loud party was: way more booze than food, way more people than legal. shouting so loudly you spat in your friends' faces (many apologies). mp3s instead of mix tapes or even burned cds (no time). actors and acting hangers-on, and two men who came in smelling like they hadn't bathed in a week, who ate chips ferociously. a black cat cozy on a white bed away from the noise. and my bachelor friend turning 30 and feeling strong, in the only city in this country that could handle him: hollywood.

soft party was: college friends, brie and chocolate truffles. polite talk-- someone's bought a condo. litters of puppies born and fathers and grandfathers who have passed away. the despair of those who, at age 26, already feel trapped. and the quiet support of their comrades.