Monday, February 28, 2005

"The Crackers"

Yet another riff on "The Gates". Sadly, as Christo's Gates start coming down today, the Somerville Gates are already gone, as the cleaning lady, she has come.

Friday, February 25, 2005

Abandoned Stations

Totally worth a field trip to check these out. I've seen a few already, and it's eerie cool.

Blogging the bloggers

Slate has started keeping tabs on the bloggers. Wonder how long it will take me to make it onto their radar.

Thursday, February 24, 2005

I actually like Chuck

And I think that this stream of unfounded rants about Chuck Klosterman is fine evidence of what a trashy rag NYPress is.

so some French women do get fat

But apparently it's the Americans fault anyway.

Well, that's not allt he article is saying, to be fair. Yet, I have noticed over the past 10-15 years, in Italy, that they've started to eat like us, with frozen yogurt shops replacing gelaterias, and that suddenly everyone is on a diet.

Sad, isn't it?

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

No more fear...

.. no more loathing.

good night to the Good Doctor

Author Hunter S. Thompson was 67.

Bill Clinton is a Rock Star

And now even the evil old Number 41 realizes it.

Since New York Times stories expire, here's a snip for you:

White House Bond: Teamed by No. 43, 41 and 42 Hit It Off
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
...
When Mr. Bush went to the dedication of Mr. Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Ark., with the current president and former President Jimmy Carter in November, the 41st and 42nd presidents talked at times with such familiarity that former staff members were taken aback.

"President Clinton was walking with all the presidents, and former President Bush says, 'Bill, what are you doing with this property back here?' " said Representative Rahm Emanuel, an Illinois Democrat was a top aide to Mr. Clinton. "It only sticks with me because it seemed so 'friendlike.' "

More recently, Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton, whom President Bush appointed last month as his representatives in raising money for tsunami relief, were seen joking with each other as they sat side by side at the Super Bowl, where they had been invited by the National Football League.
...

"Frankly, President Bush likes Clinton a lot," Roland Betts, a close friend of the president, said. "He says he thinks he's a terrific person. He's not judging his administration. He just likes being around him."
...

The warming trend continued a few weeks later, when the president unveiled Mr. Clinton's official portrait at the White House with such gracious words that aides said Mr. Clinton was stunned. Mr. Bush praised Mr. Clinton as a man "with far-ranging knowledge of public policy, a great compassion for people in need and the forward-looking spirit the Americans like in a president."

Mr. Clinton reddened and his eye teared as he acknowledged: "I had mixed feelings coming here today, and they were only confirmed by all those kind and generous things you've said. Made me feel like I was a pickle stepping into history."

By the time of Mr. Clinton's library dedication, he and the Bushes were falling over one another with accolades. But the 41st president spoke about the man who bested him in 1992 in personal and revealing terms.

"It always has to be said that Bill Clinton was one of the most gifted American political figures in modern times," Former President Bush said. "Trust me. I learned this the hard way."

Let's Get It Fugging

I can't believe this woman is sleeping with my "other" boyfriend. Just say no to Crystal Meth, kids!

For those of you who can't keep my fantasy life straight: my husband, my boyfriend on the side, and my other boyfriend. There, that's not so hard, right?

Friday, February 18, 2005

MS Guide to L33tsp3ak

Courtesy of Robb: A parent's primer to computer slang.

And thanks to Jenove: Fo-shizzle.

Pope v. Bono -- Who's peacier?

Now I'm a practicing Catholic, I ate fish today and everything. But so is Bono; he'd get my vote.

Gates in Space!

More Gates, evermore Gates.

See the Little Gray Book Lectures, live.

Next Thursday, the 24th. Do it, observe Presidents' Day, Observed.

deeper, throatier, yet still only occasionally pornographic.

deep throat

deeper throat

WoodStein's legacy

deep throatier

deep throat again and again, oh, god again

not really deep throat

Bush throat

RMV Express Lane - Thank You

I am once again a legal, fully-licensed driver:

The Requested License Renewal Transaction has been successfully processed on 02/18/2005 at 15:55:30.

