I've had a bad couple nights at work but tomorrow I have the day off to go to the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash. I went somewhere tonight and had a lot of drinks and I'm going to sleep the fuck in tomorrow. You can read about it tomorrow. So my post will be up in late afternoon. Now it's time for more drinks! Whatever gets you through the night. It's all right. (It's alright.) Cracking up? Yes I am. I don't think it's funny no more. I need sleep. But first, a few drinks, why the fuck not? (To quote The Chillmaster.) Ain't that a kick in the head? Ha ha ha!
I’ve written before that I’ll never blog about my night job because I don’t want to get dooced and have to try and find another one. A lot of you don’t even know what I do to pay my rent and bills. Let’s just say what I do is about a half a step above a shit-shoveler, although on bad nights it can be a step below. When I came in, today I thought that due to a job we had to get out, I thought I was going to be stuck here till around six in the morning. But things happened and now I’m getting ready to go and it’s around 12:30 in the morning. And I’m dog-tired.
I could just say, “Fuck it,” go home and put up a couple videos or something, but I feel I owe it to you good people that come here and read this everyday to at least go out and try.So that’s exactly what I’m going to do, go out and try. Let’s see where the night leads this weary soul.
And here we go. It rained earlier and it's a chilly night for a mid-May evening/morning.
The sign says: "Walk this way," so I do.
Must...cross...street...
How odd, I feel like I have no control over my body. I pray I don't shit or piss my pants, that would be truly embarrassing.
Penn Station...I must enter...I don't know why...
Good Gods...I'm walking down the escalator...something I have railed against in the past...I shove past the blonde on the left and...
Head towards the second escalators. Must go down...I have no idea why...I just know I have to follow my impulses.
Okay, usually on Tuesday’s I go out and search for the elusive glass swizzle stick. Well, I just found out that tomorrow I have to work until about four in the morning—expect a grumpy-ass post tomorrow, so I thought I’d go tonight. I thought of a place I tried to go to on the bar crawl and it was too crowded to do it in and I had to take that lonely walk to another bar. The bar is Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel and it’s pretty goddamned fancy in there! Check out what New York magazine has to say about it: “Nowhere is the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie more palpable than in this bastion of post-war decadence: think white-jacket waiters, 24-karat gold leaf ceilings, and nickel-trimmed glass tables splayed around the ivories.”
But is it decadent enough to serve double gin and tonics with glass swizzle sticks? That is what we will find out soon. Glad I’m getting more overtime this week, I may need it after tonight’s bill!
Wow, it is one foggy-ass night out! Check it out, you can't even see the Empire State Building!
And it's down into the subway we go. We're taking the N train and then transferring to the 6th.
And, once again, through the magic of the internet, you're spared a subway ride which included countless zombies staring at texting devices, a long-ass walk to the 6 train and several, "The World Is Ending on May 21st" posters. Jesus Fucking Christ! Anyway, here we are at the Carlyle, let's go check out the bar.
Obligatory self-portrait shot at the door!
Holy shitballs, it's packed in here and no seats at the bar. Do you know what time it is?
It's time to take that lonesome walk and look for another bar.
Wow, it's really dead out here, I guess everyone was at Bemelmans Bar!
Shit, I've walked over ten blocks and no bars! And no people. I don't like the Upper East Side, it's like a ghost town up here.
I looked to see what 45 that is on display. It's "The Joker" by Steve Miller. Some People call him the Space Cowboy while others refer to him as the Gangster of Love. Two things are for sure, though, he's a midnight toker and he gets his loving on the run. Hey Steve, don't forget to zip up after that loving!
Here's a bar, but it's already got the chairs on the tables. At 11:30 pm! I hate the Upper East Side!
Number 19: Spike his milk bottle with mescaline.
Wow, speaking of drug babies, check out this tea-shade wearing stoner baby on display!
Finally, a bar, we can officially get this over with! I really need a drink at this point.
They wouldn't serve me because I have a t-shirt on. I hate the Upper East Side!
Never mind the manhole, it's just blowing off a little steam. Ha! I'm easily amused at this point of the evening.
Christ all fucking mighty! I've walked over 15 blocks and no bars!
And just when I was ready to give up all hope, what shows up on the block but Donohue's Steak House. Thank you God!
Friendly bartender Rich serves up the double gin and tonic.
He tells me that they've never used swizzle sticks and to tell you the truth, by now, I don't care, I just want a drink!
Here's a long shot of Rich and the classic New York bar.
