From eonline.com
Mills: Brit Media Made Me Suicidal
by Gina Serpe
Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:20:27 AM PDT
Mills McCartney said the one bright light in her past few years was the time she spent in the U.S. and that she would gladly make the transatlantic move were it not for her daughter with McCartney, Beatrice.
"I would live in America in two seconds, but I keep my daughter here to be near her father. You can't imagine what I've done to compromise things."
Cops Sick of Protecting Mills from "Huge Powers"
by Sarah Hall
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:37:00 AM PDT
Mills has denied reports that she plans to make the United States her permanent home.
"I would never live in America. I've never even thought of living in America. I'm here with my family and I live here," she told Britain's GMTV Thursday.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Mad Max on heat
Wow, went to the freakiest event ever last night. It's apparently "so underground, it's not even on google" (but, like, it is). Bike Kill - hosted by the Black Label Bicycle Club who apparently live in a house named The Chicken House and eat 100% vegan food. If you want to be in their gang, you must be prepared to do the same (and smell foul even if you're not eating it...). The vegan thing is a peaceful facade, Bike Kill is ferociously vicious. We turned up at night so perhaps the Coors Light 40 ouncers had an effect but it was completely mad. It looks a lot more "arty farty university student" by day. There was blood, fires in shopping trolleys, smashed glass and it smelt of piss mixed with feral vegan sweat. I couldn't help but wonder (oh lordy that sounds like Carrie in SATC) if it was a large group of real Bed-Stuy locals drinking, smashing glass and fighting on bikes - how quickly the police would have shut it down. By the way, what is the plural of trolley? It had an air of Lost Boys about it too but predominantly it was Mad Max outside Home Depot in Bed Stuy (Willoughby & Sanford), check it out next year!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Fall/Winter 07
As they say in fashion...
Fall has fallen - everyone is ecstatic about it which is a marked change from London ie. summer, ending, happy about it? Yeah, New Yorkers prefer the colder climes it seems - something to do with humidity and hairstyles
Fall has fallen - everyone is ecstatic about it which is a marked change from London ie. summer, ending, happy about it? Yeah, New Yorkers prefer the colder climes it seems - something to do with humidity and hairstyles
Saturday, September 15, 2007
It was bad, but not THAT bad
MADONNA AND SPEARS ANGER MUSLIM TERROR LEADER
13 September 2007
World Entertainment News Network
Sep 13, 2007 (WENN via COMTEX) -- A Muslim extremist has called for MADONNA and BRITNEY SPEARS to be beheaded for spreading "their satanic culture against Islam".
Muhammad Abdel-Al, the senior leader of the Palestinian terror group The Popular Resistance Committees, attacked the two pop stars, labeling them "prostitutes".
He rants, "If I meet these whores I will have the honor - I repeat, I will have the honor - to be the first one to cut the heads off Madonna and Britney Spears if they will keep spreading their satanic culture against Islam."
Abdel-Al spoke out as Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie prepare to celebrate the Jewish New Year with 2,000 Kabbalah followers in Israel.
13 September 2007
World Entertainment News Network
Sep 13, 2007 (WENN via COMTEX) -- A Muslim extremist has called for MADONNA and BRITNEY SPEARS to be beheaded for spreading "their satanic culture against Islam".
Muhammad Abdel-Al, the senior leader of the Palestinian terror group The Popular Resistance Committees, attacked the two pop stars, labeling them "prostitutes".
He rants, "If I meet these whores I will have the honor - I repeat, I will have the honor - to be the first one to cut the heads off Madonna and Britney Spears if they will keep spreading their satanic culture against Islam."
Abdel-Al spoke out as Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie prepare to celebrate the Jewish New Year with 2,000 Kabbalah followers in Israel.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
What are the Dads called?
"Geri Halliwell - GLAMs - glamorous lone alpha mums, along with the likes of Sadie Frost and Patsy Kensit" (ps. I would like to know why Patsy and Sadie classify as alphas unless it means they have famous dads for their babies)
From highly reputable, Hello! magazine which I have to say I am missing like mad (although I did see an Hola! today).
MILFS - US version of Yummy Mummy
Friend in NYC had not heard of Yummy Mummy and only use MILFs.
From highly reputable, Hello! magazine which I have to say I am missing like mad (although I did see an Hola! today).
MILFS - US version of Yummy Mummy
Friend in NYC had not heard of Yummy Mummy and only use MILFs.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Comics are for Adults
In my seemingly endless (well, I haven't found one yet so technically it definitely hasn't ended) search for a Linda Carter as Wonder Woman sticker...I stumbled on yet another cartoon slash comic book slash superhero haven store in between 49th and 48th Street.
Full of 35+ y.o. blokes, buying loads of comics. There was a queue. It was dusty, dark, kind of like a porn shop but full of comic fans instead of pervs. They were buying at least 50 at a time and the bundle was put in brown paper bag so yeah, a lot like a porn shop!
I almost bought a Linda Carter as Wonder Woman limited edition statuette for $194.95 but came to my senses.
It reminded me as have just completed a research project on Marketing to the Olders and it came up in my search:
Comics for Adults
In 1989, the average age of a customer at Joe Field's comic book store in Concord was 18. Today, it's almost 30. Moreover, Field estimates that buyers under 18 account for less than 20 percent of his sales.
Field's experience at his shop, Flying Colors Comics, is anything but unique. The comics business has learned to survive and grow by appealing to adults instead of kids. And that has opened the door to increasingly mature and edgy material, some of it within famously mainstream comics.
Almost no one talks any longer about comics being a sneakily artful way of getting kids to read. There is even some fear that the current waves of adult customers represent the last generations of comics readers.
Some recent research by DC Comics may include insights on readership by age, but the company declined to discuss its findings.
Brian Hibbs, owner of the Comix Experience store in San Francisco, makes the argument that cultivating adult readers is ``better for the maturity of the medium'' artistically.
The adult audience is more demanding, although Field and Hibbs believe that some of their older regulars are buying for children as well as themselves. Many retailers argue that kids are reading even if they're not buying, and anyone who spends time in large bookstores has noticed the packs of youngsters sprawled in aisles while reading manga (translated Japanese comics).
``That a special line of books has to be produced for kids shows that even the major companies know their readership is aging,'' Simpson writes. ``I am really convinced that the monthly periodical version of comics will steadily decline and that the trade paperback will be the only print survivor comics.''
Lee Hester, owner of the Lee's Comics stores in Mountain View and San Mateo, says comics have become a specialty market instead of a mass medium and that the trend is ``to go more adult.''
The danger of being unable to replace aging customers is real, Hester says.
