From Peaches to Apples

It was Bana-anas

2009-08-13T10:04:00.011-04:00

So yesterday was just a typical Wednesday. I went to work as usual, and on my way home, ran into Eric Bana (Troy, Munich, Funny People), and ate dinner. Yes, I ate dinner.

Attending the NYC premier of "The Time Traveler's Wife," Eric was very nice, taking pictures with anyone who asked. I, who only had my phone, snapped this shot. Hot. Hot. Hot. Australian. Hot.

Roomie then ran into his co-star and one of our favorite actresses, Rachel Mcadams. You may know her from "The NoteBook,"Mean Girls" or "Wedding Crashers," but we know her simply as the girl who stole the heart of our man - Ryan Gosling. Heather said she was just as beautiful as person as she is on screen, and that she know believes her chances with Ryan are out the window. I say, "Phooey!"

Whether it be Roomie or me that Ryan would choose, I say we are more than woman enough to handle that gorgeous work of human art - afterall, we know how to shimmy-shake.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-08-05T11:50:00.009-04:00

This post is long over due but proves if you put things out in the universe anything is possible.

When Carly and I first moved to NYC and realized our office is located just blocks from Bar Americain, we knew our dreams of meeting Bobby Flay could be a reality. That's right, the ginger throwdown grill master Iron Chef could cross our paths at any moment if we were lucky. Well, it didn't magically happen but we kept hope alive. I mean, I even created a Bobby Flay cupcake during my office's Halloween cupcake decorating contest. Again, putting it in the universe. Delish!

But then, on June 23rd it happened and we got to meet one of our FoodNetwork favorites. Hello Bobby...

My favorite part of the experience came from Carls who said to Bobby - we are the roomies, you should meet us, we love you. haha. Ain't that the truth. The stars really did align.

Thanks to Betty Boop for taking the pic. ;)

Will he ever forgive me?!

2009-07-27T14:54:00.002-04:00

Umm...in a strange turn of events, I didn't go see my future husband at the Letterman show today...just steps from where I work. I took the day off to do my best to see him, and failed. I'm now at home and am actually feeling under the weather. I think I may skip trying to stalk his entry to the show (on 53rd). Gasp! I know...I know. First I don't go to Jones Beach last week, then I don't even see him next door to work...what is wrong with me?!

Dave, I'm sorry, and I love you. My tummy hurts, it looks like rain is coming, and I didn't get tickets. Sometimes you have to meet me in the middle...like Paul did. Play the marquis already!

Anyways, I'll be watching you tonight - see you in Fresno and Chi-town.

Dancin in the street

2009-07-24T10:00:00.005-04:00

Too funny and forgot to mention...

On my way into work yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of walking behind a girl about my age who was illustrating the power of morning music. She had her iPod with her and was dancing along to it as she walked. And not just a toe-tap or finger-snap here and there, it was literally a show stopping performance.

There was one point where I actually had to back up because she had stopped in her tracks and was doing a side step move - all while shaking her head to the music. Arms were flailing, hips were shaking, it was a sight to see for sure! I'm pretty sure parts of her dance were choreographed.

What made it the most strange/awesome was that she would bust a move on an 8-count (or I assume an 8-count) and then continue walking as if nothing had happened. Then she would bust out again, and proceed as before. This went on until I crossed the street and escaped her dance party. Mind you, this is all before 9:00 am.

I did want to make sure to note however that she was no Roomie who blew away MS&L yesterday afternoon.

My Roomie Can Dance...Dance...Dance

2009-07-23T20:49:00.006-04:00

Watch Roomie at the MS&L Talent Show working it out with Brian! Work. It. Out. You think you can dance? Well I KNOW my Roomie can dance!

Video coming soon - technical error.

Ever hear the one about the rabbi...

2009-07-23T13:38:00.007-04:00

This has to be one of the best/saddest stories of all time! I can't even make this up...rabbis and politicians selling kidneys...

"Three New Jersey mayors, two state lawmakers, a deputy mayor and five rabbis were among 44 people charged Thursday" for being allegedly involved in money-laundering and an illegal human organ-selling ring.

Oh this is just too rich. Can't even make any funnies on it...the story speaks for itself.
Read the whole story here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32103250/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Hometown proud

2009-07-22T17:58:00.004-04:00

Well it didn't take Lincoln, IL as long as I thought to make it into Perez Hilton, but guess I always assumed I'd be the one to make it on there due to my high profile romance with Dave Matthews. Instead, this dude beat me to the punch...suppose there's always People.com

Oh and I know what you're thinking...and NO he wasn't my prom date...that is, at least for my Junior prom date...

When he was 64...

2009-07-17T23:07:00.007-04:00

So here's the low down - Mama was sick. Mama had called off work because she had worked almost 4 weeks straight, and it had finally caught up with her. I had awoken to a damaging headache and weak stomach ache, but received a call from Roomie that my Paulie was playing the Letterman show. Umm...hello...next door to where we work. Go figure.

I jumped into action. I slept for 3 hours, drank OJ like no other and did the best I could to better myself before 4 pm. I then cabbed it to Broadway to see the man who opened so many musical windows for me. Paul "effin" McCartney. The man. The legend. The Beatle. OMG, OMG, OMG. Let me just say this: There would be no Dave Matthews-lovin if it weren't for this man (and 3 other lads just as talented). I swear to you, he has been essential to my being. True it was Richie Valens (Richard Valenzuela if you're nasty) who jumpstarted it, but my view of music forever changed at age 11 when John, Paul, George and Ringo entered my life. In 4th grade my friends were annoyed when I tried to play "Help!" and "Hard Days Night" at slumber parties. In 5th grade, I taught friends "Yellow

Submarine" during recess to which we changed to "Pink Submarine, "Blue Submarine" and such. Because of these four men, my music life has formed the way it has. I remember my aunt taking me to a record store in Peoria, IL (that had a mural of Beatles of course) to get 45s (for those who don't know, small records basically). I would get 45s from the Beau Brummels to the Kinks, but always had to get some token Beatles - amazing. My love for Paul purely comes from Mama and Aunt Becky, so I thank them and wish nothing short that they had experienced what I just did.

This is my first experience with Paul - on stage (a top the Sullivan Theater's Marquis) - hitting Sullivan theater for the first time since '64 when he was joined by John, George and Ringo. OMG. OMG. OMG.

Can I put this in the atmosphere? Paul plays Ed Sullivan Theater (next door to work) within one year of me arriving to New York. Paul hasn't played it since '64. I'm just sayin. I have proof that Paul is not dead.

P.S. Oh yeah, Bruce Willis was next to me.

P.S.S. And I have more pics and video (woo-hoo), so will post them when we have internet that works.

Blursville

2009-07-05T23:04:00.019-04:00

Oh my peeps, it's been so long. I just got back from a vortex of work, and promise to keep up from here on out!
With that, here's a quick recap of what's been going on:

May & June = blur. In May, went to see my husband at the Pete Seeger show, went to see Heather's husband the night before that, was in Miami for brother's wedding and then in Illinois for almost 2 weeks for his reception.

First week of June, came back and stood in the rain for 5 hours to see David at the Today show (got in line at 3 am), went to work directly after (looked like a drowned rat), and then went straight to Harford to see familia (Nicky and Mia are insanely cute!), and listened to a little Dave with the sissy (totally walked a bridge near his show and could hear it!).

Came back, had one weekend off and then had an event at Giants stadium. Following weekend went to Orlando for work, but got to hang out with Katie (yah!), then went to Baltimore this past weekend over the 4th. So....that's where I've been. :)

Looking forward to the move - can't wait to see where Roomie and I end up next!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

2009-07-04T20:24:00.007-04:00

So it's officially been a full month since you've heard from either of the roomies. What can I say we are busy girls. But I hope you've enjoyed your freedom from us as much as you are enjoying Independence Day.

Here's to seeing fireworks where ever you may be spending this holiday! (Carly is in Baltimore while I am in Atlanta - see I've told you we've been busy.) But in addition to fireworks, here's to seeing more from us. We've had and have some exciting things coming up. God Bless America!

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-06-04T10:15:00.004-04:00

They've done it again. Dead Man's Bones is back (this time featuring the LA Inner City Mass Choir and the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir) with a second song and accompanying one-shot video for "Name in Stone." It's quite lovely if I do say so myself. You can check it out below but I hope to check out the band in person sometime soon. Come to NYC boys and put your name in lights.

DEAD MAN'S BONES - "NAME IN STONE" from biz3 publicity on Vimeo.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-05-27T12:48:00.005-04:00

I'm keepin it Superfraiche and you should too.

SUPERFRAICHE is a new series of live shows in NYC curated by the Arjan of Arj anWrites.com. This blogger/tastemaker (and all around fabulous guy) has chosen many artists that have gone on to greatness and the ones playing this SUPERFRAICHE series are on their way!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH
CANAL ROOM - DOORS AT 7PM

Featuring... Del Marquis - Scissor Sisters + Embryoroom, Fritz Helder + The Phantoms, Kate Havnevik, Avian X, Noah, Scott Simons, Kaci Battaglia with Dangerous Muse and DJ Lind$ay Luv Sketch, Projection by Shantell Martin

Purchase tickets before June 5 and get a limited-edition Superfraiche Mixtape Vol. 1 at will-call!!

You better believe the roomies are attending. Will we see you there?

It's FLEET WEEK!

2009-05-20T09:55:00.012-04:00

After a wonderful trip to Florida (which I'm sure Carly may chat more about), coming back to the city during Fleet Week may just help the transition from beach to concrete go a little easier.

Today is the day! New York City kicks off its 22nd annual Fleet Week celebration with a parade of ships along the Hudson River.

According to Newsday, thirteen vessels, including five Canadian ships, are slated to parade up the Hudson River at 11 a.m. The largest and most familiar ship is the USS Iwo Jima, a 40,500-ton assault helicopter carrier.

It's my first time being in NYC for Fleet Week but I understand events will include a military aircraft flyover (which our office wisely sent out an email about as a heads up that there will be low flying planes), free tours of the ships at docks in Manhattan and Staten Island, military band performances and tactical demonstrations by troops. With all that, I may have to wonder down and tour a few ships -- who knows, maybe I'll even hook a sailor.

We're back baby!

2009-05-11T17:02:00.007-04:00

Didn't make the tournie in March, but are currently the #1 recuiting class in the nation...

Behold the era of Calipari!

"Kentucky is going to be very good at basketball this year" - Yahoo! Sports

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Kentucky-is-going-to-be-very-good-at-basketball-?urn=ncaab,162554

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-05-08T10:59:00.009-04:00

Oh say can you see, the view from the top? Now you can.

