Les Jeux Sont Faits

Todd Moore, Retired DRIVEr
Oct.31, 2003 - Jan.31, 2007

The game is up, as they say in France. And here in the U.S., my game is up at DRIVE Performance Media. Today was my last day at DRIVE, a fully owned subsidiary of aQuantive, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQNT). More than ever, DRIVE represented blood, sweat and tears beyond anything I've before experienced.

It was a company I helped build and define from the moment I started over three years ago; it was sad to walk away. Even knowing what exciting adventures will (and have already!) come at Microsoft, I'm still heartsore over the closing of this part of my story.

In general, I'm not great at writing the endings of the various chapters of my life; it's always been something I've struggled with. And yet, transition is very much the story of my life. For the most part, I feel closure around DRIVE, save one relationship that I don't anticipate closure around. This makes me both sad and mad, and I'm already working on just letting it all go.

Certainly, Avid Reader, the surprise party my friends The Captain & Ginger are throwing me right now is helping!

Manic Monday!

Can all Mondays been this good? Good morning, Avid Reader! I had an awesome day yesterday and am now hoping that every one is filled with as much adventure!


Friends Deniz and Daniela coordinated a farewell dinner and we enjoyed MEGU in Tribeca. It's Restaurant Week here in New York so most restaurants have special three-course meals you can enjoy. We opted for this route, but also started with an array of incredible sushi and appetizers. Deniz and I enjoyed Kobe Beef for dinner... that we cooked ourselves over a hot stone. Of course, no dining adventure would be complete without the arrival of NYC's finest! While dining -- and of course with the restaurant not missing a beat -- 15-20 firefighters arrived to check out reports of smoke in the building. Their presence only added to the high energy of the place, including the entire staff yelling 'Welcome' in Japanese when any guest entered, the ice Buddha dominating the dining room, and the thumping bass that made listening across the table a challenge, but one of those good challenges, you know?

After dinner, we cabbed to the Meat-Packing District and to Employees Only -- a drinkery originally established to cater to employees of the service inustry (i.e. other servers and bartenders) with a history steeped in prohibition and the Depression. You wouldn't find that today as it's a popular and casual hot spot that we quite enjoyed.

The next stop was A P T where Daniela knew a popular DJ was spinning for their "Waffles are Forever" 6th Anniversary bash. Granted, we didn't get to enjoy a waffle, but did enjoy a couple of drinks, some awesome soul music (and some serious neck meat!), and more of one another's company. Yes, hungry from the evening, Deniz and I then hit nearby Pizza Bar for a chance to sit down and to have even more catch up time.

It was 11 degrees when I walked Deniz home, then to the nearest subway station. I was blessed with yet another treat -- an empty subway car (OK, save one guy) on the L train! It happened once in Paris and it happened for me in New York now as well. I don't know why I love the concept of being alone on the subway, but to me I feel like I'm the only person in the city... and it's all MINE. It's one of those things that just makes me feel that much more connected to a place.

Given that I had taken yesterday off to work against my upcoming cross-country move back to Seattle. I was home for the majority of the morning, save a run to get a bagel & OJ from the corner bagel shop, to pick up dry cleaning, and to brush shoulders with Frances McDormand. Indeed, I passed Frances on the street pushing around a couple of kiddos. The hair, the large sunglasses and the jawline were certainly dead give-aways, not to mention the trailing nanny! MEEP! MEEP! I see you, Frances!

In other news, I also dismantled the centerpiece of my apartment yesterday: the photo wall! On-and-off, it took about three hours to remove all of the photos and the dutifully applied sticking tape... which also proceeded to remove the skin from my fingertips. Good times!

Spring AWOKE!

And DID IT EVER!

Craig and I saw 'Spring Awakening' last night on Broadway and it was intense! It was definitely a coming of age story, and told in a rock opera format that was both understandable and enrapturing. Given that we were in the fourth row, we got a bird's eye view of the emotion on the actors' faces (as well as noting that the main character is a singing spitter!). Craig made the most astute observation of the evening, stating that some of the audience members probably had NO idea what they were getting in to: pre-marital sex (NO!), masterbation (Egad!), homosexuality (*gasp*), suicide (oh dear), nudity (say WHA-?), abuse (eye-YAH!). Thankfully, the chatty couple behind us left at intermission.

