Tara! Returns!

Pizza Al Metro

2008-12-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

Must go here. Delicious pizza and super nice owner! The only problem? A super scary location, complete with off balanced creeps menacing patrons from the adjacent circle k parking lot. So, make your choice... delicious pizza or attack by crazy nightstalker?!! Umm, I guess the pizza wins?

Restaurants alive in Phoenix

2008-08-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my notes on the local eateries that I am keeping track of around Phoenix:

1. Thai Elephant - I went here for the first time last week and I really enjoyed the food. It was authentic and delicious, if not a little too heavy on the sauces. And the service could have not been any more enthusiastic. It was like the head Thai cheerleader took some time out of her busy schedule to let me know how psyched she was about me ordering from Thai Elephant. And I like that. So, I would return. The restaurant is not too far from my place...and they have a cool website - see here: http://www.thaielephantaz.com/

2. Chipolte - at 16th st and Camelback. I have to give it to them. I know that Chipolte is owned by McDonald's and yet I cannot deny that they are delicious. I have really got a thing for the vegetarian bowl. Tasty and filling! And the chips are super salty and the verde salsa is hot with a flair. Overall, I will call it delightful.

3. Fez - Although the atmosphere is striving to be uber modern, the food makes up for it and then some. I felt uncomfortable in the restaurant itself as the crowd worked very hard at being adult and sophisticated. Not really my bag but the burger - that definitely was my thing. It had pears on it! And a multitude of other treats that were unexpected yet appreciated. The food is really delicious. Maybe take it to go.

4. What a burger - It was a disappointment. The burger was really not that great. But I will say that the bag was delightfully entertaining.

5. Sonic - I just went here for the first time last month. I had tater tots with my meal! So, I did like the fact that they were doing something a little different with the tots, my sandwich was not the greatest. I applaud the frosty drink happy hour which they have started as I am a rather thirsty individual. Overall, I probably would not go back... except for those tots!

6. Thai Hut - When I first visited Thai Hut, the food was excellent. I enjoyed it aplenty and returned multiple times. Then they went on a mysterious vacation for a few weeks and, when they returned, the food was not the same. I went back twice since and it has been bad and worse. I will not return. The food was cold, not fully cooked, sauce heavy, and not really that great. And they are closed on Sundays.

7. Japanese Noodle Blossom Cafe - This restaurant was perhaps too authentic for me. I ordered a standard noodle, chicken, and veggie combo. It smelled good inside the restaurant - but once I got my take out order in the car- it smelled like something died. Seriously stinky. I was so hungry when I arrived home that I tried the food anyway despite the smell. I could eat about three bites before I reached my limit. I took the entire bag and all its contents directly to the dumpster outside. I bid thee farewell, noodle blossom cafe.

8. Maggiano's- This is actually in Scottsdale. My mom really wanted to eat there and so we went a few weeks ago. The restaurant itself was large but rather empty for a Friday evening. The food was good and plentiful. My margarita was super strong and almost undrinkable, but I summoned my disgusting drinking powers and finished the whole thing. My pasta was good, the salad was just right, we had lemon cookies for dessert and I actually loved them. Nice work.

9. AJ's - You know that they have prepared meals at this place. And they are relatively expensive but so worth it. Everytime I get something from their to go area, I open it at home and feel as though my private chef just whipped me up a fulfulling morsel of goodness. Their potatoes are top notch, the salad bar has great variety (although not as good as whole foods), and the meats and veggies are always just right. On the weekends there is an OMLET BAR (I happen to love the little devils) but they are very strict with the time cut-off of 10:30am for ordering. And I have been turned away twice before 10:30 because there were too many people already waiting. So that really ruffled my feathers. Now I go to IHOP for my omlets instead.

That is all for now, will report back later.

IRON MAN RULES!

2008-05-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

Did you see Iron Man yet? It was awesome and worth the $9.50 for sure. Go do it to it.

Neil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-05-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

This show was amazing. The crowd was wild and Neil was in rare form.

Must See Show!!!

2007-05-03T11:08:00.001-07:00

Join in for some laughs!

Delicious Ham and Champagne!

Photo Essay complete with syntax error!

2007-03-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

A brief recap of LA...

Ron is WEIRD! Check out this show!

2007-02-06T12:25:00.000-08:00

W.E.I.R.D. – What Exactly Is Ron Doing?

Saturday, February 17, 9:30pm

The Paper Heart Gallery

750 NW Grand Ave. (602) 262-2020

PHOENIX February 1, 2007: Ron Babcock of Modest Proposal will soon premiere his new one-man comedy show at The Paper Heart entitled W.E.I.R.D. or What Exactly is Ron Doing? A mixture of sketch, standup and video – W.E.I.R.D. showcases all sides of Babcock’s comedy chops. Babcock has performed sketch and standup all over the country including the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and San Francisco Sketchfest. In addition, he was just invited to perform on one of the prestigious improv teams at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. Whether you think W.E.I.R.D. is amazing or just weird, you will be entertained and a better person for having seen it.

