Raisins should never be in a butter cookie. Please remember that if ever anyone of you consider doing me a kindness, and keep those unkind raisin butter cookies in the store.
More Christmas related things this day (and I've been feeling rather un-Christmassy this year thus far) was the wrapping of the presents. The picture is dark but y ou can guess who was all laid out on my paper as if he owned the place, or alternately, wanted to be wrapped up and put into my stocking.
I can assure him, no one wants a bottle-blonde for Christmas in The HOchie Household.
Sadly, I did not get to meet Nick at the Mother-Fookin' Cornerstone, and hell, I was barely able to see him from where I stood.
One day perhaps.
In the meanwhile, the real arctic monkeys went to see Arctic Monkeys the band.
The lot of us who stood outside that Cornerstone, that is literally on the corner of 11th and the West Side Highway, were freezing.
Calling Friday night 'cold ass' is an understatement. It was the first cold blast we got for the season/month and of course, it had to happen whilst H1 and I had plans to be in the middle of nowhere.
I cannot stress how much I dislike Terminal 5 but I'll go ahead and say it again.
The Low-lamps:
1. Terminal 5. What the hell... Summer or Winter, it's a bad venue. Terminal 5 secured a bout of NINfluenza thanks to poor ventilation back in August and last night? No heat! The only time it got hot was when those damned ukkers were farting on me.
2. Ukkers. Beer-drinking Ukkers. Rude, Hooligan Beer-drinking Ukkers. Rude, Hooligan Beer-drinking Ukkers who fart without hesitation or apology reminiscent of Stinky, Beer-drinking Japanese men who sit on a 14 hour flight with a poor unsuspecting girl while her ass friend is oblivious to it all because she is too busy sleeping near the window.
3. American children. For some reason, the already young crowd for Arctic Monkeys seemed much younger. We're not sure why or how they heard this is one of the best bands ever but there they were at Terminal 5 last night and it was embarrassing. Being a bit of an elitist, I'm not sure why they like Arctic Monkeys because I don't think they're clever enough to keep with Alex's brilliant lyrics. It boggles the mind, really.
4. NJ. More specifically (though need I say more?) Screaming Females. Arctic Monkeys continues to pick losers for opening acts. Okay, so Modey Lemon last AM concert were really good live (but note, not so much on disc). And maybe Screaming Females was not as bad as say B.Y.O.P. but nothing is worse than that other than Seether. However, Screaming Females need to tighten what they're doing. As H1 rightly said, the female lead needs to give up writing songs and singing them. She can keep playing guitar because she's a decent player but other than that, she's keeping the band of rats from getting out of the Bridge and Tunnel. Also, they need to pick a genre and go with it because they 'sample' way too many and rip off way too many other songs from other bands.
5. Remember Fucking Albert Chung ? Well here we have Fucking Alexa Chung. When will Alex be smart as we know him to be and ditch that bitch. She was there last night being an annoyance to my senses. It was bad enough she was dressed like a hipster, but then she had to act like one too. And anyone who's got the blood of weople and asians just do not have a chance at being able to dance. Oh lork, it was like Diddy all over again. You really have to wonder what people hear when there's a beat to a song. Rhythm? What's that? More mind boggling stuff, really.
6. The set list. Why did we get the exact same set list as the night before? Alex apologised but it's not enough! You couldn't even play "Catapult"?! Or one song different?! Not right, boys. Lazy!
7. The sound. What happened? I've come to realise that every Arctic concert comes with technical difficulties. But last night was the worst - I can deal with the cutting off of sounds because great banter usually follows but everything sounded as though it was in a vaccum. While Matthew's drumming just took over everything which to me is not a bad thing being he's the best, we could barely hear Alex at the start. Who knows where Nick's and The Cookie's sound got to. I could blame Terminal 5 but having heard NIN there, that'd be a straight out untruth.
8. "My Propellor". No, that wasn't my song, H1. "Red Right Hand" was my song.
9. My crap photos. Well, I could barely see the stage to begin with (save The Cookie, who I never want to see...he scares the shit out of me), much less get good photos for a band I never get good photos of.
