Happy Halloween!

I ventured out to the annual Village Halloween Parade last night with some friends from work... and 2MM other Halloween revelers! There were fewer substantial floats and cars than from years past, but talk about creative costumes -- I saw it all!

I also grabbed these three guys for a photo opp such that I could post it in honor of Stephanie Paulson!

A Taste of History... and of Sushi.

'A small girl fell sick in 1692. Her “fitts” — convulsions, contortions, and outbursts of gibberish — baffled everyone. Other girls soon manifested the same symptoms. Their doctor could suggest but one cause: Witchcraft. That grim diagnosis launched a Puritan inquisition that took 25 lives, filled prisons with innocent people, and frayed the soul of a Massachusetts community... Salem.' --excerpt from National Geographic

'14 dates you should never forget: January 1692. The kickoff to the Salem witch trials. Nineteen people were hanged in a climate of war, economic strife, religious intolerance, and teenage boredom. Of course, something like that could never happen today.' --excerpt from Men's Health magazine

Friends, on Friday, October 27, 2006, I was there. Granted, I was in Salem, Massachusetts, 314 years after the infamous Salem Witch Trials, but still. I was there.

I had a meeting at Mullen -- an advertising agency in Wenham, MA -- and instead of driving back to Boston straight away, my colleague Liberty Carras and I decided to take the road less traveled and venture to Salem on our way south to say that we were in this famous place. While it seemed like any other charming NE coastal town, there was still *something* about being there that was flat-out awesome. And on Halloween weekend? Are you kidding me?!

Of course, it was a work trip, so we drove past Burying Point Cemetery, through town, by The Witch House, then set up camp in a local Starbucks to get online and work. Our short-stay at Starbucks turned in to a long one and we had to get out of dodge in more of a hurry than we were anticipating. As such, our dream of hitting Salem's highlights were for naught and we only got photos from the car -- riotously laughting at how ridiculous our photo journal would be. Still, that didn't deter our shot of the back of the city bus, the Pilgrim Cafe, a decorated house, and any sign we could find that just might have the town name in it, just to prove that we were there.

The Boston trip finished with a night out with the Cingular team (from left, me, Alison, Amanda, John [can you say Jimmy Fallon?], Nicole and Liberty) from Digitas Boston at Douzo, a hip sushi restaurant in Boston's Back Bay. It was a great night altogether with great food and even better company. I discovered that Nicole and my sister (and friends Jeremy Hendon and Lindsey Adkins and Josh Lingel) share the same 11/20 birthday. I also learned that John bartends part-time for fun, Amanda is a huge reader and Alison is a runner, loves italian, and lives by the motto of "Just Be".

I'm enjoying Boston more with each visit and look forward to traveling there with even greater frequency -- up to once/week is now the goal!

LusterBack

Hello again, Avid Reader! I've been up and down the East Coast of late and am starting to get pretty run down with all of the travel. I have to admit that I am enjoying breaks from the rat race that is Manhattan, however. Philadelphia and Boston are wonderful cities altogether -- they have the city vibe, but also feel escapist. Granted, anything outside of 8MM people will feel that way to me from here on out, I'm having the feeling.

One of the things I enjoyed about the train to Philadelphia is catching glimpses of an East Coast autumn. I tried capturing a number of shots of the beautiful landscapes with their fire red and burnt orange leaves. It's true that it's not something you get to see in this scale in the evergreen NW.

Part of work travels have included client meetings, presentations and industry events. And, I'll admit, it also includes entertainment. In Philadelphia, I was able to treat the media team from NetPlus Marketing (from left, Sarah, Jessica , Katie) to a Spa Day at La Vita Bella, a local salon. We (yes, we!) enjoyed white wine spa pedicures and manicures, along with catered lunch, including Jones Soda -- which I ordered in honor of friend Paul Weinstein. As you can imagine, the whole day was quite wonderful! Of course, I had to warn my pedicurist not to touch the painful hangnail, but still!

So, now Boston again for a couple of days, and another trip lined up to Beantown again next week. Good times!

Happy Fall, All!

