NYDiscovery

Johnny Weir: Adding Sparkle to the 2010 Olympics

A couple of days ago, I complained in a Facebook status update that I currently wouldn't have a favorite actor or singer - let alone would have a crush on somebody! I simply didn't come across somebody who took me by storm and fascinated me on the spot. This dire streak, which lasted throughout the second half of 2009, ended yesterday!

It started with Time Out New York magazine's new daily newsletter. They asked Bold Questions to Johnny Weir and this caught my interest. I hadn't finished the article yet, when I fired up a Google search. Watched a couple of Youtube videos and realized, I just had missed to watch the Nationals which were held the night before, while the Gold Globes were on - which I didn't watch live either!

Social Media has its great moments. Of course I found a Johnny Weir's fan page on Facebook and I while I initially hesitated to become a fan because of his attitude and comments regarding "fur", I decided, I could do it nonetheless. I also follow him now on Twitter. Luckily, I did not miss to tape the start of his TV show Be Good Johnny Weir on Sundance Channel which aired yesterday for the first time.

While I only had time to watch half of the show, I am ready to admit that I can't wait to watch the whole thing! Johnny Weir not only wants to be a superb ice skater but a glitzy pop star and personally I am fine with that! He's fascinating and a far cry from being boring. I'll watch the show and I can't wait to see him competing at the Olympics. I hope, he still has a chance to win a medal. I'll certainly watch the short program on 02/16 and the long on 02/18 and will keep my fingers crossed for him!

He'll make an appearance at tomorrow's opening for his show at the IFC Center in New York but I'll pass on that one... for now.

-- By Elke

2009 - Tennis Total

Not all New Year's Resolutions have to be unpleasant or stressful!

Among mine was "Following tennis more closely" - definitely one of the more fun ones! And I am proud to say that I succeeded! Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and now US Open. I watched many, many games, the vast majority on TV but some just recently live and on location in Flashing Meadows. I was lucky enough to see at least one match with my idol Roger Federer (SUI) at Arthur Ashe. The other two matches that I saw at a different night at Arthur Ashe were Andy Roddick (USA) and Maria Sharapova (RUS). 

I saw more games at the much smaller Louis Armstrong for which I've purchased reserved seats for Saturday and the Tuesday after Labor day weekend. I saw the German Tommy Haas loose against the Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. I saw Novak Djokovic (SER) beat the American underdog Jesse Witten in a dramatic match.

I cheered for Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG - photo) when he finished Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) in 3 straight sets. And kept my fingers crossed for Fernando Gonzalez (CHL) when he advanced against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) just to see him loose against Rafael Nadal today on a cold and grey day in New York. This one only on TV. 

The final will most likely be aired on Monday and most likely it'll be Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal. But it could very well be that Del Potro who's playing against Nadal in the semi final wants to have a say in this. Same goes for Djokovic who's playing against Federer tomorrow.

My desired final would be Federer vs Del Potro and still, I would cheer for Federer! But either way, to really complete my New Year's resolution, I would need to be able to see the game but I am working! A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! I'll find a way.

Game on!

http://gallery.me.com/nydphoto#100088&bgcolor=black&view=grid

-- By Elke

http://gallery.me.com/nydphoto#100088&bgcolor=black&view=grid

An Amateur Photographer's Dream: Catching Adam Lambert - During The Early Show

In the beginning of 2009, Oliver asked me weather I'd follow American Idol as regularly as last year and I promised, to keep it cool but then I didn't know yet that there would be one exceptional guy auditioning!

And no question, when we, the audience, and when the four judges first saw Adam Lambert we immediately KNEW that we're in for something special!

There was no "build up" necessary and no "dark horse" came from behind, Adam Lambert was already THERE in all his almost demanding stage presence! While I liked him through the auditioning sessions and "Hollywood week", he won me fully over after the first few steps into Black Or White. Since then, I was religiously following American Idol. Sorry Oliver, so much to "less Idol". Maybe next year?

Next year certainly will be different, I swear, since this experience can neither be be repeated nor topped! It's a one singular sensation which, in a way, climaxed for me today.

