Comments? Email me!
NOTE: Read at your own risk, can be; filled with misspellings, drone, insignificant ramblings coming straight from my head, OVER THE TOP crap...you get the picture. Did I mention misspellings?
October 22, 2008
It is settled. Over a dinner of roasted root veggies from the farmer's market we decided it would be the 101 from San Francisco next Tuesday. Well, one night to play in SFO then on the road on Wednesday. (assuming we make our flights westward!)
Potential stops in Mendocino or Bonneville (sp?), Eureka or Crescent City, Coos Bay or Eugene...or wherever we decide. Final destination and first flight on Alaska Air from Portland, Oregon.
Trip inspired by many things including this rather unlikely source...Who reads the inflight mags anyway?
October 21, 2008
Looking forward to one week from today - - - BOS to SFO. Then will it be the 101 or Rt. 5 up to Portland?
October 20, 2008
How much does Yahoo email suck? Let me count the ways. Be back in a few days.
October 16, 2008
Canada or Bust!
Nearly forgot about my recent trip all the way to Wista. (Worcester) Checked out the Palladium for the first time in forever to see the line up of; Girl in a Coma, City and Colour (Go Dallas!), and Tegan and Sara. Miss the first act with a nod to Morrissey, shame on me. Caught Dallas who was solo and nearly acoustic...VERY, VERY lost in the large concert hall filled with 18 and 19 year olds high on something I'm sure I'm not cool enough to have ever heard of. Tegan and Sara hit the stage with a warm, if not stoned welcome. Performance was better than I'd have imagined - having been there really just to see City and Colour.
My friend/co-worker Rachel penned the following interview with Tegan for Worcester Magazine: Con Job, Tegan Quin explains it all.
October 14, 2008
Chick flick alert...I watched "Music and Lyrics" the other night and while it was a bit-o-fluff, the opening sequence featuring "Pop" (w/ Hugh Grant) an imagined 1980's cheese-ball band was hysterical and made the entire experience worthwhile.
October 13, 2008
This weekend was the first ever Massachusetts Poetry Festival. Held in Lowell, MA in honor of the many poets who spent time in the Merrimack Valley including Frost and Keruoac. I attended Saturday evening's featured reading event with Robert Pinksy, Martin Espada (loved him!) and Lucie Brock-Broido.
October 11, 2008
There is nothing better than a fantastic soundtrack to elevate a mediocre film. Even better when it has ‘throw back' tunes like Doobie Brothers, America and Bad Company. In the case of “Bottle Shock” a film I saw a few months back and had forgotten about entirely until I heard “Listen to the Music” on the local classic rock radio station. Hearing it reminds me of growing up in the 1970's where I remember holding my gigantic tape recorder up to the radio to record music I enjoyed. (and who doesn't get a kick out of remembering something so ridiculous!?!)
As a film, Bottle Shock was not a terrible way to spend 120 minutes. The subject matter of the film really appealed to me. Between the visuals (vintage fashions circa 70's AND Sonoma/Napa) and the music, I was satiated. It is safe to say however, the script needed a bit more attention.
Bit of trivia courtesy of IMDB: The Parisian street scenes were filmed in Sonoma , CA using cars provided by members of the Arcane Auto Society car club. The automobile's owners were used as extras in the street scenes that showed their cars.
On the music; America & Doobie Brothers
October 10, 2008
Last night I attended an event at MIT that ended up being a sold out house with folks waiting in the hallway outside a large lecture hall to hear & participate in a panel discussion featuring several prominent economists from MIT discussing the current world financial crisis. It was targeted to citizens interested in understanding what actually happened to get us here and what is next.
The discussion was VERY interesting and is available for viewing via WEBCAST here. (requires Windows Media Player)
October 9, 2008
Gallup Poll, which as been asking the same question for over 30 years, "How satisfied are you with the direction of the country?" just reported a 9% positive response to this question. Wow.
October 8, 2008
Saw my 3rd film directed by Silvio Soldini, Giorni e Nuvole (Days and Clouds). The other 2 by Silvio I've seen and enjoyed MUCH, MUCH more than this film were; Agata e la tempesta (Agatha and the Storm) and Pane e Tulipani (Bread and Tulips). Perhaps it was the serious and timely nature of the subject matter of Days and Clouds, but overall it's super safe to say that while all were character studies of 'change' in life, I preferred the other films much more!
October 7, 2008
The time sucker that is Facebook offers many ways to pass the hours, days, weeks and months of your life. I was recently looking at some of the groups on Facebook and saw one called "I Love Billerica." Referring of course to the town in Massachusetts where I do not often admit that I grew up, I found the mix of messages on the group's message board quite interesting. There were Brits from the original "Billericay" in the UK writing to ask about where they visit if they were to consider a pilgrimage. There were folks making obscure references to various 'neighborhoods' in Billerica, and there was one person who logged the following message, which I say only a Bostonian would understand, and only a person from 'Ricka would truly NOT appreciate:
XXXXXXXXXX from Billerica Memorial High School wrote
at 8:16pm on June 8th, 2007 Varsity Lacrosse kick ducksbury's ass this sunday. YEAH!!
End of post, I went to Billerica Memorial High School, so there isn't much I can say, is there? (you've read my blog, you know what I'm talking about!)
October 3, 2008
FILM
New respect for George Clooney after seeing Michael Clayton.
Fun & inspiring Man on Wire. Enjoyed at Somerville Theatre with a bit o' seasonal Heffe.
MUSIC
Expanding my "Americana" music period to checking out Ryan Adams career. Both Ryan Adams and Wilco touch on the limits of 'country' sound that I usually run from but am currently appreciating.
In my continued obsession with "Sky Blue Sky," Wilco's most recent release I have pulled out some of what I love the most of several of the tracks. A track I really dig "Impossible Germany" offers some of the tastiest guitar work I've enjoyed in this genre. Having been all over Youtube looking for a vid with sound that not only offers the reality of Jeff Tweedy's voice on the studio track but the clarity of the guitar changes. In the end, I am at a loss.
A couple that are close:
-Ultimately influenced by the visual display, not so much the sound
-This one where the guys are all suited up for Lollapalooza is a bit better for featuring what I love about this song
Ultimately the CD/studio version a with headphones on is the best way to hear it....OR, windows down, great sound system, driving the windy roads of Vermont in the Autumn. :)
Wilco provides full access to listening to the entire album online HERE. Just click "Listen."
September 29, 2008
September 28, 2008
Rain rain go away.
Recently viewed: Way TOO many news programs, the first presidential debate, Vicki Cristina Barcelona, The Diving Bell & the Butterfly (Original french title: Le Scaphandre et le papillon), and the original "Rocky".
In ridiculously repeated rotation for weeks: Wilco's "Sky Blue Sky", particularly tracks 1-3 and 8...Ok, 12 too.
Looking forward to; Octopus Project in about a month, Nada Surf on 12/2, Montreal, New York and/or Iceland.
September 15, 2008
I wonder if the party REALLY IS over for the fat cats on Wall Street? As ridiculous as the television program "Wife Swap" is, the fat pigs who have been earning millions in salary, 'stock sales' and selling shitty mortgages at the potential expense of the American taxpayer ought to be forced to swap lives with someone who is 'Nickel and Dimed." I realize we are a free market economy and as I heard someone say recently "is it against the law to get your employer to pay you as much as you possibly can?", I don't believe in the MASSIVE gaps in economic status we have in this country. Perhaps I'd do better in Denmark.
I cannot believe I am hearing on the news "Is it really better to stuff your money into your mattress?"
Golden calf or golden parachute? Which is more ridiculous?
September 14, 2008
August 23, 2008
I bought a six pack of deliciousness to finish out the summer with recently:
August 10, 2008
Facebook is generally a time-sucking car crash, but recently I found a funny group called "You know you are from Boston when...." I wasted another hour having some laughs.
Here are some funny excerpts:
WHEN WE SAY ________ WE MEAN...
Bizah - odd
Flahwiz - roses, etc.
Hahwahya? - how are you?
Khakis - what we staht the cah with
Pissah - superb
Retahded - silly
Shewah - of course
Wikkid - extremely
Yiz - you, plural
Popcahn - popular snack
More truths:
Frappes have ice cream; milk shakes don't.
If it's fizzy and flavored, it's tonic.
Soda is club soda. Pop is dad. When we mean tonic WATER, we say tonic WATER.
The smallest beer is a pint.
Scrod is whatever they tell you it is, usually fish.
If you paid more than $6 a pound, you got scrod.
It's not a water fountain, it's a bubblah.
It's not a trash can, it's a barrel.
It's not a shopping cart, it's a carriage.
It's not a purse, it's a pockabook.
It's not a living room, it's a pahlah.
They're not franks, they're haht
dahgs. Franks are money in France.
They're not groceries, they're bundles.
July 15, 2008
Proving that I've rearranged my work space (where I spend MUCH of my time) to be ERGOnomic.
This scene unfolded in front of my house this evening. More action (what you cannot see are 3 police cruisers in addition to the ambulance and 2 fire trucks) than I got when rear ended on the J-way (state property), totaling my Volvo. In my case it took nearly 18 minutes for an unmarked cruiser to arrive on the scene.
This scene, from Sunday - was much more pleasant.
July 14, 2008
Been a while:
Everyday Visuals at TT The Bear's Place. These guys feature layered, lush, harmonies. Keep all eyes on these guys. They are goooooooooood. If you'd like a sampling of the sounds click here.
Ever been to Sake Bomb Sunday at UNI, the Sushi bar at Clio? I recently visited.
The vespa is up and running in top form. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
June 21, 2008
In the land of CTI again this weekend. Enjoying what is a tremendously beautiful spot at the Hyatt Harborside at Logan Airport. After 3 monthly 3 day weekends, I consider this place to be one of THE best views, if not THE BEST of Boston. Reminds me a bit of the view of San Francisco from Sausalito. (on a smaller scale) One of the best parts about the Hyatt's proximity to the city is that you can take the MBTA boat there! (you can even take a water taxi, it just costs 5x as much) In these summer months, sitting on the patio at the Hyatt looking across the harbor at the city, sipping a cocktail seems about as good as anything I can think of for a summer day.
Haven't downloaded much on Toronto so I'll list a few gems here, now, PICS and:
Shopping:
Courage My Love, 14 Kensington Ave in the Kensington Market district. (A Toronto institution so cool I cannot find a web site for them!)
Dancing Days , just across the way at #17
Fresh Collective (VERY cool!)
Sleeping:
Eating:
Sampling:
Sipping:
Peller Estates Winery
Biking: (yes, biking!)
June 15, 2008
A recent issue of Boston Magazine featured an article about Boston based musician Bart Steele. Bart, who wrote and had copywrited a song dedicated to the Boston Red Sox and their fans is battling Bon Jovi and their legal team over the idea that a song on Bon Jovi's recent release, "Lost Highway" is actually Bart Steele's song, re-worked.
Article in Boston Magazine / Sound bit of Bart discussing this
June 13, 2008
I've had 2 sets of friends who have partners with an intense fear of flying. Both of my friends are 'travelers.' How do you cope with having a husband/wife/partner who won't fly if you are one who wants to see the world? I've heard several of what I consider fascinating 'HE DROVE WHERE?' stories from both parties. One most recent is a drive from Boston to St. Louis, Missouri! That's about 1200 miles. Seem fairly reasonable that one might drive there if they were staying for a spell, but the reason for this trip was ONE MEETING! Amazing. I mapped it out..it's a nearly 20 hour drive if you do it all in one shot. I actually found someone who practically compared driving vs. flying (Boston to St. Louis actually) and wrote this bit on his comparison. Of course, there is no addressing fear of such intensity with practical facts such as CO outputs. But Boston to St. Louis certainly beats out the Savannah to Chicago story I'd last heard.
June 12, 2008
Pics of team "Hello Stiletto's" participation in the all day scavenger hunt fundraiser for The Accelerated Cure Project.
June 11, 2008
I have recently come to find Kathy Griffin (comic) really, really entertaining. She used to be entirely annoying to me. I was watching an episode of her show "My life on the D list" where she was preparing to attend an awards show with someone she's recently been dating; Steve Wozniak...the guy who founded Apple Computer with Steve Jobs. What an ODD pair. Cannot tell if that is a manufactured pair up or truly organic.
She recently hosted Bravo TV's own Awards show called "A List." Irony built in. I watched most of this show and saw at least 2 stunts where Kathy Griffin fell down onto the stage floor in the name of 'comedy.' Actually, one of those occasions was pretty darn funny. No online clips are available at this time, but check the show if you are curious.
Some clips I enjoy that are available:
...on Paula Adbul
...on Paris Hilton
...on The Olsen Twins & Hollywood Clubbing
May 28, 2008
I just got a picture message on my phone..The caption was "I hope someone took notes..."
....it's a photo of the carburetor of my Vespa on the floor of a friend's house in Newton, in 97 pieces.
May 22, 2008
More good Death Cab for Cutie stuff ...eventually I'll stop talking about these guys here. I hung my autographed show poster from "Narrow Stairs" not far from my 2004 "Pretty Girls Make Graves" poster. (and above a vintage oil portrait of some bride from 1952 I don't even know - makes for good conversation)
All the guys in DC4C are quite talented. Ben Gibbard most noteably for his solo gigs and his side project 'The Postal Service," Chris Walla has a solo and collaboration career of his own. The drummer and bassist tend to get less press however I have read some of the bassists short stories, available on the DC4C website.
The first Death Cab song I ever heard, back in 2000 or 2001 I think - I don't actually remember when but I remember EXACLTY where I was; "Champagne from a Paper Cup."
Also very cool, Death Cab covering Stone Roses "I want to be adored."
May 16, 2008
Just about to disappear for 3 days into the CTI world. 3 intense days, homework filled nights - before retiring each night I will relax looking at this page. (All DC4C all the time!)
Check out the 'extended' version of their newest single.
May 15, 2008
Tuesday, 5/13 was World Cocktail Day - and it was spectacularly celebrated in an event I attended at Green St. Grille in Cambridge. (Technically and according to the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans, it is World Cocktail Week)
Wednesday, 5/14 was World Hangover Day, celebrated, but not as spectacularly.
May 12, 2008
Recently dined at; Rocca Kitchen & Bar, Border Cafe, Redbones, and a lovely Italian family restaurant on Cape Cod, Gerardi's.
Recently viewed on the BIG and small screen; "Mio fratello è figlio unico", "And Then She Found Me", "Mar Adentro", and "Leben der Anderen, Das" (aka: The Lives of Others).
On Sunday I got the amazing opportunity to be among a super small group of fans to sit & watch 'Death Cab for Cutie' play a few tracks from their album (released 5/13) "Narrow Stairs." Sitting on an oriental rug, 2 feet from the band, at Q Division Recording Studios, it was a more personalized experience than seeing them at Lupos (or not), or at Avalon among hundreds or thousands of others. I was afforded this opportunity through a friend who knew I was a huge fan and has passes 'in' that day, Mother's Day. 4 years ago on Easter Sunday, they did a similiar show at Q Division, which I was also fortunate enough to be in attendance at. Another friend aware that I was a fan had a friend who worked at the studio and 'got me in.' That time, in 2004, there were about 100 of us squeezed in to the tiny studio. This time around, were were barely 20 people. Fantastic!
Ever have an MRI? I always wondered why OPEN MRI's advertised on rhe radio & newspapers were such a big deal. Now, this claustrophobic understands and gives thanks to .10 mg of valium and the power of mind over matter ;)
May 5, 2008
It's Cinco de Mayo and a good friend's bday today. Happy birthday Al! I'll end the day watching a Mariachi band and sipping a margarita for sure.
Thinking more about a film viewing and discussion I attended last week; "The House We Live In" : A Training about Racism and Housing. This evening was eye opening and makes me really appreciate the work of the Somerville Community Corporation and their efforts to form a more cohesive, tolerant community in what is a most densely and diversely populated city, at the ultimate grass roots level. Doing a bit of research on this topic, I see that many other communities are using the same PBS special in 'neighborhood airings' including the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.
May 4, 2008
Saw "Mio fratello è figlio unico" (My brother is an only child) this evening. Seemed liked a shorter, more compacted version of "La meglio gioventu" (The best of youth - 7 hour drama). Overall super-enjoyable.
Sampled "Hungry Mother" before-hand.
Speaking of high quality food and cocktails, had another lovely night at Highland Kitchen last night. Mint Julep night!
Coming up on May 13, World Cocktail Day. Sitting in the presence of a couple of Boston's most noted drinkmasters the other evening at No. 9 Park, I learned of an event celebrating this underrated 'holiday.' :) I'll be at Green Street Grille celebrating, will you?
Looking back at my No. 9 Park experience...5 courses, holy guacamole! Well, there was no guacamole just impeccably prepared food served with kick ass wines I felt so fortunate to sample. Ironically, even as a foodie I've not dined at too many of Boston's more posh establishments. My dining partner wanted to treat me to RADIUS. I was thrilled to have an opportunity to check this poncy joint out...and was moments away from all it's glory only to be foiled by the mess that was the water main break disaster that closed much of the financial district in Boston last week. No. 9 was the backup restaurant and was nothing short of amazing! Radius, shmadius. No. 9 is for me!
May 3, 2008
Current TV obsession (for the 1 hour a week I've been able to watch TV) : Carrier, the PBS series documenting a 2005 deployment of the USS Nimitz for 6 months supporting the Iraq war. 17 filmmakers traveled on the ship in order to make this film which is SPECTACULARLY compelling - I could watch for hours. The portraiture of the crew is so incredibly fascinating to me. Even the soundtrack was good! Obvious props to the crew and members of the military who do what you come to understand they do in support of our country. Props also to the filmmakers who crafted an unbelievable documentary - - allowing the 'rest of us' a peak in!
May 2, 2008
A piece I wrote for my amazingly talented friend Melissa who runs HELLO STILETTO, a free social networking club for shoe lovers, can be read here:
Fashion Sightings in Italy, Observations and Obsessions by Lisa D
May 1, 2008
April 15, 2008
The Yellow Volvo is declared OFFICIALLY dead. :(
What should I buy next?
April 7, 2008
I thought I was all finished with Nouvelle Vague - until I deciphered the artist who performed a track on a mix CD given to me from a friend (without tags) was by Nouvelle Vague. The track haunted me for weeks and not knowing who it was bothered me...in the end I've tracked it down to Nouvelle Vague doing "In a manner of speaking." Since I'm familiar with Nouvelle Vague as 'covering' other artists I'm trying to figure out who they are covering.
There are some out there convinced it's TuxedoMoon and according to Nouvelle Vague's site, it is. More attractive, in my travels I've seen a Youtube Vid accompanied by Martin Gore of Depeche Mode's version that has some amazing imagery from the film world, many of them are very beautiful.
April 6, 2008
On Saturday I had the opportunity to see a band that may not have made my radar had I not been with a friend for whom this was a BIG DEAL...Carbon Silicon. Mick Jones of the Clash playing with Tony James of Generation X and Big Audio Dynamite at the helm along with another Big Audio Dynamite alum, Leo Williams. A video from the eve is here.
My friend for whom it was a big deal also happened to tour with The Clash in the late 80's and was horrified to hear me say that heard The Ramones in the sounds of the eve.
Because really, these guys are OLD geezers at this point, for rockers anyway, here is a vintage YouTube vid of one of the only Clash songs they sampled this night. (when they were young)
I took a moment to revel in a old B.A.D fave.
March 24, 2008
I've been distant from this forum. I'm thinking there is a better tool for managing this outlet than Dreamweaver which I currently use to edit my site. It's also possible that the copy of Dreamweaver I possess is corrupt. Every time I open it my computer misbehaves. Not to mention the time suckage that has prevented my discretionary online time due to caving in to Facebook.
Coupla notes in the spirit of keeping this forum alive:
Mela - South End Indian. First time I've had Jalfrezi since my London days. Glad I stepped out of the Korma and Saag routine. Thumbs up on the Peshwari Naan, my all time fave. There was a little something strange about nibbling Indian to techno music however.
Waited a bit too long or perhaps didn't properly store my 1999 Livon Sauvignon. Popped it open on bunny-day and it wasn't at it's best. :(
Watching earlier Javier Bardem (an all time fave) in The Dancer Upstairs. (which upon my first viewing hadn't realized was John Malkovich)
Waiting, waiting, waiting patiently for sunnier, warmer days.
March 8, 2008
Saw Sambalolo last night. Boubacar Diabate, the leader of the band comes from Mali in West Africa although he's quite a popular presence in the Somerville/Cambridge/Boston area. Boubacar sings in the Griot style which implies singing of poetry. Having seen Boubacar solo and with Sambalolo which can include up to 10 additional band members, the more interesting of the two to me is watching the full band play in a style that is almost 'sesiun' like. Always attracting an interesting crowd, Sambalolo can be seen again in Boston every Monday at the Midway in JP, fairly regularly at Matt Murphy's Pub in Brookline and occassionally at Johnny D's & Ryles. (or, if you find yourself in Bamako, the capital city of Mail in April, you can check them there!)
I found this great article linked in the NY Times regarding music in Mali.
March 3, 2008
This is NOT Boston.
#1
#2
#3 (maybe the best one!)
March 1, 2008
There are few Italian wines I've tasted that I do not like. There are many that are 'wasted on me' and a few I'd do not prefer, but I can't say that I've sipped one that I would NOT drink, even if desperate. Until now. "Sipavola" Rosso di Sicilia IGT Nero D'Avola and Cab Sav blend (65/35%) Ick! I love Nero D'Avola normally. Maybe it was a bad bottle and it was certainly young as a 2006 vintage but Yuck! Could have been my 'buds' were in a mood, but did I say Yuck? I want my $15.99 back. Nah, just kidding, that is what is great about wine. And now I can see, Italy is not perfect ;)
Recently had a chance to sample a bottle of wine with friends that I don't often get the opportunity to sip, Banfi's Cum Laude. Cum Laude is a 4 grape blend of Sangiovese, Cab, Merlot and Syrah. I am usually on the 'selling' side of this wine and I always call it "Large and IN CHARGE." Of all the folks I've sold this wine to, I've not come across one who admitted they did not enjoy it tremendously. DEELishus. Last night I sipped with a collector and admirer of fine french wines - fresh off his winter sail - and paired with foie gras (yeah, I had some!) - it was enjoyed by all. Thanks Vito.
Later in the evening I enjoyed a last call cocktail at ES where I feel entirely comfortable putting myself in the hands of their career drinkmasters. My Manhattan was made with Rye, not bourbon as I am used to and it was FANTASTIC. The treat at the end was a special cherry whose name I've forgotten - but it was like the nougatty center of the tootsie pop. YUM!
Enjoyed a fascinating repeat episode of last week's "This American Life" discussion of Testoserone. Absolutely fascinating.
February 29, 2008
Speaking about the movie Juno and my attempt at trying to pin down the time it was meant to be set in, I feel pretty foolish as I was discussing this with someone last night - we were waxing about the music and how that played a role in 'time-stamping' - and then my friend pointed out THE CARS (not the band, the actual vehicles used in the film), duh...Juno drove a late-model-ish mini van AND in the driveway of the parents who were going to adopt Juno's baby - there was a late model Lexus. Ok, so I'm no Nancy Drew.
