Wednesday, December 9, 2009

It was a beautiful day!

I am human and I need to be loved just like everybody else does

I recently went through a difficult breakup, and as a widely known music fanatic, I made a playlist to help me deal with the fact that my ex-boyfriend is a real douchebag. And he really is, and I'm really better off without him. And no, I'm not just saying that to make myself feel better. He really treated me like shit at the end, and as a strong, independent, confident woman, I will not stand for that. I'm much better than his shit, which is so Busch league. Trust me, no one is telling me that I'm going to regret losing him. It was a good relationship, but it's over and I'm moving forth. Good riddance and on with the playlist. It's a little hodge-podge, but aren't all of my mixes like that?

There are several stages of a breakup that are represented in this mix.

1. Questioning, i.e. Why?
2. Bargaining, i.e. Please don't leave me (this is hopefully the shortest stage).
3. Anger, i.e. Fuck you, you worthless piece of shit, you're going to regret this.
4. Regret, i.e. looking back at the relationship, good and bad.
5. Acceptance and moving forth, i.e. Fuck you, I can and will do so much better.

There are more stages, but that would take me all day to explain.

One--U2
What Have I Don't to Deserve This?--Pet Shop Boys feat. Dusty Springfield
Slow Life--Grizzly Bear (saddest song ever!)
No Air--Jordin Sparks feat Chris Brown
Linger--the Cranberries
The Heart of the Matter--Don Henley
If You Leave--OMD (or Nada Surf)
End of the Road--Boyz II Men (probably the most appropriate song on this list)
Hold Me Now--Thompson Twins
High & Dry--Radiohead
Wicked Game--Chris Isaac
Anything--Dramarama
Keep Me Hanging On--Kym Wilde (or the original by the Supremes)
Hot N Cold--Katy Perry
Enjoy the Silence--Depeche Mode
How Soon is Now--The Smiths
The Engine Driver--The Decemberists
Apologize--One Republic (it is too late, it's too late)

Human--Human League
Throwing it All Away--Genesis
Don't Speak--No Doubt (quite possibly the best breakup song ever)
Title & Registration--Death Cab for Cutie
Pictures of You--The Cure
Everlong (acoustic)--Foo Fighters
She's Gone--Hall & Oates
Can't Stand Losing You--Police
It Must Have Been Love--Roxette
Breakdown--Mariah Carey feat Bone Thugz N Harmony
White Flag--Dido
Everyday I Love You Less and Less--Kaiser Chiefs
Don't Look Back in Anger--Oasis
Go Your Own Way--Fleetwood Mac
Love Hurts--Incubus
Walk On--U2

And of course, the anthem of breaking up...I Will Survive--Gloria Gaynor

God, I have the best music taste ever.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

I guess this is growing up.

I have a backlog of like ten entries that I'm going to try to post starting this weekend. We've got my jaunt to Texas to see U2, partying like a rockstar at Kings of Leon, the day my iPhone failed, and the most major event this weekend: NEW MOON.

We'll get to all that, but let's start with the time I saw Blink182 and Weezer. This will be brief, because honestly it was awhile ago and I just don't remember. So, Nihir, Nick, Deep and I trekked out to Bonner Springs after a long Friday at work to arrive just in time for Weezer.
They played their favorites, their popular songs, and it was enjoyable. This was at the Buzz Beach Ball, so it was really crowded, but we had okay spots on the lawn. I mean, I could see the stage and I'm like negative two feet tall. Rivers Cuomo is so the original nerd hunk. And everyone knows he's into Asian chicks, so he was meant for me. Except that he's married with a kid, but whatever...minor details. Anyway, Weezer is responsible for my all time favorite music video, the Happy Days inspired "Buddy Holly." Also, one of my favorite songs of theirs.
After all these years, they still sound pretty good. Rivers was jumpin' all around and getting all crazy for his mid-thirties self. And although I haven't been a huge fan of their more recent stuff, I thought Pork and Beans actually sounded really great live.

After roaming around a little bit, and randomly running into some people from our school, we weaved through the crowd and took our places for Blink. Now, let me give a little background. I used to worship Blink182. Like, not in the I have a crush on that band member and his picture is all over my wall, but they are actually one of the few bands out there that I own every single LP they've put out. I remember when Dammit came out. I was in 6th grade, and I remember watching that video on the Box all the time. Then Josie with Alyssa Milano came out and I watched that video a lot. I remember when Travis joined the band, and they did another one of the greatest videos of all time, "All the Small Things." One of my first (and still current email) AIM screennames has 182 in it. A lot of my computer passwords have the number 182 in it. I grew up with this band. They were a huge part of my formative years, growing up in SoCal.
So, you can imagine it was a trip that I was seeing them, now a band with most members married, children, thirties. They still act like they're in freshman year. "Hey Mark, do you know what Kansas City is? Kansas City is a slut, and you and I are totally tag-teaming that shit." That shit was funny. Crude jokes and hand gestures. Talking about each other's moms. Calling the city Boner Springs. You get the point. And man, they sounded pretty good. Travis Barker is an amazing drummer. Remember when he was in the Aquabats? I do, I had a friend who was obsessed with them. Oh Ska, where did you go? Tom sounded a little raspy at times, but I actually really like the songs where he sings lead. And Mark is just Mark, I've always liked Mark because he's a lead singer/bass player. It's rare, ask Sting.

Of course, most of the crowd was probably younger than us, but the songs took me right back junior high. Those were some good times, filled with fun music. Yeah, Blink might not be singing about saving the world from destruction and war, but they're songs are fun and catchy and you can just jump around and sing along. Their catalog is impressive too, like they have a lot of popular songs. They don't take themselves too seriously, and that is what I admire about them. Now, Angels & Airwaves? Maybe.

Now I was reading a review on one of the KC blogs and the guy was like appalled at the cussing and crassness of the band. Really? This is a fucking rock show from a group who named their album Take off Your Pants and Jacket. Were you expecting a G rated show? And if you're dumb enough to take your underage children to the Buzz Beachball where every member of the audience is drunk, you're the problem because your decision making skills are not stellar. Yes, it's your fault. Not the band's.

And needless to say, there was a lot of MJ smoke in the audience too.

Dumpweed
Feeling This
The Rock Show
What's My Age Again?
It's Obvious
I Miss You
Stay Together For the Kids
Down
Always
Stockholm Syndrome
First Date
Man Overboard
Going Away to College
Not Now
All the Small Things
Reckless Abandon
Josie
Anthem Part 2

Encore:
Carousel
Dammit

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The only thing that could have made me happy happened.

I've had a pretty shit week. I'm not going into the details lest I actually burst into tears, throw my computer into my new TV and then displace my anger onto some undeserving inanimate object.

Let's just say that like all ex-boyfriends, mine's a complete douche bag.

