Change of Address

Fear not, I am not leaving the comfy confines of Hoboken, but I am changing addresses of sorts. My tenure at ABC News was very-short lived, with Friday being my last day. No, I wasn't fired for any incompetence, rather quit on my own volition because....

...I got a better job offer. On June 5th, I will start a new job as a researcher for the ESPN game show, "Stump the Schwab". I'm really excited and think this is going to be a great opportunity.

However, I have many friends still working on the Medical Mysteries series at ABC. So when it's on in July, be sure to watch.

Quote of the Day:
"When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. So what the hell, leap." -Cynthia Heimel

New Job

Yesterday I started my new job at ABC News. I'll be working on stories involving brain injuries AND werewolves!

Quote of the Day:
"Sanity is a madness put to good use." -George Santayana

You Paid $22,000 For That?!?!

Yesterday was Cheryl & Ellen's Day of Fun: Part Deux. We left Hoboken and headed to the big city. Upon our arrival, we went to Christie's auction house. The purpose was to see an Impressionism and Modern Art preview, but because I have no concept of time, realized we were 2 days early for the preview. After looking at some silverware, we poked our heads into an actual auction that was going on.

It was a photography auction and there were a lot of fancy looking people holding paddles. During the auction, Cheryl and I learned two things: 1) A world exists where money really is no object. 2) Cheryl and I really missed our calling. There was a close-up photograph of a cigarette butt that sold for $22,000, while a photo of Marilyn Monroe & Arthur Miller only went for $2,000. There were some creepy photos that went for obscene amounts of cash and some pretty ones that were a steal. The auctioneer was British, so that added to the fun. I had so much fun and would love to go to auction again.

After pounding the pavement a bit, we ended up at a furniture store so Cheryl could find a wedding gift. I found the most comfortable chair ever. Alas, I didn't have $3,500 to buy it. Perhaps I can sell a photograph or something.

Alas, the Day of Fun: Part Deux had to end at some point. Hopefully Cheryl & Ellen's Day of Fun: The Wrath of the Day of Fun will happen soon.

Quote of the Day:
"I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinions of himself than on the opinions of others." -Marcus Aurelius

New York Billy #5

This was, without question, THE GREATEST CONCERT I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!! This tops Tom Petty at the Tweeter Center on July 6, 2001 -- a setlist that included "TIme to Move On" and "The Best of Everything" played acoustic. This tops Ella Fitzgerald in June 1991. Hell, this tops my very first Billy Joel concert when I was sitting in the front row. Looking at tonight's setlist, you'll see why, followed by many, many comments.

Cold Spring Harbor:
* Everybody Loves You Now

Piano Man:
* YOU"RE MY HOME
* Piano Man

Streetlife Serenade:
* The Entertainer

Turnstiles:
* Angry Young Man
* Summer, Highland Falls
* Miami 2017
* New York State of Mind

The Stranger
* Movin' Out
* Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
* Only the Good Die Young

52nd Street:
* Stiletto
* Zanzibar
* Honesty
* Big Shot
* My Life

The Nylon Curtain:
* LAURA
* She's Right on Time
* Allentown
* Goodnight Saigon

Glass Houses:
* All For Leyna
* Sleeping With the Television On
* It's Still Rock & Roll To Me
* You May Be Right

An Innocent Man:
* Keeping the Faith
* An Innocent Man

Greatest Hits Vol. I & II
* The Night is Still Young

The Bridge:
* A Matter of Trust

Storm Front:
* We Didn't Start the Fire
* AND SO IT GOES
* The Downeaster Alexa

The River of Dreams:
* RIver of Dreams

Bonus:
* Highway to Hell (Chainsaw)
* Pop Goes the Weasel

* I don't know where to start. My Wish List is finally complete. I actually teared up (or it may have been excessive sweat) when he started playing "You're My Home". It was the only song I hadn't heard live that I really, really, really wanted to. After that, he immediately went into "Miami 2017". I was dying. Later in the show, he did "Sleeping With the Television On" and "All For Leyna" back-to-back and I was near hysterical.

