This Is Part Two of The MSG Post – I Fully admit…. this one is going to Suck

Part Two

So here is the thing, I have a billion pictures/videos taken inside MSG at various shows. The problem is, I acknowledge that nobody cares when you post on social media the crappy video or audio of the show. It is like “oh you want to come see the family vacation movie from last summer on our VHS?” Nobody wants to see that crap with half cut videos and or bad audio.

Let me go ahead and address the Elephant in the Room…someone standing in front of you with an iFoam taking a video with arms extended blocking the view from everyone behind you. Rude! I always joke that I know what musical act is performing in the Forum in Memphis because I see some stories on the IG at the same time. Trust me, I get the same from my NYC friends who may be at a particular show. There is nothing like being in the presence of a great performer in the Garden who is bearing their soul for everyone to hear. Seriously, it friggin rocks.

Getting back to the point, I acknowledge that there are some who post on IG because you want people to think #SuiteLive #Baller. That is why you won’t see more than 2 or 3 posts/stories from me if I am at a show. Nobody wants to hear the crappy audio my iFoam picked up.

Now lets get to the pictures of events seen at the Garden over the years.

By the way if you want to see a great video of the MSG house band doing Karaoke in the Garden or Phil Collins drum solo in Barclays, text me. I got you boo.

The Worlds Most Famous Arena and of course it has a red carpet.

Do yourself a favor – Get Clear to beat the line. It Rocks and I do enjoy using it to bypass the line.

Full Disclosure – I want my picture taken by this JumboTron. How iconic is this?

Posting this for my Brother-In-Law who sent ugly pictures to our SkyLight. We Drank many Brewski’s too!

Now here is where the pictures are going to go out of sequence but they are all good pictures I have taken.

“Its these moments that I regret doing dumb shit. But then remember how much fun it was.” #writethatdown

You want to go see Red Hot Hockey in the Garden Tonight? Will they have Wine and food in the suite, if so, I am in!”

Show me another place in the world where you can have Full Audience Participation and the person in front of you has a picture of a Cat on their iFoam? P(Squared) Mother – were you in the suite that night?

Seriously The Garden Rocks for Show!

So the Suite Mate Seats next to our work Suite seats go all out for each show with dressing the part. This is from the Duran Duran show this summer. The ladies went all out to be “Hungry like the Wolf”

Switching it up to Basketball. This was the Grizz/Knicks game that we went to this year. We sat with Bec/MemphisPhil and had a blast. So much fun when the Grizz win and the home team loses.

Back to Concert Setting in MSG. Think this was from Phish

Full Disclosure – I don’t know one Phish song but I do love that this band goes all out for their fans.

Back to Basketball – There he is folks, Spike Lee sitting courtside in the Garden.

LZ – “FZ we have tickets next week to Billy Joel in the Suite.” FZ – “Billy Joel Again?” LZ – “Geranium how would you like to join me in the suite for the MSG House Band?” Love me some LJZ and her +1 ticket invites. And I got scolded when I asked if it was ok to post the picture.

Back to Basketball – If you don’t do a Robo Selfie in the Garden does it really exist?

I promise that I will do better on the posting. I am about to work on the Croatia Trip we did this October….AND IT WAS GLORIOUS!!!!!!!

You Need To Pamper Yourself Once In A While

Loose Translation to the above Title….I am going to get some hate mail from my Staten Island and White Plains team members. You see they are dads of beautiful children and are actively involved in their lives so they spend a lot of weekends being taxi drivers or coaches. I do remind them when they tell me about their weekend plans that I plan on sending another case of booze to the urologist who did my vasectomy as a Thank You. Sorry DE and S(Squared) don’t hate the player, hate the game. Same for you Asian Fireman.

Weekends prior to the Panarama were sacred to Geranium and I. She was on the road and would celebrate being a homebody and would veg out watching her crap TV. I would venture to a cigar lounge to bust balls with the fellas but we would always have a nice meal together either out or home later that evening.

Last weekend we had plans to go into Brooklyn for some Saturday Shenanigans with the Landlord but both Geranium and Landlord were feeling under the weather. We collectively decided to lay low since this upcoming weekend we have a Fancy Dinner Planned. Sorry Grainbin Gurl – you are going to hate on me some more because this place is off the hook that we are dining on Saturday. Anyway with Geranium on the couch this past Saturday, I figured that I needed to get out of the house to give her some veg out time. Mind you the weather right now in New York is mid 30’s and cold as balls.

Now here is where S(Squared) and DE are going to start saying “That Mother Fecker” because this was my agenda today; massage, Italian hero, Cigar and then dinner prep. Lets get into the pictures shall we?

