I stumbled upon this other procrastination file earlier today. It's only been around for about a month. I suppose it was just a matter of time before someone else came up with another procrastination file blog. Take a trip over to poke around and check it out.
I also came across this essay and this picto-blog entry while relaxing with my Sunday morning coffee. I looked around at the other people sitting in the coffee shop, eager to engage in discussion about them (or about anything, really). But people in suburban California don't really seem interested in those types of discussions.
Man, I miss Manhattan. For the interesting conversations, and the bagels, and the shoes. A well travelled friend of mine warned that I wouldn't last long in high heels during my stay in California. "All the women out there wear flip flops. You'll cave, too." Not yet, Mr. S.
It's been a week filled with iconic loss. First Farrah, then Michael, then Ed, now Billy Mays. Odd, yes, but true. Funny the way it is.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
If You Are Lucky Enough to be in the Mountains...
...then you are lucky enough.
Or so reads a sign on a cabin near Yosemite. Where there is no wi-fi, no cell phone service, no Starbucks. But the coffee is richer, the beer is colder, and the company is better than anywhere you'll find it "on the grid."
It's not challenging to find ways to procrastinate in the mountains. Windy roads and deer keep one from driving too fast. Stories are told with more colorful imagery than the latest summer blockbuster. And every cup of coffee comes with an up-to-the-minute local weather report.
So please excuse my brief absence. After all, procrastination takes many forms.
Have you met the most interesting man in the world? There's a social commentary in there about the success of an ad campaign based on mystery at the height of the no-privacy, no-mystery, all-access-pass media orgy of reality TV and InMyFaceSter culture. I had a great time employing this tactic with a new acquaintance I met up in the mountains--a friend of a friend I hadn't seen in years. A little mystery always makes for a good story.
Or so reads a sign on a cabin near Yosemite. Where there is no wi-fi, no cell phone service, no Starbucks. But the coffee is richer, the beer is colder, and the company is better than anywhere you'll find it "on the grid."
It's not challenging to find ways to procrastinate in the mountains. Windy roads and deer keep one from driving too fast. Stories are told with more colorful imagery than the latest summer blockbuster. And every cup of coffee comes with an up-to-the-minute local weather report.
So please excuse my brief absence. After all, procrastination takes many forms.
Have you met the most interesting man in the world? There's a social commentary in there about the success of an ad campaign based on mystery at the height of the no-privacy, no-mystery, all-access-pass media orgy of reality TV and InMyFaceSter culture. I had a great time employing this tactic with a new acquaintance I met up in the mountains--a friend of a friend I hadn't seen in years. A little mystery always makes for a good story.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Matchmaking, Editorials, and Apologies
One of my best friends is getting married next weekend and the wedding festivities will span almost an entire week. He and is bride-to-be are very laid back, easy going folks, but their families are super hyped up about the "big event." Luckily the happy couple planned ahead and scheduled some very low key, time consuming activities throughout the week including a softball game, BBQ, and lawn mini-golf. It's really not that different from hanging out with them on any given weekend.
One thing that has me a little nervous is the distinct possibility that there are plans in motion to couple me up with someone(s) at the wedding. I'm all for meeting people the old fashioned way--in person, through mutual friends, at parties, etc. But KH and I have been friends for over 20 years. He's got stories about me of the really embarrassing variety. Up until now that wasn't an issue because he was in the dating world, too. But his fiance knows most of those stories now and still wants to marry him (God bless her). So my firewall of reciprocity is about to be compromised.
Which brings us to internet dating. I read this interesting commentary in Newsweek about friends playing matchmaker online.
Newsweek has a guest editor this week. Find out the surprising stand-in and read his editorial here.
There's buzz about Julia Roberts on David Letterman's show and a comment she made earlier this week. She said he is "so much funnier than other people who talk at this time of the evening." Yes, the obvious reference is to Conan O'Brien on The Tonight Show. But it could also refer to Stephen Colbert, Ted Koppel, Larry King, or Chris Matthews. Talk amongst yourselves.