The Highlights:
1. "Last Christmas" as performed by Matthew Helders. It. was. frickin'. h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s. And he sounded good. And it made me enjoy "Fluorescent Adolescent" even more that I usually do (I'm not the biggest fan of that song, it's true). That performance was nothing short of classic - it involved a stool, shades and an afro sported by my favourite drummer. That was one of the finer concert moments I've had.
2. Nick. I may not have seen him a lot thanks to assholes who shoved their way in front of me but when I did, I felt really happy. Too bad after all the times I've seen AM, I only now pay attention to him especially since I was right in his face back in August. Even then when things were quiet then, I wanted shout out to Matthew. Awww, Nick. You're my new favourite. I love how you handle the bass as if it's too awkward for you and you've anything but a bassist cool stance. It's quite comical watching you play, actually but it's endearing. And you're a good bassist.
But please, cut your hair or do something with it. That goes for the rest of you guys as well. Except maybe Helders and his 'fro. I'm liking how funny THAT mess is.
3. Matthew Helders - the Agile Beast. He continues to impress, that one.
4. "Sketchead". I was really hoping for "Catapult" but this was good too.
5. Alex. He couldn't see me, so it was the first time he missed Suga'Face although he may have glanced briefly in my direction. Ahahaha. Ah but I was more concerned I couldn't see my bassist.
6. For the first time since I've seen them, AM managed to riff new sounds into their set. They changed up their songs to extended versions with different elements of the guitars and bass and it was fun. They're comfortable enough now to do that and it was most welcome.
7. H1 and my Imaginary Friend Fred were both there. Ooo, and H1 finally got to hear "505" and it sounded much better than it did at the Highline Ballroom (save that one screeching bit of the mic). I've yet to tell TD5 that he may have gotten to hear it first but his sucked compared to H1's experience.
8. While not the greatest technical sounding show, Arctics blended old with new even better than at Highline. It was more fun even though the Highline show was great for the first live run of the new album. Playing "The Jeweller's Hand" to start made the show interesting but mostly dull and I feared another desert experience as back in August but with that out of the way, the rest of the songs were more well-balanced and more frantic, making this show an overall success and not as mellow even if the crowd energy seemed pathetic.
In a way, this show is probably the worst I've seen of them but that's due to the lack of first album material (alright, that bus has come and gone - as someone put it, but those will always be my most fun memories) and the sound (and of course, the venue) but is in no way a reflection of their skills. They really have come quite a ways, my boys. I think I might always feel a twinge of sadness that they've matured so much.
9. Who knew Harry Potter was a member of Screaming Females? And he plays drums!
10. No "Dangerous Animals". Thank. GOODNESS. I 'boring' that song with a passion.
11. The usual banter, and our Number 1 Roadie giving us such great moments as ....
Memorable Quotes and Moments of the Evening:
Alex: New York, this house is a circus. An observation and an introduction. (he lies of course..there was no circus. The crowd pretty much sucked).
Alex: I apologise for the same set but I am wearing different boots. We hope no one's been telling our secret from last night to you folks tonight. ::and then into "Fluorescent Adolescent" with Matthew's "Last Christmas".::
Alex: Are you feeling good tonight? Of course you are, unlike last night, you've got Friday behind you.
Alex: ::singing:: At the mother-fooking cornerstone...
Matthew's drumstick broke and he threw it in front of him and it fell near Alex. The number 1 Roadie walked on stage, picked it up complete with being deadpan in the face as he usually is, and threw it right back at Matthew.
The Arctic Monkeys at Terminal 5, NYC on 12/11/2009 Set list:
1. The Jeweller's Hands
2. Brianstorm
3. This House is a Circus
4. Still Take You Home
5. Potion Approaching
6. Red Right Hand (Nick Cave cover)
7. My Propeller
8. Crying Lightning
9. Sketchead
10. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
11. The View from the Afternoon
12. Cornerstone
13. If You Were There, Beware
14. Pretty Visitors
15. Do Me a Favour
16. Fluorescent Adolescent with Last Christmas (Wham Cover by Matthew Helders)
Encore:
17. Secret Door
18. 505
Currently listening to: "This House is a Circus" and "Catapult" by Arctic Monkeys.