Slow News Weekend

Definitely a slow news weekend so far. However...

- John Weaver got a new phone! One on which others can actually hear (kind of the concept of the phone, but who are we to judge?!)!

- The Paulsons are off on their double birthday and anniversary weekend in California, having memorized various product pricing schemes should they make it on The Price is Right next week! Happy Birthday, Jesse! Happy Birthday, Steph! Happy First Anniversary! May your Showcase Showdown bid be within $100 such that you win both!

- The UW Huskies took Cal to OT before throwing their 5th interception to lose the game. Close one! I love hail marys that take games to overtime!

- I'm working all weekend with a number of projects and deadlines this coming week. I'm supposed to be heading to D.C. tonight, but will most likely change plans and leave in the morning instead; I just have too much to get done and can't sleep because of it. Here's to a productive Sunday!

- And here's to pulling off nine(9) exclamation points at 5:30AM!!

Tea, anyone? Maze?

Happy Friday! I'm back from a quick three-day business trip to Boston. I left early Wednesday morning and returned this afternoon. I had two client meetings Wednesday with a client dinner after (then the 'Project Runway' finale -- about which I'm still irate!). I had one client meeting Thursday, then an industry event last night. I feel great about the trip, professionally, and am again looking forward to the fruit of the meetings and all of the networking.

It was stunning on Wednesday and I got some time after work to walk around Back Bay, Copley Square and the Boston Commons. Boston is a beautiful city altogether, but a total and complete maze! At one point, I was thankful to have taken my Not For Tourists guide such that I could direct my cabbie through Charlestown!

I walked by Trinity Church, though, and caught this perspective of the John Hancock Tower in the background. I have the above photo from my cross-country road trip with friend Jeremy Hendon in 1998. I am pleased to have captured the same vantage digitally and on this trip; it brought back a flood of awesome memories from our 11,000+ mile trek!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!

As many of you are aware, I'm a 'Project Runway' fan. I even had the opportunity to go to Olympus Fashion Week to watch the 'Project Runway' Finale filming at Bryant Park. I also tend to believe that things happen for a reason and while a dramatic person in general, believe I can approach most situations with at least some perspective.

Well, let's just say I was a 'Project Runway' fan... what I watched this week was the 'Bizarro World Project Runway' Finale...

What happened Wednesday night with the revealing that designer Jeffrey Sebelia won 'Project Runway', I am convinced that terrorist clowns filled Parsons School of Design with crazy gas and/or german lobotomists -- posing as Heidi's long-lost cousins -- snuck on set and removed a general sense of common sense from the panel of judges and producers.

All season long, the judges spoke of "levels of taste"... seriously folks, the show ended and while staring agape at the television, I swear to you that someone put a turd in my mouth. The finale left me with a taste that bad.

A Piddy Weekend

It's a dazzling fall Sunday afternoon here in Manhattan and I just got to spend the past 24 hours with Michael & Karen Pidduck!

Karen's company flew them to Manhattan for a vacation weekend and I got to spend most of yesterday and today with them as they stayed at my place last night. It was a long shot from the Four Seasons their first two nights, but we had a ball (and Mike got a free haircut out of it!)!

They arrived in Manhattan Thursday night and had a hanful of adventures before I got to see them, including stops at Radio City Music Hall, the David Letterman studio, and a horse carriage ride through Central Park with George.

We started Saturday with a trek to the Financial District so they could get vantages of the Brooklyn Bridge, visit the World Trade Center site, the NYSE on Wall Street, and the Charging Bull statue, and to SHOP SHOP SHOP at Century 21! I'll just say that C21 did not disappoint.

More shopping in SoHo was also on the agenda and we were able to hit up the Replay Sample Sale to score slashed-price goods from one of the hot NYC boutiques. Following an awesome dinner at Boom Cafe, we hit a few more shops before calling it quits, exhausted. We finished the night with dessert near my apartment at Andre's Cafe -- a little Hungarian bakery with incredible mousses, pies, cheesecakes, etc. Mike and I also enjoyed hot chocolate spiked with a Hungarian coffee liqueur. I'll have to find out what that was exactly!

