Another fantastic sports weekend! Tigers play in Detroit this weekend. Let's hope the freak cold snap scares those Californians all the way back to the left coast.
Who's with me on a Tigers-Mets World Series? Bring it on!
And #4 Michigan at unranked Penn State Saturday night. Joe Paterno still kickin it. Right now, they're 3-0 in the Big Ten (#1 seed), 6-0 Season. I want an undefeated Michigan to meet an undefeated OSU on Nov. 23 and show those Thugeyes where it's at. Hail to the Victors!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The Tourist Trap of Texas
I am sold on this place. Scuba diving in the desert?!
Now, just how difficult is it to get to far west Texas?
Now, just how difficult is it to get to far west Texas?
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Crazier than a shithouse rat
Well, as if the original flight and story she made up wasn't enough to convince us she was little less than sane, Runaway Bride Jennifer Wilbanks is now suing her ex-fiance for $500,000.
Thanks god he finally dumped her ass. Better off without her. Is is bad that I have no sympathy for this woman and think she absolutely deserves nothing from him. He became a laughing stock - all for the glory of love. She's just apeshit.
Thanks god he finally dumped her ass. Better off without her. Is is bad that I have no sympathy for this woman and think she absolutely deserves nothing from him. He became a laughing stock - all for the glory of love. She's just apeshit.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Prize-Winning Indeed
Check out the balls on this Ram - it won a prize at the Ohio State Fair. Must be for his sperm count.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Conundrum for Michiganders
Actually, this is possibly the biggest conundrum in sports history (well, my sports history at least). And the Red Wings are playing at 7:30, althugh that won't really be televised out here in NY, where there are basically 4 local teams (Rangers, Islanders, Devils, and even Flyers).
Not to mention that my boyfriend is a monstrous Notre Dame fan, which poses its own problem, playing at 2:30. Stupid daylight savings time, Indiana.
Looks like another delicious fall Saturday stuck on the couch watching sports. I mean, what's better?!
And before you tell me I spelled Michiganders wrong, you're wrong.
Not to mention that my boyfriend is a monstrous Notre Dame fan, which poses its own problem, playing at 2:30. Stupid daylight savings time, Indiana.
Looks like another delicious fall Saturday stuck on the couch watching sports. I mean, what's better?!
And before you tell me I spelled Michiganders wrong, you're wrong.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Pot or Kettle?
Isn't this statement from our pathetic president kind of like the pot calling the kettle black?
At least we (meaning dems) don't have a Representative on the committee for exploited children writing lewd emails and texts to undeage and impressionable pages on Capitol Hill. Nor do we have Jack Ambramhoff, lobbyist and lawbreaker extraordinaire. Nor do we have religious leaders confusing the voters into thinking that church and state actually, rightfully belong together. And don't even get me started on how Rumsfeld has zero business in the Pentagon.
Canada beckons....although their bacon isn't quite the same.
At least we (meaning dems) don't have a Representative on the committee for exploited children writing lewd emails and texts to undeage and impressionable pages on Capitol Hill. Nor do we have Jack Ambramhoff, lobbyist and lawbreaker extraordinaire. Nor do we have religious leaders confusing the voters into thinking that church and state actually, rightfully belong together. And don't even get me started on how Rumsfeld has zero business in the Pentagon.
Canada beckons....although their bacon isn't quite the same.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
My new love
My current obsession, on the fantastic recommendation of my friend Lisa, is the TV show Veronica Mars. I'm currently halfway through Season 1 and am utterly hooked. Lisa told me to give it until at least the third episode, but I was enthralled after about 10 mins.
It's like a cooler, hipper version of Nancy Drew, another obsession I had as a kid. I think I read about 100 of the "new" Nancy Drew books between ages 10 and 13.
It's just a well-written, funny, smart, brilliantly woven show about a teenager who happens to be a detective on the sly. But it's got the rich-suburb setting that we all love in our teen dramas these days (see "The OC," "Laguna Beach," etc. But come, on, we know it all started with "90210").
Anyway, highly recommended if you like anything remotely intriguing and sassy, without having to be all Law and Order or CSI gruesome - a little more fun than that.
It's like a cooler, hipper version of Nancy Drew, another obsession I had as a kid. I think I read about 100 of the "new" Nancy Drew books between ages 10 and 13.
It's just a well-written, funny, smart, brilliantly woven show about a teenager who happens to be a detective on the sly. But it's got the rich-suburb setting that we all love in our teen dramas these days (see "The OC," "Laguna Beach," etc. But come, on, we know it all started with "90210").
Anyway, highly recommended if you like anything remotely intriguing and sassy, without having to be all Law and Order or CSI gruesome - a little more fun than that.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Fabu-bet!
I opened a new mascara this morning, since my old L'Oreal Voluminous got the funk smell, and needed to be tossed. So I went back to a tube I had previously purchased, Revlon's Fabulash. You know, with Halle Berry in that lame commercial?
Regardless of the lameness of the commercial, I'm astounded once again at how much I love this mascara. It does everything I want it to without clumping, and looking natural, but better. It lengthens, and lushes, which is what I want my mascara to do. And at $7 a tube (or so), it can't be beat.
I love expensive mascaras. Lancome has THE BEST. But I, unlike many people, actually toss mine after the allotted three or so months (or funky smell). So I stick to drugstore brands instead of tossing $20 with the tube.
If you're looking for a good cheapie tube, go Fabulash. Try to ignore the commercial.
And wedding pics and more to come on Seattle in my next post...
Regardless of the lameness of the commercial, I'm astounded once again at how much I love this mascara. It does everything I want it to without clumping, and looking natural, but better. It lengthens, and lushes, which is what I want my mascara to do. And at $7 a tube (or so), it can't be beat.
I love expensive mascaras. Lancome has THE BEST. But I, unlike many people, actually toss mine after the allotted three or so months (or funky smell). So I stick to drugstore brands instead of tossing $20 with the tube.
If you're looking for a good cheapie tube, go Fabulash. Try to ignore the commercial.
And wedding pics and more to come on Seattle in my next post...
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Some entertaining TSA reading
On the eve of my cross-country flight to Seattle for Becky's wedding, I was checking out the TSA website for allowable items. I actually flew to Detroit the day the plot unfurled in London, so am no stranger to now having to check my bags because I'm a girl, and I need girly shit like lipgloss, mascara, hair gels, lotion, and etc.
Some of the stuff on this list is pretty hilarious for the sheer reason it got its own separate billing. But as I always say, there are specifics because someone has attempted before. Why else are there directions on shampoo bottles?
Read the full list here.
My favorite - swords and sabers can be checked, but not carried on. Huh.
And note that Transformers get their own distinction - product placement at its finest. I wonder how much their manufacturer paid to have them on that list?
Some of the stuff on this list is pretty hilarious for the sheer reason it got its own separate billing. But as I always say, there are specifics because someone has attempted before. Why else are there directions on shampoo bottles?
Read the full list here.
My favorite - swords and sabers can be checked, but not carried on. Huh.
And note that Transformers get their own distinction - product placement at its finest. I wonder how much their manufacturer paid to have them on that list?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Bacony McBaconson
Imagine my joy and surprise when this email popped into my inbox yesterday:Ham it Up
BY RIMA SUQI
One of New York's greatest food advantages is the presence of skilled, trained-by-apprenticeship butchers in every neighborhood. Here, and starting on page 62, we show some of their handiwork, along with their preferred cooking methods. Pictured, bacon made from Schaller & Weber's hickory-smoked pork. Head cutter Conrad Krische advises ordering it cut thick—a quarter of an inch—and cooking it in a frying pan over medium heat, which achieves a crispy edge and a tender, chewy center. It's the use of hickory pork, rather than apple pork, that gives its bacon the edge. "The best piece will taste smoky and salty, not sweet," he says. One pound of smoked slab bacon, $6.99; 1654 Second Ave., nr. 86th St.; 212-879-3047).
New York Mag promoting the love of Bacon (it's so good, it gets capitalization!). Magnificent!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Remember
Even five years later, the morning of September 11 is still pretty vivid, especially since I am working in the same office building that I was that morning. Today is similar to then - a beautiful fall day, although a little cloudier, and little cooler.
I remarked a short time ago to my dad that I can't believe that everything that morning transpired in about 2 hours. It was probably the longest two hours, and the longest day, of my life.
As I become increasingly bitter and hostile to New York and what it has become to me, I think back in remembrance of a time when it was the best place to be, and to a time, when, even after we'd been attacked and the island was in shambles, I could imagine being nowhere else. Therefore, I will always consider myself a New Yorker, even though I didn't grow up here, and won't grow old here.
Never forget.
I remarked a short time ago to my dad that I can't believe that everything that morning transpired in about 2 hours. It was probably the longest two hours, and the longest day, of my life.
As I become increasingly bitter and hostile to New York and what it has become to me, I think back in remembrance of a time when it was the best place to be, and to a time, when, even after we'd been attacked and the island was in shambles, I could imagine being nowhere else. Therefore, I will always consider myself a New Yorker, even though I didn't grow up here, and won't grow old here.
Never forget.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Frivolous Lawsuits
Yet another reason I hate Oprah, and why the book industry is fucked (from Publishers Lunch):
Frey Settlement Deal is Close
Following a rumor report from Radar recently, the NYT also says that Random House and James Frey are close to settling class action suits brought over the merchandising of A MILLION LITTLE PIECES as nonfiction. While Random House's standard policy has always allowed for refunds to consumers who buy directly from their site, and via booksellers with purchase receipt, the settlement as reported by "a person familiar with the negotiations" would be much simpler (and more generous) for consumers. They would simply need to submit a selected page or piece of packaging from the book or audio packaging to qualify, along with a standardized "sworn statement that they would not have bought the book if they knew that certain facts had been embroidered or changed." By this account, Frey and Random House's liability would be capped at a maximum of $2.35 million, including paying all the lawyers, cash refunds, and some kind of charitable donation. (You'll remember that Frey has insisted that, even before his lies were exposed, he was already donating 15 percent of his earnings to treatment centers, though the donations have never been documented.) Frey's lawyer Derek Meyer tells the NYT, "We worked with Random House on whether to resolve these lawsuits and the desire to move on became a powerful incentive to resolve what are otherwise very weak cases." In this case, "move n" could be a synonym for "get paid," since Random House has withheld Frey's big seven-figure Oprah windfall royalty check pending disposition of the lawsuits.
So where does one draw the line? Lawsuits like this show the ignorance of the vast majority of Americans, and are part of the reason why everything is so expensive. Anytime Sony gets hit with a class action lawsuit, and everyone who bought a defunct Discman gets their 40 cents in settlement, then the cost of Discmans go up. Is it really worth the 40 cents?
Frey Settlement Deal is Close
Following a rumor report from Radar recently, the NYT also says that Random House and James Frey are close to settling class action suits brought over the merchandising of A MILLION LITTLE PIECES as nonfiction. While Random House's standard policy has always allowed for refunds to consumers who buy directly from their site, and via booksellers with purchase receipt, the settlement as reported by "a person familiar with the negotiations" would be much simpler (and more generous) for consumers. They would simply need to submit a selected page or piece of packaging from the book or audio packaging to qualify, along with a standardized "sworn statement that they would not have bought the book if they knew that certain facts had been embroidered or changed." By this account, Frey and Random House's liability would be capped at a maximum of $2.35 million, including paying all the lawyers, cash refunds, and some kind of charitable donation. (You'll remember that Frey has insisted that, even before his lies were exposed, he was already donating 15 percent of his earnings to treatment centers, though the donations have never been documented.) Frey's lawyer Derek Meyer tells the NYT, "We worked with Random House on whether to resolve these lawsuits and the desire to move on became a powerful incentive to resolve what are otherwise very weak cases." In this case, "move n" could be a synonym for "get paid," since Random House has withheld Frey's big seven-figure Oprah windfall royalty check pending disposition of the lawsuits.
