Adele on Jimmy Kimmel Live! - December 10, 2008

My favorite song of 2008. I think it's about that time to start looking back all wistful-like. Adele has a pretty amazing voice. I haven't been able to get the chorus "should I give up? Or should I just keep chasing pavement? Even if it leads no where......" out of my head all year. It's one of those songs you hear and even if you don't realize it at the moment, it resonates with you somewhere within and just refuses to stay background music. It needs to be heard and play endlessly in the soundtrack of you day, month, year. Those songs don't come along every year (or very often anymore for that matter), but I think I can safely say this song was added to my own personal soundtrack this year.

Happy Holidays!!

Oasis - Wonderwall (MSG)

Saw Oasis at the Garden last night. They were very good live. The Gallagher bros are almost impossible to understand when addressing the crowd in a live setting, without the benefit of subtitles. I've never in my life heard so many broughs and cockney accents assembled in one place at one time! Wonderwall was great live. As with any band's uber-hit, it was of course a quintessiental sing along moment. I remember less how Noel's vocals sounded and more how the mingled (mangled?) vocals of the assembled masses sounded. I realized I don't know any of their new songs (so unprepared was I) but it was a good show (and yet again I proved my hypothesis that ending a work night with a concert and overpriced (but good) beer does in fact make me a happy girl! See, it sure doesn't take much!)

Vote for Dr.Horrible

Make your voice heard. Cast your vote for something that matters this year. Throw your support behind a worthy candidate. Yes, of course I'm talking about supporting Dr. Horrible which is up for a people's choice award in the category of "Internet sensation". If you vote for no other reason, do it to stop Paris Hilton from winning something other than "vapid waste of my precious time." That's a noble cause isn't? Remember voting is a privilege and a right.
So go on over and perform your civic duty @ http://www.pcavote.com
(While we're on the good deeds theme, you might as well also use your voting power for some more good by casting a vote for "Fringe" in the best new drama category. Make crazy mad scientist dad and his cow proud!)

This just in: Nightmares set to suck in 2009!

Nightmares has announced next year's theme and I gotta say it's right up my alley: vampires!:
Next year Nightmare is doing something a little different - an entire house dedicated to vampires. But this ain’t all about Dracula or Count Chocula. We want you to tell us your 5 favorite vampires of all time. You can apply it to even the loosest definition of the word. If enough people write it in, or we find it clever enough, you can be sure there will be a room about it in next year’s haunted house!

I wonder if the vampire theme has anything at all to do with what can only be described as the best guilty pleasure to come along on cable tv in a while (thank you yet again Alan Ball) True Blood? Which sadly ends this week, (and uh-oh Sookie has un-invited Bill!) I have no idea what to do with my Sunday nights now. Or could it possibly be due to the Twilight craze that's swept the nation. Yea, I'm going to see it Friday. Y'know I never understood any of my friend's obession with Harry Potter, and yet now I feel a special kinship to them, for I to have been sucked into a series of juvie lit books that are my literary crack. I was seriously jonzing after I read the last book...sighs...But I digress...Hmmm nightmares has got me thinkin' who are my top vamps of all time?

Barnabas Collins(Dark Shadows, duh)
Lestat
Spike and Dru- they just go together
Kurt Barlow (Salem's Lot)
Dracula (I mean c'mon how do you not include the original prince of darkness)
Nosferatu (even more of a no brainer)
Edward Cullen (I know I know I'm such a tween at heart,)
Jean -Claude (from the Laurell K Hamilton series)
Blade
The Lost Boys gang
Selene (from underworld)
Eric and Bill (and that bald vamp w/the tats!) from True Blood

Hmmmm....I think this list feels incomplete, yet I can't think of anyone I'm forgetting. I'll be interested to see what responses other people come up with at the hauntedNYC site, but more interested to see how the vamp house turns out next year.

Local H- Cynic

Just another song I wish I had on my ipod (damn you itunes for foiling me!)
Local H is a two piece band with a bigger sound than alot of much larger bands can manage.
I saw them live sometime back in that decade known as the 90's somewhere in the city and I remember being more impressed by them then any of the other bands I saw that night.
Also, you should reference "Bound for the Floor" which is a track you might remember, I do believe it got some radio play.

Exclusive - Jeffrey Tambor says ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Movie is a Go!

Exclusive - Jeffrey Tambor says ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Movie is a Go!

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Finally. If Sex in the City can already be in talks for a second go-round, it's about time AD gets it's shot. It was one the funniest, cleverst shows around (pity how many cancelled shows one can say that about). If you're not familiar with the show I recommend getting your hands on all the seasons at once, bunkering down and being prepared to ask yourself the age old question: "Why can't good shows ever last, except in the hearts of the cult followings they so oft inspire?"
Click the above link to see the Jeffery Tambor interview that has everyone (re: aforementioned cult following, and/or people with blogs and too much time) buzzing!

Cookout-Bo Burnham

Last night I had the privelege of seeing Bo Burnham at the NYC comedy festival. He's a you tube superstar, only 18 yrs old and so so very funny and talented.

Official Repo! Genetic Opera trailer (2008)

So, I stumbled upon this little gem of a trailer and cannot wait for whenever "soon" is for it's release. And, not only because Giles is the repo man either, but that's definetly a plus.

NYC Zombie Crawl 2008

Of course I heard about this zombie crawl after the fact (always a day late and a dollar short) but how much fun does being un-dead for the day look huh? Apparantly these zombie crawls take place all over the world and I'm making it my mission to be in on the next one!

Muse New Born

This week's song. Grove to the tunes of Muse.

NIGHTMARE: FACE YOUR FEAR

Nightmare was really good this year. It was quite pyshically demanding though. We were asked to crawl, jump...I wonder how they knew pyhsical exertion is one of my biggest nightmares. Everyone should go, seriously. I'm going again, on closing night Nov.8th. I'm hoping it's got a little extra somethin' special creepy.

Economy got you down?

Worried your 401k is in trouble? Tired of watching the dow plunge? Just another litigious minded American? Well start planning for retirement the old fashioned way. Suing the hell out of someone! Find out if your frivolous lawsuit has any legal merit at the new handy dandy whocanisue.com! Did you just have a "why the fuck didn't I think of this moment?" Yea. me too.

Get Set Go - I Hate Everyone

The best "walking to work through throngs of midtown traffic" song ever, maybe I'm open to suggestions and quite flexible of course to any song which might be more suitable.

Twilight Official Trailer

I'm horribly addicted to the book series this movie is based on. I highly doubt that the movie is going to be the finest of cinematic fare, but still I've got to go see it.

HIM - Killing Loneliness

I love the eye tatoo on Ville's back

mark wahlberg talks to animals

It's so pointless it's funny. "say hello to yr mother for me aight?"

A Serial Killer and Web slinger make for interesting bed fellows

So guess who's coming to the great white way? Patrick Bateman and Peter Parker. Interested? Me too!
Rumor has it American Psycho may just be so gory that the first few audience members may be given commemorative gore repelling ponchos! See now that's what the Tony's need to give more awards for: judicious use of violence and gore! Spiderman? Well why not? It's a Marvel blockbuster. Spidey is an enduring hero. It's got a love story, it's got crime fighting, it's got the whole good vs evil paradigm, and apparently Bono. I'm interested to find out more.
Anyway here's some shizat I found about both:

The Johnson-Roessler Co.'s David Johnson, Craig Roessler and Jesse Singer, the Collective's Aaron Ray and XYZ Films' Nate Bolotin have partnered to acquire, develop and produce the tale of violent Wall Street investment banker Patrick Bateman. Ellis and Edward R. Pressman, the producer of Mary Harron's 1999 film adaptation, will serve as consulting producers.

No director, book writer or songwriters have yet been brought on board the project, but producers say they're in early talks with some potential dramatists and hope to stage by 2010 with an eye for Broadway


Marvel Studios has confirmed that plans are underway to produce a Broadway musical based on Marvel's ever popular Super Hero, Spider-Man. Produced by Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle, Martin McCallum, Marvel Entertainment, and SONY Pictures Entertainment (billing in formation), the musical will be directed by Tony Award-winner Julie Taymor with U2's Bono and The Edge creating new music and lyrics for the project. A reading is scheduled to take place this summer. No dates for a Broadway opening

Damien Rice - Cannonball

This is the song dominating the soundtrack of my life this week. Why? Who knows.
Mr.Rice is also great live. I would like to see him again.

Weezer @ MSG, NYC - 9/24/08 - Say It Ain't So

Sing along everyone and it's almost like you were there with me last night...

"I can't confront you, I never could do...
That which might hurt you.
So try and be cool, when I say:
This way is a waterslide away from me That takes me further every day
so be cool."

