August 30, 2004
I took a walk down Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint today, which is an area heavy in Polish immigrants. Very often I find myself in a store, waiting in line and some old Polish woman totally cuts me. Or on the few occassions I have taken the bus, I got shoved out of the way by Polish women vying for seats. I always write off this behavior to these women having come from a time/place where there was a limited number of everything and thus the pushing and cutting in line was necessary. And besides which, I totally understand it. I would never have the guts to do it in the obvious and aggresive fashion that these women do, but sometimes, if people are in my way and not looking, I shove people lightly, so that they are unsure if it was accidental or on purpose. And it does makes them move and I love it.
But that whole all-up-in-your-face thing these same women do, that can make me crazy. Today I became inwardly enraged at one particular older woman who was walking next to me for a number of blocks and standing way, way too close to me at every stop light. Our feet were practically touching. And yeah, I know my reaction is irrational, but that got me thinking...Did you know that Americans British and Japanese all need the most personal space? At least 2 1/2 feet of personal circumference.
Remember, always give Americans their personal space.
More personal space info - I love this shit.
Just finished up Gene Simmons "Kiss and Make Up". Fun, but can't hold a candle to "The Dirt", the Motley Crue book. That one blew the lid off the behind-the-band genre. Neil Strauss who co-wrote "The Dirt" (in conjunction with the Crue, natch) co-wrote the new Jenna Jameson book "How to Make Love Like a Porn Star". Which means it is probably a fast and fun read too.
Speaking of books, I also just finished up David Sedaris' "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" and have to say I always find it disapointing that his books will be at least half comprised of material previously released in the New Yorker and Esquire and NPR. Give me all new material! Give me a reason to purchase in hardcover!
Anyway, one story I had not already read before was called "Put a Lid on It" and was of specific interest to me as I had heard many a Boston story about David's sister Tiffany. A renowned dumpster diver and um, strange woman, who generally does not wear shoes and is somewhat notorious in the Sommerville/Cambridge area. I hear she makes great cupcakes. And cool art. And that she will go postal if you mention her brother. So it felt all voyeuristic and creepy to read his take on her. And I enjoyed that.
August 29, 2004
We did not go and join the protest this weekend. Not that our hearts were not with those who braved the 90+ day to flip the GOP the bird, I just find that my ability to deal with crowds of over a thousand is diminishing by the day.
In this week's New Yorker they have an interesting article on how people make their decisions on who to vote for and it is a bit disheartening to say the least.
"Seventy per cent of Americans cannot name their senators or their congressman. Forty-nine per cent believe that the President has the power to suspend the Constitution. Only about thirty per cent name an issue when they explain why they voted the way they did, and only a fifth hold consistent opinions on issues over time. Rephrasing poll questions reveals that many people don’t understand the issues that they have just offered an opinion on. According to polls conducted in 1987 and 1989, for example, between twenty and twenty-five per cent of the public thinks that too little is being spent on welfare, and between sixty-three and sixty-five per cent feels that too little is being spent on assistance to the poor."
Now I don't think that I, or anyone else for that matter, could convince a Republican to vote for Kerry. I don't know anyone who is "undecided" either...but in case anyone does: pass this on and ask them to please vote.
Since I am sure there will be more action going on during the week, here's a little wardrobe advice.
I've been spending a lot of time walking around the neighborhood just looking at the outside of buildings. A few weeks ago Jim and I saw this gorgeous monstrosity of camp that was so unbelievable and over the top that we actually made Anne walk over and look at it with us. Then I found out from Lisa that this was the building she was referring to when she would say " you know, the crazy one with the eagles". They don't just have eagles, they have horses and lions and basically a menagerie of animals on every available spot. Also, a lot of white iron. And there is more than one! So far we have found four almost identical buildings. I am hot for this designer. If I could find him/her I would ask them to do our interior. It would be called "a monument to livestock in white and gold".
Beastie Boys still kickin it live over the BQE
Jenny O was in town on Friday as she is moving here in a just a matter of weeks. My god, that is crazy. Anyhow, we were just hanging around the house when Jim announced he was going to go play pinball. We met him, just a few hours later, at Pete's Candy Store and somehow he was trashed. I mean loud, clumsy and crazy drunk. I was trying to keep him in line by telling him I was taking pictures of him and was going to post them on the internet. He dared me. Here you go.
