Is it a rule now that if you are a singer from the UK and you make a duet with a female American singer, the concept for the video must involve a two way mirror? I couldn't help notice the similarities. Oh and don't forget, you have to have a scene where the man and woman each put their hands up to the mirror/window...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPG4WHhJk3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aluwpslpygQ
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Three Months in Review
Wow, I just realized I haven't really updated this thing in a while. (Working as a manager in one of the largest toy stores in the world during 4th Quarter doesn't leave much time for blogging.) In the past few months, I've been to a few amazing shows, met some celebrities and got to spend an afternoon with one of my all-time favorite bands.
The Boys Take The Stage
One BIG Liam
Noel holding his own
Liam
Celebrities You Say?
Sadly, I don't have any pictures of the celebrities that have shopped in my store in recent months (and it's likely that I would no longer have a job there if I did snap some pics of them while I was working.) Here's a recap of the stars and their purchases:
1. Victoria Beckham (sans David & kids this time) picked up some books for the boys -Shopping With Dad (!) and The Book of Pirates. Posh said that she really needed something that would grab her kids' attention since they can't get them to pick up a book. Last time they were in FAO, the personal shopper told me that while she was ringing up their purchases, David was sitting on the floor reading a book to them. How freakin' adorable - wish I could've seen that one.
2. Liv Tyler picked up some (ok, $300 worth) of Legos for Milo's birthday;
3. Mira Sorvino and her HOT husband were right outside my bookstore - but shopping in the board games section instead.
4. Salma Hayek brought little Valentina in, picked up a few books, then the next day brought her to our Storytime! (She came 3 times that week alone!)
Yikes, it's getting late and I have to work tomorrow. My post about spending an afternoon with one of my favorite bands will have to wait til next time, kids. Sorry, but here's a clue: They've chased some automobiles, have quite a sweet tooth, and like to Jog. And if you watch Grey's Anatomy, you've definitely heard their songs. Stay Tuned...
SOME RECENT DECEMBER SHOWS:
Nada Surf @ Bowery Ballroom 12/6
Werner, David and I went to see Nada Surf at my favorite venue in NYC - Bowery Ballroom. Werner and I have seen them numerous times together (it almost feels like it's a monthly date for us.) Most of the recent memories I have with W are at Nada Shows, and in our old age, we're beginning to mix shows up. "Was is the Bowery Show last winter or the Terminal 5 show where they pulled up the drunk girls onstage?" "Remember that time we met Matthew Caws and he started speaking French to you?" I almost feel like seeing a Nada Surf show is like seeing my old friends play in someone's living room. We always make our way up to the front of the stage (Nada fans are not obnoxious or pushy and just give each other enough space.) And I'm starting to learn the band's little idiosyncrasies (the guitar player ALWAYS smokes during Killian's Red - How do you smoke, play guitar and sing at the same time???) But my friend David was a Nada Show VIRGIN. Needless to say, he was blown away. He compared the energy in the room to a punk show, which I guess is a compliment. I think we'll be seeing David at another Nada Surf show sometime soon. Lucky for us, they live in Brooklyn so they come around often.
Oasis @ Madison Square Garden 12/17
My ex was a HUGE Oasis fan. Everyone who knew him knew that about him. He liked Oasis as much as I like U2. So much so that we name our dog Liam and our cat Bono. If we had kids, they probably would have been named Noel and The Edge. We even planned our trip to Europe in 2000, so that we would be in London the same week Oasis was playing Wembley Stadium. SERIOUSLY.
Back in 1999, during that tumultuous summer in Europe when he was trying to woo me away from my high school boyfriend, he made a power point presentation recapping our amazing summer for me using an Oasis song as background music. He tried to convey his emotions to me using the handwritten lyrics to "Don't Go Away". Cheesy, I know, but when you're a hopeless romantic 20-year-old girl studying abroad in Europe, that shit works. Oasis music was a HUGE part of our relationship. During those years we were together, I probably heard more Oasis songs than the average British person hears in a lifetime. I have every album, every b-side, every bootleg Oasis song that exists. After we broke up, it took me months to be able to listen to an Oasis song without tears welling up and a montage of memories flooding my mind. I NEVER thought I'd go to an Oasis concert ever again; I never thought I'd WANT to. But a few months ago, I rediscovered Oasis. I was able to listen to the music and not be reminded of my ex. I could just enjoy it for me. They really are talented musicians. The night their new album came out, I actually attended an 'Oasis Listening Party' with some English friends. While my friends were on the patio smoking, I opted to go inside to sing along to anthems such as 'Rock and Roll Star', 'Stand By Me', and my personal favorite 'Live Forever'. So when I heard that Oasis were playing MSG, I HAD to go. I even was able to score Floor Seats! (Sure I was on the OPPOSITE end of the floor than the stage, but it was a Hell of a lot better seat than the seats I had at Wembley Stadium eight years before!) They played a 2+ hour set. It sounded like Liam had a cold, but Noel was in top form. The best part was when he played 3 acoustic songs alone on stage (Don't Look Back in Anger being one of them.) Here's some pics from the show:
The Boys Take The Stage
One BIG Liam
Noel holding his own
Liam
Celebrities You Say?
Sadly, I don't have any pictures of the celebrities that have shopped in my store in recent months (and it's likely that I would no longer have a job there if I did snap some pics of them while I was working.) Here's a recap of the stars and their purchases:
1. Victoria Beckham (sans David & kids this time) picked up some books for the boys -Shopping With Dad (!) and The Book of Pirates. Posh said that she really needed something that would grab her kids' attention since they can't get them to pick up a book. Last time they were in FAO, the personal shopper told me that while she was ringing up their purchases, David was sitting on the floor reading a book to them. How freakin' adorable - wish I could've seen that one.
2. Liv Tyler picked up some (ok, $300 worth) of Legos for Milo's birthday;
3. Mira Sorvino and her HOT husband were right outside my bookstore - but shopping in the board games section instead.
4. Salma Hayek brought little Valentina in, picked up a few books, then the next day brought her to our Storytime! (She came 3 times that week alone!)
