tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14891862054302561392024-02-06T22:04:00.321-05:00Pink PeperkornOne girl, one life motto: If not now, when?Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-26779102841379793172012-09-25T01:20:00.002-04:002012-09-25T01:21:30.064-04:00Dancing with the Stars - Season 15 - Week 1<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over the past 14 seasons of Dancing with the Stars I have always written mini-reviews of the show for friends and family. This year, I thought: why not just put everything on my blog? Things won't be as polished and detailed as, say, what's happening over at <a href="http://lockhartgardner.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Lockhart Gardner: An Inside Look at The Good Wife</a>, but maybe that's part of the fun. Here's the place for quick thoughts, lots of dashes and plenty of commentary on sequins, feathers, footwork and the art of dance. Please chime in and join me on this season 15 all-star journey!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Season 15, Week 1</i></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Kym &
Joey</b> – These two are hilarious and so much fun to watch. I wasn’t completely impressed with Joey’s
dancing, but I definitely want to see more.
Also, as someone who sequins things, I can say with confidence that Joey’s
glitter jacket was a serious masterpiece! 1 vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Shawn &
Derek</b> – Pa chow! This dance was lively,
fun, bright and energetic . Quite
frankly, I wanted to be Shawn Johnston during this entire routine. I think this dance set the tone for the rest
of the evening – these two are in it to win it! 3 votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sabrina &
Louis</b> – Speeeeeeeeeeeeeeechless. I may
or may not have Cha Cha-ed in my living room while this team wasdancing. It’s still shocking Sabrina was cut back in ’07,
but tonight she proved that she is absolutely a mirror ball contender. 3 votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Helio &
Chelsie</b> – Before I even get to the dance, can I just give Chelsie 1,000 points
for having the best dress? If that was
in my closet I would wear it everyday. Now,
to the dance. I think these two have a
great vibe. They are polished and
driven, but they aren’t so serious they forget to enjoy themselves. This dance was fun and beautiful – kind of
like how I think they will end up being when all is said and done. 1 vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pamela
& Damian</b> – I found this dance to be… interesting. I don’t think it was entirely coincidence the
lyrics in the song said “you know I’m no good.”
I completely agree with Bruno – she needs to work harder, especially
with this group of all-stars. Early
prediction: She’s not in it to win it.
No votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tony and
Melissa</b> – These two are just the cutest – I love that they’re getting a second
chance. “Hey Big Spender” was such a fun
number to start with (of course, Broadway always wins the day!). Fun, flirty and worth 1 vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Apolo and
Karina</b> – Party Rockers in the House Tonight is a complete and total
understatement! These two brought their A game and so much fun (and not just
because they were in neon, but yes, that too).
Apolo is a true competitor and with Karina’s firey spirit, these two could
be tough to beat. 1 vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Gilles and
Peta</b> – Be still my heart - Oh Gilles. So
handsome. I loved this vintage and
classic Foxtrot. Everything about this
dance was sophisticated and well thought out, especially for a week one number. Beautiful and sweet – 1 vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Bristol &
Mark</b> – Two points for Bristol not being in a Gorilla suit to start the
show. All kidding aside, she’s looking
good and much more confident than she was the last time we saw her. It was almost like she was a whole new
person. I was kind of impressed at this
transformation. I’m completely with
Carrie-Ann – she is definitely the most improved. Look out Pamela, Bristol’s on your tail! No votes (I don’t have enough to just be
throwing around!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Drew & Anna</b> – Anna ‘tough love’ Trebuskya and Drew ‘save a horse’ Lachey. I feel as though this is one of the
strangest matches of the season, but so far it seems to be working. One thing that might hold these two back is
the fact Drew is a bit whimsical and Anna’s game-face is so strong I don’t know
if they’ll end up having fun or just wanting to leave glass in the toes of each
other’s shoes. No votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Kelly & Val</b> – I’ll be honest in saying I’ve never been Kelly’s biggest fan. That said, I thought she rocked the Cha Cha,
especially since she’s never done it before.
Interestingly, because season one was so short, she actually has less
Dancing with the Stars experience than someone like Bristol. I don’t know how that will play out in the
long run, but for now, I think she and Val have a solid foundation from which
to build. It’s just too bad I don’t like
either of them that much… . No votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Kirstie & Maks</b> – Kirstie’s eggplant coloured dress was just lovely. For me, that was probably the highlight of
this routine. It was a little lackluster
and a hint boring… in my opinion. Now,
the Tom Bergeron kiss definitely kicked things up a bit. It’s just too bad that wasn’t part of the
routine. No votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Emmitt
& Cheryl</b> – I’ve always loved Emmitt in a jewel-toned shirt (and matching
emerald shoes!), so tonight really didn’t disappoint. This Cha Cha proved why this dynamic duo won
their first mirror ball. It was smooth,
fun and so polished without looking too practiced. What a great performance! 2 votes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Top 4:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Shawn and
Derek</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sabrina and
Louis</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gilles and
Peta</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Emmitt and
Cheryl</span></li>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Bottom 2:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pamela and
Damian</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bristol and
Mark</span></li>
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Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-24832185081072425692012-08-19T15:37:00.000-04:002012-08-19T16:14:41.581-04:00The Best of NYC - Insider Recommendations<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I was asked for insider recommendations of great things to do in NYC. Instantly, my mind started racing. Favourite places? I have dozens. Best hidden gems? There are hundreds. Oh New York... how I love you. <br /><br />Limiting the list to a reasonable visit was almost impossible, but since this question comes up all the time, I thought it was about time I put something together. This list will continue to grow, but for now, here's a starting point for 'The Best of NYC.' Enjoy!<br /><br /><b>Casual Fun</b><br />1) Walk the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn. The reward on the other side? A trip to <a href="http://grimaldis.com/">Grimaldi's</a>, an authentic pizzeria that will make you question all other pizza you've ever eaten. Note: Grimaldi's is a cash-only establishment. If there's still room for dessert, walk towards the river (only about five minutes further), and grab a sweet treat from the river walk ice cream shop and enjoy while overlooking Manhattan. Pure bliss!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://www.bbg.org/">The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens</a> - A beautiful oasis in the heart of Brooklyn. Saturday mornings are free and there are tons of amazing brunch places within a 15 minute walk in any direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3) <a href="http://www.thehighline.org/">The Highline</a> - NYC's newest and most visited park. They've converted old elevated railway tracks into a pedestrian park and it's simply wonderful. Be warned: this park is gaining popularity, so if you're willing to brave a day that's not quite as nice, the crowds will be thinned and the walk will be much more peaceful. If you start at the south-end of the walk, you can always browse through <a href="http://chelseamarket.com/">Chelsea Market</a> (where sample sales can often be found!) and, just across the street, grab the world's most delicious latte and ginger molasses cookie at <a href="http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/">Blue Bottle Coffee</a> (also, a cash-only establishment). If coffee is a passion, don't let the small front counter fool you - on the right of the counter there is a staircase that will lead you to a coffee bar where they serve different and unique brews along with some other delicious offerings (like preserves with brioche toast).