Flashback: The Oxtails

Testing. Testing. 1 - 2 - 3.  Nope, getting feedback from speaker 1. ...Testing.  Yes, all clear. Give me a drum beat.  Perfect.  What is that ringing? Johnny, Mic 2 is offline. ...it’s offline.  I SAID MIC TWO IS OFFLINE! HOW MANY TIMES I GOTTA SAY IT?! Man, roadies.  It’s as if they don’t like to work on a Flashback Friday.  Sheesh.

Drugs.  Babies.  Veterinarian school.  Rock.  Band Dissent.  Murder? This is the story of The Oxtails, a band that started in the suburbs of New York in 2007 and enjoyed World Wide success until some time in 2011.
Piecing together the history of the Oxtails was wrought with mystery until recently when pages from the Diary of the band's lead singer, Zarnyx recently surfaced on Ebay, and were sold for a mere $66.60.

Flashback: So Many UFO Catchers, So Little Time...

At the end of May, it will officially be six years since my friend and I visited Japan.  Six years?! Somebody get me a rocking chair, set me up on a porch, and stage some children playing out front.  All this so I can tell the children to get off my lawn, mumble something about Whippersnappers and then shake my fist when in the same breath I tell them...You youngin's have no respect! Why back in my day... And they'll all roll their eyes and mutter, "Here we go! It's Flashback Friday..."

A Few of My Favourite Things, Series v. 2.0 (The Precursor of Things to Come)

My foray into replaying the Jak and Daxter series in its glorious HD re-release made me come to a few realizations.

1. 10 years after the fact, I really enjoyed the first game a lot more than I did back then.  I loved it then but I was so much more enthralled by it this time around.  It may be in part to how accomplished I felt collecting everything and earning my first (and possibly only) Platinum Trophy.  Trophies are silly little things sometimes and getting them all in Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is really not that big a deal.  Truly, anyone could do that.

2.  With my broader gaming knowledge of different genres (but no, not an expert by any means), one of my favourite games in Jak II has me just a tad big frustrated on the replay.  You know, it's not that it's not fun still because it is but talk about annoying at times! Controlling vehicles in that game makes me want to fling controllers.  I don't know if my tolerance for pain and patience was higher back in the day or if my skills were just better.  I'm amazed I even finished the game the first time. 

But, my love for those stupid two characters is as great as ever because they are wonderful.

3.  I began a little Series entitled A Few of My Favourite Things in 2010 to discuss some things I used to love when I was younger.  Series 1 was all about my Original Army of Misfits, while Series 2 dealt with just a few games I played and loved during the period 1997 through 2005.

My intention was to write about more recent times and interests in that vein but I never got around to it.  Really this endeavour will give me an excuse to mess around with my macro lens and write at length about various things for my own guilty pleasure and because I like hearing myself speak.

Since I haven't really formulated a plan yet as to how to begin, I'm leaving this post here as incentive to get on it and get those zombie creative cells to shamble along slowly and noisily in my brain until maybe Saturday.

Maybe.

Ah, First World problems.  Gotta love them.

Currently listening to: "Basement" by Shoji Meguro, from the Persona 3 Original Soundtrack.  Here's another game I've decided to play, since I got near the end and never finished.  Again I find myself appreciating it quite the lot and more so this time around.  It also does have a fantastic soundtrack (except for those times when I feel embarrassed at outsiders listening...like H1.  She must judge me).  I cannot wait to play Persona 4: The Golden whenever that is released.

Food Adventures, Now With 20% More Conveyor Belts

Come May of this year (come what May of this year?), it will be four years since Beetchie and I traipsed our way through Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Four whole years is unreal, isn't it?

It's a sad reminder that I've not done any overseas vacations in quite the while.  But never you mind me and my First World problems; I'll get by.

Kyoto gave us a lot of things to eat, now that I'm flashing back (not flash dancing because I don't do that, H1) to that time.

I finally got to live out an anime fantasy and eat manju from a street cart.  Well, it wasn't on the side of a rural road but it counted.  Not that it mattered because I ended up disliking the soy bean type powder coating on said sweet dumpling.  I can't even begin to tell you how disappointed I was.

Then there was our kobe steak dinner which cost us a tasty arm and leg.  And let us not forget the BEST freaking movie popcorn I ever ate.  It was all caramel and amazing and I'll never get to re-live those good times again.