...is going to get me this set of Final Fantasy Trading Arts Vol. 4 figures for Ithmus?
Memorable Conversations of the Evening:
Or 2: This! I want this!!! Bughie J.: Want what now? aww, how cute. Who's that behind Sephy? looking like she might be plotting to steal his materia?? Or 2: ha, she'll get a slap in the face if that happens Bughie J: look at Vivi. Vivi knows something bad will happen. Or 2: I know, Vivi. I'd destroy him; just like I would his brethren. aharharharharharhar Bughie J.: haha. Zidane on the other hand...looks like he enjoys the idea that someone might try to steal Sephy's materia Or 2: well, Zidane is a thief afterall.
::on Final Fantasy Tactics::
Or 2: I've left Ram.s.a... uh, Zarnyx as a Knight. My Monk I made a geomancer. My black mage is my black mage. I just made a female knight a chemist so she can be a white mage later on because i am racist or sexist, rather. And I want to kill Algus...snooty ass. Bughie J.: It's not your fault you have to deconstruct and reverse thirty years of video game stereotypes. Ah, Algus. I remember that ass... Bughie J.: hmm, i wonder when you can get Cloud...
Or 2: Can't wait to get Cloud. I'll work him! Make him something lame like...a thief. oo, a thief Bughie J.: a thief! Or 2: then he steal his materia back. Pansy. Bughie J.: i guess he'll have to be since someone stole all his. Or 2: such is the way of the world
So it's been a long time since this game came out. Eventually I get to them if I can find copies! H1 and I have alawys wanted to play this series and I'm happy that I picked it up. It's cute, pretty hilarious and Luigi, even though he's not in the main game really, he's there and getting some major props. "Moustache...hat...! I know you! You're the hero!!! Luigi!" That's right, bitches. Best line in the game so far (especially since it was said to Mario).
Drawing
Watching Bakemonogatari made me want to draw again. I've had the feeling for a while now, actually but the style was so indie and an oddity in itself like the oddities the anime featured, that I had to do some sketching. His head might be big, but damn that Raphael is becoming one cool, scary creation
It's December 1st, which means lists upon lists are upcoming. I am not certain I am fully prepared for that and oo! that reminds me that I probably only have 7 days to finish Final Fantasy Tactics, huh? Well, THAT'S not going to happen with my poor, but-much-improved skills. Oh 1998, I remember the slaughter...
The Pyo List is looking pretty good (my monies and I have been parting ways thanks to my obsession with Amazon...yeesh.).
And the Treat Boxes are going to be made soon. What'll be inside and who's geting one?
Thanksgiving Week has been a whirlwind of goo'd times.
We made new friends (Hardy Har, Daw and Shar), shared lots of good food and plenty of laughs.
The menu was similar to what we usually feast upon for this time of year but was it ever so and always GREAT.
1. Turkey with the best stuffin eva'
2. Pork Leg
3. Collard Greens
4. Sweet Potato Souffle
5. Green Beans
6. Saffron Rice
7. Corn pudding
8. Olive bread
9. Ham
10. Homemade bread
11. Flan
12. Blackout cake from Homestyle Bakery, complete with turkey. Not Cake Wreck worthy though.
Roast, Turkey!!!!!
In the days leading up to the feasting, TD5 was quite busy! Not only did he, Momma HO, Papa HO, Luuuuuissss and H1 go to see South Pacific on Friday, but then he went to see West Side Story on Tuesday after stuffing his gut with Pongsri. The friends LOVED it and I joined in because I wanted to see Frass, who was supposed to come up today but rejected us! Where were you, Frass?! Are you shopping online?! You forgot us didn't you!!!!!!??!!!!!
Today TD5 and co. went to Woodbury for some Black Friday dealies at 7:30 a.m. I saw lots of bags come into the house, so I guess the shopping was a success.