This morning, we got up late and enjoyed a slow morning, but one that included brunch at The New Amity Cafe (fan favorite!) and an afternoon in Central Park. We hit Conservatory Water and held a photo shoot at the Hans Christian Andersen statue where Karen posed, posed, posed, posed, posed, posed, posed, posed, posed under my art direction. It was hot. Hans was a happy man.

We hit more highlights of the park, including the Loeb Boathouse and the Bethesda Fountain before taking in Sheep Meadow and Strawberry Fields. Our day ended with more Fifth Avenue shopping, packing at my place, and ROMA Pizza for lunch before their car arrived and shuttled them to Newark. While they're prepping for their flight back to Seattle, I'm prepping for a quick Sunday afternoon nap!

Autumn has arrived here in Manhattan; scarves are making their way out of closets and around necks of New Yorkers. I'm excited to know the HOT summer is behind and I'll get to celebrate fall in this beautiful city.

James Blunt @ Radio City Music Hall

I was given a unique opportunity yesterday -- to go to the James Blunt Concert @ Radio City Music Hall. I don't know James Blunt's music too well, save the two power ballads and the My Cubicle parody.

Friend Daniel Leal (MoMA and U.S.Open partner in crime) surprised me with a late afternoon call asking if I was free for the show. Hmmm...

Project Runway on TV or a live (free!) show at Radio City Music Hall?
Hottie Heidi Klum vs. James Blunt?

Tough decision, but I knew I'd get to see P.R. as a 12:15AM rerun so hauled off and had an incredible adventure! I joined Dan, his colleague Josh and Josh's wife for a pre-func drink nearby, then ventured hit the show.

I tell you what, James Blunt was a RockStar! He was awesome and commanded the performance. What I thought would be a show of mellow ballads turned out to be an awesome, energetic, and outstanding performance altogether; he really knew how to give a live show. Given that he only has one album out, of course, the fans were pleased. He also played a lot of cool new stuff as well, though, as he teases his sophomore release. His backdrop was a ten; upbeat songs were just that; his two big songs (of which I got brief clips on my camera), "Goodbye My Lover" and "You're Beautiful" were passionate and well done.

Radio City Music Hall was stunning. For you Seattle readers, think Paramount, but wider, deeper and more *significant* (the whole history thing), amazing acoustics, and with legal drinking and dancing during the show!

So, well done, James, you nutty bloke! And thanks for the invite, Dan! Yet another awesome Manhattan adventure!


In Other News... a confirmation: Landon James Kadlec is it! And the Todd Moore Manhattan Blog was first to publish (yes, I'm secretly pleased).

BREAKING NEWS!

Chantelle & Mark Kadlec welcomed a son last night! Weighing in at a whopping 9lbs. 6oz., Mark tells me, "This guy is a chunk. Jesse has met his match". So, given that many folks are in the know... what's the breaking news here, you ask? Rumor has it baby boy Kadlec will be Landon James Kadlec!

You've heard it here first! Although unofficial, we could have a name here, folks!

JW in Manhattan -- The Finale

As you may have guessed, John is now safely home in Seattle, but the blog hasn't captured his final days in New York. This hereby changes that altogether!

Having crashed early in the grand scheme of things Satuday night, John and I got added sleep with a late morning Sunday. But we turned around and made the most of the day! We got morning bagels and went directly to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to capture even more Modern Art, the Egyptian Art permanent exhibit, American and European Art, and the Greek and Roman sculptures throughout the museum. Gladly, John and I have similar taste relative to what we enjoy so our trip was pleasant for both -- if not a continuation of our realization that we may well be the same person!

We were both big fans of all of the Egyptian art, mostly of the Temple of Dendur installation in its 'white space' and with grafiti from 1820. We loved the various mummies and decided that there's just something about Egyptian art that's freakishly wonderful; it just feels mystic and real -- as if the Egyptians really did have machines in which they flew around and weapons that used lasers, just like in that movie, Stargate. More highlights included more works by Lichtenstein, Georgia O'Keefe, and the impressionist masters, of course. John was particularly moved by Seurat's Circus Sideshow.

