NY City Citings...and other Random Thoughts

Summer Vaca Alternatives

2009-05-28T10:19:00.004-04:00

Tourism boards are eating up the opportunity to stimulate the local weekend getaway. I read today in the AMNY of course that the NJ tourism board is opening up a pop-up store in Union Square to act as a little travel agent...not as creative however as what Pennsylvania has done with PAstories. This campaign actually peaked my interest with an ad on the Long Island Railroad. I tried to keep reminding myself to check this out until again I saw a NY double decker bus wrap promoting the series. Didn't realize it was a tourist campaign until recently.

The webisodes boarderlined with my attention span but love the production quality and the main character is adorable! And have to give PA props for a really creative attempt at getting people to visit PA.

http://pastories.com/

The art of the Print Ad

2009-04-29T16:04:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we advertisers forget the beauty of what a print ad can communicate. Ads like this remind of why I wanted to go into advertising in the first place. Art + brand = ad

I LEGO NY!

2009-04-23T17:01:00.002-04:00

Artist Christoph Niemann's interpretation of NY, through Legos!
http://tinyurl.com/cpn6p9

The Answer to Pets in the City

2009-04-16T09:46:00.005-04:00

Facebook has a great way of really choosing advertising that fits the demographic of the user. Somehow it must have tracked that I sent Happy Birthday Wishes to my friend's dog and hence put this ad on the sidebar.

I checked out PetaPotty and it's pretty revolutionary. Maybe one day when I get a dog I'll get him a little grass patch to make him feel like he lives in suburbia and can pee on grass instead of streets.

The "Lifestyle" video is pretty funny too:

http://www.petapotty.com/PETaPOTTY60sec.mov

Interesting choice of music.

Roll out the Oats Continues

2009-04-14T16:35:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago Hosea + Nicki former Top Chef contestants were in the Flatiron plaza doing a cooking demo. Upon our arrival we found that the whole event was taken over by Quaker Oats. Thinking it over, I recalled one of the Quick Fire Challenges of the past season was to make something using Quaker Oats. Magnificent product placement and integration, however I don't know how applicable Oatmeal is to a culinary competition. The Oats demo that day was some oat/granola poached pear dessert. Booths were also set up where Oat event staff was preparing smoothies [with oats in them] for everyone. The catch however was that you had to blend your own by using a stationary bicycle. All of course while the Oat event staff cheered you on screaming 'Go Humans Go!!'

Corny or clever I ask myself?

I'm gonna go with clever and here's why.
1. The idea behind this whole campaign is that the oats give you energy and nutrients
2. Smoothies are a great form of energy
3. Riding a bike relates to the whole exercise, energy component
4. The event staff borderlines corny, but they are verbally re-inforcing the message
5. The user Oat experience hits multiple levels of interaction and engagement which in turn...
6. Creates a positive brand experience, retention and hopefully loyalty

A bold move to align your brand with Top Chef, I'm interested to see who else will follow suit.

Battle of the Bacon!

2009-03-30T11:44:00.009-04:00

As I follow a lot of the food bloggers I've been noticing this really strong niche market of people obsessed with bacon. Bacon t-shirts to bacon alarm clocks that actually cook your bacon.

I was lucky enough to make it into the Bacon Takedown in Williamsburg this weekend. Held in the German Medieval times like beer garden of Radegast Beer Hall: the mood was set for battle. And battle we were ready for after standing in line for an hour but patience always a virtue, we made it! I heard the contestants were to prepare food for 300 so my anxiety dropped a bit.

There were 30 different bacon concoctions. Highlights included, bacon bourbon ice cream, deep fried bacon in panko breadcrumbs with pickles, homemade apple pie infused bacon, bacon cupcakes, bacon blitz [play off of a potato skin]. Hopefully they'll post winners and recipes!

Julia and I ask, "Where's the Bacon?!!"

Just when I thought the battle was over there was a little Medieval times reenactment in my stomach last night with tiny little lancers grasping onto my arteries.

But it was worth it!

Really fantastic event and hopefully they'll be more to come from http://chili-takedown.com/.

Mets Meets Meyers and other Upgrades

2009-03-16T09:26:00.006-04:00

Wow so much chatter about the new Citifield and the dawn of the Mets opening season! I'm trying to formulate an opinion on how I feel about the ticket hikes and the new food court.

Okay ticket hikes suck. Most importantly you loose the true fans to business executives taking their out-of-town clients out for a night. Tickets are ranging from $11-$280 depending on location and who it's against. Big games between our rival Phillies will cost between $60-$84.

Now here's the flip side. WE GET DANNY MEYERS! The great Danny Myers of Tabla, Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Café, Eleven Madison Park and his latest venture, Blue Smoke and of course the Shake Shack!

As a self-proclaimed foodie I can't help but support the hike in tickets knowing that a portion of that is going to upkeep of the following:

Blue Smoke: the pioneer of urban ’cue, Blue Smoke will offer mouthwatering real pit barbecue (Highlights: Pulled Pork Sandwich and Kansas City Ribs)

Shake Shack: the enormously popular hamburger and hot dog stand that made a splash with its original location in Madison Square Park will griddle up game day favorites (Highlights: ShackBurger and Shack-Cago Dog)

Taquería (name TBD): this new concept will feature authentic tacos

Pop Fries: this frites stand will serve freshly-cut, Belgian-style fries with a variety of dipping sauces

Does this make me less of a Mets fan? Of course I'm in it for the great American sport but when you couple that with some find food establishments I'm forced to re-examine my priorities. And I feel like I've paid WAYYYyyy more money to go to concerts at MSG which is on it's way to de-sheveled-ville.

Another argument to be made is, "What happened to the peanuts, cracker jacks and hot dogs?" Last year I found myself taking a hot dog over the sausage a pepper sandwiches. Baseball and hot dogs are like peanut butter and jelly.

Time will tell how fans embrace these new upgrades, but for now I'm going to ride the Danny Meyers hype a little longer.

Roll out the Oats

2009-03-10T10:51:00.005-04:00

Quaker Oats a real American brand is unveiling a new umbrella campaign that will unite all of their products. 'Go Humans Go' is the new tagline intended to evoke the oats as a "super grain" that helps power people's minds and bodies. They will be launching TV, OOH, and of course social media next week.

Maybe I should see the creative before I pass judgment but 'Go Humans Go' sits a little strange with me. Kind of positioning the oats as a kind of alien life-force in support of their effect on human activity.

Could the copywriters have taken out the good'ole Thesaurus and considered 'people,' or 'America'

They've done some good work this year, their Top Chef challenge [although some may argue a little out of context for a cooking competition] and I actually really like their Oatmeal commercial with the kids getting ready for school. My favorite is the kid that mixes them all together.

A real 'wholesome' brand I would hope that this new campaign sends a clear brand message and tonality. Rather than a message from outer space.

I did a Google search and it seems some bloggers are already confused:

http://geeks.pirillo.com/photo/go-humans-go

Idiosynricies of my Italian Family

2009-03-02T13:38:00.002-05:00

I've been giving my mom and dad regular updates on my recovery from the removal of 3 wisdom teeth last Thursday. Today, Monday was my first day back to work. I called them this morning upon my arrival to let them know all was well.

A little back story, my mom is the drug/alcohol gestapo. Whenever my brother and I drink too much or in this case take too many pain killers she goes nuts. My dad is usually the more realistic one who balances her paranoia. Something along the lines of, "Barb- [accentuate the Brooklyn/Italian vowels to make it sound more like Bob] wouldga relax, give it a rest."

So this morning I'm sitting at my desk on the phone with them and of course my mom says, "You're not still on the Perkaset [spelling] are you?"

"No...I mean I took one last night why?"

Dad goes, "You can't take that shit at work you'll be stunadd!" [Stunad is Brooklyn/Italian slang for stupid, pronounced 'stew-nod']

For once the calm voice of reason breaks through! Hysterical!! This may only be funny if you really know them.

The Slumdog Awards

2009-02-23T09:24:00.004-05:00

As usual there is one picture that takes it all. But I found it interesting that none of the actors from that film were nominated in any actor/actress category. I haven't seen it yet but to Colleen's point it was an ensemble cast and no one really out shined each other.

Very happy for Kate Winslet, what a Hollywood gem and The Reader was a great picture.

From the moment Sean Penn walked onto the scene I knew he would deliver a performance of a lifetime next to Mystic River. Milk was a powerful film that really put things into perspective from the other side of the line. James Franco was excellent as well! America is so rich with history and so glad people can dig up these stories and adapt them into a screenplay. [Which it won as well!] I did feel it deserved something for the editing but can't win em all!

Yay Penelope!! Such a great film. Me and Woody Allen are on a case by case basis and this film was fantastic! So glad she recognized his ability to really create wonderful/strong female characters.

Heath Ledger no surprise there. Nor was the emotional speech from his family. Its a real shame to have lost a man of such potential. Someone needs to give Brad Pitt a run for him money!

