see anything. I want my credit, dangnabbit!!
* Kudos for Late Night with Conan O'Brien for winning Best Writing, Variety Series. They were 0-20 in nominations and it's about time they get their due.
* 30 Rock winning Best Comedy. I kinda have a crush on Jack McBrayer, who plays Kenneth the Page.

And those were the highlights. Now for the rest:
* What was up with that theatre-in-the-round. Emmy people: Don't ever do that again!
* Brad Garrett. Not funny.
* I have nothing against Tony Bennett. He is a wonderful man with a storied career. With that said, there is no way he should have beaten Letterman, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert for Individual Performance in a Variety Show. Last year it was Barry Manilow and now Tony Bennett. If you want to honor old musicians, give them their own category.
* I love Jeremy Piven. Really, I do. But Neil Patrick Harris is so incredibly good on How I Met Your Mother, that the Best Supporting Actor, Comedy award really belonged to him.
* Again, I like James Spader, but the Academy should have handed Best Actor, Drama to James Gandolfini one more time.

And now for fashion...
Top 5 Best Dressed:
1. Portia de Rossi
2. Felicity Huffman
3. Eva Longoria
4. Stephen Colbert
5. Kate Walsh (minus the horrible decision for that side-swept hair-do)

Top 5 Worst Dressed:
1. Jenna Fischer
2. Ellen Pompeo
3. Elizabeth Perkins
4. Vanessa Williams
5. Hayden Panerette

I was glad to see the classic deep red back in style. Loved the host of Top Chef's diamond necklace. I question William H. Macy's ascot, but I heart him, so it's hard to give him any criticism.

Overall, somewhat disappointing. I really need to become an Emmy voter soon to set these people straight.

Quote of the Day:
"Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired. " -Jules Renard

All The News That's Fit To Print

2007-09-03T19:47:00.000-04:00

On Friday, my roommate Cathy and I were in the audience for the season premiere taping of the Ellen Degeneres Show. While waiting to be seated, we were approached by a reporter for the New York Times. We were questioned about our views for first guest Hillary Clinton. Honest, but diplomatic, we expressed our dislike for her. Here are the links to the New York Times and nj.com, that also made mention of us:

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/degeneresclinton08/
http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2007/09/dance_hillary_dance.html

Quote of the Day:
"Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism; the way you play it is free will." -Jawaharlal Nehru

Chick-a-go

2007-08-23T14:12:00.000-04:00

If it's mid-August then it must be time for my yearly trip to Chicago. This is an eagerly anticipated trip to visit three of my childhood friends -- Karen, Jamie and Rosie. The tradition started three years ago for Rosie's wedding. We had such an awesome time, we decided to make it a yearly thing.

Last Friday started promising. The skies were clear and sunny when I arrived at Newark airport. I checked in, got my seat assignment, no problems. The gate agent gets on the loudspeaker at 1:25pm, which I'm assuming is to start boarding. I gather my things together. But instead of proceeding, he tells a packed gate area the flight has been cancelled. An estimated gazillion people rush the desk to get on the next flight or the flight after that. I'm somewhere in the middle of the pack. I call American Airlines who are of no help. I call my Dad who gives me the name of his travel agent. With her help, I am able to secure a place on the next flight. A couple hours pass and those once sunny and clear skies have now turned omnious. The packed plane boards on time but it has now started to rain. It's another hour before we take off.

Karen and her boyfriend, Ryan meet me at O'Hare. Seeing as my food consumption had consisted of 2 donuts and a pretzel for the day, I was a bit hungry. We met up with our friend Tania, who although we don't look or sound alike, are the exact same person ("You like obscure character actor William Devane??? Me too!!!") We ate at this excellent steak place called Wildfire. Great food, company and atmosphere. I was spent by the time Karen and I got back, and knew Saturday was going to be a packed day, so we called it an early night.

Saturday was awesome. Although it felt more like mid-October than mid-August. Karen, Ryan and I took the train into Chicago and met up with Jamie and Rosie to take a boat architecture tour. It was cool, but the rain held off, and the tour guide was really interesting. From there we ate at the sister restaurant to the Cheesecake Factory called Grand Lux. Very good. We then went to the Art Institute of Chicago. I saw Grant Wood's "American Gothic" which was a true highlight for me. From there we hung out at Rose and Jack's apartment to recharge the batteries. Dinner was at a mexican place. Karen, Ryan and I headed back to the suburbs, where Karen and I spared in Yatzhee and Monopoly.

It was Jamie and Rosie's turn to travel and they came to the suburbs. I had my very first Chicago deep dish pizza, which was par excellent. A tour of Frank Lloyd Wright houses and pedicures followed. The late afternoon led us to a Starbuck's to loiter and talk, which honestly was my favorite part of the trip. Before I knew it, I was back at O'Hare. The flight was delayed a half hour, which was almost on-time compared to what I endured on the way in. Got home around 1am. A whirlwind of a trip, but those are always the best kind.

And once home, I had to deal with the annoyance of getting a refund for the flight that was cancelled. I first call the online company I booked my ticket with. They direct me to American, since they cancelled the flight. American directs me to United since my return flight was with them. I call United and the customer service person says I have to go back to Newark airport to "un-check" myself from the return flight. I tell her no and that's stupid since I already took the flight. This is when I start to lose my cool. After venting my frustration, she puts me on hold and then gives me the number for the United Refund office. Why show just couldn't of done that on the onset, I don't know. Two hours later, I got my refund, but it was customer service runarounds like that that remind me why I like to drive instead of fly.

Quote of the Day:
"Health food makes me sick." -Calvin Trillin

Friar's Club

2007-08-12T13:00:00.001-04:00

Wednesday was one of those roller coaster days that was downhill for the most part, then came alive at the end.

I awoke at 5am to the loudest rain pounding outside my window. There had to of been hail mixed in because I had never heard anything like it before. My room was lighting up by streaks of lighting and the only sound drowning the rain were the claps of thunder. An hour and 20 minutes goes by and not fully falling back asleep, my alarm is barely audible. I turn on the TV, and the first words uttered that morning were by veteran traffic reporter Joe Nolan saying, "In my 28 years of traffic reporting, I have never seen traffic this bad". Weatherman Bill Evans followed up adding, "If you don't have to go outside, don't".

As much as I wanted to heed the warnings of the weather and traffic team, I was forced to get up and get ready for the day. I had to go out to Long Island for a B-Roll shoot and meet my co-worker Jon at Penn Station. And since I had the tripod, I had no choice but to brave the elements.

So out the door I go with my backpack, tripod, umbrella and dress & shoes for the evening. The rain had stopped, but the humidity was unbearable. Two steps out the door and I was already drenched in sweat. I waded through my flooded street and onto the PATH. This was going to be a long day.

At 7:15am I am at the PATH station and about to go through the turnstiles when I hear the announcement that the PATH to 33rd Street is closed in both direction because of signal failure. The World Trade Center PATH was still running, so I figured I'd take that and then the ACE to Penn Station, still optimistic this day wouldn't be a complete disaster. I have no problems getting to WTC and all is well. I get to the ACE and am informed both directions are closed because of flooding. "Of course they are", I think.

So back up to street level in the humidity with my backpack, tripod, umbrella and dress & shoes. No cabs are anywhere. I star trekking north hoping for some merciful taxi to find me. 15 blocks later, one did and I breezed my way uptown finally reaching Penn Station. I meet up with Jon and only being slightly late, caught the next LIRR train. It took the entire hour ride for me to regain my composure.

The B-Roll shoot was fine. The hospital we went to were incredible and extremely generous. I wish all hospital were as accommodating as them.

5pm and we get back in the LIRR back into the city. I have to be in midtown by 7:30pm and the clock is ticking. As we approach the city, there is an announcement of 5 additional stops because of a home Mets game. This only added to my panic of not getting to my event on time. The train pulls into Penn Station a little after 6pm. Jon hands me the monitor and I head to the taxi line. There are 12 people in front of me and I need to get to the office, drop everything off, change and eat with less than an hour and a half. The taxi guy asked if anyone was going downtown. I popped up my hand and cut the line. Steamrolling into the office, I drop everything, eat all I can in about 2 minutes, throw on the dress and head back out the door. I have a half hour.

I find a cab not too far from the office. The drive crosstown was fine and for the first time that day, felt some relief. And then we turned onto Park Avenue with an endless sea of red tailights. There is nothing I can do except watch the minutes tick on the taxi clock. We're at a red light on E. 46th & Park with under ten minutes to go, and know I can walk faster than this cab. Get out and walk the next nine blocks. A couple of minutes, I reach my destination: the Friar's Club.

The Friar's Club is a historic New York landmark. It is meetingplace for anyone who is anyone in the world of comedy. They are the ones who do all those roasts. Cheryl, with her Writer's Guild connections, saw an event there, and asked if I wanted to go. Just being at the Friar's Club was exciting enough, but the event was the icing on the cake: performers and writers of Letterman, Conan, SNL and the Daily Show doing stand-up.

Cheryl and I go in and I can feel the history just standing in the lobby. We go to the bar and after the bartender looking pathetically at me after ordering a Shirley Temple, we look around. Jason Sudekis of SNL and 30 Rock is standing next to Cheryl. We see Rob Riggle and John Oliver from the Daily Show walk in. This is going to be an awesome event.

The Friar's tend to skew older, but seeing as this was a joint Friar/WGA event, I expected to see a younger crowd. Cheryl and I were two of the more younger ones there, and we were seated right up front in the Frank Sinatra Dining Room. The show was fantastic. Representing Letterman were Eddie Brill and some other writer. Conan: Mike McCann, Brian Kiley. SNL: Jason Sudekis and writer Colin Joost (hilarious). Daily Show: Jason Oliver, Rob Riggle and writer J.R. Halverstrom. Jason Oliver totally stole the show and Cheryl and I heart him.

The Friar's Club is what I envision New York to be. I hope to go to more events there sooner than later.

Finally I get home and fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

Quote of the Day:
"If we are to learn to improve the quality of the decisions we make, we need to accept the mysterious nature of our snap judgments." -Malcolm Gladwell

Programming Alert: Cash Cab - After Dark

2007-08-07T17:08:00.000-04:00

Beginning on Wednesday August 8th at 10pm on the Discovery Channel, is a new version of "Cash Cab", called "Cash Cab - After Dark". It's just like regular "Cash Cab", but more focused on nightlife, drinking, drugs, tattoos, and the like. I was a question writer for the show.

Yes, it's very strange that I, of all people, contributed to this format. But it was really fun and a learned a lot. For example, people will pierce anything.

And for all you "Mystery Diagnosis" fans, you will want to DVR tomorrow's show on TLC at 10 (while watching "Cash Cab - After Dark"). There is a segment about flesh-eating bacteria. In some scenes, I play said flesh-eating bacteria patient. Call me modest, but it's truly an Oscar-worthy performance.

Happy Watching!!

Quote of the Day:
"Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't." -Richard David Bach

Programming Alert: Grand Slam

2007-08-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

Programming note!! Beginning tonight and airing every Saturday and Sunday this August at 7pm (repeats at 10pm) is band-new spankin' show on Game Show Network called GRAND SLAM. This show pits 16 of the top game show contestants of all-time against one another in an ultimate trivia showdown. I am very proud to have been a researcher for the show.

So watch...you may learn something.

Quote of the Day:
"No mind is much employed upon the present; Recollection and anticipation fill up almost all our moments." -Dr. Samuel Johnson

Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken

2007-07-29T14:11:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting for this day for a very long time. This afternoon, my hero, Cal Ripken, Jr. got inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I sit here with tears in my eyes, clad in the orange and black for today's ceremony.

There are four Cal moments that have been swirling through my mind all day.

The first came when I was 8 years old. Cal, Cal Sr., Billy Ripken and the Bird were signing autographs at Montgomery Mall. We must have waited a couple of hours, but I got my autographs, and still proudly have them.

The second was that historic September 6, 1995 night when Cal broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive record streak. When the game became official and the "1" banner dropped, I have rarely felt such elation. I cried through much of Cal's victory lap, and still get a little emotional every time a clip is shown. In these days of corporate sponsorship, steroids and tainted records, it remains refreshing to have a moment of pure professionalism, athleticism and personal achievement.

