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!
Monday, February 14, 2005
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!
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Safe, Legal, and Never
Hillary's got it dead on when it comes to the abortion debate. For years, I've been so angry with both sides -- one refuses to admit that abortion ends a life, and therefore is a terrible thing to have to do and should not be discussed as glibly as buying a pint of milk. The other side won't be realistic and acknowledge that if you don't want abortions to happen, then you have to do something to make them unneeded, like maybe sex education and accessible birth control.
This is not rocket science, people.
I love Hillary. She's got it exactly right, and she's got the stats and the rhetoric to shut up any opposition. Can we please have her for president in four years?
This is not rocket science, people.
I love Hillary. She's got it exactly right, and she's got the stats and the rhetoric to shut up any opposition. Can we please have her for president in four years?
Some kind of muse
This Saturday is the oft-mentioned gig for which CB let me pick the setlist. He'll also be inflicting Miracle Baby, the song you may have heard at my birthday party, on the unsuspecting public, so maybe letting me pick my faves will make up for my MB embarassment.
Come on down to Freddy's and see what all the fuss is about. Of course, I'm dying of sudden onset severe flu (serves me right), so I might not actually be there to enjoy my dotage, but if you go you can tell me all about it! (bring soup, please!)
The All-Request Hour
featuring songs both new and old!
all about heartbreak and drinking!
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Freddy's Bar & Backroom
485 Dean Street, at 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
no cover!
Directions to Fred's go here.
Come on down to Freddy's and see what all the fuss is about. Of course, I'm dying of sudden onset severe flu (serves me right), so I might not actually be there to enjoy my dotage, but if you go you can tell me all about it! (bring soup, please!)
The All-Request Hour
featuring songs both new and old!
all about heartbreak and drinking!
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Freddy's Bar & Backroom
485 Dean Street, at 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
no cover!
Directions to Fred's go here.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Lord of the Romulans
"Oh, and Merry and Pippen ride around in a tree for an hour. But, so what? Before Jackson got involved, the only people who cared about this crap were dudes who could speak Klingon. Now, my ophthalmologist is just as into it as any Romulan sub-commander."
The best LoTR review ever.
The best LoTR review ever.
~*~ Secret Diaries of Middle Earth~*~
While we're looking back at the glory days of the LotR trilogy, let's not forget these brilliantly funny diaries.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
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