perfect sound forever

Hip and Happening

When I first "moved" to NYC (I put "moved" in quotes because essentially I was living with my parents in Westchester and couch-surfing with friends in Manhattan every weekend), I interned for a (then) glamorous downtown lifestyle magazine.

Several times a week, said formerly fabulous mag had a party of some kind. I spent a lot of time in 1996 and 1997 at one-name lounges in Soho with names like Life, Spy, etc. Back then, it was all about being out, being seen, and who you'd see. I had more Parker Posey sightings than anyone should, and too few of Ethan Hawke. (Mind you this was before he cheated on Uma.)

Then in the late '90s came the club days, during which my friends and I sometimes stayed out until sunrise. This was usually at places called Twilo, Centro-Fly, etc. Had more extended hangovers than I care to remember, and I still have some of the records. (Although I wonder, did I really need Modjo's "Lady" on vinyl? Or even Cassius's "My Feelings for You"?)

BTW, all of these clubs I mentioned (from both "eras") are now history.

Let's just say that I have mellowed significantly. Nowadays, you can rarely find me at anyplace that's hot, hip, or happening. Unless you count Brooklyn. (Which is all of the above, but in its own way.)

What's strange is that I am considering two scenester events in the next week or so--both involve members of Interpol. What is the world coming to? I am so unhip. Until just a few months ago, I didn't even know who Diplo was--OKAYYYYYY?

I'll let you know what happens, but I think the Kevin Bacon Game for this generation should be Six Degrees of Carlos D.

PS: Am looking forward to both the Whitney Biennial and the Armory Show. I need some art in my life!!!

PPS: I recently ran into one of the editors of the fabulous magazine on Avenue C. He was smoking a cigarette with a young, lovely boy, in front of Bao, the restaurant where I have my birthday dinner each year, and here's our exchange:

ME: "Hi do you remember me? I'm ___________ and I used to intern with you at ___________."
HIM: "Vaguely."
ME: "Well, I remember you vividly. How's it going?"
HIM: "Good what are you doing?"
ME: "I'm going to the supermarket to get ground turkey so I can make a turkey burger for dinner."
HIM: "Well, sister keep fighting the good fight."

Again, more proof. This old queen is STILL more fabulous than I'll ever be. Oh well.

FINAL PPPS: The photo is of Paul from Interpol. Yummy.

Required reading

New York magazine had a very interesting piece on blogging this past week. It was basically about the handful of "A-list" blogs like Gawker, Engadget, etc., and how they've become viable sources of income, making a select few bloggers overnight millionaires. Kind of crazy. The article is good though, and the theory about what kinds of links and publicity blogs need to get sizable traffic was very interesting. Very Tipping Point. I think for now Perfect Sound Forever is in no danger of flying above the radar :)

Although it is interesting to note that one blog that my friend The Duck reads (and links to) is now part of the iVillage network. I always considered the blog in question very My So-Called Life, in that it's just so SELF-AWARE. Jesus.

I have to say, although I don't begrudge these bloggers' commercial success, to me, all this (HELLO BMW ads on blogs) is kind of at odds with what the medium is all about, n'est-ce pas?

chill weekend

It's been a pretty chill weekend here in the Big Apple. It's been FREEZING (literally) so I haven't been motivated enough to really go out. Today I went for brunch at Bowery Bar with Allan, which is great because the greenhouse area is heated. So it feels like you're outside, but it's about 80 degrees.

What else is new? Hmmm. Not a lot. I've just been at home doing my thing around the house....

“Ageless Beauty”

One part Broadcast, another part My Bloody Valentine, this is my new favorite song by Stars. Check it out here: http://music.download.com/stars/3600-8591_32-100640193.html

In other news, I forgot to mention that my friend Eric also quit his job. Must be something in the water.

Snow Patrol

It's snowing in New York City!

I went to Syracuse, so truly I feel like I never need to see another snow flake again in my life, but today it is actually kind of beautiful....

Not much is happening this weekend. It's been pretty chill. On Friday, I went to my former coworkers' 30th birthday party, at this place in Chelsea, The Cutting Room. The bar's claim to fame is that Chris Noth (aka "Mr. Big" from Sex and the City) is one of the owners. The last time I was there, it was because Rack of Lamb, the Rolling Stone staff band, was performing.

Since then, the crowd has become even cheesier. It's the kind of place where crap bands play and the sluttily-dressed bartenders totally ignore you unless you're a frat boy. (If you're a chick, they'll fix their hair and stare at their cleavage in the mirror, making you wait nearly 10 minutes or so for a glass of third-rate Cabernet.)

It's also the kind of place where, when you leave early because you just can't stand the lame-ousity anymore, wasted girls are fighting in front of said bar. Puke. One of the drunk girls did have some words of wisdom though: As she was slurring to her friends she said, "Let's get out of here--this place suckssss." When she saw me smile, she goes, "See--thank you!"

That being said, it was nice to see Susie and some of the crew from the old magazine again.