Your renewed license will be mailed to you. If your current license has expired, you cannot legally operate a vehicle until you receive your renewed license, unless you print and carry this e-mail with you along with your expired license. The bearer of this e-mail has successfully renewed his/her Massachusetts license. The license is in good standing and is not currently expired, suspended, or revoked.
Thank God for that new-fangled internet!

A genuine hipster from Hell...

I still can't quite believe it myself, I'm actually planning on going to see Constantine.

Thursday, February 17, 2005

dining in a tenement

I'm checking out Tenement Lounge for dinner tonight. From what I've seen on their site, it looks great. I'll let you know how it goes....

Saffron in the Bay State

Behold the beauty and wonder of The Somerville Gates. (Thanks, Jeff!)

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Hey, hey, we're the Spongmonkeys!

They love the moon, they once loved the subs, and I still love them. And I'm not the only one. Seth Stevenson of Slate gets it too.

Unfortunately, Quiznos doesn't anymore. The Spongmonkeys have been fired in favor of a gruff-talking baby.

Omniscient or unreliable?

Some thoguhts on omniscient narrators, unreliable narrators, interminable death scenes, and other literary points of view.

Crazier than your average monkey

Definitely crazier than mine. Thanks for the link, Stan!

numanumaye

I can't explain it, but I just like it.

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

America is in the throes of a crack epidemic

Old, but oddly, still relevant. And still funny.

Monday, February 14, 2005

Celebrating the age of consent

Gee, so much loving to comment on today... Send your regards to the
happy couple
.

hearts and flowers for the internet set

My friend Robb is very funny:

roses are #FF0000
violets are #0000FF
all my base
are belong to you

Even if he didn't write it, he sent it, and he made me laugh. Happy birthday, Robb!

Ah, those alluring Swedes

Swedish women shipped in to tempt gay men to go straight.

faint of heart

Courtesy of My Yahoo!, my Daily Scorpio Forecast:

"There's only one way for sensual, sexual you to celebrate Valentine's Day -- and it doesn't involve a single cent, or a cast of thousands. Be sure you're with someone who can keep up. You're definitely not for the faint of heart."

Good thing I'm heading out with a fellow Scorpio tonight; I just hope Jodi can keep up. Also, we've already got the cast of thousands arranged, and it would be a shame to waste them.

Seriously, we're off to the free vibrator party I mentioned last Tuesday. Then we might swing by The Delancey to check out LOVE BITES, a power ballad tribute party, where the lighters are included with admission ($12).

Happy V-Day everyone!

At The Gates

Consider it a Valentine to the city. Manhattan User's Guide devotes today's essay on how these streams of orange help heal our city. I'll have my own photos up soon.

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Deep Throat, mostly the non-pornographic kind

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Watergate break-in. Accordingly, there's been renewed speculation on the identity of Deep Throat.

That would be the informant, not the porn movie. Coincidentally, however, this week a Brian Grazier-produced documentary on the film premiered. It was a cultural benchmark, after all, when even Jackie O went to see it.

Anyway, back to the speculation. A few years ago, William Gaines, a former reporter who teaches investigative reporting at the University of Illinois, led his class in a project to decipher the riddle. The students assembled a list of candidates, contacted all who were still living (Woodward has said he will release the identity once D.T. dies, per their agreement, so from this we know that D.T is still living), and kept those who did not categorically deny it. They ended up with a list of seven possible candidates.

My favorite on that list was Pat Buchanan. I spent a lot of time with Pat up in New Hampshire in 1996, during the New Hampshire primary campaign (he even offered me a job!). Although we disagreed on absolutely everything, I found him to be a much nicer guy than you'd ever expect, and the idea that he may have brought down Nixon amused me. I also dig the fact that he would not confirm or deny, as Pat's not what you'd usually consider a man of mystery.

Recently, old 41 himself, George Herbert Walker Bush, has been floated as a possibility.

