Posts Tagged ‘Guinness’

« Older Entries

Pictures of You

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

Well today has been a good day for me, internet wise. Been in front of the computer, looking at pictures that Rand scanned last night. Oldies of Rand and me in San Francisco, playing as the Art Hams with Mike Weinert at Maxwells for the Martha-thon back in 1986 or so, playing the River City Fair was the Art Hams with John Hamilton of Tiny Lights, who advised us not to drink beforehand and we didn’t follow his advice and performed a sloppy and silly set.

Last night I had a really good time, drinking pints with Rand at his apartment. One of the things Rand did was set me up so my blog postings will feed directly into Twitter as well as Facebook. Nothing about YouFace yet though.

Rand also turned me onto Pandora which we used for music last night. My sister uses it as well and I actually signed up for it a few years ago and set up about 20 stations before forgetting about it. So I’ve been playing that most of the day.

Bill just left for his bus driving gig once again, off to Atlantic City. Pictures of You by The Cure just played on Pandora which made me miss him even more than I usually do. Curse you Robert Smith and your melancholy airs!

It’s a rainy gray day which seems perfect for The Cure. They came up through the Cocteau Twins station that I just created.

Facebook has been busy, at least me and my friends. Thanks to Rand’s photos lot’s of people are showing up and commenting and others are compelled to post pictures of their own.

Great day like I said, reading about my niece Cassie doing work for the homeless this morning for her confirmation duties.

There are plans in the works for an Art Hams reunion in May, perhaps in upstate New York. More remains to be seen on that front but if it goes through it promises to be a lot of fun. But that’s way down the line.

I’m certainly glad I went over to Rand’s last night and I also think it was rather smart of me to write and post yesterday’s entry before I started drinking. I certainly wasn’t in the state of mind to do so when I came back.

Not that I was out of control or anything like that. On the contrary, I felt relatively OK after about 5 pints of Guinness. I don’t think I would pass a sobriety test if I had to despite all the studying I had done before.

Now on Pandora is Julee Cruise singing Falling which was produced by David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti and used in Twin Peaks, at least the instrumental version was.

Also trying to track Bill on Google Latitude. It was track him through his phone from my location here in Hoboken. That should be fun. I do worry about these trips to Atlantic City. And I double worry when it’s cold and rainy.

Currently listening to Brian Eno station on Pandora while downloading a Brian Eno podcast from 1988.

Last night or rather this morning I had 2 cannabis free dreams. One involved me fighting with the guy from Across the Universe in various bistros and bars in the West Village and Soho/Tribeca. I think I had some sort of superpowers, either able to fly or shrink down my size.

Then I sort of woke up when Bill came home this morning and I said when I saw Bill, ‘Mom?’

Back to sleep after that and had a dream where all the women in the world were killing all the men, except for boys and old men and gay men. I suppose I had dreams like this when I was smoking the weed all the time, just never remembered them.

Too clouded a mind for them to really sink in. Sometimes the dreams are troubling and not ensuring a good night’s sleep. Nothing much else planned for today.

Going to make some dinner in a few minutes.

That’s my first entry to go out onto the web via Twitter and Facebook

♫ Take it or leave it, we’ll carry on regardless/If you don’t like it, you don’t have to dance. ♪

