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.
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