6th Floor Blog's Academy Awards

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Sara, Frank, and Scott.

Subject: 6^th Floor Blog Oscars

Again, please update your links to www.ceetar.com/6thfloor The blog will be updated there shortly. Likely this is the last post via blogger.

Presenting 6^th Floor Blog's Oscar nominees for must-see movies!

The Dark Knight

It seems like this movie only got recognition because Heath Ledger died after doing an excellent job portraying the Joker, but it was really an excellent movie. I'd even venture to say the best Batman movie ever.

I agree. It was a great movie; suspense, action, excitement. It borrowed from the comics obviously, but it was an original story, and a compelling one.

Quantum of Solace

Spectacular or not, you have to go see a Bond movie.

Action, explosion, gadgets, cars. It's hard to make a bad Bond movie, and that means it's always worth seeing.

The only thing to debate is if you liked the Bond Girl, or if the movie didn't have enough over the top explosions.

Wanted

This is certainly not a serious movie, and as such would never ever be considered a 'great' movie, but I sure enjoyed watching it.

Sometimes complete ridiculousness, like curving bullets, is fun. All the silly stuff they do such as Angelina Jolie (and that's almost enough of a reason to see a movie in it of herself) scooping up the cowering 'hero' with her car., is just zany. Sometimes it's more fun to just say 'screw physics'.

That was my entire college philosophy!

Cloverfield

We may be biased about this one, being in New York, but I felt this was a rather compelling movie, despite all the crazy cult hype.

The problem was people looking for a monster movie or comparing it to Godzilla. It wasn't about the monster, it was about the journey of the characters through the city while the monster attacked.

The reason they didn't just run for the border was a little bit of a stretch, but after you accept that, it was interesting. I enjoyed the different way it was filmed, as if from the camera the guy carried around the whole movie.

Now that was a little contrived. Who would keep carrying the damn thing around at that point? It must've been an awesome camera, but still, good movie.

Iron Man

I liked Iron Man. I know some didn't, but it was a good comic book movie, and he had some excellent cars.

It was half Iron Man, half Tony Stark. I think it was rather well done for an origin story movie. I'd like to see more.

He'll be in the Avengers movie right? When's that come out?

2011.

Damn.

6th Floor Super Bowl Snacks

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Tabitha, Billy and Scott.

Subject: 6^th Floor's Snack Post

“I want to talk about something to you that's very important to me.” Billy says solemnly, looking at Scott and Tabitha sitting on the couch across from him.

“What kind of snacks are we having on Saturday? And what type of food for dinner?”

Scott snickers.

“Ann and I are going shopping tomorrow. We'll get a bunch of chips and frozen appetizers and the like.”

“Get some of those little, wrapped hot dog things.”

“Pigs in a blanket?”

“Yes! Those!”

“I saw this delicious recipe for Guinness brownies. We should make those!”

“Beer brownies?” Tabitha makes a face. “That's on you.”

“Well, first we'll need some Guinness.”

“That's a given.”

“One for the brownies, one to drink while you make the brownies?”

“Yeah! I like the way you think Tabitha.”

“I'm just hoping for good commercials anyway. Like last year.”

“No changing the topic. Should we order food on Sunday?”

“You know food always takes a decade to get here on Super Bowl Sunday.”

“We could order early.”

“Order at the start of the second inning..”

“Quarter.”

“Whatever. And then it should be ready for half time right? Who's performing this year?”

“Springsteen.”

“Springsteen? Geeze, they're sure playing it safe these days.”

“Springsteen's good though..”

“He is..but it's still safe. Just don't think that's the right reason to pick a band.”

“Any other snack requests?”

“No, I trust your judgment.”

“You do?”

“No. But I trust you'll shop early and I'll be able to bitch about your choices early enough to get more stuff.”

Tabitha rolls her eyes.

Take it Like a Man

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Training Wheels

As if you would expect us to be anywhere else...We're at a bar a little downtown from us. Ashley is still here, it's a little after New Years. We're having a little 'going away drink fest' for her. Surprised?

“Another Tom Collins Ann? You're really on the gin tonight.”

“Tasty stuff. But I'm worried you haven't had enough. Would you like this? I could get another.”

“No no, I'm fine. I still have half my Bacardi and cola here.”

“Fiiine.” Ann slurs.

“Tequila Shots? Ann? Tequila? Tabitha. Tequila!”

Frank takes a tally, and has the server bring over six shots, only Tabitha abstaining.

Ashley: “Woah, you're going to use the training wheels? Kinda girly don't you think?” Ashley says to Scott, as he reaches for the salt and lemon.

