Brooke's Best & Worst City to Date

BEST: New York City
With so many options, what could be bad? NYC is the most diverse city in the world and with so much to do from eating at the best restaurants and bars to museums, Broadway shows and walks in Central Park that there are plenty of options for a date. (I went to college in Binghamton. I'm sorry but walking up and down the aisles of Walmart does not qualify as a date.) In a city so diverse, there's bound to be the type of guy/girl you're looking for to date, from the douchy finance guys to struggling musicians to anorexic models, you should be able to find the person of your dreams here!


WORST: New York City
With so many options, what could be bad? Having so many options could be. There's over 10 million people living in NYC. So why settle for medicrity? With hundreds of bars and clubs to scope around, this city is too damn fun to be single in. And that's how people stay. If you're like most people who's ultimate goal is to not just date but find a husband or wife, be prepared for that not to happen until you're at least 30. People are just too tempted by the perks of singlehood.

And why wouldn't they be. Isn't it the best city to date? Or is it? Hmm...

Top 3 of the Week: Shows to Watch This Summer

1) Bethany Getting Married
If you have ever watched the Real Housewives of New York City, you know that Bethany could possibly be the funniest reality star on television. So it's only fitting Bravo handed her her own show. Bethany, who will be planning her wedding and the pregnancy of her baby, always says a witty line to make fun of a catfight between the other ladies or any situation she's in. If you're a reality TV junkie, and love to laugh too, you must watch Bethany and ever ounce of airtime she deserves on Bravo.


2) Hard Knocks
I'll admit, not many people will go from suggesting Bethany Getting Married to Hard Knocks, an HBO documentary series that follows the New York Jets in training camp. But even though I might have some New York bias, this show is not just going to be entertaining but interesting too. HBO takes you behind the scenes at a camp that includes: Coach Rex Ryan, who has the largest personality to match the largest gut in the NFL, the sexy quarterback Mark Sanchez in his sophmore season, plus big-name additions like Jason Taylor and LaDanian Tomlinson. Football fans or not, there's plenty going on with a team one game away from the Super Bowl last year to make this show a bonafide hit.


3) Last Comic Standing
I don't think there's any show that has gone through more format changes, hosts and cancellations than Last Comic Standing, yet here it is again on air (thanks to the pitiful programming options NBC has to chose from). But who doesn't like to laugh? So a show whose purpose is to get you to chuckle should be funny. In the past, it was more humorous to see the comedians living together and the on-camera interviews that followed more than their stand-up routine (a la Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D List). But any show that can get you to laugh is a show worth watching in my book!

Heck, if Bethany and Rex Ryan could compete on Last Comic Standing, we'd only have to watch ONE show this summer!

Rant of the Week: Which "Scientific Study" Do I Believe?!

Why Am I Always So Tired?

The other day I was reading my Cosmo magazine as I was falling asleep on the train. I flipped the page to an article titled "Why Am I Always Tired?" I would have read it but I fell asleep. But after my nap, I wondered why this statement is so true.

Why am I, in fact, always tired?

It's tough to analyze. After all, we pretty much can't win. When we're so tired we sleep longer, but apparently there's this thing called too long, and we get more tired in the process. Sounds confusing? I know. I'm tired just thinking about it.

So then we have nights where we get less sleep than our normal schedule. So we try to catch up on Zz's over the weekend, but apparently there's no such thing as 'catching up on sleep.' Who made these damn rules!

So we essentially can't win. Unless we just so happen to sleep the perfect amount which doesnt happen often. Although I will admit I've had the occasional jump-out-of-bed-like-I'm-in-a-musical-excitement, that's rare. I don't know about you, but no coffee or energy drink can fix my daytime sleepyness. Like I've said before, I think we all deserve a siesta. With the pressures at our jobs, social lives to keep our sanity, and blogs to keep our fans entertained (oh is that just me?..) who really has time to sleep?

I'll tell you who. Babies and my grandpa. And unless we're Benjamin Button, looks like we'll just have to live our busy lives yawning our way through it before we sleep all day like my gramps!

Top 3 of the Week: Things We Say But Don't Really Mean

1) "Aww Cute!"
Whether it's looking at a baby or a friends new love interest, that is our default response whether we truely believe it or not. (Is anyone else tempted to say wow...that is one UNATTRACTIVE human being.) For our friend's significant others, we want to make them feel like we approve (until after they break up when we can admit they were never good-looking anyway.) For babies, sometimes they're so ugly, its actually cute. Whether it's looking at a photo or staring into their eyes for the 1st time we're startled by-- by how cute they are, of course.


2) "That's Funny..."
...no, if it were funny I'd be laughing. But it's not, not funny at all. But because I don't know how else to respond to your lame attempt at humor, "that's funny" is all I got. If "that's funny" is also coupled with a sissy laugh, then you've truly mastered the forced responses that make small talk conversations so damn delightful!