<br /><br />4) <a href="http://www.ninjanewyork.com/">Ninja</a>. This dark ninja cave meets dinner. I don't want to give too much away, but it's a delicious and memorable dining experience that's sure to surprise!<br /><br />5) Looking for a walk? Head to <a href="http://www.nyc.com/arts__attractions/prospect_park.1330/editorial_review.aspx">Prospect Park</a> in Brooklyn and browse through some of the esteemed real estate of <a href="http://www.nyc.com/visitor_guide/park_slope.1000797/editorial_review.aspx">Park Slope</a>. Dream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Higher End Experiences</b><br />1) Martinis? Yes please! Head to <a href="http://www.jameshotels.com/New-York-Hotel.aspx?name=The-James-New-York&page=Jimmy">The Jimmy in SoHo</a> - It's a high end rooftop bar that's perfect for watching the sunset over New Jersey. Expect a cocktail to run you anywhere from $15-$20, but it's totally worth it. Note: If you get there before 7 (I think!), enter through the hotel; after, enter through the unmarked door on the east-side of the building. <br /><br />2) <a href="http://baramericain.com/new-york-city-restaurant/">Bar Americain</a> - If you're looking for a delicious dinner, pre-Broadway show, look no further - Bar Americain is just the stop you'll want to make! It's Bobby Flay's restaurant (and he frequents this location, so keep your eyes peeled!). The creamed kale will change your life. Just saying. Also, if you're a salmon lover, indulge. Everything here is delicious. <br /><br /><b>The Best of Touristy New York</b><br />1) <a href="http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/">Top of the Rock and NBC Studios</a>. In my opinion, The Rock is a much better tourist experience than the Empire State Building, so it's always my preference when trying to get a great view of the city. I always like to combine this with the Tour of NBC Studios - you get a deal doing both and, who doesn't love a little Rockefeller history? Tip: I recommend getting tickets early and doing a Thursday afternoon tour. Specific, I know. There is a reason though. If you go on Thursdays, the cast of Saturday Night Live is likely to be rehearsing. You just never know who you'll see in studio or wandering the halls! I've seen Melissa McCarthy and Kristin Wig there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://www.911memorial.org/">9/11 Memorial</a>. If you haven't been, I strongly encourage you to stop by for a visit to see the fountains and look at all the work that is being done. Once you've finished with the Memorial, take a walk through Battery Park City - a great place to catch the Statue of Liberty and escape from the concrete jungle.<br /><br />3) <a href="http://www.guggenheim.org/">The Guggenheim</a>. Every time I see this Frank Lloyd-Wright building, I get a little happier. It's a beautiful museum that is well worth admission (that is, if they aren't changing exhibits. If this happens, I recommend heading straight over <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/">The Metropolitan Museum of Art</a> which is GIGANTIC and, believe it or not, a building that was constructed just to be a museum and nothing more. I like to imagine it was once home to NY royalty). <br /><br />4) <a href="http://www.nyc.com/guided_tours/harlem_gospel_music_tour_wednesday.76233/editorial_review.aspx">Harlem Gospel Tour</a>. This tour takes you to parts of Manhattan you probably haven't ventured to before, unless you are a braver traveler than most! Sit in on a church service, listen to a great gospel choir and see some stunning architecture just above Central Park North.<br /><br />5) Columbus Circle, Midtown, SoHo and Greenwich Village. Walk around, take in all you can. The shopping, the ambiance, the simple pleasures of NYC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6) <a href="http://www.radiocity.com/tours/stage-door-tour.html">Stage Door Tour - Behind the Scenes at Radio City Music Hal</a>l. Learn about how the living nativity gets created in the Rockette's Christmas Spectacular, the history of the building (right down to the carpet!) and then meet a Rockette! Tour guests also get a discount at the gift shop after, so you can snap up your 'how to be a Rockette' t-shirt and star practicing!<br /><br /><b>Theatre</b>1) Broadway, of course. All of it. Looking for a better deal on tickets? Visit TKTS booths around Manhattan and Brooklyn (I suggest the location at the South Street Sea Port as it is much less busy than the one in Times Square). I recommend pre-browsing their <a href="http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56">Website</a> to check out what shows are typically being offered at reduced rates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://sleepnomorenyc.com/">Sleep No More NYC</a> - It's a film noir style production of Macbeth, taking place in an abandoned hotel on West Side. It's interactive (you wear a mask throughout the whole show and follow the actors through six floors of set!) and it's guaranteed to be unlike anything else you've ever seen. Truly, this is the show everyone in theatre is talking about. You must get tickets in advance as it sells out early (and with vigor!). When looking, book the early showing as you get to experience the show three times, all in different ways.<br /><br /><b>Random</b><br />1) As a huge fan of television and movies, I was always on the lookout for new shoots in the city (<a href="http://lockhartgardner.blogspot.ca/2011/11/good-wife-on-location-in-nyc.html">especially if it relates to The Good Wife!</a>). If you're interested in watching something film in NYC while you're there, check out <a href="http://www.onlocationvacations.com/">On Location Vacations</a>. If you have Twitter, follow @OLV as well, as they are always posting updates, live from the street! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://www.joefresh.com/">Joe Fresh</a>. I know, right? Well, they've opened a beautiful store on Fifth Avenue that's worth the time it takes to get there, if only to look and see what Joe Fresh is like in NYC! While you're in the area, pop by Bryant Park and the <a href="http://www.nypl.org/">New York Public Library</a>. The Library offers daily tours if you want a little history with your shopping.<br /><br />3) For something completely different, head to the northern-most tip of Manhattan, <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwoodhillpark/">Inwood Hill Park</a>. It's Manhattan's last remaining forest and is full of rich history. In fact, this area used to be the vacation land of those who lived downtown! Just on the other side of the river, the Bronx.<br /><br />4) <a href="http://socialeatz.com/">Social Eatz</a> - If you want to have the best burger of your life, go to Social Eatz and order the Bibimbap Burger. Asian-American fusion. Pure deliciousness.<br /><br />5) <a href="http://ililinyc.com/">Ilili</a> - If there's one thing I love, it's Mediterranean food. Okay, there are thousands of things I love, but this is in the top 50. Ilili NYC has some of the best Mediterranean food I've ever eaten (and as someone who feels they should have been born Greek, believe me, I've had a lot of experience in this type of cuisine). Great service and amazing food - best served with friends.<br /><br /><b>Don't Forget...</b><br />1) NYC is not quite the dream-like place Sex in the City would have you believe. You can't wear stilettos all day and run, carefree, through the streets of the city. Disappointing, I know. At night, I definitely recommend 5 inch heels and a sequin dress, but during the day you have to be a little more practical. The fact is, if there's one thing you're going to do in New York, it's walk. A couple of pairs of good shoes will serve you well. Socks and runners will make you look like a tourist, so think about some nice boots, cute ballet flats or splashy sandals. Need to stock up on shoes while you're there? Check out <a href="http://www.c21stores.com/">Century 21</a> in the Financial District or up in Columbus Circle.<br /><br />2) The MTA offers $29 seven-day all-you-can-ride transit passes. If you're trying to get from a stand-by line for Jimmy Fallon in the morning and race to a live taping of The View just 45 minutes later, this pass is going to save your life (oh, and save you money). Hop on, hop off and enjoy all the Subway has to offer.</span><br />
