the Comfort of Strangers

Maybe Blogging Just Prepared Me For Facebook

2009-05-14T15:00:00.004-07:00

In March 1999, I went to Las Vegas for Spring Break. One late afternoon/early evening, I was just out of the shower and getting ready to go out for the night. I was staying at the Mandalay Bay and had a west facing room with floor to ceiling windows. The sun was just starting to set and it bathed the room in a really amazing light. I'd spent the day at the pool and was a little sunburned because I still had Utah winter skin. The radio was on because back then I didn't travel with iPod, iPod speakers, and a catalogue of thousands of songs. I wasn't really paying too much attention to the radio because in between songs there were frequent traffic reports and commercials. Then all of a sudden I heard something about "sunscreen" in kind of a freaky voice. I stopped and listened to the radio. I heard this, and I honestly wondered if God was talking to me:

Baz's words of wisdom still come to me on an almost weekly basis. Sometimes it's the bit about the race being long, sometimes it's appreciating youth, sometimes it's "you are not as fat as you imagine", and sometimes it's everyone should live in NYC once in their life but leave before it makes them hard. The whole thing is just amazing and today I really wanted to hear it in its entirety. Maybe you do, too.

It's today's song.

Everywhere But Here

2009-04-08T16:09:00.003-07:00

I'm always getting e-mails of videos set in train stations in Europe, or prisons in Thailand, where big groups of people all of a sudden burst into synchronized dance and song. While casual, unsuspecting passersby are caught totally by surprise and thoroughly entertained.

Why can't it happen here? I mean would Mormon CONFERENCE be like the perfect stage for something like this? An ambitious group of Mormons could totally pull this off and give their brothers and sisters a great treat. Consider this a formal request.

Today's Song: Use Me, Kings of Leon

There is some sort of resurgence happening.

2009-03-30T08:22:00.003-07:00

With respect to obscure 70s hits. To wit, I've been seranaded twice in the last week - these are the songs:

It's Red Nose Day!

2009-03-13T10:28:00.002-07:00

Red Nose Day. Go save some Africans!

Red Nose Day fun:

Today's Song: Up All Night, Take That

A new month.

2009-03-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

A new calendar page.

Todays Song: Youre Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go, Madeline Peyroux

(From the Oscar nominated live action short: Manon On The Asphalt.
It's available for download on iTunes. Well worth $1.99.)

Public Service Announcement

2009-02-27T10:01:00.002-07:00

Onion dicing is probably one of my worst culinary skills. (And because my culinary skills aren't much to speak of, that really isn't saying much.) So I decided to improve myself and step up my game. I no longer dice onions. I brunoise them.

See here.

Revolutionary.

I recently went to Palm Springs. I had the foresight to take an inflatable beach ball. As luck would have it, a net was set up at one of the hotel pools. I suggested to my sister and brother-in-law that we have a water volleyball match. I had no idea my sister was Gabrielle Reece. After getting spiked by her one to many times, I had to finally suggest that we play more like Playboy bunnies at the mansion pool and less like the volleyball scene from Top Gun.

Today's Song: Here I Am, Air Supply

I had to order it.

2009-02-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

Todays Song: Fever, Peggy Lee.

2009

2009-02-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

2008 wasn't a great year. I blame it on the fact that I didn't buy a
noteworthy wall calendar for my office. I waited too long and when I
went to get one it was kittens and NASCAR. So I had to make due with
some free calendar put out by a local business.

This year I got a fantastic calendar: Vintage Travel Posters by Z
Cavallini (very different from Z Cavaricci). This was January or
Gennaio.

Today's Song: Over You, Jay Nash

I Skiied.

2009-02-03T09:57:00.007-07:00

I learned to ski when I was really young. My grandpa was a ski instructor at Solitude ski resort and I went skiing with him all the time. When I was in elementary school, my parents would drop me off at my grandparents on Friday night. My grandma and I would chew Hubba Bubba and blow bubbles while watching Friday night television, e.g. Dallas. The next morning, I'd ride with my grandpa up to the ski resort. We always listened to NPR and he'd ask what I was learning in school. I'm sure I always gave the same answer: "Nothing." Once at the resort, I would get my ski pass and my grandpa would take off for instructor "line-up." He'd usually have to teach in the mornings and so I'd go off and ski on my own until lunch. Then we'd meet for lunch and if he didn't have lessons in the afternoon, I'd ski with him and all of the other ski instructors, including my uncle Brian. So as you can imagine, I thought I was really something on the ski slope. After a day of skiing, I'd go with my grandpa and the other ski instructors to Houlihan's Bar for apres ski. At 10 or 11 I was too young to be in the bar, but my grandpa would just tell the staff I was a midget and I'd have to sit in between the biggest people and kind of crouch down. (How awesome is that?!) This carried on pretty much through junior high. Once I hit high school, I grew out of my equipment, got involved in high school activities, and didn't really ski at all. Then I went to college and again I didn't ski. When I was in law school, I went skiing probably two or three times, but that's it.

I realized last week that it has probably been 8 years since I've been skiing and I decided to remedy that. I took and inventory and the only ski clothing I didn't have was a pair of ski pants, so I went and bought a cheap pair at the sporting goods store. Saturday I got up, outfitted myself in ski gear, went to Tulie for coffee and a croissant, and then drove up to Solitude.

I was incredibly nervous. Seriously, I wasn't sure what would happen to me on the mountain. I had visions of me being carried down on a sled by ski patrol with a blown out knee. I kept repeating to myself: "Don't cross your tips, don't cross your tips, don't cross your tips." I also assured myself that there was no shame in the snow plow and no reason to race down the mountain. Still, I was nervous and expected to spend most of the day on the "bunny hill" or using the tow rope.

I got on the lift and was immediately taken back to 1985. Although the resort has changed quite a bit, the mountain and the runs are still very much the same. That put me at ease. What wasn't the same were the lifts: they are so fast! And there is no waiting in line to get on them. I was amazed.