* There were 2 girls sitting next to me when I took my seat. 5 minutes later, they got selected to be upgraded to the front row, While I felt a twinge of jealously, I was happy for them and knew I had a little more room to dance around.

* The show was being recorded for a live CD entitled 12 Gardens Live. Yay!!!

* After the second song, a banner was raised to the rafters to celebrate Billy's 12 sold out Garden shows. A balloon drop followed.

* Usually during "Goodnight Saigon", crew members who were in the military come up on stage. Tonight, current armed forces were up there. Everyone gave them an extended ovation.

* Billy gave the roadie Chainsaw a motorcycle after "Highway to Hell".

* This was the first time I have ever heard "Laura", "Honesty" or "And So It Goes" live. "And So It Goes" is one of my favorites, so that was a real treat. I hadn't heard "A Matter of Trust" on this tour, so that was great to hear too.

* He played 5 of my 6 all-time favorite songs: "Summer, Highland Falls", "Miami 2017", "All For Leyna", "Sleeping With the Television On" and "Angry Young Man". Tonight was the closest thing to a perfect setlist. Only the additions of "Captain Jack" and "Sometimes a Fantasy" would have made it truly perfect. But this was really ideal. And what added to the ideal-ness: No "I Go To Extremes". No "Don't Ask Me Why". No "Big Man on Mulberry Street".

* The man played for 3 HOURS!! He didn't get off the stage until 11:20pm. By far the longest show I've seen. The crowd was completely into it.

* I was jumping and dancing and singing and yelling the entire time. I was completely soaked and quite thirsty by the end of it. This has been such a great 4 months getting to see Billy all these times. He's a legendary performer and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to see him perform in his hometown with fellow diehards. I've gotten use to seeing him every few weeks. It's going to be a letdown to not see him at the Garden every once in a while.

* The Tom Petty concerts begin in June. Billy set the bar really high. Should be a fun summer.

Quote of the Day:
"Don't take any shit from anybody." -Billy Joel

How Do You Get To Carnegie Hall?

I know, you look at me and think, "rock & roller". True, I loves my classic rock, but I am more than a one dimensional music fan.

Around my junior year of college, I started listening to classical music, after Top 40 radio annoyed me more than entertained. I found it so relaxing, and it was a great way to listen to a long span of music without commercials. Seeing as I didn't go to parties, clubs or date much on Saturday nights, I usually turned to the radio for my weekend entertainment. I would listen to the live broadcasts from Symphony Hall, hearing Keith Lockhart conduct the Pops or Seiji Ozawa conduct the BSO. It soon became something I eagerly anticipated.

Even now, if there's nothing on TV, I'll turn on the Light Classical station and peruse a pile of magazines or snuggle with a new book of crosswords to occupy my time. It's probably the closest thing to meditation I know.

So when I came across an e-mail saying the BU Symphony & Chorus were going to perform at Carnegie Hall to commemorate the inauguration of new BU president Robert Brown, I thought it would be fun to check it out. I found cheap tickets and dragged Erin with me. I've always wanted to go to Carnegie Hall and this seemed like a good event to make my maiden voyage.

After walking many, many, many stairs, we took our seats in the nosebleed section. I must admit, it was awesome to be in the same room all the great performers from Billie Holliday to Andy Kaufman have played in. However, the excitement of being in the venue dissipated pretty quickly.

Considering this was supposed to be a celebration, the music was among the most depressing I have ever heard. The show opened with a trumpet/trombone duet, creating a wall of sound, which it did, just not in a Phil Spector good way. It went downhill from there. During Act II, they had a movement entitled "the Angel of Death". Welcome to BU, President Brown!

Erin and I considered leaving early, but good manners got the best of us. If nothing else, at least I know how to get to Carnegie Hall.