August 27, 2004
Kevin needs a brand new job. Here's his reel. Someone hire him please.
Jim's gonna be jealous that someone did this before him: Bob Saget is God.
Yes, Jim is obsessed with Bob Saget. One of our cats is named Bob Saget. He goes by Saget though. Our other cat is named after an area in Boston and this site is named after that cat. Jim's ex-coworker just sent him this link this morning asking if there was a connection between allrockkitty and Allston Rock City and yes the link is our cat Allston Rock Kitty.
August 25, 2004
Rob wrote to tell me that his mom remembers Dirt Woman from the Fan in Richmond from the seventies. I like that kind of continuity. I like to think I can go back to a neighborhood I have lived in and see the same crazy and/or drug addicted and/or homeles characters. Like in Boston, I'm always thrilled to see Mr. Butch. Here's his friendster profile.
What sucks more than taking a leisurely boat ride down the Chicago River and getting doused with human waste? Finding out it was Dave Matthews shit.
August 21, 2004
Vincent Gallo's movie The Brown Bunny hit theaters in NY and LA this week. I'm sure most people have read the scathing reviews and many of you have heard about the controversial billboard that went up in LA last Saturday only to be removed five days later. That is why I live in New York. You see, every morning I can walk by not one, but six whole posters of Vincent Gallo getting head from Chloe Sevigny. That is what I call freedom my friends.
Last night two very important social occasions occured. Chris and Lisa's birthday celebration and Anne's going away party. We stopped by both.
We met Lisa & Chris first for drinks at Otto's Shrunken Head, a divey bar on 14th Street that I hold close to my heart. I am a big fan of their flaming bowls of liquor.
Now, alcohol and fire do not seem to be the most complementary elements but it is the danger involved with these drinks that is part of their appeal. I bought the bowl, complete with umbrella's and sparkly sticks and straws at the far end of the bar. My plan was to carry it down the length of the bar on fire to the birthday boy and girl as we all sang Happy Birthday. About five steps out my plan went awry. The wind created by the air conditioner had blown the flames towards me and the tiny umbrellas, straws and sparkly sticks were all going up in flames. In my face. Chase jumped to action and quickly got the fire out. Thank you Chase. And yeah, I know I owe you two dollars. Sorry about that, I didn't realize how much flaming bowls of alcohol cost.
I was told people took pictures of my flaming debacle and I would like those sent STAT to noreen@allrockkitty.com.
I took my own photos, but not so much, as there were many cameras in the house at this event. Kinda like a paparazzi party.
See Lisa's photos here.
I was talking to John M. last night about living in Richmond, VA. Jim and I lived there from 1998 to 2000 and I guess John lived there sometime in the mid-to-late 80s. We're talking a ten-plus year difference here. For whatever reason, I was trying to remember the name of this freaky fat man who sold flowers on the corner of Grace street, seemed to have elephantitus of the nuts and always wore sweatpants so you could see his extra baggage. And John lunges at me and screams "DIRTWOMAN!" Fucking hilarious. I can't believe he knew who I was talking about.
Anyhoo, I probably could have ended up at Otto's all night but the party train departed on to the next stop which was the Stiff Little Fingers show at Irving Plaza. As Jim and I had a real estate appointment the next morning and another place to stop by that night, we said goodbye to the party people here.
"I'm Dead, Bitch!" - One of Otto's classic decor items.
Pookie was also on his way back to Brooklyn and decided to join us at our second stop - Enid's for Anne's goodbye get together. So he was like the link between the two events.
Now even though my intentions were pure and I planned on having two drinks and hitting the road, I ended up staying for a few hours instead. Not bad like 4 am, stumbling home in a blackout, just drunk and tired at 1:30. But we made it to our appointment on time this morning.
I did go a little psycho with the camera at Enid's - see for yourself.
Oh yeah, garage fest last weekend- awesome. Iggy Pop looks AMAZING and has more energy than a 5 year old. Iggy is 57 years old. Seriously. I looked it up. I just can't believe it. David Johansen lost his Buster Poindexter bloat and is also looking quite svelte and Doll-like himself. I saw Kurt Loder backstage and got excited. Why? Not a clue. I think he is cool or something.
