watching expired appliances align

I'm about to dash off the laundromat, but I want to mention I woke up this morning to a fantastic sight - my bathroom cabinet mirror was closed! And it's still closed!

This Christmas I found a mini glue gun in my stocking. I had no idea this little device would fix the issue with the metal strip on my cabinet. I'm sure many of you thought it and probably a few folks mentioned it to me. I had no idea glue guns created such a thick layer of glue! So far, so good. I want to thank my parents for knowing the glue gun was just the item needed to make my life a tiny bit better!

Posted by Marc at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Marc at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

During lunch (post-Brooklyn Book Festival), the book THE YEAR OF YES* came up. The non-fiction book by Maria Dahvana Headley tells of her year saying "yes" to every man who has asked her on a date. A friend of a friend mentioned she'd actually done this, but expanded the scope to saying "yes" to every event people asked her to take part in.

And now I'm convinced. I want it. Call me "stunt Marc." It's time to shake things up. For the next month, I'm saying "yes" to any invitation, providing I'm not expected to spend more than $25. I'm unsure how all this will work. There are no rules right now, other than "no" is not allowed. I think this means I'll have to start going to the gym in the mornings. And I'll have to stop spending money on lunch and dinner. I'll try to remember to update the blog as word gets around that you can now get me to do any ridiculous old thing.

*yes, I did read the book a few months ago.

Posted by Marc at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Earlier tonight Listmaker asked me what I do with all the photos I've taken for the last year and a half. "I file them" was my response. And that's it. I might flip through them but I no longer select the best shots and put them together for this webpage. I'm not sure when I lost interest in doing that, but I did. Handwashings mentioned that he missed my podcasts. I sort of miss doing them. I have a secret fear that I'll start smoking again if I do another podcast. It's total superstition.

Anyway, I think I'll post random blog entries in the near future about what I've been doing while in my thirties. Earlier today Handwashings and I took the G to McCarren Park pool for the Band of Horses show. We got there early and caught some rays. Listmaker joined us in time to see the headliners.

(Band of Horses)

(Handwashings is the king of relaxation.)

I had a fun time. I wish Band of Horses had been opening for a band a little more suited to the venue - someone a little more rousing and able to really take control of the space and the crowd. It was a free show, so I'm not really complaining. And I've got to say I'm a huge fan of that venue. Is it the best outdoor space for live music in the city?

Posted by Marc at 09:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I take back 2007!

I shouldn't have stopped watching LOST. I now feel like I've really missed out. I talk a big game about how I'm over that show and I don't miss it, but I'm lying. All the talk of the season's final episode has got me wishing I'd never given up on the show.

I did finally purchase a tea kettle. I caved in and used my Macy's gift card on a pretty standard looking model. I'm happy with that decision.

Despite being OK with my non-bearded look, I've decided to let the facial hair overtake my face. After one week of stubble, I think my beard is on the way back!

Woo-hoo summer!

Posted by Marc at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Ooh, check out the new issue of PASTE magazine! I'm mentioned in at as part of an article about CRINGE! I'm psyched for Sarah who is now working on the Cringe Book! This article gets to the heart of the event, just as she suggests.

Posted by Marc at 12:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm not sure if there was a memo circulated about it or not, but The Shrewdness of Apes is alive. Our friend Jamie is grumbling about the transit system and musing about college basketball. Juding from the entries, he's spent more time writing about college basketball in the past two weeks than I've spent watching it during my lifetime.

I mention this only because I know he's headed to Atlantic City this weekend and I am jealous. I haven't been there in three weeks and I feel the craps tables calling out to me. As I said to someone recently, I realized I was alive on a late Monday morning at Caesar's. I was tucked into the corner of a craps table where my winnings from the previous night were slipping away. The somewhat lukewarm table was turning cold and the chips were flying out of my hand with two or three or four or five raked in by the dealer every four minutes. Watching my money disappear that fast was like a sharp kick to the gut. I'd been saving that cash for months for just this gambling trip! And it was gone. And it felt good.

I cut my losses before too much disappeared. I lost a few more Andrew Jacksons (I don't want to give you the impression I'm a high roller) forty minutes later at a different casino. I didn't feel anything with that loss. The money was already gone. The life had been torn from my insides. It was time to go home.

I wish Jamie the best of luck. He better win so we can all go back in June.