The third came on a hazy, ungodly hot summer afternoon at Camden Yards in 1998. I was interning for HTS, the Orioles cable network. I was helping Tom Davis set up his pre-game report. Having a couple free moments, I sat in on the bench of the Orioles dugout. Eric Davis and Brady Anderson walked by me. To my right, about 5 feet away was Cal Ripken preparing for the night's game. I was 5 feet from my hero. I was drenched in sweat and had a rapidly beating heart, but am still unsure if that was from being so close to Cal or the relentless heat. I looked over at him, and saw a man preparing for his job. And although he was my hero and a superstar baseball player, he was for that moment, a regular person. And it was at that moment, I stopped being starstruck.

Finally, Cal's final games at Fenway Park in September 2001. It truly is amazing I wasn't fired at some point in those three days. The Red Sox showed much patience and I am forever appreciative. I was asked by the organization to make a tribute video for Cal for his final Fenway game. I called my mom, and by the next morning, had every Cal momento collected through the years. In the one minute 42 second video, about 80% of the footage came from my own collection.

The Sunday before his last game was an afternoon game. Afterwards, I hung around in the Control Room, putting the finishing touches on my video. I took a break and saw Cal walking on the field with a video camera. I took that moment to go to the controls for the Green Monster scoreboard and punch in the number 8 in the At Bat section. Mikey, showing a rare kindness to my Cal obsession, but up the number 8 on the jumbotron. I watched Cal walk along the field, hoping in some part I made this walk a little more special.

The final Fenway game was a very emotional day. Anxious for my video and for the game, my other job told me to leave by 11am and I spent the rest of the day at the park. I watched Cal conduct interview after interview in the stands. When I brought down the radar gun before the game, I stayed down there for the pre-game ceremonies. My video played on the jumbotron. My video played on the FOX affiliate. My video played on HTS for my Mom to see. Later, my friends at FOX taped Cal watching my tribute. At the end, he nudged the person next to him and said, "That was nice". There are few moments where I've been prouder. I alternated watching Cal's at-bats down with Ed Riley and behind PA announcer extrodinaire, Ed Brickley. Much of the game is a blur.

Seeing Cal's final at-bat was coming, I waded through the packed Fenway stands back down to Ed Riley. He was right behind the backstop, directly behind home plate. He made sure I was right up front, with nobody blocking my view. Ed gives Cal the most perfect introduction and Cal takes to the plate. The video shows me clinging to the backstop, and tears rolling down my eyes. I'm yelling, "Thank you, Cal", "I love you Cal". I stayed down there for the remainder of the game. Although I should have continued to stay there, I headed back to the Control Room when the game ended. I spent the next hour watching Cal thank fans in waves of mutual admiration. I went home that night so thankful that I got to, in some small way, thank Cal Ripken for all the happiness he brought me for so many years.

So with today's induction, I am reminded of so many prominent Cal Ripken moments in childhood memories. And so with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, I simply say thank you Cal.

Quote of the Day:
"Equations are the devil's sentences" -Stephen Colbert

10 Years Ago Today

2007-07-14T12:18:00.000-04:00

Today is a very important day in my life. It's one of those days that was life-changing. Ten years ago today, I went to my first taping of "Late Show with David Letterman".

It was the summer in between by freshman and sophmore year of college. I had gotten the tickets a couple of weeks before and was so excited. Touching the tickets was like touching gold. I hyperventilated. I was finally going to see my idol in person. Life was good.

Monday July 14, 1997. My Mom and I stayed with relatives and took the train in from Connecticut. I had been to New York once before when I was really young, but I didn't remember much if it. I loved New York instantly. I loved the energy and pace. We walked up W. 53rd Street and I vividly remember seeing the Ed Sullivan Theatre come into view on Broadway. I look to my right and see a Roy Rogers. I am home.

Mom and I go to the theatre and get our tickets numbered #13 and #14 (the ticketing system has since changed). We spent the rest of the day walking around and taking in the sights -- the NBC tour, 5th Avenue. But each minute passed was a minute closer to Dave.

Finally the time comes for us to return to the theatre and we stood in line. We struck up a conversation with a teacher from Indiana who had come specifically to see Dave. I was very much in my element. Everyone around me loving Dave as much as me. Everyone knowing how many guys in bear suits fit in a coffee shop (23). I've never been so happy.

We seemed to stand in line forever. But I was too busy looking around taking everything in. Finally, we are ushered into the theatre. Mom and I are put in the third row on the right, the first complete row so nobody is sitting in front of us. It was definitely as cold as the rumor says.

This is when the life-changing moment happened. The warm-up guy, Eddie Brill, comes out, but I don't concentrate on him. I'm on sensory overload taking absolutely everything in. I'm watching the camera guys, and the stage managers and the prop people, and I have a feeling of overwhelming sadness. I want to be on that stage, I want to be part of this so badly. This is what I want to do. It was at that moment, those few moments before Dave came on stage, that I decided I was going to have a career in television.

Paul and the band were introduced and then the man of the hour came on stage. David Letterman was mere feet from me. He asked if anyone was from Indiana and the women I was speaking to earlier in line raised her hand. He called on her. She said she had come to New York to see him and to be a singer. They banter and he goes backstage. The show begins.

After the monologue, Dave brings the woman on stage to sing a song. She goes back to her seat and they Dave comes towards her, and hands her a canned ham. Dave is now inches from me. I am euphoric. On the tape of the show, you can actually see me stand a little in my seat. The woman is three seats to my left and I actually asked to hold the ham. She hands it to me; I am hugging the ham. And then I gave it back.

During the first commerical break, Inky the Cue Card Boy must have noticed my "highly admiring". He hands me a blue card Dave had tossed during the first act. I am beside myself. I am absolutely beside myself.

Tim Allen was a surprise guest for the top 10. Don Rickles was the first guest. Brendan Fraser was guest number 2. When Dave told the guests for the next night, he tossed his pencil into the camera. Inky hands me this as well. I honestly think I am going to combust. En Vogue was the musical guest. Dave says good night. As I'm walking out, Alan Kalter gave me the front page of the script. I hold my new momentos like one would hold the Hope Diamond or the original copy of the Constitution.

We head back to Connecticut having experienced one of the greatest days of my life.

I've seen Dave a handful of times since, the highlight coming three years later when I actually spoke to him. But nothing will compare to that first time, ten years ago today.

Quote of the Day:
"We do not remember days, we remember moments." -Cesare Pavese

More Bling

2007-07-03T18:29:00.000-04:00

There must be something in the water...

Congrats and much love to my friend Rick on his engagement to his girlfriend, Sarah. I am very happy for them both.

Quote of the Day:
"No profit grows where there is no pleasure ta'en." -William Shakespeare, "The Taming of the Shrew"

Angelina and Eartha and J

2007-07-02T20:14:00.000-04:00

It's been an interesting couple of weeks. I am enjoying writing for "Cash Cab". It's definitely a challenge seeing as I am writing for "Cash Cab: After Dark". With "After Dark", I have to write questions that are "edgy". Topics include drinking, tattoos, goth, piercings and the hipster scene among others. This isn't exactly my forte, which makes the challenge all the more fun. The job goes for a couple more weeks.

Two weeks ago, Cheryl and I took advantage of her Writer's Guild membership and took in a free screening of "A Mighty Heart". To be honest, neither of us gave a hoot about the film. We were there to see a Q&A with Angelina Jolie and others from the cast. OK, we were hoping to catch a glimpse of Brad Pitt. When we got there, all cell phones with cameras and cameras had to be checked in. The movie was sad, and that was to be expected. Angelina came out and she is very striking. Very thin and definitely had a presence about her. The questions were par for the course. Alas, Brad was not there. Or if he was, we didn't see him. It was one of those events that could only happen in New York.

Last Monday I returned to Carnegie Hall. Erin and I went to Eartha Kitt's 80th birthday celebration. She may be 80, but she still has it going on. She was amazing and is truly a national treasure. Her duet of "Santa Baby" with LaChanze was a highlight, as was Ben Vereen's serenade of "My Funny Valentine". Tanya Pinkins was also there to celebrate. She's performing at the Carlyle in the fall and I just may have to go back and see her.

On Friday, I made a rare public outing with my friends to celebrate J's birthday. Seeing as I genuinely like him, I didn't have much of a choice. I departed before the real debauchery began, but stayed enough to have 2 Shirley Temples.

And finally, much love and congrats to John Chandler and his new bride Amanda. The Chandler's were married on Friday in Cape Cod. I wish them nothing but the best and happiness.

Quote of the Day:
"What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens." -Benjamin Disraeli

Oh, What a Night!

2007-06-08T15:19:00.001-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, the past 24 hours of my life:

Thursday
10:30am - Offered a job to be a writer for Discovery Channel game show "Cash Cab".

10:31-10:59am - Mini panic attack. Had been offered another job as well and weighing the pros and cons of what to take.

11:00am - Return phone call to "Cash Cab" and accept their offer. I am officially a game show writer!!!

11:05am - Turn down other job offer. Hope that I made the right decision and not burning any bridges. Feeling pretty good.

11:05am-6:45pm - "Work"

6:45-7:15pm - Commute to studio for "Grand Slam" tapings

8-10:45pm - Watch tapings. See that I am about two inches taller than Dennis Miller. He is awesome. The shows are real nail-biters. A lot of fun and wish to still be a game show contestant one day.

10:45-10:50pm - In a cab headed towards the PATH station. See more traffic than there should be and opt to get out and walk to Port Authority.

10:45-11:55pm - Wait/Travel home from Port Authority.

11:59pm - Get home and head upstairs. Discover the door to my bedroom locked. Do not usually lock the door and therefore do not have the key to open it on me. Landlord had been there earlier to fix AC and must have locked it on his way out.

Midnight - Overtired and panicing. Consider crying (but don't).

12:01-12:10am - Get a screwdriver and attempt to pry open the lock. This fails. Decide to slumber in the captain's chair in the basement. Roommate Liz is awake and offers me t-shirt and sheets. Write note to Meg, so when she sees my backpack outside my door, she'll know why.

12:15-12:25am - Attempt to sleep in captain's chair. Lower back pain confirms this is not going to work. Debate sleeping outside on the couch.

12:26-12:29am - Take cushion from couch and bring it downstairs. Make a makeshift bed.

12:30-12:45pm - Cannot sleep. Envisioning Meg reading note and laughing, causing me to laugh.

12:46am - Meg comes home.

12:47-12:55am - Meg laughing at me. Gets me an extra blanket. And laughs. And laughs some more.

12:56-2:00am - Cannot sleep. Want to sleep so badly. Think I might not ever sleep again.

2:00-5:00am - Sleep.

5:01am - Wake up.

5:02-7:15am - Kinda doze off and on but never really fall back asleep. Hear roommates beging to stir.

7:16am - Call landlord. Landlord assumed I locked my door. Landlord wrong. Landlord says he will be there in about an hour.

8:30am - Landlord arrives with giant ring of keys.

8:31-8:35am - Landlord tries all keys. None fit my door.

8:36-8:45am - Landlord returns home to get more keys.

8:46-8:50am - Landlord tries second giant ring of keys. None fit my door. Begin to wonder if I will ever see my room again. Landlord asks for my cell and calls his wife. I return to the basement.

9:00am - Hear my cell phone ring. Landlord is not answering it.

9:01am - Run upstairs to answer phone.

9:02am - See bedroom door open. Ask landlord what happened. Landlord took the screen off the bathroom, went on roof, and even though my window has no part of the roof on it, somehow got across and opening my bedroom door from the inside.

9:04am - Thank landlord for coming in and give him key to make a duplicate. Landlord leaves. I forget to ask if my AC is fixed. Too tired to turn on AC to find out.

9:05am - Collapse into bed.

10:30am - Alarm goes off. Get ready to start the day.

Quote of the Day:
"What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens." -Benjamin Disraeli

Random Thoughts and Ramblings

2007-06-06T18:46:00.000-04:00

It has been far too long and I apologize. So instead of long, drawn out stories, I give you another edition of Random Thoughts and Rmablings. Enjoy.

* Much congrats and love to my childhood friend Nathalie who is expecting her first child in November. Just when I finally start accepting that my friends are of the age of getting married, Nat has to up the ante and have a kid. This may take some time getting use to.

