What a great Birthday! it was tons of fun! I got lots of sweet messages via facebook, emails and my cellphone runneth over with well wishers. I really feel loved this year. Most importantly, I feel happy about myself. I spent some quality time with my friend Zack Brown who shadowed my whole day from early morning to late evening. We hung as I went on with my days errands. I also called my friend Judy who it was her birthday too (YEAH!) Zack and I laughed and played chess and ran around all over NYC.
Zack in addition to creating Kernel Traffic and working for Google has also also invented a fun new game called Crumble (Patent pending) It's a strategy game along the lines of Chess and Go it starts with a checkerboard pattern so you know I like it! I invited him to come onto the Checkerboard Kids Program and talk about it! I think it would be a perfect candidate for The International Abstract Games Organization (IAGO) I highly encourage everyone to take a look and give it a try! http://sites.google.com/site/crumblegame and don't forget his Crumble blog! http://crumblegame.blogspot.com Go cop that!
Yesterday was so much fun! I went to therapy and was so pleased to see it was snowing. it didn't stick to the street but it accumulated on car hoods and windows I spent the night making snowballs and throwing them at various buildings. It was night and there wasn't anybody on the street. It was fun just playing and laughing like a looney. On Sunday, I turn 41 years old. Is this my second childhood? This has been the best year ever. Of course there were mad ups and down but this is life! Like they say in RENT "No day but today"
Heres a couple of candid behind the shots of Chess Now featuring Juliana a lovely girl from Brazil and Peter from zERO gRAVITY. It was a fun episode!
The shoes on the desk are a tribute to tragic Chess superstar from New Orleans, Paul Morphy (1837-1884) who had an arrangement of womens shoes near his bed.
I was walking to a friends house this past Tuesday in the village and on the side of the NYU dorms there was a large representation of a Chinese Fortune Cookie fastened to the side of the building. As I drew closer I saw you can actually pull out your own fortune. So I did!
Lol! Are you trying to tell me something giant cookie?
I love Ukulele Music! Here are my personal faves. Don't hate.
1)King Benny Nawahi he was mad old school. I think he died in a car crash when he went blind as a result of drinking too much bathtub gin. That might just be a rumor. Please don't take my word for it, I'm a jackass.
2)Israel Kamakawiwo'ole aka Iz. This gentle giant iz a legend. Rest in peace brudda!
3)The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain http://www.ukuleleorchestra.com They are a a pretty tight outfit who do cool covers of Smells Like Teen Spirit and Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights. Here they are covering Bowies "Life On Mars" with a couple of other stuck in for fun! Enjoy!
4) Sonic Ukehttp://ukuleledisco.com Jason Tagg and the Ukulele Disco bunch are long time freinds of the show! Look up their movie online Ukulele Freaks
5) Julia Nunes http://www.junumusic.com Original tunes and covers, a great voice, cute and a overwhelming enthusiasm for all things uke! Subscribe to here youtube channel.
6)Hi'ilaweOhta-San is the DjangoReinhardt of Classical Uke. He is indisputably a master. When I went to Hawaii I bought a cool how to play uke book by him!
8) I met Tiny Tim at a Beyond Vaudeville Live show he was very gracious and friendly. We spoke mostly about cleaning products. He was a very charming, polite friendly and clean person. He did a lot of cool uke tunes my favorite being "She left Me With The Herpes"
9) Beatle George Harrison after years of Guitar towards his demise he switched to ukulele.
When I say the Bishop I'm actually referring to the host from the public access show zERO gRAVITY. He is also on Saturday Night Live from time to time. Lester Vecsey from Chess Now aka the Vex and I teamed up to help him film this little skit behind the scenes. This dude is nuts! N-V-T-S, NUTS! Heh-heh.. a little History of the World humor for ye. In all cases take a look at this.
As I am a little bit OCD I listen to one or two songs over and over again for days on end. Since Saturday (Today is Weds) I've been listening to Instant Karma which I feel is one of Lennons best songs ever.