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Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-27584059704797293152011-12-22T02:15:00.000-05:002011-12-22T02:15:35.745-05:00A New York City Christmas<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm not going to lie - there are thousands of amazing things about living in New York City. I often find myself looking around saying, "seriously?" and "how did we end up here?" It's such a bright and dynamic city... and with the exception of <strike>some</strike> a lot of questionable smells emanating from sidewalks, street corners, subway grates and unmarked buildings, it really is one of the most magical places on earth. At Christmas, this is especially true. A New York City Christmas is something everyone should experience at least once, if just for the shopping alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year, I tackled the challenge of cramming my NYC holiday extravaganza into two short weeks. It required commitment and dedication, but I managed to take in the Radio City Rockette's Christmas Spectacular, the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker, the Lincoln Center Winter Festival and, my favourite holiday tradition: viewing all of the amazing Christmas window displays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'll let my photos speak (mostly) for themselves - I hope you enjoy my view of "A New York City Christmas" just as much as I've enjoyed sharing it...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Macy's, you can always expect style with a side of sequins</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year, Macy's tackled a whimsical "history of Christmas ornaments"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tribute to Elton John?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macy's - Herald Square</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A toy soldier at Rockefeller Center, overlooking the skating rink</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A light show projected on the building across from Rockefeller Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> If you've ever wondered how they get the lights on the Rockefeller Tree, here is the mystery unveiled: wooden scaffolding built up around the tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just can't help it: I can't get enough of Nutcrackers!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXcD83jrEyBIne6Oqrkp-9QFRP04PHG8waLCORKXUaqAfEHIPh9CC4rhJMZCthdJwPEhuZAT2hODemx-Ot2-37Dvz2RMOA1PXJJo1dnioxCiIvgsKCX-VOBHWdGcoZv4JYkPOTgB8425_/s1600/DSCF2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXcD83jrEyBIne6Oqrkp-9QFRP04PHG8waLCORKXUaqAfEHIPh9CC4rhJMZCthdJwPEhuZAT2hODemx-Ot2-37Dvz2RMOA1PXJJo1dnioxCiIvgsKCX-VOBHWdGcoZv4JYkPOTgB8425_/s400/DSCF2616.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rockettes display at Henri Bendel</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1C0kVo5e8otev6YSwM7PduWf43DehKn6QUrwej3W7L2MlPz32flEC0QGAY0v1EFc3UbVD6T4PgdIaM6CP1lAdoFnlqeNFu8wR604F6DXqPwb5Ke0tHDVrSGFknx3nRF56MAuMiCih6yH/s1600/DSCF2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1C0kVo5e8otev6YSwM7PduWf43DehKn6QUrwej3W7L2MlPz32flEC0QGAY0v1EFc3UbVD6T4PgdIaM6CP1lAdoFnlqeNFu8wR604F6DXqPwb5Ke0tHDVrSGFknx3nRF56MAuMiCih6yH/s400/DSCF2620.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Singular Sensation. Okay, that's A Chorus Line, but it seems appropriate!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPokExKFChrMFUwF_DT_LShJPGlXecfD173XH4h5IFFwUtbs1zeUTE984nSOF23Yp-s9AeN63OnEI6XPViZgq6-kSRVDeucbHFkXTsTdo71efr9ek_izekZ06oUrC1sBndD-u-pxZsTyzP/s1600/DSCF2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPokExKFChrMFUwF_DT_LShJPGlXecfD173XH4h5IFFwUtbs1zeUTE984nSOF23Yp-s9AeN63OnEI6XPViZgq6-kSRVDeucbHFkXTsTdo71efr9ek_izekZ06oUrC1sBndD-u-pxZsTyzP/s400/DSCF2622.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, the windows at Berdorff Goodman...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xAI8OC2WCI1d0hCJo5MXU7gr5A9O64jcprhDNTEyQd77hg-ZcobUItm4yKtR9owS4XyuBU06jrbjHmPrkvL88FGVsWFBN8VfjvKZ8kK_7WVz_CMbmjDy83XzazQUx1Cz__CVjyzZ7AiX/s1600/DSCF2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xAI8OC2WCI1d0hCJo5MXU7gr5A9O64jcprhDNTEyQd77hg-ZcobUItm4yKtR9owS4XyuBU06jrbjHmPrkvL88FGVsWFBN8VfjvKZ8kK_7WVz_CMbmjDy83XzazQUx1Cz__CVjyzZ7AiX/s400/DSCF2623.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15P8kkoEuAV6X3ZUYEvPqUev-9US8vMrYeRJ9dFPwcQNZCRkv60R68s6_3cS3Y4p7Kp764khfO-8xocwkxUz-66penKU3XXatV8C6Y_BkPMv9zSFoLu2NhBVn6RokJKAS0bUBmMr8EhPP/s1600/DSCF2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15P8kkoEuAV6X3ZUYEvPqUev-9US8vMrYeRJ9dFPwcQNZCRkv60R68s6_3cS3Y4p7Kp764khfO-8xocwkxUz-66penKU3XXatV8C6Y_BkPMv9zSFoLu2NhBVn6RokJKAS0bUBmMr8EhPP/s400/DSCF2625.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over at Berdorff Goodman, they created amazing displays focused on single construction mediums. Here, the aquatic scene is made exclusively of mosaic tiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfz4JZwSEuTJ4eabBOemMT4hgEJ_5si150BVwmu6llKIZEZK_SLhDZar858SodcDFHdByIRHiOlfAUUuLA1fXbQaGXTN0J9IUEuxB__6rBhLZloiD6t4jHjPo0euikcsfUYnipLH9etJE/s1600/DSCF2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfz4JZwSEuTJ4eabBOemMT4hgEJ_5si150BVwmu6llKIZEZK_SLhDZar858SodcDFHdByIRHiOlfAUUuLA1fXbQaGXTN0J9IUEuxB__6rBhLZloiD6t4jHjPo0euikcsfUYnipLH9etJE/s400/DSCF2626.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz-XRWZawODueNUCgRzzwqLV-lAh6TulIH74klPT_jaMAq9meXtHoLNQU_i6nhs2TAEx7hT4NV70yDqpfOZxrek559jugqZ91Q7KLi3zSzLq9koVAtLNcmd5RHxTLKNF6wxf_M3yxysm2/s1600/DSCF2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz-XRWZawODueNUCgRzzwqLV-lAh6TulIH74klPT_jaMAq9meXtHoLNQU_i6nhs2TAEx7hT4NV70yDqpfOZxrek559jugqZ91Q7KLi3zSzLq9koVAtLNcmd5RHxTLKNF6wxf_M3yxysm2/s400/DSCF2627.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berdorff Goodman: A display made exclusively of paper</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AOZKaCQwB7Ny755pOAskFPedi3MGvgXzqGUOgu11x0sQj-ON1GuM1T78sfdK8NXWuPw2-_1dSEimUe2X-WHg6mMJkCj7gW9F-KhZF436KznOG7WiiOJwEIb50azRjAjlrPtLSVFBFDvj/s1600/DSCF2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AOZKaCQwB7Ny755pOAskFPedi3MGvgXzqGUOgu11x0sQj-ON1GuM1T78sfdK8NXWuPw2-_1dSEimUe2X-WHg6mMJkCj7gW9F-KhZF436KznOG7WiiOJwEIb50azRjAjlrPtLSVFBFDvj/s400/DSCF2628.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMUrwMc-mNXVVeYKAYsk5VkzieNoLzESg6Iu1z90g1sM4xcHwOsVFHP6UX1jZzwsbVuuL6SKXuEChJUfFat2bsMpaW_dqqjCUeuZVQsqTyIXwc2J24WeL1w3YP0LYyyBBPHncfzeVqmRZ/s1600/DSCF2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMUrwMc-mNXVVeYKAYsk5VkzieNoLzESg6Iu1z90g1sM4xcHwOsVFHP6UX1jZzwsbVuuL6SKXuEChJUfFat2bsMpaW_dqqjCUeuZVQsqTyIXwc2J24WeL1w3YP0LYyyBBPHncfzeVqmRZ/s400/DSCF2629.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds of a feather...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMCSXn_eAXeopIyHw9zQIl3zMBN1fxmkflH5xm7HmQsRJxlqk9m-RiGpMybueT5v9VSWR22L6YboASqYr90YDYlhoE89kBucOyVkQLAvuyHodvd4e8Oh7M3gC24ZxOf2Oe4tficmlu58n/s1600/DSCF2631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMCSXn_eAXeopIyHw9zQIl3zMBN1fxmkflH5xm7HmQsRJxlqk9m-RiGpMybueT5v9VSWR22L6YboASqYr90YDYlhoE89kBucOyVkQLAvuyHodvd4e8Oh7M3gC24ZxOf2Oe4tficmlu58n/s400/DSCF2631.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Lincoln Centre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9t5tPAiuqL1z1aKyWDZj1fnKT660eMKq89JSGgG4MysqRC90Gzd_Ac_4SA1ndQFHurIWLw_W_ahyHGx7ZKShIp_lNRwAQ-etI6kikLfwtgKYr1IwoP-9AUvLzO9Ls9iOM56qb4aaO8tp/s1600/DSCF2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9t5tPAiuqL1z1aKyWDZj1fnKT660eMKq89JSGgG4MysqRC90Gzd_Ac_4SA1ndQFHurIWLw_W_ahyHGx7ZKShIp_lNRwAQ-etI6kikLfwtgKYr1IwoP-9AUvLzO9Ls9iOM56qb4aaO8tp/s400/DSCF2634.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magical ballet!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFB0Ds_P_2Hmo97pt7yfsQbEWBKUroI6k7WJCF3tWInXpPrr82Emh7fQpwFInCLOoJdPabRH-sqrr61rb3fBbD0PfmD4HeJjGD_cBd9nLkoexJmYZ0B8lh09Si4LDaGNUJsckIoyX0I1f/s1600/DSCF2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFB0Ds_P_2Hmo97pt7yfsQbEWBKUroI6k7WJCF3tWInXpPrr82Emh7fQpwFInCLOoJdPabRH-sqrr61rb3fBbD0PfmD4HeJjGD_cBd9nLkoexJmYZ0B8lh09Si4LDaGNUJsckIoyX0I1f/s400/DSCF2636.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lincoln Center Winter Festival: Tree lighting time!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoXtIPybyLn2JBm8f_L-oo-bDG4DiVnRpK-u2BwzTAHjPerOIe3vwEwspJrUT28qTDjiuymJEaC49_PaMYUVgWKbXnmgpQtFRgZh95OtSYOLVPYBnlo_kGXv98B1DS5RtynXPnyGroxHQ/s1600/DSCF2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoXtIPybyLn2JBm8f_L-oo-bDG4DiVnRpK-u2BwzTAHjPerOIe3vwEwspJrUT28qTDjiuymJEaC49_PaMYUVgWKbXnmgpQtFRgZh95OtSYOLVPYBnlo_kGXv98B1DS5RtynXPnyGroxHQ/s400/DSCF2639.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the amazing Lincoln Center square</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFVTpyovdUz632QIZbABEwssMGZJZPHMouyEAeRJJYLyZ667zZQofkOdtPHdZ4o6McIxIzLHkDSjoCM8A34094VjNzQgR7oRtkZUtGdbzXprDs0TTZx_l_lc0H-44-2ejhVB1ytx8q6hv/s1600/DSCF2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFVTpyovdUz632QIZbABEwssMGZJZPHMouyEAeRJJYLyZ667zZQofkOdtPHdZ4o6McIxIzLHkDSjoCM8A34094VjNzQgR7oRtkZUtGdbzXprDs0TTZx_l_lc0H-44-2ejhVB1ytx8q6hv/s400/DSCF2640.