So where does one draw the line? Lawsuits like this show the ignorance of the vast majority of Americans, and are part of the reason why everything is so expensive. Anytime Sony gets hit with a class action lawsuit, and everyone who bought a defunct Discman gets their 40 cents in settlement, then the cost of Discmans go up. Is it really worth the 40 cents?
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Friday, September 01, 2006
Snug as a bug in a rug
Wow, I just might have to purchase this. Again, as most of my favorite things are classified, the simplicity is the brilliance in this. And you look boss wearing it.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
More bathroom antics
Does the week before Labor Day bring out the worst in people? Well, our bathroom at work is generally disgusting and filled with a few weirdos who make it unbearable for the rest of us normal folks, so probably not, but just saw the latest freak!
So as I was washing my hands, I saw the sink next to me FILLED with suds (and the culprit, who I dislike on account of her overt oddness and bitchy demeanor, was leaving, so I know now who she is!). Seriously, how OCD are you that you need to fill an entire sink with suds? It's such a damn waste, on so many levels.
The freaks in this city are like pigeons, rats, and cockroaches - they will be the only survivors in a nuclear winter, because the cannot be human.
So as I was washing my hands, I saw the sink next to me FILLED with suds (and the culprit, who I dislike on account of her overt oddness and bitchy demeanor, was leaving, so I know now who she is!). Seriously, how OCD are you that you need to fill an entire sink with suds? It's such a damn waste, on so many levels.
The freaks in this city are like pigeons, rats, and cockroaches - they will be the only survivors in a nuclear winter, because the cannot be human.
CNN outdoes itself
Gotta love this headline on CNN this morning:
Police: Throbbing artery gave polygamist away
At least it was just his artery that was throbbing...although he is a sex freak and most likely a pedophile. So perhaps I'm wrong in my thinking...
Police: Throbbing artery gave polygamist away
At least it was just his artery that was throbbing...although he is a sex freak and most likely a pedophile. So perhaps I'm wrong in my thinking...
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
A Devil Grows in Kettering
Check out the sweet tomato my dad picked in our yard last week. Clearly, we're channeling Satan via soil. Or perhaps it's attack of the killer tomatoes?
My dad says it's a "devil of a tomato."
But perhaps it's a unicorn, if you want to take the shiny happy road. But seeing as it was grown in Ohio, it has that evil GOP-red-state-taint on it, so I'm going with devil.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Chronicles of Snasty, Vol. 1
At my chica Erica's request, and on her tip, I've decided to write about the further disgusting freaks that frequent the 5th Fl. bathroom at my hub of employment, 375 Hudson St.
Erica just let me know that someone was clipping their toenails in the bathroom. I guess I should at least be happy that they were in a closed stall doing this (Erica heard the clips and saw the stance, hence how she knew) , since I've seen people do this on the subway in the open, no qualms at all.
However, SHE WAS CLIPPING HER TOENAILS IN A WORKPLACE BATHROOM! I tend to think there are bylaws in my company that do not allow this. And Erica verified that one leg was up ON the toilet seat for the proper clippage. This is distrubing on many levels, because now I might end up sitting on her snasty foot. And lord hopes she got some funk on her foot, if she's tacky enough to clip the toes over the toilet.
It is completely unacceptable anywhere aside from over a wastebasket in your home or bathroom (Erica concurs).
Bring on your snasty workplace bathroom stories!
Erica just let me know that someone was clipping their toenails in the bathroom. I guess I should at least be happy that they were in a closed stall doing this (Erica heard the clips and saw the stance, hence how she knew) , since I've seen people do this on the subway in the open, no qualms at all.
However, SHE WAS CLIPPING HER TOENAILS IN A WORKPLACE BATHROOM! I tend to think there are bylaws in my company that do not allow this. And Erica verified that one leg was up ON the toilet seat for the proper clippage. This is distrubing on many levels, because now I might end up sitting on her snasty foot. And lord hopes she got some funk on her foot, if she's tacky enough to clip the toes over the toilet.
It is completely unacceptable anywhere aside from over a wastebasket in your home or bathroom (Erica concurs).
Bring on your snasty workplace bathroom stories!
Chronicles of Snasty, Vol. 1
At my chica Erica's request, and on her tip, I've decided to write about the further disgusting freaks that frequent the 5th Fl. bathroom at my hub of employment, 375 Hudson St.
Erica just let me know that someone was clipping their toenails in the bathroom. I guess I should at least be happy that they were in a closed stall doing this (Erica heard the clips and saw the stance, hence how she knew) , since I've seen people do this on the subway in the open, no qualms at all.
However, SHE WAS CLIPPING HER TOENAILS IN A WORKPLACE BATHROOM! I tend to think there are bylaws in my company that do not allow this. And Erica verified that one leg was up ON the toilet seat for the proper clippage. This is distrubing on many levels, because now I might end up sitting on her snasty foot. And lord hopes she got some funk on her foot, if she's tacky enough to clip the toes over the toilet.
It is completely unacceptable anywhere aside from over a wastebasket in your home or bathroom (Erica concurs).
Bring on your snasty workplace bathroom stories!
Erica just let me know that someone was clipping their toenails in the bathroom. I guess I should at least be happy that they were in a closed stall doing this (Erica heard the clips and saw the stance, hence how she knew) , since I've seen people do this on the subway in the open, no qualms at all.
However, SHE WAS CLIPPING HER TOENAILS IN A WORKPLACE BATHROOM! I tend to think there are bylaws in my company that do not allow this. And Erica verified that one leg was up ON the toilet seat for the proper clippage. This is distrubing on many levels, because now I might end up sitting on her snasty foot. And lord hopes she got some funk on her foot, if she's tacky enough to clip the toes over the toilet.
It is completely unacceptable anywhere aside from over a wastebasket in your home or bathroom (Erica concurs).
Bring on your snasty workplace bathroom stories!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
So many freaks, so little time
Wow, this morning's commute was a freakshow bonanza! On the train, I noticed a guy with a headband. You read correctly - he was wearing one of those thin plastic headbands that I used to have in every color as a little girl. You could even see the teeth tracks in his hair. To his credit, it was an understated brown. He was a normal enough looking guy, dressed well, nice shoes (such a key component for a man), so it was a bit off-putting and confusing.
There was also some woman sharing the elevator with me wearing absolutely the most absurd sunglasses I have ever seen. They were like giant white octagons, and just silly. She looked like Bootsy Collins.
I might need to go out at lunch - is it a full moon or something? Or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that my entire science education has been based on a lie, with the demotion of Pluto. Poor Pluto - didn't it have enough going against it anyway?
There was also some woman sharing the elevator with me wearing absolutely the most absurd sunglasses I have ever seen. They were like giant white octagons, and just silly. She looked like Bootsy Collins.
I might need to go out at lunch - is it a full moon or something? Or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that my entire science education has been based on a lie, with the demotion of Pluto. Poor Pluto - didn't it have enough going against it anyway?
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The perfect food?
I just snacked on some Honey Nut Cheerios. Here in Manhattan, a box of cereal will run you $4-6. I'm not kidding. So I only purchase cereal when it's on sale. A little tip, CVS and Rite Aid, yes drugstores, always have the best sales. I can snag 2 boxes for the price of one when they go on sale, with great frequency.
But I digress.
Back to the Cheerios. I think they could possibly be the perfect food. I'll eat HNC for meals, and a snack. Their flavor is just perfection. Occasionally I've digressed to Target brand, and there's something just a little off. I get to the point that I crave them. One love.
Quiz: What's the name of the HNC bee? I can't remember for the life of me. And I'm too lazy to google.
But I digress.
Back to the Cheerios. I think they could possibly be the perfect food. I'll eat HNC for meals, and a snack. Their flavor is just perfection. Occasionally I've digressed to Target brand, and there's something just a little off. I get to the point that I crave them. One love.
Quiz: What's the name of the HNC bee? I can't remember for the life of me. And I'm too lazy to google.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Twisty Delight
I love pretzels. LOVE THEM. Like, I could eat them every day, and often do. I've been a pretzel fan since elementary or junior high school, always bringing them in my lunch. In high school, they were my lunch. I just finished a bag of Rold Gold Tiny Twists as an afternoon snack. I have to say that Rold Gold Thins are my favorite, and I will often leave work to walk to the deli on the corner, just to buy the 99 cent bag of Thins. The salt is perfect, the pretzel crisp and crunchy. Just perfect. Substitues will not do. I'm a pretzel snob.
So to my delight this weekend, my boyfriend and I tried a new restaurant in my nighborhood, Wicker Park. Very delish, and am looking forward to going back. When they brought out the bread basket, I was delighted - they had this soft pretzel log in there! And to top it off, mustard butter, with whole mustard seeds! I was obsessed.
I want to try the Rold Gold Thins with homemade mustard butter now. Can you even imagine???? Although, the beauty of pretzels, is the simplicity - I love 'em alone, probably even more. I dare say they are the perfect snack.
So to my delight this weekend, my boyfriend and I tried a new restaurant in my nighborhood, Wicker Park. Very delish, and am looking forward to going back. When they brought out the bread basket, I was delighted - they had this soft pretzel log in there! And to top it off, mustard butter, with whole mustard seeds! I was obsessed.
I want to try the Rold Gold Thins with homemade mustard butter now. Can you even imagine???? Although, the beauty of pretzels, is the simplicity - I love 'em alone, probably even more. I dare say they are the perfect snack.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Iced Coffee Done Right
I read a great piece in the NY Times yesterday about iced coffee, the drink you see in every New Yorker's fist from Memorial Day until Labor Day, that's just catching on in the rest of the country. And I'm not talking about a 600 calorie pseudo-milkshake from Starbucks. I'm talking cold coffee. On ice, and how you take it. The simplicity is the beauty, and while I still prefer hot coffee most days, I do enjoy the occasional iced coffee as an afternoon pick-me-up, or on the weekends. It's easier to drink and carry than a hot cup.
Even though I just discovered the joy of ice coffee only 3 years ago, after being a resister, I have to say what the writer said in this article is true: that NY iced coffee is generally a weak, watery concoction barely able to claim itself as iced coffee. The key, she says, it to brew it double strength, with coffee ice cubes. And it must be done at home. This woman is my new guru.
I am a one cup-drinker in the mornings, at home. I have a pod coffee maker that I love, but can't seem to find the pods anymore. So I've moved on to making coffee in my French Press the evening before and chilling it for a nice ice in the morning. It works well, and I like the consistency (little thicker, but not syrupy) than what I'd buy at say Dunkin' Donuts or my local cart vendor. But I made the coffee ice cubes yesterday. And it was that much better. Like, WOW.
Take heed - homemade iced coffee is the best you can get. Especially when you make the coffee cubes.
Even though I just discovered the joy of ice coffee only 3 years ago, after being a resister, I have to say what the writer said in this article is true: that NY iced coffee is generally a weak, watery concoction barely able to claim itself as iced coffee. The key, she says, it to brew it double strength, with coffee ice cubes. And it must be done at home. This woman is my new guru.
