During Kerry's speech today in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in a "surprising" move, the Democratic Presidential candidate came out against our President by saying that he rushed off to war with Iraq.
The Reuters article failed to mention why Kerry was speaking in Green Bay.
Keep in mind that I am a Kerry fan.
I think he needs some better PR advice.
May 28, 2004
Men and Women
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the different roles men and women play in the dating game. The discussions have been taking place at the site of, what I hope soon to be, a friend of mine, The Anonymous Blogger.
Something of particular interest to me about the recent discussions has been the debate over whether or not women should be more aggressive in asking men out.
I wrote about this before so if you remember that posting, posted when I first started blogging forgive me. You can skip over this altogether. If not, I'd like you to consider the following.
Gen X'ers are in the interesting position of being raised between two worlds. We were generally raised by two kinds of baby boomers.
The first kind of baby boomer is more traditional and transferred down old fashioned values, more than likely taught them by their immigrant or first generation American parents - in terms of families that have been here for generation upon generation, the more conservative values that existed at the beginning of the 20th century. I'm sure many of us have a grandmother who was a flapper, but when it came to family, she most likely married within her religion, race and gave it up all her shenanigans for the sake of the family. I personally fall into this category, where the dad went out and worked and the mom worked to raise the family and keep the home.
Others of us were raised by the boomers who decided to rebel against established societal norms as well as societal evils. Very important. These rebels were feminists, civil rights activists, war protestors and brought a lot of attention to the fact that we need to watch our government closely. Great. But with all that, they also rebelled against traditionalism. Women were freer, they started working more outside of the home, they started attending college more. These men and women also had families but they raised them against tradition and not necessarily by it. Either they raised children as atheists, or women had kids on their own, or people started divorcing more, etc. People started changing those aspects of their worlds they didn't like and started to feel more empowered.
Where does that leave us their children? Completely confused.
We don't know whether to scratch our watches or wind our asses.
Gender roles are completely turned around and seem to have lost all meaning.
Men and women don't know which models to follow. Should we follow the traditional model which is more patriarchal, granted favoring the man, but leaving no question as to what are the gender roles.
OR
Should we follow the more modern approach, where it doesn't matter who does the asking - where men and women are on more equal footing; where a woman doesn't need a man to create her identity.
And which type of man or woman are you or are you a modern traditionalist or a traditional modernist? And how do you find someone that matches how you?
I think a lot of what we are going through now has to do with us not understanding how gender roles are changing and being caught in the middle.
And I think that's why the Anonymous Blogger is probably so ambivalent (this has been changed from ambiguous).
What do you think?
Something of particular interest to me about the recent discussions has been the debate over whether or not women should be more aggressive in asking men out.
I wrote about this before so if you remember that posting, posted when I first started blogging forgive me. You can skip over this altogether. If not, I'd like you to consider the following.
Gen X'ers are in the interesting position of being raised between two worlds. We were generally raised by two kinds of baby boomers.
The first kind of baby boomer is more traditional and transferred down old fashioned values, more than likely taught them by their immigrant or first generation American parents - in terms of families that have been here for generation upon generation, the more conservative values that existed at the beginning of the 20th century. I'm sure many of us have a grandmother who was a flapper, but when it came to family, she most likely married within her religion, race and gave it up all her shenanigans for the sake of the family. I personally fall into this category, where the dad went out and worked and the mom worked to raise the family and keep the home.
Others of us were raised by the boomers who decided to rebel against established societal norms as well as societal evils. Very important. These rebels were feminists, civil rights activists, war protestors and brought a lot of attention to the fact that we need to watch our government closely. Great. But with all that, they also rebelled against traditionalism. Women were freer, they started working more outside of the home, they started attending college more. These men and women also had families but they raised them against tradition and not necessarily by it. Either they raised children as atheists, or women had kids on their own, or people started divorcing more, etc. People started changing those aspects of their worlds they didn't like and started to feel more empowered.
Where does that leave us their children? Completely confused.
We don't know whether to scratch our watches or wind our asses.
Gender roles are completely turned around and seem to have lost all meaning.
Men and women don't know which models to follow. Should we follow the traditional model which is more patriarchal, granted favoring the man, but leaving no question as to what are the gender roles.
OR
Should we follow the more modern approach, where it doesn't matter who does the asking - where men and women are on more equal footing; where a woman doesn't need a man to create her identity.
And which type of man or woman are you or are you a modern traditionalist or a traditional modernist? And how do you find someone that matches how you?
I think a lot of what we are going through now has to do with us not understanding how gender roles are changing and being caught in the middle.
And I think that's why the Anonymous Blogger is probably so ambivalent (this has been changed from ambiguous).
What do you think?
May 27, 2004
Fresh Direct
Last night, I placed my first order with Fresh Direct. If you haven't heard of it, it's a wonderful service and it's finally arrived in Long Island City/Astoria.
You go to their website, register, pick and choose the food you want and someone delivers to your house when you instruct.
The prices were great. Some of the produce was priced better than my favorite green grocer. I'm having it delivered on Saturday between 11 and 1.
I bought blue fish which I'm going to prepare for dinner on Saturday night. I'm going to wrap it in tin foil with butter, lemon, tomato, ginger and garlic and bake it in the oven. To accompany my favorite fish, I will prepare baby green beans sauteed in onion and tomato, and peppers stuffed with a melange of rice and spice. There will of course be a salad of wonderful greeness, dressed with my own, very special vinaigrette and if I'm feeling very brave I may attempt to bake something for dessert.
I haven't cooked for my honey in a while and he's overdue for some good homecooking.
You go to their website, register, pick and choose the food you want and someone delivers to your house when you instruct.
The prices were great. Some of the produce was priced better than my favorite green grocer. I'm having it delivered on Saturday between 11 and 1.
I bought blue fish which I'm going to prepare for dinner on Saturday night. I'm going to wrap it in tin foil with butter, lemon, tomato, ginger and garlic and bake it in the oven. To accompany my favorite fish, I will prepare baby green beans sauteed in onion and tomato, and peppers stuffed with a melange of rice and spice. There will of course be a salad of wonderful greeness, dressed with my own, very special vinaigrette and if I'm feeling very brave I may attempt to bake something for dessert.
I haven't cooked for my honey in a while and he's overdue for some good homecooking.
NY Times
The NY Times CIRCUIT section took notice of blogging yesterday.
(registration required for this link)
The article focuses on the somewhat obsessive nature of bloggers, siting several examples where bloggers are neglecting their work or spending upwards to 8 hours a day blogging. Often, the article says, bloggers are writing for an audience of one, themselves.
The article failed to discuss the obsessive nature of tracking your blog. I must have checked my hit count 20 times already today. I don't know why. But every time the count goes up one more hit, I feel the slightest bit of satisfaction. That's probably why I do it.
Adversely, if my hits don't increase, I feel eminently disappointed; as if somehow I am failing as a writer by not generating enough interest.
Where's the article on that? Probably in the some psychiatry journal.
(registration required for this link)
The article focuses on the somewhat obsessive nature of bloggers, siting several examples where bloggers are neglecting their work or spending upwards to 8 hours a day blogging. Often, the article says, bloggers are writing for an audience of one, themselves.
The article failed to discuss the obsessive nature of tracking your blog. I must have checked my hit count 20 times already today. I don't know why. But every time the count goes up one more hit, I feel the slightest bit of satisfaction. That's probably why I do it.
Adversely, if my hits don't increase, I feel eminently disappointed; as if somehow I am failing as a writer by not generating enough interest.
Where's the article on that? Probably in the some psychiatry journal.
May 26, 2004
Pillow Sham
Saturday afternoon, when Jon and I were at the street fair on Amsterdam Avenue, I encouraged Jon to visit the booth of a vendor selling goose down pillows for a good price. Before I encouraged him, I looked over the pillows, talked with the vendor and decided that the product was alright and that the vendor was a stand up guy. Jon bought two goose down pillows for $30.00 which I'm sure we would all agree is a pretty good deal.
On the way home from the fair, we went into a pet shop just to look around. The salesman had a parrot on his shoulder that kept saying "How are you? How are you?" He was talking to a little boy who was just thrilled that this bird was talking to him. The little boy tried to keep the parrot talking by asking him, "What's your name?" But alas, all the parrot could say was "How are you?". We wanted to see the pets they had downstairs but that part of the store was already shutdown. We'd walked in just as they were closing. But before we left, I made sure to met the big, fat, adorable lazy cat laying on the counter.
When we got back to Jon's house, we'd already walked quite a bit as I mentioned in an earlier blog. I was pretty tired so I plunked down on the bed. Jon pulled out one of his shiny new pillows and I quickly put it under my head to give it a test run.
I was watching the TV when I noticed that I still smelled like the pet shop and I even asked Jon if he noticed that I still had that pet store smell on me. He didn't so I assumed that the cat was smelly and that the smell was still on my hands. I washed my hands and returned to the soft pillow.
But then, the smell started getting stronger. I realized that the pillow stunk like a dirty pet store. Jon pulled out the other one and it smelled too.
The pillows were bad. So I suggested we wash them as a solution. So, we went to the basement, put them in the machine and left them alone for their 30 minute wash. At the end of the cycle Jon went down to put them in the dryer and came back upset. Apparently the smell hadn't gone away.