Art Hams- 1st incarnation, Mike Weinert, Rand Hoppe, Me

Art Hams- 1st incarnation, Mike Weinert, Rand Hoppe, Me


Art Hams 2nd incarnation Rand Hoppe, Me, John Hamilton

Art Hams 2nd incarnation Rand Hoppe, Me, John Hamilton

1981 JOT photo by Derry Pedovitch

1981 JOT photo by Derry Pedovitch

2010 JOZ

2010 JOZ

ozedBannerSymptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Mail Order Viagra lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Source Naturals Hoodia Complex difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Quitting Prozac Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Lyme Disease Doxycycline prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Clomid Success Stories accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Generic Phentermine lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Xenical Success Stories difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Generic Lipitor Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Viagra Professional prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Buy Pure Hoodia accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Buying Phentermine No Prescription Needed lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Phentermine Dangerous difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Phentermine Yellow Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Buy Phentermine On Line prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa No Script Pet Meds Prednisone accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Buy Viagra Soft Online lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Phentermine Online Without Prescription difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Sublingual Cialis Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Nolvadex prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa New Drug Levitra accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Drug Interaction Prozac Sulfamethoxazol Trimethoprim lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Zoloft And Weight Gain difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Dangers Of Hoodia Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Zoloft Weight Gain prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Akathisias Zoloft accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Herbal Phentermine lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Zoloft Withdrawel Weight Less difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Dissolve Doxycycline Hyclate For Mouth Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Online Cialis prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Levitra Commercial accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Phentermine Buy lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Clomid Ovulation Signs difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Buy Viagra Australia Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Phentermine Without A Prescription prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Phentermine Diet Pills accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Older Cats Zoloft lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Phentermine Pill difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Phentermine Online No Rx Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Generic Cialis Softtab prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Phentermine Line accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Cheap Phentermine Without A Prescription lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Herbs And Viagra Interaction difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Phentermine Day Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Buy Generic Viagra prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Dangers Of Propecia accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Q Phentermine Hq lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Prozac Chemical Formula difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Blue Phentermine 30mg Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Natural Viagra Substitutes prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa H57 Hoodia accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Adipex Versus Phentermine lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Zoloft Constant Tightness In Chest difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Phentermine Cheapest Uk Shipping Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Buy Cheap Viagra prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Phentermine Abuse accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Low Cost Cialis lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Canada In Levitra difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Lyme Doxycycline Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Pure Hoodia prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Herbal Viagra accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Cheap Cialis Sale Online lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Atlanta Accutane Injuries difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Carisoprodol Phentermine Yellow Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Phentermine Order prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Viagra Women lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Zoloft Drug Interactions difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Generic Prozac Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Liquid Hoodia prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Hoodia Pills accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Cialis To Buy New Zealand lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Transdermal Cialis difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Cialis Prescription Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Phentermine No Rx prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Lamictal And Prozac accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Low Cost Phentermine lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Compare Phentermine Price difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Buy Viagra Meds Online Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Generic Viagra India prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Clomid accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Womans Viagra lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Lowest Prices For Cialis difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Buy Viagra Online At Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Cialis Uk prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Prozac accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Womens Viagra lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Phentermine Diet Pills Diet Pills difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Buy Viagra Cheap Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Zoloft Rapid Heartbeat At Night prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Get Off Prozac accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Levitra Website lipitor drug cost
prednisone stopped taking side effects! Purchase Viagra Online difference between lexapro and celexa
accutane timeline Zoloft Pregnancy Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352.
lipitor drug cost Purchase Phentermine Online prednisone stopped taking side effects!
difference between lexapro and celexa Lipitor And Isoprenoids accutane timeline
Symptoms of zoloft working sie effects of lexapro 352. Hoodia Balance lipitor drug cost

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in the day after yesterday | 2 Comments »

You Didn’t Hear It

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Well here we are, January 1, 2010. So far so good. No known superstitions or rituals to go through and no hangover either. Been a pretty good day. Last night was pretty good too. Bill woke up from his nap and we had dinner at Arthur’s Steakhouse on Washington Street.

We’ve been doing that for the past 8 years, New Years Eve dinner. A few pints, some steaks, some garlic bread. It’s never been crowded and quite cozy that last night of the year. We came home and watched some TV before heading over to Rand and Lisa’s apartment around 11:00.

On the way we saw various party goers outside different buildings having a smoke. One guy at the corner of 7th and Park Avenue called us over for a light. As I lent him my lighter, he farted. Many laughs all around.

I brought some Guinness, not sure if Rand had any or if anyone else would be drinking it. Apparently Rand had some on hand already, not that it mattered though I’m sure I will have to pay him a visit and take those off his hands. Also pick up some socks that were left behind a few months ago. Arrangements will have to be made.

I did go out around 3:00 this afternoon to get some groceries. It was a nice afternoon, a balmy 40 degrees. I ran into Martin Kelly, good to see him. Had a few laughs with him. Spoke with Annemarie when I got back. She had a great time seeing X in San Francisco last night while her husband Rex and their son Earl went to see the Dead play for 4.5 hours. I would have been at the X show of course.

