About Amanda
I’m a disgruntled LIRR commuter by morning, real estate journalist by day, insomniac by night, and cancer butt-kicker for life.
Where To Find Me
My Smilin’ Face On The Cover of the Rollin’ Stone
Published June 8, 2010 | Well, perhaps not the Rolling Stone, but Newsday‘s good enough for me. I was interviewed for the cover story “Their New Lifeline,” which talks about Long Islanders with illnesses and how they’ve used the Internet to share their experiences. The story came out great, and there’s even a full-page photo of me on page A4. If you’re a Newsday subscriber, you can read the story here (with a sidebar on social media). I put a request in for a reprint, so hopefully I’ll have something to share with those who aren’t subscribed.
I was also taped along with a few others for a short video clip:
Exciting!
Wheeeeeeee!
Published April 29, 2006 | Got the ride the pace car three laps around the NASCAR track in Charlotte yesterday at around 100 m.p.h. (after signing a relase form, of course). At some points, it just felt like driving on the Garden State Parkway. Quite fun!
Perks of Real Estate Journalism
Published March 15, 2006 | Last night I went to a dinner with the CEO of an international hotel company at his New York hotel. I assumed it was going to be a press dinner to introduce his new hotel in China. The PR reps were so happy I showed up early that I got a sneak preview of the hotel. Then they tell me about dinner – it was called “Taste of New York,” a progressive dinner. I chatted up the CEO for a bit about the hotel, then they brought me into a meeting room, where the appetizers were set up.
OK, meals have appetizers. But these were amazing. There was a Peking Duck in the middle of the room, posed and looking at us, with individual plates of duck around him, and the freshest sushi I have ever eaten in my life. It melted in my mouth. Dim sum completed the spread, while a famous NYC bartender mixed his signature martini. The PR rep was quick to get me a glass of Chardonnay. I met a few other people from Dow Jones, Reuters, and an investment magazine, but the 15 or so people that were in attendence mostly belonged to the hotel group. Continue reading
Interview Rescheduled
Published June 23, 2005 | I called the news channel this morning and they rescheduled my interview for Monday. So, I’ll go in for a few hours, get a taste of my first real interview, then perhaps meet Steve after work. They didn’t seem too nosy about the “emergency surgical procedure” that prevented me from going to the interview today, so that’s good. Perhaps it’s because they know they might have a chance at stealing my soul. But I doubt it’s going to happen.
Took my bandage off today. I have a two-inch long incision on my neck. Nothing too bad – if it scars, I can just cover it up with one of my many necklaces. It just looks like someone tried to slit my throat. I also found three EKG stickers left on my body that the surgeon apparently forgot to take off – and this does not include the one Mom peeled off of the back of my neck last night. I was so happy to take a shower. I couldn’t last night because of the bandage, and I was yellowed from the iodine. It looked like I had jaundice.
Have Ram, Will Travel
Published April 9, 2005 | Yesterday, I was waiting for my bus at Port Authority Bus Terminal, when I noticed the girl sitting in back of me in the waiting area was reading The Ram. Not only was she reading The Ram, but she happened to be reading the Features section. Not only was she reading the Features section, but she was reading my column. So I stared (I really didn’t mean to) at her, to read any expressions on her face as she read. Conclusion: she was devoid of all emotion while reading. But then again, she was deviod of all emotion while reading the entire paper. It’s neat to see people reading The Ram outside the Fordham setting – it’s also happened on the Long Island Railroad. Little did she know I was sitting right behind her, mwhahaha. Mom asked why I didn’t introduce myself – yeah, let’s freak out a Fordham student who probably isn’t used to such randomness.
Also came across the Coliseum bookstore yesterday while walking from Grand Central Terminal to Port Authority. I’ve always seen the store advertised on the 7 and D trains (due to its subway stop being 42nd Street-Bryant Park), but I’m never in that area, because I dislike Times Square. But I forgot how great Bryant Park is, and now I plan to go down there often, because it’s a great place to just chill out and read. I purchased two great books: Latin for All Occasions, and The Cheap Bastard’s Guide to New York City… ah, they’re such great books for dorks like me. I’d highly suggest you purchase them.