But Enough About Me
I'm pretty much a completely stressed out dithering idiot this week, but I want to put all that aside for the rest of the day and ask y'all one quick favor.
Please send my Larry a quick birthday email. Yup, today's the official day, after a couple parties in Toronto and New York. I'm flying him off to a surprise, undisclosed location San Francisco this afternoon and back on Monday.
The rest of the day's about finishing up whatever I can, and then making sure my handsome youthful (looking) spousal-equivalent has a smashing birth-weekend.
October 30, 2003
Closets Are For Clothes
Yikes. This guy was my waiter several times. Such a nice kid, too. I wonder what happened?
Yes, I stole the closet joke from a friend. You know who you are.
Leavin' Home
When I have business trips to Lousiville, I often fly into Cincinnati and then drive down. It's easier on two counts: 1) there are much better flights/connection out of CVG than SDF and 2) most all my family's in Cincinnati, so I have a free place to stay and get to hang with my sister's kids.
Yesterday's trip added another bonus. The drive down was beautiful. The Kentucky hills were ablaze in color (in a good way, not like the scary mess out in Southern Caliornia). The sky was a crisp, clear blue and the trees were every shade of yellow, orange and red. Just like those jigsaw puzzles you used to put together on rainy days. Even in my sister's neighborhood were traces of beautiful autumn leaves, both on the trees and in the yards.
And I don't have to rake any of them.
October 29, 2003
Put Down the Pipe, Pick Up the Phone
"If you're in good health and smoke crack, call 513-xxx-xxxx."
Yes, that was on a TV commercial last night here in Cincinnati, during a Simpson's rerun. There's a medical center looking for research volunteers.
Whitney honey, Ohio's lovely this time of year.
October 28, 2003
Sitting in a Tin Can
Good morning from alluring Atlanta. The flight down was delayed and had more bumps than a month of Saturdays at the Roxy. Our friendly flight attendants were strapped into their jump seats for the entire flight, on Captain's orders, so we weren't even afforded the luxury of a Diet Coke or a bag of pretzels. And the bubba next to me was a chatter ... he didn't mind the fact that I was listening to my iPod and working on my laptop the whole time. God bless.
Getting my review today, and giving a couple as well. Hopefully they'll go a little smoother than last night's funfest.
Saw a story about these fuckers on the news this morning; made me so sad and angry. They need to be locked in a tin can and starved for awhile. What the hell is wrong with people who would adopt kids and then starve them half to death? Maybe for the money they got so they could keep themselves and their other kids fat and happy. It's horrible.
And then the spokesperson for the New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services gets on TV and says that maybe some of the "staff is uncompetent." Hey, let's make up new words at a press conference. Maybe she's bucking for an appointment into W's administration.
October 26, 2003
Tonight on Celebrity Deathmatch
Sydney Bristow vs. *beep* (The Bride)
I'm just sayin'.
Our House It Had a Crowd
And what a fine crowd it was.
They say it's not a party till something gets broken. If that's the case, well no sirree, there was no soirée in this apartment last night. And while we may not have made the social register, we did have one swell time.
Thanks to everyone who popped by ... whether you came from across the street, across the river, or across the continent (or anywhere inbetween). It's the people who make an event, and each and every one of you (even if you don't have a URL to link to, and some of you should) did more than your share to bring life to what otherwise would have been an empty roomfull of food and drink. Thank you all so very much, and that comes from Larry as well.
A wise woman once told me it's a small world when you suck cock. While there was no fellating (to my knowledge) at this fête, there were several instances of "oh my god, what are you doing here?" If one were drawn to drawing Venn diagrams, one could've been driven mad shading in unexpected intersections of last night's circles of friends. And that, y'all, makes for a really fun get together ... the unexepected intersections that is, not driving people mad.
My only regret is that I feel like I barely got to talk to anyone.
Y'all come back now, y'hear?
October 25, 2003
Nice to See You , Too
Was out running last-minute errands this afternoon and ran into a guy I used to work with who I haven't seen in a dog's age.
"Hi Bob, you're looking very ... distinguished."
"You mean old?"
"Mm hmm."
Nice. I invited him over for a drink tonight anyway.
