MY SKATES, MY LACES!

Super Talk

2008-10-23T23:21:00.006-05:00

Ran into my Super the other morning at my elevator. Here's how it went:

Super: (thick Bulgarian accent) "I am glad I ran into you."

Me: "Hi! How are you?"

Super: "I need to talk to you."

Me: "Okay..."

Super: "Your downstairs neighbor - she is very upset with you. She says you make too much noise at night."

Me: "Oh dear - well, I'm not doing anything particularly loud."

Super: "She says you are walking around."

Me: "Yes..??"

Super: "Late at night, like 1 or 2 in the morning."

Me: "Well, I've been getting home from work at 1 or 2 in the morning, so that's probably why."

Super: "She cannot sleep."

Me: "Well, I'm not playing music or listening to the television loudly."

Super: "Yes, it's your walking that's keeping her up. Do you have carpet?"

Me: "I have an area rug, and I usually take my shoes off when I get home."

Super: "Well, you cannot walk around late at night like that. I don't want to have to write a note." (I have no idea what that meant - is she a Resident Advisor at college who's going to write me up?)

Me: "I will try to be more mindful, but it's just a lifestyle schedule thing. That's when I've been getting home from work this week."

Super: "Well, don't do it. I don't want to get involved."

As I entered the elevator, I became pretty defensive. The thoughts raced through my head: CAN'T WALK AROUND AT NIGHT? I'm not going to be a prisoner in my own home! I'm not complaining every time a neighbor's dog barks at 6am - wanting to be taken out, while I'm sleeping! So you can bet my new nighttime ritual will go a little something like this:

80s music while getting a good calisthenics session going - in heels... big, loud, clunky heels.

Way to Go, Heather!

2008-10-16T01:18:00.002-05:00

Time Out New York / Issue 681 : Oct 16–22, 2008
Great walks
The Inwood Peace Walk
How to align your chakras in less than four hours.

By Heather

According to many Hindu, tantric, Chinese and Western alternative-medicine models, chakras are energy focal points located along the spine and intersecting with the central nervous system. New Age enthusiasts believe that keeping one’s chakras balanced contributes to overall physical and spiritual health. For this jaunt, you’ll start at the bottom and work your way north—both corporeally and geographically.

1. Warm up your root chakra and its connection with the earth by wandering the grounds of Fort Tryon’s Heather Garden, named for the pinkish flower more commonly found in Great Britain. The terraced garden leads to the Promenade, which offers gorgeous vistas of the Hudson River, the Palisades and the George Washington Bridge.

2. Continue north along the pathway to The Cloisters (99 Margaret Corbin Dr in Fort Tryon Park, 212-923-3700; suggested donation $20), a medieval-European art museum. Your sacral chakra, devoted to creativity and emotion, will get a workout as you peruse pieces from the Romanesque to the Gothic periods.

3. Save your appetite for New Leaf Café (1 Margaret Corbin Dr at Fort Tryon Park, 212-568-5323), built in the 1930s and serving imaginative New American fare. Sit outside and activate your solar plexus chakra, the center of your life-force energy, by basking in the fall sunlight. Exit the park at Broadway and pick up litter; this engages your heart chakra, the center of compassion.

4. Walk north on Broadway and you’ll pass Dyckman Farmhouse (4881 Broadway at 204th St, 212-304-9422), the oldest remaining farmhouse in Manhattan, dating back to 1784. Adult admission is $1 and includes access to the back gardens and a tour of the lovingly restored interior.

5. Entertain your throat chakra at The Piper’s Kilt (4944 Broadway between Isham and 207th Sts, 212-569-7071). A simple brick facade gives way to a dark interior appointed with natural wood and Yankees memorabilia. Tap beers start at $4, but the throat chakra is more about communication; chat it up with regulars like Andy Macagnone, an Inwooder since 1961. “I was born on 190th Street, and christened and married in the same church on Broadway!”

6. The third-eye chakra is all about higher intuition; visit the outdoor Inwood Farmers’ Market (Isham St between Cooper and Seaman Sts, 212-788-7476) and let your psychic powers decide what to buy: just-baked apple turnovers, local honey or free-range turkey sausage.

7. Continuing west, you’ll stumble upon the 196-acre marvel that is Inwood Hill Park (184 Seaman Ave, 212-304-2365), Manhattan’s last primeval forest and its only saltwater marsh. While you’re there, snap a photo of the city’s most famous real-estate purchase: The Shorakapok Rock is across the soccer field near the salt marsh, and is believed to be where Peter Minuit bought Manhattan from the Lenape for $24 in trinkets.

8. Lastly, treat your crown chakra, responsible for spiritual consciousness, by enjoying the stained-glass sunshine at Church of the Good Shepherd (4967 Broadway at Isham St, 212-567-1300), a Roman Catholic wonder built in granite and limestone, with terra-cotta roofing and recessed buttresses. The hush that greets visitors provokes silent reverence, and it’s a fine way to revel in your alignment—even if it’ll take the MTA only 15 minutes to tie you back into knots.

Red Rover, Red Rover - It's Over

2008-10-11T22:00:00.003-05:00

So - after about a month of travel back and forth - and the difficulties of starting a relationship with distance the chief factor - Rob and I called it quits this weekend. I'm a bit down, but don't think the relationship could have sustained itself without adequate time together. C'est la vie.

Sittin' in a Tree

2008-09-08T11:10:00.003-05:00

On Saturday - Rob asked me to go steady and I said, "okay!"
!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pops Would Be Proud

2008-08-22T21:23:00.003-05:00

Miss You Pops!

2008-08-18T18:25:00.002-05:00

Sad Sunday

2008-08-18T10:44:00.003-05:00

The weekend was marked by some sad news for me and my family - my grandfather passed away suddenly. He was an amazing man and we'll all miss his Texas charm, intellect, and generosity.

One of my favorite memories was about 6 years ago - when he found out I didn't even own a cowboy hat. A lifelong Texas, he was completely appalled. In fact, he personally escorted me to the store to get a Stetson fitted! I'll miss him, for sure.

He led an amazing life. The obituary:

Edward E. Monteith Jr.
Monteith, Jr., Edward E. Born January 14, 1922, Ed Monteith was a native Dallasite. He attended North Dallas High School and then Texas A&M where he received a B.S. in Engineering in 1943. While at Texas A&M, Mr. Monteith achieved the rank of Cadet Captain, was a Distinguished student, member of Tau Beta Pi Honorary Fraternity, member of an intramural sports championship team, and received the Texas A&M's Veterans Club Best Drilled Metal in 1941.

In January of 1943 Mr. Monteith began service as an Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery Officer for the U.S Army, commanding a semi-mobile gun unit. In September of that year he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in which he served through January 1946, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. Mr. Monteith piloted a B-24 Aircraft as part of the 13th Air Force in the Pacific. For his military service he received three Air Medals and the Philippines Liberation Medal and Star. After completing his military service, Monteith returned to Texas A&M, completing B.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering in 1947.

Mr. Monteith began his professional career in January of 1947 as a Petroleum Engineer for Standard Oil Company of Texas. In September of that year he moved to Republic Bank, Dallas working as a Petroleum Engineer in the Petroleum and Minerals Division. He remained at Republic Bank until 1978 holding the positions of Assistant Vice President, Vice President, Senior Vice President and finally Executive Vice President, where he managed the Petroleum and Minerals Division for 14 years. While at the bank Ed earned a Masters Degree in The Executive Advance Management Program at Harvard University. From 1978-1982 Monteith served as President and General Manager of Thomson-Monteith, and as Chairman and CEO of the same firm from 1982-1988.

Mr. Monteith has been quite generous to Texas A&M, giving both time and money. A member of the Dallas A&M Club for the past 45 years, he served as a Trustee for the Texas A&M Development Foundation from 1972-1983 and has served as a Trustee of the Easterwood Foundation since 1980. He was a co-founder and Director of AMC Corporation, which has contributed over $250,000 to the Association of Former Students since 1961.

Mr. Monteith provided a President's Endowed Scholarship and special gifts to the Petroleum Engineering Department for budget supplementation and special projects. He has been a member of the Century Club since 1964. A member of the Texas A&M Library Development Council since 1983, he served as President of that council for 1987 and 1988.

Ed is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia; and two daughters: Jo Ann Houseman of Dallas and her husband Frank; and Patty Browne of Arlington, VA and her husband Bob; a son, Edward E. Monteith, III of Galveston and his wife Eve; and seven grandchildren. They are members of the Northway Christian Church, where they contributed to the building fund of the new sanctuary. Mr. Monteith enjoyed golf, tennis, jogging, skiing and photography. Services are pending at Restland Memorial Park. Donations to the charity of your choice are appreciated.

Shore Games

2008-08-13T09:31:00.001-05:00

The Allure

The Game

The Reward

Believe It or Not!

2008-08-08T13:45:00.001-05:00

When a tennis ball, 2 packs of pop rocks, 2 Diet Dr. Peppers, an Ecco Domani cork, package of Big League chew, and a candy watch sleeve are dumped out of your purse at the end of a night, you know you had fun!

Thanks Dan for a fun date - here's the picture of your Pickled Head in a Jar!

Perception at Play

2008-07-29T13:13:00.007-05:00

Here are a list of words people seldom use, but when they do - a certain importance hangs on each one... as well as the user:

1) Red Eye - You're not taking the red eye flight from San Francisco or LA unless you're REALLY important. You need to get somewhere - and your schedule is just TOO packed and busy to use up 5 hours of a "normal-person's day."

2) Jet Lagged - Often the result of taking the 'Red Eye' - and even though I arrive at destination half-asleep, you should cater to me because I'm soooooo 'Jet-lagged' (aka - multicultural, time-zone hopping, important).

3) Pate - Ordering this at a restaurant will make you feel super important and privileged, and will often impress your fellow patrons. But if you REALLY liked pate - wouldn't it be in your fridge?