And just when I thought that life was bleak, there was no point to anything anymore, and l--e was the dirtiest fucking word that should never be uttered ever again, there came hope.

Hope in the form of two kids in Paris trying to take a walk through an airport.


This was taken in Paris, as Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart made their way to their private plane. They are in Europe on a press tour for New Moon and they are obviously holding hands. Some might argue that it's more of KStew clutching onto RPattz's arm, but knowing how the two of them shied away from any sort of physical interaction over the past two years as to avoid fueling the rumors, I think this is pretty legit. Kristen wouldn't just randomly hold his hand like she would any other friend because of the connotations behind this simple action. The both of them are much too smart for this to be accidental. I'm not sure they knew the paparazzi were watching, and if they did which they should assume since they are followed everywhere, it's like a huge FUCK YOU to the media. Good for them, they look adorable. There are a shit ton of other pictures, and they look so happy. So good for them, someone deserves to be happy.

The cynic in me thinks that relationships don't last, especially in Hollywood, but I hope they are enjoying each other's company because happiness is fleeting. I really like them together. They just seem to get each other. And the dreamer in me thinks that is enough sometimes.

I like to call this picture, the day Robsten made the Twilight world stand still. Also known as the day millions of girls hearts shattered. It's sad, but now they know how I feel.

Monday, September 14, 2009

When did this become a Twilight blog?

I swear I have a life outside of Twilight. I promise. However, the New Moon frenzy is just about to kick into high gear as we head towards the home stretch before November 20th.

The MTV VMAs were last night and because I am so devoted to Edward Cullen & Co, I had to watch to catch a glimpse of my vampire boyfriend. Surprisingly it wasn't a letdown. By now, anyone who cared to have watched knows the big shit that went down last night.

1. Taylor vs Kanye: I don't listen to country music. Period. I mean, I listen to Johnny Cash and like Tammy Wynette and Patsy Cline, but really, I don't. Taylor Swift wins the award for best female, and she goes up there in her sparkly (overdoing it a little for the VMAs) dress and she's all nervous and giggly. Then for some inexplicable reason, Kanye West storms the stage, grabs the mic and states that "Beyonce made one of the greatest videos of all time."

Two things are wrong with this. First of all, what the fuck, get off the stage, Kanye. Taylor won the award, let the girl have her moment. Who the fuck died and made you the accountant who always rigs the voting at Price Waterhouse? The look on her face was just like pure hatred towards him, she looked shocked and dismayed and humiliated. It's that look on your face where you have just been cussed out. I would know that look, I've cussed a few people out in my day. I thrive on that look, but that's another story for another time.

Number 2, Single Ladies is not one of the greatest videos ever. Just because Beyonce wears a bodysuit and prances around does not make it some sort of artistic vision. I would not put it up there with Thriller or my all time favorite video Weezer's Buddy Holly. Plus, that song annoys me, the premise is lame. If you liked it you should have put a ring on it. Umm, marriage sucks, don't encourage that, Beyonce.

Eventually, Taylor got hers because she kicked ass in her performance and Beyonce brought her up on stage at the end to finally give her speech. They were both very classy ladies, and Taylor won herself a new fan...I couldn't get that damn song out of my head the whole day. And so I illegally downloaded it. Thanks Ms. Swift.

2. Muse: God, how much does Muse kick ass? I love them. As my twitter stated, "Matt Bellamy, marry me, iwanttohaveyourbabies." And I do. And you know how I feel about the institution of marriage as above. They killed their performance so hard, MTV showed a little bit of Starlight as well. I can't believe this was their first American TV appearance, get your heads out of your asses, America and listen up. Muse is one of the best bands to come out of the UK in a long time, and they've been around for awhile now. Hope another one of their songs is on the New Moon soundtrack. I love Uprising.

3. New Moon Trailer. Okay, so Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson introduced the extended scenes trailer during the telecast. OMG. I already wrote about the trailer a few days ago when I saw it, and this one was pretty much the same, except that Edward says, "You can go to hell," in this version which is awesome. He really does look like shit in that scene, so good job makeup people. It's hard to make perfection look ugly. The same is true for the converse, which is why KStew was total win last night.

I'm not saying she's ugly, not at all...in fact, I kinda love her so I would never say that. But I just can't get behind her mullet. But last night, she had the party in the back all pinned up and the business in the front was all sideswept and she looked AMAZING. Her nude toned Valentino mini dress was adorable, and showed off her greatest assets, her legs. Her rock and republic shoes were killer too. Her eye makeup was perfect and for the first time in awhile (probably since MTV movie awards) she really looked worthy of Pattinson, who was totally ripped.


Does it matter? No, he was barely intelligible and he probably stank worse than some of my patients (although who doesn't like the smell of Bourbon mixed with Gin) but it does not matter. It also does not matter what he wore because he could wear a parachute pants and I'd still think him sexy. And oh god, Taylor Lautner. I'm going to abstain from saying anything that could be misconstrued as a sexual innuendo until Mr. Lautner turns 18. I'm just saying, whoever dressed him and tousled his hair just so deserves a freaking cookie. There were so many key moments, from TLaut and Shakira to Robsten just eye fucking the shit out of each other on stage to the actual trailer itself. I freaking love my DVR, you know I watched that shit over and over.

The picture above is probably the cutest thing I've ever seen (at least this weekend). That is a boyfriend hug. Poor third wheeling Taylor. I don't get Summit's worry that people wont' buy into Kristen and Taylor's chemistry if she and Rob date. Like real life Edward and Bella. That's great publicity. Plus, Taylor is like 12 years old, and obviously could not keep up with hard living KStew. Most people also realize that they are fictional characters, they've read the books so they know who she ends up with, plus, no one is rooting for Bella and Jacob anyway. Team Edward, baby.

4. Going Gaga: I really like Lady Gaga's music. Put poker face or Just Dance on and I will bust a move, guaranteed. I don't really get her schtick though, like it feels like she is just trying so hard to be edgy. It feels tired. Plus, she actually does look like a dude. And she has the strangest accent I've ever heard, it's like not American, but it's not any other recognized union either.

5. Pink's acrobatics. Holy crap. I'm not really a huge P!nk fan, because I think she tries to hard to be in your face, but her trapeze performance was awesome. Like, that is some serious athleticism and vocal talent to be able to not huff and puff through that.

6. Adam Brody! Someone found him! I thought I saw his face on a milk carton, he'd been missing for so long. Unfortch, he got forced into doing some shitty movie called Jennifer's Body with Megan Fox and the effervescent Amanda Seyfried (who will always be Mean Girls Karen) by his captors. Whatever, I'm glad he's still alive and looking pretty nerdy hot still. I hope he has a dartboard with Hayden Christensen's photo on it. I loved me some Summeth.

