![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
Steve LeVine
Jul. 23rd, 2008
03:18 pm - I May Eventually Get to Rep My Favorite Singer Ever
So, HUGE news...
I've been going after my favorite singer, with the initials T.A., for the past couple of months. I got as far as her managers and co-creator of a book she just put out, and then never heard back again. Then she went indie and I went after her manager John, who I'm not sure ever received my email.
So on Monday afternoon, I get a random text from my friend saying T is down at this big record store on Sunset Blvd signing books. So thinking this was a once in a lifetime chance and I would regret it if I didn't, I RAN into my car, went as fast as I could, flying down the 101 and parked in the first garage I could and literally ran across Sunset Blvd into Amoeba Rcds. Then I heard her music playing and noticed she was in the back signing. I was like "Good..okay..still here"...where is her manager, John. So I look around and recognize him standing near me talking to some people. Getting up all of the courage I could, I caught his attention.
"John?"
"Yes?"
And then..I introduced myself. I told him I wasn't sure if he got my emails but that the book co-creator had forwarded on my initial email to him. He seemed to recall grapeVine. Then I told him since she's gone indie, if she's going to need PR representation. He told me that she will and that they're looking at a couple different companies and options depending on which route they decide to take. He said they'll make a decision end of summer/early fall. Then he asked me to please send details and gave me his business card. Wow. So then..not wanting to take up any more of his time, I told him I will send him a press kit and any info he needs. He seemed interested which was great. I then told him it was so nice to meet him and thanks so much. As I started leaving the store, tears just started streaming down my face. Yes.. Mr. Non Emotional.
I am really shocked. To be able to rep my favorite artist, not only would it be amazing for me, but I really think I could provide her amazing services, consider I know her weaknesses and strengths in terms of what her fans want and how her record labels before didn't do a good job. So today I followed up with John and sent off all of our information, and am trying to set up a meeting. We'll see what happens. Wish me luck!!!! :)
Steve
Jul. 20th, 2008
09:29 am - California, California, Here We Come
Hey guys,
I know haven't updated this in ages. And I don't even know where to begin. My life is so crazy, but in an amazing way, so I'll try to update you as best as can. Maybe with bulletpoints?
-January-- Stephen and I went to the Sundance Film Festival to rep our now-former client, who is doing an indie film about gentrification. Spent the week there and in Salt Lake City, and it was COLD. Were around many entertainment execs and some celebs. Got invited to Paris Hilton's premire party, but even though I wanted to go, my client and Stephen wanted to skip.
-February-- Stephen and I flew to LA and spent a week with his brother.
-March-- Got my client in the Hollywood Reporter two weeks in a row and Variety, AP, USA Today and more. Definitely a major feat for grapeVine.
April/May-- Went to the "Cry Baby" on Broadway After-Party. Saw Fran Drescher for my first time and we waved to each other!! (I was giddy like a stupid school girl. Fuck you.) Also saw, Nikki Blonsky, Jackie Hoffman, Michael Musto (see him everywhere), Kathleen Turner and John Waters. Also went to the Donna Summer new album release party at MANSION NYC, and got to sit in front row. She still kicks ass and did most of her old hits!
June-- Drove across the country with Stephen. Broke down in Christian fundie playland, Arkansas, and stayed in Austin, TX for a couple days. Then drove here to LA.
July-- I have now relocated partly to LA. I will be going back and forth as much as possible, including from this Tues (22nd) through the following. Met a lot of new friends already and went on a couple of dates. Drove up to Mullholland Dr and watched the fireworks explode over downtown LA/Hollywood. Went to an Entertainment Publicists Professional Society mixer on Wilshire and got to meet Marilyn Monroe's former publicist who is 90 years old now! Went with a new friend, Andrew, to a traditional Korean wedding, which was certainly interesting. I enjoyed taking in the cultural differences and trying all of the different dishes. Seem to be signing new clients left and right since I moved out here--including one famous TV actor, a celebrity doctor, two or three groundbreaking fashion/celeb photographers, a comedian/actress working on a new show with P Diddy, a couple of business professionals, some movies and film production companies, an Off-Broadway show about Judy Garland, a possible favorite singer of mine for about 10 years (not Tori...yet at least) and a possible red-headed comedian who might or might not be on the D-list ;)
Oh, and I got molested by "Rickie" from My So-Called Life the other night at the OUTFEST party. I nearly died. This is such a weird business with the people I run into. I'm living right now in North Hollywood, which is about 10 mins from downtown Hollywood and West Hollywood. I kind of like this area. It's a bit more suburban but close enough where everything is right here.
I never would have thought I would have started something like grapeVine. The running around kills me, but I can't complain because this is what I wanted. I may have to hire someone soon. Wow, my first employee. Absolutely nuts. In other news, I think I'm trading in my car when I get back from the East Coast, and my Grandma Bea has a tumor on her intestines, so they will have to operate on Wednesday. I really hope she pulls through! She's 84, but still feisty.
