April 28, 2007

  • Xmas 2006

    Merry Christmas 2006 everybody!
    Xmas06Blog - 001

    Yes, of course, it’s almost five months late, but better late than later.
    Xmas06Blog - 002

    On the 17th of Decemeber, the ‘rents Tom and I went down to the Met.
    Xmas06Blog - 003

    And heard a great philosopher of art give a talk (I can’t quite remember his name, but he seemed smart enough.
    Xmas06Blog - 004

    A pretty dope museum if you ask me, that Met.
    Xmas06Blog - 005

    Five days later, the party really started, when my older brother Luis Jose arrived. And of course, we both recorded ourselves recording ourselves.
    Xmas06Blog - 006

    The whole fam finally came together for the first time in a long time.
    Xmas06Blog - 007

    Which obviously led to hamming it up for the drunk cam.
    Xmas06Blog - 008

    Look at these two lookers.
    Xmas06Blog - 009

    Why don’t we add the youngest of the first batch to finish off the original triad? Oh yes, we can all strike a pose.
    Xmas06Blog - 010

    Then LJ went a bit over dramatic proclaiming his unworthiness to my blogging self, but we all know he’s fully worthy.
    Xmas06Blog - 011

    Which then began the real reason for the gathering, the tree decorating. Which I only have this picture of somehow? Whatever, you get the picture.
    Xmas06Blog - 012

    Then I went off to work on these.
    Xmas06Blog - 013

    It’s my Xmas gifts to everybody.
    Xmas06Blog - 014

    Don’t they look nice under the tree?
    Xmas06Blog - 015

    I thought they looked very nice.
    Xmas06Blog - 016

    The younger set gets together to ham it up for the camera.
    Xmas06Blog - 017

    Oh wait, now we’re really hamming it up.
    Xmas06Blog - 018

    And so, we skip ahead, right to Xmas eve, where I helped mash some potatos.
    Xmas06Blog - 019

    While my dad set out all the delicious yummyness.
    Xmas06Blog - 020

    And Luis Jo came out of nowhere.
    Xmas06Blog - 021

    But seriously folks, we all helped out.
    Xmas06Blog - 022

    Then gathered round the table.
    Xmas06Blog - 023

    And dined some delicious food.
    Xmas06Blog - 024

    At which point the kids all went out to see Curse Of The Golden flower, which did not live up to my expectations.
    Xmas06Blog - 025

    Don’t you just love New York on Xmas?
    Xmas06Blog - 026

    Upon returning home at 2am, we found Santa’s helpers still awake.
    Xmas06Blog - 027

    And after not enough sleep, we finally reached the official day. Merry Christmas, everyone! Don’t I look like I’m just having he time of my life?
    Xmas06Blog - 028

    But forget about me, take a look at that beautiful tree.
    Xmas06Blog - 029

    It wasn’t until I had grown up a bit, that I realized what a blessing the Stephens’ Xmas were, with an abounding overflowing bounty of materialistic goods. I took it for granted, as a kid, thinking that multiple gifts for all seven of us was just the norm, even when the harsh reality of third world poverty lay just outside the walls. I took it for granted that my Russian immigrant grandfather worked himself to death to fight his way out of the squalor, an accomplishment none of his 3 siblings matched. I took it for granted that my father took that ball, and out of his 4 siblings, kept the work ethic, dedication, and business savvy of his father to not squander away the hard-earned wealth, but actually made it grow to allow me the life of privilege that I have lived. These days, though I still love me my gifts, I try to remember what it took to get them under that tree. I can’t help seeing them in a new more somber light, not my right, but the miracle of humongous sacrifices made by the recent lineage.
    Xmas06Blog - 030

    Anyways, we all came together with some breakfast.
    Xmas06Blog - 031

    And the gift opening began. I got a very apropos air freshener.
    Xmas06Blog - 032

    Tom got a much needed snare.
    Xmas06Blog - 033

    Dad and Karen got art and  philosophy action figures.
    Xmas06Blog - 034

    Caitlin got this dope coat.
    Xmas06Blog - 035

    But not to be outdone, she also received a gift from herself, santa.
    Xmas06Blog - 036

    Then I decided to give everyone my gift.
    Xmas06Blog - 037

    Which stopped things for a bit, as everyone perused the pages. I made an iphoto book of most of my Dad’s art (more on it in a bit, because these are just printouts, the actual books didn’t come until later).
    Xmas06Blog - 038

    But I think I hit a slam dunk and everyone loved them, especially the man himself, who took a bit of time to look upon his oeuvre, slim nods of approval slipping out from time to time.
    Xmas06Blog - 039

    Then Karen opened up Jenna’s gift to the family, Cranium, which we have yet to use, but which will be incredible when we finally do.
    Xmas06Blog - 040

    Then I got my new soccer ball from Luis Jo.
    Xmas06Blog - 041

    The first three seasons of Seinfeld… it was about time.
    Xmas06Blog - 042

    And the first season of the amazing race.
    Xmas06Blog - 043

    Caitlin got some cool shawls.
    Xmas06Blog - 044

    I got Infinite Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.
    Xmas06Blog - 045

    Dad got a super grill.
    Xmas06Blog - 046

    More clothes for the girls.
    Xmas06Blog - 047

    I got a NY transit map shower curtain. Who’s getting lost now, huh? Not me.
    Xmas06Blog - 048

    Dad got a laptop desk.
    Xmas06Blog - 049

    Luis Jo models his new coat.
    Xmas06Blog - 050

    I model my new coat and hat.
    Xmas06Blog - 051

    Michael Chabon’s new novella.
    Xmas06Blog - 052

    The Post Secret book, which is pretty awesome.
    Xmas06Blog - 053

    And a new large SD card.
    Xmas06Blog - 054

    Then LJ got up to give a little speech.
    Xmas06Blog - 055

    He wanted to personally ask each one of us what we should give him for Xmas. I had to play soccer with him. (Which i did without a camera, which was very unlike me, but it was a quite fun pick up game with some colombians at Riverside Park).
    Xmas06Blog - 056

    Caitlin models her new shiny coat.
    Xmas06Blog - 057

    Or is it Phoebe’s coat? Maybe be it belongs to both of them.
    Xmas06Blog - 058

    Dad gets a new hat too, plus an El Greco book.
    Xmas06Blog - 059

    I get a cool turtle neck.
    Xmas06Blog - 060

    Check out these awesome mom jeans.
    Xmas06Blog - 061

    Which brings us to the main event, my new Canon Rebel XTi.  Yes, I took the plunge and got an dSLR to bust out some good large pictures.
    Xmas06Blog - 062