Yesterday on WMFO (91.5 Tufts University free form radio) at about 9:30 AM there was a string of music that I JUST LOVED...about 4 songs, only one I recognized as being by "Deathcab for Cutie", who I love, love, love - the rest of the artists I had no clue who they were but LOVED the songs - each unique in their own way and representing an entirely different genre (one was spanish influenced, one indie-rock and another rap-like - which concerns me ;). I've gone to the station web site and am unable to find a published playlist. Do you see one there? I called the station and apparently got the listener line and ended up on the air unintended. Eek! I guess I'll send an email.
Which would you rather have in a home; parking, south facing sunlight, a good neighborhood, 'move in condition' or just a really low price? Unrealistic to shoot for all 4, how 'bout 3 out of 4? I don't think so it's so unrealistic. I'm still looking.
Tried Gaslight last night. French-style brasserie in the South End of Boston WITH free parking. Ok, it's SOWA, but still has parking. While driving right up to a restaurant in the South End if refreshing, I don't think I'd go back there for anything other than a cocktail. I can't eat that crazy french food lathered in butter. My poor stomach is still having it's say with me. Steak Tartare, Escargot, Beet Salad and a bitty part of a pressed (really tightly) cuban. Rose Blanc de Blanc and a highly acidic well balanced Chardonnay. Passable service - barely. Serving food til 1:30AM it'll be a nice late night option for some. Also, noticing the A-list 'industry' crowd piling into the bar starting at 11:30PM - I expect it will be an industry hang out - potentially keeping the party going until well after the lights are switched off.
February 24, 2008
I have only managed to see a few of the films nominated for Oscars. Of them, my 2 absolute favorites are; Juno and Away from Her (with Julie Christie nominated). I just caught Juno last night and among other notes I logged mentally, I realized a habit I have of almost always trying to understand the time a movie is set in from the moment a film begins. I've done it unconsciously for as long as I can remember. Last night I realized I ALWAYS do this and caught myself in it unable to pin down a time. Hamburger phone? The bicycle Juno rode. Wardrobe almost a bit 70's but a bit too 'currently hip' to have been actual 70's, and then the dialogue, was too 'hipster' current...for example the "pha-shizzle" comment made early on in the film by Ellen Page. My assessment was that the film was current and although it appears to have been set somewhere somewhat rural (missed the car tag state ID's), it seems like the major hint, which was the wardrobe and some of the musical references.
Speaking of music, there was the soundtrack. So happy to hear one of my most fave bands of ALL TIME, Belle & Sebastian in the mainstream. Such a good choice for the film! Also Cat Power, Sonic Youth....worthy purchase for sure.
February 22, 2008
Things I have been meaning to make note of:
Castroni on Via Cola di Rienzo, 196 in Roma. Visited this international food store in Roma specifically to seek out the tasty little picante rice snacks that I became so enamored by during my multiple visits to Baan Thai last month. Can one be enamored with little rice snacks? Oh, yes. Their web page seems to exist no longer but it seems everybody knows about it. NY Times reference here.
The 'other' spa experience I had was at Acqua Madre Hammam. My experience here was mixed. Massage wasn't great but I might consider the turkish bath. Very small space worth an hour or 3 to restore and relax.
Osteria dell'Anima. Between this place and Zeus, they are among the most visited places by me in Roma. Osteria has no web presence, save for the folks who have also discovered it and written about it online. 'karen in california' said something nice about it here.
Osteria Pistoia, fantastic little neighborhood joint near Daphne's house. Newly opened, their website isn't stable as yet. Fun little place with inspiring foods and the largest wine glass pours I've seen in Roma.
Much more domestic, but with an international 'idea' recently ate at Zocalo in Arlington (fish tacos!), Sei Bar in Medford (the Lisa roll, of course!), All Star Sandwich Bar in Cambridge (veggie cuban & fries).
February 20, 2008
Finally made it to Bin 26 tonight. I've been meaning to get there for nearly a year now! It's a cute little space on Charles Street and owned by the folks who also have nearby Lala Rokh. Wandered around the ample 'by the glass' selection and sampled a few different pours including; an interesting white blend they have bottled for them in Umbria (can't remember the grapes now), a white from Uraguay and a rose blend from Maremma in Toscana. (Cab/Sang.) The Uraguayan white was LOVELY and the rose the most interesting to me. My sipping partner went for the reds including; Dolcetto, Gamay, and Aglianico. The nibbles were only OK; mussels first and then a beet and endive salad that cried out for either a cheese or nut "friend" on the plate. I'd go back, more for the wine than the eats however. :)
February 18, 2008
On 60 Minutes recently there was a program about the 'happiest countries' in the world. I'd recently read a study on this and the results were more or less the same as to what was presented in this video, aired last Sunday on 60 Minutes.
February 14, 2008
"The more sincerely you honor your heart, the more sincerely your heart will be honored." -TW
February 13, 2008
A friend of mine spending some time kicking back in Italia is currently on a coupla day trip through Tuscany. Yesterday, on my recommendation he sought out what I consider to be one of the most amazing 'local gems' -- local, if you are in Monteriggioni, near Siena. Bar Dell'Orso. If you are hungry and a veggie, you don't want to click here.
February 12, 2008
David Bowie, Life on Mars. Check Ziggy's shoes, they are fabulous....I wonder if he would like to join the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club?
February 11, 2008
After another lovely evening doing dinner with and for the folks at the Richard Ring, our talented volunteer sous chef, Josh invited us to the 'soft opening' of The Achilles Project, a concept future destination spot presenting limited edition, high-endish fashion in a restaurant bar setting. A very convenient idea for the label concious, hungry for quality eats, shop-a-holic with a healthy disposable income. No, seriously, this place is quite cool and since food, wine and fashion are just a few of my passions, I'll be back. Nearly 10K square feet of loft space in the fomerly 'edgy' Fort Point community about to become the next large 'foodie' destination neighborhood. Going, going, nearly gone are the down-to-earth, creative artists who previously inhabited their live work loft spaces. Saturday night in a few months this place will be a yuppy-ville traffic jam with 3 series BMW's clogging the valet line. I'll be circling the block in the yellow Swedish ride, too frugal to valet and perhaps a bit embarrased to put my shit-can in the valet line!
We took a few photos with 'The Dash' tonight.
February 10, 2008
When I am gone, I can only hope that people talk of me the way they have of Keith.
February 8, 2008
There is a street in Brookline, MA that I often pass by on my way to and from work. I often think what lovely a street it is and how nice it might be to live there. This morning I was watching the news and came across this story:
Cab lands on porch in Brookline
Pictures of my favorite massage place in Roma, Baan Thai. - Click here.
February 6, 2008
It is a widely held belief and one to which I subscribe, that if you are regularly grateful for abundance in your life, more of 'the like' will be. I also subscribe to the belief that being gracious and thankful for what we already have is a key to happiness and keeps away the negatives. So, when I mentioned REAL BILLS in yesterday's entry I will note my thankfulness for 2 things that occurred immediately before writing that entry, that I did NOT spin to the positive:
(1) My VISA bill arrived with a NEGATIVE balance. I'd returned a pair of shoes I bought online a few months ago and while I was waiting for the credit to appear on my statement, it wasn't at the forefront on my mind. How nice to come back from vacation with ONE piece o' plastic having a negative balance!
(2) My American Express bill also arrived and while the balance here is FAR from being in the negative, I got an unexpected $25- credit applied for no apparent reason. Just a 'thanks for being our customer.' I'll take that, thank you very much!
This evening I went to the symphony at Symphony Hall in Boston. The evening featured an open rehersal of some classical pieces I'd never heard of. I won't pretend to know much of classical live music. I can only claim to enjoy listening & watching. Some thoughts that ran through my head this evening while watching the conductor lead his musicians....
-Each one of the musicians and especially the conductor have spent time in some of the most amazing and famous cities of the world; Berlin, London, Zurich, Amsterdam, Prague, Tokyo, Venice....what a life. I wondered if they love the travel as much as the music they play.
-What's up with the tuba guy...OK, maybe it's not even a tuba but some other VERY LARGE horn. The poor guy sits there through a piece lasting 30+ minutes with a gigantic instrument on his lap waiting for the one moment where he plays 5 notes for a grand total of 7 seconds. What a rip off. ;)
-Perhaps the most useful thought I had was; Man, is this relaxing. :)
In my investigation of online photo storage and display online services, I uploaded some pics to Flickr yesterday and today I tried Snapfish.
"A Day outside of Roma", check it out!
February 5, 2008
After a brief hiatus abroad, it's back to real life with real bills and real work and the very real ability to exercise one's right make an impact on our government. I took my Spanish houseguest to my polling place today while I voted. While most folks vote in schools or social centers, my polling place is a hospital. My guest could not understand how elections could be held on a business day when folks have to work - as in many other parts of the world, including Spain, voting is held on the weekend, Sunday particularly, when most folks are not required to be at work. This makes much sense and I'm wondering where our Tuesday tradition comes from?
Even after a brief spell of time in an amazing city, the eternal city - upon my return home, my weekend in Maine and the event that brought me there, a speaking event featuring Dr. Christiane Northrup, competes for the #1 highlight of my year thus far. She is an amazing woman.
I'm experimenting with Flicker for displaying photo collections. Here are two sets of photos recently snapped:
Friday is fresh fish night in Rome & Daphne's Mexi-Roma birthday party.
January 11, 2008
The movie "Eight Below" was recently on the TV again. I love that film for it's awesome doggies and it's message.
January 9, 2008
Is it me or does anyone else think that the New Pornographer's "Myriad Harbor" sounds like the Pixes?
I wish folks could answer. Gotta work on changing the i-face for this blog. I'll be adding this task to my official 'while I'm on vacation' list. Call me on it if not done by early February.
January 7, 2008
A wonderfully warm day in Boston today. Walking along in Back Bay not wrapped up like an Eskimo sure was refreshing! Hit 60 degrees I read.
On this day in 1924 George Gershwin completed "Rhapsody in Blue", you know, the United Airlines 'theme song.' ;)
On this day in 1996 most of the East Coast of the US was dumped upon with anywhere from 1-4 feet of snow. (making today ever more glorious for what it was!)
On this day in 1999 the impeachment of President Clinton began.
Today is Katie Couric's birthday.
The End.
January, 6, 2008
Just went back and edited all my date entries in this blog since the new year from what I'd posted until today as 2007, to 2008. I presume I'll have to keep doing this another month or so... :)
Good news for one of my favorite Friulan varietals.
Last night I was weighing my chances of being able to order 'un spritz' at B-side without a long and annoying explanation of what the heck it was. An acquaintance of mine had a little 'drink up' at this hip Cambridge hang-out last night to celebrate his leave of absence from a large well known software company. He is leaving tomorrow for 2.5 months of attempting to live like a Roman. With a rented apartment, a penchant for fashion (J'ador Dior!) and shopping, and 2.5 months of no set agenda, I thought seeing him off with one of my favorite (really Venetian) cocktails to enjoy while in Italy was a good idea. Only when I finally got the attention of a server, the only thing I managed to utter was; 'an IPA please.' Oh, well, I'll be able to order 'un spritz' without explaination within a coupla weeks.
Another American acquaintance of mine who has been living in Venice for several years keeps a blog and wrote a bit about 'un sprintz' in her entry here.
While this has been an ongoing issue in Napoli ever since the planned 'recycling of waste' process failed, the current situation of stacked up garbage lining streets - much of it being torched regularly has me thinking twice about a zip down to Napoli from Roma at the end of the month.
January 5, 2008
Josh Rouse's "Hollywood Bass Player", love this song, clever story telling.
Another great story by Spoon, "Black like Me." This live performance lacks the drama of the radio edit, but worthy viewing all the same.
Hard to find and since their really a 'country band' this is probably the only track I'll LOVE from the Everybodyfields. Unbelievable harmonization.
It's the changes and shifts in this song, it's positivity and the fact that it doesn't really sound much like Badly Drawn Boy that makes this interesting.
Finally, THIS VIDEO makes me laugh so hard!
January 4, 2008
Recently consumed
Visually: Before the Devil Knows Your Dead, A Mighty Heart, an adorable YouTube of 3rd graders to The Decemberists "Apology Song." A strange video of Spoon's "Don't you evah",
Aurally: New Pornographers, Beirut, Chromatics, Octopus Project, The National, LCD Soundsystem, Sea Wolf, Of Montreal,
Gustatorily: Delicious Indian, too much junk food, Tofu Bibimbab, chewing gum - yes, it's a problem. Through imbibing: Bubbles of all forms; Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, even Californian. And for good balance and health, the kind from Maine (Poland Springs!)
January 3, 2008
I would prefer not to start the new blog year yapping about something negative, but I am determined to turn this issue into something positive, not just for me, but for others. Perhaps I am nieve, however, I don't care.
Back in March of 2007 I was traveling on Perkins St. in JP nearly at the intersection of the Riverway. Both Perkins St. and the Riverway are well traveled roads. So much so that after days of driving rain, part of the Perkins St. roadway gave way to a pothole so large that within a 5 minute period, myself and 4 other drivers were stranded on the 'side' of Perkin St. in the middle of a pounding Nor'Easter with one or multiple tires blown out. As it happens not just one of my tires were affected, but all of them. I spent $600 the following day replacing one tire and one alloy wheel, but all of the wheels were affected and to this day the ride in my car is not a smooth one. Not knowing whose jurisdiction this strech of roadway is managed by; whether "The City of Boston" or "The Dept. of Conversation and Recreation" (formerly known as MDC), I filed claims for reimbursement with both entities. Within 6 weeks I had recieved a response from each. The City of Boston blamed the DCR and denied the claim. The DCR blamed the City of Boston also denying my claim. What's a girl to do? Well, I dropped the issue, not having the energy to address it at the time. However, after 8 months of a shitty ride in my car and staring down the barrel of an $1800 investment replacing the other 3 wheels, I'm somehow motivated to see what other options there are to resolve this mess. We're only 1/4 a way through our long winter in Boston and already the roads are like a mine-field in a war zone. One has to be an expert driver to be able to detect and constantly recall where the potholes lie in the roadways...as they can be there, in the very same state for weeks and even months. There has to be a better answer to addressing the repair of potholes on the roads which are only getting more and more traveled. This combined with our weather influences make it clear that a more cooperative solution needs to be in place. Don't you think?
December 30, 2007
So talented are the couple, well former couple - Jason Schwartzman and Julie Delpy that they are both actors AND musicians. I love the new single from Schwartzman's band, "Coconut Records." In "Nightiming" I hear essences of 1970's Indian Disco riffs that I just LOVE! It seems that his brother Robert does vocals on his latest release as well as Kirsten Dunst! The actor/musician crossover seems to be a popular thing these days.
At the Coconut Records website they are currently promoting their new video for the song; West Coast. A video dedicated to Nighttiming does not seem to exist, except for a ridiculous YouTube vid of Robert Schwartzman lip syncing to the song seemingly while on drugs and looking a LOT like Paolo Nutini. The sound in this video stinks though.
December 26, 2007
-----The majority of negative emotion is trying to go back to what you knew before.-----
Asheville, NC 10/27/07
Abraham Hicks
December 24, 2007
My Christmas tulips. My Christmas Tree.
December 23, 2007
On a more positive note, last Monday, for the second year in a row I gathered a few friends and visited a long term residence run by the Pine Street Inn to cook dinner and dine with the residents. It's an entirely positive experience and a chance to be active in doing something for others beside writing a check. Some of the residents remembered us from our visit last year and they'll be seeing a lot more of an extended group of us as my friend Angus has committed to visiting once a month in the coming year. If you are a local person who reads this blog and would like to join one week, be in touch at lisadimatteo at yahoo dot com.
After our dinner we retreated to one of my favorite pubs in JP, James' Gate. We sat near the fire, talked about our experience at the Richard Ring House and created our own little scotch tasting.
Pics of this luxurious, homemade and impromptu tasting to be posted here soon!
December 10, 2007
Another photo that reminds me of an amazing person gone to this world.
December 9, 2007
Anyone who knew this guy was damn lucky. Unique, creative, brilliant, artistic, expressive, a gentleman with a heart. Keith, you will be missed forever.
My favorite memory of Keith can be viewed here.
December 6, 2007
See you soon Roma. (just in time for January sales :)
December 4, 2007
Whole Foods is coming to Medford! Woo hoo, no more dealing with the crazy parking lot at Fresh Pond. Although I'm sure I'll still shop at other locales as the Wild Oats that Whole Foods is taking over is VERY small....how big can they possibly make the cheese counter in a space that tight?
My friend Samy is reveling in the impact of the Whole Foods merger with Wild Oats. She owns a wine shop right next door to a Wild Oats (now Whole Foods) that DID sell wine...although her selection is much more thoughtful, unique and quality based. Whole Foods only has a few licenses to sell wine in Massachusetts and they are not exercising this right at their Andover location. Cha-Ching - Cha-Ching for Samy!!! Visit her sometime...perhaps on a Thursday night when she offers a free wine tasting from 6 to 8PM. Wine-Sense :)
Listening to: Shins.
Whipping up: Dinner - Veggie polenta alla leftovers da Lisa, mushrooms sauteed in garlic with tri-colored peppers & spinach. Polenta dissolved in water and veggie stock with freshly grated cheese - combined to bake with crispy onions & topped with whole wheat panko crumbs. Paired with Montepluciano d'Abruzzo.
December 3, 2007
The Good, the bad, the ugly and the strange.
The good:
My Berkshire Ale enjoyed while I *actually* watched the Pat's game (well much of it).
The bad:
My day :(
The ugly:
The cold weather in Boston at the moment.
The strange:
First, as I was walking in the plaza where I work, a woman of at least 70 years old stops me and tells me that I look like her grandmother. Hmmm...."Really?" I responded. "Yes, she was Armenian!" ???????????????
Second, my GPS failed me on directions for the first time! I was in Newton and needed to get to the post office so I selected the option to view all local 'PO's' and the nearest was listed as 1.2 miles away....on Wayne Road. I selected this one and followed the instructions deep into a residential neighborhood. The voice indicating "Arriving at destination; US Post Office on right" had me pull up to a multi level residential home where through the window I could see a family enjoying TV. hmmmm???? Strange bug in the Garmin software. I wonder how many folks actually knock on their door.
Finally, me watching a football game! (strange for sure!)
December 1, 2007
I was reading a bit about Prague on Trip Advisor and came across THIS article, written for a British newspaper, by a Brit about Britons behaving badly while on holidays abroad.
If my Christmas stocking was filled with THIS I'd be so very happy. I'm addicted to this stuff and can't find anywhere in the US that sells it. My Italian connection sends me some from time to time but my consumption has increased recently and it's those in-between times that are killer.
Dined this evening at the Scarlett Oak Tavern in Hingham, MA. Cozy fireplace, leather seating, very warm bar that looks over the wood grilled pizza oven. Yum.
Listening to: Band of Horses
November 29. 2007
Regarding the recent "Octopus Project" show I attended back in October with some friends....for spanish speaking readers, my friend David has posted a piece on his blog about the show. Click here.
Watched "Breaking & Entering" last night. Being a fan of Anthony Minghella's work (note: "Talented Mr. Ripley" & "The English Patient") I had meant to see this film when it was in theatres in 2006. It wasn't as I expected. Less of a social commentary on London and more of a relationship story. The main character played by Jude Law had a dark side and dishonest nature that annoyed me but represented a particular truth that I've seen in 'real life.' (yes, you) Worth watching for great performances by; Jude Law, Robin Wright Penn & Juliet Binoche.
For anyone in the Boston area without a holiday party obligation for this Friday, November 30, you might consider a night of 'civilized entertainment' in the Back Bay. My friend Motoki Tanaka has arranged an evening program of classical music featuring 3 beautiful pieces to be played the group he will conduct; "The Boston String Players." This event will take place at 7:30PM in the sanctuary of the First Church in Boston at 66 Marlborough Street (Marlborough & Berkeley). For more information, click here. Oh, and it's FREE.
November 27, 2007
Recent show: 'The Swell Season' (Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova) show from last Wednesday at the Orphuem effectively touring under the name of their album, the soundtrack to the feature film 'Once.'
Watched the film "Beauty Shop" with Queen Latifah that included an absolutely hysterical performance by Kevin Bacon as a 'faux gay, austrian-ish' hairdresser. Very funny!
Also, watched one of my favorite Christmas specials which I've not seen in years (although I listen to the 'soundtrack' every year); "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
In a multi-course dinner the other eve at Sang's house in the Back Bay, the wine highlight for me was NOT an Italian varietal...although we did have a pretty great N'ero D'avola (Sicily). My most memorable sip came from the 1993 Nuits St-Georges pulled from a friends cellar. Post dinner I had to educated myself of this fabulous Nuits St-Georges. We enjoyed 5 amazing courses that for once I did not detail in photographs...although watch this space for Sang's candids.
Because I'm from Boston and we love to wax about the weather, I'll comment that although we've enjoyed some mild temps of late, it's about to get colder than a....just really, really cold.
Going to my Mentor Training at Crittenton Women's Union on Thursday. Meeting my mentee, Marie. Looking forward to it.
The End.
November 26, 2007
Dinner in the sky. Holy crap. Where are the restrooms?
November 23, 2007
 |
Brought to me by a friend visiting from Sicilia...
My comments: DELICIOUS! |
||||||||||
November 19, 2007
My first trip to Montreal proved to be an excellent one...I survived a 5.5 hour drive (Thanks L!) from Boston quite well, braved the cold, walked for miles and miles all over the city, sipped and ate very well, connected with locals, did some Christmas shopping, learned a lot about the city and it's very French culture...although I did not get the sense at any point that I was anywhere other than Canada. I was told by many that I'd feel as if I were in Europe...I didn't really latch onto that. Maybe Quebec is more this way...???
How we did it:
Thumbs down to Billy Kun, thumbs up to drinks & music at L'Esco, dinner at Au Pied de Cochon at midnight- AMAZING, Olive et Gourmando in Old Montreal, Zara, Winners, Zyng Noodles in the Latin Quarter, The Plateau, The Metro, The Sauna at the Four Points, Pop!, Bu, Bagels at Fairmount, Cafe latte at Club Social in Mile End, Jean Talon Marche, Milano, Crepes 2 Go, Holt Renfrew, and Duty Free!
White beer with lime AND orange, sound check bands, red sancerre, burgundy, beet & goat cheese salad, venison tartare, frites & MAYOnaisse, bottom less bowl of onion soup, DELICIOUS granola w/ fresh fruit & yogurt (also mystery melon), Cafe au Lait, Wonton Soup, Make your own Noodle dish, Hide Tide in Jamaica, Steve & Ivan, White flight and Red flight including an obscure grape from the Basque, baccala, fried & stuffed olives (with venison & frommage) and pizetta (artichoke hearts, proscuitto & frommage), Oliver, Bagels Quebequois, Cafe Latte Italiano, Sausage on a stick, Nuts for the kids, Spinach, Jambon & frommage, Nutella & bananas, the shoe departement at Holt Renfrew, Kinder Bueno - - Trip Bueno.