Posted by Marc at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last year I had the list of games for my New Year's Day Board Game Party in one email. This year, I'm mentioning a few games per day. Here's another small list:

NO THANKS! - Take a card or place a chip. I first read about this game on Defective Yeti. I saved the description in my bloglines for 6 months until I found the card game in a shop. Why I didn't order it online, I have no idea. There's a headline in the idea that no one can say "No Thanks" to No Thanks. It's easy to learn and super addictive. The German name is "Geschenkt." The name kind of reminds me of Wolverine - and the game can be as ruthless as that famous X-Man. Keep your chips hidden but display your cards. Once the deck's depleted the person with the lowest point total in front of her wins the game. (3-5 players, 20 minutes)

RELATIONSHIP TIGHTROPE - Can you imagine a worse name for a game that really has nothing to do with relationships? I bought this online recently. It was designed by an extremely prolific game designer named Reiner Knizia. There are tiny pink sticks and tiny blue sticks. And cards. (3-5 players, 30 minutes)

STRATEGO - It's got a spy. (2 players, 30 minutes)

SEQUENCE - On January 4th, 2006 Adam left a comment on Listmaker's blog entry about the 2006 New Year's Day Party. He said we have to try Sequence. So we are. (2-12 players, 10 minutes)

APPLES TO APPLES - It's a little astonishing that I've never played this game, as it's a party game that almost everyone loves. I feel like I'm missing out. Earlier this week Planbreaker demanded (well, lightly asked) that this game be played at the party. I concur! If you're curious about what the game's like, or how to play, check out this video. (4-10 players, 30 minutes)

I'll have snacks (and you're welcome to bring your own). Pizza can be ordered or picked up, as can other food. I've got my fingers crossed The Smoke Joint (liked by the PSG) will be open, but that's unlikely.

Posted by Marc at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

I created an evite for the New Year's Day Board Game Party. Creating it was the most difficult thing I've done in months and it still didn't turn out the way I wanted it. I think the emailed invitations had white text over a white background. I couldn't figure out how to fix it. The website is really annoying. I'd post the URL here, but I can't figure out the simple URL to use for strangers. Is there a more modern evite type tool that people use these days?

Posted by Marc at 03:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

In case I've failed to mention it elsewhere (elsewhere meaning a few entries ago - I'm trying to create an evite but the process keeps forcing my browser closed), please bring your own board games to the party, especially if it's something you're really excited about playing or don't get to play often.

For the party I'm hosting on January 1st, I'll have a few games on the shelf. Over the next week, I'll update my website with a list of what I plan to have available. Here's part two of the list:

INGENIOUS - Last year I couldn't stop playing quick games of Ingenious. It's a tile placement game, sort of like dominoes but a lot more fun. You score points across a few different color tiles, but you've got to score the most of the least to win. I think. I haven't played in months and I'm anxious to break this out as people arrive. (1-4 players, 20 minutes)

THE SETTLERS OF CATAN (Travel Edition) - I've only played this once. This travel version of the original has really tiny pieces. I've never played the original but it's better than this one, and that means it's got to be an awesome game. Players compete against each other increasing the size of their settlements - acquiring resources to build roads, houses, etc. There's trading involved. Who doesn't love trading? (3-4 players, 90 minutes)

EURORAILS - This is the first game that helped me realize there's more to board games than Sorry! (2-4 players, 30 minutes) and Museum Caper Clue (2-4 players, 30 minutes and not bad at all). The first time I played this was in the upstairs kitchen at the Spaghetti House. Playing this game and listening to Fugazi and Rail Road Jerk are now linked in my brain forever. Did you know there's a whole genre of railroad games? In this one players build railroads and deliver goods from one European city to another. It comes with crayons! You can draw on the board! What's not to like? (2-6 players, 180 minutes)

BALDERDASH - A game for all word maker uppers (word makers upper?). (3-6 players, 60 minutes)

SET - It's a pattern recognition card game! If this was electronic, you'd play it while waiting for someone to finish up that game of Uno. (1+ players, 15 minutes)

WITS AND WAGERS - Trivia like you've never played it! This fast paced 7-question game where all the answers are numbers is surprisingly addictive (I wish I had a room full of cards with answers I'd never seen). Everyone answers a question then wagers on which is closest to the correct answer. If you want to learn how to play before swinging by, check out this video explanation and review of the game. (3-7 players, or teams, 20 minutes)

Posted by Marc at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

For the party I'm hosting on January 1st, I'll have a few games on the shelf. Over the next week, I'll update my website with a list of what I plan to have available:

CLUZZLE - Last year's surprise favorite party game! It's clay sculpting and hilarious interaction! (3-6 players, 45 minutes)

BOGGLE - The shaking of that cube is something I'm sure you remember about this simple game for the word freaks in the house. I love watching the intense, concentrated silence that comes over people as they search their brains like twisted dictionaries. (2-6 players, 10 minutes)

PUERTO RICO - My favorite board game of all time. The object is to build a thriving Puerto Rico by developing plantations, creating buildings, populating the island and shipping goods. This one remained on the shelf at last year's party. It's a bit complex, but worth the time it takes to learn. (3-5 players, 90 minutes).

SAN JUAN - An offshoot of Puerto Rico, this card game is much simpler to learn and play (and almost as engrossing). (2-4 players, 45 minutes)

TRIVIAL PURSUIT - Pop Culture DVD Edition - If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this one on the shelf. Last year a team called DANovan won and got to put their names on the winner's board. (2-? players, team play, 60 minutes)

I'll list more games soon. Don't forget to bring your own games from home.