Deciding that he wanted to return them, I suggested that we dry them so he could bring them back to the crooked, sleazy vendor who sold them to us.
When I went down again to pull them from the dryer and I put that first pillow to my nose, I made a loud and disgusted noise. It was so loud this other guy in there asked me if I was alright. The pillows smelled worse than before the wash.
I brought them back up so Jon could repack them and research returning them.
Apparently, after a couple of hours of research, Jon learned that he has no recourse. There is no agency set up to hear complaints from people who have been ripped off by street vendors and the company that runs the street fairs refused to give him the name of the vendor.
Outside of going to every street fair left in New York City this summer and hunting this guy down, Jon has no recourse.
What a sham, what a scam, what a shame.
On the way home from the fair, we went into a pet shop just to look around. The salesman had a parrot on his shoulder that kept saying "How are you? How are you?" He was talking to a little boy who was just thrilled that this bird was talking to him. The little boy tried to keep the parrot talking by asking him, "What's your name?" But alas, all the parrot could say was "How are you?". We wanted to see the pets they had downstairs but that part of the store was already shutdown. We'd walked in just as they were closing. But before we left, I made sure to met the big, fat, adorable lazy cat laying on the counter.
When we got back to Jon's house, we'd already walked quite a bit as I mentioned in an earlier blog. I was pretty tired so I plunked down on the bed. Jon pulled out one of his shiny new pillows and I quickly put it under my head to give it a test run.
I was watching the TV when I noticed that I still smelled like the pet shop and I even asked Jon if he noticed that I still had that pet store smell on me. He didn't so I assumed that the cat was smelly and that the smell was still on my hands. I washed my hands and returned to the soft pillow.
But then, the smell started getting stronger. I realized that the pillow stunk like a dirty pet store. Jon pulled out the other one and it smelled too.
The pillows were bad. So I suggested we wash them as a solution. So, we went to the basement, put them in the machine and left them alone for their 30 minute wash. At the end of the cycle Jon went down to put them in the dryer and came back upset. Apparently the smell hadn't gone away.
Deciding that he wanted to return them, I suggested that we dry them so he could bring them back to the crooked, sleazy vendor who sold them to us.
When I went down again to pull them from the dryer and I put that first pillow to my nose, I made a loud and disgusted noise. It was so loud this other guy in there asked me if I was alright. The pillows smelled worse than before the wash.
I brought them back up so Jon could repack them and research returning them.
Apparently, after a couple of hours of research, Jon learned that he has no recourse. There is no agency set up to hear complaints from people who have been ripped off by street vendors and the company that runs the street fairs refused to give him the name of the vendor.
Outside of going to every street fair left in New York City this summer and hunting this guy down, Jon has no recourse.
What a sham, what a scam, what a shame.
Masher
Have you heard about this guy on the Upper West Side who smashes rats as a hobby?
By day, he is Manuel Rodriguez a handy man living on W. 109th street. By night, he exchanges the tools in his tool belt for his weapon of choice, a "custom carved pine plank", in order to sneak up on unsuspecting rats and smash them much to the delight of local residents.
According to this Daily News article, Mr Rodriguez finds the rats by a trash cans and garbage bags piled high in front of his building on W. 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
His neighbors consider him a hero.
By day, he is Manuel Rodriguez a handy man living on W. 109th street. By night, he exchanges the tools in his tool belt for his weapon of choice, a "custom carved pine plank", in order to sneak up on unsuspecting rats and smash them much to the delight of local residents.
According to this Daily News article, Mr Rodriguez finds the rats by a trash cans and garbage bags piled high in front of his building on W. 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
His neighbors consider him a hero.
Gore's Speech
Today, at a gathering designed to register voters, former Vice President and former Presidential candidate Al Gore gave a speech somewhere in New York. He came down hard on President Bush and his administration and eloquently expressed his anger about what he feels have been major flaws in the handling of American Foreign Policy since 9/11.
If you have the patience here is the speech. It's long but Al Gore makes some good points even if his speech tastes faintly of sour grapes. I've read about half of it and am still amazed that he's not our President now. I liked Al Gore for the last election and I'm sorry it was taken . . . oops. . . .I mean he lost.
Wanting to be fair, I'll try to find somebody's speech somewhere that is a little more pro-Bush and his administration and then link to it.
Perhaps you can suggest something.
If you have the patience here is the speech. It's long but Al Gore makes some good points even if his speech tastes faintly of sour grapes. I've read about half of it and am still amazed that he's not our President now. I liked Al Gore for the last election and I'm sorry it was taken . . . oops. . . .I mean he lost.
Wanting to be fair, I'll try to find somebody's speech somewhere that is a little more pro-Bush and his administration and then link to it.
Perhaps you can suggest something.
3 day weekend and other random thoughts
We have a three day weekend coming up.
===========================================
I want to go to the zoo on Sunday. Jon and I sent out about 20 invitations and so far we've had four rejections. Oh well. I guess it'll just be more zoo for us. I guess my planning was a little too last minute.
===========================================
Fantasia Barrino is the first American Idol whose record I would actually buy. She's really talented and will most likely win. If she doesn't win, I will still buy her record.
===========================================
The Anonymous Blogger has officially lost his mind. He thinks most women are crazy although he admits to there being acceptions.
===========================================
I accepted an invitation to see Aaron Carter perform. Can someone tell me who he is?
===========================================
Are you there God? It's me. Valerie.I wish my period would come already. I hate that feeling when you know it's about to start but then it doesn't.
===========================================
I have an amazing boyfriend.
===========================================
I want to go to the zoo on Sunday. Jon and I sent out about 20 invitations and so far we've had four rejections. Oh well. I guess it'll just be more zoo for us. I guess my planning was a little too last minute.
===========================================
Fantasia Barrino is the first American Idol whose record I would actually buy. She's really talented and will most likely win. If she doesn't win, I will still buy her record.
===========================================
The Anonymous Blogger has officially lost his mind. He thinks most women are crazy although he admits to there being acceptions.
===========================================
I accepted an invitation to see Aaron Carter perform. Can someone tell me who he is?
===========================================
Are you there God? It's me. Valerie.I wish my period would come already. I hate that feeling when you know it's about to start but then it doesn't.
===========================================
I have an amazing boyfriend.
May 25, 2004
Blogger
So, Blogger's been acting weird.
I wrote to a few friends about it.
The Anonymous Blogger figured out what was wrong.
In order to see your site now, you have to put in the name without the WWW.
So, I sent everyone on my friend list an email regarding my change of address and AOL blocked my account because I guess one of you guys complained about SPAM.
Don't do that again, guys. You know me. I wouldn't send you junk.
Valerie
I wrote to a few friends about it.
The Anonymous Blogger figured out what was wrong.
In order to see your site now, you have to put in the name without the WWW.
So, I sent everyone on my friend list an email regarding my change of address and AOL blocked my account because I guess one of you guys complained about SPAM.
Don't do that again, guys. You know me. I wouldn't send you junk.
Valerie
The Weekend (cont'd)
After a nice bath and some self pampering I was ready for a nice evening out with my boyfriend. We went to a party up in Washington Heights (very interesting up there). The hostess had prepared clams, salmon, scallops, and other tasty snacks including both a Caeser salad and a Nicoise style salad with fresh endives and beautiful olives.
The purpose of the gathering was to play a game, invented by the hostess which combines elements of $24,000 pyramid, charades and password. We played three games and finished up around 3 in the morning.
Sunday morning, Jon and went bike riding in Central Park. Sunday's weather was the hottest and most humid. After the fourth hill, I was done. I was brick red, dizzy and on my way to a nice case of heat stroke. I couldn't do it. It was just too hot. Jon and I returned my bike to the rental place. We went back to his place and watched his new Kill Bill DVD (awewome!!!!) and then we headed back to Central Park where Jon showed me nature trails I never new existed. We ended up on the East Side at the top of the park and took a nice walk back to the street fair on Amsterdam Avenue.
The street fair, was like all other street fairs. I'll walk through them if I happen upon them but I don't go out of my way to find them. All street fairs in New York City are exactly the same.
I would rate this weekend as an 10 on a scale of 1 - 10.
The purpose of the gathering was to play a game, invented by the hostess which combines elements of $24,000 pyramid, charades and password. We played three games and finished up around 3 in the morning.
Sunday morning, Jon and went bike riding in Central Park. Sunday's weather was the hottest and most humid. After the fourth hill, I was done. I was brick red, dizzy and on my way to a nice case of heat stroke. I couldn't do it. It was just too hot. Jon and I returned my bike to the rental place. We went back to his place and watched his new Kill Bill DVD (awewome!!!!) and then we headed back to Central Park where Jon showed me nature trails I never new existed. We ended up on the East Side at the top of the park and took a nice walk back to the street fair on Amsterdam Avenue.
The street fair, was like all other street fairs. I'll walk through them if I happen upon them but I don't go out of my way to find them. All street fairs in New York City are exactly the same.
I would rate this weekend as an 10 on a scale of 1 - 10.
May 24, 2004
Hunter Thompson's misplaced shock
Apparently, I'm not only one who found offense in Thompson's ESPN article, which I linked to after finding it on The Drudge Report. Matt Drudge, who posted the link to this outrageous article also posted this article explaining how ESPN had to clean up his comments and included the original text which so offended earlier in the day.