The other performances were all pretty decent, and Russell Brand obviously wasn't really allowed to talk this year, so that was good. There's only so much nasally British I can take.

---

On a serious note, RIP Patrick Swayze.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The Twilight Saga New Moon: making people buy tickets to shitty movies

The official New Moon trailer is being shown before the Citizen Kane comparable movie Sorority Row this weekend. I believe this is the movie with Audrina Patridge, which she probably is spectacular in because she's already got the zombie dead eyes. If you ever meet me, you should ask me to do my impression of her face, it's pretty spot on.

I have to break this trailer down, it is so fantastic. I mean, Chris Weitz is a genius. I have to say it. The man made American Pie and About a Boy, two of my favorite movies ever. Like, I watched About a Boy two weeks ago, and fuck me, Hugh Grant is awesome. I digress though.



Oh shit, the Volturi. Michael Sheen looks so freaky when he's breaking that guy's neck...although I guess anyone would be if they were killing someone. Oh Edward. He looks like a dad wearing that blazer, seriously, where'd he get that from Carlisle's closet? Regardless he looks like a DILF.

"Promise me you won't do anything reckless." Kristen Stewart looks like she's going into a conniption when he tells her she doesn't belong in his life. And she sounds all guttural when she's having a nightmare about him. People have been having conniptions about the color of his Volvo. No, it does not look like silver. It's still a Volvo, and it's still a total dad car, why doesn't Edward get a sporty little Bimmer like Rosalie? He really is like 108 years old, the only age where that kind of car is appropriate.

KStew looks totally hot in the motorcycle scene, her hair is all reddish and blowing in the wind. Too bad Jacob has to go and ruin the scene by existing. "I know what he did to you, I'd never hurt you." Well, Jacob that's because you suck. If you love someone you have to let them go sometimes, and Edward did it to protect her, no matter how totally lame that was. You are selfish and continually want to expose her to the wolfpack, where she could totally get hurt. Have you not seen what Sam did to Emily? Asshole.

Yeah, and don't grab her arm to stop her from going to save Edward, k? Thx.

Alice looks so cute when she's driving her porsche. Oh Edward in front of the Volturi, that scene is going to be so badass. He looks so wan and pained. And shirtless, definitely shirtless. KStew's all running through a fountain and screaming. That penultimate scene where Demetri is slamming Edward down on the ground and then the logo flashes is kickass.

Man the wolfpack fighting Laurent looks awesome, and closer to what I was imagining for that scene. And oh god, more Volturi. Apparently that scene is all about beating the shit out of Edward. The last part of the trailer where Dakota Fanning says, "This may hurt just a little," gave me chills.

I'm glad they had a lot of Alice and Volturi in this trailer. Not so much Cullens or Jacob. They gave a little taste of Italy and the wolfpack (who by the way, have amazing bodies, like holy shit). There was some action, Rob shirtless, Charlie Swan, and Jessica (whom I love in the movie). They did such a superior job on the makeup for this movie, it's unbelieveable. They even got a song from Death Cab on the soundtrack!

It looks way less cheesy than the other trailer did. When I first saw the trailer for Twilight, I hadn't read the books and as I was watching, two things flashed through my mind.

1. Cam Gigandet is such a douche. And I'm sure he's not in real life, but judging from his role as Volchok on the OC, and now as long flaxen haired baddie vamp James, I just want to hate him. He is very, very sexy though when he's not in James character. This was the first time I'd seen him since the OC, so that bad taste was still in my mouth.

2. This movie looks so effing lame. Like, Edward jumpin' around trees, stoppin' a truck, sayin' cheesy lines to Bella. He looks like a crazed meth addict with that hair and those expressions. I watched the trailer again the other day on the DVD, and I cringed. Knowing nothing about the books and seeing that did not make me want to see the movie. Really, "Forever begins now," in sparkly lettering? Is that how that's going to go?

This New Moon trailer might actually make people who aren't fans want to see the movie, the special effects look badass, the action is there, there looks like something more than just a love story between an awkward girl and her vampire boyfriend. Only 69 days, huzzah!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Call me Alice Cullen...


Because I'm clairvoyant. Did I not totally call it? Robsten are totally doing it. You may have recalled when in this groundbreaking post I broke it down and gave evidence of their obvious hookup. The longing glances, the late night taxicab rides, the hotel rendezvous. Yeah, pretty much more of the same, except they are being much more public (or much less careful) about things.

It was only time. If a sexy british man blubbers everyone he's in love with you and serenades you with emo shit songs on his guitar, you will succumb. It's a scientifically proven fact.

Exhibit 1: Comic Con

They didn't have much interaction there possibly due to intervention from Summit peeps. The studio should know by now that wild horses couldn't keep the sexual magnetism of these two apart. But, it was the first reunion since the filming of New Moon wrapped, and there was much awkwardness. According to the US Weekly, Kristen freaked out about what to wear! What a 19 year old. Who cares what you're going to wear, sweetheart, it's going to end up in a dirty pile with his clothes anyway. And neither of them are any sort of cleanly these days.

They always had Taylor Lautner standing between them like some sort of celibacy wall (he is 17), and the two barely interacted at all, save for some really awkward looking photo ops. It was almost as if they had never met each other. I think that was nerves plus they hadn't seen each other in awhile and it's always kind of awkward in that way. Plus Kristen was having a bad mullet day. The mullet has looked better. The mullet can be mighty.

However, they did stay on the same floor of the Hard Rock in San Diego (which of course translates into sex because you can't stay on the same floor of a hotel and not do it) and Rob did convince KStew to ride back to LA in his limo (fancy pants). Reports were that she gave him the cold shoulder because of his alleged dalliance with Evil Tess and that he was trying to get her back. I still don't believe he hit that. I'm sure RPattz totally effed a ton of chicks in NYC, but I prefer to think they were nameless models with no souls.

Exhibit 2: Teen Choice Awards weekend

RPattz made his way back to Los Angeles after wrapping up Remember Me in NYC. Seemingly, as soon as he checked into the Chateau Marmont, there were Robsten sightings abound. First, they were seen at Bobby Long and Marcus Foster concerts. Don't worry if you don't know who they are, they are friends of RPattz whose fan base is probably mostly made up of Twi-teens and their horny moms. Trust. She was then seen hanging out with him on his hotel room balcony, leaving his hotel early in the morning (GASP), and going out to lunch with him. Lunch date = fucking. And it's not only her going to him; no, KStew does not play that way. RPattz was seen driving a hunter green Boxter from her family's house in the Valley. THE VALLEY.

First of all how the fuck did he get there? And don't say by car, because that's just smart alecky. I mean, I lived in California for 18 years and I couldn't make my way to the valley. Rather, I refuse. He's from effing the UK. WTF. Like, he must be in fucking love with her if he's willing to drive out to BFE.