Posted by Marc at 03:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

As the hourglass that Father Time uses to measure our calendar year begins to empty, it's time to imagine flipping the plastic hourglass that comes packaged with Boggle (or Cluzzle or Wits & Wagers).

On January 1 I'm hosting the 2007 New Year's Day Board Game Party. Clear your calendar now and get your dice throwing arms and trivia answering minds into gear!

I'll have a variety of games on hand, so if you're hung over from the night before or are swearing to start the year on an intellectual and strategic note, there's no need to worry. Of course, if you've sworn to start the year on a "strategic note" I do wonder what's gotten into you.

Three rooms of casual board gaming action will be available and expect new games in addition to old favorites.

The party will start in the late morning with selected events (large scale hosted games) happening at certain times during the afternoon and evening. In the past year I've realized I'm a bit of an addict, so I'm ready for the party to go all night!

Posted by Marc at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm reading. I practiced last night. The stuff I wrote when I was 14 and 15 is sad and depressing. Through my struggles to understand life and love you will be entertained.

Tonight @ 8pm
The Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery @ Bleecker
Tickets: $7

I promise on the entertained part. And then, once everyone has finished, we can dash off to a bar that has a TV and watch the Mets defeat the Cardinals.

Also, I'm wearing argyle socks with a tan background. How could you not want to come check that out? I haven't worn argyle socks in at least half a decade. I was a big fan of a blue pair or cotton argyle socks I owned in '91/'92. I wore them with a pair of brown leather shoes and they were awesome. At the time. If I were really looking to make everyone happy, I'd include an image of me wearing them.

I'm wearing tan argyle socks because I don't have any clean black socks. It turns out I only have three pairs of black socks. I don't know when this happened. I looked in my sock drawer today and there were 5 black socks (well, one sock was dark grey, but I think you know where I'm going with this). All were different types! Where do all my socks go? I think 666Laundry loses them. Or, I lose them the twice a year I wash my own clothes.

So, I will be buying new socks within the next month. I'm not in favor of the brand Gold Toe. That's rule number one for sock buying. I have other rules, but I'm fast and loose with those.

Meanwhile, Dethroner suggests a man should have 14 pairs of socks in his wardrobe. I'm not one of those guys who wears dress shoes to the office every day, so I'm going to only buy three to five new pairs of socks.

There is no mention of socks in my reading tonight.

Posted by Marc at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This month Cringe is combining with the WYSIWYG Talent Show! I'm going to read. I demand that you come and listen.

Wednesday, October 18, at 8:00 p.m.
The Bowery Poetry Club
308 Bowery @ Bleecker
Tickets: $7

Doors will open at 7:30 to give you time to grab a drink before the show.

Check it out - I've got my very own bio!

Posted by Marc at 11:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Last Wednesday I read one of my 1991-penned 90210 letters at Cringe. A crew from ABC's NIGHTLINE was there to put together a short piece for the show. That segment was supposed to have aired tonight, but I guess it got bumped until this coming Friday. There's some bonus footage of people reading on the Nightline website, and I'm included in that. As I watched, I realized that any public speaking skills I may have possessed in high school, I have totally lost. I have no idea why my eyes dart left and right.

On a related note, can I have my linen shirts dry-cleaned? Some say hand wash/line dry. Some say wash cold and I can tell they shouldn't go in the dryer. I'd rather not deal with any of that. I want to drop my clothes off and have them come back wrinkle-free.

Posted by Marc at 12:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

In early June some friends and I went to Asbury Park, NJ to celebrate the birthdays of Shawn and Chris. I posted a few photos on my flickr page not too long after returning. I've finally posted those photos and many more on the website. Let's hope this is the start of much more photo posting in the near future.

asbury park 2006

There are no captions for these photos. It was a rainy day. We stayed at a hotel that was refurbished some time ago. Much of the afternoon was spent drinking. I popped onto the boardwalk for a few quick photos. We went bowlings. Bands played while we bowled. There were awesomely decorated bowling pins for sale. I bought none of them. Some 2am bocce was played. We went to brunch the next morning.

Posted by Marc at 03:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Tomorrow night (Wednesday - April 5th) is the the one year anniversary of CRINGE. Sarah, the host, has decided it should be a "best of" show and has invited me to read. I'm looking forward to it. I'll be reading one of the letters I've already read, but that shouldn't stop you from dropping by the bar. Please come to the bar (Freddy's) because when I get there and don't know anyone it makes me very nervous and shy. If you do come to the bar, get there on-time (8:30pm) or early, as the crowds for this thing keep growing!

Cringe listed in New York magazine. neat!