Marcello, see that one who just came in? Be a love and poison her cocktail.
October 24, 2003
The Workweek Wrapup
In honor of him, even though he buzzed in and out of town without so much as tossing a headline my way ... I give you a list
* I'm pyched for tomorrow's fete. Liza honey, I've ordered more than enough powerade and I've put the lamps away.
* How come the bartender for said soiree just laughs when he asks about what he should wear and I respond "leather jock strap"?
* Heading to the streets of peachtrees and dusty roads of derby town next week (with a sleepover in the Queen City on Tuesday night). Wheeee.
* Cheap pizza and not-so-cheap wine aren't such a horrible combination.
* Where did all these links from popdex come from? (I suspect it's from being linked to by Lady Linkolicioius herself).
* Happy hour at Beauty Bar tonight -- let's drink till we're all pretty.
* Showered with the bathroom door closed this morning. Didn't care for it. If I wanted a steamroom, I'd go to a gym. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
* It's Indian summer in California and freezing here in the east. Can't we just split the difference and all be comfortable?
* Mom started reading the blog today. Oh dear. Hi Mom.
* Please don't forget to wish her a happy birthday on Sunday.
Have a great weekend everyone.
October 23, 2003
20 Bucks of Disappointment
For a few weeks now, I've been looking forward to seeing my first snazzy new $20 bill. Tonight was the night the putridly pastel Mr. Jackson found his way into my eager fingers.
After a couple months of playing with Pounds, Canadian Dollars and Euros, I only have two words: Sha Riek.
Maybe when Matty's done fixing Gawker, he can help out the artistes at the Treasury.
I want my money back.
Is That All There Is?
L's big bday bash kicks off in just over 48 hours. What else do I need?
food |
check |
wine, spirits |
check |
bartender |
check |
glasses |
check |
ice |
check |
ice tubs & scoops |
check |
votive candles |
to do |
CDs for shuffle play |
check |
beer/mixers |
buy on way home tonight |
cleaning lady for day after |
check |
Advil |
check |
hot rugby players for birthday striptease |
y'all give a shout |
October 21, 2003
Celebrate Good Times ... Yeah, Whatever
A cell phone conversation earlier this evening:
Me: Girl, I was getting my haircut awhile ago and thinking about you, and I see that you called me. We're connected.
Connie: We're on the same wavelength.
Me: Well, I didn't get a perm, but I was thinking about you. Whatcha doin'?
Connie: Just got home, getting ready to head to the gym.
Me: Screw the gym. Larry doesn't feel good and is already in bed. I'm thirsty. Let's go have a drink and catch up. I've got a new haircut!
Connie: Well, I've got a new promotion!
Me: Ah! A celebration!!! You've got more money and I've got less hair. I'm on 23rd, you're on 15th. Wanna meet in the middle in 15 minutes?
Fast forward to g
*hug hug, gossip gossip*
Fast forward to a few cocktails later
We've got every reason to be happy, how did we turn into these guys?
Old and bitter ... party of 2?
Don't Surf in the Subway
I was walking along the edge of the N/R platform yesterday afternoon. It’s not my usual subway, but I had to take a detour home to get my cable modem replaced.
Anyway, while at the way-too-crowded station, I was working my way down the platform, between the yellow line and the tracks, and had this vivid image of ending up on the tracks (either by getting pushed or falling, trying to avoid knocking into the hordes of passengers waiting for the next downtown-bound local).
Scary. Why on earth would I have such a thought? And, more importantly, what would I do if that happened? My first thought was panic, and yell for someone to help pull me out before the train came. But then what if we both fell in? I then rationally thought, “Well Bob, if a train’s coming, it’ll stop at the station. Just run down the track to avoid getting run over. Someone will see you, and they’ll tell the conductor not to start up again until you’re out of the way.”
It’s good to have an emergency plan.
Got to the Cable Express without incident, which, btw, is perhaps more convenient than waiting for a house call but a far cry from “express.” I did, however, get a smart new modem at no charge. Wheeeee.
Walking westward down 23rd Street, which was also too crowded, I gave L. a call at home to see if he wanted some treats from Whole Foods. Unlike me to be so thoughtful, but I was going to be in the neighborhood. Got the machine. Odd, he’s usually home by now, on the bed and unwinding with a goblet of Merlot and a Lifetime movie.