My first run went well and my confidence returned. I started with green, cautiously moved up to blue, transitioned into black, and then foolishly found myself in the backcountry negotiating a double black diamond. Fortunately, I didn't pursue one particular ski trail beyond the red rope marked with a sign stating "expert only".

The whole day was like a time warp. Because I hadn't skiied in so long, it was like reconnecting with a much younger me and so many memories came back to me. Memories of my 80s self, such as:

1. I wouldn't wear a hat because it messed up my hair.
2. I hated ski pants and preferred to ski in jeans.
3. I didn't like wearing sunblock because I wanted a skiiers tan in winter.
4. I wouldn't wear sunglasses or goggles because I hated racoon eyes.
5. I skiied with a huge Sony walkmen with mix tapes of songs recorded off the radio.
6. I ogled other people's Pre skis and lamented my Rossignols.
7. I kept all my ski passes on my coat showing how many times I'd skied that season.
8. I looked forward to Spring because 80s girls/women really would ski in bikini tops.
9. Getting french fries at the restaurant at lunch - as opposed to just eating a brown bag lunch - was like hitting a jackpot.
10. Finding ski jumps hidden on runs.
11. I hated having to yell "single" in the ski lift line so that you could get further ahead in the line. (I was so, so glad that the lift lines don't work like that anymore.)
12. I hated having to ride on the lift with strangers and make small talk. (Actually, that's not 80s self that's just self.)

I'm looking forward to going skiing again this weekend. My only regret is that I didn't buy the nicer, more expensive ski pants I had my eye on.

View from Sunrise lift - my favourite lift.

View from top of Moonbeam.

Today's Song: Sussudio, Phil Collins

I wanna POP!

2009-01-15T12:20:00.002-07:00

Sundance starts this week. Maybe some of you are curious about the inner workings of the festival? If so, I'll give you some scoop. This year due to the economic climate, the festival is somewhat scaled back. What does that mean? It means that Pepsi isn't the official soft drink sponsor. Coca Cola isn't either. So you what that means . . .

It's Shasta! When I hear the word Shasta, I think of the catch 80s tune that goes something like "I want a taste pizazz, all the great taste . . ." To jog your memory, take a look at this:

And even better, this:

Today's Song: Apple Bottom Jeans, T-Pain

I'm No James Beard.

2009-01-07T16:25:00.002-07:00

I hate mayonnaise. So much so, I don't even care if I spelled the word right. In restaurants, if ever there is any question that a dish may come with mayonnaise on it, I am sure to ask the server and then request it be left off. If it shows up on my food, I send it back. I claim an allergy.

Occasionally, when I go to a fancier dining establishment, I rarely see mayonnaise listed as an ingredient. Instead, items are usually served with any sort of an aioli. For reasons unknown (why are you the way that you are, Michael Scott would ask me), I assumed that aioli was a foreign word for mayonnaise (shut it, I realize mayonnaise is itself a foreign word). So I treated aioli just as I treat mayonnaise, i.e. "HOLD THE AIOLI!"

Well, allow me to let you in on something I leared today. AIOLI IS NOT MAYONNAISE! It is something else entirely. And it doesn't sound bad.

I sit here now going back over all of the food dishes I've ordered and for which I denied myself the aioli that went with them. I want to go out tonight and try some aioli. However, I'm pretty busy these days.

I got a Chronik membership for the Salt Lake Film Society. I've wanted one for a number of years, but this year, I went for it. And now, I think I'm going to cancel my cable and DVR and take myself to the pictures every night. I'm going to be a cinephile. Though it does seem a bit odd that when I finally break down and get that membership, I discover that Cinemark - specifically the theater on 33rd South - has started a CineArt program. They are now showing arty films that traditionally only went to the Broadway and Tower. To wit, they have an exclusive engagement for Frost/Nixon. If they get an exclusive engagement for The Wrestler, I'll go ape.

In other news, I really enjoyed Doubt.

Today's Song: Naughty Girl, Mr. G.

The Suit Went Back.

2008-12-31T12:45:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year's Eve. Best wishes to you all for a great 2009.

This song always reminds me of New Year's Eve due to the Auld Lang Syne lyrical and musical references contained therein. So much so that I have permanently deleted the "Christmas eve" lyric in my head and only hear "New Year eve". Maybe you will too.

Today's Song: Same Auld Lang Syne, Dan Fogelberg

If You're Asking Andy, You're Asking for Trouble

2008-12-30T10:36:00.003-07:00

It's New Year's Eve tomorrow and I'm going to a formal party downtown.

Last night, I was at Banana Republic and they appeared to be liquidating their current inventory. They had on offer a black suit in my size at an almost ridiculously low price. I tried on the jacket and it fit nearly perfectly. The pants also. So I bought it thinking I could wear it to the New Year's party. But it's not that simple.

True story: When I was a younger man, my dad took me shopping for suits. As we looked at the various cuts and patterns, he explained to me that navy, gray, or charcoal suits make the most sense because you can wear them during the day or at night. He also explained that black suits aren't very practical because they are viewed as too formal, too heavy, and not well suited for daytime or business wear.

I got home last night with my new suit and I just kept thinking that rather than buy an impractical black suit on sale, I should put that money toward a more practical suit that I'll wear more often than just a random New Year party or even a more formal event. But then I wondered if my dad's advice still held true. I mean the shops all carry black suits these days. For example, Banana Republic is always stocked with one black suit or another. So are black suits fine for daytime these days?

