New York City?!

A friend once marveled at what he considered my “love of life.” We were watching TV when a Pace Picante Salsa commercial came on. I tittered excitedly as they came to the crucial moment: “This stuff’s made in New York City,” followed by that unforgettable exclamation of disgust and horror at discovering its Big Apple origins. (And seeing as how you’re already reminiscing, you might as well also enjoy my favorite rendition of the ad.) I couldn’t help it: not only had I not seen the commercial for years, it had major cheese-factor. And some days–most days–I can’t get enough cheese.

It all started in 7th grade, when my science teacher popped an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 into the VCR, and I caught my first glimpse of the incomparable B-movie-mocking skills of Hodgson, Tom Servo, and Crow T. Robot. My love of good-natured ridicule and all subjects worthy of good-natured ridicule was born.

As a result, nowadays I’m easily triggered to become annoyingly loquacious at the worst moments, relentlessly quipping my way through not only obscure commercials and low-budget sci-fi movies, but also through meetings, overly-dramatic (wedding, graduation, etc.) ceremonies, and any performance best suited for a 6-year-old’s birthday party.

Which leads me to the Amazing Acro-Cats, the main feature of an animal show I recently had the immense pleasure of attending.

I only have one thing to say: my favorite trick was when they plopped a trained (er, really?) groundhog onto a Barbie convertible and . . . pushed him across the stage.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is nothing short of absolutely terrific.

I guess I lied before. This has got to be the worst photo I ever let go public. But a photo of a groundhog wearing a Santa hat? That’s something you don’t trash, no matter how out of focus.

And as if the groundhog wasn’t great enough, how about a round of Chicken versus Cat bowling? (Chicken wins!)

(Left) Nue raises a paw to say, “I’m number one!” (Right) Indy pushes Fiji in her cart. (Fiji’s only trick was sitting in her cart. Talk about the perfect showbiz career.)

(Left to right) Pudge leaps, Tuna springs, and Buffy rolls.

The Rock Cats: Pinky strums the guitar, Dakota beats the drums, Nue tickles the ivories*, and Tuna mans (er, cats?) the tip jar.

*As I was trolling the internet trying to find hep rock-and-roll lingo for this caption, I stumbled upon my next great cheese conquest: Elephant Polo! Come on, who’s with me? You know you want to!


3 Responses to “New York City?!”

  1. Anonymous, on December 14th, 2009 at 12:44 PM said:

    Ok, I am in-I mean, I want to check out Elephant Polo with you..
    But only if I can walk your cats first.
    It's all about gradients. hehe : )

    Amazing.

    ~Amy

  2. Anonymous, on December 14th, 2009 at 10:55 PM said:

    Thank goodness you posted that VCR link!! Otherwise I'd have had no clue what you were talking about.

  3. Joy, on December 18th, 2009 at 8:38 AM said:

    Actually, Amy, I renig my offer. I think we should go whole hog: forget being spectators and instead try-out to PLAY elephant polo. The website says they're still looking for members for the 2006 team. You game?

    And I know, Anon! Times, they are a-changin'.

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