When I got home, about 7:30, he had just gotten in himself. He’d been stuck on the C train (the one I usually take) for the past couple hours. Trains were delayed to “an ill passenger.” I hate being stuck underground on the train. It's one of my few true New York anxieties. I fear the panic, the potential mass hysteria, the helplessness.
This morning’s news brought it all to light. The passenger wasn't ill ... the boy was dead. Way dead. What was he thinking? While he very well win a Darwin Award, I can't help being sad that he was so very, very stupid, despite reports of his being "extremely smart."
Weird that it happened just about the same time I was thinking about how not to get run over by a train.
I took a cab to work this morning. While there's still one to take.
Just Say Don't Miss It
She is going to be so good in this.
October 20, 2003
Blow a Kiss, Take a Bow
Woke up this morning feeling refreshed and renewed. With a kick in my step and a grin on my face, I zipped outside for a crisp, envigorating 5-mile run. Was in the office by 8:30 am, plowed through what I didn't finish yesterday and then, during a phone call with my new boss, learned that I'm getting the new job I've been after and they're bumping me up to a mutually satisfactory comp level. And since I'll be reporting to Europe, I can work from home whenever I want.
Larry just called and said we're getting that 2,500 sq. ft. penthouse apartment with views of the river and the ESB. We move in mid-November.
And to think, for the past few weeks I've been feeling glum. Everything's turning out just fine, just fine and dand ....
*HEY! SNAP OUT OF IT*
Oh sorry. I got all Shakti Gawain there for a minute.
We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.
October 19, 2003
Mommy Mommy, I Don't Want to Eat an Elephant
Shut up and keep doing your work.
I came into the office today to get a jump start on next week, as well as to catch up on some projects. Plus, my cable modem busted yesterday, and I didn't feel like dealing with dial-up. I'd probably get more work done if there wasn't this daggone Internet distraction.
I've plodded through a good number of the tasks at hand: expense reports, sending out meeting requests, delegating a few things, filing a half-ton of paper, going through stacks of "unprocessed" papers/mail/etc. and tending to some thousand (I'm not exaggerating) or so undealt with and/or previously ignored messages in my Outlook inbox.
Too. Much. Clutter. And most of it ended up in the Trash (except for the bonus of coming across a hastily scribbled email address for my best friend from high school ... hi Mike).
Stop me if I've said this already, but I've really been having a hard time staying focused lately. And I can't believe how much stupid paper there is in my office. Piles of crap everywhere, pulling focus worse than a nubile chorus boy with a stuffed dance belt.
I blame it on some odd combination of my self-diagnosed ADD, business trip-itis (symptoms include too much crap in one's office) and the fact that there's just a J.Lo-sized buttload of work to do -- I can't decide what thing to dive into next. I know, to eat an elephant I need to cut it up into edible chunks. But who wants to eat elephant in the first place?
The kids at QuitNet say it's the fact that I've stopped smoking (17 days, thank you very much). I think it's early onset Alzheimer’s.
Okay then, enough of all this time wasting and whining. Back to the piles of elephant shit on my desk.
But first, a new diversion, hearkening back to days gone by when life was easier and there was no such thing as project management ...
What's your favorite "Mommy Mommy" joke?
October 17, 2003
Highway to the Danger Zone
Hi honey, how was your day at the office?
I landed a Falcon 900EX at Teterboro airport. There was another plane too close in the landing pattern, it almost intercepted us and my left engine caught on fire.
Cool. I sent e-mails begging sales guys to hand over their client lists for some external market research.
I normally don't succumb to job envy. However, as a result of working on a lot of corporate aircraft lending, L's been getting a few perks of late, all in the name of "understanding the client's business." Today was a trip to a flight simulator, where he and some colleagues got to play Top Gun.
How cool is that? Apparently he did very well, which is good because the slightest turbelence usually sends him into a white-knuckled, Xanax-popping, breath-holding panic. I'm not saying he screams like a girl when he gets scared, I'm just saying.
But today, he's my little Red Baron.
