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
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Announcements
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
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
Saturday, February 07, 2009
The Favorite Actor
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"
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"
Monday, January 12, 2009
When Els Met Oscar
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
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
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Year in Review
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
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
Monday, December 08, 2008
Lewis Barlow
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
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
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanks
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
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
Thursday, November 13, 2008
New York Culture
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".
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".
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Shameless Promotion
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
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
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Paul, Ben and Paul
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
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
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Pedal, Pedal, Pedal
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.
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.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Live From The Times Center, It's Monday Night!
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
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
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Hall of Famers Art Monk & Darrell Green
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
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
Friday, August 01, 2008
Bruce Springsteen #4
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"
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"
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Jim Thistle
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
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
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Billy #22 (Last Play at Shea #2) - THE GREATEST CONCERT EVER!!!
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"
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"
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Billy #21 (Last Play at Shea #1)
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"
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"
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tom Petty #10
#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"
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"
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tom Petty #9
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"
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"
Sunday, June 08, 2008
F*****g Playwrights
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
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
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