4) Maid - when you use 'maid' instead of 'housekeeper' or 'cleaning lady' - you evoke the sense that you're super-rich - like the Drummonds on "Diff'rent Strokes" and this person makes your meals.

5) Acupuncture - I know first-hand how this little word can impress. People admire your bravery for submitting yourself to natural healing and holistic approaches - not to mention the associated cost with some of these treatments. Little do they know it's not as expensive as you think when a caucasian guy named Ron - with no formal training or certificates or diplomas - randomly shoves needles into you. But your 'acupunture' appointments sure make you sound important and enlightened!

6) Barneys. No one uses this word unless they live in New York - and if you shop here - that makes you sound super-hip and trendy. But then again, if you live in NYC, aren't you supposed to be super-hip and trendy?

7) The Shuttle. No one who doesn't fly between DC, Boston, or NYC knows what the shuttle is... so using this in conversation makes you sound like part of a club... a secret "shuttle" club.

8) Car Service. Before I lived in NYC, when I would talk with my NY friends over the phone - sometimes they would say things like "I'm taking the car service" or "I need to get a car service." I imagined this as a personal limo service - thinking my friends were soooooo important. Little did I know anyone in NYC can get a car service, and it's either by a company named "Carmel" or by a guy who plays DR music WAY TOO LOUD, and tries to repeatedly hit on you by using his homemade business card.

What other ones are out there?

Waste O' Money?

2008-07-16T00:06:00.003-05:00

As I toiled over work today, where it seems to be more lackluster financial news - whether it's housing, inflation, banks, markets, oil - a big ol' party was going on outside. Maybe it was my mood - but don't we have better things to spend money on these days than a 15-block, high-security MLB All-Stars parade? I'm all for honoring athletes, but I found the pomp and circumstance, 15-block red carpet, scores of security personnel, blocked traffic and high-end production of the event kinda obnoxious.

Scandi Store Instructions

2008-07-14T23:44:00.007-05:00

Up until last Saturday, I hadn't been to an IKEA in about 8 years. I now remember why...

Since I was in town this past weekend, I took up an offer by Sonja to head to the new store in Brooklyn. She's moving, and needed a new sofa - so I joined her and her mom to help select the seating.

Here are a couple of suggestions the next time you go to the place the size of 5 airplane hangars, looking for that halogen lamp:

1) When riding the shuttle to the store, look at people around you. If they already look hassled and miserable - then it's a pretty safe bet they're going to remain hassled and miserable at the store.

2) Get to know these people on the shuttle bus... observe their clothing and behavior. If you're walking into the store at the same time, you're going to be running into these same hassled and miserable people - as well as their carts and elbows the rest of the day.

3) Notice I used the word "day" in the last sentence. IKEA swallows up an entire DAY, and if you think otherwise, you are a fool. The clocks in the clock department don't even reflect real time - many are dead - like your brain.

4) Even though there are signs for "shortcuts" through the maze that is IKEA - they aren't really the shortest of cuts. I went through 2, and wound up in the same stinky candle and silk flower section 4 times. Then you're lost. Nice one IKEA - all part of the "marketing scheme."

5) Avoid the kids department. There you will find parents too yuppified to drop their kids off at the babysitting station, and as a result, you will see children catapult off bunk beds shaped like space ships - only to be followed by wailing and screams when their little feet don't land quite right.

6) Bring a tape measure. The paper ones IKEA provides break - leading people to crowd around furniture - using their arms, fingers, feet, hands, and toes as measuring tools. I know, I considered measuring one too many things with my middle finger that day.

7) The cooking department is INSANE. Don't go there, unless of course you literally want to live the "Melting Pot" that is America.

8) If you lose your group like I did and you don't have a handy flare or two with you - then stand around near the checkout and observe the male shoppers. Most, obediently following their girlfriend/spouses will make eye contact with you - with a certain "HELP ME" frenzy in their eyes... like "This chick and I just went to the movies a couple of times, and now I'm here at IKEA lugging furniture parts!" They don't want to be there either... and they know what's coming when they get home... "Assembly Required" - and probably a first fight.

9) Be advised there is no cell phone service in IKEA, which makes losing your group the most helpless and hopeless predicament of all time. Wonder why there's no cell service in IKEA... again, part of the grandiose "marketing scheme"?

9) If you do lose your group and can't connect over cell phone, just relax and stay in the same spot. Don't do what I did and buy a colander, 2 spatulas, and some Swedish jam in the meantime. I needed none of these things, but my reasoning was that I was at IKEA, so I should get something...

10) Upon finding each other, greet one another with hearty hugs and beaming smiles - like you've been reunited after being held by Colombian rebels for 5 years. Seriously - it's that special of a moment.

11) The "Checkout" signs should also include the term "Suckers" because after you pay, you're not done, silly. You haven't yet hit the "Home Delivery" line, which looks like something out of a Biblical exodus.

12) An hour later - when finally out of the store, a sense of balance and normalcy begins to replenish. This process will take several hours to restore your faculties to that of a normal person, but the re-entry process is one to embrace.

13) Board the shuttle with your bright blue bags with a sense of achievement. You made it! And as the woman behind you says aloud, "That was the most horrendous experience of my life" - take a deep breath, chuckle to yourself, and offer her some Swedish jam.

Weekend Ramblin'

2008-07-06T20:28:00.004-05:00

July 4th weekend was pretty rad, and pretty random.

4th of July was spent at Anna's pad in Brooklyn... a great space. It's also an excellent rooftop perch to spot the fireworks show. Anyway, great collection of different people, and Anna's place is so juiced up - we were playing Wii and Guitar Hero until 5am. Thanks Anna!

July 5th was spent recovering from July 4th - before boarding a train to Connecticut. Alexis had invited me to her boyfriend, Scott's, house in Greenwich for a steak dinner. There were some DC friends there, so it was good catching up on their happenings. Anyway - dinner was an elaborate spread, with some potato salad that had everyone humming with delight. We then took a latenight dip in the pool, while swigging wine out of the bottle, and lighting some pretty lame fireworks. All in all - fun, but random.

Woke up to a great french toast breakfast - and before I knew it, there were a lot of goodbyes, I was able to sweet-talk my way into scoring the potato salad recipe, and I was back on the train to NYC. Too short.

Sunset in Soho

2008-06-28T12:33:00.000-05:00

Mornin' Joe

2008-06-27T13:43:00.002-05:00

I really hate getting coffee in the morning. It's just such a PROCESS. I don't for the life of me understand why coffee shops put EVERYTHING one needs into a 2'x2' space. I mean, I'm trying to pour in milk in the same place where the coffee spout, lids, cinnamon, Splendas, stirs, straws, ice and sleeves are located. As a result, it's a chaotic scene of people jockeying for position. It's really not a good way to start the day - half-asleep and wanting to pour scalding hot coffee on some guy who's taking too long to figure out if he wants skim or whole milk. Seriously people!

Impromptu Girls Night Out

2008-06-25T23:14:00.007-05:00

No matter how big this city is, sometimes you just run smack dab into someone you know.

Tonight, as I waited for Sarah and Heather for drinks at Worldwide Plaza - I ran into Alex and Lilly!

Our night, with the help of some margaritas, and a pedicab driver:

Cam Phone Dump

2008-06-22T21:12:00.005-05:00

Israel Day Parade - Not Complete without JDate-Mobile.

Pretty Day In the Park

Skate Party with George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars

We Called Him Towel-Made Aladdin-Pants

Another Parade - Puerto Rican Madness!

Gamers Unite

Dinner with the Germans

Poolside in LA

Room with a View in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Surfside

NJ Shore

Pretty Meghan

Jessi & Alli - Down at the Shore

Wall Street Journal Rage

2008-06-17T23:58:00.002-05:00

So I came home from vacation to this sign posted in my apartment lobby:

Yikes!

Hair Care Hoarder

2008-06-17T23:54:00.004-05:00

Nothing's better than hitting your neighborhood independently-owned drug store and discovering they're doing a liquidation sale - with 30% off EVERYTHING. I went right to the hair care aisle, didn't come up for air, and stocked up like never before on Frenchy french products for the locks.

This Dude Crazy

2008-06-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

Subject: RE: Hi Allison
Body:

LOL! Ok?
Guess you didn't enjoy our first meeting?
Oh well...I tried?

----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..Allison..
Date: Jun 17, 2008 1:49 PM

No

----------------- Original Message -----------------
From: ..Jeff..
Date: Jun 16, 2008 8:13 PM

Interested in meeting up for drinks????

Jeff

For Real?

2008-06-17T11:58:00.002-05:00

Remember the guy who texted me this after I told him I wasn't interested?

"Wow! Guess u had a change of heart huh? Were u just going to completely ignor me Allison??? Thanks for being an ASS! Take Care!"

He just sent me this on MySpace:

"Interested in meeting up for drinks????

Jeff"

MY LIFE!!!!!!

CA vacay

2008-06-16T13:07:00.001-05:00

Just got back from vacation with my youngest brother. More to come on all our antics soon!

More French

2008-06-03T10:17:00.004-05:00

So - I got back to French guy, saying I'd be available to meet for coffee next week, and this is the email I get in return:

"Sure, but let's just keep in touch till then. BTW, tell me a bit about you: your true values and interests as a woman in life? I just think that we have a chance to truly communicate to go beyond our random meeting so to make it lovely and unique, romantic and productive... Do you agree, then?"

Is it just me, or is it a little too heavy? I'm trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, because well - he's french. But I'm also feeling a bit of pressure.

I haven't responded - goodness, I don't even know how to.
Suggestions?

Grandma - Still Kicking It

2008-05-31T23:34:00.003-05:00

Random French Guy Emails

2008-05-31T22:59:00.002-05:00

Subject: Good to meet you

Bonjour Mademoiselle Allison,

Comment vas-tu? Passes-tu une très bonne journée en ce moment!?