Yikes, it's getting late and I have to work tomorrow. My post about spending an afternoon with one of my favorite bands will have to wait til next time, kids. Sorry, but here's a clue: They've chased some automobiles, have quite a sweet tooth, and like to Jog. And if you watch Grey's Anatomy, you've definitely heard their songs. Stay Tuned...
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Park Slope: Where everybody knows your name
Two things happened today that have reaffirmed my opinion that you can really get that neighborhood feeling in li'l ole New York City.
1. The owner of the large bodega/grocery store/deli on the end of my street noticed me searching my wallet for enough cash to pay for my paper, milk, cereal and bread (I hate carrying cash - and my bank isn't close to home.) The owner said, "It's ok - you can just pay me next time." What? Really? I can start a tab at the bodega! I found the money I needed, but still thought it was totally cool that I'm now a regular he trusts to pay him next time. At the deli, I think I'm going to start ordering 'the usual' just to see if he gets it right (Honey Maple Turkey with mayo mustard and lettuce on a roll.)
2. You know how at the laundromat, when you drop off your clothes on the scale, the girl always asks you your last four digits of your phone number so they can pull up your record? Well, the laundromat girl has now memorized my number. And seriously, there are about 4 different girls who I've seen in the past month. I haven't seen this girl in weeks ... I wonder how long she's known my number? (As a sidenote, to all of those reading who don't live in NYC - there's this wonderful convenience we have in NYC . You can drop off your laundry at your local laundromat and have your clothes washed and folded for you. They'll even deliver your perfectly cube shaped bag of laundry to your door if you so desire. When I first moved to New York, I said that I would never pay someone to do my laundry when I could just as easily do it myself. Well, times have changed. For a mere $16, my 2 weeks worth of laundry can be perfectly folded for me by the next day. Between separating into two machines and dryers, I'd probably spend about $10 doing it myself. So it's definitely worth $6 for me to save that time I'd be otherwise sitting at the laundromat.)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Jim Bianco
I love love love seeing Jim Bianco perform live. He's this adorable, funny Italian guy originally from Long Island who now lives in LA. My friend Emily and I discovered him playing the Bowery Ballroom a few years ago as an opening act on the Hotel Cafe Tour (headlined by Joshua Radin). He came on stage wearing a red silky shirt, white three-piece suit and a fadora. He truly put on a show - funny facial expressions, dancing- he definitely has a great time performing for a crowd. He also get bonus points with me because once he was in front of me in line for the bathroom before one of his shows and he let me go ahead of him. Mind you, I did not ask him if I could go before him, he is just THAT chivalrous. A hot singer/songwriter with style who will let me pee first? I just might marry this guy. For last night's show, he was kind of toned down a little (he opted for the t-shirt with vest ensemble) and wasn't really shaking his ass too much. Though, the stage at Joe's Pub was significantly smaller than the stage at The Bowery. Also, his dad was sitting behind me last night (seriously, the dad looked like he could be an extra on The Sopranos.) Check out my video:
Attention Riders: Mind the pee
It just occurred to me that I've seen way too many people peeing in front of me in subway stations in recent weeks. And both times they have been at West 4th Street! You know, I always used to wonder why that station smelled so badly. Now I know why! Don't get me wrong - I love the West Village: Washington Square Park, Marie's Crisis (where else can you go to a gay piano bar that only plays showtunes?), The Red Lion (live music every night!), Mahmoud's, Comedy Cellar, transvestites, and drunk NYU freshmen puking on MacDougal Street as they stumble out of Off the Wagon.
My ex-boyfriend lived on MacDougal Street, just a block away from the West 4th Stop, so that station was pretty much a daily destination. But everytime I got off the F train, this putrid stench would overwhelm me. There's certain stations that just always smell bad : (23rd Street f station is another one.) And anyone who has lived in NYC for any length of time knows you want to avoid the elevator in a subway station, if at all possible. I'm not sure if homeless people sleep in them, or this is just the place that everyone goes to puke or pee.
Pee Incident #1
Where: West 4th Street f platform
When: Early August, Saturday afternoon, around 2pm
What: Man in his Mid-Twenties, in the middle of the platform, peeing against a cement post. He doesn't even bother to walk to the end of the track and pee into the track. Nope, instead he pees right in the middle of the platform, so his pee can flow and exist on the same cement that innocent f train riders are walking across. WTF? Who does that? He didn't seem to be crazy or drunk. Just a normal looking guy.
Pee Incident #2
Where: West f street station - right in the middle before you descend the stairs to get to the track
When: Last night - August 14th about 12:30am
What: Woman in late 20's- early thirties in full squat mode with maximum water pressure. Seriously, she couldn't have gone to the street level and found a bush? Washington Square Park is two blocks away. Just go to an alleyway somewhere, but right in the middle of a brightly lit busy train station?
Pee Incident #3 (Ok, so this in no way compares to the above two incident, but it's just sort of ironic that this occured the day after the squatter incident.)
Where: Last row of the B63 bus in Brooklyn
When: Today, around 3:00pm
What: I'm sitting in the back of the bus, realize that I smell pee (again!). The little boy next to me even says to his mom - something smells mommy. I look over to the family sitting across from me. Mother with three kids - daughter, 7; son, 3; daughter standing up on the seat with a blanket wrapped around the lower half of her body that looks about 18 months. That's right - mom is changing her daughter's diaper in the back of the bus (while the kid is standing up). I'm not a parent, and I kind of admire this woman's multi-tasking. She was pretty descreet, if it weren't for the overwhelming smell of urine at the bus, I would have had no idea that she was changing this kid's diaper. It probably would have been a huge hassle for mom to get off the bus, lug her three kids off the bus, and to change the diaper. At least she had the decency to wrap the blanket around the kid.
I think I'd rather have the stinky diaper change than hear someone clipping his nails on the bus (that happens much more often.)
Please New Yorkers, I beg of you - STOP PEEING IN WEST 4th STREET STATION!
That is all.
My ex-boyfriend lived on MacDougal Street, just a block away from the West 4th Stop, so that station was pretty much a daily destination. But everytime I got off the F train, this putrid stench would overwhelm me. There's certain stations that just always smell bad : (23rd Street f station is another one.) And anyone who has lived in NYC for any length of time knows you want to avoid the elevator in a subway station, if at all possible. I'm not sure if homeless people sleep in them, or this is just the place that everyone goes to puke or pee.
