It has been decided by a panel of experts ( me and everyone who reads my Facebook and Twitter ) that Paul McCartney's 'Wonderful Christmas Time' is hands down the worst Christmas song of all time.
I didn't even know a video for the song existed until my friend Rob linked me to the YouTube footage above. The special effects are amazing. Eat your heart out, Michael Bay.
Sunday night I went to the annual holiday party & show at The Comedy Studio ( this was the first one I've attended ) to wish a Merry Christmas to my comedian friends. The place was PACKED. 2 floors of wall-to-wall comics, friends, fans, staff, beer, Chinese food, etc. Absolute insanity, in the best way possible.
The show was hosted by The Walsh Brothers and was unbelievably funny. They're a stand-up/sketch duo from Boston who up until Sunday, I had only heard great things about. I'd never had the pleasure of seeing them perform live- and they didn't disappoint. It was awesome.
Post-show everyone drifted back and forth from floor to floor- talking, drinking, singing kareaoke ( as is the tradition on Sunday nights ). It was really wonderful to see everyone all at once, and get a chance to meet and talk to new people as well. I had so much fun!
The rest of this past week was spent finishing up last minute holiday shopping ( total nightmare ) and preparing for tomorrow's festivities.
I actually have to head out pretty soon to pick up a couple of last nano-second Christmas cards and finish wrapping the last of my gifts for friends.
As you can see, I'm procrastinating like crazy. I dread going anywhere NEAR a store at this point.
I suppose I need to get it over with, though.
But first- a couple of web gifts, since you've all been such good girls and boys this year:
The 'Beavis & Butthead Christmas Special': Always a favorite. This is a YouTube playlist of the special that someone was kind of enough to upload. Just click the link, sit back, and enjoy. Each part will automatically start playing on it's own.
I found refuge from the downpour of freezing rain this past Sunday night within Boston's House Of Blues where I caught a fantastic set from Sheffield's finest, the Arctic Monkeys.
The boys were phenomenal as usual, and apparently feeling festive with Christmas soon approaching- since Matt, the drummer ( who is growing one fierce afro ), performed an impromptu version of Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' inbetween songs near the end of the show while sitting at a table the crew had set up ( complete with a full wine glass and a burning candle on it to set the proper mood ). I wish I could have caught it on camera, but I was too busy giggling and cheering him on. If anyone reading this was at the show and has some decent pics/footage from it, you gotta' send them my way!
I did capture the band's final song of the night, '505', from the side of the stage where I had been standing with my favourite "dudebro" Scoot ( as well as my honorary dudebro Will! ):
After the show, it was still gross outside, so once all the equipment had been packed away and everyone had grabbed their stuff from backstage, there was a quick attempt for all of us to get onto the bus in order to dry off and warm up.
Now, I've been to plenty of shows, and the only "superfans" I've ever encountered have been at Killers' concerts. For some reason, The Killers have developed a kind-of-terrifying following who trail them for an entire leg of a tour. They go to every single show in every single city. They are in the front row each and every time. They seem to be very hostile towards other "less worthy and/or dedicated" fans whenever I've seen them in action after a show, backstage, or outside- but I could be mistaken. I'm sure there are nice ones... Somewhere... I've just never actually seen proof of their existance. Nice/sane superfans are like unicorns.
I always wonder where they find the time or the funds to lead such a lifestyle when they aren't even being paid by the band or the record company to do so, but have been too terrified to make eye contact, let alone hold a conversation for long periods of time with any of them.
I am so going to get stabbed by a crazed B.Flow fan for that, aren't I? Eep! Moving on!
Well, a challenger emerged in the form of Arctic Monkeys superfans- which I didn't know existed until Sunday night. Imagine my surprise when, en route to the bus, a few very loud, very enthusiastic, and rainsoaked fans ran up to the group I was with to shake hands, profess their undying love for the band and it's crew, and tell everyone they'd see them at their next show in Montreal. Out of the many shivering fans, a good portion of them were scantily clad girls who made me wonder if risking pneumonia was really worth it.