Lisa & Jennie had bestowed a bunch of tickets on us and as a result I still had two extras in my wallet when I got to Randall's Island. There were these punk squatter type kids sitting outside the show, drinking 40s, and asking people for tickets. I was thrilled to death to give them my extras. I remember sitting outside shows when I was young and didn't have the money to go and people with the bands taking pity on me and giving me tickets. A little karmic payback.
Lisa has some photos from that night.
Errol Morris completes ad campaign for moveon.org. You can view some of them here. Oh yeah, Eli Pariser and the other freaks at moveon.org might wanna keep there fingers off of the "send" button for a minute. I'm cool and all with the updates and whatever, I just don't need to hear from moveon.org seven times a freakin' day.
The story behind the anti-Kerry ads.
One out of one bears prefer Rainier beer to Busch.
I fantasize about rounding up all real estate agents in this city and shooting them. Is that bad? I think we could all be happier without them. This guy says so too.
August 14, 2004
We had Charlie, Bobby, Andy and Adam in from the RVA last night. Or I guess now, from DC and soon to be from SF. Anyhow, our house was a stop thru on their way to Atlantic City for a bachelor party.
They didn't get in until somwhere around midnight, so we were leaving Enids at like 3:30 in the morning and this Polish guy pops up who was requesting that we give him two dollars in some unintelligible garbled speach. Really the only part we could we could understand was "two dollars". Jim gave him $1.50 and a cigarette but somehow that would not do. So then we were at the chicken stand so that Bobby could pick up some PFC (That's Palace Fried Chicken for those not from the hood) and there's dude. Then we were at the bodega picking up chips - same man, same request. Here he is:
That previous link is actually a funny interview so click and read beyotch.
Yeah, so Anne and I were sitting outside Enids earlier that evening smoking cigarettes when the cops pulled up to question us about shots fired up the block. It doesn't make me feel particularly warm and cuddly inside to hear about gun play in the neighborhood. We had heard nothing ourselves, cos we were inside when it happened. But I took this picture of us right after the cops left and DAMN, I can see why we looked like key people to be questioned regarding this caper.
I swear to you - Anne does not do smack, nor was I slurring or drooling at any point in the evening.
Ok, I'm off to Randalls Island for the garage festivities. Later.
August 13, 2004
Does this scare you?
It scared me. This is the basement of a property I looked at on Wednesday. I am not cut out for this buying-a-place-shit. If only I could afford Lenny Kravitz's crib, I would be set.
Andy Dick's psychotic breakdown confuses me. First of all, isn't he all alcoholics-not-so-annonymous? And was Rick James really his best friend? Why is Joey Fatone from INSYNC acting as bouncer at an avenue B club?
Perhaps the most pathetic product to be marketed at single women ever.
I was read a short story/memoir in the New Yorker last week (sadly not on line) called "The Button Man", then realized I had a galley of the book sitting on my nightstand which I immediately devoured. Good book. It has the best title ever: Another Bullshit Night in Suck City.
Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion.
Kitty causes anarchy on plane.
We have all been hearing constant reminders that we should be on high alert for acts of terrorism or sabatoge or whatever for the past week or so, but generally I don’t pay attention to the warnings. I do, however, pay attention when the subway car I am riding in comes to a screeching halt under the east river.
Wednesday afternoon, I was riding in the first car on the L heading into
Brooklyn when the train conductor hits the breaks HARD and we come to
a full stop, accompanied by loud noise and the smell of burning.
So the driver, or whatever the guy in the front booth does, starts yelling
stuff on his radio, that those of us in the front of the car can audibly
hear about “full stop”, “emergency” and needing
help. Then he pulls a bright orange life-vest over his uniform, opens
the door to the front cab, turns to us passengers and goes “What
happened?” Seriously. We all look at him blankly. So he goes “Well
what did the guy say over the intercom?” More silence until I say
“nothing?” And he goes “I thought he would have said
something. I have to go check this out.” followed by something inaudible
and “looks suspicious”. WTF!?
He takes a skeleton key out of his pocket and gets the side doors open
AND LEAVES. For like 10 minutes, no joke. No air conditioning. The car
is packed and I am silently FREAKING OUT. After only two minutes I popped
a xanax. When the driver finally reappeared, he just got back into the
front cab and started the train. God, do I hate commuting.