Pee Incident #1
Where: West 4th Street f platform
When: Early August, Saturday afternoon, around 2pm
What: Man in his Mid-Twenties, in the middle of the platform, peeing against a cement post. He doesn't even bother to walk to the end of the track and pee into the track. Nope, instead he pees right in the middle of the platform, so his pee can flow and exist on the same cement that innocent f train riders are walking across. WTF? Who does that? He didn't seem to be crazy or drunk. Just a normal looking guy.
Pee Incident #2
Where: West f street station - right in the middle before you descend the stairs to get to the track
When: Last night - August 14th about 12:30am
What: Woman in late 20's- early thirties in full squat mode with maximum water pressure. Seriously, she couldn't have gone to the street level and found a bush? Washington Square Park is two blocks away. Just go to an alleyway somewhere, but right in the middle of a brightly lit busy train station?
Pee Incident #3 (Ok, so this in no way compares to the above two incident, but it's just sort of ironic that this occured the day after the squatter incident.)
Where: Last row of the B63 bus in Brooklyn
When: Today, around 3:00pm
What: I'm sitting in the back of the bus, realize that I smell pee (again!). The little boy next to me even says to his mom - something smells mommy. I look over to the family sitting across from me. Mother with three kids - daughter, 7; son, 3; daughter standing up on the seat with a blanket wrapped around the lower half of her body that looks about 18 months. That's right - mom is changing her daughter's diaper in the back of the bus (while the kid is standing up). I'm not a parent, and I kind of admire this woman's multi-tasking. She was pretty descreet, if it weren't for the overwhelming smell of urine at the bus, I would have had no idea that she was changing this kid's diaper. It probably would have been a huge hassle for mom to get off the bus, lug her three kids off the bus, and to change the diaper. At least she had the decency to wrap the blanket around the kid.
I think I'd rather have the stinky diaper change than hear someone clipping his nails on the bus (that happens much more often.)
Please New Yorkers, I beg of you - STOP PEEING IN WEST 4th STREET STATION!
That is all.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Wonderful World of DDD list Celebrities
I was home early from work, bored at home, so I decided to watch "Celebrity Family Feud". When did Joan Rivers become Michael Jackson? And What happened to Olivia's Boobs? Ice-T's wife (Coco) looks like a Barbie doll. I'm guessing they met at the Playboy Mansion. Host Al Roker could barely keep his eyes facing forward when she was bouncing around after answering a question correctly. Do you think there's a group of people that sit around a table brainstorming possible contestants for Celebrity Family Feud? I would like that job. Here's some random celebs who I would suggest:
1. Steve Urkel (Does anyone actually know that guy's real name?)
2. Ed McMahon (Apparently, he needs some money)
3. Monica Lewinsky (supposedly she moved to Europe and is not designing handbags or something)
4. The cute kid from Jerry MacGuire. (Maybe he has boobs now too)
1. Steve Urkel (Does anyone actually know that guy's real name?)
2. Ed McMahon (Apparently, he needs some money)
3. Monica Lewinsky (supposedly she moved to Europe and is not designing handbags or something)
4. The cute kid from Jerry MacGuire. (Maybe he has boobs now too)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Nada Surf
Check out the brilliant camera work by yours truly at last week's Nada Surf show at Terminal 5.
So the camera gets a little shaky when Werner hands off the camera to me. But it's pretty decent footage if I do say so myself...
This is my favorite Nada Surf song. I love how the Bassist always smokes during this song when they play it live.
So the camera gets a little shaky when Werner hands off the camera to me. But it's pretty decent footage if I do say so myself...
This is my favorite Nada Surf song. I love how the Bassist always smokes during this song when they play it live.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Journey = Cool?
Since when is it cool for high school kids to like Journey? See below:
Earlier this week I saw Lifehouse and Matt Nathanson play the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Matt Nathanson, (who has replaced Emerson Hart as my current rockstar crush) was the opening act. I actually think he had a much better stage presence than Lifehouse. His witty banter between songs and the way he shook his ass during his hit "Come On Get Higher" kept me entertained. The concert made me feel really old. Looking around, with the exception of the 10 twenty-somethings around us leaning against the railing, we were surrounded by about 1000 high school kids. Have they been playing Lifehouse on Gossip Girl lately or something? How do these kids know Lifehouse ? Their peak was about 7 years ago when I was in college (and those kids wound have been about 8 or 9 years old.) Even a bigger question, how the hell do those kids know Journey? I was shocked that the entire room sang along to Don't Stop Believing. But maybe high school kids are just more in touch with cheesy hair bands from the 80's. I know my kids will be.
Earlier this week I saw Lifehouse and Matt Nathanson play the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Matt Nathanson, (who has replaced Emerson Hart as my current rockstar crush) was the opening act. I actually think he had a much better stage presence than Lifehouse. His witty banter between songs and the way he shook his ass during his hit "Come On Get Higher" kept me entertained. The concert made me feel really old. Looking around, with the exception of the 10 twenty-somethings around us leaning against the railing, we were surrounded by about 1000 high school kids. Have they been playing Lifehouse on Gossip Girl lately or something? How do these kids know Lifehouse ? Their peak was about 7 years ago when I was in college (and those kids wound have been about 8 or 9 years old.) Even a bigger question, how the hell do those kids know Journey? I was shocked that the entire room sang along to Don't Stop Believing. But maybe high school kids are just more in touch with cheesy hair bands from the 80's. I know my kids will be.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Things I'm obsessed with this week
1. http://www.spinner.com
Seriously, why has it taken me so long to find this ? I randomly discovered this music blog after one of my U2 Google Alerts was linked to it. Then that same day, they had posted pictures from the Nada Surf show I had attended the week before. They have cool posts like "Meanest Love Songs of All Time" and "Best Opening Lyrics". My personal favorite : "What's with these homies dissin' my girl?"