I am a one cup-drinker in the mornings, at home. I have a pod coffee maker that I love, but can't seem to find the pods anymore. So I've moved on to making coffee in my French Press the evening before and chilling it for a nice ice in the morning. It works well, and I like the consistency (little thicker, but not syrupy) than what I'd buy at say Dunkin' Donuts or my local cart vendor. But I made the coffee ice cubes yesterday. And it was that much better. Like, WOW.
Take heed - homemade iced coffee is the best you can get. Especially when you make the coffee cubes.
The pedosmile is the giveaway
So the latest photos of the dude who killed JonBenet - so creepy. I mean, these types of people are really just so obvious.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Recipe for Disaster
Ok, a while back, I blogged about some lame Rachael Ray recipe (at the very top there). But this new one from Ellie Krieger really takes the cake. So is she the braniac who came up with this?
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Air Guitar is the New Black
If you know what's good for you, you'll come to discover all the joy that is AIR GUITAR tomorrow, Aug. 9.
See for yourself:
http://www.readpenguin.com/ToAirInviteAnime.html
See for yourself:
http://www.readpenguin.com/ToAirInviteAnime.html
Monday, August 07, 2006
Wildlife in the Hudson
It's not everyday you see a manatee swimming in the Hudson River. I think you might have a better chance of seeing a body (not that I'd want to, but I bet it's true). Hope he stays safe and gets out OK. And let's hope he doesn't taint the rest of his buddies in Florida with the Hudson stank, courtesy of the most heavily trafficked waterway in the U.S.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Mother Nature is One Cranky Biyatch
Isn't kind of interesting to think that at this time last year, we'd had no days over 100 degrees, yet had already had like 12 hurricanes.
Now, we've had 3 days over 100, and only 3 hurricanes. Even though the heat sucks, it's less damaging, so I'll take that over a hurricane, but still. Is Father Time having trouble getting it up? Is that why Mother Nature is such a hateful bitch this year?
Now, we've had 3 days over 100, and only 3 hurricanes. Even though the heat sucks, it's less damaging, so I'll take that over a hurricane, but still. Is Father Time having trouble getting it up? Is that why Mother Nature is such a hateful bitch this year?
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Dessert of the Gods
I just had one of the best desserts of my life - Banoffee at The Spotted Pig in the West Village here in NY.
Crumbly shortbread cookie-like crust, layered with bananas and caramel, topped with pillowy whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Seriously....I will dream about this.
I think the only other thing that beats this is the Nutella Chocolate Cake at Deborah, also in the West Village.
I suppose I am so jealous of Funbag's blog that I am trying to channel her with my food longings here.
Crumbly shortbread cookie-like crust, layered with bananas and caramel, topped with pillowy whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Seriously....I will dream about this.
I think the only other thing that beats this is the Nutella Chocolate Cake at Deborah, also in the West Village.
I suppose I am so jealous of Funbag's blog that I am trying to channel her with my food longings here.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Happy 25th, MTV!
MTV has reached their Quarterlife Crisis! Congrats!
Ah, remember the days when videos were actually MTV's innovative thing....with Downtown Julie Brown, and Remote Control, and Yo! MTV Raps.
Well, you have to give them credit for the empire and brand they've built from such humble beginnings. Raise a glass - I want my MTV!
Ah, remember the days when videos were actually MTV's innovative thing....with Downtown Julie Brown, and Remote Control, and Yo! MTV Raps.
Well, you have to give them credit for the empire and brand they've built from such humble beginnings. Raise a glass - I want my MTV!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Walk the Sunshine
While listening to Johnny Cash this morning on my iPod, "Walk the Line" happened to stick in my head all morning, even after I had stopped listening. No problem, it's a great song, an American classic if you will. However, as the song kept replaying in the noggin, it was meshed with another classic tune, "You are My Sunshine."
The two are quite similar. While Johnny Cash is clearly a brilliant American musical master, and "Walk the Line" a fantastic classic song, it closely resembles "You are My Sunshine" in it's simplicity. I'm just sayin....
The two are quite similar. While Johnny Cash is clearly a brilliant American musical master, and "Walk the Line" a fantastic classic song, it closely resembles "You are My Sunshine" in it's simplicity. I'm just sayin....
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bacon for president!
I stumbled across this website www.readexpress.com for actual work, and i saw on the home page that it linked to this blog.
Kismet, indeed!
Kismet, indeed!
Monday, July 17, 2006
Since I'm a reader and all...
It's been requested of me to start writing about good books. Me and books go together like peanut butter and jelly, hence my career in publishing. I am always in the middle of at least two, possibly more (generally, a hardcover for home and a paperback for the train). I also am always giving suggestions, but I think because I just give so darn many, people forget. And let's face it, it often goes in one ear and out the other unless it's in writing.
So, now begins a new feature where I will discuss good books. I'll start with one I just finished, because it's been far too long since I finished a really good one. I'll go back and discuss some of my old favorites as well, but right now I'd like to discuss Heat by Bill Buford.
I was lucky enough to snag a copy of this book at the New Yorker Magazine's Spring Books Party at Housing Works here in Manhattan. I therefore got the book for half-price, and the proceeds went to a good cause (Housing Works).
Heat was the book I was excited to crack on my beyond-wonderful vacation in Northern Michigan, because I remembered reading a profile in the New Yorker Mag, years ago, about Mario Batali, and found it fascinating. The best part of this profile was that the writer, Buford (the former fiction editor at the mag) had apprenticed in Batali's famous kitchen at Babbo (his famous restaurant) and it just stuck in my head.
I was thrilled to find Buford had written a book about his extensive time interning (or externing in culinary lingo) in Batali's kitchen (hitting every station, from lowly prep to pasta and grill). But not only was I rewarded with an interesting behind-the-scenes narrative of what goes on in a three-star kitchen, but also the insight into Batali, such a fascinating guy with an interesting background, and a culinary master and innovator.
Buford also went to Italy (a country I adore and would kill to spend any extensive amount of time in) to learn the ancient art of pasta making, and butchery from a Dante-quoting infamous butcher in Tuscany.
If you are an avid Food Network watcher as I am, or just enjoy reading about food because you can learn so damn much, you should pick up this book. I learned a lot, and felt myself lusting after Buford's ability to spend so much time in Italy over the course of this book, but also for deconstructing the myth of a mythic man and his kitchen.
The next food book on my plate is The Ominvore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, but I need a little palate cleanse, excuse the pun. I'm going to read The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards first, which is shaping up to be this year's Kite Runner or The Secret Life of Bees.
Enjoy!
So, now begins a new feature where I will discuss good books. I'll start with one I just finished, because it's been far too long since I finished a really good one. I'll go back and discuss some of my old favorites as well, but right now I'd like to discuss Heat by Bill Buford.
I was lucky enough to snag a copy of this book at the New Yorker Magazine's Spring Books Party at Housing Works here in Manhattan. I therefore got the book for half-price, and the proceeds went to a good cause (Housing Works).
Heat was the book I was excited to crack on my beyond-wonderful vacation in Northern Michigan, because I remembered reading a profile in the New Yorker Mag, years ago, about Mario Batali, and found it fascinating. The best part of this profile was that the writer, Buford (the former fiction editor at the mag) had apprenticed in Batali's famous kitchen at Babbo (his famous restaurant) and it just stuck in my head.
I was thrilled to find Buford had written a book about his extensive time interning (or externing in culinary lingo) in Batali's kitchen (hitting every station, from lowly prep to pasta and grill). But not only was I rewarded with an interesting behind-the-scenes narrative of what goes on in a three-star kitchen, but also the insight into Batali, such a fascinating guy with an interesting background, and a culinary master and innovator.
Buford also went to Italy (a country I adore and would kill to spend any extensive amount of time in) to learn the ancient art of pasta making, and butchery from a Dante-quoting infamous butcher in Tuscany.
If you are an avid Food Network watcher as I am, or just enjoy reading about food because you can learn so damn much, you should pick up this book. I learned a lot, and felt myself lusting after Buford's ability to spend so much time in Italy over the course of this book, but also for deconstructing the myth of a mythic man and his kitchen.
The next food book on my plate is The Ominvore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, but I need a little palate cleanse, excuse the pun. I'm going to read The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards first, which is shaping up to be this year's Kite Runner or The Secret Life of Bees.
Enjoy!
Bring on the triple digits
Oh dear, it's going to be 100 degrees tomorrow. Do you know what happened the last time it was 100 in NYC? The blackout of 2004. Thus insued one of the most enjoyable nights of my life in New York, drinking in the middle of 47th st., hot, sweaty, and so like the other millions of hot stranded New Yorkers that day. To see Billy Joel's "Miami 2017" come to life (" I see the lights go out on Broadway") for a non-scary (ie: 9/11-type reason) was unlike anything I could ever experience again, in the best way possible.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Cool gadget if you don't have access to a campfire
Granted it's still early (and hot and humid again today, although coupled with a decent breeze, unlike the soupy air yesterday) but I'm still wrapping my head around this super-cool gadget. It is totally awesome or totally irrelevant? Must let the coffee sink in and rethink in an hour.
Who needs fire, or even the mess of a microwave, when you can stick a marshmallow in the tines and roast away!
Who needs fire, or even the mess of a microwave, when you can stick a marshmallow in the tines and roast away!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Ken Lay, Good Christian
Whoever the reverand is who did the ceremony, you'd think God would have already struck him down for comparing Ken Lay to Jesus. What an insult to Jesus!
Wowza
This hot, sticky, hazy morning, just as I got off the train at Bleecker St., my usual stop, an interesting sight took my mind off my mile-long walk to my office, in which I would sweat profusely, thanks to the 90% humidity and 80 degree weather.
At the corner of Houston and Broadway, the major intersection of Soho, on a nasty, dirty corner was a man cleaning up around the trashcan that he had just emptied. This was a city worker and not the purpose of my observation, but a key note to it: he was cleaning up the spillage from this nasty overflowing garbage can in the heart of one of the busiest intersections in Manhattan.
Not 2 feet away from him was this dude: He was wearing yellow rubber wading pants (wtf?), and was shirtless and shoeless. He looked blissful to be standing watching the cleaning guy sweep nasty bits of crud and lord knows what into his sweepy can, with liquid dribbling everywhere (coffee, water, juice, bodily fluids, etc.), a mere 2 feet from his bare soles.
No wonder I had a nightmare the other night about being barefoot with my feet encased in crud. I would have to take acid to the soles of my feet to ever feel clean enough after standing on that corner barefoot.
So my question: What do you think he was on?
At the corner of Houston and Broadway, the major intersection of Soho, on a nasty, dirty corner was a man cleaning up around the trashcan that he had just emptied. This was a city worker and not the purpose of my observation, but a key note to it: he was cleaning up the spillage from this nasty overflowing garbage can in the heart of one of the busiest intersections in Manhattan.
Not 2 feet away from him was this dude: He was wearing yellow rubber wading pants (wtf?), and was shirtless and shoeless. He looked blissful to be standing watching the cleaning guy sweep nasty bits of crud and lord knows what into his sweepy can, with liquid dribbling everywhere (coffee, water, juice, bodily fluids, etc.), a mere 2 feet from his bare soles.
No wonder I had a nightmare the other night about being barefoot with my feet encased in crud. I would have to take acid to the soles of my feet to ever feel clean enough after standing on that corner barefoot.
So my question: What do you think he was on?
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Calling All Squatters
Ok, bitches, listen up: if you're one of thos annoying, disgusting seat pee-ers, you need to pay close attention.