We had many a foodie adventure in Japan but there was one that involved Conveyor Belt Sushi at an awesome little place in the grand indoor/outdoor mall in Kyoto.

It was there that we ate plates and plates of sushi each.  It was incredible and incredulous how many plates of sushi we ate.  But what I was really thankful for other than the fabulous tasting meal was the fact that I did not have to take Beetchie to the hospital because she decided to eat fugu.

I had to make sure that at least one of us was not dying in the street so that said person could take the other to the hospital.  It certainly was a good thing too because she came out of there feeling slightly light-headed.  Oh, but for full disclosure, since I had no idea how to get to a hospital and the Japanese could not direct me to any place because they didn't know, I think things may have been grim for Beetchie.

Ah yes, those were fun times because no one lost an eye...or their life.

But a fugu event was not going to happen at my second outing at a Conveyor Belt Sushi restaurant because that happened just a few weeks ago at the Palisades mall.  I highly doubt I will ever find fugu at the Palisades Mall but then, I was highly doubtful that I'd find a Conveyor Belt sushi restaurant there either.  Oh, but we did and you know? East Japanese Restaurant wasn't too cringe worthy.

Before the New Thing Without a Special Designation Arrives...A Celebratory Send Off of that Old Thing with the Special Designation

Barring any madness, in a few days from now I will be the proud owner of a PsVita, gifted to me by my Brother Bunji as a Christmas presento-pyo for 2011.

As with most of my Sony products and electronics in general, there may have to be a replacement of said unit before the year is up as I am notoriously known for my bad electronic luck.

There'll be days of excitement as with any launch of new game system hardware for me as I play exciting new entries, have heartbreak playing others and the simple entertainment I get with outfitting a new system with junk.

Until such time, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on 45009, the Japanese Limited Edition Final Fantasy VII PSP bundle I sold bits of my life for to save from Ebay in 2008.

For nearly four years, I've had little 45009.  He went from being in a clear plastic case, showing off his beautiful art to a hard metal case showcasing Star Wars and some cleverly placed stickers.

The End of Year Review I: The Best of the Blog 2011

Welcome to the first round for the End of Year Reviews.

I will be late with the End of Year reviews for Video Games because I started my final game at the end of November and have not had a chance to finish it up for inclusion.

The End of Year music review and the live show review will be posted hopefully later today.

Right now, let's take a look back at the best stories and memories captured on the blog!

Breaking Into Song is Good Sometimes

I'm not sure why H1 had a moment the other night, but she broke into song and sang the following classic:


it came out of nowhere.  It's been forever since I've heard this one!

I bet she didn't remember this one though!



Seriously, it was probably for the best.  That is some morbid crap right there.

Nightmares for me tonight!

The End of Year Review III: The Best of the Blog 2010

There are no best concert reviews to do this year, as I went to only two concerts and one showing at the Paramount.

H1 went to one concert, and one Broadway show.  She tells me she enjoyed Mama Mia!

If I had to pick what show was better, I'd go with Gorillaz over Muse.  I do not believe I even spoke about it but I also saw a Steven Wright comedy performance with Angelo.  It was okay.

Now, on to the very best of the blog - the best memories and stories (Or 2's opinion only)!

The end of an alcohol-free End of Decade "party" brought lots of misfortune in the HOchie household in January.  The one most infected by this 'drought' planned a freaking assassination of an innocent.  Things have never been the same between us since.

There were snow days galore in February! With extra days spent working from home in pajamas was great, and also made for some snowy blog posts.  However, what was most intriguing about this month? We found out that this blog might be a little bit racist.  Isn't everyone?

March was all about Moodou and Misadventures.  

April was a pretty busy month - many food adventures occurred but it was my admission of loving Hall & Oates and our subsequent discussion about which H&O songs best represented each of our frenemies, that had everyone on board.  H&O = bringing people together since the 1980s.

Not much happened in May, other than the realization that nerds need to eat too.

Ah, June in the city.  Midtown proves to be a strange place with Bieber fan girls, fruit carts, and people harbouring dark secrets in their backpacks.

