UrbanAddiction.com: June 2006 Archives

June 30, 2006

Back With Some Recommendations

I did as I vowed on my vacation and it was lovely. I'm back on a sleep schedule, (like a newborn!) alert and oriented once more. I was SPENT when I left for vacation, but the time away was just what I needed. Here are some finer points to mull over...

* See George Clooney's film Syriana. I loved this movie. It was really compelling and educational. It's a little fast to keep up with at first, but stick with it. The film provides loads of great information to research later plus new insights on the way governments think.

* Do Joisey- New Jersey is a pretty state over all and it's very inexpensive. The New Jersey shore is crowded and I would steer clean of Ocean City and Wildwood unless you adore spending time around other peoples kids. I prefer Sea Isle, Avalon and Stone Harbor myself. Warning: Jersey drivers are bad at giving directions so map quest or hit the tourist places for local directions. They have long stretches of highway and you want to avoid being lost.

* Eat healthy- I've been on this kick anyway and it was really easy while on vacation. Healthy foods taste great and are so satisfying. On my vacation I ate lobster, clams, shrimp and sea scallops every day. Salads and baked potatoes are yummy too.

* Use a self-tanner people. If you really need to be another shade don't damage your skin on beaches or tanning beds. IT WILL SHOW UP WHEN YOU ARE 40. People ask me all the time why I have no wrinkles at 43. Sure part is genetics but I always tell them I was never a sun worshipper. As a natural red head I couldn't afford to be. A wicked sun burn was always sneaking up on me with any time spent in the sun. Global warming is here and UV rays are the skins worst enemy.

* Finally- This Sunday the second of July, Sci- Fi channel is hosting a Twilight Zone marathon! Oh my goodness, I love those old shows especially the episodes where people go crazy over crank phone calls or wrong numbers! They lose their minds! These shows are so cheesy because we are so beyond what they deemed frightening. Or are we????? *Cue the music

Posted by Liz at 01:54 PM | Feedback (3)

June 22, 2006

Off For Eight Days!

RULZ for vaca: No make-up, curly hair and get ups that would put Mary-Kate Olsen to shame! Relaxation, reading and seafood every night is on the itinerary.

Posted by Liz at 09:11 PM | Feedback (5)

June 20, 2006

This Won't Make Sense to You

"Most of us were told as children not to say can't and to never say never. We rephrase our negative thoughts and statements in the positive and in the present, as if the positive already exists. Our outlook and, amazingly, our circumstances brighten considerably. Ideas about how to move forward pop into our head, replacing excuses with a powerful energy -- an energy that moves us toward accomplishing our goals. "

This has been a really good day thus far. Starting a new goal always feels good now I have to work on phase two- motivation. Hooray for me job well done!

Posted by Liz at 11:47 AM | Feedback (3)

June 19, 2006

Kids Say the Damnedest Things

At the end of the school year one of the students on my bus decided to invite me out for drinks. Here is how that conversation went...

Fifteen year old boy: Ms. Liz, do you drink?

Me: *Stammering, hemming, hawing* Well yes, in social situations like weddings. (Read: Or if some guy wants to get me liquored up- I'm joking people!)

Fifteen year old boy: Would you go out with me and XXX for a drink?

Me: * Thinking of a response that won't shatter the kid's ego or be used against me in a court of law* Maybe someday when your over 21.

Fifteen year old boy: Let's see I'll be 21 in six years, and your 43 now so that will make you........

Me: *OMG! Is this kid going to tell me how old I'll be in six years?* STOP! I get the picture!

Fifteen year old boy: *Ponders* You will be 49 then.

Me: *Totally shattered and depressed at the thoughts of me being 49 yrs old in six years* I really don't think you guys are going to want to have drinks with a 49 year old. *End of discussion*

Posted by Liz at 08:22 AM | Feedback (0)

June 18, 2006

Retail Therapy

Today's retail field trip took me to the Plaza at King of Prussia. Several lovely purchases were made. I should be all set for my vacation- I can't wait!

* Silver hoop earrings (Lord & Taylor)

* Frederic Fekkai curl conditioner and a cherry lip gloss (Sephora)

* Two scarfs (Lucky Brand)

* A 20 minute glorious chair massage

* One pair of jeweled sandals (Nordstrom)

* A staw hat (Nordstrom)

Posted by Liz at 11:36 PM | Feedback (2)

June 17, 2006

My i-Tunes Playlist

Here are a few favorite songs that I actually listen to on my i-Pod nano.