" You better recognize your brother is everyone you meet! Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear." All the lyrics totally doth rule. I once met Yoko Ono at the old Lispenard St. book store Printed Matter ( Yes, Laurie Anderson was also there!) I asked her for some words of wisdom she paused thoughtfully and jotted in my book: "Always know what it is before you ~ Okoy Ono"
My job has been relocated to Washington Heights. What do people do for entertainment out there you might ask? Well it seems from the street posters they go to clubs and see live music and comedy. What do I do for entertainment up there? I take pictures of them. They are so amusing to me. I don't think its on purpose. my favorite thing they do is put a blurry a low res picture with crisp lettering and background art. I understand the guys who make these posters are obviously talented but it's funny too. I'll try to share the silliness as I see them.
I stated seeing these posters in March 2007 but after this particular poster I started seriously photographing them. This one is Called "El Debate" Where these particular performers Sujeto and El Cata will be squaring off against each other at The Jet Set Club. The candidates have taken their positions on the issues concerning the party people of 'da Heights. Sujeto seeks to take the position of showing off his bling bling to bring the votes in while El Cata contends that he will be "holding things down" as noted by his outstretched hand."
El Cata must have won the debate because here is a victory poster with all sorts of champagne bottles in the background that I'm sure will be popping at his behest. As you can see by his photo he will also be keeping his campaign promise of "holding it down" (whatever "it" is.)
Heavy hangs the crown of the top gun in the Heights. El Cata has to defend his crown vs Shino in this one called "the batalla" Dont pay attention to the glove with the backwards Everlast logo . Foget Details! Don't Panic! El Cata is on the job! I can sleep a lil bit safer tonight!
This just in: This evening in Lincoln Center an unidentified man with a cat on his head hit me up for spare change. I laughed to see such sport, so circle gets the square! How can I resist?
I woke a touch late today so after meditation I had to jet the pad. I totally forgot my book so not to miss out on the process I yam hereby writing. I am by no means an OD political or religious person but Samaria Graham came up with this really great Idea about doing a fast and a prayer thing for Obama, his safety and stuff. So I showed up here at work was going to buy breakfast but left my money in my bookbag upstairs. So I went back upstairs and instead of getting the money to eat, remembered my promise to skip one meal and pray. So I hit the bathroom and hit my knees. I felt much better. Also big shout outs to Rachel Trachtenburg who will be at City Hall today so I’m putting positive energy towards her and her family who have been steadfast staples of my increasing network of positive people who help inspire me and keep me sane throughout this tumultuous period in my life.
Mami Luz aka my Grand Aunt Illuminada is being buried in a big military cemetery today with her husband Papi Joe who was a veteran. She was ninety-four years old. No drinking or drugs. Belief in God and love of her family. Outspoken and active. This is was the road she tread. Truly inspirational. I remember spending time with her in the hospital when you can tell things were serious. I was really there. When my mom was dying I was a mess on many levels. I was sad and upset because I was too greedy to understand that my sadness was all about me and what I wanted. I wanted my mom to stay alive and take care of me, give me security. I have since learned life isn’t about what I want and can get from others. It is about how can I best serve others. In helping others I help myself. I’ve been really working hard to do this especially this past year and I find this practice to be quite spectacular. I’m happier than I have ever been. This is a stark contrast to how miserable I was for a good chunk of my life. I think this mental shift started when I visited my Grandfather, Papa Roro in the hospital. He was a long time meditation practitioner. He was very wise. Through my cousin Ralph who translated he imparted the knowledge he had acquired during his life. Seek a simplified spiritual life.
I don’t know how long I have on this plane of existence and the truth is I can’t take anything with me so how much happiness can I get from all my obsessive creature comforts? How secure can I be really? Personally I feel if I am standing in the past I live in a morass of regret and shame reliving sections of my life desperately wishing I had made different decisions.Eventually I become so filled with disgust I self-destruct. On the flip side of the coin, If I am standing in the future I live in an anxiety-ridden universe of fear where I replay these fantasies of how things should turn out and how I could troubleshoot the situation if certain situations arise. There are so many tangents and alternate realities to keep thinking about my brain overloads and I self-destruct. Focusing on bouncing between these two extremes I failed to realize there was a third option that doesn’t end in me self-destructing. All I’ve got to do is be here now. I can simply exist and handle business, love others and love myself.
