Captain America

Magnet #1255 - Captain America

Now I know I'm definitely back home, getting things back to normal - I did an almost full-day movie marathon today, watching Winnie the Pooh, Captain America and The Smurfs.

I probably could have squeezed in Transformers 3 (yes, I'm totes late on that one), but I didn't have it in me to fork over another $17 for a 3D movie. Oiy. Pricing's gone nuts up here!

I think I bought this magnet at one of the Comic-Cons, or maybe even Forbidden Planet down at Union Square, but I remember when I bought it, I was all excited about the movie coming out this year.

I was kinda disappointed today.

True to form, I fell asleep during a pretty important part - well, important to my sister, anyway. She's been waiting on Captain America because her boyfriend Richard Armitage was in it, and only for like 10 minutes. I totally missed about eight of those minutes.

Oops. I know, ridiculous to wake up and see cute Richard Armitage running away from Chris Evans. I'm sure I'll have to watch the RA sequence over again, probably with DCsis - whose birthday is today - Happy Birthday!

But it wasn't just that sequence - I fell asleep again, and woke up to Steve Rogers fronting the USO...and at that point, I figured you know what? Maybe I should just leave, and catch the earlier showing of The Smurfs at the next theatre. Then Steve Rogers had to go and save his BFF and 400 POWs.

Don't think I didn't spend the next hour considering walking out, but I'm glad I stuck with it, given all the cool Avengers content at the end. (C'mon, that's not a spoiler!)

I'm also glad, because it did remind me also that I totally forgot to see Thor in the theatres earlier this year.

Yep. I need to get on that.

Yo, Antarctica! Hollaback!

Magnet #1254 - Moon Rise Antarctica

I mean, does any one even say hollaback anymore? (Or ever?) Shuddup. I know. I'm 90.

But I'm also trying to get someone from Antarctica to visit joy magnetism. It's the only continent from where I haven't had any visitors. Sigh.

I even resorted to buying this CafePress magnet, because I've finally realized that I might never really spend the thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars to get there, nor will I ever find a research project that I can get funded (I mean, maybe we could find out if magnets work down there?), and I'm fairly sure none of my close friends who bring me magnets from their travels will ever decide to go there. And I'm pretty sure that the Twitter folks I follow aren't actually living in Antarctica, as much as just tweeting about it.

But how gorgeous is this magnet? And I'm not just saying that because it's beautifully blue and white and just a nice shot. Although it is.

It just looks so serene and peaceful, and I feel like every tv movie (there's lots) set in Antarctica always shows the harsh conditions of wind and snowstorms and scary monsters coming to get them.

Looking at this peaceful scene, one can almost forget that the average temp is -58F.

Whoa.

So yeah. Anyone in Antarctica reading this magnetpost, come on! Leave a comment, let me know you're down there!

But don't tell me if you know for a fact this image isn't really Antarctica, because I will not like you at all for that.

Magic words

Magnet #1253 - Fringe Thank You

I might have bought a dozen too many magnets off of CafePress last week. They weren't all for me, but most of them were, I can't lie.

I picked this one, not because I have a really big thing for Joshua Jackson and that he's the only reason Fringe is still on my TV dance card (even though that's all true), but because I'm becoming a little worried about society at large, and the trend I'm seeing of common courtesy being left in the dust.

You know how when you go through a door, you automatically hold the door open if you see someone coming in behind you, and generally don't let go until they have it, or at least give it a little push to make sure it stays open for that person to catch it?

I once had a CEO enter our office building and basically just walk through and let the door slam right in my face. I've (clearly) held it against him ever since - that's going on...let's see how long since the last presidential campaign? 2008? Yeah, since then. But it's the lack of that kind of small common courtesy (not even a lady/gentleman thing) that tells you a lot about a person.

It just feels like good manners seem to be harder and harder to come by these days - from the quietest bless yous or gesundheit after someone sneezing, to a simple thank you when a waiter refills your glass, or even bothering to step aside to let someone who needs your seat more than you do. What's even sadder, is when you extend that courtesy to someone, that person is more often than not, surprised that you bothered to notice them.

I don't think it's a New York City thing, either. I saw the same time of stuff in North Carolina, too.

And even though I'm not perfect Miss Manners myself, I'm still just a little worried for society no longer having the time or inclination for those magic words and deeds. (I mean, honestly, there's nothing hotter on a guy than good manners, so let's get with it, people!)

Shot of bourbon

Magnet #1252 - Bourbon St.

Come on. Best. Magnet. Ever.

Or certainly the most useful, other than the bottle opener magnets I have.

My friends went down to NOLA for the ALA Conference last month and brought me back several magnets (thank you!), but this magnet is the one that's going on the magnetboard closest to whatever counter we're mixing drinks on.

What?

I do find it funny that I've never been down to New Orleans as an adult, so my association with it is of a very young and superinnocent nature, and certainly not one of the fun and debauchery that I've heard and seen and read.

Eh, maybe someday.

Whose mountain is this?

