Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Tearing Through Manhattan on a Unicyle

This video doesn't require much of an introduction. Let's just say these riders are heroic, and possibly a bit crazy. But isn't some degree of crazy a prerequisite for any type of heroism? I won't bore you with that thought process, but check out these unicycle riders as they tear through Manhattan.



Before I leave you I'd like to introduce you to an amazing band. Check out The Feeling. These guys are like the Elton John of the new millennium.

Magazine Security

I am obsessed with magazines. My coffee table is lined with the latest issues of The New Yorker, Time Magazine, OUT, Inc., Wired, Rolling Stone, Blender, Atlantic Monthly, and a pile of other publications. All said and done, I'm a subscriber to 16 magazines, and I scour around until the mail comes each day so I can verify the arrival of each new publication.

My magazines arrive at a mean time of 3:53 p.m. on their designated days via USPS, and as soon as I grab them out of the box, my number one priority in life becomes reading the most recent issue cover to cover. I excuse the antisocial behavior that naturally ensues by claiming I'm simply attempting to "stay abreast of all the going ons in the world" or saying that reading will, "improve my writing substantially."

The aforementioned may be true, but I'll be the first to admit I have a problem. Whether I'm going to the club, the softball field, or the classroom, it's nearly impossible for me to leave the house without at least one periodical in hand. To do so gives me anxiety, as if I decided to stroll outside naked. Keeping a magazine or two on hand at all times makes me feel safe though, like a bullet proof vest or security blanket.

When I bring periodicals to social events I don't sit in front of a group of friends and casually delve into my magazines as everyone else chats. And while I used to read in the dugout between innings, I've learned that's a little eccentric in itself as well. Instead, I carry periodicals with me for that coveted moment when no one is around and I can steal in a few informative paragraphs.

Perhaps I need therapy to help me deal with the flood of media constantly invading my space and beckoning for me to read it? Or maybe one day I'll finally achieve full clarity regarding what's really going on in the world. On that day I envision myself writing like one of my idol columnists, Lauren Collins, Patricia Marx, or many other brilliant writers. Even then, you couldn't force me to cancel my subscriptions.

Before I head off to read some more of Wired, one of my musical obsessions is Bonde Do Role. Loosen those hips, strap on your dancing shoes, and give "Solta O Frango" a listen below:

The Perfect Donut

I have found the perfect donut. Chocolate glazed, chocolate covered, and dolloped with a generous serving of semi-hardened whipped cream, this delectable stops time. Trouble is, the red and green sprinkles and mini sugar Christmas tree propped up on the whipped cream in the donut's center hole leads me to believe this donut is seasonal.

Discovered in Route 9's Donut Man quite by accident (pictured below), the combination of a crumbly outside and soft doughy inside justifies carefully placing this donut on your finest china (heaven forbid any crumbs tumble away) and eating it with a silver fork. Although I normally make desperate attempts to ration my donut stops, my effort to profile the independent donut store's baker gives me plenty excuse to pop in on the store often. And that's when I discovered the amazing holiday donut.

Rest assured, you won't see a happier holiday spirit as long as Donut Man continues the production of this limited edition donut. But as the holiday passes and red and green sugary Christmas trees are no longer acceptable accouterments, you might find me picketing for an even more ridiculously early start to the holiday season. Why wait until Halloween to start selling Christmas? I'll buy Donut Man's holiday special all year round. Just wait until Thanksgiving to start the Christmas carols.



Now let's turn to music. It's a guilty pleasure but I love Fergie's "Clumsy." I heard the song a few months back and knew right away it had the infectious doo wop sound to become a hit. Now I get the pleasure of hearing it on the radio on the daily.

Give "Clumsy" a listen below, but as you're watching the video watch for the girl in the background. Who is she, and do you think she thinks she's waiting for the subway? Why does she seem so nervous, except for the occasional smile she flashes at us viewers (note 2 minutes 37 seconds)? Most important, why isn't she rocking out to this song like Fergie and I? Honestly, how can she listen to this without picking up and shaking it?