“Girly? I thought that's how you were supposed to do them?”

“Bah. Do it like a real man Scott.”

“Fine.” Scott puts the lemon down.

“There is an exception though.”

“Body ssshots! Right?”

“Yeah. As long as you're licking the salt directly off a hot girl.”

“Hmm...” Scott looks at Ashley and starts reaching for the lemon and salt.

Ashley: “Don't even think about it.”

Sara smacks Scott.

“Cheers everyone!” Billy says, raising his shot glass, sans lemon.

Everyone: “Cheers!”

“Delicious! I love tequila.” Billy proclaims, putting his glass down.

“So why do they call the lemon and salt training wheels anyway?”

“Beats me. Google it.”

“No way I can type straight on my phone tonight. Later.”

Entertaining Ashley

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Sara’s Sister

We’re all hanging around in the living area with Sara’s sister Ashley who’s here visiting until after New Years.

“So Ashley, what are you going to do while you’re here?”

Ashley: “Oh, well, whatever Sara wants to do, you know? I’m really just here to visit her. And get up to Zabars.”

“Ahh, yes, the yearly pilgrimage to Zabars.”

“Zabars. So cliché, I suppose you want to go to Times Square and take a picture with the naked cowboy as well?”

Ashley: “No no, that's touristy stuff! I do want to try to go to that cool restaurant you guys took me to last time I was here though.”

“You mean Catalina's? I don't know if I'd call it cool.”

“I certainly don't think it's cool. You should check out that Italian place downtown that we went to last month.”

“That place was delish! Those Raviolis...mmmmmmm” Billy rubs his stomach contently.

Ashley stares oddly at Billy for a second. “I'm really not into Italian.”

Frank gasps.

“Just stick to the tried and true plan. Never fails.”

“Drinking?”

“Drinking!!”

Billy grins and high fives Scott. “Drinking!”

Ashley: “Is that all you guys do?”

Tabitha giggles.

Ashley: “How about we just walk around, take in the sights?”

“It's kind of cold..”

“Aww, don't be a wuss Tabitha. Just walk faster and it's not too bad.”

“We can just make frequent hot chocolate stops.”

Ashley: “Sounds good to me.”

Toast Freedom

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: 75^th Anniversary of Repeal Day

“So I get out three hours early on Friday. It’s our holiday party instead of a party.”

“Err…what was that?”

“Instead of a party, they’re just letting us go three hours early.”

“You could get started drinking early for Repeal Day.”

“Maybe. It’s the 75^th anniversary this year right?”

“I believe so. It really is a great holiday, you’ve got American History, drinking..it appeals to everyone!”

“Well, everyone except prohibitionists.”

“Those people don't exist anymore. Do they? DO THEY?!”

“Sure. There are still plenty of dry counties out there. The place where they make Jack Daniels

for one. Plenty of people still seem to think alcohol is a bad thing and a sin or something.”

“Silly (other) Americans!”

“I think I'll hit McSorley's..despite it not being historically friendly towards women.”

“Straight from the website, 'Established in 1854 – McSorley's can boast of being New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon.' It survived prohibition, and I think that's deserves a couple of half-pints of dark in it's honor. I'll meet you there after work.”

“Sweet!”

“I have to agree, this is the best drinking holiday of them all. There's too much green on St. Patrick's Day, and it's too Irish, not American. The night before Thanksgiving is nice, but no

one wants to be hungover and have to cook a turkey. New Years Eve is a great day too though.”

“I'd say New Years is more of a family holiday, a celebration of new beginnings, new chances, and the Twilight Zone.”

“Greatest drinking holiday or not, I'm going to make an effort on Friday.”

“Shouldn't be too hard at a great place like that. Hmm..do I want light first, or dark?”

“We'll get both and split them.”

“Smart.”

Oblivion

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Tabitha, Frank, and Scott.

Subject: Oblivious

It’s early afternoon on Tuesday. Tabitha and Ann are headed to Starbucks to get some coffee and see Scott at work.

“I’m in the mood for one of those syrupy, sugary frappachinos.”

“You’re still on a sugar high from Halloween aren’t you?”

“Yeah, I think so. The candy’s almost gone though, and then I can fight through the sugar crash and be okay I think.”

“I’m going to get a hot chocolate. Those new ones are very good.”

“Yes, they certainly are.”

“Hey look, Frank’s here!” Tabitha says, as they walk in.

“Hey Frank! What are you up to?”

“Hi there ladies. Nothing very interesting. Normal poker stuff, chasing this fish..”

“You remember to vote?”

“Vote? Crap..today’s election day?”