LOL! I look at my self now and say this is SO not me. Ah but it is! It is not the angry, jealous, hateful, spiteful, lustful, mendacious me of the past. Not that I don’t have my moments.I’m no monk by any means. I still freak out from time to time but now I just get quiet, don’t front then take action. Note to myself: I have to clean my room but no biggie. I’ll do laundry tonight but I won’t stress that till then.
I was walking in Central Park tonight through the lower loop and it was all done up for the marathon. Whilst running "Born to be Alive" by Patrick Hernandez was playing on my mp3 player. I was feeling the chilly crisp air and staring at the stars. I thought of my friend Alma who I just learned passed away but I wasn't sad because she was reunited with her daughter Polly. I truly do believe Death is a door to the next level. Like the song says "it's good to be alive" but I am under no misconceptions about the fact that we are temporary beings. At least these bodies are. Like the marathon it's a race, but the goal is not the finish line but the journey to said finish line. Godspeed Alma! Best to you, Polly and all my friends and loved ones who have passed from this mortal plane.
Polly and I in 1987: Note my Rorschach (Watchmen) Pin, Cure T-shirt and David Byrne "Stop Making Sense" Jacket.
"Phil, what gives? you never write in your blog. i'm subscribed to it in google reader, y'know. i demand content!"
Phil Responds: You are right Lauren. I'll try to respond more often. I oft come up with ideas for a blog but I lose it in the shuffle of life. Thanks for reminding me not to front like the great pumpkin
I just got back from the studio. Totally dog tired Today's band rushed down here from Montreal, Canada. A fun little group called One Night Band, here are some pictures from the production, the video is below.
I picked out my clothes for the event so specially. I groomed and tried to look nice. I went around and tried to be as engaging and charming as I could be. People were nice and smiled at me. I had a pleasent time. At the end of the event, a freind says." The label on the back of your shirt is on the outside. You do realize you have been wearing your shirt inside out all night. Rim shot! Ah well only human!
I was doing a little writing this morning and this silly thing is what came out.
That furry pink pelt. Goji berries and spelt. Watching ice cream melt. Buying a brand new belt. Thinking about how I felt. Playing the cards I'm dealt.
Translation: Oh God! I have to eat healthier things! One too many vanilla shakes have made my belt buckle pop, but i'm not bummed because this is how I yam rolling at this moment in time. The only thing constant in this universe is change. As go I.
The past couple of days I had been working with h the Trachtenburg Family on the new Rachel project! I don't want to spill any the beans of the coolness that is going down but I guarentee it will be fun for every girl and boy! The stalwart crew is headed up by Franklin who built the set and the guys have been top notch. The behind the scenes antics is like a show within itself! I'm not going to give away the cool guests and what happens on the show but I will show a couple of shots of the set and behind the scenes fun! I cant wait to see it when it's completed!
Photo: Reflection of myself in my Mothers headstone
What a difference a year makes. Today I went to visit my Mother's grave. Last time I visited her I was a hot mess. This time around a combo of therapy, spirituality, Tai Chi and meditation has really led me to a better existance. So although I was still sad and missed her, I wasn't a basket case crying more out of self pity than actual sorrow. There has been a shift in my attitude. I really like myself better. Every day I try to remind myself put the focus on others and away from me. By being constantly mindfull of others I can better "do the right thing". Today I had a real example that I have begun to grow up. When I returned from the graveyard I was sitting at a bus stop and I saw an old ex-girlfreind of mine walk by. My initial instinct was to jump up and say "Hi!" But a lightning fast diagnostic evaluation of the situation reminded me during the span of our relationship I'd done this girl so wrong on so many levels. Saying "Hi!" Forcing an unwelcome, awkward confrontation would be a totally self serving, egotistical move on my part. Once that initial thought passed, I thought what would be best for her? So I prayed for her. I wished her health, happiness, love and a knowledge of self. Making this decision filled me with satisfaction and peace. As Major Garland Briggs said in Twin Peaks: "A job well done is it's own reward." True that. When I got home I picked up a book this ex in question gave me and she inscribed on the title page part of a poem that said "I Don't Know A Thing About Love" Perhaps I'm finally learning a thing about that. If I can paraphrase Depeche Mode for a sec here: If I surrender heart and soul, Sacrifice to a higher goal I'll be moved by a higher love.