The Statue of Liberty’s crown, which was closed after the 9/11 attacks, will reopen to the public on July 4, the White House announced this morning. The decision, by the Obama administration, is a reversal of the previous policy.

It apparently takes 146 steps to get to the crown but I'm sure the view is worth the hike. I can't wait to see it for myself.

Pistol Pete's Birthday Party

2009-05-06T13:13:00.018-04:00

As some of you may know, Roomie and I went to Madison Square Garden on Sunday to celebrate Pistol Pete Seeger's 90th birthday...got that -

9-0!

The show was nothing short of amazing! From John Mellencamp to Arlo Guthrie to Bruce Springsteen to Joan Baez to Ben Harper to Kris Kristofferson to Ani DiFranco to Dave Matthews, it was incredible! Pete is truly an inspiration and think I can speak for Roomie as well that we walked away with a new found perspective on one of music's finest.

The show started at 5:00 and didn't end until almost 9:45. Throughout the night, clips of Pete's life were shared between videos, family recollections (sister Peggy was amazing!), and those who had the pleasure of working/singing with him.

The best quote of the night had to to go Bruce Springsteen who described Pete as "a stealth dagger through the heart of our country's illusions about itself" and "... gonna look a lot like your granddad that wears flannel shirts and funny hats. He gonna look like your granddad if your granddad can kick your a--." He also went on to talk about how Pete "had outlasted the bastards" when discussing Pete's civil rights advocacy.

President Obama also sent some sentiments for Pete (via a letter), and although not as hard-hitting as Bruce's, it was awesome just the same!

One of the best collaborations was Kris Kristofferson and Ani DiFranco who sang "There's a Hole in my Bucket." Truly amazing.

Not to be biased, but a highlight for me and I would hope others, was Dave's version of "Rye Whiskey." The man made mama proud...and the man in front of me liked it for sure! He was roughly 75.

There are so many moments I wish I could highlight (Amazing Grace with Pete leading the audience, This Land is Your Land with everyone on stage, Oscar the Grouch appearance singing "Garbage," etc.) but I will hold off. Rather, I encourage you to watch the PBS special in early June...it wil be well worth it!

Clips of the night can be found here: http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/springsteen-honors-pete-seeger-at-madison-1003968856.story

Pics of the night & an article here: http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/27954855/celebrating_seeger_springsteen_m

Some of my favorites pics of the night below.

Hello, I love you

2009-05-06T11:32:00.006-04:00

It was Jim Morrison who crooned, "Hello, I love you. Won't you tell me your name?"

This past month, those lyrics have gone beyond awesome keyboarding and into my heart as the truth...for I have found the father of my children, and I do not know his name.

What I do know about him is that he is an actor with a soft side for children. Though he is definitely a hottie-tottie in this commercial, I do believe he is also in a Time-Warner commercial. I am still investigating this.

If you know this man, please share with me for I am ready to settle down and begin my new life with him.

To refresh your memory or if you have not seen this commercial, you can watch him here with what I take as his nephew because it is not possible for him to have children without having met me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_BfTr4ShMs

Suburu man: Hello, I love you, won't you tell me your name? Hello, I love you, let me jump in your game.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-05-03T13:15:00.010-04:00

Wouldn't it be funny if ... I would have gotten a backstage pass to meet Dane Cook at the Isolated Incident Global Thermal Comedy Tour in New Jersey?

Well, that was the hope. DC put out a call to his peeps to send a photo with their tickets and with the help of roomie, I submitted a pic - get under my umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh. As you can see mine was probably super PG compared to the ones he received but that's how I roll. Worth a shot, right? Regardless, I really thought this was going to be it. I had hope. I was nervous. But alas, it was a no go. I guess he just wasn't ready.

Even without a golden ticket the show was good. What’sHisName (seriously, I didn’t catch it and couldn’t find it online) and Robert Kelly opened and the laughter began. I think I owe Robert an apology. I’ve said in the past that I didn’t think he was that funny but he totally changed my mind. Losing 70 lbs … don’t worry I’ll be back … and getting married must have done wonders and gave him hilarious material.

But after the initial ha ha, it was time. Dane came barreling down the isle and took the stage – the stage I was 8 rows away from!! There is no doubt he brought the funny, mixing some old with some new, and was true to style. No topic was left untouched and he, of course, was heavy handed with the sexual bits – hell, I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t. However, I couldn’t help but hope the tweens sitting in front of me didn’t know what he was talking about. God, I’m old. But no, shut up, wait ... the BAMF actually came out for an encore. Gotta love that! More Dane, yes please!

All I gotta say is I can’t wait for May 17th, Comedy Central, Isolated Incident. Enff said. You hang up, no you hang up …

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

2009-05-01T11:09:00.008-04:00

1 more day until Dane Cook in Jersey +
2 more days until Pete Seeger's Birthday Bash at MSG =
A whole lot of heaven

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-04-27T16:43:00.006-04:00

Speaking of photo ops, this one is just down right tacky and poorly planned. If you haven't heard, an Air Force One lookalike flew low over parts of New York and New Jersey this morning, accompanied by two F-16 fighters. Why you may be asking? Apparently, so Air Force photographers could take pictures above the New York harbor.

As a result, this stunt left the mayor "furious" and New Yorkers frighten. According to a Reuters article, employees at the New York Mercantile Exchange, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and other institutions evacuated their buildings, and hundreds of others called the 911 emergency response line, which City Councilman Daniel Garodnick wrote in a letter of complaint to the FAA.

Check out this YouTube video posted in a NY Times blog article to truly understand witnesses' gut reactions:

Of the situation, Bloomberg also said, "The good news is it was nothing more than an inconsiderate, badly conceived and insensitive photo op with the taxpayers' money."

Though I personally didn't feel the airplane and just heard the buzz through the grapevine, I agree with Citysinned, who elegantly commented on the above YouTube clip:
"You can't blame New Yorkers for shitting themselves."

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-04-26T16:28:00.007-04:00

Spring is FINALLY in the air!

Along with a ton of fellow New Yorkers, Carls and I took to Central Park to soak up the sun this weekend.

But randomly in the mist of our outing a fashion photo shoot popped up right next to us.

So I took it upon myself to show the models how to eat. Hey, I'm here to help.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-04-24T12:30:00.020-04:00

So much to say ;) ;) -- it's been a while and I've been a busy girl. After visiting friends from the North (Lancaster, PA) to the South (Atlanta, GA) I've had a crazy month full of fun with more to come now that I'm back in NYC.

Actually, I was fully reminded that I'm back in the city yesterday when Carly and I ran out to grab a bite for lunch. When heading from the restaurant -- yummy Q2 Thai again -- to the office a gust of wind came whipping through the buildings to which I reacted by making an annoying, high-pitched brrr sound, because I'm classy. Regardless, the man walking in front of us heard my lovely noise causing him to turn and smile. That man was Anthony Edwards. Only in New York!

Also in random New York City celeb news, it looks like we are getting a new neighbor. Apparently Madonna just purchased a brownstone on the Upper East Side, E. 81th Street to be exact. Let's just say we are close people, very close. But that begs the question, do you think the Material Girl would prefer for us to stop by with a pie or a basket of muffins to welcome her into the neighborhood? Seriously, only in New York!

I will not dwell...

2009-04-16T16:18:00.004-04:00

But he played Crush AND Dancing Nancies again...and he played Grey Street...and he played Stay or Leave...and he played All Along the Watchtower...and he played Burning Down the House...and Satellite...and the Maker...and Bartendar...

Lovely show. Just lovely.

Oops I did it again...

2009-04-15T16:43:00.003-04:00

Just bought a ticket to go see Dave tonight in Jersey... life is swell.

The Dreaming Tree in fact did not die....

2009-04-15T11:28:00.012-04:00

**Warning, have not proofread yet**

Kids, it happened. Me. Dave. New York. Tour Opener. Dancing Nancies.

Interestingly enough, this is the #200 post for Peaches to Apples, and I couldn't think of a better way to use it! Last night was what dreams are made of...well Carly dreams that is.

During the show, Dave posed a question to me (and I suppose the others attending the show) - "Who starts a tour at Madison Square Garden?" Roomie and I were oh so proud to answer, "You do Dave, you do!"

Dave started the show with "Don't Drink the Water" and I tell you now, the better question would've been, "Who starts a tour at Madison Square Garden and proceeds to start the show with Don't Drink the Water." You do Dave...you do.

He went on to some more of my faves like "Cornbread." But then he started playing "Raven," a song that I hold near and dear to my heart in my NYC experience. I quickly ran to Roomie and said, "I know we're only about 3 songs in, but this may be one of the highlight of the night." I have never heard him play it, and it was nothing short of lovely.

It was then that I heard it, "Dudda dudda," "dudda dudda." The guy behind me (who is actually my soulmate it turns out) grabbed my shoulders and goes "I can't believe it!" for he knew what was about to happen.

For those of you who read the blog often or know me in general, it's been an ongoing battle between Dave and I for the song, "Dancing Nancies." Last summer, when I missed the Lousiville show because I was moving to NYC, he played it. Yet in the many shows I have been to, he has never played it for me. But I am so happy to say, that changed last night.

As soon as the band started it up, it was as though I could die (as soon as the song was over of course), and I wouldv'e died so incredibly happy. Roomie ran over to me and hugged me for she knew...oh she knew, what was happening. Once the song was done...Dave launched into "Pig" - are you kidding me sir?!

Although I am still coming down from the "Dancing Nancies" high, I will move on to the rest of the show because I tend to lose concentration when I think about this portion of the show. Do note, because I am not one to dwell or get dramatic, but Dave playing "Raven" followed by "Dancing Nancies" shorly followed by "Pig" was one of the most perfect moments in time. It is up there with the creation of fire.

The band went on to go into 3 news songs from the album, including "Funny the Way It is," (all AMAZING). I can NOT wait for the new album! He also went on to play "#41," "Two Step," and many other perfect classics. But then he asked Gregg Allman to the stage...and together they sang, "Melissa."

Okay kids. This means that Roomie and I have seen Dave and Gregg do "Melissa" twice (first time at Piedmont Park). This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing that they have seen twice...OMG.

He ended the first set with "Ants Marching," and hit the stage for an encore of "Sister" and "Tripping Billies (Eat, drink and be merry!)."

Mama is happy. I don't know that I can not deem this as the best show I've ever been to. I know I typically say that after each show of his that I attend, but this is for real. "Raven," "Pig," and "Dancing Nancies" pushed it over the limit. Tears of joy. Tears-of-joy.

Can I also mention that I was wearing my trusy and favorite owl necklace...yes...my owl bling. As we walked into the show, guess who has a new freaking shirt with an owl on it?!! Then as I was cruising for reviews from last night, came across this poster for a promotion - guess who is getting it?!