PS: Muddy Waters in Burlington, VT - where life moves slowly.
PPS: THE cleanest public toilet ever encountered: Irving Blue Canoe, 84 Sawyer Brook Place, Grantham, NH 03753
PICS.
November 11, 2007
Listening to: Ryan Adams, Black Box Recorder, WMFO's British Accents, NEW Dave Gahan (!)
Eating: Crappy food at Tuscan Grille - great company - disappointing grub, Burgahhhh at B-side - YUM - and loaded with IRON too, burnt rice with hot sauce from the bottom of Angus' rice cooker. Oh, and pork, at a pig roast. How often can one say that?
Viewing: Not a lot, but just got "What the Bleep do We Know?" from Netflix. Tried to watch it and ultimately while the DVD IS buggered...loads of scratches etc., I had a hard time finding how to 'start' the movie....did you know there were double sided DVD's? I'm fascinated by this. On the phone with Netflix tech support, I thought the agent was pulling my leg....Wow, double sided DVD's.
Dining highLITES recently: Navy Yard Bistro - Charlestown, Campania in Waltham
Had an amazing reflexology pedicure at Sedona Sun in Arlington. It was 'girls-day' Saturday! Fantastico!
PBS is getting so much cooler than it's every been - or the demographic is shifting and their marketing strategy is addressing it....a promo for a British series called "Prime Suspect" starring Helen Mirren features Muse's "Super Massive Black Hole." An entirely rocking loud contemporary song that grabs your attention even if you aren't in front of the TV.
November 8, 2007
A friend of mine recently sent me the following statement, which she refers to as her weekly 'profundity'...I love it:
"What you “think” you know is subject to change without notice."
-T.W.
October 31, 2007
Quick review of Morrissey last night at the Orpheum;
Had KILLER seats in the front! Stalking Ticketmaster and paying those insane fees paid off - although there are few artists I'll fold this way for!
Seems like it was just me who may have thought that Morrissey's age is beginning to show. The energy of the show seemed much more subdued than other times I have seen him in the past. I judged this from a number of perspectives, but it seemed most evident in the way he and the band (all donned in starched brown button downs with some very sharp looking denim....a bit too 'UPS driver' for me) played "Irish Blood, English Heart." The tempo of this song, at least in the album cut, is generally VERY energetic, it's what I love about the song. I didn't like they way they played it live this time around. Perhaps I was expecting the same tempo as in October 2004. Who moved my cheese?
Overall the show was great (although I preffered Oct. 2004)....there were about 20+ songs. The hightlight for me was; "How Soon is Now?"
Morrissey took off his shirt serveral times. (another age indicator) There were several brawls in the center stage front when he tossed the soiled, soaked, designer dud into the crowd.
There were several cookoo crazies who made it on stage, running up to Morrissey and engaging him in a non-recipricol hug. What makes people think that they can invade the personal space of a person like that? It looked quite foolish - especially when Morrissey pretty much ignored them - or tried to get out of the clutch of a crazed person. Not to mention the humiliation suffered when a huge bouncer peeled them off Morrissey and plunked them back down into the pit.
Even though I had no voice and coughed continuously throughout the show, I'm glad I went.
Set List:
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before / Billy Budd / Tomorrow / Shoplifters Of The World Unite / Irish Blood, English Heart / The Loop / Sister, I'm A Poet / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / Stretch Out And Wait / Jack The Ripper / I Like You / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / All You Need Is Me / One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell / The National Front Disco / Death Of A Disco Dancer / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / The Boy With The Thorn In His Side / Dear God, Please Help Me / How Soon Is Now? // First Of The Gang To Die
October 21, 2007
It's been radio silence here for a while so here are some random tidbits:
"Darjeeling Limited"....very entertaining, beautifully filmed Wes Anderson. A nice escape from a wet, almost apolcalyptic autumn night in Cambridge, MA.
Enon & Octopus Project at Great Scott. I LOVE Octopus Project. Check 'em. Great Scott; nice cozy venue.
Deep Ellum. Delicious beer, fancifull snacks in 'the vegan neighborhood.'
Saw the Napoleon exhibit at MFA. Interesting collection of relics that represent various elements of his rise, reign and fall. He's still short. (sorry, you expected me to say something intelligent here?)
October 1, 2007
I was recently reading another fabulously attractive book published by Rizzoli, "How I Write, The Secret Lives of Authors." What a reflective and entertaining book for anyone interested in the creative process. One of my favorite entries for it's ability to not take the 'question' too seriously comes from James Flint who wrote about "Yerba Mate." He goes into detail about discovering this 'drink of the gods' in South America and goes into great detail on 'the tools' and 'the preparation' for making this hot drink that alleviates depression, combats insomnia, regulates the gastric system, lowers blood pressure & cholesterol and suppresses appetite. He praises the benefits, ritual and goes on about how he can't live without the stuff. Then he says; "I certainly can't write without it. Good thing it tastes like shit, or you'd all be drinking it." ;) I love it, very funny!!!!! Another notable entry came from Jane Smiley whose creative process begins with hot water mostly in the form of a bath. I can relate most to Neil LaBute who only writes when the mood hits him but can be inched along by a bit of Frank Sinatra, specifically "In the wee small hours" lp...the music and it's cover art. Good stuff this book. Check it out.
September 23, 2007
A spectacular weather weekend in Boston that I FINALLY get to enjoy. It's great to be healthy!!!
Highlights:
"Shout!", Navy Yard Bistro & DEEEEELicious Brunello, Russell Orchards, Cranes Beach
September 15, 2007
Wisdom from others...
A quote I like: "A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; and optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
September 10, 2007
Listened to the most humorous radio show on the BBC the other day..."I Was Morrissey's Drummer". Session drummer Andrew McGibbon recalls his sojourn with Morrissey in a uniquely British program.
Supermassive Black Hole, Muse....listen loud! (don't watch though, it's a terrible video)
Seen lots of movies lately; "Peter's Friends", "Dolls", "Same Time Next Year", "Last Tango in Paris"...
September 3, 2007
I have run across the blog of "Diva Cucina" a few years ago, visited from time to time, and yesterday someone sent me the link and reminded me to take a look. Very cool blog about an American woman living and cooking in Florence. Her blog is called; Cooking over a Tuscan Stove.
Recently tasted a trio of amazing Friulian wines crafted by Fulvio Bressan....tasted them at Panzano, a wonderful food & wine market in Southboro, MA. If you find yourself on the their stretch of Rt. 9, pop in, it'll be worth your while.
Went along with some friends to a party last night. I didn't directly know but one of the party hosts, and I'd only met her once or twice so wasn't sure when I noticed a LOT of 80's clothing, if this was how this group of folks always dressed, or if the party was a theme party and we missed the memo! There were high waisted "Guess" jeans, lots of torn and off-the-shoulder shirts, blue eye-shadow etc. It wasn't over the top enough to assume it was a theme however. Careful to ask and not offend...Yes, it was a theme party. Whew. I will add that there were a few outliers in the crowd including my friend Andrea who was sporting a FABULOUS "Valentino" jacket...also, met an interesting fellow sporting some trendy eyewear and some clean "all stars by Converse"...in between he had on those duds that are meant to LOOK super casual but cost a zillion. In a conversation with this guy, it turned out he knew more about high end fashion in Boston than most women I know!
RIP for 18-24 months: Filene's Basement, Downtown Crossing. I couldn't really ever deal with the craziness and the mess, but many of my friends found AMAZING stuff there, so I mourn for them ;)
Saw "2 Days in Paris" at the Kendall...It's Julie Delpy's creation, for the most part. She wrote it, directed it, edited it, AND made a good portion of the music for it. Very Woody Allen and Mia Farrow-ish. (right down to the black horn-rimmed's) She even cast her ex as her love interest and her real parents as her stage parents! Very excellently funny film.
August 26, 2007
There are a couple of female chefs of TV fame that I enjoy. This morning while I munched my french toast prepared with sprouted bread and sipped my favorite Viennese (half caff !!!) coffee, I watched Nigella Lawson in her program "Nigella Bites." I think this woman is fabulous for the following reasons; (1) She is NOT up her own butt and anally exact. I cannot cook this way myself, so I appreciate this. (2) She talks about preparing foods and eating as a way of life...i.e. "here is what I cook when I'm happy or sad..." "here is what cook when I get home after being out all night...." Cooking for moods...very expressive. Finally, (3) She's not 'model skinny' and she knows it and she doesn't care...in fact, she makes light of the fact that she is 'average size and shape.' She cooks her food and EATS it. PS - In today's episode she made homemade granola which I often do myself. Granola has to be one of the worlds most perfect foods, here is a link to her prep.
Last night; Middle East Downstairs; caught 2 of 3 bands on the bill; Octopus Project and Stereo Total (the reason I was there).
Octopus Project; a great surprise of presentation and sound. I'm guessing the band members are 20-something...they have a very vintage-esque visual appeal. The only female in the group dons a 50's inspired flipped up 'hair-do" and was wearing the most fabulous vintage dress. She had an elegance that was so fun to watch, especially when she played the theramin. The gentlemen of the band sported white dress shirts and skinny dark ties. This 'vintage-like' presentation combined with the eclectic, contemporary music was a fantastic combo. While they are touring with Stero Total until September, they pick up another tour which brings them to Providence & Boston (again) in late September. I may check them again, but I'll definitely be picking up some of their music for myself.
Link to David Ficke's summary of Octopus Project.
Now, Stereo Total. An energy filled French and German festival of beats and strange lyrical content. Their set featured a dozen and a half songs no more than 3 or 4 minutes a piece. At the start of each song, Françoise Cactus (born Françoise Van Hove) shared with the crowd what each song was about. There was a song about chewing gum, about the girl who sits in the corner and a story about a hotel called Holiday Inn...this one got the crowd moving the most! Amazing energy in the form of pipe banging, throaty shouts replicating instruments and just general 'jumping around' made it fun to watch Brezel Göring (aka Friedrich von Finsterwalde, born Friedrich Ziegler).
This Berlin duo has been together making music that has resulted in eight albums (163 songs) over 14 years. Here is something from their web site describing their music:
The music of the chanson- electro- nonelectro- garage- rock'n'roll- french-pop- rock-à-billy- disco- international- underground- duo Stereo Total can be described as:
40% Yéyétronic, 20% R'n'R, 10% Punkrock, 3% electronic effects, 4% French 60ies beat, 7% genious dilettantism, 1,5% Cosmonaute, 10% really old synthesizers, 10% 8-bit Amiga-sampling, 10% transistor amplifier, 1% really expansive and advanced instruments, a minimalist production, meaning a home- made- trash- garage- sound crossed with underground, authentic as well as amateurish, ironic as well as effective, pop as well as political.
I describe them most generally (at least based on last nights performance) as 60's style retro-hip. Most songs were sung in French, there was a bit of German and a bit of English. (most hysterical when they covered Salt-n-Pepa's "Push it"...the french accent; "pooooosh eeeeeat")
Would see them again in a heart beat. I'd be sure to take my vitamins that day however.
August 22, 2007
Today is the birthday of a person who shaped a part of my life. Her name is the source of my 'middle' name and would have been 93 or 94 years old today! My Nana, Jean "Merullo" DiMatteo.
I've been listening to the audio book of "This I Believe." This book is a collection of the personal philosophies of men and women, young and old, from around the globe. The original collection was published in a book in 1952, based on the Edward R. Murrow radio show which featured Americans sharing their personal 'credos'. This series was revived a few years ago by NPR and now, an updated version including a recent collection of 'credos' which include the philosophies of more 'ordinary' folks including; a surgeon whose illiterate mother changed his early life with faith and a library card.....also, included was the philosophy of a young school teacher whose witty belief of 'always be nice to the pizza delivery dude' was entertaining and underlyingly meaningful in so many ways. Positive reading and cause for personal reflection.
Also listening to: Sigur Ros, The Flaming Lips (whose "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot" is meant to become a broadway musical written by Adam Sorkin - the TV series dude...holy crap!) and Lush (particularly "Split" circa 1994) who Wikipedia refers to as a 'Shoegazing band.' I don't really know what that means...I suppose it's part of this whole new group of categories tossed about these days to describe musical style. Like "emo." Wait, thanks to Wiki, I now know that Shoegaze is:
Shoegazing is a genre of alternative rock that emerged from the U.K. in the late 1980s. It lasted until the mid 1990s, peaking circa 1990 to 1991. The British music press called this genre "shoegazing" because the musicians in these bands often maintained a motionless performing style—standing on stage and staring at the floor while playing their instruments
Well, there you go. But you probably already knew what Shoegaze meant, didn't you? I'm so out of the loop. Oh, and 'emo' is another style of music, check it here.
Finally, sent to me by a friend, an article in the NY Times talks about a street food vendor who now prepares their deep fried OREOS in non-trans-fat oil. Excellent, this is great news! Now only 51.5% of our population will be obese. I read the entire article slightly intrigued, thinking, would I try a deep fried oreo, or snickers bar? The last section of the article cracked me up check it out:
------Jeremy Orme, who runs Fried Creations, the home of the Combo Plate, introduced a new item at this year's fair: deep-fried Pepsi. He rolls out his Pepsi-based dough, dips it in a batter made with Pepsi and deep-fries it for 90 seconds. His oil, made of soybeans, is trans-fat free as required, and on the front of his booth he has posted a local newspaper's account about the fair's trans-fat ban.
But inside the booth, where the air is dense with oil, workers chuckle about the whole concept. And Mr. Orme himself rarely eats what he cooks here.
“I stay away from fried foods,” he said.----------
hahahahaha, over and out.
August 13, 2007
I'm starting to feel like the character "Agata" in the film "Agata e la tempesta." In the past few days 5 light bulbs in my home came to the end of their lives. Even the headlamp on my Vespa is operating in a very weak state, although that is more likely due to electrical problems existing deeper in the Italian ride - however, I'm beginning to feel like I have the electrical problems! At the restaurant where I dined on Friday evening the lights kept flickering and at work the electrical power fluctuates and the lights dim momentarily when the air conditioner initiates. Not to mention that I had several bulbs out when I had my car serviced recently....I wonder if it's the Tong Ren I've been doing.
Speaking of the restaurant where I dined Friday, "Dante" on the river in Cambridge was delicious! My dining partner, visiting from Switzerland, but originally from Frosinone, a small village in Southern Lazio, Italy, happened to know the chef of this contemporary Cambridge restaurant! Apparently they'd met last year in Frosinone. We were offered a lovely rollout of delicious courses; first the Fluke Tartare, next Steak Frites, finally Blueberry Crostata. Paired the steak with a delicious Nero D'avola and it was a beautiful meal. Don't know what was up with the lights though.
Speaking of the Tong Ren I've been doing. Check it for yourself.
August 12, 2007
Saw Muse at Agganis Arena last night. While I'm not a fan of 'arena' shows, there would have been no other type of place for this band to have played. There was a full-on multi-media stage show, there was smoke - but no flames, confetti balloons, and it was LOUD - very, loud! Earplugs kept me from going deaf;) Seeing them reminded me of my London days.
On a stroll through Cambridgeport yesterday, with MP3 player in ear, Negroamaro streaming - I ran into an old customer from my days at USOTS. Mr. Wilson just celebrated his 80th birthday and is as active and vital as any 30 year old. When I bumped into him, he was just returning from an outing at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. He was headed back to his lovely home where I joined him for a cup of tea. He retired a few years ago from a 40+ year career with the Harvard Book Store. Now he is an online book seller! He has purchased his first computer ever and is selling first edition, signed copies of some of the most rare and beautifully published libri that exist. He writes a little 'history' on each book he posts for sale, packages the books for sale and takes them to the post office himself! He sells to people all over the world. He has more than 8,000 books in his house, needless to say they line the walls of each and every room. Interesting & inspiring afternoon that appeared out of nowhere. Seemingly ;)
August 7, 2007
The latest installment of Michael Winterbottom has been "Wonderland." About 15 minutes into it I'd realized I've already seen it. I watched it again anyway, with different eyes this time. Knowing the other, more intense films that Winterbottom has directed, this one was intense in it's own British way. Someone, somewhere online described this film as the best example of British social realism they'd ever seen. I am inclined to agree that it's an excellent portrayal of one slice of society. Having spent a lot of time in London in years past, even having lived there for a short time, I will say that it represents a sadness, a loneliness often experienced by folks living in a large city. In this case, so many people around yet nobody connecting. Those who are connected, are connected to the wrong people or their connections have run their course and all they are left with is loneliness and disdain for the other. It's a real film, showcasing a real city, and it's really sad - but hopeful. Again, superb music...with a score by Michael Nyman, who Winterbottom gave a nod to in his other film "9 Songs" and whose haunting music will appear in the film Winterbottom is currently filming, "Genova," the emotion of the film is elevated a notch. A worthy view, even the 2nd time around!
August 6, 2007
A friend filled weekend that started with a benefit to fund a scholarship in the name of a special person lost to this world nearly 5 months ago.
Patrick Tevenan Memorial Scholarship benefit.
On Saturday Daphne, in from Rome, and I had some delicious fish tacos at Picco in the South End. For our aperativo we tried the place it seems everyone is talking about; "Beehive." Cocktails were delicious, bartenders familiar, crowd: very Boston of the 'see and be seen' variety, decor: NYC Jr., music: wasn't around long enough to fully comment but I know one of the folks booking the talent and I think the Beehive is in good hands.
Sunday offered the kind of lazy afternoon that I hardly allow myself...hanging out doing nothing terribly productive except for catching up with good friends and doing my part emptying a couple of bottles of Italian white.
August 5, 2007
Recently, during a telephone conversation with a friend of mine who lives in France, the topic of Random Acts of Kindness came up. My friend, in addition to being an extremely talented person at the task of seeing 'all that is good' in people - a quality I truly admire- also happens to have an amazing ability to match people with opportunities in life. So, I was not surprised when she shared a few stories of Random Kindness that she'd recently bestowed upon complete strangers, anonymously. My equivalents, which included buying the gas station attendant a cup of coffee in the middle of winter, seemed to pale in comparison to her stories which involved doing research on folks down on their luck and sending money and/or words of kindess.We agreed that it is not the deed, but the energy behind it that is the amazing ingredient of the process involved in Random Acts of Kindness. Harnessing this energy, keeping it alive, living with it in your everyday existence seemed like the critical element. The topic of gathering, at least virtually, a collection of folks with simi liar energetic desires to spread good energy was discussed and I agreed to create a blog for my friend to manage. As I am in the midst of this process, I am thrilled to see that so many people already have the same! Reading their blogs is about the best way one can start their day. Why read the paper which focuses on the negative events of the previous day, the moronic acts of politicians, or the high cost of this and that, when you can read about folks who are doing good things, inspiration stuff, stories that inspire you think about how you can do one good thing in your day.
With that in mind I have placed a few links to sites that I consider good reads in the topic of 'Random Acts of Kindness.'
Did you know there was a 'Random Act of Kindness' week?
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
Mr. Joe's Blog which has a page devoted to RAK
Dare to be an Angel, a blog on not-so-random-acts of kindness
Karl Blog, with loads of entries on RAK
July 31, 2007
Currently enjoying; "The Underdog" by Spoon, "Take it all in Stride" by The Everyday Visuals, "The Pageant of the Bizarre" by Zero Seven, the absolute freshness of the summer farmer's markets,and having health insurance - even though I just saw Michael Moore's "Sicko".
A bit down on (but have faith in): My wheels. The yellow taxi needs, well, everything. In a day I will take it to the shop for brakes which are the number one priority. However there are a few other 'curious' ailments that plague the Swedish ride including; head and tail lamps that malfunction on a whim, an alarming 'sputtering' as if the engine were about to stall - this is especially fun at 70mph ;) and a 'service' light that stays lit all the time. Related? Probably. I guess it's about time to get Italian ride on the road...the Vespa has not seen the light of day this season...I have a feeling it's about to, if I can get her started!
Speaking of Michael Moore and health insurance. I did enjoy "Sicko." Having been without health insurance for 5 years, I can now say that I am glad to have it, since I have been actually using it. (not by choice mind you) However, I still do not feel 100% confident that the providers behind my care feel empowered to offer treatment solutions without first considering how they will be paid. Or if. No matter what, it is critical to be an educated consumer/patient. Patient advocacy comes only from oneself. Massachusetts is breaking new ground by requiring that every resident have health insurance. Many states are following. Will this be the system that stays with us? If Hillary makes it to office in 2009 will she revive her initiative of health care reform? Is the socialist model better? I cannot answer these questions. All I can say is that not having to think twice when a -real- emergency or -serious- healthcare issue comes into my life, is invaluable.
In other Michael's, Thank You Michael Dwyer for helping me around the house the past couple of days. You are a lifesaver!
July 26, 2007
Random observations from my day, feel free to be bored or amused, it's really just another day:
In the morning I backed my car into the brick wall of the local public library, by mistake of course. It shook me up a bit and I decided to abandon the car for public transport.
Unfortunately it was the wrong day to be on the MBTA, the orange line specifically. At Downtown Crossing Station I waited for my train while "America the Beautiful" appeared to be being piped in via the station speaker system. Usually I enjoy the live musical entertainment normally found underground...today it felt strange, almost reminding me of the 'propaganda' that permeates foreign lands under communist rule. It felt like the stuff of brainwashing. The irony is that the platform was overcome by the stench of raw sewage. Nearly everyone was covering their mouth and nose...or otherwise had a sour expression on their face. The entire scene, all put together was a visual you really had to be there for. Trust me. It was bizarre.
More bizarre and MOST annoying is that after stopping at North Station the train sped right past 2 stations (Community College and Sullivan Station) including the one I was meant to get off at. I'd never heard of an 'express train' running at 2PM in the afternoon. The train eventually stopped at Wellington and it seemed I was the only clueless one...everyone, as if in a 'herd' crossed the platform and patiently waited 20 minutes for the train going back in the other direction. Most bizarre.
In a moment of fun.....I popped by the farmer's market in Medford Square today, specifically to get some peaches....there was no fruit, only vegetables, but no crisis, there was an interesting coffee vendor there, Trung Nguyen Coffee . I bought some Vietnamese, naturally-low-in-caffeine coffee. Apparently the beans are grown naturally low in caffeine so there is no chemical processing. I like that.
This evening I went to see the author and Toltec teacher, Don Miguel Ruiz speak at the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts at Merrimack College. He wrote the book 'The Four Agreements' amoung many others, which I am a fan of. I feel fortunate to have seen him at one of his last public lectures. Apparently he had a heart attack a while back and only has 1/3 of his heart functioning. His words were inspiring.
July 23, 2007
My Michael Winterbottom cross section continued this evening with "Road to Guantanamo" which was extremely difficult to watch. Perhaps no one will understand with certainty exactly what happened in the reality of the scenes that were portrayed' on screen in this film, but if they represented a small fraction of what actually went down, horrifying doesn't even begin to cover it. When I was watching I thought about what I might say in a blog entry about it and then I thought, we (the U.S.) could very easily turn into a society where someone like me, a generally non-political being could be in a position to have to answer to my publicly posted thoughts on this topic.
A less stressful take this weekend was "Waitress" at the theatre in the 'Ville.