Those sightings along are more than we've had in like two years of speculation. They are either getting sloppy, or they just don't give a fuck who cares. Everything is really purposeful. Like celebrities are very fucked up in the head. They always complain about having paps follow them around, but then they turn around and stay at the most visible and famous celebrity hangout in LA. Like, if you don't want to be followed or found, why don't you stay in Pasadena or even Downtown (the horror). The pool at Chateau is crawling with hollywood snitches and another word that rhymes with that. Celebrities subconsciously want to be found because they thrive from the attention. That's why they went into acting. Duh.

Evidence #3: Kings of Leon


By now, everyone who cares has seen these photos. And if you haven't, you can go crawl back under the rock from whenst you came. Now, you can be in denial and say oh they are just talking, concerts are loud. You would be a damned, dirty liar. They are clearly making out and there is no disputing it. Hear that? It's millions of hearts breaking around the world.

I go to a lot of concerts. Big, little, indoor, outdoor, etc. I consider myself somewhat of an authority on concerts. Yes, I will give you that they are loud. The decline on my audiogram can tell you that. But in my experience, I nor anyone with me has ever had to turn a complete 180 to speak. If you shout in someone's ear who is sitting next to you, they'll hear it. He is not simply talking to her.

In their defense, a Kings of Leon concert is like basically aural sex, so it could have just been the environment that pushed them into making out in public in front of a bunch of paps. But then, you don't see Taylor Lautner and Nikki Reed going at it...Taylor is probably smarter than that. Nothing against Nikki, but she dates Paris Hilton's ex. Make of that what you will.

Pictures are a thousand words and from these pictures I deduced several things. Rob is drinking a Heineken keg can, as is the underage Kristen. They smoke a lot, as does Jackson Rathbone. Kellan, the one texting, probably doesn't even like KoL but since everyone else was going, he didn't want to be the loser left out. I've also learned that Ashley Greene is the smartest cast member...well except for the nude pics, but what did I say about actors above? She's all up on Xavier Samuel (Riley), and he is hot. She's also allegedly hooked up with Chace Crawford, Adrian Grenier, and Ian Somerhalder. Get it girl.

On to Robsten, they are laughing, leaning in and talking, he's clearly enjoying the music. She is leaning back in the chair, her feet up against the railing, and he is shoving his tongue down her throat. She may have a mullet, but she is a smart, smart girl. Kellan is taking pics with his phone because it's so hot he wants to save some for later when he's back at the hotel by his lonesome because he's got no costar to hook up with...pobrecita, Kellan.

They've started filming Eclipse, and I guarantee you this is not the last we've seen of the Robsten PDA. I love it.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Do you have the time to listen to me whine?


Nihir, Suchit, Deep and Nick accompanied me to the Green Day/Franz Ferdinand concert at the Sprint Center last Wednesday. For some odd reason, we almost all were delayed for one reason or another. Seriously, it was like the medicine gods were pointing and jeering at us while we all waited to be released from our respective medical duties. It's not like I don't like being in the hospital (actually I kind of don't), but it's more like when my work is all done and I'm ready to leave, I don't want to deal with a fucking lame ass trauma. Which of course is exactly what happened at 4 PM, right as I was about to give check out. We'd finished her workup, but our attending wanted me to stitch up a laceration. I sewed that shit with three interrupted sutures in less than 2 minutes. No joke.

Fast forward, we got there and missed some of Franz Ferdinand's set. They were playing Do You Want to when we got to our seats, and apparently we missed No You Girls and Michael which kind of sucks because those are two of my favorite songs. Luckily I saw them at their fucking fantastic show at the Beaumont earlier this summer. They played Take me Out, Lucid Dreams, Jacqueline, This Fire and Ulysses to round out a fantastic, upbeat, energy-charged set that was appreciated by no one except for us and a few kids in our section. I've never seen a more terribly matched opening act for Green Day than them. I LOVE FF. I really do, but they deserve much better than the Green Day crowd...both bands are just in two different genres. It is a testament that GD would pick them, that means they have good taste, but they were a little ambitious thinking their fans would like FF. It was a treat for me though, so fuck every one else.

That was just the beginning of a pretty bizarre night. Green Day is this band that has had so many hits...like there were songs I totally forgot they had. In the beginning, they played songs about being bored teenagers. The album Dookie came out when I was 7 years old. I remember Basket Case was the first video played on MTV at midnight in 1994 because it was voted the number one song of 1993. This is one of the albums that played pervasively throughout my youth. Everyone was into Green Day, their songs were inescapable growing up. Their sound changed with cuts like Time of Your Life and then the whole Warning album, and then they became uber political with the hugely popular American Idiot. They got real preachy with that album, and they were preachy during their concert.

Their whole schtick has always been anti-suburbia/middle America. They denigrate religious zealots and fanatics...championing leftism and punk rock and the like. Which is funny because they were playing a show in the Bible Belt, the exact culture/part of America their songs poke fun of. This mockery was very evident in the way Billie Joe said "Kansas City" about 8920375038 times. Before every song, during every song, and during his stories. He said fuck way less times. To prove the point that Jesus freaks are crazy, Billie Joe "saved" a little girl on stage in true evangelistic style during East Jesus Nowhere (very apropo). Billie Joe Armstrong seriously put his hand on her face and pushed her down onto the stage. It was very strange, and I'm not gonna lie...I think we were a little uncomfortable. I guess he made his point though. Touche, Billie Joe Armstrong.

Luckily, they diffused the awkwardness with a lot of hits from Dookie, Nimrod, American Idiot and a smattering of new songs from 21st Century Breakdown.

Their set was pretty simple, the main one was lit up buildings a la the opening of Gossip Girl. I don't think that was the intent. They also had TV screens that sometimes showed a manic looking Billie Joe, surprisingly less manic looking Tre Cool, and always calm and collected Mike Dirnt (who has always been my favorite). One of the coolest moments was when Billie Joe pulled up a girl from the audience and had her sing Longview. She didn't miss one lyric. I would be petrified.

The most amazing thing about the show was that it was 2.5 hours long. Other than the Cure, I don't think I've ever seen a band play that long continuously. The show was very high energy, and they sounded actually better than they do on their records. The energy was especially at its pinnacle during the songs from Dookie...except they didn't play When I Come Around, my all time favorite Green Day song. Apparently, they don't like playing it or something. It is arguably their most famous song, so it kind of sucked that they didn't play it.

I am very surprised at the sustainability of BJ's vocal cords with the way he screams everything. The man is 37 years old. He practically invented black eyeliner on dudes in rock bands. They've been playing for a long time. Some of their songs are apart of the ever growing soundtrack that I've set to my life. When I was in my second year at college, I was really really depressed. Like, I probably needed some Lexapro depressed...I hated everything about that time. That was about the same time American Idiot came out and specially Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Those lyrics still can make me cry to this day.

