Post Accounts of the New York City Reading Here!

[QUOTE=Dennis]Hey everyone,

Tonight Chuck picks up his tour again for [b][i]Haunted[/i][/b] in New York City. To celebrate the reading, I myself will be attending along with some of my awesome crew of ChuckPalahniuk.net, including Mirka, Kareem (BitOfAFinger) and Mark (VigorousPuppy). Then aftrerwards, we'll all be trucking downtown for our own little private Cult reading and shindig. So be sure to scroll down for more information regarding that! But first, here's the info on the actual Chuck reading:

[b]May 31st, 7:00pm
New York, NY
Barnes & Noble
33 E. 17th Street (Union Square)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 253-0810
Click [url=http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/community/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=130&day=2005-5-31&c=1]here [/url]for more information.[/b]

Then, after the Chuck reading lets out, join us for own [b]Cult reading[/b], where some of the most daring members from our Writers Workshop will take stage to read their own original work.

[b]When:[/b] After Chuck's reading, starting between 11 p.m. and midnight.
[b]Where:[/b] Apocalypse Lounge, on 3rd St. between Avenues A and B.
[b]How:[/b] If you're planning on attending the Cult Reading, you [i]must[/i] first contact [b]anxious phoenix[/b] via Private Message to confirm.

For the Chuck reading, remember to get to the venue [i]early[/i]! At least a few hours early if you want a seat. Not to mention, Chuck is notorious for showing up early himself and signing books for whoever is present when he does.

I can't tell you for sure how open Chuck's going to be this time around to signing anything you throw at him. So please, people, try and have some class about it and don't show up with a mound of books for Chuck. You'll only make the people standing behind you on line loathe you to the very core.

I know there's tons of you out there hitting these readings. So please, let us hear from you! I want accounts, pictures, even video if you have it. But start by announcing your presence in the feedback of these Tour posts. To do this, you'll have to be at least a Basic Member on our site. If you're not a member of our site yet, and are worried about the price of admission, sign up for a [b]$2 Day Pass[/b] which will give you access to the forums. Not to mention, you can extend that access to a full month by signing up for the [b]Basic Membership for only $4[/b]. Or, there's the [b]Premium Membership[/b], which gets you everything, including the exclusive essays by Chuck and full workshop access. Register first to become a Cult Member [url=http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/join/]here[/url], then follow the easy steps which tell you which pricing plans we offer. It takes minutes.

[b][url=http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/join/]Join The Cult![/url][/b]

[url=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385509480/officchuckpalaha/]Order Haunted here![/url]

[url=http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/author/tour.php]Check out all the tour dates here![/url][/QUOTE]
PMs won't work. I'm leaving in a little while. Try to find us at B&N and we'll talk. There's still room.

have fun everyone! tell Chuck to visit Boston real soon. I'll take him to my favorite Chinese restaurant.

Just got in... Here we go...

I was about two hours late to meet up with Rob (Anxious Phoenix), Robert (RKDaley), Mark (Vigorous Puppy), Jase (Jase), and Ethan-James (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde)... Fucking NYC subway system won't let me be... I finally got to Yaffa Cafe, and had a jittery cup of coffee and a whole bunch of cigarettes. We discussed my sadomasochistic nature. After being thoroughly weirded out, we left, and headed to the Barnes And Nobles on E.17th St. When we got there, we stood in line for a while, and Rob and I kept running downstairs to smoke cigarettes. Downstairs we met up with Mirkah, who is a fucking sweetheart, even though I was extremely afraid of her. Back upstairs, we stood in line to get our wristbands so that we could get seats, met Dennis and Kareem, and then finally sat down. After a couple of hours, Chuck arrived to be greeted by over 800 anxious fans… Chuck began the reading by talking to all of us, he’s one funny ass motherfucker, he read “Hot Potting” from Haunted, and then had a Q&A session. The questions during Q&A sucked… For example: “What is your favorite movie?” “Which is your favorite book you’ve written?” and “Are any of your books based on real people in your life?” JESUS PEOPLE ARE MORONS. (No offense, well kind of.) All the Culties would groan every time a question would get asked… YES THEY WERE THAT BAD!!! Chuck threw out severed limbs, and told people not to fight over them. “It’s just a plastic foot he said.” He told us about that guy who cut off his own arm while he was stuck in a cave, and how his tour coincided with that guy’s, and how the severed limbs he had sent to all of the tour stops, had opened the boxes with the limbs and how the guy with no arm thought it was hilarious…
I got Choke and Haunted signed and we headed out…

Before the reading after the reading, we met up with my girl Olivia and then we went out to a funky ass Indian place, and had some amazing food; the bill was 104 dollars for a party of ten. In NYC that’s amazing!!! Robert and Jase engaged in Tequila and other such beverages as did I.

After the food, we headed to the Apocalypse Lounge where the reading after the reading ensued. The first person to go up was this dude, Mick, a Chuck fan we picked up at the reading, he read a story about a guy who has a fight with his girl and meets a homeless guy named Iggy who has a really “tight cart”. It was funny. Next, was Robert, he read “Serenity”, “Sparkle” and “Puppies For Christmas” (ALL ARE IN THE WW AND IF YOU HAVEN’T YET CHECK IT OUT NOW!!!). Then I went up, I shook and shit, lost my reading virginity, I read three of my pieces, and got a pretty good response, and a couple of “Oooh’s” for my sexual piece. After I went up, Mark went up and read “The Beautiful Assistant” which is a story about sex, dentists and anesthetics. (READ IT IN THE WW NOW!!!) Then Rob’s friend Mikey went up and recited a whole bunch of his stuff, “7th Period Suicide”, a second piece the title of which had something to do with a Nextel phone, and “From Baby to Battery” the guy was a amazing by the way. Then, Jase went up, and read a story of his, the name of which I unfortunately didn’t get… The story was about a lot of things, frat boys, guns and alcohol. (AMAZING SHIT READ IT BY CLICKING THE LINK IN HIS SIGNATURE) Rob went up and read “Diffusion”, an amazing piece about love, loss and that which is in the middle. (READ IT IN THE WW OR GET HIT WITH A SPOON). After Rob, his girl, Jacquie played a couple of songs, which she didn’t title because, “she doesn’t like to label things.”

