Entertainment? Are You Kidding Me?

Uh...can someone please explain to me why Jordan and Peter Andre are getting their own reality show in the United States? Nobody cares about your boobs here, sorry.

Commerce Bank is the New Washington Mutual

Just to confirm what I discovered in London and today rediscovered in New York: Pret A Manger is shit!

My complaint about them in London was something specific to myself - that all the sandwiches have mayonnaise on them. They finally came out with a mozzarella/pine nuts salad thing about four months ago which was the only edible food in the shop besides the soup for me.

I went to one today as a last minute lunch resort after an unsuccessful search for Cafe Zaiya which Ryan had recommended to me. There were less sandwiches with mayo - I need to give them a bit of credit for that (although the selection was less as well) but I still decided to go the safe way and order Chicken and Corn Chowder soup. I sat down and opened the container to find it was really brothy, not what I was expecting from a chowder. I gave it a go - not expecting my head to practically explode from the spice. It was so hot - I never do things like this but I actually had to go up to an employee and ask if I was given the correct soup, which apparently I was. I couldn't believe it, I could barely bring myself to swallow, the stuff was so unbelievably hot. This place needs to seriously consider adding descriptions to their soups, especially if it tastes like what mine did today (I'd do it myself a la the comments box but I don't want to go back there if I don't have to.)

On another note regarding Pret, I know someone in London who interviewed for a job there. The process is that you work there for a day, and then when the store closes, all of the employees sit in the back with you out of the room while they discuss whether they think you'd be a good fit to work there (basically a sorority rush meeting.) He did not get picked and was dismissed by the manager!

Boycott Pret A Manger, eat at your local overpriced deli instead.

This Did Not Just Happen

I went down to the mailroom to have a presentation put together (the only thing work-related I've done all week besides make a phone call) and about two feet after walking past one of the guys, I heard him tell another one "Hey, check out that butt!"

Excuse me what?!?! I know I'm in one of my curvier outfits and I've got a butt that could give any girl in a rap video a run for their money, but you don't do that to a co-worker who you don't even know, especially within earshot of her! I'm just stunned at how fucking stupid people are right now. Ugh!!!

By the Way THIS IS SO EMBARASSING!

I meant to send the following e-mail message to David, my boyfriend, yesterday morning:

"I totally forgot to email you. I will read yours and then write back!! xxxxx"

Instead, I sent it to David, my former employer at my London temp agency who I've been hassling for my tax forms for the past two months.

I know it could have been worse but I'm seriously mortified right now.

Baby's Got Sauce (Though Not Quite)

I just had Ranch 1 after about a two year sabbatical. I got the regular #1 chicken sandwich combo and they dumped a pound of lettuce on it but none of their yummy Italian dressing-like sauce (which is why I went there in the first place.) Did I miss something?

Funniest Ranch 1 story ever was the day after the blackout when Melanie, Melissa, and I were laying out in Bryant Park on our awesome unexpected day off from work and noticed that the street lights were operating above 42nd Street. We ventured over to see if any food places had opened, and Ranch 1 and McDonald's were so we opted for the former. We contemplated which combination meal we wanted to order and what toppings we'd have or not have, same with sides as we stood in a line that snaked out the door. When it was finally our turn to order and we gave them our detailed descriptions of what we wanted, all they replied was "We only have plain chicken." It was a blackout, I guess we should have known right?

Speaking of R1's lack of sandwich dressing, I'm not sure if I blogged about this, but at some point last year, all of the Subways in London eliminated the Red Wine Vinaigrette dressing. I was EXTREMELY upset. But, upon eating my first Subway sandwich since I returned the other day, they actually did have the dressing! Unfortunately my taste buds must have changed because it wasn't so great and I was kind of left craving the honey mustard.

April Showers (and Windstorms and Noreasters)

Dear New York Weather God,

DIE.