3) "Sure I'll Tell Them You Said Hi"
While our intentions are always good, we never seem to follow through with that request. Because let's be real. It's not meant to really elicit a response but rather, it's sole purpose is to acknowledge those not present. "Oh, Jane, I bumped into your teacher from high school at the store. She said hi." What is Jane supposed to say other than "that's funny...how cute." Which we now know doesn't really mean anything anyway!

Are you tired of Informercials? Then read this for FREE!

Are you tired of the same lousy infomercials?
(Nodding yes)

Are you convinced these products are over the top and don't really work?
Uh huh.

Do you constantly tell yourself who buys this crap anyway?
You bet!

Well now you don't have to!
(perplexed look)

With these cheesy infomercials, you could actually appreciate them more if you take them less seriously and enjoy the poor acting and staged situations!

I never realized how fun infomercials could be until I started to see them more as comedies and less as sales pitches. -Testimonial

I tried a lot of infomercials and wasted money AND time without getting results. With this new approach, I haven't missed an infomercial yet! - Testimonial


You heard it here first folks! Watching infomercials is not just entertaining, they're laughable! So what are you waiting for? If you watch an infomercial within the next 5 minutes we'll throw in a free Snuggie!
Yup, that's right. Free!

You didn't realize you'd be convinced so fast! Finally fast. Finally Fast.com!

Top 3 of th Week: Annoying Things About Public Transportation

1) The 'Public' Part
Yes, the worst part about public transportation is the actual public. Loud obnoxious (and potentially drunk people at night) might sound mildly entertaining to some. But after a long day at work or night out, the last thing I need to hear is you hourlong fight with your boyfriend, how your ready to pick a fight with the drunk guys next to you, or your loud phone call with a friend. Did I mention the sad story beggers and the creepy folks who want to start up a convo? Hiding behind my iPod can only do so much.


2) Delays
Sometimes I really don't mind commuting when I'm not in control. I can sleep, and read, text and write this blog with ease (Yes, roughly 100% of this blog was written on my iTouch notepad on the train). But the minute there are delays (Note to suicidal pedestrians: If you're going to jump in front of a train please keep in mind all those, not just your friends and family who are affected) I wonder why I didn't just drive myself. But there's nothing we can really do when were not in control, so coming into work late or not being at an outing on time is not really our fault.


3) It's Their Time Schedule, Not Mine
I think one of the reasons I walk so fast in NYC is that I'm used to rushing, for a train that is. I know that when I leave work or head home after a night out with friends, I only have X amount of time to get there, otherwise I'm going to miss my train and thus there would be no point in rushing. Maybe this will end when I eventually no longer take the train to work, but dealing with the crazy public, especially in NYC, wont go away. And while it makes for a painful commute, I do have to say its somewhat of an entertaining ride!

Rant of the Week: Heels are Never Comfortable, Right Ladies?!

Top 3 of th Week: Movies To Look Forward To This Summer

1) Sex and the City 2
The girls are baaack. May 27th is sure to be a national 'Girls Night Out' when the film hits the box office. For a non-moviegoer like myself, this is one movie that warrents a $12 ticket. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda return bigger and better--wardrobes that is. (a trip to the Middle East warrents some unique fashion statements.) And you didn't expect Big and Carrie to live happily ever after, did you? 2 words: Aiden returns.





2) Iron Man 2
Another anticipated summer blockbuster sequel? SHOCKER! I'm not even sure if I remember liking the 1st one, but what I do remember is how friggin awesome Robert Downey Jr. is. One of the few actors who comes across so suave, he definitely holds the title for the most bad-ass, likable and charming superhero in any of the current "Man" clan.


3) Eat, Pray, Love
Wow. You know its a sign that I had to stretch to find this as my 3rd movie that I'm not a fan of most films. But as sappy as a chick flick as this looks like, Julie Roberts as the lead always screams potential. Based on the popular novel, Eat, Pray, Love stars Roberts as a woman who had it all but still finds the need to search for more in life. Javier Barden plays his Vicky Christina Barcelona love interest. Is it really worthy of a top 3? Considering I didn't even read the book, probably not...o well. It cracks the Top 3 anyway!

Rant of the Week: Why Are We Foolish and Don't Put Sunscreen On!

Top 3 of the Week: Animals That Freak Me Out!

1) Pigeon
Is there any other everyday animal that could care less about us humans? The fact that pigeons seem so unfazed by our nearness to them isn't the part that freaks me out. It's the fact that I get so close to THEM because they don't move! Mind you, I'm also worried they'll crap on my head when I walk, but I expect them to fly away when I stroll by. And when they don't, I really wonder what kind of character trait these birds have to give a rats a$$ about our proximity. Speaking of rats, I wonder if they would even be fazed by them!


2) Monkeys
They are adorably cute..but also freakishly human-like, no? When I went to the Bronx Zoo a few years ago, I watched as one chimpanzee cleaned off the tail of another. The monkey being cleaned turned around and nodded his head in approval as if to say, keep up the good work. I know humans originally stem from monkeys but I almost feel like I can read their minds which may seem cool. But the fact that I feel like they can read mine freaks me out. It's none of their damn 'monkey' business.