All in all it was a kickass night with kickass people.
Thanks guys!!!

By the way, if you haven’t yet, sign up to become a premium member, the shit that’s in the WW, is amazing and inspiring and the people who participate in it are amazing and talented individuals.
-NARS.

At Yaffa:
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/RobertDaley.jpg[/IMG] RKDaley
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Rob.jpg[/IMG] AnxiousPhoenix
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Mark.jpg[/IMG] Vigourous Puppy
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/JaseandEthan-James.jpg[/IMG] Jase and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

Awesome.

__________________________

big S wrote:

Have a good one! I'd sing you happy birthday but the melody was written by a Sunday school teacher and i know how much you hate God so i won't sing to you. Have a good one though.

At the reading:
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Chuck3.jpg[/IMG] Chuck
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Chuck2.jpg[/IMG] Chuck
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Chuck.jpg[/IMG] Chuck
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/MirkahandDennis.jpg[/IMG] Dennis and Mirkah
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/RobandRobertDaley.jpg[/IMG] Anxious Phoenix and RKDaley

At the funky-ass Indian Place:
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/RobertDaley3.jpg[/IMG] RKDaley
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Ethan-JamesKareemandMark.jpg[/IMG] Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Bitofafinger, and Vigorous Puppy.
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Ethan-James.jpg[/IMG] Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

Daley is sitting on my couch. I'm thinking it's gonna be some hot Cult on Cult action.

Rock and roll.

More to come tomorrow when I'm at work, trying to not work.

Just wondering - will Chuck be coming to Australia any time in the future?

***I posted this somewhere else, but then I saw bssmokie had her post here and I realized that I probably put the original in the wrong spot. Lets try this again.****

Ok, just got back from Chucks reading.

Let’s get this out of the way first. I'm ashamed to admit but I did bail on the Cult reading after Chucks reading. There's a laundry list of reasons why, and none of them are very good. On the bright side, my wife and I did get to meet Mirkah at the book store and she was more than wonderful. Thanks for your kindness Mirkah. Sorry we didn't make it to the 'after party'. Pleeeeaaaassse invite us next time, and I promise we will show.

Now, back to Chuck. A Barnes and Noble employee said there were over 800 people there for the signing. The place was packed! Because of work schedules, we didn't get there early enough to get a seat, but we had a great view from the front of the 'standing section'.

Chuck looks much thinner to me, like he lost weight. During the Q&A, someone asked him about any 'physical transformations' in his life. He said that he spent most of his adult life "trying to weigh more than 200 lbs", but he gave up that quest. Seems like no more hardcore workouts and steroids for Chucky.

Chuck was very entertaining, and he had some good stories which I will allow someone else to relate (“The Taster” at the adult video arcade was the most disturbing). His people distributed the teriyaki beef scented air fresheners into the crowd, and he gave out small rugs that looked like steaks for anyone who asked a question. He also tossed out severed limbs which caused a bit of scuffle here and there. Chuck said something like, “It’s just a plastic foot. Don’t hurt each other”.

He read the story “Hot Potting” from Haunted. Even when I read it a week ago, I didn’t think that it was one of my favorite stories in the book. Now after hearing Chuck read it… I still don’t really like it. I’d be curious to hear everyone else’s opinion of that story and how it plays to a crowd in a public reading.

While Chuck was signing my stuff, I asked him if the book on Minimalism was a rumor or reality. He said that he is trying to get Tom Spanbauer to co-author it with him since it would feel “inauthentic” if Chuck didn’t include him.

Once again, Chuck proves to be such a man of the people. Before the event, some of the Barnes & Nobel staff were trying to warn everyone at the back of the line that they could not guarantee Chuck would still be signing books by the time they got up to him. Chuck came on and basically said that he would stay and sign for everyone and anyone that wanted to meet him. I left the book store around 11:00 pm, with Chuck still smiling and greeting everyone as he signed more books. It was great to see the man in action.

It’s late, so I’m sure I’m leaving out tons of details. Others will fill in the holes, but these are the basics as I remember them. Still sorry I didn’t meet up with more Cult members this time, but that was my own fault. Can’t wait to hear about the ‘other reading’ from the rest of the gang.

Many thanks to Chuck for making this a better than average Tuesday.

Dave

Okay, somehow I am still awake. I was going to crash at a friend's place but was sobering up and still quite jazzed about the whole night so I grabbed some dunkin' donuts coffee and trekked home at 4am. I got in around 5:30, snoozed for an hour until my wife got up for work and I've been trying to get motivated to get some work done since. No luck there.

Rewind to last night & earlier this morning....

I arrived later than I'd planned but still early enough to enjoy a sandwich and a few beers at the Yaffa Cafe where I met AP and Vig, who were joined shortly by RK, Mr/Dr, and bsssmokie. As usual I felt like a complete dork wandering in with nothing clever to say upon introductions other than "so you're the guys... you're the guys..." Fortunately the others were more skilled at socializing and my awkwardness passed. From there it was off to the event.

Arriving at B&N, we found Mirkah, Dennis, BOaF, and got our places in line. Once we secured seats, we rotated in shifts leaving for cigs, booze, and whatever other recreational activities suited *coughs* us. Chuck showed up early and got the first half-dozen rows of signings out of the way before the reading began. The place filled up in no time.

Unfortunately, so did the digital camera that I brought with me. I only got four pics, and all of them suck. So please, anyone who got good pics, post them here or email them to me.

The reading opened with Chuck offering a few candid anecdotes. This was my first time seeing him in person, and I was a little surprised to see how lively he was. For some reason, I pictured him as a little more... sedated. Especially given the tour he's doing, and having just spent 90 minutes signing books just before that.

For me, this was the highlight of the night. Chuck talked about the people he meets at the very tail end of the night, the people who confess their stories to him in ways that they don't feel free to do with anyone else. He related a few of them back to us, one in particular about a painter, an abandoned pug dog, and the delivery of some grim news. He told the story completely off the top of his head, yet the language he used was still on par with his best bits of prose. The crowd forced him to pause many times for laughter, despite the sadness that was pervasive in this little tale.

