Best Movies of the Decade

It's not only the end of the year but the end of decade. I've been home for a week now with the virus of the decade so I've been contemplating my best and favorite films of the aughts. Here you:

1. There Will Be Blood
2. History of Violence
3. Bridget Jones' Diary
4. Royal Tenenbaums
5. Lost in Translation
6. Adaptation
7. Inglourious Basterds
8. Wall-E
9. Talk to Her
10. Borat

Election Week

I'm stuck. I don't know who to vote for and Dominic Carter was canned from NY1. What is a girl to do? Do I really care about term limits? There are more bums on the subway. Should I blame Bloomberg for that? I still can't rent an apartment in my neighborhood at a decent price and I make a decent salary. Whose fault is that?

Human Centipede

I can't even talk about the new disgusting horror porn film Human Centipede because it upsets me in every way I can imagine. Yet, I can't stop googling to find out how it all ends. Please tell me.

Superior Donuts

Saw the Tracy Letts' play Superior Donuts tonight. Dustin Hoffman was there. It was a highly enjoyable theater experience although it was no Osage August County. Michael McKeon gave a Tony worthy peformance. It sort of had a theatrical Chico and the Man feeling about it. Oh, and Chelsea Clinton was on the subway with me on the way home. She's actually kind of pretty in person.

10 Reasons Today Was Mediocre

1. My boss gave me one of those end-of-day deadlines without context or direction and that stresses me out.
2. Weird smirks and sideways glances from my direct reports make me feel like Michael on the Office.
3. MJ Cat just tried to run away into the apartment upstairs.
4. This guy I like I marrying another woman on Saturday. I just thought of that one.
5. My allergist is insisting I make an appointment or he won't refill my allergy meds.
6. The recession is sucking me dry.

Transportation

Today on the way home from work someone confessed she takes a taxi everyday to work! That shocked me but I hate taxis. I think I hate taxis more than I hate the MTA and I think the MTA kind of sucks. I mean I spend $27/ week now on my transit card and despite the increase in price, I have not seen an increase in service. I rarely get a seat in the morning and what's up with the IRT? Why do I always feel like I wait AT LEAST 1/2 hour to take the downtown train? I can't even go to the Upper East Side anymore because of the crowds on the 6. Taxis just make me mad because of the terrible driving and the fact that I feel like I'm going to vomit 99% of the time. I actually have vomitted in UTOG cars twice, but that was on the corporate dime.
I love New York.

I'm Still Wild About Harry!

Tonight I attended an awesome private party hosted by Clive Davis celebrating Harry Connick Jr.'s new album Your Song which is a collection of well-known songs featuring Harry's vocal talents. I've been a fan of Harry's since his debut 18 years ago and he is an amazing performer. Also, attending a party with Clive Davis was on my bucket list so I can cross that one off!

Emmy's 2009 Madame Award

The winner of the 2009 Emmy Madame Award is......

Cicely Tyson!

The Fall Season Has Begun

I kind of took the summer off of blogging. I spent most of my free time redecorating my apartment and overtanning myself at the Printing House Pool. I travelled to Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, The Outerbanks, Cape May, Baltimore and York, PA for my 20th high school reunion. I haven't had time to blog, but I have a lot of stories so I'm back to blog. Hope to see you.

The Roofcast Labor Day Podcast

BEWARE OF THE BABYLON is live on tape on a West Village rooftop to bring you our latest collection of wisdom:

Topics include...

• Naked podcasting. Will it start with a shower, or have we already done this naked?

• Why is Mary Poppins on Broadway so damn scary?

• How much drama is too much drama at the gym?

• The Inglourious Basterds geek-out

• Can you break up with Buddha?

• Things that make us feel old

• How to hoard episodes of A & E's 'Hoarders'


As alway, this and over 75 BEWARE OF THE BABYLON episodes can be automatically downloaded from iTunes here.

New Room

I basically live in one room and redecorating one room is the biggest challenge you can have. I invite any professionals from television who want to come in and use my apartment as a decorating challenge. I mean it. Come over. Put up shelves. Paint. Throw stuff away. I'm game.

