Husky Hoops on TV

I thought the 11am Arizona - Washington start time was a little funky. But I'm pleased the early start means the game will be broadcast here in New York.

I was going to see "Brokeback" at noon, but instead, I'll try to see it after the game, or tomorrow.

New Year, New Look

Well, what do you think?

Chinatown

I know, the picture isn't of Chinatown, but it's taken from Chinatown.

Had a nice today. Started out by seeing "Munich." Then took the subway down to the West Village. I had never been to that neighborhood. If I ever move within the city, the West Village is the most likely destination. There's a residential area that seems quaint, yet the area is loaded with excellent looking restaurants and shops.

From there, I walked through SoHo and down to Chinatown. The Chinatown here is kind of crazy. Very crowded.

25 Words or Less: Munich

So far, my pick for best movie of year. Spielberg is the best, bar none. Eric Bana is fantastic. Unlike 'Kong', it doesn't feel overly long.

Get Out of Town

No, really. Get out out of town!

Good Lord, walking through Times Square right now is about as pleasant as trying to walk up a ramp at a sporting event when the game ends.

There are people everywhere, which is nothing new. However, the Square is completely jammed up due to the scaffolding, stages and lights being set up for the New Year's festivities.

If you ever come to New York, I highly recommend you skip New Year's. It's ridiculous.

New Year's Plans Set

I'm going to run the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park. I went and registered and picked up my number/goodie bag.

Not a bad deal. For $25 you get a heavy, long sleeve black shirt that isn't festooned with logos, a headband ear warmer-thing, and entry into the party.

Ah, the party. Two hours prior to the race there's a DJ with dancing, food and drink and fireworks.

It doesn't look like it's going to be all that cold (it's 49 degrees now) so the midnight start should be all right. I'm not going to set any land speed records, but I'll do OK .

Out For Drinks

Went out and some beers with some folks from work tonight. My first time out with non-Washington people.

We went to a bar called Black and White in the East Village/Union Square area. I had a couple of beers and called it a night.

Prior to meeting up with them, I had some spaghetti in an area of the East Village called Herald Square. There were so many punks around, I felt like I was in Portland.

All in all, it was a fun night.

25 Words or Less: "The Memory of Running" by Ron McLarty

Uneven, but enjoyable for the most part. A fat 42-year old rides his bike (Gump-like) across the country after his parents and sister die. Alternately funny and sad. I marginally recommend it.

Sushi A Go-Go

So, I ended up not shopping or getting a steak last night. After work, I hit a wall. So, instead of going downtown, I went uptown closer to home.

I was hungry, so I had dinner at a place called Sushi A Go-Go. The sushi was quite good (Maguro and Ikura,) but the yakisoba left a little to be desired. Next time I go, I'll just sit at the sushi bar.

Going Shopping

Very uneventful day of work. It's only 3:00, but I'm going to jet soon. Headed downtown to do some post-Christmas shopping.

As I just told a friend, I'm much better at shopping with a goal in mind. In fact, I hate shopping if I don't know what I'm looking for. So today, it's all about finding a cashmere sweater. Now, I'm allergic to wool, but cashmere doesn't seem to affect me. Or maybe I just will myself into believing that it's not Kryptonite since it's so delectable.

I also need a floor lamp. I've found two lights that will work, but I'm going to search for something that looks like the lamp from Pottery Barn that's priced like the lamp from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Wish me luck on that one.

Once done shopping, I'll be off in search of a steak. Maybe with some skinny fries. And a beer.

Weird Christmas

Wow, and so ends the strangest Christmas of my life.

After coming home from the movie theater, I got on the webcam and talked to Kaia for about 20 minutes. It took her a few minutes to figure out what was going on. But, she said 'uncle' a couple of times and she gave me the Hawaiian 'shaka.' It's so cute. You have to see it to believe how cute it is.