Posted by Marc at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

On Wednesday night (that's tonight!) I'm going to Freddy's Bar & Backroom where I'll be taking part in the monthly series known as "Cringe." This time I've opted to read a letter that's somewhat diary-like, with hardly any mentions of television. I expect to blush twice. Maybe three times. Come listen and laugh. If you've heard enough of me over the years, though, come hear everyone else read. It's always a lot of fun. Start time is 8:30pm.

For those with time on their hands and a hankering to plug in some headphones and listen to my previous Cringe readings, here are links to the audio files from previous podcasts (I'm still on the fence as to whether or not this one will receive the same treatment):

- A re-reading of a secret admirer note
- Let's all laugh at Marc's adolescence
- Some suggestions for the producers of Beverly Hills, 90210
- Letters from the early 90's - Bob Iger, were you listening?

Not Cringe-related, but a documentary treatment I wrote in college for a doc about shaving and facial hair.

Posted by Marc at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

A few things are being update around here. During the next few days my blog will have a look evolved a tiny bit from this current look and all the links, etc. will be restored.

In the meantime, I've updated my DVR Blog (Regarding Recording Television). In it, I list some of the shows I plan to record this upcoming week, including SIMON AND SIMON on SleuthTV!

Posted by Marc at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Photos from the 2006 New Year's Day Board Game Party are now online.

See my previous blog entry about leaving a voicemail comment (206-66-MARC-6) about the day for inclusion in an upcoming podcast episode. Check out the original invite with info about the games.

I had an amazing time hosting the 12+ hour event. I'll see everyone on January 1st, 2007? I'll keep the Cluzzle clay fresh.

Posted by Marc at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Thanks everyone who came to the 2006 New Year's Day Board Game Party. It was a great time. I'm in the process of putting the photos online.

In the meantime, it just dawned on me that it might be fun to put together a board game party episode of my podcast. Because I was too busy playing Ingenious and Cluzzle, I didn't get a chance to break out the voice recorder. That means, to make this podcast happen, I need your help! Call my audio comment line (1-206-66-MARC-6) and leave a message about the party. Tell me about your favorite game! Reveal the best fake definition you created for Balderdash! Bemoan the fact there isn't a board game party every weekend. Confess how 12 hours of non-stop three-room board game action is way too much for you!

That number again is 206.666.2726. Leave a message!

Posted by Marc at 04:47 PM | Permalink

Every so often I like to repost the links I've added to del.icio.us/marcb. Here's a handful (now with more comments!) from the past few months (most recent links at the top):

Doggy Steps, Official Site.
Spending the morning working from home during the transit strike means I can find out about great inventions like this one!
This item is just stairs! When I see things like this I wish I knew how to build things myself. Oddly, it doesn't make me want to own a dog at all.

Fredericksburg.com - Fredericksburg offered up fertile spot for rock's roots
Link Wray's "Rumble" was born in my hometown? "The young crowd went crazy, demanding that Wray replay "Rumble," initially called "Oddball," four times that night."
Was Judge Reinhold around at the time?

defective yeti: The 2005 Good Gift Game Guide
I must print this in 2 point type, stick a copy in my wallet and use it the next time I'm out shopping for board games.
FYI: I go out shopping for board games maybe three times per year. And the list is printed out and currently in my wallet.

Baseball Toaster : Catfish Stew : Lousy Drafts
An interesting observation about the draft pool the last time the Oakland A's gave up a first round draft pick.
Please note that I've quckily become quite fascinated by all the baseball hot stove action this year.

Bloglines | zlite's Blogs
Imagine you're new to the internet and wondering where to start with a Bloglines subscription. For all things media/science/tech-y, could there be a better place than Wired editor Chris Anderson's public Bloglines account?
I love reading his Long Tail blog.

MLBAM: The Stealthy Money Machine -- The Hardball Times
A few fascinating notes about Major League Baseball Advanced Media
Peep this if you don't think you can make money by working together and using the internet.

The Coming Golden Age of Television - Blog Maverick
Mark Cuban explains his love of HD and the idea of AM radio-like TV stations.
Now can someone explain to me what will happen when I watch HD shows that are broadcast at 720p if I buy an HD set that doesn't process 720p signals?

Video Aids to Film Preservation (VAFP)
Really cool little films about film preservation!
I'm seriously not joking about this one. If you're interested in decay and storage and handling or even the use of the internet to deliver bits of video'd content, this is really awesome.

ESPN.com - MLB - Sapporo toasts Valentine by naming beer after him
I've never wanted a can of beer more than I do now.
Strike that - I just want one of those cans of beer.

Monster Kid Home Movies
If I had an Amazon Wishlist, this would be on it.
Oh, I do have an Amazon Wishlist. Too bad I wasn't able to add these items to it.

