I don’t celebrate being one year closer to death but it was nice to hear from all those software-prompted Facebook friends who wished me all the best (seriously, thanks) and it was extra-nice to be treated to grass-fed beef sliders, cole slaw and chocolate cake by HE’s own Svetlana Cvetko and editor-producer David Scott Smith. It all happened at Mel’s on Sunset — an honest restaurant serving honest, ’70s-era food. The only problem was that the a.c. made the climate feel like 45 or 50 degrees. HE to waitress: “Wow, it’s nice and chilly here…good thing you guys are being considerate to your customers because it’s like 95 degrees outside, like Palm Springs in July.” Waitress: “Oh, thank you. We aim to please!” HE: “Uhm…I’m kidding? Seriously, does it have to feel like a refrigerator in here? It’s 60 degrees outside.” Waitress: “Oh, hah-hah…got it! I don’t call the shots, the manager does.” HE: “Would you mind asking the manager to turn up the thermostat?” Waitress: “I’ll ask her.” HE: “And if she refuses, do you have some blankets?”