(Comics woo adults (and kiss off kids); EDGIER MAINSTREAM MATERIAL BOOSTS PUBLISHERS' REVENUE TODAY, BUT IT COULD RISK GENRE'S FUTURE, 28 February 2007, San Jose Mercury New)
Full of 35+ y.o. blokes, buying loads of comics. There was a queue. It was dusty, dark, kind of like a porn shop but full of comic fans instead of pervs. They were buying at least 50 at a time and the bundle was put in brown paper bag so yeah, a lot like a porn shop!
I almost bought a Linda Carter as Wonder Woman limited edition statuette for $194.95 but came to my senses.
It reminded me as have just completed a research project on Marketing to the Olders and it came up in my search:
Comics for Adults
In 1989, the average age of a customer at Joe Field's comic book store in Concord was 18. Today, it's almost 30. Moreover, Field estimates that buyers under 18 account for less than 20 percent of his sales.
Field's experience at his shop, Flying Colors Comics, is anything but unique. The comics business has learned to survive and grow by appealing to adults instead of kids. And that has opened the door to increasingly mature and edgy material, some of it within famously mainstream comics.
Almost no one talks any longer about comics being a sneakily artful way of getting kids to read. There is even some fear that the current waves of adult customers represent the last generations of comics readers.
Some recent research by DC Comics may include insights on readership by age, but the company declined to discuss its findings.
Brian Hibbs, owner of the Comix Experience store in San Francisco, makes the argument that cultivating adult readers is ``better for the maturity of the medium'' artistically.
The adult audience is more demanding, although Field and Hibbs believe that some of their older regulars are buying for children as well as themselves. Many retailers argue that kids are reading even if they're not buying, and anyone who spends time in large bookstores has noticed the packs of youngsters sprawled in aisles while reading manga (translated Japanese comics).
``That a special line of books has to be produced for kids shows that even the major companies know their readership is aging,'' Simpson writes. ``I am really convinced that the monthly periodical version of comics will steadily decline and that the trade paperback will be the only print survivor comics.''
Lee Hester, owner of the Lee's Comics stores in Mountain View and San Mateo, says comics have become a specialty market instead of a mass medium and that the trend is ``to go more adult.''
The danger of being unable to replace aging customers is real, Hester says.
(Comics woo adults (and kiss off kids); EDGIER MAINSTREAM MATERIAL BOOSTS PUBLISHERS' REVENUE TODAY, BUT IT COULD RISK GENRE'S FUTURE, 28 February 2007, San Jose Mercury New)
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Times are a changin'
Overheard on a G train, Sunday, Brooklyn NY
A dad explaining to his son and daughter that "the world has changed, you can be anything you want to be these days, there's nothing wrong with that" when they asked why there were five men dressed as ladies in the carriage. He touched his daughter's cheek and said "they want to be like you".
The lead drag queen thanked the father for encouraging his children to understand and not judge others.
Then the other hideous, screetchy drag queens with bad wigs ruined the moment by swearing (F and C words) in front of the children, calling each other beATCHes before toddling off in their heels into the real world.
A dad explaining to his son and daughter that "the world has changed, you can be anything you want to be these days, there's nothing wrong with that" when they asked why there were five men dressed as ladies in the carriage. He touched his daughter's cheek and said "they want to be like you".
The lead drag queen thanked the father for encouraging his children to understand and not judge others.
Then the other hideous, screetchy drag queens with bad wigs ruined the moment by swearing (F and C words) in front of the children, calling each other beATCHes before toddling off in their heels into the real world.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Heat wave steams East Coast for second day, cooling centers offer NYC residents relief
NEW YORK (AP) -- There was plenty of complaining about the weather on Tuesday.
A high of around 93 was predicted for Tuesday in New York -- but combined with humidity it was expected to feel like 98 degrees. On Monday, the temperature hit 92 in Central Park. Cooler weather and storms were forecast by Wednesday.
New York City officials opened 290 cooling centers at city-run senior centers and community centers, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg urged residents to help prevent blackouts by conserving power and to not exert themselves.
Last year, a heat wave that struck in late July and early August caused 40 deaths directly from heat stroke and contributed to the deaths of another 60 people, city health officials said.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APTV 07-10-07 1038EDT
A high of around 93 was predicted for Tuesday in New York -- but combined with humidity it was expected to feel like 98 degrees. On Monday, the temperature hit 92 in Central Park. Cooler weather and storms were forecast by Wednesday.
New York City officials opened 290 cooling centers at city-run senior centers and community centers, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg urged residents to help prevent blackouts by conserving power and to not exert themselves.
Last year, a heat wave that struck in late July and early August caused 40 deaths directly from heat stroke and contributed to the deaths of another 60 people, city health officials said.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APTV 07-10-07 1038EDT
Pouty Paris makes nice for tourists
By ANTONIO OLIVEIRA, Associated Press WriterMon Jul 9, 1:47 PM ET
Their city is the world's No. 1 tourist destination, yet Parisians sometimes seem downright grumpy about it.
On Monday, city officials set out to change that, urging cab drivers to smile and telling waiters to try out their English.
Tourists, too, were given tips like "try out French products" instead of heading to the first Starbucks in search of friendly service.
As Mayor Bertrand Delanoe launched the first Paris Tourist Day on the sprawling Trocadero Plaza across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the response from passers-by was predictable: Parisians said their rude reputation was exaggerated. Visitors disagreed.
Paul Roll, director of the Paris Tourism Office, conceded that the French capital has a "rather unfriendly" image but defended his compatriots.
"French citizens are shy when they need to speak in a foreign language. They have a very strong accent, which makes it difficult to understand," he said.
He said the campaign was aimed at making Parisians understand how important tourists are to their city's economic growth, and to help them improve their habits when dealing with foreigners. A full 12 percent of jobs in Paris are directly connected to tourism, Roll said.
"To be frank," said Brazilian tourist Joana D'Arc de Almeida, "I think Paris needs to learn a lot about how to deal with tourists, because that's what brings money to the city. It looks like they have so much money from it already that they don't care about people anymore."
She said she's determined, regardless, to adapt to the "French way of doing things."
Tour guide Nicole Rimbaud insisted her fellow Parisians' "habits are really changing."
"If (visitors) make an effort and try to explain to Parisians that they don't speak French instead of speaking English right away, (French) people can be very warm, actually," she said.
Cab driver Mustafah Hammoum welcomed the friendliness campaign — but said in general his colleagues are "quite nice."
"We do our best," he said.
"What could we improve? Well, traffic, that's for sure. And English skills, why not. There are lots of cab drivers who don't speak that language. It's a real problem when people can't understand each other," he said.