“How could you not realize it’s election day? Are you really that oblivious?”

“I haven’t really been paying much attention to anything but work lately. Well, work and beer.”

Scott jogs over, and skids to a stop. “Hi guys. I don’t know how you didn’t realize Frank..there has been so much election talk here today..I’m so sick of it.”

“Well, only one more day and hopefully it’ll be done with.”

“Thankfully. Although, I’m sure I’ll be bored of the teeny-brats talking about Gossip Girl and other such shows just as much.”

“You just love your customers don’t you?”

“Only the annoying ones.”

“Since you’re here, you can take our drink orders!”

“Like this one!” Scott says, ruffling Ann’s hair.

“Extra espresso shot?” Scott asks, as he walks back behind the counter.

Trash Talk

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Sara, Frank

Subject: Trash Talk

“I see the Mets are making a habit of this September collapse thing.”

“Can it curse boy. The Mets are still the wild card leaders.”

“They were in first place this time last year too.”

“And Yankee games still mattered!”

“Can't win them all. So we have to wait another year for 27.”

“Yeah..good luck with that. Didn't Carl Pavano win more games than super rookies Hughes and Kennedy?”

“Big moves coming this offseason.”

“At least the Mets aren't talking about the offseason yet.”

“Give it another day.”

“We'll see!”

“We will. I wouldn't miss collapse part two for the world.”

Failure to Drink

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject:  Failure to Drink

 

“Come on, it’s raining harder now!”

 

“Beer.  It’s rain or shine, we can’t back out now!”

 

“No one ever died from being a little wet.  Drink another beer and we’ll be fine.”

 

“I do agree, it’s raining.”

 

“And the sky is blue, and that couple over there is really in to each other!”

 

“Wow, they’re really going at it.”

 

“I guess that’s one thing to do while we wait.”  Frank eyes Sara.

 

“Get those dirty eyes off of me!”

 

“Really now, we’re going to spend the next four plus hours standing in the rain drinking tiny glasses of beer and waiting in line?”

 

“You’re so pleasant when you’re wet Tab.”

 

“That’s what she said!” Frank yells.

 

“Good one Frank!”

 

“I’m singing in the rain..Such a ..”

 

“Oh my god! Stop singing!”  Sara shoves Ann.

 

“Yeah, stick to the writing Ann.  You can’t carry a tune.”

 

“This line to get in is so long! I want my beer!”

 

“Can we please go somewhere and drink inside at least?  Do we really need to drink in the rain? Is the beer here really that good?”

 

“Okay, Okay . Fine.  Let’s go fine an indoor bar.  SoHo, or around here?”

 

“Let’s just get inside and dry off.  We can always move uptown later.”

 

“I guess if we’re drying out, I’ll get a dry martini.”

 

“Are you 80?  Do people are age drink dry martinis?  Do you even like gin?”

 

“Gin? That’s what they put in martinis?  Weird.”

 

“I’m in the mood for a Cosmo.”

 

“Cosmos all around!”

 

Scott looks at Billy and Frank.  “Are we okay with drinking cosmos?”

 

“They are a little girly.”

 

“Looks like the Mets are going to make the Playoffs.”

 

Scott and Frank grunt.

 

“Okay, that’s manly enough.  I guess we can have Cosmos.”

 

“That was…special.  Come on, there’s a bar over there.”  Tabitha leads them into a nearby bar.

 

“Crowded.  Looks like we’re not the only ones getting out of the rain.”

 

“I guess alcohol is alcohol.  Beer is beer.”

 

“That may be the smartest thing you’ve said all day.”  Sara says sarcastically.

 

“To make up for it, we can go to Brewtopia at the Javits Center.  I think it’s in early November.”

 

“You saying you weren’t going to suggest we go there anyway?”

 

“Beer tastes different in November…we’re obligated to be there.”

 

“You’re not going to rest until you’ve drank everywhere in New York, are you?”

 

“Maybe not even then.”

 

Exciting Plans

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: The endless opportunities

“We should have some fun this Saturday!”

“Why specifically this Saturday? Win a big pot and have some money to burn?”

“If that's the case, let's have you treat us all to an expensive steak house.”

“Maybe I'm just tired of sitting in front of my computer and want to get out and have fun?”

“You? No way.”

“That'd be like Billy saying, 'No thanks, I'm full'.”

“That reminds me, I have a sandwich in the fridge to eat.” Billy pulls out a foot long sized package wrapped in Deli paper from the fridge.

“Nice Billy! We could drink at Catalina's.”

“We always do that.”

“Movie?”

“We always do that too.”