Afterwards we hit VYNL, a Hell's Kitchen eatery and sight to behold! The place itself is a work of art, but nothing compares to the themed restrooms: Elvis! Cher! Dolly! You know something's up as you approach the bathroom door only to feel like you're entering a dressing room. Inside, you're greeted by a full wall mosaic, a shadow box shrine, and in case you can't recall whose 'dressing room' you're in, you're engulfed in a wonderfully blaring '9 to 5' or 'If I Could Turn Back Time'.

Indeed, Avid Reader, if I could turn back time, I don't know if I would. I'm getting all philosophical (though far from CraigPhillips-Philosophical!) about leaving NYC now that the end is oh so near. I've taken today and tomorrow off from work to be able to take in those Manhattan adventures I've needed to... but really it'll be organizing my life and the move back across the country. With that, I should bust a move and get the day started!

Could This Actually Be It?

It's the question I've been asking myself for some time now... and I can't believe this may well be my final weekend living in New York City -- it literally blows my mind.

Today, I enjoyed a casual day with future cohort, Craig Phillips. We met for coffee, hit Brooklyn Industries (my errand) and Barnes & Noble (his). We hung out, ate at what we thought was a chocolate bar (but since neither of us know any Italian, it turned out to be just a cafe), read, talked, christened Craig as a Sudoku Blackbelt, and enjoyed the slow, freezing day here in Manhattan.

The best discovery of the day, Avid Reader? I also found a 'Spring Awakening' buddy for tomorrow night! One of my goals before I leave is to see the show that's taken Broadway by storm and Craig's up for it! Plus, he scored with a MSFT discount and we'll be taking the show in from the 4th row. Rumor has it that 'SA' will rock my world; I can't wait!

I also met friend Gary Little for dinner and we were able to connect about the last few weeks and say farewell as he's off to California for the week while I'll be moving back to Seattle, of course (again, craziness!). I am now home, content from an awesome day and ready for another one tomorrow as I wind up this final weekend!

NYC Firsts!

Good morning! Today is a day to post about several firsts I've had here in New York... ironically as my days in this amazing city are numbered...

First Snow! I didn't see said snow falling from the sky, but when I left for work yesterday morning there was a light dusting of snow on several cars (two, and they were in the shade)! Indeed, snow! And here it was January 25th... see? Winter was coming all along! Note that there were some snow flusters yesterday afternoon as I trekked through mid-town and I came to work this morning in 11 degree weather. It's beautiful and sunny and cold as a deep freeze!

First Celeb Sighting! Well, not my first celeb sighting, but the first one of one Michael Musto! I had no idea what this guy's name was and I walked past him while meeting a friend for lunch on 50th & 8th @ Sosa Borella. I returned to the office and described this guy to a 't'... nerdy white guy, black curly hair, round, black, bottlecap glasses, on all those shows... it took us a while to find his name, but sure enough, a first Michael Musto sighting!

First Meeting! I met my future Microsoft colleague Craig Phillips last night and met several folks on his team at the Microsoft offices late yesterday afternoon. Craig and I then ventured to Rue 57 for dinner and had a great time altogether. I thought I was excited to join the team that includes my good friend and Operation Adult Beverage Buddy MattBaker, but I'm only getting moreso now! Craig was a hoot and we laughed and DCBombed and realized this is going to be an excellent adventure altogether!

With that, Happy Friday to you, Avid Reader! I'll be enjoying my lunch send-off from work today at Dos Caminos with my NYC cohorts and spending this weekend prepping to move back to Seattle. I'm taking Monday and Tuesday off as well and am hoping to work from our Seattle office on Wednesday -- my last day with DRIVE. Crazy talk altogether, but exciting all the same given what's to come! Happy Weekend!

On a somber note, my friend Jesse will be burying this grandmother this weekend. My warmest wishes to you, friend, and to your family.

M is for Meeting with Mike!