    Dad was so excited by his coat, he did a little dance.
    Xmas06Blog - 063

    What a wonderful Xmas. Thanks for everything fam.
    Xmas06Blog - 064

    Doesn’t my new map fit right in?
    Xmas06Blog - 065

    Now, Xmas in the Stephens household has always meant double fete-ing. We start the day with the regular activities, but we end the night with Luis Jo’s birthday. Yes, I was born on Halloween, and LJ on Xmas. So we all headed out.
    Xmas06Blog - 066

    For some family style Italian.
    Xmas06Blog - 068

    With all of us gathered round.
    Xmas06Blog - 069 Xmas06Blog - 067

    Celebrating Luis Jose’s solar circumnavigation.
    Xmas06Blog - 070

    We then went home, where he got a bunch of gifts, like this Cate tie from me. HBD LJ!
    Xmas06Blog - 071

    Then next day, my gifts finally arrived.
    Xmas06Blog - 073

    Don’t they look fucking awesome!
    Xmas06Blog - 074

    You know the artist himself loves them. Don’t you wish you could see the art yourself? Well now you can, because as a secret birthday present, I have made a website, but shhhhhh, don’t tell him yet please. It’s a surprise.
    Xmas06Blog - 075

    Hamming it up with sunglasses.
    Xmas06Blog - 076

    Never seems to get old.
    Xmas06Blog - 077

    Now where was Jenna in all of this, you might ask?
    Xmas06Blog - 078

    Well, she was busy, cause her family was in town, having their own Xmas. So we had a bit of familial convergence.
    Xmas06Blog - 079

    And we hosted the Warnecke’s at the Stephens’.
    Xmas06Blog - 080

    Look at us all just lunching it out.
    Xmas06Blog - 081

    Don’t the brothers Nathan and Greg just look like they’re having the best time?
    Xmas06Blog - 082

    Of course we showed off my dad’s art book, which they all enjoyed.
    Xmas06Blog - 083

    Then took the whole family’s picture. Aren’t they just the cutest Arizonian’s you ever did see?
    Xmas06Blog - 084

    That night, I cracked open my new camera for the first time, and damn if the picture quality isn’t just the bomb.
    Xmas06Blog - 085

    I mean, look at how cute my cutie looks.
    Xmas06Blog - 086

    The next day, on our way out of a movie, we heard the news that James had passed away. Rest in piece, James.
    Xmas06Blog - 087

    Then the day after that, Jenna’s parents took me out to a cute little thai place that gave you rose straws.
    Xmas06Blog - 088

    Then we went for a nice walk passed the fetus woman in midtown.
    Xmas06Blog - 089

    Through central park.
    Xmas06Blog - 090

    Where Jenna finally said good-bye.
    Xmas06Blog - 091

    That night we all fed off the heat at the hearth of the computer, with special guests Louie and his girlfriend Lily.
    Xmas06Blog - 092

    We watched this silly shoes video and laughed.
    Xmas06Blog - 093

    Then gathered ourselves.
    Xmas06Blog - 094

    For a delicious Saigon Grill feast.
    Xmas06Blog - 095

    The next day, before yet another movie, we swashbuckled at Phoebe’s.
    Xmas06Blog - 096

    Where no one could dethrone my dad, even with his age. Maybe that’s because he was a Fencing Olympian in Munich ’72.
    Xmas06Blog - 097

    Two days after that I made out with this tuba.
    Xmas06Blog - 098

    Just kidding, we went out to the village vanguard to see some good jazz, on Tommy’s suggestion, and that was the only pict I could get inside.
    Xmas06Blog - 099

    Then on our search for a restroom, Caitlin couldn’t keep her hands to herself.
    Xmas06Blog - 100

    Thus we had one of the last full groupings of the fam.
    Xmas06Blog - 101

    As LJ left the next day (just look at that juicy SLR shot).
    Xmas06Blog - 102

    And Caitlin was off soon after that, too her semester abroad in London.
    Xmas06Blog - 103

    So we had a nice steak dinner.
    Xmas06Blog - 104

    Well, that just about round’s it up. Merry Xmas 2006 everyone!
    Xmas06Blog - 105

April 11, 2007

  • Work Xmas 06

    But first, winning at the work poker table sometime in Dec.

    PSXmas06 - 01

    Then I came into work to find a line of ladies gathered blocks and blocks just to get their grubby little hands on dresses.

    PSXmas06 - 02

    The next day, we all went out to the overpacked Sound Lounge party.

    PSXmas06 - 03

    So many random randos around that we just chilled with work people, like the P-Sauce.

    PSXmas06 - 04

    And Ben, this is the last picture of him I have without his middle finger.

    PSXmas06 - 05

    Obligatory cute party picture.

    PSXmas06 - 06

    Then this guy, who Jenna flirted with a while back, and who I met randomly at NAB showed up.

    PSXmas06 - 07

    Steph rocks it with Mitch behind the plant.

    PSXmas06 - 08

    Nicole looked intensely on.

    PSXmas06 - 09

    While we went after the Xmas picture area.

    PSXmas06 - 10

    And made them proud before escaping the croud.

    PSXmas06 - 11

    Stephen came back for the very last of the Dell loving, Vera producing.

    PSXmas06 - 12

    With Rob on the mixboard.

    PSXmas06 - 13

    Such were the days.

    PSXmas06 - 14

    Which brings us to the main event. The PS 260 Xmas party.

    PSXmas06 - 16

    We all gathered round.

    PSXmas06 - 17

    And round.

    PSXmas06 - 18

    Jenna got this thing.

    PSXmas06 - 19

    Steph got this thing.

    PSXmas06 - 20

    John got this thing.

    PSXmas06 - 21

    Maury got this thing.

    PSXmas06 - 22

    Patrick got this thing.

    PSXmas06 - 23

    Everyone got things, get it? Then we jumped into the elevator.

    PSXmas06 - 24

    And hit up some Korean BBQ action.

    PSXmas06 - 25

    Floyd loved it.

    PSXmas06 - 26

    Sophie really loved it.

    PSXmas06 - 27

    Even Jenna, with picky tastes, kinda loved it.

    PSXmas06 - 28

    Good times.

    PSXmas06 - 29

    At either table.

    PSXmas06 - 30

    See? I told you.

    PSXmas06 - 31

    The food tasted delicious.

    PSXmas06 - 32

    You can’t beat that Korean style.

    PSXmas06 - 33

    Or Ned’s excitement.

    PSXmas06 - 34

    Cuteness continues.