Donnez Moi les French Fries
It'd kill Dr. Atkins (oops, too late), but I have poutine on the brain. No, not poontang, but poutine ... that oh-so French-Canadian concoction of french fries, cheese and gravy.
I'm not really sure where this culinary craving came from today. It certainly couldn't be the smart martinis I swilled at our own private version of Halo last night. Nor could it be the ensuing cocktails that tattooed muscle bartender-cum-manager sent our way while negotiating his bartending gig at Larry's upcoming bday bash. Oh, and as a quick aside, whoever told me that boy was straight was quelle misinformed.
Anyway, since a trip to Quebec is probably not happening during lunchtime I'll just have to go out and hunt me down a big gooey order of cheese fries (hey Karen ... let's go to AT2s). Add some dark gravy and I'll be set for the afternoon. Or at least for an afternoon nap.
October 16, 2003
Scandal! Teens Have It Off
Seems the UK's got its knickers in a knot over a recent Teen Big Brother episode where two housemates had sex (via Lubin).
Real World and Bel Ami have been doing that for years now.
I e-mailed a London friend, asking him if it was hot.
Straight sex between two spotty 18 year olds - what do you think?
And there you have it.
October 15, 2003
Springfield's Not Far from Chicago
The Smoking Gun has ID'd Chicago's most infamous cap boy as a Notre Dame grad named Bartman.
Can't you see Bart Simpson, wearing a Cubs cap, writing "I will not reach for foul balls" 100 times on the chalkboard?
I figure he's having reconstructive surgery as I type. Poor darlin'.
Kidding aside, I think he's getting a bum rap. He may have cost the Cubs an out, but he didn't certainly lose the game for them.
How come nobody's screaming about Alex Gonzalez blowing an easy play? Or Farnsworth's cruddy pitching after Prior imploded?
Poor Cubbies -- fingers crossed they redeem themselves in Game 7.
Is that a Euphemism in Your Pocket?
In the past couple of phone conversations I've had with my darling baby sister, she's told me with much delight about getting her carpet cleaned, her furnace fixed, and her battery jumped (once by her neighbor, once by her husband).
And, apparently, she's getting laid as well.
Who knew life in suburban Ohio could be so fulfilling?
We're Not Gonna Take It, Eh
Those Québécois are an angry bunch. Imagine the total chaos if Celine had cancelled.
October 14, 2003
It's Only For Now
When walking to work this morning (actually, to the subway that took me to work), I had this flash of a thought.
I'm out of balance.
I'm too hung up on the work thing. What happened to yoga? What happened to running? What happened to just taking it all in stride -- that feeling I had not so very long ago that all was good and things just didn't bother me anymore? I'm too tired lately and way too stressed. Enough already.
Balance. Yeah, maybe that's the key. But what do I let go of to focus on something else?
I really meant to get to the gym today, but it didn't happen. Energy's sometimes like money ... you need to spend some to get more. Some healthy exercise is just what I need to catch an endolphin or two to swim around in my sluggish bloodstream.
So I didn't make it to the gym. I did, however, take a walk at lunchtime and made it to the bookstore. When in doubt, add to the pile of reading that you haven't gotten around to. Picked up the first novel by an author I'd read about in Toronto last weekend. Also saw this book that I recalled reading about on of y'all's blogs.
A Fable About Following Your Dream
Um, and just what is that dream, anyway?
Maybe it's time to get the spritual groove back on ... figure out what my purpose is for the rest of 2003 and make some "balanced" goals for 2004.
Or maybe I'll just watch the rest of the Cubs game (how much fun would it be to live back in Wrigleyville right now?!?), get some sleep and get up for a 6:15 a.m. conference call.
Ouch.
October 13, 2003
But Where Was Anne Murray?
Toronto turned into another Berkeley Bacchanal and fun was had by all. Larry's birthday bash has just begun, and I'm already exhausted. Too much play makes Bobby a dull-witted boy. It's like I'm cracked out on tryptophan, and yet I've had not one bite of (Canadian) Thanksgiving turkey. Odd that.
Didn't make it to Lotus last night, but Wetbar was fun on Friday and I did see the what could possibly be North America's most tired drag queens at Woody's and Crews.