Anyway, after a couple of beers on the bus and waiting for the excitement outside to die down- the collective decision was to head 'round the corner to Jillian's for some beer, billiards, and bowling ( oddly enough, the last time I was there was before an Arctic Monkeys show back in 2006 ). Me, Scoot, Will, a few more crew members, Alex, and Matt headed down the road only to find out by a typical Boston bouncer ( see: douchebag ) that the place was closed.
Alex thought the guy was bullshitting us, so we waited until after he'd walked away before trying the doors. They were locked. From there it was up to me to lead our group to something that was open and preferably had a pool table.
There were two sports bars up the opposite way from Jillian's- so we tried those next. Both were in the process of closing down for the night.
Granted, it was eleven-something on a Sunday night, but Lansdowne Street is right next to Fenway Park, for Christ's sake. That area prides itself on it's bar and nightlife scene, and you're telling me that these places, which are located next to a very successful rock club that also happens to stay open very late- all shut down at 11-12 at night? Really?
Anyway, admitting defeat- we headed back towards the bus when a couple members from the opening band Screaming Females ( fantastic, by the way. Check them out ASAP ) joined us and pointed us in the direction of The Lansdowne Pub right next to House Of Blues ( we had assumed the place was closed. Turns out it stays open til 2:30 a.m. Awesome! ) We weren't sure if it had a pool table or not, but we were too cold and weary to care. We all headed there.
It wasn't long before we were warm again and enjoying ourselves. The pub didn't have a pool table, but they did have some really awesome french fries ( Oops, sorry boys. I mean "chips" ) that held us over until last call.
At about quarter to three in the morning, it was time to disperse. The Brits were heading up to Canada in a couple of hours and undoubtedly needed to rest, and I had to head home.
It was really great to catch up and spend time with everyone since I don't get to see them all that often. I really love all those guys and truly enjoy their company. They're all sweet, smart, hard-working, have kickass accents, and are very, very, VERY funny.
If they're reading this, thank you all so much for everything. I had a blast, and I really hope I see you all again sooner than later!
Also, Scoot- I forgot to tell you to pop your collar. I'm making a memo as we speak for the next time you're in town. Mwuahaha! ♥ ♥ ♥
I really love ( and miss ) Mystery Science Theater 3000. I can remember being a kid and waking myself up early on weekend mornings to watch episodes while I munched on Corn Pops cereal ( still the best cereal ever, by the way ). The show catered to what would, as I grew older, become two of my favorite hobbies: watching terrible B-movies, and making fun of said terrible B-movies.
The show took care of both of those for me. All I had to do was sit back, watch, and laugh along.
The show's run ended in 1999, and since then- there hasn't been anything quite like it. Now, ten years later, we have DVD collections as well as HuLu.com offering up episodes to watch for free online, which is truly awesome.
But imagine my joy when a friend fowarded me to Rifftrax, a website created by the writers and stars of MST3K! The website has a TON of recent movies ( '300', 'Star Trek', 'Spider-Man 3', 'Cloverfield', among many, many others ) that Mike Nelson & Co. add hilarious commentary to without interruptions for skits, commercials, etc.
For a very low price ( think of it as a song purchase on iTunes ), you download an audio file that you then synchronize up to the movie it goes with. Basically, you just play the file while you watch the flick- and enjoy!
My favourite so far has been the 'Twilight' riff. The commentary is the only thing that makes that movie watchable- and fortunately, someone on YouTube made a "Best Of" compilation so you can get an idea of just how funny it really is:
Spent a good portion of this past weekend in Newport, Rhode Island. It's a really cute place by the ocean. Lots of little shops and restaurants and the like. Very tourist-y in areas, but cute. I took some time to check out a few of the famous Newport Mansions, belonging to members of the Vanderbilt family, which I haven't seen since I was a little kid.
Although most people were taken aback by the most popular of the mansions, The Breakers ( and I'm not saying it wasn't completely breathtaking- because it was ), my favourite one was hands down Marble House. Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles and the Sun King himself, Louis XIV ( Stop laughing, Steven )- the place was AMAZING. Alva Vanderbilt was not only one of the most badass women of her time, but she had great taste, too.