    PSXmas06 - 35

    We left Little Seoul, and on our way to greener pastures, we quickly hit up Shabeen to check up on Patrick.

    PSXmas06 - 36

    What greener pastures? Why Kareoke, of course.

    PSXmas06 - 37

    And everyone made it out.

    PSXmas06 - 38

    Everyone sang.

    PSXmas06 - 39

    And I just kept snapping pictures.

    PSXmas06 - 41

    Keep an eye on that one on the right.

    PSXmas06 - 42

    Keep an eye on Madeleine, too.

    PSXmas06 - 43

    Yes, and it gets better.

    PSXmas06 - 44

    The crowd is almost ready to rock.

    PSXmas06 - 45

    There we go! You know what time it is when that Animal House song comes on.

    PSXmas06 - 46

    It’s Jenna time.

    PSXmas06 - 47

    Couch time.

    PSXmas06 - 48

    Jenna and Robert time.

    PSXmas06 - 49

    Everybody!

    PSXmas06 - 50

    Drunk Time!

    PSXmas06 - 51

    Ronan and his girlfriend time.

    PSXmas06 - 52

    I told you to keep an eye on this one.

    PSXmas06 - 53

    Bryan understood.

    PSXmas06 - 54

    Jenna wondered about her shoe.

    PSXmas06 - 55

    And we rocked…

    PSXmas06 - 56

    …the night away.

    PSXmas06 - 57

April 1, 2007

  • Burger Steph and Stew One…

    Well well well, blog time seems to be moving forward at a brisker pace. We finally arrive at December 2006. So what went down in the late fall…

    Ever been to a fancy shmancy French Hotel in midtown?
    Stew1 - 01

    Ever noticed a strange line under a funky neon sign?
    Stew1 - 02

    Murray, Garza, his girl, and I did, thanks to a tip somewhere.
    Stew1 - 03

    And wouldn’t you know it, a fancy place like that has a little greasy burger joint with great shakes. You should check it out, if I could remember the name of the hotel.
    Stew1 - 04

    We then went to Rod’s apartment, where his roommate keeps it real with a massive tv. But we had to leave, because we were off to see a movie.
    Stew1 - 05

    And here, the story got a bit interesting, sans pictures. I thought it would be Rodrigo and me, so I said let’s go see “Stranger Than Fiction.” The group then increased to include Murray and Kallop (a fellow Catie I had not seen in a bit). Ever go to a Sci Fi movie? The previews are usually sci fi. Action movie? Action previews… you get the picture. This is rule we all understand. So as the previews started to roll, and we were hit by “Dreamgirls,” followed by “Something’s Gotta Give,” the guys, who I dragged to this film I had always been curios about, began to panic and turn away from the screen. And I wondered if I had misjudged the slightly magical-realist preview so bad to drag guy guys to a worthless romantic comedy. I got nervous.

    But in the end, maybe because our expectations fell so much. We all seemed to enjoy the movie. I thought it was quite intelligent and charming, though a bit too clever at parts. I hope Brent liked it.
    Stew1 - 06

    Anyways, I have one more non picture story. Jenna was away that weekend for a wedding of her cousin, a weather girl, to her new husband, the sportscaster, and as she dislikes going to movies at the movie theatre, I made a weekend of it, and saw 5. Yes, five. Déjà vu, The Fountain, Casino Royale, Stranger Than Fiction, and Shortbus. Now, that’s what I call a weekend.

    Monday, I got in the money for the first in a long time at the Post Production Poker game.
    Stew1 - 07

    Then the next Saturday, Jenna and I got a real treat, Stephanie Land, our receptionist, put on a show.
    Stew1 - 13

    She takes amazing pictures.
    Stew1 - 08 

    And makes great stationary.
    Stew1 - 10 Stew1 - 09

    We all had a lot of fun.
    Stew1 - 11

    And I think she made good money. It was a good showing.
     Stew1 - 14

    The old ex made it in for the day.
    Stew1 - 15

    So Kerry and I hit Saigon Grill for some lunch.
    Stew1 - 16

    That night, Sarah Tew and Keith threw a party at their apartment.
    Stew1 - 17

    Good old Michael showed up.
    Stew1 - 18

    And heated discussions were had.
    Stew1 - 19

    Jeff showed up, his website’s new bee tee double-u.
    Stew1 - 20

    Obviously, a hostess picture was necessary.
    Stew1 - 21

    Biggest surprise, Alex, with his girlfriend, who I’d never met.
    Stew1 - 22

    And you know it can’t be a party unless Patrick steps through the lintel.
    Stew1 - 23

    Or is it Patrick and Paul who have to both be there?
    Stew1 - 24

    I think they’d agree.
    Stew1 - 25

    Even Dan K. showed up, with a Ben Van H. look alike at the left.
    Stew1 - 26

    And let us not forget Ms. Slepian, making everyone have a good time.
    Stew1 - 27

    At this point, not being paired up with anyone to talk to, I stood on a chair.
    Stew1 - 28

    And took a continuous stream of pictures.
    Stew1 - 30 Stew1 - 29 Stew1 - 31

    After a few years of a having a camera, I like to take a picture and tell the protaginsts of the frame as I show it to them, that what we have just captured is “already a classic.” In this instance, I did not lie.
    Stew1 - 32

    I met this guy, I think he was a marine.
    Stew1 - 33

    And this guy, who had a dope oldschool Polaroid.
    Stew1 - 34

    He shot an awesome portrait, too.
    Stew1 - 35

    Don’t you just love Keith’s small canvas wall?
    Stew1 - 36

    Or older generation Wesleyanites whose name you don’t remember?
    Stew1 - 37

    Or even better, a Barbie orgy lamp?
    Stew1 - 39

    Which brings us to this Guy. God, what a weird awkward moment. He really wanted to do this magic trick, which he commandeered the room for, but only begrudgingly from some of the other folk, and he actually pulled it off. Obviously, this took doing things in a specific way, which Polaroid then began to question, asking for more shuffling and the like… Well as he did it again, and Polaroid kept at him, and the tension began to suffocate us all, I pulled a weirdly diplomatic trick, which I am not ashamed to say I am proud of, and gave a little speech like this: “listen dude. Obviously it’s a trick, and he needs to do things in a certain way, and obviously, you could point out these things, but wouldn’t it be more fun if he actually did the trick?” Polaroid agreed, and magician finished the trick. And then we all moved on to watch Magician sink himself lower and lower into weirdness when he tried to bully us all into playing poker. Then he wouldn’t pose for the blog unless he pulled this weird pose. Pretty Crazy.
    Stew1 - 40