Yours,
Meredith

The Way You Do It, Do It To Me

Last night was Kaiser Chiefs at Roseland. I didn't anticipate them filling it at all, and although I don't think it sold out, it did get packed.

The Walkmen opened and I was pleasantly surprised with both their performance and their music in general. I had expected them to sound like Interpol, I don't know why but I think I'd just heard that comparison somewhere, but luckily they didn't (sorry, Interpol can get irritating after a while, plus they are really rude minus the one who gave everyone herpes.) They actually sounded like Bob Dylan fronting The Arcade Fire. Normally I wouldn't be too into that either, but they were really good. I would definitely listen to them. Here are some shots:

If I can recall correctly, I believe the Kaiser Chiefs opened with 'Everyday I Love You Less and Less.' They did a bunch of the old stuff in a row, and then a bunch of the new stuff in a row. It all sounded good! I was seriously annoyed with the 7' guy standing in front of me practically the entire time though. We need slanted floors like in the UK, seriously. It's just such a pain (physically) to watch a gig with your neck straining. Anyways, Ricky jumped around a bit, crowd surfed, etc. etc. and all of the usual stuff. No 'You Can Have It All' which I expected them not to play (tear) but I hope they revive it at some point. Everything sounded good, my favorites were 'I Predict a Riot' (of course) and 'Ruby' which you can view a bit of here -

'Oh My God' is always a great closer. They sped it up a bit at the end which sounded fab. The opening encore song was 'Angry Mob' which is one of the best songs on the new album. Here's a clip of that as well:

By the way, the crowd was pretty into it which was a nice surprise. Most people were dancing, singing, and moshing (thanks for pushing me assholes). I was with Kim who loves them too which was good because I had someone to dance with and not feel stupid. I even saw Ryan clap his hands during 'The Modern Way' (don't even try to deny it.)

Also here are some photos (I was far away):

With my celebrity-detector eyes I scoured the balcony but didn't see anyone...until I noticed the very fit Keith Murray of We Are Scientists at the back of the balcony when I was leaving, wahoo! The dude who writes the NME blog was right, Sam from The Bravery completely stole Keith's look. When is there going to be new WAS material? I love them.

Current Music: Kaiser Chiefs - Angry Mob

Dry the Rain

Ugh.

I came into work completely drenched. I'm talking my pants from the thighs down were soaking. Good thing there is a hair dryer in the bathroom here (a curling iron too?!) but that didn't really help. Much to my surprise, I am dry now and by some way of a miracle so are my sneakers. Now I can jump up and down at the Kaiser Chiefs show tonight without heels, hoorah!

I was having trouble using the Internet before but I've figured out that by simply switching which computer I use I now have all the web access a gal could desire.

I can't believe I'm working doing nothing in this joint until 7:00 pm for the next week. I am enjoying the 10:00 am start though. Any ideas of what I can do with my time? I think I'll play on Facebook for a while.

You're Not in the Bowery, You're Not Coming In!

Last night was Klaxons at Bowery Ballroom. I didn't get my groove on too much; the most I could get away with without looking like a total lunatic amongst the mainly stiff New York crowd was moving my upper body and clapping while my feet remained glued to the floor. They started with 'The Bouncer' which made me laugh at first because they replaced the 'your name's not Dan, you're not coming in' with the above subject line, and some 'listen New York I told you once I told you twice you're not on the list!' My favorite song of the night was 'As Above, So Below' despite the fact that they messed it up and had to start it again. I liked it overall regardless of some backing tracks assisting them - I love that album and they played it well.

Looking at the one who appears to have not brushed his hair in about a year makes me pee a little, it's just so unruly! And to think I used to consider him the cute one, eek. On that note, I'm sure my boyfriend won't mind me mentioning the fact that James on the right side is the most adorable/looks like he's 18 years old/mini Josh Hartnett I've ever seen. I haven't been this wowed at a band member since I first laid eyes on Luke from the Stands back at Glastonbury (and we all know what minor stalking went on after that.)