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Radio City Music Hall after the Rockette's Christmas Spectacular</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-5nCQw3hqbmgAzKRb1nmEcWQKy0UVHA4-zIlDoKcHvpauoaybJEP4if6-40FWYx8jhHoeJ5ajcMZgwV_30MdLwXRj_qrhcryuASf8kL1V_7DcMJra2jXcWZHbQH1bfaSTwDSz_vPTIGp/s1600/DSCF2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-5nCQw3hqbmgAzKRb1nmEcWQKy0UVHA4-zIlDoKcHvpauoaybJEP4if6-40FWYx8jhHoeJ5ajcMZgwV_30MdLwXRj_qrhcryuASf8kL1V_7DcMJra2jXcWZHbQH1bfaSTwDSz_vPTIGp/s400/DSCF2642.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Radio City Music Hall - Glitter tree!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfdSRrv4t9bK_Gey1-RsG9RuP1V1Rwv0263F_TCpOadpIkAhqdo58V-nZRQl7SbOGP5lnrEVwzo2M4MIHQf6lYTPluvWnqQy2EoTwLLd_yAK7oiWGNgmAu5WupmllHwWZfkgfb_JciwBL/s1600/Radio+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfdSRrv4t9bK_Gey1-RsG9RuP1V1Rwv0263F_TCpOadpIkAhqdo58V-nZRQl7SbOGP5lnrEVwzo2M4MIHQf6lYTPluvWnqQy2EoTwLLd_yAK7oiWGNgmAu5WupmllHwWZfkgfb_JciwBL/s400/Radio+City.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the infamous Radio City Music Hall... one of the happiest places on earth</td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-82678210499557270862011-11-09T12:35:00.000-05:002011-11-09T12:35:50.734-05:00Glamour<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>glam·our</b>/ˈglamər/<o:p></o:p></span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="padding: 3.75pt 0cm 3.75pt 0cm;" valign="top"> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Noun:<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="padding: 3.75pt 0cm 3.75pt 0cm;" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="padding: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;"> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The attractive or exciting quality that makes certain people or things seem appealing or special: "the glamour of Monte Carlo."<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2ZmlVVF2d-Kyg-h4SxE2cgExeGzl5peG54NmhU4assL-c0RfwE_l-YY49Zr1jJlkNUAcIQzAriqw6wBCLDgcQUZF9WpjGOqJl4GCSPmSYGxmmVYIUGKN50N_aqCSwmJMqnDWSyvw1nmh/s1600/Glamour+IV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2ZmlVVF2d-Kyg-h4SxE2cgExeGzl5peG54NmhU4assL-c0RfwE_l-YY49Zr1jJlkNUAcIQzAriqw6wBCLDgcQUZF9WpjGOqJl4GCSPmSYGxmmVYIUGKN50N_aqCSwmJMqnDWSyvw1nmh/s320/Glamour+IV.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am with my cape/coat and my Glamour bag outside of Carnegie Hall.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the second year in a row I have been lucky enough to attend Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall. It goes without saying I’m a fan of the glitz and pizazz such an event brings. From celebrities to sequins, the evening is an all-out star-studded extravaganza that’s inspirational and entertaining.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you don’t know what the Awards are about, here’s a quick rundown. Each year, Glamour selects around 11 women who are doing amazing in things out in the world. These women can be politicians, artists, fashion designers, royalty, actors or activists, and every year they are selected by past recipients and honoured at the Awards. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I’m clearly not famous (well, at least not yet), how I was able to attend this event is a bit of a mystery, that is, until you discover the world of being a seat filler. Basically all televised awards shows get a group of people to dress up and, well, sit in empty seats so the theatre always appears full. If Cher gets up, you sit in her seat. When she returns, you give her seat back. This particular example hasn’t specially happened to me, but I have seen Cher at the Awards, so I’m speaking from experience. Ish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last year, I braved this new world of seat filling on my own and I moved about the theatre a number of times, filling empty chairs and having a few brushes with fame (thank you, Stanley Tucci – I’m still talking about you). This year, I convinced my husband to come along, but unlike last year, after we sat down in the 10<sup>th</sup> row, we didn’t have to move. We sat across the aisle from Tory Burch, Lea Michelle, Gloria Steinem and Jennifer Lopez; we listened to colourful stories from Arianna Huffington and shared in an inspirational adventure with <a href="http://www.glamour.com/women-of-the-year/2011/esraa-abdel-fattah" target="_blank">Esraa Abdel Fattah</a>. The night was full of girl power… and it was awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>“The Bests” – in my opinion</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Most Inspirational Story – <a href="http://www.glamour.com/women-of-the-year/2011/withelma-ortiz-macey" target="_blank">Withelma “T” Oriz-Macey</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Best Dressed – <a href="http://www.glamour.com/women-of-the-year/2011/lea-michele" target="_blank">Lea Michele</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Best Acceptance Speech – <a href="http://www.glamour.com/women-of-the-year/2011/arianna-huffington" target="_blank">Arianna Huffington</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Best Surprise – A four-way tie for unexpected award presenters: Jennifer Aniston, Emma Stone, Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Funniest Speeches – Arianna Huffington and <a href="http://www.glamour.com/women-of-the-year/2011/chelsea-handler" target="_blank">Chelsea Handler</a></span></li>
</ul><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of course, it wouldn’t be a truly glamorous event without an equally fun bag of goodies at the end of the night. So, what was in that bag?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBbjaeD5TH0NL5vtZ-wXTqSzNdwGPQFywqHRUH63J45N3Vw6HY7JNBi0gOVPafgtZYE8rnX_DmV5neXZ7a3cmX4JHeLezesYeBEmnYm35qIwaJbrBcDX4fbUkCmorGoYngoEZjJ4CcDNu/s1600/Glamour+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBbjaeD5TH0NL5vtZ-wXTqSzNdwGPQFywqHRUH63J45N3Vw6HY7JNBi0gOVPafgtZYE8rnX_DmV5neXZ7a3cmX4JHeLezesYeBEmnYm35qIwaJbrBcDX4fbUkCmorGoYngoEZjJ4CcDNu/s320/Glamour+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the title sponsor is Loreal, you'll notice a pattern of strategic product placement. Here we have full sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner and hairspray.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6DDnpYGMQLEIoRLP4Ypagk_FiZ9UoCYsAZ86M3RCk5K7o9StkdAq7oxjHLONaBIwbhrlTqpv3CrtH8zpcffI-ueTBkdB2EqVAYp9QNLYXPSeMtoi9a2rAEM_HBwZnC3jai3qHkz0xa4W/s1600/Glamour+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6DDnpYGMQLEIoRLP4Ypagk_FiZ9UoCYsAZ86M3RCk5K7o9StkdAq7oxjHLONaBIwbhrlTqpv3CrtH8zpcffI-ueTBkdB2EqVAYp9QNLYXPSeMtoi9a2rAEM_HBwZnC3jai3qHkz0xa4W/s320/Glamour+II.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loreal make up fun! False lash mascara, Glamour Women of the Year lipstick in 'blazing sangria', 'blushing berry' lip gloss, and 'smokey for all eyes' eye shadow (a product I'm frankly skeptical of... how can one foam brush blend everything in one sweep?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr8ae8hgzFVD8VeJq-tshtUAyAOsUjdQRurHaUv2ILQFlNwrA8DZOsd_MZcAc-AGntaWZzgZ0AwHM7FeU5E8BbI2xv6l6fHoNMciD4PxQ-1QOthgAOAqYGLyJbNk-Ag9UNpKsvqm-ACL5/s1600/Glamour+III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr8ae8hgzFVD8VeJq-tshtUAyAOsUjdQRurHaUv2ILQFlNwrA8DZOsd_MZcAc-AGntaWZzgZ0AwHM7FeU5E8BbI2xv6l6fHoNMciD4PxQ-1QOthgAOAqYGLyJbNk-Ag9UNpKsvqm-ACL5/s320/Glamour+III.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Pandora collector's guide and, perhaps most importantly, a bottle of 'Youth Code' serum. Apparently if I put it on in the morning I'll look like me and by the end of the day I'll end up looking like Abigail Breslin. Quite frankly, as long as it can guarantee I'll look as good as Julianna Margulies at some point in my life, I'm willing to try it out. </td></tr>