2. Nuts - (no not that kind). Since the Chinese themed potluck dinner party that I hosted last weekend, I can't stop eating Pistachios and Cashews. (Cashews were used in my stir fry, and my friend Peggy brought some Pistachios for us to nosh.) Last night I was munching on cashews, and even forgot to eat dinner. (I didn't say it was a healthy obsession.)
3. The song "U-Boat" by Kasabian. I always think that this will be a great background song in a movie.
I've had this album for years, but have recently rediscovered this last album track. I love these guys - you may know them from their hits "L.S.F (Lost Souls Forever)", "Club Foot", or "Reason Is Treason".
4. IV by Chuck Klosterman. He's interviewed everyone from Britney Spears to Bono to Val Kilmer. Highly entertaining light reading (and perfect for a celebrity obsessed junkie like me!)
Seriously, why has it taken me so long to find this ? I randomly discovered this music blog after one of my U2 Google Alerts was linked to it. Then that same day, they had posted pictures from the Nada Surf show I had attended the week before. They have cool posts like "Meanest Love Songs of All Time" and "Best Opening Lyrics". My personal favorite : "What's with these homies dissin' my girl?"
2. Nuts - (no not that kind). Since the Chinese themed potluck dinner party that I hosted last weekend, I can't stop eating Pistachios and Cashews. (Cashews were used in my stir fry, and my friend Peggy brought some Pistachios for us to nosh.) Last night I was munching on cashews, and even forgot to eat dinner. (I didn't say it was a healthy obsession.)
3. The song "U-Boat" by Kasabian. I always think that this will be a great background song in a movie.
I've had this album for years, but have recently rediscovered this last album track. I love these guys - you may know them from their hits "L.S.F (Lost Souls Forever)", "Club Foot", or "Reason Is Treason".
4. IV by Chuck Klosterman. He's interviewed everyone from Britney Spears to Bono to Val Kilmer. Highly entertaining light reading (and perfect for a celebrity obsessed junkie like me!)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Bright Lights at MSG
Overheard from the guy behind me during the Matchbox Twenty show last Friday : "I just want to take off my clothes and run through the aisles!" and "I feel like I'm in tenth grade again!"
Yep, that pretty much sums up the Matchbox 20 concert experience last week. First of all I HATE seeing shows at Madison Square Garden. I'm sure it's a dream come true for most bands to play the garden, but it truly sucks for the fans. Most of the time you can't even see the band (I had to sit BEHIND the stage when I saw The Police). It's come to the point that it takes ALOT for me to see a band there, unless I have good seats (which is close to nearly impossible). I really need to befriend an MSG employee to score some of those close seats only available to press, employees and VIPs. But for the MB20 show, I was able to get seats on the FLOOR. Even my seat on the floor acquired from a presale purchased the first minute they went on sale was probably further away than the worst spot at Irving Plaza. But I realize how lucky I was to not have to squint to see them. I was right next to the sound guys, actually, and during the MB20 set, I saw the guys from Mute Math (the 1st opener) standing in the sound area.
Alanis Morrissette was the 2nd opening act, so it was like seeing two concerts in one. She's was pretty good - I'd forgotten how many hits she has had. Though it kinda bothered me that she would just kind of run up and down the stage like she had not idea what to do with herself during the instrumentals. She played harmonica for two songs and guitar for one or two, but then looked a little bored when she was just singing. One of the cool things about sitting in the 'fan club' section is you get to meet other fans crazier than you are. I'm not really a crazy MB20 fan anymore (ok, yes, I've managed to spend two blogs talking about them, but I'm not one of those people who would spend a summer following them around on tour or anything. And I only joined the fan club to get the good MSG Garden seats.) I befriended the guy sitting next to me who had flown all the way from Guatemala to see them in concert. He had gone to grad school in Tennessee a few years ago and that's when he started listening to them. (I was trying to figure out if MB20 markets themselves in Guatemala.) Since I have been to Guatemala, he was so excited to talk to someone who knew his country. By the end of the night, I agree to send him a copy of the Tabitha's Secret Live Album that I have (the local Orlando band that Rob Thomas and Paul Doucette were in before they formed MB20 - I think they only sold that CD in Florida) and he agreed to email me pictures from his camera. When the lights went down and MB20 was on stage, this calm soft spoken architect became like a crazed teenager seeing the Beatles for the first time. Some of the coolest parts of the show:
1. It was Valentine's Day, which happened to also be Rob Thomas' Birthday. Towards the end of the show, Paul Doucette and Rob's wife surprised him with a huge cake and the whole MSG crowd sang to him. They also shot confetti out of cannons (I'm still finding confetti in my purse!)
2. The band also surprised him by playing "Streetcorner Symphony", which is one of the hits Rob had with his solo career. After the song was over, Rob was like, "So is this the song you guys were secretly learning behind my back?"
3. They played "Hang", which is my favorite song. This wasn't a hit , so I didn't expect them to play it at all. It's a duet between Kyle Cook and Rob Thomas.
Here's some of my pics from the show - my camera is pretty unreliable, but it's the best I could do:
Yep, that pretty much sums up the Matchbox 20 concert experience last week. First of all I HATE seeing shows at Madison Square Garden. I'm sure it's a dream come true for most bands to play the garden, but it truly sucks for the fans. Most of the time you can't even see the band (I had to sit BEHIND the stage when I saw The Police). It's come to the point that it takes ALOT for me to see a band there, unless I have good seats (which is close to nearly impossible). I really need to befriend an MSG employee to score some of those close seats only available to press, employees and VIPs. But for the MB20 show, I was able to get seats on the FLOOR. Even my seat on the floor acquired from a presale purchased the first minute they went on sale was probably further away than the worst spot at Irving Plaza. But I realize how lucky I was to not have to squint to see them. I was right next to the sound guys, actually, and during the MB20 set, I saw the guys from Mute Math (the 1st opener) standing in the sound area.