I enjoyed a night out with friend Mike Keaveny last night. It's been a while since Mike and I have enjoyed our traditional Eisenberg breakfast and we broke routine with a trek to Corner Bistro for Bistro burgers and $2.50 pints (not quite) of McSorley's Ale. Afterwards, we hit up McKenna's Pub for a night cap both in honor of our Irish heritage and of my dear friend Amy (and Kris!) McKenna!

You might recall a similar outing with Mike in July as Jesse and I met him and his girlfriend Jessica there for a casual night out as well. Mike and I recollected that evening last night and all we could think of was the oppressive heat into which I had sent Jesse out to explore Manhattan. Thankfully, we can laugh about it now! :)

ROAD TRIP!

Happy Monday! I'm writing from my friend Charles' house, where I was able to crash last night after returning to Seattle and a Guys' No-Wife/No-Girlfriend Weekend at Schweitzer Mountain in Idaho! What a trip!

Friends Jesse Paulson, John Weaver and I carpooled to Sandpoint Friday night and arrived to the commencement of a crazy night of Beer Pong. Having only been self-taught in the Canlis' basement in college, let's say I'm not about to make any First Team All-Pong teams, but I landed a shot in the premier Bellekin glass and rode the shot to its legend status! We enjoyed Eichardt's -- a local Sandpoint watering hole -- for some live music, the Inbred Goat Ropers. Yes, that was the band's name, I kid you not.

While the seven guys headed up to the mountain for a day of boarding, I slept in some Saturday and enjoyed the town. Not an avid boarder/skiier myself, I also didn't want to risk falling down and hurting my shoulder. I met the guys at the top of the mountain for the apres-ski, however, and our night became one of SYN! Indeed, Avid Reader, 'Screw Your Neighbor' made its way back into our card stable and Jesse, John and I enjoyed MANY rounds throughout the evening! At the end of the night, JP slapped a King down on my nine to take the match championship 23 (JP) - 21 (TM) - 13 (JW). The best story of the night, however, comes from a slight change of rules when we added the Joker as a guaranteed, but trade-unprotected play option. Within two hands, John was saved by playing the Joker against Jesse's King and my own King (normally guaranteed winners!). He proceeded to race around the lodge yelping and screaming with delight. Sadly, I did not capture it on video, but the re-enactment (you KNOW I'm a big fan of re-enactments) is a solid second!

The gang got up fairly early Sunday morning to trek back to Seattle, but not without enjoying the local dining scene with a visit to Connie's Cafe. I'm a big fan of small town cafes and Connie's was no exception. From the waitress with 15-20 pens in her ponytail to the ceramic coffee mugs to the Barry Manilow look-alike local, it was the only meal I could have enjoyed in Sandpoint!

So, Jesse, John and I made it back to Seattle late yesterday afternoon. I was able to pick up my car (Thanks Wilson!) and enjoyed an evening visiting with the Pidducks, then enjoying 'Casino Royale' with Mike. Can you say, "Awesome!"? Charles and I then went out to Murphy's in Wallingford such that he could drive the new GTI and we could get in some guy time.

I'm up this morning and already enjoying the day off. I'm meeting Jesse for a late breakfast in Seattle, then making my way to the airport and back to New York... for what will be my last trip home to the East Coast. Just crazy talk.

Two Weeks Notice

Well, Avid Reader, this may not come as news to some, but it is now official: I'm leaving my company after having accepted a job offer from Microsoft! I formally accepted an offer last Tuesday and will be working for DRIVE through the end of January; my start date at MSFT is TBD, though will most likely be mid-February.

So, it's going to be yet another significant cross-country transition... after having moved to New York for a new job, I'll be moving back and taking on a new role at a new company as well! Good times!

Yes, I know many of you are asking what the future of the Manhattan 2006 Blog holds... Avid Reader, I honestly don't know. But I do know I've been thankful to have you along for the ride and I'll only be more thankful over the course of the next couple of weeks as I wrap this adventure up and call it another chapter in the great book that I've had the opportunity to write with this life.