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</span></span></div>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-81328223324875374382011-11-03T13:07:00.004-04:002011-11-03T22:42:28.106-04:00Super Fans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Spending hours in stand-by lines of television shows can be either a frustrating or rewarding experience… much like how rainy days can go one of two ways: full of gloom and disappointment or crammed full of fun and unexpected surprises. When you get a frustrating, gloom-filled, disappointing day, it’s best just to go home and turn on the Wendy Williams Show because sadly, your day can’t get much worse... but when you get a rewarding day jam-packed with fun and unexpected surprises, you’ve hit the rainy day lottery. Last Thursday, alongside a group of friends, the rainy day jackpot was ours for the taking and no inverted umbrellas or messy hairstyles could stop us!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Writing about the entire day would take approximately 8,000 words (yes, it was that crazy), but the story that will live on forever is short-ish, oh so sweet and involves 30 Rockefeller Center and that late night host named Jimmy Fallon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRvwnDDQK24webgXYoOJJrYtggIG-CHyrcYYRb-Qd9AWNgPE5O1jwPdMpyETOBAvLtTHQl7zdkhFHsuOn-_l7e1uwKkp2ED4FmnqNwti2rluqp_UUNFK5-Ya2GrCREvBc9vyl55yBo-KL/s1600/Standby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRvwnDDQK24webgXYoOJJrYtggIG-CHyrcYYRb-Qd9AWNgPE5O1jwPdMpyETOBAvLtTHQl7zdkhFHsuOn-_l7e1uwKkp2ED4FmnqNwti2rluqp_UUNFK5-Ya2GrCREvBc9vyl55yBo-KL/s320/Standby.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life lesson: Friends who will spend rainy days in stand-by lines are keepers<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When we lined up for tickets in the morning, we only knew of one specific guest: Eva Longoria. Now, having seen Eva on a few talk shows over the last year, I’m not ashamed to admit I have a bit of a girl crush on her. She’s smart, fun, competitive in family games like charades and can cook. Basically, if she lived next door, I would befriend her and borrow cups of sugar. All of us were just excited at the prospect of being in the Jimmy Fallon audience, no matter who else was going to be on the show – Eva was a bonus and anyone else would be icing on the cake.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Coming back in the afternoon to redeem our tickets, we lined up in numerical order – we had tickets 17-20 and were reasonably confident in our positions. The first cut the NBC staff made: 1 – 36 would get to go to the next checkpoint. No guarantees on audience admittance, but the further you get into 30 Rock, the better. Horray – and we’re off! Next up, we find ourselves in a boarder-line deserted hallway with the top 36. The next cut: 1 – 15 would get in. Disappointment… and not just for us, but for ticket holder #21</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> who had her wallet stolen a few hours earlier and who was still in line to see the show (WHAT?! I would be losing my mind if I was in NYC and had lost my wallet… I wouldn’t be in line to see my hopeful new bestie do a 15 minute interview with no guarantee of Jimmy’s ‘thank you note’ bit). But wait! As they look at the top 15 it seems some people are missing… they are willing to take the next four people in line. Hello rainy day lottery!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-LsH-AnCDRKed7Mcb3t7hUqNzmoCangkI5CFWiHHdfy5_RVy-5Zd5GgQNG5x-_QeJkfSQoZRcmwdE49bN2wz16bfGYURLy7M7GtgrXx8WSOwU8aiE1_g-bnEedD_gVbPLb3oOIUGDxVz/s1600/Jimmy+Fallon+Wrist+Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-LsH-AnCDRKed7Mcb3t7hUqNzmoCangkI5CFWiHHdfy5_RVy-5Zd5GgQNG5x-_QeJkfSQoZRcmwdE49bN2wz16bfGYURLy7M7GtgrXx8WSOwU8aiE1_g-bnEedD_gVbPLb3oOIUGDxVz/s320/Jimmy+Fallon+Wrist+Band.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello upgrade opportunity!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Whfc9Vwnbr0ohbccJLR0oCI80p63aJ2jPS0Pb_iX-_YuAB4JbjwSjkr_J0mJ-5AqUvg9UsYU4jl7zXLah1eHpurEc-7S7rF_5dbVNl6c3Z-EiPJnpG02wUQcqTGs3UOWlJnP85QNFKH/s1600/Wrist+Bands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Whfc9Vwnbr0ohbccJLR0oCI80p63aJ2jPS0Pb_iX-_YuAB4JbjwSjkr_J0mJ-5AqUvg9UsYU4jl7zXLah1eHpurEc-7S7rF_5dbVNl6c3Z-EiPJnpG02wUQcqTGs3UOWlJnP85QNFKH/s320/Wrist+Bands.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wristbands up!</td></tr>
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</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After taking a quick look at our little group they handed us tickets, attached green bands to our wrists and pulled us out of line to take us to another roped-off area. Puzzled, we stood with a group of about 20 people until our beloved NBC girl came back and announced she had “an upgrade opportunity available.” You had me at “upgrade” NBC – this could only mean good things! The offer was to be in the bandstand and dance/sway on stage when their musical guest performed. Well, this was better than we ever could have imagined. Ummm, yes, we’ll take it! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wait, should we at least know more about this band? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fast forward. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jimmy slow-jammed with Brian Williams. Eva was awesome. Kal Penn was entertaining.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We’re up.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">During the last commercial break we are taken on stage with a clear view behind the scenes where we see what can only be described as “alien monsters.” The band: GWAR. If you aren’t familiar with them, neither were we. According to their cyber fortress, GWAR is a heavy metal band that’s been around since 1984, they are all about outrageous costumes often made of rubber, body paint and obscene lyrics. Of course, they were on Jimmy Fallon to perform a new hit from their current album, ‘Bloody Pit of Horror.’ Oh sure. To get the full picture, I encourage readers to visit </span><a href="http://www.gwar.net/">http://www.gwar.net/</a> - my words alone aren’t able to do justice to this group.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So there we were, on stage in the bandstand, clouds of dry ice encircling us as GWAR performed their song. To be honest, it was difficult to understand – it could be because the singers were wearing enormous amounts of rubberized head gear, or it could be because we had to head bang so as to appear like number one fans. Either way, nothing could have prepared us for the slaughter that happened next. Yes, slaughter. By the end of the song, band members were fighting on stage, tearing chunks of flesh from their costumes and trying to decapitate each other with saws. At some point I had to ask myself, ‘why couldn’t we have landed on Josh Charles day… Josh Charles day would have been so much dreamier,’ but it’s one of those things you can’t question. The universe wanted us to see GWAR.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The only way to truly sum up this experience is by saying one word: hilarious. How we made it into the audience, how we were selected to be bandstand members and how we managed to land on GWAR day is simply a mystery. It’s something that a very few people would ever experience – a true, ‘if not now, when?’ moment. <span lang="EN-US">That said, if you’re in Calgary on November 5<sup>th</sup>, they’re playing at MacEwan Hall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And that’s how we became super fans of GWAR, super fans of Jimmy Fallon… or maybe just super fans of those things you look back on and say, ‘only in New York.’</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrbiyLjPejoaAgpAowbZcqqKT2zkJSN2T5vjXED82lF3R3tOWh1fRC-C34TpKroZijHGVzDHVYDoQwVTr-xwKPFYm-y4juJ-sdQZAIoQ-GlxDbbeUXxFx9-FFGMGWH2Or8XRPStVdF2VN/s1600/Jimmys+scared.php.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrbiyLjPejoaAgpAowbZcqqKT2zkJSN2T5vjXED82lF3R3tOWh1fRC-C34TpKroZijHGVzDHVYDoQwVTr-xwKPFYm-y4juJ-sdQZAIoQ-GlxDbbeUXxFx9-FFGMGWH2Or8XRPStVdF2VN/s400/Jimmys+scared.php.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Jimmy Fallon was scared</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></div>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-1100086720641012012011-09-09T22:03:00.000-04:002011-09-09T22:03:05.609-04:00Remember to Love<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnC86koW3siEypypovdT_FvcECI1AuoXDQ_R9Eva4n7fDnpQGfRCjQHg2El52l7ycgwfIKzsgDKOVGRyB_R4Jw5IQB_7GY4bR9gPoEmQHAikFO9LzFHSRjQHRAecpSc808lyQshQGf_H2/s1600/DSCF2258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnC86koW3siEypypovdT_FvcECI1AuoXDQ_R9Eva4n7fDnpQGfRCjQHg2El52l7ycgwfIKzsgDKOVGRyB_R4Jw5IQB_7GY4bR9gPoEmQHAikFO9LzFHSRjQHRAecpSc808lyQshQGf_H2/s320/DSCF2258.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribbons tied to the gates of St. Paul's Chapel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On the street the other day, I overheard two men bragging about how many Jeeps their respective families own.<span> </span>One man’s family has four, the other, nine.<span> </span>Nine Jeeps in the family?!<span> </span>Variety is the spice of life, but Jeeps are clearly the starchy side for this meat and potatoes crowd. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of September 11<sup>th</sup> around the corner, the sobering realities of that day’s events are ever-present around North America, and especially New York.