Weezer @ MSG

Euerka sweetums! I finally discovered the silver lining of working in midtown. Easy after-work access to Madison Square Garden. That just might be the only silver lining, but it sure makes concert going much more convenient. For instance, last night it was a quick 5 minute walk to the Weezer concert. Oh, if only every work day concluded with a kick ass concert (and over-priced beer) I would be the happiest girl in all the world.
A quick aside:
The Garden sells my favorite beer, Smithwicks! I can remember a time when the only beer served at the garden was bud, and bud lite, possibly you could get a heine, but times have changed (and for the better baby) Now, I can choose from Bass, Killians and Smithwicks (because I am extremely British and Irish when drinking beer). It makes the $9.25 price go down a little easier.
Weezer, the best nerd-core band put on an awesome show last night. Now, I've been to alot of concerts, and I thought I had long ago lost that excited feeling. That little flutter of anticipation I used to get when seeing an artist I really like live. I've been a fan of Weezer since the blue album, so I've been listening to them since I'm 15. That's half my life. That's a sobering fact, and I guess that puts things into perspective. I hadn't even realized subconsciously how much I really wanted to see the band when I bought the tickets last month, until they stepped out on stage and played the opening chords of Jonas. I was ready to rock, and Weezer really rocked hard last night. They played a great smattering of songs from their catalog. Rivers spoke to the crowd in Spanish? Japanese? Both? I couldn't quite tell. For the first encore, they brought out 30 NYC area musicians, which included such instruments as a saxophone, trumpet, flute, and cowbell. The cowbell solo fucking rocked! (Oddly enough during the aforementioned solo the voice of Christopher Walken popped into my head saying: "Guess what?! I've got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!")
The second encore started out with an empty stage, a spotlight shining on a record player, center stage, playing the song from the new album "heart songs"
The band came back on stage while heart song was playing, and Rivers kicked over the record player, and the band launched into a rendition of Nirvana's "Sliver". It was (for lack of a better word) great! Which is the only way I can sum up the entire show. It was great. And to think, I was feeling so shitty yesterday with this annoying cold and almost didn't go, to wind up not wanting to leave when the house lights came up..Now, I can't wait to see them again!
Here's the set-list from last night I'm sure you can understand why I had to geek out.
1. My Name Is Jonas
2. Pink Triangle
3. Perfect Situation
4. Say It Ain't So
5. Susanne
6. Keep Fishin'
7. King
8. Undone (the sweater song)
9. Pork and Beans
10. Dreamin'
11. Dope Nose
12. Troublemaker
13. Automatic
14. Hash Pipe
15. El Scorcho
16. Morning Glory
17. Greatest Man




First encore:

18. Island in the Sun
19. Beverly Hills
'

Second encore:

20. Heart Songs vinyl into Sliver
21. Buddy Holly

Descendents - Live @ PinkPop Festival, May 19th, 1997

Found this surprinsgly good quality footage on you-tubage. The Descendants are of the most influential and seminal punk rock bands, maybe ever. I think every music collection should include Milo goes to College, or Somery. This is what the kids should be listening to!
PS the first song played is actually "collidge" not "I'm the one"

They Might Be Giants - High Five

This is the song which plays on an endless loop in my mind during my seemingly endless daily commute. Keeps the spirits, keeps a sprig in the step, ya ken. It also inspires me to seek high fives from random strangers. Gotta stay amused too y'know

REAL!! friday the 13th (remake) trailer 2009

Last week my friend Steven clued in on the fact that they're remaking friday the 13th. I don't know exactly what I think just yet. All the trailers I've come across have been homemade versions. Michael Bay (who's brought you such things as Transformers, Armaggedon, and The Rock) is directing. I would be far more enticed if it were Rob Zombie, but I'm reserving all judgement until I see the movie (or at least a decent trailer) but this will have to do for now.

Choke (2008) Official Movie Trailer MUST SEE High Quality HQ

Chuck Palahniuck's book Choke (which you really should read if you like smart, fucked up people and stories that verge into a territory that one can only describe as different or maybe you just really liked fightclub, whatever) has been made into a movie, and it looks good. Bonus points, for a cool soundtrack too (you can hear more of it at the offical foxspotlight page)

That Song from True Blood

So, last night on HBO was the premiere of the new show True Blood, which was a cool show that I think, and hope only gets better because it has a pretty interesting premise(I sort of wish I had read the books the show is based on), and I've been searching for something new to entertain me. But the song that played over the credits just enthralled me. It sounded like the soul of rockabilly and Johnny Cash had a baby and I had to find out more. Well the song is called "Bad Things" and it's by musician Jace Everett. I'm really digging him right now, oh yea and the song too. I really need to meet the music director of True Blood and thank them, for being my new favorite person.

Voodoo Fest

I'm currently trying to get my shit together and my self organized enough to plan a trip ot New Orleans this fall for Voodoo fest.
It's a 3 day music festival October 24-26 with a ton of music and fun. Not to mention it's in one of my favorite places in the world New Orleans.
The 3 day pass is only $125, which is actualy quite a bargain in light of all the acts scheduled to perform. Among the most notable are:
Stone Temple Pilots, Rev. Horton Heat, Erykah Badu, Joss Stone, NINE INCH NAILS (could Trent get anymore beautiful? Besides being God, I swear he only gets better as he ages!) The Mars Volta, Shudder to Think, Fishbone, Ashes Divide, R.E.M, N.E.R.D, Panic at the Disco, Dashboard Confessionals, Lupe Fiasco, Butthole Surfers, and a tonnn more acts.
I've only ever been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, which was tremendously fun, but I fell in instant and complete love with the city. The history, the food (which was always amazing), the fun and friendly spirit, the no last call (who doesn't love that in a city) I've always wanted to go back and really enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer, and what better time than now?
I have a friend (who travels alot for work) and can get a hotel room for free in the French Quarter. So if that pans out, (and if I can round up enough single friends, or friends who can rearrange their lives enough to make a 3 day get a way) I figure with round trip airfare and spending money, I can take a 3 or 4 day vacation, go visit a city I love and see more live music in a few days than I have in all of my life thus far, for under $500. Plus NIN in New Orleans? That's gotta be worth the trip alone!
Read more about Voodoo fest @ the offical website www.thetenritual.com

Dr. Horrible News

So, it seems Dr. Horrible has become quite the Internet sensation. And rightfully so I say. It was the #1 show on itunes for 5 consecutive weeks, which is quite a remarkable accomplishment in light of the fact that it isn't even a show!
Some other notable news:
The official soundtrack is now available on itunes. I'll admit I own the Buffy the musical soundtrack (I feel no shame in admitting that) so maybe I'll need to go check that out.
Mutant Enemy (is this a mutant enemy production, or just a Joss Whedon collaboration I'm not sure) is currently producing commentary for the upcoming dvd release. I'm torn on the issue of spending money on something I've already viewed for free, but they do promise tons of extras, and I'm such a whore for all those extra features they tack on to dvd sets.
There should be new t-shirts coming soon.
But....the most intriguing Dr.Horrible news I've found was this little snippet:

Last but not least, for all you villains out there, the Evil League of Evil is not accepting applications yet. But when the time comes, you will know...

What? You mean I might be able to apply for a position in the Evil League of Evil? My imagination is just running wild. I truly hope they aren't toying with my emotions, because I've always wanted to be a super villain, but one with the smarts and follow through to actually accomplish world domination. I'll keep you posted.

Do you like to be Scared?

Well, I do. I love all things horror, and what better time to indulge in screams, shivers and thrills then Halloween? For the past few years I've gone to a wonderfully terrifying and truly exciting production called NIGHTMARE in NYC. It's a haunted house put together by the production team Psycho Clan, but it ain't your father's haunted house. It's always sure to procure a scream or two from even the most stoic, jaded, been-there-done-it neardewell. And this year sounds even more promising. Below I've included the description of the event (which runs Thursday September 26- Sunday November 8) and if the psychical manifestations are anything at all like my esoteric nightmare dream scape, well I can't even conceive of the terror which will ensue (oh and the midgets, there are always midgets for some odd reason)
You can order tickets now (and use the code "early") to do both for the low, low price of only $20! C'mon who doesn't love a bargain. Check out more at hauntednewyork.com. See you there!Oh and empty your bladder before entering!


For its 5th anniversary, Psycho Clan decided that NIGHTMARE should actually be about nightmares so, as in years past, it conducted an online poll about its audience’s recurring bad dreams—and thousands responded! The creative team then selected the most twisted, demented responses, added some iconic recurring nightmares, and created a house that will force audiences to experience awake what few can handle asleep. With more special effects, more elaborate sets, and more evil baddies waiting to get you then ever before, NIGHTMARE: BAD DREAMS COME TRUE will bring your worst night terrors to screaming life.