I had leftover Mexican food for dinner. Did laundry, cleaned up around the apartment, read, and typed this post.

All in all, I didn't do squat today. Pretty much a regular Sunday, but with the added benefit of not spending a dime because there was nothing open.

Tomorrow, if this rain keeps up, I might see two movies. But, there are no matinee prices here in NY and movies cost $10.75. Ouch.

No Movie

It's freakin' pouring out. Just got back from the theater. Munich, Syriana, Brokeback and Family Stone are all sold out until the 7:30 show. I'll have to hit Munich tomorrow.

The weather sucks today.

I Don't Get It

What am I missing about Nathan Lane? I just don't think he's funny. His voice annoys the Hell out of me.

I'd kind of like to see "The Producers", but I don't think I can sit through two hours of him.

If there's someone out there who appreciates Lane, please tell me what I'm missing out on!

Merry Christmas

Got up and ran four miles. It felt OK, but I'm in horrible shape right now. The Midnight run in Central Park on New Year's Eve is four miles, so at least I know I can finish it... it just won't be very fast.

After the run, I made a gut-bomb of a breakfast... sausage (from a local meat market), hash browns and eggs. It was good.

Now I'm watching some hoops prior to going to see "Munich."

Christmas at Rockefeller Center

Gorgeous Day

It's 50 degrees and cloudless. I mean, it's beautiful. It feels like an early spring day.

I wonder if there's any chance we're going to skip winter this year in New York. How sweet would that be?

I've decided on nachos for the Seahawks game and Mexican food for my Christmas Eve dinner. Nothing fancy. Just tacos (using a mix) and refried beans.

25 Words or Less: King Kong

It's OK, just a little boring. 100 minutes would've been fine. Watts and Brodie are good. Jack Black is in over his head. Special effects aren't overwhelming.

My Weekend at the Cineplex

My goal for this Christmas weekend is to see some movies. "King Kong" is a sure thing, as is "Munich." It's kind of nice being in one of the 'limited engagement' cities.

The other films I want to see are "Syriana" and "Brokeback Mountain." Though, I'm not sure I'll make it to either of them.

After I see these four movies, I'll publish a list of my favorite movies of the year. Right now, the front runners for my favorite flick are "Wedding Crashers" and "Batman Begins".

Why Am I At Work?

OK, I've been asking myself this question every day for the last 15 years, but today, I really have to question my being here. There's nothing to do!

Most of the studios I work with have the day off, so there's nothing trickling in. 90% of my co-workers have left the city.

I'm getting paid today to update my blog. Which, really, is my dream job.

Strike Over

The Times is reporting a settlement has been reached and subway service will begin later today. Hurrah!

Transit Strike, Day 3

This is getting old. I really want to head downtown to SoHo to do some shopping. However, the 75 block walk back to apartment just isn't very appealing.

I think it's supposed to 'warm up' to the high 30's this weekend, so maybe I'll give downtown a shot on Saturday.

25 Word or Less: "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Fantastic. There are parallel stories that are both moving and powerful. It's kind of a historical-romantic-thriller that is equal parts eerie and fascinating.

OK, 25 words doesn't do this book justice. I need to go on.

It's a hard book to describe, but I'll give it a shot. A young boy finds a book called "Shadow of the Wind." When he tries to locate more books by the author, he finds that someone has burned every copy of every book the author had written.

As the boy researches the life of the author, it seems people are determined to stop him from finding the truth. Meanwhile, he falls in love and must deal with his own drama.

Like I said, it's hard to explain, but it's just really good. Read it and let me know what you think.

Nearly Christmas and Not a Plan In Sight

I have no idea what I'm doing for Christmas. Not sure if I should cook myself a big spread, or go out for Chinese food. Lord knows there are enough Chinese restaurants around here.

I figure I'll watch "A Christmas Story" three or four times and maybe go for a run in the park.

Outside of that, I'm stumped. I have no idea what to do.