Alanis Morrissette was the 2nd opening act, so it was like seeing two concerts in one. She's was pretty good - I'd forgotten how many hits she has had. Though it kinda bothered me that she would just kind of run up and down the stage like she had not idea what to do with herself during the instrumentals. She played harmonica for two songs and guitar for one or two, but then looked a little bored when she was just singing. One of the cool things about sitting in the 'fan club' section is you get to meet other fans crazier than you are. I'm not really a crazy MB20 fan anymore (ok, yes, I've managed to spend two blogs talking about them, but I'm not one of those people who would spend a summer following them around on tour or anything. And I only joined the fan club to get the good MSG Garden seats.) I befriended the guy sitting next to me who had flown all the way from Guatemala to see them in concert. He had gone to grad school in Tennessee a few years ago and that's when he started listening to them. (I was trying to figure out if MB20 markets themselves in Guatemala.) Since I have been to Guatemala, he was so excited to talk to someone who knew his country. By the end of the night, I agree to send him a copy of the Tabitha's Secret Live Album that I have (the local Orlando band that Rob Thomas and Paul Doucette were in before they formed MB20 - I think they only sold that CD in Florida) and he agreed to email me pictures from his camera. When the lights went down and MB20 was on stage, this calm soft spoken architect became like a crazed teenager seeing the Beatles for the first time. Some of the coolest parts of the show:
1. It was Valentine's Day, which happened to also be Rob Thomas' Birthday. Towards the end of the show, Paul Doucette and Rob's wife surprised him with a huge cake and the whole MSG crowd sang to him. They also shot confetti out of cannons (I'm still finding confetti in my purse!)
2. The band also surprised him by playing "Streetcorner Symphony", which is one of the hits Rob had with his solo career. After the song was over, Rob was like, "So is this the song you guys were secretly learning behind my back?"
3. They played "Hang", which is my favorite song. This wasn't a hit , so I didn't expect them to play it at all. It's a duet between Kyle Cook and Rob Thomas.
Here's some of my pics from the show - my camera is pretty unreliable, but it's the best I could do:
Monday, February 11, 2008
How Far We've Come: My week of rocking to the 90's
I just realized something: from February 14th - February 23rd, I will been seeing 4 different 90's musicians perform shows in NYC: Matchbox 20, Alanis Morrisette, Brian Vander Ark from the Verve Pipe and Emerson Hart from Tonic. I'm especially excited about seeing my boys MB20 at Madison Square Garden!
You cool indie people who listen to your Cat Power, Of Montreal, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are probably snickering right now at my love for such 90's pop rock music. And I don't really care! Matchbox 20 makes me happy and brings me back to a great time in my life when my days consisted of roadtrips to Atlanta during the summer to see a music festival, drinking in our dorm/apt whilst playing strip poker/twister, hanging out at Islands of Adventure, and the occasional studying. Oh, and catching some live MB20 at the local Orlando venue. (Little known fact, before they were signed, MB20 was called "Tabitha's Secret". Yep, I have that demo... I'm such a music nerd) I think MB20 was pretty huge at every college/high school in 1997, but they were especially popular in their hometown of Orlando. It seemed like on any given day, while walking through the dorms, I'd hear someone blasting a song from "Yourself or Someone Like You". It was either that or Sister Hazel's "All For You" (also a Florida band). And to this day, so many of the songs remind me of my college friends. For my first semester final project in my American Sign Language Class, I even signed the lyrics to "Hang", the last song on their first album. To this day, if I hear that song, I HAVE to sign - it's a sickness really. My friend Jen and I used to make fun of the video "Push". It's the one when Rob Thomas is chained to a wall or something and he's wearing this shiny black shirt (unbuttoned) and leather pants. We would joke about the things we would do to him if he was chained to us...
My ex-boyfriend once told me years after we broke up that the song "Bright Lights" reminds him of me (the lyrics are eerily similar to our relationship -it's about a girl who breaks up with her boyfriend and moves to NYC, and yes I did keep a picture of him in my apartment in the city)... To this day, I think of him when I hear that song. Check it out, it's really a great song, and see, Rob Thomas CAN play an instrument! He's not just a pretty face...
My friends and I even spotted the MB20 guitarist Kyle in a local bar in Orlando once. I was certain it was him, my boyfriend and half of my friends were convinced it wasn't. I told my friends I was going to the bathroom, but instead I went up to Kyle (I told him that there was a $100 bet over his true identity.) A few minutes later, Kyle went over to where my friends were sitting, greeted them with "Hello my friends" and put his arms around them. He said yes in fact he was kyle and had a drink with us. (Hey, I actually never got my $100 from that night...)
So, my Valentine's Day/Birthday Eve is going to be spent with Rob, Kyle, Brian and Paul and I couldn't be happier. I actually snagged a seat on the Floor (14th Row!) Stay tuned for pictures and a review of the show.
For your viewing entertainment, enjoy my favorite MB20 video (Our buddy Kyle is the guy towards the end playing the Banjo).
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Songs I'm obsessed with this week
1. Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park. I love their current album, Minutes to Midnight. I didn't realize the similarity between this song and a certain song off of U2's The Joshua Tree until a U2 fan's blog pointed it out. Now it all makes sense why I love this song so much. It's a pretty powerful video for a seemingly sweet little song. See if you can figure out what U2 song I'm referring to:
Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day
Linkin Park - Shadow of the Day
2. Something to Believe in by Aqualung. I've had this song on my I-Pod for a little while and sort of forgotten about it until I heard it on last week's episode of Eli Stone. Now I can't get enough of it. I couldn't find the music video for it, but here's a performance in NYC:
3. Hammer and Stone by Seven Mary Three. Their new album Day and Nightdriving is officially released in a few weeks, but you can download it early on iTunes. I gotta give props to my hometown boys 7M3. Jason Ross is one of the best songwriters of this generation, and this song to me has that classic 7 Mary 3 sound. Some of you may remember their 90's hit, Cumbersome. The band has had 5 albums since then, but never really got much airplay outside of Orlando. Also check out the song Last Kiss. Hell, download the whole album. The only video I could find of this song is a crappy recording of a live show, but check out their myspace page (or itunes) for a better audio version. http://www.myspace.com/7m3
Saturday, February 2, 2008
My 73-year-old hero
Do you ever have one of those days when you meet someone and they slap a little perspective into your life? And totally inspire you to be a better person?
I met someone like that today.