Many Parisian cab drivers aren't native French speakers, either, adding to the challenges for passengers.
Bystanders at the Trocadero event were offered Parisian water, orange juice and brochures with a "Charter for the Parisian and Visitor."
"I will take the time to give information to visitors. I will make use of my foreign language skills to reply to them in their language," reads one item of advice to Parisians.
To tourists, the brochure says, "I will experience the Parisian lifestyle" and "I will take advantage of my stay to try French products."
It's not the first time the city has sought to clean up its manners, nor the last. While Monday's event was a one-day affair, city officials are also offering long-term friendliness projects.
"Ambassadors of Welcome" kiosks went up for the summer in five strategic tourist sites, like near Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Bastille.
In any case, Roll notes, despite tourists' fears of surly Parisian service, when they get here they usually change their minds. He said 97 percent of those who visit say they want to come back.
Paris saw 15.3 million visitors in 2006 from foreign countries and elsewhere in France, according to the Paris region tourist bureau.
Their city is the world's No. 1 tourist destination, yet Parisians sometimes seem downright grumpy about it.
On Monday, city officials set out to change that, urging cab drivers to smile and telling waiters to try out their English.
Tourists, too, were given tips like "try out French products" instead of heading to the first Starbucks in search of friendly service.
As Mayor Bertrand Delanoe launched the first Paris Tourist Day on the sprawling Trocadero Plaza across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the response from passers-by was predictable: Parisians said their rude reputation was exaggerated. Visitors disagreed.
Paul Roll, director of the Paris Tourism Office, conceded that the French capital has a "rather unfriendly" image but defended his compatriots.
"French citizens are shy when they need to speak in a foreign language. They have a very strong accent, which makes it difficult to understand," he said.
He said the campaign was aimed at making Parisians understand how important tourists are to their city's economic growth, and to help them improve their habits when dealing with foreigners. A full 12 percent of jobs in Paris are directly connected to tourism, Roll said.
"To be frank," said Brazilian tourist Joana D'Arc de Almeida, "I think Paris needs to learn a lot about how to deal with tourists, because that's what brings money to the city. It looks like they have so much money from it already that they don't care about people anymore."
She said she's determined, regardless, to adapt to the "French way of doing things."
Tour guide Nicole Rimbaud insisted her fellow Parisians' "habits are really changing."
"If (visitors) make an effort and try to explain to Parisians that they don't speak French instead of speaking English right away, (French) people can be very warm, actually," she said.
Cab driver Mustafah Hammoum welcomed the friendliness campaign — but said in general his colleagues are "quite nice."
"We do our best," he said.
"What could we improve? Well, traffic, that's for sure. And English skills, why not. There are lots of cab drivers who don't speak that language. It's a real problem when people can't understand each other," he said.
Many Parisian cab drivers aren't native French speakers, either, adding to the challenges for passengers.
Bystanders at the Trocadero event were offered Parisian water, orange juice and brochures with a "Charter for the Parisian and Visitor."
"I will take the time to give information to visitors. I will make use of my foreign language skills to reply to them in their language," reads one item of advice to Parisians.
To tourists, the brochure says, "I will experience the Parisian lifestyle" and "I will take advantage of my stay to try French products."
It's not the first time the city has sought to clean up its manners, nor the last. While Monday's event was a one-day affair, city officials are also offering long-term friendliness projects.
"Ambassadors of Welcome" kiosks went up for the summer in five strategic tourist sites, like near Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Bastille.
In any case, Roll notes, despite tourists' fears of surly Parisian service, when they get here they usually change their minds. He said 97 percent of those who visit say they want to come back.
Paris saw 15.3 million visitors in 2006 from foreign countries and elsewhere in France, according to the Paris region tourist bureau.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Hey You Who?
Earth underwhelmed by environment pop extravaganza@
LONDON (Reuters) - They rocked the world, but as the clean-up at nine climate change gigs around the globe begins, many wonder if the galaxy of pop stars did much to change it.
U.S. and British media were generally underwhelmed Sunday by Live Earth, the mega-concert organised by former U.S. vice president and green campaigner Al Gore, which, though built on the model of Live Aid and Live 8, created a less positive buzz.
In Germany, however, newspapers were more upbeat about Saturday's gigs designed to pressure leaders to sign a new treaty by 2009 that would cut global warming pollution by 90 percent in rich nations and more than half worldwide by 2050.
Several articles examined the green credentials of artists on the day, including Madonna, whose annual "carbon footprint" was estimated at around 100 times the average Briton's.
The News of the World tabloid, Britain's biggest-selling newspaper, detailed estimates of Madonna's carbon emissions from nine houses, a fleet of cars, a private jet and the Confessions tour, calling her a "climate-change catastrophe."
The Sunday Telegraph quoted U.S. reports of her alleged financial links to companies accused of being major polluters.
Her spokeswoman in Britain was not immediately available for comment, but in a statement appearing in the Independent on Sunday, her New York spokeswoman said:
"Madonna's agreeing to sing at the Live Earth Event is merely one of the first steps in her commitment toward being environmentally responsible."
The negative headlines took some gloss off Madonna's widely praised appearance at Wembley Stadium in London, where she sang her specially written anthem "Hey You" before a raunchy performance of three of her biggest hits.
MIXED MESSAGES
The New York Times' online edition Sunday featured a small picture of the event and a headline linking to "Artsbeat Blog," and in Britain only the Independent Sunday made anything more than a fleeting reference on its front page.
But in Germany, where Snoop Dogg was among the acts at the Hamburg gig, Live Earth dominated headlines.
"The bottom line is that if nothing else, the issue of climate protection was a lot of fun for two billion people for one day," wrote Bild am Sonntag, Germany's best-selling Sunday newspaper.
Organisers say that in addition to the tens of thousands of fans at the gigs, the television, radio and internet audience could be as large as two billion.
Commentators noted the difficulty in marrying pop music with serious themes like the environment.
"Mixing music and a serious message gives concert a clunky rhythm," was the Washington Post's description of the Wembley gig, arguably the biggest lineup on the day that featured Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and the Foo Fighters.
Performances were interspersed with long gaps, some of them filled by short films on environmental themes.
Many performers were "on message," calling on crowds from Sydney and Tokyo to New York and Rio de Janeiro to cut down on their personal carbon dioxide emissions and recycle.
Yet U.S. comedian Chris Rock expressed the kind of disbelief shared by many on the day that Live Earth would make a lasting difference, even if he was only joking:
"I pray that this event ends global warming the same way that Live Aid ended world hunger," he said in London.
(Additional reporting by Erik Kirschbaum in Berlin)
LONDON (Reuters) - They rocked the world, but as the clean-up at nine climate change gigs around the globe begins, many wonder if the galaxy of pop stars did much to change it.