Baseball Prospectus | How Much is That Stadium in the Window?
(sub. req'd) "Mostly, Long's study shows the degree to which we need to rethink what "cost" means in terms of stadiums, and how to determine who's bearing the burden"
Dear Government, stop using my money to build complexes for deep pocketed sports teams owners. Thank You.

file : the collection - chalk
A gorgeous Polaroid
(pretty colors)

Cool Tool: Poly Business Card Book
Someone tell Jeremy to get one of these books for his collection from ten years ago!
Certainly this sort of thing has to be better than actually scanning your business cards. And what's up with business card scanners? On a semi-related note at the airport during thanksgiving I saw kiosks advertising receipt scanners. What in the world? Is typing a few digits really that tough?

TV Squad: TV Halloween Costume of the Day: Magnum PI
To date the best TV Squad post
I really did note this one a long time ago! There was no Halloween partying for this past year. Is it too early to take 2006 costume suggestions?

Baseball Prospectus | Articles | The Week In Quotes: October 17-23
"One guy who's a little sad [about going to the World Series] is Lance Berkman, because he can't play flag football yet." (Roger Clemens)
I love "The Week in Quotes!"

KATDENNINGS.COM - Oh Steve Martin
It's fun when people talk about how giant-sized their heads are!
That's Kat Dennings, actress from 40-Year-Old Virgin talking about her head, not Steve Martin's.

Posted by Marc at 06:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I'm going to send an email out about this, but I figure the blog is better for conveying more info.

Posted by Marc at 08:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

This past Friday night I saw BEE SEASON. It's a new movie based on a book by Myla Goldberg. When I got home I thought I'd write about it. Then I had a revelation (in which I ignored the dictum - Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should) that I'd podcast my thoughts on the movie.

Earlier tonight I went to see SHOPGIRL. I'd sort of wanted to see it but then forgotten about it. I remembered the movie this evening when I had an urge for popcorn. It seemed like it might be a light fun, popcorn sort of movie. It was light but anything but fun. It's probably good I'm not audibly sharing my views on the film. That podcast would be me repeating the phrase "terrible" over and over again.

A few days ago iTunes got a little funky with my podcast feed. It wasn't working for a few hours there. If your iTunes feed of the balgavy.com podcast isn't working, delete the feed and re-subscribe. Let's cross our fingers and hope that fixes the problem.

Don't forget about BEE SEASON, though.

download the mp3
subscribe to the feed
podcast archives

Posted by Marc at 01:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

the little "catchphrase" for my podcasting is "more talking. less typing." that seems to hold true this month as i've now posted my third podcast in less than two weeks. balgavy.com podcast #11 turns back the clock to august's west coast baseball trip. i took my italk on the trip and recorded random thoughts during baseball games, motel stays and hiking trips. for those not in the know - ella is a dog. she can be heard panting about 3/8ths of the way into the podcast.

oh, and there's not too much talk about baseball. dippin' dots do come up, though.

download the mp3
subscribe to the feed
podcast archives

Posted by Marc at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

as mentioned previously, i went to CRINGE earlier this week. i read a letter i wrote to the writers of BEVERLY HILLS, 90210. i made an audio recording that's been incorporated into balgavy.com podcast number ten.

download the mp3
subscribe to the feed
podcast archives

share your 90210 memories in the comments!

Posted by Marc at 01:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Wednesday night is another night for CRINGE. Here's the email I received about the event:

Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 17:35:56 -0500
From: "Sarah & Liz"
To: cringe.reading -at- gmail.com
Subject: OH, with the cringing!

It's been two months since the last Cringe, so we have to ask you, is our playing hard to get working? Do you want us more? We know you do. It's okay, we want you too. Also, before I just tack on the same old same old at the end of this email, we'd like to really encourage people to feel free to bring stuff and volunteer to read without being on the list. I mean, we're at Freddy's, not the freaking Viper Room; just come on up.

Ha, does the Viper Room even still exist? That was like when my dad tried to reference Adam Curry once as proof he was cool and knew what MTV was. Anyway, I remember River Phoenix died there, in like, what, 1993? I was sixteen years old then and still dressing up for Halloween. Like, I remember watching that news report while sitting on my parents' floor and divvying up my candy.* Jesus. Too bad I didn't immediately go upstairs and write about that in my journal, because then I'd have something to read this week. Okay, I'm going to go eat some soup in my bathrobe and watch Matlock. See you fools Wednesday.

--

Funny people reading from their old diaries, letters, songs, poems, and other general representations of the crushing misery of their humiliating adolescence, but it's okay because they're totally cool and well-adjusted and super attractive now:

Cringe Reading Night
Wednesday, November 2, 8:30 pm
Freddy's Bar & Backroom
Dean & 6th Ave.
2/3 to Bergen, any train to Atlantic/Flatbush
More directions at http://www.freddysbackroom.com/directions.html
Cost: free dollars

Bring written evidence of your own shameful past and share if you dare!

To be removed from further Cringe mailings, reply to this email with YOU ARE AN ASSHOLE STOP EMAILING ME in the subject line.

* Maybe it was my brother's candy. Let's just say it was.

