A "Been-Had," a "Couldn't-Catch," or a "Never-Will-Be"

I (we?) usually divide washed-up older people into the categories of "has-been," "burn-out," or "never-was." So how does one divy up the young lacking drive or potential, destined for the same fate? A "Been-had," a "Couldn't-catch," or a "Never-will-be."

What's your Favorite Thoroughfare?

When I slow up to wind a right at this weather vane of street signs, I know I'm going home.



For Tony, it's taking the New Jersey Turnpike until the exit for Elizabeth, NJ. For me, it's swinging from Napoleon to S. Broad.

Il Posto Cafe

I finally made it to Il Posto, a newish neighborhood cafe at the corner of Dryades and Cadiz. It has that New York appeal that is received as a novelty down here, keeping over-priced businesses like Stein's Deli in business (why not pay 12 bucks for a delicious "Sam" of hot pastrami, swiss, and cole slaw on rye with russian dressing, when it's the only place you can find one?) At Il Posto, they toasted the H&H everything bagel for me, and spread too much cream cheese on it (I've always felt like an ass, wiping a layer off with a napkin); and they stirred the cream and sugar into my coffee (that would always bug me when I visited NY). I don't mean to talk shit, here, but instead offer some cultural perspective. Likewise, I'm sure over-priced New Orleans-themed eateries make a killing in New York.

Il Posto's product is fresh and visible, displayed around the room, from wicker baskets of shallots and beets to the three liter cans of Saica Castelvetrano Sicilian Extra Virgin (oh hi, Rachel Ray, notice I spelled it out so as not to be annoying like you) Olive Oil lining the walls.




A combination of the natural light flooding the room and the lunch-rush chatter of uptown ladies made it difficult for me to see my laptop screen or concentrate to write about them. But I'll say, from memory, that they ranged in age from 29 to 72, well-dressed and affluent, even the younger ones, adding coquetry to the Ann Taylor look with high-heel knee-high leather boots and maybe a retro cloche hat. Some were retired, stay-at-home, or on lunch break from nearby low-stress jobs. Who am I to talk, I basically act like a retired person. There were literally only two men in there, probably above 60, enjoying lunch with their wives. I wanted to see Carm and Ro in there, smiling at pictures from their Paris trip, but instead pictured them picking apart decadent pastries with their done nails, clacking in and out too conspicuous, with bigger hair and puffier peacoats.

Il Posto offers simple paninis, such as one of proscuitto, basil, and mozzarella, and elegant grilled cheeses, like the one with gorgonzola, walnuts, and honey. The cheeses all come from Prytania Street's St. James Cheese Company.

All the while, the cute young owner with a Maggie Gyllenhaal face was busy at work behind the counter, dishing out salads or kneading dough. New Orleans loves a new business. Sometimes I think all I want in life is a nice dog and a new cafe to try.

Going to Canal Place to See a Movie by Yourself

Sneaking shots from 3rd floor of parking garage.

The One-Way Conversation I Have Every Morning

"Are you a cat?"

Chris Mooney on the Colbert Report

No, I am not using my brother to get more hits. Check it out:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Obama's New Science Policy - Chris Mooney

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Foodie at Fifteen

Do you think he would be friends with me?

Another 2009 Bloggie nominee, Foodie at Fifteen is way ahead of the rest of us. Well, he's sixteen now, but he already makes duck confit, experiments with some cooking method known as "sous vide," and is a terrific writer to boot! Takes nice pictures of the food, too. Precocious young people are so much cooler than your standard adult. But most of the time, they grow up and get all screwy and self-conscious...what up, J.D. Salinger.