This makes me giggle.

People paid money for this???  Hysterical! Not sure why I'm posting this, perhaps entertainment value (or lack thereof).

Great Romance

Gaga does it again! Her new single "Bad Romance" is smokin! This has all the makings of a #1 single. Can't wait to hear it on the radio! Listen now!

Active Mind

I need to find a way to slow down this overactive mind of mine. It's never at ease and it's just consuming. Thoughts of what's to be, thoughts of what have been, thoughts of things they may never be. It's all very weird. Should I meditate again? 

In the end it all works out, but I just need it to slow up and take a rest.

That's all

Streisand x23

I've listen to Streisand's new album over 20 times, both discs! That is just at work alone! Get the album today!!!

The Color Purple - An Amazing Journey

I had the privilege of seeing The Color Purple last night at Proctors. I missed out on the Broadway production, luckily I had a second chance. The Color Purple is beautifully crafted and it soars to great heights. The story is uplifting and serves as a valuable reminder of how “people are making life harder for other people”, in the end we are all the same and The Color Purple stresses the importance of acceptance and tolerance.

The most notable aspect of this production was the cast; the talent on that stage is at times awe-inspiring. The songs are quite memorable and the lighting design was striking. The story is also of great importance, and I commend the book writers for focusing on the journey of this amazing woman. If you have some time, go to Proctors this weekend and see this show, you won’t regret it.

Complete Crap

Have you heard Britney Spears' new single 3?  Most shiteous song of the year, such a disappointment following her last two albums. What was she thinking? The sad part is, it debuted at the top of Billboard's Hot 100! It's terrible. In other music news, Streisand's new album was the highest charting carryover album on the Billboard 200. If you haven't listened, please do so now.

Vegas continues to mislead

Here is another ad for THEhotel, makes me giggle, you would never see such a thing in Vegas. Sin City is a hate crime waiting to happen.

VIA and Thanks!

Today I am thankful for the new Starbucks Via. The office coffee was extra crappy today, I'm too busy to leave the building (but not too busy to blog, go figure), plus payday is Friday and my funds are limited.  What is a coffee snob to do? Open up a Starbucks Via and add hot water! I was a bit skeptical at first...instant that tastes like brewed? Impossible! On days like this, Starbucks Via is ten times better than the alternative! I'm thankful for this hot cup of delicious coffee, not quite like brewed but close enough! I reccomend the Italian Roast! Yummy! Thanks Starbucks (and Heavy D for purchasing them for me).

Vegas Trip 2009 - THEhotel - A Review

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

Aside from the fact that the rooms at THEhotel are showing their age, we had a very pleasant stay. I loved the separate living room/bedroom, the bathroom was large and well appointed and the service/staff were very friendly and accommodating. My only complaint was the cleanliness of the room, between the large windows and massive mirrors every spot and fingerprint showed making the room seem a bit dirty at times. 

The amenities at Mandalay Bay were at times mind blowing. The pool area felt like our own little island getaway, the restaurants were top notch and the casino was very pleasant to gamble in. It was also great to have several entertainment options within our casino (House of Blues, Lion King, Beach Place etc). The pool became very crowded at times, but we never had a problem finding a place to sunbathe. It was also great having a separate entrance for THEhotel, it made arrival and departure very easy. Check-in was a breeze and all our room requests were met.

As far as location goes, Mandalay Bay is not the most ideal, but we enjoyed being away from the chaos of the strip, the tram to Excalibur was a nice way to lighten the journey to the strip.  If you want to be in the middle of all the Vegas action, this isn’t the hotel for you.

In short, I would stay at THEhotel again in a heartbeat.

Did you get your tickets?

Wicked flies into Schenectady in December, did you get your tickets? If you want to go, get your tickets now, it seems like tickets are selling very quickly. A snapshot from the Proctor's box office shows limited seats available for many of the performances. It's not very often that such a big blockbuster show makes it's way into town so don't miss out! 