Opening the show will be standup comedian and Phoenix native Troy Conrad, whose currently touring nationally. Creator of the extremely popular Comedy Jesus Show and a number of hit sketch shows at Second City LA and Improv Olympic West, Conrad will be performing a rare straight standup set. A writer for the Jay Mohr Roast, Troy was also the only Grrngo chosen by George Lopez to tour in his "Latino Comedy Festival."

W.E.I.R.D or What Exactly Is Ron Doing is one-night only on Saturday, February 17 at 9:30 pm at 750 NW Grand Ave. All ages are welcome. Beer and wine bar with ID. Admission is only $7 at the door. For more information, visit www.MPEmpire.com.

See any good shows lately? Do you want to?

2007-01-29T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here is my proposed schedule. Let me know if I can entice anyone to join...

2/13/07 Anaheim, Ca Bob Weir/ Ratdog http://www.rat-dog.com/dates.html

2/21/07 Flagstaff, AZ LOG http://www.lamb-of-god.com/sacrament/news/tour.php

3/3/07 Tempe, AZ Horse the Band http://www.horsetheband.com/

4/27/07 Indio, CA First day of Coachella http://coachella.com/

Any suggestions?

If you like Killswitch Engage...

2006-11-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

Then I believe that you should check out their new website: www.killswitchengage.com
Their new album drops next week but in the meantime Adam and Howard have put together a track by track video description of the album to entice you to buy. There is a video for every song. The video is of Howard and Adam loosely singing the songs complete with air guitar. So nice. I must say that the more tracks that I watched, the more annoying it became. It was a good idea..

License Plate States More than the Obvious

2006-11-09T11:22:00.003-08:00

Last night I was on my way to the store when the license plate frame in front of me caught my eye. I was extremely interested to see the driver of this mysterious Honda Accord with such a statement on the back of their car. I changed lanes and sped up to catch a glimpse of an older woman driving the vehicle and bobbing her head. I knew what she was listening to... I have tried to recreate her plate fame to share with you.

ADDICTED TO

“DEF LEPPARD”

My teeth, only creepier

2006-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

So, I recently went to the dentist after a long absence. I explained this to my new dentist and he was cool. Cool? He didn't scold me at all. Not even a remotely harsh word about my questionable flossing habits- although I think 3 times a week is a pretty strong showing compared to the average mouth hygene roll call. He was so laid back about the whole thing that I started to become concerned. My old dentist would launch into a huge diatribe about soda, coffee, tea, my laziness, etc. This new guy is like "whatever dude." Ok, whatever yourself. But I am happy to report that he did not find any cavities- thankfully. I also opted for the teeth whitening system where they made molds of my mouth and then they became trays for me to use at home. The stuff that they used as the "plaster" tasted awful and the hygenist told me to tell her when I was ready to vomit- "oh yeah, it happens a lot" was her answer about puking once I could speak freely again. It took three days to get the trays back and they even threw in the mold if I wanted to keep it- which I did. Please see photo to enjoy my tooth mold.
Also, please remember that the plaster stuff was shoved into my mouth willy nilly so it appears as though my mouth is on an angle but it is just the way that the mold was created. Thanks.

Modest Proposal Presents the Crackpot Comedy tour 11/18

2006-11-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Now that really is scary!

2006-11-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

My pumpkin went from oooh to eeewww in about 2.2 days. I guess that they aren't cut out for the AZ heat!

Halloweenie!!!!

2006-10-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

My insanely scary pumpkin by night and day!

The Girly Show 2

2006-10-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Come to the show! The first one was amazing and this sequel promises to be even better than before! Plus there will be cheap drinks and hot babes dressed up in girly costumes!

Check out the MP site for more fun shows and pick up an issue of the magazine, too!

www.mpempire.com

My train journey circa 1886? No, 2006!

2006-09-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

So, I am crazy. I hate flying, I detest the airport and I hate that I cannot bring my own liquids there. I have decided that this year my journey home will be by train. Thanks Amtrak! It will take me two delightful days of train travel to reach Philly from Flagstaff. And, in my mind, it is totally worth it. Seriously- this is such a relief. I will be seeing the country as though it were another era. I will have time to myself and I get to watch the other weirdos to boot. Not all folks on the train are odd, just most of them. My stops: Flag to Chicago, Chicago to Philadelphia then the questionable choice of Springfield, Mass to Albany Rensselear, NY to Chicago and then on to AZ. Plus I have to drive from PHX to FLG to catch the train in the first place. The things that I talk myself into in the name of adventure. And not flying.