Quote of the Day:
"It is by acts and not by ideas that people live." -Anatole France

The Big 5-9

Let us take a moment to wish a happy 59th birthday to the patron saint of the Genius Switch, Mr. David Letterman.

I had an excellent birthday yesterday. the highlight was dining at Naples 45 with Erin, Meg, Cheryl and Suzanne. We had a great dinner (including a free 2nd pizza for me). It was topped off by a trip to Cold Stone Creamery. Yay ice cream.

A great big thank you to all who wished me a happy birthday. As I said last night, turning another year older is a lot easier when you have great friends around you.

Quote of the Day:
"Dave is not a little weird. He's a quirky genius" -Rob Burnett on David Letterman

The Big 2-8

Happy Birthday To Me,
Happy Birthday To Me,
Happy Birthday Meeeeeeeeeeee,
Happy Birthday to Me.

YAY!!!!

Quote of the Day:
"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." -Albert Einstein

David Sedaris is F'n Awesome

In August of last year, I came across an ad saying David Sedaris (bumping Dave Barry as my favorite writer on the Hierarchy) would be doing a book reading at Town Hall for March 31, 2006. On September 10th, I bought tickets. After a 6 month wait, the day finally came.

Erin and I went to Town Hall. We sat in the 6th row and received our programs. Already excited and thinking it couldn't get better, it did. Sarah Vowell, author of the brilliant book Assassination Vacation and The Partly Cloudy Patriot, would be doing the introduction.

Just as the lights dim and Sarah comes on stage, 2 people two rows in front of me take their seats. My first reaction was the same as anytime people get to their seats, especially good ones, at the last minute. I'm annoyed for them not getting there earlier and why be so late if you have good seats. Of the two women, one looks really familiar. Lo and behold it's Amy Sedaris, David's sister, star of Strangers with Candy and frequent favorite Letterman guest.

Sarah's intro was very funny. David comes on stage wearing a blue & white stripped shirt and an orange and white tie. The first essay he reads was in the New Yorker a couple of months ago, regarding a sheep and a crow. The second was a truly brilliant essay to be published in an upcoming New Yorker about his family's experience with a baby-sitter while he was 11. The family stories are always my favorite and even better with Amy sitting so close. She has such a distinctive laugh, and interesting to see family react to his stories. The third was about going to the doctor in Paris. He then read some entries from his diary and did a Q&A before calling it a night.

Town Hall was packed -- not an empty seat to be found. All to hear a man read. And paying good money to hear a man read. I have all of his books, not only on tape, but audio is well. And as amazing he is to read, hearing him gives his essays a whole new dimension. With the Q&A he is so quick witted, making even the most banal question interesting.

Amy was wearing a green and white dress with black fishnets. I'm not sure if I should find it amusing or creepy that a 40-year old woman carries a Sylvester the Cat pencil bag in her purse.

All in all an A+, 5 star, two thumbs up evening. I highly recommend reading David Sedaris' work, especially Me Talk Pretty One Day and "the Santaland Diaries" from Holidays on Ice. "Santaland" is the funniest piece of work I have ever read -- ever.

Quote of the Day:
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Winston Churchill

Curling

I know this may come as a surprise to my post- high school friends, but once upon a time I was quite the athlete. I was a star on the soccer field, was a dominant competitor during Garrett Park Elementary's Field Day and was the Virginia-Maryland District Bowler of the Month November 1995.

Before 8th grade, there was an announcement that all after school sports were cancelled due to county budget cuts. I was saddened by this because I loved playing sports and being outdoors. I had been known for being a bundle of energy - wanting to be involved in absolutely everything.

By that second year of middle school, all that changed. I became a latch-key kid. It was during this time I started getting into soap operas. It became much easier to go directly home, turn on the TV, make a Mama Celeste pizza and get my homework done before the evening. The spark of laziness was lit.

Over time, it just became easier to be lazy and stay in the confines of the house. Any athletic ability I had had dwindled and that bundle of energy dissipated.