Also, don't forget to make your dining reservations in Downtown Schenectady, they have some great places to eat! Make them now so you don't end up being shut out! I myself have tickets and dinner reservations!

First Christmas Movie

I watched my first Christmas movie this weekend...which one was it?  See below! One of my favorites!

False Advertising

I came across this ad for a Las Vegas hotel...it is actually the hotel I stayed at on my last trip.  SOO not the truth...why does Vegas insist on offering a safe and friendly environment for us gays, when it is far from that? Vegas, answer me!!!

Lucky

-A bottle of Mumm at just the right time.

-The prospect of a purple color.

-Taps and pats followed by a crosscheck.

-Wooden spoons that are safer than knives.

-Cast iron ovens and food to go in it.

-Down feathers on a Sunday morning.

-Being a small part of the Bernadette Peter's show.

-In instead of out of the law.

Mattress Mousetrap

I tried to do some major cleaning tonight....it was pretty successful aside from my incident with the mattress.  I had the bright idea of moving my bed and cleaning underneath, I saw a few dust bunnies and they needed to be vacuumed up. I lifted the mattress from the box spring and safely (so I thought) leaned it up against my dresser...I continue moving the box spring and the frame...as I'm moving the frame...Mr Mattress falls on top of me, my shins just miss the bed frame (ouch) and I'm trapped underneath.  It was a mess, I think I saw Jesus for a second (he yelled at me for being gay). If that wasn't enough, the curtains fell...it was quite reminiscent of that game "Mousetrap".

I'm still shaken by the situation...actually it was kind of funny, I wish it was on video...

5 Decades of #1's

OK, seems like SONY is confirming that Barbra Streisand will enter the Billboard Charts at #1. It's not official so if Paramore ends up on top, disregard this blog. I'm staying positive.

When she does enter at #1, Barbra will have a #1 album in every decade since the 60's (5 decades of #1's), that is an amazing achievement. Numbers and chart position aside, Barbra's new CD, Love is the Answer is one of the best of the year. The whole album is just beautiful.  Bravo Barbra on sharing your wonderful gifts with the world.  I'm proud to be one of your biggest fans, you are truly the greatest star of them all!  Go out and buy your copy today.

KA is CACA

I'm finally getting around to reviewing the elements from our Vegas trip. First up. KA by Cirque du Soleil.

I had high expectations for this show. After watching the trailer online (see youtube video) and hearing some great word of mouth reviews I thought I would leave this show amazed and mind blown.  Sadly, this was not the case.  KA is an over-the-top spectacle which lacks any sort of heart, passion or energy. This show proves that a production can not survive on technology alone.  Yes the massive stage is amazing and the moving sets are at times jaw dropping, but other than that, KA has not much else to offer.  The "story" isn't a story at all, the acrobatics are done better in every other Cirque show I've seen and the overall flow of KA is lagging. I think Cirque has run it's course and KA is proof of that.  When in Vegas I wouldn't spend a single cent on this show, take your money elsewhere....Phantom and Jersey Boys...a real theatrical experience.

Planning Planning Planning

Gosh, I love planning...plan plan plan that's all I like to do. I plan a lot of things for work, like a video shoot in LA. One would assume that if I plan a lot of things at work I wouldn't want to plan things in my personal life, sadly I can't help it. So what am I planning?

Sadly no vacations, damn recession has put a damper on any future plans for now. Luckily the holiday's are right around the corner (kind of)....so I have lots of things to plan and look forward to. The holiday season is just pure wonderfulness...it brings so many wonderful things into my life...things I get to plan and enjoy. Stoneaween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Holiday Cocktail Parties, Christmas Dinner, New Years Eve....the list goes on and I love everything on it.

Gosh, I know I just yelled at the stores for bringing Christmas to us early, so I ask you this.  Is it to early to plan for the holidays?  I say no, so long as your tree and village pieces stay in the closet until Black Friday.