  1. Song of the Century
  2. 21st Century Breakdown
  3. Know Your Enemy
  4. East Jesus Nowhere
  5. Holiday
  6. The Static Age
  7. Before the Lobotomy
  8. Are We the Waiting
  9. St. Jimmy
  10. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
  11. J.A.R.
  12. 2000 Light Years Away
  13. Hitchin' A Ride (he had us sing 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4...right into the next song)
  14. Welcome To Paradise
  15. Brain Stew
  16. Jaded
  17. Longview
  18. Basket Case
  19. She (one of my all time favorite GD songs)
  20. King For A Day
  21. Shout (The Isley Brothers cover)
  22. 21 Guns
  23. American Eulogy
  24. American Idiot
  25. Minority
  26. Macy's Day Parade Acoustic
  27. Last Night on Earth Acoustic (probably the most fucking romantic song they've ever written; off the new album)
  28. Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)
Of course they ended the night with that song. So predictable. Overall, very good concert.

Next one: tentatively Weezer and Blink 182 (more bands that shaped my SoCal youth).

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Don't You Forget About John Hughes

We lost an American institution to coronary heart disease this week, John Hughes. This man was one of the most celebrated film directors of the 1980s. I mean, he wasn't like a Scorcese or a Coppola, but he directed a ton of memorable, age defining movies. He made light movies that people enjoyed and could watch again and again. From feel good comedies to awkward teen romances, he owned the 80s. He single-handedly made Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall. Created them out of a rib I think. He was most known for his work with the Brat Pack, he literally defined the genre, but he was also a writer on movies like National Lampoon's Vacation, Home Alone, Beethoven, and 101 Dalmations (the one with Glenn Close, obvs). Plus all his movies had stellar soundtracks. So as a tribute, this is my countdown of my favorite John Hughes movies.

No Pretty in Pink is not on the list. Why you ask? Well, I have a real problem with the ending. I feel like Molly Ringwald should have ended up with John Cryer and not with Andrew McCarthy. And obviously I was right...John Cryer is one of the highest paid actors on television now...Two and a Half Men. Andrew McCarthy had a bit role on Gossip Girl this past season, so yeah, I stand by my choice. Great freaking soundtrack though--Echo & the Bunnymen, OMD, Psychedelic Furs? Amazing.


5. Weird Science. Take two awkward guys who can't get laid (Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith). Add a computer stimulation project gone awry, creating a sexy, badass super-being (Kelly LeBrock...who was hotter than her in that movie, btw?) who helps them gain confidence and out wit the bullies (one being Robert Downey Jr!), thus gaining them the hearts of two cute girls. Then set it to an Oingo Boingo fueled soundtrack. Awesomeness is the result. Really, it's the modern day Frankenstein.


4. Sixteen Candles. Who didn't love Jake Ryan in the 80s? This is probably Molly Ringwald's best role, Sam Baker, geekyish nobody who is in love with the popular senior who doesn't know she exists. Seriously her life sucks. Her family forgets her birthday... her sweet sixteen...because they are all really fucked up and plus her sister is getting married the next day. Somehow there's a foreign exchange student staying with them, Long Duk Dong, and even he finds a girlfriend when Sam is forced to take him to a school dance. Anthony Michael Hall is this geek who is in love with Sam, cue the famous panty flashing scene, but he inexplicably ends up with the Prom queen when she gets completely shitfaced and is broken up with by Jake. Everyone knows the climax of the movie, the quintessential scene of the 80s, the kiss over the birthday cake. As a female, I think it's one of the best scenes ever.

3. Some Kind of Wonderful. This is a severely underrated movie, judging by the fact that I've been searching for it in stores for awhile now, and it's not available anywhere. Yes I'm aware I could purchase it on the internet, but for some reason I don't like doing that. The premise is time tested, Mary Stuart Masterson has a huge unrequited crush on her best friend Eric Stolz, who has a huge unrequited crush on the effervescent Amanda (Lea Thompson). Let the awkwardness and teen angst ensue. This film marked Candace Cameron's first role too, as Eric Stolz's little sister. Unlike Pretty in Pink, this movie has a happy ending, and the two best friends end up together, and the world is right. This movie gives hope to the cute, smart, funny best friend...because you know you're more like that girl than the glamazon hot chick.


2. The Breakfast Club. This is my favorite Brat Pack movie, and one of my all time favorites in general. It truly has stood the test of time, and has been the inspiration for many a television show and movie (i.e. the Dawson's Creek episode that ripped it off). The premise is simple, what happens when you put a princess, a jock, a criminal, a brain and a basket case together in detention? Magic. That's what. And dancing...in a library. That scene at the end where Judd Nelson puts Molly Ringwald's earring in his ear set to Simple Minds' Don't You Forget About Me? Perfect cinematic ending. And Emilio Estevez unexpectedly falling for the made over cute-as-a-button Ally Sheedy? Amazing. The reason why Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) gets detention? Frighteningly clairvoyant. Everyone is represented, and that's the point. The point is that no matter who you are, what niche your personality fits in, you have a little bit of all those characters within you. You can relate to every single one of them. There is no better example of a teen movie. This is it. If you had one movie to pick from the Brat Pack genre, you pick the Breakfast Club. It is defining.

1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This is the quintessential 1980s movie. I have never met anyone who didn't love this movie. Save Ferris. I mean, who doesn't want to be him? Ferris is the most popular guy, he skips school, drives Cameron's dad's Ferrari, goes to a Cubs game, pretends he's Abe Froman, sausage king of Chicago, dances in a parade. And he beats antagonist (and later real life sex offender) Mr. Rooney. There is nothing Ferris Bueller is incapable of, but yet it's a movie about his self-consciousness about leaving everything behind when he graduates. Everything about this movie is awesome, there isn't one scene that sucks. Matthew Broderick was brilliant, but it's his words that made the movie...and John Hughes wrote those words. Oh yeah.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Follow up post: SBTB Reunion, we made it happen!


I'm not so sure that I made it happen, but I certainly prayed for it every night before bed and signed the online petition, so I'm gonna take the credit.

I'm so heading to Costco to buy this shit tomorrow when it comes out on newsstands. I have to, it's my favorite television series of all time. Like, the only thing that will come close is when they have The OC reunion (really, what is that cast up to these days other than Ben McKenzie who was on southLAnd and Cam Gigandet who is freaking so hot right now), if they can get Mischa Barton sober...which, well not looking so good right about now. She's turned into the real life Marissa Cooper in that episode she got all drugged up in Mexico and was almost taken advantage of by those seedy Mexican men. Let's hope she doesn't get Volchoked again (I heart you Cam!).

I digress.

People magazine is total win, first RPattz last week with the scintillating headline "HIS MESSY LOVE LIFE: hookups, rumors, and a love triangle-but what he really wants is his costar" and now this!