Well, it was good meeting last night on our way to Lexington Ave... I found you quite interesting to talk to. Very intriguing, indeed. Behind your appearance you seem like a good-hearted girl to spend time with.

I guess one of the beauties and mysteries of the life's journey are special people you meet along the way. It is a small world and sometimes the best relationship develops by chance.

Are you available to have coffee sometime next week, then? Two dear companions who enjoy each other company to explore the beauties of life... It works for me and hope it works for you as well!

Reading you soon...
Best regards,
A bientôt,
____________________
WHAT SHOULD I DO??

Spray Tanned

2008-05-31T22:33:00.004-05:00

I got my first ever spray tan today, and it was ridiculously adventurous. Things I've learned from fake basting:

1) Don't decide to do this spur-of-the-moment like I did. You can never exfoliate enough.
2) Don't be afraid to strip down in the buff. Yeah, you're in 7-foot high stall, but it still feels like public nudity, which should satisfy any urge you had to streak the Quad in college.
3) Put on that shower cap. It's just not worth it to mess with $200 highlights.
4) When you position yourself in the spray stall, make sure you're emotionally prepared to hit the start button. For some reason, the Automated countdown of "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" sure makes you feel like you're going to blast off.
5) Hold your breath and close your eyes. The former is especially important, so you don't inhale gasps of bottled sunlight and proceed to have whooping cough like I did.
6) Do a little dance as the spray's being applied. Kinda like you're hoola-hooping. This will assure an even tone, as well as amuse you as you imagine how ridiculous you look.
7) Wear loose clothes, so that when you're done - your low-rise relaxed fit don't become skinny jeans.
8) Afterwards, eat the complimentary York Peppermint Pattie they leave for you (random!!!).
9) Go back again - because it leaves you sunkist and dewy!

Sex and The City

2008-05-31T22:18:00.003-05:00

Saw the big movie last night, in a theater packed full of women. Movie was a good popcorner and I'm sure will rake in a ton of dough, but I don't think it was a tentpoler.

*For a very amusing take on how the REAL women of Manhattan live, check out my friend Heather's post. She nails it funnier than I ever could. Click on the title for her post.

Mobile Pix

2008-05-31T22:09:00.008-05:00

Finally got around to uploading pix from my phone from the last 6 months:

View from My Apartment Doorstep

A Day At Central Park

Night at the Opera

Casey Interviews Hot Tranny Mess

I Assure You This is Rascal Flatts

Korean Tableside Barbeque

Photo Op Perched Atop Empire State Building with Masters Champ

Birthday Fun at Schiller's

Cousin Peter Gets Hitched

2008-05-31T22:04:00.002-05:00

Peter, my 2nd cousin - ties the knot with longtime girlfriend Ellen - at the Capitol building in St. Paul! His sister, my cousin Anne, and her cute kids are in the pix too!

Random

2008-05-29T00:22:00.002-05:00

1) On some recent occasions, I've had total strangers ask me if I'm Russian or Slavic. The first time happened a while ago - and it kinda threw me because I thought my gigantor nose and blue eyes made it my face scream Scandi. Guess not.

A few weeks ago, a guy in my apartment building asked if I was Russian. I sternly said, "Net!"

Then tonight, while I was walking home from work - this French guy just randomly came up to me and asked if I was Polish. We walked and talked all the way to Lexington Ave - and I think he kinda asked me out. He asked if I wanted to have a picnic with him in Central Park on Sunday. When I told him I had plans, he asked if we could have a picnic in the park on Saturday. He was pretty persistent, even telling me he would cook dinner for me. It was all very random, and after throwing my business card at him - I said goodbye and headed to the bus stop solo.

Later, on the bus, I amused myself by thinking about a hypothetical picnic in the park with this random Frenchman. I became even more amused by thinking about what I'd bring to the picnic - and yes, my mind went there: Polish sausage.

2) Why does Carson Daly still have a latenight show... or any show for that matter?

3) Springtime has hit the city - and Heather and I came to the agreement that anytime the temperature hits 67-degress, women walk around half naked. At least it's cutting down on my skinny jean intake.

4) It's been so pleasant at night, that I've been sleeping with my windows wide open. This morning, though, I was awakened to a pigeon on my fire escape, about an inch from actually being inside my apartment. Could you imagine waking up and having a dirty city pigeon flapping around your apartment??? Me neither. I slammed my window so tight - not even oxygen is coming in.

5) I'm considering a spray tan for the first time ever - mainly because if I don't, people will keep running into me because my skin has gone from Casper-white to completely transparent.

Priceline Negotiator

2008-05-14T15:03:00.002-05:00

I just met William Shatner, and it was awesome! He's got quite the twinkle in his eyes... I can see how Denny Crane does so well with the ladies.

Humiliation

2008-05-03T14:27:00.003-05:00

I enter the 6 train subway stairs, start to hear a train approaching - begin bounding down stairs with a host of other people. In my head, one voice, "You are going to make this train."

Train coming into station - I swipe Metrocard - and take a deep breath, "I will make this train."

Rush through the turnstyle and onto the train as doors are closing, "I MADE the train."

Ouch. Yikes.

Then I squeak out something like "Yow!" or "Ow!" or "Ker!" - I really have no idea what I yelped.

For you see - my hair has decided NOT to make the train.

Some guy helps me wrestle my mane out of the 6 train jaws of death - while strangers stare in disbelief, horror, and muddled laughter.

Embarrassing.

The next 5 stops weren't any easier, as my face hit fire engine red.

How Do You Get Your News?

2008-04-30T22:41:00.005-05:00

I am amazed and fascinated at the sheer speed of new media - especially within my field. More and more Americans are getting their daily news diet from the internet. After all, it's the most up-to-speed way to get news and it's user-driven. But with this instant, driver-seat access to the news, I can't help but find the trend a little discouraging from a journalistic and patriotic standpoint.

My case:

Newspapers are dying. Unable to harness ad money, papers are losing greenbacks as well as doorstep readers; New York Times circulation is down nearly 4% from last year. Most other dailies are also posting declines.

Then there's the radio. Gone are the days of getting your news from the car dial every 20 minutes. Radio budgets are being squeezed, as news organizations reallocate money into online units. Satellite radio has further complicated the scenario for radio.

Network TV newscasts are suffering too. Ratings are falling off - and I believe the average age of viewers is now 60 (Explains all those Ensure commercials, doesn't it?).

The cables, on the other hand - are kings. They're posting strong numbers, especially during sweeps - and, like the internet, it provides instant access to news when it breaks. But remember that the Cables are trying to fill 24-hours, which has given rise to the "personality" programs - like Larry King and Olbermann. They get a huge following - and thus, propel the cable channels above the traditional networks.

But what's the cost of all this instant-access? I think it's hurting us.

Back in the day - let's say even a decade ago, network news would take the time to go through everything happening in the world in forming the makeup of a newscast. The material for the 30 minute program would be vetted, heavily researched and in some cases debated throughout the day. In many cases, equal time for opposing views would be gathered - because, in essence, networks had a full day to put together a story. There would be more of a "get it on right" mantra, rather than just a "get it on" attitude.

The result of this method was that you - the viewer, would be able to take in a well-constructed story with a great deal of thought and deliberation on how it's told, where it's placed in a newscast and how much time it's allotted. You would hear both sides of a story - because that's what you were given - and thus, you would be able to get a well-balanced diet... on everything that's happening from America's schoolyards to your own backyards... even if you didn't care about either.

Newspapers too have value this way. How many times are you caught up in a story on A1 that continues on A10, and while flipping to A10 - you catch another story on A8 that you might never seek out, but find informative? Or you'd turn to your favorite columnist's rant, and catch the other two with differing views on the OpEd page - just because you were there?

The internet changes all that. After all, you can now click on the story YOU want to read - or the columnist whose thoughts YOU subscribe to. Your diet then becomes all the comfort food carbs you crave - and you miss out getting the not-so-yummy veggies.

But I happen to think there is great value and nutrition in those veggies, those stories we don't immediately click on - or the opinions we don't believe in. There comes a deeper understanding of a particular issue - from ALL sides. In this way, the viewer can aptly discern where he or she stands on a story, and connect to a deeper appreciation and loftier grasp on differing views, countries, and cultures.

I think a well-balanced diet of news is extremely important - especially in an age of such rapid globalization and divisive political rhetoric here at home.

So the next time you go news-digging on the information superhighway - get the good carbs you crave, but please also stick a fork in a broccoli spear or two!

Word To My Mother

2008-04-30T22:20:00.004-05:00

My mother is a very steady yet enthusiastic woman - with a huge southern hospitality vibe. To look at her, you'd see the "politician's wife" role she held in the past - but to really know her, you'd find a great lady who has a fantastic laugh and can make a mean brisket.

She also has apparently become the 18-24 demographic.

She's been known to go Snoop Dogg in conversation and say things like, "for-shizzle" on occasions but tonight over the phone she really floored me.

When describing an upcoming weekend getaway with some lady friends - she informed me that there would be lots of wine and they were going to "turn it out!" and "tear it up!"

I'm still removing the jaw from my floor.

Carnation Corsage

2008-04-30T21:56:00.002-05:00

In my ongoing effort to truly experience everything NYC has to offer - and in some sad attempt to relive yesteryear, I want to get a group of folks together and go to Prom!

Start teasing your hair and see here: http://www.awesome80sprom.com/about.html

I'm very sad and serious about this - I think it would be hysterical!

Sidebar: The prom promo encourages us to wear those Members Only jackets.. which is interesting, because Members Only is in the process of rebranding itself and being sold exclusively in trendy boutiques at inflated prices.
http://membersonlystyle.com/

Do you think the rebranding effort is a flipped-up collar, or a broken zipper?

La-La Land

2008-04-30T21:51:00.002-05:00

Going to LA in mid-June, and I've never spent any time there (besides the airport) - so I'm excited for the adventure. I'm even more excited to be visiting my younger brother; we're going to have fun!