Here are some (crappy) photos:

Also here's 'Golden Skans' - textbook performance but still a great song:

The only "celebrity" spots at the show were Matt Pinfield, god of music knowledge and former MTV VJ/host of the best show ever (120 Minutes) and John Norris, MTV News guy who I saw like 3 times last week at my temp job.

lkhlg

I'm watching American Idol right now. Sanjaya was just told he's safe again (@$!#%$RYU#@!) I think Phil should go but I think Hayley will. Jennifer Lopez is about to perform and I'm going to bash my head into the wall.

Loving Cup

Today is my last day temping at MTV and I am very disappointed to have just now discovered that there is a FREE SODA MACHINE in the kitchen!!! There's 5 sodas to choose from and you can take as much as you want! I cannot believe I just found out about this.

I'm starting another temp job next week, I'll give you a hint where: it has to do with sports, particularly the one with big fat guys who like to do funny dances when they score points. More to come on that once I start.

Current Music: Bloc Party - The Prayer

Candyman

I'm scouring for jobs on craigslist and I came across this one:

Network Snickers Audition
Reply to: job-306647916@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-04-05, 2:23PM EDT

Looking for the UGLIEST 35-45 yr old male to audition for a national network Snickers commercial.

Must be EXTREMELY and UNBEARABLY UGLY! This is not a joke. We need the ugliest person we can find. Could it be you? Must be available to film from April 11-14. Send headshots or pictures via email as soon as possible.

Please no attractive or even mediocre looking people. Only the UGLIEST need apply.

Ha Ha Ha!!!

Leia Lady Leia

Bon Jour, Pee Wee reminded me of a t-shirt I saw in Camden market that made me laugh out loud everytime I saw it. I just found the image for it and I'm laughing at it again.

Dope Nose

If anyone knows where I can get a hold of a photo of Peter Crouch's new nose please let me know. Thanks!

Current Music: Editors - Bullets

Me Want Cookie!!!

I just got this from Cracked.com, a website I've been laughing at all afternoon. Read it if it's not too small, otherwise you can read it via that Cracked link.

Current Music: Panic! At the Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies

We're Trash, You and Me

So, now that Rififi is up for sale, is Trash going to be no more? I know that Tiswas finished when I was away, did they start that again and change the venue or something? I feel like I remembered reading that somewhere.

Are there any other proper Britpop nights in NYC anywhere?? I really don't know because I haven't done research but any knowledge on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Current Music: Radiohead - The Bends

Don't Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling

I'm so bored here that I've actually turned to bored.com for entertainment. Part of the website lists real country song titles. Here are a couple of stupidly silly ones:

At the Gas Station of Love, I Got the Self Service Pump

Billy Broke My Heart at Walgreens and I Cried All the Way to Sears

Her Teeth Was Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure

How Come Your Dog Don't Bite Nobody But Me?

I Fell for Her, She Fell for Him, and He Fell for Me

I Gave Her My Heart And A Diamond And She Clubbed Me With A Spade

Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim's Gettin' Better

I Gave Her the Ring, and She Gave Me the Finger

Welcome to Dumpsville, Population Me

Current Music: Arctic Monkeys - When the Sun Goes Down

Not My Kind of Guy

Wow, this guy has some nerve:

4 Late Night Conan O'Brien tickets Thursday 4/5 Kaiser Chiefs! - $140 (Midtown West)
Reply to: sale-301689762@craigslist.org

Date: 2007-03-27, 10:53PM EDT

$140 or best offer for 4 tickets. Can't break up reservation so if you want, find someone else who wants to go and split it. Paypal preferred. These are E-tickets. Kaiser Chiefs scheduled as musical guest (subject to change without notice).

Like anyone is going to buy tickets off of this asshole! Ugh!!! I hope he gets stampeded during 'I Predict a Riot' at the next Kaisers show.

Current Music: Courtney Love - Mono