Speaking of Brad, had no interested in Benjamin Button but maybe I'll put it on the Netflix Cue along with Changling. A real powerhouse couple for sure. Way for the camera crew to cut to Angelina when Jennifer was presenting with Jack Black.

Hugh Jackman was an impeccable host! Can't believe he hasn't done it before what a natural and love they dribbled in Broadway! Wow who knew Anne Hathaway had pipes!

I also really liked the the showcase of actors that introduced the actors of each nominated category. Made it very personal and profound to see entertainment legends compliment each other on their performance.

I'll spend the next few months catching up, now the box office can release all those low grade films they've been holding onto.

Billy Joel's Wife to Defend Burger Title

2009-02-18T09:16:00.003-05:00

He's the piano man, she's the burger woman. A match made in heaven for sure! Kathie Lee Joel won the New York Food and Wine Festival's burger competition last fall beating out the likes of the legendary Shake Shack, and accomplished chef's Laurent Tourondel, Michael Lomonaco, and David Burke. Is it a case of rooting for the underdog? Or maybe the simplicity of her campaign got the best of the judges? Nonetheless let's keep an eye out for her defending her championship at the South Beach festival this week. Maybe Billy will write a song about it?

YAY Mafia at Denny's

2009-02-10T13:05:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite Super Bowl ads is actually helping sales!! Mafia sells apparently. The $3 million commercial yielded $2 million people into its 1,600 outlets in North America and Puerto Rico. The total expense of $5 million for the promotion also yielded $50 million in news coverage. Also it's been blowing up all over the social media index! Good for them! Read the whole article on Media Post

Update on Coffee Wars

2009-02-10T13:02:00.004-05:00

For all of you who come to me for my knowledge of the coffee industry here are some updates.

Dunkin' Donuts Waffle Egg sandwich...interesting. I think they are the only ones to have waffles on a fast food breakfast menu so thats originial. But according to my trusted food blogging site Serious Eats there is no comparison to the McDonald's McGriddle.

An unlikely partnership, McDonald's new McCafe and NYC Fashion Week. What are they saying here, our coffee is good enough for Ana Wintour and the Olsen Twins? I think their strategy is to hit the tabloid obsessed women who will find stalker-like like pictures of high fashion sipping on McDonald's lattes. Aren't most models automatically programed to have gag reflexes at the site of the McDonalds logo? Full story on AdAge

And rounding out this editions update is according to a WSJ article, Starbucks is telling its baristas to really communicate the affordable nature of their products. They have also concocted a breakfast special for under $3.95. Ohh Starbucks not sure if you will ever be able to play with the big kids.

Comic Con meets Karaoke

2009-02-09T09:17:00.004-05:00

Saturday I got myself out bed to attend the New York Times annual Travel Show at the Javit Center. There was an 0pportunity for me to go through work and I was personally curious as well.

I had heard buzzing of Comic Con taking place the same day but didn't realize the Javit Center could house two shows at the same time.

On my journey over to the west side people in costume, strange colored hair, and swords filtered the streets. A wave of panic came over me that I was there on the wrong day.

Low and behold I was there on the correct day and travel enthusiasts as well as comic book junkies were meant to co-exist in the same convention center.

I was torn between 'Wow these people are freaks' and 'It's kind of nice that these people are so passionate about something and go to such extremes.' [mostly the latter.]

Later that night my friends and I went to Stout a bar near Penn Station for some drinking and karaoke. The upstairs of Stout is really nice, downstairs where karaoke is, more like a dungeon. The dungeon-esk was probably magnified by the fact that half the people in there were from the Comic Con event, still in full costume and in character.

The karaoke night was split dead even between us normal people singing 'Jackson Five' and 'Journey' and the Comic Con freaks sining 'Metalica' and 'Puppet Master.'

I said to myself one day I'll find myself in a scenario and make some kind of comparison like, 'Man this is like Comic Con meets karaoke!' However I have actually witnessed this twilight zone-like third dimension.

Just when I thought my weekend was clear of Comic Con, I got to my uncle's house for birthday dinner and all three of my cousins came from the Sunday portion of the show.

I ate my pasta and meatballs over conversations of inter-galatic bla bla blaaa.

Make it stopp!!!! Maybe it's the universe trying to tell me I missed my chance of being a comic book freak.

All I really wanted was Buffolo Wings

2009-02-02T09:17:00.005-05:00

It's not secret that that I am clearly the farthest thing from a football fan. But I do recognize the Super Bowl as a cornerstone in American culture. In no other country does one single event celebrate sports, camaraderie, lend itself to an entire cuisine and capitalize on an opportunity for brands to spend millions of dollars in advertising!! I really thought due to the economic landscape the advertising wouldn't be so good this year, but the star players came through, while others...well missed the field goal [okay my last attempt to put football jargon into this post].

While I did catch some of the spots live I was able to get a real recap online at AdAge . Here's my thoughts [for the most part you can follow along with the AdAge link. Some I skipped over b/c of lack of interest]:

Budweiser Clydesdales
They did a few of these, my favs were definitely the Circus spot and fetch. I love at the end of the Circus spot the little Indian man says, 'I didn't know Daisy was dating"

Bud Light definitely missed the mark all the way around.

Car category was just 'ok' this year. The Audi: Chase was kinda fun retro style, and chase scenes for car commercials is kinda unique. For being a major sponsor of the SuperBowl I thought their two [or was it 3?] ads were very unrelated. If it wasn't for the fact that they kept mentioning Bridgestone as a sponsor I would have never paid attention to their spots. The Potato Heads were pretty funny though. We'll see if it sells tires.

Cars.com definitely taking a different direction this year from the brownies/horse laxative and shrunken head spots. From doing some work in the used car category I think they definitely got their message across that you can have all the confidence in the world but when you step on that used car lot it's scary, unfamiliar and who knows what they'll try and sell you. So well done from a messaging standpoint, creatively...not bad.

CareerBuilder was a definite favorite this year. Just about all my creative directors here loved it! Very unique production value. The repetitive nature in this situation really worked, and was very funny. The punching small animals is the real kicker! These career sites are clutch in this economy right now, hopefully they can deliver.

Cash4Gold might be my favorite!! I've seen those dumb infomercials and I can really respect a brand when it can make fun of itself. Ed McMmahon is AaaMAzing!! My gold hip replacement and the gold toilet are hysterical. A simple message but not sure if it will push people to use the service. But hey! In these times people are desperate for any kinda money they can get.

Castrol with those monkeys put a knife in my Mobil 1 heart but whatev! It really says something about your brand when you have to call out your competitor as the weaker product. Mobil 1 is better product and the reason why they have so much money is that they don't waste it on SuperBowl ads.

Welcome back Cheetos...however I wouldn't say break out the balloons and champaign, not much to say here.

Coca-Cola did some nice work. Expected I'd say. The animated one with ladybugs was cute. And the parody of the Mean Joe Green spot was clever. However, if you know the history of the Mean Joe Green spot, they ended up pulling it right after the SuperBowl b/c it wasn't selling Coke. People loved it, but sales didn't pick up.

Denny's was a riot! Maybe its b/c i'm a little guidette and Mafia stuff makes me laugh. I won't say Super Bowl worthy but way to get your brand in the mix.

Some people liked the Doritos work. Piggybacking on last year's consumer competition I think it's nice from them to their brand advocates involved. I wonder if they save in production costs and creative payroll? I guess the 'Power of Crunch' was my favorite out of the two. Both very much hit the male demographic target.

Baby from E*Trade was back. I think people were happy to see him back, a definite favorite from last year [That Bobo line was priceless].

I liked the GE spot just b/c I love the Wizard of Oz. Very risky though to equate the scarecrow w/o a brain to your brand. I get they are claiming the opposite but could be the cause of competitor ridicule. Smarter energy is a HUGE topic right now, so good messaging to come out with.

GoDaddy was just dumb

Heineken was a little much with the Warrior analogy...didn't like it.

H&R with the grim reaper was a little much. Not really an original concept with a imaginary figure coming into a situation like this. The button at the end was funny though, 'Can you validate my parking'

The much talked about Miller 'One-Second Ads' was original. Definitely memorable. Beer category is a stuff place to play. In no other category do I feel that people are more brand loyal.

Monster's 'Double Take' with the moose butt was pretty funny. Tough completion with Career Builder though. Both were definitely memorable but I think CB won this round.

The Pedigree spot was a little weird. I totally support adoption and glad they made a presence. this year. The old lady clapping her hands after the ostrich was great!

Pepsi had a lot of coverage this year. The Will.i.Am was my favorite, well done. 'I'm good' was just dumb. I think they were trying to be the ones who conquer the 'Super Bowl Phrase of the Year.' The 'WassUp' ones and the Budweiser Frogs will always be remembered for this. Pepsi not so much.

The Sobe 3-D stuff eh whatever. I guess the dancing football players were funny. But I'm guessing like me, most of you didn't have on your 3-D glasses to make it cool.

Teleflora was one of the first spots we saw...very weird and pushed the envelope I'd say.