Maybe it's because I'm French, but there was not one over-the-top furnished, French palace inspired, and elegantly decorated room in Marble House that I didn't completely fall in love with. It took everything in me not to just duck under the velvet ropes and make myself at home.
Despite the weather being rainy and dreary, I finished up the day roaming the gardens at The Elms. Even though the flowers are gone for the winter and some of the statues were covered up to stay protected from the elements, it was still nice and peaceful. The exterior reminded me of Buckingham Palace.
After I left to head home, the rain from Newport turned into snow as I crossed the Massachusetts state line- and the snow came down harder and faster as the night wore on. Sure enough, this is what I woke up to Sunday morning:
First snow of the season! We only got a couple of inches, but I hear there may be a heavier storm heading our way within the next day or two, so we'll see how it goes.
To get more into the Christmas/Hanumas spirit, I baked and decorated cookies with my younger cousin Paige Sunday afternoon:
We also made a pretty elaborate Gingerbread-style house out of chocolate cake, but I was too busy stuffing my face with the pieces we didn't use to snap a picture of it. It really came out cool, though.
And Sam got more into the Christmas/Hanumas spirit by making THIS for me today.
Oh my God, it's December already?! You know what that means...
It's almost time for Christmas!
Or Hanumas ( a combination of Hanukkah and Christmas ), my made up holiday. Eight nights of Christmas presents? Sounds good to me.
Being that it's the season to be jolly, I thought I'd Christmas-ize this installment of TIACL.
1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: There are so many Christmas movies that I love. The classics like the claymation 'Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer', 'Frosty The Snowman', 'A Muppets' Christmas Carol', 'Home Alone', and even 24 hours worth of 'A Christmas Story'- but 'Christmas Vacation', which celebrates it's 20th year this season, is definitely at the top of my list. Chevy Chase has never been funnier, Randy Quaid has never been crazier ( On second thought.... ), and the movie perfectly depicts the chaos and misery that can, and usually will, unfold when families come together for the holidays.
And honestly- this scene will never, ever stop being funny:
Hahahaha
2. Classic Christmas music: I love almost any and all types of music, but for some reason I am ridiculously picky when it comes to Christmas songs. I'm not a fan of current day pop artists taking a stab at holiday classics ( I do love Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You", though. ), and prefer to listen to artists of a greater era perform them. It doesn't feel right any other way.
3. THIS Christmas Sweater: Let's be honest. Christmas sweaters are horrible, and the only time anyone wears them is when they're forced to so they don't hurt grandma's feelings when she comes to visit ( she spent half the year knitting it for you, you ungrateful bastard. ). They don't look good on anyone*- but this is one of those Christmas sweaters that should be worn throughout the entire month of December, and with pride.
*Anyone except Brandon Flowers
I think even he's mortified in that.
4. TACKY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS!!!!: When I was a kid, one of my favorite holiday traditions was climbing into the backseat of my parents' Chevy Celebrity and driving around just looking at Christmas decorations. It was the next best thing to actual Christmas morning. As I grew older, the tradition stayed strong- my friends and I going on evening drives to check out the local illumination. It became apparent, however- that the line between dazzling and gaudy had been blurred over the years, which added a little more hilarity in our outings. Counting yard inflatables and ridiculous amounts of lights and props is now considered an extreme winter sport.
5. Eggnog: I don't really have a description for this one. I just really like eggnog, and this is the only time of the year I'll drink it. HERE'S an extensive list of homemade eggnog recipes if you're not into the store bought stuff.
Also, I am burning this in my bedroom as we speak and it's amazing:
Yum.
6. Bath & Body Works 'Twisted Peppermint' Collection: Much like eggnog, I never really consume/wear much peppermint unless it's around the holidays ( gum and Tic-Tacs don't count ). With Bath & Body Works seasonal 'Twisted Peppermint' collection, however- I'm free to indulge my minty side. With a soap, body spritz, lotion, and 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath- I can smell like a candy cane until long after Santa heads back to the North Pole.
And 7. That. Because we all know and love it- and when you pretend there aren't four or five parts that come after this one, it's still funny. Happy ( early ) Hanukkah to my Jewish friends!
