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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Withdrawal

Recap:  Tabitha and Billy are Unplugged, spending a week without computers.

“I think I’m going through withdrawal.” Tabitha says, eyeing Sara checking her email on her phone at dinner with Billy, Scott and Ann.

“Not surprised.  I checked your Farmville earlier, all your watermelons are rotting away.”  Sara teases.

“I miss the cellphone, but I’m doing well.  I’ve read a couple of books I wanted to, and haven’t missed doing all those silly things you do on computers that take up time.  Following random links people send you that rarely end up being funny, reading webcomics that aren’t funny but are in your feed reader so you feel obligated to clear it out..”  Billy notes.

“You _can_ clear out your feed reader of junk you know.  I do an audit every couple of months to try to keep the clutter down.” Sara explains.

“I just accumulate everything and have hundreds of unread posts.  I add a lot of New York blogs that I want to read and possibility exchange links with, and many of them just suck.”  Ann says.

“Delete them!  You’d be better off working on the blog site, or the blog itself, than trying to get more links anyway.” Sara says.

“What? Actually write regularly?  What kind of writer does that?” Ann replies, sarcastically.

“Why do I always order this?  It always sounds good on the menu, and then I taste it and regret it.” Sara complains, pushing her meatloaf around the plate.

From Pictures

“It’s because they say they cook it with beer.  Gets you every time.  It’s one of the buzzwords that they use to try to sell food.”  Scott explains.

“What really gets me is my memory.  We eat here at least once a week, you’d think I’d remember that the meatloaf sucks.” Sara says.

Cindy: “You’re going to hurt the meatloaf’s feelings, insulting it like that.”  Cindy says, clearing away some empty plates.

“Another please Cindy.” Scott says, holding up his empty beer glass.

Cindy: “Certainly.  You’re going to hurt the meatloaf’s feelings, insulting it like that.”  Cindy repeats.

Scott sighs and clarifies.  “Another beer for me.”

Cindy: “Coming right up.  Are you done with that one?”  Cindy asks.

Scott looks down at his empty glass.  “No, I think I’ll try to lick the last drops out of this one.”

From Pictures

Cindy: “Okay.” Cindy says, walking away.

“I think she’s getting worse.”  Scott notes.

“Try working with her.” Ann says, shuddering.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Billy

Subject: E-Cleanse

(geeze, we didn’t post for a month.  How lazy.  I guess I’m just lucky no one cares.)

Tabitha and Billy are fiercely debating something as Ann walks in the door of the 6^th Floor, carrying a bag of flour and a box of strawberry Jello.  Sara is on the couch, legs crossed, with her laptop.

“What’s up guys? Debating world peace?” Ann asks.

“No no, we’re talking about John Mayer and his digital cleanse.”  Tabitha explains.

“Digital cleanse?” Ann asks, putting the groceries away.

“Don’t ask.” Sara says.  “It’s stupid.”

“Mayer’s, as posted on his blog, doing this digital cleanse thing, where he doesn’t use Twitter, texting, etc.” Tabitha says.

“Tabitha said maybe she should do it, and I said that the way Mayer describes it is pretty lame, and she should do a more complete cleanse.”  Billy says.

“He’s really just saying that people’s lives are defragmented and they need to commit more solid time to interactions.”  Tabitha argues.

“Ooooh, he learned a new computer word and made up some silly blog post to apply it to life.  I thought his music was rock, not emo.”  Sara says.

“Ouch, harsh.  What have you got against John Mayer Sara?”  Ann asks.

“Nothing.  I just think the cleanse thing is stupid.  There is nothing wrong with using computers or Twitter or whatever.” Sara says.

“I dunno.  I’m tired of feeling like there are a zillion things to check every time I touch a computer, I’m tired of tending my Farmville farm.”  Tabitha says.

“I’ll do it with you for a week, but only if it’s a full unplug.  None of this ‘email from real computers, no gossip sites stuff.’  All of it.” Billy says.

“Fine.  I think the no-texting thing might be tough though.  Or are we doing no cellphones entirely?”  Tabitha asks.