    At some point Michael’s girlfriend Leah arrived, who thought I did not remember her, but how could I forget this?
    Stew1 - 41

    And then, in a zestful party mood, I went on to chat with Michael about a myriad of topics, falling finally onto the shared class we took the fall of senior year, Surviving Ulysses. Now, that was a life changing class for me, not only did we gorge ourselves with the literary masterpiece of our time, but we also blew through the major modernist novels that followed, Ezra’s Cantos, Mrs. Dalloway, Murphy, and T.S.’s The Wasteland. I had an eye opening blast. So I asked Mike what he thought, pretty sure we would get into a nitty gritty discussion of its greatness, only to be shockingly disarmed by his reply, “I didn’t really like it.” He didn’t really like Ulysses that much either. Wow. I just never saw it coming. Then, a few sentences later, as we discussed other huge novels of the same ilk like Infinite Jest, I uttered something I do believe is true, “part of the appeal of these big huge hard novels is being able to say that you have read them. People look at you differently.” I like being honest, and this was a sort of academic truth I think we all know but don’t confess. Michael laughed at this, couldn’t believe I would say it, and in some weird rebuke to his not liking the class, I just kept at this point like it was the only thing about the book I like. I think by the end of it, Mikey thought I was a bit deranged, I definitely feel like he lost some respect. So, Michael, if you do ever read this blog, yes I enjoy telling people I read it, but those huge big books that I love, Ulysses, Infinite Jest, and Gravity’s Rainbow, are fucking masterpieces, with a literary depth and allusion that really rocked my young impressionable mind. And yes, their erudite diction and length is a bit much, but that makes them all the better, because after you finish climbing the behemoth word counts, you feel different, you have accomplished something that not many have. They made me smarter. They made me want to write better. And that’s the truth, I love those books because they are fucking great, probably the best I’ve ever read.
    Stew1 - 42

    Phew! I’ve been meaning to say that since it happened in December. On with the post.

    I met this girl, friend of Beth’s I believe.
    Stew1 - 43

    The party continued.
    Stew1 - 44

    I had a great time.
    Stew1 - 47

    As did Mr. Gallagher.
    Stew1 - 48

    And especially the cat, Mr. Business.
    Stew1 - 49

    Oh, and I’m trying something new. Seeing as I am so way behind on posting, I opened up a flickr account that I will upload photos just as I live them. So enjoy.
      

March 26, 2007

  • Eatin’ My Peaches…

    If you have read below, you might know that T-giving 06 went through in
    a rush of activities. As such, I only barely touched upon one of the
    most fun parts of the week, the Peaches Concert. Well, that slight gets
    corrected right now.

    We got there as the opening band just finished. They were pretty good.
    The DJ booth was shaped like a car which was an original touch.
    Unfortunately, I can’t remember their name.
    Peaches - 01

    Jenna and I were ready to rock.
    Peaches - 02

    And blamo, the drum lights went on.
    Peaches - 03

    Peaches shouted the show into existence.
    Peaches - 04

    A roar that made the whole crowd cheer. Peaches just rocks the house. A true performer.
    Peaches - 05

    And the whole band gets with it. Swaying too and fro.
    Peaches - 06

    Together.
    Peaches - 07

    But the stunts don’t stop there. How about drinking while playing guitar?
    Peaches - 08

    Or playing on the floor?
    Peaches - 09

    Or getting rock?
    Peaches - 10

    Of course Peaches always uses the architecture to the full advantage.
    Peaches - 11

    Crooning at us from above the speakers.
    Peaches - 12

    The band rocking it on the stage.
    Peaches - 13

    Peaches sexily draping herself as she sang.
    Peaches - 14

    Then finally coming down.
    Peaches - 15

    Only to stroll right in.
    Peaches - 16

    On a brand new bicycle.
    Peaches - 17

    Jenna and I could hardly contain ourselves.
    Peaches - 18

    Then Peaches took to the heights once more.
    Peaches - 19

    To be held on the bike while serenading on.
    Peaches - 20

    Then came my favorite moment, or favorite moment of the tour, they did
    it last time too, when they all come up front. Including the dopest
    chic drummer ever.
    Peaches - 21

    They all take turns playing different instruments.
    Peaches - 22

    And then switch back.
    Peaches - 23

    It’s quite exciting stuff. But all great things must come to an end.
    Peaches - 24

    So the band took a bow.
    Peaches - 25

    Jenna and I loved it. And that was that.
    Peaches - 26

    Or was it? The rodie came out to spur us on for an encore cheer.
    Peaches - 27

    And sure enough, out came the band.
    Peaches - 28

    And Peaches, in her third outfit.
    Peaches - 29

    And rocked it yet again.
    Peaches - 30

    With keytars aloft.
    Peaches - 31

    Then, in a surprise gambit, she moseyed downstage….
    Peaches - 32

    And jumped in the crowd.
    Peaches - 33

    What a way to go. As always, an amazing concert experience.
    Peaches - 34

    We were well pleased.
    Peaches - 35

March 17, 2007

  • Thanksgiving Dos Mil Seis…

    Thanksgiving 06 went by in flash of flurried activity filled with foreign visitors. Let’s take a look, shall we?

    We begin with my mother, who came up from Mexico, to have dinner with Jenna Phoebe and me.
    Tgivng06 - 01

    Except Phoebe had somewhere else to be so she didn’t stay.
    Tgivng06 - 02

    Mom was very excited to have the delicious Craft Bar servings.
    Tgivng06 - 03

    As was Jenna, as always.
    Tgivng06 - 04

    Then my mom gave Jenna a very nice present.
    Tgivng06 - 05

    Cute little ear rings.
    Tgivng06 - 06

    And who was at the table next to us but fellow Wesleyanites Lin Suzanne and Slesin.
    Tgivng06 - 07

    Little did I know that Lin would soon be gracing countless billboards of the New York underground with the opening of his show “In The Heights,” which had its first incarnation at ol’ Wes.
    Tgivng06 - 08

    Later, Phoebe would come over and I would use my photoshop magic skillz to take her new photo.
    Tgivng06 - 09

    And mix it with an old one.
    Tgivng06 - 10

    To have a full family picture. Yes, its just that easy folks.
    Tgivng06 - 11

    And just like that, the big T-day arrives.
    Tgivng06 - 12

    Everyone gathers round the table.
    Tgivng06 - 13

    To eat some delicious turkey. To give thanks to all that we have. Thank you.
    Tgivng06 - 14