Here's a look at the other end of the bar.
An obligatory bar room mirror shot...
My drink is done and one last look out the window and it's time to call it a night. And it's been a long one! Let's go outside and get a cab.
-------------------------------- Bonus Press Release! My friend Ida Langsam sent me this press release about the 11th Annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash. Check it out, it’s this Thursday and I’m going. I’ll have my camera, come up to me and I’ll take your picture!
2011 JOEY RAMONE BIRTHDAY BASH DETAILS UNVEILED; 10 YEARS AFTER HIS PASSING, THE PUNK-ROCK LEGEND LIVES ON
New York, NY: On what would have been his 60th birthday, the life of punk icon JOEY RAMONE will once again be celebrated at the annual JOEY RAMONE BIRTHDAY BASH which takes place Thursday, May 19th at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. Mickey Leigh, event organizer and brother of Joey Ramone, has announced this year’s lineup and a sellout Bash is expected again. Net proceeds will go to benefit Lymphoma research.
This year's Bash is the 11th annual event commemorating the life and music of the Ramones vocalist and main songwriter. Reflecting on the past decade, Leigh remarked: "You would think it the other way around, and normally it is, but the contributions my brother made seem to be of greater and greater value as the years go on. Even just the fact that his life is still being celebrated ten years after his passing is worth celebrating. Of course, at the same time some of us will also be celebrating the life of Jeffry Hyman, the guy I grew up with, and still look up to as someone who so dramatically overcame tremendous adversity in order to achieve what he did. That person was not ‘Joey Ramone,’ but was certainly someone most deserving of celebration as well."
The celebration will be headlined by Hugh Cornwell (ex Stranglers) featuring Clem Burke (Blondie) and Steven Fishman (James White and the Blacks). Also performing at the Bash will be Black 47, Richard Lloyd, The Rattlers, Sunday Masquerade, and The Indecent. As a special addition, this year’s spectacular party will feature a tribute to Joey performed by the “Joey Ramone Birthday Bashers” who will debut songs from Joey's much anticipated forthcoming, second posthumous solo album. Several special guests will also be offering up renditions of Ramones songs written by the band’s much revered and sorely missed lead singer. Confirmed to participate are Richie Ramone, Tommy Ramone, Richie Stotts (Plasmatics), Bebe Buell, Ed Stasium, Andy Shernoff (Dictators), Ross The Boss (Dictators), Tish & Snooky (Sic F*ck), Ali McMordie (Stiff Little Fingers), Al Maddy, Walt Stack (the Bullys), and Mickey Leigh. Surprise guest are a normal occurrence at this event, video tributes from artists all over the world are expected, and in what has become a Birthday Bash tradition, Sean O’Sullivan's Punk Pipers will round out the night with their rendition of “I Wanna Be Sedated” on bagpipes. The Masters of Ceremony for this year’s fete will be Steve Craig (101.9 RXP), Matt Pinfield (101.9 RXP and VH1), and John Holmstrom (Punk Magazine). Additional surprises are anticipated at the evening’s events.
RAMONE, who passed away April 15th, 2001, after a seven-year battle with Lymphoma, had a history of encouraging up-and-coming bands in New York’s downtown music scene by showcasing them at his special “Joey Ramone Presents” events. Since RAMONE’s passing, his brother has carried on the tradition “by featuring bands that make great music and gathering together some of our family, friends, and Joey’s fans to celebrate him on what would otherwise be a sad, somber day,” Leigh explained. This year’s Bash is being sponsored by Manic Panic, the Village Voice, New York Waste, 101.9 RXP and Bravado.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster. The Fillmore is located at 17 Irving Place, corner of 15th Street, NYC. Doors open at 7PM.
For ongoing updates, visit www.joeyramone.com. Net proceeds from the Bash go to support the Joey Ramone Foundation for Lymphoma Research. For more information or to request press and photo credentials contact ISL Public Relations at islpr@aol.com; 917-338-6199.
I got a nice shout-out on EV Grieve about my night out with the Chillmaster, check it out here: EV Grieve.
One thing I’ve been meaning to start featuring here on MAD is New York Diners. As noted at Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York, this is another of many things slowly vanishing in New York. I thought I should start documenting the ones left before they turn into a Starbucks or a Chipotle. I had to work tonight, so I thought the first Diner I would feature here at MAD would be my neighborhood diner, The Hollywood Diner. I moved into my apartment on 16th street in 1998 and have been going to the Hollywood ever since I’ve moved in. I’m not sure how long its been on the block, but I know its been there quite a while. It’s friendly, the waiters, hostesses and counter workers are all friendly and the food is great with tons of selections. And it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And it’s just a half a block from where I live. So let's go already!