I sat down at the computer and googled "black suit daytime". And this was the first result. I challenge you to read that thread. I did. And now I need to know if everyone feels that strongly about black suits or if it is just a handful of strange sartorialists with vehement opinions. Go on, check it out if you have a few minutes. The short answer to my question: black suits are ABSOLUTELY inappropriate for daytime unless you want to look like a poverty stricken idiot with no sense of the greater world and you are a complete fool for even asking the question and an even bigger fool for buying a suit off the rack that cost less than $2000. (Of course my inner dialogue was all "Well, they make good points and I do respect good taste and fine things" "But then are these guys really that great if they are spending their time commenting on this dumb forum - shouldn't they be out wearing their fine things rather than just sitting around talking about them with strangers?" And back and forth and back and forth.)

So what did I decide? I decided that the suit is fine for a downtown party in SLC. And I'm betting that within the next 14 days, the suit will be further marked down and I will go and get a price adjustment. And then it will have been so cheap, I won't care. Most importantly, I decided I will be very careful about reading the AskAndy forums. Because sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Today's Song: What Are You Doing New Year's Eve (Jackpot Mix), Black Widow

Mele Kalikimaka

2008-12-18T21:33:00.003-07:00

My sister and brother in law are terrorizing me by e-mailing me pictures while they are on vacation in Hawaii. So, I guess I'll terrorize you:

Today's Song: Closer to Me, Dar Williams

Well

2008-12-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

This sign was in a convenience store in Park City. I hope that there
was a separate loo for employees. Because this shop sells hot dogs,
sausages, nachos, and the like.

Todays Song: We Are The Normal, Goo Goo Dolls

Worn Me Down

2008-12-09T14:25:00.004-07:00

Thanks to Zarr, I've got a blog topic for today. A Music Meme (I don't know even know what "meme" stands for or means).

Instructions:

Take your I-Pod in your hand:
1. Put your Music on shuffle;
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer;
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS! (And like Zarr, I committed to playing by the rules and didn't deviate from these rules. Results were not doctored.)

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Head Over Feet, Alanis Morissette

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
If I Ever Feel Better, Phoenix

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Fill My Little World, The Feeling

4. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
How To Disappear Completely, Radiohead

5. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Eartha Kitt

6. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Beat It, Michael Jackson

7. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Sugar We're Goin Down, Fall Out Boy

8. WHAT IS 2+2?
Funky Town, Pseudo Echo

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
We Both Reached for the Gun, Chicago Soundtrack

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Cheek to Cheek, The Starting Line

11. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Sunday Morning Coming Down, Johnny Cash

12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Rooftops, Lostprophets

13. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Some Like It Hot, Robert Palmer

14. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Streets of Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen

15. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
If You Intend, 10,000 Maniacs

16. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Australia, The Shins

17. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Something's Always Wrong, Toad the Wet Sprocket

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
I Can't Wait, Nu Shooz

19. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
If Ya Gettin Down, Five

20. WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Stand Inside Your Love, Smashing Pumpkins

21. HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Heaven Knows, Donna Summer

22. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Why Waste More Time, Rosie Thomas

23. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Is There A Ghost, Band of Horses

24. WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
It Had To Be You, Harry Connick, Jr.

25. WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
My Love is Your Love, Whitney Houston

26. WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
My Favorite Mistake, Sheryl Crow

27. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Allentown, Billy Joel

28. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
You Give Love A Bad Name, Bon Jovi

29. WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Rose Rouge, St. Germain

30. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Worn Me Down, Rachael Yamagata

Please play along in the comments or at your own website.

We've got alot to talk about

2008-12-04T10:21:00.003-07:00

so let's get started:

1. B-Lo and I saw a film last night. We intended to see A Christmas Tale at the Broadway. When we got there, ticket man said that movie wouldn't actually be playing, but instead a super sneak preview of Crazy Tom Cruise's Valkyrie. Ticket man offered us free tickets to that. I balked. He touted Bryan Singer as a filmmaker (Usual Suspects), I said I had no problem with Singer, my problem was with Tom Cruise. Realizing that I was turning down a free ticket, I quickly backtracked and accepted.

2. We saw Let the Right One In instead of Valkyrie. I'm pretty sure it was a prequel to Twilight. I kid, I kid. Film was good.

3. Saw Wynonna Judd in Wendover over the weekend. Not my choice. But because I had friends that suffered through NKOTB with me, I had to pay back the debt. She only sang Christmas carols and songs by other artists - such as Foreigner. Or maybe it was REO Speedwagon. For example, I Wanna Know What Love Is.

4. Had no idea Wynonna was so popular with lesbians. Seriously. It was a mullet convention.

5. It's cold enough, it's dark enough, it's hurried enough - so why doesn't it feel like December.

6. Download I Like What You Say, Nada Surf. Some really nice lyrics.

7. I think I am the only person I know watching Summer Heights High on HBO. Doesn't anyone want to know and love Ja'ime, Jonah, and Mr. G as much as me? Seriously, it's quite a funny show.

8. To be continued . . .

Today's Song: Calling on Mary, Aimee Mann

And well

2008-11-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Oui oui.

Todays Song: thornberrys.

Really.

2008-11-26T11:04:00.002-07:00

I've celebrated quite a few Thanksgiving holidays over the years. At least 30. So why is this the first year that I've come to understand where "turkey gravy" comes from. Until this year, I honestly had no idea what exactly comprises gourmet turkey gravy. But after reviewing recipes for preparing turkey (and the associated gravy), I'm now fully aware. And, well, gross.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Today's Song: Blindsided, Bon Iver

?

2008-11-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

I took this photograph 10 years ago when I walked from downtown SLC to
Farmington. I still don't get the "or rent" part.

Song: Cry Me A River, Julie London

Correct Me If Im Wrong

2008-11-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

He wanted to rape Weiner Dog after school, right?

Song: Click Click Click, NKOTB

It's Only $20, So . . .

2008-11-13T12:03:00.002-07:00

Alright, confession time. I bought some concert tickets. For this weekend. To see a band called New Kids on the Block. JUDGE ME.