I haven't *just* been watching movies...
July 19, 2007
My friend Vincenzo is a total nutter...he is the reigning champion of the greasy pole competition that is one of the highlights of the St. Peter's Festival held annually in Gloucester, MA. Dressed in drag, Vincenzo competes against a bevy of brave competitors tip-toeing their way across a pole covered in grease in an attempt to capture the flag waiting at the end of the pole. Open the following YouTube video showing all the competitors gallant attempts and eventually, this year's victor. (at the end of the video)
Warning: The following video may cause some to blush in the first frame.
Video of St. Peter's Fiesta GREASY POLE competition, click here.
July 16, 2007
Integrative Medicine Goes Mainstream. Thank God! Dr. Christiane Northrup (I love this doctor!) was on Good Morning America last week talking about her approach to medicine which is entirely integrative, treatment of the entire being, not just a symptom or disease. While this approach to medicine is not groundbreaking, it is just starting to become accepted by the mainstream. Insurance companies have offered discounts for treatments considered 'alternative' for years, they still have a long way to go in portraying that they value 'alternative' treatments as much as 'conventional' treatments. This opinion portrayed in part by the very fact that they categorize these 'discounted' services 'alternative.' ;)
July 12, 2007
Watched "Welcome to Sarajevo" last night...I have decided to do a selective slice through the entire works of Michael Winterbottom...so far the common link in the films I have seen of his, EXCELLENT MUSIC. So, sorry to say that my earlier mentioned friend is likely not to enjoy the films of Mr. Winterbottom. Although in fairness, while in "24 Hour Party People" and even "9 Songs" music was part of the primary subject matter. In "Welcome to Sarajevo" this is not true.
The next film in my Netflix queue is going to be another documentary style Winterbottom masterpiece, I hope; "The Road to Guantanamo." I would like also to see "A Mighty Heart" which is now on the big screen.
Also picked up "The Queen" on "On Demand." What a disappointment. I thought it would have been so much more compelling. Definitely an excellent performance by Helen Mirren making it the major redeeming quality of the nearly 2 hour commit.
Why doesn't every woman know about Dr. Christiane Northrup?
July 5, 2007
Saw "Evening" last night. Exceptional cast, mediocre (seen before) story.
July 4, 2007
A friend recently told me that if I say I like a film because "the music is fabulous," he knows he won't like it. I'm thinking he should not see "24 Hour Party People." Directed by Michael Winterbottom who also directed the 'other film' that had a fab soundtrack, however was less consumable to the masses, "9 Songs."
"24 Hour Party People" takes place in Manchester, England beginning in 1976. Cambridge educated Tony Wilson (played by actor Steve Coogan), a Granada TV presenter, is at a Sex Pistols gig. Totally inspired by this pivotal moment in music history, he and his friends set up a record label, Factory Records, signing first Joy Division (who go on to become New Order) then James and the Happy Mondays, who all become seminal artists of their time. This films is a tale of music, sex, drugs, larger-than-life characters, and the birth of one of the most famous dance clubs in the world, The Hacienda - a mecca for clubbers as famous as the likes of Studio 54. This film features the music and dance heritage of Manchester from the late 70's to the early 90's. Yes, the music was fabulous! An excellent soundtrack to pick up!
Also viewed recently: "Décalage Horaire" (English Title: Jet Lag), a French film featuring one of my faves, Juliette Binoche.
July 3, 2007
One day last week it was so hot in my house that THIS happened.
July 1, 2007
I was passed the link to an absolutely hysterical blog entry written by a gentleman from Australia who keeps a blog called "Angry, 365 Days Per Year". The entry was about the 'tiny side effect' of a newly approved 'for the US Market' (of fools) diet drug called "alli." Had I not seen an advert on the television for this drug I'd have thought that perhaps this blog entry was a gag, however, it is real and I can't imagine where one is life when they consider taking this drug. The angry Aussie seems to have a genuine point when he suggests that Western society is in trouble...well, he said it better:
-------To me, this is the ultimate evidence that western society is utterly fucked. You can tell people that taking a pill will make them shit their pants uncontrollably. And your pill will be an utterly out of control success. -------- excerpt from Angry Aussie. Read it here.
June 27, 2007
Would you do this?
June 24, 2007
Medford is finally getting a FARMER's MARKET....Thursdays in the Square! MUCH less important, but when is Verizon FIOS coming? ;)
Caught a few movies this week...."51 Birch Street" at the MFA & "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama" at the Kendall. After the film at the Kendall, enjoyed a yummy pint at "The Swan" the new-ish Irish pub that took over the old Kendall Cafe locale.
Enjoyed another pint this afternoon at another Irish pub, Aidan's on the waterfront in Bristol, RI.....after taking in the great views at Beavertail Park in Jamestown, RI.
Actually, now that I think of it, 3 days in a row, 3 Irish pubs....I'd nearly forgotten I'd started the weekend on Friday with a halfer at Atwood's in Cambridge.
Had a yard sale on Saturday...always attracting interesting situations and people. Found some new homes for some of my unused 'stuff.' At the end of the sale I put unsold items at the curb for the post-sale scavengers...I also bagged up all the items I wanted to donate directly to specific charities and left them on my front porch while I went in the house for 10-15 minutes. When I came back outside everything was gone! Even the items I'd NOT intended for the scavengers....kind of a bummer...I'd had a donation spot in mind for the stuff I'd left on the porch...oh well, I guess whoever swiped it from my porch must have thought they needed it more. I hope they did.
Earlier in the week a good friend had a BIG birthday....having flown in from Auckland, after a month in NZ *just* in time for her toast she looks marvelous, don't ya think? Happy Birthday Keeks!
Interesting music sampled recently includes; "Chris and Thomas", " Architecture in Helsinki", and "Mice Parade".
June 12, 2007
Top Chef is back! In a special episode aired before the season opener of Season 3, the team from Season 1 of Top Chef competed with Season 2. At this point, it is clear that Bravo has asked each person to enhance their 'perceived on air' personalities. This was evidenced in Steven, from Season 1's stupid shirt and tie combo, his obsession with wine pairing and his use of the term 'sexy.' Additionally, Marcel is back with foams and gelees.....he even did 'table-side' foam...c'mon!!!!!!!!!!!
In other news, in case you didn't know, Massachusetts is the first state amoung the 50 that is legally requiring all it's residents to be health insured as of July 1, 2007. Pretty progressive, no? Hmph. I don't know how I feel about this...but...if you are currently NOT health insured (as I chose to be for 5 years), you may wish to check out the Commonwealth Connector. It's a resource put together by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide links to 'affordable' insurance to those who chose to comply.
June 11, 2007
Alexi Murdoch's "Wait" is in heavy rotation in both my right and left ear. Alexi's most recent interview with Nic Harcourt of KCRW can be heard here. Alexi is Glaswegian....just like Paolo Nutini who has fallen out of my musical favor but I seem to be in the minority...he's all over the radio here in Boston.
I just spent 20 minutes googling trying to locate 2 pop songs that I recently heard when shopping in an 'unnamed mall store targeted to those under 21.' I'm not ashamed....rather shocked that I located "What goes around...." by Justin Timberland (arg!) as one of the songs! Linked here is Nick Casavette's cut of the music video featuring Scarlett Johansson! Very drama! The other song is "Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani. I can't believe it....It must be my inner-teen reemerging....but these are CATCHY songs, I gotta admit!
June 8, 2007
Quite possibly the worst movie ever, "Night Train to Venice", circa 1993 stars Hugh Grant in a mystery/thriller that takes place on the overnight "Orient Express" from somewhere in Germany to Venice, Italy. Hugh Grant's character is the author of a book that a few scary looking Geman thugs are chasing him around the overnight train - and then Venice to obtain. I thought this might have been Hugh's first film, as it came out prior to 1994's "Three Weddings and a Funeral", however checking his filmography on IMDB I see he did a fair bit of work prior to this. Eek! "Night Train to Venice" was originally released in 1993 in Spain. In the US the film was released with the title "Train to Hell." Pretty much on the money...
Finally put together a few photos from the "Accelerated Cure Project's" Annual Scavenger Hunt held in May.
June 7 2007
I currently hold a large amount of disdain for driving a car through Union Square in Somerville. If you can avoid it, you should.
Came across an article that warns recruiters and staffers to stay away from considering, even looking at 'video resumes' which are meant to be the 'next big thing' in job search trends, this article was posted in an industry mailing list I belong to...All I can say is BOO HOO, no video resumes? This totally sucks the fun out of the future of recruitment. Why are we such a litigious society? Grrr....For credit purposes, I believe this article originally came from the "National Law Journal."
Employers told to stay away from video resumes
June 5, 2007
Today is the 5th of June, not the 6th apparently...I raced over (as fast as the slowest traffic in the world would allow me) to Union Square for a meeting with some creative collaborators meant to be held at Sherman's...*tomorrow*, not today. Don't you just love when you bugger up your calendar like that?
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
The Von Bondies
Franz Ferdinand
Goldfrapp
Michael Nyman
Super Fury Animals....
....these are the parts of 9 Songs that are fit for public consumption in my blog. LOVED the concert footage. Loved it.
June 4, 2007
Baked up a storm this past weekend...not sure if it was the weather, first it was hot and humid, then it was cold and rainy....very dichotomous days weather-wise or I was just hungry.....I made homemade granola bars with peaches carted from Georgia (although they were grown in CA!;). I also made a hearty coffee cake/ cinnamon twist and a deeelishus quiche....I call it "Summer Veggie Quiche"...I included carmelized vidalia onions, the first sweet corn of the season, leeks, arugula and grilled portabello 'shrooms. (and a wee bit 'o goat cheese...'cause I can!) Yum. Sure to be obese by the weekend.
Also watched a bit-o-tele....addicted to Samantha Brown's "Passport to Europe." The Travel Channel aired episodes on her visits to Bologna, Venezia & Napoli Italia, Madrid, Spain...as well as Edinburgh, Scotland!
Social highlights were drinks at the outdoor bar at Legal Seafood next to the Charles Hotel...was sipping with a friend (and expanded crowd) who was celebrating having paid off her last student loan! Now that is something to toast too! Financial freedom. Until the next major financial commitment anyway! Also toasted with friends and acquaintances 'shoving off' the charming and talented Peter who recently took a new job in Washington DC. Seems like we were just toasting the housewarming but when opportunity knocks....Buona fortuna Peter! (not sure how to say that in Bulgarian)
Off to watch "9 Songs" sent to me by Netflix...testing out a membership. Sold on the vast selection...not so much on my ability to get movies in the mailbox regularly enough to warrant *another* montly membership fee.
June 3, 2007
Just going through the pile of papers on my desk and came across the menu from my birthday dinner a month and a half ago at Martini House in St. Helena, CA.
The Mushroom Tasting - Amazing Yummies, All Veggie... :)
Course 1
Button Mushroom Vichyssoise "Agaricus Brunnescens"
Marinated Wine Cap, Enoki, Clamshell and Straw Mushrooms with a Truffle Mousse
paired w/ Borthwick Vineyard Riesling, Wairarapa, New Zealand, 2005
Course 2
Pan Roasted Porcini Mushrooms "Bolertus Edulis"
Crushed Peas, Shaven Fennel and Parmesan Cheese with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
paired w/ Soter "North Valley" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2005
Course 3
Grilled Portobello Burger with Comte Cheese "Agaricus Bisporus"
Morel Mayonnaise, King Trumpet and Sweet Potato Fries
paired w/ Rubicon "Cask" Cabernet, Rutherford, CA 2003
Course 4
Candy Cap Bread Pudding
Currants and Golden Raisins with Maple Sugar Anglaise
paired w/ Benjamin Tawny Port, Australia
For the rest of my San Fran & Napa Valley adventures...click here.
June 1, 2007
Saw "Once" last night. I was a bit apprehensive as so much of the discussion about the film was about it being billed as a 'rock musical.' I don't generally enjoy musicals. Characters suddenly busting out into song as part of dialogue steals something from the 'genuineness' of a film for me. However, I hardly even noticed there was so much music in the film. While the film was in part about music, it did have the typical 'boy meets girl' storyline that did dominate the film. I have been a fan of Hansard and his band "The Frames" for many years, having seen them live several times, so, at the very least I thought I could simply close my eyes and listen to the movie and still be happy.
While both of the lead actors are not 'professionally' trained actors, the performances were genuine and believable. The character played by Czech co-star Marketa Irglova was a likeable character on many levels, as was Glen Hansard's. There was some cheesiness in the fact that some of the things that occur in the film weren't so believable...for example the scene with the loan officer at the bank. However, overall it was an 85 minutes more than well spent. I will buy the soundtrack and appreciate a renewed interest in "Frames" music as well as the lovely voice of "Marketa Irglova."
Check the review, with some previews by Chicago film critic, Adam Fendelman. You can see a full trailer of the movie here.
Trivia: Glen Hansard was born 2 days before me!
May 31, 2007
The pothole I drove over on Perkin's Street in JP more than a month ago cost me nearly $600- to fix. I filed claims with both "City of Boston" (for which I had to invest an additional $5- filing fee to for the pleasure of having some grumpy old man time/date stamp my claim at the city clerk's office) and "Department of Conservation and Recreation." Neither agency at the time I phoned them could confirm who had 'jurisdiction' over the stretch of Perkin's Street just across from Jamaica Pond. So, I covered my bases and filed claims with both agencies. This week I heard back separately, from both agencies. Not surprisingly, yet horrifyingly (is that a proper word), each pointed the finger at each other. I always wondered what the DCR (formerly MDC) did...now I realized that it's a scapegoat agency created so that the "City of Boston" proper can avoid paying for damage incurred by their shitty roads! Angry, nah....
May 28, 2007
Savannah, GA...a lovely place indeed.
The carriage house at 109 West, Moon River Brewing Company, Fort McAllister & Sherman's March to the Sea, selections from Farm Fresh, Planter's Inn, Johnson Square, Reynolds Square, Beaufort, S.C., Gullah Festival, Hunting Island State Park & Beach, Nippy's Fish, Il Pasticcio, River Street, Cafe Ambrosia, Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport...
May 24, 2007
Found a cool new (to me!) radio program on my fave L.A.-ish radio station, KCRW....I regularly tune into "Morning Becomes Eclectic" but I'd not heard; "Diggin for Fire" which airs on Saturday eves in the Greater Los Angeles area...(or via web stream anytime if we're lucky enough to have this continue!) The show is hosted by DJ Dan Wilcox and as his web-site declares "Digging For Fire delves beneath the surface of the Pop Music Landscape to shed light on a wealth of penetrating deep-cuts."
Off to find some Southern hospitality..
Post #2
While in the midst of travel toward Southern hospitality, one finds heaven in the corridors of Dulles International Airport...a wine bar with internet access!!! With nearly 4 hours to kill between flights this is a little slice of heaven. Vino Volo, Terminal C.
While taking a moment to 'entertain' myself at Vino Volo I came across the following in my email messages:
--------- Anyone who has tried dieting and writing down what they eat knows its hard....and usually lasts about a week, max. How about using your cell phone camera to make it easier? Just take pics of what your eating. The Japanese have gone one step further and have a service that allows you to send pics of whatever you're eating to a nutritionists. As luck would have it, I do most of my naughty eating way after dark, so the pics wouldn't come out that clear. ;-)------------ Courtesy of a poster who wrote in to a mailing list I belong to :)
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/biztech/05/24/japan.dieting.ap/index.html
May 22, 2007
Damien Rices' performance last night at the Opera House was excellent. It was my first time at this venue and his music is so well suited for the beauty of the environment. Last time I saw him at Avalon and while I consider that to be a great venue, his music is much more suited to the Opera House.
Lisa Hannigan, the beautiful voice that sings opposite him and enhances the much of his music was noticeably absent. When folks in the crowd shouted out; "Where's Lisa?" I felt badly. Damien ignored it a few times while singing her parts in a higher, softer tone. After a few shouters persisted, he stopped and addressed the question by responding that Lisa was in Ireland recording her own album. Wah.
I don't think he needed to sing her parts any differently than he'd use his own range, however it seemed that this is what the crowd wanted. One criticism that I had was regarding his use of distortion on at the mic...he seems to rely an awful lot of making an impact and expressing emotion with distortion. Too much even. Also, the final song of the encore was accompanied by what I thought was a sort of cheesy, theatrical 'performance' that went along with "Cheer's Darlin'" However, not to be misunderstood, his overall show was fab. He is quite the talented singer/songwriter.
In other news, I was listening to WBUR this morning when I heard a report on how the Catholic Archdiocese is getting ready to consider a move out the city (Brighton) to Braintree. The report said that Mayor Menino is trying to convince officials at the Archdiocese that this move will damage their ability to continue their 'attraction' of members to the church. Sorry, what do I know, but when did the Mayor become such an expert on the Catholic church and it's membership strategies? Perhaps he's simply concerned that the Archdiocese is just another entity that is leaving the city. Unreal property prices (well, perhaps the Catholic chuch can afford it...perhaps they cannot, again, what do I know?) have their impact...amoung other things.
May 20, 2007
This weekend's Scavenger Hunt to raise $ for the Accelerated Cure Project for MS was great fun...even in the rain. Some of the items myself and my team were tasked to create or find; A picture of a team member who is next to a person riding a unicycle and reading a newspaper, a baby tooth, a 45rpm record, a Chia Pet that is grown out or sprouting, an Atari game cartridge, a report card from the 1960's or earlier....Great fun all for a GREATER cause.
Recently feel asleep to: Dateline NBC, Jay Leno & "The Group", a 1966 film starring Candace Bergen...about a group of women who graduated from Vassar in 1933 and the trials and tribulations of their respective lives.
Listening to: Jeff Buckley..reviving my interest in "Grace." Star Ghost Dog, still. LCD Soundsystem. and Interpol, again.
Rain, rain, go away.
May 16, 2007
Watching: "Sherman's March" inspired by my upcoming visit to Savannah, GA.
May 11, 2007
I know a couple that have been married for 38 years today! They are somewhere on Cape Cod enjoying a nice lunch together.
Happy Anniversary!
May 10, 2007
You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about it's width and depth. -Evan Esar
May 8, 2007
 |
One night a few weeks ago, I was driving home from work late...10PM late...only had enough energy to get myself home and to bed. I enountered a pothole so large this is what happened.... I was alone, in "Nor'Easter" style wind and rain on the side of a road that really had -no side-....but not for long...3 other cars hit the very same pothole after I did. Pretty soon there was a crowd of us sat in our cars waiting for the 'AAA' truck to show up and rescue us. $600- later...I'm still a bit annoyed.
|
May 2, 2007
Never really thought of myself as particularly GREEN. I make an effort (sometimes a weak one) at recycling but I am not that great at at making sure the lights are switched off when not in use, just as an example. (not proud, btw)
Recently I have spent some time hanging around a few airport book shops and I picked up "Vanity Fair." The May 2007 issue, is their annual 'Green Issue.' In it is an article about how the average person approaches their day and the related environmental impacts. I was stunned! The article is titled; "An Eco-System of One's Own." Unfortunately this article is not available online. If you can get your hands on a copy of this issue, say at the library (speaking of recycling), I recommend reading it. Did you know there are 241,193,974 registered cars in the US?
Another interesting GREEN article I recently read talks about alternative fuels. Having recently filled up my mid-sized (argh!) rental car in San Fran at $3.75 per gallon, it's a worthy read. I had searched and searched for a car hire agency that has Toyota Prius'...I am curious about this car and thought if any place you could rent one, the Bay Area would be it...but no luck.
Recently viewed: Alain Renais new film; "Private Fears, Public Places." In French with English subs..."Winged Migration", "Annie Hall", "The Bridge" (bleck!!!) and "The Station Agent."
New daily addiction: KCSM, Jazz 91 - San Francisco
May 1, 2007
Back to reality...I had a good time though...
Chicago & San Fran/ Napa (sorry if one or both of these links is broken...workin' on it!)
Ever been to a SHOE CLUB event? Check out the fun we had at the last shoe club...a fashion show/contest proved that there are some AMAZING shoes out there.
April 28, 2007
Currently in Chicago. It is sunny and 70 plus degrees. No rain. Yahoo!
April 25, 2007
Whirlwind trip to the West Coast this weekend.
Some highlights:
Drinks and nibbles in Hayes Valley....Absinthe first....Sugar next....then off to the War Memorial Opera House to see the San Francisco Ballet.
Lovely hostesses in Noe Valley who know a good cup of coffee when they sip it. Philz. Arabic...ground and individually prepped, one cup at a time.
Breakfast...homemade granola at Cafe Flore in the Castro district.
Less than homemade granola at EuroSpa and Inn in Calistoga...but when enjoyed by the fire, outside with no agenda and a good book, who cares? It's my birthday!
A lovely dinner at Go Fish in St. Helena.
Wandering in St. Helena town center and lunch at Cindy's Backstreet before my visit to Terra Valentine on Spring Mountain.
Drinks at sunset at Auberge du Soleil on the Silverado Trail in Rutherford. This place is POSH and the view is killer. It's my birthday.
Another lovely dinner with GREAT company at Martini House in St. Helena. Had the mushroom tasting with my veggie host, each course (amazing!) paired with mostly California wines...and a Tawny Port to finish. Amazing night. It's my birthday.
Lazy afternoon in Calistoga catching up including a lovely lunch at Calistoga Inn and Brewery.
On the road....Calistoga to Sonoma....Sonoma to Sausalito....Sausalito to the end of my LOVELY whirlwind weekend on the West Coast.
April 12, 2007
Watched "Last King of Scotland" last night at the Somerville theatre that now serves BEER!
Reached into my coat pocket recently and found the business card for "Trattoria Storica" where I dined in October with friends in Venezia. I guess that was the last time I wore that coat...Finding the card got me -googling- and I found a web page by a guy also enamoured with Venezia...very interesting site. He also enjoyed the Sgroppino I'm dying to replicate here in Boston. YUM.
Snow in the forecast today...so far it's only rain. Thank god, it is APRIL after all!
April 11, 2007
Markus Hansen's "Other people's feelings are also my own" was at MIT's Visual Art Center last August...I never got to see it and I've kept the newspaper clipping since last year. Fascinated by the exhibition's concept, I regret so much not getting out to see it. I wonder if he'll show it again?
March 25, 2007
Watched "Danny Deckchair" the other night. Part of IFC's Australian film month.
Was recently sent a few cute "Computer Haikus": Following are my favorites:
The Web site you seek cannot be located, but countless more exist.
--------------------------------------------
Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent, and reboot. Order shall return.
---------------------------------------------
Yesterday it worked. Today it is not working. Software is like that.
-------------------------------------
Your file was so big. It might be very useful. But now it is gone. .
----------------------------------------------
A crash reduces your expensive computer to a simple stone.
------------------------------------------------
Having been erased, The document you're seeking must now be retyped.
-------------------------------------------------
Screen......Mind.......... Both are blank.
March 21, 2007
Life is delicate and short. Take good care of it and the people you encounter in it.
Recently downloaded: Elastica, Cheb Khalid, Outkast & Silversun Pickups.
Sipping: Feudi San Gregorio, Greco di Tufo.....from the soil-ish of my ancestors...