A. That kind of speculative commentary will put you firmly on my good side, People Mag.
B. Saved by the FUCKING Bell! I love that Dustin Diamond was excluded from this...probably because he is a filthy individual who makes porn for sexual deviants and because he seems like a major doucher. But I ask, where is Mr. Belding, Dennis Haskins? He was one of the first people who agreed to do the reunion.

Mark-Paul looks gorgeous as usual, Mario looks way better now than in his Slater days (he's probably the most visible cast member today), Elizabeth actually looks decent although everyone remembers her now as Nomi Malone in Showgirls (won't ever live that one down, Jessie). Lark has had some rhinoplasty or something because her midface just isn't right, but she looks okay compared to before. Tiffani's weave could go, but she looks aight too.

All hail Jimmy Fallon by the way, I cannot wait until he has the whole cast on his show. I bow down to you, Mr. Fallon.

B-B-Buh-buh-B, GO BAYSIDE!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

I know I'm like five months too late with this post.

Sorry it's been awhile since I updated this thing...I'm on neurosurgery, so sue me.

So far this month, I've drilled five burr holes into various skulls, placed an extraventricular drain, done countless rectals (yay for spine call...not) and drained two subdurals. It is truly frightening to think that I have sewn into a living person's dura...like that shouldn't be allowed, especially if you've seen my physiologic tremor. Yay for being a surgeon!

But, I don't want to talk about neurosurgery or being a doctor...I want to talk about Twilight.

Obviously.

So, it has come to my attention that there have been some pretty rampant rumors about my favorite sparkly vampire actor and his co-star. I'm talking about Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart if you're not in the know (I will refer to them as Robsten from here on out). Now let me preface by saying that I am a fan of this pairing, even though it is of little consequence to my life or the lives of others around me. "Shipping" as they call supporters of a specific coupling, is probably the most irrelevant thing on the planet, but there is something so inexplicable about wanting two people to be together. It's not like me willing for something to happen between these two people is going to actually make something happen...I understand that fully, but it doesn't stop me from reading gossip sites and mags and hoping that the speculation is true. It's very odd and I'm not sure I'm proud of that. Whatever.

First the internets were all abuzz at the prospect of Robsten being together, with Rob hopping on a red eye to see his supposed love in LA a few weekend ago (huge speculation, as if he'd have no other business in LA than to see her), and there was news that KStew might be pregnant. Now reports are that he's dumped her for Emilie de Ravin, his latest costar. I will refer to her as Tess because no matter what projects she chooses, even if she one day wins the Nobel Peace Prize, she will remain hated in my heart for tearing Max and Liz apart on Roswell. Tess is pure evil. I am not a fan.

I read Robert Pattinson news all day long on my iPhone...one of my favorite sites, Robsessed, always has tons of pictures to keep me satiated. You can find tons of pics of him every single day. Like, actually like every hour of the day. Check it out, you'll see why every woman in America wants a piece. These sites posting these pics from his Remember Me movie set keeps the paps in business, which I'm sure he's thrilled about. I personally like the ones where he's shirtless on the set of New Moon in "Volterra."

Let's address rumor # 1: Are they or aren't they?

Ladies and gentleman of the jury, the conclusion is...I don't know. You thought I was going to have some concrete evidence, didn't you? No, fooled you, suckers. Really though, it's inconsequential if they're together right now. I think they have a deep connection between costars, and well you can't really get more deeply connected than the way I'm thinking. I can tell you that when they were filming New Moon, they did seem to have a higher level of comfort with each other, which seems appropriate since they'd already worked together on the first movie and spent numerous weeks alone together on a grueling press tour.

Who sits like that exactly?

There were the late night bar sojourns in which they looked very "friendly" (I always look that friendly when I'm drunk though) and the shared cab rides back to their respective hotels where their legs were all entwined and shit. Then apparently Kristen shouted out Rob's name during a pivotal scene between Bella and Edward. Real life blurring the lines of reel life? Only Robsten (and probably most of their bodyguards and handlers) know for sure. Along with that, there were reports of stolen kisses and a rendezvous in Italy, which, well if you're going to have a rendezvous, have it there!


I seriously died that this point.

Then there was the MTV Movie Awards. Oh the MTV Movie Awards, when I felt my uterus weep as they had their almost kiss...that was so painful for me. They do have electric chemistry, and they are both gorgeous...I mean, like I said, if I were her and I had the opportunity, I'd probably rape him. Like, it would literally take negative exertion from him to get me on him. The morning after, the two were caught saying their early morning goodbyes behind a tinted car window after spending a night in a bungalow at the Charlie Hotel. Now, hotels are usually big, they've usually got more than one room, but I don't know if you're acquainted with this hotel...it's pretty fucking romantic. Like, I would not take my mom there. But, KStew's mother was actually present that AM for the sendoff as well. Interesting. Let's leave it at that.

Then there's the whole Michael Angarano thing. He was KStew's long time boyfriend before this Rob Pattinson dude showed up and fucked things up for him. I say "was" because I haven't seen pictures of them together since early in New Moon filming. He's been in LA, and she's been in LA, and yet they've not been seen together...curious. I'd fucking beat my boyfriend if we were in the same city and we didn't see each other. Plus, she is rarely seen with former BFF Nikki Reed, who is an Angarano friend and former alleged Pattinson paramour. If KStew and RPattz are doing it, things would be a little awkward between the three of them, to say the least.


Look closely at the watch. What a difference a year makes.

There is something that works against this theory though...and I think I may be the only person on the whole world wide net that has thought about it. She still wears Angarano's tan leather wristwatch. How do I know it's his? He was wearing it at the MTV Movie Awards last year when he arrived with her. She was still wearing it while prepping for the Runaways (she looks awesome as Joan Jett by the way). Maybe she just really likes the watch or maybe she wants to twist the knife in a little deeper, who knows? It's kind of weird to keep wearing your ex's shit though. Usually you want to douse it with gasoline and grin as the flames flicker around it.

Haven't you guys seen Waiting to Exhale?


Trust me, it's the same watch. I've done hours of research on this. By hours I mean minutes. 60.

Rumor # 2: Is there a Pattinson bun in the oven?

Okay this was completely ludicrous. Some Aussie rag reported that KStew was preggers with Pattinson's lovechild. And while most women in the world wished it were them, I'm pretty sure this is not true. Their evidence was a picture of her alleged pooch. Okay, I'm not sure if you know this Australia, but by your calculations of her girth, every woman in America is about 50 months pregnant, me included. Just kidding, I think I could pass for only 3-4 months tops. Okay, okay 5-6. Geez. Critical. If I were to have a baby, it would be made of beer and pizza. I allege that Kristen is a healthy young girl who is still about a size 2, and she has had to squeeze her butt into painted on leather pants that were so inexplicably popular in the 70s. Thank god we're so over that time period. Heinous.