Rocking the Comfy Adidas Track Pants on a very cold Saturday.

Get that big Arse up and head into Greenwich Village on my million dollar ride. AKA – New York Subway System. I will add that I didn’t get stabbed or pushed onto the tracks.

Head up to West 8th Street and find this Gem. Yes I found this place thanks to @Livschreiber on TikTok I learned about this place. This has the Best 30 Min Foot Rub and30 Back Rub in town.

Oh yeah S(Squared) is texting me now. Same for brother DE

Following my Back Massage I start making my way to Bleeker Street. What is that at the end of the street? Dago Heaven

On the Grocery List – Pork Braciole, Prosciutto Bread, Beef Short Ribs, San M Tomato products, and maybe an Italian Hero for Lunch.

Right now I have a weapon because if any of those Fentanyl people approach me I am swinging this 10 pound bag and cracking skulls.

It was also SantaCon so this fella was taking a good nap with great snoring. #BlessHisHeart

The Italian Sandwich *Please note that this was taken on Monday so there is some bread sogginess but still it is a great sandwich.* I forgot to take a pic on Saturday because I was hungry.

Massage, Foot Rub, Sandwich, SantaCon Sighting – I need a Cigar!

Now it is time for Dinner Prep. Braciole and Short Ribs bringing them up to Temp.

Sauce is being prepared

With a nod to Frank P. I made Rao’s Famous Prosciutto and Peas. Seriously it is good and you should go find the recipe

Finished Product. And it was delicious!

Hope you have a good weekend and sorry my brothers from another mother for this blatant rubbing it in your face. How about I take you to lunch the week between Christmas and NYE. Just no Steakhouses I blame that for the cause of Panarama. Love you guys.

What Do You Do When the High Is Only 25 Degrees on A Saturday in Manhattan?

To quote the distinguished Gentlemen from the Fine State of Lobsters, Lighthouses and Craft Beer.

“If you don’t spend the winter, then you don’t deserve the Summer!”

KLCMan is right about one thing. You see what I did there RMT? I am looking forward to Summer considering these past two winters we haven’t ventured to warmer latitudes to get a brief refuge for obvious reasons. Let me explain something about the winter down in FiDi. Due to the proximity to the East & Hudson Rivers plus the narrow streets/corridors the wind the temps are about 5 to 10 degrees colder in Lower Manhattan. The Term “Brick” has been used in my presence by old school New Yorkers and now I get it. Walk outside of 20 Broad without a hat, gloves and enough layers and you get hit in the face with a cold ‘brick’ and it isn’t pleasant. Seriously I don’t know how people live on the Shore or Rockaways because that is some cold stuff.

This fine Saturday I was in need of a haircut from my “guy” Isak and I figured that I would spend some time enjoying a cigar at the old clubhouse. My barbershop is up on 74th and First Avenue close to our first apartment in the UES. Some of you have asked me how far some places are to travel. If I said that it was over 100 blocks that doesn’t equate to Memphis folks. Or if I said that it was 7.1 miles, hell we don’t drive so that means little to us because we judge everything by blocks. Roughly to get my hairs cut from Broad and Wall Street it is going to be a 32-minute commute via the 4/5 and 6 train with a 15-minute walk to the Barbershop on First Avenue.

We have lived up here for almost 6 and a half years and navigating the subway is getting easier and easier. Please note – I know damn well enough not to boast, because tomorrow my ass will get distracted by a chicken and I will end up heading to Brooklyn instead of uptown and the train will get stuck for 30 minutes because of a disruptive passenger at Hoyt Street. I need all the Karma I can get. When our friends visit us they do enjoy not having to pay attention to what stop or which direction the train is heading and just follow our lead underground.

After some abuse from Isak and his son Mark for not seeing them since Thanksgiving (Covid) I left with my ears lowered but more importantly the ear hairs and eyebrows were tamed. Next was to the Cigar Inn for a visit to the humidor which is at 54th and 2nd Street. If you are still paying attention that is 30 city blocks and 1 long avenue on foot. Bear in mind it is still 25 degrees and the wind is not being nice. The subway is not really a good option because of the location and on the weekend the bus schedule gets long so off in a Jiffy Cab I go.

To be back at the Cigar Inn was surreal, weird, and a relief that all the old Chooches were still alive. It was good to catch up. They pretty much all retreated to their vacation or Florida homes at the height of the Panorama given that these guys have more money than you want to talk about. You are required to show proof of vaccination so naturally the ball busting of “is that real or you get that on Canal Street” is plenty, but everyone was in good health, and all vaccinated up.