<span> </span>Here, people are finding ways to pay tribute to those who both survived and lost their lives.<span> </span>TV shows are offering moments of silence, reporters are interviewing those who made it out of the wreckage, drug stores are offering free American flags and churches are giving people "Remember to Love" ribbons so they can write messages and tie them to the surrounding wrought iron gates.<span> </span>So, how does this fit in with the guys talking about the Jeeps?<span> </span>I’ll get back to that eventually. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A decade ago, I couldn’t ever have imagined I would be living in New York City, let alone mere blocks away from the World Trade Centre site and watching these things go on around me.<span> </span>It’s difficult for me to believe it has been 10 years: in many ways it seems like yesterday and in other ways I can hardly remember a world without the date “September 11” being associated with the attacks.<span> </span>I remember the morning it happened, watching, in shock, as the Trade Centers came crumbling to the ground and as I walk the streets that would have been covered in debris, I can only imagine the chaos that would have been running rampant throughout lower Manhattan.<span> </span>Even today, you can tell the events of 9/11 are within those New Yorkers who lived through it – the feeling is palpable and I don’t think that will ever go away.<span> </span>Even for me, I won’t ever forget being outside when airspace over Calgary re-opened and a plane flew overhead.<span> </span>I stopped on the street and looked into the dark sky, thinking that things wouldn’t ever be the same again.<span> </span>Our world was forever changed, New York more than anywhere else.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10 years ago, I was starting my first year of college, I had just met the man I would later marry and I was embarking on a great new adventure.<span> </span>By the time I graduated, the events of 9/11 were in my text books as a piece of modern day history and these days, watching the rebuilding of the site has become part of my daily life.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now, with the 10 year anniversary on the horizon, threats of another attack have surfaced.<span> </span>Checkpoints have been set up and those riding the subway are being spot searched.<span> </span>I’m thankful for the vigilance of the NYPD because, well, this is what living modern day history looks like in New York City.<span> </span>If Michael Bloomberg can ride the Subway, so can I; if the average person can talk about how many members of their family own Jeeps, I will listen and be grateful for the lightness of the conversation; and if New Yorkers can carry positive spirit, strength and resilience with them, I can, too.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In a world where variety is the spice of life, I’ll take meat and potatoes this weekend. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdGGX7civ7I5lEC_cmVy1mS-3Z8xyMQ6vm62Ua1PVl3Zqkgt2jJsYES_VKQqtd3dKZ0rkOnuY55O0F04eBSksTKqqNPMfe-hXF1xK3eA9DYabHHJuWs6bhQKP_CJfUftHWvwS0ddyDjtM/s1600/DSCF2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdGGX7civ7I5lEC_cmVy1mS-3Z8xyMQ6vm62Ua1PVl3Zqkgt2jJsYES_VKQqtd3dKZ0rkOnuY55O0F04eBSksTKqqNPMfe-hXF1xK3eA9DYabHHJuWs6bhQKP_CJfUftHWvwS0ddyDjtM/s320/DSCF2251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many police checkpoints that has been set up in Manhattan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfwPwrudDI5NcFgdl0P1Ez4uGUopTRsb7mSalfWH3ChrZeos_p3DREs-nHnHrALHwXlVRXydPAaGLYEeMpwP32DzE4u4qNW96cH7h2h5E6vOm4nAn7M3ob0bho8d0vchENsPSMzLTWyow/s1600/DSCF2252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfwPwrudDI5NcFgdl0P1Ez4uGUopTRsb7mSalfWH3ChrZeos_p3DREs-nHnHrALHwXlVRXydPAaGLYEeMpwP32DzE4u4qNW96cH7h2h5E6vOm4nAn7M3ob0bho8d0vchENsPSMzLTWyow/s320/DSCF2252.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cherry-picker style police tower overlooking the Trade Center site</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHx5AXjeLKupb_7GIX0-yJrv5aw3X7a9BY7NgsNZCc8s22JO9QeyJmxi0zAIiOgIRJsKJjnA1sSo0Umapktzztkr7hRWMI4iExY3YgdqPAEMvyXhCH-HoKr27vRJWLy_mAUgcuTL6yA_k/s1600/DSCF2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHx5AXjeLKupb_7GIX0-yJrv5aw3X7a9BY7NgsNZCc8s22JO9QeyJmxi0zAIiOgIRJsKJjnA1sSo0Umapktzztkr7hRWMI4iExY3YgdqPAEMvyXhCH-HoKr27vRJWLy_mAUgcuTL6yA_k/s320/DSCF2256.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction in the reflection of a nearby building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNc2Uk9-3PIyO6pAkx_F-954cCJNnfVLlOevqgxYFt-J1t-zhQyeYCudGz4DzQ-ob4esdcE9qKyeC9cUJb36RBGXgTQY1w7H-XSVP7jDgLEtAu8DaWOmPuPXxIVn69964orDuKU_AOUQW/s1600/DSCF2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNc2Uk9-3PIyO6pAkx_F-954cCJNnfVLlOevqgxYFt-J1t-zhQyeYCudGz4DzQ-ob4esdcE9qKyeC9cUJb36RBGXgTQY1w7H-XSVP7jDgLEtAu8DaWOmPuPXxIVn69964orDuKU_AOUQW/s320/DSCF2257.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 years later, the rebuilding continues</td></tr>
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</span></span></div>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-62332100989665511872011-08-22T23:01:00.000-04:002011-08-22T23:01:00.987-04:00Fiesta Fruit Hats and other Surprises<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh surprises.<span> </span>Sometimes even the most basic things in a life can give you an unexpected jolt into reality. You know what I mean.<span> </span>Things like finding out the milk you just bought has gone bad or that you inadvertently bought perm solution when you meant to pick up hair dye.<span> </span>You don’t always know why things happen the way they do (example: You weren’t supposed to have milk because you developed an allergy to dairy overnight and, the truth is, curls are really flattering).<span> </span>The point is, on occasion you have to give in and let the universe leave its mark… even if you have no idea why.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One such ‘universe footprint’ tread on my life a few days ago – one of those moments that makes you say to yourself, “What are people thinking?” and “Seriously?!”<span> </span>As the story goes, in the middle of last week I found myself<span> </span>a local branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL… and acronym which will become important in just a minute).<span> </span>The truth be told, I’m a frequent library visitor.<span> </span>I love the people watching (the 6’4” man in a fiesta fruit hat continues to be a highlight), I love picking up books (and occasionally judging them by their covers) and I love the fact that you can go and learn something new every day (from <i>how to make fabric flowers</i> to <i>how to write the next great screen play</i> and from <i>saving the world one vermi-composter at a time </i>to <i>how to hide vegetables in dinner</i> … don’t judge).<span> </span>It’s all there and I’ve probably researched in, thumbed through or read at least 268 of the NYPLs bazillion book collection.<span> </span>I’ve also began to embrace the world of DVDs though the library.<span> </span>I’ve caught up on new and old movies – things I’ve wanted to see but have missed, or things I’ve heard about so thought I should try (example: Rachael Getting Married.<span> </span>If you haven’t seen it, I can save you some time.<span> </span>Rachael gets married.<span> </span>Some stuff happens, it’s not all good, and then, yes, she ties the knot).<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So last week, I decided I would check out three movies: a) The Blindside, b) Life As We Know It and c) The Back-up Plan.<span> </span>As an avid “re-watcher” of things, I’d seen two of these movies before (hint: a and b), so “c” seemed like a reasonable, well, back-up plan… and I don’t even particularly like Jennifer Lopez.<span> </span>That should have been my first clue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My fatal error, was, perhaps, in thinking this J-Lo movie would be different from the others.<span> </span>I wish at this point I could give away a spoiler to the movie, but I can’t… and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to in the future.<span> </span>Why?<span> </span>Well, when I opened the DVD all I saw was a shiny disk with Sharpie letters “NYPL” scrolled around the inner circle of the disk.<span> </span>“Strange,” I thought to myself, noting that a few other DVDs I have don’t have images on them and can be played on both sides.<span> </span>That’s when it happened.<span> </span>I turned the disk over, only to find that someone had switched disks and had left me with, well, adult entertainment.<span> </span>Yes, someone left me with their back-up plan. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In all likelihood, that’s probably not even the best part of the story.