I am happy to introduce a new member of our family. Please meet Archie! Our little fellow comes from Metropolitan Maltese Rescue, the same wonderful non-profit organization where we adopted our beloved Kirby more than five years ago. Our vet had suggested that as 15+-year-old Kirbisha has slowed down dramatically, some youthful energy in the household might inject some new-found vigor into her.
Ayhan and I met Archie Saturday at Central Park with her foster mama Christina and Maltese mentor Beth, and were apprised of his history. At 6 years old, his original family had a kid and decided to give up their pet (on that subject, I am, for once, holding my tongue). He reached a shelter, which contacted Metromalts and within a week he had a foster, had been thoroughly checked by a vet and was ready for adoption.
Fortunately, because Ayhan and I are both home during the day—he in the recording studio and I sitting here wrangling with words—we were blessed to reach the top of the stack of credible "adopters." Our boy came home with us last night... He has some dominance issues and growls from time to time, has shown some aggression toward other dogs (while at other times he's their instant ally), so there is work ahead of us, but the most important thing: He has not shown any ill will toward Kirby and seems to understand that she is the grand dame of the household (well, let's be honest, alongside me). She, on the other hand, thus far, seems wholly bewildered that some kid is suddenly sharing her space. As someone mentioned to me today, "Time takes time." Amen.
Our new critter came to us with a bizarre three-syllable name, Indian in origin, which he does not answer to (can't blame him). So that has given us the opportunity to find a more suitable calling card. Last night, I was convinced that Max was ideal... until I went online and discovered that is the No. 1 most popular male dog name. Uh, next... I pondered "Hampton" (Ayhan hated it), then Riley (again, it came up in the top 20 most popular (who knew?) and one that friend Andre suggested, that I love cause of its alliance to Celine Dion... Ziggy... but I was stuck last night on... Archie.
As a kid, I was obsessed with Archie comic books. It's an amiable name that you don't hear so often, it's two syllables, it doesn't resemble any particular command like "No," "Shhh," "Sit," etc. However, when I ran it past Christina, she groused that it was "too pedestrian" for a purebred gentleman... ahem!
Early this morning (7:45 a.m., and cool cats, that is
early in my world... so much for my selfish existence), as we went for a long walk throughout the Heights—a stunningly beautiful, sunny, cool day where I was joined by many, many other humans being walked by their dogs—I met a wonderful local and told her everything above. Her response, "Well, I know most of the dogs in the neighborhood, and as far as I know, we don't have an Archie." That pretty much sealed the deal for me—and in honor of Christina's "pedestrian" concerns, his formal name will be Archibald.
We certainly have a ways to go. After a day spent bonding, I just now reached down to give him a little loving... and he bit my thumb. Sigh. Okay, we've known each other for 24 hours. God knows what it must be like for him after six years with a family who haplessly, selfishly abandoned him (oops, was that my tongue?). Hopefully, we'll get there. I'm determined to show this little guy a mighty fine life.
Our new family member, Archie, got his own doggie bed today, and he has taken right to it. As I work away on the book proposal—which we hope will make Archie a very famous and wealthy pooch—he is lying at my feet, spread eagle, looking perfectly at peace. I keep thinking of how my beloved best friend Strele always referred to his cats as "love pigs." I am living for Archie's kisses right now... uh, that is, when he's not snapping at me. In time...
New York Times: "Democratic voters in New York City have a complicated choice to make in Tuesday's mayoral primary. They need to select the best qualified candidate and the one who will give Mayor Michael Bloomberg a real contest in his well-financed quest for a third term. We believe their best choice, by both standards, is Comptroller William Thompson."
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After the persistent joy of experiencing Karine Hannah in a studio setting for the past eight years, what a rush it was to at last see her in a full-on live setting, along with 100 other established and new fans. Her performance at New York's Metropolitan Room Monday night exceeded all expectations.
With her producer, co-writer and musical director Ayhan Sahin.
Karine has been reviewed in Billboard and appeared in my top 10 year-end Critic's Pick list numerous times over the years.
In addition, the Turkish press was all over Karine's performance, thanks to her previous collaboration with superstar Sezen Aksu.
Publicist extraordinaire Michael Caprio (who reps my beloved Olivia Newton-John) was in town with his client Jon Secada, among my three favorite male vocalists of all time—with Richard Marx and Elton John—and we had a fabu dinner at Rosie O'Grady's in midtown Monday evening. 