A Christmas Carol

I'm so stoked for this movie!  Too early for the holidays?  Yes, I'm even writing a rant about such nonsense, but this movie trailer is to good!

Official start of the holiday season?

Last week I was browsing the Halloween candy at Target and I came across a small section of CHRISTMAS merchandise...decorations to be exact.  CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS in SEPTEMBER!?  WHAT!?  I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas, it's such a magical time of year BUT come on people, Christmas merchandise in September? It makes no sense.  Whatever happened to the days when the stores would magically transform into a winter wonderland the day after Thanksgiving? As a kid, it was such a beautiful feeling to visit the Amsterdam Mall (yes we HAD a mall) and see all the Christmas decor just "magically" appear.  Now? They start stocking the shelves as soon as they sell the Halloween stuff off. It's a travesty. At least wait until November! So when does the holiday season start for you? 

For me it used to be when the stores started selling Christmas stuff, now that must change, I'll wait for the red holiday cups from Starbucks.  Should be any day now!

Back from mental vacation

Well I've been back from Vegas over a week and my mind has finally returned from vacation. Coming back from vacation always sucks; laundry, empty fridge, no money, jet-lag, work...luckily my mind has recovered and my somewhat daily posts to this fancy blog shall resume.  Some highlights from the Vegas trip:

-The weather: Perfect! High 90's and not a cloud in the sky for 5 whole days.

-THEhotel: Great resort, loved our two room suite, loved the pool area and great service!

-Food: We had some great meals.  I'm working on some reviews for Trip Advisor, I'll share when I am done.

-Well stocked bar: Thanks to the grocery delivery service out mini bar was fully stocked.

-Bathtub: Love a nice bathtub...and bubbles only make it better.

-Derek: Such a great vacation companion...precious in every way.

-Slingo slots: Great fun and I won some $$$

Some low lights:

-KA: Lousy Cirque show, I don't think Cirque is for me.

-Rednecks and trash: Vegas is full of them, nothing says "welcome to Vegas" like the f-word.

Well stay tuned for more of Derek and I's Vegas Adventure Part 2!  Peace Possums!

My wish list for tonight...

-A bottle of red.

-Fuzzy blanket.

-Braised short ribs and mashed potatoes.

-Cuddles.

-A Christmas movie.

Piper Sonoma - A Fruity Budget Choice

Intense and overwhelming fruitiness with a sweet finish. Not for me.

Purdy's Price: 12.99

Star Rating (out of 5): **

Words and Bubbles

I love me some bubbly, I love me some wine...I would love to review such things but I can never find enough words to describe such a thing. Starting soon I'm going to introduce a new line of blogs aptly titled...

A flute full of words...bubbly reviews in a few words or less.  Sound fun? Yes. Useful? No. Tasty? We'll see. Simple? Very.

Shoot...red wine doesn't go in flutes...I guess thats what variations are for.

Some times life isn't so bad!

It's the simple things!

Long Weekend = Long Week

I love a nice holiday weekend but it always makes the following week a bit hellish, it's almost like we have to cram the 5 days of work into 4.  I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.  These past few days I feel a bit jet lagged and I haven't even travelled.

Speaking of which, Vegas super soon.  Pool, drinks, sun, roulette, food and preciousness.  

Back to the weekend...I had such a grand one, I'm feeling a bit autumnish so I baked some pumpkin pie, roasted a chicken, made brownies and drank bubbly.  I also spent some amazing moments with some amazing people, we took on Lark Street and were victorious.  Can't wait to do it again.  We also took on Circus Cafe, however we didn't win that battle, it was all downhill when we were approached to take part in a foursome!  I also spent one last day at the track, good times, even though our horse came in dead last.  I think it's still runnning.  The track season is over, happy to see it go, fall is here and winter is around the corner...blah...well my sauce is bubbling over, I must go!  Peace Possums!