    A rockin’ day all along.
    Tgivng06 - 15

    Followed by a nice walk with my mom the day after.
    Tgivng06 - 16

    We hit up a very nice coffee shop, only to run into my cunado, Sam.
    Tgivng06 - 17

    Who’s tattoo I don’t think I’d seen before.
    Tgivng06 - 18

    Finally I took my mom up to my office so she could see the view.
    Tgivng06 - 19

    We had a nice long talk, and she showed me her cool jewelry.
    Tgivng06 - 20

    And say good by at the foot of the Madison Park clock tower.
    Tgivng06 - 21

    I rushed home to change, and got a quick glimpse of Tommy and his girlfriend. (In the subsequent time since this happened they have now broken up).
    Tgivng06 - 22

    And why did I rush to change? Well maybe because I had a Peaches concert to go to! Full post on that, later.
    Tgivng06 - 23

    The next day I hit mister Angus’ room.
    Tgivng06 - 24

    To watch people play video games for a bit.
    Tgivng06 - 25

    Before bar hopping for a bit on Aaron’s last night. I said good bye expecting not to see him for a long time.
    Tgivng06 - 26

    Only to get a surprise call the next day from the Pond-traverser himself for some last day pizza. So off we went to the 42nd floor.
    Tgivng06 - 27

    To john’s apartment for some real dilla NYC pizza.
    Tgivng06 - 28

    Yeah. That’s the good stuff.
    Tgivng06 - 29

    Eventually, the fun had to end.
    Tgivng06 - 30

    We took a ride to the other side of town where I finally bid adieu to my old friend.
    Tgivng06 - 31

    Unfortunately, all good this must come to a finito. So must this T-giving 06. The fam decided to go out in style with a posh dinner at Indian deliciousness Dawat.
    Tgivng06 - 32

    And here is the reason I like to take all the pictures. I just know my camera, and I don’t have to drive a stranger crazy trying to get him to get the picture right.
    Tgivng06 - 34 Tgivng06 - 33

    Then the pictures started flying.
    Tgivng06 - 36 Tgivng06 - 35

    Jenna and I got in the fun. (I just kept the same face, though).
    Tgivng06 - 37 Tgivng06 - 38

    And dad had the best pict of them all.
    Tgivng06 - 39

    Except maybe this one.
    Tgivng06 - 40

    Dawat had some cool art, too.
    Tgivng06 - 41

    And phoebe was off to some other land for a wedding.
    Tgivng06 - 42

    With that. T-giving ends.

March 4, 2007

  • Museum Birthday Gatti Madness

    How about we start this post right, like this!
    AltheaBlog - 01

    But enough goofing around, let’s talk about November 18th 2006.
    AltheaBlog - 02

    Jenna and I headed over to the Whitney for a Picasso combination exhibit. As always, the Whitney Security Ogres were in full effect, so we could only take a few covert pictures.
    AltheaBlog - 03

    Not a bad show, with good surprises here and there.
    AltheaBlog - 04

    Including this one with an actual fridge door pasted on.
    AltheaBlog - 05

    A perfect day for a beach party.
    AltheaBlog - 06

    I like the wall on the stairway best, though.
    AltheaBlog - 07

    Then we went upstairs to the Hopper exhibit, which had some great sketches.
    AltheaBlog - 09 AltheaBlog - 08

    And of course, his piece de resistance, Nighthawks.
    AltheaBlog - 10

    Which is well worth a trip to look at it up close and personal-like.
    AltheaBlog - 11

    I don’t like the Whitney that much, but I have to give them props for lighting style.
    AltheaBlog - 12

    That night, Jenna contemplated a transformation.
    AltheaBlog - 13

    Into a jolly Christmas elf, a month or so early.
    AltheaBlog - 14

    We were on our way to Althea and Matt’s housewarming party at her new apartment. As always, the peeps all made it out. Claire Aaron, and Dan.
    AltheaBlog - 15

    Harris and Matt discussing smart things.
    AltheaBlog - 16

    My girl getting sexy fierce between it all.
    AltheaBlog - 17

    While Althea and Carolina flex it out.
    AltheaBlog - 18

    As the night rolled on, the discussions got intense.
    AltheaBlog - 19

    And someone had to go to sleep in the middle of a photo. Good times.
    AltheaBlog - 20

    The very next day, New York got an influx of stephens’.     
    AltheaBlog - 21

    As we all went to see Chick Corea and his acoustic band.
    AltheaBlog - 22

    On tommy’s suggestion.
    AltheaBlog - 23

    They were all very good.
    AltheaBlog - 24

    Even the wife got into the game.
    AltheaBlog - 25

    Tom had a good time.
    AltheaBlog - 26

    So did the Jenna.
    AltheaBlog - 27

    I drew this picture on the comment card.
    AltheaBlog - 28

    The week rolled on with a tournament at Sound Lounge.
    AltheaBlog - 29

    Where I chopped for the win. Yay! Money!
    AltheaBlog - 30

    And PS had a great visitor the following morning. Sadie!
    AltheaBlog - 31

    She helped Steph out with the phones.
    AltheaBlog - 32

    Look at that cuteness.
    AltheaBlog - 34

    It’s undeniable.
    AltheaBlog - 33

    Thanksgiving week started to roll in, which means people from afar sometimes come home to roost.
    AltheaBlog - 35

    Like the Gatti man himself, in from London for some turkey time.
    AltheaBlog - 36

    A trio reunited.
    AltheaBlog - 37

    But where is our fourth?
    AltheaBlog - 38

    I guess we’ll wait and see.

February 20, 2007

  • The First of Winterfest

    Twas the middle of last November, which could only mean one thing,
    party at Sara and Keiths. As I arrived, all these other people came
    too, so we had an up the stairs romp.
    Stew1Blog - 01

    Into a crowded party filled with peeps of old.
    Stew1Blog - 02

    Like Lauren, who remembered my question tendency.
    Stew1Blog - 03

    And the very host herself.
    Stew1Blog - 04

    Look, a blast from the past, Cristina Jake and Luke.
    Stew1Blog - 05

    The incredible Harris and Pat, discussing the meaning of life, the universe and everything.
    Stew1Blog - 06

    Micah, and his ex Elise. I made some off hand comment at this point and they ended getting up in a fight. Sorry guys.
    Stew1Blog - 07