However, the latest word is that Mr. Throat is gravely ill, which means that the guessing game may soon be over. Woodward has alerted Ben Bradlee to this, and Bradlee, the only person aside from Woodstein to know the Throat's true identity, admits that he has already prepared an obituary, which includes the revelation.

Pat's been looking healthy lately, so I guess it's not him after all. Unfortuantely, our former Demon-in-Chief is also still hale and hearty, so no dice there either.

Nixon era White House counsel John Dean, himself a front-runner in many Deep Throat guessing games, and also feeling just fine of late, takes this opportunity to consider the constitutional implications of protecting sources.

Editor and Publisher is taking a more hands-on approach with: Early Returns in 'Deep Throat' Contest: Rehnquist Takes the Lead!

Place your bets soon, the clock is ticking!

broken hearted

See, it's true, you can die from a broken heart. Now I feel better for being cold and emotionless.

bird brain

Einstein's a superstar!

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

you know how I love monkeys

From nonsense nyc:
Monkey C Monkey Do

We proudly welcome you and your gaggle to Monkey C Monkey Do, the first
ever pub crawl/bar parade down Avenue C with the theme of monkeys.

We're meeting up at the Sunburnt Cow (9th Street and Avenue C) where
you'll be presented with your Monkey C Card, which will assign you to a
particular type of monkey and describes how you should act ... if you
were a monkey. For one night only you are that monkey.

Also on your Monkey C Card you'll have all the key information about
destinations, times, and pub crawl game rules. Monkey C Cards will only
be given out at the event.

There will be prizes awarded for the most in theme and the best monkey
in the jungle.

Attire is casual as always but please do come socially groomed. This is
a fun event and all are welcome. We strongly encourage you to be in
theme. That said, feel free to go bananas.

We've got 5 bars signed up and prizes already secured. There will be
Monkey themed drink specials at the bars. Pretension should be checked
at the door.

Crawl begins at Sunburnt Cow
9th Street and Avenue C, Manhattan
8:30p-midnight; $free, but you pay for drinks

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Bigshot photographer

My work is on the cover of 24/7 this week. Uncredited, because they suck, but that's mine right there.

Wanna bet?

As previously mentioned, I was way sick with the bronchitis for about a week.

Last Wednesday, when I was well enough to be restless after six days on the couch, but not yet well enough to go out, I called the CB and asked him to come visit and bring a movie. He is my most geographically close friend, after all. He never even called back.

Stan has admitted defeat, and has paid up on the bet well ahead of the deadline. I say, if you can't be nice to me when I'm seriously ill, that's not even a lack of romantic intent, that's just unneighborly.

Open Gates, and a bit of naughty

To do this weekend, details courtesy of New York Magazine:

Stroll or cycle alongside the largest artwork since the Sphinx.
The brainchild of eccentric duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Gates is literally 7,500 gates hung with billowing fabric, standing 16 feet tall and spaced throughout 23 miles of Central Park pathways. The exhibit's opening coincides with Valentine's weekend and tour groups are eager to get in on the act. Official park walking tours offer their take on the project's 26-year history, prior Christos endeavors, details on the Central Park itself and a few surprisingly salacious anecdotes (who was arrested at the zoo for pinching a woman's behind?). For the more ambitious, there's a four-hour, 10-mile bike tour; for the more romantic, here's a handy map for a do-it-yourself, after-dinner stroll.
Central Park Walking Tours
• Feb. 12, 1 p.m.; 2/13, 11 a.m.
• Reservations required, call 212-721-0874; centralparkwalkingtours.com
• $17; private tours available for $25.

Then, on V-Day itself, open bar and free vibrator!
Have a "One Night Stand" at Viscaya Lounge's Sex Show.
In case it takes more than a few cocktails to get your Valentine in the mood, plan your after-hours partying at Viscaya Lounge, where the club will host The Sex Show, the first in a series of art exhibits collectively titled "One Night Stand." Paintings, videos, sculptures and other forms of artwork will be on display throughout the club for your arousal. Be sure to snag a complimentary silver bullet vibrator on your way home (not necessarily your home).
• Feb. 14, 7 p.m.-4 a.m (open bar and hors d'oeuvres 7-8 p.m.).
• Viscaya, 191 Seventh Ave., between 21st and 22nd Sts., 212-675-5980; viscayalounge.com.
• $10 (50% of proceeds go to the American Federation for AIDS Research)

Follow the Money

When I constantly complain about how I can't make ends meet, this is what I'm talking about. So enjoy your cleaning ladies everyone; I still won't be getting one for myself.