=====================================
According to this article, Mr. Thompson finds the recent photographs from Abu Grahaib more shocking than any atrocity recorded by the Nazis.
Granted, the pictorial evidence of prisoner abuse coming out of Abu Grahaib is not pleasant and indeed shows a seedier side of life in POW facilities run by American soldiers, but in comparison to the treatment afforded Nazi prisoners before and during WWII in the camps invented for their final solution, this abusive treatement is mild at best.
I'm sure there many examples even beyond what the Nazi's did, examples of atrocities committed by other countries and other leaders that far outweigh the cruelty shown by our misguided American soldiers to our prisoners of war in Iraq.
Mr. Thompson's observation is misguided and a little anti patriotic if you ask me.
=====================================
According to this article, Mr. Thompson finds the recent photographs from Abu Grahaib more shocking than any atrocity recorded by the Nazis.
Granted, the pictorial evidence of prisoner abuse coming out of Abu Grahaib is not pleasant and indeed shows a seedier side of life in POW facilities run by American soldiers, but in comparison to the treatment afforded Nazi prisoners before and during WWII in the camps invented for their final solution, this abusive treatement is mild at best.
I'm sure there many examples even beyond what the Nazi's did, examples of atrocities committed by other countries and other leaders that far outweigh the cruelty shown by our misguided American soldiers to our prisoners of war in Iraq.
Mr. Thompson's observation is misguided and a little anti patriotic if you ask me.
The Weekend
Saturday. . .
I did one thing during the day which took up a good part of the afternoon. I went to the nail salon for a pedicure/manicure. When I walked into Athena's, Athena asked me what I wanted, told me to pick a color and asked me to wait a few minutes. Not bad, I thought, considering how many people were being served. 10 minutes later I was taken to the back where I waited 10 more minutes for a spot in one of the wonderful, pedicure chairs. All of their chairs give massages so I promptly set my controls on compressions that moved up and down my achy back. Patricia was great. My feet were in better shape than I thought. I didn't even need the razor to slough off the dead skin, just a good scrubbing.
She filed my nails, cleaned my feet, massaged my calfs and arches, and then painted my toes with the reddest polish I could find. Patricia then slipped my flip flops (thongs, zoris) on my feet and led me to the dryers where I was to wait for manicure...that was 3:50. I reset the dryer three times and still no manicure. My toe nails were completely dry. I stopped the fourth cycle, pulled my feet out and started a conversation with the woman next to me. She was getting ready for a blind date - comedy and dinner in the West Village. I gave her a few recommendations. While we were talking I noticed three people who came in for the same service as me, both the pedi and the mani were leaving, finished. I was still waiting for the manicure. By a quarter to five, I had had it. I marched up to the register where Athena grabbed my arm, trying to assure me it would be only two more minutes. I said, "I don't have all day to be here." I paid the 13 dollars for my toe job and when across the street and bought a big tuna sandwich from SUBWAY.
Typical. I had to eat something because I was angry. Food as comfort.
Well. After gobbling up my sandwich at home 10 minutes later, I calmed down a bit and started getting ready for my Saturday night out. . . . . . . .
(to be cont'd)
I did one thing during the day which took up a good part of the afternoon. I went to the nail salon for a pedicure/manicure. When I walked into Athena's, Athena asked me what I wanted, told me to pick a color and asked me to wait a few minutes. Not bad, I thought, considering how many people were being served. 10 minutes later I was taken to the back where I waited 10 more minutes for a spot in one of the wonderful, pedicure chairs. All of their chairs give massages so I promptly set my controls on compressions that moved up and down my achy back. Patricia was great. My feet were in better shape than I thought. I didn't even need the razor to slough off the dead skin, just a good scrubbing.
She filed my nails, cleaned my feet, massaged my calfs and arches, and then painted my toes with the reddest polish I could find. Patricia then slipped my flip flops (thongs, zoris) on my feet and led me to the dryers where I was to wait for manicure...that was 3:50. I reset the dryer three times and still no manicure. My toe nails were completely dry. I stopped the fourth cycle, pulled my feet out and started a conversation with the woman next to me. She was getting ready for a blind date - comedy and dinner in the West Village. I gave her a few recommendations. While we were talking I noticed three people who came in for the same service as me, both the pedi and the mani were leaving, finished. I was still waiting for the manicure. By a quarter to five, I had had it. I marched up to the register where Athena grabbed my arm, trying to assure me it would be only two more minutes. I said, "I don't have all day to be here." I paid the 13 dollars for my toe job and when across the street and bought a big tuna sandwich from SUBWAY.
Typical. I had to eat something because I was angry. Food as comfort.
Well. After gobbling up my sandwich at home 10 minutes later, I calmed down a bit and started getting ready for my Saturday night out. . . . . . . .
(to be cont'd)
May 23, 2004
Robert Downey Jr.
Well, I never thought I would live to see the day when Robert "Gothika" Downey Jr. would be spotted writing checks at a pizzeria in Astoria. Thanks to Vidiot sending me a link to Dick Johnson's gossip column in the NY Post, I have learned that RDJ is spending time in our neck of the woods. Apparently he's shooting a film about a guy not so many people have heard of who comes from Astoria.
From Dick Johnson's lead, you'd think that RDJ had abandoned his home in the Hollywood Hills or less recently his jail cell for the more exciting and glamorous life of Astoria Hills 11101.
But maybe I'm not being fair to Dick Johnson. I guess he really has left the Hollywood highlife, especially if he did it to shoot a film in one of New York City's outer boroughs.
Come on Dick....give us a break!!!!
From Dick Johnson's lead, you'd think that RDJ had abandoned his home in the Hollywood Hills or less recently his jail cell for the more exciting and glamorous life of Astoria Hills 11101.
But maybe I'm not being fair to Dick Johnson. I guess he really has left the Hollywood highlife, especially if he did it to shoot a film in one of New York City's outer boroughs.
Come on Dick....give us a break!!!!
May 21, 2004
May 20, 2004
It's a Beautiful Day
I walked out of my house this morning and the first thing I thought was,
"I can't believe that twenty minutes ago I was still sleeping."
As I was walking to the subway, all I could think of was my large coffee light with half and half plus two sugars waiting for me at the corner coffee shop.
While I was on the train, all I thought about whether or not Staples would be open, when I got there to buy my boss some mechanical pencils.
When I was in Staples, I had the nicest conversation with the young woman behind the counter. She asked me how I was feeling. I told her, "I'm tired, I want to go home and I hate my job. How are you?"
She said, "I'm pregnant." and she laughed. She was really giddy about it and told me how she was looking forward to it, although no matter what book she read she didn't feel ready.
It turned my mood right around and set me up for a nice day.
"I can't believe that twenty minutes ago I was still sleeping."
As I was walking to the subway, all I could think of was my large coffee light with half and half plus two sugars waiting for me at the corner coffee shop.
While I was on the train, all I thought about whether or not Staples would be open, when I got there to buy my boss some mechanical pencils.
When I was in Staples, I had the nicest conversation with the young woman behind the counter. She asked me how I was feeling. I told her, "I'm tired, I want to go home and I hate my job. How are you?"
She said, "I'm pregnant." and she laughed. She was really giddy about it and told me how she was looking forward to it, although no matter what book she read she didn't feel ready.
It turned my mood right around and set me up for a nice day.
May 19, 2004
I Am So Cool!!
You're an Etch-a-Sketch!! You're the creative,
artsy type who doesn't need to actually utilize
a single muscle group in order to have fun.
Doesn't matter though, you're still cool.
What childhood toy from the 80s are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Kerry is so Very
On Jonh Kerry's presidential website he complains that Bush isn't doing anything about rising gasoline prices, however, he doesn't give any solutions.This bothers me.
CONTEST - BRAND NAME
Which product used this song in their advertising campaign?
A cute child sang the song as this company?s spokesperson.
The prize for the first correct guess is one of the Homies from my extensive collection.
You are my sunshine.
My only sunshine.
You make me happy.
When skies are gray.
You?ll never know dear.
How much I love you.
Please don?t take
My sunshine away.
A cute child sang the song as this company?s spokesperson.
The prize for the first correct guess is one of the Homies from my extensive collection.
You are my sunshine.
My only sunshine.
You make me happy.
When skies are gray.
You?ll never know dear.
How much I love you.
Please don?t take
My sunshine away.
May 18, 2004
Name that Product/Tuesday Night trivia
The world looks mighty good to me
For (name product) are all I see
Whatever it is I think I see
Becomes a (name product) to me.
(Name product) chocolate is a chocolaty chew
(Name product) I think I?m in love with you
Whatever it is I think I see
Becomes a (name product) to me.
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I?m hosting Tuesday night trivia with Jill tonight over at the Baggott Inn on West 3rd between Thompson and Sullivan. The party starts at 7:30 pm.
Try to make it if you can.
We?ll be waiting for you.
For (name product) are all I see
Whatever it is I think I see
Becomes a (name product) to me.
(Name product) chocolate is a chocolaty chew
(Name product) I think I?m in love with you
Whatever it is I think I see
Becomes a (name product) to me.