It's just 14 blocks from where I work, but I've got overtime money, so we'll take a cab and arrive in style.
And we're off!
And here we are at the Hollywood Diner. As you can see, there's outside dining, but it's a little chilly out so let's go inside.
Here's the main dining room...
But I think we'll sit at the counter tonight.
Florencio is the host tonight and he happily serves up an Amstel Light. Cheers and beers!
Okay, I'm all settled in and it's time to order.
Of course since it's the Hollywood Diner, there's a few celebrity sandwiches on the menu. My favorite is the Al Pacino. Attica!
The service is great here and before you know it, the food starts arriving.
I started out with a cup of Matzo Ball soup. I loaded it up with pepper and it was delicious!
And here's the main course, a grilled cheese sandwich. I think that's the perfect diner dinner, matzo ball soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. The grilled cheese is rye bread and cheddar cheese.
And it was delicious!
The ceiling of the Hollywood Diner has a nice mural of clouds on it.
A photo of Elvis hangs on the front wall.
They love Lucy in here.
See!
Speaking of Al Pacino, here he is as Scarface next to 007.
And no self-respecting Hollywood Diner would be complete without a picture of Marilyn Monroe hanging on the wall.
And finally...cake! Goodnight everybody and see you tomorrow after dark.
-------------------------------- Bonus Link! My friends Karen and Jon from Grade “A” Fancy have been asked to be part of the reading series, Drink, Think. If you’re in the area June 15th, you should go cheer them on. Check out the information here: Drink[dot]Think.
Live, from New York, it’s Cheeseburger Saturday Night! Starring Old Town Bar, with special guest stars, Kari and Britta and featuring The Ready For Prime Beef Player, Marty Wombacher.Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Kari, Britta and Old Town bar!
******UPDATE: Kari just posted photos and a blog from last night! Check it out here: Leaf Girl.
Okay, as stated in the introduction, I've got special guests coming over tonight. Most of you know Kari from the comments section and from her blog, Leaf Girl. She's in town tonight and she's coming over with her sister Britta, who also has a blog, check it out: Justice Girl. And when special guests come over, we all know what that means...snack time! Here's my patented snackologist bowl.
Tonight I'm making a snack I just made up invented earlier in the day, it's called "Potato Chip Potpourri." I start with a base of Utz baked potato chips.
And now I add Lay's barbecue chips, Muncho's, Utz sour cream and onion, and the icing on this classic snack invention is...
A layer of Funyuns on the top! And, a gentle reminder, PLEASE, don't try this at home. I'm a board-certified snackologist with years of training under my belt. Now we wait for the guests to arrive.
And through the magic of the internet, you'll never know that they were over 40 minutes late (but they did call to tell me.) And here they are, from left: Britta and Kari! Welcome ladies and enjoy the snacks!
They don't drink booze, but they are serious Cokeheads! Couple of Kari's friends had made suggestions on where to go, but one involved something like a nine pound cheeseburger and sounded a little gross and the other suggestion was Jackson Hole. I know of Jackson Hole, but the name makes me think of Michael Jackson's sphincter, so we decided on...
Old Town Bar! Yeah, I know we went there last week, but Kari and Britta had never been and I wanted them to experience a real New York bar, so we here are!
Here's Kari and Britta taking shots of the bar. Check their blogs to see if the photos made it to the internet.
And we'll head to the back room. If you have a sense of deja vu looking at this photo, it means you probably watched David Letterman when he was on NBC, they filmed the opening sequence in here.
I knew what I wanted, so I left Kari and Britta to go take a table full of strangers photo.
Hello table of strangers! Cheers!
I also stopped in to visit our old friends, the giant urinals!
It's been a while since I took an obligatory bathroom mirror shot, so here we go!
And when I came back, Lucille was serving up our dinner! Lucille is Pamela's sister by the way. And Pamela was our lovely waitress last week for those of you keeping score. Hike!
Britta got the hot dog in honor of Biff! To quote Biff: "Ta-da!" (For those of you who don't know, Biff invented the phrase, "Ta-da!")
Kari got the Bison Burger...
And since I'm Mr. Redundant, I got the same meal I got last week. The food was delicious and before we knew it, it was time to go. And as we learned last week, when you're at Old Town, when you gotta go...