Dave also responded to some outrage about a few jokes he made on his show. Est quod est.
Feel like a five minute vegge-out? Check out some random facts.
One thing that has me a little nervous is the distinct possibility that there are plans in motion to couple me up with someone(s) at the wedding. I'm all for meeting people the old fashioned way--in person, through mutual friends, at parties, etc. But KH and I have been friends for over 20 years. He's got stories about me of the really embarrassing variety. Up until now that wasn't an issue because he was in the dating world, too. But his fiance knows most of those stories now and still wants to marry him (God bless her). So my firewall of reciprocity is about to be compromised.
Which brings us to internet dating. I read this interesting commentary in Newsweek about friends playing matchmaker online.
Newsweek has a guest editor this week. Find out the surprising stand-in and read his editorial here.
There's buzz about Julia Roberts on David Letterman's show and a comment she made earlier this week. She said he is "so much funnier than other people who talk at this time of the evening." Yes, the obvious reference is to Conan O'Brien on The Tonight Show. But it could also refer to Stephen Colbert, Ted Koppel, Larry King, or Chris Matthews. Talk amongst yourselves.
Dave also responded to some outrage about a few jokes he made on his show. Est quod est.
Feel like a five minute vegge-out? Check out some random facts.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Good Eats, Foodorama, and a Little Light Reading
Alton Brown has that show on the Food Network. He was a big fan of Jeff Smith, aka The Frugal Gourmet on PBS all those years ago. But that's not the direction of my procrastination today.
I am entirely entertained by the headline "World Hangs on Obama's Every Bite." With a slide show. There's even a blog called "Obama Foodorama." I am confident that Barack and Michelle will get a viewing of Food, Inc. I'd love to be in the room for the post viewing conversations.
Speaking of movies, I'm eagerly awaiting Julie & Julia later this month. Meryl Streep as Julia Child seems like perfect casting.
The Julie/Julia started as a blog, then became a book. That gives me hope. And gets me thinking.
I still have not yet read Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert. Further up my list is this spoof by Andrew Gottlieb.
Finally, a Drive Thru Folk Song. Enjoy.
I am entirely entertained by the headline "World Hangs on Obama's Every Bite." With a slide show. There's even a blog called "Obama Foodorama." I am confident that Barack and Michelle will get a viewing of Food, Inc. I'd love to be in the room for the post viewing conversations.
Speaking of movies, I'm eagerly awaiting Julie & Julia later this month. Meryl Streep as Julia Child seems like perfect casting.
The Julie/Julia started as a blog, then became a book. That gives me hope. And gets me thinking.
I still have not yet read Eat, Love, Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert. Further up my list is this spoof by Andrew Gottlieb.
Finally, a Drive Thru Folk Song. Enjoy.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
If It's Tuesday, You Must Be Kidding
Have you ever had one of those days where things seem so absurd you think you're in a Mel Brooks movie? Or like you are lost in an M.C. Escher print? I'm having that day.
Perhaps it's time to check my horoscope.
My big bro is in the hospital and I'm fascinated by the hospital food they are serving up.
Speaking of food, have you seen the trailer for Food, Inc.? The film opens in NYC, LA and SF this Friday, June 12. The New York Times offers this take on it. Not what you'd call an "Up" movie.
Today's exit strategy? Plan a vacation. Maybe Belgium.
Perhaps it's time to check my horoscope.
My big bro is in the hospital and I'm fascinated by the hospital food they are serving up.
Speaking of food, have you seen the trailer for Food, Inc.? The film opens in NYC, LA and SF this Friday, June 12. The New York Times offers this take on it. Not what you'd call an "Up" movie.
Today's exit strategy? Plan a vacation. Maybe Belgium.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tasty Salted Pig Parts, Coffee and Topics of Conversation
I'm in love with Tasty Salted Pig Parts. Mmmmm.