“I don’t know if we can get away with no calls whatsoever.  But no texting seems fair. It’s about being unplugged and not in constant communication all the time.  Try to only use it for emergencies.”  Billy says.

“If it’s on me, I’m going to end up using it.  If someone needs to get in touch with us..everyone knows where we work, where we live, etc.  Your phone doesn’t even work at work since you spend most of your time in Subway tunnels anyway.. “ Tabitha reasons.

“Good point. Okay, no phones at all then. You going to join us Ann?  I know Sara will just yell at me if I ask.” Billy says.

“Umm…nah..I don’t need another excuse to not use the Internet and not blog.  It’s been like a month and all I’ve written is two half posts that had to do with Christmas and shopping that just seem..outdated now.”  Ann says.

“Okay.  We start tomorrow when we wake up.  Got that Tabitha?  One week?” Billy asks.

“One week.  May all my Farmville crops wither up, etc.”  Tabitha says.

“You guys are insane.”  Sara says, rolling her eyes and retreating to her room.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Repeal Day 2009

For other thoughts on Repeal Day, check out Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s blog entry on Repeal Day.

Or this Wall Street Journal article from last year.

If you’ve got Repeal Day plans, or no a place in New York City that has something planned, please let us know at 6th Floor Blog and we’ll edit this post with it.

Please retweet or post this to Facebook.  Spread the Repeal Day word!

From Pictures

“Repeal Day is here.  Saturday.  The next biggest drinking holiday ever.   The day we celebrate our innate right to get completely wasted as protected by the constitution of the United States of America.” Scott preaches.

“Where are we going to go? Out? Stay in? Make moonshine in the tub?” Sara asks.

“No moonshine in the girls’ tub, thanks.”  Tabitha says.

“You could use ours.” Scott says.

“I don’t trust ever getting your tub clean.  I’m afraid I’ll catch swine flu just looking at it.” Ann says.

“Oh, it’s not that bad.  Besides, the alcohol will kill the germs.”  Frank says.

“We’ll just go out.  Beer place? The Ginger Man?” Sara suggests.

“What about one of those speakeasy places?  Really get into the theme of the day.  Milk and Honey, or that Crif Dogs place..PDT.”  Billy suggests.

“I don’t know if I feel like drinking high quality martinis.  They’re too strong for me.” Ann complains.

“And too expensive.  Way too expensive.”  Tabitha adds.

“Do we want to just stick to local then, go to Catalina’s?” Frank asks.

“Boo! No Catalina’s.  Gotta do something special.” Scott insists.

“There’s this other bar that I’ve heard of, that’s supposed to be good with craft beers, and regular alcohol as well.  Rattle N Hum. It’s in midtown.”  Sara suggests.

“Arr! Be it a pirate bar?” Billy asks.

“Ahoy Matey!  Me will bring me eyepatch!” Scott says.

“I don’t think it’s a pirate bar..I don’t know what it’s named for though, so maybe.  I’ve never been there.  But I’m not associating with you if you’re wearing an eye patch and talking like a pirate.”  Sara says.

“Party pooper.” Billy says.

“Girls don’t really go for the pirate thing anyway.  You’re better off.”  Ann says.

“She’s got a point there.”  Scott agrees.

“So, we’re agreed?  Rattle N Hum Saturday night for Repeal Day?  Good.  I’ve got to go now, I’m working tonight.”  Ann says, going to her room to get ready.

“Now that we’ve settled that, lets watch the Nets try to set records for suckiness.” Frank says, turning on the tv.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Thanksgiving is Coming

All six of the 6^th Floor Gang are out to dinner, It’s Sunday night, and they’re discussing the short week and Thanksgiving.

From Pictures

“Are we all staying here again this year? Or are some of you escaping to your families?” Ann asks.

“I haven’t actually decided yet. My parents invited me home, but I’m feeling lazy about making the trip.” Tabitha says.

“My parents stopped doing holidays years ago.” Billy says.

“Likewise. Now they just use the four day weekend for vacations. I think they’re leaving for San Diego Tuesday night.” Scott says.