* Another congrats to my friend Alissa who is abandoning me for another Ellen. She so impressed the producers of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that they created a position just for her. She will be an Associate Producer of Human Interest Stories. I wish I could take all the credit of her success through my mentoring and friendship, but cannot. She has incredible ambition and talent and will no doubt be success in L.A. Sadly, she is probably going to win an Emmy Award before me. I best be mentioned in her acceptance speech. She also gets to reprise her role as seat fillers at the Tony Awards coming up this Sunday. She's come quite a ways from Queer Eye intern.

* You know what really, honest and truly frightens me? Those shoes that little kids wear that double as roller skates. They'll be walking and all the sudden start gliding. They totally freaks me out and don't like them one bit!!

* My home is still couch-less. We thought we found one on Craigslist. We paid for it and brought it home. Unfortunately we couldn't get it inside our home. Despite the many, many attempts we failed and is now displayed on our front porch. Worse, the person I gave it to never mailed it to the ex-couch owner. He requested I cancel the check, which I did, and which cost me an additional $30. Grrr.

* It has been a magical couple of months working at "Grand Slam". I have been working with incredible people and feel so grateful to be part of this team. I hope to work with these people again sooner than later. In the past two months I have personally researched over 1000 questions. Watch out trivia contests!! I want my free t-shirts and gift certificates and nothing will stop me. I even researched math! Nothing can stop me.

* Look for "Grand Slam" to start airing on the Game Show Network in August. I'll be sure to give a reminder just in case.

* Top 5 Most Played songs currently on my iTunes:
- Shelter From the Storm by Bob Dylan
- There's Always Someone Cooler Than You by Ben Folds
- The Warrior by Scandal
- U + Ur Hand by Pink
- Sunshine of Your Love by Cream

* Bundle up folks, because on June 23rd, Hell is freezing over. After two and a half years of utter and complete harassing, I worn my Dad down enough to pay New York another visit. Dad thinks New York is Hell, but I ropose that if he can fly halfway around the world to play with baby orangatangs, he can take a three hour train ride to visit his daughter. Only fair, right? (Although I must admit it's a tough call)

* A couple of weeks ago I made a triumphant return to Christie's auction house after a lengthy absence. There was an entertainment memorabilia preview that again lived up to expectations. The big item was a pink and gold dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", which sold for over $200,000 a couple of days later. Also featured were many lots from Laurel & Hardy, original Disney animation cells, as well as drawings of Mickey by Walt Disney. A lot of "Star Trek" stuff, including a captain's chair and costumes. Also, what was incredible to see in person was Steve McQueen's car. A hot car for a hot man. Good times.

* However, what I am not appreciative of New York are the onslaught of tourists who do not move or if they are moving, stop suddenly on the sidewalks. I hate these people with all of my heart and soul. Just move. Or if you do decide to stop, simply move to the side. Seriously people. It's not that hard.

* Season 2 of the Muppet Show is coming out in August. Awesome.

Quote of the Day:
"Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself; I am large, I contain multitudes." -Walt Whitman

Water, Water Everywhere

2007-04-16T08:32:00.000-04:00

It has been an interesting time. What started out as something kinda funny, turned into something completely not funny.

I made a lovely steak dinner and literally just sat down to eat when the power went out at 6:45. It had been raining all day, so it wasn't too much of a surprise that it went out. It'll come back in a few minutes. Eileen and Suzanne come downstairs, we eat and light a few candles. The power will be back soon. Around 7:15 I get up and my sock is wet. I look down and the kitchen floor has begun to flood. We take the chairs and put them in the living room. I run upstairs and put on boots. It wasn't more than 2 minutes before I got back down. By now a layer of water is on the floor. We move more stuff into the safety of the living room.

We go outside to see if the power is out elsewhere. Our block is dark. A lake of water formed at the nearby intersection and the rain is still coming down. We are outside for about 10 minutes. We get back in and the floor of the living room is now wet. Trying to remain calm, we think about what to do.

Roommate Liz has all of her stuff in the basement. We grab her shoes and bring them upstairs to dry ground. We then try and get anything of Liz's that might get wet and bring that upstairs. The water is increasing exponentially. The water is as high as my boots and we are literally wading through the kitchen to save stuff. Liz comes home. The landlord also comes by to survey the situation. We even have the fire department check things out.

At 10pm the electricity returns. With the electricity back, the pumps begin working again. Over the next hour the water recedes. At 11 we go down again. Everything in the kitchen and living room is ruined. Couches, bookshelves, tables are unsalvagable. We begin sweeping and using what we have and make little progress. The fridge filled with freshly bought food is now spoiled. The smell of mildew and bacteria is overwhelming.

It's been a long 18 hours. Much credit goes to Eileen for keeping everyone calm and organized. There's a lot of work to be done. Gar!!!

Quote of the Day:
"Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, And don't put up with people that are reckless with yours." -Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

The King Turns 60

2007-04-12T10:46:00.000-04:00

A very special Genius Switch wish to the King of Late Night, the patron saint of the Genius Switch, Mr. David Letterman himself, on his 60th birthday. In honor of Dave's birthday, I have donned my Late Show hat. It also helps that it is super yucky out and it was probably going to be a hat day anyways.

And not to be outdone, Happy Birthday to my Mom as well. Like me, Mom is celebrating her 29th birthday too.

Quote of the Day:
"I am the host of the Late Show, the most powerful man in American broadcasting." -David Letterman

30 Minus 1

2007-04-11T10:33:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday Meeeeeeeeee,
Happy Birthday to Me.

YAY!!!

The big 2-9 is not that scary yet. With that said, the day is young and I have 365 more days to accept that the 20s are behind me.

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes, cards, Shirley Temples and cupcakes. You all are the best!

Quote of the Day:
"You are a person who thrives on challenge, and you often feel that you must battle your way through life, depending upon no one and nothing but your own strength, intelligence, and courage. You believe in being totally honest, true to oneself and one's own vision and convictions, even if that means standing alone. Honesty, integrity, personal honor, and authenticity are your gods, and you have no sympathy for weakness of character in others." -My Horoscope from Astrology.com

Gen. Grant, Bagpipes and Scones

2007-04-08T18:29:00.000-04:00

It's been some time in the making, but Cheryl and I had another installment of the Day of Fun yesterday: the Day of Fun - The Wrath of the Day of Fun.

The first stop in the Day of Fun was the New York Historical Society. After climbing many stairs to the 4th floor Henry Luce III Cultural Center, we looked at many items of not just New York, but Americana. My favorite piece was the to-size model bust of Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial. The Luce center also had many items from colonial times and the Civil War. I particularly enjoyed the various presidential campaign buttons over the years. We then looked at original drawings of birds from the Audobon Society, before heading to the main floor. There was a special exhibit on Tiffany Lamps, especially those designed by Clara Driscoll in the early 1900s. They were all nothing less than truly spectacular. The sheer beauty and craftsmanship was overwhelming. After a short rest in the cafe, we went to the gift shop, which is honestly the best gift shop ever. Cheryl finally got her plush Gen. Grant she has been craving. In return, I bought a plush Lincoln magnet. I had to hold myself back from buying the temporary tattoos for librarians, including such messages as "I Heart the Dewey Decimal System".

After waiting what seemed like forever for the bus, we made it to Grand Central Station for the yearly Scottish festival. We weren't sure where to go, but then the lovely drones of the bagpipes guided us in the right direction. Sadly, the bagpipes were finishing up when we got there, but did get to see a demonstration of making barrels to hold whisky. I did get to see some men in kilts, but was overall disappointed in the selection. What can I say, Roddy keeps the bar high.

We were getting a little tired by this point, so we headed to the Village and to Tea and Sympathy. I guided us in the wrong direction, and we got to see a drug arrest going on. We also stopped by this awesome vintage dress shop. Tea and Sympathy was very snug. I had some scones, while Cheryl had her tea. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the 'Boken.

All in all, the Day of Fun lived up to its name. Can't wait to do it again.

Quote of the Day:
"I am always prepared for lack of intellectual discourse. I cover television." -Lisa deMoraes, television reporter for the Washington Post

Heeeeeeeeere's Conan!

2007-04-06T11:10:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to the Museum of TV & Radio, one of my most favorite places in New York. The reason: a seminar with Late Night host Conan O'Brien and four of his writers. Rather, a seminar with Conan O'Brien and four writers who say one sentence apiece in the two hour session. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I went to these seminars all the time when I was at BU. MTR is great with their satillite series and for TV geeks like me, it's a great opportunity to see the best minds in television let their guard down and really talk about their craft and the industry.

Conan was no exception. He is extremely knowledgeable and entertaining and one of the quickest wits around. It's been quite some time since I've laughed as hard as I did last night. He spoke of the writing process and his influences in television, praising the greats like Johnny Carson and David Letterman. The best part were hearing about some of the show's happy accidents, including the Finland show.

The funniest unintentional moments came from watching the face of the moderator. For the most part, he didn't know how to react. He would have that plastic smile face and morph into seriousness the next moment. Ahhh, comedy.

All in all a great time. The MTR really is an awesome place and for doing events like this. You should check it out if you have the chance.

Quote of the Day:
"What if this weren't a hypothetical question?" -Unknown

I Am Smarter Than A Fifth Grader

2007-04-05T15:51:00.000-04:00

It brings me great joy in announcing that I am back among the employed with an uber-awesome new job. Starting Monday, I am a Researcher for a new game show called "Grand Slam". It's a tournament style show pitting all the top contestants of game show history (Jeopardy, Millionaire, Tic Tac Dough, etc...) against one another.

I've always loved game shows and one of my greatest dreams is to be on one. But because I am in the TV industry, it's hard to get on as a contestant because you wind up knowing someone and being ineligable. So this is the next best thing. Either way I'm getting paid to know trivia.

YAY!!!!

Quote of the Day:
"Look for the ridiculous in everything and you will find it." -Jules Renard

Larry "Bud" Melman

2007-03-29T16:38:00.000-04:00

I am a horrible SuperFan for not posting this earlier. Last week, a fixture in the success both "Late Night" and "Late Show". Calvert DeForest aka Larry "Bud" Melman, passed away at the age of 85.

If you've never seen the clip of him interviewing passengers in Port Authority, go to You Tube and check it out. A wonderful comic relief for the day.

I highly recommend reading this wonderful tribute by the Washington Post's Tom Shales:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/25/AR2007032501211.html

Quote of the Day:
""Everyone always wondered if Calvert was an actor playing a character, but in reality he was just himself -- a genuine, modest and nice man. To our staff and to our viewers, he was a beloved and valued part of our show, and we will miss him." - David Letterman on Calvert DeForest

The 3's

2007-03-12T22:16:00.000-04:00

I was up in Boston this weekend to celebrate the 3rd birthday of BabyBunny. It's incredible to believe that three years have gone by so quickly. I took my rightful place on the couch and watched the giant TV. There was cake and Utz's cheese balls, which I am entirely addicted to.

As you can see, BabyBunny was thrilled to have me there:

I have such a way with children. Happy Birthday BabyBunny!!

Quote of the Day:
"It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." -Winston Churchill on Russia

Perfect From Now On

2007-03-05T21:02:00.000-05:00

A shout out and congratulations to my friend John Sellers on the publication of his new book, Perfect From Now On. The book chronicles his love of independent music, specifically Guided By Voices.

He appreciates pop culture and is a devoted SuperFan to his many interests. John has a wry and snarky sense of humor, and I think you'll really enjoy the book. It's a good read and I highly recommend you go to your nearest bookstore and buy it. NOW!!

Quote of the Day:
"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?" --Henry Ward Beecher

Post-Oscar Round Up

2007-02-26T18:31:00.000-05:00

Another year, another Oscars. This year's show had good intentions, but didn't completely deliver. Ellen DeGeneres did a great job, and I hope she gets asked back. There were entirely too many montages (did we really need Michael Mann's montage of America's influence on film at 11:15pm....no). The producers were wrong to wait over an hour into the show to hand out a big award (Alan Arkin winning Best Supporting Actor) and the 8:30pm start time had me feeling it was going to be a long evening right off the bat.