I really liked the NBC promos especially the Laugh Your Ass Off one. But sadly it seems that their ratings haven't picked up so far.

http://tinyurl.com/cowuku

News Anchor beat up by Puppy

2009-01-23T13:14:00.006-05:00

How endearing. Lester from the Today Show [who I've seen eating brunch at Rocking Horse in Chelsea!] gets beat up by a little puppy but maintains a positive demeanor about pet adoption regardless. Well done!

http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/

The New Facebook!

2009-01-16T09:59:00.002-05:00

I went to a networking event last night sponsored by Mashable + Peroni Beer! [I was a tad bit more excited for the Peroni]. The small venue quickly filled up like a McFaddens happy hour. I was able to talk to a few people but didn't really gain much. Most were desperately looking for work or trying to promote their lastest and greatest idea. My favorite was this one guy Eric. The conversation went as follows:

Me: 'So what do you do'

Eric: 'Well I have this great new idea for a social networking site for college kids.'

Me: 'Oh like Facebook!' [kinda mockingly]

Eric: 'Well it's going to be better than Facebook b/c it's going to be connections to people you've actually met'

Me: .....

Me: 'So what would you say your objective for the site is?'

Eric: 'Well...it's going to be very visual, and....and you are going to connect to people better b/c you've actually met them, it's going to be very visual and it's going to be better than Facebook'

Me: 'I see, what's it called?'

Eric: 'Crowd Freeze' and he proceeds to pull up his sweater to display a t-shirt with the logo.

Me: 'Well good luck I'll look out for it'

FOR REAL PEOPLE!!?!?

1,000 Hits!!

2009-01-15T12:17:00.002-05:00

I've made it to 1,000 hits [since the addition of the site counter a few months ago]! Thanks to all my readers hope I add insight, useless information or at least a light chuckle to your day. Feel free to make comments and start conversation as in the true nature of a blog.

Fresh Direct in Vending machines!

2009-01-12T17:13:00.003-05:00

Holy Cow Fresh Direct what a genius idea! First of all I LOVE Fresh Direct. I'd wear it on a T-shirt! And for them to come up with this idea of putting their 4 minute meals in offices is remarkable! I've had experience with food in vending machines before, but this has got to be better than the lasagna that came out of the vending machine across from my marble studio in Italy.

Dunkin takes the lead!

2009-01-08T10:04:00.004-05:00

Just saw the new commercials Dunkin' Donuts are 'out to launch' on MediaPost.com

They are going with a new slogan 'You Kin' Do It' and I really like it! The ads stay true to this notion of we are the coffee of the American people. We keep the hard working, goal setting people of America running. I really like the runaway bike, that woman cracks me up. Also, really nice product shot on the last one. Also I read somewhere that its always important for brands to appear busy. Meaning don't go away for too long because people may forget about you. Well DD is definitely busy and probably running some really interesting production costs with all these new commercials. But best of all no more big bad bully to poor Starbucks. Hopefully they've made their point in the taste test spots.

See the ads here, here, here, here and here.

New Calendar!

2009-01-08T09:56:00.002-05:00

Finally ordered a new wall calendar for my desk yesterday. I usually go with the wall one and then a little box tear one on my desk. I was sad to find that I couldn't find a new Muppets box calendar to replace my 2008 one. That thing really made my day. I went with a vintage food advertising one for my wall. I ordered from Calendars.com which I must have ordered from them last year too b/c all year long they have been sending me annoying emails. Dude don't you get it, you order 1 calendar for the entire year! No need to email me about special deals in April! Must be tough though to be a Calendar company...busy in December and January and then no sales for the rest of the year!

More Progress

2008-12-30T11:04:00.003-05:00

I've seen some pretty wacky food concoctions at carnivals and such but in the spirit of making fast food even faster and more convenient this is pretty innovative. A pizza cone?! These guys have a foundation in Italian food and a respect for innovation. It seems also they are claiming fresh ingredients and homemade dough made on the premises. Whats most mind boggling to me is that they haven't opened one in NY yet?! From Austria to Malaysia and the two proud American cities of Kansas and Missouri.

Serious Eats pizza blogger did some full coverage of the experience.

Kornet Pizza home page

Relaps

2008-12-30T10:27:00.003-05:00

I've heard it said, probably since my young adolescent years that 'they always come back.' And yes they usually do but normally in form of 'I need a hook-up what are you doing?' Lately I've been experiencing guys who just fall off the radar. It's like they get lost with all your socks in the dryer. They fall into this black abyss and you never hear from them again. For awhile I was like what is it?? Do I have bad breath, then I thought no my friends or mother would surely tell me. Well last night I got to the root of some of this problem after speaking to one of the old socks who came back. Ladies are you ready for this golden piece of understanding the male mind?! Here goes...they are afraid of commitment and getting too comfortable with someone. Groundbreaking I know. Apparently I make guys feel comfortable they get freaked out and then then bail because they think I want a commitment. Fantastic! At least I don't have bad breath.

Progress

2008-12-29T10:58:00.002-05:00

As we're all feeling bloated and overweight this holiday season, its refreshing to know this great culture of ours is making strides to keep us fit and in shape. NOT!! Just another example of why we are the fattest country in the world. Check out BBQ's new Col-Pop, an All-in-One Chicken Nugget and Soda Cup.

The ULTIMATE brand WAR

2008-12-24T12:15:00.003-05:00

I give major kudos to Burger King for their Whopper Virgins effort. A subliminal jab to McDonalds while embracing international culture. They set out to find people around the world who have never tasted a hamburger before and are absent from any form of media advertising. Not an easy job. This video documents the experience and I have to say it's honest and impressive. On the flip side it is pretty controversial that they are going into these obscure parts of the world and littering them with our processed unnatural dietary stables. And of course they could have edited the footage to only show the majority of the people who liked the Whopper. Hmm, I dunno, I might just get a Whopper next time I'm in a mall food court, or at a road trip rest stop.

http://www.whoppervirgins.com/

SS+K Holiday Card!

2008-12-24T11:10:00.003-05:00

So proud of my work for our agency holiday card. I made a Ginger Bread Studio Apartment, modeled off of the real thing.

http://ssk.com/holidayguide/home.html

We even got recognized on Agency Spy

Truth in Advertising through a Holiday Card

2008-12-22T16:49:00.000-05:00

It’s the agency card project Charlie Brown

I MADE THE NICE LIST!

2008-12-17T09:23:00.001-05:00

This absolutely made my day. If my computer could record my reaction it would have said, her eyes lit up and her mouth dropped and then turned into a great big smile!

Click this link, the upload may take a minute.

http://family.go.com/santas-list/video/55164-83allison83/

First Snow in NYC!

2008-12-16T21:54:00.008-05:00

I wish I had my camera at work today. Seeing the snowfall from 30 stories up across the Brooklyn Bridge was absolutely breath taking! The snow actually falls up when you're that high! Okay maybe its the wind. When I got home I had to take some holiday shots of my neighborhood.

Am I Violating My Christmas Tree?

2008-12-11T09:23:00.002-05:00

I got this fantastic little Christmas Tree from the A&P in New Jersey. It's a real tree and fits perfectly on the kitchen table in my apartment. I've been taking really good care of it to make sure it gets enough water. However I feel like every time I stick my finger in the little water dish check the water level I'm violating the thing. It's not easy to get back to where there is a slight opening that makes for relatively easy access...ok I'm gonna stop right here.

Brown Baggin It

2008-12-02T13:06:00.002-05:00

My latest article for eats.com is now published! Check it out:

http://eats.com/eats-editorials/foodie-news/brown-bagging-it-20081202626/

However I like my original opening better:

Remember the days of being sent off to school with a Pop-Tart in one hand and a brown bag lunch in the other as you raced out the door to the bus-stop? It seems those childhood glory days may repeat themselves. No this is not an article about Pop-Tarts nor effective ways to get to the bus on time, rather: The Re-Invention of the Brown-Bag Lunch.

Also included a bit about the Peanut Butter and Jelly Co.

So what’s a person to do with news of this lunchtime break-though? Get a cool lunch box! Or if you refuse to accept the reality of the matter, check out a great lunchtime spot in Greenwich Village, “Peanut Butter & Co” celebrating their 10^th year in Zagat who recently named them as a Best Buy for Sandwiches. Definitely go for The Elvis with bacon!

Pumpkin Pie Jello Shot!

2008-11-26T10:25:00.003-05:00

C'mon people we're a little over jello-shots how bout getting seasonal with Pumpkin!

If you have the time and TLC to make these fabulous shots they are sure to be a big hit. If you're family is like mine the more alcohol the better!

Also check out the article from Tasting Table about this new trend of editable cocktails

http://tastingtable.com/entry_detail/61

Pumpkin Pie Jell-O Shots
Makes 8 pies

8 Keebler mini graham-cracker piecrusts
1 envelope Knox gelatin
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vodka
1/2 tablespoon cold heavy cream
Fresh whipped cream, for serving

1. Arrange the piecrusts on a baking sheet. Place 1 cup cold water in the top of a double boiler and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let stand for three minutes.