What to do while we're there? That's still up-in-the-air, and I'd like suggestions. Restaurants, hiking trails, sight-seeing spots, Santa Barbara, and sun - I'm eager to hear from you!

Point me in the right direction and post away people!

Howdy Neighbor

2008-04-30T11:36:00.004-05:00

Last night, I was introduced to a Kiwi that just moved in 3 floors below me. We chatted while he painted his apartment, we dove into a bottle of vodka, and by the end of the night (2am) - I had popped a $300 bottle of champagne and we scaled a very scary fire escape to the rooftop. It was all very random; it was nice to have an apartment partner-in-crime!

Note: Bubbly + 4 hours of sleep = Like Whoa.

Hamptons Pics

2008-04-27T22:05:00.002-05:00

Getting Away

2008-04-27T21:50:00.003-05:00

Headed to East Hampton for the weekend, and it was really great.

Crazy fun happens when you get together a group of 3 gal pals, get away from work, and load a rental car up with fun groceries like veggies, a pineapple, shrimp for the grill, beer, and vodka.

Even more crazy fun happens when you decide to go full tilt and get boxed wine.

The MOST crazy fun is when you decide to hold an impromptu ipod-playlist dance party between the three of you after you've pretty much drained the boxed wine.

The result - one of us left chicken on the grill too long, one of us did multiple costume changes, and one of us threw out her hip from said dance party.

It was such a great weekend; so nice to be in a gorgeous setting with great friends, to sit still on a sun-drenched deck, and make wonderful memories.

My Hamptons experience definitely lived up to the Hype.

Texting Your Way To Love - Life in NYC

2008-04-21T20:09:00.001-05:00

More Panting

2008-04-20T23:10:00.002-05:00

I think I want to adopt Patches - he's so scrappy and loveable, how can you not want to eat his face!

Panting

2008-04-18T13:27:00.001-05:00

Allison Has Dog Lust

Playlist Giggle

2008-04-15T19:11:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you - but I've picked some pretty cheesy songs for a playlist I dub "On The Go." Seems like I'm always going somewhere, and I like the comfort of familiar upbeat songs to keep me on the move. I know that a lot of people do this; I have one friend who's upbeat playlist is called "Spicy Mix." She's such a spicy gal, it wouldn't surprise you!

This kind of familiar upbeat playlist offers one a kick in his or her step, a stride, a forward momentum with lyrics we know by heart. The old songs jog one's memories - of fun and carefree days at the softball field, or nights at the local skate rink.

When listening to these songs, it's not uncommon for a silly grin to appear - thinking "if passersby only knew what I was listening to..."

That's why I had a pearler the whole way home - while strutting to a song that took me back to when I was 15, dating a guy named Mike, riding around in his blue Ford Probe.

It was Color Me Badd's "All For Love."

What's on your cheesy playlist?

Enough Already

2008-04-13T22:36:00.002-05:00

With the Law & Order marathons on BRAVO!

Pin Cushion

2008-04-12T14:41:00.004-05:00

Today was my third acupuncture session, and we broke the record with 19 needles - Yikes!

I've had a lot of friends ask me about the process - and the only way I can sum it up is "indescribable" - because it is. There is a prick - a dull ache - and then a charge and rush of blood to the head. At least that's what I feel. The dull ache below the skin lingers for a bit, then subsides. The rush of blood to the head also subsides into a sort of zen-like quiet energy. I then remain skewered for about 30-45 minutes.

The ones in my legs ache the most - and my practioner says that's because my Eastern Spleen is sensitive. I have no idea what that means, but I'm trying to understand Chinese medicine - and always appreciate his attempts to help restore my Qi. I have to tell you - for a few days after our sessions - I do feel a surge in energy (the other night - I danced around and cleaned my entire bathroom just because I WANTED TO - what is that about?!).

Even though my practioner now refers to me as a "pro" (I know he does this to make me feel better and because our sessions are nearing expiration, so he's hoping I re-up), I still can't look at the needles when they're sticking out of me. The first session I tried to look at one, and I nearly had a panic attack on the table! Something about sticking sharp objects in someone doesn't seem right, does it?

But then I think about all the razor-edged daggers men have thrown into my heart, and teeny little needles in my skin don't seem so bad, right?

Chair!

2008-04-12T14:38:00.002-05:00

I bought it yesterday, and it makes me happy.

Good News

2008-04-06T22:24:00.001-05:00

My doctor said I can start having caffeine again!
Thing is... I've made it so long, I kinda don't want to...

New Guilty Pleasure

2008-04-03T23:18:00.002-05:00

Bravo's 'Step It Up And Dance'

Reason: Because Elizabeth Hurley is seriously on caffeine pills this time - and watching the contestants freestyle is hilarious.

Street Shopping

2008-03-31T12:09:00.005-05:00

Just had to share a cool new website for shopping. It's called Slifter.com, and the company is fast-pitching AT&T at the CTIA conference this week in Vegas. I got a preview last week.

The idea is to access the site from your mobile phone, enter an item you want to buy and where you are located. It will then provide you with the best prices, nearby retail stores where the products are sold, and real-time inventory. How cool is that?

I tried to locate a good price for a Wii in Chelsea. Slifter directed me to the Best Buy on 23rd and Sixth Ave and I found it for the suggested price! The coolest part about it was that the 4 Wiis in the store weren't even on the floor yet; I had to ask the sales staff for them. They had basically just been unloaded off the truck!

I'm becoming such a techie, I should work for CNET.

One Date = Scorned Stalker

2008-03-30T01:01:00.003-05:00

So I went on one dinner date - one single date - with a guy who found me online. It was a friendly date, but you know - something was missing... like a connection.

After said date, I was subject to a barrage of emails-text messages from the guy. I'm a busy gal, and thus, I am not able to get back to him to let him know that something was missing for me... like a connection. I eventually do - and wish him well... thinking that I have handled it with respect, directly and completely.
Then I meet Jekyll/Hyde.

Not even a week later from first date, I was still getting emails.
These are in the span of 6 hours.

First One: "Are you ignoring me?"
Second one: "Where did you go?"
Third one was: "Do you ignore other guys like this?"
Fourth one was: "U free this weekend?"

I answer: "No, Sorry."

Fifth one: "Wow! Guess u had a change of heart huh? Were u just going to completely ignor me Allison??? Thanks for being an ASS! Take Care!"

Yep, this is my life. I'm just glad he doesn't know where I live.

Don't Ever

2008-03-30T00:59:00.002-05:00

Get to your first acupuncture procedure while dehydrated, and feeling nauseous from too many silly Chardonnays the night before.
Not good.

Craigslist Tutorial to Save You Time

2008-03-30T00:20:00.005-05:00

So, I've been on a quest to get some really amazing pieces of unique and beautiful furniture for my newish apartment... and as a result, I'm on Craigslist more than anyone should be. And in doing so, I've noticed the lackluster salesmanship of Craigslist posters:

If someone posts that something is "comfy" - that means it has no padding left in the upholstery.

If someone posts "great deal" - it means it's not a great deal.

If someone posts "like new" - it means it's old and desperation has taken hold.

If someone posts "futon" - don't even explore it.

If someone posts "antique" - they live in Belmar, NJ.

If someone posts "it doesn't fit in my new apartment" - it means they've upgraded from their college tastelessness, and want to unload a papasan chair.

If someone posts the adjective "awesome" - they're flat-out lying.

If someone posts "like leather" - they're cheap... and you should feel compelled to low-ball them in everyway possible if you fall in love with the piece... in which case, you should get your head checked because no one should like "like leather."

If someone posts something "wicker" or "rattan" - just go to Pier 1 and buy it yourself.

"Leather office chair" means ugly, corporate, and lifeless.

If someone posts a "chaise" - it means they didn't sell the whole sectional.

If someone posts "free delivery" - the item is worthless.

If someone posts "recliner" - they mean La-Z-Boy.

If someone posts "Large Executive Desk" - chances are you'll be picking it up from Bear Stearns.

If someone posts "Vintage" - you'll be picking up from hipster-ville LES.

"Minor scratches" means a cat has clawed the life out of it.

"Murphy Bed" means it won't fit through your front door.

If someone posts "IKEA" - they mean halogen lamp.

If someone posts "Free" - they mean hideous. Case in point:

Stuff White People Like

2008-03-15T14:23:00.000-05:00

Freak Head

2008-03-13T14:40:00.002-05:00

A pigeon flew into my head again today. My noggin's a flight hazard.

Earwax

2008-03-06T15:18:00.002-05:00

1) My doctor put me on a no-caffeine diet a few weeks back (can't even drink non-caffeinated drinks!) - and it's horrible. Think about it - I'm in the news. I work insano hours - and I can't get at least one java jolt during the day?

The worst part is - like most things - when you can't have it, you seem to become extremely conscious of everyone that CAN have it. I am either greeted by Thermos-mugged commuters on the subway, sitting next to the Dunkin Donuts coffee nuts at the morning editorial meeting, or constantly hearing "I'm doing a Starbucks run. Who wants what?" at all hours of the day. Why, just the other day, I thought I saw some preschoolers with sippy cups full of coffee!

And just when you thought it couldn't get worse... guess what's also off limits?? Chocolate. You can start crying for me now.

2) I think it's safe to say the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) party last weekend was a success. We had coconut cups, a pinata, a margarita-machine, great company, and a pretty rad invite, if I do say so myself. Check it out!

3) I'm thinking about getting a dog, and I can't wag the Vizla breed out of my brain. I may make the jump soon.

4) Some of my former professors want me to speak to JMU journalism students next month at the school's annual alumni event. I'm envisioning a panel of sorts - in which young and vibrant, eager-to-break-into-the-biz students gauge me on how to form their resumes, how to land that first job, and how to become the next foreign correspondent. In all cases, I imagine quietly leaning into the microphone and whispering, "Get Out."