Oh David - You make me so happy.

DMB + MSG = OMG

2009-04-14T13:24:00.005-04:00

The day has arrived. I am sitting in my DMB t-shirt from the '06 tour, listening to the new single, Funny the Way It Is, getting ready to order Thai. My Christmas/birthday has arrived.

First and foremost - download the new single! Dave is so sneaky. He knew how upset I was that the album wasn't coming out today, so he released a new single. Thank you Dave. Listen to it. Love it. It is truly great. I have it on repeat and truly love it!

Download at: http://www.rcarecords.com/cgi-bin/dm/download.pl

Second, thank you Roomie for getting me the link first. I had a late night and had to work early this morning so I could concentrate on DMB-goodness the rest of the afternoon. I took a short nap after I finished up work, and so when I awoke, there was two emails from Roomie, both in regards to Dave.

The first of the two was actually from Mama D who after reading the past few posts, said "Enjoy DMB tonight and help Carly keep her blood pressure in check. I wouldn't want her to collapse during the first song and miss the rest of the concert." Oh Mama D - the picture to the right is for you (the one on the right is for me - heyoh!). This is sure to be my face before, during and after the show, only I won't be red/tan from the sun, that will indeed be my blood pressure.

Last thing - tonight is THE night! I just got another wave of super excitement, so I can't type anymore. I must go dance to "Funny the Way It Is." But let me leave you with this: Tonight is sure to be magical.

Eat. Drink. Be Merry.

Download the song.

One more day...

2009-04-13T10:37:00.008-04:00

Well kids, tomorrow is the big day, albeit not as big without the album release, but still just as amazing: DMB will kick off their Spring/Summer tour at the Garden tomorrow night with funkadilly opener, The Roots.

This show has been in my mind and heart for many months now, and I can't believe it is finally here. I took tomorrow off to baste in the new single (out tomorrow). I took Wednesday off to recover from the magic. Good times will be had. Oh yes, good times will be had.

This week, Billboard magazine has put the band on its cover with a really great article to accompany. The online version has a video that may make you tear up as the band talks about saxophonist LeRoi Moore who passed away last summer from an AV accident. The album, Big Whiskey and The GrooGrux King is in dedication to Moore and is being hyped as the band's best album yet.

Best quotes from the article (from Dave):

"I'm terrified as a songwriter, but maybe that helps me a little bit. On this album I didn't let myself off the hook, I was really determined to get as much right as I could. That's how I viewed the process: as a battle for the right songs and a battle for the process, and a battle for making a great record that Roi would have loved, as well as making a record that I will stand up and if someone tells me 'I don't like it' I can say "that's your problem, 'cause it's good, bro."

I have no doubt Dave. No doubt.

Also, the article shows that DMB is band #9 on the most albums sold list. This obviously does not include the new album, so they could easily move up several spots. Other bands on the list: The Beatles (#1), Pink Floyd (#3) and the Eagles (#6).

I am sure there will be plenty of DMB updates after the show, given that I don't spontaneously combust. This is just one more reason why I love New York - I get to see my man open his tour at the Garden - life is grand, isn't it?

Meanwhile, check it out the article and awesome video at:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/feature/q-a-dave-matthews-1003961185.story

My head in the clouds...

2009-04-08T12:56:00.004-04:00

HOW DID I NOT GET THE MEMO THAT THE ALBUM DATE WAS CHANGED?

Now I have to wait until June 2. Boooo. The album countdown will be changed shortly. :(

Hmm...

2009-04-08T10:59:00.008-04:00

Nothing extremely important here but had to share this.

Last year, my good pal Lia turned me on to a blog, Cake Wrecks (http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/) that is just hysterical. Long story short, it's a blog about cakes that are well, plain out wrecks. If you have some time, take a look-see because it is truly hilarious.

Well this morning I did a quick scroll through the blog to see what new delicious disasters had taken place since my last visit. Low and behold, UK finally made its way from a basketball wreck to a cake wreck.

Apparently, a reader named Mandy asked for a cake in the shape of a UK logo. Please note that the blogger on Cake Wrecks described the situation as Mandy requesting "a sports logo of some sort" - ummm hello. I love your blog, but uh, let's get in the know shall we?

Moving on, Mandy wanted the UK logo to the rizzle. Not my favorite logo of UK's because I don't really like the coloring of the Wildcat, but it's a well-known logo of ours...and is actually on a lot of my UK garb.

Anywho - the image to the right is what Mandy received. Now that is truly a Cake Wreck.

Today never felt so good

2009-04-03T09:21:00.007-04:00

Mama is one happy lady. David must really feel bad for playing "Dancing Nancies" in Louisville when I couldn't make it to the show last summer because not only is he opening his tour in New York City (on the day his album drops mind you)...not only is he playing the Pete Seeger birthday show on May 3 at the Garden...but now he is playing the Today Show in early June?!

Dave in April, Dave in May, Dave in June - holy Zeus! This is how I always pictured my life! Oh David...I forgive you!! But please play Dancing Nancies at some point.

http://www.bumpershine.com/2009/04/02/today-show-concert-lineup-announced-dave-matthews-taylor-swift-katy-perry.html

Whiskey never tasted so good

2009-04-01T11:24:00.004-04:00

Folks, it is April 1 - the month that I spontaneously combust from the hotness and perfection of DMB. Be smart and watch this clip to get a taste of what is to come on April 14.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKOUUFpSeFQ

I have watched it 10 times now. I received it 10 minuets ago. Do the math.

Got shawarma?

2009-04-01T10:22:00.013-04:00

It was a weekend for the books! Between the Wii, the Vickerys, the friends, the fun, the movie (I Love You Man) and of course the shawarma, it was beyond expectations!

It did however get off to a rocky start. Three of my girls were unfortunately laid off this past Friday. I love them all and I tell you (and not because I am biased), but they are all amazing and will be F-I-N-E. I will leave it at that because if they are not willing to dwell, I supposed I can not either...but know this - I LOVE THEM! You know who you are! ;)

On to the good news of the weekend - I was fortunate enough to gallivant even more than I had before! Friday night we grabbed some of the best pizza in the South - Mellow Mushroom. The

Kosmic Karma is dreamy enough to turn any square into a bonafide octagon (I admit, I have no clue what that means.) We (Kristal, Sarah and myself) went to Papa Mike's (SOOO good to see him) to eat and play some Wii with the family. Mike's wife Maria was awesome and made sure we had yummy desserts to cap the evening! Thank you Mike for jumpstarting my addiction to Wii bowling. :)

Saturday led to lots of sleeping and cheesecake with my "Live in Georgia, but are from Pennsylvania" parents! We had a fantastic time catching up and it was so nice to see them. I got to rub it in Roomie's face that I was eating cheesecake with the fam - doesn't get much better than that!!

Saturday night led to shawarma. Shawarma was all around. For those of you who are not aware, shawarma is the reason for the season. It is the essence of life, the essence of being. It is also a Greek method of cooking chicken or beef. But to all of those involved this weekend, shawarma is a way of living.

Saturday night was a blast. It was soooo good to be back with my girls and man (Jon is THEE man, very shawarma indeed). We ate, we danced, we drank, we sang. It was almost too good to be true!

Sunday consisted of Vickerys, sleep, "I Love You Man" (hilariousity), Little 5 Pizza and of course, my girls and favorite boyfriend.

Monday brought my Lia - which made me dance! It was great to catch up with her no matter the circumstance! We had our tapas and 1/2 priced wine before I headed to the airport. Sarah, Jon, Amelia and Kristal joined as well...I almost purposely missed my plane.

But now I am back in the big ole City...ready to plan (or actually have Amelia and Mike plan) for my next ATL adventure. I love and miss you all!! Thank you Mike and Amelia for making it happen!!

And thank you Megan My Love for the pics - they perfectly represent the weekend-o-shawarma!

ROOMIE DOESN'T SEZ

2009-03-30T11:31:00.011-04:00

Can someone please shed some light through the Tinted Windows?!

With James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins on guitar, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick hitting drums and Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne playing bass this melting pot of a new group doesn't sound too shabby, right? But then throw in mmmbopper Taylor Hanson as frontman and I get confused. I actually don't even know what to say about it. Apparently people were impressed by their SXSW performance but me, I'm struggling.

Check out this rad "Rock after Dark" preview and share your two cents...

Here are my two cents: (because I can always find something to say)
1) They are definitely Messing With My Head
2) Skinny ties, skinny pants and skinny mics don't make you phat

Need to see them with your own two eyes? They are playing at the Mercury Lounge on April 20th. Thank goodness they weren't booked for the first of April is all I'm sayin.

Missing in Action

2009-03-26T11:54:00.004-04:00

So....hi everyone.

I can't believe its been over a month, but I am back, and I am ready to chat away! It's been a busy few weeks: From the Super Colon in Times Square (yes folks, an 8 ft x 20 ft inflatable colon - can't make this up) to a FDA Advisory Committee meeting in Washington , DC, I have been a busy gal.

You may be thinking, how could you leave us and not give us any kind of warning, and to that, I apologize. I am not one to dwell on the past or live in regret, so let us look to the future that is full of possibilities, full of excitement, and best yet, full of Dave!

Roomie and I are about to embark on a wild couple of months - April and May are sure to cause me to spontaneously combust. Look at these "Key Dates o' Awesome:"

April 12: Easter. Though I am not a religious person nor am I going home to celebrate, I felt I should highlight this day for two reasons: 1) Ten Commandments will be on TV (best movie ever) and 2) Chocolate bunnies.

April 14: Release of the DMB Album: "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King" AND the Madison Square Garden show. I have taken both the 14th and 15th as vaca days as I will be useless in a work environment. I fully intend to become the Groogrux Queen.

April 17-19: Celebrating nephew's b-day in Connecticut. Birthday cake.

Weekend-o-awesome (This will also be a separate post...too much to talk about right here)

May 2: Roomie's favorite day of the year...Dane Cook show

May 3: Tribute to Pete Seeger at MSG: We're talking Dave, Eddie, Ben, Bruce, Kris...it's out of control. If Kris Kristofferson sings "Me & Bobby McGee" and Dave and Ben/Eddie sing together, I will die. Die.

May 14: Leave for Miami with Roomie...party it up. Reconnect with the family and tan, tan, tan.

May 15: Scott & Trina's rehearsal dinner - yum.

May 16: Scott & Trina's wedding - I am "Best Woman" on Scott's side. We will dance like we've never danced before.

May 17-18: Hang with the Muzzarelli's in Ft. Lauderdale - yah!

May 21: Happy Bday Fasha

May 30: Scott & Trina's reception in Illinois - woo-woo!