After the Met, we spent quite a bit of time walking through Central Park to hit some of the highlights, including the Great Lawn, Strawberry Fields and the John Lennon Imagine mosaic, the Bethesda Fountain, and Sheep Meadow. We made our way to the TKTS booth in Times Square and checked off one of the big items on our Wish List: half price tickets to a Broadway show -- based on a game-time decision! Yes -- we walked right up to the counter with no idea of what we'd see... and walked away with seats to Beauty and the Beast! It was humorous in itself to be two 30+ something guys buying tickets to see Belle -- but COME ON! -- Donnie Osmond was Gaston and who doesn't need a little Disney in life? It was definitely a show worth having seen -- and we enjoyed it. I think we may have enjoyed it more knowing we paid 1/2 price for it though -- that helped!

After the show, John and I bee-lined out of Times Square and made our way to TAO where we enjoyed the beginning of an awesome night on the town. We also enjoyed the company of The Captain at my place before meeting him yet again at Ship of Fools and later at Waterloo Tavern, two of my favorite UES haunts. The night finally concluded with Cookie Crisp cereal and me taking yet another Mario Party Championship at 4:13AM.

As you can imagine, Monday was a similarly slow morning, but we were out of the apartment by 11AM and wrapping up John's To Do List with visits to Filene's Basement and another H&M pit stop. We made it back to my place so I could take a work call and John could pack and enter his Guest Blog. We ultimately had the ultimate NYC farewell on the subway platform in Grand Central Station as he headed to the airport and me to work.

As it's been with all of my guests to date -- Jesse, Sally, Charles, and now John -- I've had such awesome times showing them Manhattan, providing a peek into my world, and spending time with people I cherish. So, to you John Weaver, THANK YOU for a great weekend altogether and for adding another chapter of adventures in the Manhattan blog!

John Weaver overlooking Union Square Park, October 9, 2006

Renaissance! Rebirth! Refreshment!

Hello, Avid Reader! You're about to enjoy a first here on the Todd Moore Manhattan blog -- a Guest Entry! That's right, the entry you're about to enjoy will be written by none other than my dear friend John Weaver who came to New York to be inspired. The following entry may give you a little peek into that mission and if we were able to exceed his expectations. Here's Johnny!

*****************************

Hello Todd's Avid Readers! What an honor to be asked to write a guest entry. Or at least Todd told me I should be honored...I guess you can decide for yourself. I am busy packing my things and preparing to put to rest my NYC Adventure. Here are my quick impressions of the trip with more to come later (yes, Todd made me promise to write 2 entries). Our mission to find some inspiration was a huge success as we appreciated works by master after master at MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum. I was able to get a great view of New York from a New Yorker's perspective thanks to Tour Guide Todd. Some great hole in the wall places, some swank places and everything in between. Now that it is winding down and I have been here 4 days I absolutley understand Todd's craving of space, quiet, and a lack of people. The masses are enjoyable as a tourist, but they make it hard to get to where you want to go and they are exhausting. What a great trip, I will have more thoughts for Mr. Moore in the next couple of days. Guest Blogger signing off!

A Day of Rallying!

Good day, Avid Reader! It's Sunday morning; John and I are getting ready for yet another day of renaissance, rebirth, recharge! Plans today include visiting The Met, more shopping, and taking in a show tonight on Broadway. In other words, another day that ROCKS.

So how did our day end yesterday, you ask? Well, let me tell you. The day started off a bit slow from our Air Supply adventures. We did however make it to MoMA and John's weekend goal of Divine Inspiration was yet again accomplished:


It was a slow stroll through MOMA, but we enjoyed all of the art that made both of us go 'hmmmm'. We especially enjoyed the Lichtensteins, Andy Warhol's Gold Marilyn Monroe and his Orange Car Crash... installation that will become our next big art project. We enjoyed the fall day in the MOMA sculpture garden, called Amy, then rallied yet again and hit our shopping hot spots: H&M, and MEXX! Of all the rallying, John was in serious need of some retail therapy and scored in a number of ways!