Photo: A Yin and Yang on the Dojo Door with double dragons that I like.
I've been studying Tai Chi since March 2008. I have this teacher Roldan that is cool and funny and makes it fun to learn. He also acts and sings and does many things in addition to his keeping up his martial arts skills. I just wanted to shout out the Dojo website: Nisei Goju and Roldan's Blog
Here's a clip of Grand Master Roldan. Normally I'd ask "Hey! Wheres the Furious Five?" but after seeing this clip I dare not.
Totally got in trouble for playing Tenacious D's"City Hall" like 20 times in a row. He started banging on my wall. "The first couple of times it was interesting but can you stop it now?" I said "of course after I play it 2 more times." One more time would not be an even number. The song rules, judge for yourself! While youre on Youtube peep outKarate, Kyle Took A Bullet For Me and Tribute.
On the 25th I got to see one of my favorite artists ever, Laurie Anderson perform at the Rose Hall of Lincoln Center.
I was really psyched to see the show and got to sit next to the wife of the awesome in his own right Viola player, Eyvind Kang who was friendly and equally effusive as I was . I sat directly behind Lou Reed and was really pleased to see him get up there and perform "The Lost Art of Conversation." While I was there enjoying the show. One thing kept coming back to me. The song by Christopher X. Brodeur "Lou Reeds (Thing)" where he, a fellow Laurie Anderson enthusiast cautions Laurie against the Evils of Lou Reed.
Grrr! Way to monopolize my enjoyment CXB! All in a a splendid time was had by all.
Lady Ann and her children with me on the set of Checkerboard Kids.
Seriously an interview with Lady Ann, Kingston Jamaica's Old School Female Dancehall DJ representing on Checkerboard Kids! Check out her CD on Al Paragus! Produced by Mush One!
Today Violet and I went to go look at the art of David Ferrando who had an art show up at the Inwood - Washington Heights YM-YWHA at 54 Nagel Avenue, Just off Broadway near 190th St. Violet described his acrilic Mixed Media works as Unique and colorful and noticed his works sometimes incorperated images from popular cartoons such as Olive Oyl (from Popeye) and Lazlow (from Camp Lazlow- even tho he didn't know the chraracter). We also met his daughter a young budding artist who shares my LaGuardia HS heritage. Woo Hoo! It was great to see Violet really speaking about what she really enjoyed about the art. Color use of different mediums etc. She says she even enjoyed his show more than the Metropolitan Museums Gustave Courbet exibit. "No nudes and yummy pastries!" So listen up you swanky museums the youth of the art world has spoken! I also wholeheartedly reccomend the show.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Today was the last day of the Gustave Courbet exibit so I went down to go get some culture but I must confess I had ulterior motives! I really went to check out the exibit on Superhero fashions. Well how was it? Fanboyilly speaking it had some cool stuff like Christopher Reeves Superman outfit as well as a faded Lynda Carter, Wonder Woman outfit from 1976. Two spiderman outfits, Iron Man proto type outfit , Batman outfit, Catwoman outfit. Mystique from the X-Men movies and a bunch of corny fashion outfits that were supposedly inspired by superhero looks. as my dear comic coveting homeboy Delmo Walters Jr would would exclaim: TWY AGAIN! Dont even get me started! The coolest thing they had was premire issues encased of course but so close you could drool on it. Action Comics 1, Tales of Suspense ( first Iron man apperance) Marvel Spotlight first appearance of Ghost Rider, and a whole bunch of others! It totally won me over it was totally worth it being in the same room as those books!