--------------------------------------------------------------
I?m hosting Tuesday night trivia with Jill tonight over at the Baggott Inn on West 3rd between Thompson and Sullivan. The party starts at 7:30 pm.
Try to make it if you can.
We?ll be waiting for you.
May 17, 2004
Name That Product
Do you know exactly
how to eat an (name product)
Well to do it.
You unscrew it.
Really fast.
'Cause a kid'll
Eat the middle
of an (name product) first
and save the chocolate cookie outside
for last.
how to eat an (name product)
Well to do it.
You unscrew it.
Really fast.
'Cause a kid'll
Eat the middle
of an (name product) first
and save the chocolate cookie outside
for last.
May 15, 2004
SA-TUR-DAY NIGHT!
Saturday night. Ahhhhhhhhh.
Tonight is the first Saturday night I'm spending alone in quite some time. Why? Well. . .tomorrow morning, my honey is riding in a big bike race to Montauk and tonight he's going to bed early in preparation.
I don't mind. I've been trying to clean my house all day. I've made some progress but I keep getting distracted.
First, there was the mid-July like weather. It reached almost 90 degrees today and the humidity was considerable. Of course, I needed to go outside. Then there was the availability of The House of Sand and Fog on pay per view. Having read the book earlier this year, naturally I had to watch the movie.
I did manage to clean my dishes, my utensil draw (it was full of weird dried orts that fell in during some cooking travails), my oven, but then I had to see how far I could get on the next level of Corkscrew Follies, part of the Roller Coaster Tycoon extension pack. I finished the initial Tycoon game earlier this month and I'm so excited to be working on Corkscrew and building new rides and attractions. (I'm a game geek from way back).
Time certainly did escape from me because now it is after 9pm and it's dark outside and the temperature has barely dropped and Lewis Black's comedy special, Black on Broadway, is coming on in about 45 minutes.
Until then, I'm resolved to cleaning up my disaster of a living room, office, bedroom, dining room area (my one room outside of my bathroom and kitchen). Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be lending one of my couches to my friend and neighbor and creating more space.
I'm rambling now......the thought of cleaning distracts and upsets me........but I am looking forward to the end results.
Tonight is the first Saturday night I'm spending alone in quite some time. Why? Well. . .tomorrow morning, my honey is riding in a big bike race to Montauk and tonight he's going to bed early in preparation.
I don't mind. I've been trying to clean my house all day. I've made some progress but I keep getting distracted.
First, there was the mid-July like weather. It reached almost 90 degrees today and the humidity was considerable. Of course, I needed to go outside. Then there was the availability of The House of Sand and Fog on pay per view. Having read the book earlier this year, naturally I had to watch the movie.
I did manage to clean my dishes, my utensil draw (it was full of weird dried orts that fell in during some cooking travails), my oven, but then I had to see how far I could get on the next level of Corkscrew Follies, part of the Roller Coaster Tycoon extension pack. I finished the initial Tycoon game earlier this month and I'm so excited to be working on Corkscrew and building new rides and attractions. (I'm a game geek from way back).
Time certainly did escape from me because now it is after 9pm and it's dark outside and the temperature has barely dropped and Lewis Black's comedy special, Black on Broadway, is coming on in about 45 minutes.
Until then, I'm resolved to cleaning up my disaster of a living room, office, bedroom, dining room area (my one room outside of my bathroom and kitchen). Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be lending one of my couches to my friend and neighbor and creating more space.
I'm rambling now......the thought of cleaning distracts and upsets me........but I am looking forward to the end results.
A New Template
Glory be!!
Blogger has expanded their template file and I've been able to update the look of my blog.
Sadly, I lost my comments so get to work people!!
Blogger has expanded their template file and I've been able to update the look of my blog.
Sadly, I lost my comments so get to work people!!
May 14, 2004
The Clock is Poli "ticking"
Caren wrote an interesting entry about politics as of late.
I agree with her that people are hostile when it comes to their political beliefs and I also agree that it's an indication that people care.
I don't necessarily agree that this development is recent. People have long been divided on the major issues such as healthcare, welfare, abortion, war, etcetera. When one lives in and around New York City, one notices that many people have a more liberal point of view regarding the major issues. I have an ex-boyfriend who used to say that any place beyond the tri-borough bridge is like the mid-west.
As I get older I notice more and more how strongly people feel about their politics. Or perhaps as my friends and I mature we are more aware of what is happening in the world and what part we play in the happenings. We grow more more introspective and vocal.
Our brains never stop developing. We are always finding new challenges and readjusting our views to help us fit in the worlds which we conform to and then grow out of.
My friends and I are in our early to middle thirties. I think we are at a stage of development where we feel empowered as adults perhaps for the first time in our lives and wish to do something with that power either intellectually or physically.
I agree with her that people are hostile when it comes to their political beliefs and I also agree that it's an indication that people care.
I don't necessarily agree that this development is recent. People have long been divided on the major issues such as healthcare, welfare, abortion, war, etcetera. When one lives in and around New York City, one notices that many people have a more liberal point of view regarding the major issues. I have an ex-boyfriend who used to say that any place beyond the tri-borough bridge is like the mid-west.
As I get older I notice more and more how strongly people feel about their politics. Or perhaps as my friends and I mature we are more aware of what is happening in the world and what part we play in the happenings. We grow more more introspective and vocal.
Our brains never stop developing. We are always finding new challenges and readjusting our views to help us fit in the worlds which we conform to and then grow out of.
My friends and I are in our early to middle thirties. I think we are at a stage of development where we feel empowered as adults perhaps for the first time in our lives and wish to do something with that power either intellectually or physically.
May 13, 2004
Silent but Not So Deadly
Here is a cute article I found by Emily Yoffe who is apparently acting as a human guinea pig for weird little experiments so her readers don't have to.
In this article, she remains silent for 48 hours to see what happens.
In this article, she remains silent for 48 hours to see what happens.
Turned On and Tuned In
Wow. Thanks to series of linkages through a couple of friends' sites, I found this fantastic artist, whose work I've never before seen.
His name is Mark Ryden and I believe he works out of California. Either way, check it out. It's worth it.
His name is Mark Ryden and I believe he works out of California. Either way, check it out. It's worth it.
American Idol
Yes. I watched American Idol last night and yes. I am going to write about it.
Last night, I watched as probably one of the best singers on the show was elimanated for not having enough votes. I truly don't understand how the country did not recognize LaToya London's talent.
You can read about here if you want to. It was quite a show. Donna Summer performed twice, once with the contestants, once without..
She was pretty good but she can't hit the high notes like she used to.
Clay Aiken sang also. I am still in shock over the level of stardom he's reaching. He is soooooooooo very average in looks and in talent. I guess people just like him.
Paula Abdul was crying at the end as LaToya sang her swan song and graciously thanked everyone without shedding a tear. She's a class act and it's shame she didn't make it to the final two.
Last night, I watched as probably one of the best singers on the show was elimanated for not having enough votes. I truly don't understand how the country did not recognize LaToya London's talent.
You can read about here if you want to. It was quite a show. Donna Summer performed twice, once with the contestants, once without..
She was pretty good but she can't hit the high notes like she used to.
Clay Aiken sang also. I am still in shock over the level of stardom he's reaching. He is soooooooooo very average in looks and in talent. I guess people just like him.
Paula Abdul was crying at the end as LaToya sang her swan song and graciously thanked everyone without shedding a tear. She's a class act and it's shame she didn't make it to the final two.
Boxing Pixie
Now that I've got my weather pixie under control, I feel I can write about something else.
Do you remember in September when I wrote about living the Year of Yes? I decided around the time of the Jewish New Year that I was going to say yes to more of life's opportunities. I did it for a while, until November in fact when I decided that I was pushing it a little too far and tiring myself out.
Well, it's May now, and I never quite picked it back up. I'm still in the same job (which is both good and bad), I haven't been going out all that much with the exception of my dates with Jon, I haven't been writing all that much, and I'm falling back into that quiet slump which prompted the Year of Yes in the first place.
Today, I'm going to start it up again. I'm already scheduled to host Tuesday Night Trivia on the 18th and I believe that is a good place to start. The bike ride this past Sunday was also part of my resurrection.
What kinds of things am I looking to do? Maybe a cool part-time job if anybody has any suggestions in the New York City area, one that could be done during the evening on site or from home. Maybe some kick boxing classes if I can raise the funds. Maybe spend more time with my nephew although my cold has been interfering with some good visiting time.
I'm starting to get a little bore with myself, which I fear is making me boring to those around me. But hang in there friends. If I could pull myself out of my slump in September, I certainly can do it for the spring/summer season.
Wish me luck!!
Do you remember in September when I wrote about living the Year of Yes? I decided around the time of the Jewish New Year that I was going to say yes to more of life's opportunities. I did it for a while, until November in fact when I decided that I was pushing it a little too far and tiring myself out.
Well, it's May now, and I never quite picked it back up. I'm still in the same job (which is both good and bad), I haven't been going out all that much with the exception of my dates with Jon, I haven't been writing all that much, and I'm falling back into that quiet slump which prompted the Year of Yes in the first place.
Today, I'm going to start it up again. I'm already scheduled to host Tuesday Night Trivia on the 18th and I believe that is a good place to start. The bike ride this past Sunday was also part of my resurrection.