Get Crazy this Saturday

2006-09-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

And come on down to the Paper Heart Gallery in Phoenix!!! Check out the return of Ron and Ryan.. and grab a copy of Modest Proposal Magazine while you are there. I know you're gonna like it!!

The Cost of War

2006-08-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Tool Show!

2006-07-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

So, this is the show not to miss this fall. Tickets are on sale this Saturday morning. If you haven't seen these guys before then you must try to catch this concert. It is an experience.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/720703

On a happier note... Neil Hamburger!

2006-07-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Will be joing us in AZ on 8/19/06! http://www.americasfunnyman.com/whats_new.html
You can check this link for his other tour dates and I can assure you that his show will stun and amaze you. Come on, he is America's Funnyman and, dare I say, one of my very favorite comics.

This picture could be anyone..

2006-07-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Or one of those killers. They don't know what the other guy looks like but no need to worry. I say again, eek

EEK! From my door today...

2006-07-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Two serial killers in one neighborhood... downer

Come to the show! 6/17/06

2006-06-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

It is going to be a laugh riot. Bring your friends. Have some fun. Let's get drunk.

Getting Ready for the Prom

2006-05-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Yes it is I before the prom, pre-hair-do of course. And yes, that is a Neil Hamburger poster in the background.

Lost Season Finale- A Total Sham?

2006-05-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Everything was going so well until the last minute of the two hour special. Then they have to show me people off of the island? What the hell? It didn't have anything to do with anything except piss me off. Seriously.

Lost Season Finale Tonight!

2006-05-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

My favorite show is coming to an end this evening. I love this show- Lost is the best thing on TV and I am totally bummed that it is over. I know that the next season probably won't be until next summer if the producers stick to their current scheduling tendencies. Anyway, you know where I'll be tonight.

My fucking neighbor's fucking dogs

2006-04-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

Are you so enthusiastic about something that you stay up super late at night- or wake up extremely early in the morning - just so you can do more of it? Well, my neighbor's dogs certainly feel that passion for barking. They love to bark constantly, as though their very lives depend on it. Not only do they love it- but their owners must love it as well because no one ever seems to tell them to stop barking. I have come up with a few possible explanations for this: 1) Perhaps the neighbors are making a "best of" howls and yelps CD, 2) The neighbors are assholes, 3) The pets are neglected and calling out for help, 4) They are actually breeding werewolves downstairs from me and I am in mortal danger, 5) Dogs just bark all of the time and I don't know this because I am a cat owner. There are many reasons why these dogs continue to shout out to the world.. but I am fed up. I seem to recall an episode of Seinfeld where Elaine kidnaps a neighboring dog and releases it into the countryside only for it to find its way back to its home. This plan had crossed my mind (except for it finding its way back) to end my sleepless nights of cursing dogs but now I have another idea... And that is to complain. To everyone. I am creating some flyers for the people's doors and for my whole neighborhood. I am hoping to shame them into paying attention to those dogs. I'll let you know how it goes.

<-Where the dogs will end up if dognapped

It's almost that time again!

2006-04-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

Isn't this too cute?! I could puke with joy. We call it the Earster bunny because her name is Ears. Adorable

One more Saturday night- but this time it's hilarious!

2006-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wait- didn't I promise you that before? Well, I doubly promise you now because it is true! Damn true. Come to the show and laugh yourself silly! I dare you! Nervous about laughing at humor involving the J-man? Don't worry again because you can pass the buck - it stops nowhere these days. Let's do this.

Sadly, UCONN bit the dust

2006-03-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today UConn was knocked out of the tournament by George Mason U. I was bummed for the huskies and even more bummed that I can't witness any more outrageous antics by their coach, Jim Calhoun. The many moods of Calhoun are really a sight to behold. Until next year, Jonathan.

Nice work Uconn, thanks for almost giving me a heart attack

2006-03-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

Why the hell do they always wait until the last second to win the game?

Dirt like Dirt

2006-03-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

I must say that this episode of aqua teens has inspired me. But just as it has inspired me - it has also enraged me. This is because the new "season" only had three episodes - and two of them were absolute garbage. This filth was not fun nor was it funny. I am so pissed and I check tivo every Sunday for a glimpse of a new aqua teen episodes and they have not arrived. Ugh!

This coming Saturday

2006-03-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

You guessed it! It is another hilarious Modest Proposal show.. Come on down!

Ren Fest '06 Part I

2006-03-01T20:17:00.000-08:00

It started here...

And then went here...

