Posts

Posted on

Paris v. NYC

Nifty gift from mAdBen. He met graphic artist Vahram Muratyan and got me a signed copy of his new book, “Paris Versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities”. It is a clever delightful artistic comparison of la vie quotidienne, daily life in each city. Laugh-out-loud brilliant fun. Motivation to get back to gay Paree.

It was highlighted this weekend in the NYTimes along with a book about women on Madison Avenue during MadMen days. Jane Maas recounts her time at Ogilvy & Mather in the 60’s, in “MadWomen”.  A real-life portrait of Peggy Olson.

Before we leap tomorrow, let’s wish a very happy 87th to Betsey! If her mother Birdie could have only waited one more day, she’d still be in her twenties.

Posted on

Bon Hiver

Yes, a happy winter for those of us who value lack of shoveling over skiing. So, will our snow storms be limited to Halloween and April Fool’s Day? We’ll see.

Justin Timberlake’s Bon Iver was so perfect as to be unrecognizable. BronxBeat re-heat. SNL good lately. Preview of Season 5 MadMen, end of Downton. Matthew and Mary together. How long can that last. It’s a soap after all.

Social issues dominate the debate. That and the height of trees in Michigan. Advantage Democrats.

Posted on

Weekend Pebbles

Beautiful day on Monterey Bay. Got your spyglass out, K9Queen? You’re a 5-iron away. The only tourney where a 63 beats a 61. Tiger’s putter is out. Too easy.

Is the debate really about Catholics, morality, contraception, faith, healthcare? No. It’s what it’s always about. Money. Can Romney win over CPAC hearts?
Bon weekend.

Posted on

Morning Blahg

How does Santorum’s sweep change Republican race? “Anybody but Romney. Connecting and charisma are not in his DNA. Compared to Mitt, Barack seems like Mr. Warmth.” JackCaff last night. Morning Joe, Ralph Reed. Really? Regression therapy. Pro-life until there is a life born. Then let them eat cake.

Hot eateries in Manhattan to date: Joey3 @ Sandro’s, Cafe Boulud, Upper East. Melba’s Harlem for Alicat’s bday. With mAdBen @ West Bank, 42nd & 9th. Betsey fete soon @ Lincoln Center Ristorante. PrezO will be @ ABC Kitchen on March 1, to test the food and give us a review for our March 8 lunch there.

Posted on

Future Stock

In ten years will there be? Add your own…

Churches, religious schools, books, libraries, land lines, answering machines, princess phones, snail mail, stamps, mailmen, greeting cards, stationery, movie theaters, cemeteries, tomb stones, large office buildings, money, men’s suits, briefcases, files, rolodexes, secretaries, soap operas, watches, panty hose.

Posted on

Manning Up

Manning. Ham. Eli. Mario. The Catch 2012. Whatta game. Tommy’s mommy uh wifey mad. Too bad. Hubby’s safety changed the end game. Speaking of manning up, Obama waffled and wiggled with Lauer. Doritos ad guy my man, where’s the cat, Mr. Brindle Great Dane? Clint. Meanwhile, did Bates kill his wife?

Posted on

Movie Bowl

SuperBowl weekend. Summary of films we’ve been watching, waiting for the big game. Finally saw The Help. It turned out to be the cliche I feared Hollywood would create. Either the book wasn’t as good as I remember, or the screenplay was mediocre. Maybe a little of both. This cements my decision not to see the American version of Tatoo Girl. Really enjoyed Ides of March. Perfect for political junkies. MoneyBall and MarginCall on top of my list. So far, nothing totally Oscar-worthy. Pitt and Clooney. Not complaining.

SuperBowl recap: Joey3 picked GreenBay, then SanFran, now Pats 27-Giants 23. My 2012 prediction from January 3 still stands. Take it all to the bank. Madonna and commercials reviews encouraged and expected. Happy SuperSunday!

Posted on

Feb 30

February 30th? No. 30 years ago February. Where were you? Letterman began on Late Night TV. Living on Greenwich Avenue, West Village, weekends in East Hampton, planning adventure to China, Mongolia, Tibet.
(Mongolian minder and me).

Working at Republic National Bank of NY, commuting on the B train to 40th & Sixth. No thought of getting married nor moving to SanFran a few months hence. In the moment.

Posted on

Drag On

Year of the water dragon. Black. Volatile. Strong. Will a fiery year ensue? Obama calls for unity once again, still an appealing theme. His personality is what differentiates him from Zzzomney and the Grinch as Repub debates drag on. Madden-esque mud fest at Candlestick. Could’ve gone either way in OT. Sloppy defensive slog. Brady lucky he didn’t go into OT, slithering into another SB. Neither win felt triumphant. Grandson with dog collar ad hilarious.

Books Page. The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton- Elizabeth Speller. World War I, its human toll depicted at Easton Manor, as with Downton Abbey this season. Nostalgic nod to Elaine’s from forgotten photo archives.

Recipe Detours. Alison’s roasted asparagus with pan sautéed hake. Finally fun to cook again. Distractions from Grinch and Zzzomney. But hey, Obama can sing.

The State of Our Union depends on the State of the European Union in the coming year. Davos discussions by that 1% will make it clear.

Posted on

Back Roads Thoughts

First book review of 2012. The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje. I don’t like cats and I didn’t like his novel, The English Patient, but… check out the Books page.

So far, my clicker’s not stuck on CBS in the morning. Charlie Rose, Newt Gingrich, Bob Schieffer, Bill Plante, lots of tired-looking old white guys at 7. Gayle King with Melissa Etheridge, Juliana Margulies pimping her CBS show at 8. Geez, what’s new or cool about this? Back to Mika and Morning Joe.

Downton Abbey returns under a somber hue during World War I, brutal yet true. The war’s impact on Britain’s daily life is poignantly portrayed at Downton. Compression of the classes begins at the expense of a lost generation of men.

MadMen again March 25. Too long.