I remember NKOTB mania. I also remember not being a part of it. I remember when Right Stuff came out. I remember seeing the video on some late night Friday video show (I didn't have MTV). I skipped and went on.

I remember when Hangin' Tough came out. It was the summer of '88, I believe. And we listened to that song while we played card games at "Swim Conference" - that super competitive end of summer swimming competition between swim teams from various country clubs held at Fort Douglas Country Club.

I didn't own any New Kids albums. I didn't own any New Kids cassette singles. I didn't own any NKOTB merchandise. And most importantly, I didn't consider myself a fan of their music. I was probably still in a Phil Collins No Jacket Required phase. Or Gordon Lightfoot. I was left of center. Or maybe right. And up until, say, a couple months ago, I only had one NKOTB song on my iPod: Step by Step. (That was likely due to the fact that a couple years ago I tried to impress a girl with the breadth of the music selection on my iPod. I asked her to pick any song in the world and told her that I would probably have it. I think she picked Right Stuff and I didn't have it. So I went home and downloaded Step by Step because I somehow believed that to be the superior song.)

But this summer, NKOTB's reunion single Summertime, really, really spoke to me. And then I heard and read several reviews of their reuion concert from very reputable sources, so I got interested. Then a couple weeks ago, I got a promotional e-mail offering $20 tickets to the concert, and at that point I figured, "Why would I miss this?" So I bought tickets.

And now, I'm really looking forward to it. I am definitely, without question taking ear plugs. Maybe a flask, as a a just in case. I'll see you there, right? Everyone's going?

Today's Song: Elephants, Rachel Yamagata (I went to the Hotel Cafe concert last night at the Avalon. Zzzzzzzzz.)

Crick in My Neck

2008-11-11T10:42:00.002-07:00

On Saturday morning, I tried to impress a three year old by performing a back somersault. I didn't execute it was well as I used to - 25 years ago - and managed to pull a muscle in my neck. It's more painful today than it was on Saturday and I had to drink a whole bottle of Galliano on Saturday to ease the pain. So, word of warning, stretch and practice before attempting to execute a back somersault or any gymnastics maneuver first thing on a Saturday morning.

Today's Song: Too Young to Feel this Damn Old, Garth Brooks

Seriously

2008-11-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

Who knew Angus Young would be more popular than Marky Mark circa
1993? I was shocked into a costume change.

Todays Song: Let The Day Begin, The Call

It's Today! It's Today!

2008-11-04T10:10:00.001-07:00

So I got to wear my sticker that I got last week, but saved for today. And I went to Starbucks. As usual, I felt too cheesy to ask for the free coffee and instead ordered something I would have to pay for (yes, I'm odd). I ordered a grande coffee in a venti cup as opposed to the "free" tall coffee in a tall cup. I was happy to pay for it and even had my cash out. But the barrista told me not to worry about it - it was on the house. I can't help but assume it was on the house not just because of my sticker, but also my because of my button. Thank you Starbucks for spreading the wealth around.

Today's Song: Election Day, Arcadia

A Halloween Tale

2008-10-31T09:19:00.005-07:00

In the fall of 1993, I was looking forward to an annual fraternity Halloween party. Never a big one for costumes, this year I decided to really go for it. The year before I'd learned that college folk - the Greeks in particular - take the holiday pretty seriously. (In fact, they dress up for everything. Exchanges, formals, Rush, etc.)

So I brainstormed for a costume. And I must have been looking at a magazine or watching television, when an idea came to me. I was going to dress up as this:

I had the elemental pieces for the costume: Calvin Klein jeans, Calvin Klein underwear, and a hat. I even had Calvin Klein colognes, I think - Eternity and Obsession probably. The one thing I did not have: the, um, abs. But because I was planning ahead, I figured I could get that last piece of the costume. I went out and bought, wait for it, Tammy Lynn Webb's Abs of Steel.

I bought the tape in early September, and I honestly did the abdominal workouts at least five times a week, every week, through Halloween. But a week before Halloween, not surprisingly, I did not feel comfortable enough with my progress to actually go through with my costume. I basically chickened out. Instead, I created some Robin the Boy Wonder costume. Which was ultimately more work than the Abs of Steel workouts.

Flash forward to Halloween 2008. Yesterday I found a "work around" for the abdominal problem. And I am finally going to be able to execute my Marky Mark costume. I still have the CK underwear from 1993 (they're not that comfortable and don't get worn very often, i.e. never). However, I didn't not have any Calvin Klein jeans or fragrances. A quick visit to the mall took care of both of those items. (Though I doubt the jeans are necessary. Calvin Klein jeans, that is - I will be wearing pants, of course.) And now, for the first time, in a very long time, I'm excited about a Halloween costume. Even if it is culturally out of date.

Anyway, say "Hi" to your mother. And Happy Halloween.

Today's Song: Good Vibration, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

Because I Voted.

2008-10-30T08:58:00.004-07:00

Some Hot Topics:

I read this super encouraging article today. I hope that guy is just pandering to his base and completely wrong. I want him to be in tears on November 5. No offense.

I voted in Bountiful last night. The line was fairly long at 7:30pm. But it moved pretty quickly. Although voting was private, and no one electioneered in the line, I can report that McCain got a few votes. And Palin probably more. I'm probably guessing here, but that is definitely the vibe I got there in Davis county. Mind you, the crowd was well middle-aged to borderline senior citizen. None of the youth vote was representing, well except for Stella. So I'm hoping the youth are going to get out next Tuesday.

Also, shocker!, I did not see any minorities. Except for a kid I went to law school with. He'd qualify as a minority. But other than that, the crowd was White Bread.

Do we really, really need all the preelection polling and media projections of a winner? Don't they do more harm than good? I can't help but wonder.