Magnet #1251 - Mountain Valley

So here's the thing - I bought this random set of magnets from...well, Staples (shut up! I buy 'em wherever I find 'em). And the other three are like the Grand Canyon, a random cactus and what I think is like the Grand Tetons or something.

The point being, that this magnet should theoretically be a mountain valley in the United States.

Only, honestly, it feels like it's the African desert, kinda like how it looked in Hatari! (shut up! My favorite John Wayne movie!)

So I leave it up to you, Dear Reader to figure it out...

I came, I saw, I geeked out. Lessons from #SDCC. - Guest Blogger, DC Sister

Magnet #1250 - Buy More's Nerd Herd

Betcha can't have just one. That's kinda how my sister feels about San Diego Comic-Con.

We went last year for the first time ever, and had a terrific time, so she decided to head back this year. And, as if that weren't enough, she decided to get tickets for us for SDCC 2012.

I was saving this Chuck magnet for when I finally caught up on the last season, but it's clear that DCSis totally needed to guest blog on this magnet, given her almost 100% successful stalking of her cuteboys. (FYI, Nathan Fillion and Richard Armitage, look out for the short Asian chick pushing me out of the way to get to ya'll next year.)

Anyway, here's her sound advice to one and all...and maybe we'll see ya'll out in Cali next year.

- joy

____________________________________

Last week I went to San Diego to attend this obscure little event called Comic-Con International.

You may have heard of it.

About 130,000 people queued up for hours to see panels and navigate a crowded convention floor? Why would anyone do that?

I'll tell you why. Because for some godforsaken reason it actually turns out to be...kinda fun!

You just have to want it.

Lessons I learned at SDCC that I will take with me next year. Because there will be a next year (Three words: Hobbit. Richard. Armitage.)

1. Venture off-site.
   Last year all we did were the on-site events. This year Zachary Levi, from TV's Chuck, held the Nerd HQ, where you could play video games, chill and listen to celebrity panels for a good cause. I went to see stars from shows I love. And got their autographs! And 100% of my money went to Operation Smile!
   
   And I got to sit so close to Zach that I noticed the wallpaper on his phone looks suspiciously like the little man in that magnet up above! Definitely the highlight of the con for me. That and the awesome live Nerdist podcast with Doctor Who's Matt Smith and Karen Gillan - also off-site.
   
   
2. Expect the unexpected.
   I sat through two panels I thought I wouldn't care about while waiting for one I really wanted to see. Those two panels? Some of the best I saw.
   
   Christopher Moore was so entertaining I'll have to pick up one of his books. Tsuneo Goda is the creator of Domo! I heart him! His panel was just delightful. [I'll insert here that I learned this last year, sitting through Seth MacFarlane last year for other subsequent panels. Never knew him, didn't watch his shows, but fell promptly in crush with his gorgeous smile. What? - joy]
   
   
3. Make sacrifices, not choices.
   Comic-Con isn't about what you choose to do, but what you choose to give up in order to do something else. It's the "Sophie's Choice" of pop culture: Which panel do you choose: Firefly vs. Torchwood? Joss Whedon vs. John Barrowman vs. Chris Hemsworth? Argh.
   
   
4. Be prepared.
   I would make a terrible paparazzo. That's probably a good thing. But it means my pics of Tom Hardy, Kevin Smith and Frank Darabont on the convention floor are...not good.
   
   But I am good at grabbing swag. Yay me for getting not one, but TWO Mockingjay pins. (Read The Hunger Games, folks; you'll thank me.)
   
   
5. Spread the love.
   I went to SDCC by myself. Yes, I know. AWWWWW. But I met superfun people, including Joy's blogger friend - The GoldenGait Bridge, her fiance and friend, not to mention the random strangers in line. There's nothing better than discussing which Chuck episode is your favorite or which Doctor is your Doctor (I had this convo several times with several people), than with people who get it.

The best thing about Comic-Con is that no matter what your into - comics, video games, TV, movies, celeb-spotting - there will be very little judgment or hostility.

Unless (apparently) you're a Twilight fan. Then all bets are off.

"The course of true love...

Magnet #1249 - Course of true love

...never did run smooth."

- Lysander, A Midsummer Night's Dream

I'd been holding this magnet that I think I picked up at BEA for ages, figuring I'd use it for the Much Ado magnet post...but then they had that gorgeous David Tennant/Catherine Tate magnet.

So instead, I'll use it for the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Winter's Tale that I saw over the weekend. The RSC is visiting this summer, and have taken over the Park Avenue Armory - and when I mean, taken over, I mean, they up and built a whole darn theatre inside the giant hall.

Built to mirror their home theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the Armory theatre is seriously three to four stories, with a stalls level, mezzanine and balcony. It's amazing. Mind you, it's hard for the oldies to get up and down off the barstool like seating in the mezz, but it's really very clever. And I've never seen such a nicer crew of ushers, even as some of the oldies were crotchety to them.