Summer continues in full effect during July.  Things happen! Moodou makes an appearance and The HOchieS venture outside into the sun for ice-cream and burgers.  I wonder if we'll get lucky again this year? Although, venturing outside assaults my eyes.  Also this month, our favourite burger place opens up in the Theatre District, and it's later we vow to never go there again.

For a month I traditionally despise, August came up a winner.  Two days off were spent with Beetchie discovering awesome dumplings in Brooklyn, the best doughnuts and the best noodles ever consumed (this side of Japan), and Scott Pilgrim vs the Big Gay Ice-Cream Truck.  The HOchieS also warned of the impending Zombie Apocalypse, which you all ignored.  Here's a final warning for you guys - the choices are clear (for me, anyway): It's either you're food or a zombie.  I would hope to be the latter.

September was a good time, you know.  H1's birthday month was on complete with scary beastly surprise of extermination.  A trip to Brooklyn with everyone in tow for (finally!) some dim sum was made.  This month I also got into some artful crafting.

Oh, October.  You're so full of Halloween scares, apple picking, Gorillaz and birthdays! Okay, well maybe just Or 2's to really consider, uh...and Frass', but in 2010, the Blog turned Five Years Old.  Awww.  And the Blog even held a competition! How nice of you blog.  But how not nice of you to not give out your blog prizes to everyone yet.  Sorry.  What can I say? Bloggie Boo is a jerk.  You know who else is a jerk-face? The person who I thought was my friend, turned out to be someone completely different.

Usually by the time November hits, I'm super excited.  The end of the year looms and I get into the Spirit of Christmas.  Things were going okay at the start of the month! We ate oysters (not so great), made kurma (still undecided if great or not) and even saw Baby Jeebus.  It was then Thanksgiving rolled around and the rest of the year into January 2011 that became not so good times for me.  Curse this sickness! Ah well... these things happen.

In December, I at least, had a week of better days, just in time for Christmas.  There was not much blogging going on due to the aforementioned illness but I am thankful nonetheless.  It wasn't all bad! I got to see TD5, and play Rock Band 3 with Beetchie.  Oh, and before I forget, of course New Year's Eve is always hilarious.

So, thank you to all our frenemies for another great year.

Here's hoping our 2011 (which yes, has already started) is bad-assed on fun times for us all.

Ruining Christmas

How old was I when I ruined Christmas?

I must have been pretty young when I was gifted that doll.

I crept my way to the presents lying all pretty under the Christmas tree, and tried to unsuccessfully garner a peak inside at this rectangular box that captured my eye.

Back then my secret planning and clever trickery skills were not developed, and fumbled my chance at a clean escape.

I ripped the wrapping paper - a long strip of it actually, right on the front of the box.

"What is it? So what did you get?", a stern familiar voice called.

"I don't know...?" I replied.

"You don't know and the big dolly eye watching you?" was the retort from Momma HO.

I reminded her of this story this past week and she told me that she should have slapped me for opening the present.

"Wait," I said, "you would smack me for opening the present...."
"Yes! You ruined the surprise for Christmas morning!"
"...but you wouldn't smack me for lying?"
"Oh...uh, Yes! For lying!"
"Seriously, Lady! Where are your priorities?!"

Hilarious.

Also! Happy (Yesterday) Birtday, Momma Ho! I wonder if your sons remembered your birthday...hrrm? TD5, Frass, and MC?!?!?!

A Few of My Favourite Things, Series 2

1997 was the year all the trappings were laid for me to become a monster.

That was the year Final Fantasy VII was released, and it has since been all over for me.  While I did spend some of my earlier years playing the fabulous Commodore 64, it was the Playstation and FFVII that "started it all" as H1 would say.

Bunji and I bought initially two games when we bought our Playstation: Final Fantasy VII and Soul Blade.  These were soon followed by Tekken 2 and Resident Evil.  We began renting and purchasing only a few.  It was only after I started working that the collection grew significantly but I digress.

1997 through 2006, this is all about you!

 ...And here they are.  Some of them, anyway.  

This list will comprise all the ones that are my "early" favourites.  They're not the C64 generation and not the games I've played in the last 4 years (although there are tons of new favourites). 

Now onwards to the list!

A Few of My Favourite Things, Series 1

I am a collector.

Enid Blyton books, sea shells, stamps in a stamp book...mango dollies?