Since New York Times articles expire after a fortnight, here you go:

Cost of Necessities Rises in New York
By JENNIFER STEINHAUER

A red-hot real estate market, high-priced orange juice and a ceaseless array of fare increases have combined to make it harder for New Yorkers to make ends meet than at any time in a decade, according to new federal statistics.

Facing prices on necessities that are growing faster than almost anywhere else, many New Yorkers have stopped buying books, hand creams and other discretionary treats, and have sharply decreased their charitable giving in the last few years. A New York family gave nearly 30 percent less to charity on average in 2003 than in 2000, the statistics show.

Between 2000 and 2003, according to figures released on Monday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spending among New Yorkers rose 4.3 percent, while price inflation went up by 5.5 percent. That is the opposite pattern from most of the rest of the country, where spending went up faster than inflation.

Economists say that when inflation goes up faster than spending, it indicates that consumers find it difficult to keep up with rising prices.

"Expenditures went up less than inflation because New Yorkers allocated a large percentage of those expenditures on necessities," said Michael L. Dolfman, regional commissioner in the bureau. "Basically, New York is getting too expensive."

It is the first time that imbalance has occurred in the region in about a decade, reflecting both the national recession that hit New York harder than the rest of the nation, and New York's endless ability to outprice other cities for basic necessities.

Among the cities the department looked at, Los Angeles had the biggest increase in inflation - 5.8 percent - but spending in that city rose 10 percent, reflecting the classic economic theory that spending usually drives inflation. "What makes New York interesting is that it didn't happen that way there," Mr. Dolfman said.

In nearly every category, people in the New York region spent more of their household dollar on essentials than other Americans between 2000 and 2003. Rental prices in the region rose 8.1 percent, while nationally, they went up 4.1 percent.

Food prices rose 9.3 percent in the New York region; nationally they increased 2.7 percent.

What residents gave up were the extras. Spending on clothing fell by 12 percent, and there were also cutbacks in buying meat, poultry, eggs, and tobacco. In 2000, New Yorkers gave $1,353 per family to charity, but by 2003 that amount had fallen to $949.

Monday, February 07, 2005

Don't be soft, man

Me, I actually prefer a little bit of hair on the chest. And I definitely believe that the mustache is making a comeback -- my boss, George Clooney, and the ultimate harbinger of style, David Bowie, all have one right now.

The Propaganda President

"And the two best ways to keep people stupid and nodding is by shutting down the information flow and by stiffing the press. At these chores, Bush excels."

The Emperor's New Hump

Lying, cheating bastard. Cowardly, too, as are the media for letting the story die.

Seriously, I feel one step closer to the regime of 1984 every day, and I don't know what to do about it. Learned helplessness.

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

back among the living

I've been ill, bedridden, coughing and wheezing and suffocating. Sorry no posting, but today's the first day back in front of a computer. Jane and Deb were wonderful, bringing me soup and ice cream and meds; I love them. Dave is afraid of my germs, but he called often to make sure I was okay. Other people who knew I was sick never checked in at all, but you know, there's just not enough love in the world for me! Apparently.

In my absence, my latest and greatest project at work got some national attention. I've just rolled out new photo galleries to our affiliated sites, and OregonLive.com used the new galleries to do a feature on the ravages of crystal meth. Lots of sites, including Memepool, linked to us, and our stats for the photo section shot up to over 600,000 hits a day! Pity when you link directly to a gallery, as these sites did, you can't really see the elegance of my design, but if you follow the direct link to the story and pop the gallery from there, it should look right.

Dying, going home. More tomorrow. Disinfected kisses.