    Jake doesn’t mind, he thinks its just fine.
    Stew1Blog - 08

    Oh and the exlovers do too.
    Stew1Blog - 09

    Or maybe not, maybe they’re still angry.
    Stew1Blog - 10

    Anyway, sara’s apartment, looked dope as always.
    Stew1Blog - 11

    With keith’s pictures everywhere arranged just so.
    Stew1Blog - 12

    Oh, and a photo shoot in progress.
    Stew1Blog - 13


    Sara
    took head shots of all of us.
    Stew1Blog - 14

    See? Here’s mine. Not bad I say.
    Stew1Blog - 15

    Oh, and this is when the photographer gets way to close to her subject.
    Stew1Blog - 16

    Who’s the nice kitty? Who’s the nice kitty? It’s you. Oh yeah, it’s you Mr. Business.
    Stew1Blog - 17

    Then the party really started cause Paul came in.
    Stew1Blog - 18

    With flyers for his Cerebral Pauly show (which I regrettably missed).
    Stew1Blog - 19

    The night wore on.
    Stew1Blog - 20

    Someone grabbed my camera and too pictures of me.
    Stew1Blog - 21

    Nina made it in and chit chatted with Micah.
    Stew1Blog - 22

    While I chatted up with Michael.
    Stew1Blog - 23

    This chick took a bunch pictures too, and I don’t remember her name, but I bet she’s a blogger too.
    Stew1Blog - 24

    Then I got to chat with Nina and first heard about her pretty cool comic.
    Stew1Blog - 25

    Then the night got really late.
    Stew1Blog - 26

    People got drunker.
    Stew1Blog - 27

    An attempt to play celebrity was made and foiled.
    Stew1Blog - 28

    I took this really moody picture if Beth and Paul.
    Stew1Blog - 29

    And we ended the night taking a cab across the bridge in to glorious Manhattan.
    Stew1Blog - 30

February 19, 2007

  • Celebrations of Solar Circumnavigations

    Oh to be in young in New York City. Except with my birthday last
    Halloween, I have left the early twenties behind, so how young can I
    really be?
    BirthBlog - 01

    But enough of silly aging fears, let’s get to the good stuff, like what
    the crazy people at work wore on Halloween. Of course you’ve seen
    Jenna’s wondrous sexy Superboy.
    BirthBlog - 02

    But how about K-Y’s cranky crazy old lady.
    BirthBlog - 03

    Or Mitch’s Elviraish 20s duop thingy.
    BirthBlog - 04

    My favorite getup was the simple but well executed Lifeguard by Ned.
    BirthBlog - 05

    But Steph also did well with her 50s secretary.
    BirthBlog - 06

    So the Saturday Halloween celebration lies below for your viewing
    pleasure. Now we cover my actual birthday. Jenna took me to the ever
    delicious Tabla.
    BirthBlog - 07

    She gave me my birthday card in with Stephanie Land designed stationary, pretty awesome.
    BirthBlog - 08

    For my present, I got a dope and sturdy messenger bag.
    BirthBlog - 09

    Another card.
    BirthBlog - 10

    Delicious meat.
    BirthBlog - 11

    And delicious TV, one of my favorite shows, Home Movies.
    BirthBlog - 12

    What a cute birthday.
    BirthBlog - 13

    They even made me a cake, with my name on it. Oh wait. Who’s this jack
    fellow? Well, it’s pretty silly, but whenever Jenna and I make a
    reservation, we make it under Bauer, Jack Bauer.
    BirthBlog - 14

    The cake tasted great, too.
    BirthBlog - 15

    As did Jenna’s. Thank you for a wonderful birthday.
    BirthBlog - 16

    Not to be outdone, the chaps at work all gathered in.
    BirthBlog - 17

    For a surprise birthday ambush.
    BirthBlog - 18

    And I blew out candles yet again.
    BirthBlog - 19

    Plus I got one of those infomercial hair trimmers as presents.
    BirthBlog - 20

    And ended the night with cheesesteaks.
    BirthBlog - 21

    But wait, there’s more! If you continue reading this post the night continues with some California love.
    BirthBlog - 22

    Yes, my cousin’s band Rooney, made a swing through New York.
    BirthBlog - 23

    And rocked the house.
    BirthBlog - 24

    Look, we loved it.
    BirthBlog - 25

    Stephens siblings represent.
    BirthBlog - 26

    Nice job, Lou.
    BirthBlog - 27

    Oh, and nice job other act, Ben Lee.
    BirthBlog - 28

    Not three days later, wouldn’t you know but it’s another scorpio’s
    birthday…Jenna. That’s right, I’m four days older than my old lady. So
    I took her to one of her favorite restaurants, Otto.
    BirthBlog - 29

    Where we enjoyed some delicious pasta and sorbets.
    BirthBlog - 30

    Plus Jenna got to show off her hot lacey shirt.
    BirthBlog - 31

    Then I took her home and gave her her present.
    BirthBlog - 32

    This dope bag, (yes, hilarious, we both gave each other bags) with our lady Maria.
    BirthBlog - 33

    Plus, the big cheese present, her very own compact record player. Who’s the nice boyfriend?
    BirthBlog - 34

    Well, who’s so cute she deserves it?  Happy birthday to us both.
    BirthBlog - 35

February 11, 2007

  • Halloween has always been a weird time for me, cuase it’s my birthday.
    But more on that later, now we cover the Saturday before Halloween.
    Jenna and I got on our kind of lame costumes.

    HalloweenBlg - 01

    I went as one of my favorite books, Infinite Jest.

    HalloweenBlg - 02

    And Jenna went as a terribly cute prepubescent Superboy.

    HalloweenBlg - 03

    Our plan was to meet up at the delightfully named Mars 2112, but what awaited us there was a whole lotta this.

    HalloweenBlg - 04

    Plus Jennifer and Carrie.

    HalloweenBlg - 05

    Check out C’s Uno dress and top. Pretty sweet, huh?

    HalloweenBlg - 06

    Once the line rolled a bit, our spirits rose, cause it was
    motherfuckin’ COLD, and we thought we were getting in. But lo and
    behold, this was just one line of a few waiting down below.

    HalloweenBlg - 07

    We were not pleased.

    HalloweenBlg - 08

    But we did get to stand in line with crazy kooks like body girl.

    HalloweenBlg - 09

    And Slim Jim man.

    HalloweenBlg - 10

    The freezing sucks, but the night had a nice feel to it.

    HalloweenBlg - 11

    Because we finally got in. Only to find that we still had to pay a cover charge, which none us wanted to do.

    HalloweenBlg - 12

    So we went outside and found the rest of the gang, like Shannon and her boyfriend, freezing their assess off.

    HalloweenBlg - 13

    Oh, just look at the whole gang.

    HalloweenBlg - 14

    The Mars 2112 plan obviously ditched, we moved on to some Midtown east
    bar whose name I no longer recall, where people had really big anime
    hair.

