The US Open and the "Leisure Class"

Took the day off from work to hit day two of the US Open at Flushing Meadows. We took in some great matches, most notably James Blake v. Michael Russell in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Gotta say that there is something so decadent about sipping a bloody-mary before noon on a work day while frittering away the morning at the tennis matches. Which brings up a conversation I had with my wife that afternoon- namely what would you do if money was no longer a concern.

Perhaps, it was our afternoon mingling with the "leisure class" that got us thinking about it. Not sure. Either way, it was pretty clear that the decision to devote ourselves to travel and hedonism versus altruism and philanthropy was not an easy one to make. I guess we can take comfort in the fact that this is probably a decision we'll never be confronted with.

Maybe it's time for another bloody-mary. And, pass the sunscreen.

Day Trip to Long Beach

After scrapping last minute plans to head to Montauk, my wife and I took a day trip to the West End area of Long Beach yesterday. Spent a perfect day on the beach with friends drinking cold beer, body surfing and basically just enjoying a break from responsibility.

Finished the day with some Mexican food and margaritas. Not so bad.

Now all we need is some hurricane swell.

In Memoriam, Terry Holsclaw

My godmother, Terry, passed away this week. She left us way too soon. It happened so quick I'm not sure I have had a chance to accept/believe/understand it.

Terry was a beautiful, talented, and loving soul with a sharp wit and a no-nonsense approach to life. She left behind a lot of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

I always thought she was my coolest aunt. She probably cemented that position the day of my graduation ceremony from high school. When my parents and I came out of the auditorium, Terry was waiting for us in the parking lot. Sitting on the hood of her BMW, she popped a bottle of Dom Perignon and poured glasses for all of us - much to the envy of my underage friends. Bad-ass (maybe that's the best word to describe her).

I'll definitely miss my bad-ass aunt.

Show of the Summer.

Daft Punk played Coney Island's Keyspan Park (home of the Brookyn Cyclones natch) last night. And they blew the lady and me away.

After last night's Beastie Boys show, we didn't even feel like going. Add the imminent threat of torrential rain and people bailing on our extra tickets - and we were somewhat less than motivated.

But we had no idea what was waiting for us next to the Wonder Wheel that night. Bass that shook your clothes, made your hair stand up and possible induced arrythmia. A light show that was beyond words - let's just say they even synched up the lights on the Parachute Drop to the beat of the music. And a too-cool-for-school crowd that was definitely not too cool to boogie their collective asses off for two straight hours.

Visit Brooklyn Vegan (thanks for the pic!) for one of the best comment threads in its history. And check out You Tube for video of the festivities.

Beastie Boys at Central Park Summerstage

Last night my wife and I as well as my two brothers, a girlfriend, and a good-friend took in the Beastie Boys show at Central Park. It was the perfect end to a surreal day in which a tornado dismantled my neighborhood and the subway system buckled, stranding millions.

Beasties tore through an amazing set of punk, funk, jazz and (of course) hip-hop -- seamlessly blending one in to the other. The oppressively humid night couldn't hold back the incredible crowd energy. Great show.

Check out Brooklyn Vegan for more pix and commentary.