That's it for now - but a busy two months ahead!

It's Not Fare

2009-03-25T12:49:00.015-04:00

As if I needed more motivation to walk to work, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted this morning to cut service and raise single-use subway and bus fare to $2.50 -- up from the current $2 fare. The new fare will take effect May 31. Commuter rail fares will increase on June 1. Tolls on the authority’s bridges and tunnels will also go up, with the increase taking effect in mid-July.

Board members said the only way to stave off the hike would be if lawmakers in the state capitol decide to provide more funds. If lawmakers do eventually pass a rescue package, authority officials say they may be able to stop the changes before they take effect. Here's hoping! Visit The New York Times for more depressing details.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-03-10T11:57:00.025-04:00

33 Variations

By now you might have heard the buzz that Jane Fonda has returned to the Broadway stage for the first time in 46 years, at the age of 71, and man does she look good. She hasn't missed a beat! Carly and I had the pleasure of seeing her in action before the play officially opened this past Monday.

Fonda plays music researcher Dr. Katherine Brandt who goes to Bonn - that's in Germany - to understand why Beethoven would spend so much time on Diabelli's waltz. Similarly Brandt is suffering from a progressive illness that brings her story to perfectly parallel the big wig composer's. The play cuts back and forth between Beethoven who is going deaf and working on not one, not seven but 33 variations of the piece, and Fonda's Katherine who is trying to find meaning behind the music and complete her final book/presentation before illness takes over.

Yes, Fonda is the star and deserves all the hype but so do her amazing cast mates:
- Samantha Mathis plays Clara, Fonda's not so warm daughter
- Colin Hanks plays Mike Clark, Fonda's lovable male nurse who becomes Samantha's boyfriend
- Susan Kellermann plays Greta, the German curator of Beethoven’s music archive who turns into Fonda's right hand research buddy
- Zach Grenier plays the dynamic master Ludwig von Beethoven
- Don Amendolia plays Anton Diabelli, music publisher and writer of the waltz that consumes Beethoven

An added bonus to the ensemble is Diane Walsh on piano. Her music really guides the play and perfectly enhances the storyline.

Overall this play was fantastic. My only complaint is that I think Samantha needs to get comfortable in her role and work on her delivery. It seemed to me that she was over compensating and over projecting which made her character awkward and the strain between her and her mother feel forced.

However, anything that may have seemed out of place was saved by the performance of Colin Hanks. He was a natural in his Broadway debut. His character provides wonderfully quirky comic relief, a shoulder to lean on.

Regardless, 33 Variations is one thing from beginning to end, moving. And speaking of the end, there is a wonderful moment where all of the characters come together to waltz. It seriously brought a tear to my eye. Bravo!

Don't want to take my word for it, need more variation? Check out a bunch of reviews and get general information on the play here, at NewYorkology.

DC in Newark

2009-03-09T10:45:00.004-04:00

Who's going to see Dane Cook in Newark on May 2? ME and am so pumped I could burst!! That's right Dangel, suit up, Heather's coming!

Isn't it ironic: Last year I had to go see him in Gwinnett while I was in Atlanta. This year I have to go to Newark while I'm in New York City. Oh how you make me work, DC.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-03-06T11:11:00.013-05:00

And what an HONOR it was.

Last night I went to the legendary Carnegie Hall for the first time in my life. Very exciting!! Best known for its classical music offerings, I got to see something with a little more flavor - HONOR: Blues, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, And Beyond - on opening night.

Their website describes the show as: “Paying tribute to the great African American popular music artists of the past, the brightest lights in blues, rhythm and blues, soul, and jazz, as well as today’s daring innovators, gather for a magical evening of music. Each presentation will parallel an event in the bountiful history of performances by African American artists at Carnegie Hall.”

While that is all true, I would describe the show as simply AMAZING. It kicked off with music from the creators and the songs they sing which brought Ashford & Simpson to the stage of the massive Stern Auditorium. From the get go, it was everything I could do to not sing along to “You’re All I Need to Get By” and “Ain’t Nothing but the Real Thing.” Moving on to the blues, Toshi Reagon joined Vernon Reid and James “Blood” Ulmer to jam. If you’re not familiar, Google Toshi and you can thank me later. From there it was time for jazz, both traditional and modern, where James Carter tore up his saxophone. He was feeling it so much that they had to bring that section’s moderator – the cool, Chuck wearing (that’s right, I can spot them from the balcony) Corey Glover – to have them wrap it up. However, James kept at it but then ended by turning his sax upside down and giving it a kiss.

After a short intermission, which was much needed to stretch the legs, it was time to rock…literally. From rock n’ roll to 1960s rock to r&b and soul; it was time to get down. With roof raising performances by Leela James, Kem, Anthony Hamilton and Freddie Jackson, the crowd definitely got into the groove. However, my favorite part of the evening - surprise, surprise - was the tribute to hip-hop. The one and only, MC Lyte took the stage with style in skinny leather pants (the girl is tiny!) and a smooth swagger. She broke into “Cha Cha Cha” before bringing it home with my favorite flashback “Ruffneck.” Following her was the master himself, Doug E. Fresh!!! He took us through the history of hip-hop and rap with about a 10 minute medley, ending in signature style by beat-boxing vs. the drummer. AH-MAZ-ING!!

Such a great show, who knew you could hoot and holler in Carnegie Hall? haha. If you are in New York from March 4 – 23, do yourself a favor and check out HONOR. I definitely walked away thinking there ain’t no MTN high enough. ;) ;)

From Snow to Sludge

2009-03-03T16:18:00.002-05:00

How the Roomies Roll

2009-02-25T18:10:00.007-05:00

What to do this Wednesday night in New York City, what to do?! The options are always endless...shall we see a show, check out a new restaurant, attend a fabulous party?? Well if you live a glamorous life like the roomies do, you will be spending this Wednesday night in front of the T.V. watching the season finale of Top Chef New York! That's right people, Bravo.

We're so Carla, we can't stand it.

Hootie Hoo!

Jack Goes Boating on 5th Avenue

2009-02-18T09:11:00.005-05:00

So I subwayed today because I was running late -- my earbuds finally went kaput and I couldn't leave the house without my music so I searched for a pair of airplane headphones to get me through. TMI? I don't think so, very important business.

Anywho, on my way in to work I passed a bunch of movie trailers on 52nd between Madison and 5th. One of which had the character name Jack on it. I had remembered seeing No Parking signs for something called "Jack Goes Boating" put two and two together and IMDB confirmed that "Jack Goes Boating" is indeed an upcoming 2011 flick starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Jack. The Plot? ... "A stoner limo driver looks for different ways to improve his skill-set as a way to attract a girl." Probably explains why they are filming at Cartier but come on IMDB you can do better then that. Apparently it is an adaptation of an Off Broadway play by Bob Glaudini which will actually be directed by Hoffman. To continue with the theater fun, also in the cast of characters is Daphne Rubin-Vega a.k.a the original Mimi in RENT. She will be reprising her role from the stage production along side John Ortiz.

Happy Birthday Roomie!!

2009-02-16T23:37:00.007-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROOMIE!

Well it was a weekend to remember and all thanks to the birth of my best Roomie! Thank you for being born on this day, allowing for a weekend of shopping, movies, good food, alcohol, and of course, boys!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2009-02-14T11:32:00.002-05:00

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-02-12T12:39:00.006-05:00

As if I couldn't wait for summer enough already, Anne Hathaway signs on for Shakespeare in the Park.

The Public Theater announced today that Anne Hathaway will play Viola this summer in Shakespeare in the Park’s FREE production of “Twelfth Night." The play, set to be directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan, will run from June 9 through July 12 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-02-11T10:23:00.004-05:00

Allow me to introduce to you the first new musical of 2009, The Story of My Life.

The Story of My Life, according to the casting notice, is described as: "The story of Thomas Weaver, a successful writer who returns to his hometown to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of his lifelong friend, Alvin Kelby. Unable to find the appropriate words to celebrate his friend's life, Thomas pages through the story of their lives together, from their unconventional introduction to their ultimate estrangement, in search of his role in his friend's untimely death."

Thomas (played by Will Chase - a past Roger in RENT) is described as a "successful and charismatic writer of inspirational stories who has embraced success at the expense of his personal life. The play follows his journey from a carefree six-year-old to a conflicted and emotionally blocked 35-year-old." Alvin (played by Tony nominee and "Caroline in the City" star Malcolm Gets) is a "youthful, childlike and sensitive free-spirit with a unique perspective on life. Also possesses an undercurrent of serenity. His adoration for his friend is complete and unconditional."

Previews began February 3 and opening night is February 19 at The Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street, between Broadway & 8th Ave). Rumor has it they are offering student tickets for $20 an hour before show time at the Booth ticket window. Guess who is going to be brushing off their student ID to get in on the cheap -- now that's the story of my life.

GRAMMY Night Hijinxs

2009-02-08T21:11:00.002-05:00

Move over Selena, move over Miley. Little Nick has his eye on someone new and you've got your self some competition...

Pink is the new red...carpet

2009-02-05T09:24:00.007-05:00

So as I was walking home Tuesday night, talking to Fasha, I passed the Pink Panther 2 movie premier at Ziegfeld Theater. You may know this little ole' movie that stars the one and only Steve Martin (who was VERY hilarious on SNL last weekend in case you didn't see it). I took a few photos...mind you, they were taken on my phone, so they aren't the best of quality.

Interesting tidbit: It seems as though my parents are lucky in my red carpet viewing experiences. I was talking to my mom when I saw the red carpet premier for Frost/Nixon, also at Ziegfeld Theater. Suppose I need to talk to my parents more when I walk by that theater!

More Gossip....

2009-02-03T11:18:00.002-05:00

Saw more filming on 62nd and Madison this morning...

Perhaps I am "Gossip Girl" and I don't even know it.

I'm just sayin.

I gossip...and I'm a girl

2009-02-02T18:16:00.003-05:00

Anyone up for a little Gossip?

This morning, Roomie gave me a heads up that the popular CW series Gossip Girl was filming on 73rd and Madison...a little place called Via Quadronno. I, who was a hurryin to work, did a little drive-by...only to see cameras galore, and trailors a crazy!

I didn't spot Blake, Penn or Chase...but low and behold...

People.com just posted this photo of Leighton Meester (characted Blair Waldorf) on set today. You may be asking yourself...that's a great blue bow-tie Blair, but what's that in your hands?

Well, if you squint real heard, you'll see that the bag has the outline of a flying pig...I'd assume the resturant's logo, wouldn't you?

Upon some research, I found that Via Quadronno's "logo" is quite similar? I would like to make a point here: Gossip Girl films where I walk to work. Therefore, shouldn't I be able to dress like Blake Lively and pull guys as cute as Chase Crawford?