However, I had a bit of a reawakening on Friday, when I joined Beth and Frank at an open house for the only Olympic sport I actually watched, Curling. Yes, curling.

We drove to the center of entertainment Plainfield, NJ. We signed forms and had one shoe duck-taped. Then, we went onto the ice. We were given a very quick tutorial on how to release the stone. Then we got to take turns doing so. You can see my curling form in the photo below:




Unfortunately, due to the number of people who also wanted to experience the joys of curling, we were unable to sweep or do anything else. Regardless, I think it is a safe assumption that you will not be seeing me in Vancouver in 2010. But we did have fun and that's the most important thing.

So has this experience renewed my interest in exercise and competition? In a word: no. But it is fun to leave the house every once in awhile.

Quote of the Day:
"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to Somebody Else." -Will Rogers

Peter Tomarken

I didn't have cable growing up. One of the few things I looked forward to visiting the family in New Hampshire was watching cable -- especially the USA Network. As a child, the USA network had everything I could possibly want in television. The Cartoon Express gave me Richie Rich, Shirt Tails and the Laff-A-Lympics. At night, it was WWF Prime Time Wrestling with Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon, doubling the amount of wrestling I usually only got on Saturday mornings at home. But the afternoon game shows were my favorite part of the day. I watched Sale of the Century (which, at 6 years old got most of the questions right), $1,000,000 Chance of a Lifetime, Jackpot and my most favorite game show of them all, Press Your Luck.

I cannot begin to describe the pure love I had for that game show. The lights of the big board, the schemes of the Whammies, the big red button -- everything about Press Your Luck was perfection. Another vital element to the show was the host, Peter Tomarken. He wore loud, plaid blazers with wide, striped ties. He read corny odes and limmericks to Whammies at the end of every show. Bottom line: Peter Tomarken was awesome.

Because of my fond memories of Press Your Luck and Peter Tomarken, it brought sincere sadness to read of his passing from a plane crash yesterday. He was 63 years old. His wife and another passenger were also killed. What brings even greater sadness, is that he was flying for a wonderful cause. Tomarken owned the plane and donated its use to Angel Flight West, which provides free transport for needy patients. The plane was en route to San Diego to pick up a passenger when it crashed. Early reports site engine trouble as the cause.

Reading the news, it always seems like the bad people outlive the good. It's not fair.

Quote of the Day:
"The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions." -Confucius

Oscar Observations

It was a return to glamour...for the men at the 78th Academy Awards. While the men have been on the rebellious side of formal wear in recent years, it was nice to see the traditional black tux make a comeback. Nobody epitomized this better than Mr. George Clooney, who was true perfection.

As for the ladies, they played it safe for the most part. I don't see any of these dresses going down in Dress Hall of Fame -- in both the Best and Worst dressed categories. If I had to give a top 3 they are:

1. Salma Hayek
2. Meryl Streep
3. Sandra Bullock

And the bottom 2 are:

1. Charlize Theron
2. Naomi Watts

Amy Adams had the best earrings. Michelle Williams had the best make-up. Felicity Huffman had the best accessory (other than her husband William H. Macy), for the broach pinning her bun.

I think Dolly Parton needs to stop seeing Joan Rivers' plastic surgeon.

It was wonderful to see my man Jack Nicholson back at the Oscars. It hasn't been the same the past couple of years without him. Also glad to see David Letterman and Steve Martin make cameos at the beginning. Jon Stewart got off to a shaky start, but improved greatly as the show progressed. I very much enjoyed the Robert Altman segment. A fitting tribute to a long overlooked director.

I could have done without the 20 minutes of monologues. I hated the music that played throughout the speeches. I was disappointed for the Academy not recognizing Don Knotts, Darrin McGavin and John Spencer during the tribute to all those we lost in the past year.

Overall I was satisfied with the show. Not the best, not the worst. Until next year...