I, on the other hand, with H1 shopped online today. It was from Amazon, of course and we made out like bandits...perhaps, too well. Ack, money spent and gone. Blargh.
Gen' Frien' gave sent me the most awesome packages!!!!!
Oooooooo, exciting, yeah? No, not Pom Pom and the gang from Homestar Runner but what's behind them! Thanks so much, Gen' Frien'!
I'm wondering what I should be doing now but TD5 has me watching Cherry Blossoms. He likes to traumatize me, that one. All the time.
Movie Nights:
Thanskgiving Night: Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure; Rambo III
Friday Night: Labyrinth; Wolverine (I watched White Collar and Burn Notice with TD5)
Memorable Conversations of the Weekend:
::While watching Rambo III::
Hardy Har: You know, you remember that movie Cliffhanger? I saw that and after I did, I went rock climbing without any gear or anything. A tall rock, eh?! Then about a year later, I found out that itwas all filmed on a stage! I did mine for real without equipment!!! I could have died! All because of that movie!
H1: Look! Do you remember this?! Pear soap! TD5: What? The only soap I know is Life Buoy. H1: And you had to put it in your mouth as punishment, right? TD5: Yeah. And the blue one. Or 2: I remember that! Gross! TD5: Yeah, my cousin and I ate that. A whole bar each. We had to be rushed to the hospital. Or 2: What the hell did you do that for?! TD5: Well, we were pretending we were at a restaurant. Or 2: And you ordered the soap?
And thus 'ends' another Thanksgiving at the HOchieS' but as we all know, it doesn't stop there until the turkey soup has been made.
Christmas is up next and already the madness has begun. This was probably the most impressive package delivery I've ever received...
Bad kids that we are, although in my defense, I was really busy that day, we forgot to wish Momma HO Happy Birthday on the blog on the 20th. So, Happy Belated Birthday! You got presents so stop being ungrateful!
Today is the 26th, and there are wishes to spread around!
Birthday wishes to TD5, who is here with us again for Thanksgiving (and always should be, as I have stressed before)! We hope you really enjoyed South Pacific.
Birthday wishes to Bughie J.! What did Wimplebee get you? I'm sure it was not blubber-related. Where would he get such a thing?
In all the years that H1 and I have been working at Rockefeller Plaza, as we have said before on this blog, we have had to endure rubbish mini-concerts as we walk past Rock. Centre on mornings.
Every summer, with assaulted ears, we shove through the throngs of old people, of tweens, of thugs, and emos (a tween is an emo though, so I suppose I am being redundant), depending on who is playing.
This year alone we have had to woefully experience Hannah Montana, NKOTB, Fergie, Kings of Leon Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Bon Jovi (twice, in two weeks - he was there this morning after being there for Veterans Day).
Last year for the first time, we had a bit of a pleasant shock when R.E.M. performed. It was the pinnacle moment of glory in our six plus years of working in the area.
There's a saying H1 and I utter every time we go by and say to the screaming clusters..."unless it's Arctic Monkeys or MUSE, MOVE ALONG!"
That day has yet to come but we're one step closer to greatness...
MUSE will be performing on December 19th, 2009 at Rockefeller Center for their performance on SNL!!!!!!
Beetchie and X, will you two come with? Please?
Edit on 12/18/2009: And just like that, we're now two steps closer to greatness. The performance is indoors, so no standing in the cold for me tomorrow. Ah well. At least our future is not as bleak as it once was.
Initially, I was supposed to go but then I gave up my ticket to H1. Turns out I had to go anyway because poor Aims and poor Aims' dad had a rough week, and I ended up getting use out of her ticket.
All this confusion to say this:
Who knew Jude Law could act?
Hahahaha.
I'm just kidding; though I can say that I have never been a huge fan of his.
However, seeing his performance in Hamlet warranted respect.
The execution was everything on his part - his spoken lines to his mannerisms made him pure brilliance.
Even though I made a 'vow' not to give him a standing ovation, he truly deserved one and I had to oblige.
The rest of the cast were quite good as well, with honourable mention to the role of Polonius. Poor, poor Polonius...
Well, most of the cast were quite good save the forgettable roles for Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, which is sad.