In Hoboken, it was low key last night. Rand & Lisa, Lois & Fred and Bill & myself. Nice amount of people. All rather perfect actually. We all sat around the TV, Rand controlling the TV. NBC, CBS, ABC & CNN as well as a video of a video of Lady Gaga on TV.

The countdown went well and I decided to record it. I sound like a big gay goofball but I guess I sound like that all the time, though I did sound campier than usual when I tried reassuring Lois that the champagne blindness in her eyes. At least I sound that way to my ears.

I even played Rand’s guitar and played some Beatles tunes, All My Loving, She’s A Woman and Please Please Me. That was fun. I was surprised to see Bill singing along to All My Loving. According to him, he’s been paying attention all these years and was learned the lyrics from my constant playing. It was fun and Lois complimented me on my guitar playing.

I guess she hadn’t heard me play in a while. Perhaps all those years of playing on my own has given me a unique style of playing.

Bill and I were home a little after 2:00, passing plenty of party people heading to various other parties. I remember those times, not wanting the party to end. Now I’m content to let it end when it may, not caring since I was going to bed.

I have to wake Bill up in a half hour, he’s driving to Atlantic City again. Of course I’ll be worried until I hear from him in Atlantic City. I’m in for the night, been invited to a party but I’m feeling reclusive.

Hope you all had an enjoyable New Years Yves.

http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~bump/E603/web06/maps/Ashley/07%20Here%20Comes%20the%20Sun%201.mp3

Tags:, , , , , ,
Posted in Interesting Things as of Late | No Comments »

Blockheads

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Well last night, or rather prior to last night I was fraught with anxiety which both my sister Annemarie and my brother Frank detected when they called me on the phone. I tried working through it on my own, having a hearty dinner and decided some music might be good to clear the decks.

I picked Sweeney Todd and got through the first 2 songs then I asked myself, ‘Is this supposed to make me feel better?’ It wasn’t working and went to the tried and true record that always gets me out of my blues, Ian Dury & the Blockheads, ‘Do It Yourself’. And it worked.

I got my stuff together, 2 iPods, cables for the iPods as well as AC cables and the new cables to connect to the soundboard. I checked a few times to make sure it wasn’t forgetting anything. It was pouring rain as I walked up to 14th Street and got some cash from the ATM, just in case I wanted a drink.

I initially thought I wasn’t going to have a drop, but then I thought ‘why the hell not?’ Also enjoyed a cigar on the way, walking under my big umbrella and took some pictures of various holidays lights with my cellphone which I sent to Facebook.

Got to McSwells as one of the bands were sound checking their way through Rock & Roll by Led Zeppelin. Carson was the sound man as expected and he was a pleasure to work with. Since they don’t employ DJ’s anymore at McSwells, they usually play CD’s between acts nowadays, there was no mixer so I was going to use 2 channels on the soundboard to switch back and forth from the iPods using volume control.

I went outside for a smoke while the sound checking continued and saw someone who looked familiar. I asked if he was Chris Butler and it was. I introduced myself as Frank’s brother and told him that Frank would not be coming but he told me to say hello.

Chris Butler was quite nice and I mentioned that I would be playing a song that he wrote later in the night, Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses. I do love that song and he said thanks and ran off.

I went inside and started playing, figuring that things would be delayed a while, starting off with Wah Wah by George Harrison.

Soon the first band came on, Tammy Faye Starlite featuring Miss Tammy Faye with assorted musicians that would appear later on in the evening. She was good, at least singing wise. Her between song patter was best described as crude. I suppose it was funny but lacked in sophistication and wit.

Ran into Rand who was by the bar and wound up hanging out with him through the night. Also saw Roger Johansen and it’s always good to see him. George Usher was next, he played an earnest set. I mainly know him as having lived in the same building as Jim and Meghan when they lived in Hoboken last.

The Individuals were next, Jim Mastro filling in on guitar playing with Glenn Morrow, Janet Wygal and Doug Wygal. I love watching Jim play, he certainly brings a spark to the proceedings. Then up came the Guitar Bar All Stars, various employees of my favorite shop.