Other than that, I don't really know what else. I'm probably missing a ton of stuff, but those are the major things. I'll try to update more. I'm off to two meetings, on a Sunday.
-Steve
May. 5th, 2007
02:34 pm - Tori Amos Listens to and Sings with PS22
A few months ago, I found out about this young music teacher, Gregg, at PS22 (I think it's Staten Island, NY) who teaches his chorus class (they're around 11 and 12 years old) mostly Tori songs and other singers as well. They have even performed for Mayor Bloomberg and a whole bunch of other prominent officials.
The kids apparently really love singing and listening to Tori songs. Of course, Gregg has to change the words for some songs, as some are inappropriate for such a young age. ;)
Many Tori fans were saying that they wish Tori could see or hear them sing. Gregg posts all of these videos on Youtube.
Well, Matt Chamberlain, Tori's drummer, showed Tori the video clips and she made a surprise visit to some place in Manhattan yesterday (looks like the Sony Records building) to watch the kids perform and then she did a song with them and taught them at the same time. The kids did "Dragon," which is the last song on her new album, and she did "Father's Son" with them, which is another new song.
During "Dragon," Tori was seeing crying out of joy (it's on the video clip), and just seeing how much she touched them and how much they touched her is the most beautiful Tori moment I have ever seen. After the clips, Gregg posted a video of the kids on the bus talking about meeting her, and they all seem so excited and happy that it happened. You can watch the videos below. It's just so beyond beautiful...
Steve
Apr. 21st, 2007
09:45 am - Tori Amos -- American Doll Posse
I finally was able to download the full "American Doll Posse," Tori's new album, this week and I have to say it is purely amazing. It is a mix of everything she has ever done and a Hedwig & The Angry Inch feel through most of the album. It seems to be getting an amazing reaction throughout the fanbase.
I will give my thoughts..
Yo George-- Good for what it is, but short and forgettable in such a big album- 5/10
Big Wheel-- When it was the first song to be released, I was very excited. I like the song, but it sounds very weird on this album, because it's such a distinctive style. Sounds like a weird mix between a Gwen Stefani type of song and KT Tunstall's Black Horse and a Cherry Tree. 5/10
Bouncing Off Clouds-- Beautiful melody. One of the most beautiful melodies she has ever done. The "make it easy" part is so heartwrenching. 7/10
Teenage Hustling-- Crazy, I love it. It sounds almost exactly how I imagined it. Very dirty, gritty and Hollywood. Some of the craziest rock out moments she has ever done. 8/10
Digital Ghost-- This song is amazing. This is one of "the" songs off of this album and definitely one in her entire catalog. It sounds very Beatles-ish mixed with "Midnight Radio" from Hedwig. 9/10
You Can Bring Your Dog-- So glam-rock. Glam-rock Bowie or Stooges mixed with "Little Amsterdam." Very bluesy. The "ooh ooh oohs" are amazing. This is a really cool song. 9/10
Mr. Bad Man-- I actually like this song a lot, for what it is. It's not a rocker and doesn't claim to be, but it's one of Tori's eccentric, fun but strange songs. 6.5/10
Fat Slut--Demon Tori. Think Tori on RAINN doing her freakout, "WASH ME CLEAN DADDY." However, it is very jarring and I usually skip it. It's cool for what it is. 5/10
Girl Disappearing-- This could have easily been on Under the Pink. It is extremely similar to "She's Leaving Home" by The Beatles. It even has similar lyrics at the beginning. One of her best songs of all time. 8.50/10
Secret Spell-- Cool when it first came out, but against the album, it sucks. It should have never made it on the album. It's much too lite-pop/The Bangles. 5/10
Devils and Gods--very short interlude. The guitar sounds almost exactly like the beginning of Alanis' "Utopia." It's not bad. I don't skip it but it's not amazing either. 5.5/10
Body and Soul-- This is one of the highlights on this album. This is DEFINITELY one of her most amazing songs ever. It's like "She's Your Cocaine's" cunty sister. It is Tori rock perfection. Could have EASILY been on Choirgirl. 10/10
Father's Son--I don't know why but I really love this song. Very atmospheric. Think Mamas and the Papas or The Doors or Joni's "Woodstock." VERY 60s. My favorite line is "Can you blame nature if she's had enough of us?" 8/10
Programmable Soda-- This is a cool song. Also another easily Pele song. Kind of like Mr. Zebra mixed with The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby. I think it's one of those songs that comes off sounding like it's not deep but it is deeper than it is. "I can't let that throw me into a genital p-p-panic" 8/10
Code Red-- This is probably one of my top three favorites on this album (Body and Soul, Code Red and Dragon). It has such an urgency to it. It sounds VERY Venus and her voice is raw to beautiful and back and forth. I love it and that is all. 10/10
Roosterspur Bridge-- I like this song but the live version was so much better. It kind of sounds like the verses of "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" before the chorus comes on. The guitars on this song ruin it. It would have been better much more simple. 6.5/10