And Ophelia...
Oh, Ophelia.
How horrible and unbelievable her role was acted out?
Quite.
Our seats were wonderful, though the Broadhurst theatre is not a favourite location of ours, and the service was even worse but no real complaints.
Jude was 'speaking' to us - as in we were very much centre and could see him clearly and he us from where we sat.
The stage setting was great, and the sword fight at the end was actually quite good and not poorly choreographed at all.
Honestly, I did not think I'd be as amazed as I was for this production.
It was brill. Brill. Brill! and I am quite pleased I got to see it afterall.
With a city to take in and bellies to fill with food, we walked over to Katsuhama for some ...katsu. Heh.
My first meal in Japan was tonkatsu and since then, I've tried to have it wherever I go to try to re-live the good times. Being that I will probably never eat another piece of sushi that melts to pure bliss outside of Japan, I was almost of that mindset when it came to the tonkatsu as well.
Katsuhama has managed to be on even footing with that memory but chances are, if you use berkshire pig in a meal, it'll be amazing.
Happy with our meals, we made our way to the train with lots of time to spare and I managed to scratch two things off of my list in one evening! I finally went to Cafe Zaiya.
It was not as I expected honestly, and with close to closing, I suppose I could not expect everything I wanted to put into my mouth to be there (onigiri would have been a pleasant though I suspect I will not eat as great a one as I did whilst in Tokyo, either) but I HAD to have the "home-made" green tea soft serve ice-cream hoping to re-live the one Beetchie and I had in Kyoto.
Wow.
It came really close to be as fantastic as I trick myself into believing. In all seriousness, it was really good and I would go back there just to have another.
It was a great day and I'm a happy kid right now, who should get some sleep. It's been a long sort of few days past and I need to rest, and not run myself down as I usually do, opening myself up to sickness.
Memorable Quotes of the evening:
"Question it, Horatio!" - Marcellus
TD5: Ophelia was just terrible, wasn't she? Or 2: Yeah. She was acting as if she were in a high school play. TD5: And there you go.
WTF Moment of the Evening:
The people behind us who commented, "He (Jude) looks like Ryan Seacrest".
Some people deserve to be scratched with a poison-tipped sword.
I am just getting back into this, and so far, I am not very enthralled. It's doing well enough to keep me watching but it's also going a tad bit emo? Hm. I know tragedy's about to strike but I can't say I really care. There are two glasses wearing characters for me to love - one good and one bad, a white haired bad man who I don't really have any feelings for, and maybe just a bit too much predictable story line. Ah well, it's not horrid. And I only have 20 more episodes to go.
Bakemonogatari
This one on the other hand... throw me some ghost stories, toss in two of my current favourite voice actors (ask me if I know their names, no but I know other characters they've voiced that I've loved), and then throw in some weird animation (which scares me, quite frankly) but an honestly shocking part in a first episode and a funny, "matter of fact" kind of end to story 1, and I will be hooked. So far, so good. Hope it doesn't let me down but with only 15 episodes, I would HOPE/think not.
I do not know when this happened but blogger updated tools and just because I can, I'm going to use the strikethrough key! Pointless? Probably but it gives me a running list of everthing I should be doing.
Oo, oo, and I'm also going to use the "read the rest of this entry" feature to.
No matter how hard she tried, never could a straight line be cut.
Presents wrapped appear neat on the outside, but tucked away under folds in the back, the crooked truth revealing crooked lines and jagged pretty paper from an unsteady hand lay hidden until unwrapped.
Such is my life, and such are the stresses of my Christmas tasks every year.
Currently listening to: "Freedom" (Live) by Rage Against The Machine.
All our years collecting 30+ Nintendo games, and consoles served a purpose! Cash Back of a $25 gift card for my Halloween costume AND some free pizza, all with some creative use of a company sharpie and paper, and our Club Nintendo Elite Status Reward - A winner is me!
It's a Me! Mari-Ho!
A purist will tell you the moustache was wrong and they'd be right, but ask and I will tell you, "it's not Luigi, so why should I care?"