<span> </span>It’s the fact I had to take the DVD back to the library, make the guy working at the check-out counter open the case and flip the disk over himself.<span> </span>The words, ‘Oh God’ with a horrified throat gurgle could be heard for meters (it is a library, after all).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lesson learned: While back-up plans are good, I won’t ever pick mine off a communal shelf again. As for the library, and hopefully my fiesta fruit hat guy... I'll see you later this week.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHr9y2tUYp0Nnk2uv4IhICfBe0IHo-3ivNW8j_LvtB5I0W8ubZI1R_64CibwXHzbK7FHO-Qd1KoLlkaXCctxa2gtj1tfexCZ96fjMZwcnXZ2kNyw8dxtNnfUNbMD33r8QlqJee6OYxNdz/s1600/Back+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHr9y2tUYp0Nnk2uv4IhICfBe0IHo-3ivNW8j_LvtB5I0W8ubZI1R_64CibwXHzbK7FHO-Qd1KoLlkaXCctxa2gtj1tfexCZ96fjMZwcnXZ2kNyw8dxtNnfUNbMD33r8QlqJee6OYxNdz/s320/Back+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At least I know what it should have looked like...</span></span></div>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-25919004263273068052011-08-05T11:44:00.000-04:002011-08-05T11:44:57.642-04:00Look, spaghetti arms...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve never had a problem with personal space – I don’t mind people near me, I’m not claustrophobic and I hug my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think of cities with a lot of personal space, New York probably isn’t the first one to come to mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, your assumptions would be correct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just have to walk through Times Square a few times to realize that this city has nothing but people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, New Yorkers are definitely of the ‘keep to themselves’ variety, which means bumping into someone on the street or in a lobby will get you the world’s biggest stink eye. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes it feels like being in a magical school of fish, all of whom know the intricate dance of speed walking and sidewalk weaving, but sometimes it feels like you’re in the smallest of sardine cans, unable to stand, let alone make any kind of movement that would be Dancing with the Stars approved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the other day when I was on the Subway and a lady reached out to grab a bar in the center of the 40+ degree train and instead grabbed my face with her talon nails, all I wanted to do was exclaim, ‘Look, spaghetti arms… this is my dance space [insert me drawing a one-inch arch around myself], this is your dance space [insert me drawing a one-inch arch around her).’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point is, you can hug me, just don’t gouge me in the face with your nails… and most importantly, don’t invade my dance space.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sadly, that wasn’t the worst train offense of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, that came a few hours later on the way home, when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a man sneezed directly onto my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, I became the person giving the stink eye… and I think I was justified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t even apologize for the million germs he power-sprayed across my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forget the need for dance space, I was just hoping he didn’t have swine flu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point is, you can be in my one-inch arch, just don’t sneeze on me… and most importantly, if you do, please apologize.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCUAOHUrH2SG7ErFdLa8-bEfDV_d9vpKNMthR20NAxneKmqgkDUfjNS_g-qUx-doE1B7I8NFkixBlNMCrr3LKUXMs7YTuDTslW8w3B0Cc8Btn0mqi8425jZL2xeohjv2er60rtM7t5iHx/s1600/kleenex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCUAOHUrH2SG7ErFdLa8-bEfDV_d9vpKNMthR20NAxneKmqgkDUfjNS_g-qUx-doE1B7I8NFkixBlNMCrr3LKUXMs7YTuDTslW8w3B0Cc8Btn0mqi8425jZL2xeohjv2er60rtM7t5iHx/s320/kleenex.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-25558514169062902872011-06-04T23:17:00.000-04:002011-06-04T23:17:49.660-04:00The man in the rose-coloured jeansAdmittedly, it has been awhile since I wrote a blog post. Sorry dear readers… I promise to be more diligent this summer. I mean, really, if I want to be discovered for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">something</i> that will yield a ‘c’ or even ‘b’ list status in order to get a call from Dancing with the Stars, blogging could be my meal ticket.<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With that, I bring you: The man in the rose-coloured jeans.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Earlier this week, I found myself at The Body Shop (though this is, in principle, against my Fruits and Passion roots, no such stores are in New York… so I made lemonade whilst in search of a pillow spray). While smelling a bar of summery pink grapefruit glycerin soap, a man who entered store caught my eye. Maybe it was because he gave off a vibe or maybe it was because he was wearing dusty rose-coloured jeans. Who knows? When I turned around, I spotted him removing a tester of men’s cologne off the shelf, coyly flipping it in his hand and sliding it into his pocket. Outrage! Having worked in this industry for years, shoplifters officially give me mad rage. Enter mission: catch the criminal. I calmly walked over the cash register and told the two clerks I had just seen the pilfering go down. They quietly made a call and headed over to chat with the man who proclaimed an interest in gift sets (what… to put down his pants?!). Giving him items to smell and products to try, the clerks kept him in the store until security arrived. Security came in the form of a large man, probably 220 lbs and dressed in uniform. All of us had gleeful aura surrounding us, lest the criminal escape the throngs of our plan… however, it was clearly foolproof. We’d done all the heavy lifting: Spotting the crime and secretly detaining the criminal. Enter mall security in the most ‘epic fail’ moment ever. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Security guard: “What am I here for?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Clerk tries to secretly point to the thief.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Security guard: “So someone stole something?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">Rose-coloured pants man takes his additional new ‘time killing’ sample and leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Security guard: “Oh – that was him? Well, what did you want me to do? Search him?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ummm… yes! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A long story short – the man in the pink pants made a mad dash off the property and the guard watched him do it. The upside, I got a high-five from one of the clerks for my Nancy Drew-inspired skills. After not only watching this go down, but having been part of it, I have discovered some very important life lessons:</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">1) My uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of mall cops has hit an all-time high and is apparently well-founded .<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">2) Pink jeans for men are seemingly being crafted and sold throughout the world. To some</span>, the shoplifting would take a backseat to this offense alone.<br />