Beauty of Speed-- Heard the live version first but the studio version is really full of depth. I love when the chorus comes in. Sounds kind of video game-ish. It's very similar to Carbon or Barons or Siren. And the "See the colors changing" is one of the best thing Tori has done in years. 9/10
Almost Rosey-- I'm conflicted. I like the studio version and I also really like the live version, depending on the performance. It's VERY "American Pie." I keep hearing this song as a reprise. I wish she would have done this version near the beginning and then done a slow, orchestal reprise near the end. It just has that feeling. 8/10
Velvet Revolution--It's an interlude but one of the coolest songs Tori has ever done. Very dark and very "Cabaret." Wish it were longer. 8/10
Dark Side of the Sun-- "Virginia" meets "Spark" Great song but since it's the closer on the regular disc (as opposed to the bonus disc), I really don't think it works well. It's not long enough. It works well as a second to last song, possibly. However, with that said, it is a very cool song and the "We have to soldier on, yes girl, even when we don't feel strong. So how many young men have to lay down their life and their love of their woman for some sick promise of a heaven?" is great. 8.5/10
Posse Bonus-- It's a tongue-in-cheek, funny bonus song. It's nothing shocking but it's catchy and funny. It's good for what it is. It reminds me of the Austin Powers' song. Not sure which one, but when all of the people are playing with their umbrellas or something. It ALSO reminds me of another 60s song. Can't think of which one tho. 7.5/10
Smokey Joe- So creepy. Could have been on Venus. It even has those airy swirl songs like at the beginning of "Bliss." The lyrics are even stranger, considering Pip (the rocker character) is now split into Pip 1 and Pip 2. I almost feel like it could be related to "Suede" since it mentions twins or something. This is one of the darkest songs Tori has EVER done. 9.5/10
Dragon- Pure perfection. It goes so many places and it is so visual and intimate. God, this is one of my favorite Tori songs ever. I can't even explain how amazing it is. 10/10
I never would have thought that after The Beekeeper, she would have come back with such force. I know, I know..I loved The Beekeeper when it came out. The problem with The Beekeeper was that the songs, for the most part, had no depth. You either liked them right from the beginning or didn't. On this album, there are songs that definitely grow on you. Beekeeper was a safe record. This is a risky, experimental album. If Strange Little Girls didn't exist, this album probably would have come between Venus and Scarlet. I feel that this album will go down in Tori history as one of her top albums. The only problem is that it is not very cohesive. Scarlets Walk was a perfectly cohesive album. This album is all over the place--or at least seems that way now.
As for her performances, I think this might be one of her best tours. Watching her perform at radio concerts, tv shows and other, doing pre-album publicity, she seems to really be having fun with these songs. She seems to have her energy back.
Steve
Feb. 23rd, 2007
09:34 am - To All Of My Friends
I apologize. I have not posted on here in months, and that is unlike me.
I've created sort of a list of the things going on recently.
Wow, it has been an exciting couple of weeks!!!
- I spent New Year's Eve in Atlantic City with George and his bf David. Great Time, but how anti-climactic at midnight.
- I've been going into Manhattan with George a lot lately. We go to AREA, 1984, etc. It's always a good time..listening to my 80s music and David Bowie in the car, and getting home at 5 or 6 a.m.
- My grandfather unfortunately passed away last month after fighting for months. The funeral was very hard on everyone, but I still feel him in spirit.
- I went to the Garden State Woman of the Year luncheon last month with my ex-boss Sylvia and ex-coworker, Doreen. She won the award I nominated her for. She was ecstatic.
- I FINALLY drove into Manhattan and did a damn good job, actually. I drove around mid-town and I also drove to the East Side. My parents said they were shocked that my second time driving in the city was flawless. My father said I drive like a "NYC Cab Driver."
- I went to a cool reception for a client at the famed Friars Club in Manhattan.
- Yesterday, I sold a story idea to the Wall Street Journal!!!! I'm only an Assistant Acct. Exec and the only people in my office who usually ever get WSJ hits are Vice Presidents. Everyone was VERY excited. I was SO excited!!! That is the HOLY Grail. You cannot do better than the Wall Street Journal in my business. I'm now already in an entirely different league!
- Lisa, Brian and I went before the mayor and council this week to present our PR Plan for the Freehold Boro PR Committee. They liked the idea--are probably going to go for it. Now I'm getting calls for interviews from the press about it. I was already interviewed by one reporter from the local paper who was asking me about what I want to see happen for the town, for me, etc. So exciting and I really hope it takes off. I would love to see my town, Freehold Boro, flourish.