I'm taking something to read and it's not about dating. I think we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief now.

Posted by Marc at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

in an attempt to destroy all my dating karma, i've uploaded balgavy.com podcast number nine. i'm now semi-officially calling my podcast "watching expired appliances align - the balgavy.com podcast." that's a mouthful and probably a hint that i should change it again soon to something a little easier to digest.

podcast #9 is another brief podcast about the world of dating. i recently read neil strauss' "the game" and it serves as a jumping off point for some of the discussions in this podcast. i also manage to offer a brief review of the film "kiss kiss bang bang."

download the mp3
subscribe to the feed
podcast archives

if you've got podcast suggestions, make them here or email me.

Posted by Marc at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last week I went on an internet date. Despite describing it as an "internet date" it wasn't actually a date that took place over the internet. I met a woman through one of those internet dating services. We met on a Thursday night for drinks. When I got home I recorded this podcast nugget and now present it as balgavy.com podcast #8.

download the mp3
subscribe to the feed
podcast archives

I know I always say this, but baseball trip podcast coming soon!

Posted by Marc at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I got home from CRINGE a few hours ago. While in front of everyone, I finally had the nerve to pull my voice recorder onto the podium and record myself reading from a love letter I wrote in 9th grade. And I'm now sharing the whole, sad story here. It's time to download the podcast and laugh at my adolescence.

download the mp3
subscribe to the feed
podcast archives

The baseball trip podcast is coming soon.

Posted by Marc at 12:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The next CRINGE event is being held tomorrow (Wed, 7 Sept) at Freddy's. I believe it starts around 8:30pm. I will be reading again. Stop by if you're in the mood for listening to folks read from their awful, confessional teenage scribbles.

Posted by Marc at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

i wish i'd had enough nerve to take my ipod voice recorder to the microphone with me last tuesday when i read at cringe night. because a few folks have asked what i read, i've re-read the material for podcast number six. recording in the comfort of your own home is quite different than facing a crowd of people, especially when you know those people have had a few drinks.

podcast number six is the story of an early teenage crush, revealed through secret admirer notes i composed.

download the mp3
subscribe to the feed
podcast archives

and if you want to subscribe to the feed, i think it's available in the podcast section of the itunes music store. just do a search for "balgavy."

Posted by Marc at 01:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

A week ago Jim and I took a day trip to Atlantic City. In podcast #5 I relate the events of that day. I manage to mention Cheesequake, my fear of the gambers high, peanuts and construction paper.

Download the mp3
Subscribe to the feed
Podcast Archives

Also, I think I'll be reading at Tuesday night's Cringe - Freddy's Bar & Backroom (8:30pm).

Posted by Marc at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

podcast 04 is a ten minute review of my random wednesday night trip to new brunswick, nj. it's sort of rambling and i use the word exurbs way too much.

balgavy.com/podcast
podcast feed

Posted by Marc at 12:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

i've just finished creating my third podcast. it's right in line with the first two.

here's what you can look forward to hearing:

00:26 - craig baldwin interview promos i created in 1996 for my college radio station
04:22 - part three of my 1996 interview with filmmaker craig baldwin
16:30 - "if anything's wrong" by daytime television (a band some friends were in during college)
19:59 - a strange, nonsensical rant about colorforms (from 1995)
21:17 - introduction & promo for soccergirlincorporated.com

i'm working at getting better at this whole podcasting thing. really, i am.
(click here to download the mp3 of the podcast. here's the rss feed.)

UPDATE: the audio is much worse than i wanted it to be. i'll work on correcting and make a note here.

Posted by Marc at 04:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

The new podcast for this week is now online (rss). This one has a segment about my Fourth of July weekend and part two of the Craig Baldwin interview. There's also a throwback bit about taking a late night road trip to find a turkey statue.

As promised in the podcast, here are a few photos from my Independence Day weekend:

It's Sunday afternoon and Chris Larry flips turkey burgers and buffalo burgers! Is it just me, or does he hold the top of that grill like a shield? He's ready to go off adventuring in the dungeons of Park Slope, isn't he?

Here's a close up of the chimney starter discussed in Chris Larry's interview.

Is it a party if Sujan doesn't show up with bacon? This time the specialty bacon has been combined on skewers with scallops and then grilled.

A level 2 warrior relaxes, knowing he has both the smoker and the grill under control.

Katie and Troy eye the pitcher of vodka lemonade (Monday afternoon).

Hanging out on the roof is the thing to do during the summer.

Whoo. Fireworks.