Goodbye, Max

I was very sad to hear about the death of my dear friend Max Gold and my thoughts are with his beautiful wife Kimaree, his two beloved children Grayson and Georgia and his parents. Max was a quiet shy guy but through our love of film, popular culture, cigars and a good steak, we became unlikely friends in college and better friends during our early days struggling in NYC. Never one to admit a movie made him cry, Max would always say that he got a little "dusty" if the film was sentimental or sad. I have some really awesome memories of my times with Max over the past few years which only make sense in the context of our friendship and to our core group of Rat Pack friends but I'm going to share them anyway in his memory. Like many of you, I get so caught up in my life I don't have the time to tell all those out there how much they to mean to me, and Max was someone very special in my life--a constant person of sanity, generosity, fun and serenity and the namesake for Maximillian Cat. I'm sorry I never got to say goodbye. These are some of my favorite moments with my friend Max:

1. Donna Martin graduates party and his devout love/hate of Tori.
2. The night Max got his first paycheck and treated me and Al for steaks at the The Palm when I was dirt poor.
2. Seeing Lost Highway together 4 times in the theater and always making time with me to play video games prior to the film.
3. The crazy El Paso lobster dinner with my mother, sister and other random friends where we insisted that the guitar player serenade my mother with Light My Fire since she hates that kind of stuff.
4. The Five-star day where Max took me to see the Oscar red carpet, ate fish tacos for the fist time from a stand on Venice Beach and then watched the show at Randy Newman's lover's house (don't ask). Max didn't want to drive me downtown for the red carpet part, but when I got a little "dusty" he took me out of sympathy. He, however, did drive me without hesitation to the exact spot where Biggie got shot.
5. The George Clooney Dr. Ross bar incident
6. Every Rat Pack/Swingers night we ever had with Phil, Al, Dupes and Ro. It was fun to be the girl in a group of such boys.
7. Max's beautiful wedding to Kimaree that hot August day in New Orleans and the fun we had that awesome weekend when we were all together in NOLA.
8. Driving around LA in Max's car singing Sugar Ray when he moved out west and I visited him for the first time. That song Every Morning was on the radio every five minutes and we couldn't get enough of it and I still think of Max when I hear it.
9. Smoking cigars on the street to celebrate me and Kimaree's 30th birthdays.
10. The week that Max lived with me before he moved to LA and how annoyed I was that he had to watch Sports Center hogging the TV before bedtime but when he moved away, how much I really missed seeing him all the time.

Rest in peace, gentle friend.

My Bucket List

It's been awhile since I posted, but I've been busy crossing of things I want to do before I die and to honor the memory of my friend Timothy who died two years. In his honor during the month of May I live freely, happily and without fear. You never know when one day you are going to sit down to watch Nova, drink a diet Shasta and never wake up again.

Here's what I accomplished in May:
1. Performed onstage with a rock band (English Beat)

2. Spoke at a professional conference to a bunch of strangers about what I do for a living.

3. Booked myself for a weekend at the Chateau Marmont an entertained friends in my room.

4. Rode up the Pacific coastline on the Amtrak.


Here is what is next:
1. Run for public office
2. Swim with dolphins
3. Go to the Italy

Decade on Morton

This weekend marked my 10th anniverary in my tiny West Village apartment. I can't believe I still live here and while my life seems different it also seems the same. In 1999, I didn't have a cat, worked as an assistant, had a website on Geocities, didn't know Pepe, wasn't afraid of terrorists and had red hair. The neighborhood has definitely changed but I love the new West Side Highway and the Christopher Street pier. I am lucky and grateful that the Risotteria came into my life giving me a job and a good friend named Joe when I really needed both of them. The only thing I really need to change is my old TV which I've had since I moved here. It's time.

I LOVE ADAM LAMBERT

It's been a few seasons since I have been excited about American Idol but thanks to Adam Lambert, I'm Idol obsessed! He killed tonight with Mad World. Once I get the video to that, I'll post but in the meantime, watch his amazing performance of Tracks of My Tears from Motown week!