- I may be getting a client on HGTV! Keep you tuned!
- I've taken on a pro-bono client for myself. A gay, mystery author, from Freehold. I'm trying to get him book signings and things. He's a great person, really funny and he's a great writer! He's thinking of writing a series. I'm actually surprised he doesn't have a publisher yet. I'm trying to get him one. I know Alyson (where my ex-bf works) had told him they liked his work not too long ago.
- My band profile on Someday Never will be in Barfly magazine in March. Look for it--it's free.
- I was just secured a two-page feature story on Kruise Nite for Barfly magazine in May! I'm working together with my ex-boss Sylvia on it.
Great things happening! I will keep you all updated!! :)
Steve
Dec. 26th, 2006
09:02 pm - Christmas
I always compile an after-the-fact Christmas list of what I got. This year was a little more toned down, but I got some cool stuff. I still have to go out and buy a GPS Nav. system for my car, an Andy Warhol book of art, and a portable turntable, but that will leave me stuff to buy during the new year..so that's cool.
Apple Soundsticks computer speakers
Regina Spektor- Begin to Hope
United 93 DVD
An engraved, with SPL (my initials) silver business card holder (from Jason)
An autographed, framed photo of Fran Drescher (haha!)
WeirdNJ Book, Volume 1
An autographed framed photo of Alanis
A print of an autographed Joni Mitchell photo from my favorite Joni album, Hejira.
Some musical ties
Some flavoring for tequila shots
Two iPod mini covers
A good quality fountain pen for work
$125 in checks
And then some sweaters I'll probably never wear
So yeah..it was a pretty alright Christmas. Not the best, but certainly not the worst. As the years go by, it's starting to lose its meaning. It's not as fun as when I was younger, but it's always pretty nice. I just still cannot believe it was a year ago since the last Christmas. That went FAST!
Steve
Dec. 17th, 2006
09:01 pm - Night From Hell
So generally..when you hear of nights like this, you envision a bad scene from a movie, but this was real.
George and I were going to Danielle's bday party at Culture Club in Manhattan. It's an 80s club with a 90s club addition to it. I was very excited, and drove up to his house in Upper Saddle River, and then we were to pick up Donielle (not Danielle, btw) and her bf, and go to the club in the city.
Well we got to her house, and she was very late, and when she came out, we took Donielle's Land Rover, and George drove, since Donielle has a DWI and her license was revoked. So basically, George was doing her a big favor.
We got to the club, parked around the corner, and went in. It was a really cool concept. All sorts of 80s memorabilia around, tv screens playing Breakfast Club, pac-man all over the walls, a Delorian..you get the picture. However, it was so overcommercialized that it reminded me of how Woodstock 99 was--trying to live off the hype of Woodstock 69, yet not really the same. Everytime you stopped, bouncers would yell at you to not stand around...we got yelled at for leaving a door with an exit sign. No alarm went off, and George was already out onto the sidewalk, when the bouncer told him he had to come back in, and go back out the door, 2 feet away. The music was good, but that was it. And the crowd was mostly straight, and straight crowds are generally..I hate to say it..not fun at all. We went up to the 90s club, which was similar, and had a Ford Bronco..Monica statue wearing a dress with "cum stains", 90210 playing, etc.
At around 2:30 a.m., we wanted to leave, since we still had to go back to NNJ, and then I had a long drive ahead of me. Donielle, her bf, Danielle, and Moises were all drunk. Danielle and Moises were going to take the subway or something back to Brooklyn, but Donielle told her George would drive her. He refused, because he doesn't know Brooklyn, it was 3 a.m., and we all couldn't fit in the Land Rover. So we leave the club, and George pulls around to pick Donielle and her bf up. She's on the street totally drunk..not listening. George almost gets a ticket. Keeps calling her...FINALLY she comes over with Danielle and Moises. George refuses to drive them, citing all of the reasons. Danielle throws a hissy fit, screaming at the top of her lungs that it's the worst bday she ever had. Then Donielle says that her bf should drive, even though HE"S DRUNK. George would, thank god, not get out of the driver's seat. I'm standing out on the sidewalk...they're all screaming at each other.
This goes on for a good 10 mins. Moises starts going "George..out of the driver's seat...George..out of the driver's seat...give him the keys..out of the driver's seat." George and I were the only ones that didn't drink. All of a sudden, I lost my temper and started screaming that I need to get home by 7 a.m. and that I refuse to drive back that late and fall asleep at the wheel and crash. FINALLY, George goes "DONIELLE GET IN THE CAR! STEVE GET IN THE CAR. LOCK THE DOORS" so finally Donielle listened. And he pulled away. Then...we're on the Henry Hudson in traffic. Donielle is bitching that she has to pee...mumbling all sorts of shit...then starts yelling out the back window to someone next to us that her pussy hurts, and then her bf starts puking out of the back window. Sure..he could have driven...right? So then George and I glanced over at each other like "This is now the lowest this night can go.."