OK, now the good stuff. Best Dressed, worst dressed and notes:

Best Dressed:
1. Reese Witherspoon
2. Cate Blanchett
3. Maggie Gyllenhaal
4. Emily Blunt
5. Helen Mirren
Honorable Mentions: Japanese Actress from Babel, Diane Keaton

Worst Dressed:
1. Cameron Diaz
2. Kirsten Dunst
3. Meryl Streep
4. Jennifer Hudson (only the jacket part in the pre-show)
5. Jennifer Lopez
Dishonorable Mentions: Anne Hathaway, Quincy Jones, Kelly Preston (wearing leopard print to the Oscars in inexcusable)

Other Dress Comments:
* I thought Gwyneth looked gorgeous, and I loved the color, but not the
actual dress
* Naomi Watts would have been better without the sleeves
* Nicole Kidman would have been better without the bow
* Philip Seymour Hoffman needs a bath and a comb

Overall Notes:
* I am still distraught over a bald Jack Nicholson. He looks like Lex
Luthor. I don't like it.
* Do you think Peter O'Toole knew where he was? He looked like a
corpse.
* LOVED the Will Ferrell/Jack Black/John C. Reilly song. Brilliant!
* Happy to see Sherry Lansing get the recognition she deserves.
* Helen Mirren is awesome.

Quote of the Day:
"Peter O'Toole, eighth nomination tonight. Well, you know what they say, third time's a charm." -Ellen Degeneres

Good Morning (Oscar)

2007-02-22T16:01:00.000-05:00

It's been said that something new is learned everyday. I believe this to be true. For example, yesterday I learned that something called a "5:15am" exists. That's when ye olde alarm clock went off and awoke me from my peaceful slumber. One of the things I've been wanting to do since moving to New York was to be in the audience for Good Morning America. I grew up a GMA Girl, and was waiting for the right time to see the show.

I saw that actor extrordinare, William H. Macy was going to be on show to promote his soon-to-be-on-video film, Wild Hogs. I adore him so much and was hoping this would be my opportunity to catch a glimpse. I get to the studio at 6:30am and the line wasn't long at all. We are ushered into the studio at W. 44th & Broadway. There is nothing going on in this studio for the first hour of the show, which made us wonder why there was even an audience needed. Then comes the announcement that Jerry Springer will be making his way to the studio to announce the next cast of Dancing with the Stars.

The 8am hour begins and the studio is abuzz. Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, Sam Champion and Jerry Springer come in. I am in the background for Sam's weather report. Jerry Springer announces the contestants. I'm in the background again for Diane doing a segment on yogurt -- and yes, I got free yogurt. It was 9am before I knew it and the show ended. Diane waved to the masses and Robin posed for pictures.

William H. Macy was there, but was interviewed upstairs, so I did not get a chance to see him. In the future, if there's a guest I want to see, I'll just go to the stage entrance instead of going in the studio. Live and learn. I had the chance to see John Travolta, who was coming in to pre-tape an interviewed. I stood by the stage entrance for a couple of seconds before realizing that I could care less about John Travolta, so I headed home.

Today, I headed back to the Times Square studio. In celebration of the Academy Awards, they had a real Oscar that we could hold and have our picture taken with. Of course, this was too good to pass up. I'm annoyed that I always look sleepy in pictures. I would have wanted to look better for Oscar.

So it's been a productive couple of days. If nothing else, it's proof that I actually left the house.

Quote of the Day:
"It is dangerous to let the public behind the scenes. They are easily disillusioned and then they are angry with you, for it was the illusion they loved." -- W. Somerset Maugham

The Greta Garbo Theory

2007-02-18T22:15:00.000-05:00

The Greta Garbo Theory. Greta Garbo was one of the most beautiful and talented actresses from the dawn of motion pictures. Towards the end of her storied Greta Garbo's career, she became a virtual recluse. Garbo shunned the spotlight at all costs. So when she did make an appearance, it was quite the happening. Although I cannot claim to have any great acting talent, I do have one thing in common with the esteemed actress.

It is a rarity that I leave the house on weekends. Even moreso on a Saturday night. In the big city. It is the rare special occasion that gets me out of my cocoon and out and about with people. This rare occasion was Cheryl's birthday party. Cheryl, Meg and I made it to Sessions Bar after some transportation snags. I tried to see it as an omen for me to go home, but the Birthday Girl and Meg would have none of it.

So, I drank a Coke, bopped to the 80s cover band and had my very first picture taken with J.

All in all a fun evening spent with friends and for the great cause of Cheryl's birthday.

Back to hibernation...

Quote of the Day:
"To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others." --François Mauriac

Beanpot

2007-02-13T12:25:00.000-05:00

Once again the mighty Boston University Terriers are Beanpot champions!! This brings the Beanpot total to 28 titles in 55 outings, 3 consecutive titles and 11 in the past 13. The hated BC Eagles gave us a scare in the third, but we triumphed in overtime. Take that BC!! Whooooooo!

BC Sucks!! GO BU!!!

Quote of the Day:
"One of my theories is that men love with their eyes; women love with their ears." -Zsa Zsa Gabor

The King of Late Night

2007-02-01T11:32:00.000-05:00

It is a momentous day in the life of the patron saint of the Genius Switch, Mr. David Letterman. It was 25 years today that "Late Night with David Letterman" premiered on NBC and revolutionized late night television, serving as an influence to many of today's top comics.

The genius of "Late Night" was that it did not appeal to everyone. The humor was dry and snarky. Characters like Larry "Bud" Melman, The Man Who Lives Under the Stairs and Peggy, the Foul-Mouthed Librarian had never been seen on television before and there was a shock and awe element to them, as well as a humorous one. Letterman took the best of Johnny Carson and enhanced it. Being on at 12:30am, he was able to be more honest and do things more daring.

A few moments in "Late Night's" history stand out. The first being Monkey Cam -- where a camera was attached to Zippy the Chimp and the show was seen through its perspective. "The Gong Show" (which Letterman often appeared on) served as a precursor to Stupid Human Tricks and Stupid pet Tricks. The first to jump in a suit of velcro, the first to dive into a bowl of Rice Krispies to "snap, crackle and pap" and the first to don a suit of Alka-Seltzer, David Letterman was daring. He was brave enough to have a high-on-acid Crispin Glover on the air, interview Bill Hicks and give a little-known disc jockey named Howard Stern his first national audience. Letterman also showcased the antics of Andy Kaufman -- including the infamous thowing of coffee in the face of Jerry Lawler, -- quite often and considers him his all-time favorite guest. R.E.M, Jon Stewart, k.d. Lang, the Wildflowers, and Bobcat Goldthwait all made their network television debuts on "Late Night". The show won for consecutive Emmys 1983-1987 for Best Writing, Variety and was the most recorded show in the 1980s.

After being unforgiveably passed over for "the Tonight Show" after Johnny Carson retired, Letterman took the show, renamed "Late Show with David Letterman", to CBS. Although now armed with a larger audience, Letterman kept this same wry humor. He enlisted the help of his Ed Sullivan Theatre neighbors. "Late Show" is not without it's water-cooler moments. In 1994, Madonna famously dropped the F-bomb 13 times. Drew Barrymore flashed him as a present for his 50th birthday. An entire hour was devoted to Warren Zevon; the last public appearance before his death. And all the while he never let little things like a quintuple-bypass surgery or the shingles keep him down.

Without David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld and Jimmy Kimmel would not be the successes they are today. All owe a large debt of graitude to Letterman and all the contributions he's made during these 25 years. In the 4506 shows (it would take 187.5 days or six months straight without a single repeat) he's done, he's proved time and time again that he merited Johnny Carson's crown as the true King of Late Night.

Keeping personal moments aside, here is a list of my favorite "Late Night"/"Late Show" moments:
10. Jay Thomas' Lone Ranger Story
9. Dave & Steve's Gay Vacation
8. The GE handshake
7. Dave's record collection
6. The Big Man on Campus
5. Dave returning from quintuple-heart surgery
4. Just Bulbs / Just Shades
3. Dave announcing the birth of his son, Harry
2. Dave and Richard Simmons going door-to-door in New Jersey.
1. Dave and his Mom playing "Guess the Pie" every Thanksgiving.

Quote(s) of the Day:
"Are we better than Letterman? No. The man is a genius and an icon for the ages." -Jon Stewart
"I love David Letterman. He's like the perfect man to me - offbeat looks, great sense of humor and super intelligent." -Drew Barrymore

Denny Doherty

2007-01-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago I was talking with a friend about music. He asked if I could go back in time and see any group, who would it be. It would have been awesome to see the Doors; Jim Morrison staggering around in a drug-fueled haze, slurring "Hello, I Love You". Or maybe the original lineup of the Who and see Keith Moon dominate a 25-minute drum solo. Janis Joplin had such a great rasp to her voice. I bet she was amazing in person. And then there's Elvis. Or the Beatles. After much thought I gave him my answer: The Mamas and the Papas.

The harmonies the Mamas and the Papas produced were revolutionary. John Phillips was a songwriting genius. There are few others more beautiful than Michelle Phillips. Cass Elliot had a zest for life which resonated through her voice. And Denny Doherty united these voices. Although they are best known for "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday", it's their lesser known songs that were my favorites. "Creque Alley" told the story of how the bank formed. "I Saw Her Again Last Night" was John Phillips revenge song for Denny and Michelle's affair. Although the group only lasted three years, their music remains timeless.

I was saddened to hear of Denny Doherty's passing last night. I was fortunate to see Denny once. Soon after moving to New York, I saw him perform a couple of songs from Dream a Little Dream, his off-Broadway show about the formation of the group at Bryant Park. It would be the closest I'd ever get to seeing them as whole.

The Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. With Cass Elliot's death in 1974 and John Phillips in 2001, Michelle Phillips remains the last member of the group. I highly recommend picking up or downloading one of their CDs and dream a little dream of one of rock & roll's finest.

Quote of the Day:
"You may delay, but time will not." --Benjamin Franklin

Congrats Cal!

2007-01-09T14:59:00.000-05:00

Today is a very momentous day because my Hero, the one, the only, the greatest baseball player of all-time, Cal Ripken, Jr. has officially been voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. My beloved blue-eyed Oriole got a whopping 98.53% of the total vote, the third highest percentage ever. The ceremony takes place on Sunday, July 29th.

Also, congrats to another worthy inductee, Tony Gwynn. Both Cal and Tony have been ideal ambassadors for the game and I could not be happier for the both of them.

See you in Cooperstown on July 29th! Love ya Cal!

Quote of the Day:
"A loud voice cannot compete with a clear voice, even if it's a whisper." -- Barry Neil Kaufman

Cleveland Rocks

2006-12-27T21:47:00.000-05:00

While friends are jet-setting to various warm places over this holiday season, I hopped on a plane to Cleveland. Not Cleveland, Hawaii or Cleveland, Barbados. Cleveland, Ohio. Because what better time to visit one of America's coldest cities than in late December?

There was an actual purpose to my visit. Ever since the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opened in 1995, I have wanted to go. Whether it be lack of time, lack of money or lack of good planning, I never made it. A few months ago I saw there was going to be a special exhibit at the Rock Hall commemorating the 30th anniversary of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. That was the extra push I needed to get myself to Cleveland. Not surprisingly, plane fare to Cleveland was pretty reasonable for this time of year. Plus I found a hotel deal that included the room, tickets to the museum and breakfast for one low price. Everything fell together perfectly. I decided to go by myself because a) nobody is stupid enough to go to Cleveland in December and b) this is something I've wanted to do for quite some time, and I didn't want to wait on others or have others wait for me. This turned out to be a good idea because...

...I was at the Rock Hall for nine hours. After moving from Boston, I had forgotten what a damp, winter wind felt like, but was quickly reminded stepping from the warm confines of my hotel through the five minute walk to the Hall. The Rock Hall is beautiful. I stood in awe, and this was just the lobby. This was the beginning of being completely overwhelmed and having tremendous sensory overload. The first thing I saw was the Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers exhibit. It's not so much the quantity, but the quality. The mad hatter hat Tom wore in the "Don't Come Around Here No More" video, the shirt he wore in the "Free Fallin'" video, Mike Campbell's boots, Howie's bass, a Mudcrutch press release, the guitar Tom wrote almost every song on from Damn the Torpedoes to Echo. My favorites were the handwritten lyrics to such songs as "Refugee", "Walls (Circus)", "You Got Lucky" and "The Waiting". And listening to him sing "Refugee" while reading the handwritten lyrics in front of me. They had a great video and live performance retrospective. Some time later, I pried myself away and continued looking through the museum.