Posted by Marc at 04:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

whoo. that's an exhausted "whoo" and not one of full on cheer and celebration. i feel like it's been a long day. the longest part was the hour spent between waking up and the nathan's hot dog eating contest. i watched on tv. i didn't actually head to coney. but in honor of the competitive eating festivities i did have more than my fair share of hot dogs today. and then (from the park) it was firewalks watched from a rooftop in windsor terrace. i managed to catch the b67 home. passing the ice cream shops along park slope's 7th avenue i marvelled at the long lines of people waiting for their frozen treats. and now i'm watching baseball. i don't think it gets more american.

in other news, i've decided to start podcasting. that means i'm now using itunes instead of musicmatch (see previous blog entry). the podcast archive can be found at balgavy.com/podcast. and the rss feed for my podcast is http://www.balgavy.com/podcast/rss.xml. if you've got some downtime, check it out. this first 'cast consists of an interview i did almost ten years ago with underground filmmaker craig baldwin. and there's some other brief nonsense in there from the mid-to-late 90's.

i hope to update the podcast on a weekly basis. we'll see how it goes, though. don't be surprised if i pull out the italk and my ipod when we're hanging out. nothing's more fun than the impromptu interview.

Posted by Marc at 11:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

i just posted a few miscellaneous photographs from fall 2004. the four groups of photos here include a few images from adam's labor day pizza grill event, a chilly october sunday afternoon @ prospect park, alex's birthday and neal's birthday.

no commentary for these photos.

Posted by Marc at 03:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

during both thanksgiving and christmas i visited my parents in virginia. my parents hosted relatives for thanksgiving dinner. on christmas eve i joined my parents as they visited friends, who deep fried a turkey. there was good food to be had both of those weeks. i've finally gotten around to posting photos from those two events. these photos are comment-free. i'll try to let the photos tell the story.

Posted by Marc at 02:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ooh - photos from a 2004 halloween party! the one where i dressed as teen wolf's dad.

Posted by Marc at 01:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

on thursday, april 7th, jeff tweedy and lawrence lessing will be at the new york public library. the night features a discussion presented by wired magazine and entitled WHO OWNS CULTURE?

anyone want to go? tickets go on sale march 17th.

Posted by Marc at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

chris larry has returned from blogging hiatus. now that he's at a computer during the day two or three times a week, i hope we can expect regular posts. his most recent case of bile & venom has him going all edu-blogger on us, with discussion about his new job at the museum of television and radio.

Posted by Marc at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

a few weeks ago my sister and her husband, james, had a baby. they named her kaylee renee. during the past few days i've been in virginia relaxing and getting to know my niece. my first reaction? she's a baby. she's a very tiny baby. a newborn, even. when i held her a few days ago she did try to kick me, and she's a strong kicker. that either means i'll get beaten up as an uncle or she'll turn into a good soccer player (these things are always a bit hazen during the first few months. after the first year, though, her role in life will be easy to determine).

she's a very cute baby. and i took quite a few photos of her.

Posted by Marc at 12:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

in late september i joined a small group of people for the first annual cross-nyc urban bocce tournament - a test of wills. we played bocce on four surfaces (grass, wood chips, dirt and sand). the day started on roosevelt island and moved to central park. from there we traveled to prospect park. the day finished tournament style at coney island. shawn joined me to form "early retirement." our bocce skills weren't up to par, but we had a great time. as usual, i took a few pictures.

(i also posted a few pictures at the end of the day)

Posted by Marc at 12:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

a late summer sunday along smith street isn't such a bad thing. to celebrate sujan's birthday everyone headed to sherwood for brunch. a lucky few followed the meal with copious amounts of beer at the gowanus yacht club. inbetween brunch and beer? sour freezer pops. they were scary. but the burgers and other treats at the bar made up for it. surprising no one, i took a few photos.

Posted by Marc at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

i turned 30 in 2004. to help celebrate, my parents came to visit. they joined some friends and i at grimaldi's one day and at the gate the next. pizza and cake (fifteen years ago no one would have expected that sort of combination from me). my family and i walked across the brooklyn bridge. i took a few photos (and so did my dad).

Posted by Marc at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

on a weeknight in early august, a bunch of people got their first look at brooklyn's new chuck e. cheese. everyone met there to celebrate yu's birthday. besides enjoying the unlimited mr. pibb on tap, i took a few photos.

Posted by Marc at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

on the first day in august (2004) a group of friends met at anne's place to celebrate her birthday. i took a few photos.

Posted by Marc at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

just to close out the photos i took in louisville, i present the following three images:

(this is me at a poker game in sheperdsville, ky)

(saturday morning i had delicious pancakes at lynn's paradise cafe)

(i found myself at churchill downs saturday afternoon)

Posted by Marc at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I just posted the set of photographs I took last weekend in Louisville. Most of the photographs were taken Saturday afternoon (Churchill Downs, The Falls of the Ohio State Park, East Market). I also took a few along Bardstown Road Sunday. I meant to take a lot more photographs but somehow that didn't happen. Until I travel somewhere else, please enjoy the Thirty-one Photographs from Louisville, Kentucky that I've just posted.

I also posted a few additional photos from The Falls of the Ohio State Park on my flickr.com account. Those photos start here and are followed by a few photos from a local Louisville band I saw Thursday night.

