Billy #20

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

"[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

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