He talked about "honoring stories" and how that is his goal as a writer. The way he rolled off this tale, it was more like sitting around a campfire than on the harsh, cramped folding chairs of a barnes & noble. He talked about what it was in the story that he loved, and how it related to haunted - his love of taking something that you've done that you feel good about, perhaps the best thing you've ever done, and then destroying it. The tragedy of that, he said, was what drives the story. That's where I paused - but we'll get back to that in a minute.

Fast forward past the severed limbs... Funny stuff... but smokie already covered it well.

From there, we got into the reading of "Hot Potting". I haven't read "Haunted" other than "Guts" and the "Slumming" story from the website (not sure if that's in the book or not). While Chuck's reading wasn't bad, the change in tone for this story was a downturn for the event. At least, it was for me. The "campfire" feeling was gone. It felt sterile, and the story itself seemed to overemphasize his love stories in ways that felt empty compared to his earlier candor. There was little laughter or murmuring during it, no one passed out or puked or anything.

This brings me back to my earlier pause... After rolling off such a fantastic little story from the top of his head - Chuck talked about the tragedy of the story, and what he seemed to think made that little story work. It was a story about a guy who basically saves a dog from abuse, and that dog being the only good thing this guy had ever done in his life. And then something comes along that may end up killing the dog.

Maybe I misunderstood him, but if he really thought that the tragedy of that was what made the story work, then I very much disagree. What made the story work was the way it found a moment of humanity at its best, a spot of happiness amidst a very dire set of circumstances. Here was one person giving another the worst news of their life, but somehow they're both laughing about it just minutes later. The story rehashes a theme that Chuck used well in Fight Club, one that I love about human beings - the relativity of happiness. To me, that's what made the story work, the way it twists this theme into yet another way of looking at that idea.

After listening to "Hot Potting", I'm a little concerned about reading the rest of "Haunted". I'm sure some of the stories are better, but I'm worried that Chuck may be too focused on the tragedy to find the humanity that must be attached to it in order to really make the reader FEEL the tragedy.

Take "Guts" for instance - amidst all the grotesque imagery, you can find those beautiful flawed moments of humanity. The narrator in the pool trying to get his trunks back on. The kid with the wax still convinced that the Arabs are pretty damn smart. The kid with the carrot and the idea of the invisible carrot hanging over his family. That's what made the story work - not the tragedy of never becoming a lawyer.

It will be interesting to see where Chuck goes next. It's clear that he still has a love for great stories and will continue to do his best to "honor" them. My hope is that, if he is indeed done with horror for awhile, he will refocus on those lovable human foibles that really draw me into his work.

Fast forward past the Q&A... barely anything interesting came out of that...

I'm waiting in line with RK and AP to get my book signed. Here was another choice moment of the night, as AP handed Chuck the flyer for the after-party reading and told him about the event. Either Chuck is a great actor, or he was truly disappointed that he knew he could not be there. That look he gave, you could see that all his talk for the love of stories is no bullshit. He wanted to go, but it was clear from the line behind us that he was going to be there until the dawn signing books.

Fast forward to an awesome Indian restaurant that I will have to visit again... Great food, dirt cheap, and ambience to burn out your the red receptors in your retinas... THANK YOU AP!

Fast forward to the Apocalypse Lounge. While we anticipated a bigger crowd showing up, the people who were there were very cool and the reading was a good time.

First up was someone who I don't think is a cult member, but did a reading about a homeless guy named Iggy that was quite eloquent and entertaining. I hope that guy signs up, I didn't catch his name but I enjoyed the story.

Next was RK, who wowed us with his minimalistic poetry, and smokie got over her reading fears and shared a batch of poems. I don't know why she was nervous, she did great and should be doing this more often. One thing that sometimes gets lost in the workshop is the intended rhythm of the poets, which made RK and smokie's readings much more enjoyable than the static words on a screen.

Next was VP, who took me back to my wisdom teeth removal and the marvelous drugs you get for that sort of procedure. Ahh... memories... thanks buddy!

After that was some very animated poetry from another non-cultie named Mike (I think... I suck with names). His def-poetry style delivery got me excited about getting up on stage, for which I was thankful because I had to go next.

After me, AP read his "Diffusion" story, which meandered from head to heart authority and back again with poise and grace, weaving a somber but beautiful tale.

To close we got some folk tunes from someone with a voice very much like Jewel but more fun.

After that AP and RK took turns kicking my ass at darts and then I headed back to get my car and drive home.

I can't believe I'm awake. It was a great night. Big thanks to AP for organizing the event and showing us outsiders a good time. If NY culties would like to do more readings, keep me in the loop. It was a joy I'd be glad to repeat.

That is great you guys, wish I could have been there to meet everyone, and I dig the pictures in the Indian Lounge place.

All went well, Everyone got along and I know somoe friendships we're formed.

The Chuck was cool as hell as always

He told me he's gonna do some more touring. TORONTO! Denniis said e'd havee it up on the board here, so watch your Cult headlines for more info.

I can't go on enough about how sweet and cool and odd in a good way everyoone is. The Mid wEST Meet up is gonna fucking rock. Everyone is VERY similar to my interpratation of thier Cult personalities.

Wow- it's sounds like you guys had a blast. I wish I could've been there!

I feel like I'm gonna be the only Cultie who hasn't met anyone by the time the Mid-West Meet-Up comes around. I'm so jealous, but it sounds like I have nothing to wory about. You all seem so great and I can't wait.
Are there any plans on Chuck coming anywhere near me in the future? It would be nice to actually hear the voice behind the books.

[QUOTE=bssmokie][IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/RobandRobertDaley.jpg[/IMG] Anxious Phoenix and RKDaley[/QUOTE]You look like Ray Liotta in this one RK.

[QUOTE=Parkaboy]You look like Ray Liotta in this one RK.[/QUOTE]
[B]That's[/B] who I was thinking of, I just couldn't get the name to come off the tip of my tongue.

and in this one as well
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/RobertDaley.jpg[/IMG] RKDaley

Some of these people kicked it old school, so I don't know what else to add, but I'll see what I can do.

First off, everyone rocked my spot. No one pissed me off or got on my nerves. I was a little anxious meeting a bunch of people off the internet, and surprisingly, everyone was very relaxed and very cool. Says a lot for the kind of community we have here.

The initial meet-up, at the cafe, was great. Very relaxed and a good chance for us to hang out a bit before we would end up sitting in Barnes and Noble for six fucking hours. Which wasn't that bad, either.