March 12, 2007
Larry: "What do you reckon? In general."
Alice: "You want to talk about art?"
Larry: "I know it's vulgar to discuss the work at an opening of THE WORK, but somebody's got to do it." "I'm serious, what do you think?"
Alice: "It's a lie." "It's a bunch of sad strangers photographed beautifully...and all the glittering assholes that appreciate art say it's beautiful because that's what they want to see...but the people in the photos are sad and alone, but the pictures make the world seem beautiful so, the exhibition is reassuring, which makes it a lie and everyone loves a big fat lie."
-Closer Screenplay, 2004
March 9, 2007
At first when I heard John Vanderslice's "Exodus Damage" I thought it was just another politically charged song. I dismissed it from my conciousness whenever I heard it. Somehow this song has grown on me and I love it. Yeah, it talks about 9/11 and makes references to the NRA, but I don't think this is what the song is all about at it's essence. Actually, I think the song is quite hopeful.
There is a YouTube video for "Exodus Damage" that happens to really play up the terrorism aspect of the lyrical content...showing over and over imagery of important US landmarks. This is when I wish my blog were truly interactive. I'd love to hear what others think of this video.
Perhaps it's time to spend the brain-power in figuring out how to make this happen. Like, today :) Livejournal & Wordpress hear I come.
PS - So many shows coming up that I may have missed the ticket boat for; Damien Rice (THE best show I have ever seen in my entire life!) at the Opera House, Ben Gibbard (seen him a few times with DeathCab, superb!) at the Somerville Theatre, All Acapella this Sunday at the Cutler Majestic, hope I can still get in on Sondre Lerche in April at the Paradise...this would ensure I've seen all of his Boston shows, ever.
Thinking about Sean Lennon in April at the 'dise...as well, Peter, Bjorn and John...someone mentioned them to me over a year ago and since I'm usually pretty late to the party, I'm just getting on with them...they're good! A friend of mine had their song "Young Folks" on his MySpace page for a while. The drum & whisle opening drove me nuts. It's grown on me now....There is another song that is quite lovely; "Objects of My Affection." They fit 'my profile'...they are Scandanavian singer song-writers...and a trio. Outside the profile I will definately see Seu Jorge at the 'dise at the end of June.
March 8, 2007
It's Boston restaurant week...at B5 crowds of less experienced diners pile in for their bargain dinner. It's not so bad, there are many who will return.
It's currently 11 degrees fahrenheit. In 48 hours it will be 45 degrees warmer. I may not leave the house until Saturday. ;)
Remember what the label looked like but not the name of the wine? Italianwinelabels.com
PS - I love my Nuvi! I'll never be lost in my own hometown again ;) (Frank, your services are no longer required...Thank you.)
March 7, 2007
The weight IS a gift:
To make a mountain of your life
Is just a choice
But I never learned enough
To listen to the voice that told me..
Always love… Hate will get you everytime
Always love… Don't wait till the finish line
-Nada Surf
March 6, 2007
March 5, 2007
" There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others "'
- - - from The Life and Work of Martha Graham
March 4, 2007
March 1, 2007
Recently viewed: "La Bestia nel Cuore", (english title: "Don't Tell") a RAI production featuring the duo I so enjoyed in "La Meglio Gioventu"; Luigi LoCasio and Alessio Boni.
Also, "The Life of David Gale."
Fabulous new musical find (for me anyway): Samba Lolo.....seen at both Johnny D's and Tir Na Nog (RIP) recently. Boubacar Diabate and rotating group of back up....both times I saw them they had at least 6 or more band members....delicious Afro-beat. Check 'em out.
Recently checked Paolo Nutini at the Paradise. My conclusion is that I prefer listening to his mastered creations via CD. I'm pretty sure this was Paolo's first US tour. Perhaps in subsequent tours he'll look at the audience, interact a bit more, maybe take less drugs...??.... He's young, he's got time. ;)
With respect to the fabulous life of food, wine and cocktails - I recently enjoyed an evening at Dylan Black's newly revived "Green Street Grille" tasting cocktails made with champagne. Lauren, a fabulously passionate drinkmaster and promoter organized a night on behalf of her superb blog; Drink Boston. 4 drink recipes were showcased along with fabulous picky foods. The creators of the drinks discussed their history and inspiration....details on Lauren's blog...just search for Green Street.
February 2, 2007
Caught a bit of "Jet Pilot" with John Wayne & Janet Leigh recently. An American Air Force pilot falls for a FEMALE Soviet pilot...they jet around the US in fighter jets on their own whim. 1957. Hmph...unlikley.
February 1, 2007
One of my favorite wine blogs to read is back in action. Cork and Demon.
I thought it was a bit of a coincidence that someone may have fallen through the ice at Jamaica Pond 2 days in a row. While I felt so badly driving by for the poor soul that must have been freezing, it was only a drill.
January 31, 2007
Top Chef finale in 6 minutes! Read on Yahoo's Portal that there was a leak regarding who won....they were clear about where the SPOILER began in the online article and I managed NOT to let my eyes drop down to see...I am in total suspense. Somehow I think that it will be Marcel who wins.
Last night was the Italian Wine (not-so-ordinary grapes) Tasting at Eastern Standard. Ed & Frank put together a program that was amazing. I can certainly say that next to a grand portfolio tasting (Ruby, Classic & Cafe Europa) I hadn't tasted 17 wines in that short a period. Will make a separate posting on the wines and the food....including the Frenet Branca ice cream may have been the unexpected highlight of the eats! Who would have thought that a bitter Italian herbal liqueur with 40% alcohol would make a good flavor for ice cream!
January 22, 2007
Just came across this interesting article that talks about how some folks who have satellite radio receivers in their cars are getting crossover of subscribed broadcasts while simply using the radio tuner. Not having satellite radio, I haven't experienced this however I'd not be very happy if my WMBR was interrupted by the likes of Howard Stern. Check it out. Getting Howard Stern off NPR.
Speaking of WMBR, MIT's campus station, I particularly enjoyed the program "French Toast" this AM. It's a 2 hour program conducted entirely in French and featuring some great french pop and alterna. I don't speak or even understand French, but there is something lovely about imagining perhaps you are in a place that isn't MONDAY AM getting read for work! (warning, if you visit the French Toast web link above, we warned of the horrible music that loads with the site!) "French Toast" airs on Monday mornings from 6 to 8AM at 88.1 in Boston, MA or via the web!
Coincidently, I heard 2 bands, back to back this AM on WMBR that were mentioned and/or recommended to me by friends this weekend. First, the newish sound of Shins. Next, Oneida (sp?) a local band. Good listening morning today :)
January 16, 2007
Photo gallery from the 3rd Annual MLK Dinner Party...
January 8, 2007
Observations of the day....Caught watching the Style Network's "Split Ends" program where a west coast (California) hair stylist trades her job with a Brooklyn based hairstylist....holy prescription REALITY TV...nevertheless, I was sucked in and watching intently when I realized that the salon featured in Brooklyn called "Hello Beautiful" was the salon I've had my only NY haircut in! It's so funny the true style differences between east and west coast....the hot hairstyle on "Bedford" these days seems to be the mullet and lots of brunette.....on the west coast, a whole lotta extensions in blonde. The Brooklyn based hairstylist had by far the best quote of the day. Stay tuned.....
PS - What's your opinion of the 1970's dodgey moustache trend that seems to have every male NYC hipster replicating that awful 'porn star' look? Email me.
The other interesting program I caught today was on Terry Gross' program on NPR, "Fresh Air." Alex Kapranos, the lead man of the Scottish hispter band "Franz Ferdinand' whose music I was sucked into suddently, and for like 5 minutes, 2 years ago, is apparently a foodie of mass proportion. He has been writing a column for the London based "Guardian" newspaper for the past year about the food he eats while on the road...which would have absolutely NO credibility if this restaurant worker cum musician had NOT worked previously in restaurants in as many capacities as he once had. Alex has taken bits from these columns over the past year and compiled them into a book called "Soundbite." Yeah, stupid name....but the interview was quite interesting....Alex was a charming and down-to-earth seeming lad...it's worth a listen.
Yoga....is good. Yup, feelin' good.
January 3, 2007
As the holidays wrap all the meet ups with friends come flashing back....
"Naughty or Nice" hosted by Lisa & Sang at "Cuff's" (Jury's Hotel) See pics here.
Holiday Dinner pahty at Samy's in Andover.
January 1, 2007
Potentially a perfect combo; Italian looks & genes with a Scottish accent. Paolo Nutini. I heard the song "Last Request" at least 873 times during my month in Italy in October. I assumed that based on the Italian name that this singer/songwriter was from Italy. It threw me off a bit that he sang in the English language with no Italian accent present....but whatever. Around Thanksgiving a of mine friend mentioned how he was enjoying Paolo's music and that was from Paisley, Scotland. It's true....check Paolo's site for an example of the combo that Italian genes combined with the Scottish accent creates....but remember, this singer/songwriter, on the rise, is only 19 years old.
December 4, 2006
"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered.
Then I say to myself, "It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."
~ Jack Handy
November 21, 2006
Current obsession: "La Meglio Gioventu" or "The Best of Youth."
Listening to: Bad Italian radio.....yet loving it. RTL, 102.5.
Eating: Perugina "Grifo"
Getting ready for: BED!
Buona Notte.....
November 13, 2006
More holiday pics added today; "Casa Nagli", "Casa di Alice" & "La Locanda da Al Capello"...3 of the lovely places I called 'home' while I was 5000 miles away from home!
November 7, 2006
Vote. Today. Before 8PM.
November 5, 2006
The thermostat has officially been activated past 60 degrees....it'll hover between here and 70 until March or April....Sadly.
Grr.
Did another page of vacation pics....bored yet?
Volterra
October 31, 2006
I have created a couple more pages of pics from my recent trip.
Venezia Candids - these are pics of my visit with my Venetian friends
La Biennale di Venezia - these are pics of my visit to La Biennale's 10th annaul architecture exhibit. very cool.
Also, wanted also to share with y'all a funny email exchange between myself, a friend of mine who is becoming a lover of French wines, and another friend who is an expert with French wines.
Message #1 - Original email from my friend, the one who is *becoming* a lover of french wine.
Lisa, I have tasted the blood of jesus yet again at my friend Dan's house. Chateu Trotanoy Pomerol 1997 I hope your trip to Italy is going well.
Message #2 - My response to his note...
Hi James, I laughed when I saw this note....I read it while I myself was tasting the blood of Jesus! (**my own personal Jesus**....remember Depeche Mode? Your Jesus is French, mine comes from Friuli!) Hope u don't mind that I'm cc'ing A and S on this message....I thought perhaps they might know how to find that wine for you...or something similiar more than likely.
Message #3 - The response from "A", a friend of mine who is a french wine expert.
I'm afraid it's all bad news. Trotanoy comes from Pomerol in Bordeaux where some of the world's most expensive, unattainable wines originate. It's owned by the Moueix family - that's the people who bring you Petrus and Dominus. Petrus is about 1200 metres away and produces the world's most costly reds (sometimes thousands of dollars a bottle). Dominus is about 6,000 miles away in Napa. They're only hundreds per bottle. Trotanoy is mainly Merlot (approx. 80- 90%) and like it's big sister Petrus is fermented in cement (isn't luxury romantic?) before being aged in oak barrels for about a year. It is then dosed with egg whites but not filtered before bottling. It gets worse. In 1997 only 2,400 cases were produced, so less than 30,000 bottles for the entire world. If you want to find another bottle, count on at least $75 a bottle and some strange act of human kindness/blackmail to get it. '97 Trotanoy is considered an over-acheiver in a tough vintage, and probably will still be very good for another 10 years. James, hold the purveyor of this little number close to your bosom and heart and flatter them regularly. It's the only chance you have. You like Pomerol and there is no escape. You are fucked. Try Ferraris or helicopters.
Your humble servant, A
October 27, 2006
Nothing like a trip home from work during rush hour traffic to snap the mind out of it's 'relaxed, vacation space' and back into the drill of things.
However, I've got many great memories.
Chianti
Siena
Bressan
EU Chocolate Fest
San Daniele
Udine
26, Ottobre, 2006 / October 26, 2006 - Vacation officially comes to a close
When I went to bed last night sometime around 1AM, I knew that 4: 30AM was going to come too soon. The end of a vacation always comes too soon, but especially when you go to bed with only 3 hours to sleep.
Anna and Massimo of Casa di Alice were up with me having coffee at 5:30AM....only they got to go back to bed when I hit the road to "Ronchi dei Legionari" in the Benz at 5:45AM. It was dark outside and nobody, I mean *nobody* was on the road. It stayed dark until we hit about 20K feet in the airplane at just after 7AM. I love the airport in Trieste. It is so small and uncomplicated. When I arrived at Ronchi, around 6:10AM, I drove the Benz right into an open spot at Maggiore, took my bags out and feeling bad that I left an empty water bottle in the car, I walked 30 seconds later into the door of the airport, not having seen another soul. Stress free, crowd free, hassle free. I walked right up to the check in line and after 1 minute was in front of the agent with my bags being checked and ready to hit security. First I had to leave the keys to the car in the Maggiore 'after hours' slot...there was nobody waiting for me to return a car at 6AM, that's for sure!
After a 5 min. wait in the security line it was off to Gate 2 for my 7AM "Air Dolomiti" flight to Munich. (or Monaco as the Italians say...)
It was a beautiful (if not sleepy) trip in the hour it took to get to Munich from Trieste. The sky was clear and there were perfect views of the Alps & Dolomites.
The airport in Munich was not the same experience as in Trieste. Of course it is a much bigger airport, but with recent security regulations, shopping duty free takes on a different meaning when trying to get through security....more later.
24, Ottobre - 2006
My days here are fading away. --Here-- being Italia...and specifically in the lovely land of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Today was an amazing day. It started quite dark and rainy in Cividale...checking out of Al Pomo D'Oro not knowing where I would be sleeping this evening and taking the 'posh ride' out for a spin to Farra D'Isonzo. In Farra D'Isonzo I was met by Fulvio Bressan the winemaker of Bressan, a producer of the most amazing wines for over 10 generations.
What can I say about this place? The land is so beautiful and the philosphy behind the production of Bressan wines is simple and full of respect for the land. I'll write more about my visit later but let it be said now, Fulvio, Jelena (his wife), Emanuele (his son).....and Fulvio's father are a wonderful clan.
Via the contact of a winemaker I'm going to visit tommorow, Federico Frumento of Casa Zuliani, I am currently sitting in my beautiful room at the B & B of "La Casa di Alice" in Cormons. This place is wonderful...located just outside of the center, the house has what appears to be 3 rooms, each furnished with a modern & tasteful decor. Bathrooms ensuite are very clean, large and new. It's amazing how differently you can spend your 60 euros per night. Last night's accomodations in Cividale for about the same money don't even touch that of the accomodations here at "Casa di Alice" or that of "Al Capello" in Udine. Here at "Case di Alice" there is private parking behind an automated gate that you open by remote control, calling to mind the opening scene of "Falcon Crest." ;) The common areas are so warm and inviting. I'm a bit disappointed not to have found this place sooner than now! Or to have known about it when I stayed here in Cormons 3 years ago.
Dopo domani (the day after tommorow - Thursday) is going to arrive very fast. 4:30AM, when I must wake to head to "Ronchi dei Legionari" to make my flight to Munich is going to hurt just a bit, but I have some amazing memories and experiences to help ease the pain.
A dopo....
PS - So far I have nearly 700 MB of photos and video....that's about 475 pics. Get ready.
23, Ottobre - 2006
Currently in Cividale di Fruili....having a quick break before dinner...just saw "Beverly Hills 90210" in German....and now "Knight Rider", remember, with David Hasselhoff (pre-Baywatch fame)...???? can't forget that cool car "Kit" he drove......totally disturbing that this is prime time viewing here. In German, I'm not sure why...Cividale is about 10 mins. from the Slovenian border, which I encountered today, for the second time in my life...by mistake. Austria is about half an hour away...perhaps this is why the german language on TV. Who knows. All I know, and currently care about is how beautiful the land is here...a different kind of beauty than other parts of Italia that I find quite amazing, like; Tuscany, Cinque Terre and the Italian Riveria...and of course, the historical beauty of Venezia. Even thought it rained for most of the day, I found my way to the top of the hills that are Collio, the wine producing district in this part of Friuli Venezia Giulia. It was amazing. As I ascended it was pre-dark...rainy, but not too cold....a fog hung over the hills making an erie mood of sorts. As I reached the top I realized how steep the hills are and while I descended it was becoming dark...making the mood even a bit spooky. The posh car I'm driving (a Mercedes C220) has a rear oriented transmission so I slipped a few more times than I wanted on the wet roads. If I were to meet my end in a vineyard of Tocai grapes I guess it wouldn't be that bad ;)
This afternoon I was in search of an agriturismo called "Stroppolatini" that was recommended to me by Monica, the woman of "Il Capello" in Udine where I stayed the past 2 days. After an hour of searching the back roads outside of Cividale I stopped into a bar to ask if anyone knew of "Stroppolatini" also known as "Casali del Picchio" on Strada di Prepotte, 21. I encountered a kind man whose Friulian dialect was barely understandable to me...but we were on equal ground as my american accented quasi Italiano was barely understandable by him. This man told me he knew the place and to follow him in his car. He drove 10+ minutes from the bar where he was in the middle of enjoying his beer, to show me where this place was....driving me through the vineyard and right up to the door of the cantina! I didn't get his name but he introduced me to the winemaker, who, as it happens is from Sardegna currently living with his wife and children in Friuli, making wine and offering beautiful and traquil accommodation to visitors all year round. He told me that his wife was just going to pick up their daughter at school and I should wait 10 mins. He assigned his other daughter (18 years old) to entertain me in the enoteca while I waited. We chatted a bit about why I was there, what she wanted to study at University and what I thought of New York...she was very curious about New York. I can understand why...this area is so very rural...anything like New York, even given it's crime and dirt, must be fascinating to someone living in such a quiet place.
When 'the mother' returned she showed me around the place, all the rooms, which would be perfect for someone, a couple or even one person seeking some peace and quiet in a beautiful land! I bought a bottle of Schiopettino...and would love to have bought more, only I am aware of the current restrictions on bringing liquids back to the USA, so I can only pack a couple of bottles. (wah!) I think I chose well since it's nearly impossible to find a Schiopettino in a wine shop in Boston. (and I have tried!) All in all it was a nice day (in spite of the poor weather) made nicer by some wonderful people for whom friendliness comes naturally. (and not in exchange for $)
19, Ottobre - 2006
Currently in Trieste...experiencing a similar situation to the last time I was here a little more than one year ago. I arrived late in the day via train from Venezia. I had a nice long walk through the city. The weather was what one might expect in Trieste...a gray sky with a slightly chilly 'bora' breeze. Just like last year.....but on the second day I wake up to rain. In a way it is almost perfect for this mysteriously mixed up citta. To see photos of last years trip (just a few, it was raining!) click here. The good things; Tocai on tap, Polpettini, Proscuitto crudo, Refosco....and the BEST cafe (coffee for us americani) in all of Italy. This place is obsessed with many things, but coffee is number one. Number 2 may be shops for eyewear...I'm hoping I'll find a new pair to bring home with me.
Off to Udine tommorow where the forecast offers the same....rain - on and off - with clouds. The folks here say it's finally autumn. The weather up to now has been unseasonably warm. In Rome it was summer-time warm, as in Toscana....but now I'm breaking out the warm clothes I packed...and the umbrellino!
Ciao for now.
October ....?????
I really don't know what the date is....that is the true sign that one is on vacation. Currently at the University of Siena....
Here is one photo from un mese in Italia,,,,
October 1, 2006
Brrr....in Boston.
September 26, 2006
I am drowning in technical issues beyond my ability, NO, beyond my interest level to address. I can handle them, I just don't want to.
Pink Floyd....they ARE the best.
September 19, 2006
L'auberge Espagnole was on IFC tonight...I watched it for the first time since having seen it in the cinema a few years ago. I'm sorry if this sounds politicallly not correct, but the scene where the English guy is imitating a "typical" German is hilarious. In many ways summed up the point of the film and many ways, very incidental. The soundtrack is really amazing....Radiohead, Ali Farka Toure.....and perhaps since Audrey Tautou was in the film I made the "Amelie" connection....I couldn't help but see an amazing resemblence between the way the director chose to show the scenes where Xavier was passing through time trying to get into Erasmus....it reminded me of the some of the 'tiled' visual scenes from Amelie...perhaps a French film making trend of the early 2000's?
Only Cédric Klapisch and
Jean-Pierre Jeunet know for sure.
September 18, 2006
Saw Nouvelle Vague at the Paradise on Saturday. A full house of mostly 30-something men had their eyes attentively peeled toward the 3 front women of the band. Lot's of super-trendy eyewear and spatterings of vintage clothing strewn about.
Watched a couple of Film Movement 'film shorts' last night. "Inja" from South Africa...and "Sangam" a NYC based story of 2 men from India and how they are
September 12, 2006
Teitur did not make it to the Paradise this evening...much less to the US...he had VISA issues and had to cancel his show. I found out upon arrival to the Paradise. Bummer.
So, as I sit eating my vegan vermicelli noodles from Grasshopper I get to download on my adventures in NYC from the weekend past.
Barrio Chino Deeeee-licious Margaritas...tapas-ishy mexican. Very cool environment on the edge of Chinatown.
Half Nelson at the Angelika. AMAZING movie on so many levels. (also a Think Films production)
Thor...lovely cocktails, lovely crowd..
***Little Branch...The new "Milk & Honey" circa London (members only) & NYC ...nearly unmarked locale for those 'in the know' or, like me; friends with those 'in the know.' AMAZING cocktails all made with 100% fresh ingredients....limited menu...they stick to the classics in this vintage-inspired basement. Fresh squeezed everything. Serious and strong.
Odessa, at about 3AM a grilled cheese never tasted soooo good.
H & H...totally UNCOOL to ask for anything ON your bagel at this 80th and Broadway, Upper West Side location, but that's OK, I've never claimed to be very cool. Pumpernickel and lox spread.
Zabar's. Why don't we have one of these in Boston? If I lived in New York it'd have to be near Zabar's. Like Savenor's or DeLuca's in Boston but without the piss-taking prices. I bought coffee beans, Viennese and "Zabar Blend"....I had Zabar Blend this AM, yum!
A nap in Central Park.
Marlowe & Son, Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY. Food shop and cafe by day....hip, fresh, lovely little hot spot with super staffers by night. Marlowe and Son offered my first experience with deep fried corn on the cob. Sounds revolting...but you must trust me, it was very special. Other treats included collard green soup, a cheese plate that had 'Constant Bliss' on it, a pickle dish with amazing pickled beets and a slightly dodgy pickled watermelon rind (I think...), peach salad, honey and lavender ice cream, mascarpone ice cream and several bottles of amazing (hand carried in by us and graciously served by the folks at Marlowe & Son) wine....1986 California Cabs...a past due Riesling (oh well) along with great friends and many laughs.
Red Bamboo for Sunday lunch. Had faux fish. I like REAL fish better, but if I were a veggie, I could live with the 'cod' served by Red Bamboo.