And there you have it. My list of Things I Am Currently Loving: Holiday 2009 Edition.
Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. Everything was very laid back, there was more than enough food ( and all of it was delicious ), and FX network held a 'Home Alone' all-day marathon. I mean really, how can you top that? The scene where Kevin puts Buzz's tarantula on Marv's face and Marv starts screaming like a girl ALWAYS cracks me up. Without fail.
Of course, Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all the good things in our lives, and although it's a couple of days late- I really wanted to share my list of the things in 2009 that I'm thankful for...
1. The members of my family who aren't complete wastes of Oxygen: I have a few relatives I don't associate with ( and for good reason ), but for every bad person who unfortunately comes from the same family tree as me are ten more who are awesome and supportive and fun to be around. I love these people.
2. My friends: Close enough to be considered part of my family themselves, my friends are amazing. We take care of eachother, we have eachothers backs, and when we're not having fun and laughing until we almost pass out- we can have serious, meaningful conversations and offer honest, upfront advice to one another.
3. Not having to work at a job I can't stand anymore: Leaving a job can be scary, especially in today's economy and especially when you've been at the job for a while- but I can honestly say that leaving my last job for a better employment opportunity was one of the best decisions I've made. I'm more relaxed, I have more time and money to enjoy myself, and I don't have to deal with insufferable clients and co-workers anymore. This should have been #1 on this list, honestly.
4. Sam's awesome rack: 'Nuff said. Sam and I are like the Wonder Twins mixed with the kids from 'Captain Planet'. When her boobs and my ass combine, amazing things happen.
And 5. My comedians: "My Boys" as I've come to call them. My comedian family could be placed within the friends category, but these guys ( and a few gals too! ) really deserve their own spot here. In 2009 I came to know and love the Boston comedy scene and the majority of the performers within it. These people have changed my life in such an extraordinary way with their humor, charm, dedication, talent, and their overall sweet personalities. I love them all so much!
Since then, the show has expanded with new episodes, new comics, and has developed quite a following, resulting in it's own website ( QuietD.com ), Myspace page, and Facebook fansite with almost 900 members!
Everyone involved with the show, which centers around and often parodies the New England comedy and music scene and the people within it- are some of the most hard working and funny people I know. Able to laugh at themselves and the environment in which they live and work in- nothing is off limits in 'Quiet Desperation', and thank God for that.
People who have grown up in, around, or who frequent the Boston area and it's entertainment circle will laugh their asses off no matter what episode they watch. People outside the realm of New England should really watch the show from the beginning ( and all of the episodes are uploaded in order on QuietD.com so there's no excuse to miss any ) to get a better understanding of the characters and story development. That, and sometimes newer episodes reference old ones. Otherwise jokes about Boston radio, Boston Irish, Revere, and Boston Globe/Weekly Dig jabs, among others- might fly over some people's heads unless they watch from the start.
Between the insults hurled between Tom Dustin & Mehran, Robby ranting about how shitty the scene is ( and maybe burning a writer's hand with wet pop rocks in the process ), Joe Wong singing about "sucking and fucking" down at Revere Beach, the intensity of local softball and dodgeball games, adventures in bisexuality and drug parties- there's really just SO much funny stuff in each episode it's hard to pick a favorite from what's been offered up so far.
The show is definitely NOT safe for work or for kids ( unless you want the kids to grow up badass, then by all means plop them in front of the screen and let them watch away ) since it contains, well- everything that could get you fired if your boss caught you watching it instead of working- but it's worth it. It's a great way to get you through the day.
Episode 13 was posted recently, and Robby informed everyone that episode 14 was on it's way. I can't wait to see it. I've turned as many people as I could onto the show, including my own mother- who thinks Mehran is adorable.
It's the weekend. What better time to get started on the show than now? Go check it out!
I saw Interpol's Paul Banks perform at the Paradise Rock Lounge Monday night with his solo project 'Julian Plenti'. The show was nothing short of spectacular.
We all know how much I love Interpol, but I don't want to compare Julian Plenti with them as the two are considerably different from one another. The fact remains that Banks is still a phenomenal singer/songwriter, however. That hasn't changed a bit. He's still capable of eliciting different ranges of emotion out of any listener with just a few words.