Rented The Constant Gardener on demand last night, which was amazing. I watched it twice, and it's definitely one of those movies where you get more out of it the second time around. Question: do such brooding, romantic men really exist outside of movies starring Ralph Fiennes? (I know everyone thinks Joseph is the finer of the Fiennes, but I am all about Ralph....) Anyhow, it's really worth renting if you've not yet seen it--intriguing story, fantastic acting (especially by Rachel Weisz, who is nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar), and beautifully shot.

Today, I went to the coffee shop, cleaned my apartment, got a manicure, and did a little light shopping. Virgin was having their $10 sale, so I got the Stars CD, Set Yourself on Fire and the Keane CD Hopes and Fears, which I have wanted forever. Tonight, I cannot wait to watch Grey's Anatomy and light some candles in my apartment!

That's all for now....

Reading

So ever since I quit my job at the last magazine I worked at, I've been reading a lot. And not just magazines, which sadly enough I no longer had time to read at my old job because I was so overworked and burnt out.

I would literally get them in the mail, and let them pile up on my kitchen counter, as I did with my mail and everything else. (My clothes piled up on the floor in the bedroom, dirty dishes piled up in the sink, etc., etc.)

But now I am not only reading magazines, but I am also reading BOOKS again. Will wonders ever cease? Finished A Million Little Pieces, The Tipping Point (obviously I am not an Innovator or an Early Adopter, and now I am reading Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking, which is so far brilliant.

Reading is fundamental.

Arctic Outlook

It has been so hard to get up this week! Here in the Big Apple, it's been in the '20s and '30s, which is absolutely arctic compared to what we've been experiencing ('40s and '50s). I cannot express how much I HATE winter. I know we have two months left, but I just want it to end. NOW.

Then I would like to go to Palm Springs and float around in a pool for a few days. With a tropical drink in hand. Graduate-style....

Winter begone!

Le Weekend

Le weekend was tres bien. Friday night, Jonpaul came over and we listened to records (Cat Power, Blur, etc.) then went out to Banjo Jim’s, a new bar in my neighborhood. The neighborhood was quite a scene—we saw two people wipe out on Avenue C.

Saturday, I was a little worse for the wear from the tequila shots we ended the night with. A good portion of the day was spent in the coffee shop recuperating, and then on my couch watching Wedding Crashers. (Sooo funny!)

Then Allan and I met up for what was supposed to be Susie's birthday party at the Lion's Den. After not seeing anyone from the posse, I texted her only to find out that she was in Palm Beach and that her birthday is NEXT weekend. Okay, Alzheimer's much? Allan and I went to a few places (Bowery Bar, Lit, Odessa) and ended up running into Robin and Sonia, old friends who we haven’t seen in about two years. Anyhow, Susie's party is now this Friday at The Cutting Room, which for you Sex and the City lovers, is partly owned by Mr. Big, Chris Noth.

Superbowl Sunday, I was invited to a Twinkle By Wenlan party—love her stuff, but I jocked out. Allan and I went over to Chip and Wendy’s apartment at Astor Place. Finally had an excuse to try the ginger-lacquered chicken wings from Patricia Yeo's cookbook. They turned out SO amazing, thanks to a killer sweet and spicy combo of ginger, jalapenos, and pineapple juice. Now I have a new recipe for my repertoire! Hurrah!!!

Coffee Guy

The funniest thing about the Coffee Guy situation is just how junior high it is.

I was trying to think back to figure out EXACTLY when I started liking him. And then I remembered. My friend Christina had a birthday party at Odessa last JANUARY and he showed up and I remember being all “ooh, ahh, he’s cute.”

People I am 32. Why is this so scary?

My friends told me I am banned from speaking about CG until we are dating, which is a little harsh, but also an incredible wake-up call. Life is short! We are not getting any younger. (He is 32, too!)

This weekend, I am going to try to work up the nerve to take it to the next level. I want a date. And a makeout session.

PSF Lives On!

Perfect Sound Forever lives on! Sorry for the extended absence, my tiny, loyal following (ha, ha). I’ve been adjusting to the new job, which is very, very good. I’ve also been adjusting to the reemergence of my social life, which is also favorable! Let’s see—what’s the news?

Saturday, hung out in the coffee shop flirting with Coffee Guy. When I got home, I had a splitting headache from all the caffeine, but it was good. He sort of mentioned a show to me, but he didn’t follow through. I know (via the Voice) his band is playing at Mercury Lounge very soon, though, and I asked him to tell me when they were playing next, so we’ll see if he mentions it. Although he doesn’t seem like much of a braggadocio.

Sunday, Leeloo and I went to see Syriana, which was amazing, then we had dinner, wine, and cig fest at my house. Monday night, I went to the Sunburnt Cow with Avery and friends for $5 night. Tuesday, went to Indochine with Deb and Angie. Last night, Lee cooked a yummy dinner pour moi.

Tonight, I have two parties to go to! In the words of DJ Rap, it’s good to be alive!