Oh yeah

Check out these beautiful flowers that I got

2006-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

They are still blooming now AND they smell as though the whole florist shop moved in.

Plantains and mexican candy make me feel festive!

2006-02-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Let's do this thing!

Saturday Night at the Paper Heart

2006-02-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

This show is going to be great! Come by and check it out!!

"Can you handle it?"

"Deliciously"

Hold the Phone!

2006-01-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

When I came into work on Friday, an enthusiastic co-worker handed me this copied article from the AZ Republic. It was all over the office- it's bigger news than the staph infection outbreak. Sounds good to me.

Highschool Part II

2006-01-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

This is me circa 1997.

The worst thing that I have ever eaten

2006-01-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

This unassuming soup almost unraveled my mind when I tasted it and found out what it was at exactly the same time..

From cooks.com:

Menudo Soup.. yes, like the band!

3 pounds tripe
3 pounds nitamal (hominy) frozen, not canned
3 pounds pigs feet (not calves) cut into quarters
1 large onion
1 bunch green onions, cut into 1/4" pieces
1 bunch of cilantro chopped
2 tablespoons oregano
1 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 head garlic
2 tablespoons salt

Comedy! It is alive!

2006-01-15T20:29:00.001-08:00

Come check out the show next weekend!

Attack!

2006-01-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

I hear that they call it liberal guilt

2005-12-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

I received a bag very similar to this one pictured at left as a holiday gift. It is hot pink and therefore perfect for me -- except for incredible feeling of guilt I get everytime I go to use it. It just seems wrong to walk around with an expensive little number like this. And plus it makes me into one of those girls. Ugh.

Success! Not from Friendly's...

2005-12-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

but a yule log none the less! Does none the less have hyphens??? (none-the-less?)

Holy Shit.. Does anyone remember deliciousness?

2005-12-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

I was just surfing the web, looking for a picture of the jubilee roll to share with my readers, when I stumbled upon this photo. It is mamoun's in New Haven, CT and they are home to the most awesomely amazing food. Seriously. I have a mamoun's t-shirt with a crudely drawn picture of the owner on it and it is one of my favorites..

'Cause that's my life!

2005-12-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

@ Hollywood Alley

Okay, I broke down and got a tree

2005-12-19T05:51:00.000-08:00

I was feeling down about the holidays.. but this little tree that could has rekindled my yuletide joy. Which reminds me of the Friendly's yule log which is not available in Arizona. Just like harpoon and magic hat beers are not available in Arizona. I can't even buy them though the mail!! Arg!

What's that sklars???

2005-12-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

FOLKS!

Where drunk horses ride to

2005-12-13T19:00:00.001-08:00

Inappropriate Holiday at the Office

2005-12-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a sample of what is happening at my office.

Ben Stein cried his eyes out

2005-12-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

Number 37

Arizona light and dark

2005-12-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Dye, dye, dye

2005-12-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

This is the contrast dye that I have to drink at high noon today. It is berry flavored and I hear that it is better than plain dye flavor. My favorite part of the label is the picture of where it will go in my digestive system. It almost makes it totally worth it.

Office birthday extravaganza

2005-11-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Birthday cube

Last day of being 26...

2005-11-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

I guess that it was a pretty decent age. Off to the land of the late 20's aka 27.

Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Enjoy yourself and eat something delicious. But pardon this turkey. Thank you

New England in the autumn

2005-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

randompics111905 006
Originally uploaded by carpentertara.

I miss the leaves and the snow and the feeling like things are changing.

Obsessive Magnet Watcher

2005-11-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

randompics111905 005
Originally uploaded by carpentertara.

I am trying to find the magnet version of every state that I visit and so far I am doing a decent job of it.. But I am missing a bunch of them! Bummer. One of my most prized magnets is the Harry S. Truman from the National Atomic Museum.

Ears vs. Ewok

2005-11-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

randompics111905 007
Originally uploaded by carpentertara.

I thought that this was a really poignant moment in the life of a cat.

2005-11-16T18:37:00.000-08:00

Super combo..... EARS!

highschool

2005-11-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

highschool
Originally uploaded by carpentertara.

Remember when life was like a psychedelic amusement park?

Liquid Acid meets my foot

2005-11-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Epic battle? No.. just a horrific fact of life. It is an unusual new hobby that I have stumbled upon.. And it is keeping me on my toes! Sorry! I had to tell someone

Math is important

2005-11-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Although math is not very popular, it is important for humans to convey messages to one another. AND we will need it to communicate with aliens that might( stupidly) not speak the English!

Rock out

2005-10-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

Come on and check out my ticket collection!

I once had more tickets, but I lost them in my non-attachment frenzy. Hopefully you enjoy the ones that are left!