Jon is promoting his new album "Expressions: The Jazz Album," out today, which includes new interpretations of his hits "Just Another Day" and "Angel," along with a dozen classics. Secada has a Master's Degree in Jazz Vocal Performance from the University of Miami. How about that?
We three had a memorable lunch several years ago, where I have a pic of him feeding me. That's a mainstay on the starfucker wall here at home... This is perhaps more subdued, but precious, all the same. Great time.
Okay, so no play-by-play coverage of the Emmys tonight... just a quick wrapola...
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock." He acted his fat ass off in this series. No question, he deserved to win. 
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Toni Collette for "United States of Tara." Brilliant actress, unwatchable show. God knows I tried to like it. She plays a half-dozen schizo characters, so I get it. She needs to eat some solid food... too skinny! Tina Fey won last year, fine, and as long as Julia Louis-Dreyfus in "The New Adventures of Old Christine" never wins an award for anything, you could give the award to Paris Hilton and I'd be happy. That woman has as much talent as my pinky. Why was she nom'ed?
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Kristin Chenoweth for "Pushing Daisies." When she sang "Hopelessly Devoted To You," I burst into tears and watched it on Tivo again and again. I'd have been happy with Jane Krawkowski or Vanessa Williams, but I was perfectly pleased.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: Jessica Lange in "Grey Gardens." Should have gone to Drew Barrymore for proving her reach as an actress. Lange has gotten her share of accolades, although I was delighted that in her acceptance speech, she gave Drew such credit. Disappointed, but I'd have had a big nelly fit if neither of them had won.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Justin Timberlake on "Saturday Night Live." What the fuck? There's an Emmy for just doing your job?
I am happy to introduce a new member of our family. Please meet Archie! Our little fellow comes from Metropolitan Maltese Rescue, the same wonderful non-profit organization where we adopted our beloved Kirby more than five years ago. Our vet had suggested that as 15+-year-old Kirbisha has slowed down dramatically, some youthful energy in the household might inject some new-found vigor into her.
Fortunately, because Ayhan and I are both home during the day—he in the recording studio and I sitting here wrangling with words—we were blessed to reach the top of the stack of credible "adopters." Our boy came home with us last night... He has some dominance issues and growls from time to time, has shown some aggression toward other dogs (while at other times he's their instant ally), so there is work ahead of us, but the most important thing: He has not shown any ill will toward Kirby and seems to understand that she is the grand dame of the household (well, let's be honest, alongside me). She, on the other hand, thus far, seems wholly bewildered that some kid is suddenly sharing her space. As someone mentioned to me today, "Time takes time." Amen.
Our new critter came to us with a bizarre three-syllable name, Indian in origin, which he does not answer to (can't blame him). So that has given us the opportunity to find a more suitable calling card. Last night, I was convinced that Max was ideal... until I went online and discovered that is the No. 1 most popular male dog name. Uh, next... I pondered "Hampton" (Ayhan hated it), then Riley (again, it came up in the top 20 most popular (who knew?) and one that friend Andre suggested, that I love cause of its alliance to Celine Dion... Ziggy... but I was stuck last night on... Archie.
As a kid, I was obsessed with Archie comic books. It's an amiable name that you don't hear so often, it's two syllables, it doesn't resemble any particular command like "No," "Shhh," "Sit," etc. However, when I ran it past Christina, she groused that it was "too pedestrian" for a purebred gentleman... ahem!
God, do I really have to do this? Okay, from left, Anthony, Natalie, Kilgour, Delilah, Katy, Bone Gunn, Kristina, Christa, meese, Larry and Rachel. Phew!
Kilgour and meese.
Bone Gunn, meese and Larry D.
Love this solo picola of Kilgour.
Kilgour, K'tina and meese.
Larry D., Christa, Bone Gunn
Chuck's Angels: Rachel (thanks for the 2(x)ist goodies, girl!), K'tina and Christa.
Onward to Arrow Bar on Avenue A, where Bramalam was spinning. Hiccup... Katy, K'tina and meese.
Bramalam on the left... you've met the rest.
K'tina, Bramalam and meese.
Look, it's Emmy! She joins meese and Katy.
Penultimate Bramalam.