In celebration of its fifth year at the same venue, a SECOND terrifying haunted attraction has been created: NIGHTMARE LEGENDS, a classic haunted house from back-in-the-day, with a carnie feel and a cast of legendary horror characters: Werewolf, Blob, Zombie, Vampire, Witch, Frankenstein, Mummy and a maniac with a chainsaw!

Dean Koontz's Odd Passenger Webisode 2

Ohhhh the bodachs!

Dean Koontz's

It's a little cheesy, and in my mind's eye Odd looked a little younger, and more wiry perhaps,but I like the Odd Thomas series and always thought it could make a very entertaining series if done right.

Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of the Dark Knight

This is a clip from a very interesting and thoroughly enjoyable show that aired on the History Channel, which focuses on the psychology of the batman villains. Let's be honest, their psyche is just so much more fun and enjoyable to delve into isn't it?

Dollhouse trailer

Well from the looks of it, Dollhouse is shaping up to be a pretty nifty show! (And by nifty I mean a lot creepier and darker than I had anticipated.) I'm jazzed for the Fox fall line up! That might be the one and only time I'll ever even entertain that thought in my lifetime.

California Dreamin?

Lately I've been dreaming of the west coast. I don't know how the idea of California wormed it's way into my frontal lobe exactly, but somehow visions of the Pacific Ocean are dancing about my subconscious mind and I wonder if it would be so bad out there.
I love NYC. I've always loved the fast paced; almost frantic, lifestyle associated with living in NYC, but it's a codependent kind of love. New York is kind of like the sleazy boyfriend, who never has a job, and doesn't treat you that well, but somehow you stay with him, because well he just seems so damn cool. I've never really imagined myself being able to live anywhere else.
But I wonder. What would it be like to trade one coast for the other. The west coast and all it's sun. The west cost with it's laid back attitude. Road trips to Vegas. not the Jersey shore. It's just a mole hill of an idea that's slowly building itself into a mountain.
I'm feeling restless I guess. But what if?
My cousin moved out to L.A. last year. She loves it. I know she wouldn't mind if I invited myself for a little extended visit.
And why not? Trust me I've seriously tried to come up with a good reason why not while appeasing curmudgeonly callers at work. I have this little fantasy of quitting my job a la the scene from half baked one day:
"fuck you, fuck you, Tony(the maintenance man) you're cool, fuck you, I quit." and walking out with my head-set still on.,
Okay maybe I wouldn't do anything quite so dramatic, (maybe). but maybe I would like California. Any state that would elect the terminator to office can't be that bad, right? I mean he sure did right by John Connor. Go see how the other side of the country lives. Go appease my visions, and get this goddamn Mama and Papa's song out of my head. I don't even like the damn song!

Why So Serious?

The Dark Knight had one of the biggest 3 day weekend openings this past week, despite a 2 1/2 hour run time, and an oppressive heat wave, the movie still managed to rake in 155 million dollars. It smashed box office records like the unstoppable Juggernaut long awaited summer blockbuster it is.
I left the theater euphoric-like, unable to stop reiterating scenes and dialog, imagining all the possibilities of the next installment in the franchise. Could the riddler (my personal favorite bad guy) be in the next one? Imagine if you will the possibilities of a less goofy jim carey-esqu riddler.....
But still......
I couldn't help but feel...unsatisfied?
depressed?
disappointed?
Heath Ledger's joker was that good. Believe the hype. From the first snippet of his portrayal I saw I knew his performance was going to be good. I guess deep down I knew it was going to be great even. A part of me really wanted to be proved wrong. Unfortunately I wasn't. He stole the movie in ever scene he was in. At times truly terrifying in his psychotic brilliance, tempered with bits of humor here and there for good measure. The joker was the most riveting character. When he told Batman "we're destined to do this forever" I was right there in the moment
Until...
I realized there will never be a repeat performance.
The joker will never be in a future sequel.
And despite everything else.
Despite already being cognizant of this fact,
I couldn't help letting that fact bring me down
It's still a great movie, and I want to go see it again in the theater, (just cause the second time is always better)
But still
still...

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog Act I

Joss Whedon's latest project, is the first ever on-line super-hero musical! And get this, the best part is the main focus is the villan, the titual blogger, Dr. Horrible. Say What?
Mr.Whedon's creative genius never fails.
You can check out the rest of the acts at
drhorribe.com. Because I know you're intrigued, I know you want to, I know you've got nothing better to do and I know you've got to know what happens. Which is what I'm gonna go do right now! (Oh and notice if you will, the "oh balls" line dr.horrible says at the end, a little wink to Spike maybe?- oh I love it)

What sort of humble abode does $70,000,000 buy you in NYC?

Is a burning question which has kept me up soul searching many a night. Finally, my weary soul can rest because it seems I have found my answer. What does $70,000,000 buy you in NYC?
Well, it buys you the penthouse at the Pierre hotel located at 795 5th Ave, New York, NY.
The penthouse encompasses the 41-st through 43rd floors of the hotel and includes such amenities as any and all conceivable 24 hour hotel services. The listing for the penthouse describes it thusly:

It encompasses 16 grand rooms - including five master bedrooms, 7 full baths and three half-baths, five working fireplaces, oak flooring with mahogany borders throughout, separate guest suites plus staff accommodations. The living room is considered the most magnificent privately owned room in the world. This incredible space was the original ballroom at The Pierre Hotel, with 23 foot high curved ceiling and 20 foot French doors overlooking the park and the city. Four adjoining terraces add to its phenomenal dimensions.

Which is.....nice. Don't get me wrong, it sounds quite lovely in fact. It just seems well, I just always thought $70,000,000 would go alittle, I don't know further.
Like buy me a private island.
With a (good natured) mad scientist
and minions
lots and lots of minions to do my bidding.
16 grand rooms? Pttthh...please
try a castle's worth,
which in truth I don't know how many rooms constitutes a "castle's worth", but it's more than 16, I can tell you that much.
I mean if one where to purchase this piece of real estate at the asking price of $70,000,000, with a $14,000,000 down payment, with 30 yr interest rate fixed at 6%, that would work out to a monthly payment of $335,748.
And you'd have to live with the knowledge that tourists were only a few floors away from you at any given time. That's right tourists!
Well, that's NYC for you, the dollar just doesn't stretch that far here anymore I guess.

Chad Vader Training #1

Meet a Black Person

Maybe we didn't understand it's just the end of the world.

Me i dont say much
Its far too hard to make you See in a moment
I still forget just how to Be
all you wanted
I couldnt ever love you more (x4)
I couldn't love you more -The Cure, the end of the world

Finally. The Cure. Robert Smith. Sweet, pretty brooding man who's voice and melodies have undulated through my imagination as far back as I can recall. Finally. I got to hear those melodies live. Did that sound a bit mawkish? Sorry. It's just emotional residue from last night is all.
So, last night The Cure played Radio City. They sounded amazing. I got to hear so many songs I was hoping to: Prayers for Rain, Pictures of You, The end of the World, Love Song, Just like Heaven, Lullaby...et al
I missed the encore, (because otherwise my pumpkin (re: express bus) would have turned into a ferry ride)
but that's okay with me. It was still one of the better concerts I've been to in awhile. Million times better than the STP debacle. I find it odd that this summer the best show I've been to thus far has been indoors.
Some asides from last night:
Radio City sells frozen fruity drinks in plastic margartia glasses, the stem of which is a pair of rockette legs. Gotta love the self promotion- but anyway sipping my $12 drink, from the glass kept reminding me of the lamp from the Christmas Story.

They have phone booths in the bathrooms. Yes, phone booths. I thought I stepped through some rip in the time space continuum and was transported back to a simpler time. when people still knew what phone booths were, like the 80's or something.

There was a lot of smoking going on in my section. Of the nicotine and non-nicotine variety. Which I find odd, not only because as a NYer. smoking indoors is just so foreign to me now, but also because, well it's Radio City Music Hall. It's not that big of a venue. I thought that sort of thing only happened at MSG, where security has pretty much given up.

All that "smoking" turned many a person into a dancing fool in my section. Which was priceless for the entertainment value alone. All except for one man, who I dubbed "The tree". He was about 7 feet tall, and would stand up, as tall and proud and unwavering as a mighty oak, directly in my line of view. There's always one at every concert I go to though.

Singing along to Just Like Heaven in unison with the whole crowd was pretty damn cool. But I am kinda, sorta dorky, so I guess I would think that-but just the same, it was pretty damn cool,

My Favorite things about the Incredible Hulk Movie

1) It was not the Ang Lee version

2) The quick flash of Bill Bixsby in the beginning of the movie when Banner is flipping through tv channels

3) The Lou Ferrigno cameo.