Today's Song: Close the Shutters, Snow Patrol

From Today's Salt Lake Tribune

2008-10-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Pantsless woman really a fashion victim

A woman was yanked from a TRAX train Monday morning after fellow riders reported that she was not wearing any pants. Utah Transit Authority officers asked the woman to get off the train at about 7:30 a.m. at the 5400 South station in Murray. After they spoke with the woman, they realized she was wearing a micro miniskirt. Her jacket covered the skirt, leading fellow riders to believe she was not wearing anything beneath her waist, said UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware. After officers interviewed the woman, they let her get back on the train and continue her ride.

Today's Song: Trouble, Ray Lamontagne

Bethesda Terrace, Central Park

2008-10-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

Todays Song: Melissa, Allman Brothers.

2008-10-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

Phrases this guy has used:

Indepently wealthy.

Middle class.

Sheesh.

I go to the gym.

Aiming above her income.

Todays Song: Days Go By, Dirty Vegas

Such a tourist.

2008-10-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Bridge at sunset is very romantic. So my guidebook says.

Todays Song: Sunday in New York, Bobby Daren

(Listening to Song #41 by Dave Mathews right now)

2008-10-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday Five

2008-10-23T09:37:00.002-07:00

1. I'm in a New York state of mind. I bought a plane ticket for this weekend and reserved a room. I have until midnight tonight to cancel both. I should cancel: I don't really need or even deserve another trip to NYC this year. And even when you have a cheap flight and well-priced room, NYC is quite expensive. But . . . I know how to take the LIRR from JFK to midtown and back and that saves over $100 in taxi/car fare right there.

2. I can't believe it took me so long to join Facebook. I think it's great, way better than what I saw with MySpace.

3. I read these articles, and when they say at the end that the expensive designer clothes "will be donated to charity," I always imagine them going to Deseret Industries in big, random box. It takes me a few minutes to realize that the clothes will likely be auctioned for charity or resold (at high prices rather than D.I. prices) with the proceeds being donated to charity. (Side note: what a well-dresed reformer.)

4. I don't think I am ever going to be an adventurous eater/diner. I'm too comfortable with the familiar. I've tried loads of new restaurants in the last few weeks and haven't been all that pleased.

5. See picture below this post.

Today's Song: Wanting and Regret, Jason Anderson

Kids, Talk To Your Parents:

2008-10-14T09:41:00.002-07:00

Isn't it about time?

Today's Song: I'm Not Growing Old, The Origin

2008-10-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Todays song: Love Lockdown, Kanye

Confession Friday

2008-10-10T11:18:00.002-07:00

Alright, I don't have alot of irrational fears or superstitions, but there is one I will confess to. Though I'm not sure it's a fear so much as a compulsive concern.

Long, long ago way back when George Clooney was on ER and NBC had its Friends, Seinfeld, ER Thursday night line-up, I watched ER. And one season finale scene just absolutely stuck with me. This one:

The one where Dr. Green gets attacked in the men's room. Remember that? Some hooded guy just springs on him from behind and beats him up. Well, that scene has haunted me ever since. I flash to it all to often when I'm in a mens room and think about how I would/will respond in a similar situation. Similarly, I have the same feeling/thoughts when I'm at a drinking fountain. I imagine some seedy character coming up and slamming my head into the fountain.

Maybe now it will haunt you.

Glib Matt Lauer

2008-10-10T09:25:00.003-07:00

Did you see this?

Matt Lauer really screws up in his interview with Robert Kennedy, Jr.

Today's Song: So What, Pink

Hello, Internet Friends

2008-10-07T11:18:00.003-07:00

A quick five:

1. I'm going to get my identity stolen. Sunday I cleaned house. Papers anyway. I finally threw out bank statements, receipts, financial information, and University mailings (report cards, statements, class schedules, etc.) dating back to at least 1994. I was so sick of having the weight of all that paper on my shoulders, I just threw it all out. Into a dumpster. I tried to be as careful as I could. That is to say that I took all of the crap from the U of U and inspected it for SSN and was sure to shred those papers. No small feat because that damn school insisted on putting the "social" on every single piece of paper they could. But I'm sure I missed one or two or a dozen. And now, I'm going to have someone living my dream with my name and my credit. Good luck to them. Maybe I'll get tapped for one of those "Free Credit Report" commercials. Aren't those a gas?

2. The three best things about Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, for me, were: (a) Nick has a Cure song for a ring tone, too! (Man, I felt hip when I heard his phone go off; my tone is In Between Days, in case you wondered); (b) Caroline (I want to see a movie about her night); and (c) when All the Wine by The National played.

3. It'd be nice to go to California this weekend. I regret not going last weekend. If only to use the third day on my Park Hopper pass at Disneyland. And attempt again to get a Flip! video of Soarin Over California.

4. I'm having October '04 flashbacks, politically speaking. Too many people saying, "I'm not happy with either choice. We don't have a good candidate on either side." I hope this election fares better than the last.

5. Last week, my car died in Moab. I had to change my own car battery. It was no small feat considering I had to walk to an auto part store, borrow tools, beg for a ride to my car, request a ride back to the auto part store because the battery they gave me was the wrong size, and then beg for a ride back to my car. Harrowing, is the word I use to describe that experience. Which means that I truly have never been tested.

Today's Song: Acid Tongue, Jenny Lewis

"All of 'em"

2008-10-02T08:35:00.003-07:00

And then this.

Today's Song: Crush, David Archuleta

Reason #348 Why I Love the Internet

2008-09-25T10:44:00.002-07:00

When I started university, I pretty much gave up television. I didn't have a tv in my dorm and I didn't ever watch tv in the common areas. In fact, I think I deemed those that did "dorm rats." In hindsight, I should have done a better job of socializing with the dorm rats. Because that's what you're supposed to do. I learned that watching television once I was graduated from university.