You gotta go! (Yeah, I'm going to milk this joke everytime I'm in here!) Goodnight everybody and we'll see you tomorrow after dark.
I went out with MAD Commenter and Leaf Girl Blogger, Kari and her sister, Britta last night and you can read about it later today. I overslept and have to go to work today, so look for today's post around 3 to 4pm. Happy Sunday, check back later for today's post! In the meantime, I'll be workin' in a coal mine with Lee Dorsey!
Okay, last Sunday’s post was a little bit of a fiddle. Meaning the end wasn’t what really happened. If you don’t remember or haven’t read that post here it is: Last Sunday’s post. I left everyone hanging and wondering why the mysterious East Village Chillmaster of East Third Street’s window was closed, when he’s usually got it open to reveal a legendary coffee table of knives, a chess set and a nice display of liquor bottles. And of course blaring out of those windows is classic soul music.
What really happened is he was trying to sleep and heard Kate and I outside and wanted to know what the hell was going on. I explained I had read about him on the EV Grieve blog and he was amazed that he had been written up on the internet and that people had left comments about him. He had to go to bed early, but we made a date to meet the following Friday night and chill. And that night is tonight! I’m meeting Kate from One More Folded Sunset and then we’re off to meet the Chillmaster!
And here's the subway, off we go to the land of chills and soul music. I can't wait!
I've just met Kate and she's a little camera-shy tonight, so she's staying out of the photos. But it's good to have her along, this is quite an adventure!
And, whoomp! There he is, The Chillmaster himself! The soul music is blaring and he's chilling out on his chiller easy chair.
He welcomes Kate and I into the Inner Chill Sanctum!
And it's not polite to show up empty-handed, Kate and I brought a bottle of Hennessy as a chill offering. Here I am with the man himself, The Chillmaster! Let the good times roll!
I placed the bottle on the legendary chill coffee table alongside his liquor bottle presentation, state of the art knives and a chess set. Oh and there's a picture of President Obama smoking a blunt. Hilarious!
The view from the inside. Nice!
Here's the state-of-the-art sound system that outputs The Chillmasters sweet soul music. Great set up!
Hennessy is poured...
And with a quick snap of The Chillmaster's thumb, the music begins along with the chill night.
Let the chilling begin!
I output a poster of the original EV Grieve post that inspired this whole evening.
The Chillmaster loved all the comments from everyone. He had no idea he had such a following!
Who's the man?
EV Grieve's the man! The Chillmaster sends his love to you and all the EV Grieve community!
The Chillmaster loved Gumby!
And he even let him have a seat on the Chillmaster Chill Easy Chair. This chair vibrates and has a heat control!
The Chillmaster demonstrates the fine art of chilling. He is the master!
Wow, he's really chilling now! I think it's time to call it a night! If you'd like to contact The Chillmaster, here's his email: hwchillmaster@gmail.com.
I loved all the comments and was intrigued by a man who’s life seemingly revolved around an open window, a cocktail, sweet soul music and the occasional catcall to women walking by. I doubt I’d ever be able to live that kind of life, but wanted to observe someone who was living a chill dream. And last night I was able to fulfill that wish. And the Chillmaster did not disappoint. We had a great time.
Hennessy was poured, soul music blared, we laughed and laughed and in between, we chilled the fuck out. He told me his real name but I prefer to think of him as The Chillmaster. He’s retired and has been in his Chillmaster pad for the last eight years. He grew up in Harlem and was telling Kate and I stories about his parents and at one point said, “My daddy was a rolling stone,” and then I shouted out, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone!” “You want to hear that?” The Chillmaster shot back.
“Fuck yes,” I answered.
Within minutes the classic song, “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” was blaring out of his speakers louder than I had ever heard it. The three of us grooved to the music, drank and chilled. Pure heaven! The Chillmaster is a legend on the block and as you sit inside of his chill lair, it’s fun to watch the world go by. The soul music wafts out to the people on parade on the sidewalk and they look in, smile and wave and give a thumbs up in appreciation. There’s not too many places where you can check your nerves and worries at the door, but there is one place on East Third street, near Avenue A where they can be checked and then a drink is poured, classic soul music happens and you chill right the fuck out. I can’t wait to go back.
Will be up a little later than usual. Two words: Chill Master! Update: May 14, 2011: 11:38 AM: It should just be one word: Chillmaster. What was I drinking thinking? Look for the post around 3 PM, I'm just waking up. Aaaahhh!
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