5) I get about 2,000 emails a day. Most of it is from PR-types and publicists, who want to TELL me who I should have on for a particular segment. It would be different if they craftily delivered a great release, engaging me - bringing me in to their story and guest's background - giving me everything that will fit in a 10-second attention span. Instead, I get crap like this:

"Hi,

I just want to remind you that Bob Moulton, president of the Americana Mortgage Group, a 20+-year financial, banking and real estate veteran and one of the most prolific residential mortgage brokers in the country, is available to discuss today’s pending home sales numbers. In light of the volatility and downturn in the housing markets as well as all of the speculation about the Fed, interest rates, the tightening of credit, the upheaval in the mortgage market and the looming specter of a potential recession, these numbers can offer some interesting insights about the immediate and long-term economic future.

Moulton’s Americana Mortgage Group serves the Northeast and Florida markets.

Bob Moulton would be happy to provide you with his thought-provoking commentary and insights about this report. Please let me know if you would like to speak with him."

You lost me at prolific. Seriously, draw me in - and *sell* it to me. And please, please, please - don't ever tag the email as a priority. One glimpse of that red exclamation point, and I delete!

It Was A Matter of Time

2008-03-06T15:17:00.002-05:00

Got this comment on my Ballo entry:

"Oh my god. I AM Shauna Ballo. And I had no idea how boring my emails were until seeing them through the eyes of a blogger. Let me know what your email addy is so I can figure out who's email I have yours confused with. Someone in my family has been missing out on recipe exchanges and baby photos!"

**No worries Shauna. Hope you and your family are well, and that Audrey's doing great!

Mistaken

2008-01-31T17:36:00.000-05:00

My hair was so much of a bird's nest today that - while walking on 57th and Broadway - a pigeon actually flew into my head! The pigeon was confused, bystanders laughed, and I was mortified, heading straight to the store to get nearly every anti-frizz potion known to man.

Gmail Hilarity

2008-01-23T15:41:00.000-05:00

So... I have a seldom-used gmail account that's been in operation for the past couple of years. I checked it just the other day, mainly to clear it out, and I noticed something peculiar. Apparently, a woman by the name of Shauna Ballo thinks we're friends; I'm on her mass emails, evites, etc...

I've been invited to some pretty scrumptious parties over the past year - and keep getting pictures of their child.

Here are some of the gmail emails:

8/30/07
Hi!

You've been invited to be a part of a recipe exchange; something a little different and fun.

Please send a recipe to the people whose name is listed in the number 1 &2 position below (even if you don't know them) and it should preferably be something quick, easy and without rare ingredients. Actually, the best one is one you know in your head and can type out and send right now. Then, copy this letter into a new e-mail, move my name to the number 1 position and put your name in the number 2 position. Only my and your name should show when you send your e-mail. Send to 20 friends. If you cannot do this within 5 days, let me know so it will be fair to those participating. It's fun to see where they come from!!

Seldom does anyone drop out because we can all use new recipes. The turn around is fast because only 2 names are on the list.

10/9/07

We've finally updated our blog, check it out at: http://www.ballofamily.blogspot.com/

Great photos of the pumpkin patch and an adorable video clip of Audrey giggling, that's guaranteed to make you laugh and smile no matter what mood you're in. Be sure to have your speakers on.

Feel free to leave a "comment" after the blog post (like "Oh my god, that's the most beautiful baby ever" or "Oh my god, stop sending me photos of your baby already") so we know you were there.

how cute is this photo?

(Oh - and wait until you log onto the Ballo's blog - it's really something! that little Audrey is really coming along! Let me reiterate - I HAVE ZERO IDEA WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE!)

I'm not really sure what to do: Let them know they have the wrong person, or just go with it and become part of their extended family? After all, Audrey is pretty cute in that there pumpkin patch.

Total "Sucks in the City"

2008-01-22T12:59:00.001-05:00

So very nicey lookingey doctory gentleman lives in an apartment one floor above me. I sometimes see him coming or going from building. We always exchange hellos, and he's always pretty eager to talk with me, which is nice.

Last night, we were on the elevator together and this is how our conversation went:

Him: "Cold out there." {lame but whatever}
Me: "Yeah - next month will likely be worse."
Him: "How long have you lived here?"
Me: "Since October"
Him: "Where did you live before that?"
Me: "I lived in the city - kinda near Hells Kitchen. I lived with someone there but live here by myself now."
Him: "Oh, that's rough."

As I walked out of the elevator I thought - why did he say "that's rough"? Then I thought - "Great - he thinks I just got out of a boyfriend relationship - when I meant just a roommate scenario."

He smells rebound. I smell NOOOOOOOOOOO!

Mister Big-Shot

2008-01-20T22:42:00.000-05:00

Buddy Aaron is Mister Big-Shot - landing on the front of today's LA Times! Too bad Cindy's giving him the hairy eyeball.

Better than Aesop

2008-01-17T23:29:00.000-05:00

We've all been there - trying to shake someone who seems a little "too interested" in us. I was thinking about this on the way home, and then remembered a hilarious story a friend once told me. I think I can remember the notable points.

He had a pseudo-dating thing going on with this girl a couple years ago and she was apparently waaaaaayyyyy more into him than he her. I think she was even stopping by his place unannounced. Yikes! As he reached suffocation-status, and approached her with the thought that he didn't want to see her anymore - he told her he had to go into Rehab - and that he would be unreachable for a few months.

This strategy in a city of 8M worked pretty well until she called him a few months later. He had long deleted her number - so he answered the call. Busted. Guess he had to come "clean."

Word of the Week

2008-01-17T12:17:00.000-05:00

I hate my newsroom sometimes. A unique word or phrase will be used once, and then everyone starts using it - so by the end of the week - the word has saturated every conversation.

Last week it was "woeful." This week it's "jump the shark."

Home Sick = Long Post

2008-01-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

Home sick today, and while my limp body is too tired to move, my mind is still very much on warp speed. Let's catch everyone up:

I'm starting to think there's some Criss Angel mind-freak stuff regarding my dreams. As you all know, the American Idol Season 1 Runner-Up was in a recent dream I had. In the same dream, I was a firefighter and picked up ice cream. Well - that very same day I was assigned a segment on the American Idol business phenomenon - and how companies are branding products to be in sync with the show. Guess what company we had on? Dreyer's/Edy's Slow Churned ice cream. Apparently, ice cream has gotten on the Idol bandwagon; They have flavors like Orange-Inal, Cookies 'N Dreamz, etc... So the American Idol and ice cream aspects of my dream the night before were realized. When it comes to the firefighting aspect - I got home that night, and my super had given us new fire safety plans. MIND-FREAK!

I've been out with this dude a couple of times in the last 2 weeks. The pace which I guess we are seeing each other is pretty comfortable. The problem is that during the in-between time when we're not seeing each other, he'll sometimes text me. His favorite thing to text me? ";)" - yep, that'll be it - a smiley faced wink. The first time I got it I thought it was sweet - like, "that's nice, he's thinking of me." The problem is that when I respond via text to his wink - he doesn't get back to me. So then I'm not sure if his cell's in a dead zone or what. So, I guess I find myself in a spot of thinking, "What does the wink mean?" - Thinking of me and that's that? Spurring Text Dialogue? Drunk text? Furthermore, I don't even know this dude's preferred means of communication. Is he just a text man? Or is he an email guy? Maybe he's just winking up a storm to a whole host of chicks in his cell, and responds to the first one to write him back! These are just some of the minutia that can drive NYC women MAD. If I get another smiley face wink on text from this dude, I think I'll throw my phone at the first guy I see. I hate these stupid dating dances. Are we even dating? I don't think so. I have no idea. I have to end it.

Speaking of - This guy came from a Craigslist ad I put up for a movie date one night. I simply wanted to see a movie with someone, and none of my girlfriends would go to "Sweeney Todd" with me. The solo movie trip is also getting pretty old. So I made a post, put it under Women Seeking Men - and within 30 minutes, had like 60 responses. Most of them were perverted responses, yes - but many others seemed like normal enough guys. One never really knows until meeting up, right? I'm currently weeding through the prospectives.

Man - I need some furniture. I had a gentleman-caller over the other night, and I was like, "Would you like to sit on the photograph boxes, or a step stool?" It's just that I'm not seeing anything good or unique - at antique stores or the big stores. I can't yet bring myself to go Scandi and hit IKEA. Plus, I can never put together anything anyway - so the whole assembly thing would be a nightmare. Anyone know of some good places - I'm thinking like warehousey places - to go? There's gotta be something in Brooklyn.

It's only Wednesday, but feels like it should be Friday - but if it were, I'd have to work through the weekend, because in fact - it's only Wednesday. Anyone else feel like this week is just dragging to a halt?

Somebody, Wake Me Up!

2008-01-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

I had a dream that I bumped into Justin Guarini and his publicist before he was performing at a gig. He then texted me later - on my new phone - saying he wanted to get together. When I read the text, I was on my way to a fire with my fellow firefighters. But I got off the truck to return to the fire station because he was waiting there for me. I walked about 5 blocks, and got some ice cream for Justin.

WTF?!?!?!?!?!

Why was she wearing this?

2008-01-09T12:09:00.001-05:00

It was just - like modern camo.

Chucktatorship

2008-01-08T17:20:00.001-05:00

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.

When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.

Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.

Chuck Norris’ hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.

Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.

Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.

Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

Chuck Norris does not get frostbite. Chuck Norris bites frost

Remember the Soviet Union? They decided to quit after watching a DeltaForce marathon on Satellite TV.

Contrary to popular belief, America is not a democracy, it is a Chucktatorship.