I also finally had reason to open the bottle of champagne that we left uncorked after last week's unfortunate outcome. Champagne is reserved for happy moments and such happened today! 

After months and moths of watching a weekly Adam Lambert mini concert on American Idol, where I stopped our DVR to take pictures from the flat screen TV with my iphone (could have used the Nikon SLRs but it seemed inappropriate for "TV Photography), I finally got to take real pictures of the real Adam Lambert!

There were times, when I wished so badly to be able to do what I love doing: taking pictures from subjects I love! Taking real photos of Adam Lambert! And today I took the opportunity, rushed to the CBS studios and The Early Show to catch Adam Lambert performing Mad World and giving an interview.

More about that tomorrow... for now, I am absolutely happy to having had this picture opportunity! Stay tuned for more pictures (with less watermarks) and stories to come.

And never stop dreaming...

-- By Elke

A King Without A Crown: Adam Lambert Is The Real Champion

A blog post is not a diary entry. Although personal,it is meant to be read - theoretically - by "the world", meaning I would want to be careful with my true thoughts and feelings. More than 1 hour and only 1 Martini later, my tears have dried but my mood's still dark.

Yeah, "dark! Adjective of the season! The "dark horse" wins over the early front runner. Who would have guessed? Nobody! Because it's not deserved anyway! Sorry Kris! You're cute, you can play the guitar and the piano but even Danny Gokey or Matt Giraud are better singers than you.

And then there's Adam Lambert. Gosh, thank God there's Adam Lambert! Take that bible belt! For me, personally, that's the end of American Idol! But two seasons that I watched religiously (here we are again!) are enough, and I don't believe (another innuendo!) that there will be ever - hands down - anybody as charismatic and talented as Adam Lambert on that show! But that's not all. He blew me away with his really sweet and ultra polite personality, week for week. Nobody else had that much - yes, I dare to say it - grace! 

While reading tons of professionally written articles and semi- to non-professional (but heart felt) blog posts, I came across a couple of Adam Lambert tidbits that I found remarkable, true or not true, for me somewhat meaningful nonteheless.

Adam Lambert is supposedly a big believer in Astrology and so am I. I have my very own match-making philosophies. Just ask me. He's Aquarius and I am Libra and we would go well together would I've not already given my heart to Gemini Oliver and was there not...
... that age difference!

Yesterday, I read that Adam Lambert cut his head open not just once but twice! Well, I am glad that I survived this one time last year, a day after my birthday, but cutting your head open definitely connects, I think. (I have a new friend who also had a head injury and who beat me with 8 to just 7 staples! I wonder how many Adam Lambert had?! I am sure he must have chosen staples over stitches since the latter requires shaving hair...)

And then there's the love for goth, punk, black, cool hair, rock music and all that... As for me, I never felt the desire to be on stage, to perform, to be somebody else. I love to be me, yes I do, and I prefer to do my own hair, nails, etc. but... I do love to be on stage, speaking in front of people, entertaining, and maybe it's about time to think about what I can do with that desire... And I certainly also do love rock. Not Kiss, and also not too much Led Zeplin - although Adam Lambert's Whole Lotta Love performance was just phenomenal - but I love rock much, much more than my husband. If I didn't have to go to work each day or if a day wasn't limited by only 24 hours, I'd pick up playing guitar again. I so badly want to make music. I think, I'll give Garage Band a try - we'll see where this will lead me.

And while I am still sad (aka upset) that Adam Lambet didn't get crowned, I know he'll be THE next rock king anyway. He already has the most iTunes downloads in his pocket and he rules!

I'll be looking forward to seeing him on stage come August 8th because, I did it! 3 weeks ago, I bought a ticket for the Idol's tour (I actually bought 2 and best hubby ever will join me). And that's where American Idol and I will depart forever. No season 9 for me but Adam Lambert forever!

In every little piece of interview, Adam Lambert's face lit up when the question came up regarding recording an album and I hope, he'll be able to produce a good one. One he'll be proud of to have made. And one I'll be happy to listen to.