Trust me when I say she's not pregnant, I'm a doctor. And if she is, hope she gets good prenatal care, because she's been smoking up a storm lately. Can you say intrauterine fetal growth restriction? Not good.


Could you imagine if they did have a kid together? It would have the BEST hair.

Rumor # 3: RPattz and KStew and dunzo.


Smoldering. And this was before the rumors were apeshit.

Now, I don't know if I believe this, solely on the fact that I don't actually believe they are "together." You can't be broken up if you are not together, it's as simple as that. Now, that's not to say I don't think they've hooked up. They've certainly fucked, that's clearly the case...look at KStew's bedroom eyes when she looks at him. And everyone knows that he's had a crush on her from the very beginning, and he's made no secret of that to her, to their costars, or to the media. Persistence pays off, and when it's coming from the biggest movie star in the world, no woman's resolve is that great, especially when she's 19. Seriously, I could talk a 19 year old into doing pretty much anything as long as it involved free liquor. Really, if you throw in two young, sexy like-minded people (kinda grungy alterno hipster cool), they will probably at the very least hit it off and do it.

If you look at the picture above and then look at some of the pictures now, you can see a difference in Kristen's body language. Above, she's keeping him at bay, standing far enough and not quite meeting his eyes, while maintaining a look of admiration. She has a small smile for him, while he's checking out her boobs. You go, RPattz.

But let's face it, Pattinson is living in New York while filming Remember Me this summer, and KStew is in LA filming the Runaways. That's kind of far apart. Now, absence may make the heart grow fonder, but he's got like serious tail shoved in his face at every angle. I don't know any 23 year old guys who'd be all like, "Oh, but there's this girl I really care about, but I'm not really exclusive with, that I'm saving myself for..." Please. If he smokes, he pokes, and well RPattz smokes a lot.

I still don't believe he'd be with that evil Tess though, not when there's all of New York for the taking. I feel bad for him, RPattz can't hand someone his coffee cup without the media writing it up as his latest conquest. He can't do anything without paps or fans or stalkers chasing him. That's a miserable way to live. Actually at that point, it isn't really living, and you can see the strain on his face.

Although it doesn't matter what I say, I do hope the Robsten rumors are true because at least he seems happy when he's with her. They truly seem to enjoy each other's company because they are simpatico with each other--I mean, same music, same books, same movies, same temperament. They get it. And I would much rather have him be with her than some Hollywood skank like Paris Hilton. She at least seems awkward and scared and unpolished. The girl's favorite book is East of Eden, endearing her to me forever as a fellow Steinbeck aficionado. She likes Iron & Wine! She seems like she has depth at least, which I don't see emanating off the likes of Miley or Lindsay. She seems like a normal girl reacting to the insanity of fame--yeah, she might come off as bitchy or standoffish, but if I had fucking retards asking me the same questions on interviews and I was painfully shy, I'd probably be seen the same way.

Actually, I'm not famous and people see me like that, so I understand. I say let's see what happens when they start filming Eclipse, but for now I am firmly ensconced on the side of Team Robsten.

Friday, July 17, 2009

No diggity. NO DOUBT.

So, Nihir and I went to see No Doubt and Paramore at the Starlight two weeks ago.

It was fantastic. After a grueling day on Neurosurgery, I was biting my nails hoping that I would be released from my hospital duties before the start of the concert. I made it with forty-five minutes to spare. Phew. I love seeing concerts at the Starlight, it's an open air theater with great acoustics. The weather was perfect for a concert, a rarity in KC in the summer.

We drove out there, missing the first act Bedouin Soundclash, but shortly thereafter, Hayley Williams & Co. emerged, starting off with Misery Business. I just want to say that she is the cutest person ever. Like, with that flaming red hair and her petite frame bouncing around all over the place, she's just adorable. Nihir is in love with her, and I can't blame him. She's all kinds of sweet. And her vocal range was really tight, she sounded great.

They of course played That's What You Get, and crushcrushcrush and some new material too...but you know what everyone was waiting for, Decode from the Twilight soundtrack. Everyone went apeshit over that finale, and it was incredible. God love the new iPhone for having videocamera capability because I totally recorded that shit.

Eventually, No Doubt took the stage and OMFG. Their stage was incredible. It looked like the Encounters revolving restaurant at LAX, like an alabaster spaceship/spider thing. Now for those of you who don't know me, Gwen Stefani is my idol. I adore her so much and I would probably take a bullet for her. I love her that much. She and I share the same hometown of Anaheim, California and she's been a huge part of my life since I was ten years old. No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom was one of the first two CDs I'd ever purchased with my own money (the other being Oasis' What's the Story Morning Glory? on the same day).

This was my fifth time seeing No Doubt. They just keep getting better and better. They are a well oiled machine even after not putting out a new record in 6 years. The sound was tight, and the setlist was killer. You don't realize how many awesome songs they have until you see them in concert, it's just hit after hit. Adrian had his jockstrap tutu thing going on (I sort of preferred when he wore the diaper actually, which is weird), Tom was looking delicious as usual, especially when he pulled out the acoustic guitar for Don't Speak. I died. And Tony, oh Tony, I love you. He was just amazing as usual. I admire Tony probably the most in the band because he was the one who spurned Gwen into writing all of these great songs. Like that guy dumped Gwen Stefani...he's like beyond the pimp stratosphere.

Overall, the quality of music was incredible. Add Stephen Bradley and Gabe McNair, who have been with the band forever, these are a fine group of musicians. They're not just some fly by night pop band. They're the real deal, and it was evidenced by how good they sounded.

And Gwen looked stunning, stupendous, fly, sexy, gorgeous. Everything. Her abs are like a twelve pack, and god her makeup and hair. I just...love her. Obsesionado. This woman has two children under the age of 4. Best MILF ever. Jesus, it's not even fair. While they were playing certain songs, they had these film clips playing in the background that the band had shot which were totally cool. They were like spies or being chased or Gwen/Tony were the bad guys in a Bond film. Like totally rocking.

Gwen bantered with the crowd a lot during this show, more than I've ever seen since their early days. She pulled a lucky fan on stage to take a picture after being bestowed with some cross-stitch patterns; they played Total Hate 95 for a fan who had a sign requesting it. She pointed out a lot of the fan made signs, actually, especially one that said "Mom Rock." She thought that was super cute. She's so down with the people. Sigh.


My favorites were Hella Good, Don't Speak, Running (complete with home videos of the band), It's My Life, and Stand and Deliver, which brought Paramore and Bedouin Soundclash to the stage again. It was all good though. Love them and can't wait to see them again.