2. Heat the gelatin mixture over a gentle simmer until the granules have dissolved. Add the pumpkin, sugar and spices and heat, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin and sugar are completely melted. Remove from heat and cool for 30 minutes.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the vodka with 1/4 cup cold water and the heavy cream. Whisk in the pumpkin mixture and immediately divide it among the piecrusts. Chill until firm, at least 4 hours. Slice the pies into wedges, if desired, top with whipped cream and serve.

A Backwards Look at What We're Thankful For

2008-11-24T16:51:00.003-05:00

Found this on Tumblr, I like it...I added a few.

For the teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV, because that means he is at home and not on the streets.

For all the fights with my family because that means they care enough to argue with me.

For the taxes I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking, and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in my place of worship when she sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the aching in my heart because it means I am able to love.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

Scaffolding in NYC

2008-11-20T10:41:00.003-05:00

I've come to find scaffolding in this city a very interesting concept. Its almost emotional I feel. Key locations in my time here have all been effected by it.

-wintertime at my first job-World Wide Plaza Building
-2nd month or so of my apt. building [lasted a little over a year]
-the final stretch on my way to second job - Maiden Lane
-the street where I take the subway to work every morning

It's like when one is de-constructed another is erected. When they go up its very confining and sad almost. But when they are taken down it's like the skies open up and white doves fly out to choirs of angels! Helllooo city!

On the corner today I watched some guys taking one down in front of the Au Bon Pain. I looked on in fascination at the triumph these men where about to accomplish. The light and freedom they would give to those who stand on that corner everyday.

After awhile the guy standing next to me thought I was checking him out. Sorry dude but I got my eye on that knight-and-shining scaffolding man over there.

I apoligize for the profanity...but am I the only one who thinks this is hysterical!

2008-11-19T11:58:00.004-05:00

My next article

2008-11-17T11:44:00.002-05:00

I've developed an interest in lunch bags/boxes. I think I might do my next eats.com article about it.

Some fun stuff I found on Tumblr this morning

2008-11-17T10:14:00.003-05:00

It's the Little Things

2008-11-14T16:47:00.002-05:00

I am super impressed with the new Starbucks drink stopper thing. At first glance I was like, "what the...?" but then after examining the shape I realized pure genius! Do you know how much coffee gets spilled out of those holes in-transit. And God knows there's a reason why I would never get hired as a waitress in high school. I pray I never get asked to walk a straight line by a cop. I can't even do it sober.

I condem you to SEVEN days of straight...

2008-11-13T15:30:00.002-05:00

Sex??

DISCLOSURE: THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE CONTAIN SEXUAL CONTENT. AND ME BEING A SCORPIO I HAVE NO PROBLEM TALKING ABOUT SOCIAL TABOOS SUCH AS SEX. Consider yourself warned.

I braised past an article in the AM Daily 'Texas pastor asks married flock to have sex for seven straight days.' And then found a credible source on msnbc:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27666045/

I guess this guy has a point. He wants his married parishioners to rekindle their sexual passion for each other and move away from promiscuity. So rather than just preach it he's asking them to act on it, and do it for seven days straight.

By the way I love how this is coming from our favorite Republican state of Texas.

So I see his point but isn't sex suppose to be something natural and not 'planned' so to speak. And what if one partner doesn't have the energy to do it every night of the week, won't that create arguments like "But hunnie the pastor told us we have to do it EVERY night!"

And like where does the foreplay start? "So...I was thinking about what the pastor said on Sunday...and I think we should...."

Yuck! I'm sorry but I don't think I could concentrate! I'm not acting on my own will rather that of my pastor!

And image what it's gonna be like looking around the place the following week picturing all the people around you having sex for seven days last week. I bet their faces tell all if it worked or not.

So I guess I'm not really sure where I stand on the issue, you think they'll post a follow-up next week?

I was hoping someone would get on this!

2008-11-13T13:27:00.001-05:00

When Pigs Fly

2008-11-13T12:58:00.006-05:00

As many of you know Frogs are my favorite animal right now but before that, it was Pigs. I fell in love with the adorable pig from the Flat Earth Chips commercial . I found a bag of the Tangy Tomato Ranch in a Subway sandwich shop recently and LOVED them. My new favorite chip. Sadly I haven't been able to find them anywhere else! And once the stock ran out of that Subway they never refilled. I went on the website today and played the Snack Match game for like 20mins and found they have really good other interesting flavors as well like Peach Mango?! I also learned that the phrase, "When Pigs Fly" is different across the globe. Like in Venezuela they say, "When frogs dance the flamenco."

If you see these in the store I approve and wish they had a better distribution!

I'M PUBLISHED!

2008-11-11T14:23:00.001-05:00

How crazy! I wrote an article for eats.com and the published it!! Check it out and vote for it!

HOW DO YOU LIKE ‘DEM APPLES

Now you can subscribe!

2008-11-11T09:55:00.001-05:00

I just added this little 'subscribe to' feature on the right there --->

let me know if it works!

Honey Nut Cheerios

2008-11-11T09:38:00.002-05:00

I may have hit a semi-all-time-low this morning.

Yesterday I had a craving for Honey Nut Cheerios [I saw someone eating on a reality TV show the night before and now it was in my head] so I went to this little cafe/bodega type place where I knew they carried those little individual bowls of cereal.

Low and behold no HNCs. However I saw towards the back of the store they had boxes of cereal up on a high shelf. And there it was in all it's glory with a little halo beaming out from the back. I could only reach the first box but it was damaged on the bottom. No no no. So I tried to reach the next one behind it. Looking like an ass trying to prop myself up on the ice cream cooler below I looked around for someone tall who could help me. A young guy carrying like 7 water bottles was all I could spot. He said he'd be right back to help me.

He was cute! I think a construction worker type, but with a sweet baby face. Our hands accidentally brushed as he handed me the cereal.

So on my way in this morning I tried to think of something in that store I could buy for breakfast. Nothing. But I did however take the long way just so I could wait on the corner in front of the store to cross the street in hopes of catching a glimpse.

My little Honey Nut was nowhere in site. What an ass I am, the things I put myself through, seriously!

If only...!!

2008-11-10T17:54:00.003-05:00

If only I lived in New Zealand and could have taken part in this amazing Man Vending Machine stunt for Flossie.com!

Make sure you watch the video!

Ode to My Scorpio's

2008-11-10T17:01:00.005-05:00

Intense, profound, powerful

Even when we appear self-controlled and calm there is a seething intensity of emotional energy under the placid exterior.

Often strangely hypnotic personality under the tranquil, but watchful composure. In conventional social gatherings we are pleasant to be with, thoughtful in conversation, dignified, and reserved, yet affable and courteous; we sometimes possess penetrating eyes which make our shyer companions feel naked and defenseless.

In everyday behavior we give the appearance of being withdrawn from the center of activity, yet those who know us will recognize the watchfulness that is part of our character. We need great self-discipline, because are able to recognize the qualities in ourselves that make us different from others and to know our utterly conventional natures can be used for great good, or great evil.

Our tenacity and willpower is immense, our depth of character and passionate conviction overwhelming, yet we are deeply sensitive and easily moved by emotions.

We are sometime overly critical and outspoken.

We are passionatelovers, the most sensually energetic of all the signs. Union with the beloved is a sacrament, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

Scorpio is often compared to the Phoenix, a mythical bird which was reborn from its own ashes, more powerful and beautiful than ever before. With intensity and personal magnetism we have tremendous inner strength, which when properly developed, gives great power to turn negative situations into positive outcomes, and to rechannel destructive energy into constructive purposes.

There may be times when you feel that you must constantly struggle with difficult situations. Yet this ability to turn adversity into fortune strengthens you each time, and as you continue through life you grow stronger and more skilled, with ever-increasing confidence.

YES WE CAN!!!

2008-11-05T11:09:00.003-05:00

Get a puppy!

And here we are. In the new United States of America. I am so proud of this country. This was a big pill to swallow and we did it. We are moving forward and it's going to be okay. This is the second major event in this country where I have witnessed history have felt truly connected and proud to be an American. One event was probably the most tragic devastating thing my eyes will ever see. The second was an image of hope, inspiration and pride.

A truly historic election year of racism and feminism, the most controversial topics of this country and here they are right in front of us being smeared all over the faces of those living in the past. Those who are afraid or unsure of this massive risk. Well my friends those who never took a risk in their life never accomplished anything great.

I think the most important thing this country needs to do is believe in each other. This is not Yankees verses Mets anymore this is everyone rooting for the same team. Boths sides respecting each other and surrendering hostility.

I have a whole family of Republicans to go home two but its not a time to gloat, its a time to put faith in the destiny chosen for us. As I mentioned earlier, it's going to be okay. I said that to my mother a few weeks ago as she spoke with apprehension in her eyes. The role reversal was evident, "Mom, it's going to be okay." And it will.

What kinda puppy do you think they'll get!?!!

I hope I did it right?!