Our midtown time ended with growling stomachs and minds on Noodles 28. Fully sated, we landed back at my apartment and chose to end the evening in with a Mario Party Challenge. Again for those of you keeping score at home, click here for the results.

So, we accomplished our full agenda on Saturday and still built in added time to sleep in, and a Mario Party adventure that would please any Nintendo fan. Plus, we got our friend JW back on the right track to more NYC adventures for Sunday... and are about to have them. Stay tuned for more, avid reader, as there will be aplenty!

Friday Night Divine

JW's first full day in NYC was one for the ages! Sadly, I had to work throughout the day, but we did start it off with shots of fresh squeezed OJ at The New Amity Cafe. JW secured the requisite ESB photo from my office before hitting the streets of Manhattan. His day included a work trip to the NFL Offices, adventures @ AIGA, Battery Park City, and Wall Street, and a trek across the Brooklyn Bridge. John actually retraced many of the steps from Jesse's July visit.

We then made our way to Williamsburg and the Brooklyn Brewery, where Charles and I two weeks ago and a pack of us earlier this summer enjoyed frosty beers straight from the spring, more or less. (Oh, and I also slaughtered John at Barnyard for those fans keeping score at home.) We also visited MyMoon to see Leeza again and to enjoy some heavenly comfort from the makers of Petrone (we also learned that Leeza is on Day #78 of sobriety and needed us to visit -- chin up, Leeza!).

So, avid reader. You're thinking, 'What an awesome sounding night! This brewery and MyMoon place sound pretty darn awesome. How fun that you've gotten to enjoy them with friends Sally, Charles and now John.' Well, yes, avid reader, all true. However, on this particular night, the fun had just begun!

John and I made a mad dash back to Manhattan and Times Square where the suprise of all suprises awaited: Air Supply!

We joined a table of rabid Air Supply fans and 'Made Love Out of Nothing at All' all night long. It was Meloney first show EVER; she and Simone originally sat quietly at one end of the table. Steve & Kathy were on a date at the other end, also sitting quietly. Andrea turned out to be on her own, and also sat quietly. But, oh, avid reader, there was no sitting quietly for anyone once John and I arrived! We turned the table into the happening place to be at B.B.King's!

Russell One (R1) and Russell Two (R2) rocked the house! Andrea and R1 had many moments -- with Andrea running frantically to and from the table trying to figure out what to do once they hugged during 'Here I Am'. Talk about hilarious! R1 also made it to our table and kissed Kathy on the cheek. Sadly, we didn't have our wits about us to capture that moment on film for her. As you can imagine, Table #66 (our self-assigned table number and gang name) was in a tizzy!

I had Air Supply planned once I knew the dates JW would be in town. I was actually worried that he might think it ho-hum, but when he saw the marquee down 42nd street as we neared B.B.King's, he shrieked with joy, clapped like a teen, and begged me to confirm we were seeing them live. SURE ENOUGH!

The night turned out to be an 11 altogether. I can't think of a more fun way to have spent John's first Friday night in NYC!! More adventures to come soon!

Guess Who Made It!!

If you guessed on John Weaver, you are RIGHT! John arrived tonight, having stormed through the air train and subway systems to get to the Upper East Side and my place! We quickly dashed to Cilantro for adult beverages (and food) and are now crashing, readying ourselves for what will be an awesome weekend!

Welcome John! I am PUMPED that you're here!

Why do I love NYC?

What's NOT to love?!

Editor's Note

Note that I have been posting entries out-of-order. For a full recap, be sure to read all entries from 9.17.06. Enjoy!

p.s. Did you know that John Weaver arrives tomorrow (Thursday, 10.5)?!!?!?

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I got to be with my dear Mother, Linda Joy Moore, on her birthday (Oct.2) this year! I’m not sure the last time that’s ever happened, but I’ll get to start over starting with 2006 when I think back to the last time now.

For her 58th, we enjoyed dinner at Fresh Off the Hook with Pat, Donna, Geoff, Angie, Sydney and my parents. As with all Boise trips, the night ended early as The Dad went to bed at 7:45 and the rest of us soon folowed suit. It’s so odd how that happens, but does so every time: I get tired EARLY.