“Isn't it possible we always do these things because they're fun?”

“Can't we try something different once in a while?”

“Like..?”

“I don't know...I talked to Sue yesterday, she's moving to Fair Lawn, NJ in September and would love some help packing up her stuff.”

“Fat chance!”

“Doesn't she have a new husband to help with that? I distinctly remember a wedding to some guy a couple of weeks ago. And weren't there big burly brothers?”

“I'm surprised you 'distinctly' remember anything from that night. I wasn't sure they were going to be able to afford to move out after they got your bar tab.”

That's my secret weapon. Remembering!”

“Frank, you haven't fully remembered a night of drinking in years.”

“Oh come on! I'm not that bad! What about that night two weeks ago when we went to the bar after Dark Knight? I remember all of that!”

“That's because we mostly sat in silence watching the baseball games. Not much to remember.”

“Fine then. Next time I'll just forget whose turn it is to pay.”

“So business as usual?”

“As long as you don't whip out four aces and exclaim 'I win! You pay!' we'll be alright.”

“And no more calling me fish..man, that doesn't make any sense!”

“How did this conversation go from thinking of a plan for Saturday to making fun of me?”

“I'm good with anything. As long as it's not sipping wine coolers and playing Go Fish.”

“I'm with the no 'Go Fish' rule.”

“I suppose we'll just end up drinking, regardless. We could watch the Olympics and drink to that..”

“One drink every time someone says 'Michael Phelps'.”

“Or not..we'd be drunk pretty fast at that rate.”

“Guess we'll come up with something last minute...as always.”

“We could go to the Ren Faire..”

“Yeah! Except I think Tab's busy this Saturday afternoon. Another time.”

“Olympics and drinking...we lead such exciting lives.”

Franks Tests M & Ms

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Melts in your mouth, and in your hand

Frank tests the M & Ms premiums "Melts in your mouth, not in your hand" quality.

6th Floor Blog Keeps You Safe

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Billy and Scott.

Subject: 6^th Floor Blog Keeps You Safe

“Does anyone actually feel safer because the police decide to search their bag when they get on the subway?”

“It's all about looking like they're trying to make the world safer.”

“Public image is everything.”

“I don't like having to deal with those searchers. I've never been searched though. You know you can just turn around and walk out of the station?”

“Yeah, but I think I'm too lazy to do that. Or I'm in a hurry.”

“That's what they're counting on.”

“Speaking of security, you'd think you'd remember to lock the apartment when you leave.” Tabitha looks in Scott's direction.

“I do! Except that one time when I couldn't find my keys!”

“Yeah, but then you didn't make sure the door shut tight!”

“I was just going downstairs to check the mail!”

“Okay okay! Can it guys! It might be a good idea to have a spare set of keys though.”

“Camera's are another thing that give the illusion of safety, but really don't do a damn thing.”

“I heard you're pretty much filmed constantly walking around midtown Manhattan.”

“It doesn't do a thing to actually prevent crime though.”

“I don't think most of midtown Manhattan is a high crime area anyway.”

“Unless you count the ridiculous prices on everything!”

“Ba-da Boom!” Scott fakes a rimshot for Billy's silly joke.

“Probably the best way to be safe is to take care of it yourself.”

“Walk softly and carry a big stick?”

“It's 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.'”

“What is?”

“Nevermind. That's not what I meant anyway, I just meant you should pay attention to your surroundings and like..not confront gun toting wackos asking for directions.”

“Aww, who doesn't love the gun toting wacko? The Internet is the same way actually. There are all sorts of 'guidelines' for keeping everything secure, but when it comes down to it, they're irrelevant because most people set themselves up to be hacked or have their identify or password stolen.”

“Like that youtube video 'The Website is Down' where the guy's password is 'a'?”

“Yeah, exactly. Although sometimes you wonder if a password like that is just so simple that no one even tries something that basic.”

“It's a good motto: 'Keep It Simple, Stupid'.”

“Yes. That's actually a huge programming concept. Working in support just reminds me of all the security leaks. I mean, you have no idea how many people email their passwords all over the place. Or people that just save their passwords, which basically makes them useless, or people that have their passwords on post-its attached to their computer.”

“At the place I work now, the door-lock password is just the suite number.”

“I'd be willing to be the most common voice mail password is probably either '1111' or '1234'.”

“Or the last four digits of the phone number.”

“It's probably even scarier that those four numbers are probably also the most common ATM passwords.”

“What are you doing Scott?” Sara asks, looking at Scott playing with his phone.

“I'm..umm..I'm..changing my voice mail password.” Scott says sheepishly.