Yep I went on a date with a pretty important person that I had been neglecting as of late. Myself! I had been so good lately so I think I really deserved a night out. So after work I went all out. The first day of Iron Man! Woo hoo how fanboy can ye get? So how was it? I'll say this I feel best Comic film since Superman 2, well at least Spiderman 1. Looking Forward to Hulk, Indiana Jones and a couple of others. $11.50 a movie ticket? Better movies better start coming out or the industry is totally screwed. Mark mah words! ' Nuff Said!
Looking up towards the sleeping quarters at Sivananda.
This weekend I went to Sivananda Yoga ranch. My main goal was to attend the Native American sweat lodge that was going on. It was very spiritually enlightening and I highly encourage it as a way to get closer to whatever deity you subscribe to. Note: I am not a religious person by any means but I have my own conception of God and respect others beliefs as long as you don't try to put them on me (or I will clobber you!) what else went on there? I did some yoga (it is official! Yoga isn't for wimps) I improved my meditation, helped in the garden, ate organic, vegetarian food. Howled in the woods, met some cool peeps and most importantly relaxed. It was a great experience.
My homegirls checkered socks and laces. What is it about those things? I'm reffering to the checks, silly!
I was taking calls on the set of Chess Now and a caller asked what came first for me, ska music or chess? Wow. I hadn't thought of why I like what I like but let me reflect. As a child I was a little on the obsessive compulsive side. When I like something I get way overboard with it. From trading cards to comic books to music, movies, anything. It makes me feel safe in a life of chaos. When I was in high school I started going to Rocky Horror and listening to WLIR the big New Wave station. In College I liked Ska but I didnt get od into until this girl I fooled around with turned me onto this comic called Pirate Corp$ by Evan Dorkin a funny comic about some futuristic universe where people hung with aliens partied fought laughed and cried to a cool ska soundtrack. It made me get my player weight up in the ska world listening to more 2 Tone and even reaching back to the roots. Mad Planet was a cool Zine by Action Girl, Sarah Dyer that helped. I met Evan and Sarah several times at ska shows and some comic cons. They were always were mad cool. They went on to do several cool comics, tv shows, website and more recently created a child! Great for them. They rule and deserve mad success. In any case between them and Hewlett & Martins "Tank Girl" they always rocked a Checkered theme. I like patterns. Black and White work perfect for me. On or Off, Zero or One, Yin and Yang, Good and Evil. At this time I started begging my freind Zack to teach me Chess. He would play chess every day all day against his computer not a million quick games either, ONE LONG GAME. the Chess computer would sit there blinking and blinking for hours then make a decision then Zack would sit there pensive pondering all possible strategies. He showed me a little but I was very intimidated and scared to play. Sal Piro from the Rocky Horror Picture Show was another great chess player who would play people every weekend at the 8th Street Playhouse. His main Opponent was this guy Solomon who never seemed too interested in the movie but the games were big draws. Upstairs people crowded round gawking, trying to figure out what was going to happen next. Sal used to play me without a Queen and ask me what square do I wish to be mated on. I think he grew bored of chess and left it for tournament Scrabble of which he is totally gangster. As for me chesswise I took my lumps and learnt more in the process eventually marrying Cinnamon who was a pretty good chess player herself. Actress and Chess expert, Eva Veronika Klein took a liking to us and was at our wedding and even brought me an autographed copy of her husbands book (FIDE Master, Asa Hoffman) "Chess Gladiator" I was sad to learn Eva passed away on her birthday Dec 3rd 2007. She was cool people. We met on the set of MTV Oddville while I was taking care of Suzanne Muldowney who was performing as Vlad the Impaler. Eva liked my Checkerboard Creepers. The conversation quickly turned to Chess. Cinni said she liked Nimzowitsch or Capablanca whilst I liked Paul Morphy. After that she challenged me and I admit I was way too P word to play her. I was intimidated. Ah well coulda shoulda woulda. In any case (boy I say that a lot) here is the episode of Chess Now enjoy. Rate it up and subscribe!