3) Insects
I know, I know. We're so much bigger than them. Why are we afraid? Well as most guys would like to believe, size doesn't matter. I'm scared of bugs because they normally pop up when I don't expect to see them. Like on a living room wall or buzzing in my face when I'm outside. (ok fine..perhaps I should expect to see bugs when outdoors.) Or maybe it all began 15 years ago when I open my drawer in my room and a cricket jumps out. No wonder I'm traumatized by these little creepy crawlers!

Drive Thru - The True Sign of American Laziness

The other night I was out with a friend and remembered I was low on milk at home. Ughh. Who wants to go to the supermarket just for milk, I thought. (Especially when it strategically placed allllll the way in the back of the store). And then I realized the greatest store invented was just down the block.

Dairy Barn- a drive thru convenience store.

OK, I don't mean literally drive through...

Is there any other store that depicts the true American laziness then Dairy Barn? I instantly felt like a bum when I got so excited I didn't even need to leave my car. But wait--I can get my milk AND my change simultaneously too without prolonging my already-convenienced shopping? Jackpot.

But Dairy Barn isn't the only place where we customers revel in the feature of convenience. Who wants to deal with the hassle of getting out of our cars to deposit a check when we can drive right on through and do it with ease. (Ok, maybe not win ease, as depending on the height of our car and length of our arms it might actually be more challenging than you think.) and what about getting our fast food even FASTER through the drive thru before the grease even settles on our fries.

What we don't realize is that it might actually be even faster if we get our lazy tooshies out of the car and go inside a bank or fast food restaurant to get what we need done. Heck, we'll wait in a line in our car for hours if it means not having to unnecessarily get out of it. But that's a risk we're willing to take!

Top 3 of the Week: Why You Need to Join the "Glee" Club!

Finally, FOX's hit show returns this week. I don't know about you but I'm filled with "Glee" that it's returning. I know, that was corny. But contrary to popular believe, the real "Glee" isn't.

1) The Musical Performances
Few shows in the past have attempted to feature musical numbers. Any show that has, has failed miserably. As a fan of Broadway, its refreshing to find a show that can mix the perfect amount of theatrical performance and make it current without making it forced. Get ready for a full episode of Madonna covers, and KISS, Springsteen and Lady Gaga songs featured on the show. Let's see if it can top the popular number, "Don't Stop Believing."



2) Jane Lynch
A comedic genius. You may remember her from The 40-Year-Old Virgin, or her role in underrated Best in Show. But there is not one line that this woman delivers that doesn't make you want to laugh. Lynch plays Sue Sylvester, the hardnosed antagonist who will stop at nothing, and really at times for no reason other than the sheer joy it brings to her, to take down the Glee club (a threat to her cheer squad, the "Cheerios"). A scene-stealer for sure, Lynch alone should convince you non-musical loving fans to tune in.



3) The Upcoming Guests
The beauty of having a hit show that melds TV and music is that everyone wants a part of it. Already having featured Eve and Kristen Chenowith, who's returning again along with her Wicked co-star Idina Menzel. Neil Patrick Harris and Molly Shannon stop by for a few episodes, with Shannon going head to head with Sue. If you love music, comedy and a quality storyline, it's time to join the club and start watching Glee!

Top 3 of th Week: Things to Think About When Showering

We all hear that some of our best thoughts come in the shower but sometimes we think so much about other things, we forget why were even there to begin with (we smell, remember now?) so here are some thoughts we may have when we're scrub a dub dubbing!

1) Stepping Into A Shower That's Not Our Own
This is always a test, both of our intelligence and common sense. We strip down and are now ready to enter the unknown. Our 1st challenge. Figuring out how the knobs work. Hot is to the right or left? How do we turn the drain off? Oh wait! We're getting warmer..getting warmer...got it! Then we have to deal with the change in water pressure, different shampoos and soaps. And that's not a good feeling. To be naked in an unknown area is never comforting, even if it's a place we're supposed to be naked!


2) Shampoo & Conditioning..& Conditioning?
So remember when I said we tend to daydream in the shower? Or were you daydreaming when I said that. Depending if your a morning showerer or night showerer (I prefer sleeping later and getting in bed clean) you're bound to be exhausted at times. And if you're like me, you might forget if you already conditioned your hair. (Wait a minute...I thought I remember picking up the white bottle..) until it's too late. As soon as it's in you realize you did in fact put it in. With too much conditioner, you wonder if you've done permanent damage to your hair.


3) I Don't Want To Come Out
When I was a kid I dreaded taking the time showering and delayed it when I could. (Ok wait a minute. By 'delayed' I mean like later that night, not 'not at all') But somehow, once I got in one, I never wanted to come out. It would only be when we'd run our of hot water would I finally exit. (Which by the way has to be one of the most depressing moments..especially when you have to wash out the rest of your conditioner while shivering). So I've grown to embrace showering and the end results. And I think as long as we do it right and leave a cleaner person than how we entered, then we've done our job, whether we paid attention to the process or not!

Rant of the Week: Dress to Impress or Dress for Ourselves?