Guys, when Daley is around, lock up your daughters. He is a flirt and a half. I'm just kinda annoyed that all the chicks around us were in high school. Too young for me.

The reading itself was great. Chuck knows how to work a room and tell a story. I'm not a huge fan of the short story he read -- there were others I would have liked to have heard -- but this is the first time I've actually heard him read on of his stories. The last signing I went to was Lullaby and I showed up late.

Dinner was great. I told the owners of the restaurant it was Daley's birthday, and they flicker the lights on and off real fast and play Indian techno and bring out mango ice cream with a candle.

Our reading rocked my spot. It would have been nice if more people were there, but a couple of my good friends showed up and they loved all of our stuff. Which was nice, to get an audience that doesn't know us, to hear us.

I rushed through my story a bit -- first time I've ever read anything for anyone. I'm used to public speaking, from my job, so I wasn't nervous, I've just never read a creative piece of writing before. It was a great learning experience, though, and I'm glad I got the chance to do it.

And all of our readers rocked my fuckin spot. Sonya read and I was thrilled because she said she might not cause she was nervous. Daley's poems made me want to cry, but with depression. Vig has a great flow and great timing, and I loved how he took a very bland topic -- oral surgery -- and made it a funny, sexy read.

Jase kicked ass. That boy has some power behind him. In fact, he did so good that afterward, my friend Mikey comes up to me and says, "His story was verbal intercourse and he's hot, I want to have sex with him SO BAD."

So, Jase, you got fans on both sides. Rock and roll.

My friends Jacqui and Bess really liked it, too. They would have been honest if they didn't like it. They're not so nice as to lie to us, just to make us feel better. So their mark of approval is actually pretty cool.

I'd also like to make a shout-out to my boy David at Apocalypse Lounge. Third Ave between A and B in the East Village. They hooked us up with a stage and a mic, and for that, I'm greatful.

So, after the bar, yea, me and Daley kicked Jase's ass in darts. That's not true. The games were close. They have much better throws than me, and on the second, and last, game, which was cutthroat cricket, I was lucky. I had some good throws.

Good times, though. We finally wrapped up around 3:30 in the morning, and I took Daley home with me.

Aww yea.

He crashed on the couch and I took him over to the ferry a little while ago, which is going to deposit him on the lower tip of Manhattan, where he can go nuts, break hearts and cause all kinds of trouble.

I don't know what else to add right now. There'll be more later when I'm more awake and my brain is working better.

But, I'll end with this -- these folks are some sweet fuckin people.

The photos won't upload... but I did put them on [URL=http://1337salad.blogspot.com/]my blog.[/URL]

Best day of my freakin life.

[QUOTE=creamed_con]The photos won't upload... but I did put them on [URL=http://1337salad.blogspot.com/]my blog.[/URL]

Best day of my freakin life.[/QUOTE]

Hey man, great pics of the event, and thanks for sharing them with us. I was far too lazy to upload mine off my camera yet.

I'm not trying to sound to crazy or anything, but can you elaborate on your friends urine stains?

Just curious.

[IMG]http://members.aol.com/drjekyll8mrhyde/chuck.jpg[/IMG]

Chuck’s fan base is growing in jawless mouthfuls. He was full of surprises (don’t read this part if your still going to a reading) everything from throwing severed limbs to serving meat.

What impressed me the most was what up to now I’ve only got in the abstract.

Chuck is a brilliant storyteller. He knows how to orally intertwine drama, humor, wit, and relentless energy. Again, He spins a hell of a yarn. Actually I’d rather listen to him then read him.

Also, the man gives all of himself to his fans. Like TG said above he was thin, and in my opinion weary. The pace has to be caching up with him.

The point is: before he was introduced the announcer said that chuck probably wouldn’t get to see everyone. But after the reading he assured everyone that he would stay until all the books sighned.

Shit…, if he did he was there until two in the morning.

[COLOR=Red][SIZE=5][FONT=Garamond]CULTIES[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
[U][B]Rob [/B] [/U] (AP)====\pick scabs for ya. Thanks for New York welcome. The night’s taste was delicious. Your’re a flat out brilliant host.

[B]Dennis[/B]===you have entoxicating enthusiam. good stuff coming to the cult.

[B]Jase[/B]===. Looking forward to playing catch. Your reading had the cooling effect of cooco cream over posin ivy skin.

[B]Karreem[/B]==Paris was a treat, but hell no…., someone has to give splinters when your focus is on the engine.

[B]Miraka[/B]===just flat out loved tralking with ya. Enjoy your days with the Yorks. Your knowledge about food is beyond me. I don’t know such ways, but it was a joy to listen too.

[B]Smoke[/B]===your reading took me to the hot springs of the Shara desert. No devils this time, well maybe a few.

[B]Chuck[/B]=== Take a breather before you break. But it was a hell of a show. That’s the first reading I’ve laughed my bones off.

[B]VP[/B]===love that portable keybord thingy. But don’t the letters get confused when you write upside down?

[B]Daley[/B]====Ha G GA ha, what the fuck? I need to take some lessons from ya. You’re a hulk squishy doll filled with soft squishy stuff, you know the kind you bend, twist, pull, bite, throw, and run over but always goes back into its original and comfortable shape? THANKS FOR THE BIRTHDAY!!!!

[B]Olivia[/B]==Get your ass here! thanks for the words.

[B]Pug Dog[/B]==You’ll be OK!
[B]
TOP gun[/B]===didn’t see ya! Wish you had come over and found the rest of us. But cheers nonetheless.
[B]
Riddle Gimp[/B]== I’m a fucking Gimp. Man I just ran out of steam. I’ve been so manic and frantic the last three days that by the time we got to the sighing I was wobbly and warped. You have to believe that last night I was the only mental case running around new york looking for a plastic banna (for chuck to SIgn!) no worries though, my word is still good, “Me gots something in mind.”

I hope I didn’t miss anyone

Again, what can I say?

And for those that couldn’t make it no worries, there’s plenty of good times still to come. Unless you die.

[QUOTE=Dr.Jekyll&Mr.Hyde]

Also, the man gives all of himself to his fans. Like TG said above he was thin, and in my opinion weary. The pace has to be caching up with him. [/QUOTE]

Dr J, I think you hit the nail on the head with the word "weary".