In cuter subway news, there was a little girl who was seated on the packed
car I was taking to work with Jim the other day. I was holding the pole
that runs horizontally across the top of the car. The girl was directly
under me and so small that she could basically see up my shirt. Which
she did. And she noticed that I was wearing a studded belt. And she liked
it. And she wanted her dad, who is standing next to me to see it to. So
she started by whispering “Dad…look at that lady’s belt.”
Her dad kinda nodded and tried to change the subject. “No dad look
at her belt.” So he’s all “ok honey” and looked
over at my waist. But the belt is under my shirt right? So she starts
yelling “NO! Dad! Look up her shirt!! Look up her shirt Daddy!”
Luckily it was my stop so her dad was off the hook.
August 8, 2004
Anne had heard about a rape over on the south side of Williamsburg about a month or so ago, but we never heard anything else about in the news. Then I read about this rape/abduction from under the BQE last week. Just a heads up for the ladies.
And from Awful Plastic Surgery: D'arcy Wretzky. You say, "who?" It's that chick that was in the Smashing Pumkins! "Wasn't she arrested for smoking crack a few years back?" Why yes she was.
Gwen Stefani is up there for a boob job, but I refuse to believe that is true. She must just be wearing one of those push-up jobbies.
August 5...later
Good lord, we almost missed it. Chad and Paul were on tonight's Graham Norton. We just sat there saying to the television, "I hope Chad's not in that Scooby suit." and "Don't be Chad in the doggie costume." Thankfully, not Chad. Matt Lilliard was funny though with his "That's not a girls name." I realize that nobody has any idea what I am talking about, and that is just fine with me.
August 5, 2004
Gotta say - Bruce Springstein's Op Ed pice in the Times today came off as heartfelt and eloquent. I'm truly feeling born in the USA.
Chad and Paul are gonna be on the Graham Norton show next Thursday August 10th at 10pm. A step forward in my fantasy that all my friends will one day be featured on tv. Paul claims they got him drunk. This is most likely an excuse for bad behavior. We will see.
In keeping with my new real estate obsession: Curbed.
Article in High Times on What Are You Voting For?
August 4, 2004
I have already had my heart broken by the real estate market here. A week full of ups and downs and actually deluding ourselves into thinking we found a place to call our own has resulted in us learning our first home buying lesson and me denigrating all realtors citywide as money grubbing fascist bully boys.
Anyhoo, VH1 Classic just played New Order's video for Shellshock and it managed to cheer me up just a little. Or at least allowed me to express my inner goth and rail at how life is just not fair.
I see that other people were not thrilled with Six Feet Under's That's My Dog Episode. At least the past two weeks have more than made up for it.
Speaking of HBO - here is James Broadwater's response to being laid out by the Ali G show.
Subservient President. Same code as the subservient chicken. Make Bush do the chicken - its funny.
I read a lot of trashy stuff. Like last month, I actually read that awful Tracy Lords memoir, that basically skips over all the salacious parts that were obviously the only reason anyone would read the book to begin with. Not recommended. Unless you are interested in her "acting" career. But I do try to mix in some high end lit books just to assuage my conscience and impress my friends. So I was surprised to pick up what I thought would be a random chick lit book, to find that it was actually quite good. And now I'm recommending it to all.
Yoanna House from UPN's Top Model gets her Sephora campaign.
August 1, 2004
Can it be any more humid here? I'm not sure that I sweat enough this weekend.
We were real estate shopping all weekend. I have a sunburn from hanging out on too many unshaded sidewalks waiting on real estate agents. I have tricked myself into believing that I am conducting a sociological study into how other people live so that I don't totally lose my mind upon entering the umpteenth shithole co-op with drug dealers hanging out in the doorway. I saw one house with a basement that literally could have been lifted from the set of Silence of the Lambs. Someone definitely died there at some point. It also came with the owner's 40 year old son barricaded up on the top floor behind a locked door. It seemed that he was not convinced they should move.
The rest of the places on the market fall under the "luxury" heading, with beautiful marble countertops, top of the line appliances and price tags topping half a million for a small two bedroom. It sucks.
 |
|||||
|
|||||
|
|