They opened with Heroes by David Bowie which I had to then scratch off my playlist, then they played Dylan’s Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat and that made another song I had to cross off. But it was all in fun. In between acts I only had one or two songs to play, the changeover from band to band was that smooth and swift.

I did play Christmas Wrapping and a couple of guys came up to me saying that Chris Butler was right there as I was playing it. Yes, it was a thrilling moment. A few other guys came up to me throughout the night, telling me how much they liked the tunes I was playing, how it brought them back to the 1980′s-90′s when I last DJ’d at McSwells.

Sweet.

Up next was Elena & Boo, doing a nice country & western set of duets, guitar and banjo. While the bands were on I usually took a picture of who was playing, then ran out front and had a pint with Rand, timing it to be back in time, but just in case, I told Carson the sound guy which iPod was cued up.

The big surprise was Antietam. They were old friends from the Louisville contingent that Rand and I et al used to occasionally hang out with. It was great to see them again and they looked great and they sounded better than they ever did before, even covering a song written by Terry Karydes who the benefit was for. Melodies mean a lot!

Everyone’s favorite nice guy drummer Dennis Diken was up next with the Bell Sound and they were fun. Chris Butler was playing with them and much to my surprise, they covered Christmas Wrapping! It was a lovely surprise and I found myself singing along, spurred on by what was now a few pints of Guinness.

Next up were the Schramms which was the band that Terry Karydes played with back in the day. They rocked of course,, and of course I was getting rocked myself.

The wonderful Chris Repella made an appearance, just hanging out. She lives around the block from me. She’s another sweetheart. Then Kate Jacobs followed with her band and played a sweet set. Then closing the show was Freedy Johnston who opened with Love Grows Where my Rosemary Goes.

All in all a very lovely evening. Guy Ewald was there, he was the guy I replaced when he gave up DJing, John, Toni and Mark from Speed the Plough were also there, asking about Frank and once again I gave the spiel.

Also spotted was the legendary and beloved Bill Ryan who hardly anyone sees these days and he was with Suzanne who used to be around a lot. She looked as great as ever and still one of the prettiest and sweetest people.

I actually saw her at the Library the other day, I was heading out and held the door for her as she was heading in. I descended the steps and thought, ‘Was that Suzanne?’ and lingered outside thinking she’d be back out. I asked if she was at the library and she said she was and thought basically the same thing about me.

I spoke with Dennis Diken who’s a really nice guy, and he remembered Frank of course, and also my brother Brian. He asked if there were any more of us, and I mentioned Annemarie but she’s in Northern California. Rand, Chris Repella and I just hung out by the front bar drinking more and more Guinness and having many laughs.

We almost closed the bar but there was a table of 6 people who came in late for some cocktails, so technically we weren’t the dirty stay outs. Once again, I had a much better time than I expected to have.

It’s nice when that happens.

Here’s the playlist from last night and pictures of all the bands….
Wah Wah- George Harrison
Cut it Out- The Go Betweens
Time to Pretend- MGMT
Joy to the World- The Fab Four
Winter of Love- Chris Stamey
The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot- A Girl Called Eddy
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas- Husky Team
I’d Like You for Christmas (Ursula 1000 Remix)- Julie London
Love in the Year 3000- The B-52′s
Christmas Time is Here Again- The Beatles
Inspiration Information- Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings
Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas- The Staple Singers
2000 Miles- Pretenders
Purple Snowflakes- Marvin Gaye
Wouldn’t It Be Nice (Backing Track with Vocals) The Beach Boys
Two Weeks- Grizzly Bear
Jack the Ripper- Raybeats
Shakin’ All Over- The Yardbirds
Christmas Wrapping- Waitresses
A Change At Christmas (Say It Isn’t So)- The Flaming Lips
Marshmallow World- Darlene Love
Jump in the Fire- Harry Nilsson
Well Alright- Spoon
Lenin- Arcade Fire
Buzz- Pylon
Fairytale of New York- The Pogues
My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)- Regina Spektor

Tammy Faye Starlite

Tammy Faye Starlite

George Usher

George Usher

The Individuals with Jim Mastro (left)

The Individuals with Jim Mastro (left)

The Guitar Bar All Stars

The Guitar Bar All Stars

Elena & Boo from the Demolition String Band

Elena & Boo from the Demolition String Band

Antietam!