“My brother John was going to come to New York with my sister, who’s never been to New York, but he couldn’t really take off of work to get here, and it’s a bit expensive. So I’ll be around.” Frank says.

“My family is actually celebrating on Saturday. So I’ll be free Thursday.” Sara says.

“Celebrating Saturday? That’s..just..wrong.” Frank admonishes.

“Yeah, everyone knows you can only be thankful on Thanksgiving. After that you’re required to go back to being a selfish, cruel American.” Billy says.

“Especially in New York.” Frank adds.

“Are we getting our party on Wednesday night?” Scott asks, hopefully.

“Actually..while I’ll be here for Thanksgiving, and even would be willing to cook a bird, I’m going home to Long Island Wednesday night.” Ann says.

“Long Island? Why would you do something like that?” Scott asks, confused.

“Couple of high school friends are getting together to go out. And you always run into other old high school friends at bars in our home town.” Ann explains.

“Boo! Tell them to come to Manhattan. You don’t really want to go to a trashy Long Island townie bar to run into classmates you hated when you were in school and probably still hate now do you?” Scott asks.

“We flipped a coin, and it was decided I would come there instead of the three of them coming here. I’ll just crash at my parents place, but I’ll be back in the morning.” Ann says.

“If you can stay vertical enough to board a train anyway.” Billy says.

“I doubt I’ll drink that much that I’m hungover until dinner…” Ann says.

“Then you’re doing it wrong.” Sara says.

“How about you come with me and show me how it’s done then? My parents have an extra bed you could crash on..” Ann invites.

“You’re on!” Sara says.

“Hey now, you’re inviting her but not us?” Scott complains.

“Girls only. Sorry.” Ann says, sticking out her tongue.

“Tab? Want to come as well?” Ann asks.

“No thanks. I’ll just stay here, maybe I’ll bake a pie or something.” Tabitha says.

“Guess it’s just us guys here in Manhattan.” Scott notes.

“We don’t need no stinkin’ girls anyway.” Billy says.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: 6^th Floor Blog Almanac

“It’s cold again.” Sara notes, as Sara, Ann, Tabitha and Frank return from a walk outside.  Billy and Scott are playing NHL 10 on the PS3, and Frank goes to shower.

From Pictures

“Not as cold as last week.  Maybe we’ll have a little more warm weather before winter sets in..”  Tabitha muses.

“After the rain passes, it’s supposed to be semi-nice again actually.” Billy says.

“Good being relative to if you like rain or not.”  Ann says.

“Doesn’t mean it’ll stay nice.    I’m predicting a harsh, cold winter.”  Scott says.

“You are?  I’ve always wondered who the ‘Old Farmer’ is with the almanac.  It’s you Scott!” Ann exclaims.

“Actually, the Old Farmer’s Almanac does predict an above average snowfall this year.  Probably some for Thanksgiving as well.”  Billy says.

“I’m thinking we get a white Christmas this year.” Sara predicts.

“That would be nice.” Ann says.

“However, for as cold as the winter will be, summer will come early.  It’ll be blistering hot at times.”  Scott predicts.

“Would you like to wager on these predictions, oh farmer Scott?” Billy asks.

“Sure.  Let’s say $50.  Payable next summer.”  Scott says.  “Sara can be judge.”

“Judge?  This predictions are rather arbitrary.  You said it’s going to be a harsh, cold winter, and that summer will come early with blistering days.  Fine.  I’ll judge it, but we’re going by my standards.” Sara says.

“So what do we classify as harsh, cold winter?  At least three days where the temperature drops near 0?” Ann asks.

“Yes.  And it has to snow well, at least three times.  And by well I mean I have to still be able to make a snowball two days later.” Sara says.

“And not out of the black snow that gets piles on the curbs.”  Ann clarifies.

“Okay. For summer.  Blistering heat.  Those are the days that you feel like you’re going to melt on the subway platform.  When people are applying sunscreen to go out for lunch, when you see pedestrians with umbrellas to block the sun.”  Sara explains.

“He said early as well.  I classify early as meaning I’ll have a craving for a frosty root beer float before April Fools Day.”  Ann says.

“Excellent.  What do you say guys?  Those terms acceptable?” Sara asks.