    HalloweenBlg - 15

    Keri’s boyfriend Alecks and his friend arrived.

    HalloweenBlg - 16

    As did Keri herself.

    HalloweenBlg - 17

    And of course, hilarity ensued.

    HalloweenBlg - 18

    Good times had by all.

    HalloweenBlg - 19

    Just partying it out on a slut’s favorite holiday.

    HalloweenBlg - 20

    Pa-ARRG-ty time, maties.

    HalloweenBlg - 21

    And what always follows pirate party time? Slutty time!

    HalloweenBlg - 22

    Time to pose as provocatively as possible.

    HalloweenBlg - 23

    Or, get cute.

    HalloweenBlg - 24

    And Cuter.

    HalloweenBlg - 25

    And now’s a good a time as any to revisit Carrie’s costume. Massive props for originality.

    HalloweenBlg - 26

    And follow through execution.

    HalloweenBlg - 27

    As the night wore on, and the imbibing reached critical mass, the sexy dancing really started.

    HalloweenBlg - 28

    Everyone joined in.

    HalloweenBlg - 29

    Before it just got silly.

    HalloweenBlg - 30

    Oh look, a slutty pirate floozy tattoo.  

    HalloweenBlg - 31

    And what’s this? Another cute picture of Jenna and I smooching? Why yes!

    HalloweenBlg - 32

    Right before I started dancing like a tool. Notice the thumb.

    HalloweenBlg - 33

    Not to be undone, all the girls got up on the bar…

    HalloweenBlg - 34

    And just busted out the moves.

    HalloweenBlg - 35

    Oh yeah, sexy time.

    HalloweenBlg - 36

    Look at em go.

    HalloweenBlg - 37

    Okay. Im done thinking of things to say while they dance.

    HalloweenBlg - 38

    But they do look scrumptuos, don’t they?

    HalloweenBlg - 39

    Especially the cutey pettutti in the middle with the Superman S on her chest.

    HalloweenBlg - 40

    Of course the waitresses wanted to have the last word.

    HalloweenBlg - 41

    And got up there themselves, but they didn’t look half as good.

    HalloweenBlg - 42

    Oh, how hot it gets when you don the alien glove.

    HalloweenBlg - 43

    Or stare at each other with lust in your eyes.

    HalloweenBlg - 44

    Or man handle some boob.

    HalloweenBlg - 45

    Or clap at the boob manhandle.

    HalloweenBlg - 46

    Hey lookie, I caught a pirate by the ear.

    HalloweenBlg - 47

    What should we do with him?

    HalloweenBlg - 48

    Take a picture with a Gilligan of course. When out on the party sea, you can’t live it up until you get a Gilligan sighting.

    HalloweenBlg - 49

    We know that’s true.

    HalloweenBlg - 50

    What’s going on over there? Who knows, I just put the picture anyway.

    HalloweenBlg - 51

    Hey groucho. Are you tired of being snapped?

    HalloweenBlg - 52

    Of course not! Look how happy she gets on camera.

    HalloweenBlg - 53

    Kind of like the ever dancing Keri.

    HalloweenBlg - 54

    Look at her go.

    HalloweenBlg - 55

    She just doesn’t stop.

    HalloweenBlg - 56

    She can’t stop.

    HalloweenBlg - 57

    Not to be undone, Shannon got going as well.

    HalloweenBlg - 58

    Doing her own sexy time.

    HalloweenBlg - 59

    After all that fun, no one wants to go home, but alas it was time to say good bye.

    HalloweenBlg - 60

    Good Bye!

    HalloweenBlg - 61

    Happy Halloween everybody!

    HalloweenBlg - 62

January 28, 2007

  • I don’t know if you noticed the slow down in posts that began in early
    fall, but here finally comes the reason. I just don’t want you snooping
    on me anymore.

    DellBlog - 01

    Oh you gullible geese, I’d never leave you. No, in reality, I was working my ass off playing with my multicolored keyboard.

    DellBlog - 02

    But the story begins months ago in another time, and another post. Remember when I went to Prague? That’s when I met this man.

    DellBlog - 03

    You see, commercials come in different sizes. The most traditional
    length lasts 30 seconds, but 60s and 15s come too, as well as the
    occasional psychotic 10 or cinema 2 minutes, plus the mutant 45. When
    you’re slated to make a 60 and a 30, you usually cut the sixty first,
    then make (in the parlance of the biz) a cut down. So for the Dell
    Prague job, Maury cut the all important 60s, and had to move on to
    another job. Which meant I got to cut the 30s. But an editor never
    works a cut alone (well he does in the beginning), at his side (or
    behind him) always sit the Art Director, Copy Writer, and Producer.
    They work a cut into a pretty shape, and pitch it to their Creative
    Director, who adds his own comments. The cut then goes to the head of
    the agency or Executive Creative Director, probably gets one more
    revision, before finally going to the client. So when I cut the
    thirties, Stephen MC, pictured above, CD at BBDO in the Atl, rode
    editing shotgun. And once we made mince meat of the first Dell round,
    he joked that he might let me cut the next one.

    At least, I thought he joked. Imagine my surprise when my producer came
    in a month later and told me Stephen had pushed to get me to cut the
    incoming Dell job. What an effing opportunity! Sure I was a senior
    cutting assistant, but no assistant got to cut a fully funded official
    campaign!

    The only problem? Well, that’s this great pacing man, Scott.

    DellBlog - 04

    Scott was producing the next round, but had not worked with me yet. He
    tentatively accepted my cutting because of a deal that JJ would oversee
    (i.e. take over if dusty didn’t cut the mustard) and more importantly,
    and a go ahead from his producing partner (at their production company Driver) who vouched I could do it, thanks
    JD.

    Little did we know, this would be the start of a great trio.

    DellBlog - 05

    So the footage finally arrived, and the stress of cutting began. This
    shit was serious! I has to cut the whole thing by my lonesome, I had to
    show two jaded business pros with a ton more experience that I could do
    this. I had to cut like the wind.

    DellBlog - 06

    I had to learn how make my mouth look like a vagina. (Okay, fine, Stephen taught me that).

    DellBlog - 07

    The first few days were tough as hell. They came in and liked the cut,
    and we went to work, but Scott was still a bit skeptical, throwing in
    asides to his assistant like “can you believe this guy is cutting this,
    he’s just an assistant, this is a huge campaign.” JJ sat in the room
    the first day, but then gave me my space. The nights were late, and
    many different directions were tried, and for the first 72 hours, I
    kept thinking my producer would walk in take me aside and say, “dustin,
    this is nothing about your skills, but they just wanted someone with a
    bit more experience.” But no, we just worked our assess off, and Scott
    let me ride, and maybe, just maybe, even appreciated what I had to give
    the project by the end. All right, enough exposition, let’s get to the
    pictures.