2008-11-04T10:52:00.002-05:00

I walked into IS 70 this morning greeted by that familiar nostalgic smell of elementary school cafeteria. I remember being in grade school on election days [Conover Road was a polling spot]. Our class would walk in our straight line down the hall and pass the main entrance where all the adults were voting. I had this burning curiosity about what was behind that little curtain and how it was such a secret!

Well today I found out. I think New York is the only state that still uses the old fashioned lever. Surprisingly the old-fashioned technology made me a little apprehensive about if I was doing it right?! I kinda liked the old-school nature of it though. The tangibleness and the sound of actually voting.

All the papers are saying this will change the history books. Another thought that brought me back to those grade school Social Studies text books. This day will mark the most historic vote I think in this country's history. With pride will I remember this day, and say that I was there and I voted for Barack Obama.

Jane His Wife!

2008-11-04T10:43:00.002-05:00

After our first cat call of 'how much?!' we got some pretty awesome publicity. Walking through Chelsea on Halloween night was priceless. People standing on sidelines taking our picture like we were celebrities. Some girl at the bar we were at said we looked like the models on the costume packaging!

Save your iPods!!

2008-10-31T14:13:00.003-04:00

I had this weird thing as a child, saving everything thinking one day it would be worth lots of money. I still have a Tickle Me Elmo doll, a Tamagochi, and some Holiday Barbies But look at this blurb from the AM daily. For real?!

'It's The Great Pumpkin!'

2008-10-31T13:51:00.003-04:00

I finally got a chance to watch it last night! I can't remember the last time I saw it but it was funny how my mind remembered certain visuals and sounds, like what the apple looked like when Linus bit into it in the beginning, or how the pumpkin seeds made that plop sound as Lucy thew them on the floor. I also couldn't believe how much adult content was in the show. Lots of political references and even that whole Red Baron scene when Snoopy was shot down on enemy lines. That stuff totally went over my head as a kid. I also felt that all the girls were kinda bratty! Peppermint Patty and her girl Marcy weren't really in this one. They're cool I guess. Oh and Linus was getting on my nerves with this 'brining presents to all the good little girls and boys' bit. Dude thats totally Santa Claus, don't you think candy perhaps is more appropriate?! Ahh the nostalgic moments of my life!

Happy Cows SOO funny!

2008-10-28T10:33:00.005-04:00

The California Milk Advisory Board launched four TV spots starring cows auditioning to become the next Happy Cow. It's like "American Idol" for Happy Cows, and the winner will be determined by online voting. Soo funny! Way to make Dairy ads funny! The website is fun too. I spent 15 minutes watching all the commercials, the bloopers are a riot!

I think I'm voting for Alicia!

http://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/node/879

It came!!

2008-10-28T10:01:00.003-04:00

As promised by Amazon.com my DVD copy of the digitally remastered 'It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown' with special bonus features arrived in the mail yesterday! I think it's so important to never lose sight of things from our childhood, it's like a mental thing that will always make us happy. Or maybe it's just a mental thing.

Thank you Pink

2008-10-28T09:40:00.004-04:00

For the past few days I've been trying to find one of those f'you I'm fantastic and I don't need you songs. Adele's 'Save the Best for Last' almost did it:

'You should know that you're only a temporary fix this isn't routine you don't mean that much to me'

I tried Fiona Apple and that helped but still not uplifting.

Beyonce's 'Irreplaceable' is good but still not that f'you I was looking for.

I downloaded Pink's 'So What' over the weekend and thought as I got off the subway this morning that's what I need some Pink! I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk to get my iPod artists from Fiona to Pink [took some time] and some fat dude ran into me but I didn't care

'So so what?
I'm still a rock star
I got my rock moves
And i don't need you
And guess what
I'm having more fun
And now that we're done
I'm gonna show you tonight
I'm alright, I'm just fine
And you're a tool
So so what?
I am a rockstar
I got my rock moves
And i don't want you tonight'

I can relate- Empty Stomach Leads to a Dirty Mouth

2008-10-27T10:54:00.005-04:00

Refreshing

2008-10-27T10:40:00.004-04:00

Nice to know there are still creative food ads out there!

I finally saw the Sex and the City Movie!!

2008-10-27T09:56:00.002-04:00

True to my usual form I managed to bypass all the hype and caught up to it months later. I absolutely loved it and came out an emotional basket case overflowing with thoughts of happily ever after, true friendship and being fabulous in NYC. It's probably so cliché to want to compare yourself to Carrie Bradshaw but I think I'm entitled to it. In fact mingling at an event two weeks ago some guy even said I reminded him of Carrie. She is the female matriarch of this city offering style, wisdom and hope for the single women who do battle day after day in this city.

The best and maybe ironic part was as I was walking through the ghetto of Chelsea Saturday morning in my usual scrub clothes [I've found I have no one to impress walking the streets of my happy little gayville] I make eyes with Mario Cantone the gay wedding planner from the movie! As he strutted to his black Lincoln towncar he looked at me I looked at him, he looked back as if to say, "C'mon you know who I am!" I wish I called out in my srubbiness, "OMG I just saw the movie last night you were awesome!"

Sometimes the universe has a strange way sending my destiny.

And Starbucks Throws Another Punch!

2008-10-27T09:45:00.002-04:00

News leaked today of Starbucks launching a Gold Rewards Program. A $25 annual fee that grants you 10% off most purchases, free beverage customization (free syrups and milk options), free refills on drip coffees, a free beverage with the purchase of a bag of Starbucks whole beans, and up to two hours per day of free access to AT&T Wi-Fi at Starbucks locations. However, it does not offer price discounts. And look how sexy the card is! Click on the pic for access to the Media Post article. Dunkin' Donuts better act fast!

Thats right little puppy...shit happens

2008-10-24T10:22:00.002-04:00

http://www.poopoobags.com/

In this failing economy I think the only thing still surviving is unnecessary pet flair and according to my brother, name brand supermarket products.

GAME ON!!

2008-10-21T09:25:00.003-04:00

It's official the war is on!

I remember one of the only things I learned from my dinosaur of an advertising professor that you can only go head to head against another brand if you are #1 and #2 in the market. I remember citing the old Six Flags vs. Great Adventure ads. I really haven't seen such ruthless call outs in awhile, so exciting!!

Dunkin' Donuts' new ad campaign, touts its coffee having beaten Starbucks decisively in an independently conducted double-blind taste test. I'm curious about how they can legally claim the results but who cares!!

I also love the commercial, it's kinda like the working class coffee of the American People...[insert political comparison of Obama is like DD and McCain is like Starbucks, a burnt old flavor that no one likes, pays too much for and is on it's way out pretty soon].

Check out their new website
http://www.dunkinbeatstarbucks.com/default.aspx

Pun 'kins!!

2008-10-20T13:48:00.004-04:00

What a great website! I wanna try!

http://www.pumpkinway.com/

2008-10-20T13:48:00.001-04:00

Underwear Workers Strike

2008-10-16T12:22:00.004-04:00

I saw this picture in the AM Daily this morning, not much to report on it other than these workers are being paid unfairly. I think it's really funny that they are throwing bras and underwear up in the air! So many scenarios. What did they say to each other when they were grabbing stuff to throw:

"Ok ladies we need a combination of cotton, lace, nylon, casual, grannie panties, and thongs!"

What would a little kid say if they walked by:

"Mom why are those ladies throwing their underwear in the air?"

"I don't know sweetie they are mad"

Then the kid goes home and starts throwing underwear every time they get mad.

Is this like a form of porno for Philippine men?

Or maybe its a poor country and you see little kids running around trying to grab all the stuff on the floor.

This site just keeps on giving!

2008-10-15T13:59:00.003-04:00

http://current.com/items/89393535_candidates_as

The AM Daily Lady

2008-10-15T09:20:00.003-04:00

The AM Daily lady [free newspaper in NY] who stands outside the downtown 23rd St. C/E subway stop cracks me up. This ghetto black chick who yells, "Extra EXTRA" like she's a paperboy from the 1930s. However unlike the paperboys who would further tease the headline of the paper, "Titanic Sinks 1,341 Dead, Carpathia brings survivors!" My special little papergirl likes to make up her own headlines based on the pictures. One of my favorites was a sunset on NY meant that, "Extra Extra NY City is on fire! Read ALLLLlll about it!" Today I think there was a picture of Obama and McCain shaking hands and that meant: "Extra EXTRA Obama is not a terrorist, McCain calls a truce. Read ALLLLLLLLLLllll about it!"

Found on Tumblr

2008-10-13T13:19:00.001-04:00

toothbrushes have a cool attitude because when you put them in a glass they always look like they’re going to put the moves on each other.

The blog I found it on

My Tumblr Blog

The C word

2008-10-13T11:58:00.002-04:00

I am usually pretty desensitized to the people walking around my neighborhood but the other day was seriously taken aback.

I was on my way to the Salvation Army with a big bag of stuff to drop off. On my way down 8th Ave. I came to a man and did the 'which side are you passing' choreography. I've had some pretty awkward ones but this was fairly mild in my opinion. My psycho partner decided to whisper the 4 letter C word in my ear as he passed. My immediate knee-jerk reaction was I turned around a screamed 'F-you' down the street. Who looks like the psycho now, good job Al. I felt sorry for the little boy with his backpack in close proximity.