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

New York Billy #4

Last night was Billy's record-tying 10th show at Madison Square Garden. I got to hear 3 of my 5 favorite songs. You know the drill by now...:

Cold Spring Harbor:
* Everybody Loves You Now

Piano Man:
* The Ballad of Billy the Kid
* Captain Jack
* Piano Man

Streetlife Serenade:
* The Entertainer

Turnstiles:
* Angry Young Man
* SUMMER HIGHLAND FALLS
* New York State of Mind
* Miami 2017

The Stranger:
* Only the Good Die Young
* She's Always a Woman
* Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
* Scenes From An Italian Restaurant

52nd Street
* Zanzibar
* Big Shot
* My Life

Glass Houses:
* Sometimes a Fantasy
* It's Still Rock & Roll To Me
* You May Be Right

The Nylon Curtain:
* Allentown
* Pressure

An Innocent Man:
* Keeping the Faith

Storm Front:
* We Didn't Start the Fire

River of Dreams:
* The River of Dreams

Extra:
* Highway To Hell

* The first that I've heard "Summer Highland Falls" on this tour. It's my favorite song so that was a highlight it itself. The one-two punch of that and "the Entertainer" got me super hyper. And with "Sometimes a Fantasy" and "Captain Jack" soon to follow, he really got the place going.

* The most energetic crowd thus far. Legendary record producer Phil Ramone was in attendance.

* I think Billy might of had a cold or something, because he played a couple songs less than the other concerts. Luckily, one of the songs cut was "I Go To Extremes" because I really don't like that one and usually use it as my bathroom break.

* Tonight I was sitting dead center in the back, so I took that opportunity to look at the lighting of the show and realize just how wonderful it is. Then again, everything with his show is top notch.

* I must admit that I was a little disappointed he didn't do something a little more tonight seeing it was a Saturday and it was the 10th show, but the cold might have had something to do with that. Although his voice was in fine form. With that said, if I hadn't gone to the last show and was hearing "Summer, Highland Falls", "Miami 2017", "Sometimes a Fantasy", "Captain Jack" and "the Entertainer" at the same show for the first time here, I would be declaring this the best show ever

* What is so interesting, the moment that really gets the crowd going is when the roadie Chainsaw comes out and covers "Highway to Hell". After that, the crowd is on it's feet for the rest of the show.

* Still no "You're My Home". I have one more show on April 24th to hear it. This has been such a great winter to have all these opportunities to see all of these Billy shows. Only in New York...

Quote of the Day:
"It's a wonderful night for Oscar. Who will win?" -Billy Crystal

Good Night, Featherbed

Taking a break from the grind of finding work, I took a little jaunt to Boston. Once again I stayed with my friends Robin & LoveBunny. I admit, there was an agenda to my visit. With the arrival of a new BabyBunny in August, the guest room I stay in is being converted to BabyBunny's Big Girl room. So I had to get up there for one last slumber in the most comfortable bed in the world:




Yes, I did do other things in Boston besides snuggling in featherbed comfort. I got to see my friend Britt, who works at the new Agganis Arena and got a tour. It is so awesome and a perfect size for a concert. I would have been a frequent visitor had it be around when I was a student. Of course it was built afterwards. Of course. The highlight of that was being within a few feet of legendary BU Men's Hockey Coach Jack Parker. Alas, no camera for that moment.

I also got to see my friend Jill. She is still working at WGBH and doing well. Always good to catch up with friends.

A quick trip, but a good one. Back to the job search...

Quote of the Day:
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." -Joseph Rudyard Kipling

Fun With Darlene and Jenn

What a fun weekend!!!

Darlene drove down from Boston and Jenn drove up from DC, both arriving on Friday night. While they were on the slopes on Saturday, I watched various random shows from the DVR. That night, in the spirit of Mardi Gras (though unintentional), we ended up at Oddfellows. We all left with full bellies and walked some of it off, but going to Hot Pete & Jared's housewarming party, where this delightful photograph was taken. They have a very nice apartment, although I am concerned with the number of penguins there.