"The future still looks good And you've got time to rectify All the things that you should.." Think For Yourself ~The Beatles
Today was a beautiful day. I wore a suit all day because I had court so I missed Tai Chi but I'll be back with a vengeance tomorrow. After court I went to group which was fabulous as always afterward I felt happy and walked home along Central Park South as I was about to enter the part to take part of the downtown loop upward towards the pad I spied a man with a giant telescope. Being a big fan of astronomy I asked what he was doing and he was looking at Saturn my favorite planet. I have scoped Saturn with the naked eye but his telescope was pretty dang cool and i was able to see the rings of saturn which to me was so awesome. I was envigorated for the rest of the night. It is great to be alive tonight. This is a wonderful life.
I was wasting my life, Always thinking about myself Someone on their deathbed said there are other sorrows too... I was driving my car, I crashed and broke my spine So yes there are things worse in life than never being someone's sweetie. "That's How People Grow Up"
Yep it's a song by Morrissey but also the mantra of my life. Things might outwardly look ugly right now with my situations but I assure you it is the chrysalis of my next evolutionary stage. The fleeting transitory state of my existance only makes me fully appreiciate what I have at this moment. I had an exceptional dream this morning about this song that haunted me. I also walked in the park an really enjoyed the sights and smells of the flora and fauna. We'll compare notes "In the Future When All's Well" (more Mozz) Big week coming will let you know as it procedes. Tired but happy.
Today was a good day. My brother, Jerry got hitched with a sweet gal named Andrea (We went to the Morrissey last year and we both really love Depeche Mode) I love you guys, and the rest O my family. I really felt "a part of" for what feels like the first time. Life is good.
incidentally I have a great Physical Therapist. I'm even getting some acupuncture. I was shocked that it doesn't hurt. I was literally shocked when after he put 4 pins in my arm then busted out with this big machine. I said whats that for doc? You gonna bust out with the jumper cables and shock me into spilling my guts? He laughed and said "You are very smart man" and proceded to attach electrodes to my pins and proceded to shock the living crap out of me. It didn't hurt. Dare I say it my arm is feeling great thank you.
This is Madness! No this is Lateral Epicondylitis. Yep Tennis Elbow. There was an old Peanuts cartoon where Lucy Van Pelt gets it but they use it's old monicker "washer womans elbow". Rich people got angered so the changed it to "Tennis Elbow". Whatever it is it hurts like heck especially when shaking hands or attempting to pick things up. The way I got it is nuts! Putting pressure on my ebow while using the mouse stretched out on my bed. The correct way to use a computer is at a desk. I'm learning the hard way! best one ever I kept reinjuring and reinjuring myself using the mouse, writing, shaking hands etc. Now I'm in a sling to insure I wont keep up this buttheaded behavior. If I don't let it heal this will become a chronic ailment! And I'm not trying to hear that.
PS: This was typed at a desk with my left hand. I don't how you lefties can stand it!?
News from the Super Super Super Obsessive Cumpulsive Department: I've noticed lately that when think I say the word "Good" I actually say "Good Good Good." Upon further inspection I've noticed many people share this phenomenon. So notice closely what people tell you when you ask "How are you doing?" I also notice I've taken to repeating orders to students in rows of three. For example: “I think you should get a better pencil sharpener, also I think you should get a better pencil sharpener and if you get a chance you should um.. I don't know perhaps get a better pencil sharpener?" If they question what I asked I'll ask three more times in a totally different order. Shout outs to Vex the only person who can appreciate my mania. (He likes to measure and remeasure distances.) He bought me a cool Palomino Super long point pencil sharpener. He actually went online to do research on what pencil sharpener is the best. Now I sit there sharpening and resharpening my pencils. I can’t wait to get my hands on some more Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils (my favorite non technical pencil) I’m gonna go sharpening crazy that day. In any case I gotta sleep. Doctors appointment in the morning. I hope it will turn out good good good.