I soon came across various stage costumes, props and instruments through the decades. The corset Madonna wore during "Like A Virgin" in the Blond Ambition tour, the electric piano John Paul Jones recorded "Stairway to Heaven", the dress Michelle Phillips wore during the Monterey Pop Festival, Michael Jackson's sequined glove, Mick Jagger's US Flag/Union Jack cape, an Alice Cooper severed head and guillitine and the t-shirt and jeans Bruce Springsteen wore on the Born in the USA cover. They had great mementos from Elvis and the Beatles. Highlights were John Lennon's wire-rimmed glasses and the deed to Graceland. I had to chuckle when I saw Jim Morrison's cub scout uniform and pause a moment at his death certificate.

And then I came across...It. The Steven head. An exact replica of Steven Tyler's head. It is still creepy after all of these years. Now it's in glass casing. Probably to keep people like me from compulsively poking it. It was among the outfit Steven wore promoting "Pink" on Letterman, the iconic scarfed microphone stand and the long black trenchcoat Joe Perry wore in the "(Dude) Looks Like a Lady" video. I admit I did spend some time at a distance watching people look at the AeroArtifacts. It made me happy to know that in some tiny, tiny, microscopic, single atom-sized way, I was part of their history. There were other special exhibits dedicated to Roy Orbison, Rick Nelson (a childhood crush of my Mom), the Clash and Jimi Hendrix. It had been about 2 hours by this point, and I had yet to leave the basement. Sadly, I was not allowed to take pictures of the objects in the museum. It's just more incentive to get to the Rock Hall for yourself.

I was trying so hard to absorb everything, but after awhile, everything seemed to blend together. I watched 5 documentaries. My favorite was a tribute to all those who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was on three giant screen and in surround sound. Another was on the songwriting process and the legacy of musicians. Another favorite was a 15-minute review of MTV and the music video. They cite Tom Petty, Peter Gabriel, Michael Jackson and Madonna for revolutionizing the music video, and although I agree, think Aerosmith should have been included in my completely unbiased opinion.

The best part of the Rock Hall is -- to sound cliche -- the music. I felt completely in my element there. All these incredible genres of music equally represented and respected. To hear Jerry Lee Lewis and the next moment hear Billie Holliday, then Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" and Elvis Costello then Cream to "Dance to the Music" by Sly and the Family Stone. It was fantastic. Since I went on a Wednesday (it's open until 9pm instead of 5pm) and during an off-time of year, it wasn't crowded at all. I could take my time and really take in everything. That definitely enhanced the experience.

I did indulge in one guilty splurge. In the gift shop, there was a glass case of rock memorabilia for sale. I spotted a lapel pin no more than 1.5in across. It was from defunct Washington, DC radio station WAVA promoting a 1984 Billy Joel concert at the Capital Centre. I saw the price and winced, but knew I had to have it. WAVA was the best rock radio station in Washington, DC during the 1980s (yes, even better than DC101), before it changed overnight to Christian Rock in the early 1990s, breaking the hearts of me and of all my middle school peers. The Capital Centre was the storied arena where I saw my first Billy Joel concert in 1993, as well as many other memorable events. The Capital Centre was reduced to rubble in 2002 and now a shopping center. So really, I had no choice.

I cannot praise and recommend the Rock & Roll Hall of fame enough. This is definitely a place I will visit again.

And as an added highlight, I get to see my friend John Chandler, aka the Best Sportscaster in Cleveland. I haven't seen John since commencement and had a great time catching up. Plus, I even saw him on TV during a sportscast. He is definitely worthy of his moniker. Also, a big congrats to him on his engagement.

So all in all, a wonderful trip to Cleveland. I may not have been swaying in a hammock on a tropical isle, but I doubt I could of had any more fun anywhere else. Cleveland Rocks!

Quote of the Day:
"[I]n America and in Europe, you've seen groups of people form themselves into generations. That's a big mistake. That's wrong. ... Look at my generation. How did that work? Jimi Hendrix. Brian Jones. Janis Joplin. Keith Moon. The list is fucking endless. They're dead people. My life is full of dead people. My friends are dead. My friends. They might be your fucking icons. They're my fucking friends." --Pete Townshend

The Worst Christmas Present Ever. Ever.

2006-12-26T21:29:00.001-05:00

This is the worst Christmas gift I have ever recieved:

There are so many things wrong with this.

1. It's an elf.
2. I have never collected dolls or anything of the like.
3. Seriously, look at it.
4. Before I opened it, the person preferenced it by saying, "I think everyone should have one of these."
5. It has bells on it. At 6:30am the day after Christmas, my Mom awakes me to go post-Christmas shopping. She does so by shaking the elf so the bells ring and pushes it in my face. I opted for sleep instead of the mall.
6. Somebody actually saw this in a store and thought, "I think Ellen should have this."
7. It's an elf.

Quote of the Day:
"When the game is over, the King and the pawn go back into the same box." --Italian Proverb

eBay

2006-12-13T13:12:00.000-05:00

In this time of holiday cheer and giving and others, I only have one concern: cashing in.

This year, I started selling my possessions on eBay. It all started innocently enough. My room was getting cluttered, even by my standards. Instead of just tossing stuff out to the curb, I decided to post them on eBay. I no longer have a need for a Natalie Cole “Unforgettable” tour t-shirt, but maybe someone else does. And so, I began to think of this as a service to others.

At first, I was selling the stuff around my room. Books, CDs, clothes hanging in my closet, hidden from the light of day. I wasn’t bringing in a lot of money, but enough to pay for my weekly Fiore’s sandwich. Plus, many of these items were either gifts, or bought so long ago, void of any monetary value. For example:
• 14 pins from the 1980s with messages like, “Life is not a dress rehearsal”. “I’m Not Deaf, I’m Ignoring You”. Maybe someone at TGI Friday’s needed more flare. In any case, I made $8.50.
• A CBS News issued VHS of Any Rooney commentaries
• A Smothers Brothers instructional VHS on using a yo-yo
• New Kids on the Block giant wall hanging.
• 10 ALF comic books

It was great. Little by little, my room was getting less cluttered. But then I discovered something: buying for the sole purpose of selling. The impetus of this was at the Billy Joel concerts I was going to at Madison Square Garden. Since the 12-show run was a record at the Garden, they printed up posters with all of the MSG dates on them. They were selling them for $10. I bought one and put it on eBay. It sold for almost $40. So at the next show, I bought another. And it sold for $57. I saw a good thing and at the third show bought even more. The selling price of all the posters ended up paying for a couple of the concert tickets.

When I went home to Washington for Labor Day, I began cleaning my bedroom with a vengeance. My Mom was so proud. She was so relieved that I was getting rid of all these childhood things I was hanging onto. Little did she know my cleaning was for pure profit. Boxes of childhood mementos filled my car and my room was now more cluttered than ever. Taking photos of everything, listing them and tracking them like a fiend occupied my entire day. I cramped my finger by refreshing the page so often.

eBay had morphed into a form of gambling. Like a casino, you have to pay to play, which you do on eBay by paying the listing fees. Losing is not selling the item and the goal is to win. Not just win, but win big. I don't just want one bid and be done with it. I want many bids and for the selling price to be stratisphereic. Jackpot!

Once I started working back at Mystery Diagnosis, I thought I this would calm the obsession a bit. I’d be putting all of my energy into working and not listing. However, of all the buildings in all of New York, this was not the one to work in to keep the eBay at bay. I work in a very trendy, fashion-oriented building. It is not uncommon to share the elevator with gorgeous models and sharply dressed executives. As a result, sometimes these companies have sample sales and the whole building is invited to look.

The first was for this label I had never heard of, Ports 1961. After some research, I saw they sold in many of the high-end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue (probably why I had never heard of them – H&M or bust, baby!). A skirt priced at $395 was selling for $5. Yes, $5! A $235 sweater vest sold for $10. And a tailored pair of pants was $10 as well. I just bought those few items and put them up. If they didn’t sell, I would have been happy enough to keep them. But they sold. A couple of weeks ago, Club Monaco had a sample sale and I went overboard. The prices were so low and irresistable. I was buying, and buying, all for the sole purpose of listing them on eBay. Most of the items are currently selling or sold, and I will make my money back, but not really profit greatly. This is where I have a problem.

Those who know me, know that I don’t do anything halfway. It’s love or hate. All or nothing. I knew I was spending too much for clothing I didn’t know if I could sell. And clothing that wouldn’t fit me if they didn’t sell. And giving stuff away means no money is made. And that defeats the whole purpose of why I started to eBay in the first place.

With this realization and acceptance in place, I knew that after these auctions ended, I would take a break from eBay. That was until I saw the sign in the elevator yesterday for a Karl Lagerfeld sample sale. With my co-workers disappearing through the day and returning with garment bags, the temptation became too great to overcome. I went downstairs and rummaged through the racks. I made one purchase, far less than my past sample sales. A gorgeous full-length men’s wool coat, originally priced at $1,000. I bought it for $110 and hoping it will sell and help pay for my Cleveland trip in a couple weeks.

And if you want to contribute to the cause, you can check out my listings. Seller name: lettermangirl (of course).

And then I’ll stop. Really.

Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes people carry to such perfection the mask they have assumed that in due course they actually become the person they seem.” --W. Somerset Maugham

High School Reunion

2006-11-29T12:13:00.000-05:00

Ah, the high school reunion. For years I’ve watched movies and shows about them, and lo and behold, mine finally came. I had to come to the startling realization that I have been out of high school for ten years and sadly, no longer 18. Yes, this past Saturday, the mighty Walter Johnson High School class of 1996 got together and reunited. Alas, no one claimed to have invented post-its.

This was a very informal occasion at the Sapphire Café in Bethesda. About 100 fellow Wildcats came, many with their spouses or significant others. It was interesting to see all the different directions we’ve gone, considering we all were in the same place with similar experiences. The popular career choice is Lawyer. The popular locations are New York and Baltimore.

There were a few people I didn’t recognize, but many who haven’t changed a single bit since high school. It was great to see a high turnout from my elementary school. I feel so fortunate to still keep in touch with friends I’ve had since I was a little tyke. And it seems no matter how much time passes, when we get together it always feels like no time has gone by at all.

It was great to see Gene, Jon, Josh, Julian, Sang, Phil and April among others. And of course, I always value any time I get to spend with Karen, Jamie, Rose, Matt, Nat and Sarah. I am truly blessed to have friends like these.

I was never the prettiest or smartest or most athletic or most popular in high school. Talking to my fellow classmates, I realized how happy I am of who I have become and what I have accomplished in these past 10 years. I didn’t dread this reunion at all, rather, I embraced it.

The reunion was a lot of fun. Thanks again to Tulasi, Laura and Elana for organizing it. See you at the 20th!

Here are a couple of pics from the big evening:

Karen, Els, Nathalie

Sarah, Els, Lori

Els, Jon, Gene, Nathalie

Quote of the Day:
"The only good ideas are the ones I can take credit for." -R. Stevens

Roddy Piper Health Update

2006-11-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

This was on Roddy Piper's website this morning:

Mr. Piper and his family would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support of well wishes he has recieved world wide. Roddy has been diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. He will begin his battle against this cancer immediately.

The following is a statement from Mr. Piper;

“It seems like I have been fighting someone, something, someplace, in some manner, my whole life. But this fight, is one I am gonna win!”

Ever Forward,

Roddy Piper

wwe.com had the following statement:

WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Also known as Hodgkin’s disease, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer found in the body’s lymphatic tissue. The lymphatic system helps filter out bacteria and is important in fighting diseases.

Piper was sent home early from WWE’s early-November tour of the United Kingdom and hospitalized for surgery, where doctors removed a mass at the spinal cord with an enlarged lymph node. The mass was completely removed, but the lymph node was positive for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Radiation therapy is used to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma; it is an extremely successful procedure, so the prognosis is very good for Piper.

***

Obviously I am very saddened and concerned about him. I can only hope he has a good team of doctors giving him the best possible care. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.

Quote of the Day:
"In the end, you'll know which people really love you. They're the ones who see you for who you are and, no matter what, always find a way to be at your side." --Randy K. Milholland

Ben Folds

2006-11-20T12:58:00.000-05:00

When I got to the Hammerstein Ballroom at 6pm yesterday, I expected the line to be long. What I didn’t expect was to standing a block away from the venue. Not surprisingly, I am not the only one who loves the musical stylings of Ben Folds.