While Jenn went to visit Grandma, Meg, Darlene and I kept it a late morning. Beth and Kerwick came to the Brothel and from there braved the wind tunnels to Wolfgang Puck's Express for an extended lunch. All and all, a very nice weekend.

Time to pack the warmest of the warm clothes, as I am foolishly going to Boston for a couple of days. I'm going to savor Robin's featherbed for the last time before it gets dismantled to make room for BabyBunny's Big Girl Room. ...Oh yeah, and to visit Robin, LoveBunny and other friends (although, sadly, the featherbed was a huge factor in the decision).

I miss the 60 degree winter.

Quote of the Day:
"If Jay Leno makes you laugh, chances are I am not going to like you as a person." -Peter Griffin, Famly Guy

Kristin

Today is two years since my friend Kristin, who at age 35, lost her battle with uterine cancer. I knew this day was coming and have been racking my brain to find the right words to commemorate this day and honor her memory.

I only saw Kristin twice a year - Thanksgiving and Christmas - when my Mom and I would go to her friend Sally's home for dinner. Kristin was Sally's daughter and anticipated seeing them to catch up on the events of the past year. Having a full stomach, and sitting in front of a roaring fire, the conversation would go on and on.

I always admired Kristin. She lived out in L.A. and had a successful career as an advertising exec. She was fiercely independent and grounded. She knew how to work hard and play hard with equal tenacity. Every year she would invite me to Park City to the Sundance Film Festival where she had a place and every year I would promise to make it to Sundance the next time. I never did. Foolishly, I always thought I had more time.

We first heard something was wrong during Thanksgiving 2003. Kristin didn't come home from L.A complaining of back pain. She was trying acupuncture and other healing methods preferred by those wacky Californians prefer. Despite those efforts the pain continued. We spoke to her on the phone, and said she would make it back for Christmas.

A couple of weeks later, she finally went to see a real doctor, and unfortunately there, got the devastating news that her back pain was due to cancer flooding her body. She was flown to D.C and immediately taken to the ICU unit of Washington Medical Center.

Instead of going to Sally's house, Mom and I spent Christmas afternoon at Washington Medical Center with Kristin, Sally and a few family friends. Everyone was in good spirits, and despite the surroundings, a very nice Christmas.

Mom and I made a second appearance a week later on New Year's Day. It was such a lovely afternoon. Although being in tremendous pain, Kristin was in pretty decent spirits. While Mom and Sally went to get coffee, I had a chance to talk to her for a half hour. It wasn't a momentous conversation; the kind you hear at movies. Despite the grim prognosis, I truly believed that she would find a way to fight this, because that was the type of person she was. The idea of death and not having her around never for a moment crossed my mind. We stayed for a little while longer before saying our goodbyes. I kissed her on the forehead, told her I loved her and left.

That was one of her last good days.

Kristin's pain soon became unbearable. She was heavily sedated before slipping into a coma. Her pain finally ended on Tuesday February 17th, 2004. I was walking home from work when Mom called to tell me the news. It was nothing less than heartbreaking.

I came home a few days later for the funeral. The church was packed with Kristin's many friends and family. I felt honored to be considered one of them.

It's nearly impossible to fathom that two years have gone by already. Rarely a day goes by that I don't think of her in some way. I think of all the creativity, joy and fun she still had to give. I think of all the life she should of had. I think of my friend.

Quote of the Day:
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." -Anais Nin

New York Billy #3 or All For Darren

This was a day of happen-stance. I wasn't supposed to be at work today, but got called in. I thought I was only going to be there for a couple of hours, but that turned into most of the day. During which, I just happened to go on Ticketmaster around 4:30pm to torment myself on what tickets were available for the Billy Joel concert Thursday night. To my utter shock, 2 seats 12 rows from the stage came before. It was a temptation impossible to resist. I IM'ed Darren and he was in. I had no choice. I had to go. And I could not be happier with that decision. Honestly, this was the best show I have seen since my very first in 1993. And in a second you'll know why. You know the drill...