First, you're peeing on the seat because you're squatting, and you're squatting because you're afraid of pee on the seat. This is a chicken-or-egg scenario. You pee on the seat because you squat, which begins a vicious cycle. Use TP as a barrier if you're that afraid. But for the love of all things holy, stop squatting - you're just funking it up for the next girl!
Second, this is for nesters: HOW MUCH TP DO YOU NEED TO PROTECT YOUR STINKY BUM?? I go into my office restroom, and the toilets are often clogged, which causes overflow, which is dirtier than anything you'd find on the seat. Why are they clogged? Someone could have docked a giant freighter, perhaps aircraft carrier-size, but odds are, their nesting materials sank it in the end. I also love those people who you can hear the roll going round and round - they must go through half a roll doing god knows what.
Third, any funk that's on your ass region is probably nastier than anything that can survive on a toilet seat, especially in an office building. All bets are off in a public park, or a place where lord knows what happens on that seat, but come on, in a 9-5 office building where you know your co-workers, simmer down.
Fourth, ladies, puh-LEESE: Plastic hygiene containers do not belong IN the toilet. Those go in the trashcan. I'm sick of being surprised with a pastic white tube floating around in the water that will never go down. Have an iota of respect for the cleaning person who has to fish that out.
I am repeatedly apalled at the level of bathroom inetiquette in my company's stalls. I feel like I work with a bunch of 3rd graders who never learned the proper way to pee, etc.
When it comes to public toilets, get your shit together...literally.
First, you're peeing on the seat because you're squatting, and you're squatting because you're afraid of pee on the seat. This is a chicken-or-egg scenario. You pee on the seat because you squat, which begins a vicious cycle. Use TP as a barrier if you're that afraid. But for the love of all things holy, stop squatting - you're just funking it up for the next girl!
Second, this is for nesters: HOW MUCH TP DO YOU NEED TO PROTECT YOUR STINKY BUM?? I go into my office restroom, and the toilets are often clogged, which causes overflow, which is dirtier than anything you'd find on the seat. Why are they clogged? Someone could have docked a giant freighter, perhaps aircraft carrier-size, but odds are, their nesting materials sank it in the end. I also love those people who you can hear the roll going round and round - they must go through half a roll doing god knows what.
Third, any funk that's on your ass region is probably nastier than anything that can survive on a toilet seat, especially in an office building. All bets are off in a public park, or a place where lord knows what happens on that seat, but come on, in a 9-5 office building where you know your co-workers, simmer down.
Fourth, ladies, puh-LEESE: Plastic hygiene containers do not belong IN the toilet. Those go in the trashcan. I'm sick of being surprised with a pastic white tube floating around in the water that will never go down. Have an iota of respect for the cleaning person who has to fish that out.
I am repeatedly apalled at the level of bathroom inetiquette in my company's stalls. I feel like I work with a bunch of 3rd graders who never learned the proper way to pee, etc.
When it comes to public toilets, get your shit together...literally.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Countdown
I am jittery in anticipation of my impending vacation. Sitting on a beach for 5 days...and I'm not even a beach person.
I expect to eat, drink, and be merry. And hopefully not burn to a crisp.
I expect to eat, drink, and be merry. And hopefully not burn to a crisp.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Snack Dog
It's totally a Gray's Papaya lunch today. $1 hot dogs, the best in the city. Ah, nitrates.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Sweet confidence
So back in the day, when I was a newbie to the big city, and used to rock out harder than in college (the basic difference being 4 bars in my college town vs. 4000 bars in Manhattan), I would get beer confidence and shout out "I'm the hottest girl in here!" My friends were amused, and it became my thing, quickly turning into a joke at my confident naivete. I would shout it out at all moments. Good times.
Well, last fall, I happened to be on tour with an author that took me to Baltimore, where my best good friend from college lives. I enjoy Baltimore. I think it's an underrated city with a good amount to offer - waterfront views, some great sporting venues (ahem, Camden Yards), amazing Bloody Mary's (they use Old Bay seasoning around the rim, so key), Crab Cakes, and their own little accent. It's a little bit country, a little bit city - they drop the TI in BalTImore, and simply call it Bal-M0re.
That's not the meat of my story, simply an aside. The real juice here, is that when I (practically soberly, I might add) said "I'm the hottest girl in here" to my friend while we were hanging in a fairly trendy bar in a trendy neighborhood, it was true. Never have I risen so above the clientele. I don't know if that's sad or awesome. Maybe a little of both. But let's say one thing that Baltimore is lacking is the ability to realize that skin-tight clothing and fat rolls is not, and will never be, a reason to claim you're the hottest girl in there.
Well, last fall, I happened to be on tour with an author that took me to Baltimore, where my best good friend from college lives. I enjoy Baltimore. I think it's an underrated city with a good amount to offer - waterfront views, some great sporting venues (ahem, Camden Yards), amazing Bloody Mary's (they use Old Bay seasoning around the rim, so key), Crab Cakes, and their own little accent. It's a little bit country, a little bit city - they drop the TI in BalTImore, and simply call it Bal-M0re.
That's not the meat of my story, simply an aside. The real juice here, is that when I (practically soberly, I might add) said "I'm the hottest girl in here" to my friend while we were hanging in a fairly trendy bar in a trendy neighborhood, it was true. Never have I risen so above the clientele. I don't know if that's sad or awesome. Maybe a little of both. But let's say one thing that Baltimore is lacking is the ability to realize that skin-tight clothing and fat rolls is not, and will never be, a reason to claim you're the hottest girl in there.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Crossword Mania
So I might be late in coming to this obsession, but I'm in deep: the daily crossword. Alas, Monday I can complete, and beyond that, the boxes become more and more empty. I enlist my boyfriend to help as the weekend grows near. Still, something to look forward to every day.
Do you think that a crossword editor wakes up one day when he's 10 and says "I want to edit crosswords when I grow up!" Do you have to take special classes? What is involved?
Perhaps I should see the new flick, "Wordplay."
Do you think that a crossword editor wakes up one day when he's 10 and says "I want to edit crosswords when I grow up!" Do you have to take special classes? What is involved?
Perhaps I should see the new flick, "Wordplay."
Monday, June 19, 2006
Stop the insanity
What sane woman claims she can't wait to have more children, less than a month after giving birth?
Well, Angelina Jolie, clearly the patron saint of motherly love. Either that, or she's crazier than a shithouse rat. This is the same woman who wore Billy Bob's blood in a vial around her neck, right? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
Also, let's not forget she said she'd adopt again. In interviews she said she was terriefied while giving birth (rightly so, I'm sure, but I'm not one to speak from experience). I don't think she'll let Brad's magic stick within 10 feet of her Va-J-J anytime soon.
Well, Angelina Jolie, clearly the patron saint of motherly love. Either that, or she's crazier than a shithouse rat. This is the same woman who wore Billy Bob's blood in a vial around her neck, right? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
Also, let's not forget she said she'd adopt again. In interviews she said she was terriefied while giving birth (rightly so, I'm sure, but I'm not one to speak from experience). I don't think she'll let Brad's magic stick within 10 feet of her Va-J-J anytime soon.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Happy Flag Day!
Hey, I'm all for celbrating holidays, especially if they involve a weekend, food, and booze. But Flag Day does none of these things. What exactly DOES Flag Day celebrate?
I did some sleuthing, and alas, it's really not all that exciting:
"Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon. "
In this day and age, honestly, I'm surprisedthe date still gets printed on calendars. I'm all for protecting the sanctity of the symbol of our freedom, but if you really want to make Flag Day a celebration, move it to a weekend. Then, it's go time.
I did some sleuthing, and alas, it's really not all that exciting:
"Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon. "
In this day and age, honestly, I'm surprisedthe date still gets printed on calendars. I'm all for protecting the sanctity of the symbol of our freedom, but if you really want to make Flag Day a celebration, move it to a weekend. Then, it's go time.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Hitmen who think they're not guilty
Right, it's their lawyers fault....
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/06/13/mafia.cops.ap/index.html
Or perhaps, it's because they're guilty scumbag assholes????
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/06/13/mafia.cops.ap/index.html
Or perhaps, it's because they're guilty scumbag assholes????
Coffee, how do I love thee?
The deal with coffee just keeps getting better and better. Now researchers are saying that a cuppa joe can reduce the effects of cirrhosis of the liver by up to 22%. So all those hangovers days when I craved coffee, when I needed it so much it hurt, probably actually helped me. Glad I didn't waste the calories on Coke.
Steven Johnson was right - Everything Bad IS Good for You!
Steven Johnson was right - Everything Bad IS Good for You!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Rock the Air
Gear up for 2006, aka the year of Air Guitar. A short bit about the glorious art here:
http://theowlmag.com/reelseries.asp?id=7
http://theowlmag.com/reelseries.asp?id=7
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Baby Dumbo
There is an elephant who has been in labor for 3 days, and has her 300-lb. calf stuck in her birth canal. She's supposed to undergo surgery today to remove it. Might or might not be alive.
I cannot even feasibly imagine the discomfort of this poor mama....
I cannot even feasibly imagine the discomfort of this poor mama....
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Let your fingers do the walkin'
I want a finger pedometer, to see how many keystrokes I type in a day. It would be interesting to translate that into a fathomable number, like miles.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Weird dreams
So last night I had a dream that I was making out with one of my authors. But it was a weird hybrid of him and one of my friends (they bear a striking resemblance). To creep it out further, it was in my childhood bedroom, with twin bed that I haven't had since like 4th grade. And my mom walked in. And my author had feety PJ's on.
WTF????
Now that you're all royally creeped out...
But at least he's a dude. And young. And attractive. So at lest I have make-out dreams with cute guys.
WTF????
Now that you're all royally creeped out...
But at least he's a dude. And young. And attractive. So at lest I have make-out dreams with cute guys.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Play-by-play confirmation hearings
Elevator hater
Just a thought: when you get into the elevator and push the button for your floor, move to the back. Don't block the whole button console. I don't care if you're getting off on Floor 2, it's just rude, because then no one can get to the buttons, and you end up making everyone else getting onto the elevator jostle around. I'm sorry if you're so self-absorbed that you think you're the priority, but it's sheer laziness.
Same with those morons who crowd the subways doors. Someone will always be running for a train, so move the hell out of the doorway, at least while it's open. The tourists are the worst - I understand they just might not get it, but if you can't ride public transportation safely and smartly, take a damn cab. I'd suggest waking, but they're always the slow ones who take the whole sidewalk, and I don't want to deal with that either.
Same with those morons who crowd the subways doors. Someone will always be running for a train, so move the hell out of the doorway, at least while it's open. The tourists are the worst - I understand they just might not get it, but if you can't ride public transportation safely and smartly, take a damn cab. I'd suggest waking, but they're always the slow ones who take the whole sidewalk, and I don't want to deal with that either.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Get out there and read, dammit.
I dig what Elizabeth Crane is doing here.
What better person to start with, than one of my favorite people/writers, George Saunders.
(Ed. note: Ok, so i'm a little biased, since I am his publicist. But he is the nicest human being alive, and deserves all good things that come to him. And he's an amazing funny, brilliant writer.)
What better person to start with, than one of my favorite people/writers, George Saunders.
(Ed. note: Ok, so i'm a little biased, since I am his publicist. But he is the nicest human being alive, and deserves all good things that come to him. And he's an amazing funny, brilliant writer.)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
John McCain has gone to the dark side
John McCain is cozying up to the conservative right for his next Presidential bid. To think what he could accommplish as a uniter, not divider?
Shame, shame. I would have voted for you, had you not gone slummin' to the right. Dammit.