What kinds of things am I looking to do? Maybe a cool part-time job if anybody has any suggestions in the New York City area, one that could be done during the evening on site or from home. Maybe some kick boxing classes if I can raise the funds. Maybe spend more time with my nephew although my cold has been interfering with some good visiting time.
I'm starting to get a little bore with myself, which I fear is making me boring to those around me. But hang in there friends. If I could pull myself out of my slump in September, I certainly can do it for the spring/summer season.
Wish me luck!!
May 12, 2004
A little less beautiful
The temperatures are up as well as the humidity.
I hope today's level of moisture in the air isn't an indication of what kind of summer we are going to have because that will mean a very humid summer for the residents of New York City indeed.
I hope today's level of moisture in the air isn't an indication of what kind of summer we are going to have because that will mean a very humid summer for the residents of New York City indeed.
May 11, 2004
It's a Beautiful Day
Today, in NYC we are having the first truly summer like weather outside. I just ran an errand and had trouble coming back into the office. Thoughts of the beach ran through my head, as I lolligagged my way back to my desk. Sunday was also beautiful.
Jon and I rode bicycles all along the Hudson River in New York City. I've lived here a pretty long time and I was amazed to learn that there are walking and riding paths far removed from the West Side Highway traffic. I collected nice memories and a few more freckles.
Yesterday, on my errand, I spotted a celebrity walking up Madison Avenue between 27th and 28th Street. It was none other than Andrew McCarthy perhaps best known for his work in such movies as Pretty in Pink and Mannequin. I've also seen him perform on Broadway in the hit show SIDEMAN which also starred Christian Slater and Edie Falco(fellow SUNY Purchase graduate)in it's different incarnations.
He's quite handsome in person, moreso than on screen.
Jon and I rode bicycles all along the Hudson River in New York City. I've lived here a pretty long time and I was amazed to learn that there are walking and riding paths far removed from the West Side Highway traffic. I collected nice memories and a few more freckles.
Yesterday, on my errand, I spotted a celebrity walking up Madison Avenue between 27th and 28th Street. It was none other than Andrew McCarthy perhaps best known for his work in such movies as Pretty in Pink and Mannequin. I've also seen him perform on Broadway in the hit show SIDEMAN which also starred Christian Slater and Edie Falco(fellow SUNY Purchase graduate)in it's different incarnations.
He's quite handsome in person, moreso than on screen.
May 10, 2004
Alan King - Dead at 76
Comedian Alan King passed away. He was 76 years old and died as a result of lung cancer.
Monday, Monday
Good morning.
Good morning.
We talked the whole night through.
Good morning.
Good morning.
To you!!
Good morning.
We talked the whole night through.
Good morning.
Good morning.
To you!!
May 06, 2004
Friends No More
Yes. People seem to think the last episode of Friends was a little bit anti-climatic but isn't that how your 30's have been. When you first came to the big city in your early 20's, everything was exciting and new and the world was full of possibilities, but as you started to travel down your passionately sought after path, you started to settle down and the world stopped moving so fast. You grew up. Well, so did the fictional characters in the cast of Friends. I didn't find the ending to be anti-climatic at all. I found it true to life. People grow up, grow apart and move away.
C'est la vie!!
C'est la vie!!
May 05, 2004
Censorship?
It seems like Howard Stern isn't the only one getting his rights trampled on.
This article appeared in the NY Times and discusses how Disney is forbidding the distribution of Michael Moore film that cricizes President Bush.
I'll see if I can find another source for this in case you are having trouble linking.
As promised here is a link to the MSN article about the above.
This article appeared in the NY Times and discusses how Disney is forbidding the distribution of Michael Moore film that cricizes President Bush.
I'll see if I can find another source for this in case you are having trouble linking.
As promised here is a link to the MSN article about the above.
May 04, 2004
Cold and Flu Season?
I've come down with some kind of head cold from hell.
My glands are sore, my head is stuffed, my throat is scratchy.
I apologize to my friends now for not coming to trivia on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
Perhaps, next week . . . perhaps........
My glands are sore, my head is stuffed, my throat is scratchy.
I apologize to my friends now for not coming to trivia on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
Perhaps, next week . . . perhaps........
Total Eclipse of the Moon
This article describes the lunar eclipse expected later. Notice it speaks of the BLOOD RED moon.
May 03, 2004
The weekend
I spent this weekend chilling out and having fun.
Friday night, a friend invited me to see Tony and Tina's Wedding, an interactive play that has been playing on Broadway at least 8 years that I know of. We were joined by another friend.
The three of us had a blast. The most fun was watching our third friend interacting with almost every member of the cast (you know who you are). She did a great job improvising. She came prepared with a fully rounded character that she could blend into the action.
Several cast members sat with us at the "reception", I think just to talk to her.
It was cool. First we met at the basement of a church on 46th street to watch the "ceremony". That's where the audience first meets the cast members. We were assigned to sit with the groom's side of the family. Then after the ceremony, we walked over to the Edison Hotel for the "reception" where we served a glass of champagne, ziti and salad. There was a wedding singer with a full backup band and plenty of shenanigans (sp?). Good fun was had by all.
Saturday, I chilled out watching three or four movies on the telly, changing my winter for summer clothes and then going out to see a couple of friends perform standup where Jon was to meet me later. I ran into another friend of mine and we all went out afterwards to a nice little Italian restaurant in the Village.
Sadly, the evening was deflated by the commute home. All we wanted to do was take a taxi but that became a huge chore. Our first (yes, our first) taxi pulled to the side of the road half way to Astoria, claiming to be out of anti-freeze. We paid him and found another taxi, who surprisingly didn't know the way to Astoria or my house. By the time we got home we had all lost that nice feeling of having been out, kind of like that feeling after the limo ride into the city after your high school prom.
Sunday....well, Sunday belonged to Jon and me. We went food shopping, I cooked, we played Scrabble, we went on the internet, we sat on my front stoop and talked to a neighbor that moved in about 5 months ago, and we watched the Sopranos.
I had a nice relaxing weekend. And you? How was your weekend?
Friday night, a friend invited me to see Tony and Tina's Wedding, an interactive play that has been playing on Broadway at least 8 years that I know of. We were joined by another friend.
The three of us had a blast. The most fun was watching our third friend interacting with almost every member of the cast (you know who you are). She did a great job improvising. She came prepared with a fully rounded character that she could blend into the action.
Several cast members sat with us at the "reception", I think just to talk to her.
It was cool. First we met at the basement of a church on 46th street to watch the "ceremony". That's where the audience first meets the cast members. We were assigned to sit with the groom's side of the family. Then after the ceremony, we walked over to the Edison Hotel for the "reception" where we served a glass of champagne, ziti and salad. There was a wedding singer with a full backup band and plenty of shenanigans (sp?). Good fun was had by all.
Saturday, I chilled out watching three or four movies on the telly, changing my winter for summer clothes and then going out to see a couple of friends perform standup where Jon was to meet me later. I ran into another friend of mine and we all went out afterwards to a nice little Italian restaurant in the Village.
Sadly, the evening was deflated by the commute home. All we wanted to do was take a taxi but that became a huge chore. Our first (yes, our first) taxi pulled to the side of the road half way to Astoria, claiming to be out of anti-freeze. We paid him and found another taxi, who surprisingly didn't know the way to Astoria or my house. By the time we got home we had all lost that nice feeling of having been out, kind of like that feeling after the limo ride into the city after your high school prom.
Sunday....well, Sunday belonged to Jon and me. We went food shopping, I cooked, we played Scrabble, we went on the internet, we sat on my front stoop and talked to a neighbor that moved in about 5 months ago, and we watched the Sopranos.
I had a nice relaxing weekend. And you? How was your weekend?
May 02, 2004
Jacko's Junko
In today's Post, there was a good article about Jacko's Junko. The headline was written by my Jon and a co-worker.
In the article, the DA is about to examine fluids found in Michael's Calvin Klein underwear.
NB - be sure to catch a glimpse of the tasteful yet bizarrely placed Calvin Klein ad in the middle of the article.
In the article, the DA is about to examine fluids found in Michael's Calvin Klein underwear.
NB - be sure to catch a glimpse of the tasteful yet bizarrely placed Calvin Klein ad in the middle of the article.
April 30, 2004
Nice Dialogue
When I emerged from the subway at 28th and Broadway I was deeply engrossed in my friend's manuscript. With my nose buried deep in lose pages, I walked and read until I got to 5th and 28th when a garbage truck almost ran me over for not paying attention (my fault).
It rolled up next to the curb right in front of me until I was standing face to face with the stink back of the truck. A garbage man jumped on the back of the truck and the woman waiting with me to cross the street said to him,
"You have such a hard job that nobody appreciates but I want you to know that I appreciate it."
The heartfelt comment put a smile on his face and mine as well.
It rolled up next to the curb right in front of me until I was standing face to face with the stink back of the truck. A garbage man jumped on the back of the truck and the woman waiting with me to cross the street said to him,
"You have such a hard job that nobody appreciates but I want you to know that I appreciate it."
The heartfelt comment put a smile on his face and mine as well.
Nasty Dialogue
Here is something I overheard on the subway platform this morning.