It was totally a night from hell. George said he will NEVER do Donielle a favor again, and I don't blame him. Today Danielle called up George and texted me and apologized to us..mostly to George. I really just have no tolerance for drunk people. I've witnessed this behavior in so many people over the past few years, that I just think there is no excuse for it. People become so out of line and dangerous... If we weren't there, the bf would have gotten behind the wheel...all drunk...started puking out the window, and crashed the car. What if they had crashed into someone else?? It's just ridiculous. No tolerance at all.
Steve
Dec. 13th, 2006
06:38 pm - Weird Connection
So, I'm not sure if anyone remembers this place, but back in the 80s, I used to go to this ice cream parlour called Farrell's, in East Brunswick. I guess there were other locations, but this was the closest one.
It used to traumatize me because for someone's birthday, they would ring some siren or do something that was VERY loud, and being a young kid, I would get really scared. It was a pretty popular place though..
Anyway..I was reminiscing about it with a co-worker, and she remembers the place.
I was just looking up the history of the place and this was used as their logo for a short time in the beginning of the company. This was back a LONG time ago. But I saw the photo and it hit me-- it's either from the beginning of "Cheers' or "Growing Pains." How weird that I've seen that photo on the show for so long, and never realized it came from this ice cream parlour. - Steve
Dec. 2nd, 2006
04:52 pm - First Week at Beckerman PR
So, yesterday was my third day at Beckerman Public Relations.
I have to say that I LOVE my new job! The office is really cool. Very modern looking. Orange and Silver painted walls....cool Ikea-style furniture...big glass doors..cool orange chairs. We all get eMacs. My co-workers are all very very friendly and easy to get along with. Very laid-back. Even the CEO, Michael Beckerman, is very approachable. Everyone, whether they are superiors or not, acts equal to each other. It's great. I have to say that I am very happy here.
However, the commute is hellish. It's 1 1/2 hours each way! Sometimes longer. This is in heavy traffic on 287 and the Parkway. Coming back there's traffic on Route 9. It's just unbearable.
Yesterday was great though. I'm finally starting to adjust. We had the holiday party at Maggiano's in Bridgewater. Very good place. After the party, which was my second day of work, I already felt at home with my co-workers. Yesterday, I pitched a profile press release story to a trade publication, and within 10 mins they wrote back that they would like to write a feature in their February edition. It was great! I think my boss was really happy. Basically, all of our clients are real estate (commercial & residential), attorneys, banking, and soon some accounting firms. I'm trying to get some more clients for us. As of the 2006 NJBIZ, we were ranked #6 for PR in NJ....I'm sure it has gone up in the year..and Michael Beckerman expects us to become huge, I feel. I really want to prove myself at this job. I really love it here!
Steve
![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/charitycam/suns/happy.gif){kind=small}
optimisticNov. 16th, 2006
05:03 pm - Big Week - Five Big Things
So this past week or two has been pretty crazy.
1.) I got a new job!!! Beckerman Public Relations, the 6th largest (or maybe higher now) PR firm in the state! Most of our clients are real estate, law, and banking. I'm starting out as an Assistant Account Executive, with a chance to move up fast, since it's rapidly expanding. It's in Bedminster, so it's a good haul every day, but I'll deal. Very excited to start on the 29th! Benefits after 3 months!
2.) My 82 year old grandfather fell and hit his head last week. He went into a coma the next day, and everyone pretty much said he would die. After everyone went through a grieving process, the surgeon removed "the biggest clot" he's ever seen, and my grandfather came through the surgery. He started to do better and came out of the coma, but just slept. Then he almost died again. And now he's back and talking and knows his name and everything, in only a week. The doctor said it was a miracle. Someone told my father, "you people don't die!" So let me add, after an H-bomb, the three things still alive will be cockroaches, Cher, and The Le Vine's.
3.) My dad won the council election with the most votes of all. He will once again be the councilman for his third term, with a three-year term.
4.) I decided to not go to the OUT 100 Awards on Friday. I know..I'm crazy, but I wasn't in the mood. I had a really fun day with George. We took the Benz out, with the top down, and drove into Manhattan. I bought a cool black pinstriped velvet blazer in Macy's on 34th street. Then we met up with Danielle, and my cousin Joanna. Hopped in a cab and went to this really good sushi restaurant in the village. Then got some cupcakes at the famous Magnolia's Bakery. He got his eyebrows waxed, and I almost signed up for laser surgery to smoothen out my face, but then ruled out that I'd rather go somewhere nearby. We left and went to SWITCH, in Boonton, which used to be Connexions. It's in an old railroad station. It was alright.