U.S. and British media were generally underwhelmed Sunday by Live Earth, the mega-concert organised by former U.S. vice president and green campaigner Al Gore, which, though built on the model of Live Aid and Live 8, created a less positive buzz.
In Germany, however, newspapers were more upbeat about Saturday's gigs designed to pressure leaders to sign a new treaty by 2009 that would cut global warming pollution by 90 percent in rich nations and more than half worldwide by 2050.
Several articles examined the green credentials of artists on the day, including Madonna, whose annual "carbon footprint" was estimated at around 100 times the average Briton's.
The News of the World tabloid, Britain's biggest-selling newspaper, detailed estimates of Madonna's carbon emissions from nine houses, a fleet of cars, a private jet and the Confessions tour, calling her a "climate-change catastrophe."
The Sunday Telegraph quoted U.S. reports of her alleged financial links to companies accused of being major polluters.
Her spokeswoman in Britain was not immediately available for comment, but in a statement appearing in the Independent on Sunday, her New York spokeswoman said:
"Madonna's agreeing to sing at the Live Earth Event is merely one of the first steps in her commitment toward being environmentally responsible."
The negative headlines took some gloss off Madonna's widely praised appearance at Wembley Stadium in London, where she sang her specially written anthem "Hey You" before a raunchy performance of three of her biggest hits.
MIXED MESSAGES
The New York Times' online edition Sunday featured a small picture of the event and a headline linking to "Artsbeat Blog," and in Britain only the Independent Sunday made anything more than a fleeting reference on its front page.
But in Germany, where Snoop Dogg was among the acts at the Hamburg gig, Live Earth dominated headlines.
"The bottom line is that if nothing else, the issue of climate protection was a lot of fun for two billion people for one day," wrote Bild am Sonntag, Germany's best-selling Sunday newspaper.
Organisers say that in addition to the tens of thousands of fans at the gigs, the television, radio and internet audience could be as large as two billion.
Commentators noted the difficulty in marrying pop music with serious themes like the environment.
"Mixing music and a serious message gives concert a clunky rhythm," was the Washington Post's description of the Wembley gig, arguably the biggest lineup on the day that featured Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and the Foo Fighters.
Performances were interspersed with long gaps, some of them filled by short films on environmental themes.
Many performers were "on message," calling on crowds from Sydney and Tokyo to New York and Rio de Janeiro to cut down on their personal carbon dioxide emissions and recycle.
Yet U.S. comedian Chris Rock expressed the kind of disbelief shared by many on the day that Live Earth would make a lasting difference, even if he was only joking:
"I pray that this event ends global warming the same way that Live Aid ended world hunger," he said in London.
(Additional reporting by Erik Kirschbaum in Berlin)
Monday, July 02, 2007
Friend Stealer
Are my online friends for real? By Rory Cellan-Jones Technology Correspondent, BBC News
As Facebook continues its explosive growth here's one question troubling me. Are my friends for real?
This week I received this intriguing message from a man who moves in London's new media circles.
He wrote: "I met somebody the other day who told me that online networking was so important, and he didn't have the time, he was paying somebody to be him online. To blog, network, post etc . £1,000 a month too.
"Apparently it's a new occupation which he reckons already numbers hundreds of people, paid to be other people!"
I rang the sender of the message - a real-world friend as well as a Facebook contact - and he gave me more details.
"This guy is a busy entrepreneur and he says that wherever he goes, people marvel at the energy he still manages to put into blogging and networking - and he then tells them it is all being done by a guy he pays to do it."
It's well known that Chinese workers spend long hours earning "gold" on the online game World of Warcraft, so that busy Western gamers can buy a new sword without putting in an excessive amount of time in front of their computers. But are there really crowds of busy executives hiring others to do the online dirty work for them?
One of the things I like about Facebook is that its users appear to be there under their own identities - rather than the "lonelygirl15" of YouTube, or "crazyguy1603" on MySpace.
I started worrying about some of my Facebook "friends". Were they who they said they were?
Busy man
What about Brent Hoberman, the founder of lastminute.com, and one of the elite members of London's "digerati"? Surely a busy man like him, in the middle of starting up a new online venture, does not have time to update his status on Facebook, ask his friends about their favourite books and films and take part in discussions about TV property programmes?
When I contacted him he assured me (via a blackberry message, mind you) that this was the real Hoberman.
"I think if I could get someone else to manage my e-mail then I could outsource social networking," he said.
"But I can't, and think one has slightly lost the plot if that happens."
Good, so he's the real him.
But what about my dear friend Sir Patrick Moore? I joined up with him a couple of weeks ago and was not entirely convinced he was the great astronomer.
His profile said he was here for "random play" and "whatever I can get" and his home town was Pinner.
Seeking reassurance
I happened to know that Sir Patrick lives in Selsey, in Sussex, so I wrote seeking reassurance.
"It is definitely me," he replied some days later, "extraordinary as it may seem! I was told about Facebook by some young camera crew I was working with, you see, and I was intrigued how people are able to communicate these days.
"You 're quite right I do live in Selsey, Pinner is the town in which I was born."
Hmm, still not entirely convinced.
And then there is Stephen Fry.
As an admirer of the great comic writer and actor (and gadget obsessive) I was delighted to spot him on another friend's network.
And even more pleased when my friendship request was accepted.
But his friends list appeared to be growing at an alarming rate, he was busy asking questions, playing rock, paper, scissors, and describing his favourite artists using the "ilike" application.
Surely this was the work of a gifted assistant?
Then came his latest status update: "Stephen is...concerned about the number of friendship requests he's getting. Don't want to turn anyone down, but 20+ every hour and rising is getting to be a worry."
Confirmation, then, that this was the real Stephen Fry, facing one of the dilemmas of modern manners - how to politely decline an offer of online friendship.
The actor has now set up a friendship group as a point of contact for all those strangers who want to be his friends.
But, like millions of others, he seems to have caught the Facebook bug.
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/technology/6260210.stm
Published: 2007/07/02 09:58:09 GMT
As Facebook continues its explosive growth here's one question troubling me. Are my friends for real?
This week I received this intriguing message from a man who moves in London's new media circles.
He wrote: "I met somebody the other day who told me that online networking was so important, and he didn't have the time, he was paying somebody to be him online. To blog, network, post etc . £1,000 a month too.
"Apparently it's a new occupation which he reckons already numbers hundreds of people, paid to be other people!"
I rang the sender of the message - a real-world friend as well as a Facebook contact - and he gave me more details.