"Buggin' Out": Tribe Called Quest blew my mind with their vocals. I listened to them over and over again in 90's.

"Giving In" : I first saw Adema live at the X Games in Philly and they rocked so I saw them live three more times. They were my first mosh pit band!

"Rock Lobster" : The B-52's were played at every house party I went to in high school. My little nieces love this song now.

"No Sleep Till Brooklyn": The Beastie Boys are slammin' the lyrics on this track.

"The Metro": Smooth vocals and lyrics of Berlin remind me of being in Paris and lying ex-boyfriends.

"Human Behaviour" : The beat drives me nuts and so does Bjork's voice.

"Venus as a Boy": Very sexy vocals and lyrics again from Bjork. This song reminds me of sun shining on a cold Winter's day.

"She Sells Sanctuary": I danced many a night to this Cult song long ago at a club in Philly called Revival. It was an old church and this song played there all the time.

"Ashes to Ashes": I was a senior in high school and a friend played Bowie and Blonde in her car all the time. I love the lyrics.

"Fame": This was my first 45 record and I played it over and over. I still love the blend and the beat of all the sounds, not to mention David Bowie's vocals. I would take Bowie over The Rolling Stones any day.

"People are People": I saw Depeche Mode in the 80's and this song's lyrics are as relevant as ever.

"After the Love is Gone": The vocals are gorgeous. I saw Earth, Wind and Fire in concert years ago with a boyfriend and it was all couples at the show.

"We Want Eazy" : I adore the vocals and the beats on this and I never get tired of hearing Eazy E. He gives me a jolt.

"Microphone Fiend": Eric B. & Rakim are SLAMMING the beats and rhymes. I STILL love these gods of hip/hop and listen to them often.

"Bring Me To Life": Fallen by Evanescence is a great CD. Her vocals are amazing and I'm still hooked on these songs.

"Scarface": The Geto Boys are the soundtrack to a wild stage in my life. The raps and beats are bumping and my girlfriends and I laughed hysterically to the lyrics.

"Steady Mobbin' " : Ice Cube was kickin' out the steady beats and cool lyrics that are addictive.

"Jane Says": It's one of my all time favorite songs from one of my all time favorite bands- Jane's Addiction. Perry Farrell's vocals are amazing and this song is hypnotic with steel drums.

"Smile Like You Mean It": I could cry when I hear The Killers. Their music is so touching and heartfelt.

"Crawling": Linkin Park takes me to a sad place with the vocals and music on this track.

"Kick Out The Jams": MC5 totally delivers kick ass rock & roll on this one.

"Operate": I love Peaches and on this track she tells men to hold still so she can operate. I love that!

"Runnin' " : Pharcyde does this addictive track by sampling RUN DMC and lyrics that are totally relatable for me.

"Breathe" : The Prodigy never gets old for me. Their sound and vocals are addictive and I love the English accents.

"Can't Truss It" : I saw Public Enemy live and they really opened my mind. These beats and Flava Flav are slammin'.

"Testify": Rage Against the Machine is another all time favorite band that opened my mind. When I had a job I hated, I listened to this CD on the way to work everyday.

"Spaceship" : Sean Lennon is so ahead of his time and he is releasing a new CD in September. Into The Sun is a CD I listened too for a year straight. I love this track.

"Something Else" : Is a really fun song and still so socially relevant. The Sex Pistols never get old or dull.

"Black Coffee in Bed" : Squeeze did a video of this song in the 80's with a bi-racial couple in bed and I thought that was so cool.

"Last Night" : I love this song by The Strokes and Is This It is a great CD.

"MotorCrash" : The Sugarcubes CD Life's Too Good has one great pop/alternative song after another with Bjork's vocal's.

"Say It Ain't So" : Weezer's lyrics make me cry because the song reminds me of alcoholism and it's effects.

"London Calling" : The Clash inspire me and take me to another place every time I hear this song.

Posted by Liz at 01:04 AM | Feedback (12)

June 16, 2006

Love This!

I love this dress (As seen on P. Hilton) and the shoes. I want to find out where she got the dress. The other day PH was seen wearing a really cool Ciao Manhattan tee-shirt with Edie on it and I did manage to locate that but decided on a Turner Classic Movie tee instead. I want to find this dress!

Click image to enlarge

Posted by Liz at 09:04 PM | Feedback (1)

Don't Be Cruel

"The internet can be depressing, bringing crulety into your life and people you wouldn't normally want contact with a little closer." ~Lisa Nola

So many mean things are said and done on the net. Everyone can comment and it really brings out all the people who don't have a voice else where in their lives. I have become very selective over the years. Maybe it's time for me to apply those standards to my web surfing.