What bad karma as I'm going to do a good deed. Even the guy at Salvation Army was giving me a hard time about getting a receipt for no good reason other than he was tired and didn't feel like doing it! Don't mess with me kid this bitch is on a warpath.

My new Laundry Basket

2008-10-09T09:59:00.003-04:00

Yes the time has come where the laundry basket I have used since the beginning of my freshman year of college [7 years ago?? eek] has finally retired. I came to this realization after I got a quick glimps at how dirty the bottom of the basket actually was. And the icing on the cake was when the handles broke after shleping it down 9th ave. to the laundromat.

A funny thing laundry baskets. Your dirty clothes sit in the same place you then put the clean clothes...lets not think to much about that point.

So off I went to Bed Bath and Beyond the mecca of all things home. That store is like a home addicts nightmare. Yes 'home addict.' Some are drug addicts, others are home addicts. Addicted to all things home. The layout of the store is meant to feed the addiction. It's like you suddenly forget about your initial intent and wander into the linen section, then really bad art section that have wooden signs that say, "Cucina" or "Vino." Suddenly you think you need a carrot pealer or maybe even a little thing that hooks your socks together so they don't get lost in the wash!!

The sobering moment comes when you realize you have to carry all this crap home.

I took a deep breath got my laundry basket after considering 3 others, I also got a canvas bag to bring to the laundromat, and one of those little 'intimates' bags for the wash.

It was a little sad leaving my multi-colored striped friend in the garbage room of my apt. an old friend finally out to pasture. We had some great washes together. He had a good run, but time to move on.

Harry for President!

2008-10-08T11:28:00.004-04:00

For all those who don't follow enough Harry Potter to understand this image here goes:

Obama = Harry
DUH Harry is the best wizard ever! Ok yes he's young and only has about 7 years of school under his belt but he has learned by experience. He wasn't gonna just sit around and let that Umbrige bitch make the rules, he got up and created Dumbledor's Army! He is a symbol of love, friendship, peace and bravery, a real leader.

Biden = Dumbledor
The experienced one. Older, wiser a symbol of peace and fairness to all.

Palen = Professor Lockhart
A phony!! For those who remember the story of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, he fronted as a Defense Against Dark Arts professor only to reveal himself as a pawn for Lord Voldermort!! A celebrity of sorts claiming feats of bravery when none are actually true. His attempt to use the Obliviate Charm on Harry and Ron backfires due to his use of Ron's broken wand, and he suffers the loss of his own memory as a result. Well maybe Palen didn't have one to begin with?

McCain = Peter Pettigrew/Wormtail
What a perfect match! The biggest traitor in the story of Harry Potter. Was once a loyal friend of Harry's Father and Sirus Black but then joined the dark side spending most of his life as Ron's pet rat. In the end he turned on his friends to serve evil.

The Coffee Wars Continues

2008-10-03T09:33:00.004-04:00

While I was cheating on my coffee cart man this morning I happened to notice the new breakfast sandwich from Starbucks. It's called the Piadini which comes in various varieties of portobello mushroom, ricotta cheeses, sausage. On the other side of town Dunkin' Donuts has been promoting their Egg White Flatbread Sandwich. Dunkin' Donuts is the first fast food company to make an all egg white sandwich launched their product in late July along with the DD Smart Menu. Starbucks, a little late to the game started promoting their product in late September.

Calorie counter:

Egg White Veggie Flatbread:
290 Calories

Portobello Muschroom, Spinach, Feta and Ricotta Cheese w/ Egg Piadini
370 Calories

Also might I add the Piadini is nowhere to be found on the Starbucks website! I still think that McDonald's has the best deal going. The originator of the breakfast sandwich EggMcMuffin probably coined somewhere in the dictionary clocks in at 300 calories and probably a whole lot cheaper than Starbucks and Dunking Donuts. McDonald's recently got on the coffee bandwagon knocking Starbucks off their feet. They have also taken a serious effort to come clean with their ingredients and promote healthy choices. I think the biggest challenge McDonalds needs to overcome is their instore experience. Also, the fast food stereotype of McDonald's is very different from that of Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts. A tough case to overcome.

I will keep an eye out as this comical saga unfolds.

I Cheated on My Coffee Cart Man

2008-10-03T09:16:00.004-04:00

I feel terrible, I'm a sell out, but it was really REALLY good.

Every day for the past 4 months I have been going to this little coffee cart man on Maiden Lane. Those carts you see on the street have hands down the best coffee in this city. He knows me now, knows that every day I order iced coffee with a little bit of milk and one sugar. He starts my drink even before I move up to my place in line. There have been days where he hasn't shown up and my whole entire morning is thrown off. One time I walked an extra block to find another cart and the guy gave me a cup with a deformed lid and I spilled it everywhere, travesty I tell you!

But today it was a little chilly and I wasn't really in the mood for something cold. Yes I could have broken the pattern and asked for a regular coffee but no...not today I wanted a tall Pumpkin Spice Latte from the coffee devils themselves. STARBUCKS. That's right people I did it. I was a sell out. But it was good, really good. And now that I got that out of my system I will have to break it to my coffee man that it's time to put the ice away. With the change in seasons comes a change in coffee.

Fozzie Joke of the Day from my Muppets Calendar

2008-10-02T13:32:00.001-04:00

'I had a dressing room so small that all the mice were hunchbacked!'

Let's keep it on the up and up

2008-10-01T14:49:00.003-04:00

Thanks Lev! Always has the best things to make me laugh!

Cat massage

How Sweet He Is

2008-10-01T12:55:00.006-04:00

Hungry for change alright!

These are Eleni's of NY's #1 best seller. Temporarily back ordered

OMG!! how cool is this!

2008-09-30T16:50:00.001-04:00

Artist Drew Stuzan's Tribute to 'The Great Muppet Caper'
http://www.drewstruzan.com/

Barbie has her own Cooking Show?!

2008-09-30T10:13:00.004-04:00

Toys are so much more modern these days. Barbie has her own cooking show! What will they come up with next Reality Show Barbie?

We're running out of adjectives!

2008-09-29T10:03:00.000-04:00

Crumbling, devastating, choke, disappointing.

As quoted by the AM Daily, 'It began as a nail-biter but ended as a heartbreaker'

My heart swelled on Sunday as the Mets...well you know. But the celebratory commemorative nature that followed the game lifted the spirits of many. It symbolizes that they are a team of past present and future. For that stadium to suck it up and put on a happy face really says a lot about the strength, poise, and respect this team has for the game and the fans.

I got teary-eye on the subway this morning as I saw that goofy orange wig. The story is like a train wreck you just can't take your eyes off of it.

The loss comes to us at a time when New Yorkers need forward thinking more than ever. The two headlines of the NY Post and The Daily News had the Met's loss and the Economic Rescue Plan. Optimism and hope are hard to come by these days but as Americans these two stories not only represent two great foundations of this country [Baseball and Economic Power] but also how the American people are resilient and hope for the future.

We could all just give up and move to a foreign country but we believe that next spring will bring a new roster and our economy will being it's slow upturn once again.

Big Shot Alright!

2008-09-29T09:49:00.001-04:00

Okay so we all know that to be a Billy Joel fan these days doesn't warrant a tough break. A recovering alcoholic who drives cars into trees and marries women less than half his age. But I think the tainted Billy Joel image has wandered it's way into the cover band scene!

Saturday night my friends and I went to see the Billy Joel cover band 'Big Shot' at the NYC Canal Room. Things were going well, they highly resembled the famous piano man's chords and vocals. I knew every word and the band members were definitely staring. I looked around at the bridge and tunnel crowd and there were a select few who could battle it off with me.

So Mr. Big Shot decides to take some requests from the audience, fault number 1.

'We're not playing Uptown Girl so let's just get that out of the way'

EXCUSE ME?! Okay Christy Brinkly is not in the audience you are NOT Billy Joel and have no personal attachment to the song what's you're problem Mister?!

He also shunned off 'We didn't start the Fire' [probably b/c your pea sized brain can't remember all the words] and 'Angry Young Man' [probably b/c you're not talented enough to handle it!]

Falut number 2.
Mr. Big Shot decides to check his cell phone in the middle of Italian Restaurant! His cell phone was conveniently sitting on the key board and wanted to make sure none of his hookers called.

And Falut number 3.
'We're gonna take a short break' turns into a half hour!! A half hour waiting for a cover band!! Billy Joel plays for 3 f'in hours straight assholes!! Broadway shows don't even make you wait that long! And the musical interlude consisted of 'Hey Mickey, Will Smith's Welcome to Miami, and several other, 'Are they seriously playing this right now."

We walked out before the 'second act?" started.

The most eventful weekend of my life...

2008-09-15T17:26:00.000-04:00

Yes I would go as far to make such a bold proclamation.