4) The CGI fight between Abomination and Hulk.

5) They played the "sad walking away" music. Priceless!

6) Banner trying to say "You won't like me when I'm angry" in Spanish and fucking it up.

7) ED NORTON! Because well he's Ed Norton and he does no wrong.

8) Hulk's dialog. He said "Hulk smash!" and I smiled

Oh sweet summer movie season, how I love thee. The packed theaters, the stale popcorn, the dubious stains of a sticky nature on the floor. I said I wasn't bootlegging it this summer, and being a gal of a determined and dedicated nature I've been to see all the biggies so far.
I''ve also got a food theme running concurrently with my movie out tings.
Indiana Jones ( and the curse of the medicare beneficiary), was comfort food (mmm mac n cheese) @ Chat N chew
Hulk was burgers at Stand (which were good, and they had an amazing beer selection, but a little disappointing-but that's a blog for a different day)
And the Dark Knight? Soul food @ the Pink teacup (it comes highly recommended and it better not disappoint, even if it does I'm sure the movie won't) If you can follow my odd string of logic, soul food seems a perfect fit!
I love when I get to combine the various components of my addictive nature. It soothes, comforts and somehow oddly validates me! Who doesn't live for validation though really?

STP @ PNC

Billed as the "return of the rock" tour by k-rock, STP and opening act Filter performed last night,(supported by Ashes Divide, whom I did not get to see) amidst the ever-pending threat of thunderstorms at PNC. Thankfully, the weather pretty much cooperated and we didn't get caught in a downpour, although the frequent bolts of lightening which streaked across the night sky, did add a certain amount of elemental danger to the later portion of the show. The threat of electrocution always does though.
The much hyped reunion of STP was my main motivation for attending the show, but I was surprised by Filter. My only expectation of them was to hear "Hey man nice shot" live, but "Trip like I do", and "Take a picture" were also really good.
Filter left the stage around 9:30pm. The anticipation for STP started to swell, and then swell some more, and then take on a sort of restless edge. PNC stops serving beer at 10pm, the venue supposedly closes at 11pm, (with fines issued to performers for every minute after 11pm that they play) As the energy in the crowd started to reach it's nervous, anger apex, around 10:30pm STP finally took the stage. Rumor has it, the delay was because Weiland refused to leave his bus. Whether this is true or not, and if true whether that was just temperamental rock star diva-esque antics, or something else, the long delay had visions of a canceled performance and testosterone, beer fueled melee ensuing, dancing in my head. Thank Loki for small favors.
Weiland looks the rock star part. Emaciated. It's hard to imagine that he's the same front man that started with STP in the mid 90's. There were definitely sound issues last night. At times the vocals sounded a little thin and reedy (or maybe that was just due to where I was on the lawn) but they delivered all their hits.
Thankfully they played until midnight, because a half hour set again brought visions of riots dancing in my head.
I think STP maybe has to find their mojo as a band again after not playing together for so long. I'd be interested to see how their performance progresses. Especially later on this summer when they open for The Red Hot Chili Peppers. (which probably would be a great show) I kind of think without the added pressure of being the headliners, they probably would have a much tighter set. But, I'm glad I got the chance to see them live, and I'm glad that other than a few rain droplets, (and scary as all shit lightening bolts, the thunder almost indiscernible over the music) the weather held out, I'm also especially happy there weren't any riots.
And just like that, my summer concert season is off and running.
Next up: The cure. I'm sure I won't have to worry about any riots at that show. Some maudlin posturing maybe, but definitely no threat of any bodily harm.

The Movie, the manolos, the mayhem

Sex in the City. The cable series that spawned a generation of well heeled fashionista cosmo sipping brunch loving girls forever pondering existential question: "Am I more of Carrie or a Charlotte?" finally opened last night in the City of it's birth. The mythical "fifth character" NYC.
Since the movie began filming last year, the fervent hype has been building for this follow-up to the series, akin I can only imagine to the second coming. In the past few weeks the local and national media coverage has been just this side of saturation, inducing an air of hysteria and feeling of some ultra exclusive social event of the century.
I decided to get swept up in the collective hysteria which descended on the city last night. As a fan of the show, I felt compelled to be a part of the phenomenon. Procuring my tickets a week in advance, paid off
as every showing in every theater in Manhattan was sold out last night.
I went to the 7:30pm showing, and not a stranger to opening night movie crowds, got there an hour early, to be greeted by a line of fans which snaked around the theater.
Throngs of female fanatics (with the long suffering boyfriend/husband sprinkled in here and there for good measure) showed up in droves. A good percentage of which came dressed to the nines, in their spiffiest designer duds, presumably tapping into whichever of the four characters they identify with best. The fanatical devotion espoused had the feeling of a sci-fi convention, albeit a well dressed one, as the palpable excitement
rolled off the crowd in waves, over whelming all, even the weary pedestrians who dared wander in it's wake. Or maybe that was annoyance I felt from commuters and passersby as they tried to make their way home, gawking at what a spectacle this movie mob made. As I waited on line I couldn't help but give into the feeling of grandiose excitement a little. It was hard to not feel like you were a part of something big, an exclusive party you were able to snag an invite to. Even around 10pm, when my showing let out, the crowds hadn't abated any. The frenzied excitement still permeating the air.
The movie was good. If you were a fan of the series if was a fitting follow-up. There were no loose strings. It ended exactly the way just about everyone who has any desire to see it probably hopes it will. But, all in all it was just a movie. By going on opening night was I a part of something bigger? Grander? Special? Would the experience have been any different if I had waited until next week or month to see it? I don't think so. If anything I think I maybe felt a little let down. Even with all my reticence to building up my expectations or giving into over enthusiasm of any kind for fear of having said expectations torn asunder, some small part of my otherwise guarded facade couldn't help but expect something. What exactly that something was I don't know, but some undefinable "something". Well, y'know scratch the surface of a cynic. This cynic couldn't help wondering last night, if anyone else left feeling the same way, and if somewhere in a tower high above the city atop a pile of cash, if SJP and crew were watching the melee with a knowing smile

Words to add to the Lexicon

Thank you urbandictionary for creating a diversion for me in the guise of education. I love you, and more importantly I'm making it my mission to insert these words (with utmost sincerity) into random conversations in the near future. It's sure to be entertainment at it's finest!


On The Laugh Rag:
A term used to describe those rare days where everything you say is funny.

Early Nerd Special:
Midnight showing on the day of release of a highly-anticipated film, typically of the science-fiction/fantasy genre.

nut huggers:
really tight jeans worn by a man

Shituation:
n.: a bad situation, 2.: a dramatic, usually negative happening resulting in utter shit in one's life.

slacktivism:
The act of participating in obviously pointless activities as an expedient alternative to actually expending effort to fix a problem.

ice maker:
The opposite of ice breaker. Something you do that makes it super awkward, right after meeting someone.

disneyfication:
The act of taming the world to make it all safe, clean, and completely simlar to a theme park. To remove the sharp edges and darkness that is life.

googleganger:
Similar to that of a doppleganger, it is another individual with the same name as you whose records and/or stories are mixed in with your own when you Google yourself.

Hobosexual:
Adjective. The opposite of metrosexual; one who cares little for one's own appearance.

infoporn:
Information that serves no purpose and consumes valuable space in your head.

ignoranus:
A person who is not only ignorant, but is also an asshole.

cafediem:
Caffeinate the day.

askhole:
Someone who asks many stupid, pointless, obnoxious questions.

blogorrhea:
To write a blog entry just for the sake of posting an entry, not because you have done anything interesting today.

Improv Everywhere: Suicide Jumper

Pictures from my Birthday

My contemplative birthday look. Hmmm...cake? Wine? Food? I like!

Clearly I have a thing for tiaras! from L-R: Fran, Kristie, the birthday girl,
and Christine.

Christine has fun with photoshop! But I gotta say I like my face on the hundred
dollar bill better than what's his name.

Shhh.......I'm wishing myself back to 29!

And finally....I'm drunk!

Happy Mother's Day

Which TV Mom Are You?

My Result: Marge Simpson

You are Marge from The Simpsons. You may not share Marge's blue bouffant, but you do share her animated style of mothering. Sometimes the pressures of maintaining a happy home may push you toward the edge, but at the end of the day, you believe in your children wholeheartedly, even when they're being rather, um, spirited.