It was clear from very early on that I was a super nerd who enjoyed flipping through the colourful flags of the world section of our Collier's Encyclopedias (and learning too, might I add).  Not only was I a History nerd but I liked the collection of stuff all neatly laid out alphabetically by country.

I remember panic set in when I became displaced.  The initial immediate concern for me was how to carry all my stuffed animals from one country to the next.

Later on I realized what the most important thing about leaving the island was, which of course are the doubles, but back then, it was how best to fit all my physical memories of my friends into the suitcases.

With some clever packing and some surprises later to the HOchie Parents who had no idea, the original Army of Misfits made it to the U.S. unharmed, if not a little bit suffocated.

The Not-So-Menacing Army of Misfits.

Those pictured have been whittled down to the ones I absolutely had to have sitting on my shelf still.  Not all traveled from another country but joined as the most beloved of my stuffed friends.

These particular animals are reminders of our friends, of happy times and of The HOchieS' downright weirdness.

In case you have not noticed by now, unless it was given to us, we have a tendency "to save" the awkward looking beasts.

Take Exhibit A for instance...

Pengo

There are a few things from our childhood we often feel the need to explain to our American born friends.

Mango dollies.
Galaxy Rangers
Sesame Street (the one of the 1970s and 80s and was not the Elmo show)
The Commodore 64.

The last one was completely American but I'm not sure why no one really knows about it.  I think they were all stuck on Atari then the NES and SNES.  I'm not sure, but The HOchieS have very fond memories of our C64 and all it's glorious games.

We spent hours breaking numerous joysticks with a little game called The Summer Olympics.  The only way to place gold with the Freestyle Swimming competition was to break a few joysticks.  It was the same deal for the track and field 100 M dash.

The greatest thing about the Summer Olympics was of course choosing your country.  All participating countries with their respective flag and National Anthems were present.  When you chose your country, and won a game, your anthem would be proudly played during the award ceremony.  That game taught me a lot and to this day I have midi sounds in my head of the Japanese National Anthem.

Team Japan and Team Germany were two of our favourites, I recall.

Other Commodore 64 memories included Popeye, The Last Ninja, Bruce Lee, Killer Watts and Montezuma's Revenge.  I remember the ship level from Popeye the most; jumping from rock to tiny rock in front of the waterfall (and failing often); lantern collecting in Bruce Lee; Space ship flying in an underground chamber with that cool ass music; and being enthralled by the "blocky" nature of Montezuma.

Then, there was Pengo.

I came across this today but it's not quite as I remembered.  I believe the game we played was Chilly Willy but the concept is the same.  You push the ice blocks along and squash enemies.  There's also the music.  The music of Chilly Willy involved a song called "Popcorn".  It was vintage... Pure vintage and one of those familiar sounds that you just cannot get out of your head.

It has me slightly confused but maybe the game we played was indeed Pengo? Or maybe they made some sort of Chilly Willy style Pengo? A pirated mismatch of a game? I don't know but we definitely played this a lot as kids and H1 was the Master.

I am hoping this comes to a portable or a console and if that day comes, it's on H1.

In the meanwhile, enjoy a video with the Swedish Chef and the Muppets take on the earworm "Popcorn".

That Effin' Moonface

For a moment, there was excitement when I showed H1 the discovery I made in my Nintendo DSi Ware newsletter.

Oh how happy H1 was! She thought it was a game starring our favourites! Then she was less excited to discover it was only a book to be read on the DSi.  It's still exciting but less so for her, I think.  I was not sure how she wanted to play a game based on The Magic Faraway Tree.

She told me a story about how she would slide down the Slippery Slip and explore whatever crazy new world was atop the Magic Faraway Tree.

I've always wanted to eat a real google bun or pop biscuit but H1...she wants to push that Moonface down the Slippery Slip.

She has always had a hate for Moonface, she tells me.

Then, as if her rage was not bad enough for not only not having a game based on Enid Blyton's classic to play... she made note of "certain changes" to the text.

H1: Who the eff is Rick?!
Or 2:..What?
H1: "...their cousin Rick"?! Who is RICK???!!!!
Or 2: Oh.  It's Dick. Ohhhh.  They...changed it.