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-01-30T17:49:00.010-05:00

First you get an MTV Logo award named after you (the "ArjanWrites.com Brink of Fame Song Award" nonetheless) and now, for the first time in the GRAMMY's 51 years, you are going to be blogging/tweeting live starting February 6th?!?!
A-maz-ing! A big congratulations goes out to Arjan!!

Be sure to get in on the fun and follow Arjan's live blog on GRAMMY.com and Twitter.com/ArjanWrites. Both websites will feature minute by minute coverage of all the GRAMMY happenings - onstage, off-stage and backstage. You can also stick with ArjanWrites.com for blog posts, photos and exclusive videos that he will post before, after and throughout the show.

We are so proud and will be vicariously living through you. Oh, and if you happen to bump into Anthony Keddis you have my number - feel free to share. ;) ;)

It's about Time

2009-01-26T17:15:00.006-05:00

So this afternoon, I had a very nice "discussion" with a very notable outlet. If you recall a few posts ago, Roomie set me up with a little interview. The article won't be published for a couple of weeks, so I don't want to say too much or jinx it...but I'm just saying, it went well.

Lights, camera, action

2009-01-26T10:26:00.004-05:00

So on my way to work this morning, I passed some trailors on 5th Ave. Being a New York resident for almost 6 months now, I knew the drill. A movie and/or TV show was setting up to film!

I did my research and turns out it is "Nurse Jackie." According to IMDB, the Showtime TV gig is about a nurse who struggles to find a balance between the demands of her frenetic job at a New York City hospital and an array of personal dramas. Sounds original.

Interesting though is that it stars Edie Falco (Sopranos) and Peter Facinelli (Jennie Garth's husband and creep in Can't Hardly Wait).

Anywho - we'll have to keep a close eye on this one.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1190689/

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-01-23T21:53:00.014-05:00

Ryan Gosling is a genius.

Yes, we all love "The Notebook." I mean, I've even considered asking my brother to edit the movie for me taking out all the current-day scenes in the old folks home just so I could have more quality Gosling time - I get it. But me, what I really love is "The Believer." If you haven't seen this movie, trust me, rent it. It's a twisting, turning, compelling tale of an anti-Semitic Jew. Yeah, heavy and moving. Ryan's best work... closely followed by "The United States of Leland," "Half Nelson," and "Lars and the Real Girl." I guess the point of this rambling is that I can't believe it but he's out done himself.

He's now dipping his toe in the music pool, teaming up with Zach Shields (and local kids choirs) to create Dead Man's Bones. This is no hip-hopin Joaquin Phoenix hijinx and is a far cry from Put Me in the Car. Dead Man's Bones is freshly haunting, theatrical and raw. Check out their first video, "In The Room Where You Sleep" for yourself...

And why add kids to the mix? Ryan breaks it down with the perfect analogy in the band's first interview with Pitchfork...
"We'd rather see a high school play as opposed to a Broadway show any day," Gosling explained. "Not that Broadway shows aren't great, but there's just something about a high school play...you're not distracted by the achievements, you get to watch the process, the will to make something." He continued, "You know when you're a kid and you get crayons and papers and just draw whatever you want and it's just a bunch of messy lines, but to you it makes sense, and then they put it on the fridge? From that point on, you're always trying to get back on the fridge, you start drawing things that look like something, like, the more it looks like a horse, the more chance you have of getting it on the fridge. We wanted to get back to that place before we were trying to make the fridge. We wanted to work with people who hadn't been affected in that way yet."

I say break out the crayons and color outside the lines, Dead Man's Bone is going on my fridge and on my MP3 Player.

In due time...

2009-01-23T17:56:00.005-05:00

So Roomie has come through once again and offered me up for a pretty awesome interview...for a pretty awesome publication! I'm not going to give deets yet, but if it all works out, I think this may jump to #1 on the "awesome-Carly-in-the-media-moments-because-Roomie-is-a-hella-good-publicist" scale.

Also, if this works out and is published...Roomie will define her "I not only belong in PR, but I freakin exceed in it!" status officially. There are rumors that's she's already there....but again, this will solidify. I'm not sayin...I'm just sayin.

Times Square 1.20.09

2009-01-20T20:24:00.020-05:00

Here are some of the sights and sounds from Time Square during the inauguration today.

The first glimpse of the President-elect and the crowd goes wild...

CLICK HERE to check out Time Square's reaction to seeing Barack for the first time
(sorry I was/am having video posting problems)

Joe swears on the biggest Bible he could find.

Welcome President Barack Obama.

And yes, in case you were wondering, I was there.

ROOMIE SEZ: Happy Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T13:17:00.008-05:00

No matter where you are I'm sure you felt the energy in the air today. I myself braved the cold and the masses to join the buzz in Times Square and watch our 44th President Barack Obama get sworn in.

While this is the third election I was able to participate in, it's the first time I've gotten to see my choice take the presidential oath. With that, the two previous times I still watched the inauguration with hope that things would get better despite any personal feelings. However, this time I was filled with faith and confidence that good lies a head. Simply put, I'm inspired.

As Obama said in his first speech as president, "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America -- they will be met."

Yes we can!

I took several photos and videos of my Inauguration Day experience in the heart of NYC so be sure to check back later. Also to come, Carly and I celebrated the election with apple pie – now the extravaganza continues and in true roomie fashion we will celebrate tonight with another Americana meal. So stay tuned to hear from the Chef herself.

Fasha is ice cold!

2009-01-16T15:35:00.010-05:00

Fasha is chilly!! Notice his comment to Roomie's post regarding the temp:

"It was -13 yesterday am with a 20 mph breeze a high -3 and -16 this am, how that's. Fasha"

Fasha: For braving the -13 degree weather yesterday (and for those who don't know, the poor guy has to be at work at like 5:30 am or something crazy like that!!), and for another day of having to work in grossy Josie -16 degree weather....I salute you!

18 degrees is a hella lot better than -16!

P.S. Please note that this -16 degree business doesn't help the "Carly should move to Chicago in a few years" case.

ROOMIE SEZ

2009-01-16T13:05:00.012-05:00

From peaches to apples it seems to be cold everywhere...

But to brave this chilling front (and hopefully passing trend) I may soon be forced to take a tip from Randy.

UK's Back Alright!

2009-01-15T15:38:00.004-05:00

Slowly but surely UK basketball is coming back to life...check out what Junior Jodie Meeks pulled off this week.

C-A-T-S...CATS, CATS, CATS!!

• Meeks' 54 points are the most by a single player in any regulation game in the past decade.

• No player from a "BCS" conference had scored this many points since Arizona State's Eddie House went for 61 in an overtime game against California in 2000.

• Six Division I teams scored fewer points than Meeks Tuesday night. Memphis, the 2008 national runner-up, outscored Meeks by a point. Kentucky itself scored 54 points in a win over West Virginia back on Nov. 29.

*Stats taken by Pat Forde of ESPN.com

The Big Apple?

2009-01-13T19:08:00.009-05:00

I am back in the world and already experiencing the backlash. It has indeed been way too long since I've been about town. It seems as though inflation has already gone through the roof and here is my proof (poet and didn't know it):

Today I did not bring my lunch to work as I had lunch plans with a colleague. However, since the plans were postponed, I was forced to go hunting and find something to eat. I decided that I'd not only be healthy, but cheap as well. With this clever idea, I went to Duane Reade (New York's Walgreens) and bought some Healthy Choice soup for $3 or so. I knew that I would not eat it all and therefore it would become two $1.50 meals. Genius!

I then decided that I needed a piece of fruit to accompany my deliciously cheap meal, and that I could well afford an apple. In my new found cockiness, I strutted into a little market across from work and picked me out a red apple. Shiny and round.

I checked myself out in its reflection, really feeling awesome about my previous thrifty and healthy transaction. By the purchase of the soup and now this apple, I was taking on two resolutions at once: Lose the extra lbs and save the mula. I was at the height of my resolution making.

It wasn't until the clerk repeated herself that I realized that she was speaking to me: "That'll be $1.25." Of course, this statement was recited in that snarky New Yorker fashion that I typically find amusing when not used on me.

$1.25 for one apple. Count it...one. I know New York is the "Big Apple," but c'mon...this is stretching a bit, don't you think?

The inclusion of this apple bumped my lunch up to almost $5.00. Yes folks, I do realize that with the splitting of the soup, it is merely averaging out to only a bit above $3.00, but it was the fact of the matter. Here I was, too shocked to remove myself out of line, paying $1.25 for ONE apple that I would enjoy in only ONE sitting. This was too much for me to take.

I decided to list some items below that one can purchased for less than $1.25...and I promise you, a mere ONE apple won't make that list.

Items that cost less than the obnoxious $1.25 New York apple:

Green apple Jollyrancher (long version): $.80
One song from Apple itunes: $.99 cents
Cinnamon apple muffin: $1.09
Apple juice: $1.19

I think you get my point here. All I have to say is if I'm spending $1.25 on ONE mere, everyday-Joe apple...how much would I need to spend to get one mango?

New York City is for walkers

2009-01-12T14:48:00.003-05:00

It seems as though this city just isn't the same when walking hurts.

My first attempt at leaving the casa (minus a cabbie) in almost 2 weeks was a semi-success. My points of success criteria were as follows:

- Do not fall over (although I did trip on 6th Ave.)

- Do not get stepped on (although subway passengers came very close)

- Do not cry

Not that I was looking for it, but I did not receive much sympathy from the New Yorkers on their way to whatever they had going on this chip, cheery morning. Instead, there was a lot of sighing, a lot of rushing by me and a lot of cutting me off to get around me. I can not be mad at them as I did the same when I was a two foot walking machine...and I will probably do it again once my foot is back to normal. So much for lesson learned huh?

Long story short - New York is not nearly the magic place when you are poor and lacking mobility.

Fun holiday pics!

2009-01-08T18:06:00.015-05:00

Thought we'd share some fun photos from my birthday and New Years!

The Curious Case of Carly's Bad Luck...

2009-01-04T19:28:00.019-05:00

Well happy 2009 my dear folks! It's been a while, but I am proud to say that Roomie and I are back with a vengeance.

I first want to say that I realized many things over the holidays such as home is where the heart is and that my 25th was one of my best birthdays to date...but most importantly...black Irish luck is not the same as the average Joe Irish luck. Actually, it is quite the opposite.

I can go on to say how bad my luck is, but I feel as though I must include my family with that statement. My misfortunes over the holidays were shared with the ones I love most so they know how unlucky it truly was.