Signature Dish

I was catching up with Top Chef and you always hear "signature dish", I always ask myself, what would be mine? For last night's dinner (FND instead of SND), I made roasted chicken w/ cheddar mashed potatoes and green beans, basic but delicious (no pictures, I was too hungry).  This might rank as my top go-to dish, it's perfect for company and pretty darn easy, just stuff the chicken, season and bake. Perhaps I should get a group of friends together and do some taste tests.

I went to Border's to buy a new cookbook, I didn't see anything that interested me.  That is a first, I always find something. When I got home I pulled out The Complete Robuchon cookbook.  It's currently marked with several post-it's.  I have a feeling this year will bring a slew of "French home cooking for the way we live now".  Well it's a nice long weekend and I have some relaxing to do.  Talk to you all next week, have a safe and declious Labor Day!

Don't be...

...tardy for the party...

Gotta love the housewives of ATL...especially Kim...not going to lie, I can see myself grooving to this song (after a couple shots of vodka).  Listen and enjoy!

Whitney Houston

I just have to write a little ditty about the one and thankfully only Whitney Houston.  Everyone is abuzz about her "comeback", well if this is a comeback, I would have to rank it as one of the worst ever.  Her album is mediocre, nothing notable or memorable and her "comeback" performance on GMA was just terrible.  Check it out on youtube.com.  Please note that her performance is 80% back-up singers, 20% Whitney.  She is not ready for this, her voice isn't ready, and based on her banter in between songs, she doesn't seem mentally prepared.  She was once the voice, now she is a raspy out of tune "singer". 

A voice is like an instrument, you need to rest it, train it and preserve it.  Can she still sing?  Perhaps, but she needs to take the time to get her voice back in shape.  Was it just a bad performance?  Perhaps...all eyes are on Whitney for a true comeback, maybe she should book the Today Show for 2010 and give it another try.  I like a good comeback so I'm upset this didn't live up to my expectations.  Heck, it could be worse, she could have lipsynched and lathargically moved about stage like Britney Spears.

Photo: ABC TV

Rich and Julia

I need a Julie and Julia moment...

...I'm so mad at Julie for coming up with the idea of cooking through Julia Child's book before I did.  That would be perfect for me.  Now if I do anything remotely like it, no will care and I won't get to write a book that they turn into a moving starring Meryl Streep.  What to do and what would I cook from...Rachel Ray?  Too easy...  Ina Garten?  Her books aren't large enough for a years worth of material.  Martha Stewart?  Her recipes NEVER turn out right...

There really isn't anything as iconic as Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking...what to do...I need a distraction from this life and something to focus some positive energy on.  It seems that my positive vibes aren't cutting it in the workplace.  Stay tuned for what's next...suggestions are welcomed.  Peace possums!

This is too good not to post...FLASHBACK

Tablescaped Luncheons

Nothing beats a tablescaped luncheon.

-Risotto

-Sauteed Mushrooms

-Green Beans

-Great People

The days are getting shorter...

...and the weeks are getting longer.  My gosh, its only Tuesday and it feels like it should be Thursday.  I don't know what is going on lately but it seems like the work week is getting longer and longer, regardless of how many days are in it.  There is no motive for writing this blog and it will be complete randomness, I guess I just need a few moments to let some stuff out.  Buckle up!

I walked downtown this evening, headed to Border's hoping to purchase the movie "Mask" (the Cher one of course), sadly they didn't have it.  In fact the only Cher movie they had was Moonstruck, so sad.  If I really want to watch Mask, I'll have to dig out my VHS tape. Some good news...no one called me names.

Vegas is in 2 weeks, it is currently 100 degrees.  I'm so stoked for some sun and pool time.  The weather in Upstate was lackluster and Fall is here.  I love this time of year but I also love pool days, and I didn't get enough.

Speaking of fall, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back...I ordered one today and I also made one at home, my recipe is better (and cheaper).  If you are interested in my PSl recipe, surf back a year and find it (hehe).