"This guy is a busy entrepreneur and he says that wherever he goes, people marvel at the energy he still manages to put into blogging and networking - and he then tells them it is all being done by a guy he pays to do it."
It's well known that Chinese workers spend long hours earning "gold" on the online game World of Warcraft, so that busy Western gamers can buy a new sword without putting in an excessive amount of time in front of their computers. But are there really crowds of busy executives hiring others to do the online dirty work for them?
One of the things I like about Facebook is that its users appear to be there under their own identities - rather than the "lonelygirl15" of YouTube, or "crazyguy1603" on MySpace.
I started worrying about some of my Facebook "friends". Were they who they said they were?
Busy man
What about Brent Hoberman, the founder of lastminute.com, and one of the elite members of London's "digerati"? Surely a busy man like him, in the middle of starting up a new online venture, does not have time to update his status on Facebook, ask his friends about their favourite books and films and take part in discussions about TV property programmes?
When I contacted him he assured me (via a blackberry message, mind you) that this was the real Hoberman.
"I think if I could get someone else to manage my e-mail then I could outsource social networking," he said.
"But I can't, and think one has slightly lost the plot if that happens."
Good, so he's the real him.
But what about my dear friend Sir Patrick Moore? I joined up with him a couple of weeks ago and was not entirely convinced he was the great astronomer.
His profile said he was here for "random play" and "whatever I can get" and his home town was Pinner.
Seeking reassurance
I happened to know that Sir Patrick lives in Selsey, in Sussex, so I wrote seeking reassurance.
"It is definitely me," he replied some days later, "extraordinary as it may seem! I was told about Facebook by some young camera crew I was working with, you see, and I was intrigued how people are able to communicate these days.
"You 're quite right I do live in Selsey, Pinner is the town in which I was born."
Hmm, still not entirely convinced.
And then there is Stephen Fry.
As an admirer of the great comic writer and actor (and gadget obsessive) I was delighted to spot him on another friend's network.
And even more pleased when my friendship request was accepted.
But his friends list appeared to be growing at an alarming rate, he was busy asking questions, playing rock, paper, scissors, and describing his favourite artists using the "ilike" application.
Surely this was the work of a gifted assistant?
Then came his latest status update: "Stephen is...concerned about the number of friendship requests he's getting. Don't want to turn anyone down, but 20+ every hour and rising is getting to be a worry."
Confirmation, then, that this was the real Stephen Fry, facing one of the dilemmas of modern manners - how to politely decline an offer of online friendship.
The actor has now set up a friendship group as a point of contact for all those strangers who want to be his friends.
But, like millions of others, he seems to have caught the Facebook bug.
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/technology/6260210.stm
Published: 2007/07/02 09:58:09 GMT
Sunday, July 01, 2007
TATER MITTS
Top of my list for my next birthday present. The Tater Mitt - a pair of rubber gloves seemingly coated in steel wool. Peels a potato ("any type") in 08 seconds of "real time" (not fake time, real time).
Official Website and watch the highly effective advertisement campaign (again and again and again!)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Tube v. Subway: I report, you decide...
Ok so there's always been the argument about London v. New York and who has it better or worse but I have to scandalously say the the Tube is better run than the Subway. Also, but I think we knew this, black cabs are way better than the yellow ones.
There are pros and cons for both but I am just drafting a little a mini list which I'll add to as incidents occur.
Tube:
Cons
There are pros and cons for both but I am just drafting a little a mini list which I'll add to as incidents occur.
Tube:
Cons
- no aircon
- expensive
- not 24 hours
- crowded
- delayed at the drop of a leaf
Pros
- Better signage
- better communication
- complaints procedure with refund
- great map
- polite staff
- hanging straps
Subway:
- 24 hours
- aircon
- in new york
- slightly less crowded
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
IT REALLY IS BIG NY
Yay, we have just launched a new venture - Brooklyn Institute of Guitar. Check it out www.thebigny.com
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Pull Yer Pants Up
You know you're getting old when you start agreeing with the mayor of a southern town with a lady's name. Fine the B(r)itches, I say!
Saggy Britches
'Cover your vital parts,' says mayor of Louisiana town that's banning saggy pants
Mayor Carol Broussard said he would sign an ordinance the town council approved this week setting penalties of up to six months in jail and a $500 fine for being caught in pants that show undergarments or certain parts of the body.
Broussard said he has nothing against saggy pants but thinks people who wear them should use discretion. "It's gotten way out of hand out here," he said.
Albert Roy, the councilman who introduced the ordinance, said he thought the fine was a little steep and should be more in the $25 range, but he still favored the measure.
"I don't know if it will do any good, but it won't hurt," Roy said. "It's obvious, and anybody with common sense can see your parts when you wear sagging pants."
Broussard's advice for people who like their pants to hang low: "Just wear it properly. Cover your vital parts. I mean, if you expose your private parts, you'll get a fine. If you walk up and your pants drop, you get a fine. They're better off taking the pants off and just wearing a dress." (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press 06-13-07)
Saggy Britches
'Cover your vital parts,' says mayor of Louisiana town that's banning saggy pants
Mayor Carol Broussard said he would sign an ordinance the town council approved this week setting penalties of up to six months in jail and a $500 fine for being caught in pants that show undergarments or certain parts of the body.
Broussard said he has nothing against saggy pants but thinks people who wear them should use discretion. "It's gotten way out of hand out here," he said.
Albert Roy, the councilman who introduced the ordinance, said he thought the fine was a little steep and should be more in the $25 range, but he still favored the measure.
"I don't know if it will do any good, but it won't hurt," Roy said. "It's obvious, and anybody with common sense can see your parts when you wear sagging pants."
Broussard's advice for people who like their pants to hang low: "Just wear it properly. Cover your vital parts. I mean, if you expose your private parts, you'll get a fine. If you walk up and your pants drop, you get a fine. They're better off taking the pants off and just wearing a dress." (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press 06-13-07)
Aerobics and Coke with Vitamins
Still regretting going to Boogie Kickboxing class at the Y in Bed-Stuy. I cannot hip hop and it still hurts to stand. Have invested in a Diet Coke Plus - with added vitamins and nutrients. See if that does anything. It's less Weight Watchers points than an apple anyway...
Ye Olde Worlde Bars
Went to Waldorf-Astoria last night, lovely chandeliers and french shampoo followed by 2.5lb lobster, asparagus and olive bread with a glass of pinot. Yummo.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Ricky Martin is outside
Puerto Rican parade has started in NYC, heading along 5th Ave. Had to fight through a crowd to get to work (on a Sunday - lunch options are limited too) and Ricky Martin has strange facial sculpture.