Shame, shame. I would have voted for you, had you not gone slummin' to the right. Dammit.
Just graduate, dude
This is the lamest person alive:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/05/10/perpetual.student.ap/index.html
Even Tommy Boy didn't take this long. Fat guy in a little coooooooooooat.....
http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/05/10/perpetual.student.ap/index.html
Even Tommy Boy didn't take this long. Fat guy in a little coooooooooooat.....
Monday, May 08, 2006
Human Fish and Mormons
Why is David Blaine such a freak? Since when is THIS news??
On a happier note, that freaky pedophile fundamentalist/wannabe prophet Warren Jeffs is on the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list. Sweet.
Seriously, the FDLS freak me out a bit. One of the best books I've read (and definitely one of the top 5 non-fiction books) is Under the Banner of Heaven, by Jon Krakauer, who delves into the Mormon Church, aka The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It's an interesting eye-opener, but especially scary is the FDLS, the Mormon Fundamentalists, who split from the main Mormon Church in the 1800s when it condoned polygamy. They're bleeding the goverment dry by collecting welfare (more than $6 million a year, since by polygamy's standards, men are married to several women, but those women are not recognized as wives - and they have broods of children. Hence, single mom-dom). It's a fascinating book and insight into one of the fastest growing religions in the world.
On a happier note, that freaky pedophile fundamentalist/wannabe prophet Warren Jeffs is on the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted list. Sweet.
Seriously, the FDLS freak me out a bit. One of the best books I've read (and definitely one of the top 5 non-fiction books) is Under the Banner of Heaven, by Jon Krakauer, who delves into the Mormon Church, aka The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It's an interesting eye-opener, but especially scary is the FDLS, the Mormon Fundamentalists, who split from the main Mormon Church in the 1800s when it condoned polygamy. They're bleeding the goverment dry by collecting welfare (more than $6 million a year, since by polygamy's standards, men are married to several women, but those women are not recognized as wives - and they have broods of children. Hence, single mom-dom). It's a fascinating book and insight into one of the fastest growing religions in the world.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Sonsabitches
Goddamn that stupid Chase Bank commericial - you know, the one with the girl and her daddy and then it's her wedding. And thank God for Chase, because they allow Daddy to pay for the whole she-bang.
Too bad I'm all PMS-y and hormonal and it made me tear up. Now that just pisses me off. Glad I don't bank with those fuckers, toying with my emotions like that.
Too bad I'm all PMS-y and hormonal and it made me tear up. Now that just pisses me off. Glad I don't bank with those fuckers, toying with my emotions like that.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Word origin
So where does "in the hopper" come from? I just used that, and have no idea what it means. Perhaps I should query Patricia O'Connor.
Or maybe my friend Rockstar knows.
Or maybe my friend Rockstar knows.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Sergeant Honeynuts at your service
This is the greatest thing ever:
http://cheekysquirrel.net/squirrelname/index.php
You all can all me Sgt. Honeynuts from here on out. Or Lt. Bacones. Although Funbags has dibs on that one.
http://cheekysquirrel.net/squirrelname/index.php
You all can all me Sgt. Honeynuts from here on out. Or Lt. Bacones. Although Funbags has dibs on that one.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Seriously, Down With Oprah
Perhaps I was just blind, dumb, or drunk for the entire reign of Queen Biyatch herself, Oprah, and her reign of terror that started 2 decades ago and unfortunately continues today, but isn't her whole MO "to help people." I mean, isn't that why she has the quack Dr. Phil firmly planted up her tush? I mean, she gave out cars to underprivileged people! She helped with disasters! She got people to read! She brought "The Color Purple" to Broadway! Oh, Oprah, how could we survive without you telling us what to do?!
Funny then, that she just ruined James Frey's life for really no good reason at all. Well, I guess her reason is that he made her look bad. Because with the big O, it's really just all about her. At least her magazine circulation is falling steadily.
When will those middle-aged God-fearing housewives stop drinking her crappy kool-aid? I mean, it just ain't good. She doesn't put sugar in it or anything - just a big ol' shot of bitter. Then again, bitter is the new black (but this one's actually good...)
Oprah is the Enron of TV: Get as high as you can go, and then start destroying everyone below you.
Funny then, that she just ruined James Frey's life for really no good reason at all. Well, I guess her reason is that he made her look bad. Because with the big O, it's really just all about her. At least her magazine circulation is falling steadily.
When will those middle-aged God-fearing housewives stop drinking her crappy kool-aid? I mean, it just ain't good. She doesn't put sugar in it or anything - just a big ol' shot of bitter. Then again, bitter is the new black (but this one's actually good...)
Oprah is the Enron of TV: Get as high as you can go, and then start destroying everyone below you.
Nice tattoo
Wow, so many horrible things i could say about this guy, but let's just leave it at, man....if you didn't already think a picture was worth a thousand words, here's proof...
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0217061fy1.html
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0217061fy1.html
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Down with Dunkin Donuts
I think Starbucks coffee is garbage and an absolute rip-off (although they make a mean rice krispie treat). Hence, my coffee of choice when purchasing is Dunkin Donuts. There's been this big surge of them in Manhattan in the past few years, and a big hullaballoo about "coffee class wars" - mainly, the upwardly mobile yuppies who send their kindergartners to $30,000 a year private schools drink the grandiose Starbucks, and the young, urban broke-ass hipsters prefer the DD. Personally, this does make some sense to me, since DD is a cheaper and better cup of coffee than Starbucks, especially since the 'Bucks continues to raise their prices and shrink their cups. I digress.
This past fall a new DD opened a block from my office. Oh, devil store! Unless I want to lose my mind, I refuse to go in there before 11 AM, because one thing that the 'Bucks has going for it that DD doesn't, is that it is a well-oiled machine. Think of Starbucks as the Lexus of coffee shops and DD the Dodge Neon. Functional, and that's about it. Again, I digress.
So every now and again, an afternoon calls for a DD run. This afternoon proved to be no exception, so I went with my friend MAZ and grabbed some joe. My order is not hard. Medium coffee with skim milk. I tossed in a Splenda - again, not hard.
What do I get? Coffee, skim milk, and sugar. HOW HARD is it to put one packet of Splenda instead of 5 scoops of sugar?! I mean, I know Splenda is made from sugar, but that's stretching it.
DD is testing my nerve. I normally put the Splenda in myself, but wanted to give them another shot. I was trusting today. I will not trust again. They will get very few more chances. Until ice coffee season. Then it's free game again.
This past fall a new DD opened a block from my office. Oh, devil store! Unless I want to lose my mind, I refuse to go in there before 11 AM, because one thing that the 'Bucks has going for it that DD doesn't, is that it is a well-oiled machine. Think of Starbucks as the Lexus of coffee shops and DD the Dodge Neon. Functional, and that's about it. Again, I digress.
So every now and again, an afternoon calls for a DD run. This afternoon proved to be no exception, so I went with my friend MAZ and grabbed some joe. My order is not hard. Medium coffee with skim milk. I tossed in a Splenda - again, not hard.
What do I get? Coffee, skim milk, and sugar. HOW HARD is it to put one packet of Splenda instead of 5 scoops of sugar?! I mean, I know Splenda is made from sugar, but that's stretching it.
DD is testing my nerve. I normally put the Splenda in myself, but wanted to give them another shot. I was trusting today. I will not trust again. They will get very few more chances. Until ice coffee season. Then it's free game again.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Winter Wonderland
Park Ave at 89th St, 2:30 PM27 inches of snow! Biggest snowfall on record! WOO! After a leisurely morning of coffee and homemade bluberry pancakes, my boyfriend and I braced the blizzard to check out the snowfall and swing by his pad across town to pick up few things. It was boo-tiful!
I will be hating trudging through the gray disgusting slush and trying to avoid corner lakes the size of my pond back home, but there is nothing I love more than NY covered in snow. It's quiet and everyone's out enjoying it, and there's barely any traffic and it's just slow and wonderful.
I will be cursing it tomorrow, but today, I was so happy, I just pounced into a pile of snow. I wanted to make a snow angel, but thought that might be too much. I definitely made sure to avoid the yellow stuff.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Boredom and business, etc.
Well, I've been quite busy at the ol' ball and chain (aka job) and just haven't had an interesting thought in my head lately. Hence the lack of posts.
Perhaps tomorrow, a Friday, I'll have something more interesting to say. I will say I went to this hellish horrid kickboxing class last night. Left after about 7 minutes because I don't need a fat dude who's not even exercising screaming at me to kick it. I also did not sign up for boot camp. Jerk. Give me a spinning class any day of the week.
I also love the Arctic Monkeys. Lord knows it can get cold in the UK.
Speaking of cold, a supposed Nor'easter is rolling in this weekend. Um, it was 6o in January. No fair.
Perhaps tomorrow, a Friday, I'll have something more interesting to say. I will say I went to this hellish horrid kickboxing class last night. Left after about 7 minutes because I don't need a fat dude who's not even exercising screaming at me to kick it. I also did not sign up for boot camp. Jerk. Give me a spinning class any day of the week.
I also love the Arctic Monkeys. Lord knows it can get cold in the UK.
Speaking of cold, a supposed Nor'easter is rolling in this weekend. Um, it was 6o in January. No fair.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Little Britain rides again
I was just informed via Gawker that my most favorite-ist TV series EVER has it's 3rd season coming to BBC America in March. I might seriously have to get cable for this. If you have not seen Little Britain, add it to your Netflix queue immediately. You don't want to be the last one on the bandwagon like you were with the British version of The Office, do you? And by the way, Little Britain is about a million times funnier than The Office, although I do love Ricky Gervais and that Gareth is one great jackass.
Little Britain is just 2 brilliant guys, mostly dressing in drag, acting as these hilarious and wacky recurring characters. Think of it as a cross between Kids in the Hall and Monty Python. British humor at its weirdest and finest. Really, rent this.
Little Britain is just 2 brilliant guys, mostly dressing in drag, acting as these hilarious and wacky recurring characters. Think of it as a cross between Kids in the Hall and Monty Python. British humor at its weirdest and finest. Really, rent this.
Sun shines, furry rodent scampers back in hole
He saw his shadow! So six more weeks of winter. I figured as much, given the mild temps this winter.
On a side note, I feel as though I've lived this week 4 times already. Groundhog Week perhaps?
On a side note, I feel as though I've lived this week 4 times already. Groundhog Week perhaps?
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Twilight Toilet Zone
There is some funky stuff going on in our office bathroom today. This besides the usual "funk" that goes on in there, which I will not get into.
I get in there around 9:10 AM this morning to wash the subway funk off my hands (I call it my kryptonite hand, because anything I touch with it will shrivel and die) and decide to walk into the stalls section to take a tinkle. I open the door from the sinks area to the stalls area and there is an old-lady corset laying in the middle of the floor. At first glance, I thought someone had dropped a peach-colored vest on the floor and then thought, who wears vests anymore? So I took a closer look and there are eye hooks all up the back of it, and it is most definitely a corset. I even went so far as to look for a body under the stall - maybe some old woman passed out or something. Alas, just a corset. On the bathroom floor. At 9 AM. Huh. A few hours later, it had migrated to a hook on the other sinks area, on the opposite side of the stall area. I fear it might have grown legs and gotten there itself - it was a little worse for the wear.
I just made another pit stop and in my stall was a "Surviving Personal Bankruptcy" galley. Now, working in publishing, it is not uncommon to occasionally find a book or galley (pre-book, basically) in the sinks area. But this one was firmly entrenched on the toilet paper holder IN the stall. I guess someone was contemplating their debt while dropping off the kids.