Posted by Liz at 09:03 AM | Feedback (4)

June 14, 2006

I Want!

Adorable Betsy Johnson looking shoes for summer-$38.00 Rampage.com

Posted by Liz at 08:17 PM | Feedback (0)

June 13, 2006

Designing Mr. Right

Today was a slow day at work but in the course of doing my job I met a couple of men & I began thinking if I could design the perfect man at this stage of my life what would I look for? One needs to reevaluate these things from time to time, write it down and then turn it over to the universe.

* A widower. One whose wife was gone for at least 2 years (a decent amount of time to grieve), children would be fine but hopefully no more than two off spring.

* A decent job and a decent car. Neither should be shabby or age inappropriate. I will not date policemen or male nurses- too many issues.

* A guy who is politically and environmentally conscience. NO HUGE TRUCKS OR MOTORCYCLES PLEASE, no exceptions.

* Non-smoker, no drugs, light social drinker like myself.

* Has priorities such as humor, honesty, monogamy, family and friends.

* Someone who enjoys going out at least once a week, work doesn't count.

* Common interests should include reading, traveling, socializing, quiet nights at home watching DVDs.

* We should meet by fate and or mutial friend fix-up, not some personal ad or myspace cruising- that rings of desperation. We should be an unexpected surprise for one another, not two dead batteries trying to start a car.

* My ideal man should come from a quality family that has a certain amount of resources.

* No drug history or police records. Since I have neither I don't think that's too much to ask in someone else.

* This person should be my intellectual equal, well read and informed so we can chat for hours. He should also be spiritually fit with some insight into people and a desire to grow and change as a person.

Okay that's about it I guess. I don't care so much about looks although he should think I am beautiful. If he has these qualities I will be attracted to him.

Sign me-

Single and Not Settling

Posted by Liz at 07:41 PM | Feedback (2)

Cheese steaks on your Birthday

"They don't know how lucky they are. All we're asking them to do is learn the English language," said Geno's owner Joseph Vento, 66. "We're out to help these people, but they've got to help themselves, too."

Today is the The Divine One's birthday and forever it shall be etched in Philadelphia history that the Geno's speak English sign controversy rages on even gaining momentum. Mr. Vento who has a ninth grade education, is put off that some aren't picking up a second language at a faster rate of speed. I called Ms. Jimmi this morning and suggested on this auspicious occasion she should dress in drag, head over to Geno's, order a cheesesteak in Spanish and I would capture it all on digital camera! We could upload it on YOUTUBE and save it for posterity. All we need is a posse to escort us and then it's off to Pat's for the best cheese steak in town!

Happy Birthday Jimmi, you're the best! XOXO

Sara & The Divine Ms. Jimmi looking every bit South Philly and speaking English!

The infamous sign. Nice way to run a business huh?

Posted by Liz at 10:48 AM | Feedback (5)

June 12, 2006

At The Risk Of Sounding Like Stuart Smalley

Recently I heard Santino Rice drive this slogan home- All the right people get me, ALL THE RIGHT PEOPLE GET ME. What a great attitude to live by, I just love it.

For those of you who don't know Santino Rice is a designer and runner up from Season 2 of Bravo's Project Runway. Santino was the designer everyone loved to hate and he has the best attitude about being runner up, his new found fame and life in general. The designer's heart is light and he has joyful energy akin to a lottery winner because he knows everything in his life has happened for the reason of bringing him to this point.

Just listening to self-pocessed people makes me feel good, upliftied. They keep the focus on themselves and they live life on there own terms. They know everyone isn't going to like them and they don't require approval.

So people, once more and all together now......."All the right people get me."

Posted by Liz at 11:06 AM | Feedback (0)

June 11, 2006

The Omen & Birthdays

Jimmi the birthday boy and I went to see the Omen and we both loved it. Mary, if you are reading this don't worry I would definitely see it again! The actors were softer looking than in the original giving them a more modern look, but the film was very chilling and had Jimmi screaming! I would give it three and a half out of four stars.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Philadelphia DJ and 80's historian Robert Drakes birthday party this year is by invitation only and guess who has an invite? Robert always rolls out the red carpet for his friends and I'm looking forward to helping him celebrate. I'm still thinking about what gift to get for him. Hmmm.