Currently listening to: "The Fool on the Hill" by The Beatles

"One Ha' Penny, Two Ha' Penny"

Hot Cross Buns

The days of Momma HOchie's waking at 4 a.m. on Good Friday to bake us up a fresh batch of hot cross buns were over even before we became recovering Catholics.  Rightly so, I may add.  That woman slaved enough for us when we were kids, and still does daily.

Tonight (Thursday night), she surprised me.

Even before I got into the house, I could smell something wonderful.  

I was greeted by those beauties and even though it's Holy Thursday today, it does not matter.

What matters is that Momma HO is funny and the best...even if I did have to hear her hateful, taunting rendition of "Hot Cross Buns" before work and periodically throughout the day.

I should have known she was up to something but I really did not expect all this.

"They're heavy," she says but I think they're just heavy on love.

The End of Year Review IV: Broadway, Concerts and the Best of the Blog 2009

This year I saw a couple of favourites again for the millionth time, some might say.  And you guys should shut it!
I also finally saw two of my favourite bands for the first time and what will be the last time for the foreseeable future.

It turned out to be a busy year afterall for shows, but also, we had a sad year overall but we're thankful for lots as usual and hope for an awesome 2010 for all!

7.  U2 at Giants Stadium turned out to be a damned nightmare.  I never wanted to go to this to begin with and only went for MUSE.  It turns out that not even MUSE could correct the awful night we had (but of course they were awesome).  U2 toured on a crap album and they're really showing their age - with forgotten lyrics and timing-off.  Yeesh.  This was definitely the worst show we saw this year and that's surprising.  Oh, it didn't help it that we missed Yeah Yeah Yeahs for this.  Psh.

6. All Points West on Friday.  This was the best free concert surprise! TD5 came up to see AM and just like that, tickets appeared and I got to see YYY and he got to see Vampire Weekend.  Though I suppose nothing is for free because we did have to trek to assland.

5. I never expected I would see Arctic Monkeys twice this year and I don't want to go back to a concert in December.  There's always that risk of the coldest night of the year which is exactly what happened to us.  Then there's always the trauma of having a crappy support band as AM likes to pick them.  And the threat of a not so awesome show.  That should never happen with AM but this isn't the best album either.  It did not help that the show was at the cornerstone either.

4. I may never be that close to Alex, Matthew, The Cookie and Nick again in my life.  It was not the best show I've seen from Arctic Monkeys due to material played but it was quite memorable being in such a tiny space such as The Highline Ballroom with my favourite boys.  And to think, I could have reached out and touched Nick! Too bad that effin' P. Diddy had to ruin things by showing up.  I really did not need to see that.

3. I like Green Day and was upset with myself when I missed the American Idiot/Bullet in a Bible tour. They had a really stupid album this time around but I was not expecting what transpired at MSG. They played for three hours straight and were incredible! I would recommend that everyone see them if given the chance.

2. I never thought the day would come when Jude Law would be on any list of mine.  That man is an ass, let us just get that out there but I suppose you can be an ass and still be a great actor.  Aren't most of them are? We saw him in Hamlet and I am still in awe.

1. Nine Inch Nails.  It took me 15 years to see one of my favourite bands and just as they were on their way out.  I discovered I hate Terminal 5 with a passion and I am really thankful I will never have to experience NINfluenza again.  But I am really sad that I will never get to see them again or that H1 will not get to see them.  That was one of the best shows I have been to.  Oh NIN, come baaaaackkkkkk!!!!

Like I said, this year wasn't the best but surely we had some good memories each month!!!

January saw this HOchie with a not so pg13 lucky lucky bag.  I'm still trying to pass off the sekshi toys on some unsuspecting fool but do you people remember the the hip parade?

Hmmm, what do you suppose we should give up for Lent  this February?

Hey, looks like March wasn't that bad.  We made good memories with Bunji and A'Face even though both were kinda scary moments - all I have to say is, zombies scare the eff out of me but still be pretty funny. And I feel really sorry for Spiderman.

April brought me new shady, pirate friends and made me remember one of the horrors of video game history and just how bad I can be at saving people..

What's that they say about Spring and May Flowers? And NKOTB? Say it ain't so...

Our little MC got married in June and while we got to share in the happiness and greatness that is Trinidad and Tobago, we sadly did not get to see our little Pandy get married.