Anyway, I didn't completely give up television in my first year of college. To wit, I have a vague memory of watching a television show about a group of kids that, like me, were also starting their first year of college. And man, this did that show have a sentimental, sappy opening theme. In fact, that is the only thing I remember about the show. Well, that and the fact that it only lasted a few episodes - most likely on Fox. It was probably on right after "The Heights" with Charlotte Ross. And I only remember that show because of its theme song "How Do You Talk To An Angel" and it starred Charlotte Ross, aka Eve from Days of Our Lives.

So here I am, years and years and a lifetime away from that first year of college, and I can still remember one line from that sentimental, sappy opening theme for the tv show with the name I can't remember. The line is "let all my bridges burn." On a whim, I Google that line. In a split second, I get the name of the tv show "Class of '96". One more Google search, and I GET THE OPENING FOR THE SHOW on You Tube.

Here it is.

I remember my 18 year old self listening to that theme and watching the opening and thinking, "This is so my life." Just totally realzing that "But I'll embrace the brave new future, let all my bridges burn, you and I have so much more to learn." Um, how embarrassing is that? First that I thought that back then, and second, and perhaps more importantly, that it has stuck with me for this long. Yes, I am a geek.

Today's Song: It has to be that theme. It just has to be.

You know, sometimes

2008-09-18T09:59:00.002-07:00

a visit to someone's blog is worth it just to get a link to a website that will surely make you (a) crack up; (b) say "WTF?"; or (c) both of the above.

To that end, today I give you Fake Faces.

Today's Song: Drink To Moving On, Grand National

B Lo on Mad Men

2008-09-15T10:36:00.002-07:00

"Look, I understand why you people like that show BUT . . . SURELY some man in the 1960s enjoyed going home to his wife and kids, maybe not my dad, but SURELY there had to be one. Why don't they show him?!"

Today's Song: Last Call, Leanne Womack

Real Estate

2008-09-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

I may buy a house in order to acquire this Nigerian Dwarf goat. I will
call him Jack.

Dreaming of Taking on Rocky

2008-09-09T08:33:00.003-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went to a plastic surgeon to have stitches in my head removed. The doctor took the stitches out and asked if I had any questions. I told him that the area of my scalp above where the stitches were was strangely numb. He said that wasn't unusual and gave me a few reasons for the numbness. He cautioned me against itching the numb area. He said sometimes when his patients have numbness like that, they will itch the area repeatedly. So much so that they cause their hair to fall out. Actually create a bald patch on their head from habitual itching. This habitual, baldness causing itching typcially occurs at night - when the person is sleeping. To avoid this baldness, he offered me a recommendation. I was all ears, ready to follow whatever he suggested. I mean, come on, I don't want a bald spot on my head due to itching my scalp in my sleep.

His recommendation:

"Go to an athletic supply store. Purchase a pair of boxing gloves. They don't have to be expensive. And every night put those on when you go to bed."

I said, "Thank you doctor, I don't have any more questions for you."

Boxing. Gloves.

In other news, I can't get enough of this website:

Overheard in NYC

Today's Song: Avalon, Roxy Music

Hampton Inn

2008-09-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

St. George. This is just half of my suite. Who knew?

Off topic: Watching Sarah Palin address RNC. She's killing me. They
picked her? Wow.

This is how I spent

2008-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Friday night.

M-I-C-K-E-Y

2008-09-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

It was a hard fought battle to get this kid in Mickey ears. I swear he
is trying to tell me to "f&$@ off."

Song: Dizz Knee Land, Dada

So . . .

2008-08-29T10:42:00.004-07:00

I was in Las Vegas last weekend and I got a bit carried away with the photoblogging. Instead, I should have done a "Friday Five" Las Vegas edition, but I wasn't really suited for that at the time. So, here's one now:

Five Things I've Learned In Las Vegas (THE HARDWAY):

1. The super-exclusive adult pool club will waive the day bed fee, but will charge you a $250 food/drink minimum. It isn't as easy to make the food/drink minimum as you might think.
2. You think you can start at the Tropicana and walk all the way to the Stratosphere and have a drink in every casino along the way. And you can. The problem is getting back. (This was back in the 90s, however, and I'm not certain this little Monopoly board game can still be done. You might have to limit yourself to one side of the street.)
3. You don't need an active room key to get into most pools. Just a quick mind.
4. It's easier to drink at the Forum Shops than most slot machines/card tables.
5. The hotel you stay at will determine the course and nature of your trip.

This weekend I'm running the Disneyland Half Marathon. (That's right all you Neff readers - be jealous. The race starts in Disneyland, you run through the park, out around Anaheim, and then finish in California Adventure.)

Here are 5 songs I put on my Shuffle for this race:

1. Where the Streets Have No Name, U2
2. Weekend in New England, Barry Manilow
3. We Made It, Busta Rhymes and Linkin Park
4. You're The Best, Joe Esposito (from Karate Kid)
5. I Can't Hold Back, Survivor

And finally, 5 things I plan to do this weekend:

1. Finally try an In N Out double double (I've always just had the single)
2. Wear my Pooh ears
3. Carbo load at Wahoos
4. Fight the beach crowds at Crescent Bay
5. Buy Ava a birthday present (Incidentally, she announced that for Halloween this year she wants to be a "drag queen." That's how you know your 7 year old is watching too much Bravo.)

And that's all for today. Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone. (Is summer really coming to an end?!)

Today's Song: California, Phantom Planet

2008-08-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

This and that.

2008-08-19T09:47:00.002-07:00

So while watching Stella get all emotional over Jeff Tweedy at the Wilco concert last night, I got to wondering if there were any bands I could see at Red Butte that could cause me to (a) tear up; (b) bury my head in a blanket; and (c) get in fetal position to calm myself down. These are the acts I came up with:

1. Counting Crows
2. Peter Gabriel
3. Christopher Cross (shut it; no laughing)
4. Simon & Garfunkel
5. Mary Chapin Carpenter

I'm sure there are more, but that's all I could come up with.