Now that Lady Bunny's over the pots and pans, she should pop up to Church Street and talk to faux Cher about her pot belly. So. Not. Pretty.
Oh I get it, it's what she'd look like if they put the ribs back in her.
A busy week ahead back here in the homeland. Way too much to do ... but it should keep me out of trouble. That's the theory anyway.
October 10, 2003
Ton of Tongues
Bonjour, Goede Morgen, Buongiorno, Guten Morgen and a fine howdy do.
Yesterday was, although un peu exhausting, a very productive day here in Brussels. A very good multi-national workshop and some possibly encouraging news on the career front; there's still no commitment from le grand fromage (yes, the Belgian waffles), but I'm officially still in the running for this job that I want.
The high point of the day, however, was the night. I took a long, wandering walk through the city, drinking up the cocktail of new and old ... the architecture, sights and people. Fountains, sculptures, cathedrals, shops, cobblestone streets ... it's all very beautiful.
Found myself in the middle of the Grand-Place, which really is one of the most beautiful town squares I've ever seen. There was a big stage set up last night, with a horizontal row of 3 movie screens placed above it. The music was very techno-electronic, a post-modern Kraftwerk, if you will, with projected video images to match. All this surrounded by four walls of old-world, impossibly ornate towers and spires. Very surreal. I stood there in the brisk autumn night air, drinking a beer and just taking it all in when I noticed the full moon started to rise just between two of the spires.
It was a breezy night, with a low layer of clouds zipping by, backlit by the brightest moon I've seen in months, just hanging over these ancient spires. Whenever I see a big moon like that, behind fast moving clouds, I call it a vampire moon. I'm certain Lestat was lurking in the Grote Markt with me last night.
Have a good weekend. I'll be whooping it up in Cabbagetown, eh.
October 8, 2003
Plane Tired
Greetings from Delta's Business Elite lounge at JFK, or Just Fucking Killme, as I've rechristened it after having to trek out out here twice in the past 3 days.
Was going to do a little blog browsing to pass some time, but the first one I went to wasn't really what I had in mind. Uhm, thanks Beau for the uplifting pre-flight post.
Then I jumped over to Jodi, and, well, what what the pliznick? Damn, I left my secret decoder ring at home (along with my iPod ... grrrr ... on which I'd just downloaded the new Bette does Rosemary as well as Rickie Lee's most recent release).
So, yup, it's another business trip. I might soon be giving him a run for his miles. Also on the road this week is this month's Canadian birthday boy (the one I live with, not you dear Soc ... happy early bday anyway -- see you Tuesday?).
Got a call from him this afternoon from Orlando, where he's at a corporate aircraft show. He'd just toured a jet that had a full living room, two washrooms (each with lovely shower) and a bedroom with a queen-sized bed. That's a mobile home that I'd be happy to travel across the ocean in.
Good evening, sir and welcome aboard. Here's your chamomile tea and an Ambien. Your bed's been turned down and we'll wake you for your shower an hour before we land. Would you like Sven or Estefan to wash your back in the morning?
Um, both please. Thank you very much.
Next post from Brussels. Have a good night.
Too Close for Comfort
Heard on the news this morning that, among Californians, Ahnold had a 45% disapproval rating going into yesterday's election. According to CNN, the recall passed with a 54% vote.
Last night's news said that W has a 49% disapproval rating.
What's more disturbing ... that the public is so evenly divided on all this or that our leaders are "victorious" by such a narrow margin?
October 7, 2003
Governor Ahnold
Early as it is, it looks like it's going to happen.
Oh. My.
Product Misplacement
I think Queer Eye's remarkable for its product placement.
I also think that NBC jumped the sharkskin tonight when it placed its own Bravo product (i.e., the Fab Five) in a horrible episode of Good Morning, Miami. The boys can be funny when riffing on their own, but give 'em a script and they're in dire need of a makeover.
Thanks, but Don't Get Your Hopes Up
In an email I received this morning ...
Thank you for your time yesterday and the work and support that you are providing me with.
As far as the role is concerned, more work needs to be done at a senior level to ensure that we are properly resourced. When I know more about the direction we will take, I will let you know, but regardless of the ultimate results, I want you to know how much I appreciate your work.