Cold Spring Harbor:
* Everybody Loves You Now

Piano Man:
* CAPTAIN JACK
* The Ballad of Billy the Kid
* Piano Man

Streetlife Serenade:
* THE ENTERTAINER

Turnstiles:
* Angry Young Man
* New York State of Mind
* Miami 2017

The Stranger:
* Scenes From An Italian Restaurant
* Only the Good Die Young
* She's Always a Woman
* Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)

52nd Street:
* My Life
* Big Shot
* Stiletto

Glass Houses
* Sometimes a Fantasy
* Don't Ask Me Why
* It's Still Rock & Roll To Me
* You May Be Right

The Nylon Curtain:
* Allentown

An Innocent Man:
* Keeping the Faith

Storm Front:
* The Downeaster "Alexa"
* I Go To Extremes
* We Didn't Start the Fire

The River of Dreams:
* River of Dreams

Extra:
* Highway to Hell

* 17 years of being a fan, 15 concerts and the very first time hearing "Captain Jack" live!!! I've waited so long and each note was better than the last. To my surprise, not many people were standing, but that didn't stop me. I got the 1-2 punch of "Sometimes a Fantasy" and "Captain Jack" and that was what I needed. Whatever itch I had by going to all of these shows was finally scratched. And to have "the Entertainer" and "Miami 2017" included, while being 12 rows back was icing on the cake. I'm a very, very happy camper.

* "The Entertainer" was so awesome. It sounded absolutely incredible.

* Only one song left on the Wish List - "You're My Home". I have 2 more shows to get that one.

* Although he still didn't play "Vienna", Darren did get "the Entertainer", "the Downeaster Alexa" and "Captain Jack". "The Entertainer" was #2 on his Wish List.

* Before "Scenes", the band played the opening to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir". Who would of thought I would hear AC/DC and Led Zeppelin at a Billy Joel show.

* Next show: Saturday March 4th!

Quote of the Day:
"I can't count sheep - I'm allergic to wool." -Rose Nylund, the Golden Girls

New York Billy #2

I realize I have a problem. I've not naive about it. But Madison Square Garden is so close and each show is so great. Last night was no exception. If you love the Nylon Curtain album, this was the show for you. A few changes. I'll do the breakdown followed by comments.

Cold Spring Harbor:
* Everybody Loves You Now

Piano Man:
* The Ballad of Billy the Kid
* Piano Man

Turnstiles:
* Angry Young Man
* New York State of Mind

The Stranger:
* Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
* Only the Good Die Young
* Movin' Out
* She's Always a Woman

52nd Street:
* Stiletto
* Zanzibar
* Big Shot
* My Life

The Nylon Curtain:
* A Room of Our Own
* She's Right on Time
* Pressure
* Allentown
* Goodnight Saigon

Glass Houses:
* Sleeping with the Television On
* You May Be Right
* It's Still Rock & Roll To Me

An Innocent Man:
* An Innocent Man
* Keeping the Faith

Storm Front:
* We Didn't Start the Fire
* I Go to Extremes

River of Dreams:
* The River of Dreams

Extra:
* Highway to Hell

* Alas, still no "You're My Home" or "Captain Jack". But when he broke into "She's Right on Time" and "A Room of Our Own", my jaw dropped. Both sounded amazing. I was so stunned, I didn't quite know how to react.

* "She's Always a Woman" was dedicated to Pink, who was in the audience, and had that as her wedding song.

* "Highway to Hell" was sung by Chainsaw from the road crew. He did Angus proud.

* Billy was in a really jovial mood tonight. He was making fun of James Lipton and broke into a couple of ditties here and there.

* There was this loser behind me during the prelude to "Angry Young Man", was shouting into his cell phone, "I'M AT THE BILLY JOEL CONCERT. BILLY JOEL. CAN YOU HEAR ME? I'M AT THE BILLY JOEL SHOW." Dear God he was annoying.