My stitches are out. Whew. Let the healing begin.

I went to a party on Saturday night. A fraternity reunion of sorts. I left my iPod. I miss it very, very much. Also my dignity. I think I left that behind as well. Don't get me started. My suit coat too. With sunglasses in the pocket. What are the chances I'll get all those things back? Good, I hope.

Look, I'm fully aware that it isn't the best grammar to respond to the question of "How are you?" with "I'm good." But, I find it more offensive when people make a distinct point of saying "I'm well" after you say you're "good."

Today's Song: Jesus, Etc., Wilco

Wilco

2008-08-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Is there a better venue than Red Butte? I doubt it.

So, did you know

2008-08-13T07:35:00.001-07:00

that you can rent a tube in Lava Hot Springs and tube the Portneuf River? And did you know that there are slight cliffs and white water rapids and loads of rocks in the Portneuf River? And did you know that if you aren't careful, it's very easy to fall off your tube and encounter the rocks in the river? I know all that now, and so do you. So . . .

Today's Song: It's Not True, William Fitzsimmons

The Before. NSFW.

2008-08-12T14:50:00.001-07:00

10 stitches.

2008-08-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

In Lava Hot Springs.

Todays Song: Summertime, NKOTB.

Thank God Stella isn't here.

2008-08-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

I always forget

2008-08-11T16:16:00.001-07:00

just how blue Bear Lake is.

Todays Song: Whatever it Takes, Lifehouse

Lydia says:

2008-08-10T16:21:00.001-07:00

What do you call a Mormon gynecologist?

A box Elder.

2008-08-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

Todays Song: Right Down the Line, Gerry Rafferty

Time to Update.

2008-08-06T10:48:00.002-07:00

Growing up in the 80s, I watched alot of Cheers. Many of my friends were not allowed to watch Cheers because (a) it was set in a bar; (b) it's themes were very adult; and (c) they were lame. However, I probably saw every episode (well, until late in the series run).

So last month, when I made my first trip to Boston, one of the things I was anxious to do was see the exterior of the Bull & Finch pub on Beacon Street. However, by the last day of my trip, I had yet to see this sight.

On that last day of my trip, Stella and I took the Duck Tour. (Quack, quack.) The tour took us down Beacon Street and our guide pointed out the Bull & Finch. (He also noted that the interior of the Bull & Finch looks nothing like the interior of Cheers, however a pub near Faneuil Hall does have an interior replicating the interior of Cheers.) So having seen the exterior of "Cheers", I got to cross an important item off my "must see" list.

As I passed by the Bull & Finch, I decided I needed to go back and watch some old episodes of Cheers. Having now visited Boston, maybe I'd have a better appreciation for the setting of Cheers. When I got home, I set a series recording on the DVR for Cheers. The other night, I finally watched an episode.

The episode originally aired in 1984. In this episode, one of the minor plot lines involves a betting pool wherein the Cheers staff and patrons bet on NFL games. Diane participates and chooses her teams by (a) the color of the teams uniforms (red beats blue, blue beats yellow, yellow beats mauve); (b) whether the NFL team's city has a foreign born symphony conductor; and (c) the NFL team's state flower. As you might expect, Diane keeps winning the betting pool much to Sam's chagrin. Now, here's the thing: Sam is going crazy that Diane keeps winning because her betting system is so screwy. She asks him the last time he won the betting pool, and he says, "1974, it's been a rough decade." And then I did some math.

That show aired in 1984. It's 2008. That episode is 24 YEARS OLD! Do you know the tv shows that were 24 years old when that Cheers episode aired? I'll tell you. In 1984, Gunsmoke, Dennis the Menace, and The Flintsones were OLD tv shows.

Cheers is officially classic tv - i.e. for the elderly. Like me.

Today's Song: I'm Sorry, But I'm Beginnin to Hate Your Face, Eagle Seagull

Friday Five

2008-08-01T07:58:00.002-07:00

I don't know what my deal is, but as of late I've been completely unable to finish a book. (Exception: I raced through David Sedaris's When You Are Engulfed in Flames.) I've got five books on my nightstand; all of which I've started, but none of which I've completed. And they are:

1. Look Me In the Eye (My Life with Asperger's) , John Elder Robison

2. Babbitt, Sinclair Lewis (Confession: In 11th grade honors English I wrote a term paper on this book, but I didn't actually read it. I guess that makes me a sort of Babbitt character. I did commit to myself that I would actually read it as a sort of pennance, but thus far my pennance is still due.)

3. Cary Grant, A Biography, Marc Eliot (I looked at the pictures.)

4. 740 Park: The Story of the World's Richest Apartment Building, Michael Gross (I've been working on this one for over two years, I think.)

5. Montgomery Clift: A Biography, Patricia Bosworth (This was a new arrival.)

Today's Song: Small Town Saturday Night, Hal Ketchum (In concert tomorrow in Sandy.)

I'm not a foodie.

2008-07-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

So B~Lo will fill in the details.

Todays Song: Closer to Fine, Indigo Girls

My nephew.

2008-07-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Crypto at the Country Club.

2008-07-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly, Lagoon A Beach was clean.

Happy Pioneer Day.

2008-07-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

A commemorative settlement. In Farmington.

From Les:

2008-07-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

Song: Round Here, Counting Crows

24th of July

2008-07-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

The campers are set up and the cameras are setting up.

Summer is more than half way over.

Ugh.

Your thoughts on this, please.

2008-07-23T09:45:00.002-07:00

Butler worn jeans.

I want to know how one gets to be a "butler"?

Today's Song: Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse, Minus the Bear

Oscar.