In front of me was a father with his two children, probably in their mid- and early teens. The father was one of the most anxious people I have ever seen. Every 5 minutes he was commenting on the line and how long it was. He would keep leaving the line and walking to the end of it, just to see how much longer it had gotten in the last 5 minutes. His kids, much more rational that he, kept telling him to calm down, but were not successful. When the line did begin to move, he was so paranoid that someone was going to cut in front of him. My only thought through all of this was, “Please don’t have them anywhere near me during the show.”

The last time I was at the Hammerstein Ballroom was about a year a half ago when Jenn and I were on the floor to see the Black Crowes. After standing on my feet for 5 hours and thinking amputation was a reasonable remedy for the way my feet felt afterwards, I knew that the floor was not an option ever again. I bought a ticket for the second mezzanine, which was not only a cheaper ticket, but provided me with an actual seat.

I get up to the second mezzanine and have a plethora of seats to choose from. I get a front, obstruction-free view, sit and wait. And wait. And wait. Another thing I learned is that if one does not have a standing general admission ticket on the floor, there is no reason to get there right when the doors open at 6:30. Since I went to the show alone, I brought a book with me to pass the time and that was a good decision. The people on the floor were on their feet for an hour and a half before the opening act, Corn Mo, came on.

Corn Mo was crazy. But he used his craziness for good instead of evil. He is a very talented musician and the crowd was really into him. He played for 20 fun-filled minutes before heading off. So the floor people get 20 minutes of music during 2.5 hours of standing before Ben Folds comes on the stage.

Ben Folds is awesome. It is amazing how much talent, originality and innovation he has. That, and I’ve always been a sucker for piano players. I knew most of the songs, but even the ones I didn’t, he kept my interest and made me what to know more about the song. He is a natural storyteller and had the crowd in the palm of his hand. He had a red synthesizer on a small piano bench next to him, and used it at all the right moments. At times he would play the synthesizer with one hand and the piano with the other, not missing a single note. My favorite part of the evening was the back-to-back playing of the Dr. Dre classic, “Bitches Ain’t Shit”, and then going into my favorite Ben Folds song, “Landed”. Among the other highlights: “Zak and Sara”, “There’s Always Someone Cooler Than You”, “Not the Same”, “Annie Waits” and “One Down”. He played a solid 2-hour show. After the show, I arose from my plush seat and walked out of the Ballroom, while most of the standing room floor people were limping from being on their feet for almost 5 hours.

It really was a fantastic evening. So if Ben Folds comes to your town, definitely take the time out to check him out. You’ll be glad you did.

Quote of the Day:
"It was funny, she thought, that people would like her would rather be alone that put themselves in a potentially awkward situation, even though the risk could turn out to be rewarding." -Alexandra Robbins, "The Overacheivers"

Step One, Kick, Turn

2006-11-18T20:49:00.000-05:00

I have been a Broadway baby as of late. I have seen 3 shows in recent weeks with a fourth to come soon.

First up was Twyla Tharp's interpretation of Bob Dylan's music, "The Times They are A-Changin'". I was a huge fan of her last show, "Movin' Out" featuring the music of Billy Joel. I am a Bob Dylan fan so hoping this show would be more of the same. Sadly, it was not.

Like Movin' Out, there was no dialogue, only dance. The theme of the show was the circus. I have a well documented fear of clowns and mimes, so when a plethora of clowns and mimes come on stage, I am a bit freaked out. But after a couple of songs, I am able to move past the clowns and move on. The story structure was very loose, so after awhile, I just tried to see it as individual choreography for each song. The dancing was fantastic and they cast were truly talented performers, just not enough to maintain a whole show. Some songs (The Times They are A-Changin', Mr. Tambourine Man) worked well in the Broadway style. Others (Maggie's Farm, Masters of War) did not. I guess the paying theatre-goers agreed with me, since the show is closing after only 23 performances.

A couple of days later I was back on the Great White Way to see a play by the Manhattan Theatre Club called Losing Louie. The "stars" were Cousin Larry from "Perfect Strangers" (Mark-Linn Baker) and the Guy Who Played Rory's Teacher In The First Season Of Gilmore Girls (Scott Cohen). It had a Noises Off-kinda feel to it. It involved two brothers coming to terms with their father's death and also flashbacks of the father's life. It was an enjoyable play...which has also closed.

One show that I don't expect to close anytime soon is the revival of the classic musical, A Chorus Line. I loved A Chorus Line and cannot recommend it enough. The cast, the music, the dancing, everything meshed and each number was better than the last. The only downside, is that there is not intermission in the 2 hour show. Squirming in my seat for the last half hour aside, it was well worth it. Stand-out's were Jessica Lee Goldyn's "Val" and Deidre Goodwin's Shiela. The show is so simple, yet does so much. Go see it, watch it and you'll thank me.

Quote of the Day:
"If you don't think it's fun to be able to submit an expense report requesting reimbursement for a golf club made from the sexual organ of a bull, then you frankly don't know what fun is." -Dave Barry

48 Hours

2006-11-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

This has been a very interesting couple of days. Thursday started innocently enough. While procrastinating at work, I decided to look into taking my long-desired trip to Cleveland to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I found a good, cheap flight and a hotel that had an excellent package deal with the museum. I get home, all excited to book my late-December trip to one of the United States' coldest cities. I go for my wallet and realize it's not there. I check all around my room, and my wallet is nowhere to be found. Then, the mass panic sets in, though trying my best to remain calm. I cancel everything I need to and cover all the bases I can. Everything was in my wallet, and feel so exposed. Needless to say, I get little sleep. I'm actually eager to get to work, hoping and praying that my wallet is there. I get there, and sadly, no wallet. I then make a trip back to the 'Boken to do a final ransacking of my room, to no avail. I make my maiden voyage to the Hoboken Police Station and file a report. I go back to work, breathing a little bit easier, but still bummed.

That evening Erin and I go to 192 Books for an Annie Leibovitz book signing. I have been a major Annie Leibovitz fan for years. The celebrity photography of her and Herb Ritts are staples of my childhood. I had gotten her American Music book a few years ago, and saw an exhibit at the Corcoran in Washington, DC as well. She just came out with a new book that chronicles the last 15 years: A Photographer's Life / 1990-2005. As excited I was to see her, the even itself was probably the most disorganized I have ever been to. When we get to the bookstore, we are told the event is actually being held at a gallery down the street. OK. We get to the gallery and asked if we have a reservation. Neither New York magazine or Time Out New York, both publicizing the event, made no mention of reservations. Instead of making two lines - one with reserved seats and one without, it was like a poor man's Studio 54, with people bunching around a tiny door, while people who do have reservations push to the front. Of course we all get in; no harm, no foul. It started with a slideshow, then a panel discussion and a Q&A. After much confusion about the book signing line, I finally get my book signed. Overall, a lot of waiting, but in the end, worth it.

I slept well, accepting the lost wallet fiasco. Nothing was going to keep my excitement down. Because I was going to have yet another encounter with my True Love, Roddy Piper. I go down to Caroline's on Broadway. The event was sponsored by Jakks Pacific, the company responsible for all the wrestling action figures. Before getting to the only reason why I came, I had to sit through a Q&A with Jakks representatives about the action figures. Yes, grown men were asking questions like, "When the Rick Martel figure comes out, will it be the Strike Force Rick Martel or the Model Rick Martel?" And like the comic book convention, I was the prettiest person there -- by far. Roddy is announced and comes out. Still handsome and my heart goes a-flutter. The Q&A was interesting. It was nice to see him in a relaxed atmosphere. I didn't ask a question because I couldn't find a balance between Stupid-Obvious and Trekkie. For the most part, the questions veered toward Trekkie. I had heard a few stories before, but also some new ones. He was very candid, articulate and witty. He even said my most favorite quote, "Just when you think you have the answers, I change the questions." He also spoke of Ric Flair, Bret Hart and the biz today. The whole thing lasted an hour, but I wish it could have lasted longer. There was a photo and autograph session, but I didn't stay. I am content with my photo and got with him, and the one item I wanted signed in June. Below is a picture, but with the dimly lit room, it didn't come out all that well:

I was happy as can be coming home. Any time I can spend in the same room with Roddy brings me tremendous joy. I get home and go through my mail. Bill, bill, Entertainment Weekly, and a mysterious package with no return address. I open it to find MY WALLET. Some good-hearted saint of a New Yorker sent me back my wallet, with absolutely everything in tact. I was beyond elated. Someone is definitely looking over me. A good, good day.

Quote of the Day:
"Too few people understand a really good sandwich." - James Beard

Movies

2006-10-20T17:20:00.000-04:00

Over the past week, I have mooched off Cheryl and taken her membership to the Writer's Guild for my own advantage. From that, I got to see 3 free movies plus Q&A's.

The first movie we saw was Man of the Year, where Robin Williams plays a comic who ends up winning the presidency. I had very low expectations going into this movie, seeing as I don't particularly like Robin Williams as a comedic actor. Those low expectations were pretty much met. The main reason I went was the Q&A with writer/director Barry Levinson afterwards. He's a Marylander who has directed Diner, Rain Man, the Natural and Wag the Dog, among others. Also, he was the co-creator of Homicide: Life on the Street. He was very interesting because there are few who know the Hollywood system better than him. He's worked with all the top stars and been part of so many iconic movie moments.

The next movie was Little Children, which I was very excited for. It's based on Tom Perrota's 2001 book of the same name. Tom Perrotta is one of my favorite writers (he wrote Election, for example) and has always done such a wonderful job chronicling the nuiances of suburban life. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson starred. This movie also focused on suburban life. It was very much a dark comedy, and I highly recommend it. The Q&A afterwards was with Tom Perrotta and director Todd Field. I even got to ask Tom a question regarding his writing. That was fun.

The last movie was Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. Do not see this movie. I saw it for free, yet feel I deserve some sort of monetary compensation for sitting through it. Cheryl and I found it very disjointed and we kept waiting for something, anything, to happen. I'm sensing the rest of the audience felt the same way because when the end credits began to roll, there was pure silence for over a minute. Even Man of the Year got applause. That Q&A featured Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman. Both were good sports, but both also looked like they wanted to be anywhere but there. I can hardly imagine that with such hard-hitting questions as, "Kirsten, you were so amazing in this film. Honestly, I feel my life is now complete that I have seen you in this role. Tell me, what was it like wearing all of those corsets?" or "Jason, I think this film makes Citizen Kane look like The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Tell me, was it hard for you to look so fat in the movie?" *sigh* If you want to learn about Marie Antoinette, check out the latest PBS documentary on her. It's a better two hours than Sofia Coppola's movie by far.

And yet, you gotta love the free. So Cheryl, thanks for letting me mooch.

Quote of the Day:
"It was like shaking the hand of a great, waspy, wooden totem pole of awesomeness." -John Hodgman on Meeting George Plimpton

Jury Duty

2006-10-10T18:40:00.000-04:00

Three weeks ago, I received "the envelope". It was more omnious than the thin rejection letter from Northwestern University. The black, bold letters were imposing on the stark white background. And in an instant, I got the call for jury duty.

This is my third jury duty calling -- the first since moving to New Jersey. The first time was my sophomore year of college. It actually worked out well, seeing as I had procrastinated on writing a social science paper. I finished the paper, and escaped the jury room unscathed.

Four years later, the evil letter came to my doorstep. I went back to the courthouse. This time, I was assigned to a courtroom. For mere moments I was empaneled. I had purposely dressed as juvenille as possible and was soon stuck from the panel. After doing a happy dance in the hallway, I made my way back to the jury room, and was dismissed soon after.

The jury duty gods shined upon me again today. Due to the very poor directions on my instructions card, I was almost late getting to the courthouse, wandering aimlessly around Jersey City. Finally find my way and go in.

The jury room looked like two churches fighting against one another. Rows of pew-like bench faced each other, with a glass booth in the middle. I sit down, and with my luck, this guy speaking loudly on a cell phone. Every other line is, "You're breaking up! What??" This was going to be a long day.

After an orientation video, the long wait began. After two hours and nobody being called, it was time for lunch. Ah, a glimpse of freedom.