Wishing Adam Lambert all the best - the journey has just begun and who knows, maybae I'll be writing the screenplay to a movie he's starring in... or maybe I'll write a really cool song that needs a gifted singer or maybe... there are still chances and hope (the last innuendo for today) is still there! Congrats and best of luck to Adam Lambert, thanks for being around and doing what you're doing, and a thick skin for Kris. Amen.

-- Elke (with iPhone from TV photos)

P.S. And now I am off to get creative, I have my very own goals to pursue....

P.P.S. Although the real talent has been neglected, I am somehwat relieved that (post) punk and goth are still somewhat sub-culture and not yet mainstream. Always trying to see the positive in this truly Mad World!

I Get A Kick Out Of You, Adam Lambert - Thanks For Your Weekly Mini Concerts On American Idol

Tonight's the night, the last Adam Lambert arena concert only interrupted by Kris Allen's intimate club gig. The early front runner, the flamboyant performer versus the "dark horse" with stamina, the introvert singer! Both have their qualities but only one of the two gave this wannaba relevant show "a frisson of hipness" as Stephen Holden of the New York Times summarizes it in "American Idol Final Raises an Extra Question".

There's an excellent piece about Adam Lambert's 'American Idol' Journey on Entertainment Weekly's website, so I'll keep this review very personal. I'd like to state though that I very much enjoyed reading and watching Michael Slezak's reviews.

So, what has changed for me in the last couple of weeks since Adam Lambert on American Idol took over Tuesday and Wednesday night? Which impact did he have on my life, and did he really? He didn't get me at Hello, to use a quote of one of my favorite movies, but he got me with his first few notes of "Black and White"! And since then, no day passed by without listening to an "Adam Lambert song" or checking "Adam Lambert Google Alerts". Not a single one...

• Okay, the obvious first, Adam Lambert Introduced me to some new and/or forgotten music, for example "Mother's Finest" or to appreciate Led Zepplin more. Then again, American Idol isn't exactly my source for good music, since it's way too main stream but not this year!
• Adam Lambert's at times unnerving voice made me more tolerant and appreciative to  high pitched voices. Suddenly, I like singers I couldn't stand listening before.
• I became a returning customer to the iTunes store, downloading Adam Lambert stage videos and studio performances. While the visuals are missing, I especially love the studio versions and they're really promising for what he might do on a real album!
• With a steady stream of new Adam Lambert videos, I finally started to enjoy the video functionality of my posh pink iPod  nano-chromatic, which I've been neglecting the months before.
• Waiting for the subway or the elevator all in a sudden became enjoyable because it became "Adam Lambert video time".
• I finally showed interest for all the entertainment and HiFi gadgets that Oliver is schlepping into our apartment. By now, I finally know how to purchase from the iTunes store from the Apple TV or my laptop. I hope this will also work with non Adam Lambert material (*tongue in cheek, I know it will...)
• This has nothing really to do with Adam Lambert but I got a new computer. I made the leap from a Windows XP laptop to an Apple MacBook and won't return to Microsoft. Ever. (Only for work).
• Had I created a wallpaper with 5 different stars I really like, I now created one with Adam Lambert on it only. My first attempts with Photoshop... really cool!
• There was a weekly, often more, inspiration to blog about something. Adam Lambert gets the credit that I finally got into the habit and excitement of "blogging". Granted, I've been co-maintaining a website for more than 8 years but I've never given myself the freedom to blog about what really moves me, I finally did and the results proof me right!
• www.nydiscovery.com has been picked up by a couple of other sites and bloggers thanks to my Adam Lambert related blogs .
• According to Lijit, the search term that brought the most visitors to www.nydiscovery.com was - you've guessed it - Adam Lambert. Kudos!
•  It's almost impossible to "glam up" my personal style, since I am sporting a quite unique blonde and black hairstyle for more than 2 years - definitely predating Adam Lambert - and my nail polish of choice is black for pretty much the same length of time. Same goes for black eyeliner and black clothes. After all, I am very much "a (post) punk product" myself! (Although from a different decade...)
• I added an Adam Lambert mii to my wii fit mii collection and it's currently my favorite one!
• My own experience with American Idol and Adam Lambert, inspired me to create a couple of fun things for Fotolog, most noticeably "Find the Fotolog Face".
• There's not much water cooler talk in my office, but at a recent party, the really cool people admitted to not only watch American Idol but to get inspired by Adam Lambert as well. Made me appreciate them even more.