No that is not my Whip. We see lots of these now days, but I would go Ass over Teacup if I rode one.

Subways are fairly empty still. They get packed at Rush Hour, but everyone plays by the rule and wears a mask correctly.

The Old Stop – After traveling to other stations I realize how Ghetto this station is and in need of rehab.

The old Building on First Avenue – We do miss this place for sentimental reasons and if you are wondering, yes there are barber shops down where we live but I am faithful to my Guy and would even come in from Brooklyn. I also work this area so getting a cut was easy in pre-panarama days.

Heading to the Cigar Inn on Second Ave. I did realize I didn’t get a picture of getting my hairs cut but nobody wants to see my selfie ass in a barber chair. And Isak would probably chastise me for it too.

Been a while since I walked into this door. It was good to see everyone and catch up. FYI – They call me “Kid” because I am younger than the majority of the crowd, but they are a good bunch.

Lots of Room and given that people are smoking cigars in the middle of a Panarama we try to be respectful of everyone.

Doesn’t this remind you of the old Wendy’s Restaurants? Oh and those overstuffed chairs are very comfortable too!

Looking towards Second Avenue. Incidentally the E73rd Street location closed about 7 months prior to the start of the Panarama due to a broken Smoke Exhaust. The rest of the building is residential, so they had to close that location. It will reopen one of these days given that retail inventory is high.

I keep telling Isak that I am not paying him to color my hair grey. He jokes that it is on the house.

Anything else you want to know about down here in Lower Manhattan? Bear in mind there is a Bomb Cyclone supposed to hit this weekend so we may have a snow post.

What’s in the Box?

If you have not seen the movie “Seven” I won’t spoil the fun. One of the many things that I have been trying to do is support the arts. When we moved up here we joined The Met for a year. Since then we kind of became homebodies but I have always been trying to do something.

The YMCA up on 92nd street in the UES had been doing a long lecture series that I have been keeping my eye on. Some were sold out before I could even buy tickets but when I noticed that Gwyneth Paltrow would be interviewing Evan Funke I circled the date on the calendar. Ok Truth – I have always had a little thing for her. I mean if you aren’t a fan of The Royal Tenenbaums then we can’t be friends.

Anyway if you are not a foodie you won’t recognize that Evan Funke is well known chef having worked at Spago and is a Pasta Making God in the restaurant world. The talk was great and many thanks to the Russian for being my date since Geranium was out of town.

It really was a good show.

Getting settled in our Seats

Crib Notes

Snapped this when the Picture Police had her back turned

They do a Guest Q&A and someone asked what would Evan cook for the President. He said that The Obama’s have eaten at his joint a bunch.

Robert De Niro is on the 7th of October. Hey UWS you want to be my +1? Geranium is going to be out of town again.

Pictures of the Week – We worked a Full Week this week and we lived to tell about it!

I was wondering why my ass was dragging this morning, then I realized it. Hell, this is the first time in the past 3 weeks that I have had to drag my ass into the city 5 consecutive days. For those of you who do read this worthless dribble and happen to be on Metro North, LIRR or NJT I expect you to fully tell me to “GFY CBT” I get it, you have a longer commute. (NON NEW YORK READERS) – I only have to take 1 to 3 subway stops to get into the city. Seriously, I have the easiest commute in the world.

So New Year, New Me right? Believe it or not, I am actually trying to clean up my act. I am nearing the 49 trips around the sun anniversary. After 50 trips I have to really be careful because I may break a hip or have to go to Canada for free healthcare. Ok enough silliness, here are the pictures that I have had on my iFoam for the past couple of days.

Can’t recall where I snapped this pic but I love that it is our former hood.

EGP is showing me her mad selfie skills.

Sent this to Mary Louise while she was in Spain on the 4th. Her comment back to me was “Did he die?” She isn’t a fan due to a long night Jam session one night at 595.

My Boss – You want to grab a drink? Me – Can’t I am studying for my Blood Test again. She then asked what day I was on my Juice Cleanse.

RJ and Fuck-Tard – You would love our building for obvious reasons!

Hope you have a good weekend and it isn’t as cold as it is going to be here. We are heading to Northwest Arkansas this weekend to see family and friends.

Also Shout out to the Pirate/Beatnik and Time Square Performer who happen to read this worthless dribble. They just completed an important milestone in their ‘remodeling’ project.

The New York City Marathon 2018

What the? Carbunkle is posting on a Sunday? Hell, that fat fucker hasn’t posted in a week and now he is posting on Sunday? Ease up folks, we have been busy.