He's extremely talented, and fantastic to watch live. When not thanking the audience inbetween every song ( which included a nice cover of 'Let It Snow' and America's 'Horse With No Name', which I posted a video to above ), Paul was all smiles and quick little quips here and there which were met by a very enthusiastic crowd who managed to keep their spirits high despite the fact that it was wet and cold outside. November in New England. Gotta' love it.
After the show I had the chance to talk briefly with Paul. On top of all the good things I've said about his talent and really great stage presence- he was just as lovely off-stage as well. Very humble, polite, and sweet.
( My JewFro was in the process of awakening when this was taken. Had it been snapped any later, you probably wouldn't have been able to see Paul's face. Hahaha )
I mentioned how Sam couldn't make it to the show because she had shattered her kneecap ( worse than that pussy Tom Brady, by the way ) and was still recovering, and Paul had no issue with making her a little "get well" present with what would have been her ticket:
SO sweet. I can't wait to give it to her!
Julian Plenti is playing the Brooklyn Bowl today ( the 25th ) and then Philidelphia on the 27th before they head overseas to Cologne, Berlin, and Paris among a couple others. If you're in the area- you should definitely check it out! More info can be found on the official website ( which I linked above, but HERE it is again! ).
And here's another video I took of the end of the show, where Paul closed it out with the song 'Games For Days':
Magnifique!
If I don't update before Thursday ( it's my first year cooking for everyone so I'm getting everything ready later on this afternoon so it's not a TOTAL disaster )- Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I know I'll be taking some time tonight to watch 'Pieces Of April', though. It's become a sort of pre-Thanksgiving tradition for me. The movie is touching, sometimes funny, heartbreaking, and just really sweet ( it also has a great soundtrack too! ).
If you haven't seen it already, it's available to watch for free at HULU.com! Just click 'Movies' and it'll be easy to find!
Go! Go! Go! And make sure you have some tissues with you, because you WILL cry during it!
Saturday night's 'Red Light III' party was, without question- a huge success. I had a blast, and watching as almost everyone who was in attendance frantically try to untag pictures of themselves taken at the party on Facebook has been really, really funny.
Much love and thanks go out to the always amazing 17 Crew ( Damien, Nick, Matt, etc. It was awesome seeing you all again! ) for doing such an incredible job putting this all together, all of the DJs for keeping us going with fantastic beats, James Coletta for being a really fun photographer, Mike's Hard Pomegranite Punch for tasting really, really good- and to everyone who came out and enjoyed themselves! You all looked sexy as hell in your costumes!
I partied 'til 5 a.m. Sunday morning and my body is STILL a little angry at me for it. I kept it low key last night in hopes of recovering- meeting up with my good friend Chris at Tealuxe in Harvard Square for some chai and catching up, and then from there taking in a show at the Comedy Studio with Tom E. and Co.
Afterwards, it was downstairs to the bar to catch the rest of the Patriots game- or in my case- to watch the BROmance flourish between drunken frat guys while they butchered songs at karaoke. Unfortunately, I didn't get to document the hugs, high-fives, fist-bumps, and "I LOVE YOU, MAN"s like the last time I stopped by, but take my word for it that it was indeed glorious.
At one point, my buddy Rick C. signed me up to sing Beyonce's 'Irreplaceable'- which I didn't know the words to except for the "to the left, to the left" part, so I recruited some guy who had been singing all night to help me. It was terrible, no doubt- but I really appreciated Rick and Tom E. forming a little cheering section for me. You sons of bitches. Hahaha
Of course, the mood shifted dramatically after The Pats' rather shocking defeat ( Nice move, Belichick. I don't even pay attention to football and even I knew that was a shitty decision ), so it wasn't long before the bar quieted down and emptied out a little and we could all sit and talk in peace until closing time.
Right now I'm in Chelsea watching the sun set through the window ( at 4 in the afternoon. ) and getting ready to go meet my cousin Mikey in Allston. I think we're going to a club.
The Conan O'Brien Virtual Yule Log: It's... I... I just can't turn away.