Since I started this blog I've had these foster cats, Kat Kong and Pretty Pretty Princess On Thursday they finally returned to their rightful owners. I tell ya I really got attached to those guys. I guess I'll Cheer myself by watching Chess Now
Last night I had the pleasure of MCeeing the Pilfers newest reunion at Knitting factory with a percentage going to National Hopeline Network There was such a positive vibration going on! So shout outs go to the entire Bigger Thomas Massive, Roy Radics, Shay, TC, Kevin Batchelor, Snow White, (Former Toasters Drummer) J-Mac who is in Ghost Front with this dude that sounds like Robert Smith from the Cure (with less whine) My homey Skarno and I agree awesome band! And he's a mad music snob yo! Also DC Ska Girl, Michelle from the NYC Ska myspace, anybody friendly that said "Hi!", the young ladies upstairs who love dancing and that security guy who shut that drunk girl down (It had to be done!) I'm listening to "Flicker" on PlifersMySpace page it's fantastic the live version yesterday really had me hyped!! Speaking o' Flikr I have mad pictures from last night up so peep it out! Right now I'm working on the logistics of getting Pilfers on the TV in February!
Christopher X. Brodeur aka Touching You has went to jail for his beliefs. He wrote a couple songs about it HERE. Each song is funnier than the next probably because the things he says is completely true. He appeared on The Checkerboard Kids Program and he performed a song called "The Olympics are Retarded" originally I thought he was just being silly but he then drops all this knowledge in the middle of it! He won me over! Much like Van Gogh, CXB might be a nut but he's a friggin genius. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself then:
Bobby Fischer is barely in the box but I'm sure he'll be turning in his grave after catching this crazy episode ofChess Now I was asked to fill in last minute. There are a lot of good points. It's funny, informative and the hostess, Agathe is more than pleasing on the eye. Bad point's crazy callers and the phone number keeps obscuring my quiff! Richard Hudnick from IAGO: (International Abstract Games Organization)(who really kept reminding me of Socrates Poole (Christian Clemenson) from the 1993 TV show, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.) In any case he says we are the only current Chess show on TV. If that's the case, Aye Caramba! Bah! mayhaps I'm too close to it since I'm on it. Judge for yourself and don't forget to rate it! What's chess without a rating?
Kat Kong demonically glares (Left) whilst Violet demonstrates our salad shaking technique.
Lately I've been going through some really traumatic stuff. I can only it put on par with the death of my mother. And no I'm not speaking about the kidney stones either although they too are there. (YES they hurt and NO I haven't passed them yet! Thanks for asking.) As I was saying in these trifling times it's important for me to not forget to take my vitamins and most importantly eat right! My Godchild Xavier was over this weekend so it was important to prepare him a healthy meal (Note: he couldn't tear himself from Nickelodeon.com's "Kids pick the next President". It was so cute he was reading the facts about each candidate weighing all the pros and cons for each one. but I'm mad digressing. I want to speak about salad. Violet (Xavier's sister) and I pulled out all the stops on creating the worlds best salad! Rife with cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, a crisp red pepper, spinach and two lettuces (Romaine and Red leaf) we also had kidney (ouch!) beans and brown rice! It is a whole big to do. washing, cutting, drying (caramba, I need a salad spinner!), mixing and especially tossing. we don't willy nilly toss the salad like we would a twenty sider at dungeon crawl or like we'd casually toss smelly old socks into a hamper. When its time to toss the salad we do it with class! We take the salad and shake it firmly it over our heads!
WTF? I just reread this! I must be delirious! You want to hear something even crazier? to celebrate such a healthy meal we followed it up with cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery that just opened on 69th St. and Columbus Ave diagonal from Maya Schaper’s Cheese and Antiques (the shop was the location of Meg Ryan's children's book store in the 1998 Tom Hanks date movie "You've Got Mail") You know what? The cupcakes I tasted kicked major butt. I feel bad for all the similarly themed bakeries in the area. You're gonna have to get your player weight up. No, seriously. Magnolia is calling you out and y'all about to get served!