And don't even get me started on the "nesters." That will be for another time.
I get in there around 9:10 AM this morning to wash the subway funk off my hands (I call it my kryptonite hand, because anything I touch with it will shrivel and die) and decide to walk into the stalls section to take a tinkle. I open the door from the sinks area to the stalls area and there is an old-lady corset laying in the middle of the floor. At first glance, I thought someone had dropped a peach-colored vest on the floor and then thought, who wears vests anymore? So I took a closer look and there are eye hooks all up the back of it, and it is most definitely a corset. I even went so far as to look for a body under the stall - maybe some old woman passed out or something. Alas, just a corset. On the bathroom floor. At 9 AM. Huh. A few hours later, it had migrated to a hook on the other sinks area, on the opposite side of the stall area. I fear it might have grown legs and gotten there itself - it was a little worse for the wear.
I just made another pit stop and in my stall was a "Surviving Personal Bankruptcy" galley. Now, working in publishing, it is not uncommon to occasionally find a book or galley (pre-book, basically) in the sinks area. But this one was firmly entrenched on the toilet paper holder IN the stall. I guess someone was contemplating their debt while dropping off the kids.
And don't even get me started on the "nesters." That will be for another time.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
A dark day for women and liberals everywhere
Well, it's over. Alito has been confirmed. I guess we'll just wait and see.
How it is that the worst president in the history of the country got to confirm TWO justices, one of them as head justice? That's a prime example of life ain't fair. Well, at least it wasn't Harriet Miers. Still, must be nice to be a Bush crony - cush set-ups for life.
How it is that the worst president in the history of the country got to confirm TWO justices, one of them as head justice? That's a prime example of life ain't fair. Well, at least it wasn't Harriet Miers. Still, must be nice to be a Bush crony - cush set-ups for life.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Team America, fuck yeah
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Happy Friday, workin' for the weekend
It is 4:30 on a Friday. After a productive afternoon, this is what I'm thinking:
Just ate a fab cookie from Mr. Chocolate himself, Jacques Torres. Blogs are made for description - my description of that cookie would be vulgar (yes, it's that good and endorphin-producing).
I will be working off said cookie with some bitchin' cardio at the gym. Should be nice and empty, it being Friday and all.
Oprah is one evil demon. When will her visage finally crack, and let the cockroach that's inside come out? Maybe she's trying to shoot it out of her pursed angry food receptacle here.
My cat's breath smells like cat food.
On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese. I lost my poor meatball, when somebody sneezed.
It rolled off the table, and onto the floor. And then my poor meatball, it rolled out the door.
It rolled off the table, and under a bush. And then my poor meatball, was nothing but mush.
I need some nachos this week. Betcha can't wait until Monday!
Little Britain is so my favorite show ever. Treat yourself this weekend - watch it.
Just ate a fab cookie from Mr. Chocolate himself, Jacques Torres. Blogs are made for description - my description of that cookie would be vulgar (yes, it's that good and endorphin-producing).
I will be working off said cookie with some bitchin' cardio at the gym. Should be nice and empty, it being Friday and all.
Oprah is one evil demon. When will her visage finally crack, and let the cockroach that's inside come out? Maybe she's trying to shoot it out of her pursed angry food receptacle here.
My cat's breath smells like cat food.
On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese. I lost my poor meatball, when somebody sneezed.
It rolled off the table, and onto the floor. And then my poor meatball, it rolled out the door.
It rolled off the table, and under a bush. And then my poor meatball, was nothing but mush.
I need some nachos this week. Betcha can't wait until Monday!
Little Britain is so my favorite show ever. Treat yourself this weekend - watch it.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Don't drink her Kool-Aid
Oprah is self-righteous. Why are her "fans" such cultish lemmings? It's sad that they have nothing better to do with their time than listen to that quack Dr. Phil and pray to the Oprah altar.
George Bush is actually higher on my scale than the O at this point. So maybe I've dodged a bullet and he won't secretly wire-tap me.
George Bush is actually higher on my scale than the O at this point. So maybe I've dodged a bullet and he won't secretly wire-tap me.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Minutiae found in acidic peat swamp
Wow! Scientists just discovered the world's smallest fish. And it's tiny! But seriously, who is this really going to feed? You'd have to have, what, like a trazillion to even make it worth your while. I'm sure Nobu will come up with something brilliant.
(AP Photo: In this photo released by Carnol, Switzerland and Raffles Museum, undated photo...)
Childhood past
I read a comment from an earlier post from anonymous, and anon got me reminiscing. Anon mentioned that road trip beatings have probably ceased because of all the multimedia options available in cars today, and I bet that's true. So i had to recollect about the roadtrip fun my brother and I had as youngsters.
I am 2 years and 7 months older than my brother. That being said, he just bought a house (in the Heather Ridge subdivision, aw) and has been married for more than a year. He also has a masters degree. While I will be paying off groceries from my Jersey City days in 2000 before I can even think of purchasing anything bigger than a new pair of boots, this kid has hit shit together. Perhaps my beatings inspired him to strive. (side note: that atomic wedgie when he was 8 also might have).
Back to the road trips...when we were wee ones, we lived in upstate New York, Rochester to be exact. Our entire extended family lived near Detroit, MI. So from 1983-1986, every Christmas holiday we would drive the 6 hours through Canada to visit the family in Detroit (side note: that Ambassador Bridge still scares the bejesus out of me). My parents purchased us a red, portable Texas Instruments tape recorder and off we went with our tapes of "Cabbage Patch Kids" and the soundtrack to the musical "Annie," and kids singer Raffi. And after our first trip to Michigan, with only one pee break courtesy of my dad and Father Time, my parents decided they had to put the cooler between my brother and I, since I just couldn't keep my tiny fists off him. I was one little biyatch.
I don't really remember all the details of every car trip, but there's a vague sense of my poor harried mother trying not to lose her shit, cooped in a station wagon for 6 hours, trying to keep 2 kids from killing each other in the back seat. I remember her half turned for almost the whole ride, trying to separate us and shut us up. Annie and Raffi and Cabbage Patch Kids helped. One year, I even got to sit in the front because I was such a brat. So you know damn well I will be blessed with kids even worse.
Ah, those car trips I will always remember. And I'm sad that kids today are too distracted with Disney DVD's to listen to cheesy tapes, or to pound their brother, or to drive their parents crazy in the front seat. For all the times we probably drove each other nuts, we still always remember.
I am 2 years and 7 months older than my brother. That being said, he just bought a house (in the Heather Ridge subdivision, aw) and has been married for more than a year. He also has a masters degree. While I will be paying off groceries from my Jersey City days in 2000 before I can even think of purchasing anything bigger than a new pair of boots, this kid has hit shit together. Perhaps my beatings inspired him to strive. (side note: that atomic wedgie when he was 8 also might have).
Back to the road trips...when we were wee ones, we lived in upstate New York, Rochester to be exact. Our entire extended family lived near Detroit, MI. So from 1983-1986, every Christmas holiday we would drive the 6 hours through Canada to visit the family in Detroit (side note: that Ambassador Bridge still scares the bejesus out of me). My parents purchased us a red, portable Texas Instruments tape recorder and off we went with our tapes of "Cabbage Patch Kids" and the soundtrack to the musical "Annie," and kids singer Raffi. And after our first trip to Michigan, with only one pee break courtesy of my dad and Father Time, my parents decided they had to put the cooler between my brother and I, since I just couldn't keep my tiny fists off him. I was one little biyatch.
I don't really remember all the details of every car trip, but there's a vague sense of my poor harried mother trying not to lose her shit, cooped in a station wagon for 6 hours, trying to keep 2 kids from killing each other in the back seat. I remember her half turned for almost the whole ride, trying to separate us and shut us up. Annie and Raffi and Cabbage Patch Kids helped. One year, I even got to sit in the front because I was such a brat. So you know damn well I will be blessed with kids even worse.
Ah, those car trips I will always remember. And I'm sad that kids today are too distracted with Disney DVD's to listen to cheesy tapes, or to pound their brother, or to drive their parents crazy in the front seat. For all the times we probably drove each other nuts, we still always remember.
Chuck Norris is a bad motherfucker
These were just too funny to pass up posting, although they are not my personal comments. I just thought all you readers might like a little fun on the Wednesday of the longest week ever (although Chuck Norris would have kicked this day into Friday if he could - that was mine).
More posts to come soon, I have been quite busy between my job and very busy social calendar (ha). My favorites are highlighted below.
Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.
To prove it isn't that big of a deal to beat cancer, Chuck Norris smoked 15 cartons of cigarettes a day for 2 years and acquired 7 different kinds of cancer only to rid them from his body by flexing for 30 minutes. Beat that, Lance Armstrong.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
A blind man once stepped on Chuck Norris' shoe. Chuck replied, "Don't you know who I am? I'm Chuck Norris!" The mere mention of his name cured this man blindness. Sadly the first, last, and
only thing this man ever saw, was a fatal roundhouse delivered by Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.
When Chuck Norris sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Chuck Norris has not had to pay taxes ever.
Chuck Norris can touch MC Hammer.
Chuck Norris once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.
Chuck Norris sleeps with a night light. Not because Chuck Norris is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris likes to knit sweaters in his free time. And by "knit", I mean "kick", and by "sweaters", I mean "babies".
As a teen Chuck Norris impregnated every nun in a convent tucked away in the hills of Tuscany. Nine months later the nuns gave birth to the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only undefeated and untied team in professional football history.
A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped
if you park there.
Chuck Norris is 1/8th Cherokee. This has nothing to do with ancestry, the man ate a fucking Indian.
Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.
If Chuck Norris is late, time better slow the fuck down.
Chuck Norris lost his virginity before his dad did.
Chuck Norris died ten years ago, but the Grim Reaper can't get up the courage to tell him.
At birth, Chuck Norris came out feet first so he could roundhouse kick the doctor in the face. Nobody delivers Chuck Norris but Chuck Norris.
More posts to come soon, I have been quite busy between my job and very busy social calendar (ha). My favorites are highlighted below.
Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.
To prove it isn't that big of a deal to beat cancer, Chuck Norris smoked 15 cartons of cigarettes a day for 2 years and acquired 7 different kinds of cancer only to rid them from his body by flexing for 30 minutes. Beat that, Lance Armstrong.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
A blind man once stepped on Chuck Norris' shoe. Chuck replied, "Don't you know who I am? I'm Chuck Norris!" The mere mention of his name cured this man blindness. Sadly the first, last, and
only thing this man ever saw, was a fatal roundhouse delivered by Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.
When Chuck Norris sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Chuck Norris has not had to pay taxes ever.
Chuck Norris can touch MC Hammer.
Chuck Norris once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.
Chuck Norris sleeps with a night light. Not because Chuck Norris is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris likes to knit sweaters in his free time. And by "knit", I mean "kick", and by "sweaters", I mean "babies".
As a teen Chuck Norris impregnated every nun in a convent tucked away in the hills of Tuscany. Nine months later the nuns gave birth to the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only undefeated and untied team in professional football history.
A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped
if you park there.
Chuck Norris is 1/8th Cherokee. This has nothing to do with ancestry, the man ate a fucking Indian.
Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.
If Chuck Norris is late, time better slow the fuck down.
Chuck Norris lost his virginity before his dad did.
Chuck Norris died ten years ago, but the Grim Reaper can't get up the courage to tell him.