H1 likes to torture me and also make fun of my 'lack' of skills.  She has no idea how that keeps me up at night... But I suppose it was only payback for what I did to her.  Though she seems to be have had lots of debacles of her own.

August is always an ass month but we were quite busy! With NIN, Arctic Monkeys and All Points West, we had quite the few weeks and then of course, August always proves what it is and hits me with sickness like never before.  Ack, damned NINfluenza.

September saw us having crap with U2 but at least we made it up by having fun memories with our friends in the kids room.

October was surprisingly quiet but it wouldn't be October without a Zombie panic attack.

We had fun times in November with Thanksgiving week including attending Hamlet.

And here we have December - there are still days left for memories but so far, it's been a crazy not-so-great month but we're looking forward to Christmas and some time off with each other.

Currently listening to: Whatever is playing in The Hangover.

What Do I Have to do to get the Don to Like Me

I sprayed on some sexy cologne that I got from a dame hiding in a bathroom stall in exchange for digestive medicine, that I traded for a pharmacy coupon I acquired for ordering the local restaurant's "special" menu item.

I slipped on a "soft" and "Shimmery" dress - it looked suspiciously like that cotton dress I wore a few years ago, but okay... if they say it's a silk dress, I will believe them.

For once...for once! I didn't have to wear that offending wig on my head. That one that came from a questionable man's underwear. My squats were 16 to 15, so I got a blonde wig.

So let us review - a blonde wig, a silk dress and some sexy cologne. Doesn't that sound irresistble?

And STILL I am not dressed to impressed.

I mean, look at me!

I look fabulous, don't I?!



I even have the concubine...umm, lady-like hand clasp down perfectly!



Bitches are just jealous!



See? The men think me beautiful.





What's the Don's problem?!?!



I also had a revelation...maybe my hatred for Aerith really stems from this whole incident and not her whorish ways with that whole Zach thing. She builds up my confidence...



...only to stab in the back later on. That stupid biatch!



By the way, what was Tifa doing before I found her? Did you see this room?!



Scary stuff, that.

But not nearly a fraction of what's to come at the HoneyBee Manor.

Thinking about what lies ahead makes me have the immediate reaction:

Ow. It hurts.

Stuck in the Kids' Room at S'mac

What would you do if you saw a bunch of 10 misfits roll up into your pizza/mac & cheese joint?

Why...stick them all in the Kids Party Room, of course.

Complete with Dora and Ni Hao Kailan running on TV!

Pinch and S'Mac was not bad.

We wanted to try S'Mac for sometime but only finally got around to it Friday night. After all that waiting though, I have to say that it was just 'alright'.
Some dishes were decent - H1 loved the Cajun the most, I loved the Buffalo Chicken (and I didn't think I would), and the Alpine.
Some dishes were disappointing - The Mediterrean was really not good and I was so looking foward to it, and the Cheeseburger was meh. I supposed I was expecting more of a burger taste but I guess I should have known it would turn out bland.

I maintain that hot dogs on pizza is the best.

Overall, there's no need to go back to S'Mac. We've done it, we're over it.



This was though, a good night. It's always great seeing the frenemies but when we just take over a place, it's even better.

I was very happy to see everyone walking in pairs along 82nd st., all having different conversations but all together and having fun.

Those Who Went With the HOchieS: Aims, Alex, Beetchie, Frass, Luuuiiiisssss, MC, Sop, X

Memorable Conversations of the evening:

Beetchie on Ni Hao Kailan: What the hell is this?! I feel offended!
Or 2: AND...they are speaking Mandarin, not even Canto!
Beetchie: Oh HELLS No! Koalas are not indigenous to China!!!! Stupid Mainlanders.

Or 2: Oh yeah, Beetchie...TD5's trying to bring 3 new people to the house for Thanksgiving this year.
Beetchie: WHAT?! What about the stuffing?! You know, I feel like I already have to contend with X and I haven't been by you guys in a few years now. What the hell?!
Or 2: Oh, I don't think X is coming this year. Hey X, are you coming to Thanksgiving this year?
X: Yes.
Or 2: Uh oh.
Beetchie: ...!
Or 2: Welllll...MC won't be here, right MC?
MC: No.
X: Hey Frass, where will you be for Thanksgiving? Are you going by The HOChies?
Frass: No. I HAVE a family.
All in unison: OOOOOooooooo...!
Beetchie: PSH! What'eva! I go where the food is! And that's not with my family!
Or 2: Yeah, they go to Atlantic City and starve her.
Frass: Ooh, Atlantic City sounds good too.