The Winter's Tale production itself was both simple and complicated, with moments of craziness that freaked me out a bit, intertwined with some chuckleworthy moments.

But as with most productions, I like to go into the theatre knowing as little about the production, the story or anything. That includes the reviews. In fact, after I finish writing this magnetpost, I'll go check out the NYTimes review.

This ignorance can sometimes be a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because I go in with a clean slate, not knowing if I'll like it, not predisposed to someone else's opinion running around in my head. A curse, because if I've never read the play or seen the movie, then I have absolutely no idea what the story is about.

I won't lie - I've never read the play, all I know is that it's the title for one of my fave Dawson's Creek eps ever. (Points if you know what episode that is.) But, as I watched this story of one man's jealousy destroying his family and kingdom, I realized it was not for me.

No matter how well acted or produced, or how terrific the production is...or even if they had a bear (yes, a bear), I just did not like the story at all. No surprise there, I think I may just be destined to not like Shakespearean tragedies. Maybe wanting happy endings makes me a simpleton, but I can live with that.

Nonetheless, if you get a chance to see the RSC this summer at the Armory - do it. So. Very. Cool.

eta:
Yep. Simpleton, it is.

Shout-out to the 80s

Magnet #1248 - Duran Duran, circa mid-80s

Think this magnet is the last of my Duran Duran buttons from the 80s. Using it for today because they totally got a huge shout-out on Wizards of Waverly Place.

Alex, played by the always adorable Selena Gomez, did one of her spells to be able to remotely watch what was happening elsewhere,

"Please, please tell me now.
Is there something I should know.
Duranium Duranius!"

C'mon, that's an awesome, awesome spell!

And timely, too, since last night, some friends and I went downtown (yes, I know, below 14th street, I was!) to go see an 80s cover band, and (some of us) reliving about a million memories from the coolest decade ever.

What? The 80s definitely had more personality than the 90s or the 00s. Dress-up outfit selections alone prove that.

And no, we were lame and didn't dress up.

Well, not really. I'm of the mind that the brightly colored paisley shirt paired with a pink scrunchie totally channeled me from high school.

Now. If only I'd worn my jellies.

Everybody is weird

Magnet #1247 - Nobody is normal

A Ricky's opened up a few blocks away from me. I've been in the city since 1995, and I think I can count on one hand the number of times I've been in a Ricky's. It's basically a beauty/fashion/make-up/costume/catch-all store - it's actually a fun store to browse.

But the only reason I actually stopped in the new one the other day was because I saw their little carousel of magnets with a giant sign that said, well, MAGNETS.

Shuddup. I can hear you giggling from here.

It's true. Now, I just have to figure out how to not end up making Ricky's a weekly, every other day, or daily stop.

But honestly, ya'll don't think I could have passed up this magnet, right? I mean, seriously...

No. Truer. Words.

Fourth and goal

Magnet #1246 - Dress, Autumn/Winter, Alexander McQueen

This dress is one of my favorites from the McQueen exhibit at the Met.

Where I went today.

Again.

For those of you counting, that's now four times.

What? I said it was one of my favorite exhibits ever. In fact, I wonder how will the Met ever top this exhibition I'll never know. The lines are crazy long, all day, every day, and if everyone's paying the new $25.00 entry fee for it, man, they're making a killing.

I can't wait to hear what their attendance numbers will be after it closes on August 3rd.

That gives us about 10 days to go back again. And yes, I plan on going one last time, even if I already managed to finally buy all of the fabulous magnets from the collection. Yay, goal achieved!

Hell wants their weather back

Magnet #1245 - Childe Hassam's Big Ben

This Childe Hassam painting of Big Ben is exactly where I'd like to be right this second.

No secret how much I love London, and London's dreary gloomy weather. And no more than right now, because I'd trade this NYC heatwave in a heartbeat for dreary gloomy London weather.

Ugh.

Born to fight

Magnet #1244 - Muay Thai Boxing

How freakin' cool is this magnet? Remember my friend who went off to conquer Asia last year? Well, like Thai folklore legend Nai Khanomtom, my friend is totally kicking ass over there, and loving life. And bringing me back supercool magnets, to boot.

So proud of her, and from how fabulous she was last night, I sincerely hope that she's the other possible future that I saw last night in the bar, besides the old lady from yesterday's magnet.

Legend had it that Nai Khanomtom was this Thai dude who was handpicked to fight a Burmese fighter, and he was such a whirling dervish that the Burmese said that their fighter was too distracted by the dancing to fight and win.

The king said, fine, Nai Khanomtom, would you fight nine more dudes? And he said, sure thing, and kicked their asses, too.

Duly impressed, the Burmese king granted him riches or two wives - Nai Khanomtom supposed picked the two wives, saying money was easier to get. So funny.

Anyway, supposedly that's why the Thai celebrate March 17th as Boxer's Day, and why Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand.

Pretty cool, huh? But no, now look at the magnet. Close. Closer. I love how it looks like they're both missing one of their feet. Hah!