I walked by a woman who was standing right at the top of the stairs, flipping through the paper, as I came up. As I walked past her, she started yelling at the man walking next to me.
standing at the top of the stairs
"You could say excuse me. You hit me!!"
walking away
"Well, you shouldn't be standing in everyone's way!!!"
still standing in everyone's way
"Asshole. You hit a woman!!!!!"
still walking away
"SHUT UP!!!"
still standing there
"Come back here!!!! I'll kick your ass!!!!"
almost at the end of the platform
"SHUT UP!!!"
I waited to see which car he got into and then I decided to wait for the next train.
I walked by a woman who was standing right at the top of the stairs, flipping through the paper, as I came up. As I walked past her, she started yelling at the man walking next to me.
standing at the top of the stairs
"You could say excuse me. You hit me!!"
walking away
"Well, you shouldn't be standing in everyone's way!!!"
still standing in everyone's way
"Asshole. You hit a woman!!!!!"
still walking away
"SHUT UP!!!"
still standing there
"Come back here!!!! I'll kick your ass!!!!"
almost at the end of the platform
"SHUT UP!!!"
I waited to see which car he got into and then I decided to wait for the next train.
April 27, 2004
A Before Dinner Snack
Straight from the pages of The Onion comes this serious look at a recent grant by The National Endowment of the Arts and Crafts.
=================================================
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR
THE ARTS & CRAFTS CRITICIZED FOR
FUNDING GIANT MACRAME PENIS
=================================================
THE ARTS & CRAFTS CRITICIZED FOR
FUNDING GIANT MACRAME PENIS
something to nibble on . . . .
This young couple got arrested after photographing their two year old smoking pot and then dropping off the photos to be developed at a local convenience store.
April 18, 2004
Earth Shattering News
It seems, young Prince William, heir to the throne of England, debuted his flesh as he made his water polo debut for the Scottish national universities squad in the annual Celtic Nations tournament against Wales and Ireland in Cardiff, Wales.
Things That Make You Go Yuck
It seems that some of our service men are coming down with an skinfection known as the Baghdad Boil. Sand flies are transferring these horrible parasites that live in their guts when they bite our soldiers about their bodies.
Read about it hear. Warning. The article comes complete with a gross out photo that you can link to for more details.
Read about it hear. Warning. The article comes complete with a gross out photo that you can link to for more details.
Yaw Fiyad!!
So....did you hear about this guy Rantisi? He is the Hamas leader who started screaming "Death to Israel, Death to Israel" and publicizing his plans to destroy Israel. Israel responded by killing him by fire bomb.
He is the second Hamas leader to be killed in thirty days. The Palestinians are outraged (although I refuse to believe that every single Palestinian gets behind Hamas) that Israel has done this and they elected a new leader but this time in secret. You would think after the assassination of the first guy, Rantisi's advisors would have encouraged him to keep a low profile and not piss off Israel. It took two killings for Hamas to realize that Israel is trying to wipe them out.
Between the suicide bombings (decreasing their own flock) and publicly condemning Israel, daring Israel to come to Gaza Strip and murder them, Hamas doesn't seem like the most clever of terrorist organizations.
He is the second Hamas leader to be killed in thirty days. The Palestinians are outraged (although I refuse to believe that every single Palestinian gets behind Hamas) that Israel has done this and they elected a new leader but this time in secret. You would think after the assassination of the first guy, Rantisi's advisors would have encouraged him to keep a low profile and not piss off Israel. It took two killings for Hamas to realize that Israel is trying to wipe them out.
Between the suicide bombings (decreasing their own flock) and publicly condemning Israel, daring Israel to come to Gaza Strip and murder them, Hamas doesn't seem like the most clever of terrorist organizations.
April 16, 2004
The Apprentice
The Apprentice is over. Bill was chosen to be the apprentice.
The job he won is to oversea the building of a sky scraper that will blot out the sun from the Chicago skyline.
I think Kwame is the real winner. He has all the fame, will get a lot of job offers and he DOESN'T have to work for that megalomaniac Trump.
Bill's salary will be $275,000 or something like that. It's just not enough money to work for Trump. I'm not sure what would be harder to take. Having to listen to how fabulous it is to be him 24 hours a day or having to listen to him pontificate about what it means to be a good business man.
Harder than either of the above would be looking at his flacid face and horrible hair. The way he wears his hair is the ultimate sign of his arrogance. It looks awful, it makes him hard to look at or take seriously, you know he can afford to get it styled, yet he doesn't and if that doesn't scream of arrogance, I don't know what does.
And oh yeah, on a construction site, I don't really think it's necessary to wear suits. As a matter of fact, it's just unnecessary to wear suits all the time in general.
I dislike business, working for business, business to business. I have no idea at all why I enjoyed that show so much, but enjoy it I did.
The job he won is to oversea the building of a sky scraper that will blot out the sun from the Chicago skyline.
I think Kwame is the real winner. He has all the fame, will get a lot of job offers and he DOESN'T have to work for that megalomaniac Trump.
Bill's salary will be $275,000 or something like that. It's just not enough money to work for Trump. I'm not sure what would be harder to take. Having to listen to how fabulous it is to be him 24 hours a day or having to listen to him pontificate about what it means to be a good business man.
Harder than either of the above would be looking at his flacid face and horrible hair. The way he wears his hair is the ultimate sign of his arrogance. It looks awful, it makes him hard to look at or take seriously, you know he can afford to get it styled, yet he doesn't and if that doesn't scream of arrogance, I don't know what does.
And oh yeah, on a construction site, I don't really think it's necessary to wear suits. As a matter of fact, it's just unnecessary to wear suits all the time in general.
I dislike business, working for business, business to business. I have no idea at all why I enjoyed that show so much, but enjoy it I did.
April 14, 2004
The President's Speech
So, last night, I watched the President's press conference and you know what. He really is just such a seemingly earnest and likeable fellow (my grandmother always used the word fellow for a man who isn't Jewish).
Even though he fumbled through a lot of his spontaneous answers, I got the feeling that he really believes in the actions we're taking in Iraq. While I continue to have mixed feelings about all that business (loss of life bad; preventing future acts of war against the US good) I believed he really thinks what we're doing there is just. And I was happy to see that he is willing to back up his belief. He respects the troops and repeated several times that he will give them all the support that they need. I truly hope that carries over to the times when the Iraqtion is over and the troops are home and recovering from their military adventures.
While I think it is wonderful that he is making sure the troops are being well supported while overseas, it is important to remember that for many people who serve the action continues even when it's over.
I know I've said this before on this website and I don't mind saying it again. Even if you don't believe in war or occupation of another country, it is important that we support the people who fight the good fight. Not only when they are in places that are not their home, but once they've come home and they need jobs, medical attention, homes, and/or psychological counselling.
If people are going to spend their time protesting some aspect of war, sometimes I think it would be better if they were protesting to make sure that veterans are receiving the services they need after they return home.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Even though he fumbled through a lot of his spontaneous answers, I got the feeling that he really believes in the actions we're taking in Iraq. While I continue to have mixed feelings about all that business (loss of life bad; preventing future acts of war against the US good) I believed he really thinks what we're doing there is just. And I was happy to see that he is willing to back up his belief. He respects the troops and repeated several times that he will give them all the support that they need. I truly hope that carries over to the times when the Iraqtion is over and the troops are home and recovering from their military adventures.
While I think it is wonderful that he is making sure the troops are being well supported while overseas, it is important to remember that for many people who serve the action continues even when it's over.
I know I've said this before on this website and I don't mind saying it again. Even if you don't believe in war or occupation of another country, it is important that we support the people who fight the good fight. Not only when they are in places that are not their home, but once they've come home and they need jobs, medical attention, homes, and/or psychological counselling.
If people are going to spend their time protesting some aspect of war, sometimes I think it would be better if they were protesting to make sure that veterans are receiving the services they need after they return home.
And that's all I have to say about that.
April 12, 2004
Manic Monday
Good morning.
I have a confession to make. I'm not thrilled that Monday is here, but it's probably not why you think. It's not because Monday is the first day of the work week. It is because at midnight Sunday was finished and so was the most lovely Sunday I've ever spent with someone.
I had the most wonderful time with Jon this weekend. We went on a historical walking tour of the lower Eastside that explored the neighborhoods a lot of Jewish immigrants moved to and lived in at the turn of the century. It was wonderful. Very educational.
Due to the proximity of this neighborhood to Chinatown, it didn't take much convincing on Jon's part to get me to have lunch at Doyer's Vietnam, just about the best and cheapest place to get Vietnamese food in the city. I ordered the absolutely wonderful Lemon Grass Chicken, while Jon ordered the Setai Shrimp (spelling?). The generous portions were served family style and we dined ferociously as we were ravenous having skipped breakfast. Did I mention the to-die-for wontons we ate as appetizers and the hot banana served on a banana leaf with hot tapioca pudding? From beginning to end the meal was memorable.
After that, meandering up Broadway, checking out the shops in Soho and then a restful ride back to my apartment where we competed at Scrabble.
I don't know what it was about yesterday, but for some reason it was just better than any other day I've had in quite some time.
I have a confession to make. I'm not thrilled that Monday is here, but it's probably not why you think. It's not because Monday is the first day of the work week. It is because at midnight Sunday was finished and so was the most lovely Sunday I've ever spent with someone.