Soon after returning from lunch, the first batch of names were called. Thankfully, mine wasn't and the wait continued. More time passed. The benches were turning uncomfortable. People were getting irritable. In particular, there were these 2 grown men who were uber-obnoxious. They kept going up to the glass window and pestering them. They were cracking unfunny jokes -- trying to get released. We were all suffering, and they just made it worse. Around 4:15pm, the woman who had been updating us through the day, came to us from the glass booth, holding the microphone of doom. She called more names, telling them to return to the jury room at 9:30 tomorrow morning. Each name she read wasn't mine. The list was finished and I was not called. She then released the rest of us for the day, telling us to call at 5pm to see if we needed to come back tomorrow.

I was so happy to be home. At 5pm on the button, I called and was informed that I did NOT have to return tomorrow and my time had been served. Yay jury duty gods looking kindly on me.

I am so excited to go to work tomorrow.

Quote of the Day:
"Indeed, we do not really live unless we have friends surrounding us like a firm wall against the winds of the world." --Charles Hanson Towne

Breakfast With Steve

2006-10-07T18:26:00.000-04:00

It's been a year since the New Yorker Festival where I was fortunate enough to see Steve Martin host a panel discussion about the banjo. One year later, the New Yorker Festival and Steve Martin return. I was fortunate enough to snag a ticket for Steve Martin interview New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast at the Supper Club.

I would pay to see Steve Martin read the phone book, so needless to say, I enjoyed myself very much. As a surprise to no one, Steve was as brilliant as ever and kept a flowing, interesting conversation.

The discussion ended around 11am. Seeing I was in the neighborhood, I took a hope, skip and a jump over to Christie's auction house. Ellen Barkin, who is divorcing Revlon billionaire Ron Perlman, is auctioning off her jewelry collection, which Christie's is estimating at $15 million. The jewels were jaw-dropping and beyond stunning. Diamonds upon emeralds and sapphires. Just beautiful.

I was about to walk out, when I hear this roar of applause. I walk upstairs and lo and behold, the Star Trek memoribelia auction is taking place. Not having a pass, I watch from the hallway. Right as I get there, the lot of all lots comes up for bid: the original model of the USS Enterprise used in the opening credits of the TV show. In the midst of many dressed up Trekkies were serious bidders, When the smoke cleared, the Enterprise sold for $500,000. The energy in the room was palpable -- the cheers were that of a rock concert. Really an incredible thing to witness.

Quote of the Day:
"I restore myself when I'm alone. A career is born in public; talent in privacy." -Marilyn Monroe

Four More Years!

2006-09-26T12:50:00.000-04:00

A big hooray to the news that the patron saint of the Genius Switch, David Letterman, has signed a four year extension to host the Late Show. This will take Dave through 2010.

And the world can continue.

Quote of the Day:
"I don't believe in working out. My philosphy: No pain, no pain." -Carol Leifer

I Heart Andre

2006-09-03T21:03:00.000-04:00

I knew this day was coming. Even I, a delusional SuperFan, knew Andre Agassi was not going to win the US Open. I was, however, hoping he could make it to the 4th round and pass the torch to Andy Roddick.

But by the middle of the second set, I knew that wasn't happening. For the first time this tournament, he looked uncomfortably pained. I was watching with Jenn, and we were in awe of how this man, a mere shell of his former self, was giving this match everything he had and making his opponent earn the victory. With a ruptured disk in his back, he was still serving at 114mph and running to the net. His winning of the second set made us euphoric, and for a moment, allowed us to believe that maybe he could pull out a win. But as the match wore on, the reality of the situation became all too apparent, and I began to savor each point to its fullest.

I was disappointed with the way the match ended. I am not a fan of using aces to end a game, a set or especially a match. I feel you should win by beating the man, and the ace is the easy way out. However, I do give Benjamin Becker a lot of credit. He was playing his idol, and showed much class in victory.

The tears formed and the applause was loud in Jenn's living room as Andre said his goodbyes on the court. Showing true emotion and sincere gratitude, I could think of no greater way to say goodbye to this tremendous athlete and extraordinary man.

I became an Andre Agassi fan in 1990. He was arrogant and flashy and was so exciting to watch. His brashness, flowing locks, very good looks and colorful clothing were matched only by his natural talent. I was instantly smitten, and he has been a mainstay on the Hierarchy since.

I remember that July afternoon in 1992 when Andre won Wimbledon. I was so happy for him winning his first major and the realization of his life goal. It was around this time I began subscribing to Tennis magazine. Not for any tips for my own game, mind you. Rather, solely for pictures and articles on Andre.

There have been many ups and downs over the past 16 years. Those flowing locks became a buzz cut to the chrome dome we know today. I watched him become only the fifth player in the Open era to win all four grand slams. Further, the only one of those five who has an Olympic gold medal as well. I supported him though the brown & white striped shirt period. I bought the Rebel camera because he endorsed it. I paced nervously through numerous five set nailbiters; cursing the loses and cheering the victories. I've seen many coaches and girlfriends go through the revolving door. There have been tears of joy and tears of sadness. And through it all, I remained a fan.

Today is one of those rare days where the tears are of joy and sadness. Joy, because he'll get the treatment his back is in dire need of, and sadness to have to say goodbye to such a phenominal athlete.

I know this isn't the last we'll see of Andre. Whether it be in charity work or the senior's tour, I know the love affair will continue. I can also take comfort in watching players like James Blake and Andy Roddick on the court. Andre has influenced a generation of tennis players and through them, his legacy can only grow.

I love you, Andre Agassi. Thank you.

Quote of the Day:
"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I have found. And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I've found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life. Thank you." -Andre Agassi

The Week in Review

2006-09-02T16:21:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of postings, my friends. It's been an interesting week...

First, my beloved computer is in the intensive care unit at Tekserve. The stupid people at the Apple store did not catch my computer's problem, which when I returned a week later, told me all my files are corrupt. Of course, I have nothing backed up, so all my files are threatening to be lost. This does not make me happy. First, because the Apple store cost me $300 unnecessary dollars. Second, I had asked the Apple store the first time around to back up my files and I was willing to spend the extra $50 to have that done. Third, not correcting the problem. Fourth, telling me nothing can be done and refer me to Tekserve. Fifth, having to spend $600 on the possibiliy, but no promises, for my data to be recovered. Bottom line, if you have an Apple computer, bypass the "genius bar" and go directly to Tekserve. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

***

Last Sunday was my favorite day of the year, Emmy Awards night. My comments:

* Conan did an excellent job hosting. The Bob Newhart running gag was hilarious.

* Yay for Jeremy Piven winning Best Supporting Actor, Comedy. I question his ascot choice, but a worthy win. Would have also been content to see Bryan Cranston take an Emmy home for his great performance as Hal in "Malcolm in the Middle", but alas, it was not meant to be.

* I'm not upset that Dave and Stephen Colbert lost the Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performance, Variety. I'm upset that they lost to BARRY MANILOW. Really? Two brilliant performers lost to the man who writes the songs? It doesn't seem right.

* Also glad to see "the Office" win for Best Comedy. Nice to see former roomates Conan O'Brien and Office Executive Producer Greg Daniels share the stage.

* John Spencer got a very nice response during the death montage. Very well deserved.

* I love Dick Clark. In terms of the industry of television, he is one of my heroes. But he needs to stop going on camera. It's just too sad. Although he looked a thousand times better than he did on New Year's Eve.

* Best dressed honors go to Felicity Huffman, Helen Mirren, Evangeline Lily, and Virginia Madsen. Worst dressed goes to Paula Abdul. It also pains me greatly to say that Candice Bergen looked horrible. Usually she is the epitome of fashion and class, but not this night.

***

It's been an emotional week for me, as Andre Agassi plays in his final US Open. I have been an Agassi fan since 1990, and he has been a mainstay on my all-time Hierarchy since.

Both his first and second round matches have been epic and dramatic. I find myself pacing and hyperventilating a lot. At least with Cal Ripken, I knew when his final game was coming and could prepare for it. With the US Open, I never know when Andre will play his last match and want so badly for him to win.

If anything, I would like to see him get to the 4th round to face Andy Roddick. It would make a great story and really have his career go full circle. Especially now with Jimmy Connors coaching Andy. Throughout this tournament, many comparisons have been made between Andre and Connors. It just seems too perfect not to happen.

I know Andre's in a lot of pain, and I hope he doesn't do any permanent damage to himself. Still, as a diehard, I want to see him win as much as I can. These matches have really been amazing and it reminds me what makes tennis such a great sport and why I watch it in the first place. Andre has much to do with me watching tennis in the first place. He's been a great ambassador for the sport, and even with him not on the tour, hope he still remains a presence.

Go Andre!!

***

On Wednesday, Cheryl and I made our triumphant return to trivia. With the help of HYP and Jared, we played 80s and 90s pop culture trivia. Naturally, we came in first. Our reward: free tickets to see the Wedding Singer on Broadway. Sadly, Constantine from American Idol is in it now, so that will be an automatic minus for the evening. Still, winning is nice.

***

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone.

Quote of the Day:
"At least I could have lost to Wolverine. He has claws for hands!" -Stephen Colbert responding to losing to Barry Manilow. Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine in the X-Men movies was also nominated for hosting the Tony's.

BuddyBunny

2006-08-06T13:37:00.000-04:00

Congratulations and much love to Robin and LoveBunny on the arrival of Benjamin Scott Willis!! He came into the world on Friday August 4th at 10:17am. He was 8lbs 1oz and 20 inches. Both mother and son are great. And congrats to big sister BabyBunny!

Quote of the Day:
"Life is made up, not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things, in which smiles and kindness, and small obligations given habitually, are what preserve the heart and secure comfort." -William Davy

Random Thoughts & Ramblings

2006-08-01T22:10:00.000-04:00

I haven't done this in a while. I present to you another edition of Random Thoughts & Ramblings...

* Why is it always feast or famine in the TV industry? There's a work drought for months and then all the offers come at once. What is a girl supposed to do?

* Is Tony Kornheiser EVER returning from vacation back to PTI? Seriously, he's had more vacation time than anyone ever. I miss him dearly, but not sure it's because I love him so much or because I want to hurl every time Dan LeBatard is on the screen. At least we have Wilbon back.

* Can someone please spare $10,000 so I can adopt the David Letterman portrait at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC? In exchange you will have my deepest gratitude. And really, isn't that payment enough?

* 10 songs you should download from iTunes right now:
- "Square One" by Tom Petty
- "Landed" by Ben Folds
- "The Pugilist At 59" by Tom Russell
- "Trouble" by Ray LaMontangue
- "Come Around" by Rhett Miller
- "Mississippi" by Bob Dylan
- "The Sea and the Rhythm" by Iron & Wine
- "Alright Guy" by Todd Snider
- "All These Things I've Done Before" by the Killers
- "Deja Vu (All Over Again)" by John Fogerty

* For good background music via the internet, might I suggest Gone Gator radio at http://gonegatorradio.com. Although primarily Tom Petty songs, they also have a great number of Petty contemporaries and influences like Jackson Browne, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and the Byrds. It's free too. We all like free.

* For the intellectual side of you that craves smart humor, definitely get the free (again, YAY free!!) podcast subscription of the Little Gray Book lectures. They are true gems which feature John "I'm a PC" Hodgman. And while subscribing to that, also click on the They Might Be Giants podcasts. They are little slices of happiness, let me tell you.

* There are 2 places in this world that I have no power over:
- Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA
- Pines of Rome, Bethesda, MD

* If you have some free time, check out the Tuesday afternoon chats of Washington Post writer Gene Weingarten. He's great friends with Dave Barry and always has an interesting array of topics to discuss, Definitely worth 15 minutes of your time every week.

* What is up with Delaware? In all my travels up and down I-95, Delaware has always been the nice, harmless state that I drive through in 20 minutes. But lately I've been spending more time there than desired. The traffic is unbelievable. And it seems that way regardless of time of day. And if you ever want to play a fun game while in Delaware -- see if you can find 2 cars in a row with Delaware plates. Betcha can't do it.

* And while on the subject of I-95 -- the New Jersey Turnpike is the road to hell.

* You Tube is one of the best sites to come about it quite some time.