“Perfect.”  Scott says, as he and Billy shake on it.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Sara, Frank, and Scott.

Subject: Date Me

Scott and Frank enter the apartment, it’s noon on Monday, and Sara is lounging on the couch with her laptop, which is named Xerses.

“Sara! I see you’re very busy playing bejeweled blitz but we’re planning to go to that new bar that opened to watch the game tonight. You will join us.” Scott commands.

“You sure they’ll have the Islanders on?” Sara asks.

“I told you she didn’t want to watch the World Series.” Frank says to Scott.

“Come on! You need to get out of the house anyway.” Scott says.

“I am getting out. I actually have a date tonight.” Sara says.

“Ooooh, who’s the lucky guy?” Frank asks.

“Forget it. I’m not telling you anything.” Sara says, turning back to bejeweled.

“Shouldn’t you be studying?” Scott asks.

“Studying? For my date?” Sara asks, confused.

“I always study for my dates. You gotta look ‘em up, find out what they like. Google them!” Scott says.

From Pictures

“You’re crazy. If you find out everything about a girl you’re going to date, what do you talk about at the date?” Sara asks.

“Oh, I don’t tell her that I Googled her. She might think I’m creepy.” Scott says.

“It’s not a bad plan. It helps you steer the conversation in a proper fashion. Like if you Googled this guy and found out he’s a Yankees fan, you wouldn’t bring up baseball or the World Series because your Mets sucked this year.” Frank explains.

“Actually, that does make a lot of sense…and you just wait until next year with the Mets.” Sara says.

“Here, let me help you. I’m an expert on finding info on people.” Scott says, taking the laptop from Sara. “What’s this guy’s name?”

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Zombies Want Your Brain

Ann, Sara, Frank, Billy and Scott are walking out of the movie theater and headed home.

From Pictures

“That was an awesome movie. Best zombie movie I’ve seen all year.” Frank says.

“Makes me want a Twinkie.” Billy says.

From Pictures

“How about a Snowball?” Ann asks.

“I agree with Woody Harrelson. Don’t like the consistency of coconut.” Scott replies.

“The ending in the amusement park wasn’t so good. It was so stupid that they went in there, and then on the ride.” Sara says.

“I guess it might’ve been a little contrived, but it worked.” Ann says.

“It was neat how they plastered the zombie rules actually into the movie as things happened. Gave it a video game feel.” Frank observes.

“The narrator aspect of it left no doubt that it was meant to be comedic.” Billy comments. “That was nice.”

“It wasn’t a movie where everyone was frantically trying to find a ’safe’ area, or find a cure. It was just about life moving on really.” Sara says.

“It didn’t try to raise any difficult issues like repopulating the earth, or running out of gas, or wondering what they would eat.” Ann says.

“I don’t think he was trying hard enough to find the Twinkie. They’re in like every store!” Scott exclaims.

“They were so stupid for letting those girls con them over and over again.” Frank observes.

“Emma Stone is hot. I’d let her con me too.” Scott notes.

From Pictures

“Good point.”

“Hang on guys.” Billy says, entering a deli.

“Where’s he going?” Sara asks.

“Where do you think?” Frank says.

“Twinkies, of course.” Ann says rolling her eyes. “Oh well, hope he gets enough for all of us.”

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy

Subject: Happy Columbus Day

“Happy Columbus Day everyone! I didn’t know what a traditional Columbus Day cake was, so I just bought a box of donuts from Krispy Kreme.” Billy says, returning home from work.

From Pictures

“Smallpox blankets maybe? I could go off about how we shouldn’t be celebrating a guy like Columbus, but then again, It’s hard to argue with donuts.” Frank says.

“Well, It’s not like our other holidays are oh so pristine.” Sara says.

“You could probably make a case for why those holidays shouldn’t be celebrated either.” Frank responds.

“We could just become Jehovah’s Witnesses and celebrate nothing..” Tabitha says.

“Life is full of horribleness. Columbus, Thanksgiving, etc. July 4^th is basically the celebration of war and treason is it not? But good things came from all of it, and that’s what I’m celebrating.” Billy says.