My singular celebrity sighting was the interior designer that Oprah has assisted in making truly famous. Nate Berkus. Saw him in Greenwich Village Sunday afternoon.
On the way home, my first experience with Rein's Deli. Extra lean Corned Beef & Matzoh Ball Soup.
Friends, good sights, fun & foolery....and a lovely ride there and back in the Merc with Mr. Magoo and Tofu Jul. (thanks Forbesicle for having us!)
September 11, 2006
On a day that is sad and full of remembrance for so many who have lost folks...I will remember a great person lost just over 2 months ago. Kevin's video tribute.
August 24, 2006
Yesterday I came across Interpol on my Zen coincidently and I remember a time a bit more than a year ago when I couldn't take "Antics" out of my playlist. They really are soooo good. I wonder when the next release is. Maybe I'll be all 'hip' and get and Interpol ringtone for my new MDA...my Blackberry has such 1980's ringtones.
Still loving the Thievery Corp. "Strange Days" remix. (Doors)
Camera Obscura has invaded my playlist recently...something about the playful nature of songs like; "Lloyd, I'm ready to be heartbroken" and "Teenager" that attracts me. Oh, and they are from Glasgow!
Vespa season is nearing it's end...I'm hoping for a few more rides this year, I don't think I even turned over an entire tank of gas this year! Although I did make an interesting note...in 2003 when I got my ET2 it was $2.50 to fill her up....this year, even though I only filled up one time, it was nearly $7.50! I'm not complaining it's still much more economical than the Volvo which is running nearly $40 to fill....from approx. $25-27 at it's 'birth year', 2001. :(
Coupla more musical notes; Gotan Project is going to be on Morning Becomes Eclectic next Monday....you can stream it after the fact. Skye as well. Skye is the former front woman of Morcheeba. I caught Morcheeba at Avalon about 2 years ago now...they were superb live!
Which reminds me that I've not been to a show in a few months. Hopefully I can fit a few in before Italia, October 2006! Thinking about: Starsailor at the 'dise 9/6..I have seen them twice there...sadly to an empty room. They were so big when I was living in London..., thinking of repeating last years lineup coming again this 9/12, Teitur, Tina Dico (Zero 7) & Tobias Froberg....DEFINTELY Nouvelle Vague at the 'dise on 9/16.
I'll be in NYC on the weekend of 9/9 & 10 gotta check out who is playing there that weekend.
Over and out for now.
August 22, 2006
Did you ever have a day that when it was over you realized nothing that occurred was anything you had planned or could have imagined for that day?
"Strange days have founds us...." -Jim Morrison
My head hurts.
August 21, 2006
Currently listening to Thievery Corporation's appearance on KCRW's "Morning Become's Eclectic" from July 26. Totally loving the Door's "Strange Days" remix. Everything else makes me feel like I'm working at the restaurant.
 |
After a super-posh dinner last night at Sorellina in Back Bay, tonight's dinner seems so very sad....actually, I think it appears in the Wikipedia as "soooo very lazy". Notice the "Celeste" label underneath the 'falsely' *crispy* pizza...the pizza was made to be *crisp* from the dodgey looking silver 'base' that the pizza rests on. It doesn't work. I paired my "Celeste" Vegetable pizza with a lovely Italian wine called "Terraza." It is a Verdicchio (80) / Trebbiano (20) blend from Toscana....I think ;) It certainly made the pizza taste better. :) |
At Sorellina last night it was "Restaurant Week"...which means that theoretically a 3 course dinner comes in at $30. My dining partners and I decided to triple that cover while enhancing it with a lovely glass of LP champagne, starters ordered off the menu including, tuna tartare & beef carpaccio...YUM.
Also on the topic of food....I'm way behind in posting these pics.....of my first time preparing zucchini flowers....picked fresh from the garden of my parents on Cape Cod....I stuffed them with Bufala Mozzarella and some interesting Italian Pepperoni. I breaded them with a homemade bread mixture that included Japanese Panko crumbs and then they were fried in oil.
 |
 |
 |
I have more catching up to do with pic galleries, particularly of World Cup festivities. Forza Italia!
Ahhhhhhhhhh.....I just heard the Thievery Corp guys say that they did a remix for Courtney Love that she rejected....and that they have one they are dying to release that is a MORRISSEY cover but Mr. Morrissey hasn't officially approved it yet, so they can't.....Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! When I am in Roma in October I will track him down and get his siggy.
August 20, 2006
Listening to "The Killing Moon" by Nouvelle Vague.
Smelling my neighbors newly asphalted driveway.
Feeling the breeze of increasingly muggy air come through my dining room window.
Just watched "Amelie." It is somewhere around the 9th time I have watched this movie. Although the number of times that I have continuously listened to the soundtrack (Yann Tiersen) far outnumbers this.
Watching my beta fish swim around his inside 'vase.'
Thinking about; Applying some principles of Feng Shui in my house.....where I will stay when I am Venezia this October....which book to pick up once I finish the one I am reading..."The Interpreter of Maladies" or "Holy Cow." One written in observance of folks from India who come to live in America, the other written by an expat (Australian, I think) who lived in India for years.
Feeling, lazy!
August 6, 2006
Deep Wisdom for those who can handle it....
Present challenge: Believing in your healing even when it seems you are falling back into old obsessions.
You have drawn the card to reinforce your belief in yourself and your ability to change and heal your life. You may feel as if the old fears and obsessions are gaining strength again because your inner assurance and self confidence may be slightly shaken by some recent event.
This is a time when you may need to face the tranformation of your old patterns yourself, since friends may be withdrawn into their own concerns. You are being guided to understand that you can do whatever is required to heal because you have invoked divine love to help you begin a new life. You are ready for improved physical health, for relationships with people who are themselves healthier and capable of sustaining a relationship with you, and the means to be of service and value to yourself.
Transformation is the process of healing your separation from God. And although you think your problems stem from rejection, abandonment, or trauma at the hands of other people, you are actually facing your desire to release fear and accept love from yourself and from God. Encourage yourself in your efforts to persevere with these positive changes. Continue your meditations and empowering inner work, and you will come into the safe and peaceful waters of divine love.
You might wonder why you are experiencing resistance to the positive changes and repatternings that you are trying to affect in your efforts to heal. The resistance comes from working to abandon your fears rather than continuing to fear being abandoned. Your outer mind, your rational self, has served you well in the past by helping you put aside the memory of painful experiences so that you could meet new people and try again to find love. But this mental programming is presently sabotaging your efforts to reawaken these old feelings in order to heal rather than erase them.
You may have decided to love yourself, all of you this time, even including the parts deeply hidden. You may be deciding that even the fearful obsessions and inner anger is only your small child inside crying out to be loved and held. So place your arms around your body and feel the love from us, your angelic teachers. We understand your pain and also seek your healing. You are needed on Earth, and you have the ability to heal through love.
August 1, 2006
Low budget "Sex and the City" moment of the day...
My morning brought a quick trip to Davis Sq. to get a cup of coffee and buy some hangers at the Dollar Store. (real SATC moment would have me buying hangers at "Hold Everything") After accomplishing both of these tasks my ADD caught sight of a cool items in the window of a well known thrift store in the square. (real SATC moment would have been a quick stop into "Gucci") So, I went in for a peak...right about the time I'm checking out, I remember my meter only had 45 minutes on it. Calculating that I was at around 44 minutes and 37 seconds I walked briskly down Elm Street toward the yellow Volvo (real SATC car would have been a taxi cab....or a BMW). I can just barely make out the silhouette of a meter attendant in front of my car. I turn up the brisk walk to an awkward jog with Starbuck's coffee (real SATC moment would have me drinking "Dean and Deluca") dripping down my arm, my bag of Dollar store hangers and the pair of $4 shoes I bought at the thrift store bouncing at my side....I wasn't jogging in Manolo Blahnik's, but flip flops from Target...and if you think running in flip flops is any easier than Manolos, you are incorrect. (although in full disclosure, I have never run in Manolos, just 'regular' high heels) I arrived at my car just as the meter attendant was putting the $20 violation on my windshield. Bummer. I guess the story could be worse...it really could have been NYC where my violation would have been $50 or $100...and I'm guessing my hangers might have cost more than $1. Surely. Ok, I feel better.
Watched a peculiarly depressing, yet socially interesting film last night, " Rezervni deli" "Spare Parts" is the English title. This film was set in Slovenia and in Slovenian with English subs. It is part of the "Film Movement" series of independent films. it's a cool program where you can sign up to get one DVD from their releases each month. These are films that don't make it to major release but are generally VERY good. Other Film Movement films I have enjoyed are; Viva Laldjerie (Algerian) and Light of My Eyes (Italy).
July 9, 2006
 |
Kevin, RIP... A good friend to myself & many... You will never be forgotten. ---1970-2006--- |
June 12, 2006
Another good read recently seen on Boston.com.
The following appeared on Boston.com: Headline: Crafting the new American dream Date: June 11, 2006 "The American dream has changed. It used to be a college education, a steady job, a nice house (and a family to fill it), and a better financial picture than what your parents had."
____________________________________________________________
To see this recommendation, click on the link below or cut and paste it into a Web browser: http://www.boston.com/bostonworks/news/articles/2006/06/11/crafting_the_new_american_dream?p1=email_to_a_friend
June 7, 2006
This is hysterical...I never saw the original article in the 1980's....I'm frightened what it would have said if written in the 1950's.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 14, 2006
Viewed today: Breakfast at Tiffany's. Love the soundtrack (Henry Mancini), the character of Holly Go Lightly, and again, the idealized version of life in NYC.
May 12, 2006
Saw Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" for the first time. I fell asleep mid-way through the movie and woke up to find that I'd not missed much. This is a l-o-n-g film. I liked it and would like to see it again. Having missed a chunk I realized I did not pick up on all the film offers I'll watch again and again...at some point. Overall my impression was that the film or rather the characters of the film were a bit sad. The shallowness of their lives 'in the spotlight' or for some, just outside the spotlight, portrayed an emptiness that the film did not attempt to fill in their characters.
May 11, 2006
Observations on Woody Allen's "Manhattan"...(1979)
Loved this film. Sometimes the high pitched whine of Woody Allen's negative droll can seem like fingernails on a chalkboard. Sometimes it can be entirely fascinating or just generally entertaining...in a reflective sort of way.
The soundtrack was superb! Although it says something about the viewer in the year 2006 when she hears George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and immediately associates it with the "United Airlines" theme song. That is almost too embarrassing to type. Almost ;)
This film seems to portray, even with the 'troubles' portrayed in each characters lives, an idealized view of living in New York in the 1970's.
Favorite lines of the film
The one that had me laughing the hardest:
The most impact: "Not everybody gets corrupted. You have to have a little faith in people." (Tracy to Isaac...last scene of the film)
The most curious recurrent line variation: "I'm from Philadelphia..." (said by Mary two times during the film)
Other miscellaneous lines I enjoyed:
Yale: You are so self-righteous, you know. I mean we're just people. We're just human beings, you know? You think you're God.
Isaac Davis: I... I gotta model myself after someone.
May 9, 2006
On a cold & rainy day, this looks lovely...
Another 'belated' birthday dinner....Flora Restaurant in Arlington.
Made some recipes from my Fred Plotkin book; "Recipes from Paradise." Made "Trofie" a pasta associated with the Italian region "Liguria" known more commonly to many as the Italian Riviera. Also tried a recipe for "Paniccia" or chickpea bread. Calling this recipe 'bread' is a bit of strech though...following the instructions exactly (which is generally very difficult for me - but since I had a cooking partner it was easier to stay on track) the consistency was a bit dodgey...more like a polenta. The pasta with fresh pesto and Ligurian wine (Pigato) and Friulian wine (Momalatta) was the hit of my palette!
This is great: http://thefatmanwalking.com/
April 29, 2006
Dual birthday dinner. Myself e Vincenzo. Sage, North End - Boston.
Slow Cooked Octopus, Braised Rice Beans w/ prosecco
Pasta Sampler w/
Hand Rolled Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Mushroom, Truffle Butter,
Risotto, Spring Peas, Mascarpone, Morels....
Sautéed Bacala Cake, Caper, Garlic & Preserved Lemon w/
Verdicchio, Umani Ronchi "Casal di Serra",Marche '02
Braised Short Rib and creamed spinach w/
Rosso di Montefalco , Arnaldo Caprai, Umbria '01
Yum. I'm concerned for the fact that all I have blogged about is food for the past several entries. Tommorow, politics. Um, NEVER!
April 27, 2006
April 26, 2006
Herring in Oil
Beet Soup with Mushroom Filled Ravioli or Meat Roll
Polish Plate with Stuffed Cabbage, Grilled Kielbasa,Cabbage Stew and Pierogi
and a glass of; Zywiec Lager
Yum. Cafe Polonia.
April 24, 2006
Hadn't been here in years...Lyceum in Salem, MA
A new consignment store has arrived in the 'evolving' downtown district of Salem. Just like Poor Little Rich Girl in Davis Sq. Somerville this cute store offers a mix of pristine vintage and current, hip contemporary clothing. Check it out...Modern Millie (no site yet...103 Washington Street)...breathing some new life into historic Salem!
April 20, 2006
On Sunday I get to hear this song by Jens Lekman instead of this song by Bart Simpson. Thank you Jens.
April 19, 2006
I have finally finished archiving some photos from last years EU trip...seems like a distant memory now but looking atsome of the pics sure is fun.
I added:
An afternoon at Marjorie's parent's place near Gruyere in Switzerland
An afternoon at the Luna Park (fun fair) with Marjorie and Annamea
A gorgeous Friday touring the wine regions of Lake Geneva
Lunch in Grado with Maurizio
A tour of Mionetto in Valdobiadenne and a tour of the "Prosecco DOC" road (Valdobiadenne to Conegliano)
...not related but also added are photos from my recent visit to see friends in Chicago.
Recently viewed: Bee Season, Memoirs of a Geisha, Viva Laldjérie (Viva Algeria)
April 18, 2006
April 13, 2006
Tax day is looming....grrrrr....why do I *always* wait until the last moment?
....but how fun is this? http://www.jollybike.com
Saw Rhett Miller at the Paradise last night....he played w/ his new band; The Believers. The female drummer was amazing. I might have liked the Old 97's better w/ Rhett though....
April 9. 2006
Warning: Reapeat!
Four ways in which you can comfortably live in Massachusetts:
1. Live in the corner of Mass that borders VT and NY, somewhere around North Adams. Buy some overalls, a tiller and some farmland and get to work.
2. Never make a mistake in life so that you can attend an Ivy league school, get your MBA at another Ivy league school and go into "consulting". You will get paid handsomely.
3. Have rich parents or find rich in-laws that love to start up trust funds and put you into half a million dollar "start up" homes.
4. Be lucky enough to have a rich relative that is near their time and hope for the best
Good luck and enjoy the spirit of Massachusetts!
March 14, 2006
Did anyone else know that Morrissey moved to Rome? I'm *definately* moving there now. ;) I was reading the lastest issue of Q4 Music Magazine that talks about Morrissey's 'new life' in Rome and his increasingly sexually definitive lyrical stance I think he's having a large laugh with all of us on this topic...but whatever. His new CD hits the shelves here in the US on April 4. You can see the video for the single, (complete w/ Italian introdution & vintage crowd) "You Have Killed Me" here.
PS - Does anyone else think Morrissey's trousers are a bit 'droopy?" Oh, and what's up with the "Mary Tyler Moore" font in the video intro?
PPS - I never wrote about how good the Belle & Sebastian show was 2 weeks ago. It was really, really good. They played mostly new stuff during the first of the two shows they played at Avalon. I liked the new stuff. "Funny Little Frog," "White Collar Boy" and "The Blues are Still Blue" were amoung my faves.
March 10, 2006
Star of the show, who will it be?
The bonus of the night was not having tix ahead of time (for once!) to the sold out Nada Surf with Rogue Wave , Inara George show, it was getting to see the musicians that were playing in the lounge out front before the show. Amazing! Nada Surf were good...watching the guitar player smoke a cigarette while strumming AND singing at the same time was entertaining anyway.
However Chad Perrone with SYD , Patrick Thomas were the stars of the "other" 'dise show as far as I was concerned. Each one a lead singer in their own band played in 'the round' tag teaming each other with song themes, requests and just generally having a good time.
March 9, 2006
Fresh from a trip to my hair salon, Biyoshi...I had a 'hair repair cut' to fix the damage sustained when my hair caught on fire the other night while dining with some friends in Chicago. Yup, on fire. It's all fixed now. We ate at Tango Sur on Southport in the Wrigleyville 'hood of Chicago. It's an Argentinian Grille. Funny we ended up there instead of Green Zebra, where I had planned on visiting. Funny because Green Zebra is a vegetarian restaurant and Tango Sur is all about the meat!
I did visit Irazu, Chicago's only Costa Rican restaurant. Fabulous. My friend who had recommended the place recommended getting the Oatmeal shake....I scratched my head and thought skeptically about this, but I'll try most anything once....it was sooooo good! Along with tostones, a veggie burrito, and a hearts of palm salad (all shared!) I was in heaven. So much better than the food they don't serve you on United Airlines.
March 2, 2006
Overheard at the Dunkin' Donuts in Lynnfield the other day:
Melissa: "Hey, what kind of dog is that Sarah?"
Sarah: "I think it's one of those Shiatsus."
Melissa: "Cool."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Pornographers opened up for Belle & Sebastian the other night at Avalon. Arriving late and hearing 2 songs by TNP made me wish we'd arrived sooner. B & S were spectactular as always. It was nice to see them in a fairly intimate setting...at least for what you could expect to see them at given their popularity. All but a couple of their US dates on this tour are sold out.
After the show while enjoying a night cap at "Eastern Standard" the members of NP came in with the same idea.
Next week the 'show of the week' will be Nada Surf. "The Weight is a Gift" is such a good album. I'm looking forward to seeing the songs played live.
A friend mentioned seeing Rhett Miller at an in-store in Boston the other evening. I haven't seen him in a few years so I checked his website. It looks like he's shed the country-boy look associated with his days in the Old 97's. He was sporting a brightly coloured velour pant suit in a photo on his site. Looking oh-so metrosexual. He plays at the 'dise in early April. I think I'll check that out.
This weekend I'm headed out to Chicago to see some friends, check some restaurants and scour the city and it's outskirts for some choice mid-western vintage. I really hope it's not 97 below zero.
February 8, 2006
Started a page tracking my family's genealogy. So far it's just pictures but there is more information to come.
January 26, 2006
Saw Sarah Silverman's "Jesus is Magic." I don't think I got it all. Worth a few laughs though. (warning: must be open to politically incorrect humour...which seems to be the basis of the entire film...if you aren't open to this you *will* be horrified!)
Listening to: Nada Surf, The Weight is a Gift, "The Coffeehouse" on WERS in the AM before work, "Classic FM" at the office, and "Eric in the Evening" on WGBH, 89.7 radio while cooking dinner.
Reading: "Vows : The Story of a Priest, a Nun, and Their Son," written by Peter Manseau, a Boston area native. Just finished reading The Lost Painting: The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece" by Jonathan Harr, who also wrote the Boston based story; "A Civil Action." In my queue: "The City of Falling Angels" by John Berendt who also wrote "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
On the topic of books and amazing cities; The Food of Love -- by Anthony Capella. I truly enjoyed it for an entertaining read involving a love story intertwined with food and the eternal city, Roma!
If mystery and history is a bit more your thing; read Jonathan Harr's new book or try; The Sixteen Pleasures: A Novel -- by Robert Hellenga. I picked up and read this one while in Italy many years ago. It's about an American woman who travel to Florence in 1966 on a mission to save the cities precious books and manuscripts from the great floods that were destroying the city. While preserving books in an abbey, the main character comes across a precious volume of sonnets containing erotic poetry considered pornographic at the time. These volumes were ordered to be destroyed by the Pope long before. A truly interesting and mysterious read.
January 23, 2006
 |
January 22, 2006
Things to do when your 'laid-up' with a foot injury with only crutches to get you around:
Read
Watch TV, movies
Listen to music while intermittently sleeping
Talk on the phone
Pay bills
Stare at the dust on the ceiling fan above
Wish for the opportunity to be outside while it's 60 degrees in January
Eat
Strategize how to take a shower while using only 1 foot
Try not the focus on the things you should be, wanted to be, or might be doing if you weren't stuck in bed
Move backward and forwards between the sofa and bed, just to keep it 'interesting'
Surf every known page on the internet
Be thankful that most of the time I have both feet to use
Download music
Call my co-workers apologizing for the extra workload
Update my blog with this boring drivel....
January 17, 2006
 |
This beautiful image is from the celebration of the "Epiphany" in Venice back on January 6. Boston.com did a piece on celebrations of the epiphany around the world. All of the images were beautiful but this is my favorite. So it's time to take my Christmas tree down right? It's the 17th of January and I *still* don't want to. The poor thing is going to start dropping needles like crazy so I guess I'd better. :( |
January 12, 2006
Finalmente!!!! Belle & Sebastian are coming back to Boston. Woo hoo!!! They will play 2 shows in February. I'm tempted to go to both. We'll see. Tix are on sale this Saturday. :) As a friend of mine once said; there is bound to be an eclectic crowd of aging hipsters sporting all varieties of eclectic eyewear at any Belle & Sebastian show. Hmmmmmm.....
Watched a strangely entertaining film the other evening while nursing my burning, soar throat; "Raye Makhfi" (english title: Secret Ballot). It is also know as "Void Votes" and "Voto è segreto" (in Italy). The movie takes place on a remote Iranian island where it is election day and a city girl is sent to the island to work with the narrow minded military guard of the island to seek out voters. It's low on dialogue and at times slow moving but eventually sucks you in. I enjoyed it.
Also re-watched (DVD version) "Tarnation." The first time I'd seen it, nearly a year ago, I saw it in limited release at the Coolidge. It haunted me for a week or more afterward. Watching the DVD version with the director/ writer's commentary running, I was able to better understand why some of the pieces of the films were shown at the times they were. It is a disturbing film on many levels yet a brilliant and entirely creative portrayal of ones dysfunctional upbringing. The film raises a number of questions not the least of which is why anyone would ever subject themselves or anyone they love to "Electric Shock Therapy." I don't know much about mental illness but I know there *has* to be a better way :) By the way, I believe I blogged on the topic of this film as it relates to the claim that the writer/ director made this film wholly on his laptop using iMovie for something like $200/300. Check out my earlier entry on this.
January 7, 2006
Watched the film "Kontroll" yesterday. It is a Hungarian film (english title: Control) released in 2003 by Think films. It was the first Hungarian film in the Cannes Film Festival in 20 years. This movies is a comedy, mystery, thriller, with an element of the age old 'love story' intertwined. The US DVD is in Hungarian with burnt in English subtitles. I loved the all Hungarian cast including the guy who announces the disclaimer at the start of the film. The film was written by a Hungarian guy born in Los Angeles in 1973. Apparently this and the other 2 films he has written to date represent his obsession between good and evil. Overall the acting was more than believable, the music was super and the pace of the story was consistent. Quite carefully not every detail or question raised by the film was gratuitously revealed assuming by the writer, an intellectual viewer. I really enjoyed this film.