It started with a cancelled flight back home. It turns out that when you intend to land in the middle of an ice storm, flights tend to get cancelled. I began to think this was a bad thing until it dawned on me that my layover was in Atlanta and that in fact, I had many great friends there. It was deja vu as I left the apple for the peach.

I stayed with my dear friend Lia and her amazing hubby Matt. Not surprisingly, but very happily, I was treated like royalty! They picked me up, fed me and gave me shelter! It was so nice to catch up with them and see their adorable apartment - so jealous of them! It was also very sweet as Lia had to work the following morning, so Matt drove me to the airport. My cell phone had died, so he gave me quarters to call my folks. Seriously, who thinks of that?! He is a catch indeed!!

So, I get to the ATL airport for standby flights and tried to call my parents via pay phone to let them know the situation. I ran out of quarters because no one is picking up (at home number)...go figure. I didn't have their cell phone numbers because again, my phone was dead and I don't know anyone's number off hand. I began using my debit card to make calls with still no success.

Good news was that I was able to get on the first standby. I landed and was happy to see my folks waiting for me (they were psychic). We ate and were happy to see each other. It was then that they informed me that we were out of power at home. This would continue for 3 days. :)

Two days before x-mas, power was restored and good times were had. I realized that I had been charged $30 for the two calls I made at the ATL airport (remember, no one picked up on the other line), so I spent some time disputing those charges.

Regardless, x-mas was wonderful! Fasha and I found the perfect x-mas tree and had a good time doing so! Mom, my nieces and I spent the day decorating, and I felt just like I did when I lived at home! I got some awesome presents, including a cute white coat, a book outling the back story to every Beatles song ever recorded and a set of super nice pans from my brother. Oh yes, and my flight to get back to NYC. :)

The week ended with tornadoes and power being knocked out once again (yes that's right...from ice storm to tornado). Regardless, I had the time of my life and was so happy to catch up with the family! I didn't get to see all of my friends like I had wanted to, but there shall be another trip and another day! Please note that my dad and I made the most killer burritos ever made with our own black bean refried beans...delish!

I came back to New York on my birthday (yes, I'm now 25 and very wise) to a surprise visit from my gal Sarah as well as the presence of Amelia! I was spoiled rotten by Roomie (umm hello...favorite Dave Rolling Stone cover framed and year subscription to the mag, upon other awesome gifts...woo-woo!) and had a yum-o cappuccino cake! Kim joined the part the next day and got me a set of Frommer's books for Greece and the Greek isles (I now am inspired to be a travel guide writer). By the way, my mom surprised me with a Cold Stone Creamery "cookies and cream" cake that was a-maze-ing!! She also got me a cute as hell green purse and the owl necklace that I've been wanting...yes...own necklace. It rocks! My nieces picked out some cute PJs for me...love them so much!

New Years was also amazing with gallivanting and such. It did lead to my next misfortune however..my foot. As you may have read, a stiletto attacked me. I finally went to a doctor this past Tuesday after not being able to walk for four days and being yelled at. Although no broken bones, the heel went through a vein causing hematoma. The doc gave me a tetanus shot and said that while the swelling and bruising will get better...it may be a full month before I get back to normal. Boooo. I've been working from home since the appointment and have severe cabin fever!!

So here we are now. I hope that the rest of my 2009 goes a little smoother.

Hot tip: Lookout for a 2008 Roomies recap...good stuff I tell ya! From the Olympics to Puerto Rico to moving to NYC to Fashion Week to Newsweek...it was a good year indeed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARLY!!!

2008-12-29T08:45:00.005-05:00

Ring, ring - pick up the phone Roomie - a certain someone is calling to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!Safe travels back to NYC where we can celebrate properly. :)

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-12-23T17:31:00.008-05:00

Leaving on a jet plane - ok a bus - heading home for the holidays. PA here I come, it's been a long time.

What will NYC do with both roomies out of town?

Don't worry we will be back soon to rock New Years Eve and we're bringing reinforcements!!

Baby it's cold outside...

2008-12-21T22:53:00.004-05:00

Well I have arrived to my old stomping grounds, but it hasn't been easy. After a cancelled flight, I came home to no power. But it's all okay, family love warms you right up!

On a non-awesome note...it was -1 today....................

That's about all I have to say really...more to come later. I see Roomie is holding the blog down - good job Roomster!

Oh yes, Piven, high mercury levels? Seriously?

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-12-21T13:29:00.004-05:00

The snow started coming down on Friday and it seems as if the chill is here to stay.

Yesterday my goal was to finish up Christmas shopping come hell, high water, snow or freezing rain. So to prep I uploaded some holiday tunes on my MP3 player, bundled up and braved the world. I took the train down to Canal St. and worked my way up the shops in SoHo, NoHo and Union Square.

The Union Square open air holiday market had some awesome booths but the snow was starting to chill my bones so I enlisted the help of my friend Peppermint Mocha to pick me up. With that, I'm pretty sure I checked out each vendor multiple times as I worked my way through the maze of shops. However, after that I ditched my plan to walk to Bryant Park and check out their stores. Instead I hoped on the train, so I could get the feeling back in my feet, made my way back to the UES and finished shopping on my home turf.

The weather outside is still frightful but tis the season.

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-12-18T10:52:00.007-05:00

It's curtains for the Piv.

Daily Variety is reporting that Jeremy Piven will abruptly end his run in Broadway’s “Speed-the-Plow” due to a high mercury count. Ummm, ok... but it seems I'm not the only skeptic. David Mamet, who wrote the showbiz satire had this to say:
“I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury. So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer.”

Hmmm...

Regardless, it will be interesting to see who they get to step into the role. Word on the street is that Norbert Leo Butz, who I saw in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels alongside John Lithgow, will be his temporary replacement. Maybe my Entourage and I will go check him out.

Site-a-licious

2008-12-17T10:39:00.005-05:00

A colleague just shared this new Website with me and it is hilariousity at its finest! What makes it even better is that it is sooo true!

It's a site completely dedicated to conversations overheard in New York City. It's so true in fact that while I was reading it and laughing my butt off, I overheard a girl in my office say, "No one is going to steal my lunch or spandex....geez!"

This site is awesome - http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/

Great quote:

"I'm an evolution science guy. If you want to believe in that nonsense then you gotta admit your god is an underachiever with a good publicist."

Another good one: "Yeah, I would never fart in her face, that's disrespectful."

Dave is coming, Dave is coming

2008-12-16T09:20:00.006-05:00

Oh happy day....oh happy day. My man is coming and he is coming to me. Such a gent!

TWO shows, count that, TWO shows here in NYC (well one in North Jersey). One at the IZOD center (next to Meadowlands) and one at thee Garden...and what's that you say Dave? You're celebrating the new album release at the Garden on April 14? I'm sorry - that's the first show of the tour? Well, you have outdone yourself young man.

My theory that I'd only go to one show this Spring tour just went out the door.

He's not playing the Midwest, so Fasha, I'm looking to you to come visit your daughter on April 14th. Angie, I'm looking to you to find a babysitter or introduce Alyssa to the world she is bound to live in - Daveland.

Patiently waiting...

2008-12-15T16:53:00.003-05:00

Dave announced he's announcing tickets today...but when is this annoucement taking place? Announce already - I'm dying here!!

I heart New York & the internet

2008-12-15T12:24:00.005-05:00

Okay peeps...walking home last night, I totally saw a man with a cat on top of his head. As I was going to post about it, I began searching for some funny pics. Low and behold, here is a pic of the SAME man with the SAME cat on his head!! Someone had taken it and uploaded it to Flickr.

I can't make this up people.

Got to love New York. Got to love those who upload the craziness of the city to the internet for all to see. Got to love life.

I'm sorry Scott

2008-12-15T10:01:00.007-05:00

After starting the season 5-1, the Bills have again returned to Buffal-uh-oh...slipping to 6-8 with last night's loss to the Jets, officially taking them out of the playoffs. I'm sorry Scott.

Poor JP just couldn't pull it out. He played a pretty good game, but when it came time to clinch, he just couldn't do it. Actually, he is one of the worst QBs under pressure that I've ever seen. Sorry Scott.

I had the pleasure (?) of being assigned to JP's press conference last night. He was like a piece of meat, but not in the good way. He was torn to shreds (thinking of pulled pork here). After multiple inquiries of why he didn't hand the ball to the CB behind him (JP fumbled on this play), he finally had to resort to "Next Question" - the first time I've heard that in my press conference attending experience. He also didn't make sense some of the time...but then again, I'm sure he didn't want to face anyone, especially media, after that last fumble. However, the fumbled play was supposedly not JP's fault. It was Coach Jauron's. Not sure which is worse actually. Sorry Scott.

I bantered with my bro quite a bit during the game. He started out excited when the Bills picked off Favre sometime in the 3rd...and then again when they took the lead. Sadly, that would be the last time he got excited that game. Sorry Scott.

I have attached a headline and story that sums up many's feelings on the Bills after last night -"Buffalo Bills are a joke and Losman is the punch line." Ouch. Sorry Scott.

In respect to my brother, I shall post a picture of him in happier times...when the Bills were 4-0 and the playoffs were not a matter of "if," but a mere "when."

I am truly sorry Scott.

h ttp://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20081215/SPORTS0106/812150318/1007/SPORTS

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-12-14T11:56:00.021-05:00

It may be cold outside but I've had a Spring Awakening.

Miss Meggie and her friends ventured from Lancaster to NYC this weekend which gave the two of us a great opportunity to not only catch up but to see a show... and boy did we see a show! I had heard the buzz and had some idea of the storyline (Germany, 1891, teenage self discovery) but what I didn't know was how sexually charged Spring Awakening would actually be.

This isn't your typical Broadway musical. No big voices, no elaborate sets. It is intimate to the core. So much so that you rightfully feel like an intruder witnessing the characters' cry for knowledge, physical intimacy and understanding; especially during the love scene shared by Melchoir ("Weeds" Hunter Parrish) and Wendla (Alexandra Socha). This young cast came out swinging. Their voices were pure yet raw, rocking the Sheik-score with honesty and passion.

I think the subtle touches are what made this show stand out and added to its boldness. I loved that while the boys' uniforms were just that uniform, their self expression couldn't be contained. It had to come out somewhere and it did -- their hair. Furthermore, I appreciated that while the stage was simple it still managed to transform from a school room to an Oak tree to a hay stack to a grave yard, carrying you throughout the story with uninterrupted adjustments.

The curtain closes on Spring Awakening January 18, 2009 and the Tkts Tkts booth has now reopened in Times Square. So if you are in the city support the Great White Way and see this show. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise tell them blah, blah, blah-blah, blah blah blah.