It started off on a dark and rainy night at the South Street Seaport for the 3rd Annual Heartland Brewfest. To much dismay they got cheap this year and gave out plastic tasting cups rather than the nice glass ones. Leave it to one stupid jerk who drops the glass or smashes it on someone's head and ruins it for all of us! After a little too much Pumpkin Spice Ale we made our way to the desolate San Gennario Festival in Little Italy. Yes my friends for the first time in my life I was not pressed up against a greasy I-talian, falling over a baby carriage, or getting sausage + pepper grease dripped on me. After a piece of pizza and getting scammed by a cheap carnival game we left.

Saturday was the Bronx Zoo! An excuse to get really excited over child-like things. Very disappointed by the frog exhibit but the elephants and giraffes were cool! My favorite quote was by a native Bronx women who commented on the picture above. Two monkey's had their tails intertwined and she says, "Look day makin' love wit day tails."

After the zoo I had my first Sylvia's soul food experience where I ate enough calories to last me though next year.

And Sunday was Pickle Day in the Lower East Side!! After the initial 'okay I lost my bearings in the LES' Amanda and I finally found the abyss of Pickle Greatness! Strange practices such as waiting on really long lines to try and stab tiny pieces of pickle with tooth picks or having a stick shoved up it's pickle ass so you can enjoy pickle on a stick! Also, singing fiddle man sings about pickles and the 'There aint no bugs on me' song from the K9 Advantix flea commercial.

Oh and MetroMix.com took our picture, I'm on the internet! http://newyork.metromix.com/restaurants/photogallery/pickle-party/615348/content?photo=1

Ahh NYC how I love thee so!

Guys on the Corner with the Menus

2008-08-01T10:51:00.001-04:00

I have many questions surrounding this means of employment:
1. Is there like a temp agency that places these guys

2. If so, are certain places in demand? Like people always take the Joe's Pizza menus but no one wants to get stuck handing out menus for Mulu Ken's Ethiopian Delights.

3. Can they leave their shift when they get rid of all the menus?

4. If so help a guy out and take the thing, they always seem so greatful to give them away.

5. Maybe! If they get rid of all the menus really fast they get promoted to doing something else! Like writing specials on the chalkboards, or folding napkins!

Here's to you 'Mr. Guy on the Corner with the Ethiopian Menu Man!'
[in the tone of Budweiser's real men of genius]

A Break though in the Cat Calls

2008-07-31T15:38:00.000-04:00

So as many of you fine ladies know, NYC is one of the major hubs for inappropriate cat calls made by ugly foreign men. Some may recall my favorite cat call from an old blog post 'I'm a latte' [March 2007].

I often wonder why can't the cute good-looking men take a hint from their tragic low breeds?

Well ladies there has been a break though!

Julia and I were walking down in the financial district the other day and a decent white boy in a button down shirt and kakki pants walked by us, "Hello Ladies" with a slight undertone of obnoxiousness but yet a break through!!

If this was the movies and I could do and say whatever I wanted and script the entire scene I would have turned around, grabbed his shoulders and said, "THANK YOU!"

At which point he would probably either A) be really freaked out and run away B) get really cockey and continue on the obnoxious tone he started with or C) surpass all odds and engage in casual conversation

There is hope!

A Long Time Coming

2008-07-31T14:44:00.000-04:00

Phew! I'm back. I can't believe it's been like 4 months since my last post!!

I was kinda in a funk with hating my old job and not really being inspired for a good post. But now I have a new job I'm really happy and the blog is back!! and it's better than ever... [suddenly I hear music in my head, Elton John's 'The Bitch is Back' and that song 'My Boyfriend's Back' and he's gonna save my reputation la la la].

Oh and by the way these brackets and single quote thing I picked up from the new job at SS+K. It's their weird formatting thing they do. [ ] single quotes and + to replace 'and' or sometimes used as a comma...I think. A kinda cult thing I'm buying in to.

The Old Man is Snoring

2008-04-28T12:06:00.000-04:00

I was walking to work this morning and was reminded of that childhood song you used to sing in the rain,

"It's raining it's pouring the old man in snoring, he went to bed with a bump on his head and he couldn't get up in the morning."

Okay so this is confusing to me in my adult mind. Going to bed with a bump on your head and not getting up in the morning to me means he died of a concussion. But the song starts off with him snoring...so he was alive when he went to bed, and where did this bump come from?!

I question the morbidness of this little song because I know certain nursery rhymes involve death such as "Ring around the Rosy...ashes ashes we all fall down."

Then I tried to think of some others,

"See saw knock on the door, who's there grandpa, where's your money in your pocket, where's your pocket in your pants, where's your pants, at home!"

What kind of mother would allow her children to sing a song that has a grandpa with no pants on?!

Eney Meeney Miney Mo

2008-03-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

So the other day I was faced with a very big decision...do I want iced coffee or hot coffee. The weather has been getting warm lending itself to a more iced coffee craving...but there still was a slight chill in the air making me possibly want a nice hot cup to wrap my hands around. So I did what any mature adult would do in such a decision making process and sung the Eney Meeney Miney Mo song. It brought me back to my childhood days and recalled how whatever the outcome of the song was (the "you are it") I always ended up wanting the other option. In which case I would sing the additional verse..."red white and blue I pick you." A true measure of what you really really want. Or was it not being strong enough to loose out on something else? It takes a lot to invest such decision making on a silly little song. But I am still trying to find the deeper reason for why you always want the option that you don't pick. Did you subconsciously already make up your mind before singing the song? Or do you always want what you can't have? Or is it one of the mysteries of life we'll never solve?

It's been awhile, but this one is kinda sweet.

2008-02-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

So NYC has really been kicking my butt the last couple months and I really haven't had a chance to get in touch with my creative self to write a good blog. But last night was a nice NY moment I'll never forget.

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and I really wanted to get ashes but I got out of work so late I was afraid it wouldn't happen. As I walked out of the office at 7:12 I see a woman with ashes on her head. They looked pretty fresh so I asked where she got them. Of course she didn't speak English but we were able to communicate that she got them at the Actor's Chapel on the next block over. I had a nice spiritual few minutes, sat and prayed and contemplated. When I finally walked out the church bells started going off. I recognized the tune...definitely not a church song...I pulled over on the side of the street to listen longer. Low in behold, of course the church bells in NYC's theatre district would ring none other than "The Lullaby of Broadway." I smiled and boarded the subway.

Overheard in the Travel Section

2007-10-03T09:29:00.000-04:00

I was in the travel section Borders bookstore the other day during work to get a book on St. Louis for U.S. Bank research. As I finally decided on the one pitiful book they had on St. Louis (I guess it's not a big travel destination) I headed toward the cashier. As I was leaving the travel area I overheard two middle aged women in the following conversation:

"Okay I just to get one more thing. I need one of those sex, trashy, Danielle steel romance novels-"

Normal so far....dialogue continues...

"for my mother, she's ninety-five and that's the only thing that keeps her goin'."

I think having a sex drive at ninety-five is a fate worse than death. By that time, you've probably outlived your spouse, or your spouse is so old that the machine probably doesn't work any more and even if it did, foreplay would be spent trying to figure out how to position yourselves so you don't break the other's hip. I guess all you could do is live vicariously though the characters of Danielle Steel and then bust out the vibrator you use for your arthritis.

Spanish Material Girl

2007-09-13T11:12:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it can be very annoying when you are standing in a crowded place such as an elevator, the subway or even a train, and you hear music coming from the iPod ear buds of the person next to you. Such an experience happened to me the other day on my subway commute in the morning. Jam packed on the E train and in walks this big ghetto Spanish/Mexican guy. He's got the gold chains, the shaved head, Jesus tattoos, and some maybe an Echo t-shirt. I can hear muffled music coming out of the iPod buds and at first am quite pissed. Only until I can make out the song. Our Spanish friend was listening to Madonna Material Girl on his morning commute. How sweet.

Meatball Parm Wrap Please

2007-09-07T10:59:00.000-04:00

I went to Subway yesterday for my signature turkey provolone on whole wheat bread when I noticed the order ahead of me. Meatballs and cheese on a wrap. Okay there are several things wrong with this. First of all the cardinal rule of any upstanding Italian is to never I repeat NEVER eat Italian food from a fast food establishment. I was barely allowed to eat sauce from a jar let alone Italian food from a restaurant that didn't end in a vowel. So I watched as this guy wrapped up a meatball...I guess would you call it parmigiano...? wrap and thought somewhere one of my Italian relatives is turning in their grave.

Nose Dripping Heroine

2007-07-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

The scene is twenty-something year old girl sits on the 23rd St. crosstown bus battling a serve cold involving nose blowing that sounds like a fog horn and a deep phlemy cough.

Cue: The most gorgeous guy New York City has ever seen walks onto the 23rd St. crosstown bus at 3rd Ave. and sits directly across from our sickly heroine.

Girl tries with all that's left in her to refrain from releasing the fog horn. Finally gorgeous guy gets off the bus at 7th Ave., 4 avenues later which seems like an eternity for our nose dripping dame.

Once gorgeous guy's foot has been released from the final step on the bus girl clutches her bag for her last remaining tissue.