My friend Jose and I volunteered at our first NY Cares Project. http://www.nycares.com NYC Cares is awesome because they have many different types of projects throughout the city and you only sign up when you're available. There's no monthly commitment at all. If you don't live in NYC, I know they have chapters all over the country. Anyway, our project this morning was to volunteer with The Achilles Club, which is a group for runners with disabilities. Some of the runners were blind, so the volunteers would guide them with a rope or bandana, or in my case, with my voice. I ran next to him and just guided him to bear right or left if we approached another runner. My partner was a 73-year-old blind man who was a power walker. And boy could this man walk. His walk was about the pace of my light jog. He power walks marathons! Then at the last stretch of the 4 miles, he told me he was going to end it with a 'light jog'. His light jog was a fast jog for me. Eight years ago, at the age of 65, with no experience running, my partner today met the founder of the Achilles Club. Nine months later, he completed his first marathon. By the end of the 4 miles today, my knee was throbbing. I'm completely humbled by the fact that a 73-year-old's 4-mile power walk completely kicked my ass.
Everyone I met today had completed a marathon. I chatted with a man with a prosthetic leg who often completes 100 mile bike races. Some of the athletes in the Achilles Club had prosthetic legs, some had suffered a stroke, and some were blind. After my experience today, I decided to make running in Central Park with the Achilles Club part of my regular Saturday routine.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The Return of George Michael
Who else is excited that:
A. Lost is back on (granted, for only 8 episodes - thanks to the writer's strike). But it's a much needed jolt of fresh entertainment in this current lineup saturated with crappy C-list celebrity reality shows.
B. George Michael is making his comeback via the new show Eli Stone. Who knew Angelina Jolie's 1st husband, Jonny Lee Miller was so freaking adorable? I originally decided to watch the first episode of Eli Stone to support my friend Emerson Hart. He sent a myspace bulletin telling everyone that his new single 'Flyin' would be featured in the premiere episode. Then I started to see commercials for this show with George Michael! I'm glad the guy is getting some work. Ten bucks says his single Faith will spike in sales on iTunes this week. (Much like Journey broke the top ten after it was played in the credits of the series finale of The Sopranos.) I'm ten minutes into the first episode and I'm already loving it (and Emerson hasn't even been played in the episode yet!) I'm curious to see if George Michael appears in every episode. Ooh, wouldn't it be great if each episode featured another out-of-work 80's musician or group? How about some A-Ha? Wang Chung? Tears for Fears?
In other news, I saw the new U23D movie last week on opening night. I don't think I've ever been to an IMAX theatre outside of a theme park. The place was huge! As soon as the lights went down, the crowd started cheering. I was truly amazed by the technology in this movie. There were times where there would be a translucent 3D figure of a band member in front of you, and directly behind him the other three members were in 3D, along with the crowd below that I wanted to reach out and touch. I was expecting Bono to be completely hamming it up for the camera, but this movie focused on the entire band (even had this cool hovering shot above Larry Mullen Jr. and his drums.) I really felt like I was at a U2 show and when it ended, I didn't want to leave. At one point I saw a guy in the middle of the theatre stand up and start dancing as if he were really at a live show. (BTW, if you go, wait for all of the credits to roll - there's a little animated 3-D video in the end.) Even non-U2 fans will love this movie - my friend Shawndell 'dragged' her fiance' to the movie and he was dancing in his seat!
So, the same night I saw the U23D movie, I had about an hour before I was supposed to meet my friend Joy. I was somewhat close to Soho, so I felt like I should pay my respects to Heath Ledger (it was the day after his death). I went to the makeshift memorial set up outside his apartment building. There were cameras and reporters everywhere, and by this time someone had hung up an Australian flag. It's not really important if he committed suicide or accidentally overdosed. I just wish the press would stop trying to get a shot of Michelle Williams and Matilda. Though I never met Heath in Brooklyn (my ex saw him buying two flat screen tvs at the local Circuit City), it is widely known that they were active in their community. They loved Brooklyn, and tried to live a normal life. They were often spotted at the local coffee shops, Heath carrying Matilda on his shoulders, and they even hosted fundraisers for local charities at their Boerum Hill Brownstone. It's amazing how the death of a celebrity can affect a nation. I was surprised at how choked up I got when I walked by his apartment building. Maybe it's because I've been affected by a loved one who had an addiction? Maybe it's because he was such a talented actor? Maybe because it was not widely known that he had a drug problem and it was such a shock? Hopefully some good will come out of his death and it will serve as a wake up call to those struggling with addiction.
A. Lost is back on (granted, for only 8 episodes - thanks to the writer's strike). But it's a much needed jolt of fresh entertainment in this current lineup saturated with crappy C-list celebrity reality shows.
B. George Michael is making his comeback via the new show Eli Stone. Who knew Angelina Jolie's 1st husband, Jonny Lee Miller was so freaking adorable? I originally decided to watch the first episode of Eli Stone to support my friend Emerson Hart. He sent a myspace bulletin telling everyone that his new single 'Flyin' would be featured in the premiere episode. Then I started to see commercials for this show with George Michael! I'm glad the guy is getting some work. Ten bucks says his single Faith will spike in sales on iTunes this week. (Much like Journey broke the top ten after it was played in the credits of the series finale of The Sopranos.) I'm ten minutes into the first episode and I'm already loving it (and Emerson hasn't even been played in the episode yet!) I'm curious to see if George Michael appears in every episode. Ooh, wouldn't it be great if each episode featured another out-of-work 80's musician or group? How about some A-Ha? Wang Chung? Tears for Fears?
In other news, I saw the new U23D movie last week on opening night. I don't think I've ever been to an IMAX theatre outside of a theme park. The place was huge! As soon as the lights went down, the crowd started cheering. I was truly amazed by the technology in this movie. There were times where there would be a translucent 3D figure of a band member in front of you, and directly behind him the other three members were in 3D, along with the crowd below that I wanted to reach out and touch. I was expecting Bono to be completely hamming it up for the camera, but this movie focused on the entire band (even had this cool hovering shot above Larry Mullen Jr. and his drums.) I really felt like I was at a U2 show and when it ended, I didn't want to leave. At one point I saw a guy in the middle of the theatre stand up and start dancing as if he were really at a live show. (BTW, if you go, wait for all of the credits to roll - there's a little animated 3-D video in the end.) Even non-U2 fans will love this movie - my friend Shawndell 'dragged' her fiance' to the movie and he was dancing in his seat!