2008-07-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Making Music Work For Me

2008-07-17T17:39:00.002-07:00

I found this blog topic here. The deal is it's a survey to create the soundtrack of your life by filling in songs for each category. Pretty tall order, right? I mean the average person could go crazy trying to find the perfect song for each category by culling from the whole of their life experience. So, to accomplish this feat, I gave myself two rules: (1) I had to do it within one hour, and (2) I could only use songs I actually have in my music collection. I hope you'll fill out the survey on your blog (and link to it in the comments) or just fill it out in the comments. And do it anonymously if it means you'll do it.

Opening Credit: An Actor's Life, Dave Grusin

Waking Up: Keep on Movin', 5ive

Average Day: You Get What You Give, New Radicals

First Date: Lovin Each Day, Ronin Keating

Falling in Love: You Move Me, Garth Brooks

Love Scene: Love to Be Loved, Peter Gabriel

Fight Scene: Numb, Linkin Park

Breaking Up: You Could Be Happy, Snow Patrol

Getting Back Together: Stay Forever, Hal Ketchum

Secret Love: Cherish, The Association

Life's Okay: Lovely Day, Bill Withers

Mental Breakdown: Have You Seen Me Lately (Live), Counting Crows

Driving: Babylon, David Gray

Learning a Lesson: Both Sides Now (Remastered), Joni Mitchell

Deep Thought: Stuck In A Moment (Acoustic), U2

Flashback: Come On, Come On, Mary Chapin-Carpenter

Partying: Brandy, Looking Glass (I firmly believe that regardless of singing talent, everyone should have a signature song for karaoke. This is mine.)

Happy Dance: This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), Talking Heads (My really happy dance is just me moving my shoulders in time to this beat.)

Regretting: Breathe Me, Sia

Long Night Alone: High Life, Counting Crows

Death Scene: He's So Shy, Pointer Sisters (I decided a couple years ago I want this played at my funeral. I'm putting that direction in my will.)

Closing Credits: Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters, Elton John

Your turn.

I loved this shirt.

2008-07-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Song: Sweet Caroline, Neil Diamond

Water Taxi

2008-07-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

To Logan airport.

I <3 Boston after all.

Song: Boston, Augustana

Quack quack

2008-07-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Stella gives the best gifts.

2008-07-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

The only guidebook I'll ever need.

Song: Girls, Beastie Boys

JENI! TOM!

2008-07-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Why is your baby unattended.

Lunch

2008-07-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

$36.95

Song: Shaking The Tree, Peter Gabriel

Good morning.

2008-07-14T06:40:00.001-07:00

The gentleman there is playing a saxophone.

Idyllic.

Song: City of New Orleans, Willie Nelson

For my friend Slcup.

2008-07-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Yes.

2008-07-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Song: Send Me On My Way

The Anxiety.

2008-07-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

Song: Without You, Harry Nilsson

Mr @ Mrs Wilson

2008-07-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Discount shopping

2008-07-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

at Century 21. The only thing Jedd wanted to do. No joke.

I call these "pajamas".

Song: Help, Beatles

Scene

2008-07-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

SoHo loft.

Photographer: okay Chloe, do something weird.

Chloe: Like this.

Photographer: No. Weirder. That's why we hired you.

Song: Moby

Frere Jaques

2008-07-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

For Jen and Tom

Song: everbodys working for the weekend, loverboy

If I were a food blogger.

2008-07-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

Song: Moon River, Harry Mancini

Yes, Stella there is UNDISCLOSED vodka in the bloody Mary oyster
shooter. But don't worry about that because I got you the fancy salt.

A suburb

2008-07-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

with mainly views of East River.

Song: Heavy Metal Drummer, Wilco (extra ticket avaiable).

Oyster Bar

2008-07-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

for dinner.

Song: King for a Day, XTC

Take my word

2008-07-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

those white spots are Do Not Disturb Signs.

Song: Skinny Love, Bon Iver

Taking a Breather

2008-07-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, Susie. This is not a Marriott. But my jukebox is playing all my
songs.

Song: I Kissed A Girl; Katy Perry

Several people

2008-07-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

have asked, and the answer is "Well, maybe." I've looked into Etsy
shop, but maybe I don't want my life on your wall.

Song: Things that make you go hmmm, C & C Music Factory

Patios in New York

2008-07-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

are the roofs of other buildings.

Song: Out of Habit, Ani DiFranco

Glamourous Bath

2008-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Its shared with my hotel floor.

Song: Praise You, [don't remember; song is actually playing on
overhead speakers in shared bathroom] Prize from NYC to who[m]ever
names it first in comments.

New York Minute.

2008-07-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Song: Don Henley

Dinner

2008-07-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station? Its been a long time coming.

Song: How We Go Out, Leslie Hall

Daily Style

2008-07-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

McClures spicy dill pickle spears. $11.99 a bottle and worth every
penny. When the pickles are gone, I put carrots in the brine. When
those are gone, I use the brine in bloody Mary mix and to make
vinaigrette dressing. As for style, I love the graphics and font on
the label.

Song: I Just Dont Know What to do with Myself, Dusty Springfield

Gratuitous.

2008-07-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Song: True, Spandau Ballet

First Purchase

2008-07-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Ben Sherman Union Jack tie. $20.

I remember

2008-07-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

something about Eleanor Roosevelt, Will Arnett and Cynthia Nixon.

Song: You Get What You Give, New Radicals

Isn't this where

2008-07-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sally dropped off Harry?

Next stop Uniqlo for shorts. My jeans are melting to my legs.

Song: Woman in Chains, Tears for Fears (feat Oleta Adams)

Hotel Gansvoort

2008-07-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Rooftop pool. Non-guests of hotel can pay $250 for pool entrance.
Includes a spa service, sunscreens, magazines, and Popsicles.

Song: Sunshine on my Shoulders, John Denver

If I were a food blogger.

2008-07-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Balthazar.

Cafe Americain.

Eggs en cocotte. Eggs, cream, thyme baked in ramekin with soldiers.

Delicious.

Song: Chelsea (live), Counting Crows