The Beginning of the End

It was hot.

We were all ready to pass out, truly.

It was sweaty.

We were all sweaty but Trent was the sweatiest of us all.

It was plagued by a more than a few completely aggressive, idiotic sorry excuses for humans.

But we all had to be a little bit on the side of aggressive last night to combat what we were thrown into.

Despite the dehydration, disgust, and detestable behaviour on behalf of some, I made it finally...

And saw one of the best shows, from one of my favourite bands on one of their final tour dates in their 20 year long career.

The Nine Inch Nails "Wave Goodbye" Tour 8/25/2009 @ Terminal 5, NYC Set List:

Downtown Friday

We began the week with a Monday Midtown Mini Adventure and ended the week with a Friday Downtown Excursion.

Along with Alex, we journeyed to Chinatown, which was not as crazed as I predicted and actually quite the nice evening for walking about.

An emergency call to Beetchie to inquire as to where good dumplings could be had, led us not really finding good dumplings but it also led us to not eating bad ones either.

Note to remember from B.: The dumplings at the Excellent Dumpling House are not that Excellent.

After many years of knowing Beetchie, I never truly ventured to her family's Malaysian Restaurant "Saya". That's probably the fault of the Marco Polo Noodle House that's right next door that H1 and I used to frequent, only to discover that that place is now gone. We cried a little when we found out.

So yes, we were starving and even though we had dinner plans at 9 PM, we went and had first dinner.

First dinner was greatness.

The curry puffs are fantastic and just about everything else was too - the satay (beef and chicken...yum!), the nasi lemak..mmmm. It was all goo'd times. Perhaps, too many goo'd times because H1 and I managed to over-eat a tad. Heh Heh.

Well who knew that a 6 PM meal would full us up so much by the time the 10 PM meal came around?!

After finding all manners of sparklies and danglies for X, a super Japanese bath towel for her,

Oh, the Japanese and their sekshi:





and walking forever to get to Thompson St., we parted ways with Alex and met up with X and Mk at Kittichai for X's Birthday celebration.

From Malaysian curry to Thai curry, H1 and I had even more good times at second dinner.

I did not have as many goo'd times as I should have because I was still sadly full from first dinner, but did love myself some tempura sea bass appetizers.

I didn't care much for the chocolate baby back ribs which really didn't taste anything like chocolate and only served to mess up my chopsticks royally (which annoyed me to no end - filthy chopsticks are one of the most horrid things ever. And this was coming off the fact that my server took my chopsticks away and then didn't want to give me a plate. Ass!).

My meal (what I could eat of it) was good save the fact they managed to burn the meat on top but meh, I still enjoyed my pineapple braised short ribs in green curry.

H1 had some sort of steak which she really liked and then we had to go after a champagne toast to X.

Talk about a mess trying to get a train that ran and getting home. It took an hour for us to get to Grand Central and we just barely made the 12:20 train and goodness knows that we did not want to be in Grand Central until 1:50 AM.

Poor transportation left us a bit cranky but at least we weren't cranky because we lacked food.

Midtown Monday: Part II

Two Mondays late, we are.

After our awesome Taiwanese Fried Chicken meal (which we had again last Monday, by the way and it tasted even more awesome), and after work, H1 and I went to Grand Central Terminal to hit up the Grand Central Market.

Murray's Cheese Place has Trois Petite Cochons pate that calls to us once in a while. Why wouldn't it? And why would we not answer?

And when the chocolate mousse with ganache calls us, why would we not answer?



Sometimes though, when Pumpkin Cheesecake calls, we shouldn't answer.



After we bought our goodies, H1 and I had time to spare so we wandered into the Main Hall to watch people and take incriminating photos... of their feet.

I also took some touristy shots in the Main Hall and I have to say, Grand Central never looked so bad as through my camera phone lens.







Most importantly, at the end of the night we did not forgot our bags, or our baguette.

Memorable Quote of the evening:

While we were taking pictures, a guy walked by and said: Cheeeeese.