You encourage your kids' creativity and individuality, whether that means watching them perform the saxophone or helping them raise exotic lizards. You may sometimes say things that sound like old-fashioned parenting clichés, but when it comes down to dealing with domestic disasters, you can be a pretty together, modern mama.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=tvmomogt&c=50652

Cozy Soup 'n Burger

Located as 739 broadway at Astor pl, was my first stop on my Burger Quest '08 city wide search. A good medium rare cheeseburger is one of the most pleasing things to my otherwise quite unrefined palate, so I've decided (mainly because I've got nothing better to do) to make it my mission this year to find the best cheeseburger the city has to offer.
I was turned on to the Cozy burger by some co-workers who's raves of the jumbo sized grilled meat patties had visions of cheeseburgers dancing in my head.
Cozy Soup 'n Burger, is well cozy. A small, almost innocuous diner, I almost passed it by. It has quite an expansive menu, offering all the traditional, comforting diner fare, and 30 some odd types of burgers to choose from. I was impressed. I also had built my expectations a little too high. Wisdom always dictates that much like no good deed going unpunished, that whenever Jenn has expectations of something the universe will conspire to make sure real life does not live up to them. You would really think I would learn by now. But, I digress.
I deiced to go with the eponymously named "cozy burger", Which includes american cheese, mushrooms and grilled onions. The burger was in fact "jumbo", but it was really soggy and messy. The mushrooms were canned and the onions barely discernible. I'm sure if I weren't on Burger Quest '08, and hadn't already been treated to rave reviews of this place I might have enjoyed it a little bit more, but it was disappointing.
Cozy is however now on my short list of late night, post boozing n losing stops. Nothing beats good diner food to soak up all the alcohol from a long night, but my quest for the elusive best burger continues on.

Gloria

I don't quite understand how Laura Brannigans much beloved "Gloria", or the ensuing dance is supposed to translate to a commentary on political dissatisfaction, or dissonance, or whatever it was they were going for. But I also can't quite understand how men with moves this fly, or coordination in spades could really be all that bad and deserving of a prison sentence.

Stark Days Ahead.

Tony Stark of course. Ironman, the first summer blockbuster is out of the gate, and after how much I enjoyed it, I've got my hopes up, way up for the rest of the summer movie season.
Of course I knew I would (or should) love Ironman. Jon Favreau is someone who's involvement in a project almost always ensures my enjoyment of said project, especially as a director (kinda like Kevin Smith)
Robert Downey jr. is such a ridiculously talented actor. Yes, he's suffered through a very public, notorious battle with drug addictions, which detractors everywhere must use to undermine his efforts, but let's be real, the man can act. The man has serious talent, in my opinion anyway, and I think he proves that time and time again. Maybe that's just my little quirk, my little personality flaw speaking, which drives me to appreciate people because of their flaws, not despite them, but I don't think so. I was more than confident Downey would shine, and his being cast as Tony Stark was excellent. He adds an undeniable element to the movie that would otherwise be missing.
The supporting cast: Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard; even without seeing the movie how could this be a miss I ask you?
Ok, talented director, great cast, so far so good. Now, all we need is an intelligently written script with witty dialog, good special effects and tons of action. Check, check and mate.
I'm not even going to try to write a review. I mean in all reality there is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said, and more eloquently I'm sure. The only thing I can really impart is that this movie not only lived up to my expectations,(which I always try, usually without success, to keep as low as possible) and then exceeded them. There is no misery greater to me then to build something (or someone for that matter) up and then have it turn out to be a bitter disappointment. Such is life I guess, but because I'm an eternal optimist, those moments when something, (or someone) actually does pleasantly turn out as good, or better than you had hoped are so sweet, they counteract the bitter ones. Now here's hoping I have far more sweet movie moments that bitter ones this summer.
PS, when you do endeavor to see Ironman, stay until all the credits are done rolling. There is one final scene you can't miss. I dunno I kinda really want to start building up my hopes for this entire franchise, even though logic always prevails and tells me to keep my hopes and enthusiasm in check, sometimes I just can't help it.

I want to move to the Whedonverse

Found this article from NYpost about the forthcoming series Dollhouse on-line. There's some more cast info, but still no commitment on a release date yet (Fox is the ultimate commitment-phobes though aren't they? maybe that's why I've always had a soft spot for that network)

"Dollhouse" Tv Series - Heir to "Slayer" - Buzzing over Joss Whedon's New ShowDollhouse

April 25, 2008 — ’BUFFY" fans have a reason to celebrate - their hero, executive producer Joss Whedon, is back at work.
Production began this week in Los Angeles on the first episode of his new series, "Doll- house," which reunites him with Eliza Dushku, beloved in the "Buffy" fan community - known as the "Buffyverse" - for playing the role of Faith in both "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel."
Fans of those shows revere Whedon, who created them both. They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of "Dollhouse," for which Fox has ordered seven episodes. The network won’t say whether the drama series will premiere this summer or next fall.
Whedon, 43, wrote the first episode and is also busy directing it this week and next. He was unavailable to speak to The Post, but he described the fanciful series in an interview with eonline.com last November, before the writers strike.
"The idea is [that] those with the money or connections can access this secret, highly illegal facility where they can basically fulfill their greatest fantasies," Whedon said.
The facility, known as the Dollhouse, is populated by people "programmed" to "become the person you want them to be," Whedon said. "They don’t [merely] act like that person, they are not a robot pretending, they become that person, and then they forget all about it."
Dushku, 27, plays Echo, one of the fantasy figures. "The problem is that the character of Echo . . . stops forgetting," Whedon said. "She doesn’t completely remember, but she does realize she is a person, and that she might have been a person before she did this."
Also starring in "Dollhouse" are Tahmoh Penikett (Lt. "Halo" Agathon on "Battlestar Galactica"), Fran Kranz (Josh Flug on "Welcome to the Captain"), Enver Gjokaj and Dichen Lachman.
Gjokaj and Lachman play other "dolls," Kranz plays the guy who "programs" them, and Penikett plays an FBI agent who tries to prove the existence of the Dollhouse.
Dushku’s last series was the short-lived "Tru Calling," in which she played a morgue attendant named Tru who had the ability to talk to corpses.
Whedon most recently directed two episodes of "The Office."

I also found these spoilers from io9.com :

Here's a ton of leaked spoilers/rumors about Joss Whedon's new show Dollhouse, starring Eliza Dushku: The Dollhouse, home of the amnesiac "dolls" who can be anyone or anything, is in Los Angeles. There are two types of "dolls," Actives and Inactives. Dushku's character, Echo, is an Inactive.
In one scene, Adelle, the "ice queen" who runs the Dollhouse, meets with a Senator who's considering "buying" an Active doll to use as an "escort." She convinces the Senator the Active will be better than any human escort, because the emotions will be real to the "doll" and she'll be programmed to want it as much as he does.
The geek who programs the dolls, Topher, calls Echo's "handler" Boyd, because he's noticed that a group of the mind-wiped dolls has sat together at lunch at the same table for the third time within a week. Dushku's character, Echo, seems to be initiating this clique, which means she may be evolving beyond her mind wipes. There is definitely something unusual about Echo, compared to the other "dolls." If Adelle the boss finds out, she'll have Echo killed.
Topher the geek and Boyd the handler have differing opinions about their work. Topher believes it's purely programming and sort of morally wrong (even though he enjoys doing it.) But Boyd thinks it's healthy for the "dolls" to get to experience every possible human emotion through their programmed personalities. [Blank_Dolls community]

I am eager, very very eager to finally see this show, smitten kitten that I am for all things which spring forth from the imagination of Joss Whedon

New York Magazine: Dancing Zombies at 'Thriller''s 25th

The only thing that would have made this video of Thriller night better, would have been if I were in it!

For no mere mortal can resist the evil of the thriller

So, this evening the Tribeca drive-in (the north cove at the world financial center) had Thriller night!
Here's the official description of the event:

Join filmmaker and "Thriller" video director John Landis for a special 25th anniversary screening of Michael Jackson's epic 1984 music video, plus the classic Making of Thriller. Learn the Thriller dance and take part in the world's largest zombie disco. Become a zombie at the Thriller face-painting station. Cast your ballot at our Michael Jackson look-alike contest. We're kicking off the evening with a classic Solid Gold Dance Party. . . and bringing out the ghouls as soon as the sun goes down.