Ease and comfort has finally been bestowed upon our heroine, and she continues to ride the bus to 9th ave.

End scene.

Viva Las Vegas!!

2007-07-16T12:49:00.000-04:00

So my much too short trip to Las Vegas included the following hi-lites!

~Playing my first game of Black Jack! Of course not winning anything but still it was a milestone.

~Seeing the boys of American Storm show me their rear ends from the front row! They were sooo hottt, but sadly no frontals. Not sure if I'd really want to see that anyways. It was a great show but its funny how they grab the ugliest women in the audience to do on stage "demonstrations." Twice, they grabbed this one toothless hick of a woman wearing those light blue shorts that come up just above your beer gut. I wonder what the rationale behind that is.

~Going to the Michael Buble concert!!! I'm in love all over again.

~Went to the hott new night club Pure at Ceasar's Palace and saw Lindsey Lohan. She seemed pretty sober. The Pussycat Dolls performed and they are AMAZING. I might quit my job and train to become one of the dolls. It was incredible the amount of Asian and Indians at this place. Maybe b/c the boys had to wait in a separate line that was twice the size of the girl's line. American boys don't have the patience for things like that I guess.

Overall a fabulous trip. I'd go back once I have a lot more disposable money to spend.

Girl Walks into a Bar

2007-07-10T10:54:00.000-04:00

Girl walks into a bar, another girl walks up to her and says, "Can I buy you a fish sandwich?".....that's all I got.

-Tales from the weirdos at Jersey Shore

That's almost as bad as the guy at Jenkinsens who said my friend's bag looked like a picnic basket and asked if she had any chicken in there.

Harry Potter in the Betsy Johnson

2007-06-25T09:52:00.000-04:00

I'm walking down 23rd street on the way to the NRW to get to Brooklyn for my cousin's graduation party. I have on my just-above-the-knee white Italian skirt, with the brown knit off the shoulder sweater and a tight laced v-neck sleeveless lace top with the high-heeled Carlos Santanna shoes. Dressed to kill of course I'm getting cooed at, looks from the street workers, and cat called as sleazy old men pass me on the opposite side. I laugh at myself because I wonder what they would think if they knew I had book 5 of Harry Potter tucked away in my leopard print Betsy Johnson bag for some subway reading. 17 more days!!

Ex-boyfriend Milestone

2007-06-20T12:22:00.000-04:00

Nothing like Facebook to send you a message (and an obnoxious picture) loud and proud that your ex-boyfriend, your first love, is announcing his new relationship. A milestone all females are slapped in the face with. How does one deal? Take the mature route. Stalk her pictures and convince yourself that you are sooo much prettier and have so much more going for you in life. Remove his name from your AOL buddy list and facebook and then go out and get drunk, puke him out of your system and then move on. :)

Cast your Vote!

2007-05-15T10:27:00.000-04:00

Ok, so finding a home for Paris is not as easy as I thought. I have 4 potential people who would be great pet owners. Help me choose!

Shelia-

Lives in PA with a decent size yard in a residential neighborhood
Between her, her husband and her 14 year old daughter someone is always home
They have a cat who thinks he's a dog (From my knowledge Paris has never seen a cat)
They have a lot of friends who have dogs so he's have a lot of playmates
They are big in to softball and want to be their team mascot
She had a Boston terrier for 15 years and the vet said they took excellent care of it, and did all they could for him

Tricia-

Lives in a nice residential town in CT with a nice yard
Looking for a playmate for her English bulldog
She works night shifts so is home during the day
Lives alone
Her and her ex-fiance had two dogs together a bull mastiff and the English bull dog but he kept the bull mastiff

Mike-

Goes to Cornell veterinary school
Lives in Ithica during the school year with I think 5 guy roommates (all vet students), one has a golden retriever and the other has 2 cats
In the summer he lives with his family in NJ who has a retriever puppy

Alex

Lives on the upper east side in a studio apt.
Has never had a dog but is anxiously looking for one.

I Fell in Love with a Parisian

2007-05-08T11:04:00.000-04:00

His name was Paris.

I was volunteering that the Brooklyn Animal Foster Network two Saturdays ago and was paired with this hunk of a dog. After spending the day with him I found he was a big mush and loved to give kisses. The way it works, if the dogs and cats we take from the pound that day don't get fostered or adopted they go back to the pound and ultimately destroyed. All the animals were taken care of that day except Paris. So off we went to my little studio apartment in Chelsea. I had intentions of adopting him, but a dog of this size really is a lot of responsibility. Luckily I found a great home for him.

Week in review:
-He was very well behaved only chewed my iPod headphone, when he puked it up later saw the black little foam thing, looked like an olive.

-He LOVED the dog park. All the dogs loved him, even this little pug tried to hump him. A little French Bull dog had a tug of war match with him. He also was like a mediator, when other dogs were barking at each other he'd go over and check out the action, they would then disperse at his massive presence.

-I've never been so face to face with dog shit in my entire life!

-People LOVED him, kept asking what breed, where I got him

-He loved to sit on my feet while we were waiting for the elevator, and will always pee on garbage bags

-He loved toys that he could rip apart. I gave him my Muppet Animal doll and he ripped the head off, and I got him a stuffed monkey, the tail went first and the head was just a few stitches away.

-He ate sticks like a real dog!

-He snored like a drunk hook-up

-He cuddled like a boyfriend

What a great friend, I'll miss him but I trust everything worked out as planned. An omen was when the man who wanted to adopt him was named Romeo, which was the name of my very first dog.

A Young Girl's Coming of Age Story-"Can I get your number?"

2007-04-27T13:50:00.000-04:00

So the days of the number exchange have changed. I think I can remember when we still scrounged around for a piece of paper, or scribbled it on our homework assignment pad. Before the days of cell phones. Today you just whip that thing out and boom you're in. (HAHA I remember this one time when I was promoting for Budweiser this guy made me put his number in my phone, I titled it "Don't answer"). So at the pure age of 19 when a 32-year-old man hands you his business card what do you do?! What does that mean?! Is it like your ticket into the land of grown-ups, of mature men (well maybe who think they're mature). Or, are you grossed out that he's 32, he knows your 19, you're at a college bar and intoxicated. I thought business cards were reserved for like meeting in the elevator, or on the street or subway, a sober exchange of the contact information. Not sure my thoughts on the situation. From an "old wise" age of 23 looking back on it, he's probably just trying to impress and get some ass. I also don't really like the idea of him waving his responsibility of making the first call, by giving you his number. If I was 19 I might have thought it was cool/flattering but probably would have left the card on the bar and filed the story away. Either way, a coming of age story when a man hands you his business card.

Bachelor in a Grass skirt

2007-04-18T12:32:00.000-04:00

Another loss for me this weekend. I was out after Lindsey's "Passion Party" (yea you know!)all in the mood for some passion. We go to this place and there is a Hawaiian Bachelor party going on PERFECT! Until the guy who is getting married decides I'm real cute and grabs me and starts grinding with me. All his friends think its great! In my head I'm like "YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED...STOP WASTING MY TIME!" So we had guy with girlfriend, guy who's getting married, whats next a Mormon?

Allison 0 New York 1

2007-04-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

I was out last night and spotted a cute guy across the bar, sounded like he had a little accent of sorts. As he became more intoxicated he began testing the waters until he finally came over and started talking to my friends and I. Holy cow what a weird-O! A 32-year-old Scottish guy who managed to give us a history lesson on the US constitution, Alexander Hamilton, the rights of this country told us how he loves *ussy, but made a minor reference to possibly being gay, and expressed his anger about certain historical figures by calling them cunts. So the score goes for Allison meeting guys in NY: Allison 0: Crazy/unsuccessful attempts by the fine offerings of NYC 1

It's like meeting the man of your dreams...and then meeting his beautiful wife.

2007-04-09T09:17:00.000-04:00

Isn't it ironic. A gorgeous guy sat down next to me at a Jersey bar (Leggets whohooo!) this weekend. Big, buff, blond guy, 30 (perfect age!), state trooper(ok we can deal with that), he even had a little wing man, he seemed really interested in me and I in him until he goes, "Oh Allison, this is my girlfriend Ashley." Whatttt!?! I then try to casually turn my head in search of new prospects but he keeps talking to me! Ashley seems totally cool about her boyfriend talking to other girls, me, I'm quite perplexed. This guy was legitimately flirting. So I came to 3 possible explanations 1.) The two are not monogamous (she even looked a little gay) 2.) He was trying to get someone for his little wing man 3.) They were looking for a three-some.

I was that kid...

2007-04-06T11:34:00.000-04:00

I had Julia and Amanda over the other night to paint Easter Eggs! It was a cheap fun alternative for entertainment. While doing this child-like project different personalities arose in each of us. Were you the kid that sat back and watched what everyone else did first, then came out with the best ideas in the end? Were you the 'did your own thing proud of your work but still admired everyone elses' or...the one who dried up all the markers tried to mix 3 different colors, ripped your cheap writing paper from erasing so much and put too much glue on everything!