* Next show is on Saturday. Trying to resist all urges to go. I can't help it. I think an intervention might be necessary.

Quote of the Day:
"Humor is by far the most significant activity of the human brain." -Edward De Bono

Robin & LoveBunny Sittin' in a Tree

Much love and congrats to my friends Robin & LoveBunny, who are expecting a second BabyBunny in August. The first BabyBunny turns 2 in March. I guess I'll have to invite myself over soon and snuggle in the featherbed before they dismantle it for the new baby's room.

Quote of the Day:
"Red meat is NOT bad for you. Now blue-green meat, THAT'S bad for you!" -Tommy Smothers

The Quest for Steve

A couple of weeks ago I watched a documentary called "Tribute", which follows small-town Americans attempting to live out their rock & roll dreams by playing in tribute bands. In it, they spoke with one gentleman who was not in a band, rather a groupie to a Queen tribute band. He saw this band numerous times, organized groups to see them, and was distraught at the thought of the band breaking up due to the lead singer getting a gig in the Germany production of "Cats". I felt pity for this SuperFan, when suddenly it dawned on me that some people probably have that same pity reaction to my various SuperFan-doms, as I had towards him.

Yet I continue.

The alarm went off at 4:20am yesterday and 45 minutes later, I was sitting on the sidewalk outside of NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center. Why? In attempts to get a stand-by ticket for Saturday Night Live hosted by Steve Martin with musical guest Prince. As stated in previous posts, Steve Martin is my ideal man, so it seemed almost obligatory to get up in the middle of the night, go into the city, and site in the cold for two hours, just for the possibility that I might be able to get a seat to see him. When I arrived at 5;15am, I was not the only person out there. There were at least 20 people in front of me -- in tents and sleeping bags -- who also had the same idea. Another 20 were sans camping equipment and just waiting. It was a balmy 50 degrees. I brought a book with me and the 2 hours passed fairly quickly. I was given the option of getting a stand-by ticket for the dress rehearsal or the live show and chose the dress rehearsal. I got my ticket and saw that I was number 39 in the stand-by line. Not feeling too optimistic, I went home. (Perhaps I should mention that I got home in time to purchase a ticket for Billy Joel's 12th -- and final show, according to Ticketmaster. This brings the Billy MSG show total that I am going to to 4. So 5 shows overall, not counting if he schedules a Saturday show in Washington.). Then the power of sleep overtook me.

I awoke a few hours later. Got ready and headed back out. It was a feeling of deja vu walking back to the PATH station. The streets were as eerily quiet and the sky the same shade of dark it had been hours earlier. I was also having flashbacks from working at the Cut, which had me working nights, or as I like to think of it, the worst 6 weeks ever.

Back at Rockefeller Center, I was ushered into yet another line. All of us looked at the line of people who had actual tickets get longer and longer, and any hopes we had progressively dashed. I met some nice people in line. That, if nothing else, made the experience worthwhile. We are then escorted to the metal detectors in groups of 15. Our goal, the NBC page told us, was to get on the elevator. This would be the sign that we are getting into the show. I never thought going to a TV show would be so stressful. The first 15 go through the metal detectors, as does the second group. I am 9 people away. The stress is palpable. In an instant, we are told the studio is filled to capacity and are given thanks for coming.

The people I felt sorry for were those who made it through the metal detectors but not the elevator. Also, the people who braved the overnight elements were also unrewarded for their efforts.

Was I disappointed I didn't get in to see Steve Martin host SNL? Sure. But it was a different experience that I would definitely try again for. Until then...

Quote of the Day:
"What's another word for Thesaurus?" -Steven Wright

Mystery Diagnosis

In case you missed it the first time, my first episode of Mystery Diagnosis is airing tonight at 10pm on the Discovery Health channel.

The second episode is going along well and should be done within the next couple of weeks. Will keep you posted when I have an airdate.

Happy Watching!!

Quote of the Day:
"I think it is a matter of love: the more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it is." -Vladimir Nabokov