This morning I'm sitting down with a piping hot cup of coffee brewed from beans roasted at the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company. Order your own pound of PNG (regular/light, or dark) today.
Now for some topics of conversation to get your week rolling.
Have you stumbled yet on Goop.com--Gwyneth Paltrow's newsletter/blog/website where she shares her take on things to make, places to go, things to do, what to get, how to be, and what to see to "nourish the inner aspect." She mentioned it last week when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and folks might not be talking about it as much as her shiny legs and strategic hand placement to cover up a rather revealing short skirt.
And in case you missed it, dapper and down-to-earth Brian Williams and a sizable crew from NBC spent a few days Inside the Obama White House. Brian was momentarily out of his element when POTUS asked him if he wanted a burger while standing at the counter at Five Guys. I've been to the Five Guys at Brewers Hill in Baltimore, and while it is a bit overwhelming to have so many options (In 'n' Out is more my style), I can understand how having the Commander in Chief take your order can throw one for a loop. More than nine million viewers reportedly tuned in for the original TV broadcast on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Folks are still talking about it a week later, so go play catch up if you must. Yes, there are a few bits on the new first dog, too, and someone had fun making a "Best of Bo" clip.
A shout out to my boy Stephen Colbert, in Iraq this week entertaining the troops and filming his show. It brings new meaning to the phrase, "I am America, and so can you!"
In other news, people are treading lightly about the death of David Carradine. I'm left to wonder if this is out of respect for his family and friends as they grieve, or because the media is at a loss of how to address the "bizarre questions" raised by the circumstances of his death. I give full props to Brian Alexander of MSNBC for addressing some of these taboo topics this article. You can read more of his writing in his Sexploration column on MSNBC.
On a final note, my eldest sister had a smashing birthday party last night. Here's my day after gift to you. Smooches.
This morning I'm sitting down with a piping hot cup of coffee brewed from beans roasted at the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company. Order your own pound of PNG (regular/light, or dark) today.
Now for some topics of conversation to get your week rolling.
Have you stumbled yet on Goop.com--Gwyneth Paltrow's newsletter/blog/website where she shares her take on things to make, places to go, things to do, what to get, how to be, and what to see to "nourish the inner aspect." She mentioned it last week when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, and folks might not be talking about it as much as her shiny legs and strategic hand placement to cover up a rather revealing short skirt.
And in case you missed it, dapper and down-to-earth Brian Williams and a sizable crew from NBC spent a few days Inside the Obama White House. Brian was momentarily out of his element when POTUS asked him if he wanted a burger while standing at the counter at Five Guys. I've been to the Five Guys at Brewers Hill in Baltimore, and while it is a bit overwhelming to have so many options (In 'n' Out is more my style), I can understand how having the Commander in Chief take your order can throw one for a loop. More than nine million viewers reportedly tuned in for the original TV broadcast on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Folks are still talking about it a week later, so go play catch up if you must. Yes, there are a few bits on the new first dog, too, and someone had fun making a "Best of Bo" clip.
A shout out to my boy Stephen Colbert, in Iraq this week entertaining the troops and filming his show. It brings new meaning to the phrase, "I am America, and so can you!"
In other news, people are treading lightly about the death of David Carradine. I'm left to wonder if this is out of respect for his family and friends as they grieve, or because the media is at a loss of how to address the "bizarre questions" raised by the circumstances of his death. I give full props to Brian Alexander of MSNBC for addressing some of these taboo topics this article. You can read more of his writing in his Sexploration column on MSNBC.
On a final note, my eldest sister had a smashing birthday party last night. Here's my day after gift to you. Smooches.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Coco Christopher and his band of merry men
Have you seen the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien? His first night hosting was on Monday, and he did a very good job. But last night's show had me laughing out loud and harder than I have in some time. His guests were Tom Hanks and Green Day. Go, right now, and watch the show if you have not seen it. Seriously, because they won't have it available online for long.
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