I have seen the future

Magnet #1243 - Elizabeth Taylor

Ok, folks. Tonight I've seen the future, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for it.

I'm using this Elizabeth Taylor magnet from my Union Square magnetdude, because she was British-American, of the 20th Century's Golden Age, and because with only five years separating them, she kind of reminds me of the woman I met tonight in a random West Side bar.

So yesterday, I wrote that "I am woman, hear me roar" post. You know, the one about having no other master than me.

Today, I met my future sitting in a bar built in 1868. Early for drinks with some pals, I made friends with this older lady sitting next to me. After telling me the history of the bar (sound familiar?), she moved on to telling me she was born in 1927 in Rockland County, and she's lived in NYC ever since.

Her relatives on both sides of her family came over on the Mayflower (in 1620!, she said). Both were from England - on her mother's side, they just didn't like England. And on her father's side, well, he was the King's Taster - the dude who didn't die from tasting the king's meal before he ate it. To hear her tell it, her family was English through and through. (Nothing she could do about it, she said, it wasn't her fault.)

My God, the life this woman has lived.

She basically grew up in New York City - lived through the Depression (her older brothers were all born in the 1920s as well) and remembered Pearl Harbor.

She spent 18 years living and working on Broadway as a dancer, working with the likes of Bob Fosse and other greats.

She spent 2 years straight going to every 2nd night of every Broadway show, free for this newspaper she worked for, seeing the likes of Laurence Olivier staring right at her in the audience.

She lived in a Hell's Kitchen (before it was called Hell's Kitchen) railroad apartment for $200 for 50 (not 1-5, young lady, 5-0!) years, her rent never going above $400 (big deal!, she said).

Finally, her friends insisted that she move to an assisted living home near the bar we were at, where she hates it. Not only does she hate having helpers she doesn't need, but she's surrounded by folks who've never traveled and seen and done the things she has. (I always traveled, because I had money and I could. They didn't! Now they know nothing of the world and other cultures!, she said.)

She insisted that she would never marry. She didn't. She insisted that she would never have kids. She didn't. Even when the guys promised they wouldn't have to have kids, she said, hell no, not for me, move on!

Seriously - if you know me at all, you've heard me claim the exact same things. And, if you know me at all, you know this extremely personal question did not come easy for me. I asked her straight out if she ever regretted never getting married or having kids.

She looked me straight in the eye and goes, "Hell. No." To which I replied, "Hell. Yes. Thank you."

She relented a bit, and said "Now, that's me. You have to decide for yourself." And I said, "No, I'm in agreement." She asked how old I was, replying, You're just a baby!, when I told her.

On the one hand, she's right. On the other, it was like God sat her right next to me to give me an idea of what my life would be in the next 40-50 years.

She was a tough old broad, right down to complaining about the Irish bar we were in (it's Irish bar food, what the hell do you expect?), and it was kind of ridiculous seeing her having to repeat things for me to hear.

But honestly, ya'll. I can't imagine living my life almost twice over to get to her ripe old age of 84. Jeez.

It's one of my favorite things, listening to older generations tell their fantastic stories. I probably could have chatted her up all night, except sadly, after telling me everything I mentioned above, she then started telling me about her family coming over on the Mayflower, like she hadn't just talked to me for the last 20 minutes. Sigh. Sad.

Still, she was absolutely amazing, and I was kind of sad to join my friends. I did start to worry that she'd escaped from the old folks home down the block...but since she knew the bartenders, too, I figured she'd be ok.

So I'm sharing her stories with you guys - after such a great conversation, I couldn't just let her memories fade away!

But one mistress here

Magnet #1242 - One Mistress

I might identify with this magnet quote just a little too much. It's why I decided to buy this magnet, instead of any one of a dozen portrait magnets...from the National Portrait Gallery in the London.

But it's true. Unless you're my boss and paying me to listen to you and do your bidding, I hate being told what to do. Doesn't matter who you are, or who you think you are, it makes me crazy.

Honestly, in most cases, bossing me around makes me want to do exactly what you're telling me not to do.

Right? Makes me sound like a five-year-old, and I'll admit, that's probably as long as I've felt this way.

We could chalk it up to being a stubborn Taurus bull, or that I'm the oldest child, or that I've been on my own for almost half my life.

In fact, yes.

Let's do that, and skip the diatribe on marriage, relationships, and the life of a single gal.

Though, if anyone's seen Sir Walter Raleigh (as played by Clive Owen, and before he did that whole secret marriage thing) around, I might could be convinced otherwise. I'm just sayin'.

Accents

Magnet #1241 - Honey bear

Big movie weekend, with the last installment of Harry Potter coming out and of course, Winnie the Pooh. I mean, I even picked up this magnet at Dan Nicholas Park a few weeks ago because I knew I'd eventually see Winnie.

In the end, I didn't see any movies - unless you count the Kellie Martin TV movie double-feature on ABCFamily today. (I honestly don't know how many times I've seen The Face on the Milk Carton, but come on, don't you always have to watch when it's on? Just me? Ok, then.)