    As I said, we just worked for a full week straight, so I wasn’t really
    taking any then, but once some cuts got approved, that’s when we
    started stepping out a bit.

    DellBlog - 08

    Like going to the transfer. That’s when we pay tons of money to
    transfer (get it) the film footage to tape. You do it once the cut is
    locked, cause you only use the footage that you need, not everything
    you shot, and you can fuck with the color and contrast like you
    wouldn’t believe. And if you use The Mill, which is a british based
    company, you can also try the prawn cocktail chips.

    DellBlog - 09

    Also, as they are building a new floor, we took a second to try out some championship ping pong.

    DellBlog - 10

    Where I sneaked out a a tough win against our colorist Fergus.

    DellBlog - 11

    Then, because we had been working so damn hard, Stephen and I took a
    shopping break to this pretty dope store where you can make your own
    shirt and heat press it on, it’s pretty cool, check it out. Bang On.

    DellBlog - 12

    Where I made Jenna a dope shirt, pictured later, and got her this awesome bag as her birthday present.

    DellBlog - 13

    Now, you might think this all looks like fun and games, but you don’t
    understand the horrid, petrifying adventure we like to call the
    conference call.

    DellBlog - 14

    Three people in Atlana, the account team. Three people in Dallas, the
    Dell client. Three people in New York, us. Everyones looking at the
    cuts, and discussing. It ain’t ever easy. The type of bullshitting that
    goes down, the bureaucratic diction that must be played like an award
    winning diplomat…

    DellBlog - 15

    And it mostly falls on Stephen, who took it like a champ.

    DellBlog - 16

    But Scott had to get into it as well. I had to listen.

    DellBlog - 17

    And dude, I am not kidding here, they last for hours. Hours and hours
    going over what seems like the most trivial shit. Asking for changes
    that we know wouldn’t work…

    DellBlog - 18

    It’s almost surreal.

    DellBlog - 19

    You start doing crazy things to pass the time. Like taking all the communication devices.

    DellBlog - 20

    And making them do each other.

    DellBlog - 21

    Then you have to get back to work, offering up the changes they want, and sometimes it just makes you want to jack off a shadow dick.

    DellBlog - 22

    It got so crazy that I just…

    DellBlog - 23

    Couldn’t take it anymore.

    DellBlog - 24

    I had to edit au natural.

    DellBlog - 25

    And mind you, this whole time, Stephen, who lives in Atlanta, has to commute every weekend.

    DellBlog - 26

    Flying in, and leaving his cute little daughter and wife. He’s a real trouper.

    DellBlog - 27

    Sometimes Stephen and Scott went off together.

    DellBlog - 28

    Taking portraits.

    DellBlog - 30 DellBlog - 29

    Riding town cars.

    DellBlog - 31

    Or going to the music house Big Foote to take a look at the newest cut of a jazzy Christmas tune.

    DellBlog - 32

    Which brings us to sound. Once the picture is locked, and the script
    set, we go to a super expensive mix house like Sound Lounge, to record
    the official Voice Over and get the levels of all the different sound
    items, effects, music, dialogue, perfect. Don’t try this at home,
    trained professionals like Peter, there in the background do this for a
    living.

    DellBlog - 33

    We also got to work with one of the best VO actors I’ve ever heard,
    Nicole. She busted out 67 lines with no flubs in about twenty minutes.
    That might not mean anything to you, but trust me, it’s truly incredible.

    DellBlog - 34

    But why record 67 lines? Because part of the conference call madness
    meant the script never seemed approved. We had to record and record and
    record, which isn’t that usual. And the calls kept going to the point
    where we found Stephen like this.

    DellBlog - 35

    Helpless in the corner.

    DellBlog - 36

    I wasn’t doing to well either.

    DellBlog - 37

    But this is why they pay us, to get back on the phone.

    DellBlog - 38

    Finishing the audio, we went on to the effects and the conform, once
    more at The Mill, this time with the fabulous Flame (the hardware and
    software used for finishing effects) operator Angus.

    DellBlog - 39

    The Mill only works with dope people like these two.

    DellBlog - 40

    Not to throw this all off, but in the middle of all this hoopla, I got
    the most disgusting zit. And not only of incredible size, but also of
    incredulous position… who gets a zit inside there nose?

    DellBlog - 41

    Anyways, through the weeks and weeks of work, I finally got Stephen down to the poker game.

    DellBlog - 42

    Where he came in and took almost everyone out, then settled for second place.

    DellBlog - 43

    Also through all this, my birthday came and went. But Stephen would not
    have it being forgotten and celebrated by making his chili, birthday
    chili.

    DellBlog - 44

    The worked dragged on, but I did get to drive in Scott’s car. What crazyness, a car in the city?

    DellBlog - 45

    We were back at the Mill.

    DellBlog - 46

    And even though it’s blurry, it was a celebration. We has just shipped the first spot!

    DellBlog - 47

    What wonders!

    DellBlog - 48

    So we celebrated, at fru fru Soho House.

    DellBlog - 49

    With previous producers JD

    DellBlog - 50

    And Vera.

    DellBlog - 51

    But worry not, the conference calls did not stop.

    DellBlog - 52

    Two more spots had to be shipped.

    DellBlog - 53

    So we packed everything up (yes, Scott carries all of this most of the time).

    DellBlog - 54

    And headed off into the Advertising Sunset. Or Flatiron.

    DellBlog - 55

    In (almost) the end, we had a celebration dinner.

    DellBlog - 56

    Everyone came along.
    DellBlog - 57

    Even Scott, though a bit late.
    DellBlog - 58

    The shrimp were as big as you head.
    DellBlog - 59

    The bacon cut thicker than paperbacks.
    DellBlog - 60

    And the ice cream, delicious.
    DellBlog - 61

    Aw. What a croud.
    Dellblog Nu

    So what was all this fuss about? Here, you can take a look yourself.
    DellBlog - 63

    In the (real)  end, we shipped the final spot, and the number one Trio finished it off with a Thai meal.
    DellBlog - 64

    Sorry my postings have been coming at such slow pace. Worry not, the
    blog shall continue. I just must juggle my time better. Thank you Stephen. Thank you Scott. You let me sign off, as an editor.
    DellBlog - 65