And what greater compliment could any artist in the world receive than to INSPIRE people and to make them HAPPY? Somebody who's nice and friendly despite, or especially because he's popular?

And so I hope for this collective happiness tonight, and tomorrow, when the new American Idol will be crowned. I truly hope for the Champagne that Oliver promised! He'll drink it for "having his wife back" and I'll celebrate the next American Idol. Cheers!

-- By Elke (with a iPhone pictures)

From Buying Records in a Store to AI's Adam Lambert

A good 15 years in, minimum, it's hard to remember the times when there were no cellphones and when the Internet was not yet a common household staple.

Just this morning, Oliver and I were discussing, how we, "back in the days" were getting informed or were trying to inform ourselves about what's out there. As far as music goes, I was glued to the radio in order to get to know new music. And there were friends of course, sharing records and tapes. Yep, those mechanical thingies that easily would wind up in a big mess in your recorder. But at least, you could record music from the radio! Woohoo! This was long, long before iTunes. This was even before there was a "Walkman" not to mention the iPod.

Besides of radio and friends, there were special interest magazines and there were record stores and back then, they were even fun! I remember the excitement of browsing through the 2 (sic!) stores the small town I lived in had. When I found a "new" record of my favorite bands. When I listened to records there. I remember vividly when I wanted to buy "A Love like Blood" from Killing Joke and bought something else  instead because they didn't have what I wanted. This is something that wouldn't happen today. You can find everything you want on iTunes (except for the original Beatles catalaogue) and if you can't find it on iTunes, you'll find it on YouTube.

Music works differently today. Surely, there are LUCKILY bands like those of our friend's Lani (Stark), Swati, John (Statues of Liberty) or Ken (Favourite Sons) but there are so many more chances! People get popular, famous even through many other channels. If musicians are smart, they know how to ride the social networking wave (if you need some advice, contact me!). And if they want to become super famous and don't have any reservations, then they audition for American Idol.

And as much as it bugs me to admit it, I am hooked! Totally. Me, who was always so proud for being able to avoid Reality TV. For 6 seasons, I was strong. Didn't know what the American Idol hype was all about. The 7th season I got somewhat sucked into it and anticipated David Cook's victory. For the 8th season, well, I found my crush in Adam Lambert. I feel the excitement from back then when I was a teenager again! The one, when finding a great, new record in the store with a gorgeous cover of course! So, I am ready to admit that I totally dig Adam Lambert's looks and while it took me a little longer to also like the sound of his voice, he got me at Black or White, and he got me good!

Hope he's doing well in tonight's Motown show. Can't wait to see it!

-- By Elke

Photo: Taken by Oliver, March 22nd, Battery Park

Confessions of a Peopleholic

 

Yeah! I think, that's what I am. A "peopleholic" which comes in handy in my profession and job as Fotolog's Head of Community. I am genuinely fascinated by people and I enjoy getting to know new people and their stories.

When I was a child, I remember that I enjoyed reading biographies. I read one about Mozart and Jean Harlow and later many more biographies followed. I even read one about Jim Carrey which sort of helped me getting into reading and being creative again after 9/11, when I lost pretty much interest in everthing. I enjoyed reading a biography about Martin Scorsese, who's still the No 1 person I would LOVE - hands down - to meet! And I loved reading the biography about my long time and still current idol, Roger Federer.

Speaking of Idol, something funny happened yesterday! Admittedly, I am watching American Idol, after having absolutely loved watching season 7 and having followed David Cook's way into stardom. So I am following my 2nd AI season, which is the officially 8th season and I am having a blast!

The funniest thing is, that I should know myself better by now: there's this guy, who dared to sing Bohamian Rhapsody during the auditions which must only be sung by Freddy Mercury - God bless! - (or maybe Michael Johns) but by Adam Lambert? No, no and a big NO! Yet, I liked the guy's chuzpe and his style. Of course I did. I never lost my nack for all things "Goth" and so he's exactly along my alley!