My Birthplace: Explaining a Lot About Me

2008-01-08T12:24:00.000-05:00

Not Adding Up with "The Economist"

2008-01-08T01:15:00.001-05:00

I know what you're thinking... how could there be any problem with the renowned "Economist" mag? Well, there is... big-time.
I renewed a subscription for my brother for Christmas. I was charged twice. When I realized this error and called the mag's subscription service center, they said "Sorry - no problem - we'll credit you back for the one faulty subscription. Courtney Browne, right?" Wrong. My brother's name is not Courtney. I clear this all up in initial phone call. We part ways.

Two weeks later. No credit back yet. I call again. "So sorry, Ms. Browne, we'll credit you back for your order for Courtney Browne." Again, wrong. I try to clear up... speaking as clear as English as I possibly can. Again, met with "Apologies, Ms. Browne, we'll take care of it."

Now - nearly 5 weeks later - and they still haven't cleared up the credit back. And I just received a bill from "The Economist" for a 'Courtney Browne' subscription. I feel very sorry for the subscription person who will field my call tomorrow. For goodness sakes - it's "The Economist" - shouldn't they know how to add/allot and all 'dat?

Super Newser!

2008-01-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

Alex is moving 1 block away from me. Happy days on the east side!

Just Thinkin'

2008-01-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

- Remember when your friends in college used to have glow-in-the-dark constellation stars on their dorm room ceilings? It was all pretty cool back then. Looking back, not at all.

- "American Idol" is genius. Its initial 2-hour shows (including worst of the worst) - hook you, connect you, and keep you checking in for more.

- On the way to work today, I saw 6 people jogging on my block. You could just smell the resolutions oozing out of their pores.

- Thank goodness for C-Span. How else can I catch up with all the presidential candidates without being at Elsa Cox's farmhouse on Sunday afternoon in Perry, Iowa?

- I can't believe how much I'm learning at my new job. I actually caught myself asking a guest if the so-called "January effect" is relevant for investors who weren't eyeballing small cap stocks. Who says that??? I do.

- Meeting blind date tomorrow night for bar trivia. Hoping that a "January effect" question is nestled somewhere in there...

- My neighbor's dog hates her new boyfriend. She might want to consider the 5-minute barking fits in her deal-breakers list.

NYE 2007

2008-01-01T18:52:00.001-05:00

This New Year's with Casey was highly explosive - marked by PBR-hoarding, Williamsburg tour, drag queens & Danger Party, and a ton of random dudes.

Who's Scoffing Now?

2007-12-25T21:39:00.000-05:00

About a year ago, I posed the question on this very blog about a single girl establishing a registry. That's right - no marriage or baby for the reason - just a single, career-minded girl with the challenges of building a home by herself. A lot of people I'm sure read the post and rolled their eyes, some scoffed, and some responded - saying it was just poor form.

Well, I just did it a month ago - and ALL my Christmas gifts were off my registry. My mom even told me she was GLAD I posted what I wanted - so she didn't have to beleaguer herself with guesswork. Everyone wins!

Heather after Company Christmas Party

2007-12-18T15:34:00.000-05:00

Sad Irony

2007-12-09T16:58:00.001-05:00

So, on my 31st birthday I'm sitting in a work meeting and my blackberry vibrates. I look at the email and it's an invitation to be profiled for the "Who's Who Under 30" feature for the magazine, Fast Company.

I took my fist and smashed that blackberry into little itty bitty bits.

And This?

2007-11-25T17:37:00.001-05:00

You better...
I'm So Excited!

Remember this?

2007-10-23T09:08:00.001-05:00

Of Course You Do...
Happy Tuesday!

So Far, So Great...

2007-10-19T14:59:00.001-05:00

The Reviews Have Been Relatively Kind...

New York Times:

A Perky Debut for the Fox Business Network
By ALESSANDRA STANLEY

ON Fox Business Network, the sky isn’t falling — it’s the ground that is going up.

The mood on Rupert Murdoch’s latest television venture was so giggly and upbeat that it belied its own crawl, showing sinking stock prices.

For the inaugural show, the FBN anchor, Alexis Glick, asked Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton a few perfunctory campaign questions via satellite, then went down to Times Square to interview an entrepreneur of the day, the Naked Cowboy, a guitar-strumming singer who says he earns $250,000 a year serenading tourists in a cowboy hat and underpants, and much more in merchandising and record contracts.

“No matter what you think at home,” Ms. Glick, formerly a temporary anchor on the “Today” show on NBC, said, giddily holding up a souvenir hat and briefs. “You can make a small business a reality.”

This is not a network that caters to money managers or day traders. FBN provides economic news for people who don’t follow the economy very closely and hate to hear bad news. Sunny, informal and downright perky, Fox Business Network comes off as a blend of CNBC and a fifth hour of the “Today” show— with the underlying political drumbeat of Fox News. (Global warming is natural and so are tax cuts.)

CNBC didn’t ignore its new competitor yesterday. Throughout the day, ads for CNBC popped up on FBN, including a glowing testimonial from John F. Welch Jr., the former chairman of General Electric, which owns CNBC.

When Mr. Murdoch first announced his plan to create a rival to CNBC, he said he wanted to offer viewers a more “business friendly” network. That was puzzling at the time, because no one has ever accused CNBC stars like Jim Cramer or Maria Bartiromo of being anticapitalist. But not even they could match the ebullient spirits of FBN’s on-air personalities.

Anchors described record oil prices with a lilt, they delighted in the fall of the dollar as a boon to American exports. The network even created its own stock market index, called the Fox 50, which tracks 50 companies with popular products, including Amazon.com, Home Depot and Yum Brands. (The Fox 50 finished the day down 7 points — not down as far as the Dow Jones or Nasdaq.)

Mr. Murdoch has said that the newspaper he is acquiring, The Wall Street Journal, caters to Wall Street while his business network intends to serve Main Street.

CNBC began its midday program, “Power Lunch,” with a standup inside the Four Seasons, a Manhattan restaurant patronized by the likes of Peter G. Peterson, chairman of the Blackstone Group, and Barry Diller. FBN at noon flipped to a live shot inside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn.

Neil Cavuto of Fox News has his own show on the new business network, but it was Bill O’Reilly of “The O’Reilly Factor” who laid out FBN’s business model during a cameo appearance. “You want to basically have fun,” Mr. O’Reilly told the anchor Cheryl Casone. “Its so intense, the whole business world. The more fun you can have with it, I think the more people will watch.”

It was hard to muster a lot of fun explaining the $100 billion superfund that the country’s three largest banks have said they will create to shore up the market for mortgage securities.

Eric Bolling, a former financial news commentator who left CNBC for FBN, took quickly to the buoyant spirit of his new home. The superfund could have “a positive impact,” he assured Peter Barnes, a morning anchor. Mr. Bolling uttered the word “bail,” then corrected himself, saying that the superfund could “put a calming tone on the market” and have a “real upside.” When he said that the technical process was “complicated,” Mr. Barnes reminded him warningly, “no jargon.”

FBN makes a point of avoiding technical terms and Wall Street argot. The anchors on CNBC’s morning show “Squawk Box” sit across from each other in their shirt-sleeves to mimic the look of a trading desk, and anchors speak against an electronic backdrop of charts and stock prices.

The hosts of the FBN morning show sat aligned on a curved banquette. A conversation about business blogs on the Internet was set around a wooden tea table, with bookshelves of magazines and newspapers in the background.

Five o’clock is “Happy Hour.” To inaugurate that segment, the anchors Cody Willard and Rebecca Gomez sat in the bar of the Bull and Bear in the Waldorf-Astoria and chatted about business against a backdrop of vodka bottles and blondes. Yesterday, they congratulated Ivanka Trump on her new line of jewelry and sampled ice wines and cheese.

The stock market can close, but on Fox Business Network, the fun never stops.

BusinessWeekPower Lunch October 17, 2007, 4:02PM EST Fox Business Channel: A Great Start
The channel has a few rough spots. But it's fun to watch, which may well draw the nonbusiness and younger viewers Fox seeks
by Ronald Grover

You can understand the confusion. Here I was, channel surfing in search of Rupert Murdoch's newly launched Fox Business Network, and I'm suddenly watching The Donald's 25-year-old daughter, Ivanka Trump, showing off a new line of diamond jewelry. Bracelets instead of bonds? Well, get used to it. The Fox Business Network ain't your grandfather's business channel. And that's the point.

Sure, the News Corp. (NWS) offering has the look, feel, and gravitas of the other business news channel, the incumbent CNBC, controlled by General Electric (GE). Fox has its own "Money Honey" reporting from the New York Stock Exchange floor in Nicole Petallides, who doesn't have the stature of CNBC's Maria Bartiromo but works the floor with the same gusto. Yet Fox Business, which promotes itself with on-air promos that declare "finally, a second opinion," also has a guy named Cody Willard.

Co-anchor Willard, a former hedge fund trader, is Fox Business' long-haired, all-black-wearing alter ego. Along with longtime Fox News correspondent Rebecca Gomez, Willard patrols the Bull & Bear bar at Manhattan's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, grinning through FBN's after-market-close show, Happy Hour. Mixing interviews with out-of-nowhere investment pearls, Willard chomps cheese during one segment, flaunting his, shall we say, romantic abilities while crowding a table of friends. Willard also ogled Ivanka Trump in a segment in which she talked about real estate, The Apprentice, and those gaudy baubles.

Be Very Afraid
Does Fox Business have a chance? You bet. And if I were top NBC executive Jeff Zucker I'd be hustling full-time to stay ahead. FBN may have just a third of CNBC's households (for now, FBN is available only on a little more than 30 million households served by the country's satellite or cable TV systems), but that's temporary. Especially since Murdoch is famous for spending and spending big to launch his progeny.

Wanna spice up the opening bell? Try a little Price Is Right takeoff. Do viewers really want to see anchors Tom Sullivan and Cheryl Casone guess the stock prices of Google (GOOG) and Wal-Mart (WMT)? I don't know, but I did.