------------------------------------------------------------------

My job will be coming to an end for the summer in about a week. I can't wait! The summer months are a head of me with all kinds of possibilities. If you want to hang out and meet for coffee let me know I will be around. Let's hit the park or stroll Market and window shop. Before this really starts sounding like a personal ad, I think I will end there. XOXO

Posted by Liz at 12:42 PM | Feedback (0)

June 10, 2006

Myspace Strikes Again

There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them. -- André Gide.

I did not grow up with the Internet. I grew up searching libraries for information I needed. Around ten years ago I realized I needed to get with the program and learn about computers. I procrastinated as long I could but when I decided to learn I jumped in with both feet. I actually trained in the IT field as a computer network admin. I enjoy computers and the net but prefer participating in my "real time" life.

This brings me around to the story of a sixteen year old girl who headed to the middle east to meet a man she met on myspace. Her parents claim they were tricked into getting her a passport and she was stopped at the airport and brought back home safely, thank goodness. I dread the thoughts of what awaited this child.

Naturally all the heat comes down on myspace. The news media loves saying myspace in it's teasers and why is this? Because parents know its something all the kids are doing. It's "all the rage" and the news media has learned since the Bush administration took office, that fear works on Americans. The media taps the insecurities of parents who barely know how to email, and fills them with the notion that their precious chid is practically a pornographer and more likely a sex maniac who is hooking up with every pedophile from New York to California!

I'm not naive. Kids do meet other kids online from other area high schools but most of the kids I know exercise common sense and don't want to be in trouble at home. As I see it there are only two solutions for parents- learn how to use the Internet on the same computer as your kid also exercise common sense when it comes to what your offspring is doing. If your child says they are going to someones house or want a passport to visit elsewhere, it wouldn't hurt to make a few phone calls first.

Myspace isn't the problem with teens. Of course the problems run deeper in some homes. I was a very obedient teenager and even I managed to pull one or two capers over on my parents. If parents would make a point of doing some simple checking and bother to learn about a machine so easy kids operate it, the myspace alarmist would stop.

*For more on America culture of fear and the media's exploitation of that fear, see the film Bowling For Columbine.

Posted by Liz at 10:21 AM | Feedback (0)

June 08, 2006

"so i was talking to James st. James . . ."

Yesterday I phoned in on World of Wonder's new Internet/telephone venture, Ring My Bell. The show combines live feed as a celeb takes phone calls from anyone over 18. The recent Next Top Model Judge and author James St James was at the helm and yours truly was the first caller. I have no idea what they plan on doing with the audio. It's a minimal set with a desk and an old fashioned phone sitting there for effect. If you are in front of your computer you can watch the celeb your chatting with.

After we cleared up who I was in relation to the WOW site and email address' James and I chatted about the Details days in NYC when Warhol and clubbing were all the rage. Back then, I would have promised my first born to chat with the likes of James st James so this was exciting for me. Back in the 80's as I wore Betsy Johnson on a freezing cold night while standing outside a club I told then doorman James St James my feet were cold and he let us cross the proverbial velvet rope. I spoke to James as if I knew him but I only adored him on the pages of Details magazine. My boyfriend was so impressed with me.

Tomorrow Gregg Araki & Brady Corbet are the guest chatters. For those of you who don't know they are the directors of an amazing & shattering film called Mysterious Skin. Friday is the one and only Santino Rice. Santino was the arrogant runner up designer on last season's Project Runway. I'm so tempted to call again. It must be my free long distance that's enticing me. :D

6/08/06 OMG! I just talked to Gregg and Brady, they were so cool. I feel myself slipping into a new addiction. AH!

Posted by Liz at 08:07 PM | Feedback (5)

June 07, 2006

Sandinistas Unite!

Last night I watched Kathy Griffin's show and as usual she was being vocal about this homophobic administration. Disgusted by Republicans as any thinking, caring person would be, Kathy claimed she is so far left now she is a Sandinista. That is so funny and I can relate to the way she feels. Lets over throw a government people!

Kathy supports the troops but not the war.

Posted by Liz at 10:23 AM | Feedback (0)

June 06, 2006

666- It's Just For Today

* 666 is totally safe and harmless. According to numerology when you change the values to single digits 666 becomes the number nine which is the number of humanitarians. Nine has always been my favorite number and it's my date of birth. Ironically, I pulled my Amnesty International tee shirt out of the drawer this morning to wear. I think it looks better on Joaquin Phoenix. *sigh*

When I saw this pic I had to have it....the tee shirt I mean.