* 6 shows you should be watching, but aren't:
- Great Hotels, Travel Channel, Daily, 11:30-Noon & 12:30-1pm
- The Henry Rollins Show, IFC, Saturday, 10-10:30pm
- CBS Sunday Morning, CBS, Sunday 9-10:30am
- The Vault, VH1 Classic, Check Listings
- American Masters / American Experience, PBS, Usually Monday, Check Listings

* Like Walt Disney said, it truly is a small world after all.

Quote of the Day:
"Could you imagine how horrible things would be if we always told others how we felt? Life would be intolerably bearable." -Randy K. Milholland

The Schwab Summary

2006-07-31T20:23:00.002-04:00

Sadly, the job at Stump the Schwab ended on Thursday. I am still in denial about it ending because it was such an incredible experience. My greatest hope is that I'll be working with these people again sooner than later. Below are a few pics from the final Schwab days. Would like to point out this picture of Louie and I was used in the end of the season video, so everyone could see the love connection we formed. Jealous? Of course you are.

The Happy Couple

I'll Take Potent Potables for $400, Alex

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Stuart Scott

The Schwab Crew

Quote of the Day:
"My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me." -Benjamin Disraeli

Highway Companion

2006-07-26T16:48:00.000-04:00

Hanging with Louie was not the only exciting part of my day yesterday. After five years of eager anticipation, waiting at my doorstep upon my arrival home was the latest offering from Mr. Tom Petty, called Highway Companion.

Although technically a solo album, the feel of the Heartbreakers is all over the CD. The thankfully-not-looking-like-Adam-Duritz-anymore stylings of Heartbreaker lead guitarist Mike Campbell are ever-present. In my completely unbiased opinion as a Tom Petty superfan, Highway Companion is an excellent album and I recommend one and all to give it a listen.

With the exception of the rockin' "Saving Grace", the album leans on acoustic guitars and relaxing melodies. Perfect for that long road trip or a quiet time of reflection.

The best song on Highway Companion is a beautiful ballad called "Square One", seeking forgiveness and atoning for past mistakes. Even after only a couple of listenings, it has already landed a place my the all-time Tom Petty song list. This is definitely one to add to iTunes. It's the rare song that had me at the just the lyrics:

Had to find some higher ground
Had some fear to get around
You can't say what you don't know
Later on won't work no more

Last time through I hid my tracks
So well I could not get back
Yeah my way was hard to find
Can't sell your soul for piece of mind

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble
It took a world of tears
It took a long time
To get back here

Try so hard to stand alone
Struggle to see past my nose
Always had more dogs than bones
I could never wear those clothes

It's a dark victory
You won and you also lost
Told us you were satisfied
But it never came across

Square one, my slate is clear
Rest your head on me my dear
It took a world of trouble
It took a world of tears
It took a long time
To get back here

Besides it being a great song, there's something about the way he sings the lyric "Rest your head on me my dear", that is true perfection. Really. It is.

Trust me, Highway Companion is worth dedicating 45 minutes of your time to. I just hope I don't have to wait another five years to hear what Tom Petty has to say next.

Quote of the Day:
"Some artists are great simply because they do not write bad songs. Tom Petty is one of those artists" -Brian Heisler

Just Another Day at the Office

2006-07-25T22:10:00.000-04:00

The only thing I have ever wanted to do with my life is to be involved in television. Now that I am ensconced in the biz, I sometimes question if this was the best decision. I'm always looking for a project. Money is not plentiful. The hours can be really long.

But then there are days like today that remind me why I wanted to be part of it in the first place. Days that rejuvenate my love for the industry and erase all doubt that working in television was what I was put on this earth to do.

This summer on "Stump the Schwab" has been nothing less that wonderful. The people are great and I truly love my job. Besides having a steady number of cakes, there is always something interesting happening. For example, today we not only worked with New York City icon, Naked Cowboy, I also met Louie the Chimp.

Louie is so awesome. I played with him and just fell head over heels in love. Although a little shorter and hairier than the guys I tend to fall for, I think I can make the exception. All the staff and crew could not get enough of him. He was extremely active and a pleasure to be around. Everyone had wide smiles on their faces, like little kids at Christmas. Seriously, isn't he the cutest thing ever??

What will tomorrow bring...? God bless television.

Quote of the Day:
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

The Isle of Staten

2006-07-08T00:16:00.000-04:00

I have bravely made the voyage from the mainland to the Isle of Staten a couple of times. This was the maiden trip for my friends Erin and Er. Tonight was my latest venture, and I think it's suffice to say, my last for awhile.

My friend Rick's band, Heather Hates You, had a stop on their East Coast World Tour at this place called Dock St. We walk in, and there are kids with multi-colored mohawks and fatigues on with spikes moshing their hard-core brains out. Erin looks completely freaked out, especially when one of the upstanding young gentlemen mosh into her. I find Rick and yell hello to him. Thankfully he had extra ear plugs with him to drown out whatever horrible garage band was playing. And to prove they were real hardcore punk rock, invited the lot to his swimming pool. I bet his mom even made cookies and lemonade.

After sitting through them and one other band, Heather Hates You took to the stage. Rick channeled his inner Henry Rollins, minus the tattoos. They did well, in what will be the final performance I will see them in. The Heather Hates You farewell show is July 29th in East Weymouth. You can read all about them at http://www.heatherhatesyou.com.

Feeling a bit out of our elements, Erin, Er and I decided to leave as soon as HHY were done. Unfortunately, I really didn't get a chance to talk to Rick much, but was happy to be able to come out and support my friend in something he has devoted so much time and effort to. Thankfully, my car was still in the parking space with all of its parts intact and we drove away. Very fast. To anywhere but Staten Island.

Quote of the Day:
"Candy is a treat. Please consume in moderation." -Hershey Bar Wrapper

The True Love

2006-06-24T17:10:00.000-04:00

I know most of you already think I have odd taste in men. This post will do nothing to change that. In fact, you will probably question it even more. David Letterman is "the Idol" . Steve Martin: "the Ideal Man". Cal Ripken: "the Hero". Matthew Perry: "The Future Husband". However, all these men, truth be told, don't hold a candle to the one who has been at the top of The Hierarchy all of these years. And after 18 years of total love and worship, today, June 24, 2006, I finally met him. He is none other than "The True Love", the Hot Rod himself, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.

It started innocently enough. I began watching pro wrestling when I was 10 years old because I had a crush on a boy who watched it. The crush soon faded, but my love of watching did not. I loved the gimmicks and the toned bodies and the personalities. Randy Savage & Elizabeth, Ted DiBiase, Mr. Perfect, Jesse Ventura, Bobby Heenan, Jake Roberts, the Honky Tonk Man became became fixtures I couldn't get enough of. I was completely hooked. And then one day I saw Roddy Piper and my whole world changed.

Whatever that something is that creates love at first sight, Roddy had in spades. He was handsome, intelligent, articulate and funny. And to a pre-teen who was mad at everything and thought the world was against her, Roddy became the lone bright spot. He made me happy, and for that alone, I am forever indebted to him. It became my mission to learn everything I could about him. Weekends were spent at the video store renting videos of old matches. I collected everything I could, from magazines and books to t-shirts to action figures to miscellaneous stuff (him singing, a coloring book, collector coin, etc...), absorbing everything about him like a sponge. I sacrificed hours of my life watching straight-to-video movies like "Jungleground", "No Contest" and "Hell Comes to Frogtown" and D-list TV shows, "Walker, Texas Ranger", "Silk Stalkings" and "Robocop: the TV Series" among others, solely because he was in them. True love knows no bounds.

The years passed, and I developed other "admirations" and interests and watched wrestling less, especially since Roddy wasn't around as much. Yet when he makes a TV appearance I'll still make it a point to tune in. Hearing the bagpipes and seeing him smile never fail to light that spark of pure happiness. Since my teenage years, many loves have come and gone, but there's only one first True Love, and he will always have a special place in my heart because of that.

When I read that Roddy was going to be in New York at this comic book convention, I had mixed feelings. The 28-year old didn't want to be caught anywhere near this convention. But ultimately I had no choice but to go. I had to do it for the 10-year old. I owed it to my childhood.

I waited in line for a half hour or so. There were some scary costumed people, and grown men who cared about X-Men a little too much. And I can say with absolute certainty that I was the most attractive person there -- by far. It was extremely humid inside and between the heat and the rain, I was hoping I would have looked a little better (still though, the MOST attractive person there...).

Finally my turn came. I introduced myself, and the 10-year old in me completely took over. I gushed and thanked him for all the joy, happiness and inspiration he had brought me over the years. He was very nice and complementary. And not thinking it was even possible, more handsome in person. He gave me a kiss and a hug and then we took the above picture. Then Roddy Piper hugged me again. The 10-year old couldn't of asked for anything more.

I don't expect many of you to understand just how important this was for me. The best comparison I can think of is to just think of someone who is significant to you. And for a few moments, you know you matter to them. All I've ever wanted was to one day meet him and thank him. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have finally been able to do so.

Quote of the Day:
"Just when you think you have the answers, I change the questions." -Roddy Piper

***

Below are some more pictures I took. Yes, that is Virgil and Captain Lou Albano. I felt kinda bad for them because while the Roddy line had a constant stream of people, their lines were painfully short. The Roddy line even overshadowed the Steven Seagal line. Thankfully, even the scary comic book people have some taste.

Catching Up

2006-06-21T20:06:00.000-04:00

So much to talk about, so little free time...

Sarah & Paul's Wedding:

I headed down to Washington last weekend for my high school friend, Sarah's, wedding. The wedding was held at Ft. Meyer, an Army base adjacent to Arlington Cemetery once ran by Gen. Patton. It was a hot, muggy Washington day. The ceremony was at one and Sarah looked so beautiful. It was a brief ceremony. My friend Karen and I noticed Sarah's brother was nowhere to be seen. We found out afterwards that he was hospitalized that morning for appendicitis. That was theonly downer.

After the ceremony, we had 5 hours to kill before the reception. Karen, her boyfriend Ryan and I drove to nearby Georgetown and had lunch with Jenn at J Paul's and watched the World Cup. Sans Jenn, we then walked around some (Ryan had never been to DC before) and took a quick jaunt to Arlington Cemetery.

Since it was still super muggy, we only went to see JFK's grave. Here's the view of DC from the grave:

All around the cemetery, there are signs asking visitors to please have respect for the premises and to keep voices to a minimum. And around JFK's grave, there are bonus signs reading "SILENCE! RESPECT!". Apparently, one tourist was illiterate because from 30 yards away, she was yelling to a guard, "EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME GUARD??? WHERE IS THE WHITE CROSS?? THE WHITE CROSS??". The guard, looking mortified at the woman, put his finger to his mouth and asked her to speak in hushed tones. Her classy response, "Why do I have to be quiet? There's nothing but DEAD PEOPLE around here!" Personally, I think the woman should have been shot on sight, or at least fined $100. 50 feet away is the white cross, which denotes RFK's grave. Across from the grave is a little monument and reflecting pool. Despite signs asking visitors from touching the monuments, that didn't stop ANOTHER tourist from leaning on the monument, on her CELL PHONE, yelling, "I'm at the cemetery. *pause* The CEMETERY." Karen, Ryan and I were horrified by all of this. Such disrespect. This is why other countries hate us.

Finally, the reception came. We ate, we danced, we talked. Below are some pics from the event. The first is of Karen and I. Number 2 is of Sarah, Paul and I and number 3 is the WJ posse that attended the wedding:

Congrats Sarah & Paul!!!

Tom Petty #8

Voyage #8 to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Madison Square Garden last night was exactly the same as voyage #7. The concert was more sing-a-long than the Virginia show. Tom played the exact set and wore the exact outfit. I was stupid and forgot to recharge the batteries on my camera to take any additional pictures. I just stood and danced and enjoyed the show. The new song "Square One" is really good. "Refugee" and "You Wreck Me" are two of my favorites.

I also bought a hooded jacket commemorating the 30th anniversary of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Alas, there were no tour programs.

I Scream

I love my job. I've been there for a little over two weeks and in that time, have been given free ice cream 4 times. The first 3 came from Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cakes. Today was Tenant Appreciation Day in my building. In the lobby, we were given free Good Humor ice cream bars and a raffle to win an iPod or digital camera. Luck has been on my side so far. Let's just hope it continues.

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.