Antietam!

Dennis Diken with Bell Sound

Dennis Diken with Bell Sound

Chris Butler singing Christmas Wrapping!

Chris Butler singing Christmas Wrapping!

The Schramms

The Schramms

Kate Jacobs and her Band

Kate Jacobs and her Band

Freedy Johnston

Freedy Johnston

Tags:, , ,
Posted in Interesting Things as of Late | 4 Comments »

Lady Godiva’s Operation

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

Well this is a twist and a bit of a cheat. Writing about yesterday the day after. The cheat part is that I am going to post it for yesterday. Even though it’s now 12 hours since the day has passed, which also happens to have been my birthday.

Yes, I am now 47. No one is more surprised at that than I am.

The day was cloudy and drizzly and of course quite humid. The day started with Bill all dressed up heading out. I thought he had a call back or something, it turns out they were having a Super Saturday at his office.

Super Saturday is when college students come in to take a tour of the offices and learn about the company that they hope to work for when they get out of school. Wanker Banker used to have Super Saturdays also.

They get shown around, taken to a nice dinner and set up in a nice hotel. So for Bill it was an opportunity to get some rare overtime. Bill and I had plans to do something when he was free in the afternoon.

I got out of bed, found a bag of Godiva chocolate and a few premium cigars by my computer. Turning on the screen of my computer was a sweet message from Bill, flashing words in color, Happy Birthday Mi Amor.

Quite a nice thing to wake up to.

Better than coffee. But coffee was needed in any event. After a cuppa I headed out to get some bagels and the paper. Talked to Julio for the first time since his return on Tuesday. Every little detail that occurred was revealed.

A bit much especially since I only wanted to know if he wanted any bagels. Not enough coffee on my end made me shorten the call, especially since I was outside the store in the drizzle, and he and Stine didn’t want any bagels anyhow.

I came home, had a nice breakfast. Had some cookies and brownies that Annemarie made for me, opened birthday cards from Robert, my former boss, Connie and Rita. I heard from Bill who had a moment to check in and see what was up.

We talked about what to do in the afternoon. Gallery hopping seemed to be the plan. I also thought about a jaunt to Governor’s Island, but figured that since it was so wet out and Bill was dressed quite nicely that that probably wouldn’t be a good idea though Bill was game.

Heard from a few friends and family through phone calls, emails, texts and Facebook messages, all very nice. Had a fun chat with Karen Kuhl on the Path train and I met Bill at Tekserve on 23rd Street.

We walked over tot 10th Avenue and went into a few galleries there, me pointing out some Warhol pieces and some Keith Haring art as well. It was fun, but Bill was very tired and his knees were bothering him.

Not that he was complaining, he was doing this for my birthday.

We hit a few other galleries and after an hour or so we decided to head back to Hoboken. He was nodding off as we sat and rode back to Hoboken. Bill was very uncomfortable because of his knees and very quiet. We decided to head home so he could take a nap.

On the way home, I got a call from Rand offering to buy me a drink for my birthday. I told him that we were on the way home. Rand said he wanted to catch us before we climbed the four flights of steps to the apartment and were in for the night but I assured him that it was so Bill could have a nap before we went out for dinner.

So drinks after dinner was in order.

We headed out to Arthur’s Steakhouse around 7:30, outside the building, Julio hanging out of his window wishing me a happy birthday and commenting about how we always go to Arthur’s for special occasions. I was surprised to see him awake since he still is on Euro time.

Arthur’s was crowded and there were a few other birthdays last night. Steaks and Guinness and a nice slice of chocolate mousse cake with a candle in accompanied by Happy Birthday sung by the staff and a few customers clapping along.

Former NY Giant Carl Banks was having dinner at a table a few feet from us with a group of big guys.

We headed out after that, Bill and I enjoying cigars. We walked through the Italian festival along the river. Not too crowded since the weather was so damp.