Actually, the expression I used to my wife last night was that Chuck looked more "frail" than I have ever seen him. Not sure if that is a correct description, but that's what it felt like to me. Hopefully he gets a chance to slow down soon - and maybe write something better than Diary and Haunted.

Ooops, did I say that out loud?

[QUOTE=bssmokie] The questions during Q&A sucked… For example: “What is your favorite movie?” [/QUOTE]

you're right, that was unfortunately the best question....

what about that pretentious ass with the question from the first row of standing room. (about undergoing severe phyical change or something)......i'm glad chuck shot him down quick with the puberty answer. he is real funny.

its 6: 22 the next day and i'm finally rid of the teriaki air "freshener" smell.

i caught one of the arms and wanted him to sign it "to aron, sorry for the misunderstanding, Chucky P", he laughed and said "c'mon, cut me some slack, leave the guy alone".... he just put "to aron" which was fine.

i have a couple pictures that i would like to post, but lack the clearance.......if anyone is willing to do it for me please let me know.

I was there, but I was secret and quiet... mostly because I didn't have a damn clue who anybody was. I should have brought a sign that said, "The Cult" like the good little limo driver I am.

The shame is, I was sitting right behind a lot of you folks! Long hair. Tattoo of the solar system running up my arm.

[IMG]http://photos6.flickr.com/11539501_203254b684.jpg[/IMG]

And I had to cut out real early, which was a shame. Couldn't even shake the man's hand. His signature would only be secondary to that.

But it's fine, I came for the spectacle and it was one. So, I'm happy. Was great to hear the man speak, and he did look frail and am I the only one that felt bad for him? That was far too many people to sign books and three books at that for. I heard people complaining that he USED to sign more, but now he's a superstar and I wanted to slap them. The man was signing for hours and then speaking for hours and then signing for more and more hours.

He kept saying, "Why do you keep this stuff?" and it made me feel better about not getting my book signed... because... why did I need it signed?

Imagine how much longer he could have been up there answering questions and telling fantastic pug dog stories if there weren't so many books to sign! I feel that's why the QandA was so short anyway. My two cents on that. It made me really wonder how you can please all of your fans at his status.

My father did a book tour earlier this year and had about 30-40 people show up for each event and it was so laid back, he answered questions for an hour... until there were no more questions to be asked and then he still signed everybody's book of course... thinking about that makes me long for Chuck's early days and how those signings must've been a blast. Of course, back then I was living in dumb shit nowhere... but I should've trekked.

My question is this... if Chuck had come out and said, "I am only signing one book per person in the first ten rows and I apologize... but I'm going to stand up here and answer questions for an extra hour," wouldn't people go along with that?

I would be ecstatic.

[url]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/JKuhlmann/IMG_9718.jpg[/url]
[url]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/JKuhlmann/IMG_9719.jpg[/url]
[url]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/JKuhlmann/IMG_9714.jpg[/url]

[QUOTE=QquegChristian]I was there, but I was secret and quiet... mostly because I didn't have a damn clue who anybody was. I should have brought a sign that said, "The Cult" like the good little limo driver I am.

The shame is, I was sitting right behind a lot of you folks! Long hair. Tattoo of the solar system running up my arm.

And I had to cut out real early, which was a shame. Couldn't even shake the man's hand. His signature would only be secondary to that.

But it's fine, I came for the spectacle and it was one. So, I'm happy. Was great to hear the man speak, and he did look frail and am I the only one that felt bad for him? That was far too many people to sign books and three books at that for. I heard people complaining that he USED to sign more, but now he's a superstar and I wanted to slap them. The man was signing for hours and then speaking for hours and then signing for more and more hours.

My question is this... if Chuck had come out and said, "I am only signing one book per person in the first ten rows and I apologize... but I'm going to stand up here and answer questions for an extra hour," wouldn't people go along with that?

I would be ecstatic.[/QUOTE]
sadly people will do that no matter how much you give. I think he's learning that he needs to slow down. This tour isn't as big as the last one. And apparently he's slowly starting to limit what and how much he signs. Although he was signing odd trinkets if you brought them to him. he must have a mechanical hand

As for the questions, yeah I agree with you.. I was fucking pissed. I had good questions about the anthology and workshops and we get this:

"Have you ever thought of writing a book in first person?"
[SIZE=5][COLOR=Red][FONT=Garamond]Dennis & Mirkah?
Mirkah & Dennis?
Darth Vader & Obi-Wan Kenobi?[/FONT][/COLOR]
[IMG]http://members.aol.com/drjekyll8mrhyde/mirk.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Dr.Jekyll&Mr.Hyde]

"Have you ever thought of writing a book in first person?"
[/QUOTE]

AS JESUS!!

someone could have at least asked about the secret ending to survivor....

[QUOTE=JKuhlmann]
[url]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/JKuhlmann/IMG_9714.jpg[/url][/QUOTE]

Nice pic! Me likey the ass crack.

[QUOTE=anxious phoenix]my friend Mikey comes up to me and says, "His story was verbal intercourse and he's hot, I want to have sex with him SO BAD."

So, Jase, you got fans on both sides. Rock and roll.[/QUOTE]
Shit, did I set off a false positive on the gaydar again?

Seriously though tell Mikey he needs to get his poetry in the workshop already so we can help him get on def poetry or something. He's got great stage presence.

[QUOTE=TopGun]Nice pic! Me likey the ass crack.[/QUOTE]

i have one with her face too, but i'm not [I][B]that[/B][/I] big of a prick.

looks like it was loads of fun, anyone know whats the news on his new minimalism book, cant wait for that tour now, so i can actually go

Looks and sounds like a killer time for all.

Good.

Very, very good.

[QUOTE=spacemonkey1888]looks like it was loads of fun, anyone know whats the news on his new minimalism book, cant wait for that tour now, so i can actually go[/QUOTE]

While Chuck was signing my stuff, I asked him if the book on Minimalism was a rumor or reality. He said that he is trying to get Tom Spanbauer to co-author it with him since it would feel “inauthentic” if Chuck didn’t include him. If Tom's in, then it's on.