When we moved from 1st Ave btw 71st & 72nd to Brooklyn I realized that we were losing a prime Marathon watching spot. Thankfully I just found out we are a block from the Marathon route so I may swing by and yell for complete strangers in a couple of hours. I can’t hang all day because I have a prior engagement this afternoon. Don’t judge but I am attending a 7 year old’s birthday up in the Bronx so I will miss a lot of the Marathon shenanigans today. If you are wondering what I am talking about, please peruse this worthless dribble post.

Before I start to drone on. Best of luck to Mary Louise’s former work buddy J(squared) aka “Jolly Pocket” and my work buddy Kai who are running today. I am sure that there are others running but best of luck to the both of you. I ran a half marathon one time and I still am still limping because of it. 26 miles on these shitty New York Streets….You Da Real MVP!

Earlier this week my buddy @Brizzyc was inquiring on the book of face about a good vantage point to watch the marathon. I referred her to a bar on 1st Ave at 63rd Street. I may have visited it a couple of times when we lived in the UES…… I further went so far as to recommend a “slinger of the spirits” to seek out at said bar. Hopefully Mermaid A will be working this Sunday. Christ, that woman has been out of the office more than Trump, Marsha Blackburn, or Brian Kelsey!

Brizzy, one of these days we need to grab a beer. Then again it is probably best that you and G-Man haven’t met up with Me and Mary Louise. The establishment that we were visiting probably would have run out of beer.

This is our slinger of spirits and also good friend Mermaid A. Don’t you hate her? Cute, can balance on a long board, but she can’t text “come to the bar for shots” that well. BTW Mermaid A. – when are you working again?

Finish the Race Kai and beat yesterday! you go this!

Go get them Jolly!

And as always, thank you to the Runners, The Volunteers, and all those who will protect the runners, the volunteers and the spectators.

 

 

 

Living The Rock Star Lifestyle Here

Clubs, 3 Michelin Star Restaurants, Partying till 4AM on a Tuesday Night/Morning what a week I have had this week….wait who am I kidding here? My ass starts wants to head to bed by 10:30PM each night. We had a busy week given it was a snow day on a Wednesday. On Friday night I met up with UWS Holly, Mrs. Trumpet and a school friend for some wine before they went to musical. UWS was heading to New Jersey and I was heading to the UES to do laundry. Yep Friday night and who do I have a date with? Tide Pods, Bounce dryer sheets and a good stiff Tito’s and Soda. I made that laundry my bitch by the way!

Saturday morning we got our Fresh Direct order so I was up early. After giving a shout out to “April the pregnant Crab in Baltimore” on the Book of Face I decided to do a little spring cleaning. Mind you it was a ball shrinking 30 degrees Saturday morning so any outdoor activity would require a lot of clothing and lets be honest – I AM FUCKING OVER THIS COLD WEATHER! I mean it is the friggin 12th of March, could we at least have mid 50’s for a high?

I took the dogs out, fed them, shaved my balls & back, I fixed breakfast for Mrs. Trumpet, then I decided it was time to clean out some closets. One of the great benefits of this 535 square foot apartment is that we have killer closets. It isn’t the walk in beauty that RJ and Mallory now have at 595 in Memphis but we are very lucky. Anyway I decided to tackle the entry hall closet, Shobo’s purse closet and then the attic (you wondering what the hell I am talking about) storage area. Yep it was a busy Saturday.

One would think that if you have already downsized one wouldn’t have to do it again for at least 5 years. Well nope, my goofy ass filled a suitcase that would cost over 200 bucks to fly domestic and I haven’t’ even tackled my own personal closet.

Wine Flights for 12 bucks at happy hour? Now I wonder why Mrs. Trumpet picked this place.

Pay no attention to the “Maintenance Wine” or my fancy La Croix bubbly water?

The Purse/Sweatshirt closet

The Attic/Back Room where we store all of our $hit. Yes those are gallons of water in the top right. We have to use distilled water for our humidifier (THAT WE STILL FUCKING HAVE TO USE IN MID MARCH!)

Since we just got rid of our larger suitcase we are now down to 2 carry on pieces of luggage.

The Office/Guest Luggage Storage/Beach Chair Storage Area/Monkey Head Bedroom

Bored yet? Yep, that was our Friday and Saturday. RELAX Folks, next weekend is the Super bowl of drunken drinking or as the Irish call it – St. Patrick’s Day. I have already spoken to my St. Patrick’s Day date and she is ready to drink with guys who have swords with me. This year is a bonus since this St Patrick’s Day falls on a weekend so Mrs.. Trumpet can join us this year for the whole drunken episode.