Have just been given the update - latest news is 6 people shot dead in Wisconsin (including 2 yr old child) so we'll be looking for neighbour's names, numbers and people for the crew to interview. One neighbour's reaction so far is enlightening...
One of the spectators was next-door neighbor Jesus Valadez, 27, who said he was outside in spite of police telling him to stay indoors and keep his doors locked. "It's kind of scary," Valadez said. "Exciting, don't get me wrong. Better than watching TV." (Associated Press. APTV 06-10-07)
In other news; Paris is back in jail and has thanked Sheriff Baca for his concern but is determined to see out the remainder of her sentence. Admirable.
They're still discussing the Will Ferrell Landlord video (little kid pretending to be foul-mouthed landlord) and think it will be detrimental to the child's mental health...hmm, I guess we won't know for a few years.
This week is set to be an exciting one. Bush is in Bulgaria and space shuttle Atlantis is having issues with its thermal blanket. Sounds scary: "The peeling back of the blanket left a gap about 4 inches by 6 inches. (foxnews.com)". That can't be good.
Have just been given the update - latest news is 6 people shot dead in Wisconsin (including 2 yr old child) so we'll be looking for neighbour's names, numbers and people for the crew to interview. One neighbour's reaction so far is enlightening...
One of the spectators was next-door neighbor Jesus Valadez, 27, who said he was outside in spite of police telling him to stay indoors and keep his doors locked. "It's kind of scary," Valadez said. "Exciting, don't get me wrong. Better than watching TV." (Associated Press. APTV 06-10-07)
In other news; Paris is back in jail and has thanked Sheriff Baca for his concern but is determined to see out the remainder of her sentence. Admirable.
They're still discussing the Will Ferrell Landlord video (little kid pretending to be foul-mouthed landlord) and think it will be detrimental to the child's mental health...hmm, I guess we won't know for a few years.
This week is set to be an exciting one. Bush is in Bulgaria and space shuttle Atlantis is having issues with its thermal blanket. Sounds scary: "The peeling back of the blanket left a gap about 4 inches by 6 inches. (foxnews.com)". That can't be good.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
le Bastille, Paris?
First she's in, then she's out - Paris was let out of jail because she wasn't eating (quite normal, in fact she said that's why she was arrested on DUI charge - had been drinking but not eating). Other reports mentioned a medical condition otherwise known as a "rash" - nappy rash? If she had taken this on the chin she could have relaunched herself as a Pink-stylee tough girl that no one would want to mess with. She could have launched a range of prison pyjamas and had lots of funny stories to tell at dinner parties. I know prison must be hard but for the ability to stick two fingers up at everyone, I could have done it.
Yes, I did have to try and find Paris' cell phone and home address of Kathy and Rick Hilton...
She's back in again now though. Fair enough - the sheriff's department tried to overturn a court ordered prison sentence. The country is up in arms and everyone with a cause is jumping on the issue - the two Americas: rich v. poor, black v. white etc
Perhaps Hilton Hotels should design a Hilton Boutique Prison Chain hotel for these situations.
Yes, I did have to try and find Paris' cell phone and home address of Kathy and Rick Hilton...
She's back in again now though. Fair enough - the sheriff's department tried to overturn a court ordered prison sentence. The country is up in arms and everyone with a cause is jumping on the issue - the two Americas: rich v. poor, black v. white etc
Perhaps Hilton Hotels should design a Hilton Boutique Prison Chain hotel for these situations.
Zanna Do or Don't
Went and saw this production in New Rochelle called Zanna Don't (nb. I just got the joke about Xanadu / Xanadon't).
For someone who hates musical theatre and will only tolerate it for the sake of a friend's or husband's appearance, I have to say I did quite enjoy this one. Great cast, the lead actor playing Zanna (Ross Baum) was very talented and there were only a few cast members whom I would have turkey- slapped had I seen them after the show.
I think we were effectively in the US equivalent of the home counties, lots of proud parents watching their teenagers frolic on stage acting gay. What saved it was the complete reversal of all americana stereotypes - the nerd v. the jock and the fluoro hoodies.
Brooklyn By Bike
Bicycling in Brooklyn Baby is the way to spend the summer.
It's starting to get hotter - the sun is intense and the humidity is pretty high. Lots of "fluff" in the air too which can get in your throat if you cycle while smiling.
Looks like the bikes are breeding in Williamsburg
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
Stating The Obvious
Barbara Wyman of Darlington about witnessing her cousin, Susan Dornquast, being attacked by a shark in South Carolina:
Wyman said she and (husband) Donald Dornquast could tell Susan Dornquast was distressed.
"You could tell by her face that it was something out of the ordinary," Wyman said.
[source: http://www.charlotte.com/breaking_news/v-print/story/143533.html]
Wyman said she and (husband) Donald Dornquast could tell Susan Dornquast was distressed.
"You could tell by her face that it was something out of the ordinary," Wyman said.
[source: http://www.charlotte.com/breaking_news/v-print/story/143533.html]
Friday, June 01, 2007
What's a turkey-slap?
Australian Big Brother has several controversies during its 7 year history:
- May 2007: Australian Big Brother housemate not told about father's recent death to maintain isolation of housemates from outside world
- Australian Communications and Media Authority reviewed reality TV programs after Big Brother female contestant was "turkey slapped."
- Producers were accused of manipulating a housemate who had suffered a late-term miscarriage by making housemates look after a doll. (Source: Big Brother housemate not told of her father's death, Larissa Dubecki, 25 May 2007, The Age)
- Australia BB 2006 has a "turkey slapping" incident
- Australian PM John Howard said show should be cancelled after the "turkey slapping" incident.
- Australia BB Uncut 2005: Female housemates are shown using a hose to masturbate.
- Australia BB 2004: Housemate Merlin Luck tapes his mouth upon eviction to protest treatment of refugees. (Source: NEWS Scandals power BB to top Michelle Read, 22 January 2007, MX (Australia))
- Australian PM John Howard: "Big Brother is an atrocious program." (Source: Howard blast for Brother, 28 April 2007, Herald-Sun)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Ridiculousness heard today
- The TB scare patient with the extremely rare case of TB who continued flying from US to Europe and back was finally named today. Turns out he was the son in law of a TB specialist. The TB patient was leaving US in order to go on his honeymoon. Either that was one disapproving father-in-law with a grudge ala de Niro in "Meet the Parents/Fokkers" or a very stupid man. Either way, you couldn't dream it up.
- Being asked to find the cell number of a suspected criminal for an interview. The FBI were still looking for her. She had abducted her son from kindergarten and was riding around on a bus somewhere.