[QUOTE=TopGun]While Chuck was signing my stuff, I asked him if the book on Minimalism was a rumor or reality. He said that he is trying to get Tom Spanbauer to co-author it with him since it would feel “inauthentic” if Chuck didn’t include him. If Tom's in, then it's on.[/QUOTE]

sounds good

[QUOTE=TopGun]Hey man, great pics of the event, and thanks for sharing them with us. I was far too lazy to upload mine off my camera yet.

I'm not trying to sound to crazy or anything, but can you elaborate on your friends urine stains?

Just curious.[/QUOTE]

I thought it would be funny to say I cut off the photo because of the urine stain, but he didn't like it so I changed it.

ha.

[QUOTE=JKuhlmann][url]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/JKuhlmann/IMG_9718.jpg[/url]
[url]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/JKuhlmann/IMG_9719.jpg[/url]
[url]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y108/JKuhlmann/IMG_9714.jpg[/url][/QUOTE]

You were right behind me then. I pointed that crack out Anxious Phoenix.

Hey Cult,

I'm finally getting settled back into my native environment again. The New York trip was wonderful but exhausting. I stayed up all night the night before my flight and relied on caffiene pills to get to the Cincinnati airport for an early flight. Then it was go go go! and some occasional sleep in a dark little hole in the wall room, what fifty bucks a night will buy in Manhatten.

Central Park West was a nice neighborhood. Very calm and peaceful compared with all of my stererotypical notions of New York City. I arrived on Memorial Day and took a walk through the park where families were congregated with barbecue and picnic blankets, kids and dogs, lawnchairs. Climbing up the stairs at the "Stranger's Gate" into the park transported me instantly to a world of birdsounds and occasional music, the sounds of traffic below falling to distant, almost inaudible background noise. People were friendly. Not just in the park, but on the streets. Maybe I'm good at picking out who to talk to and who to avoid, but everyone I asked for directions did their level best to help me out.

Tuesday I got to meet the crew. I was the first to Yaffa Cafe in the afternoon, and I spotted Rob (anxious phoenix) when he arrived. I wasn't sure right at first, since he has hair again -- unlike the photo he posted -- but I took a wild guess and asked him. My hunch paid off. Daley joined us soon after, and jase, then Dr.Jekyll&Mr.Hyde, who tried to look around and guess who people were. That was fun. I sat quietly as he was introducing himself around. He looked at me and said: "Dennis?"

Nope. Vigorous.

"OH, V.P!!"

Finally B.S. Smokie made it out too. After food and drinks and chit chat, we walked the several blocks to the Barnes and Nobles at Union Square. Four stories this place. A line forming up on the fourth floor for bracelets. Only the first 300 people would get seats for the reading. Since we made sure to be there at 4 o' clock when they first started passing them out, we got ours. Just a few minutes in the back of the line and someone called out to me from further ahead. It was Dennis and Kareem was with him. Then we were all together and waiting for Mirka. Dennis on his cellphone saying: "Stop shopping and get up here, so you can get a seat with us."

Dennis looking at Dr. Jekyll and at me, looking into our eyes, saying: "Look at you guys! You guys look [i]CRAZY!![/i]"

Ok, I won't try to relate everything in one message.

In the meantime, I'll say that it was a rewarding experience and one that I badly needed. It makes me feel like all time I've spent with this community on the internet over the last two years isn't just my life disappearing into a blackhole with a bunch of strangers. I want to carry that spirit forward when we meet up in July.

[QUOTE=Parkaboy]You look like Ray Liotta in this one RK.[/QUOTE]

I used to get that everyday when i put grease in my hair.

[QUOTE=AP]Guys, when Daley is around, lock up your daughters. He is a flirt and a half.[/QUOTE]

I am very charming, that's all.

I'm a big gay crush!

[center][B]Vig in New York -- Part 2 -- More from the 31st[/B][/center]

Crazy eyes. See also: sleep deprivation, caffienation, alien big city environment, massive stress.

Line up for a color coded, hospital type braclet. The purple one keeps a seat for you if you go to piss, smoke, or browse books during the next two and a half hours. Not any [i]particular[/i] seat. If you leave for more than ten minutes at a time, if you don't have a good friend politely maintaining it for you, you could lose that seat and have to settle for one further back.

"No saving seats," the Barnes & Nobles man tells us, his pinched voice lilting high, aiming for humor. His skinny mad professor look, his half bald head reflected in the lights. "If somebody goes away for more than a few minutes, you can't hold that seat for them."

Fuck him. George has left her seat to go and have a smoke. George is a cute Austrailian girl I haven't mentioned yet. I met her this morning in the Hostel. She is traveling around the world by herself. Before today she's only seen the movie Fight Club. Now she has three books by Chuck and a seat beside me to hear him read and go up for his autograph. Some things work out nice.

Earlier we talked about how many Americans no older than she are dying in W's crusade, we talked about world politics and the way it looks to an outsider, we talked about how she is probably learning more by traveling than her friends north of Sidney are learning in their colleges. She will have a seat when she comes back.

Now I'm bleary-eyed exhausted. I must look gaunt and pale, like skin stretched over a skeleton, but it doesn't matter. Speaking of that, anxious phoenix points out an ancient lady sitting in the adjacent aisle, wearing a tight little skull cap. I wonder if it's Chloe. In my near delirium it could be. In this state of mind, it would rock my world if fucking Meatloaf and Helena Bonham Carter were here, in character, just to fuck with Chuck, ask for some rewrites. Your best characters can be so demanding.

We are The Cult and we've taken over this Chuck Palahniuk reading. We come in all shapes, sizes, and ages.

Chuck has come out to thunderous applause and it's standing room only all the way to the back of the room and beyond. Bracelets are green if you've got no seat, but a reserved spot in line for a later tier of book signing. After herding the first five rows across the stage, it's close to seven o' clock and the rest of us seated will have to wait until after the reading to get our books signed. And the people standing behind us may be here very late.