At birth, Chuck Norris came out feet first so he could roundhouse kick the doctor in the face. Nobody delivers Chuck Norris but Chuck Norris.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Bizarro world
So I find Tooly McTool on the train yesterday - I have to squeeze past his leisurely lean against the middle pole on a 1 train because HE IS WATCHING HIS PORTABLE DVD PLAYER. With the evil rays shooting from my eyes directed at him, you'd at least think his neck would get hot and he'd turn to see who was glaring, but no. He kept right on hogging his space on a RUSH HOUR train and laughing at Seinfeld. Um, buddy, it's not new. You own it. Wait until you get home. Or buy a portable iPod - you can watch movies and stuff on there now too. I wanted someone to bump into him so he'd drop his dumb DVD player. I mean, what is wrong with people?
The other delightful person I saw yesterday was a pregnant woman - about 7 months or so - boarding the bus with a 20 oz Pepsi. Not diet, not caffeine free. Wow, she is all about the fetal health. And we wonder why kids are diagnosed with ADHD. One should really be required to be licensed to give birth - seriously.
Haven't written a rant post in a while, but I figured it was time because there are just so many idiots, especially in NY on public transportation. Also, I never even took the time to bitch about the whole James Frey debacle, so you all saved an ear/eyeful on that one (unless you have actually spoken with me recently, in which case, i'm sorry you were not spared).
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
The quest for perfect nachos - Part 1
So this being the start of a new year, I felt it time to really hunker down and find the perfect nachos in Manhattan. I must admit, I'd slacked a bit - for lack of funds, for want of weight loss, for sheer laziness. But no more...I am taking my challenge to a whole new level of nachoness.
What prompted me to really take this on? Well, on Monday evening, after helping my boyfriend with a nearly insurmountable mound of laundry, we decided to treat ourselves to some grub. Our general fault with the upper west side (where he lives) is a lack of decent, cheap eats that aren't diner-fare. We decided to hit Firehouse, a bar/restaurant that I've visited several times in the past and have always had luck with (their quesadilla with mole sauce is quite good).
The nachos were near ideal. The layering was perfectly intact here - 2 very distinct separate layers of cheese, spread very evenly over the tri-color chips. A nice spread of salsa and sour cream on top as well, not plopped on either side of the mound. Although they did drop a notch because the salsa and sour cream layers were thin - so the lower cheesy layer was a bit dry.
But, I decided the next time that I would just order an extra side of salsa and I think that minor problem would be alleviated. I give Firehouse Nachos an 8 out of 10. They're at the top of my list so far. (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7169111/)
I will also mention we had "Deep Dish Nachos" at Westside Brewing Co. last week - that was a first try and I was pretty impressed, although they spent a few extra minutes in the oven, because the top layer was a bit too crisp, with a little burn taste. However, the cheese again was nicely layered, although the glops of sour cream and guac on either side left something to be desired, and the bowl of thin salsa was not quite up to par (especially since the salsa should go on top, not to be dunked on the side). I give Westside Brewing Co. a 6.5. (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7169123/)
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The roses really smell like poo-oo-oo
Well, Rockstar is right. Cadbury Mini-Eggs are my absolute favorite holiday candy. And I saw them at CVS yesterday. Oh yes, they will be mine.
On a completely unrelated note, this past weekend, someone in my building (I can basically pinpoint it to the 2nd floor) decided it would be a good idea to Manhattan dumpster-dive for the foulest fish they could find, and then cook it with some stank-ass spices. I seriously thought something had died in my apartment. The day before, I put some fresh poison out for the mousie that thought pooping on my counters was his sole purpose in life, so I went searching under every crevice for a konked mouse. (Related note: said mouse was found stuck to an old glue trap under my stove yesterday. There was no struggle, so I believe the poison got him first, and he was trying to counteract the poison by trying to pry one of the peanuts from the trap. Note to mice: I don't play, I make you go away.)
But I couldn't find anything in my apt. where the stank would be coming from. Then my boyfriend tells me I should open the door to see if it was actually cooking from in the building...for some reason, this thought had not occurred to me. The minute the door opened, the stench flew in like some stank-poltergeist.
We left soon after that, and dryheaved on the 4 flights down until fresh air. The thing that really scares me is that someone ate the stank. That just couldn't have been good. It reminds me of one of my first roommates when I moved to Hoboken, NJ - we called him Magilla, because he was one hairy ape. He used to cook bargain-bin salmon for dinner nightly. Again, nothing better than throwing up in my mouth while trying to leave my own apartment.
There's still a little stank filtering through the hallways, even today. Ick.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Sugar high
WOOOOOOOOOOOO! Valentine's Day goods are on the shelves, which means my 2nd favorite holiday candy of all time is available - Sweet Tart Hearts! I just made myself sick upon consumption of, oh, maybe half a bag. Well worth it.
Are you interested to know my #1 all-time favorite holiday candy? You'll have to wait for easter.....heathens.
Also, the sky is falling here in NY today - I'm only on the 5th floor of my building, and can barely see across the street to spy on the folks at Hot 97, NY's #1 urban radio station. Shucks. Crazy fog - I feel like I'm enveloped by cotton.
Are you interested to know my #1 all-time favorite holiday candy? You'll have to wait for easter.....heathens.
Also, the sky is falling here in NY today - I'm only on the 5th floor of my building, and can barely see across the street to spy on the folks at Hot 97, NY's #1 urban radio station. Shucks. Crazy fog - I feel like I'm enveloped by cotton.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
This is for you, haters
So have heard some gripes that my blog ain't really a blog because I don't post on it regularly. I have decided to try and amend this and will claim it as a "New Year's Resolution." I don't necessarily believe in the "NYR" as most people do, since most people think of it as a short-lived quick fix that lasts until February (which I also might add, coincides with my gym actually emptying out because you people finally decided you'd rather do anything than exercise in the evening. Hallelujah, more machine time/less wait for me!)
Instead, I tend to think of the start of a new year as time to reassess and try and make a solid effort at changing/bettering things in my life that I am not happy with. And I consider it a personal challenge to myself, which is much more effective than some silly resolution.
So here is my first post of the year (albeit 12 days after the start). But this is me - out there for you - making an effort.
One love.
Instead, I tend to think of the start of a new year as time to reassess and try and make a solid effort at changing/bettering things in my life that I am not happy with. And I consider it a personal challenge to myself, which is much more effective than some silly resolution.
So here is my first post of the year (albeit 12 days after the start). But this is me - out there for you - making an effort.
One love.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Cover your wounds with meat
Wow. I am amazed. And pissed - why didn't I, with the namesake of Bacon, come up with this? OK, this so so sick and wrong but delightfully wonderful I could not help but post.
You can buy these babies at www.mcphee.com. And yes, they have an antire "Bacon" link. This is going to occupy me for days.....
Thursday, September 15, 2005
NJ Nachos
So I went to another state to get nachos the other day. It was well worth it the 10 minute trip under the Hudson River to hit that delightful snack at the Black Bear in Hoboken. Relived some great memories as well.
Hey, when they're the best in the tri-state area, you have to just make the effort sometime when you have a hankering.
Hey, when they're the best in the tri-state area, you have to just make the effort sometime when you have a hankering.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Call me Baldie
So I think I'm going bald in my eyelashes. Is that even possible? It makes me so sad. I remember in my younger years when I had such lush full lashes. Not so much anymore.
I wish my eyebrows would stop growing and instead fill in my lashes. No fair.
I wish my eyebrows would stop growing and instead fill in my lashes. No fair.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Inspector Cheney
Ever wonder where Dick Cheney is in times of need? I think I've figured it out. He's not a real person at all - he's Dr. Claw, from Inspector Gadget. He's an arm, a spooky voice, and a brain and a jar with a cat. His "human form" is actually just a holograph, or robotic type person. Think C3PO.
Well, at least that explains why he's such a piece of shit. He's an inanimate cartoon character!
Well, at least that explains why he's such a piece of shit. He's an inanimate cartoon character!
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Seriously?!
I mean, I LOVE Rachael Ray, but even if you slap a fancy name on it, does this even constitute as a recipe?!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_26556,00.html
I could make bacon in the microwave when I was 8. In fact, I didn't even know most people cooked it in a pan. My mom had this nifty Tupperware bacon cooker platter thing that had a grease tray and grooves, so it was a way better option for cooking my lifeblood (ie: bacon).
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_26556,00.html
I could make bacon in the microwave when I was 8. In fact, I didn't even know most people cooked it in a pan. My mom had this nifty Tupperware bacon cooker platter thing that had a grease tray and grooves, so it was a way better option for cooking my lifeblood (ie: bacon).
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Best birthday cake ever!
Ok, so this is from my 25th birthday, 2 years ago, but I think it's the coolest darn thing on the planet. And I warned all you about my bacon fetish when I started this blog. My dear talented friend Shannon (aka Red-Faced Wonder) baked it and frosted it. Abso-brill.
Gummy pasta and faux grill marks
Can anyone please explain to me why I delight in Weight Watchers Bistro Selections? What's to love about gummy noodles, perfectly square "chicken" with grill marks (who are they fooling here - I mean, we all know that workers in the entree factory aren't slaving over a grill, individually grillin up 5 trillion lbs of chicken per year) and a sauce that's so loaded with salt that I have to drink 5 extra litres of water to offset it? And it leaves that funky, prepared food taste in your mouth - you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's a kind of coating that you just know isn't right - I mean you don't get that feeling when you eat fruit or veggies or whole grains, aka the good stuff that ain't fun to eat like fake-ass chicken.
Anyway, I had the Bistro Selection for lunch today and utterly delighted in it's weirdness. It's aesthetically pleasing and I don't know why. I actually have never even ordered chicken fettucine in a restaurant. My ex-boyfriend made it for us for dinner once, and I think that's been my only experience.
But one time I was either temporarey blinded by NY's extreme grocery prices or frozen into purchasing while standing with the freezer door open and I decided to go for it. Depending on what state I was in (hungover, half-asleep, happy) I could have just picked the wrong thing entirely. But the first time I had it, I clearly liked it enough to purchase again.
I think what I enjoy the most about these frozen entrees is what appeals to probably every person out there who ever purchases them: easy, one-portion meals that aren't overly bad for you. And sometimes you just want a hot meal. My chicken fettucine only had 5 grams of fat and less than 300 calories. And the processed-ness of it just does something - it makes me nostalgic and comforted at the same time.
Anyway, I had the Bistro Selection for lunch today and utterly delighted in it's weirdness. It's aesthetically pleasing and I don't know why. I actually have never even ordered chicken fettucine in a restaurant. My ex-boyfriend made it for us for dinner once, and I think that's been my only experience.
But one time I was either temporarey blinded by NY's extreme grocery prices or frozen into purchasing while standing with the freezer door open and I decided to go for it. Depending on what state I was in (hungover, half-asleep, happy) I could have just picked the wrong thing entirely. But the first time I had it, I clearly liked it enough to purchase again.
I think what I enjoy the most about these frozen entrees is what appeals to probably every person out there who ever purchases them: easy, one-portion meals that aren't overly bad for you. And sometimes you just want a hot meal. My chicken fettucine only had 5 grams of fat and less than 300 calories. And the processed-ness of it just does something - it makes me nostalgic and comforted at the same time.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Monuments, animals, and brews in our nation's capital.
So it's been 4-eva (yes, with the popularity of Entourage, why wouldn't I be channeling Marky Mark from the movie Fear?)
I was in our nation's capital last weekend and had quite the enjoyable time. My friend and I were up at the ungodly hour of 7 AM on a Saturday in order to get crackin' and get to the National Zoo before 1) People crowded the viewing of the baby cheetahs, 2) Said baby cheetahs were too tired to frolick and/or were off-view, and 3) to beat the heat (a 90-degree scorcher was in the works for the day).