Stand & Deliver with Paramore & Bedouin Soundclash

Setlist:
Spiderwebs
Hella Good
Underneath It All
Excuse Me Mr.
Ex-Girlfriend
End It On This
Total Hate 95
Simple Kind of Life
Bathwater
Guns of Navarone
New
Hey Baby
Running
Different People
Don’t Speak
It’s My Life
Just a Girl
Rock Steady
Stand and Deliver
Sunday Morning

Thursday, June 25, 2009

RIP Michael Jackson 1958-2009


Sad news today, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died at the age of 50. Reports are that he had a massive MI or SCD and was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles at around 1230 PST.

Think whatever you will of him, but there will never be any one as relevant or famous as him in the realm of pop music ever again. I mean, you could argue maybe Madonna or Paul McCartney, but he has no where near the level of celebrity or fascination as Mr. Jackson did. He created and defined the word celebrity. It was his life that created the intense fascination that the world has with famous people and the whole paparazzi culture was invented because of him.

His music was loved by everyone. I'd be willing to bet that there is no one out there who can't appreciate at least one of his songs, whether you're young, old, whatever race, religion, ethnicity. His music affected and touched everyone. Billie Jean, Beat It, PYT, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Man in the Mirror, Bad, Black or White, Smooth Criminal, Thriller? The list goes on and on.

The events that transpired recently made him look like some sort of eccentric freak, with the plastic surgeries and the legal woes and what not, but it is completely understandable. He's been in the music industry, the grind, since he was like 3 years old. It started with the Jackson 5, then his massive 750 million record selling solo career, until now when he was about to embark on a 50 show tour in London. The man invented the Moonwalk. The one sparkly glove. That red jacket.

Strangely enough, my very first memory of life is of Michael Jackson. I can't remember anything before this moment which is very odd. I was sitting, 3 years old, in front of our old brown Zenith television watching the Thriller music video. My first memory of life is me being scared shitless by zombie Michael Jackson.

No one will ever be a bigger artist, and he was surely be missed.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Real Tourists of NYC aka Amy, Pig in the City


Get it? I went to the home of Jill Zarin (yay!) and the transplanted Whitney Port (ew), for a few days at the beginning of this month with Brandon. BTW, NYC Prep on Bravo is a television show made just for me. I love watching over-privileged youth complain about the atrocities of their lives on the UES while wearing Lanvin flats and Milly sundresses and riding in their town cars through the streets of Manhattan.

But I digress, New York City is the best city in the world. I love it, even though every one of its residency programs dissed me like will.i.am dissed Perez Hilton. Well, not exactly, but close.

We checked into our hotel in Times Square and immediately went a walkin' through the Garment District in search of Papaya King. We ended up eating at a similar hot dog eatery in Penn Station, then we made our way to the Empire State Building and went up since Brandon had never been.

Then we went to my all time favorite, the NY Public Library. It's like that scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's every time I go to the Rose reading room. Sigh. NY is so romantic. Esp with St Patrick's and Rockefeller Center and Paley Park (the teeniest park ever). Brandon then obliged my shopaholic side in the UES, and I got some Pinkberry. I miss it. We walked through Central Park (read: a lot through Central Park) and then back down through Hell's Kitchen in search of some pizza. That first night, we subwayed it down to Chinatown, where Brandon was thoroughly disgusted, and ate at my favorite Vietnamese Restaurant in NYC, Thai Son. Then we covered Little Italy, LES (shed a tear at the former site of CBGBs, damn you John Varvatos), Nolita, Soho, Noho (should've stopped at Pravda), the Village, then up to Union Square Park (and the Strand!) where my legs threatened me with a knife to stop walking and get back on the subway.

On Day two, my legs threatened to strike, but I ignored them like Stacy Karosi ignored those Mexican cooks and walked like an uncoordinated robot the entire day. We trucked it down to the LES and ate bagels and lox at Katz's Deli. Of course, we had what she was having. After breakfast, we went to Washington Square Park which is one of my favorite places ever. After that, we went back to Soho so I could grab some chocolate madeleines from my ultimate fav Balthazar and go to the only US Top Shop location. We rode downtown to Ground Zero and walked around Wall Street and went down to Battery Park to look at the Statue of Liberty. Then we went back up to Bowling Green where we saw a man dressed as a giant panda asking for money. He wasn't actually doing anything, he was just dressed as a panda. Only in NY.

We stopped by the Chanel store where I replaced my lost signature sunglasses. We then cut through Central Park again, stopping in front of the Dakota, and went to Lincoln Center, walking back down to our hotel after stopping at Carnegie Deli. Best pastrami sandwich ever. And the pickles. God, the pickles. That was worth the trip alone. We later met up with our friend Jessica who took us to the East Village for drinks at this awesome little pub called Dempsey's where they were having like a fiddle concert and then to a fantastic Italian dinner at Frank. Dude, my meatloaf/ginormous meatball was amazing. We totally had a NY moment when we were seated thisclose to the table next to us and the woman scoffed at our discussion of the pros/cons of High School Musical. Yeah, she can f off, even if I am not team Efron. I'm jealous though, Jessica's living the dream...ah to be young and chic in NY. Instead, I'm an aging semi-hipster in Kansas City. FML.

The next day, we ate some more deli food before heading to the MOMA where I totally dug the piece with the Smith's album covers and "Portrait of the Laryngologist Dr. Mayer-Hermann." That's me, I'm doing ENT.


Anyway, we shopped a little before going to 'Wich craft (amazing tomato soup!) in Bryant Park. I missed Robert Pattinson by a few hours, he had been in Bryant Park that morning. This is like the 80th time I've said that. It still irks me. It irks me because undeserving little teenyboppers are like pushing him into the street so that he gets clipped by cabs, but I can't even maul him. I swear to Carlisle Cullen, if one perfect hair on his perfect head is harmed, I will smack a twitch (I think you can figure out what combo of two words that is).


We actually cabbed it up to the Met, so that I could eat lunch on the steps and have my Blair Waldorf moment before going in. The Met is my favorite museum in the world. I've spent days in this museum, literally. I love the Temple of Dendur. They also had this cool exhibit on supermodels and were like blaring George Michael's Freedom 90. In the eternal words of Lisa Turtle, "I love art. Are we art? Is art, art?"

We then went up to Jessica's place on the UWS for a wine and cheese party. It was very New Yorky, with a varied cast of characters. Even though I don't think I was the oldest, I felt old. Everyone was like a member of the workforce. Although, I'm not really sure what working in quote unquote finance really entails, everyone seems to do it. They had a really great deck where we drank wine and listened to MGMT; it's a huge apt for NY standards. We went to Shake Shack for a midnight dinner, and it was so the East Coast stepchild of In-N-Out. It was good though.

Last AM, we went to Cafe Metro, these cute little chain of breakfast cafeterias. Then I got the world's best cupcakes (Hummingbird) at Magnolia bakery. I love this city.