Sure, not everything works. The pre-market show, Money for Breakfast, looks like a coffee klatch at Grandma's house. Five folks stuffed on a single coach, with each trying to sound profound. It was one kibitzer too many for me. But when the show turns to Eric Bolling, who runs down the hot business blogs, the show comes to life with the kind of sparkle that will no doubt bring in the younger viewers Fox specializes in luring.

What FBN Gets Right
Murdoch's grand vision of bringing sometimes thick business news to the masses is never more evident than when FBN sends one of its reporters through the hallways of a half-built condo in Chicago to showcase the difficulties the builder is having finding money to complete the project. Yup, the guy is in the crosshairs of a national economic disaster.

There's no mistaking this for anything but a Fox offering, with the best and not-so-swell inspirations of Roger Ailes, Murdoch's top news lieutenant and perhaps the smartest guy behind a camera. The channel's graphics are loud and busy—with a sliding data line on the bottom of the screen that looks less like a ticker than some leftover NFL scores from Fox Sports. But whoever invented the Fox Fifty—and I'm betting it was Ailes—hit pay dirt, spotlighting 50 top stocks for closer FBN attention.

Ailes seems to have also imported his Fox News touch, which gives business news added lift in what I'm betting will be a successful attempt to bring nonbusiness-news watchers to his channel. It's pure talk radio, and it hews to the right, like much of what News Corp. offers. America's Nightly Scoreboard anchor David Asman skewers liberal Democrats for the mistake of one second-level congressional aide who encouraged House staffers to get inoculated before going to NASCAR events. Is that business news? Who cares. It was totally engrossing TV.

I'm sure Ailes & Co. are working to smooth out what seemed to be some less-than-wonderful technical moments. Scenes of onlookers and clattering of plates at the Bull & Bear were chaotic to the point of distraction. The picture was a little fuzzy and the sound occasionally muffled. But FBN already has some big-league advertisers—TD Ameritrade (AMTD) and LendingTree among them—and I'm betting others will come calling soon enough for a cable channel that is going to expand the entire business-news category through its clever segments and substantial market coverage. Murdoch clearly wants to bring business to Main Street, NASCAR, and younger folks who like to mix stock chatter with their after-hour cocktails. After one day on the air, I'm betting he's already headed into a bull market.

Grover is Los Angeles bureau chief for BusinessWeek.

New York Mag:

Fox Business Network: It's Gold!
No, literally — it's all about gold. Rupert Murdoch's new cable channel ran multiple segments on gold in its first week, which we thought was a little weird. But after we watched the hundredth paid advertisement for gold (damn watching TV in real time!), we thought, maybe it makes sense. If your sponsors are talking about it, why shouldn't you? Anyway, you may be wondering how on earth we happened to notice something like that. It's because we have been watching FBN every day, ALL WEEK. Yes! We love Alexis Glick, Neil Cavuto, and their motley crew of optimism pirates. They're irresistible (especially young NYSE floor reporter Nicole Petallides, who makes rival Maria Bartiromo look like the Jessica Tandy in Driving Miss Daisy) and their financial joy is maddeningly, confusingly infectious. After the jump, our other favorite FBN moments from a week of watching.
• They have this amazing regular feature where they ask viewers "What would you do with a grand?" Then, once people e-mail in their ideas, they make fun of them. Genius!
• They love puns. Hottie midday host Connell McShane introduced a segment on McDonald's thusly: "All the critics out there say their products are filled with fat and calories, but Wall Street's thrilled with it's fat profits!" Not to be outshone, reporter Jenna Lee told McShane that she loves McDonald's for its flavor, too. "It is fat with a P-H," she shot back. "For sure!"
• They make it personal. "I'm a wino," admitted host Tom Sullivan during a special on investing in wine. "I've always been a wino. I love good wine. Not the cheap stuff, the good stuff." Indeed.
• They're hip and up to date. "Didn't Radiohead just give away their album for free or something?" Cherly Casone asked on Wednesday. No really, we're not making fun. For someone on a Fox network to even remotely be aware of that is literally astounding.
• They have good taste in music. Today, during changeovers from segments on the twentieth anniversary of the great Black Monday stock-market crash of 1987, they played Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now." That's right. Let them say we're crazy – what do they know?
• They truly have the best guests. We're not talking about business legends like Warren Buffet. We're talking about Charlie Daniels, Jermaine Dupri, Ivanka Trump, the Harlem Globetrotters, and the woman who invented "Take Your Daughter to Work Day." Take that, Larry King!

Just so you know, this isn't going to be like our obsessive recapping of Gossip Girl. After watching FBN for a week, we noticed upsetting changes in our habits. We started caring whether a stock was in the "Fox 50," we started getting emotionally involved in the NASDAQ as a "comeback kid," and we began speaking in an outside voice to people who were sitting two feet away from us. So never again. But it was fun while it lasted.

Gulp

2007-10-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

NYC Celebs

2007-09-21T19:45:00.000-05:00

Jon Bon Jovi isn't living on a prayer... he's eating a sandwich on the UWS! His skin, blemish-proof. 9/20

Not Bueller's Day Off... but Bueller's day on the subway. Broderick waited for the F train with me! 9/16

Vartan Gregorian on Liberty

2007-09-16T21:56:00.000-05:00

"America is not an actuality, but is a potentiality. We have to remember that the Universe is not going to be seeing somebody like you again in its entire history of creation. So it’s up to you to become a dot, a paragraph, a page, blank page, chapter in the history of creation."

Party Hat

2007-09-13T19:28:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow's my last day at ABC News, and to celebrate - I'm going to put all other parties to shame.

Seriously - I am going to shake off all the stress of the past 1.5 years and party NYC-style.

If you want to join what's sure to be legendary partying, let me now. And oh yeah - you better be ready to BRING IT.

Nugget

2007-09-13T17:09:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd pass along this little nugget:
When someone is getting ready to quit his or her job, calling him or her "short-timer" is neither clever nor funny.

Moving On... But Where?

2007-09-11T23:58:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was my first personal training session with Sonja at her new gym... 83rd Street, the steroid injection of Manhattan gyms. Muscles were everywhere, mechanical contraptions I cannot even fathom, guys grunting, and chicks tight as... well, tight. Sonja and I laughed through our session - she's become such a good friend, and she managed to kill a pinched nerve from a neck-cram 12-hour nap I pulled off to quash some major weekend partying.

At the end of our session - as Sonja stretched me out, she asked me: "So, you've only got like 15 days in your apartment. Where are you going next?" I stopped, and then felt the wave of anxiety build and then reverberate. "Oh yeah, I have no idea where I'm going. Thanks for reminding me. I'm still in denial," I thought. Leaving the gym, I almost had a panic attack.

Sonja also told me I'm beyond ready to "graduate" to the next yoga level, which I'm completely apprehensive about. I kinda liked destroying all the people in my current class. Now I'm just going to be the off-balance girl that everyone snickers at in the locker room while eating their protein bars...

Vesting in Nesting

2007-09-08T13:59:00.000-05:00

In the early days of a relationship, there's a lot of 'nesting' going on - and as we approach Autumn it's a good time to examine the dating ritual in its peak season, in all its glory as well as how events in the nesting period can also foreshadow failure.

1) Couch Crashing. If you're nesting, you're sure to have many Netflix nights! The movie-watching-with-your-sweetie ritual is one of the fastest ways to gauge another's level of intimacy. Whether it's two feet of dead air between you - or in a weird-moving-watching-uncomfortable-but-still-pleased-with-physically-tight-pretzel-knot during a first flick - you pretty much know where you stand in terms of intimacy by the end of the movie. Now if only you could pay attention to the movie's plot rather than obsessing about the other person's proximity to you...

2) Kitchen Tools. Of course nesting Netflix nights aren't complete without nesting snacks - which leads to the inevitable, "Let's cook up something together!" In this nesting ritual, you can get a glimpse into your honey's gastrointestinal goodness - by simply opening his or her fridge. There, you can find out if your lady is a chocoholic - or if your man has stockpiles of that weird protein powder stuff in those obnoxious plastic keg bottles. Of course - culinary skills and the ability to makes meals on-the-fly is also on display. My secret nesting weapon in this arena has always been a simple dip - made by just mixing salsa and cream cheese. Make it the next time you nest and you'll be in love FOREVER, or - as in my case - until he decides to cheat on you...

***Sidebar: Friend Nate and I both strongly advise against making any kind of soup and/or chili with your sweetie during the nesting period. It's a recipe for disaster.

3) Clean It Up. The fridge 'nest test' can also be a good barometer on how clean/dirty a person is. Chances are, if you're invited over to your sweetheart's place - he or she has cleaned/picked up his or her room and Netflix viewing spot. But has he or she cleaned the fridge?! Yep - check here - because you never hear ANYONE say, "I'm so excited this chick is coming over. I have to clean my fridge!"

4) Shopping Together. Yep, this is a BIG-TIME nesting ritual, and it seems when you're first dating someone - running random errands magically evolves into something FUN. Yes, those trips to the dry cleaner or pet food store suddenly become opportunities to chat up the in-house tailor or browse pet store aisles and remark how cute cat toys are becoming. This is indeed a magical nesting time, which you can be sure will evolve to shopping at stores you would never think about entering during solo status. Girls can expect Best Buy, Home Depot and guitar stores on the list, and guys - well, strappy sandal shoes and overpriced scented candle stores are in your future. I once went to a Vespa store - A VESPA STORE - for OVER an hour! I also sat with a dude while he contemplated what new tire rims to purchase (and even more shocking, I actually CONTRIBUTED to this conversation!).
Caution: Sometimes in the nesting period you will lose part of your brain.

If you're a guy, you will be quizzed on color schemes and textures. If you're a chick, you'll get your fill of shiny electronics and tools. But this is all OKAY - after all, it is the nesting period - where EVERYTHING is perfect.