I have never been to the National Zoo. The first zoo I've visited in many, many years was the Central Park Zoo this past December, which was a delightful: small taste of some cute penguins, a cool rainforest area (nice way to warm up when it's 35 degress outside) and some other less than ferocious animals. The National Zoo is quite nice. And free. The cheetahs were adorable and we found out that a baby panda had been born just 7 hours prior. A productive day. And on our way out, I saw a parent with a child attached to a leash. Classic. Hey, at least she was in tune enough to know that her kid needs to be on one. I applaud her.
From there we went downtown to check the monuments and join the hordes in hip-packs, short shorts with high socks and sneaks, and cameras. Haven't done the tourist thing since college, so saw some new monuments, like Korea, which was very moving, and the new WWII (got a pic for my dear grandpop's memory). We also found a key new monument, hidden away and perfect for 90 degree afternoons - a snack kiosk selling beer. This was a delightful little surprise, because there's not really anything our forefathers would have enjoyed more than to open their city to us so we can relax by a man-made lake, sipping $2.85 cans of Bud Light (so cheap!), with the Washington Monument to our direct right, and the Lincoln Memorial to our direct left. It's like two of our greatest leaders were looking out for us, blessing us to drink in their presence. Proud to be an American, mos def.
So after 6 beers each, we trudged around some more, sun had gone down a bit, the hip-packs gone back to their hotels, and then just hiked back to the car to get some eats.
And eventful day in our nation's capital. Thank you, Washington, D.C., for allowing alcoholic beverages in your park. You made my day even better.
I was in our nation's capital last weekend and had quite the enjoyable time. My friend and I were up at the ungodly hour of 7 AM on a Saturday in order to get crackin' and get to the National Zoo before 1) People crowded the viewing of the baby cheetahs, 2) Said baby cheetahs were too tired to frolick and/or were off-view, and 3) to beat the heat (a 90-degree scorcher was in the works for the day).
I have never been to the National Zoo. The first zoo I've visited in many, many years was the Central Park Zoo this past December, which was a delightful: small taste of some cute penguins, a cool rainforest area (nice way to warm up when it's 35 degress outside) and some other less than ferocious animals. The National Zoo is quite nice. And free. The cheetahs were adorable and we found out that a baby panda had been born just 7 hours prior. A productive day. And on our way out, I saw a parent with a child attached to a leash. Classic. Hey, at least she was in tune enough to know that her kid needs to be on one. I applaud her.
From there we went downtown to check the monuments and join the hordes in hip-packs, short shorts with high socks and sneaks, and cameras. Haven't done the tourist thing since college, so saw some new monuments, like Korea, which was very moving, and the new WWII (got a pic for my dear grandpop's memory). We also found a key new monument, hidden away and perfect for 90 degree afternoons - a snack kiosk selling beer. This was a delightful little surprise, because there's not really anything our forefathers would have enjoyed more than to open their city to us so we can relax by a man-made lake, sipping $2.85 cans of Bud Light (so cheap!), with the Washington Monument to our direct right, and the Lincoln Memorial to our direct left. It's like two of our greatest leaders were looking out for us, blessing us to drink in their presence. Proud to be an American, mos def.
So after 6 beers each, we trudged around some more, sun had gone down a bit, the hip-packs gone back to their hotels, and then just hiked back to the car to get some eats.
And eventful day in our nation's capital. Thank you, Washington, D.C., for allowing alcoholic beverages in your park. You made my day even better.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
So you'd almost think I was Catholic...
All these Pope postings. Let's just say I'm glad that we missed the insanity in Rome. I mean, there are barely any public toilets anyway, I cannot even IMAGINE what it was like for a week. Yikes!
So this new Pope. I mean, how crazy-cool would it be? I mean, this is like the end-all-be-all. This guy has ARRIVED. I mean, back in the day, I got all exicted waiting to hear if I made National Honor Society, or Student Body President, or was elected to something that SO pales in comparison.
I mean, don't you think he'd be getting into his new white robe and just be running around the joint yelling, "Holy Shit, I'm the POPE!" I mean, he wouldn't be taking God's name in vain or anything, but even so, when you become Pope, I'd say you're even allowed a little blasphemy. I mean, hell, you're POPE for chrissakes!
It's almost better than being President - you get to sell your propaganda to millions of people who take your word as gospel. He's like George Bush for Catholics. I wish I had that kind of power. Like I could make everyone eat one of those new BK Enormous Sandwiches every Friday and make everyone fat and unhealthy. Just because I say so. That would rule.
So this new Pope. I mean, how crazy-cool would it be? I mean, this is like the end-all-be-all. This guy has ARRIVED. I mean, back in the day, I got all exicted waiting to hear if I made National Honor Society, or Student Body President, or was elected to something that SO pales in comparison.
I mean, don't you think he'd be getting into his new white robe and just be running around the joint yelling, "Holy Shit, I'm the POPE!" I mean, he wouldn't be taking God's name in vain or anything, but even so, when you become Pope, I'd say you're even allowed a little blasphemy. I mean, hell, you're POPE for chrissakes!
It's almost better than being President - you get to sell your propaganda to millions of people who take your word as gospel. He's like George Bush for Catholics. I wish I had that kind of power. Like I could make everyone eat one of those new BK Enormous Sandwiches every Friday and make everyone fat and unhealthy. Just because I say so. That would rule.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Fun with phrases
2 phrases that we should do everything in our power to invite (back) into the vernacular:
1. No Sweat!
2. Que Pasa?
Now, my feelings on these. First, "No Sweat" has such a delightfully retro feel to it. It brings back memories of Olivia Newton-John in spandex, roller skates, Valley Girls, and neon.
Que Pasa - just a more fun way of asking "What's up?!" Whattup/wazzup is so last century - and I still use it. (Note to reader: It's not that I'm un-hip - shut it - it's just that I am forgetful in my usage of new phrases until it becomes familiar). But que pasa....now that's got flava.
So bring it. No sweat.
1. No Sweat!
2. Que Pasa?
Now, my feelings on these. First, "No Sweat" has such a delightfully retro feel to it. It brings back memories of Olivia Newton-John in spandex, roller skates, Valley Girls, and neon.
Que Pasa - just a more fun way of asking "What's up?!" Whattup/wazzup is so last century - and I still use it. (Note to reader: It's not that I'm un-hip - shut it - it's just that I am forgetful in my usage of new phrases until it becomes familiar). But que pasa....now that's got flava.
So bring it. No sweat.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of shut the hell up
So it's been a while. I was in this totally foreign country and now crazy busy at work. Here's a brief breather for me and some things I've been pondering as of late.
First, it saddens me that Terri Schiavo has passed. But the hoopla was too much. If all she ever wanted was to go in peace (and all we have are two opposing claims, unfortunately, no words from her), then I think we (the government, the media, the people, the law, etc.) screwed that up royally.
Why is it that this government feels the need to continually get up in people's mixes? Ever heard of this little phrase in this old document we have claiming that we, the people, have "certain inalienable rights" like "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"? (well, to that general effect http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.preamble.html)
So how does that translate into "I am goverment, I will make decisions about citizens' PRIVATE lives that will affect everyone forevermore." I thank the Supreme Court and many other courts for dismissing recent appeals. It comes down to a basic principle: The government is already too involved in our lives: they sure as hell don't have a right to decide someone's life or not.
Think ill of me. Whatever. The point of MY BLOG is to write whatever the hell I want. There are much worse opinions out there than mine.
I only wish all those passing to live a better life in the hereafter, wherever, whatever that may be. And before you think I'm being insensitive to death, I had an uncle who passed away on Sunday. He suffered for some time. I'm just glad he's not suffering anymore. He is in a much better place.
First, it saddens me that Terri Schiavo has passed. But the hoopla was too much. If all she ever wanted was to go in peace (and all we have are two opposing claims, unfortunately, no words from her), then I think we (the government, the media, the people, the law, etc.) screwed that up royally.
Why is it that this government feels the need to continually get up in people's mixes? Ever heard of this little phrase in this old document we have claiming that we, the people, have "certain inalienable rights" like "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"? (well, to that general effect http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.preamble.html)
So how does that translate into "I am goverment, I will make decisions about citizens' PRIVATE lives that will affect everyone forevermore." I thank the Supreme Court and many other courts for dismissing recent appeals. It comes down to a basic principle: The government is already too involved in our lives: they sure as hell don't have a right to decide someone's life or not.
Think ill of me. Whatever. The point of MY BLOG is to write whatever the hell I want. There are much worse opinions out there than mine.
I only wish all those passing to live a better life in the hereafter, wherever, whatever that may be. And before you think I'm being insensitive to death, I had an uncle who passed away on Sunday. He suffered for some time. I'm just glad he's not suffering anymore. He is in a much better place.
Friday, March 04, 2005
My most loathed condiment
This has bothered me for some time. Some people LOVE mayonnaise. They want to slather everything with it. They want to bathe in it. They want a fragrance that's mayonnaise-scented. They go to their happy place when smelling or tasting mayonnaise. Some people are weird. I would love nothing more than if mayonnaise did not exist, for the plain fact that I don't want it added to my food without me asking for it. I'm sick of it.
I don't understand why the restaurant standard is to put mayonnaise on every sandwich. I believe more people ask for it without, and most people I've polled (informally of course) have little preference - if it's on bread, they'll eat it, but if it's not, they won't. I feel like for a vast majority of people, mayonnaise is NOT a deal-breaker when it comes to enjoying a sandwich.
On the other hand, I have found that is IS, in fact, a deal-breaker for people who don't like it. If I am mistakenly served mayo, I will return the sandwich. If this happens with take-out and I'm already away from the restaurant, I won't eat it. It makes me physically ill. Say what you will about my aversion being psychosomatic, but I am sick to my stomach when I ingest mayo.
With obesity on the rise, why don't restaurants start making people request mayo? I'm sick of people just expecting that everyone wants a delicious glob of gross eggy-fatty stuff on their bread. Join the health conscious millennium!
I don't understand why the restaurant standard is to put mayonnaise on every sandwich. I believe more people ask for it without, and most people I've polled (informally of course) have little preference - if it's on bread, they'll eat it, but if it's not, they won't. I feel like for a vast majority of people, mayonnaise is NOT a deal-breaker when it comes to enjoying a sandwich.
On the other hand, I have found that is IS, in fact, a deal-breaker for people who don't like it. If I am mistakenly served mayo, I will return the sandwich. If this happens with take-out and I'm already away from the restaurant, I won't eat it. It makes me physically ill. Say what you will about my aversion being psychosomatic, but I am sick to my stomach when I ingest mayo.
With obesity on the rise, why don't restaurants start making people request mayo? I'm sick of people just expecting that everyone wants a delicious glob of gross eggy-fatty stuff on their bread. Join the health conscious millennium!
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Countdown to Rome
8 days...and literally counting.
Sono di New York.
Mi llamo Heather.
Bonjourno!
Una caza de cafe.
I'm hoping osmosis works, cuz that's about all I know. My plan is to listen to the 4 cd's I have all day in my office until then, hoping something sinks. And the pope bucks up.
Sono di New York.
Mi llamo Heather.
Bonjourno!
Una caza de cafe.
I'm hoping osmosis works, cuz that's about all I know. My plan is to listen to the 4 cd's I have all day in my office until then, hoping something sinks. And the pope bucks up.
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