Everything just...works
Caught a mouse in a (humane) glue trap for the first time ever. It was from a 99cent shop.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Walmart is too trendy
Apparently Walmart has done a Marks & Spencer and become too trendy for its consumers. Odd that the ranges worked for ASDA. There was a "hillbilly redneck woman" song (Gretchen Wilson lyrics) about buying fashion at Walmart, heard throughout our drive from Deep South to North East. Maybe that is their customer base, plus the odd Amish.
I have just bought this hoodie online from walmart.com (there's no store in NYC), I wanted to thank them for all the free sponge baths with hot water at the start of my year. Plus, it's HOT and I want one in every colour. I also really like their generic rip off skincare but that's not online yet.
Dangerous new addiction
The bagel walk or an excuse to stuff oneself ie.myself.
There has never been a queue anytime I have been there. Wish there was something to dissuade me. Bagels are 60cents each and you don't need any filling - they even have a chocolate chip or french toast version for the dessert part of your day. Tonight I persuaded myself that if I got off the subway five stops earlier (...ish, Nassau Ave) in order to walk there and walk home, I would expend sufficient calories to enjoy it.
Then proceeded to get completely lost in South Williamsburg. Tried to keep my head down in front of the Hasidic Jewish community as I thought they may remember me from the accidental vomiting in a bin episode. Got away with it and did get to witness a bit of a preview of the Manhattanenge phenomenon. Amazing views of Manhattan in the early evening sunlight and occasional snippets of bridge. The sun streams through the building gaps (otherwise known as streets?!). I will try to capture in a more visual manner with 2 megapixel camera phone once fully charged.
There has never been a queue anytime I have been there. Wish there was something to dissuade me. Bagels are 60cents each and you don't need any filling - they even have a chocolate chip or french toast version for the dessert part of your day. Tonight I persuaded myself that if I got off the subway five stops earlier (...ish, Nassau Ave) in order to walk there and walk home, I would expend sufficient calories to enjoy it.
Then proceeded to get completely lost in South Williamsburg. Tried to keep my head down in front of the Hasidic Jewish community as I thought they may remember me from the accidental vomiting in a bin episode. Got away with it and did get to witness a bit of a preview of the Manhattanenge phenomenon. Amazing views of Manhattan in the early evening sunlight and occasional snippets of bridge. The sun streams through the building gaps (otherwise known as streets?!). I will try to capture in a more visual manner with 2 megapixel camera phone once fully charged.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
New noises
The fight outside has stopped but now there is definitely a mouse in my cupboard. The shouting covered the squeaks.
MOUSE UPDATE at midnight - it is a tiny robber mouse which seems to live under the fridge.
MOUSE UPDATE at midnight - it is a tiny robber mouse which seems to live under the fridge.
How many networking sites does a person need?
I am so confused about where to upload tales and trivia these days so I am creating another one. Which at the moment seems very, very trivial as there is a fight outside my door involving two very loud ex-cons, a barking chihuahua and a little boy asking where his daddy is. Moving on...
Old photos are still on
pickyernosetrail
First stories of our US road trip and pictures are on:
mygayspace
Current tales of hilarity and pictures of small appliances are on:
sitonmyfacebook
and that's way more news about me than anyone really needs however...I am going to upload my travel diaries written by failing torchlight (and under the influence of very cheap vodka). I would like somewhere to preserve my sense of shock and awe at this beautiful and diverse country. From toothless ladies to handcuffed aliens, with sprinklings of Amish and disgruntled marines oh, and a wheelchair ramp and a pecan nut farmer. Working title is "Mr Wilson Magical Chair" or something like that.
Old photos are still on
pickyernosetrail
First stories of our US road trip and pictures are on:
mygayspace
Current tales of hilarity and pictures of small appliances are on:
sitonmyfacebook
and that's way more news about me than anyone really needs however...I am going to upload my travel diaries written by failing torchlight (and under the influence of very cheap vodka). I would like somewhere to preserve my sense of shock and awe at this beautiful and diverse country. From toothless ladies to handcuffed aliens, with sprinklings of Amish and disgruntled marines oh, and a wheelchair ramp and a pecan nut farmer. Working title is "Mr Wilson Magical Chair" or something like that.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Ditching mygayspace
Given I am over having hookers and salesmen asking to be "my friend" on myspace, I am relocating. Also, I am remotely sorta kinda connected now so better move offline. Although, he could buy Google tomorrow but I doubt they would let him.
Imported blog:
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Care Packages
Ohhhhh, nearly time for a haircut.
I am also sending secret care package wishes to people who may work or live next to a major British supermarket chain who can send me some Sure roll on deodorant and some Illy coffee or even some British supermarket own label coffee (for expresso machines).
The sun is shining and is day 2 of work for a major news and media organisation.
Made WW turkey burgers last night and went to a jam session at The Jazz Spot in Brooklyn. Had a nice cup of tea.
"Drop off" service at the laundromat is amazing. Was $11.80 for 15 lbs of dirty stuff and everything came back folded and fabric softenered oh and clean...wish makes a change from when I do the laundry.
Kylie's range at H&M? Why Willy, Why?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Rain on a Skylight is heaven
Weirdest weather although could be because I can't work out Fahrenheit to Celsius yet so keep getting it majorly wrong. Hot, humid, sunny days and then BUCKETS down endlessly at night. So much room for wardrobe malfunctions. I bought new galoshes/wellingtons/gumboots and yet they are still dry as a bone in my closet/wardrobe/cupboard cause I never know that it will rain in advance.
Went out last night in Greenwich Village. Nice bar with flock wallpaper (hello, is that not like soooo 4 years ago or at least "Queen Mother was still alive/just died" ago?). Got stuck at the wrong end of the D train and walked from Dekalb to Bedford with a plastic bag on head. Treated myself to a Leffe at the end of it.
The subway map needs a major redesign. Plus, a tip...there is no official map eg. A to Z or Melways. There is "Streetwise Manhattan" which comes in a variety of suburbs but not one pocket-sized handy map. I guess they like to test you or everyone has GPS or GPRS thingies and maps are a dying art.
Laundry Day today. Wow that comes round again so quickly...off to the laundromat/laundrette/clotheswashingshop.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
First day of what???
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
Back to life, back to reality. I have a workout program at the Y. I have had food poisoning and thrown up in the middle of Hasidic Jewish Williamsburg on the Shabbat. A little girl called me a "Naughty Lady" and laughed. We are overjoyed to find that there is a Family Dollar in the street behind us. Have been exploring the neighbourhood and the blossoms are blooming.
One day left on the Chevy van auction, fingers crossed it meets the reserve.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Selling the Roadtrip Van Boo Hoo
Monday, April 23, 2007
Do the Right Thing
So we've moved to Brooklyn and love it already. Have furnished the apartment and unpacked. Didn't take long. Also joining the YMCA across the street which will make me break into song often.