Some people think they know everything, to the point where they wear permanent blinders, they only see what they think they know and nothing else.  People like that annoy me.  Listen, someone else may have a better idea.  Proof of that will come soon enough.

Some people are not very nice, someday they will realize that their "un-niceness" cost them the best thing in their life.  

Some people are amazing, gold claps to them.

Some blogs should end...especially this one...later possums.

2 weeks...

...from today...

Next to Normal - A Review

Next to Normal, winner of 3 Tony Awards is a stroke of brilliance. Currently playing on Broadway at the Booth Theatre, Next to Normal is an emotional roller coaster where poignant songs and emotional story-telling meet soaring performances and brilliant design. One question, why this show wasn't the winner of a few more Tonys, especially "best musical"? With all that award nonsense aside, Next to Normal is one of the best musical experiences in recent memory. This show does not sacrifice substance for style, the primary focus is the story and the music, design and cast frame that story to perfection, a rare feat these days.

Alice Ripley is a tour de force as Diana, I can't get over how brilliant she was in this show. I feel honored to have seen this fine leading lady in top form. Kudos to the rest of the cast for their exquisit performaces. The show is designed and directed to perfection and the music and lyrics were catchy yet meaningful. The book (the most important element) is powerful and witty.

Next to Normal is theater at it's best. Broadway is once again changed and I wish we could see more shows like this produced on Broadway, To sum it up, this show is daring, un-apoligetic, heartfelt, candid, funny, disturbing, moving...the list could go on...

I dare you to find another musical currently playing on Broadway which holds up to the words listed above. Head to the Booth now, you will not be disappointed.

Next to Normal
The Booth Theatre
Performance: 2009.08.29 2pm

Next to Normal

Pure brilliance! A must see! Full review is coming up!

Thanks, Cooper, Mom, NY and Julia

Happy Friday all, I’m sitting on the couch with Cooper watching QVC, gosh I’m hooked.
First off, thanks for all the positivity on my last post, I feel your digital love!
Now onto more important things, Cooper to be exact. I’m spending the day at my parent’s house preparing for my Mother’s Birthday Dinner, an added bonus to this is chilling with Cooper, the most precious pup in the world. Right now he is laying against my leg waiting for a belly rub. He makes me smile no matter what my mood (and that sometimes takes a lot), so I dedicate this blog to the one and only Cooper!


Traver’s Weekend…blah…I’m officially out of town and won’t return until the madness ends. I’ll be spending the weekend in the city. I can’t wait, it’s been so long. I’m hoping to catch a show and chill out. I welcome any show recommendations.

I saw Julie and Julia last night, nice flick. Meryl Streep was genius (as per usual) and Amy Adams fell flat. I would rather have seen a movie with just Julia and no Julie. I need to dig out my “Art of French Cooking” book, I tried a recipe in High School and hid the book as my attempt at French cooking was unsuccessful, now that I have a bit more experience in the kitchen, I’m ready to cook with Julia once more.

Well that is all I have for now, peace possums!

Another day, another f-word!

Gosh, the people of Saratoga Springs, NY love the f-word, no not fudge, f*ck, fancy or fupa...

I'm talking f*g, f*ggot and other such variations...I can't walk down the street without that word being screamed at me.  Yes I walk with a bounce in my step and I sometimes wear colorful pastel clothing, but my goodness, am I that flamboyant?  I usually just ignore it, but lately it getting harder and harder...the f-word is full of hate and I'm sick of being hated by people who don't even know me.  For those that do know me and hate me, I'm ok with that...at least you have a reason, but for the assholes that like to drive by and scream such nonsense, get a life.  It's like a drive by hate crime.  What disturbs me most is this is happening on a daily basis...its a bit scary and disturbing.  In the end it makes me want to seek out a more gay friendly city.  Any recommendations? 

Rusty Keys

I'm back in the saddle, or shall I say bench.  Since I have the week off I finally have time to play the piano.  I just rocked out for a solid hour...and no banging from the lady downstairs...