Chuck's anecdote about the AIDS patient and the pug dog is the absolute heart of gold highlight of his reading. Later, I can do without Hot Potting, but there it is. Now, heat and exhaustion are really taking hold of me. Now, I'm wondering if I'll be the first person to passout during Hot Potting. God that would embarass the shit out of me, though this raving pack of Chuck fans would dig it. As would the master himself. Evil guy. I tell George to catch me if I fall over, and I smile but I'm half serious. I take off my outermost shirt, so that I'm only wearing a sleeveless A-shirt. I dab the last of the water from my water bottle on my face and neck, as Chuck takes us deep into the boiling heart of hell with his story. Thank god those beef scented air fresheners aren't really reaching me. I would hate to run from the room stiffling the vomit. I would never, ever live it down.

[center]-end part 2-[/center]

[QUOTE=bssmokie]
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/MirkahandDennis.jpg[/IMG] Dennis and Mirkah[/QUOTE]

Supercool. Mirkah looks like a dude and Dennis looks like a woman.

[QUOTE=bssmokie]
[IMG]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/SPNARS/Ethan-JamesKareemandMark.jpg[/IMG] Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Bitofafinger, and Vigorous Puppy.[/QUOTE]

That place looks awesome. Too cool.

Hey guys,

Sorry I put this off so long. I had such a great night during the Chuck reading, but the week itself was very busy for me. So I went into the weekend a little burned out. Anyway, on with the account.

My week with the Cult actually began Monday when I drove into Manhattan to meet up with my good friend and partner on the site, Mirka. I had already met Mirka once before back in October 2004 when the fine folks of MacAdam Cage flew us both out to San Francisco for 'Lit Quake', a literary event that both Craig Clevenger and Will Christopher Baer read at. So any weirdness around Mirka no longer existed. We were both thoroughly comfortable with each others real life personas and were able to team up and view all you other freaks as the wonderful weirdos that you are.

Now, Mirka has never been to NY. I think she said she's been to Europe over four times. But she's never been to the greatest city in the world. Tsk tsk tsk. So it was obviously my duty to be her tour guide. And this first day for her went from good to bad then back to good over and over again. For instance, she'd obsess about eating a real NY hotdog... only to find one at a corner stand, get a third of the way into it, and then toss the rest of it into the trashcan b/c it sucked. Then we'd be standing in front of The Strand (used bookstore that promotes their 18 miles worth of stock) and she'd be in heaven again.

The day ended and Tuesday began. Tuesday... the day of the reading. The night of the Cult meet-up. My first. Ohh the anticipation.

So I show up around 2:30pm, knowing that I'd be shaking hands with the original code monkey himself, Mr. BitOfAFinger - Kareem Badr - my other wingman on the Cult and the awesome duderino who keeps this technical monstrosity of a site running every day.

Kareem looked exactly like the naughty pictures of himself he's been sending me the past few nights. Only his afro was more contained. He had it greased and pressed into a more gerry-curl-do. Shaking hands with Kareem I instantly felt an affinity with the dude. All those crazy pre-paysite days and nights, busting our asses to get this all ready in time for January 1st. I think we both already knew each other very well. Just not in the flesh.

So there was no uneasy, periphal stares at each other. In minutes we were laughing and walking around the venue discussing what was to come later that night.

Although later that night ended up being only 20 or so minutes later. Because, yes, at only 3pm-ish in the day, about a quarter of the venue had already filled up... and was continuing to fill. The ushers saw it and immediately got everyone out of their seats and into a line, which curled around the aisles of the top most floor of the Barnes and Noble. (remember people: this was insane. Chuck wasn't reading until 7pm. it was 3pm and the place was already filling up! i felt like i was at a Star Wars premiere).

Grabbing a place on line with Kareem and his very cool sister, Dina, I immediately spotted the rather large head with the grinning face of VigoursPuppy attached to it. My first impression of Vigourous (Mark) was that he was insane. Too much caffeine imbibed over too many nights hunched over a keyboard at a monitor displaying this very website had broken the man. He was now a fractured soul... devoted to the cause of The Cult and its many, many impressive up and coming writers. I feared the man and was fascinated by him at the same time.

"Mark!" I called.

Those beady eyes rolled in my direction and fixed on me.

"Dennis?" he said. Kentucky accent spilling out all over his shirt.

And then Kareem and I were working our way over towards him, and as we rounded the aisle, the rest of the motely crew that was to comprise the 'Cult NYC Meet-Up' came into focus.

First, there was Jekyll (James). A rosey-faced, giggling maniac with the curliest set of hair I've ever seen. (don't believe me, check out the picture below). Jekyll's enthusiasm matched his intense posting style and passionate typing. In fact, he was everything I expected... and that made me glad.

[img]http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/images/news/haunted_nyreading2.jpg[/img]

I remember him bouncing around, repeatedly covering his mouth like a Japanese school girl greeting a Yakuza henchman who just showed her his back-tattoos. Utterances of "Haha! You're Dennis!? It's so weird to hear your voice!?"

I took that as a compliment. But the truth is, I loathe my voice. (who doesn't?)

Next, there was BSMokie (i'm sure I butchered the spelling of her name, so I'll just call her Sonya). Sonya was the polar-opposite of Jekyll. She seemed bored by everything around her. But in a cool sort of way. She sniffed me out, then gave me the top of her hand to kiss. (kidding). After which, she berated me for my avatars. My reaction was to assume that she thought I was some perverted pig. But on the contrary, she lectured me on the photos themselves, saying she was sure I could find [i]better[/i] poses of each girl than the ones I was selecting. Go figure.

Then there was AnxiousPhoenix (we'll call him Rob #1). Phoenix seemed in control. On top of his game. Hell, he even had flyers he had made which he planned to hand out (even one to Chuck) for our little after-party later on.

Then there was Rob #2, a total badass dude with a heart of gold that you all know as RKDaley. It broke [i]my[/i] heart that Rob lives down in Kareem-ville (Austin, TX) b/c I'd love to hang with this guy more. We shared some cool conversation later on that night on the way to the restuarant and I dug his whole laid back vibe.

Then there was Jase (Jason), who's calm demeanor and introspective glance made me instantly fear and respect him. He looked like someone capable of writing a novel like 'Catcher in the Rye' and his presence made me not only glad, but hopeful for the future of our workshops.

[img]http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/images/news/haunted_nyreading3.jpg[/img]

As 6pm dawned near, they began seating everyone. I grabbed a nice end seat towards the middle row of the floor. Perfect view of the stage, and of the surrounding people.