I had the most wonderful time with Jon this weekend. We went on a historical walking tour of the lower Eastside that explored the neighborhoods a lot of Jewish immigrants moved to and lived in at the turn of the century. It was wonderful. Very educational.
Due to the proximity of this neighborhood to Chinatown, it didn't take much convincing on Jon's part to get me to have lunch at Doyer's Vietnam, just about the best and cheapest place to get Vietnamese food in the city. I ordered the absolutely wonderful Lemon Grass Chicken, while Jon ordered the Setai Shrimp (spelling?). The generous portions were served family style and we dined ferociously as we were ravenous having skipped breakfast. Did I mention the to-die-for wontons we ate as appetizers and the hot banana served on a banana leaf with hot tapioca pudding? From beginning to end the meal was memorable.
After that, meandering up Broadway, checking out the shops in Soho and then a restful ride back to my apartment where we competed at Scrabble.
I don't know what it was about yesterday, but for some reason it was just better than any other day I've had in quite some time.
April 09, 2004
A Knock at the Door
"Yes. Who is it?"
"It's the police ma'am. Please open up."
"The police. Oh yes. Right away. What is it officer."
"Well, Mrs. Bunny, I'm afraid we may have some bad news."
The police officer pulls out this photo and shows it to Mrs. Bunny.
Upon seeing it, Mrs. Bunny starts crying hard and fast, tears streaming down her face.
"Do you recognize this man?"
Mrs. Bunny passes out and the officers move her to a couch and bring her some water.
(thanks to A at A Violently Executed Blog for providing the above link)
"It's the police ma'am. Please open up."
"The police. Oh yes. Right away. What is it officer."
"Well, Mrs. Bunny, I'm afraid we may have some bad news."
The police officer pulls out this photo and shows it to Mrs. Bunny.
Upon seeing it, Mrs. Bunny starts crying hard and fast, tears streaming down her face.
"Do you recognize this man?"
Mrs. Bunny passes out and the officers move her to a couch and bring her some water.
(thanks to A at A Violently Executed Blog for providing the above link)
Friday Five
NB: The Friday Five was only late with their posting and not as I suggested, taking a hiatus due to good Friday. Either way, my questions still stand.
1) At what age did you start realizing how weird the concept of the Easter Bunny really is?
2) Were you religious as a child, meaning as a child, during your religious training (if you received this kind of training) did you attend weekly religious services? and if so at what age did you stop going?
3) Have you gone through the stage or are you going through the stage in one's life, where you are questioning the motifs and themes you learned during your religious training and what is that you are or were questioning?
4) Are you now in the stage of your life where you have come back to your religion either for personal reasons or for the sake of your children for whom you desire a similar religious upbringing?
5) Are you in a committed relationship with someone of the same faith as you or someone of a different faith and how is that going?
NB: The Friday Five was only late with their posting and not as I suggested, taking a hiatus due to good Friday. Either way, my questions still stand.
1) At what age did you start realizing how weird the concept of the Easter Bunny really is?
2) Were you religious as a child, meaning as a child, during your religious training (if you received this kind of training) did you attend weekly religious services? and if so at what age did you stop going?
3) Have you gone through the stage or are you going through the stage in one's life, where you are questioning the motifs and themes you learned during your religious training and what is that you are or were questioning?
4) Are you now in the stage of your life where you have come back to your religion either for personal reasons or for the sake of your children for whom you desire a similar religious upbringing?
5) Are you in a committed relationship with someone of the same faith as you or someone of a different faith and how is that going?
April 08, 2004
Rice is Nice
Here is a transcript of Dr. Rice's testimony before the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks.
Mid-day Lull
It's about 2:40 and the day is starting to drag. I look to my friends' blogs for a quick pick me up while have this quiet moment to myself.
I find some interesting links about milk bags on one friend's site.
I find an article about desperate women on another friend's site.
Plastic milk bags - seems silly to put milk in plastic bags when both cardboard and glass bottles are recyclable.
Writing about desperate women - seems redundant. I was not surprised to read that women can have a hard time meeting men.
Of course, I am talking about the links my friend's linked to and not my friends themselves.
I'm just restless, is all.
I find some interesting links about milk bags on one friend's site.
I find an article about desperate women on another friend's site.
Plastic milk bags - seems silly to put milk in plastic bags when both cardboard and glass bottles are recyclable.
Writing about desperate women - seems redundant. I was not surprised to read that women can have a hard time meeting men.
Of course, I am talking about the links my friend's linked to and not my friends themselves.
I'm just restless, is all.
The Swan
I watched a very bizarre show last night called The Swan on Fox.
Do you guys remember that episode of the Twilight Zone where a woman receives plastic surgery only to find out in the end that her surgery didn't work, that she was still a gorgeous blond while everyone around her was pig faced?
It was kind of like that, except the opposite.
I don't know if the show is offensive or fantastic. I had such mixed feelings after watching it.
On the one hand, the show is saying that to be average is not good enough. But on the other hand, they are giving people opportunities to completely change their lives for the better by giving them plastic surgery and encouraging them to workout.
I cried at the reveals at the end of the show where two women who had undergone plastic surgery and three months of rigorous working out, dieting and psychological counselling (a nice benefit, I thought) saw themselves in the mirror for the first time in as much time.
They looked good (of course the makeup, hair treatment and stylish dresses didn't hurt) and were practically unrecognizable from their before shots. The tears of joy they cried sent me into a fit of spilling empathetic tears through smiles. That was pretty touching.
What I don't understand is how they are going to reconcile the difference between how they looked before and how they look now. More than rebuilding their self confidence in therapy, I think the focus should be on justifying not seeing your old face in the mirror anymore.
Do you guys remember that episode of the Twilight Zone where a woman receives plastic surgery only to find out in the end that her surgery didn't work, that she was still a gorgeous blond while everyone around her was pig faced?
It was kind of like that, except the opposite.
I don't know if the show is offensive or fantastic. I had such mixed feelings after watching it.
On the one hand, the show is saying that to be average is not good enough. But on the other hand, they are giving people opportunities to completely change their lives for the better by giving them plastic surgery and encouraging them to workout.
I cried at the reveals at the end of the show where two women who had undergone plastic surgery and three months of rigorous working out, dieting and psychological counselling (a nice benefit, I thought) saw themselves in the mirror for the first time in as much time.
They looked good (of course the makeup, hair treatment and stylish dresses didn't hurt) and were practically unrecognizable from their before shots. The tears of joy they cried sent me into a fit of spilling empathetic tears through smiles. That was pretty touching.
What I don't understand is how they are going to reconcile the difference between how they looked before and how they look now. More than rebuilding their self confidence in therapy, I think the focus should be on justifying not seeing your old face in the mirror anymore.
April 07, 2004
Fair to Middlin'
It's somewhere in the middle of the week and I'm working under the deep fog of sleepiness. My mind is restless, sharp and alert. My eyes are half closed and burning from tiredness. My body seems to be cooperating, content for now to follow my brain on the rollercoaster ride that is to be my day.
I hosted Tuesday Night Trivia last night which seemed to go well in spite of my lack of sleep. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I've been having fun and doing great things. It's just that as I get older I find it harder and harder to operate without the appropriate amount of sleep. What that amount is, as of yet, I am not sure.
Anyway, trivia went well. The winning team was Passover - The Feast of Inconvenience. It was a small crowd which was perfect for me as I find that easier to speak to than a large one and the teams were spirited but for the most part polite. Funniest team name - I can't remember.
I went out with a friend afterward to get something to eat. We stayed out a little later than I should have but it was fun none the less.
This morning, I'm doing some fun work, involving letter writing and RFP's and what not. So, I'm in a good place and a good frame of mind to do it, inspite of the FOG OF SLEEPINESS.
I hosted Tuesday Night Trivia last night which seemed to go well in spite of my lack of sleep. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I've been having fun and doing great things. It's just that as I get older I find it harder and harder to operate without the appropriate amount of sleep. What that amount is, as of yet, I am not sure.
Anyway, trivia went well. The winning team was Passover - The Feast of Inconvenience. It was a small crowd which was perfect for me as I find that easier to speak to than a large one and the teams were spirited but for the most part polite. Funniest team name - I can't remember.
I went out with a friend afterward to get something to eat. We stayed out a little later than I should have but it was fun none the less.
This morning, I'm doing some fun work, involving letter writing and RFP's and what not. So, I'm in a good place and a good frame of mind to do it, inspite of the FOG OF SLEEPINESS.
April 06, 2004
The Seder
Last night, I went to a seder at Jon's Aunt's house. It is the first time I've been to a seder outside of my own family and it was really interesting.
For me, the most interesting part of family gatherings is observing how they interact and comparing those interactions with those of my own family. It's nice to see similarities in how other big families behave with each other.
Probably the most enjoyable part for me was the presence of young children, the children of Jon's delightful cousins. There was a rambunctious eight year old boy, a bright and sensitive six year old and the most beautiful four year old girl I've ever seen.
I was just telling Jon that that little girl would be perfect for that poster encouraging couples to propagate and advance the species. Not only did she delight us with special songs she learned for the seder, but she enraptured us with stories from her life and by singing most of the sound track to the movie Annie (with some help from her very sweet Aunt).