5.) My parents and I went into the city on Saturday to help my Grandma Bea move into her new apartment in Riverdale, which is a nice town below Yonkers. She was acting crazy and kept yelling at all of us. I guess she was stressed from the whole move. She's 82 years old. I found an old painting that my mom did in the 70s. It's really colorful and unique, so I took it home and put it on my wall. It looks really cool. Saw my cousin Seth and his girlfriend Yve, and then left and we found this really amazing diner on Rt 4 in Paramus, called Coach House Diner.
And that's pretty much the update for the past week or two..
Steve
Nov. 2nd, 2006
12:48 am - OUT 100 Awards and After Party!!!
So I'm going to the 2006 OUT 100 Awards this year, at Capitale, in Manhattan next Friday! George will be my guest!
I am overly excited! Susan Sarandon, Rufus Wainwright, Anne Hathaway, Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, Iman, David Bowie, among others!
First, it will start off with the red carpet gathering...then the OUT 100 Awards ceremony, and then after parties throughout the night!
I will be meeting up with Will Wikle, of Logo's Roundtrip Ticket, and possibly, Wilson Cruz....Ricky from My So-Called Life....but not sure if he's coming yet. I sent him a message.
Really really excited! I am curious to see what they have in the gift bags! I will tell you all about it when I get back from it next week.
Other than that..had an interview today at a big PR firm in NNJ. It went well. Hope I get it. I have the Sylvia's Children fundraiser brunch this Sunday. That's about it. Ciao!
Steve
Oct. 15th, 2006
11:20 am - Fun Birthday
So I've had a fun birthday so far.
Yesterday, my parents and I went into Manhattan. Parked the car on 42nd street and went to have lunch. I wanted to do some shopping, so I popped into good ol' Louis Vuitton and bought a wallet. It was funny, because there was another one, that I wasn't really fond of, and I asked one of the people working there about it. He pretty much acted like he didn't want to help me, because he didn't think I was going to buy it. So I went over to another employee there and said..."Hi...That wallet over there...I want that." He goes "Oh..you want to see it?" I said.... "No..I want to buy it.."
So when the other guy saw me whip out my card and sign for it, he was pretty pissed. I gave him a nice little dirty look as I walked out of the store. I saw someone that looked like Nicole Richie when I was in there..huge sunglasses. I dont think it was her though.
Then we headed over to the Museum of Modern Art. Saw lots of my favorite artists--Warhol, Kandinsky, Picasso, Dali, and Chagall...although I was kind of upset they only had one Chagall. Grrr! We then stopped in to the museum cafe, and I had the most amazing hot chocolate ever! We had dinner at a Thai restaurant on 51st/52nd and 8th, called Siam Inn..and then left.
I ended the night at Paradise, with George, David, Jason, Anthony, Chris, and Andy. It wasn't packed last night, but George and I had fun dancing to Madonna as usual. He was doing all sorts of back flips on the dance floor and crazy moves. I couldn't keep up. Then we went over to that disgusting "Chat and Nibble." I wasn't impressed by the food I ordered. I haven't been in the past month or two. Maybe they changed owners? Oh...and I was assaulted getting in my car by this weird freaky kid I called "Frankenstein," who insisted on telling me that he "should stop doing drugs at the club, because he hasn't gotten much dick." I'm like "On that note. I have to go." What a freak.
I am now 25 today! I cannot believe it. I hope I stay looking this young. Everyone still thinks I'm 18. I guess it's a good thing. ;)
Steve
Oct. 8th, 2006
03:34 pm - No tolerance for nasty people
First off, the temperature dropped and I immediately got sick. I've been coughing, sneezing, and feverish for the past two nights. When looking back at almost exactly the same time, in my Livejournal archive, I had the SAME thing. Every time the temperature changes drastically, I get so sick. Ugh.
Yesterday was Oktoberfest in Clifton. That town is such a dump. I wish they would bulldoze it. Basically they are a client of the PR firm I work for. There's the Downtown Clifton Economic Development Group, and then there's us. The two fight constantly, but most of the time in a sneaky way. Well, just them really. Finally, Sylvia wrote them to say something along the lines of, "Dont worry about not taking us back next year. We dont want YOU back. And maybe you should promote Angela (executive director) to Event Manager and get someone else to do the job she's supposed to do. lmao.
Well, I went in to tell Jerry from Midtown Grill that he had to move down a block, since we were shifting it down a street. The mayor (who I didnt know at the time) gets up and starts making nasty comments. I ended up walking out on both of them. Then he was going back and forth and stirring the pot.
Then Jerry was being nasty to me..then the vaccuum cleaner store guy comes out of his store. He is just a weirdo. He starts yelling at Jane and I (I think), "You're so stupid! You're so stupid! Get a brain." We just ignored him. Then Jane notified this Indian couple (he spoke perfect english) to please move their car, since the street was closed. All of a sudden, the vaccuum cleaner guy yells out at them, "LEARN ENGLISH!" and the indian couple were in shock. I was in shock.