Got to McSwells and finished out cigars before heading in. Rand and Lisa were there with Lois who was soon joined by her husband Fred. My niece Corinne joined us as well. She texted me to see what Bill and I were doing and I invited her to join us.

She looked as smashing as ever. She’s a sweetheart and she bought me a Guinness, one of several that I had last night. Gifts from Rand and Lisa and Lois and Fred were greatly appreciated. Corinne’s friends showed up as well. I met some of them before at Cory’s barbecue for her graduation but by that time last night I couldn’t remember their names, I just smiled and shook their hands.

Soon they were off to a real club, ostensibly to hang out with people in their own age group with music they could dance to and boys they could flirt with. Us older folks didn’t stay much longer after that.

After all the Guinness and good times we parted ways at 9th and Bloomfield, making tentative plans for a night of Karaoke sometime in the future, perhaps for Rand’s birthday next month. Too tired to write, too drunk in any event, last night so here it is, now.

9.12.09 NYC Galleries 006
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 008
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 009
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 010
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 011
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 012
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 013
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 014
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 015
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 016
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 021

I'm in there somewhere

I'm in there somewhere


9.12.09 NYC Galleries 023
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 024
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 027
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 030
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 037
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 038
9.12.09 NYC Galleries 041
By me!

By me!


By me too!

By me too!


9.12.09 NYC Galleries 044

Tags:, , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Wonderful World Beautiful People | No Comments »

I May Be Wrong (But I Think You’re Wonderful)

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

Well it’s Thursday but it feels like Friday. A holiday weekend Friday no less. But still it’s a Thursday and I made it through ok. My brother in law, Rex had his heart procedure this morning and it went beautifully, thanks to the Italian cardiologist in Cleveland. I said she was Italian because she’s from Italy and apparently the only one in North America who could do the procedure that the numb skulls at UCSF did not follow up on, throwing their bloody hands in the air saying, ‘oh Rex should have come in for a follow up. I guess we should have told you, but we didn’t so you’re fucked. Bye!’ Yeah fuck you too bitches.

I got a phone call from my sister Annemarie, happy to answer it, but dreading what I might hear, but it was Annemarie crying tears of joy, that it went so well. A relief to be able to call my family and tell them the good news. Everyone happy on the family front for Rex. Good news at last.

Last night Bill came home, the third time in a row this week. It’s so good to have him around. He didn’t drive me crazy like he sometimes does. I don’t mind the crazy. I mind the moments of solitude when he’s not here. We watched the season finale of Lawn Hor d’oeuvres. And like the Olivia Show on Lawn Hor d’oeuvres SVU it had an extremely weak ending.

I could have written a better ending than what was presented. Jack McCoy, car chase, shoot out, love scene would have been miles better than the Elliot Spitzer rehash with the governor played by the young Tom Hanks look alike from That Thing That You Do getting off the hook. Bill was vocally disappointed, I wasn’t paying that much attention. I didn’t stay up for the news, I went to bed and fell asleep rather quickly. Woke up Bill still asleep next to me, looking so cute.

I got myself together and was out the door, dropping off God is Not Great at the library having finished it last night. Reading the New Yorker about a club in Hollywood called Largo. It seems it’s the in spot for hipsters and musicians, probably much like McSwells used to be in the eighties and nineties. Almost made me want to go there but realizing that if it made it to the New Yorker it’s time had come and the time will soon be past. Been there done that.

True, John Paul Jones never played on stage at McSwells but hey, we had Peter Buck having French onion soup in the front room with Julie Panebianco and that has to count for something doesn’t it?

Also read about a Jazz afficianado, or Jazz queer as Ann Boyles like to say. A fanatic, the last of a breed searching out Charlie Parker 78′s or Bix Beiderbecke sides from the 1920′s. He has a radio show on WJCR at Columbia University. It was a good article, and I related to it somewhat, though not a jazz fan per se, but the hunting down of records that I loved or heard about was close to home. It almost got me interested in jazz. Almost.