Instead of the movies this weekend, I got to hang out with my cousin and his girlfriend, both from Australia. So much fun!

Ya'll know I love playing tour guide in town, so we ended up getting @coolhausNY ice cream (Finally! Now I can shut up about it!), walking the High Line, going to Forbidden Planet, the Strand and the Met on Saturday, and shopping on Sunday. Busy, busy weekend!

But, the best part is hanging out with yet another cousin - there are 30+ of us first cousins (yes, we populated the world) - so it's always interesting to meet a new one. Especially since all I knew of him, was his baby picture from almost 30 years ago. We spent most of the weekend comparing cultural notes on country, television, regional differences, and of course, our accents.

For as long as I can remember, hearing Filipinos with accents always makes me giggle. Like, the extremely Southern/mountain accents of a couple of Filipinos that we grew up with. Or, even the Filipinos we met in England, with their British accents.

But, the Australian cousins have the best, most distinctive accents of all of us, and so, are the ones I'm most jealous of. I've always wished for a cooler accent - I mean, sure when I'm in NY I have a Southern accent, and when I'm in NC, I have a Northern accent. But by no means are either of those two accents fun conversation topics, or even at all exotic.

I've also learned this weekend that I should never try to mimic the Australian accent. But, don't think I didn't just write this entire magnetpost with an Australian accent running through my head.

Fly like an eagle

Magnet #1240 - Ensemble, No. 13, spring/summer 1999, Alexander McQueen

Yep. I went back to the McQueen exhibit again. This time as member - finally.

Last time around, we were able to avoid a 2-hour line because my friend was a Met Member. And she lives in Atlanta!

So, yeah, given how much time I spend at the Met in any given month, it was definitely time for me to join. I'm totes excited - mostly because I'm a dork, but also because it's part of New Joy's Enjoy Living in New York to the Fullest campaign.

In fact, this extraordinary balsa wood McQueen creation definitely heralds this era in my life. I mean, I've always enjoyed my life in New York, but there's this new sense of invigoration over the last year that makes me want to do more, and do it now.

Most of the urgency, I'm sure, is knowing that it could be taken away in a heartbeat. The last five months have proven that.

This feeling is coupled by the fact this new gig of mine affords me extra hours in my day, something that (with the exception of the last year), I didn't have. I try not to be bitter about it, but I definitely gave up significant amounts of funtime in my 20s and 30s, working really ridiculous and (now I see) unnecessary hours, for a company that didn't appreciate it in the end. What a total waste. Especially since I live in the Best City in the World!

But no more.

I suppose it's both funny and sad that I'm headed into midlife (total exaggeration, I know) and I'm not entirely sure what (single) people do with all this time on their hands. True to form, I'm packing it in with funtime activities, trying to make up for all that lost time.

Oh, I'm sure I'll settle down eventually, but I'm having too much fun flying free to think about that now.

Since when do you drink beer?

Magnet #1239 - Sip Happens

Something's up when someone you've only known since March asks that question.

The answer being, any time I can't trust a bartender to make my signature Tom Collins/splash of cran right, and they don't have any cider available as backup.

You just know it's not worth it when you're in a dive bar and you see that blank look when you ask for this old man's drink, that look of, hang on, I have to look up this cocktail before I make it for you.

And, if it's not a wine place (dive bars usually aren't, but also wine's actually my last resort), then beer's your best bet.

But you know what? Sometimes? You just need a beer.

And then? Sometimes? You just need a professional Twitter account the morning after.

Pop Joy

Magnet #1238 - Pop Audrey

Love this Warhol pop art piece of Audrey Hepburn. C'mon, she's gorgeous in it.

I read somewhere today that there's a new iWhatever app to help Andy Warhol yourself. I totes want to try it. But you know...when Android gets it because the Warhol Museum only released the app on iWhatevers.

Incredibly annoying, given ya'll know how much I hate Apple anything. Yes. I know. Shoot me.

So instead, I Pop-art'd myself on Photobucket.

What? I felt left out. (Right? Cuz there was a huge run on the Warhol app and now everyone's pop art'ing themselves and I'm not?)

Life sciences

Magnet #1237 - Museum of Life & Science

Pretty magnet - from my sisters and their umpteenth visit earlier this month.

I can't tell you the number of times I've been to Durham, NC, but zero is the number of times I've been to the Museum of Life & Science. The weird part is, I know lots of people who love the place and who go there all the time, so I don't know how it is no one's actually brought me here.

Of course, I do have this theory that people are either art museum people or life science/natural history museum people. Clearly, if you've read any page of this blog, ya'll know I'm the former.

For example, a good friend of mine from Long Island, who lived on the Upper East Side had never been to the Met until last week - ever. I mean, she lived right down the street from it. On the flip side, she's been to the Museum of Natural History on the opposite side of the park a million times and loves it there.

Absolutely no judgment, it's just an observation that backs up the whole different strokes for different folks to rule the world school of thought.