December 28, 2005
Go see a movie at the Brattle this week. Help preserve film the way it used to be and keep Harvard Sq. from becoming one giant corporate brand! What's up with the Brattle? Listen here. If you don't have $400,000 to save the theatre you can support it by going to see a film, it may be the last one you see there!
One of my favorite radio shows, All Songs Considered, has posted their 'year end' episodes.
December 26, 2005
Recently viewed: It's all gone Pete Tong, Enchanted April, Safar e Ghandehar (a.k.a Kandahar)
Recently downloaded to my MP3 player: Jose Gonzalez, Martha Wainwright, Dylan in the movies
Books in my queue: "The Lost Caravaggio" Johnathan Harr, "Vows, The story of a Priest, a Nun, and their Son" Peter Manseau
December 12, 2005
Have you ever rented a movie you forgot you've already seen? That is what I did last night. Melinda & Melinda. Woody Allen's latest. I watched it again. "It's all in the eye of the beholder."
December 9, 2005
Recently viewed: Nowhere in Africa, "I want a dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown"
Listening to: John Lennon, WERS, "A Charlie Brown Christmas", Vince Girauldi (over and over)...
Constantly deleting: Email promos from "Sierra Trading Post"....I bought 1 item from them online and I *cannot* get off their mailing list!
Recently downloaded: Broken Social Scene, My Morning Jacket, Gorillaz, Decemberists, ELO, Prince...
November 25, 2005
November 3, 2005
Currently addicted to; mocha au lait's & www.italianmade.com.
October 28, 2005
The strange ramblings of my brain today...
I visited St. Mary's in Waltham today for the funeral mass of my good friend Sandra's 104 year old grandmother. 104. Can you imagine?
I took a seat in the corner of the chuch just beside a beautiful marble-esque statue of Jesus and as it happens, right underneath my most favorite piece of religious iconography, "la pieta."
While I remembered Sandra's grandma, a woman who was fascinated by the British royal family and used to tell stories of how she followed the Queen's wedding and coronation mid 20th century...then my mind shifted to things you do when you 'get older.' Somehow I started thinking of Michelangelo and how he was commissioned as the chief architect of the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica at the age of 71!!!
I had the fortunate experience of viewing the original "la pieta" sculpted by Michelangelo in the late 15th century and versions of it all over Italia. The original, in la Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica") in Rome is Michelangelo's first major work of religious art and his only signed piece.
La Pieta is protected behind bullet proof glass encasement and access anywhere close to it is restricted because in 1972 a lunatic took a hammer to the statue and damaged it.
October 26, 2005
Painting, day 2...along wtih: Amy Mann, "Bachelor #2," Star Ghost Dog and Lexi Street, "The Girl I Used to Be."
October 25, 2005
Post 1
I scrapped my plans for New York today. As it turns out the 92nd St Y is closed for the Jewish holiday today. I might still have travelled down just for the tasting, but the thought if walking through the howling wind tunnels of mid-town in 'business attire' with my umbrella blown inside out seemed somehow unappealling.
The 92nd St Y will take down the exhibit "Two Brothers, Two Paths, One Photo Album" this Friday morning. Bummer. However, one of the museum curators contacted the artist, David Akiba, incidentely of Boston, to tell him of my interest in his photographic documentary. The artist, David, emailed me the very same day - yesterday - to inform me that he may again show the work in Boston and that he'll let me know if he does. Very cool. Not only that I might get to see the exhibit, but that the employees of the 92nd St. Y cared enought to contact the artist on my behalf AND that the artist contacted me the very same day and was quite gracious regarding my interest.
Here is the article about the exhibit as it appeared in the New York Times more than a week ago:
Two Brothers, Two Paths, One Photo Album
By JOHANNA JAINCHILL Published: October 16, 2005
The black-and-white images that the photographer David Akiba took of his sons, Dan and Jonah, growing up in a secular Jewish home in Boston tell a story of two brothers who were as close as could be. "People used to say we seemed more like best friends than brothers," said Dan, 34, now a documentary filmmaker.
Fast-forward to photos taken in the last 10 years, and the difference is startling. In a particularly telling image, Dan and Jonah are sitting inches apart, uncomfortably turned away from each other. Dan holds a video camera while Jonah is dressed in the black hat and bekishe, the long black silk coat of a Hasidic Jew.
This transformation is traced, from a father's perspective, in "Through the Lens: A Separate Journey," an exhibition of David Akiba's family photos at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan through Oct. 28. Ten years ago Jonah, now 31, dropped out of college, traveled to Israel and visited a religious school in Jerusalem. Soon after, he called his mother to say he had "found the truth" and would be staying in Israel. The photos show a child estranged from his family by distance and ideology, yet remaining very much a part of it.
In one picture, Jonah davens, or prays, in his father's kitchen during one of his brief visits to Boston. In another he dances intensely with fellow Hasids at his wedding while Dan stands in the background with his video camera turned on him.
"Children surprise you because they become people and they are who they are," David Akiba said. "Maybe Jonah is an extreme example of that."
David Akiba, who teaches photography at Emerson College and Babson College in Massachusetts, is known mostly for landscapes. He was inspired to show his family photos for the first time after Dan made his brother's transition the theme of his 2003 film school thesis at City College in New York. That film, "My Brother's Wedding," documents Jonah's 2001 marriage and uses many of their father's photographs. The movie opened communication between himself and his son, David Akiba said. "Before Dan's film, Jonah knew I had great difficulty with him and his philosophy, but we could never speak of it," Mr. Akiba said. "It's not easy, and we are not reconciled, but at least we got a much deeper feeling of how each one of us stood." David Akiba said he planned to make the photographs into a book that will be packaged with a DVD of "My Brother's Wedding."
Jonah came from Israel with his family to attend the exhibition's opening in New York last month, as he did when it was shown in Boston in February.
"Jonah likes to be there," Dan said. "The movie is my story, the photos are my dad's story, and my brother likes to be there to tell his own story." end
Post 2
I was reading an archived article in the Boston Pheonix this AM when I came across another:
http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/other_stories/multipage/documents/02643520.htm
It's about Byron Utah Jordan, a holistic healer I saw a couple of times several years ago for treatment of a cyst I had in my right wrist. The cyst was cramped in the crowded top part of my small hand. It was pressing down on a nerve and causing me to have no feeling in my right hand and arm and subsequently along the entire right side of my body an odd vibrating feeling. My conventional doctor referred me to a hand surgeon who had six months earlier aspirated the cyst, however, the pesky little bugger returned. I got loads of advice about how to treat my cyst. I heard; "bang it with the bible or a big book and it'll shatter"...(along with all my bones...no thanks!), "just keep having it aspirated" (with the size of the needle they plunge in my hand each time, no way!) and the best advice of all came from a doctor I saw when I was living in London; "have a cup of tea." Are the English serious with this advice? I have been in hospital in London for several different ailments and each time I have been told to "have a cup of tea." I truly understand the comfort factor in having a nice warm cup of PG Tips, but should one who has been affected by food poisoning and hasn't had food or water for days *really* drink a cup of caffeine? C'mon.
Anyway, back to Byron. I was advised by conventional medical doctors that the only path to resolution was the surgically remove my cyst. This meant a day surgery (not so bad), and a month of non-use (very bad). I *may* suffer permenant nerve numbness and I would certainly end up with a scar on my body. Not to sound vain, I can deal with a scar, but numbness...???...no using my hand for 1 month???? It seemed like an awful lot of trauma as a solution. So, I thought while I was considering surgery, I'd also follow up on 'other' possibilities. I visited a health and natural food store in Lexington, MA. I read several books and might have gone broke and mad trying all of the 'potions' and 'vitamins' suggested in the various and assorted books were it not for a store employee who handed me the contact info for an "indian healer" based in Cambridge, MA. He didn't say much about him but I rang anyway. My first visit with Bryon had me wanting to run out the front door of his "office" (apt. shared with a reflexologist) in the first 15 minutes, but I kept an open mind and while I thought some of his ideas were a little odd, I respected his thoughts and kept listening, taking in what made sense to me. Bryon did have some thoughts I percieved as a bit 'whacked', but his presecription for me what simple and do-able. His main goal for our first visit was to get me to believe that the earth was created with all of the natural elements we need to heal ourselves. (also implying that manufactured drugs and antibiotics etc. were ruining our natural healing possibilities) He provided me with a list of things I could add to my daily eating and drinking regimin also suggesting that I avoid certain things (caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods) but that I should incorporate as much of the lists suggestions as I felt I wanted to. I liked that he didn't damn me to eternal hell for not following the instructions exactly. He respected the fact that incorporating only a few things would be challenge enough and that most likely my body would respond even to only a couple of changes.
So, I took Byron's list to Cambridge Naturals and spent $100 on 3 things; Pascalite Clay, Green Magma, and Priobiotic Bacteria Capsules. I incorporated these ingredients into my daily routine while drinking nearly a gallon of water a day and avoiding alcohol and *some* caffeine. I didn't follow the 'no fat' diet, but I did add lots of leafy greens, cooked and raw to my diet. It wasn't really that difficult. (the Green Magma kind of sucked...but Byron told me that it would get better - and it did...I wouldn't sprinkle it on my ice cream today, but I can tolerate it) After a little more than a month my cyst had shrunk and I had feeling back in my hand. I barely even notice that it happened...one day I just looked and realized my hand was warm again and that odd vibration I'd grown used to was gone. I had visited Byron one other time during that 6 week period. He performed this thing called 'Orende energy healing' on me. I didn't really understand it more than seeing that it incorporated several different healing modalities; reflexology, shiatsu-like energy healing, and drumming (this was the most odd thing for me to handle). But again, I was open and all I can tell you is that I left his 'office' feeling like a million bucks! I drove home in the rush hour traffic, and while folks were beeping and swearing at each other in the Davis Square traffic, I sat in my car feeling like I was on a cloud. Whatever it was, I didn't care, I felt great!
Three years on and my cyst still exists, but it has never gotten as large as before. If it does, I know what to do. Thanks Byron.
Post 3
I have a lot to share today.
I still love this guy: http://www.georgemichael.com/
I don't care what anyone else says.
October 23, 2005
"Do you ever drift into the past, where the memories always seem to last...???"
-Steve Mayone
October 21, 2005
One of the DJ's on the coffeehouse program (6-10AM, m-f) on WERS plays Jeff Buckley (often, "lover you should have come over") nearly everyday. Whoever you are, -Thank you- !!!!
October 19, 2005
Potentially one of the saddest days of the year - the day I put my summer clothes away and take out the winter ones! Saddest, if it were not for the excitement of remembering that outfit I bought at the end of the season, on sale, and didn't get to wear last season...the only reason I *might* get excited for the cold weather...for a minute.
October 18, 2005
Jens Lekman. Listen to him. Better yet, see him live. Jens has a voice that is sometimes reminiscent of Steve Merrit (Magnetic Fields) and a band whose presence and sound (mainly the horn element) remind me of Belle & Sebestian. His lyrics are sometimes poetic and sometimes simply reflections of a Swede of 23 years. One song recalls being present at the riots that occurred in Gothenburg, Sweden when George Bush visited as part of the G8 summit 2001. The song, "Do you remember the riots?" reflects one perspective of how this young Swede came to the realization his romantic relationship was not built on the love he sought..."Do you remember the riots in the summer of 2001...boy we sure had fun....your hand slipped out of mine, I couldn't see no love in your eyes..."
Of course my favorite song (not really, but I now have a song other than the Simpson's birthday song to have sung toward me on my birthday) was; "Happy Birthday, Dear Friend Lisa."
I really enjoyed this show at PA's Lounge, an unlikely venue for such a unique act. I'll be watching this space!
PS - I love the intrigue behind his record label name; "Secretly Canadian." Even the merch guy who is tied into the record label says the two founders (from Bloomington, Indiana) won't reveal the meaning behind the label name!!!
October 17, 2005
Yesterday I visited my favorite coffee place around (well sort of 'around'), The Coffee Exchange on Wickenden Street, Providence. While having my Sunday coffee I read the Arts & Entertainment sections of "The New York Times," "The Providence Journal" and "The Boston Globe."
Each paper offered an article I enjoyed and later discussed with my friend James over lunch at Amy's Place.
Death Cab on road to mainstream success
Glad I've caught them several times, in intimate venues, before they are too huge for words ;)
The Hidden Cost of Documentaries
This article answered a question I had from many months ago when I saw the film "Tarnation" at the Coolidge. This film was reported to have been made for a budget of $218...seemed a little 'off' to me ;) Reading this article was a springboard for a later conversation about copywright and patent laws. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I think it's rather crazy that Michael Jackson receives royalties on the occassion the song "Happy Birthday" (which most of you know he didn't even scribe...), a song so ingrained in American (and other cultures) culture, is used in a film. Whacked.
Theater focuses on its fund-raising campaign
Support the Brattle!!!
Yesterday my friend Portia held an "Opening/Closing" at her Fall River loft, "Winds of Grace" in the King Philip Mills. It was a nice time all around. Portia runs "Yoga in Harvard Square" and "Yoga Anywhere" based in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.
October 3, 2005
Waterfire.org...check it. Hurry up, there are only 2 more this season.
September 26, 2005
Declined an opportunity to attend the Red Sox v. Blue Jays tonight. Some people think it crazy, I think it's wise...it's currently cold (60 some degrees...which in 2 months will be downright balmy) and rainy. Someone call the Geek Squad.
Watched "Sea Inside" (Mar Adentro) on DVD last night. Javier Bardem was what attracted me to it. I think he's a spectacular actor. He is in his 30's and played the role of a man of 55 years who after nearly 30 years of being a quadrapalegic wins his fight to end his life with dignity. It's not an easy film to watch. I'm still thinking about it. I will likely watch the dvd 'director's commentary' verision tonight...after I finish watching (embarrassed to say this) "Eastenders" on DVD. Ever since BBC America took this serial off the air (they used to show the 5 episode omnibus every Saturday at 1PM) 2 years ago, I have caught up with it during my U.K. visits, during my chats with my good friend and fellow Eastenders fan, Katie Vegas, and occasionally at the Eastenders web site. (did I just say that?!?) In any case, when I saw the special DVD on the shelf at "Hollywood Express" I grabbed it creating the perfect enigma for the cashier at Hollywood Express.
September 14, 2005
Was reading the Boston Globe online this AM and found an article about the cost of home buying in the area being the highest in the nation...attached to it was a poll; "Have you considered leaving the Boston area due to the high cost?" There are over 45 pages of responses but the cynic in me enjoyed this one:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Four ways in which you can comfortably live in Massachusetts:
1. Live in the corner of Mass that borders VT and NY, somewhere around North Adams. Buy some overalls, a tiller and some farmland and get to work.
2. Never make a mistake in life so that you can attend an Ivy league school, get your MBA at another Ivy league school and go into "consulting". You will get paid handsomely.
3. Have rich parents or find rich in-laws that love to start up trust funds and put you into half a million dollar "start up" homes.
4. Be lucky enough to have a rich relative that is near their time and hope for the best
Good luck and enjoy the spirit of Massachusetts!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
I am not stating my own personal opinion on this topic as it is not fully developed. However, I wonder what the housing prices are like in Italy...???...
September 12, 2005
Still suffering through a number of computer related issues. Working through them slowly but it sure is a PIA to have 2 laptops that are only 4 years old and know that they are 'relics' from a modernity standpoint. Sad. Very sad.
Thinking about; Friuli DOC...which I wish I could be at this coming weekend, The Constant Gardener...which I am hoping to see soon. Re-viewed The English Patient this weekend (with commercial breaks which totally sucked) and was reminded what a lovely story (if incomplete from a film perspective) it is and what a great actor Ralph Fiennes is. Also thinking about the people and animals of Louisiana and how cool Project Starfish is.
September 5, 2005
I'm still alive. Suffering through some computer technical difficulties making it an unattactive option to update my site. Hopefully I'll be back soon with something interesting or exciting to blog about. Be patient.
August 13, 2005
Holy crap the weather is soooo hot!
August 3, 2005
The prosecco at Shay's in Harvard Square is surprisingly yummy. I am usually more inclined to drink a beer in a bar like Shay's, but on the recommendation of my friend Susannah I went for the prosecco. Delish! Gave Susannah a quick spin on the Vespa. Check it out.
August 1, 2005
I have gotten sucked into the series "Island at War", Public Television's winter Masterpiece Theatre series. A riveting view of life on the English Channel Island during the Nazi occupation of the 1940's. I wish I saw it during it's original airing in the winter. I don't prefer watching much television in the summer when the weather is nice.
July 26, 2005
Caterina va in città ( 2003 ) directed by Paolo Virzi with a cameo performance by Roberto Begnini. Got my Roman scenery fix for the day :)
July 23, 2005
I'm getting ready to post my EU Holiday 2005 photos. Are you ready? There are tons!
Listening to: RTL 102.5 via the internet, too much news - gotta go on a news diet, looking for Daryl Hall's first album; "Sacred Songs."
Recently viewed: "Happy Endings" at West Newton Cinema. Hoping to catch "The Beat that my Heart Skipped" at Kendall and a newly released Italian flick at the Brattle playing through the weekend.
PS - I sold my DVD player at the yard sale I had last week. $7-. Someone is psyched. I'm happy to have the piece-o-crap out of my house. :)
July 15, 2005
What's up with folks who frequent Craig's list, writing you telling you that they *need* to buy what you are selling, arrange a meeting time, provide contact details (telephone numbers etc), and then don't show up...???...Totally lame. I sat in Starbuck's for over an hour waiting for PrincessBrat778@xxx.com to show up so I could effectively *gift* her my Sony Sports TV Walkman w/ laptimer (I know, who is doing laps while watching a miniature tv...effing American marketing). I threw in extra stuff like batteries and a waist belt etc., thinking she could use them more than I could. Maybe she found a walkman with a TV/VCR/DVD & laptimer combo. ;). At least I enjoyed my coffee.
July 13, 2005, 11AM
I think I'll skip the call to APEX regarding my DVD player. I just did a google search on "APEX DVD Player + Customer Service" and turned up their Better Business Bureau record where they got a "D" rating which means this:
"We have enough concerns about this company (for example, their offer, customer complaints, advertising, etc.) that we recommend caution in doing business with it."
Crap, that's what I get for buying a name I'd never heard of. Just because millions have been sold on Amazon doesn't mean it's good product. Wah :(
July 13, 2005, 9:30AM
This morning I have set aside time to deal with a backlog of random and assorted consumer related 'stuff' that has literally piled up around me. I started with the most important; calling my credit card company to inquire about a $250 charge from Enterprise Rent-a-Car made to my account on June 30. On June 30 I was busy working and no where near a car rental agency. Clearly my card has been compromised somehow. I've completed this task and at the end of it the security department of my credit card company has cancelled my account and is overnighting me a new card. This is efficient and seems like a good idea since somehow, someone has lifted my account details.
The super fun call I get to make now is to cancel my Vindigo account. Vindigo is this way cool service that downloads city information, sort of like a Fodor's, to a PDA. What makes it cool is that if you are in let's say the Back Bay in Boston and you are looking for a store that sells battery chargers, you can use Vindigo on your PDA and by entering your coordinates (address or cross streets) Vindigo will provide you with a list of places in the area you can go to shop for electronics. Even better, if you are looking for Vietnamese food, or a movie time, whatever...Vindigo provides you area information on these things! However, since I don't really use my Palm V anymore, I can't see paying the $3.50 per month for Vindigo membership. Wah, wah.
Another task involves my annoyance regarding my DVD player. After less than 1 year, and *maybe* a dozen uses, it has stopped working. Well, the video has stopped working. The audio still works, but just listening to a movie is no fun. I like to see the pictures. So, I'm hoping for an equally smooth and efficient customer service call as I experienced with my credit card company. However, I don't expect a new DVD player to arrive via FED EX tomorrow, or ever. I'm sure the warranty for this player lasted something like 36 hours. Anyway, that's not the point. The point is to communicate the crap quality of their product. And perhaps I'm the idiot...maybe there is a quick and easy fix for it. That would be cool.
Finally and perhaps the most complex task involves following up with United Airlines regarding my recent fax to their customer service department. I can just see it now sitting in a pile next to a giant shredding machine. (ha!) The reason this task is complex is because it involves them not honouring my return flight home from London a couple of weeks ago. See, I used 50K of my frequent flyer miles to fly to and from Europe on my recent vacation. United's policy is that once you take the outbound flight you are not permitted to make any changes to your return flight. I can dig this. There have to be rules and I can respect them. However, I believe there are some instances where some 'accomodation' should exist depending on circumstances. What ended up happening is that I missed my flight home from London to Boston because I was in the hospital in London being treated for a nasty viral infection. I was far to ill to consider travelling, hence the hospital visit. My friend phoned United Airlines for me, *before* the flight departure to explain the unusual circumstances and was notified that there were no accomodations allowed and that I would need to buy another ticket. Bummer. By the way, after a significant time searching the web for the best fare to get me back home turned up a bargain fare of over $900. Bummer number 2. Thankfully, my friend's friend (got that?) is a United Airlines flight attendant and she offered me the opportunity to fly on her 'buddy pass.' This offer I was, and am eternally grateful for as the financial impact was only $300, a 2/3 savings based on what the alternative offered. The only non-ideal aspect was having to fly on a space available basis, a.k.a "standby." This however was made up by being able to make the 9 hour flight from London to Chicago in business class. Very comfortable for a person still suffering from the worst viral infection ever. So, my beef with United is that I spent 50K of my well earned frequent flyer miles and although I totally respect their rules and regulations, I think it sucks that given the fact that I was in the hospital, and not just trying to change my return because I felt like it, that I had to incurr a $300 expense to get home. Maybe my idea of this is lame, but I still want them to know what I think. I'm sure they care :)
June 28, 2005
I'm back! A few days later than expected, a bit tired but with a head full of memories and pictures of beautiful places. A preview of my vacation experiences follows in a stream of consciousness google style keyword tease. Stories later.
Michaelangelo, gelato, Riva del Garda, Ford Fiesta 1.2L, wisking around Roma on a Motorino, seafood seafood everywhere, hot hot city, the city that wasn't there, fondue in Switzerland, the hike that killed us both, 'has there always been this much grafitti in Venezia? I don't think I'm in love with this place anymore.', Rochi dei Legionari aeroporto, Asolo and the art of doing nothing, TrenItalia, EasyJet, Lufthansa, United Airlines, Duran2 & Beck, Kingston Hospital, watching Glastonbury from bed, more gelato, grilled fish, Fabio's restaurant, Triestini, Refosco, La Pieta, Chiogga, Enoteca del Bardolino, Steak tartare in Geneva, Autostrada & Autogrille, Hotel Bella Vista in Tignale, Hotel Duse in Asolo, Lignano Sabiadorro, ACTV, standby passenger, Swisscom, Ettore & Simone, Aqua Negra, Via Carlo Porta, Cividale, I love Friuli...