If there is anything you know about me., it's my love of zombies, so as soon as my friend Steven told me about this, I knew I had to check it out!
As soon as we entered the park, what to my wondering eyes should appear? But John Landis being interviewed. Don't worry I played it cool as a cucumber, I only loudly announced "Hey look it's John Landis!"
Those souls brave enough to partake in the zombie face painting looked really cool. As much as I wanted to get done up as the un-dead, I just couldn't muster up the courage to take the express bus home like that.
There were white "MJ" gloves handed out, (quite an appropriate favor, but I was really hoping for the red leather jacket) free popcorn, and free bottles of some new snapple drink who's name I can't quite recall, expect that it was quite refreshing to my palate.
Before the film, there was a choreographed dance sequence (by the cast of step-up-and dance, I was told but I can't verify that because even I have limits as far as television programming is concerned) of the Thriller dance in full zombie get-up.
John Landis introduced the films. There was a short film where will-i-am interviewed Quincy Jones and some of today's music stars weighed in the importance of Michael Jackson.
Then the moment everyone was waiting for. The Thriller video. Yes. I sang, and bopped along to the song in my seat. It was great. Next up was the making of Thriller film. Which I didn't stay for the entirety of. So alas I missed out on the zombie disco, about which Mr. Landis intoned: "I thought there was going to be more room for you guys to dance, just clear some of these seats out. We're going to show those Philippine prisoners they aren't the only ones who can do the Thriller dance. We're gonna show them how it's done."
And I sure hope those who stayed did.

Mystery Solved, Put that Baby to Bed

Yes, kiddies my vacation is coming to a close and the work week is once again drawing nigh, but I can safely say I feel fully rested, if not a bit wistful for the week of freedom that was.
What better end to this birthday-o-rama week of fun than with a mystery birthday bash, celebrating with good friends, good food and good drinks? Not one even I could dream up darling- and trust me I'm a truly talented dreamer, able to turn even my waking life into one enormous lucid dream scape. (because reality is overrated and escapism is the best "ism" there is)
So, anywho my day started bright eyed and bushy tailed, or at least awake and caffeine fueled, saucily skipping to the bus stop to joyfully begin my trek to that wonderland forever known to all us denizens of the outer boroughs as "the city" (as if anyone who doesn't live in Manhattan is just a simple country bumpkin, plowing fields, making moonshine and overwhelmed by the fast cars and big buildings of those glitzy city folks-which is actually kinda true, I'm not afraid, I'll call a spade a spade, as I sit here typing away in my overalls, chewing on a piece of straw)
Of course the absolutely beautiful Spring weather yesterday brought the tourists out in droves. Burying my nose in a book wasn't even sufficient enough to block them out, so overwhelming was their presence. There is no greater misery than being herded onto the ferry on a weekend, pressed uncomfortably close to tourist flesh, fannie bags digging into to your midsection, in the confusion and mass hysteria the opening of those doors induce in confused visitors' minds. Akin I can only imagine to the running of the bulls in Pamplona.
Stewing quietly in my annoyance (as I am wont to do) I hardly even noticed as I almost stumbled onto a movie set on Water Street downtown, awakened just in time by the barks of one of NYCs finest.
I opted to avoid the subway and take a cab to my brunch destination, and pleasantly came to find even NYC cab drivers like the show "cash cab"! In fact so happy was my cab driver to find a common thread with me in our love of that wacky game show, he awkwardly fumbled through his Taxi newsletter (yes they have a newsletter) to show me the picture of Ben Bailey(the show's host) at the annual awards ceremony that is held for taxi drivers who have an exemplary driving record for an entire year. Which "is really hard to not get a ticket or in an accident" my driver informed me as he simultaneously drove and frantically pawed through the paper. However, as a true testament to his driving abilities, I made it to my destination safe and unscathed.
Brunch was wonderful, but then a breakfast burrito and 5 frozen strawberry margaritas always are. After a lesiurly round of eating, drinking and bullshitting I was given my first "clue" of what my next stop entailed. A gold box with deliciously smelling body cream and soap. Then off we were whisked to stop 2, The Vada day spa. As if a relaxing mani/pedi, more than a few glasses of white wine and a gift certificate for a future chocolate facial wasn't enough, Fran, Christine and Kristie then surprised me with an assortment of Crumbs cupcakes. Oh, to know such sugary bliss munching on those favorite vices of mine in the salon amidst jealous stares of crumb-less patrons. Could the day get any better? You bet your sweet tuckas it could, and did.
Next up? Kanvas, a cool martini lounge for chocolate martinis and yumma licious appetizers. Where I received my next clue, chocolate from that sexy bald man himself (yes, even sexier then Telly Savalas) my dream man; Max Brenner.(See I have this recurring fantasy where Max and I run off to some secluded island, where we live in paradise and luxury, existing solely on the sensuous chocolate concoctions created by our diminutive minions (which in my mind closely resemble oopma loompas), discovering chocolate really is the key to eternal youth and happiness) Which, is where we ended our night, myself munching on a sinfully delicious Marshmallow, chocolate crepe, delivered to me with a single lit birthday candle.
As I sat in Max Brenner, laughing, indulging and reveling in my child-like sugar utopia, Chris Isaak's "Wicked Games" playing in the background, I realized how lucky of a girl I really am. To have such truly great friends, to celebrate in such a truly great city, to celebrate turning 30 in the most truly splendid and fitting way. To not be diabetic.
Ah. life is in fact grand.
I'm ready for my work week Mr DeMille.

This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time. ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

This week is an hour glass. The minutes like grains of sand slowly trickling away the days of my motherfucking life, or so the voice over in my mind keeps repeating. Fully conscious of the fact that next week I will once again be stuck in the stagnant waters of corporate America, a feeling I can't abate keeps slowly creeping over me that I should get out there, mix it up, explore, endeavor, move, something. God, that lovable prankster, decided to further compound my indecision by throwing some absolutely delicious weather at me. "Tempting, isn't is Jenn to get out there, in this beautiful day, huh?" he questions, leaning back in his chair, fingers steepled, giving me that omnipotent grin of his. I sit there, resplendent, bathed in my ambivalence, languorously smoking my cigarette. "It's in the upper 70's y'know, but breezy and there is sunshine aplenty." he says with a lascivious grin as he sweeps his arm across the vast expanse of the day outside the window. Contemplation flickers across my face, as we sit across from one another, eyes locked in silent contention. Knowing full well his stare is more than able to discern the truly sentient and maudlin nature of my being. I mean he *is* God after all. A moment or two pass, or maybe it was an eternity, in silence, before he leans forward and earnestly once more puts forth his entreaty, "Jenn, really, the day is too beautiful to waste. I do believe your slothfulness is one of my major no-nos, I'll have to have my people check on that. C'mon! That's a friggin' masterpiece I've created out there. Don't you want to worship it, or me or something?" He sinks back defeated in his chair. I slowly exhale the last of my cigarette, the bluish grey plumes of smoke undulating about my head as I lean forward to stub it out. "Soooo, my child have you reached a decision?" I muster every ounce of my reserve, look him square in the eye, inhale deeply as I open my mouth....and then
My truly torpid brain wakes up.
I hate when I fully disconnect from reality like that! Especially when my daydreams aren't quite enlightening. I guess I could go out. I mean what's the harm? But, then again that just sounds too much like work. That four letter word isn't until next week. Besides I kinda really am in serious like with bad daytime television. And I'm quite sure there's a barrage of active people out there roller-blading and bicycling and ultimate hacky sacking or whatever it is those kind of people do. I truly am blissfully contentedly completely happy doing nothing.
Now it's time to nap, I've exhausted myself.

The Summer Concert Season

Humidity. Hordes of humanity. Over-priced luke warm beer. $35 t-shirts. $5 bottles of water. Stocking up on paper products and purell for use in public rest-rooms (because people are really fucking gross.) Ahhh summer concert season is fast approaching. Not being the kind of girl who likes to miss out, I've already got tickets to two concerts to tide me over until the summer season really gets underway.
Stone Temple Pilots May 31st at Pnc; and The Cure June 21st at Radio City.
The cure? Well going to that concert was a given. Seeing them live has been a more than a decade in the making. No, I'm not a petulant, brooding, loner (at least not on purpose) but how could I not jump at the chance to see The Cure live? They are such a seminal band, their 3+ decades long catalog of music playing at times a soundtrack to my life. Hearing they were touring and coming to town in June induced in me a frenzied scramble to procure tickets akin maybe only to the fervor of an 80 year old devout Catholic hitting up every local parish for tickets to see the Pope's, LIVE one night only limited engagement.
It was a no brainer.
Stone Temple Pilots on the other hand, well that's a different story. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to the show. I didn't even know a newly sober (?) Weiland had parted ways with Velvet Revolver, let alone reunited with STP, until a cab driver clued me in the other night. While I always would have jumped at the chance to see The Cure, I'm fairly certain my younger self would have turned her nose up at STP. You see, when I was younger I was, well I won't mince words I was a music snob, pure and simple. STP were too mainstream, too commercial, too whatever. Did I like some of their songs? Yes. Do I own a couple of their cds? Yea. But, I never would have openly admitted to it as a young, cool indie music purist. Age has a way of mellowing a person out I guess. Seeing live music outdoors on a nice evening has a narcotizing effect, so of course I'm looking forward to the show. Maybe it's a generational thing. A band from my youth, who I really had lukewarm feelings for, reunites so I must attend to the show for Gen-x, or Gen-y or whatever Gen I am solidarity and support. I'm kinda thinking this is the connection I'll make with like minded concert goers that evening.
In any case, I think my summer concert experience is off to a pretty good start. I've got my ears and eyes plugged into the collective music consciousness waiting to see who else the summer will drag out on tour.
My biggest summer concert wish is to see Trent again, who always delivers and always puts on a good show (I've never been disappointed by him) After not touring to support NIN's last album, and putting out an instrumental album this year, maybe just maybe my wish will come true. Double fingers crossed!