The sad of it is, today, I should have definitely headed over to the Museum of Natural History to see their presentation with their Carl Zeiss Vision telescope to see this year's last Manhattanenge, where the sun sets directly down the major cross-streets of Manhattan.

It's an amazing sight from what I've seen from the pictures, and of course now I have to wait until next year.

Even though I'm totally convinced that that Manhattanenge is just this big PR stunt to make folks visit, sponsored by science/nature/City of New York. Seriously, up until four or five years ago, no one had ever heard of it. Now it's like a ritual celebration!

Or...maybe that's just Twitter.

"We don’t blow up our 50-year old architecture...

Magnet #1236 - Palm Springs

...To replace it with something new."

- Official Palm Springs Visitor Site

Love that quote!

Although, whew. When I looked at the fine print on the sign on this magnet my friends brought back for me, I was worried for a minute that I'd have to blog about yet another thing I hate that people love - spas. Yes. I know. I'm weird. (But you're reading a magnetblog, so there.)

Anyway, I had forgotten about Palm Springs, CA - apparently people have been going there since the 1880s to take in the waters of the hot springs. (So funny, it's like the Bath of California).

But, last century, it really became a playground for the Hollywood (and beyond) rich and famous - so much so that many celebs had their second homes, honeymoons and vacation getaways there. And I bet it must have been supercool with the likes of Cary Grant and Bob Hope and Elvis hanging out there.

Add to that the cool mid-century Modern architecture of the town (which apparently has the largest concentration in the US), and I definitely have to add it to the California must-dos list!

Gonna be a bumpy ride

Magnet #1235 - London's Red Double Decker Buses

Ummm, so I just bought 24 vintage London magnets. And paid hellawaytoomuch for them, but I had to have them! I mean, how gorgeous is this set?

There's a part of me that wants to just frame the whole set, because they're just so pretty together. But then I thought maybe I'd give some of them away. (And then I giggled softly to myself and said, Really? Will you?)

Just like I love taking buses everywhere in New York, I love taking the bus wherever we can in London, love racing to the upper deck to grab seats in front. Just like a tourist, I'm sure, but I don't much care - it's the best way to see the town. Slowest, but best.

This magnet reminded me of the crazy triple decker Knight Bus that picked up Harry Potter in Azkaban, which reminded me that I was superhappy when the final credits rolled on Potter 7.1 this past weekend.

And yep, I totally just had to look up which movie the bus was in - after finally finishing my Potterthon in advance of 7.2, the whole series is pretty much a blur.

A beer of choice to say, "So long, Lady of Leisure!"

Magnet #1234 - Yuengling Light

Some friends of mine did the Yuengling Brewery Tour in Pennsylvania last week, and brought me back this magnet. Fitting, since they're the ones who introduced me to it several years ago, during an all-night chatter-session down in Orlando.

I'm not much of a beer or wine drinker - if given the choice, I'll go with liquor every time. But for some reason, Yuengling and I are likethis.

That is, when you can find it. It's a small brewery, so they're only able to service the East Coast, and even then, not all of it. For example, I was told by a 10-year-old (yes, the precocious one from a couple of days ago) that they don't sell Yuengling in Massachusetts. (Her mom's a big fan of the stuff, too.)

And today, we were sipping down some of their Premium batch, which I learned is apparently available only in Pennsylvania.

Sigh. Of course, the only beer I truly like, I have to travel for.

Annnd, there you have it - my last magnetpost as a Lady of Leisure, for tomorrow, I start a new full-time gig. This means, after a year of not really having anywhere to be, I'll be headed into an office every day by nine.

A couple of nights ago I already had the late for work nightmare, so that's out of the way. But, of course, I'm setting every single alarm I have in the house to make sure I actually get up.

Could be painful!

No man's island

Magnet #1233 - Key West

Ya'll know my hangups about islands. I don't like 'em.

I know, it's weird, especially given that my peoples come from islands, I live on the island of Manhattan, and the only other place I could see me living is the island of Great Britain (or whatever it's officially referred to).

But remote islands? I cannot do. Too far from help. Seriously. And if you're in trouble, where do you go?

I have to admit something here, though. In my head, Key West has always been on my list of those remote islands. Everyone always talks about how you have to drive all the way out to them, and Jimmy Buffett sings about them (doesn't he?), and for pete's sake, even Joey Potter and Pacey Witter took their sailboat all the way out there.

So with all those stories, and all those songs, and with every magnet that folks bring back for me from here, in my head, Key West was this island with a couple of coconut trees and Ernest Hemingway's house. Oh, and some cats.

But today when I opened the envelope my friend sent me with this aerial view of Key West (thank you!), I was completely shocked that it was so big!

Not even kidding.

Mind you, it doesn't mean that I'm going to ever visit, but it does give me a better idea of what I thought was no man's land!

With a shoe and a lampshade, and a little Van Gogh, too

Magnet #1232 - Jellyfish Armadillo boot, Plato's Atlantis, spring/summer 2010, Alexander McQueen

Oh, yes. There's a part of me that's wondering if I'm going to collect every single magnet that the Met has produced of the McQueen exhibit.