Chinese Medicine

Today I spent the day in Chinatown and went into a strange Chinese medicine shop. The old man there took close photos of my eyeballs, took my pulse and examined my tongue. He told me I had trouble sleeping, stomach issues and congestion. He was so dead on, I asked him what I should do so he whipped me up a strange package of herbs and some kind of mineral that he crushed on the floor. I had to soak it, boil it and then simmer it for 45 minutes. It tasted terrible but right after I drank it, my nose cleared out and my stomach feels settled. I wish my insurance covered this.

Goodbye Blogger, Hello Tumblr?

After many long years blogging here on blogger, I've decided to move to a new hosting system for awhile called Tumblr. I'll still be updating this blog for big blog events so read both in the meantime until I finalize by nycbabylon blogging strategy.

nycbabylon.tumblr.com

Groundhog Day

Man, I've been in Vegas and being a terrible blogger. I'm kind of like Punxatawney Phil and have been hiding out in my hole. I didn't see my shadow today so perhaps I'll be inspired to write more here or mabye I'll just start a new babylon blog.

Thoughts?

The 2009 Golden Globes Madame Award

It's that special post-awards show moment where I name the celebrity that most embodies the glamour and spirit of the greatest puppet of all time-Madame!

Golden Globes Liveblog

10:59
Why isn't The Wrestler nominated? I knew Slumdog would win. I'm taking a bath. See you at the Oscars.


Mickey is more than just a piece of old meat. He's a Globes winner!

10:54
I am tearing up from Mickey Rourke's speech. I love a comeback and his performance was amazing. I also have to say that I was about three inches away from Rourke during a BAFTA event and I still can't tell you what's up with his face.

10:45
I just want to bitch that I agree it's not fair that the biggest awards are last and then the producers cut off acceptance speeches. I'm starting to get tired. I'm hoping Rourke wins.



Kate wins two Globes and professes her "love" for Leo.
10:36
Is anyone out there agreeing with me that Marisa Tomei looks fabulous? I don't like this dress the Slumdog woman is wearing. I am digging Cameron's haircolor. I think Kate forgetting Angelina has been a highlight of tonight. I remember the first time I saw Kate in Heavenly Creatures. Angelina even looks touched.


Rita Wilson wears a big fat ugly getup to the Globes.

10:28
"There's that asshole Borat." That's what my mother said just said Sascha Baron Cohen appeared onscreen. I just again had to explain that there are two categories for comedy and drama. I'm glad Vicky Cristina Barcelona won. It's on my top 10 list of 2008. Letty Aronson is Woody Allen's sister in case you don't know that. She also used to work at MOTAR.

10:16
After seeing Sigourney and Emma, I agree that we need more films with these older fabulous actresses. I, however, am not a big Sandra Bullock fan or of her dress. Where is Javier Bardem? Is he hiding out with Brolin? I didn't see In Bruges.


9:55
It's time for the lifetime achievement award. My favorites are E.T. and The Color Purple.

Duchovny is two degrees from NYCBABYLON.

OK, Duchovny is still married? I thought he and Tia broke up when he was sent to the sex addiction clinic? Also, for the record, I've never met Duchovney but I'm seperated by him by two degrees. I used to take dance class with Krawkoski who just presented him and many years ago my neighbor used to date him. Tina's dress looks good but there is something funky about ther hair and makeup.

9:35
Tina Fey is wearing a very sexy dress. Tracey Morgan is hilarious but Jeff Zucker doesn't look amused. Did anyone else read about the SAG blacklist? Where is Brolin? Is he too mad to attend? Or was he banned? I thought of Brolin because like Brosnan, he's devastatingly handsome. Also, where is Sean Penn?


Neither my mother or MJ cared for Sally Hawkin's acceptance speech although neither of them saw the film.
9:24
I only recently fired Grey's and started watching 30 Rock and I have to confess, it's really great television. For those watching the ads, I wear the Laetitia Casta shade of L'Oreal star secrets lipstick.


I need exact details to follow Seth Rogan's diet.
9:15
Is it me or does Emma Thompson look fabulous? Where are Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman? I would like Maggie's dress better without that print. I wore a big shoulder bow on my dress to the senior prom so I'm biased towards that silouhette.