See, you have to understand something. I've seen Chuck read over 10 times by now. I've spent days with him at weekend long conferences. I've had dinner with him multiple times. And we talk on the phone occasionally. I'm not telling you this to show off. It's sort of past that point. So I can't even think about it in those terms. Because for me, going to a Chuck event like this is a very different experience.

I go to see the fans. I study them almost. I watch the effect that Chuck has on them, over and over again. How they hang on his every word. How they laugh at all the right moments. And cringe at all the other ones.

I'm telling ya, it's a magical fucking experience. (and yes, the cuss word was necessary there). No matter how jaded I may get from his books..... or how taxing the website may become some months.... there's nothing like being in a room with 800+ Chuck fans.

[img]http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/images/news/haunted_nyreading1.jpg[/img]

There's nothing like flying body parts whizzing by your head. The smell of cooked meat in the air. And all eyes glued to the stage as this awesome writer captivates the crowd with the power of words.

I don't think I'll ever get sick of it.

I won't go into the details of the read, Chuck's stories, and the Q&A. I'm certain I won't be able to lend anything better to it than has already been accomplished in earlier posts in this thread.

So let's jump to the night that began after the reading had ended. I'll first mention that I waited on line with everyone else and then had Chuck sign some books and a severed arm that had literally dropped into my lap when it hit the ceiling air conditioner over my head during a manic toss.

Chuck already knew about our after-party, where fellow Workshoppers on our site were to read their original stories on a stage in a downtown bar, and I suspected that it broke his heart that he knew he wouldn't be able to attend (he ended up being trapped at the Barnes and Noble, signing books well past midnight).

Tonight, Chuck emailed me. This is part of the email:

[i]Hello Dennis --

It was great to see you and your posse on Union Square. But I felt irked that I couldn't tag along to the reading. Or to the dinner with Edward. I ended up snubbing everybody, that night. But I signed until well after the store closed.

I hope your event went well. Please let folks know I didn't mean to give short shrift; my stay in NYC was so short, I hurried through all of it.

Thanks,
Chuck[/i]

He wanted to pass this onto all of you who were there for the after-party.

But before that began, we hit up this insane Indian restaurant that Rob suggested. And trust me... this place was an experience all on its own. Layered with thousands of little red Christmas lights, the ten of us had some of the best food. This place was affordable, romantic, and just perfect for the night.

[img]http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/images/news/haunted_nyreading4.jpg[/img]

And yes, the techno Happy Birthday song that played as the lights were flipped on and off, on and off, truly rocked.

Next up was The Apocalypse Lounge. We grabbed a table. Ten of us with more on the way. Rob knew the owners and had set the gig up himself days in advance.

Scanning the room, I was very pleased by the vibe. The Stones were playing. 'Kafka' (Steven Soderberg film) was on mute on three tvs hanging from the ceiling, and I was surrounded by good beer, good memories of the reading, and very good people.

There was only one problem.

I was beginning to yawn. The week was catching up to me.

[img]http://www.chuckpalahniuk.net/images/news/haunted_nyreading5.jpg[/img]

And this truly sucked. For the 3-5 stories I was able to stay through, I loved. And it killed me that I didn't get to hear Jase's or Rob's stories. For this, I want to sincerely apologize to you guys. I wished I could've stuck around longer, but I had more than an hour long train ride back to Long Island. And the site needed to be updated early the next morning.

I walked away from the night though with some very deep impressions of the stories I [i]did[/i] hear. While they all blew me away, RKDaley's stuck with me. Maybe because I had never read any of his work before, and was not prepared for the assualt it had on me. Suffice to say, you've all made me a fan and I'm proud to not only be your webmaster (god that sounds lame)...... but to also be your friend.

Thanks everyone for a wonderful event.

Ahhh, Dennis I want to meet you as well as the others. Please come to the MidWest Meet-up!

all of you have given such great accounts of this reading and meet-up afterward, and I am so jealous to have not been there.

Sounds like you guys had a great time.

It's great too that an author as famous as Chuck apologized for not being able to make it to your reading.

He's always a class act.

Glad you all had fun.
And yes, it is pretty amazing watching everyone hang on his every word at his readings.

[QUOTE=Dennis]Tonight, Chuck emailed me. This is part of the email:

Hello Dennis --

It was great to see you and your posse on Union Square. But I felt irked that I couldn't tag along to the reading. Or to the dinner with Edward. I ended up snubbing everybody, that night. But I signed until well after the store closed.

I hope your event went well. Please let folks know I didn't mean to give short shrift; my stay in NYC was so short, I hurried through all of it.

Thanks,
Chuck

He wanted to pass this onto all of you who were there for the after-party[/QUOTE]

This is so cool.

also-
Thanks for the nice words there Dennis. It was great meeting with you as well. I'll be in town again in a few months. We'll have dinner and such. There's great golf out there on Long Island.

Glad my writing stuck with you. *cough*anthology*cough*
I read the tamer of my poems. There' are a few in the WW that are much stronger.

It was a fun time in NYC all around

That chuck e-mail is damn good Java.

Here are a few more pictures.

Please note the one of Jase reading Justin Holt's book "Payday"

I personally like the one of all of us walking down the street. It was a cool thing to be rollin' 10 deep through Manhattan.

[QUOTE=rkdaley]Here are a few more pictures.

Please not the one of Jase reading Justin Holt's book "Payday"

I personally like the one of all of us walking down the street. It was a cool thing to be rollin' 10 deep through Manhattan.[/QUOTE]
Oh Robert, These pics took my breath away. Made me realize that it really won't be long till I too can be this candid with you all.

Tons of people got better New York pictures than I did, but here's a couple I thought you guys might appreciate. Sorry they look so grainy.

Dennis, Kareem, .........Texas Rob (RK Daley)
& Mirka with Chuck......& New York Rob (anxious phoenix) with Chuck

[QUOTE=rkdaley]Here are a few more pictures.

Please note the one of Jase reading Justin Holt's book "Payday"

I personally like the one of all of us walking down the street. It was a cool thing to be rollin' 10 deep through Manhattan.[/QUOTE]

Holy shit!

A 'Thank You' all around to rkdaley for taking the picture, and for Jase reading the book.

Damn...now I'm a really bummed I couldn't go. Son of a fuck!