Don't put it past me. I have four in my possession now, including this one (which was given to me, in point of fact - thank you).

I think there's like five or six more to go, and roughly a month left to go. I may not have anything intelligent to say about each and every one of them, but I feel like I must own them. All.

Plus? How much do I love the Met for such an impressive magnet array? There's literally a whole shelf full of magnets right as you come out of the exhibit hall. It's like I freakin' set that up myself!

This one's part of McQueen's Plato's Atlantis collection - and arguably one of his most infamous pieces. I mean, even the 10-year-old we went to the museum with today knew about the shoes.

Of course, said same girl was pointing out (with some authority) the outfits that Lady Gaga would most assuredly wear.

Then again, whenever I asked the little girl if she herself would wear it, she goes, "No, Joy, it looks like a lampshade!"

When we left the exhibit, we were wandering around the shop area, and the kid pointed out a Vincent Van Gogh, wondering if they had Starry, Starry Night. I ask you, what 10-year-olds do you know who are asking for Vincent Van Gogh?

So we made a quick trip back through the galleries, so that I could show her the way to the two Van Gogh rooms. Loved it - she was reading plaques, looking at the paintings, taking pictures of them, asking for specific paintings. It was awesome.

Good gravy, you know she's a kid after my own heart!

Stupid Oyster Cards

Magnet #1231 - Hammersmith & City

Have I mentioned how much I hate Oyster Cards?

Seriously, folks, ask anyone. I can travel around just fine in most major cities I visit, but when you pit me against the London Underground's Oyster Card, it's an ongoing battle.

Ever since they came out, I've always had trouble with them. I mean, they're the best things ever invented, which is why it's always our first transaction when we hit Heathrow, but man, for me it's always a pain - the acquiring of them, the refilling of them - my God, the refilling of them. It should be the easiest thing in the world - I mean, funny part is that the screens are all in English. I understand the directions perfectly, and follow them to a tee.

Even so, there has never been one single visit to one of those damnable machines that has been successful in one try.

It goes beyond a tourist thing, I swear. It's like the machines themselves know I'm coming, and decide to revolt.

Using this London Transport Museum magnet for today because today, I bought my first Monthly Unlimited MetroCard in months - at least since last year. It's the first time I knew I'd be in town for the next 30 days without having to go down to NC! So even at the $104 price, it still made me very happy to buy it. And? Not one single issue. MetroCard came out like a dream. (Take that, Oyster Card!)

And today I needed it, as I went to Midtown to hang out at Bryant Park for lunch and a Broadway outdoor performance, ran down to Union Square area for some ice cream from the Van Leeuwen Artisanal ice cream truck, went down to SoHo to visit the Museum of Comics & Cartoon, back over to Penn St for a quick errand, back up to the Upper West Side to drop off my stuff, back down to Midtown to do the Syfy Tweet-up at the Paley, and then down to Tribeca to watch Don't Go to Sleep, this movie that scared the pants out of me when I was nine.

Full day, but definitely worthy of one of my last days as a Lady of Leisure!

Wanderlust

Magnet #1230 - El Salvador native

Another cool magnet from my sister's trip to El Salvador. Pretty cool - can't tell what it's made of, but it took me a sec to see the El Salvador written on at the top.

I've never been south of the American border...generally when I plan trips, it's usually the US or Europe. And, true to form, my next couple of trips are already in planning development.

My next trip to...wait for it...London, sometime at the end of this year, or early next - I'm trying to avoid the Olympics if I'm honest. I mean, I volunteered for the NYC2012 folks, so I was sad when London won it away from us. But, now I'm finding that I really don't want to be anywhere near London in and around the Olympics. Is that wrong? (Yes, I know I just got back from London, but I'm looking forward to a quick solo trip to my second favorite city in the world.)

And, my other next trip I keep thinking about is my trip to Russia. This one's likely going to be 2012 or even 2013 - I keep feeling like at some point in my life I need to see the Hermitage and Alexandra Palace and yes, my Faberge eggs. But, that trip's going to have to be longer than a random few days in London, hence the longer lead time, for both saving up, and for research.

Can't wait! Need to get more magnets of places I've been, rather than from far away places I haven't!

Silly old bear

Magnet #1229 - Pooh & Piglet

I picked up this magnet in a random shop down in Wilmington, NC last year. So, so cute! Love these two BFFs!

And yes. I am eagerly awaiting the new Winnie the Pooh movie coming out in a few days. And no. I won't try and borrow some kids to get me into the movie. I'm just gonna go see it.

Picked Pooh and Piglet for today, because I spent most of this absolutely gorgeous NY day at Bryant Park and the NY Public Library. First outside, then inside, then outside, then inside again - depending on my laptop battery.

And each time I exited the library, I passed by the Children's wing of the library, where the original (!) Winnie the Pooh dolls live. I saw them before they were moved to the main branch, but haven't seen them in their new home, as described most excellently by ScoutingNY.