I had the same thoughts as my last Idaho visit – that I could do Boise – and continue to whomp myself upside the head for it. I’ll be back in a mere six weeks for surgery and to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family. I have to admit, I’m already secretly looking forward to both!

H.O.M.E.

I enjoyed yet another West Coast adventure this past weekend! It felt so good to be back. Wait... that’s a lie. It actually felt *magical*. So, two highlights of the trip before it actually even started:

1. Traveling with my friend and colleague, Saskia Galbraith, who I got to trounce at Sets & Runs (a.k.a. Barnyard) and introduce to the lovely Amelie Poulin.

2. Getting some quality time with one fabulous Amy McKenna as our Newark airport flights overlapped. Subway sandwiches never tasted so good! Seriously, have one with Amy... it'll be the best sandwich you've ever had!

But on to the trip... I stayed at Sally’s house (Thank You, Sally!) and went with her to work early Friday morning. She works near Pike Place Market, so our first stop was the original Starbucks, where we snapped a shot with her favorite barista, Chris. After coffee, I walked through the Market nearly by myself – accompanied only by the various florists and fish mongers setting up for the day. The best arrangements of the day were out; the place smelled of fish. Still, I nearly skipped through the Market and stopped to belt out ‘Greatest Love of All’. Yes, it was one of those moments and one where I fell in love with Seattle all over again.

I met John Weaver after work to pre-func at the new Elysian Fields. We enjoyed a couple of rounds before being joined by Jesse Paulson and Moses Lundquist for Guys Night Out at Safeco Field. In the vein of reliving the dream, we stopped first at Marv’s Hotdog stand, then enjoyed Fan Appreciation Night (free posters!). Given the occasion, we found a discounted beer stand near our seats and committed to being the best fans in the stadium! Normally reserved for staff only, our friendships with the beer maids was cemented over the course of several visits throughout the game (what game?!). Our foursome met up with friends in the Center Field bar – still mandating return visits to the discount beer stand – where we finished the game (what game?!) and added to the storied evening.

Post-game, we drove to West Seattle to the Causey home to Brian’s Farewell Bash before he heads to Sydney for two months for work. There were a lot of familiar faces, including Tim, Kiera and Jay, Megan & Patrick. By this time, Jesse was effectively in Physical Stage and Moses was content contemplating ceiling texture on the couch. John and I, on the other hand, were more camera- and avoid-JessePaulson- happy. As an ode to New York and in the vein of ‘It’s Todd’s Night’, we enjoyed Dick’s before trekking home to chalk the night up to success!

The trip wouldn’t have been a success without a stop at Schechuan Bean Flower, so Sally, Jesse, Steph and I made it a reality for lunch. After which we toured LUMEN, an under-construction condominium complex at 5th & Mercer – right across from what will be the new Gates Foundation Campus. We’re considering an investment property there, but what was SO funny was the positioning of my visit… a friend from New York City… looking to invest in a second home, etc. BRILLIANT! I felt so important and powerful. You gotta love Marketing!

Other highlights, of course:

- Visiting the soon-to-be-parents Kadlecs at my townhouse! Seeing the nursery and what Chantelle has done to the garden was awesome. It was a bit strange (but also felt oddly as it should be) to be a guest in my own home. So good to see them... and I should soon be getting reports of a little Kadlec running around!

- The Bakers’ beautiful wedding at the Woodmark Hotel on Carillon Point.

- The rousing three-way tie for second place in Mario Party! Even more of a highlight? John’s three-peat visit to the House of Stars without an ability to purchase a single one… in one single go!

- Sunday brunch with Charles Newton at my old Fremont jaunt, Persimmon. Oh, and the Celebrity Look-Alike Game with the server. I swear to God she's Uma's sister to this day.

- Being joined at Sunday Brunch with Charles by Heidi LaHart! Shared conquests, roommate drama, and DCBombs galore have all framed our history. And it's one of the most beautiful frames I have on the Story Wall that is my life. Love you, Heidi LaHart!