Medulla Oblongata

Ever wonder what your insides look like? Ever wonder about the mysteries of the human body? Bored with biology text books and diagrams? Well, then Bodies....The Exhibition just might be for you. Yesterday, finally I made the trek to the South Street Seaport to check it out. It was pretty interesting. Especially since all of the exhibits showcase real human subjects.(talk about donating your body to science huh?) A process known as polymer preservation was used on the cadavers to prevent decay. Some of the specimens are posed participating in various activities like playing basketball to showcase the body in motion. There are in total nine (damn number nine always messing with my ka-tet, there's also an exhibit in "Turtle Bay" exploration park in California, coincidence? hmm?) galleries to explore. Visitors begin in the skeletal room, and in each successive room (muscular, digestive etc) another layer is added to the body. There are various organs dissected. My favorite part of the exhibit though, had to be the arteries and veins, dyed red and blue without the rest of the body. It was weird and also very fascinating to see how intricate and delicate (and a bit alien looking without the rest of the organs) they are.
I opted for the non-tour ticket, and it took me just under an hour to navigate my way through. I'm sure as much as I took in, there was plenty that unintentionally went overlooked. Upon exiting the exhibit, Morgan Freeman appeared out of nowhere and kindly reminded me to "cross that off your bucket list little girl.", which I thought was a little odd, but whatever, I mean I've always been of the mind that when Mr.Freeman speaks, you listen, and so cross it off I did. It was very cool. I'm very glad I finally got to see it, and I feel it was a perfect start to my vacation from the call center (which in all truth being off for a week is perfection in and off itself)
I also saw The Ruins and my review? Save your money for something more enlightening, like crack. I mean the movie tried, it really did to be a horror film, and so I felt bad not enjoying it so much. Maybe if I read the book I'd have had a better understanding about exactly what was going on at those wacky ruins. Or, why there was a tribe of people who lived at the base of aforementioned wacky ruins in fear, quarantining all those stupid Americans who dared try to find them. It wasn't gory. The vines coming to life were stupid. They didn't even explore the ruins, except for the stupid well the stupid German fell down. I did learn an invaluable lesson however. Which is, if you ever meet a German at your resort while on vacation don't listen to his or her "good idea", it will lead to inexplicable ends. The highlight definitely had to be finally seeing the Dark Knight and Iron man trailers on the big screen. They somehow seemed infinitely better and again have me losing patience for their releases. Or maybe the highlight was when the movie started a little later then scheduled and an older gentleman in the audience started frantically intoning "Do you work here? Does anyone work here? Why isn't the movie starting? Look who runs this place! *turns and faces the projection booth shaking fist* What are you smoking your crack pipe up there?" And in perfect NY fashion I merely sunk into my over-sized theater chair and dug into my over-sized bucket of popcorn thinking :"hmm actually, I think you got the show started already sir." I love this city!

My Mystery

Host:

Christine and Fran

Location:

The Big Apple New York, NY US

When:

Saturday, April 19, 1:00PM

We don't know anyone we would rather celebrate more....Jenn's 30 and we need to mark the occasion!! What better way to say hello to her 30s than with indulgence and good times!!!!Jenn - we will go through the specifics when you get there, but plan on spending the day celebrating your day!!!!



I've got my Nancy Drew hat on (under my birthday hat that is, yea yea I'm still belaboring the birthday point so sue me) I received this e-vite the other day and am patiently waiting for Saturday to hurry up along and unravel it's inherent mysteries to me. Waiting sucks. Even when the waiting is worth it (as I'm more than sure it will be) it still sucks. What can I say I'm an impatient gal. I always found my Christmas presents early, I always read ahead before choosing in a "choose your own adventure" book. I believe I mentioned once that my complacency kills me, yea well so does waiting. Anyway, here are the facts thus far: Brunch, 1pm. Mexican food and mucho margaritas. Hey, me gusta mucho frozen strawberry margaritas. Me gusta alot. I believe much like a secret covert operation my invite said I would be filled in on the "specifics when I get there." Hmmmm........Fran, Christine and I have been friends, well since forever it seems and just being able to get together and catch up is really reason enough to look forward to Saturday. But, you throw that extra element of surprise in there and my unlimited imagination starts working overtime. Parachuting, into the Amazon to find rare diamonds? Traveling through a tear in the time space continuum to celebrate in the decade of my choice ?(I'm leaning towards the 1920's, Paris or Berlin some smoky boozy lounge)I am nothing if not more than a bit fascinated by the riddle I cannot solve until Saturday. How many more days is that? God, waiting sucks.

I always wanted to visit st.olaf!

Which Golden Girl Are You?

My Result: Rose

A rose by any other name wouldn't be as sweet — or as funny. So maybe you didn't grow up on a dairy farm in good old St. Olaf, and you don't regale everyone with endless stories of back home. But like Rose Nylund, you've got a heart of gold and are a super sweetheart.


A compassionate and sympathetic soul, you're a great friend who's always willing to lend an ear and a helping hand to your loved ones, strangers, and stray animals alike. The world is a better place because of you. So keep up your good deeds and positive attitude. It's a great addition to any scene.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=goldengirlogt&c=50652

Guitar Hero World Record (CBS News)

I love how not humble this kid is: "I didn't imagine being this good *chuckles* but I guess I am, it feels great!" That's right don't act modest, that's for adults. I can't decide if this kid(I'm 30 now anyone under 25 is hereby refered to as a kid) has too much free time, or is really awesome. I myself love guitar hero, but cannot manage to play any songs above medium level. I just need more practice time man, that's all. This news clip really reminded me of the South Park episode. I kinda want to post that episode so as to compare and contrast reality with it and see just how on target those guys came again.

The divine language of Music

Last week on my lunch break I was feeling a little restless. Some days bullshitting in the break room just isn't appealing. Thursdays (payday-my reason for living) we get an extra 15 minutes for lunch, and I needed to get out and do something to quell my overwhelming boredom. So, I decided to go check out the Museum of the American Indian. I've worked downtown for five years, often passing by this impressive looking building wondering what's inside. There's no admission fee so why not get lost in the silence of the vast exhibit halls for a little while? As impressive (and a bit overwhelming) as the building looks from the outside, it's just as impressive (and a bit overwhelming) on the inside. With two immense floors of exhibits I was sure I wouldn't be able to go through everything on my lunch break, but what I did see was truly impressive and interesting. The intricate carvings, paintings, woven textiles, clothing, headdress, ect. Art and spirituality are so interwoven into the essence of the Native people's culture. It's truly beautiful. I don't think I could adequately express that beauty. Life, death, love, war, peace, all these intricate universal themes expressed so complexly in the simplicity of a carving or painting, or dance.What spoke to me most though, was the importance of music to Inuit peoples. Music is an integral part of their culture and daily lives. Songs are used to express everything from birth, death, marriage, a welcoming to visitors, a successful hunt. Songs are used to express emotions from joy, love, loneliness, hatred, comedy, insults. Individuals have ownership of certain songs as a sign of life experiences. However, some songs were commonly owned, not by any one individual. A person could also give their ownership of a song to another individual as a sign of respect or appreciation. This concept of giving the ownership of your song, your life experience over to another person just struck me as such an immense act of love and respect for that person. It's almost like you would in essence be giving a piece of your soul to someone else to own.
Music has always spoken to me on some visceral level. Awe struck as I have always been by the power music has to divide or unite people. It really is a universal language that transcends cultures or differences. I've always been happiest in my life when I surround myself with it. Whether with the various music lessons I begged my parents to sign me up for as a child, going to a concert, or just listening to the radio, music has always been where I find my peace. Maybe that's why I carried that part of the museum with me above all else. In any case, I was glad I finally endeavored to explore the museum. Maybe one day I'll go back when I have more time and get lost for a little while to see what else I find.