And what can I say? He got me with "Black or White". And he got me good. Danny Gokey might have the more pleasant voice but Adam Lambert is the real deal. He might get voted off as being "too edgy" and Danny Gokey or even Scott MacIntyre will win, but Adam Lambert will get the music career he's dreaming off and he deserves.*

-- Elke

* As so many of my New York or L.A. musician friends. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you guys and don't get tired going to your concerts and rooting for you!!!

Wrong Time to Chicken Out (part 2) and Right to Listen to "Wrong"

Over the last couple of years, U2 and Depeche Mode have been releasing their albums around the same time and so there's not only U2's Get on Your Boots but also DM's Wrong which sounds very much like the early DM and is actually pretty awesome.

I am looking forward to listening to the whole album and not just the single!

Like with Bono, whom I saw sitting in a cafe one day, I once passed by Dave Gahan on a very empty street on a Sunday afternoon in Tribeca. And like with Bono, there was an incredible energy around Dave. Very exciting.

Possibly exciting would have been my encounter with a potential Fotolog member, at the very least with somebody who dresses in "estilo flogger" (Flogger Style) like many Fotolog members in Argentina do.

Sadly, I chickened out and didn't ask him - the guy in green & black - where he's from and if he's a Fotolog member (Check out the picture behind that link).  Next time, I'll do!

-- Elke

My Content is My Content is My Content

Thank you Mark. Thank you faceobook! Much appreciated that you re-thought your strategy! Seriously. You wanted to claim not only everything that I post on your site - understandable - but also the LINKS leading to content on other sites? '

Whenever I would have posted a link to a blog posting on my site - nydiscovery.info - YOU would have owned the rights to use that? Excuse me please. And excuse me please for getting direct - but are you nuts?

My content is my content is my content, Mark. Create your own and monetize that but don't jump on mine. And if you think I need your facebook... well, think again! There are lots of other really cool sites out there, last but not least Fotolog, the site I am working for, for more than 4 years,

Yes, so  - dear readers - if you're annoyed by what's going on, you might want to give http://www.fotolog.com a second look. See you there!

Que te diviertas!

By Elke

How the Grammy's made me appreciate my favorite music even more

The Grammy's - yeah. The music industry was celebrating itself for the 51st time last Sunday.

Like Oliver, I watched the Grammy's for the very first time ever but unlike Oliver, I pretty much enjoyed the show. Granted, aside from U2, Radiohead, to a lesser degree Coldplay and of course Sir Paul McCartney, I am not exactly "fan" of the Grammy presented music. Hip-hop, R&B, Country, Soul? Not my thing! Super cool rapper, drunken presenters, teenage girls, teenage boys - give me a break!

I even agree with Oliver that the pairings of the performing musicians were a bit odd and too staged. And even if there weren't any odd combos, the musicians themselves moved like they were working out - that goes to you Chris Martin! While I agree with VIVA LA VIDA being the top song of 2008, I hated Coldplay's performance!

Totally different story with Radiohead! Thom Yorke's and Jonny Greenwood's show together with the USC Marching Band alone was worth sitting through the 3.5 hours Grammy spectacle! Their performance reminded me of what I love about music in the first place: the feelings that it evokes. The memories that it brings back. The unique experience wich is not comparable with anything else.

Which also made me re-think the significance of the simple "Favorite Music" question as to be found on all social networking sites.

I have a lot of favorite music. I like Nine Inch Nails, and I like Thievery Corporation, I like Chemical Brothers, and I like Snow Patrol. But do I like them that much that I'd like to listen to them in good and in bad times? Would they make the cut if I could only store, let's say 4 gigabyte of music?

And that's when I started to re-organize "my favorite music" on facebook and Fotolog. You'll now find me differentiating between music I already love for years and would't want to live without - thanks Radiohead! - and music I just discovered recently, less than 10 years ago and love and wouldn't want to live without. And everything else, is just music that's pleasant or interesting to listen to, but not really dear to my heart and relevant for me.

Having learned something important about myself, I'd say, this was time well spent.

-- By Elke

Photo depicts John Law of The Statues of Liberty, Arlene's Grocery, January 9th 2009