Song Selections:

Cher - Turn Back Time

Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe

Cher - Love Hurts

Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

Streisand - The Way We Were

Lady Gaga - Just Dance/Pokerface

Cher - You Take It All

Streisand - Piece of Sky

Cher - Believe

I'm back in the biz (not really)...

Passing Strange

Over a year ago I experienced a musical theater experience like no other; “Passing Strange”.  Like any live performance, the memories of that matinee or evening will eventually fade.  The true test however, is how long it takes for them to fade.  In the case of Passing Strange, they continue on for me.  The music, the talent, and most importantly the words…  Passing Strange is a beautiful and stirring musical journey through life that everyone can relate to.  The show is worthy of a lifelong run, but Broadway being what it is, this show closed well before its time, luckily it continues beyond the stage. 

Available on-demand via Time Warner, the story and words of Passing Strange are alive and well.   I can’t recommend this “movie” enough.  The show holds up very well on screen and that is a testament to the shows creators Heidi and Stew and the cast that told this story every night at the Belasco.  If you have some spare moments and want a true cinematic/theatrical experience order this film and immerse yourself into Passing Strange.  You will not be disappointed.  “Listening is waiting…”

Good Morning

What better way to kick off a day at the track than with a mimosa...

My recipe:

-Leftover bubbly (re-corked and still bubbling) - 1/2 glass

-Fresh orange juice - 1/2 glass

-Pama Liqueur - 1/2 shot

-St. Germain - just a splash

*note -  since it's not even 10am yet, I poured 1/2 bubbly and 1/2 o.j. under normal circumstances I prefer 3/4 bubbly 1/4 o.j.  I also prefer a fresh bottle, but I find that if you re-cork the bottle the bubbles are still roaring and ready to go.  It's Sunday so I'm unable to purchase alcohol until noon, boo NY!!!

How do you like your mimosas?  Is 10am too early???

Saturday Night Dinner

My most favorite part of the weekend are Saturday Night Dinners (SND); a sometimes delicious meal prepared by Chef Richard (me).  What was on the plate last night?

Happy Hour: Spiced Red Pepper Olives and Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Main Course: Stuffed Chicken Marsala, Homemade Pasta and Steamed Brocolli

Dessert: Homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip 

Cookies, Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Fudge Sauce

The meal was a success and enjoyed by all.  Stay tuned for future SND posts....enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Saratoga Summers

Yes, it is here once more.  Lucky us.  

I have a love hate relationship with the summers in Saratoga Springs, NY.  I love the people and I hate the people.  I love the track and I hate the track.  Do you get where I'm going?  

Of course Saratoga wouldn't be Saratoga without track season, so in the end I should just learn to love it.  This year as opposed to last I have separated myself from the Saratoga insanity.  I don't find the crowds (or most of the people amongst the crowds) enjoyable.  They are rude,  inconsiderate and obnoxious.  Just last night I was going to meet some friends for a drink when some crowd of meat heads decided to call me the obligatory f-word.  Really?  Are we we that lame and immature?  It goes to show what classless assholes roam the streets these days.  The situation put me in a fowl mood, so I thought it would be best for me to go home and head to bed.  At least I can avoid a hate crime underneath my sheets.

With that said I'll avoid the meat-head filled bars and seek refuge elsewhere.  

I don't want to wish the summer away but nothing beats a Saratoga Fall.  

Forgotten but not totally...

Gosh, I haven't blogged since November!  How dare I?  I'm not  sure what happened...I used to blog religiously for years (before it was cool) and now that everyone is doing it....I stopped.  Maybe I was looking for the next trend in this whole thing we call "social media'.  Twitter was a bust (for me at least), so maybe blogging is where it's at.  We shall see!  Am I coming out of retirement like Streisand did in 2000 and 2006???  I guess so, however I won't make nearly as much money as she did.  Love you Babs!