Movies movies everywhere and not a decision in sight

Alrighty, I've perused the Tribeca film guide and made a few preliminary cinematic choices. The following is a list of those choices who's tiny blurb of an explanation caught my attention. My goal is to see at least one of these flicks, but however am I to choose? Is there some mathematical equation to employ? Should I consult the oracle? I've got choices choices choices to make. (Trust me it was hard enough narrowing the list down to what it is here) I present for consideration my short list of Tribeca films, someone get Price Waterhouse on the phone, maybe they know how I should choose the winner:


War, Inc.


[WAINC] Spotlight Feature Narrative, 2006, 106 min Interests: Action, Comedy, Middle Eastern, Politics, Satire, Thriller A hit man is sent to a fictional war-torn Middle Eastern country where the United States is waging the first fully outsourced war. John Cusack (who co-wrote and produced), Joan Cusack, Marisa Tomei, Hilary Duff, and Sir Ben Kingsley star in this biting satire





The Wild Man of the Navidad


[WILDM] Discovery Feature Narrative, 2008, 85 min Interests: Drama, Horror, Thriller, Violence Based on real-life journals, this intelligent retelling of an old urban legend, shot in a '70s-style B movie aesthetic, focuses on a Texas community terrified by a mysterious creature inhabiting the nearby woods.





Yonkers Joe


[YONKE] Discovery Feature Narrative, 2008, 100 min Interests: Crime, Drama, Family Issues, New York A small-time con man's search for the perfect scam is disrupted by unexpected family challenges. This heartwarming drama features memorable performances by Chazz Palminteri and Christine Lahti.





Waiting For Hockney


[HOCKN] Discovery Feature Documentary, 2008, 78 min Interests: Art/Literature, Documentary, Female Directors At 38-years-old, aspiring artist Billy Pappas is the ultimate dreamer. Checkoway chronicles the 10 years Pappas spent meticulously drawing his masterpiece in his parents' attic-and the success or failure he believes hinges on his ability to show his work to his idol, artist David Hockney





The Wackness


[WACKN] Spotlight Feature Narrative, 2008, 110 min Interests: Comedy Summer of 1994. The streets of New York are pulsing with hip-hop and wafting with marijuana, and Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck) is spending his last summer before college selling dope, trading it with his shrink (Ben Kingsley) for therapy, and crushing on his stepdaughter (Olivia Thirlby)





This Is Not A Robbery


[ROBBE] Discovery Feature Documentary, 2008, 75 min Interests: Aging, Biography, Coming of Age, Crime, Documentary One morning, J.L. "Red" Rountree woke, ate breakfast, went for a drive, and robbed a bank. He was 87. This is the unusual story of how this devoted family man and law abiding senior citizen became one of the country's most notorious serial bank robbers.





Love, Pain & Vice Versa


[LOVEP] World Narrative Feature Competition 2008, 86 min Interests: Drama, Latin American, Psychological, Romance, Sex, Suspense, Thriller This stirring and moody psychological thriller finds two strangers subconsciously linked when their recurring dreams begin to topple their reality. Featuring strong performances by the sizzling Bárbara Mori (La mujer di mi hermano) and Leonardo Sbaraglia (Intacto).





Let the Right One In


[LETTH] World Narrative Feature Competition 2008, 114 min Interests: Adaptation, Coming of Age, Drama, Horror, Suspense, Youth Based on Lindqvist's bestselling novel, this beautifully touching tale tells of the first romance for bullied 12-year-old Oskar and the girl next door, Eli… who also happens to be a vampire





Idiots and Angels


[IDIOT] Encounters Feature Narrative, 2008, 78 min Interests: Animation, Drama, Experimental Oscar®-nominated animator Bill Plympton sketches a David Lynchian dark comedy about a morally bankrupt man scrabbling to hide the good in himself-which manifests itself in a pair of angel wings that just won't go away.





Hotel Gramercy Park


[HOTEL] Encounters Feature Documentary, 2008, 80 min Interests: Art/Literature, Documentary, Family Issues, History, New York Keeve explores the family drama of the longtime owners of this infamous hotel--once a drug-fueled haven for the likes of Bowie and Blondie--as they prepare to turn it over to hotelier Ian Schrager. Is the transformation a redefinition of cool or the demise of a New York icon?





From Within


[FROMW] Midnight Feature Narrative, 2008, 90 min Interests: Psychological, Suspense, Teens, Thriller, Violence Evil comes from within in this smart, supernatural thriller, set in a small extremist evangelical town that is mysteriously afflicted with serial suicides. Up-and-coming cast includes Elizabeth Rice, Thomas Dekker(Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Laura Allen (Dirt), and Rumer Willis





Finding Amanda


[FINDI] Spotlight Feature Narrative, 2008, 100 min Interests: Drama, Dramedy, Family Issues, Sexual Politics In Tolan's (co-creator, Rescue Me) hysterical feature directing debut, a successful TV writer (Matthew Broderick) struggles with his addiction to gambling, drugs, and alcohol, making it that much harder to travel to Las Vegas and convince his troubled niece (Brittany Snow) to go to rehab





Dying Breed


[DYING] Midnight Feature Narrative, 2008, 92 min Interests: Action, Drama, Horror, Suspense, Thriller, Violence Inspired by the legends of a 19th-century cannibal and an extinct tiger, this brutal horror-thriller centers on four friends who find out that something--or someone--more murderous than a tiger lurks in the rain-slogged Australian bush





The Caller


[CALLE] Encounters Feature Narrative, 2008, 95 min Interests: Crime, Drama, Film Noir, Returning Filmmaker, Suspense Frank Langella gives a tour-de-force performance as an energy executive who tries to expose his corporation's corrupt practices in this quiet yet chilling neo-noir thriller. He hires a private investigator (Elliott Gould) to forward his efforts, but who is investigating whom?





Bitter & Twisted


[BITTE] Discovery Feature Narrative, 2008, 88 min Interests: Coming of Age, Drama, Dramedy, Family This quirky, multidimensional drama of longing and loss starts with the death of a young man and flashes forward three years to assess the toll it took on his parents, brother, and ex-girlfriend. A vivid style and nuanced performances add an unusual charm to this confident debut





Boy A


[BOYAZ] Spotlight Feature Narrative, 2007, 100 min Interests: Adaptation, Crime, Drama, Psychological, Suspense A former juvenile offender released from prison after 14 years reenters society with the help of his counselor. Newcomer Andrew Garfield gives a stunning performance as the hesitant 24-year-old who must catch up with his peers while keeping his past a secret.





Bart Got a Room


[BARTG] Encounters Feature Narrative, 2008, 80 min Interests: Comedy, Coming of Age, Dramedy, Family, Teens It’s ticktock ticktock for Danny as the prom approaches, and he still doesn’t have a date. With the help of his plain-Jane best friend and likable but wacky parents (Cheryl Hines, William H. Macy), his hopes for that “special” night may come true in this colorful and quirky comedy





The Auteur


[AUTEU] Midnight Feature Narrative, 2008, 80 min Interests: About Cinema, Comedy, Sex, Spoof With a body of work that includes Five Easy Nieces and My Left Nut, Italian auteur Arturo Domingo is the foremost artist among pornographic filmmakers. In this hilarious spoof, Domingo hopes to revive his sagging career by reuniting with his former lead actor for his greatest film yet

Tyrannosaurus Rex

I love the insanity which is Rob Zombie. I haven't seen a movie by him I have not liked yet. I loved his Halloween re-make/re imagining and have been patiently waiting for something new. Hmm, mayhap the wait is almost over??

New Rob Zombie Movie Plot Revealed?
posted Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 02:36:00 PM by Diamond Oz. (thanks Blabbermouth)The Pulse of Radio reports:
More information has possibly crept out about the next movie from rocker-turned-filmmaker Rob Zombie, titled "Tyrannosaurus Rex". According to Bloody-Disgusting.com, the movie is about a semi-professional wrestler named Tyrannosaurus Rex who is being pursued by a "biker gang from hell." If that is in fact the premise, it closely resembles a comic book that Zombie co-authored a few years ago, called "The Nail". Although a film version of "The Nail" was reportedly in the works at one point, nothing ever came of it. Zombie created "The Nail" with hot horror comics writer Steve Niles, author of the graphic novel "30 Days of Night". Zombie told The Pulse of Radio at the time how the partnership began. "We got together and we're like the same age, and we sort of have the same background, you know, he was in these DC hardcore bands, and somehow we just were very similar," he said. "So we started working together and, I don't know, it just worked. 'The Nail' is pretty ridiculous, it's sort of like ('70s biker horror film) 'Satan's Sadists' meets ('70s Peter Fonda horror movie) 'Race With The Devil'." Zombie has not made any public announcements about "Tyrannosaurus Rex" except for the title. The film is due out on August 28, 2009 and will follow his hit 2007 remake of "Halloween". Zombie's upcoming animated film, "The Haunted World of El Superbeasto", was also based on a comic book character he created.