Is the glass half empty or half full? Either way, I think I need another drink.
Mirage Magic?
While ensconced in my lovely Four Seasons bed this gray Atlanta morning, I happened across The Early Show on CBS. They were having a "live" interview with Roy Horn's manager. Seems Roy's not doing so well with his rather bad case of cat scratch fever.
It wasn't the most scintilating of interviews, so I switched to the Today Show. There was Katie, interviewing the same man, also "live." What? I switched back to CBS, there he was again, answering the CBS questions.
Two live interviews at the same time. That, my friends, is Las Vegas illusionism as its finest.
October 6, 2003
Yum, Kippers
A very happy Yom Kippur to all my friends out there who are observing this Day of Atonement.
Sundown's in just a few hours, hang in there ... y'all can finally get some food, and hopefully I'll get some sleep. Actually, I'm pretty hungry myself right about now.
Shalom.
At Least My Head's Not this Cloudy ... Yet
Well the 6:40 am flight out of JFK wasn't nearly as dreary as the sky here in Atlanta today. What happened to the pretty weather I left behind a couple weeks ago?
I feel the wall a comin'. Getting up at 4am is so not in my DNA.
October 5, 2003
So Where's the Worm?
8am on a Sunday morning?!? This isn't like me at all. Felt like shit all day yesterday ... don't know if it's the not smoking thing (today is day 4), the patch thing or just the barometric pressure, but I was whacked. Went to bed at 9:15 and slept right through till a little while ago (except for whoever called my cell at 4am ... cheers, thanks a lot).
The plan is to go into the office, catch up on what I didn't do Friday and get all my ducks in a row for a, get this, 6:40am meeting/flight with the head of Europe (company-wise, not politically wise). Oh, and it's out of JFK. Again ... cheers, thanks a lot.
In case anyone's keeping little Bob push pins on their maps at home, it's Atlanta on Monday, back here on Tuesday, a Wednesday night flight to Brussels and then a Friday jaunt to Toronto where I'll meet up with Larry for the Cabbagetown portion of his big birthday bash.
The cool news is I got my Blackberry upgraded to one of these last week, and it allegedly works everywhere, so I'll still be emailable and phonable. I'm for crap at figuring out those European payphones.
October 4, 2003
It's Getting Deep In Here
If anybody needs some over-the-top personal PR written, we've found your flak ...
I have assisted X through his extensive home search in the New York area, and was with him when we viewed the apartment at XYZ. No other property that he looked at was remotely competitive in terms of what he was looking for with this excellent apartment. His love for New York and his passion for this apartment, building and neighborhood motivated him to put a bid in within several days of viewing it.
Passion this.
Catfight
Roy (of Siegfried and Roy) "looked like a rag doll in his mouth" when one of his kitties got tired of playing nice and drug him offstage at last's night show. Nice way to spend your birthday, eh?
Maybe they can get Celine to understudy.
October 3, 2003
Tannin Booth
I can think of worse ways to spend a beautfiful Friday afternoon than tasting a variety of varietals.
Our hosts Tim and Tish put on quite the event ... a little education, a few tasty nibbly bits and some very enjoyable wines.
Here was this afternoon's sampling ... you can't go wrong with any of them.
1. Georg Breuer, Riesling, Charms, 2001 (Germany)-- I'm not a big Riesling drinker (I prefer red to white), but this was crisp, dry and a little apply. Maybe some pear. It tasted like autumn.
2. Rockbare Shiraz, 2001 (Australia) -- Fruity start (what does a blackberry mixed with currant taste really taste like?) with a bit of wood. I'm not even going to go with the "fruit with wood" reference. Nope, you can't make me. This wasn't as syrupy as other shirazes I've had. I'd drink it again.
3. Pago Florentino, 2001 (Spain) -- A spicy red that reminded me of Rioja, only a little classier. Turns out the grape is a Tempranillo, a cousin to the Rioja ... the Cathy, if you will, to the more Patty-ish Marques de Caceres that I've taken a fancy to over the past few months. (I just can't get away from Neely today, can I?). We bought half a case. Come over and have a taste, it's good.