“Like it or not, our lives are the way they are because of what Columbus did. It’s similar to the idea that you can’t/shouldn’t actually go back in time and kill Hitler.”

“That’s just tv stuff. Not real.” Frank says.

“Because time travel is real anyway? I’m not arguing that we should ignore the horrible things Columbus did, or the horrible way the natives were treated, or that school programs shouldn’t be altered, but Columbus setting sail in 1492 was the start of a series of events that led to the creation of America, New York, and this apartment that we’re standing in.” Sara says.

“Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Tabitha quotes.

“There is a difference between celebration and remembrance though.” Frank says.

“Does anyone really ‘celebrate’ Columbus Day? Most people just enjoy the day off. It could be for any other reason and it wouldn’t change anything for most.” Sara says.

“Not celebrating would be worse. It would be forgotten and glossed over.” Billy comments.

“Do we have to call it ‘Columbus Day’ like he’s some sacred hero?” Frank asks.

From Pictures

“Probably not. But people don’t do change well. Things stick. Tradition. It’s the same way with Thanksgiving, which basically has the same cultural negatives to it, but we still get together with family, and celebrate life. As much as you can say ‘we should do that all the time’, it wouldn’t happen that way without the holiday. Or Christmas. I know more people that celebrate Christmas without once thinking of Jesus than celebrate it with religiously.” Sara says.

“I guess as long as people continue to be educated about the truth and not think this was all lollipops and roses. I still think Columbus’ name should be left out of it. Macy’s can advertise just as well with a different holiday name.” Frank says.

“What bridge do you take to get to the beer garden in Astoria Frank?” Tabitha asks.

“The Triboro. Why?” Frank asks, puzzled.

“Wrong. It’s the RFK bridge. People don’t adjust to change well. Some people still call the Jackie Robinson Parkway the Interboro, and that’s been like that for a long long time. But just because we’re using an archaic name, doesn’t mean we can’t fully understand or talk about the bad things associated with Columbus.” Tabitha says.

Frank laughs. “Well, you got me there.”

“Enough social studies. Let’s have a donut and watch some hockey.” Billy says, flipping on the Islanders game.

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Welcome to the 6th floor.

Today’s contributors are: Ann, Sara, Frank

Subject: Leave the Apartment!

Sara is sitting on the couch, in her pajamas, with a big mug of coffee watching tv when Ann gets home. Frank is in the kitchen warming up leftover quesadillas from dinner last night.

From Pictures

“Sara..still in pjs? Have you left the apartment at all this week?” Ann asks.

“Umm..” Sara thinks. “I think I took out the garbage on Tuesday.”

“So out of the apartment for two minutes, but haven’t seen the light of day?” Ann comments.

“Outside!” Frank scoffs, “Who needs it.”

“I guess no interviews this week?” Ann asks.

“Actually, I talked to a recruiter yesterday. I may have one early next week.” Sara responds.

“So you might actually get out into the world next week.” Ann says.

“Since we’re going to go see Zombieland tomorrow night, I assume she’d make it outside this weekend.” Frank comments.

“If she still remembers how to get dressed anyway.” Ann says.

Sara sticks out her tongue at Ann.

“I don’t think they have a dress code at the theater. They’d probably let her in like that.” Frank says.

“I hope she’s showered at least. Otherwise you’re sitting next to her.” Ann says.

“I showered!” Sara says.

“It’s alright.” Frank says, ignore Sara. “We’ll put her next to Billy. He won’t smell her over the popcorn that he seems to get at every movie.”

“I don’t smell!” Sara says.

“Good idea. Unless we put Sara in the middle and have her hold the popcorn. Mask her odor.” Ann theorizes, ignoring Sara.

“Oh fine, I’ll shower.” Sara concedes, handing her coffee mug to Ann and heading to the shower.

“Well, that was pretty easy.” Ann says, dumping the coffee down the drain.

Frank gasps. “You dumped her coffee? She’ll kill you!”

“Eh. She drinks too much coffee anyway. It’s good for her to cut back.” Ann says.

Frank chuckles, “It’s your life.”

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