So, the same night I saw the U23D movie, I had about an hour before I was supposed to meet my friend Joy. I was somewhat close to Soho, so I felt like I should pay my respects to Heath Ledger (it was the day after his death). I went to the makeshift memorial set up outside his apartment building. There were cameras and reporters everywhere, and by this time someone had hung up an Australian flag. It's not really important if he committed suicide or accidentally overdosed. I just wish the press would stop trying to get a shot of Michelle Williams and Matilda. Though I never met Heath in Brooklyn (my ex saw him buying two flat screen tvs at the local Circuit City), it is widely known that they were active in their community. They loved Brooklyn, and tried to live a normal life. They were often spotted at the local coffee shops, Heath carrying Matilda on his shoulders, and they even hosted fundraisers for local charities at their Boerum Hill Brownstone. It's amazing how the death of a celebrity can affect a nation. I was surprised at how choked up I got when I walked by his apartment building. Maybe it's because I've been affected by a loved one who had an addiction? Maybe it's because he was such a talented actor? Maybe because it was not widely known that he had a drug problem and it was such a shock? Hopefully some good will come out of his death and it will serve as a wake up call to those struggling with addiction.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Clark Griswold in NYC
Two amazingly awesome things happened this evening:
1. The NY Giants beat the Packers to head to the Super Bowl! (And I've got to thank my local MTA booth employee for posting the tied score for us to see, prompting me rush home to see the final 2 minutes!)
2. I saw Chevy Chase simulate oral sex right before my eyes. Ok, not so awesome, actually extremely disturbing, but I was sitting two seats from him, he actually spoke to my friend Emily during a skit. Let me back up a little. I went with a group of twenty people to the Upright Citizens Brigade in Manhattan tonight. We paid just $9 for 90 minutes of improv comedy at Assscat. Amy Poehler from SNL sometimes hosts it (which she did tonight) and sometimes you never really know who is going to show up. Tonight, not only were Amy and Chevy there, but Seth Meyers was also performing (along with 7 other people from Colbert Report, SNL and various other comedians). I guess since the writer's strike is still continuing, these writers/comedians have nothing better to do right now. So the oral sex simulation was part of a skit - I don't even remember why he was doing it, but I think everyone in the room was a little uncomfortable seeing Clark Griswold sticking his tongue towards the invisible vagina. Seth Meyers (who's surprisingly attractive in person) even turned away during the skit. Chevy was pretty funny, seemed a little unprepared though. Amy Poehler had to keep prompting him when it was his turn to do the 5 minute improvised monologue to set up the skits to follow. My friend, Peggy, who actually sat next to him said he smelled like 'recycled clothes'.
I can't wait to go back and see who else shows up!
Picture of the Day:
The view from the Tommy Hilfiger Showroom (Chelsea Piers & that's the NJ skyline across the water.)
1. The NY Giants beat the Packers to head to the Super Bowl! (And I've got to thank my local MTA booth employee for posting the tied score for us to see, prompting me rush home to see the final 2 minutes!)
2. I saw Chevy Chase simulate oral sex right before my eyes. Ok, not so awesome, actually extremely disturbing, but I was sitting two seats from him, he actually spoke to my friend Emily during a skit. Let me back up a little. I went with a group of twenty people to the Upright Citizens Brigade in Manhattan tonight. We paid just $9 for 90 minutes of improv comedy at Assscat. Amy Poehler from SNL sometimes hosts it (which she did tonight) and sometimes you never really know who is going to show up. Tonight, not only were Amy and Chevy there, but Seth Meyers was also performing (along with 7 other people from Colbert Report, SNL and various other comedians). I guess since the writer's strike is still continuing, these writers/comedians have nothing better to do right now. So the oral sex simulation was part of a skit - I don't even remember why he was doing it, but I think everyone in the room was a little uncomfortable seeing Clark Griswold sticking his tongue towards the invisible vagina. Seth Meyers (who's surprisingly attractive in person) even turned away during the skit. Chevy was pretty funny, seemed a little unprepared though. Amy Poehler had to keep prompting him when it was his turn to do the 5 minute improvised monologue to set up the skits to follow. My friend, Peggy, who actually sat next to him said he smelled like 'recycled clothes'.
I can't wait to go back and see who else shows up!
Picture of the Day:
The view from the Tommy Hilfiger Showroom (Chelsea Piers & that's the NJ skyline across the water.)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
No Pants 2k8
The 7th Annual No Pants Subway Ride was yesterday. I found out about it too late, and was stuck in Brooklyn, so I couldn't witness it for myself. Here's a hilarious video of the 2006 No Pants Ride:
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Burger Perfection
Search no further, I have found the best burger in New York City: Five Guys on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. YOU MUST GO. I NEVER eat red meat, but I'll eat a burger here - it's that good. Actually, technically, you don't have to come all the way to NYC for this burger - they're franchised! I don't know what it is about this city, but people will wait in long lines for food. I've done it - I've waited 30 minutes in Madison Square Park for a Burger at Shake Shack (which used to be the best burger in the city); I've waited 45 minutes to get ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (THE best ice cream in the city); and waited in long lines for cupcakes at Billy's Bakery and Magnolia.
Ordering a 'cheeseburger' at Five Guys is actually a double cheeseburger (so make sure you order a 'little cheeseburger' if you just want one patty.) I'd recommend getting a burger with everything: ketchup, mustard, sauteed onions, lettuce, sauteed mushrooms, pickles, tomatoes. You can watch them cook the burgers fresh, while munching on peanuts as you wait. And their fries are perfectly cooked in peanut oil and you can get them 'five guys style' or cajun.
Anyone reading this from the DC area probably knows Five Guys well. That's where they originated. Actually, I have to give credit to my friend Emily for providing me with my first Five Guys experience. (She used to live above one of their locations in DC when she was in grad school.)