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3) Sometimes finding the perfect pillow mist can get you caught up in a situation you would never expect... like a heist, or a fashion crime.<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">All I can say is next time I see someone pocket body care, I’m going to pull out my high kick and nab the thief myself. I can hear Tom Bergeron telling the story now…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-68095286983832103012011-01-12T22:05:00.002-05:002011-01-12T22:15:43.349-05:00Thank goodness for garbage collectors… and the Obama children<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Heading home for Christmas was a great getaway –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to be up around 4 am and was plagued by brief, interrupted sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After counting sheep (literally, I tried it and failed because I imaged them dancing in the air like cows jumping over the moon), I fell asleep, dreaming that the Obama children were helping me pack using their Mary Poppins-esque carpet bags. I hope I at least gave them homemade muffins for their efforts, which makes me wonder if Michelle bakes now that she’s First Lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is she allowed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does she own a J Crew apron?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can she make carrot raisin muffins from ingredients from her White House garden? Does a special ‘taster’ need to be involved to ensure they are right for Presidential consumption?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In any case, a heartfelt thanks to Malia and Sasha – I’ll look to you two to helping us move in a few weeks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Coming back to NYC in early January was the perfect time to hit the ground running on the New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived one week after a huge snow storm and were greeted by the garbage and recycling remnants on streets, piled more than 5’6” high, with only enough sidewalk room left available for one person to walk down a path at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few days ago, light flakes of coconut-coloured snow began to fall and ‘emergency command posts for winter weather’ were deployed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure 1/89<sup>th</sup> of an inch of snow fell, but we were prepared this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mayor Bloomberg was featured in a press conference and school was cancelled. Coming from Canada, I think back to the days I trudged through knee-high snow and can’t help but feel I would probably still be in junior high if school was cancelled every time 12 snowflakes fluttered from the morning sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the upside, the emergency procedures meant that garbage trucks were deployed with tire chains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh New York, how you entertain me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wU6ay7UKByS7ePMjbPo143R6hxM-1kVVlfi9derXs5e3qbR7kxvjgnuTE6XjE3mzj0FB1hKDZwX-n0B-1Fxym7ShtG6H8cFPfSbDrK22yT9IWrqufPa-GA68vKlBm2W4hZu0RTciKXFh/s1600/DSCF1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wU6ay7UKByS7ePMjbPo143R6hxM-1kVVlfi9derXs5e3qbR7kxvjgnuTE6XjE3mzj0FB1hKDZwX-n0B-1Fxym7ShtG6H8cFPfSbDrK22yT9IWrqufPa-GA68vKlBm2W4hZu0RTciKXFh/s320/DSCF1274.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Above: A view from our apartment...</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Below: A view from the street...</span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAymWq2JTWNCZqCe4uGA9Z-RgwclAcbAqkDUvfHQ-HHbHryM4iXOBS7ut7lBkRc1b-adBEGi2FenlMDWzGY0tPoENd6awFur-zEF1cpr5H1P81lLg-yaX2hIPaSbmYaoPmnl9Q8ld3K1d/s1600/DSCF1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAymWq2JTWNCZqCe4uGA9Z-RgwclAcbAqkDUvfHQ-HHbHryM4iXOBS7ut7lBkRc1b-adBEGi2FenlMDWzGY0tPoENd6awFur-zEF1cpr5H1P81lLg-yaX2hIPaSbmYaoPmnl9Q8ld3K1d/s320/DSCF1282.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m looking forward to writing a full report on our impending move to the Financial District and the start of tap lessons later this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, I’m off try on my new tap shoes and dance around the apartment to “Marry You” from Glee (I'm pretty sure they can't evict us for noise infractions this close to our move out date... can they?). At least I'm not singing Glee Karaoke here. I'm saving that for the new place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1489186205430256139.post-88561911480992469192010-12-09T23:26:00.010-05:002010-12-10T11:50:44.126-05:00A Little Bit Wicked<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">With the east coast winds whistling through the streets of Manhattan, it seems about time I got my blog up and running. Frankly, sitting down at a computer seems like a much better option than wearing earmuffs and 12 jackets just to walk to the grocery store. I don’t need Jell-O that badly. In any case, since moving to New York City is August, I’ve been squirreling away anecdotes and stories which I expect to be the primary content for updates. Without the colourful characters I meet in passing (or some of whom I seek out intentionally), I’m not sure I would have enough fodder for the blogosphere.<br />
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At this point, I should probably give my first shout out to Kristin Chenoweth, Broadway icon and my personal theatrical inspiration. It was Thanksgiving week when I took a walk down to the local library and picked up her biography, ‘A Little Bit Wicked.’ Since then, I haven’t been able to sleep. I’m not saying it is Kristin’s fault, but I couldn’t put the book down and now my sleeping patterns have been thrown into the proverbial cauldron of doom. Yes, it’s my personal Oz without the ruby slippers. The downside is I’ve since finished the book, but the upside is I devoured every tasty morsel and can safely say she is topping my list of favourite celebrities. It is thanks to Kristin that I’m up at this late hour kicking off the blog. My own memoirs will certainly reflect my gratitude.<br />
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Though I don’t want to give away the farm in this first post, I can’t help but kick things off with a quick picture I want to paint for you: Imagine a man, probably 5’9”, wearing a black unitard (think “circus weightlifter) and black fishnets. His hair is tied in a low ponytail and he wears running shoes that match this whole ensemble (I know! I don’t know what shoes I would wear if I put that on the morning, but this gentleman never waivers from his fashion choices). He runs through the community, dodging traffic and weaving through pedestrians on sidewalks. This is life in New York. You can wear anything you want while running through the streets... especially if you’re late for your male burlesque show.<br />
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I’m getting ready to head home for the holidays and I’m thrilled to already have a packed agenda with time booked in for all of my family and friends. Wouldn’t you know, as I draw ever closer to boarding that plane, the infamous signs of a cold have begun to surface. I blame New York’s aromatic and somewhat polluted air supply, oh, and the million plus tourists touching the door handle of my favourite Starbucks. Well, it’s not like all of the city’s visitors are going to that location, but still. Anyone sniffing on 3rd and E 41st, I’m watching you. Just saying.<br />
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Anyways, I’m off to the airport on Tuesday and have visions of the TSA doing their full body scan and seeing into my nasal passages to witness what the Sudafed has kept from their sidelong glances. Perhaps I’ll go with the manual pat down this time – it couldn’t be more invasive than trying to get up close and personal with the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree. </span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548908810928607842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWBadqXVzeWla-F8So5lCWuxwaOZH1LgY_gddLF-ntT_o2tqtaGDGKSeeFtyWPPNYxFKkcZEWsisXTKLwV0yF24jlxti7lnVbHotTQk6O9XylKCnRDtDkJVgb2-7RjoSK2wyXHOvZmuTq/s320/DSCF1103.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><em>Above: The Rockefeller Christmas tree four days before it was lit</em></span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548908815572215378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTA4cBI_UH6t499nHKAa_VwgFWy_IkqVO-Q8AtdE3bNAx9UYxwwJe5wTsX1FRf2IpqyRLHTPM7fYiVnKmmSxhySmCLFvXrKK-LetAXSEAQaimg0dsnlK1vBcu1HyXc9Qb75gPRkS59aS_/s320/DSCF1232.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></span><br />
<div align="center"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Above: The lights are on! I know it doesn't look that busy... but that's the power of 10 optical zoom.</span></em></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, for what might just be my favourite part of the blog… Random quotes I hear while walking down the street!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This one comes from my December 8 walk down to the Fashion District. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's the scene: Man on the street, leaning against a building... quote: “You’re not the problem, Frank. I think we both know that.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Personally, I want more information… but that’s the beauty of catching random parts of people’s conversations. I can make up any scenario I want… like maybe Frank is the runner in fishnets and Kristin Chenoweth’s book is the problem because Frank hasn’t been able to get his workout in due to sleep deprivation. Hey, it’s New York. Anything could happen.</span>Pink Peperkornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00967482192421937278noreply@blogger.com1