I'm not sad or anything like that, so don't feel sorry for me. It's just a little weird.

I know... I'll meet some crazy hot Japanese chick (like this woman... Chinatsu Wakatsuki) at the Chinese restaurant. We'll hang out all week, get engaged on New Year's Eve, and get married on New Year's Day in Atlantic City. Or not.

Back in the Good Ol' Days

Ah, those were the days... back when New York used to have these weird trains that ran underground called subways.

Here are my cousins Ray and Traci, riding the train uptown from Chinatown to Midtown.

Click here if you want to read about Ray and Traci's adventure's in New York.

Surfing Ho'okipa

When on Maui, if you cruise past Paia, you come to this amazing surf spot called Ho'okipa.

I wish I could tell you I was surfing this amazing spot. But, since I'm here typing this, you must know that I didn't go out there.

Someday, my friends, someday...

Me and the Girls

Here I am with my three favorite ladies... Kaia, my sister-in-law Leslie and my mom.

I'm going to take a time out here to say how lucky I am to have Leslie in my world. She is such a warm, caring and loving person. She is easily the best thing to happen to our family since the twins were born. My life is better because of her.

Pictures of Kaia

Transit Strike

Let's just say I'm awfully lonely at work. It took about 40 minutes to walk to work this morning. Unfortunately, it was about 25 degrees out, with sharp wind. Quite a change from Maui's 80 degrees.

What was I thinking moving east instead of west?

The Beach

Woke up and spent the morning in Kihei on the beach. Then went to the Shops at Wailei for some Christmas shopping.

When I got back, I played with little K for a few hours. She's so funny. She loves dancing, laughing and generally being goofy. She's a born performer.

My mom made her lasagna (my favorite meal in all the world) and we had a big family dinner.

Today, we're all just going to hang out. I can't believe I have to leave tomorrow already.

Dinner with Ray and Traci

I met cousins Ray and Traci for dinner in New York. They took me to Chinatown to a place called Joe Shanghai. It was really good. Best Chinese I've had in New York.

It was great catching up with them. We talked Mariners baseball and what's going on with the family.

Chinatown was fun. I plan on heading back there again some weekend.

Hangin' on the OC

I arrived in LA on Saturday. Upon arrival, Josh, Denice and I drove down to Orange Country to meet up with our friend Laurie to go to a party in Laguna Niguel.

The party was pretty fun. Josh, though, was the only one drinking, and of course, he was the driver. So, spent the night at Laurie's.

This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as when we woke up, we went to Laguna Beach for breakfast on the beach. It was beautiful.

After the long drive back to LA, we watched the Seahawks game and then I checked into my hotel.

Jimmy Kimmel Green Room

Josh got us into the green room of Kimmel to see Death Cab for Cutie. LaDanian Tomlinson and Howie Mandel (I didn't know he was still performing) were also guests. On the flight from New York to LA, I had watched the first season of "Entourage." One of the episodes takes place in the Kimmel green room, so I was prepared.

There's food, beer, a pool table and old school video games. Good fun! If you have the chance to go, don't pass it up.

Going Backwards from Last Week

I'm on Maui right now. Arrived yesterday afternoon from LA. Was in LA since Saturday.

My niece Kaia is a little girl now! She's walking and talking. So much fun. And so cute. I'll post some pictures next week.

It's nice to be 'home' on Maui again.

The Big Snow?

Oh yeah, the 'big snow' never materialized. There was a light covering of snow, but that was it. Which is good, because I never went out and got new boots.

Late Night Sports

What a week for sports out here.

Sunday night at 10:30, I got to see the fanastic UW - Gonzaga. Wow, what a game. The best part about the Huskies being in the Top 25 is that the sports tickers will now show their scores.

Monday night at 9:00, the Seahawks and Eagles squared off. Again, what a game... er, I mean half. The best part of this game? I got to go to bed at half-time!