Here's their website for my friends not in NYC or DC:
http://www.fiveguys.com
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
My Bucket List
So there's this new movie out starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called the Bucket List. I don't really have a desire to rush out to theatres to see this seemingly predictable movie (Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Atonement are much higher on my priority list). But the previews inspired me to dig up my Bucket List. About 10 years ago, my college roommate Chrissy and I came up with lists of "Things we need to do before I die". Most of the things were travel-related, as Chrissy and I hadn't yet gone abroad . We also made up a list of 100 cool places to have sex (but I'll save that one for another post). I'm proud to say that I have checked off some of the things on my bucket list, but at the rate that I'm going, I'll probably have to live to 148 to accomplish all of it. Too bad working full time sort of gets in the way... But I decided to re-visit my list, see what exactly I've done, add a couple of things and start to focus on checking off my list!
Snorkel in Great Barrier Reef
Learn to Ballroom Dance
Go to Africa on a safari
Serve in the Peace Corps
Go White Water Rafting (DONE! Montreal & Costa Rica)
See the Grand Canyon
Go backstage at a concert
Go to a volcano (DONE! Guatemala)
Go to a nude beach
Take cooking class (DONE! NYC 2006)
Waterski (DONE! Antigua 2005)
Own my own business
Buy stock
Adopt a child
Smoke pot in Amsterdam Bar
Eat Pizza in Italy (Done!)
Go to Oktoberfest in Germany
Go to Mardi Gras (Done!)
Go to Times Square for New Year's Eve (Done!)
Drink with a celebrity (Done! John Leguizamo)
Drink glass of Cristal
Meet Bono
Ride on the Orient Express
Learn to fluently speak another language
Watch all Star Wars Movies in one day
Go to Sundance Film Festival
Go on the Queen Mary ship
Kiss someone I love on top of Empire State Building
Kiss someone I love on top of the Eiffel Tower (DONE!)
Have sex on a beach
Live in Europe for at least a year
Learn how to build a fire
Learn how to fish and filet my catch
Shoot a gun at firing range
Hug/kiss a rockstar
Ride an elephant
Ride a camel
See the rainforest (DONE! Costa Rica 2007)
Attend the Olympics (as a spectator)
Attend a Broadway show (DONE!)
Run a marathon
Drink a pint in Dublin (DONE!)
Go on a cruise
See the Macy's Day Parade (DONE!)
Have my name printed in the New York Times
My random pic of the day:
This was taken in Long Island City. There's this building owned by artists, close to P.S. 1 MOMA location. Basically every month they paint over a side of the building and grafitti artists are encouraged to create their new art!
Snorkel in Great Barrier Reef
Learn to Ballroom Dance
Go to Africa on a safari
Serve in the Peace Corps
Go White Water Rafting (DONE! Montreal & Costa Rica)
See the Grand Canyon
Go backstage at a concert
Go to a volcano (DONE! Guatemala)
Go to a nude beach
Take cooking class (DONE! NYC 2006)
Waterski (DONE! Antigua 2005)
Own my own business
Buy stock
Adopt a child
Smoke pot in Amsterdam Bar
Eat Pizza in Italy (Done!)
Go to Oktoberfest in Germany
Go to Mardi Gras (Done!)
Go to Times Square for New Year's Eve (Done!)
Drink with a celebrity (Done! John Leguizamo)
Drink glass of Cristal
Meet Bono
Ride on the Orient Express
Learn to fluently speak another language
Watch all Star Wars Movies in one day
Go to Sundance Film Festival
Go on the Queen Mary ship
Kiss someone I love on top of Empire State Building
Kiss someone I love on top of the Eiffel Tower (DONE!)
Have sex on a beach
Live in Europe for at least a year
Learn how to build a fire
Learn how to fish and filet my catch
Shoot a gun at firing range
Hug/kiss a rockstar
Ride an elephant
Ride a camel
See the rainforest (DONE! Costa Rica 2007)
Attend the Olympics (as a spectator)
Attend a Broadway show (DONE!)
Run a marathon
Drink a pint in Dublin (DONE!)
Go on a cruise
See the Macy's Day Parade (DONE!)
Have my name printed in the New York Times
My random pic of the day:
This was taken in Long Island City. There's this building owned by artists, close to P.S. 1 MOMA location. Basically every month they paint over a side of the building and grafitti artists are encouraged to create their new art!
Monday, January 7, 2008
New Year - New Blog!
I finally did it - I gave in... I'm a blogger.
Ok, so no, this wasn't taken today. This is the NY Marathon in October - just a few blocks from my apartment in Brooklyn. These men were all ahead of Lance Armstrong!
And I have my local middle eastern take-out place to thank for it. You see, I was strolling down 5th avenue in Park Slope, and I looked up and saw a full-color lit up picture of a huge hunk of lamb schwarma protruding from the storefront. No sign with the name of the business - just a big picture of what they were serving. (Only in New York). And I thought to myself, that's odd - I should take a picture of that on my phone and send it to my friend Eric. And then that thought turned into , 'I should totally take a picture of random things I see everyday and post it on a blog or something!' Ok, so my more realistic goal is to post a picture every week of randomness that I see around me, or you may just get stuck seeing pictures of my friends drinking (we do seem to have alot of those shots). More than likely, you'll probably end up seeing pictures of concerts I go to... But at any rate, I will be posting pictures and I will update you on what's going on in my life.
So, first things first: U2 News
There's so much happening in the world of U2. I have been anticipating the release of U23D for many many months now, and it's finally coming to a theatre near you this month! Check it out:
It open January 23rd and the reviews have been pretty good. Recorded during the South American leg of the 2006 tour, it's the first ever 3-D live action concert video. Bono is such a master entertainer, and I'm sure even non-u2 fans will enjoy this 3D experience. I already have plans to see the movie opening weekend with my friend, Joy. Frankly, she puts my U2 obsession to shame. This woman saw them during the War tour. She's seen them all around the world and even has Adam Clayton's autograph on a copy of the Odyssey (it just happened to be in her bag when she ran into him in the city one day.) So it's really only appropriate that we experience this together.
And finally, for my random New York picture of the day:
Ok, so no, this wasn't taken today. This is the NY Marathon in October - just a few blocks from my apartment in Brooklyn. These men were all ahead of Lance Armstrong!
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