4. Ateo, Piccolomin, 2000 (Tuscany) -- A lighter blend of Chianti and Cabernet. Not my favorite, but I like that the name means Athiest. Send the Pope a bottle; it just might do him in.
5. Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St Estephe, 1989 (Bordeaux) -- Oh. My. I know taste is subjective and all, but this was perfect. Earthy, well-aged, rich ... it'd be amazing with a big tasty hunk of meat. Or a cigarette (Day 2 on the patch, thanks for asking). When I grow up, I want to be this wine. Many thanks to Tish for busting this out of his private stock for this event.
If one were to be a wine whore, one would swallow if given a case of this. I'm not sayin' ... I'm just sayin'.
6. Chateau Mongravey, Margaux, 2000 (Bordeaux) -- a younger Bordeaux, a little fruitier than than the previous, but lovely nonetheless.
7. Justin Isosceles, Paso Robles, 2000 (California) -- smooth, sassy, a little fruit, a little earth, maybe some caramel?. Really yummy. We bought a couple bottles of this as well. I'd drink it all the time, but it's a little pricey.
The good folks at Union Square are having a big ol' wine tasting tomorrow afternoon. Anybody wanna go with me before I head over to see Andy's show?
Spit or Swallow?
Larry's been holed up at the Ritz this week for a corporate awards event. It was supposed to be in Paris, but ended up here in Manhattan.
Congratulations on working on the "deal of the year." You've won an all expense paid trip to ... one mile south of your apartment.
He's only a little bitter.
Anyway, this afternoon's activity is a fancy wine tasting tour with some grape guru. Spouses/significant others invited. I'm off to swirl, sniff and slurp some (hopefully) high-priced hooch.
October 2, 2003
You've Got to Climb Mt. Everest ...
Tonight's cultural highlight will be a screening of this on the big o'l Chelsea screen.
That'll be me, singin' on the jukebox.
Addendum: I expected the movie film, with a theater full of queens, to be a hoot. Expectations exceeded. That was one of the most entertaining nights I've had in a really long time. What was Mark Robson thinking?
October 1, 2003
Triglyceriding My Patience
Seems the double-dose of Lipitor isn't doing the trick. My cholesterol's still higher than it should be and my triglycerides are almost 100 points higher than they were last time, which puts them at 608. For those of you keeping score at home, the recommended level is <150. Ouch.
The good doctor has switched me to a different medication, but I guess it's time to step up and start being a little more proactive on my part. I really don't fancy the idea of a coronary disorder. Those things are painful, right?
A little web research offers these suggestions:
* If you're overweight, cut down on calories to reach your ideal body weight. This includes all sources of calories, from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol. Hmm, I'm really not "overweight" in the grand scheme of things, but I could drop 10 or so pounds. Hey, what's that crack about alcohol?
* Reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol content of your diet. Thing is, I really don't eat that much "bad" stuff.
* Reduce your intake of alcohol considerably. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to large changes in plasma triglyceride levels. Geez, they're back on the anti-booze thing. This all sounds a little aggressive.
* Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days each week. Easy enough. Maybe it's time to think about getting back into the marathon training; or at least getting to the gym more than 2-3 times a month.
* Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of meats that are high in saturated fat like hamburger. Or I could take an omega-3 oil supplement with my burger. What's one more pill?
* Because other risk factors for coronary artery disease multiply the hazard from hyperlipidemia, control high blood pressure and avoid cigarette smoking. Oh, yeah, the smoking thing again.
Both my grandfathers died of heart disease. Is that genetic writing I see on the wall?
I watched my first lover go through open heart surgery. It's so not pretty ... in fact, it's one of my biggest fears.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and offer the supposition that maybe it might be a good idea to cut out the Marlboro Lights. Thing is, I'm pretty sure that smoking makes me more popular and glamorous. And then there's the fact that Mayor Bloomberg doesn't want me to do it, which makes me want to light up all the more.
Despite my misgivings, I picked up a box of these today when I filled the new prescription. I think tomorrow I might just stick one on.
Go On, Give it a Whirl
Lift up your right leg and move your foot around in clockwise circles. Now use your right hand to draw the number 6 in the air and keep making clockwise circles with your foot.
Annoying, eh?