Sorry Folks, That is life in our Rock star lifestyle.

 

The things you see running the marathon

Like I said earlier this week if you have never witnessed a Marathon it is a special time. The New York Marathon is a huge and as Katherine Switzer said; “If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” She hit the nail on the head with that comment.  Below are some funnier costumes we saw this past Sunday.

The Blues Brothers braving the rain on 1st Avenue

Wizard of Oz runners. S/O to the St. Jude Hero in the back of the picture

Dude don’t fucking Marathon and Text! That is Rule 2 behind ‘get nipple guards’

Um ok, I get it Mario

Yo Luigi, you better get your ass in gear, you be running second

She.Is.Wearing.Flip.Flops.For.A.Marathon. Yes saw that too!

I can’t really give them grief because if I ran this far I would be wearing a Tu-Tu also

In the middle of the 2 yellow shirt runners is a blind person. How cool is that!

Viva France!

Ok, I will bite, I guess that the other superheroes took the day off

Didn’t know it was a formal affair!

Running Aztec or is he a Mayan.

Don’t mess with his Tu-Tu

He must have lost a bet

Now the 50K runners who finished the marathon got a medal but these two were the real MVPs of the Marathon. They kept us in ‘bottled water’ after the Quitter Bus went by. Love me some J & A!

Have a good evening, it is supposed to be cold tomorrow!

Things you learn in a Blizzard

What can I say, 2017 is a year of firsts for Carbunkle Trumpet. No I am not talking about the new president, that was yesterday. What I am talking about is this jacked up weather. Seriously would the person who called Mother Nature a Crack Whore please apologize? Earlier this year I survived the Nor’easter and let me tell you, that sucked. This week they were calling for ‘a significant snow event’ for New York and Long Island. They were calling for a blizzard or white out conditions in the city and we should seek shelter at times. I am sure that you are reading this in Memphis wondering what the hell that means. So did I until yesterday. Anyway here are some things that I learned yesterday during the Snowpocalypse.

1. Forget that heavy wool coat, get that ski jacket out of the closet. Wet heavy snow and wool are not the greatest combination.
2. Boots, Boots, Boots – If they aren’t waterproof you might as well wear flip flops.
3. Seeing is overrated during a blizzard. I saw a bunch of people wearing ski goggles yesterday and it makes perfect sense. I may look into getting a pair.
4. Some dogs love snow, our dogs…..not so much. I don’t blame them. The snow was high that they had belly rubbing.
5. If one does not have children then you are instructed to head to the nearest bar. That actually is a law.

Maddy don’t care about snow, she has to poop!

This one however, what a diva!

I knew that Rocky over in Park Slope would be a happy pup today!

Broke out the shit kickers earlier in the week when we had biblical rains.

Made it into the office for a couple hours so I could say that “I made it in” and promptly went to reward myself.

W41st street was not looking good. The sidewalk was fine but the street needed some help.

Wonder why I take Lipitor? This would be the reason.

Are you F’ing kidding me guys? Closed because of the snow? This would be a perfect day but no! Somebody has to be a P word and stay home.

I mean even the Chinese restaurant on 2nd Ave was open for Christsake!

Got to love that someone cross stitched this.

Have a good weekend. We are going to be meeting up with UWS Girl this weekend to go to a silent disco.

Remember this day folks

Because this is the day that a certain Brooklyn born resident’s head comes completely off and explodes! Yep after Maria reads this I expect to hear of an explosion in the Flatlands of Brooklyn on E43rd street.

You see my dear readers, I have known Maria almost as long as I have Mrs. Trumpet and if there is anything that I know it is that she absolutely despises 2 things. First thing that she skeeves is monkeys. We found that out in Belize one year during Thanksgiving. The second thing that she despises….Citi Bike Stations and bikes in general.

I am sure that you are wondering if I bumped my head. Care to guess what they installed on E71st street just east of 1st Avenue? A Citi Bike Station!!  Yep parking in the UES just got a little bit more challenging.

I didn’t walk the dogs yesterday afternoon so imagine my surprise when I saw this contraption last night.

Oh I can imagine that Maria will be cursing the rider of this bike very soon. I too will be cursing the rider when they drive on the sidewalk because they are a moron.

What is funny is that when they installed this bike stand they put the wrong sign up. Notice the sign how it says 2nd Avenue and E71 Street? That my friends in the background is 1st Avenue and E71st Street.

She will not be amused. “Ok, Monkey, Nice Monkey, Pretty Monkey…Walter get this fucking thing off of me!”

Make sure you put Maria on your prayer list and have a chuckle. We will see her Sunday.