The Little Things

Sometimes it's the little things... like this hotel room! Greetings Avid Reader, from Seattle! Yes, I am in the homeland for a couple of days this week, but sadly, by days and nights are packed with work... all day meetings and dinner events to follow. And, interestingly enough, it's my first real stay in a downtown Seattle hotel! I've not yet had this opportunity, so it's kind of fun!

I'm staying at the Hotel 1000 -- and it's awesome. I'm thrilled to be here... and more thrilled knowing a long night's sleep awaits. I was picked up at 5:23am EDT this morning in New York; with barely any sleep on the plane, I'm now exhausted and ready to hit the sack and be on for tomorrow.

However, I have had some adventures already, including reconnecting with long-time friends and colleagues Jill Hayner and Justin Bross, dinner with coworker Aimee and friends John & Amy, then running into my friend Amy King on the street while I was trying to catch a cab. The latter adventure confirmed for me that this is home -- and running into friends from all periods of time in my life is the norm.

Happy Birthday, D.A.D.!

January 11th: Today is my incredible father's birthday. Given that I now know where babies come from, it's a foregone conclusion that I wouldn't be here -- Avid Reader, this blog wouldn't be here (*gasp*) -- without this man.

And I can honestly say I wouldn't be *who* I am today without this man.

Happy Birthday, Dad.
I love you.

G is for Good Times with Gary!

Hello Avid Reader! If I told you that doing laundry has been a highlight of the week, my guess is you wouldn't believe me (which of course would be crazy because I actually do enjoy doing laundry!). In this case, however, it would actually be a little white lie because while on the list of favorite things I've done this week, it certainly doesn't make the #1 highlight of the week... which was hanging out with one Gary A. Little Jr.!
Gary and I met friends David Wish and Craig Schinn at Cafe D'Alsace, a swank little french restaurant on 88th & 2nd that just happens to have the most robust beer list in Manhattan! After a few rounds of international selections, Gary and I ventured over to Rathbone's -- another neighborhood fave -- for more face time and adult beverages.

We made the Final Four at Rathbone's after this couple got into a huge verbal battle. Turns out the guy and girl were cousins; he was disappointed in her taste of men and pissed that he was being deployed to Iraq. Yeah, I'd pissed, too. But, Avid Reader, here's what was so interesting... not 60 seconds after the bartender called the popo, two undercover cops popped in, followed by what could have been 10-12 uniformed officers. Perhaps it was a slow night for crime fighters on the Upper East Side? Granted, it was 2AM, but still very impressive.

Were Gary and I done though? Umm... are you CrAzY?! Hellz, NO! We then made our way to Ship of Fools... yes, you've read about The Ship before. It certainly may not be the Captain's, but we set sail all the same. Gary and I also enjoyed a significant DCBomb and he challenged me more than I ever have been relative to my NYC experience and its chapter in The Todd Moore story.

Long story, short: one awesome guy night! Thanks G-Little!

Landon sends his Best!

I had to say farewell to Landon (and Chantelle) this morning when I made the trek through Seattle-like rain to work. What fun to have them here altogether -- and what fun to have painted the town red with Landon James Kadlec!

After writing yesterday, Chantelle and I chillaxed while Landon napped. After, we decided to head out to dinner and to the Top of the Rock! As we bounced through the Upper East Side looking for a place Landon would enjoy, you'll never guess who we passed... Jimmy Fallon! That's right! Avid Reader, he was just hanging out outside Barnes & Noble on 86th between 2nd & 3rd talking to a friend. We walked by, I pointed him out, Landon confirmed, Chantelle cooed. The restuarant we were going to try was full, so we made our way past him a second time. It's a good thing I was with the Kadleggs as my trained eye picked him up right away; Chantelle simply would have whisked past! Eye-yah, Chantelle!

We caught dinner in a Giants-heavy UES bar/restaurant called Dorrian's, then headed to Rockefeller Plaza. Given that Landon has owned this town upon arrival, he was making friends left and right on the subway. He was an especially big hit with the subway change collectors and the occasional homeless person in the subway system. That Landon; he's a crazy goose!