During the next few days, I hope to share a few of the non-stories from my trip. I spent a lot of time just driving around (mostly in circles).

Posted by Marc at 07:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Thinking about visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Enjoying a cone of the Oreo flavor at Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen.

Searching for the skate park and becoming overwhelmed with disappointment upon realizing that Billy Goat Stroat is the name of a "revitalized" apartment building and alley.

Posted by Marc at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

i'm headed to louisville, ky a week from thursday. i'll be returning to new york a few days later (sunday). during that time it is unlikely that i will be posting new material to this blog, or the greater balgavy.com as a whole.

Posted by Marc at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

after catching the hecklers, i stopped by a new bar called floyd for a drink. i watched a little bocce with the gang from the urban bocce tournament (photos coming soon, i swear!). just after midnight i hopped on an A train bound for midtown. at siberia i headed downstairs for the late night post-cmj show from the carlsonics and the capitol years. as i love to do, i took a few photos. a third band played and i think that band was the high strung but please don't quote me on that. after two or three songs from each band it seemed like everyone was on stage. i took a few little videos with my digital camera but i haven't posted them online yet. maybe later this week.

Posted by Marc at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

this past saturday night i ventured over to third avenue & flatbush to watch the hecklers. as i love to do, i took a few photos. posting these photos online makes me want to dig through my video archives and find the hecklers show i taped years ago at coney island high. i really want to know the difference in the way the band sounds now. i think we're at least a year away from me being able to put that online, though.

Posted by Marc at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the day after dan and sujan got hitched, a bunch of us joined them at coney island where we watched an afternoon cyclones game. maybe it was an evening cyclones game. we had bleacher seats and everyone started the game moving a little slowly. the weather was great and the company was great as well. i don't remember any details from the game, unfortunately. after the game i tried and tried to get a photo of everyone on the cyclone but it was too dark to get clear images.

Posted by Marc at 07:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

dan and sujan's july wedding!

the photos from the third wedding i attended this past summer are now online. this one featured a host of friends from out of town. it was fun having the wedding in the city and the foundry was a fine, fine space for the event. i've posted dozens of photos, so make sure you check out the main photo index - that's where all the extra dancing pictures are hidden.

Posted by Marc at 07:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the rumors are true. after months of speculation, mitch has started a blog. it's called handwashings.

if you've got a few minutes today, and i sure hope you do, make sure you visit and bookmark his new endeavor, subtitled "you got me scufflin'."

it's got photos!

Posted by Marc at 01:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

well, not tomorrow. when i say tomorrow, i really mean a saturday in late july. the night before dan and sujan got hitched, chris and mary threw a party to celebrate the event. it was a great place for out of town friends to meet and have a chance to tell old stories. chris did an amazing job at the grill. and someone convinced a lot of the partygoers that keg stands were in order. click here for photos from that night

Posted by Marc at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

the photos from jamie and kaci's wedding are now online!

in june dozens of jamie and kaci's friends traveled from new york and washington to marysville, ohio to help them celebrate their wedding. after a night of skating and partying everyone re-grouped on saturday for a lovely outdoor afternoon wedding. click the link above for photos from the reception.

the celebration was a blast and i congratulate the shrewdness of apes and his bride!

Posted by Marc at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

in this set of photos, i group three unrelated events.

in early july i traveled to philadelphia with a group of friends. we went to a museum in the afternoon and then headed across town to our prime destination - the new ballpark of the philadelphia phillies. after the game we had a few drinks at bob & barbara's. time for cheesesteaks at pat's arrived, and we ate like kings.

during july, i also headed to the bowery for a table thrown by the folks behind the black table. on a rooftop overlooking lower manhattan jamie, kaci and i enjoyed a few burgers and a few beers. we met some new people and had a fun night out.

the following day i stopped by coney island for the annual siren music festival. after spending an hour on the beach, i watched the thermals and then tv on the radio. i took a lot of photos of both bands but all of them ended up looking exactly the same (slightly out of focus and mostly boring). two of them are presented with this group of photos.

Posted by Marc at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

back in june, a huge group of kaci & jamie's friends traveled from new york and washington to join them in ohio for their wedding celebration. the night before the big event, everyone gathered at the local skating rink. the facility was open for our group and we had the floor to ourselves. most of us hadn't been on roller skates in decades. and by looking at my skating skills, it definitely showed. and alex managed to break his leg. after the skating, everyone headed to the bar near the hotel and drank super bottles of beer. and there was karaoke. and a small group huddled near the golden tee machine. before anyone realized it, it was last call. the lights came on and beers were literally yanked from the hands of the patrons. after stumbling back to the hotel, i found myself in a late night poker game. before someone produced the poker chips, we tried to make due with cardboard as a replacement. that was an extremely silly idea. but fun!

Posted by Marc at 11:53 PM | Permalink |