* Today is also the release of The Omen re-make. Hot damn I love a good re-make! If you haven't caught Gus Van Sant's re-make of Psycho I urge you to do so immediately. It's a beautifully done tribute to that master himself, Hitchcock and yes even the shower scene is included and chilling.

Gus Van Sant's Psycho, starring Anne Heche and Vince Vaughn

* Work is almost finished for the summer and truthfully I can't wait. It will be so nice to not have to get up at this ungodly hour of the morning, at least for a few weeks anyway.

* Speaking of ungodly, the Republicans are at it again- NO GAY MARRIAGE dammit! Why shouldn't they beat this drum, it worked for them before, right? When all else fails (and Jesus Christ himself knows its failing) lets look around and see who we can scape goat. The Republicans are like bullies on the playground. They look for what they think is the weakest link and they pummel away at it. It's lame and it's tired and if you vote/voted Republican I'm sorry- YOU ARE NO FRIEND OF THE GLBT COMMUNITY. Period.

* While my vacation is planned, I'm trying to finagle a few more days out of it. That's nothing new for me though and hopefully I will be able to put something together. Whatever is meant to be will be, right? This year the Jersey shore, next year Europe!

Posted by Liz at 10:41 AM | Feedback (6)

June 05, 2006

Andy Warhol's Beach Front Property 4 Sale

This place in Montauk is gorgeous and a steal at only 40 million. Maybe we all can somehow raise the money to help me acquire the place? I promise to invite everyone. There is plenty of guest space. :D

Posted by Liz at 02:43 PM | Feedback (2)

June 03, 2006

Being There 4 Them

Is it the duty of all Aunts to attend a niece's dance recital? I'm the kind of Aunt that takes the kids to do shall we say... more grown up activities (Go into the city, eating out, shopping etc.). I have sworn since they were born, to never set foot in a Chucky Cheese and I'm not real big on amusement parks either. I figure those activities are Mom's job. Every now and again an Aunt does need to show up and support her niece and last night was Lea Elizabeth's first dance recital performed to the tune of Hit The Road Jack. Click the images for commentary.

Big sister Jessie trying to be supportive.

Even baby sister Becca came out. (Like she had a choice)

Lea did really well. What a trooper!

Lea gave 110%

The big finish and her daddy was tearing up.

Afterwards, she started getting flowers.

Seeing her confidence grow. I love it!

Posted by Liz at 10:36 AM | Feedback (3)

Ring My Bell

Have you ever had an urge to dial up a celebrity? Check out World of Wonder's latest venture entitled- Ring My Bell. I really had to watch the clip before I got the concept. Notably the one and only James St James will be standing by to take calls and chat up his fans, they has also booked Santino Rice of Project Runway. I would like to see Nick Lachey, Chloe Sevigny or Macaulay Culkin field some questions. It should be interesting to see who WOW can land for this gig.

*Check out their Myspace page.

Posted by Liz at 08:13 AM | Feedback (4)

June 02, 2006

Hi James!

My dear friend James was just deployed to Iraq fighting for the home team (He is from the Netherlands). James tells me parts of the place are actually pretty and if possible he will send me some pictures to post here on UA. When he IM's me and I say the dumbest things like,

"Be safe, watch your back, don't get mixed up in any trouble with civilians."

What else can you say? You feel so helpless for the men and women in harms way. I feel awful for the civilians caught in the crossfire and when I hear about the atrocities of war, I think my God those soldiers must have snapped. It's so tragic.

James is the one who found the hosting for this blog and saved me from countless other computer problems. He loves the Flyers and he even played on a hockey team. He reads this blog from time to time, so I wanted to leave him a message.

I can't help myself so I'll say it again....... love you James, come home safe Hunny. XOXO

James goofing around with pics

Posted by Liz at 09:43 AM | Feedback (2)

June 01, 2006

I Needed To Read This

Today's Thought:

Nobody's family can hang out the sign, "Nothing's the matter here."
--Chinese Proverb

None of us come from a perfect family, but if we have any family at all, it's worth the effort to see what there is to enjoy about it. Sometimes it's difficult or impossible, because there's been so much damage. If there's really nothing left, we have to look for family in the fellowship of other people.

A family is not always people who are blood related. A family can be people who are so committed to the growth of each other and the relationship that they've become brothers and sisters of a sort. A family is two or more people who care deeply for one another and who are comfortable with each other. We can choose to surround ourselves with others who we feel this way about.

Today let me recognize something good in my family and work at building a relationship.

Posted by Liz at 10:14 AM | Feedback (3)