Leo-tastic

2008-12-12T13:55:00.004-05:00

Nothing much to this post except this:

On my way home on Wednesday, I spotted a man, much like the one in this photo, wearing a black leotard, running shoes and his hair up in a bun. He had earphones in and was jogging in place near a curb...waiting to cross the street. I was in shock as I shared this scene with my mom who was on the phone with me at the time. What could be better than the sight of a middle-aged man in a black leotard jogging in place in December?

It was a thong-leotard.

Early Christmas!!!

2008-12-11T21:02:00.005-05:00

I just received an email much to my delight - it makes me such a happy girl!!!

COMING SOON: FIRST DAVE MATTHEWS BAND TOUR DATES OF 2009!
We will be announcing the first Dave Matthews Band tour dates of 2009 on Monday, December 15, 2008. This tour will mark the first time that Dave Matthews Band will perform songs from forthcoming studio album due this spring. Warehouse members will have the first opportunity to request tickets for the spring shows. (Hint: I am a Warehouse member)

Is it me or does Dave look distrubingly hot with his distressed look?

Santa is real....he really is!!!

*Please note that my birthday is Dec. 29...I will be accepting tickets to any show within a 5 hour drive. That's right...I went there.

Review: Jack Talk Thai Very Well

2008-12-11T14:32:00.014-05:00

Yesterday Carly and I did something that we very rarely do, ate lunch away from our cubes. We broke free and boy was it worth it. As I sit here today, in cube land, eating my leftovers I decided Q2 Thai needs a shout out. Both my tummy and wallet love their lunch special.

For $7 (from 11:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.) you get a salad, appetizer and entrée. The salad is small but the dressing is delish and my app of choice was the vegetarian spring roll – you get two little guys in a sweet chili sauce – yum! The entrée size is generous and I could have eaten those Drunken Noodles for days … well I guess I did. http://q2thainyc.com/menu.html

The outside of Q2 Thai is unassuming but once you enter the joint has a neon glow and modern vibe. If you are in the area (on 9th Ave btw 52nd & 53rd) stop in, the wait staff is friendly and the service is quick but the tasty food at a great value is what won me over. I'm pretty sure even the chairman would approve.

My review is 4 out of 5 Morimotos

And isn't it ironic...

2008-12-10T13:37:00.003-05:00

Does Carrie Fisher realize that if she'd turned down her Princess Leia role back in '77 that we wouldn't be reading this article because we wouldn't know who the hell she is?

Carrie Fisher: I wish I’d turned down ‘Star Wars’

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28158582/

Northern Hospitality

2008-12-10T10:34:00.004-05:00

So it's no secret that since moving here, I have taken four steps back in my financials to the time of my college days. I am again working off of my college grocery shopping theory of only purchasing food items that cost $1.00 or less*. I am proud to say that I have been creative with getting food over the last few days. I'm like a ninja in the City, fighting for survival. Upper East Side survival.

Monday I decided I could afford a slice of pizza (but only cheese mind you), so I went to a place right around the corner from me. PizzaNova. I ordered the deliciousness, but only to find out that they do not take debit or credit cards for purchases under $10 (it came to $2.30). Crap! I didn't have it in me to locate some ATM on such a freezing night, so I said that I would have to forgo the cheesy-goodness. All I could think was, "Please Zeus, I can not eat another biscuit!" It was then that the New York Pizza Gods smiled down on me.

The Italian stallion making the pizza pies looked at me and said, "No, no, you take the pizza. I know you're good for it. You come back another time and pay. You take the pizza." Please note that the sentence was stated in a thick Italian accent that I could hardly understand but in the same right felt cool for hearing. His buddy confirmed the offer that I couldn't refuse.

There it was. What the South is attributed for and what I was told I would lose if I moved here. Hospitality. And damn, it never tasted so good!

I will be back to repay them for that delish slice of pie. I invest quite a bit of money in pizza and they were smart to help this girl out. They will soon be a Fortune 500 company after I am through with them...that is if I ever get money to buy their pizza.

*Please note that inflation has increased the grocery purchasing amount of $1.00 to $5.00.

Mayday, Mayday

2008-12-08T09:10:00.004-05:00

Mamacita does not feel good today. You may ask yourself, "Why are you at work today Carly, if you don't feel well?"

I would have to reply I could not tell you. I'm pretty sure my standing in -56 degree weather to watch an iffy Beatles cover band may have led to the crapiness I feel today. Also...since we have no food and I'm too broke (and lazy) to go get groceries, my lunch & dinner yesterday consisted of biscuits. That's right, biscuits. Some with butter, some with jelly, but all just the same. My sad attempt at veggie burgers didn't work, so just biscuits.

On a related note...donations to "Don't let Carly die of malnourishment" can be made out in my name.

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-12-06T17:54:00.005-05:00

Operation surprise mom for her birthday accomplished.

That's right I left the apple for the peach on Friday and my bro made the trip from la-la land today for a double sibling surprise. The fam is reunited and we haven't missed a step. Love it!

I did some shopping with mom this morning (found things I can actually afford!) and then we all took our places in the living room for a little Duke, pizza combo (too bad my boys couldn't pull it off). Now we are plotting our next move. Will it be dinner, will it be a movie, will it be Trivial Pursuit? Only time can tell. But no matter what, it is nice to have the family of four all in one place.

Happy birthday mom - wow! :)

Cuteness Alert!

2008-12-05T16:10:00.006-05:00

How cute is this?!

Imagine

2008-12-05T11:02:00.004-05:00

Oh I'm like a kid in a candy store with this City! Whether it's Dave at the Garden or the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, there's one event after another that I've been excited about since moving here. I am thrilled to add another to the list!

If you're a Beatles nut like me, you may know that Monday, December 8th marks 28 years since John Lennon was killed here in NYC. There is a memorial in Central Park - Strawberry Fields - that fans go to celebrate his amazing contributions to music (duh Carly). You may remember that I went there my first week of moving here and radomly, there was a group singing Beatles tunes. There wasn't a specific occassion or event as to why they were playing...they were just playing to honor John. And for that, I love this City.

So...as Dec. 8th drew closer, I knew something would be going on in celebration of his life and music. Well my peeps, I found it:

John Lennon tribute concert will be held in Central Park Bandshell
A free tribute gig to John Lennon will take place in New York's Central Park. For The Love Of Lennon, organised by New Arts NYC, will commemorate the life of the music legend on December 7, the eve of the 28th anniversary of his tragic assassination.
The two-hour-long concert at the Central Park Bandshell will be led by professional musicians, encouraging fans to sing along to their favourite Beatles songs and pay homage to the icon.

Yah for New York to recognize. Yah for John Lennon for being awesome. Yah for me to be able to go. Yah.

Trumped!

2008-12-05T09:21:00.005-05:00

Spotted: Blake Lively walking past Central Park looking fab-o. Yes folks, this morning I saw the Gossip Girl herself, but instead of being excited, I really just wanted to ask her why she talks like she has a broken jaw. But she's pretty nonetheless.

There are some girls in the office who love Blake, so when I came in, I made sure to gloat as I like to do. I was quickly followed by a colleague who was still wearing what she wore yesterday because she was out all last night...oh yeah...and she had drinks with Leonardo DiCaprio while she was out. Oh yes, I've been trumped.

Yes folks, just another day in New York.

Light vs. Lit

2008-12-04T09:07:00.006-05:00

Well as Roomie said it best last night, we didn't make it to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting, but we definitely got lit.

We met up with the one and only Megan Mc. from MS&L/Atlanta while she was in the City for some NASCAR stuff. We went to Mama Mexico which was very fun and festive - full Mariachi band and all. We had plenty of margs, we had guacamole (or I should say Roomie and Megan had it, I stuck with the salsa), and plenty of food to go around. It was an awesome night and I do love me some Mexican and Megan!

I'm sorry I missed the tree, but not sorry that I missed the crowds and had a yummy dinner...just walking to meet Megs was complete and utter nutso! We had to wait in lines just to cross the street! I'm sure we'll venture over soon enough to check it out for ourselves...and besides, there's always next year when Jordan Palmer can join in the festivities.

Parade pics

2008-11-30T09:58:00.007-05:00

Some more pictures of the Parade balloons to enjoy...

Something to be thankful for...

2008-11-29T10:35:00.024-05:00

So now that we have officially come out of our food comas, Roomie and I have returned to civilization. We'd like to share some photos from our little Thanksgiving dinner - yes folks...a sneak peek into our personal holiday celebration.

You will see Roomie and I cooking up a storm. To the left, we have Roomie making her Cope's Corn (family favorite I am told) and yummy salad (her own creation - spinach leaves, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, onion and mandarin oranges with a light raspberry vinaigrette!). To the right, I'm cooking the onion and celery down for the stuffing...thank you fasha.

Here I am checking on one of the many items we made, but for the blog's sake, lets say the Tofurky and Texas potatoes. I'm also holding up the Tofurky - the first time I've tried it. While it was nice to have "turkey" at Thanksgiving for the first time in three years...I did not love it. Nor did I love the gravy recipe that went with the Tofurky. Not so much. No recommendations coming from me.

The final Thanksgiving came down to this: Tofurky, stuffing, Texas potatoes, green bean casserole, Cope's corn, Heather's salad, cranberries and crescents. For dessert: Apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

After a few hours, a few phone calls to Fasha for cooking advice and many "tastings" of our food later, we finished the feast. It was time to cheers ourselves for our first Thanksgiving in NYC and for the first Thanksgiving where we were the ones in the kitchen! Well, truth be told, I usually spend every holiday in the kitchen, but usually as the "official taster" and not the cook.

We ate our meal while watching "Miracle on 34th Street," a nice NYC holiday movie if I do say so myself. I realized while watching the movie and stuffing my face that my grandma Dorthy looked a lot like Maureen O'Day. Here's to hoping that I'll look like that as I age...and have her career....hmmm....

Heather was smart enough to capture the before and after moment's of her first Thanksgiving plate. I can assure you that mine was pretty much the same. Happy Thanksgiving to us!!

We Love a Parade - HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T13:19:00.020-05:00

Carly and I are in the mist of our first NYC Thanksgiving! While she is in the kitchen (where she should be, hehehe) cooking away, I thought I'd share some videos and pictures from our exciting morning where we drank peppermint mochas, ate apple fritters and had an even sweeter view of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade from our office...

Is that you Snoopy?!

The new "Horton Hears a Who" balloon makes us happy and five...

It's Miley!! And who doesn't love a marching band?!...

...we love them so much they make us want to join the fun, march and step ;)

And then it all comes to an end with Santa

--OK, we are having technical difficulties with this last file so please imagine an awesome video of Carly wrapping up the morning's events with some witty commentary and the Santa Claus float coming to town. Stay tuned.--

Now it's my turn in the kitchen (Cope's Corn, here I come) more updates on the deliciousness later.