Oh, Winnie. Maybe tomorrow I'll drop by.

Joy, what was it like for the Bicentennial?

Magnet #1228 - Gerald Ford (1974-1977)

Save the World Couple and DCsis have come up with several games lately to not-so-politely remind me of my ever-advancing age.

The first game they came up with was, are you older than [insert celebrity name here]? Or [insert other celebrity name here]?

And once answered, gales of laughter ensue.

The other game, is to randomly ask me questions of a historical nature. Such as:

Joy, what was it like for the Bicentennial?

The answer is:

I.

Don't.

KNOW.

I was just a toddler when all that stuff happened, I swear! And, I'm young enough to have had the United States Bicentennial in my own history books, so that's something.

I will say that I bet that the American Bicentennial project would have been the most awesome thing ever to work on workwise. Apparently, back in 1966 they were thinking it'd be ginormous one-city celebration (in one of our founding cities), but by the time I was born (shortly thereafter), they decided to create the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, and help steer local events. Which makes more sense in hindsight, America created the way she was.

And so began the onslaught of Bicentennial products, packages, events and marketing all over the place, and when the big day came, tons of celebrations all over America. Apparently, they also flooded the airwaves with coverage by the likes of Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, and Ed McMahon. I mean, even Paul Anka had a special.

So that's why I picked Gerald Ford for today's Fourth of July holiday. He was the sitting president during the Bicentennial celebration - lighting a third lantern at the Old North Church in Boston, in honor of America's third century.

To steal one of my friend's Facebook posts, "For 235, America looks pretty good."

Happy birthday, America!

And thanks, England "for letting us have it, coz we wanted it so much."

We love the 80s...hair?

Magnet #1227 - Duran Duran (again)

What? I said I had a million Duran Duran buttons that I turned into magnets! Plus, this one with the boys looking all slick in their skinny ties, shoulder pads and perfectly coiffed hair totally fits for my mood tonight.

A friend is doing an 80s night in a couple of weeks, so I've been trying to get into the mood, having bought my outfit (yes, rather than Frankensteining an ensemble) this weekend. Now, I'm validating my selection by reviewing my yearbooks from the 80s.

Yes. The 80s, my formative years.

And in leafing through those yearbooks - one from 1986 and one from 1989 - it struck me that damn, we had some big-ass hair back then. I can't tell if it was just that it was the 80s, or that we were in rural North Carolina - I suspect the answer is, both.

I mean, it was big, it was wide, it was tall, it was long, and curly. We would hold our hair out to the side, like wings, and we'd spray the crap out of it and hold the curling iron to it, to steam it in place - trying to get our hair to span outward from our heads just as far as we could. In all directions, it would seem.

We'd take a clump of bangs on top and curl it backward, and take the front set of bangs and curl them under, so that the two clumps would perfectly sit atop each other. And it's almost every single school picture - some guys, too. Crazy!

We had one classmate who had a wave of hair sticking straight up. She used cans of hairspray against a wall to make sure it stood straight up. And it took ages to achieve that look, man.

And cans of hairspray. Some friends chipped in one year, and bought one of our BFFs a whole case of Rave hairspray for her birthday.

You know, thinking about it, I'd bet the 80s were single-handedly responsible for the ozone troubles, given how much hairspray we all used.

Buying happiness

Magnet #1226 - Buying Happiness

Picked this up from my Union Square magnet guy a while ago, mainly because I often go back and forth on this sentiment.

I do think you can buy happiness. Short-term, anyway. And clearly, not any sort of meaningful, deep in your soul happiness.

But honestly, coming home from a shopping trip or from vacation with bags and bags of stuff, some of which you do need, and some of which you don't, but all of which you wanted, is always happy-making for me.

The more bags, the merrier.

Well, at least until the recriminations kick in.

But shopping does buy you happiness.

At least for a little while.

Pillars of London

Magnet #1225 - Royal Mail Red Pillar Box

So, apparently, there are 100,000 of these red royal mail boxes scattered throughout the UK, and even more throughout other British territories.

I bought this magnet for myself as a reminder of all the Royal Mail post offices we went to while in London a couple of weeks ago.

Now, if you know me and my tendency to overbuy on vacations, you know I'm usually in random post offices to mail stuff back to myself, to avoid having to hand-carry it home.

But this time around, we were ducking into every post office we could to ask if they had the Royal Shakespeare Company 50th anniversary commemorative stamps - specifically, the David Tennant as Hamlet ones.

And in every place we stopped, I'd get the same "Bless her cotton socks" look from them as they opened their books to the RSC page and showed me that they didn't have any David Tennant ones left.

Of course, they didn't. Here it was June, and the stamps had come out in April. Sigh. Oh well.

Oh! And the other reason for using a mailbox today, is because my dad wrote possibly the funniest, most macabre thing ever on a letter today:

RETURN TO SENDER. HE'S DEAD.

Hmph. Take that, Harris Interactive!