That's only a small portion of the things that happened yesterday in Clifton. I'm sorry, but it's just ridiculous and disgusting. That town should be bulldozed. What a dump.
Steve
Oct. 4th, 2006
06:53 pm - Toodles Mr. Foley
So two things:
1. I had an interview today with Resound Marketing, a PR firm in Princeton. Princeton is really nice! I would love to work there. The interview, I thought, went extremely well...but at the end, she said something along the lines of interviewing more people over the next two weeks..so who knows...I REALLYYY Hope I get it..aghhh.
2. Fox News has been putting "D-FL" (democrat-Florida) next to Mark Foley's name when they talk about him, instead of R-FL (republican-Florida). If you don't know, Mark Foley is a senator or congressman from Florida who was just caught with sexually explicit emails and IMs to his young boy interns. Apparently, lots of Republicans knew about it and covered it up, so it's becoming an election year scandal. The first excuse, after he resigned, is that he is an alcoholic. (Because alcohol makes someone molest children!!!!!), and now he came out as gay and that he was molested by clergyman, as a kid. (Yeah, because that makes someone gay!!!). Anyway, Fox News is putting him as a democrat so that people dont think it's a Republican. How fucking sneaky!
I think the best part is how it is now turning against the republicans. They tried to use gay people as an issue to help bolster their polling scores during 2004..one of the reasons Bush "won." But now, I think it's funny that one of their own people turned out to be gay, and did these horrible things..it's now going to probably lose them the House to the Democrats! KARMA's a BITCH, ISNT IT!
Steve
Sep. 27th, 2006
02:52 pm - Tori Amos: A Piano- TheCollection
So last night I stopped at the mall to trade in some CDs and DVDs so that I could buy the new Tori Amos boxset.
I feel really bad because I traded in the Murphy Brown dvd season 1 collection for $3, and my dad probably spent $30 on it..but by the time I tried to take it back, it was too late.
But the guy yelled over "Hey -----,can you grab that Tori Amos boxset that came in today?"and he brought it over to me, and the thing is a monster. It is bigger than I thought and feels and looks just like a mini piano. The keys feel so real.
Inside is a book and five CDs. Let me just say--Tori did an amazing amazing job with this. She CLEANED up Little Earthquakes, released a ton of her b-sides, unreleased songs, new songs, demos and remixes of older songs. It is soo worth the money. You can find it anywhere between $45 and $90.
Steve
Sep. 25th, 2006
12:21 pm - I miss Denver
So today in the car on the way to work I really started to get upset.
My Aunt Candy, Uncle Lewis and cousins Joanna and Seth moved to Denver, Colorado in the late 80s, and I've been going there since I was 7 I think. I have so many memories of going there. Going to "The Wizards Chest," the New Mexico and Wyoming trips, the Amtrak train trip, Cherry Creek Mall, and all of Joanna's birthday visits from 2001/2002-2004.
I really have many memories of going there and playing Oregon Trail and Wheel of Fortune on Joanna's old computer in the basement and Aunt Candy's beautiful house on South Kearny Street. Denver was almost my second home. I used to LOVE going there.
But a year ago, Joanna moved out to NYC. Then my Aunt moved to CT and my Uncle just moved to NYC two weeks ago. Now my Grandma Bea obviously has to move out here..to Riverdale NY. This all happened because the house had to be sold..some sort of contract was up.
Now no one is going to be left in Denver. There pretty much is no reason for me to visit, except that I love the city, but if I go, it will be very lonely.
It really hit me today in the car. I didn't cry or anything, but it feels like a pet dying. It truly is the end of an era, and it's really saddening. And the worst part is that they're bulldozing their old house, which adds insult to injury.
I guess I just needed to vent...
Steve
![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/charitycam/suns/sad.gif){kind=small}
sad12:14 pm - Nostalgic Weekend
I had a fun weekend.
Friday night Kevin came over and we went to the mall and Applebees. Haven't seen him in months. We're both always busy.
Saturday, my laptop crashed again. This time the hard drive was shot..so $300 later, Apple is fixing it. I'm going to try to get them to pay for it, since it seems defective, but who knows..
I then got dragged to Fern and Richie's house for dinner for Rosh Hashana. We took my grandparents and the dinner was good. Then my dad rushed me back home to meet Jason, Anthony and George at Paradise. Everyone was there that night. I saw Kevin again, and his friend Joe. We had a good time, and then went to the Chat & Nibble afterwards. Outside, some guy almost got in my car for a "ride" but I quickly drove away. So scary.