Scott's bringing sexy back

2008-11-26T10:07:00.004-05:00

People magazine are finally getting back on my good side. After all of that Jessica Simspon crap, I think they know who's important here.

So move over Hugh...People have named a new "Sexiest Man Alive!"

Yes ladies, my brother has taken the title that men such as Brad Pitt and Cloones were given. You can call and email for his digits all you want...but I'm sorry ladies, he's taken!

Love and Other Impossible Pursuits

2008-11-24T09:10:00.007-05:00

On my walk to work this morning I passed by a ton of movie tailors (and craft services - yum) on 71st between Madison and the Park. One of the tailors was stand-alone, bigger than the others and had a warning "dog inside" with the character name Emilia on it. Intrigued I was.

After hitting the office and trusty Google, I found out it is for the movie "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits" staring Natalie Portman as Emilia Greenleaf - a young woman who finds the key to recovering her marriage is her relationship with her precocious stepson. According to Variety Natalie took over the role after Jenny from the Block abruptly left the project.

Weird that those two would be up for the same role but I digress. Interesting way to start a Monday morning.

She's an insomniac, insomniac

2008-11-23T05:19:00.009-05:00

Seriously...there is a chance I have issues. It's another Sunday with me wide awake at 5:30 am, and absolutely no reason to be up at 5:30 am. Why can't I ever feel this awake on a weekday so I would go to the gym before work and then be set for the day?

So I sit here, listening to Dave on my headphones so I don't wake Roomie, contemplating why I'm awake. I have a weird habit of waking up super early the day after I've been drinking. Yes, this is quite the opposite of the rest of the world who usually sleep in with hangovers after such a night. I am also pretty sure that half of New York is either sleeping or just getting in from Saturday night. There's also a good chance that a small portion of the latter group may be eating pancakes and hashbrowns at some random diner before ending their nights officially.

But not me. Roomie and I decided to stay in since it's bitter cold and we're broke. This decision led to artichoke lasagna and wine. Lots of wine.

So the Macy's parade is in less than a week, and I am e-x-c-i-t-e-d. Growing up, I watched it every year religiously. The best part is that my mom would make cinnamon rolls Thanksgiving morning while we watched the parade and by we I mean whoever walked in and out throughout the duration of the parade viewing party hosted by myself in the living room which was usually fasha. I also figured out that the cinnamon rolls, although a nice pairing with the antics of Macy's balloons, were actually a diversion tactic. You see, the rolls weren't meant to provide added entertainment and goodness to the joy that is the Snoopy float, even though they did just that. No, they were meant to keep five children out of the kitchen while the parentals cooked a family feast that was truly meant to be thankful for.

FYI - Dave just whispered something in my ear while I was writing here, and I thought I should share: "Don’t lose the dreams inside your head, they’ll only be there til you’re dead." That made me stop writing and fall into Dave land and now I have to share another line "But everyday should be a good day to die." Oh that Dave...inspiring me at 5:45 in the morning...but that's just what he does. And for that, I am thankful. *Lyrics from "You Never Know" from Busted Stuff. <--Get to know it.

Did you know Roseanne is on Nick at Night at 5:45 in the morning? Neither did I, but can assure you that it is.

Let's see...what else can I ramble on about so that I don't feel like such a lame loser for being awake right now...oh yes Macy's parade! I was in fact trying to make a point before Dave whisked me away.

So the building where Roomie and I work is having a viewing of the parade. It's right on Broadway, so we get to be inside and warm while watching Woodstock float by. I can NOT wait! I am going to make cinnamon rolls for Roomie and myself, I think it'll be a nice nostalgic touch while also being very tasty.

Well...I am going to surf the net now. This could be considered my Christmas shopping. I think insomnia is starting to grow on me....

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-11-21T10:58:00.004-05:00

Nooooo! Shut your pie hole and say it ain't so.

ABC has canceled Pushing Daisies (along with Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money). Why is it that good TV can't stay on the tube?!

According to executive producer Bryan Fuller, the facts are these: "It's very likely that Pushing Daisies will end after episode 13, which as you know, is a cliffhanger. But we are talking to DC Comics about doing comic books that will wrap up our storylines, and I already have a pitch for a [big-screen] movie ready to go."

Will Ned ever get to touch Chuck (or Digby) again, will Emerson Cod ever find his daughter, will those kooky aunts -- umm, aunt and mother -- ever reunite with Chuck and what about Olive, will she overcome her crush on Ned and move on?

I need answers and a piece of pie.

Review: Boot, Scootin & Boogie...

2008-11-21T10:57:00.014-05:00

At last, I have fallen in love. It only took me 4 months in the City, but it has happened. I couldn't be more happy, and I want to share my joy with all of you. You may be asking yourselves who is this mystery love that gives Carly goosebumps and butterflies? Who has been the star of her daydreams...skipping in hand down Broadway with the sun shining and the birds chirping?

Two Boots. Two Boots pizza has been kicked my butt in love overdrive. Pun intended.

Roomie & I have decided to start reviewing the awesome (or not) restaurants we check out in the City since we do love to eat. I have a strong notion she will review the place we have our eyes set on for Sunday, so I thought it would be appropriate that I start out with this pizza joint that I like to call heaven.

It reminds me of Mellow Mushroom, but even better. With pizza names like "The Newman" (a mix of Italian sausages, it's a Seinfeld fave), "Tony Clifton" (Andy himself would be proud to munch on this veggie classic), "The Dude" (Cajun Bacon Cheeseburger Pie fit for only the big Lebowski and my brother Scott) and "Mr. Pink" (Buscemi-licious I'm sure), Two Boots is pizza for pop culture's finest. http://www.twoboots.com/TW2008/Menus08/Grand1.html

Roomie and I tried our own mix with the "Orchidia," which allows you to choose 5 toppings. With that, we ran and we ran hard! We're talking eggplant (perfectly cooked I must say), roasted peppers (a yummy variety of yellow and red), sun-dried tomatoes, onion and Jalapeno pesto...yes folks you read it right...Jalapeno pesto. Completely delicious. Every bite was heaping with veggies...there was never a bite where you thought "I should've strategically moved these onions and peppers to the left corner of my slice so it wasn't only cheese that I bit into." I liked it so much, I called Two Boots to let them know. I think they thought I was calling to complain but when I said it was the best pizza I've had in the City, I heard a smile. Oh yes, I heard the smile.

My review is 5 out of 5 Bobbie Flays.

President-elect 2016

2008-11-20T15:01:00.004-05:00

Best reaction to the Newsweek article yet...

"Scott McLean officially denounces any involvement of starring & judging towards vegetarian Carly McLean at Thanksgiving 2008. Scott McLean has a clear record towards the veggie community. He continues to drink V8 and is a proud V8 lover. Also is the only active McLean willing to give a holiday to all veggies."

Scott McLean for President 2016
- a greener America -

That's my roommate folks...

2008-11-20T10:23:00.005-05:00

As her publicist, please allow me to introduce to you Newsweek's latest star Carly McLean!

http://www.newsweek.com/id/169906

That's right, Newsweek has featured Carls in "A Recipe For A Family Fight: At Thanksgiving, vegetarians and vegans object to the menu (and the heckling), while other relatives feel family traditions are being scorned."

With sound bites like:

...She remembers her family looking at her as if she had grown a horn or a third eye during that (first) meal.

It's just a matter of time until The New York Times and Wall Street Journal knocks on our door to spice up their articles McLean-style. What, what!

And you gotta love the big shout out to Jimmy Mack, who if we have a say will get his own show on The Food Network -- watch out Bobby, we're coming for ya:

...While that first Thanksgiving was "pretty rough," her dad has been incredibly accommodating. Last year, the two went grocery shopping for the dinner together and he pointed out all the vegetarian products he was buying. He made the stuffing without giblets and left the bacon off of their seven-layer salad. "The thing that was really cool was some of those recipes are family tradition, going back three or four generations," says McLean. "So for him to switch that up, and make changes, was really big."

Yep folks, that's my roomie!

MS. KNOW-IT-ALL SEZ

2008-11-19T09:11:00.010-05:00

Proof is in the puddin...

Someone get me a trip to Vegas cause I'm money and I know it. :)

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-11-18T21:10:00.008-05:00

This is not something to brag about but yeah, I called that from day one...
http://peachestoapples.blogspot.com/2008/09/roomie-sez_03.html
...Brenda working her way into the Kelly / hot teacher story line.

And with Carls as my witness, I called the new 90210 bastard son as not being the actual bastard son.

Basically what I'm saying is, Melrose Place (take two) if you're hiring writers look no further. Have your people call my people.

Let us ponder...

2008-11-18T17:45:00.006-05:00

So as I did my daily ritual of stalking my friends' awesome blogs (Lia's 'Second Look,' Nichole's 'Gone with the Wine' and the latest, Shannon's 'Sparkle Meets Domestics' & 'Sparkle Meets Sporty' - all on our bloglist!), I realized Shannon threw me a shout out last week that I totally overlooked.

I want to first say how awesome this is that she's promoting Roomie and myself, and I thank her. She's a a super cool girl and a colleague of mine (only on the exceptionally awesome weekends that is), so again, thank you Shannon.

But I must ask her this: Why must you label the post where you mention our blog as "Mindless Day" and then tag the post as "Pointless Stories?" It makes me wonder Shannon, it really does.

ROOMIE SEZ

2008-11-18T16:48:00.014-05:00

Bring on the sexy.

It's that time again -- time for People to stop making Carly's head spin with Jessica Simpson "news" and focus on the Sexiest Man Alive for 2008.

You know who has the roomies' votes...

... while we question People's taste anyways, here's hoping!

Regardless, who do you think will get this year's honor? Brad has been in the news a lot lately with all those babies and has a movie coming out but does he really need title number three? What about that new "Twilight" guy, Robert Pattinson? He has a lot of buzz surrounding him but is he too green? Or there's Gavin Rossdale. His solo album's been out for a while but People loves hot dads and ahmm, Gavin's hot. Would they dare to pick Barack? JFK Jr. has graced the over but that's as close as it's come to the political front.

Either way, it's time for Matt Damon to pass the torch. How do you like them apples?!

I am not a crook...

2008-11-18T16:21:00.003-05:00

So I can officially say that I saw (not walked unfortunately) my first red carpet on my way home last night. It was for "Frost/Nixon" which until that point, I had not heard of, but now know it's directed by Ron Howard and stars Kevin Bacon (not as Nixon thank Zeus).

The movie is already getting Oscar buzz so I guess I should've paid more attention instead of talking my poor mom's ear off.

P.S. Kevin Bacon's name in the film is also the name of the Cincy Bengals PR Director...interesting....