May 29, 2005
Officially I am on vacation. In preparation for my departure tommorow evening, I'm getting my MP3 player filled up with all that I'll want to hear for the next month. Currently ripping: Steve Malkmus' new solo cd, Ambulance Ltd. (thank you Chris), and Ryan Adams. Ryan Adams is someone whose music I have poo-poo'd (I know that is not a word) for such a long time. Recently, in a situation where I was completely bored with all the music around me and I picked up Ryan Adams Cold Roses 1 & 2 and I was blown away. I have been listening to cd1 for days on end now. It'll be coming abroad with me :)
Recently on DVD: "A Man and a Woman", 1966 by director Claude Lelouch and starring the beautiful Anouk Aimee & Jean-Louis Trintignant. A story of two widows who meet during their weekly visits with their children in boarding school. She, a 'script-gal' in film, he a race car driver. A simple story really, but interesting filming. The DVD offers a director's commentary which is fascinating in itself. Don't get the dubbed version. Listen to the french and read the subtitles.
May 17, 2005
Finalmente...a plan...
May 15, 2005
"La Meglio Gioventu", or "The Best of Youth" is a 6 hour film I would easily spend another 6 hours immersed in again this week. What a real treat it is to immerse yourself completely in a film for 3 hours at a time! Locking out the 'real' world and jumping completely into a fictional drama with amazing visual beauty, intense acting, and set with the backdrop of a true life Italian historical timeline spanning from the mid 1960's to 2003.
This film was wondeful and I believe one reason is that it was not constricted by the 'Hollywood' formula. It did not have to contain itself to an hour and a half running time with the predictable hook the comes within the first half of the film and wraps predictably at the end. The 6 hour running time allowed the director to show us smaller details of each character, allowed us to sit in their situations and with their emotions for longer periods of time. It allowed us to experience situations almost as 'with' the characters rather than through illuding to them. This film is showing in limited release in the US and is not for everyone. It plays in 2 seperate three hour admissions.
There is a great review on the New York Times web site. Also, IMDB has some great info on the film.
There is a trailer for the film, check it out...however it is in Italian and the subtitles are in French.
May 12, 2005
Watched the first 3 hour portion of a film called "The Best of Youth" (English title) playing at the Coolidge Corner Theatre. It's a 6 hour epic playing in two 3 hour portions. Check out what Roger Ebert says about it here. Seeing the second half on Sunday.
Also, getting ready to purchase tix to the O2 Wireless Festival in Hyde Park, London on June 24. The lineup I'm choosing has New Order headlining with Moby, The Bravery, Psychadelic Furs, Graham Coxon and Dresden Dolls supporting. See promo video for the show here.
May 10, 2005
Had dinner at B & G Oyster last night. Sat at the bar and chatted with a former co-worker, now the chef de cuisine at B & G. Shared a bottle of Pigato, one of my fave Italian whites. Enjoyed a crab fritter, some halibut and sweet and delicious scallops! Vinny from The Butcher Shop popped over to say hello. Had to go have a peak at the retail meat counter. Eyed the Sopresatta, but resisted buying any. I'm waiting another half month when I'll eat it at the source!
Starting to think much about my upcoming trip and considering trying to spend some time in and near Trieste. Apparently the coast is similiar to that of one of my fave places...Cinque Terre. Since I've been to Cinque Terre coming up on a half dozen times and since it has becoming increasingly saturated with tourists, I'm thinking of taking the trip from Venezia and checking the walks along il mare of Trieste.
While researching the area online at the Slow Travel site, I have read a lot of posts from a person called "Alice." She seems to have a lot to say about many different parts of Italia and is great at giving complete answers to various and assorted questions from people all over the world regarding Italia. She had a link to a blog she keeps so I decided to check it out. It's hysterical. It's a site filled with pictures of food! It's called "A pornographic food blog." Check it out...it's in Italian, but the food pics speak for themselves. Do it *after* lunch.
Considering the following accompanying read: "Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere" by Jan Morris
May 8, 2005
A couple of weeks ago I was listening to "This American Life" on NPR. I heard about a group of folks called "Improv Everywhere." Improv Everywhere is a group that "causes scenes of joy and chaos in public places" according to their website. I listened to their stories which they call 'missions' as Ira Glass outlined them. It was entirely hysterical. If you have an hour to spare and want to be entertained, go to TAL's site and stream episode 286, originally aired April 8, titled "Mind Games."
May 3, 2005
The films of Bernardo Bertolucci are so beautiful. Caught the end of "Besieged" on IFC last night. Made me think of how beautifully filmed some of his other films are; "Stealing Beauty," "Little Buddha," "Last Emporer," and "Last Tango in Paris." Have to check out "The Dreamers" released in the EU last year and "The Cello" the collection of shorts by Bertolucci and Claire Denis. One of my fave directors for sure.
IFC is running a European Film Festival on air today and through Thursday. Check it out if you have the channel. Some of my favorites they will be airing are; "Doube Life of Veronique," "Caro Diario" (very funny, sarcastic Nanni Moretti film), "Beijing Bicycle," and "The Tango Lesson."
May 2, 2005
Had my birthday dinner last night at Oleana in Cambridge. Yum. Tried so many delicous items including: "Spicy carrot puree & Egyptian spice mix w/ nuts & olive oil", "Armenian bean & walnut pate with homemade string cheese", "Green chard dolma w/ barberries, hazelnuts & marinated yogurt cheese with lebanese crackers", "Fried Haloumi cheese with flambeed w/ Ouzo, grilled aspargus & hot lemon broth." These items were all shared and for my entree I had: "Sweet smokey sea scallops (say that five times fast) w/ nettle flan, lentils & steamed almond milk." For dessert I had my mind set (before arrival actually) on the Baked Alaska with Coconut ice cream & passion fruit preserves. Also shared the Sicilian almond cremolata w/ warm chocolate panino AND Ricotta creme brulee w/ cornmeal almond torta & strawberry soup. Enjoyed tastes of a Spanish Rueda (white), a Super Tuscan, a Southern Italian Aglianico, and a Valpolicella from the Veneto.
May 1, 2005
I saw the most hysterical tag line on an email I received yesterday regarding West Medford Open Studios next weekend, May 7/8.
"Medford: Not Just for Mobsters Anymore"
Very funny.
April 27, 2005
Back from NYC and working hard to get the photos and post show data from "An Enormous Taste of Vintage" up on this site. Pay attention! It will be here soon!
In the meantime, I finally got the chance to check out a cool place recommended to me by a friend located the Lower East called 'inoteca. Only the second place outside of Venezia I've seen 'trying' to make these little Venetian sarnis called "Tramezzini." A noble attempt, but as my Venetian friend Matteo and I have often discussed, the most difficult thing to replicate with tramezzini is the bread. It's like a 'wonder bread' style bread but more dense and almost under-cooked. However, I'd go back to 'inoteca again and again because of the rest of my experience. The wine pours (quality & quantity....generous, not this 3 oz. NYC foolishness), the rest of the menu which included other small plate Italian 'delight-ery', and the service. Knowledgable without being pretentious (clever for NYC), gracious, and laid back while still remaining professional. It's in a cool 'hood too. At the corner of Rivington and Ludlow, you are steps away from one of another friends fave haunts; "Motor City." From the outside, seemed a bit too hard core for this lady of balance, but if your into anything 'Detroit' related, have more than one tatoo, and like your music *really* loud, you are likely to enjoy this place!
April 25, 2005
363 shopping days left until my next birthday. ;)
 |
I spent a lovely afternoon on my birthday having tea at the Four Seasons with my pal Mindy. One of the first truly relaxing moments I'd had in weeks. Ahh....Afterward we went 'jeans' shopping at Saks. Hmmm. That place is out of control! Decided to recover from my sticker shock over some wine with Mindy and some cool friends who came out in force to wish me a happy, happy at the new-ish "Z Wine Bar" in Inman. The popular wine pour of the evening was a wondefully full Nero D'avola. Z Wine bar is new, right next to "The Abbey Lounge" on Beacon Street and will surely see me again! Great wine pours and yummy food! |
Currently I am in New York having some fun with friends.
Our fun yesterday consisted of sunset kickball in the off and on rain. Brooklyn kickball at McCarron Park in Williamsburg is a Sunday night tradition.
Off to "Little Italy" to shop for dinner tonight. Over and out.
April 20, 2005
2 more shopping days left until my birthday. I'll take Euros please. ;)
Still recovering from show stuff. I'm a slow absorber...I think I was so far removed from what actually took place at the show that it is only through the pictures that the amazingly talented photographers from the show are sending me, that I'm fully understanding the event. Stay tuned, the pics will be up on this site shortly.
I even have video. If anyone knows how to transfer a mini digital tape to DVD easily an relatively inexpensively, please email me.
Today, I took a break to enjoy the 80+ degree weather and sunshine on the Esplanade. First time my feet saw the sun since last summer.
April 14, 2005
Google. Gotta love it. Today I randomly googled "An Enormous Taste of Vintage" to see what came up. To my surprise and enjoyment I found that our event is considered "What's Hot After 5" by "Stuff at Night." Check it out!
April 11, 2005
I don't think I have ever seen the *entire* film "An Affair to Remember"...1957 with Cary Grant & Deborah Kerr. I always seem to tune in at the end during the 'accident' or when "they meet again." I didn't know that the main characters met on a cruise ship. Wow. It makes the end of the film so much more tragic. Cary Grant was 53 years old when this film was made. Wow2. Funny, his British accent (or bit there apparent) is sort of replicated in the way that people spoke in American films made in this period.
Ok, back to the movie and "An Enormous Taste of Vintage" show choreography.
I'm drowning in 1960's costume jewelry. Help!
April 4, 2005
My lovely and extremely talented friend Jil started a dance company in 2001 called "She Figured Dance." This past weekend they performed a show called "Bits of Leverage" at the Dance Complex in Cambridge. I saw the show last night and was awe inspired. There were 7 pieces performed, 2 of them were premiere performances. Each piece was amazing, intense and meaningful in it's own way. I loved the diversity of each piece. Overall the show featured such varied music as; Bruce Springsteen, Mark Isham (Tale of Two Cities) , The Doors, Billy Bragg (loved that one!) and Ave Maria (arranged by Jesse Weiner). The costumes were gorgeous and the changes were very clean and professional. These women are doing great things! Check 'em out sometime if you can!
Currently: learning that it's much more difficult to run on pavement than a treadmill....watching stock video of fashion shows from the 50's and 60's....wishing I were in Rome....doing laudry....listening to; Air, The Rolling Stones and the soundtrack to "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
April 2, 2005
No more shows for a while...at least until after "An Enormous Taste of Vintage". After that, in early May I will run my first road race, and on Memorial Day I take off for Europe 'til the end of June. As a matter of coincidence, Duran Duran is playing the Cornetto Festival in Roma at the time I plan to be there...it's a free show in Piazza del Popolo. :)
Last Saturday at Berklee Performance Center, Blind Boys of Alabama. Amazing show.
Last night, at Agganis Arena at Boston University, Duran Duran. My inner 13 year old rocked out to the following set:
SUNRISE
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF
PLANET EARTH
WANT YOU MORE
UNION OF THE SNAKE
WHAT HAPPENS TOMORROW
COME UNDONE
I DON'T WANT YOUR LOVE
ASTRONAUT
TIGER TIGER
THE CHAUFFEUR
ORDINARY WORLD
SAVE A PRAYER
BEDROOM TOYS
NOTORIOUS
NICE
REFLEX
CARELESS MEMORIES
WILD BOYS
GIRLS ON FILM
RIO
March 28, 2005
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.
March 23, 2005
I cannot wait for the weather reports to stop talking about snow and for the Farmer's Markets to start!
Currently burning: Thievery Corporation, Cosmic Game
March 21, 2005
Fresh ripe pineapple is soooo delicious. My running shoes are a full size larger than my regular shoe size. It feels odd.
Music that accompanied my run today: "Starry Eyed Surprise" Paul Oakenfold, "Ava Adore" Smashing Pumpkins, "Crystal Village" Pete Yorn, "Policy of Truth" (remix) Depeche Mode, "Blue Jeans" Ladytron, "Hey Little Girl" (remix) Icehouse, "Dreaming of You" Sloan, "Stillness of Heart" Lenny Kravitz.
Number of times I adjusted the earbuds to my MP3 player: about 97. Must buy new ones. I like these but my wallet does not.
March 10, 2005
Last night was Interpol at the Orpheum. I was quite excited to see them as when they were here in October (see entries for "Rocktober" below) I was under the weather and wasn't able to enjoy it the way I'd wished. The show last night was good. They have graduated from their earlier Boston shows at Bill's Bar, MiddleEast, and Avalon.
Some of my favorite things about Interpol are; the fender guitar chord (and reverb) sound, the constant and dark bass, and the silhouette of their stage set up...primarily with Carlos...the holster (even if overly referenced), so very retro 80's. :)
Set list:
Next Exit
Slow Hands
NARC
A Time To Be So Small
Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down
Public Pervert
Not Even Jail
Hands Away
Evil
NYC
Take You On A Cruise
PDA
Specialist
Obstacle 1
Roland
Bummer of all bummers was that after the show, while I was hanging out over at Central Kitchen doing some socializing and "An Enormous Taste of Vintage" show planning, Carlos D (the bass player from Interpol) was spinning a few doors down at Middlesex Lounge! I'm feeling a bit 'out of the loop' and 'old' for not having known this. Wah!!! So close, yet so far away.
Odd fact: Reading the Interpol FAQ's, Carlos D and I share not only the same first letter of our surname, but the very same birth date! Do I sound 12 years old?
March 8, 2005
Movie: Hotel Rwanda. Please see it. It will take you out of your insular existence even if for only 2 hours and remind you of things you may not wish to remember, know of or learn about, but it is important. Afterward you can go back to you life...with more information and potentially, appreciation.
Listening all day to: Morrissey, "World of Morrissey" 1995.
March 1, 2005
Just back in from NYC. Went to see Christo's 'Gates' in Central Park. Excellent they were. You can check some pics here.
Other highlights of my time are:
Drinks & snacks at "Spice Market" the "IT" restaurant in the hip meat packing district of the lower west side. Spice Market is one of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurants. Apparently, and unbeknownst to myself, this guy has restaurants all around the world. My friend Kevin was recently promoted to "Captain" at his signature restaurant in Trump Towers.
Wine & more snacks at the "former IT" restaurant of the same neighborhood, "Pastis." Sancerre (passable), chicken liver & foie gras mousse, pomme frittes, & a yummy beet & endive salad. Many 'beautiful' people present...waiter included. So very 'lower west side hip.'
The best of all places visited (beside Willy Bee's, see below) was "Employees Only." A place that was destined to illude based on it's cryptic signage...this place was GREAT! Owned and operated by 'industry' peeps, the vibe was chill, people had good energy and the cocktails were fantastic! Creative, carefully prepared and easy to sip...why isn't every place doing this? Tarot reader in the vestibule, a maitre d' who looked like he just walked off the set of a 'Beastie Boys' video (read here, total 70's retro chic look combined with 30's/40's elegant), and a staff of friendly servers, this place is doing it right! Recently opened, Daily Candy has a piece on it here!
Now, Willy Bee's...who'd have thought I'd find myself chillin' (and comfortably) at a children's play lounge? Willy Bee's is a 'family lounge' in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. Parents can hang and enjoy a latte or a cuppa tea chatting with other adults (or in our case, playing cards) while their kiddies play with other neighborhood kiddies across the room. How nice and wholesome. :) They have deeee-lish-us brownies too!
Junk. Great vintage store somewhere in Williamsburg.
Several other great vintage stores, including the salvation army, in Williamsburg. Overall, Williamsburg is a great place to check vintage!
Finally, Moto, next to the "Hewe's Street" metro. Visit was way too short, woulda liked to enjoy a drink and a chat, but their panini, even if 'to go', was impressive.
Lucy, the cutest kid in Williamsburg!
February 16, 2005
Last night in an unplanned and excellent turn of events, my path home from work was redirected thanks to two excellent women. (one of whom will return later this month to the political war scene that is Nepal) While the peach sidecar I enjoyed at "Sauce" was delicious, seeing members from several local Boston bands get together at Lizard Lounge to cover "Prince" songs was most excellent. Tony Goddess (Papas Fritas), Andrea Gillis, and John Powhida (The Rudds) amoung other band members, call themselves: "Mascafemuhorne." Apparently they did this once before, and they will do it again. I believe Paradise front room will host them. It was such a great performance. Easy for me, I love Prince, but covering other's music is can be a difficult thing.. I've always been really hard on cover bands. Either they pull it off, not trying to "be" the performers they are covering, rather adding their own personality while using the original artists music as inspiration, or they fail embarrassingly, trying too hard to "be" the performer. And really, who else can be Prince? Great show. These guys don't tend to advert their shows, so check the listings at Paradise to see if they end up there.
Opening for these guys was Laurie Sargeant. She was more wonderful that I would have thought. Don't think I've seen her since the 90's. She'll be at the Lizard again next Tuesday.
January 3, 2005
Yesterday I went to the Museum of Fine Arts to see the special exhibition, Art Deco. While Art Deco as a style is not my favorite, it is very interesting to think about how the style emerged and evolved during it's time (roughly 1910 to 1940).
Some other stuff I've been up to:
Film: Bad Education, Closer, Man on the Train (dvd), Last Orders (dvd)
Music: Jeff Buckley - Legacy Edition release of Grace, Interpol, Interpol, Interpol...(love these guys) and my CD 'Virgin Radio the Album'
On location: Portsmouth, NH and the Burlington Mall on New Year's afternoon (big mistake!), Bar 10 at the Westin Copley, Top of the Hub, Bukowski
November 15...or is it 16...???, 2004
Haven't updated the site in a while. I thought I'd make a quick entry to keep things fresh. Although the front page of this site is turning into more of a blog than anything else so I'm feeling a site 'redesign' coming up one of these days. I think I'll move this page, that has become a blog to the section of this site I've created for a blog, fancy that. ;)
What I've got to say today is; "Garden State" the movie is absolutely fantastic. The movie is written, directed and starred in by Zach Braff. (known primarily to date from his role on the TV series 'Scrubs') Natalie Portman stars alongside him as well as Peter Sarsgaard and Ian Holm. It's a fantastic story with really, really good acting. I understand that part of the story is autobiographical and is set in Zach Braff's hometown in New Jersey. The soundtrack is phenomenal, really complementing and capturing moments in the film, while being cool enough to listen to alone. See the film, buy the CD.
P.S. What is wrong with this picture? Email me your answers.
October 27, 2004
AT LAST!
Sox rewrite history, win first championship in 86 years!
October 25, 2004
Last night was show 6 of 6 scheduled for the month. For those of you who are counting, you'll realize that I've only attended 5 of 6...Yes, I cut one off the schedule, but which one? Well, it wasn't Sondre Lerche who played with the Golden Republic last night at the Paradise. Sondre admitted to being under the weather yet he put on a great show. Where was his band, Faces Down? Perhaps there was no budget to bring them over this tour. In any case, he did 'rock out' for a few songs with the Golden Republic. Before and after that he sang many of his songs, on his albums and not...you could really hear a Chet Baker influence in one of the songs he did at the end of the set. I've read on his site that he's been listening to Chet a lot recently. The game was playing on a large screen in the Paradise front room. Sondre didn't mention anything about the game during his lengthy and entertaining between song "monologues." Good European. :)
Soxtober 21, 2004
History was made last night at Yankee Stadium. Sorry Yankees fans. Check it out:
Victory over Yanks sends Sox to World Series
Rocktober 20, 2004
Pretty Girls Make Graves opened up for Death Cab for Cutie at Avalon last night. PGMG were great! Another example of the 80's sound & stage. Death Cab was great too! I was thinking that nothing would compare to having seen them up close, in a room of 40 or so others at QDivision this past Easter Sunday. However, it was cool to hear them plugged in and LOUD. It is a sound you don't get from their studio material. Since the Red Sox were playing the Yankees in NYC while the show was going on, the crowd was pleased to get scores from the band every few songs. The Sox were up the entire show keeping the crowd cheering. They didn't play "Champagne from a Paper Cup," my fave Death Cab tune, but they did play "Styrofoam Plates," which was entirely cool. Toss in a cover of "Psychedelic Furs" and "John Waite" and the set, with one return to stage, was complete. And so was my night. :)
October 14, 2004
Today I received the following email:
From: "Citibank" <rokicki@skim.com>
Subject: Citibank email verification
This email was sent to you by the Citibank server to verify your email address. You must complete this process by clicking on the link below and entering in the small window your Citibank ATM/Debit card number and PIN that you use on the ATM. This is done for your protection - because some of our members no longer have access to their email address and we must verify it. To verify your email address and access your account click on the link below.
ARE THESE PEOPLE ALL THERE? What jerks! First, this message doesn't even make sense....and had I not got this very message a dozen times before in my "junk mail" folder I might have proceeded straight to my wallet to get my card number....NOT! Seriously though, I don't have a CITIBANK ATM card, although I used to...and I bet many other folks have as well. I also bet that many of these folks may take this message seriously and respond. The result of this could wipe away a persons entire savings! How in the world are folks allowed to be so misleading and get away with it? Please people, pay attention! Aside from the fact that a reputable organization will NEVER ask you for your PIN (hello, it's a PERSONAL id #) check the email address.... rokicki@skim.com...what the heck is that? It's certainly not from Citibank. Does this burn your butt like it does mine? Yeah?
Rocktober 12, 2004
Show 3 of 6 for the month of "Rocktober" was last night. Interpol at Avalon. Fantastic show. This was the first show on a tour supporting their new album; "Antics." I wish I wasn't so under the weather, I may have been more aggressive about having a better view of the stage. For most of the show I had to crane my neck to see the boys on stage. Dug the bass players energy...he was all over the stage and was wearing this old fashioned gun holster over his shirt. Interesting. These guys rock. I heard many different sounds in their music that pointed to inspirations from many a brit band...in fact, these guys have a distinctly british sound. One other thing that struck me was the stage set up...it reminded me of an 80's band...I guess these guys have a 'retro' look about them, but with the keyboard set up being so elaborate, I was reminded of the 80's. I like it. :)
Rocktober 10, 2004
Last night's show featured 2 Danish musicians; Tina Dico, from the band Zero 7, who was supporting Teitur. The show was at the Paradise Lounge, a fairly intimate venue. I had recently heard Tina on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic." The show was great...perfect night of music for someone partially under the weather. I've got to rest up for Monday, Interpol at Avalon.
On another topic, have you ever heard of Skype? If you haven't, you should check it out. It's a internet telephony program that allows you to call pc to pc or pc (free!) to landline or mobile telephone (very cheap!) It's totally wacky sitting by your pc talking seemingly to the 'air' while chatting with friends all over the world. Check it out. If you download the program you can call me, my Skype nickname is Lisa_D.
October 5, 2004
 |
Last night kicked off "Rock-tober" ;) for me. Last night was show one of six for the month. Morrissey was last night. It was a great show although the set was short at 1 hour 10 minutes with one return to stage. The stage shot was taken with my humble little camera phone. I put up pics from a recent trip "Apple Picking." You can check them out here. My friend Gianluca was wondering if apple picking was a 'sport'...do you think it qualifies..???....email me with your opinion.
|