5) Crisis Averted. As long as you're nesting, nothing really bothers you or gets you down. Getting a $100 parket ticket suddenly becomes fun fodder over dinner. An accident that wipes out the whole front of your car becomes the scene-setter for a "Damsel in Distress" 2-person play - which both sides are happy to play. Together, you belly laugh over spilt milk. You also fall over each other to be the first one to clean up all that milk.

6) More Nesting Goodies: pumpkin carving (for the first time since age 14), Christmas tree hunting even though you don't have ornaments, buying ornaments and trimming tree, board games, little around-the-house projects, checking out each other's music collection and forcing yourself to really dig some of his or her favorites, downloading his or her music collection, taking naps together, exploring reality TV until your find "your show", getting lost in a local farmers market, IKEA trip to furnish the imaginary place you are starting to share in your head, ice cream consumption

***Sidebar: Would advise against going to any Haunted House attractions during the Autumn nesting period. I did a haunted house with a guy around this time last year as part of what I thought would be a fun nesting activity. He - not the attraction's resident ghost - became the only thing that disappeared...

Nesting is a hopeful time for anyone looking to embark on a relationship. Here's hoping your next nesting period with that new special guy or gal is all it could be AND more... sans the soup-making and Haunted House attraction. It's so fun to Invest in the Nest!

In closing, be self-aware enough to know NOT to get yourself into a relationship - just because you want to reap 'nesting' rewards. Friend Nate did this, and warns against the logic... or lapse of logic...

WHAT'S YOUR BEST NESTING?

Of Course

2007-09-07T02:28:00.001-05:00

Of course the one night I don't feel well - sending Keenan and his sister, Kayla - off to the Sunday night Comedy Cellar show is the night that Chris Rock shows up and decides to do a surprise set.

Next Newsroom

2007-09-06T23:44:00.000-05:00

Hitting the Biz cycle.

In Your Face!

2007-08-31T16:02:00.001-05:00

My Facebook obsession keeps growing - and some of the NYC group names are hilarious:

- God I hate the MTA
- Boyfriends Suck
- I Don't Care How Comfortable Crocs Are, You Look Like A Dumbass
- Magnolia Cupcakes Are Overrated
- I Must Admit I LOVE Little Debbie
- I Secretly Want To Punch Slow Walking People In The Back of the Head
- Everything I know about Basketball, I learned from One Tree Hill

Lodging

2007-08-30T21:54:00.001-05:00

I'm still looking for an apartment and I forgot how much the whole stupid NYC process stinks. *They call it a broker because after one, you're broke.

Inner Child?

2007-08-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

While getting a blowout today - I started talking to a customer's 7-year-old kid. We played "I Spy" while she waited for her mom's pedicure and I got my tresses in shape. During conversation - while she played with my snake ring, she quizzed me a bit:

She asked if I was rich - I said no.
She asked how old I was - I said 30.
She asked if I was married - I said no.
She asked if I had a boyfriend - and I said no.

She then said, "You'll never get married or a boyfriend because you're 30 and you're old now."

I sank behind my bangs - while simultaneously wanting to drop-kick the brat.

upDATES - downDATES

2007-08-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

Blitz of dates recently has me gearing up for the massive Pity Party blowout I'm throwing this weekend...

1) Bland Bob - investment consultant - country club rich - has golf group and poker buddies - has no sense of humor - he loves Maryland and is a Terp, which the Virginian in me finds appalling. next.
2) Earsplitting Nick - from Trenton, NJ - pronounces 'that' as 'dat' - jersey accent harshens throughout night - he drives a Firebird - I pay for everything. next.
3) Hipster Chris - supposed to go watch Chris the DJ spin tomorrow night in Brooklyn... but since I haven't spoken to him since his invite two weeks ago - I don't even want to go.

Yep, it's really sad folks.

Male Confirmation

2007-08-24T12:26:00.000-05:00

Alex got got confirmation from her outspoken man-cousin - who says with certainty that most men with any self-dignity will not date a smarter woman - or one who makes more money. He actually said this... out loud. It's no longer an internal theory... it's out there.

A Dressing Down by Make Up

2007-08-24T12:22:00.000-05:00

Sign of aging: foundation alone no longer does it; you have to wallet dig for concealer.

The Bachelor Still A Bachelor...

2007-08-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

What? The latest 'Bachelor' couple didn't work out?!? You don't say!
Let the snarkfest for the next season begin!

Hipster Chris

2007-08-15T05:26:00.000-05:00

So, had a date with my first pseudo-hipster the other night:

I was prepared for a guy who wore all black and had a shaved head. I was prepared for a guy who was too cool to laugh at my silly jokes and overall clumsiness. I was prepared for a liberal-minded "philosopher" who wanted to spout off social injustices and 'what's wrong with the media'. I was prepared for a guy who wanted to use his DJ status to showcase his cool and underground music playlist. I was prepared for aloofness, cool factor, and mystery.

The only thing I got that I expected was all black clothes and a shaved head. The rest was actually great.

We spent 4 hours at an E. Village bar - relaying and relating. It was momentous, as this hipster dude and moderately preppy blow-out girl actually had a lot of fun.

Got home around 1am - and he had already written me an email, which was nice. He's invited me to one of his spinning shows next week in Williamsburg. That leaves me just enough time to perfect a red stripe in my hair, buy leggings, and purchase some sort of asymmetrical shirt. Hipster mecca here I come!

Me No Sleepy

2007-08-15T04:22:00.000-05:00

You know you're in work too early when you arrive 1.5 hours before Space Shuttle astronauts even start their day.

Yep

2007-08-10T06:53:00.000-05:00

The news business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.

Nothing Particular

2007-08-10T05:11:00.001-05:00

THE SIGN
Yesterday, friends and I talking about the protocol for firing people. News is similar to financial services sector - you know you're in trouble when you arrive at work to find the Head of HR waiting for you in the front lobby. That's pretty much the sign. That got us thinking - what if the Head of HR was wearing a grim reaper costume?
THE 411
I hate that when you call 411 now - and if you just need a street address - you don't get the address. Operator instead automatically hooks you up to the phone number - and charges you to get an address texted to you. The fleecing of America...
VERBAGE
Speaking of texting, my friend Alexis will be appalled to learn that "text" is now a bonafide verb, recognized in the dictionary.
NERDS
Friend Ben is a new dad, and he seems more excited that his daughter's name is a palindrome than the fact that he has a daughter. We actually did high-fives over the name last night at dinner. Can you guess it, smarty pants?
DADDY WARBUCKS
Friend Steve bought me a $30 hairband at Barney's yesterday, and I tried on a $6000 quartz ring. Yeah - Ridiculous. Can't wait to sell out and marry for money. Until now, I've been a fool to fall for love - and that's gotten me alone and contemplating cats... lots of 'em.
BLACKJACK BLING
Forgot to mention, but last week - I nearly quadrupled my money at the Blackjack table in AC! I'm considering a career change.

WADE-A-MINUTE

2007-08-08T05:26:00.000-05:00

Pouring down rain this morning. A newspaper delivery man was wearing waders. Random sight in Midtown.

I was like, "Look at that moron. Great, great, great idea and where can I buy some?"

Mick Dundee and Me

2007-08-07T22:27:00.001-05:00

Just when you thought your luck can't get any worse, you round a corner.... and sometimes, just sometimes - there's a great new adventure.

Last night - while leaving Belgian Blah - I got outside Bryant Park and turned a corner to wait at a light. Then, out of nowhere there he was - a floppy hatted, curly-haired cutie. He said, "Excuse me, do you know where Times Square is?" I told him that I was cutting through Times Square on my way home - and I'd walk him there.

This is the part that gets fun. Being in the middle of Times Square for the first time is pretty mind-blowing. Add about 20+ if you're from a different country. He was from Australia - so of course, besides being slayed by the accent - I was kinda excited to see him in Times Square.

At first glimpse of lights galore - he was pretty overwhelmed. But it was great seeing something I take for granted and consider a maddening tourist trap. He actually said, "I feel like I'm walking into a Video Game." Yeah, he was funny too.

So he takes picures, and I offer him a beer at the top of the Marriott Marquis revolving lounge (I know - totally touristy - but totally mind-blowing for an Aussie). After that, we're kinda buddies for the night. He's traveling around the world solo - and we have a lot to talk about. He then offers to take me somewhere for a beer.

We hitch a horse-and-carriage in Midtown and take it to Rudy's bar of all places. There, we laugh at our pub peers, play random songs on the jukebox with microphone singalong - we play a few practical jokes on each other - and we get into a mustard fight. So much fun.

We stay up until 7am back at my apartment - laughing and visiting, and ultimately passing out. We grab lunch around 1:30pm, head to the Whitney Museum (which is closed, darn the luck) - and part ways, promising to be email pals.

Overall - it was such a nice time getting to know a new, cool person. I'll drink to Belgium boy... who in a way, made it all possible.

Throw Me Over

2007-08-07T21:29:00.000-05:00

Last night was Night #1, Dating Anew, 'Back on the Horse"

Subject: Belgian Diamond Importer
Meeting Place: In front of the NYC Public Library, 6:30pm
Destination: outside bar at Bryant Park

Besides me sweating through a blowout in a humid, crowd-infested NYC rush hour traffic - I was excited about this guy - a fix-up first date. I had a picture, and thought he was cute. Also - he was from Belgium, and I like their chocolates.

Shortly into date, Fantasy and Reality Collided. It wasn't pretty.

He looked down on me from his Belgian beak when I ordered a Corona. He told me that he was soon taking a vacation with his on-again-off-again girlfriend. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?! He told me a lot of things. It was horrible - and I was like "Why are we doing this? Why are you on a date at all?" I somehow morphed into his best guy friend or something - where he was telling me the last girls he dated - the soon-to-be-happening fabulous vacation with established lady friend - and asking me for advice. It was weird. We sat there for 2.5 hours. We parted, and I was sooooo relieved.