8:55
Demi looks beter than Rumor and I was getting my chicken out of the slow cooker and didn't get a photo of Drew! Tom Cruise is with his mother. Where's Katie? Deserved but very sad win for Heath and now I'm choked up.


Do it for Johnny.
8:37
Ricky Gervais is never going to break through to American audiences. I think he's funny but the average Miley Cyrus fan will just not appreciate Ricky. He's like Eddie Izzard and the fact the Jonas Brothers followed him, shows my point. The Jonas Brothers make me feel old. Johnny Depp makes me feel lusty. Sally Hawkins is freaking out she beat Streep and Thompson. My mother just called me and once again I had to explain that the foreign press divides comedy and drama into two categories because she thought Sally Hawkins acted like a "jerk. She's a damned a movie star. She should be able to talk."



Rene does not have me at hello.
8:27
I don't understand Eva Mendes. Is she talented? Why is she on this show? I've never seen her on TV or in a movie. If I could have any job in the world, I'd want to be President of the Hollywood Foreign Press. Man, I love Gabriel Byrne. Where in the hell is he? I always used to see him looking haggard walking down Bleecker.

8:07
For the record, the TV stars I can't stand are Eva Longoria and Simon Baker. Simon Baker just looks creepy to me. Someone who is out to get me just put them on the stage at the same time. Did anyone see Neil Patrick Harris on SNL last night where he made a great Piven joke?


What in the hell happened to Sting? At least Bruce looks the same and his song won!



JLo forgets we are entering the Great Depression in her lame gown.
8:00
The show is starting. Jay from ANTM is going crazy over Drew's Galliano dress. I'm all about her hair. I think that she really caught me so offguard, she's my favorite. I love a fashion surprise. JLo looks like Hannukah gelt. We're on to Best Supporting Actress. I want Penny to win. She rocked in Vicky Christina Barcelona but Marissa is my favorite over 40. And the winner is....Kate! Wow, I'm surprised although I love Kate.


Drew and Jessica debate. Hot messes or fabulous? I think I want to do my hair like that for my sister's wedding.


Kate Winslet demonstrates real glamour. I also think Leo is still hot.

7:31
Jolie just got out of the van with Brad but Kate Winslet demonstrates perfect hair and makeup. Myley Cyrus was just on and I just don't get it.


Maggie shares an uncomfortable moment in an unfortunate dress during the preshow.

7:19
Finally, an uncomfortable red carpet moment. Ryan just asked Maggie Gyllenhaal about the death of Heath Ledger. She's wearing a very strange ruffly leopard print Lanvin dress and basically answered that she didn't want to talk about her "dead friend" during the Globes. Then, Ryan put his foot in his mouth and they went straight to David Duchovny but unfortunately they didn't ask him about his sex addiction. OMG. Drew Barrymore is wearing a Marilyn Monroe costume and promoting Grey Gardens with Jessica Lange. Drew's look is freaking me out. I need to find a photo.


7:11

Brooke Adams breaks out her Slumdog Millionaire look.

7:06
The preshow on E! is BORING. TV stars in general are boring. Susan Sarandon just showed up looking good but I could give a rat's ass about Eva Longoria.

Rumor Willis is this year's Miss Golden Globes. She's also now a redhead.


Lisa Edelstein from House vies for this year's Madame Award.

6:00 PMWelcome to my liveblog coverage of the 2009 Golden Globes! Stay tuned as I comment on the winners and fashions. I'm watching the preshow right now and it's the boring cast of Slumdog Millionaire. I'm waiting for the big stars to arrive and will be keeping you posted. For those of you who don't know, I'm all about Mickey Rourke and as always, Angelina Jolie.

Where in the hell are Joan and Melissa? Why am I stuck watching Lisa Rinna and Jay from ANTM?

My Favorite Films of 2008

Before the Globes air in just a couple of hours, here's my 10 Best Films of 2008. Stay tuned for my red carpet coverage.

1. The Wrestler
2. Wall-E
3. The Dark Knight
4. Wendy and Lucy
5. Rachel Getting Married
6. Vicky, Christina Barcelona
7. Frost/Nixon
8. The Reader
9. Australia
10. Doubt