Is kind of gentrifying although the chinese takeaway sells fish and chips which is odd. KFC moving in down the road plus Dunkin' Donuts (apparently that has the neighbourhood jumping with excitement). Very lively and lots of "stooping" - my word for hanging out on the pavement outside your house or on the steps of your brownstone. Everyone already knows who we are and also that our doorknob keeps falling off.
Need to get an airconditioner tomorrow. At least five people have said we won't cope without one.
Can't believe we are here!!!! Everything feels like something from a movie. Need to watch Do the Right Thing again.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Phew
Think we have acclimatised to the big apple. Accidentally got nearly trapped into doing the Melanie Griffith Working Girl thing by living in Jersey City or Hoboken but have come to our senses. I had even thought of the spin - Frank Sinatra's birthplace and who else is more New York, New York plus they also invented baseball, the zipper and not to mention Bruce and Jon. It's still Jersey. It's a great place to buy and has loads of potential plus really pretty Sesame Street brownstones and friendly people but we came to do NY and NY we shall do. I have been living more like Desperately Seeking Susan for a while now so I don't mind some small space and a bit of character on the street. Listening to Born to Run last night made me realise most of the lyrics were about getting OUT of Jersey anyway so...
Everything in the property market is ridiculous expensive as you would probably guess. Fingers crossed the new flat goes through.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Chevy to the Levy
Ok so we're now in Virginia, have done about six thousand miles. Have even had to have an oil change and lube job. Sounds sexual but it isn't. At officially the noisiest campsite ever - backs onto a train line and those freight trains go on for miles.
Have been danger sleeping (car parks at supermarkets, beaches, rest areas on interstates...) as well as doing proper State Park and RV campgrounds in order to stretch the budget as much as possible.
Have had to give up the ramen or two minute noodles habit as we think we may have developed an MSG allergy. We love Dollar Tree - everything truly is a dollar! Also my favourite supermarket so far has been Harris Teeter in Virginia Beach, VA. They had hand sanitizing cloths for the shopping trolleys handles. Nice.
Currently in Williamsburg, Virginia. Place where the English first landed 400 years ago this year. Went to Hooters as a special treat (for who??) today. Kent really wants me to get a job there but I think I'm holding out for Walmart as I'm not a fan of American Tan tights (or orange or chicken wings for that matter!).
Have done a lot of the key sites in the South. Gone with the Wind territory (Savannah, Charleston etc) and Graceland, Dollywood, Nashville...also a fair bit of beach along the Gulf Coast. New Orleans was gorgeous - we stayed in an RV park occupied by FBI and police who were waiting for their homes to be rebuilt. Thanks to the staff at Dante's Kitchen and particularly to Julia who hooked us up with some tickets to a great gig after a great meal.
Really bad damage from Rita and Katrina along the coast. Very sad, lots of homeless people living in their cars oops that's us at the moment too!
So, we're all official now. Have social security number, green card, bank account, and had to do a driving test eek. Apparently my parallel park was faultless.
I have loyalty cards for Winn Dixie, Piggly Wiggly and Food Lion supermarkets. I'm totally getting into the American way of life. The only exercise we seem to get these days is walking the floor of Walmart and advertisers really have a big challenge here - the secret to success is managing to get people off the interstate and out of the car. Big signs help!
Still trying to track down an RV park in Manhattan...
Sunday, March 18, 2007
SXSW
Category: Music
Wow, am absolutely shattered from four days of Austin. Brilliant town, similar to bits of Fortitude Valley with a touch of Melbourne and a sprinkling of bats.
Lead singer of You Am I smiled DIRECTLY at me at least 4 times so that was nice.
Met some great people (including a lovely couple who drove me through a drive thru fast food restaurant as they wouldn't serve me unless I was in a car!!) - take a look at Erik's movie www.myspace.com/rubystown
Thanks to Darrell and Dave who were great tour guides and gave us a brilliant intro to the city of Austin. Photos to be uploaded shortly of some funny camera phone angles.
It was also great to catch up with Pete (as in http://www.petesimple.com or http://www.myspace.com/folkboxing) and Miranda at the Houston showcase at Gueros Taco Bar on South Congress. Really lovely day sitting in the sun, sipping frozen margaritas and eating complementary nachos!!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
rollin rollin rollin
Well second attempt at this blog post, it couldn't take the link to our new car.
Have a google/ebay search to see - it's white with blue velour interior and so much Brady Bunch/Chevy Chase wood panelling it hurts.
G20 Chevrolet Starcraft Conversion Van 1992. We are ready to roll. Turns into a bed and there are two captain chairs with arm rests etc. Plus drink holders and footrests galore. AM radio and cassette. It is so Americana perfecto it nearly makes me weep.
Road movie, coffee table book and accompanying soundtrack to be released shortly...
kinda similar but different year and ours is blue
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-CHEVY-G-20-CONVERSION-VAN-CLEAN-S-W-DESERT-VAN_W0QQitemZ320083393635QQihZ011QQcategoryZ39411QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Gotta motor, off to Walmart to get some camping gear and cigarette lighter rechargeable appliances. I hate camping...what on earth are we doing????? Woo Hoo!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
wifi enabled and ready to roll
Hi from Texas where everything is THE BIGGEST or at least in the TOP FIVE BIGGEST of EVERYTHING. It is reminding me big time of country NSW with a touch of Yarralumla in the residential areas which is unfortunate but a lot more tex mex and a lot less ACTION buses and chico rolls.
We're liking it so far. Have laptop, will travel. Looking into buying a car of some description for a road trip to New Orleans to meet Philippe. Then we'll do a circuit round the deep south until the snow melts in NYC. We may end up at Philippe's in Washington (although he does not know this yet!!) to sell car before hitting the biggest smoking apple there is. Aiming to get a video camera (with me behind rather than in front of lens naturally) with some potentially funny road trip tales. Or not. Depends if anything happens on the way.
Vegas was a blast, like Blackpool in many ways but no donkeys or toothless freaks. We will go back. Saw Ka cirque du soleil, fell asleep. Not really my thing to be honest. Big Elvis was amazing, danced with him, got a sweaty kiss and shook some maraccas. Got renewedly wed by a hawaiian minister and a little old jesus badge-wearing lady organist as witness. Elvis walked past twice to say hey. Mud wrestling and free shots was the culmination of an eventful trip. As I said, we will be back to the Vegas.
Back to the bar be que - it is my turn to flip the steak. Kent is telling me off for my southern drawl already... loadsa love xxm
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