Today was the penultimate day for the sweet receptionist Lydia. That meant going out for drinks. I was smart enough to hit McDonalds and have a little something in my system before quaffing a few pints. It was me and Lydia plus Allen and Rossi. A few laughs over pints with the guys, Lydia sipping a glass of white wine. Marty Allen and I bought a few rounds, I used petty cash, Marty Allen out of pocket. Vivek showed up and gregarious as usual bought the rest of the round as well as some snacks that we could munch on.

Somehow my age came up and I was compelled for the past year to keep it under wraps, but since I was on the spot I had to tell the truth, I am 45. Their reaction? I was a young looking 45. I actually look as young or younger than them, excepting Lydia who’s 21. I act younger than them that’s for sure, excepting Lydia once again. After 4 pints, 2 more than I had planned I made an exit with Lydia, walking her to her train.

Here I am now, hearing that John McCrazy disowned John Hagee’s endorsement which is good news for the country and showing that John McCain really isn’t a good judge of character or a good judge of anything really worthwhile. Now, let’s arrest Karl ‘Big Ass Closet Case’ Rove.

Time to chill. Peace out cub scouts.
Here’s Ian Hunter, a dedication for Annemarie, Rex and Earl

Tags:, , , , , , ,
Posted in the day after yesterday | 1 Comment »

Riddler!

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Well I’m probably going to post later, it’s 6:53PM now. I thought I’d get started after I see Nick Lowe at McSwells with brother Brian at McSwells. It’s a foggy, balmy day always feeling like rain. Ran a few errands today around midtown and I heard a few people complaining about how cold it was. These people were spoiled last week when the temperature was in the upper 70′s. Work was interesting, a deal seems to have been made, a meeting went on all day long and when I left everyone involved in the meeting seemed content.

I had to go to the post office this afternoon for myself. I heard from the company that made the earphones I got from Julio and Stine this past holiday season, once again giving me an RA number so I can send back the earphones for the fourth time. I waited a short time on line then I got to the counter.

The Mailman behind the counter asks me:
‘Name 4 US Presidents not buried in the US.’ I answered correctly.

Then he said, ‘There is a race, and you overtake the guy in 2nd place. What place are you now in?’
This I answered incorrectly.
Finally, he riddled,
“There are 2 coins that add up to 30 cents. One of them is not a nickel. What are those coins?”

That one I knew from Scrubs, and no, it’s not a penny and a button with 29 cents written on it. It actually made for an interesting and fun experience at the post office for once. I did wonder, that if I hadn’t gotten any of the riddles right, would he refuse to handle my mail? It was reminiscent of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, crossing over the Bridge of Death. I would have been prepared, I know my sparrows.

What are your answers?

Well here we are later, and by ‘we’ I mean the royal ‘we’ and by that I mean ME. Several pints later. I really don’t do this that often, despite being in quite a similar state last weekend. By this I mean, drinking. Nick Lowe, very good. Excellent, in fact. Sold out show, jam packed. Also found out the secret word to tell the door people and get you into a sold out show. Me, 3 sheets to the wind. If it were 4, you would not be reading this. A good time had by Brian and special guest Chaz. Chaz duly writing down each song for his endless compilation.

I wound up going to bed immediately after writing those lines. Couldn’t focus and my fingers weren’t doing what I wanted them to do. Sleep uneasily, of course. A number of pints will do that to you.

Saw Roger, Ira Hubley and Georgia Kaplan as well as Thaylor and her husband Tom. Nick Lowe sang his hits, I Knew The Bride, Cruel to Be Kind, What’s So Funny (About Peace, Love and Understanding) as well as some new ones which were quite good. He’s very personable on stage, telling stories about his tour. He mentioned that it was the first time he was ever in Hoboken, after touring the US for the past 30 years, which was somehow fitting since it was the last night of his tour. Brian gave me a ride home and that is where I am now, waiting for Julio to play the role of Egg Man on this foggy day in Hoboken town. Sorry you had to wait, but the bottom of those pint glasses were so engrossing.

Here’s the best pic of the Basher himself. It’s a bit blurry but then again, so was I.

Yes I finished this this morning, and since I started it last night, I’ve post dated the entry.

Tags:, , , ,
Posted in the day after yesterday | 4 Comments »

« Older Entries