Our trip up the Top of the Rock was actually awesome... and I think we may have seen a total of 4-6 other people TOTAL on all three viewing platforms. I kid you not, it was empty! We had the top of the city all to ourselves! Of course, given that it was a bit rainy on a Sunday night at 9PM, we imagined it would be a little less busy, but basically no one? It was a treat. I snapped quite a few shots of Chantelle & Landon with the ESB; Chantelle similarly tried to capture a shot of me... alas!

So, now it's the start of yet another work week, though I have a feeling that this one will be a good one already! Happy Monday!

SPF and more of Landon in NYC

Indeed, Mark, Landon and I watched the Seattle Seahawks squeak out a big win over Dallas last night! We sent Chantelle off to WICKED after dumplings at Noodles 28, caught some adult beverages on the way home, then enjoyed guy time, the amazing game, and ROMA Pizza! It was such an emotionally taxing game, Landon said it best come the end, "Zzzzzzzzzzzz".

We all got up later this morning, trekked down to Washington Square Park, enjoyed breakfast at the Chantelle-inspired Cowgirl restaurant, did some West Village shopping (Chantelle modeled for me; I love that she was such a willing participant!), walked through SoHo (how I LOVE 'Flying A'... and Jesse, now you will too, fyi!), then made it back to my place to send Mark off to the airport for his journey back to Seattle. Landon's making mom stay one extra night so he can maximize his Todd Time in NYC. He's one smart kid.

Landon definitely enjoyed riding the subway -- as did the Kadleggs when I showed them Astor Place and the JP-inspired motif. It's so fun to see and hear the perspectives of NYC from friends and loved ones -- which sometimes parallel my own reactions to this wonderful city or open my eyes to something I hadn't before noticed.

So, now Landon gets to hang out with Chantelle and I for another day here... which means I get to pretend to be The Dad -- I LOVE IT! And, there are still 24 hours of adventure to be had! More to come, Avid Reader! More to come!

The Kadleggs!

Guess who's in town? Landon told his parents that they better get their duffs to NYC while I'm still living here. So, Mark & Chantelle hopped a plane and landed last night! Landon was excited to see me again; I'm the cool Uncle.

It was a bit of a nutty week as I was in Seattle until Wednesday, taking care of business. I made it back late Wednesday only to have two crazy days at work this week trying to catch up, do my job, do my cohorts job who's still on vacation, and train our new sales folks out here in the NYC office. Good times!

Needless to say, I needed the margarita pitcher that Mark and I split last night. We enjoyed The New Amity Cafe this morning and I dropped them off at the Met for what I'm sure will be awesome cultural adventures. And how cool that Landon is going to see some of the most amazing works of art. Just awesome. I think of when he's a teen and tells his friends, 'yeah, I've been to New York when I was like three months old. I don't remember it, but my parents got some sweet shots of me with the impressionists.' He'll say it like that because he'll be fully cultured, of course. Brilliant!

Chantelle will be enjoying 'WICKED' tonight while Mark and I are on Landon-duty and treating him to the spectacle that is Seahawk Playoff Football ("SPF" as we say in the industry).

p.s. Central Park reported 72 degrees today. Let's just say, it's stunningly beautiful here -- so much for a New York Winter!

And So It Begins!

Happy New Year, Avid Reader! Indeed, the new year has begun! I hope it's already off to a superb start for you -- it is for me! I'm enjoying football and guy time with RockStar Jesse Paulson after a night to remember for all time! Avid Reader, you are now reading the blog of the 2006 Barnyard Champion!


Many thanks to Kris & Tony Little for hosting both an awesome party and providing an opportunity to hang out with so many of my most favorite people on the planet. We started the Official 2006 Barnyard Championships ~10:30 with two tables competing for entry to the Final Table... which turned out to include Kris, Steph and I from Table 1 and Robert, Bonnie and Aarik from Table 2.

After a night of battling it out, full-on strategery, and amazing skill, I ended the year as the Champ. You can only imagine, Avid Reader, the shrieks of joy and elation from all when the most humble and deserving player took the title.

So, all this is to say that the new year is starting just as it should -- with a title to last through the year, a t-shirt to prove it, and a day to reflect on All Things 2006 and map out goals for 2007.

Here's to more adventures to come both in life and to be shared in the Adventures in Manhattan blog! All my best to you!!