Tonight at 10:00, Sonics - Knicks. I'm not actually sure I'm going to make it up for this one. I'm exhausted. But, I'll give it my best shot.

King Kong in the House

Only in New York.

Walking to the subway station last night after work, I see this. King Kong sitting right in the middle of Times Square. Right in the middle! And he was huge.

You can imagine what that did for traffic. I don't care about the cabs, I'm talking about the sidewalk traffic. Idiots like me were stopping on the sidewalk to take pictures.

Rule one when in New York... keep walking. Do not stop for anything.

Rule two... always carry a camera because you never what you'll see!

More "Rocky Balboa"

Cinematical, a great movie blog, is pointing to images from "Rocky Balboa." Again, good Lord.

Big Snow Tomorrow Night

I've come to not trust weather forecasters, but it's supposed to start snowing tomorrow night. And when I wake on Tuesday morning, there should be five inches of snow. We'll see.

Off to Tarrytown

I took a 40 minute train from Grand Central Station to Tarrytown to meet my friends Mitch and Ro, and their six month old Eva. I also took my drill because they needed help hanging some shelves.

I almost laughed when Mitch asked me. Apparently he doesn't read my blog!

So, we hung the three shelves, and went to brunch. I had plenty of time to hold little Eva. She's very sweet.

After returning from Tarrytown, I stopped by the Timberland store to pick up some boots. I went with an ankle high brown leather boot, with Gore-Tex. They're supposed to be waterproof, so hopefully they'll do the job. I think I also need to get some boot-boots for deep snow. I think I'll get them tomorrow after work.

Saturday Night in SoHo

Met my friend Mark for dinner in SoHo. He lives down there, so he knows where to go. We met for a drink at a place called The Cub Room. The place was pretty crowded, on the upscale (for downtown) side of things.

We then went across the street to a GREAT place for dinner called Raoul's. We sat at the bar because Mark recommended the "Bar Steak." I was actually jonesing for a steak, so I ordered it. Man, it was great. Even better? It was only $19 for a salad, frites (fancy term for fries) and the steak. I will be definitely be going back. Many times.

Let It Snow

First snowfall of year! There's about an inch. Gotta say, the People are Johnny-On-the-Spot with the street cleaners. By the time I left the house this morning (at 8:45) the streets were pretty much cleared.

Central Park

Sitting here in Central Park right now. It's a beautiful day. Pictures coming later this weekend.

Yo, Adrian!

How excited are you right now? Rocky 6, officially known as "Rocky Balboa" has an official release date of February 9, 2007.

Let's see, Sly was born on July 6, 1946. So, by my math, that will make him 60 years old when the film is released.

Good Lord.

Celebrity Sighting

I almost forgot, I had my second celebrity sighting in New York. Khrystyne Haje.

Who? You're probably asking yourself.

Khrystyne was one of the stars of the sitcom "Head of the Class," which aired from 1986 - 1991.

Now, you're probably asking yourself, how did he recognize her?

She's BEAUTIFUL. I had to do a double take when I saw her. And when I did, I recognized her immediately.

So, there you go. Spike Lee and Khrystyne Haje.

I'm sure I've walked past more celebs, but I've noticed that while walking in New York, I don't make eye contact with anyone. I'm either looking straight ahead, but seeing nothing. Or, I'm looking at everything, but not seeing people.

A $28 Hamburger?

Yowza, I took my friend Taylor out for lunch today for her birthday.

I went to CitySearch to find a restaurant close to her hotel. I stumbled across this place called Michael's, so I made a 1:45 reservation.

The restaurant was packed, and the food was quite good.

That's my plate of fries. Buried underneath it is two pieces of chicken, each about 2 inches by 2 inches large, and about a 3/4's of an inch thick.

Thirty F'N dollars! I paid thirty dollars for a plate of fries. I should've ordered the $28 burger just on principle.

The lesson for the day? Prior to making reservations, try to find their menu online.