Sunday, my parents and I went into Manhattan to see my Aunt and Uncle's new apartment for Rosh Hashana. It's right by Columbia University, since my uncle got a job there. The apartment is on 125th Street and Riverside Drive. The view is AMAZING! You can see Riverside Church (where I saw Tori in Nov 2002), Grant's Tomb, and the Hudson River. I'm so jealous. I got to see Joanna and Grandma Bea. We all had a good time and had good food. Then we left and hopped on the East Side (FDR) and drove all the way into Brooklyn and dropped Joanna off. We drove the BQE, which we hadn't been on in years..since Grandma Bea lived in Queens..93? We came over the Verrazano into Staten Island and then went to Ruby Tuesdays in Old Bridge.
Now I'm back at work on Monday...quiet day.
Steve
![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/charitycam/suns/thoughtful.gif){kind=small}
nostalgicSep. 21st, 2006
11:51 am - Thank God
Thank God for body clocks.
I went to Feathers last night, up in Paramus. It's my Wednesday night routine with George, and it is a long haul but I've been in the mood to go lately, again, so I've been going.
I turned the sound off on my phone. BIG MISTAKE! Because I dont hear the alarm the next morning for work. Well today I would have really needed it. I didnt walk in the door until 3:30, and got to sleep around 4 a.m. Had to be up for work at 7:30, so I could leave the house by 8:15 to make it to work.
Well, I obviously didn't hear the alarm, since the sound was off. I woke up, SOMEHOW, at 8:15..feeling tired but felt like I really slept a long time, which was weird. I rushed out the door and miraculously, with all the slow traffic, got to the office RIGHT on the dot.
Thank GOD I somehow woke myself up on time. How weird.
Steve
Sep. 20th, 2006
04:05 pm - I found out zero ground
A lot of little stuff has happened since I last posted...but I'll try to keep it brief.
Work is running smoothly. I finally have a bit more time and am not so overloaded. We're running a Sylvia's Children fundraiser brunch at the Buttonwood Manor on Nov 5, so we sent out tons of invitations. I dug up Bruce Springsteen's address from the computer, along with Bon Jovi's, and Alanis' I knew, so I sent her a packet and invitation straight to her house in Brentwood. LOL. Let's see if she donates something or responds. That would be cool. I also sent one to Bill Clinton's office in Harlem, and put in a request online for him to show up. His office called yesterday and said he unfortunately couldn't make it. What a surprise. Oh well.
Other than that, I'm still organizing Battle of the Bands for Freehold. Clifton's looks like it's cancelled. I'm basically running the whole show for the Freehold one since no one else has any clue on how it is organized. I said I'd even do the PR for it through my company and absorb any costs. George and I might be going back to London for a weekend coming up in October, but we have to see. It's either that or Montreal, but I'm not a big fan of Montreal.
Now the coolest news-- There is a LOT of speculation around what direction Tori is going in for the next album in 2007. Every interview she keeps saying that she can't talk about it, and that she has something up her sleeve. She also said her boxset "A PIANO" marks the end of an era, of the last 15 years, and that she's jumping ship and basically that something new is happening. Everyone, including me, is speculating that she is quitting piano for now and going to surprise us with guitar. I think this would be beyond amazing. I'm even theorizing that this unknown guitar person on the past two albums, "Mac Aladdin," has been Tori. Who knows? The only thing that is weird is that she has basically stated that the past 15 yrs mark an era, and that now things will be different. Then in one interview, the guy said "Does this mean you're going to rock out now?" and she paused and said, "Well...I think I may just do that. I'm 43 now..maybe it's the right time.." but almost as if that IS what she's doing and she's teasing us. Who knows..
Anyway..that's about it for now.
Steve
Sep. 6th, 2006
12:39 pm - And I go to work every morning..wondering why...
So it's September..and no school. What a weird feeling. Going to work every day, and craving the weekends...
I kind of like the fact that I can now make more money, save some and pay bills off, so that I can move into a nice apartment or house..but it's not all it's cracked up to be. I kind of miss going up to school...albeit mostly just for the social aspect.
Monday was my father's 50th...so we all went out to Lobster Shanty. My family is N.U.T.S. My aunt was playing the piano and the owner came over. So weird.
Today I'm in Toms River, managing the farmers' market. It's a snoozefest, but at least it breaks up the monotony of the week. I've been so overwhelmed the past week or two with press releases that need to be done, battle of the bands, which was postponed, PSAs, and other work. Not that I don't get it done on time..I do..but it will be good when I can pace myself a bit better. My boss seems to like me. She even emailed my father (whom she knows for years) to express how much she likes me and that I'm a good employee. I wish she would show me with money..not tell me. Oh well.
Bought some cool square glass sushi plates and some other cool stuff the other day..for when I move in some place..but I'm not settling for some $700/$800 a month dump...it's either going to be a house or a nice apt/condo in a nice area..because I'm not settling. We'll see..
Steve
Navigate: (Previous 20 Entries)