Jon's family made me feel very welcome. There was no fuss, no special attention paid to me (which was perfect). I just seemed to blend in as if they'd known me for a long time. The seder was deep in New Jersey. Also enjoyable was the drive down. Jon and I had so much fun on the road, we were almost sorry when we reached our destination. The hardest part was perhaps waking up this morning because we arrived back in New York City so late. Getting up this morning was tough. I'm operating on four hours of sleep and about 5 cups of coffee.
For me, the most interesting part of family gatherings is observing how they interact and comparing those interactions with those of my own family. It's nice to see similarities in how other big families behave with each other.
Probably the most enjoyable part for me was the presence of young children, the children of Jon's delightful cousins. There was a rambunctious eight year old boy, a bright and sensitive six year old and the most beautiful four year old girl I've ever seen.
I was just telling Jon that that little girl would be perfect for that poster encouraging couples to propagate and advance the species. Not only did she delight us with special songs she learned for the seder, but she enraptured us with stories from her life and by singing most of the sound track to the movie Annie (with some help from her very sweet Aunt).
Jon's family made me feel very welcome. There was no fuss, no special attention paid to me (which was perfect). I just seemed to blend in as if they'd known me for a long time. The seder was deep in New Jersey. Also enjoyable was the drive down. Jon and I had so much fun on the road, we were almost sorry when we reached our destination. The hardest part was perhaps waking up this morning because we arrived back in New York City so late. Getting up this morning was tough. I'm operating on four hours of sleep and about 5 cups of coffee.
April 04, 2004
Lazy Sunday in the quay
I just lost another Scrabble to Jon. Even though I made Quay on a trouble word with the Q on a double letter bringing be a total of 78 points for one turn, I still lost by 13 points. Pretty close game.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Side Story is playing on the DVD. I'm always amazed the actor that plays Tony was cast as Tony. He is so bright and cheery and optimistic, he's completely unbelievable as a gang leader or ex-gang leader and that scene in the sewing shop where Tony and Maria pretend to marry each other. Come on. . . are we to believe that any of the other Jets behave that way with their girlfriends? I don't think so.
I am still of the belief that Russ Tamblyn should have been cast as Tony. He had the acting range, and that wonderful combination of vulnerability, toughness and athleticism. Actually, I think the movie would have been much stronger without Richard Beymer at all. Any of the other actors who played one of the Jets could have been moved up into the Riff role.
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At some point today, we're heading to Queens. On the way, we may stop at Macy's, maybe walk around the city a little bit (although) the weather is starting to turn sour. Tonight we're going to see my friend Triple EEE play at a bar somewhere on Sullivan Street. I'll be right back....I'm going to check the location.....here is the posting . . . .hopefully you can make it.
===================================================================
SPRING FORWARD !!
with Eric Everett acoustic tunes to make you stomp, giggle, drink and reflect on the Zen of pine trees and such,
BUT DON'T FROGET (ribbit ribbit) to set your clocks forward so you can get there on time for EE to read your PALM 'cuz it's Palm Sunday too!
Sunday, April 4 - EE's "Return to the Village" show! NYC Baby!
at:
ZANZABAR - 237 Sullivan St, just S. of 3rd St. (212) 673-0050
7 till 10pm - no cover
For more on the place & their menu check out www.Zanzabarny.com!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Side Story is playing on the DVD. I'm always amazed the actor that plays Tony was cast as Tony. He is so bright and cheery and optimistic, he's completely unbelievable as a gang leader or ex-gang leader and that scene in the sewing shop where Tony and Maria pretend to marry each other. Come on. . . are we to believe that any of the other Jets behave that way with their girlfriends? I don't think so.
I am still of the belief that Russ Tamblyn should have been cast as Tony. He had the acting range, and that wonderful combination of vulnerability, toughness and athleticism. Actually, I think the movie would have been much stronger without Richard Beymer at all. Any of the other actors who played one of the Jets could have been moved up into the Riff role.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At some point today, we're heading to Queens. On the way, we may stop at Macy's, maybe walk around the city a little bit (although) the weather is starting to turn sour. Tonight we're going to see my friend Triple EEE play at a bar somewhere on Sullivan Street. I'll be right back....I'm going to check the location.....here is the posting . . . .hopefully you can make it.
===================================================================
SPRING FORWARD !!
with Eric Everett acoustic tunes to make you stomp, giggle, drink and reflect on the Zen of pine trees and such,
BUT DON'T FROGET (ribbit ribbit) to set your clocks forward so you can get there on time for EE to read your PALM 'cuz it's Palm Sunday too!
at:
ZANZABAR - 237 Sullivan St, just S. of 3rd St. (212) 673-0050
7 till 10pm - no cover
For more on the place & their menu check out www.Zanzabarny.com!
April 01, 2004
The Apprentice
This evening, I watched another rousing episode of the Apprentice.
My favorite guy got voted off - the guy with only a high school education, that learned the Art of the Deal by reading Donald Trump's book and built his own successful real estate lending business.
I felt so sad for him. He, more than anybody, really, really wanted to work for Trump because Trump was is his idol. I was really, really hoping he would take it, but Mr. Trump decided that he was a little bit too reckless to run one of his companies. One of his close advisors suggested that Troy could be liablity as the CEO of one of his corporations.
Good bye Troy. I'll miss your optimism and your good sportsmanship.
You're a nice guy and I would like to work for you.
My favorite guy got voted off - the guy with only a high school education, that learned the Art of the Deal by reading Donald Trump's book and built his own successful real estate lending business.
I felt so sad for him. He, more than anybody, really, really wanted to work for Trump because Trump was is his idol. I was really, really hoping he would take it, but Mr. Trump decided that he was a little bit too reckless to run one of his companies. One of his close advisors suggested that Troy could be liablity as the CEO of one of his corporations.
Good bye Troy. I'll miss your optimism and your good sportsmanship.
You're a nice guy and I would like to work for you.
The Soup
Jon just got here and he brought with him one yummy calzone. He offered me some but I said no thank you until he started eating it.
Before he got here, I made some yummy chicken soup which he is now eating. So, I took maybe a third bite from the half he put aside while he eats my soup.
He said, "Hey! You said you didn't want any."
I said, "You're eating my soup. I put my blood, sweat and tears into that soup. (BEAT) No. Not literally."
He then laughed and suggested that I put this anectode on my blog which I have now done.
PAUSE
PAUSE
PAUSE
PAUSE
Jon, just offered me a bite of his calzone to make up for a few minutes ago.
I know. Perhaps, just a little too much of a slice of life for your taste.
Before he got here, I made some yummy chicken soup which he is now eating. So, I took maybe a third bite from the half he put aside while he eats my soup.
He said, "Hey! You said you didn't want any."
I said, "You're eating my soup. I put my blood, sweat and tears into that soup. (BEAT) No. Not literally."
He then laughed and suggested that I put this anectode on my blog which I have now done.
PAUSE
PAUSE
PAUSE
PAUSE
Jon, just offered me a bite of his calzone to make up for a few minutes ago.
I know. Perhaps, just a little too much of a slice of life for your taste.
The New Erectile Dysfuction Drug
I just saw a commercial for Cialus, a new erectile dysfunction drug.
The drug works for 36 hours and allows men to have spontaneous sex (I guess).
After the usual list of side effects the announcer warned that erections lasting four hours or more, although rare, require hospitalization.
Would that warning scare you away or make you think, WOW!! I COULD HAVE AN ERECTION THAT LASTS FOUR HOURS!!!!?
I would say that it is a very effective commercial.
The drug works for 36 hours and allows men to have spontaneous sex (I guess).
After the usual list of side effects the announcer warned that erections lasting four hours or more, although rare, require hospitalization.
Would that warning scare you away or make you think, WOW!! I COULD HAVE AN ERECTION THAT LASTS FOUR HOURS!!!!?
I would say that it is a very effective commercial.
March 31, 2004
Wednesday Warriors
Today is Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday
It will be a so so day, so so day
All day long.
Welcome weary Wednesday Warriors!!
It's the middle of the standard work week. Are you ready for some more fun at the office? I know I am.
==============================================
Glacial Grafiti
A few days ago, AOL posted a story about an artist who painted a glacier red with lots and lots of red meat dye.
I've been trying in vain to find a photo of this that I can post or link to.
Here is why. I wanted you to see it so I can talk about the unusual choice of the artist. I do think it is strange that someone would take a piece of nature and try to improve upon it.
But that's not what I found weird about the story.
1) someone painted a glacier
2) he/she painted it with meat dye
Were you aware that there is such a thing as meat dye? Is the meat I'm buying in the supermarket dyed red to look fresher?
If I can find this image you will be the first to know.
==========================================
American Idol
My guilty pleasure. My reason to blow off a social activity I've been attending weekly for some time now.
I watched it last night. The guest judges were Ashford and Simpson. The theme was Motown. The teenager didn't fare too well. He sang MY GIRL entirely off key. I fear he will be voted off tonight. But the show was pretty great all around.
They have some good singers on the show this year.
It will be a so so day, so so day
All day long.
Welcome weary Wednesday Warriors!!
It's the middle of the standard work week. Are you ready for some more fun at the office? I know I am.
==============================================
Glacial Grafiti
A few days ago, AOL posted a story about an artist who painted a glacier red with lots and lots of red meat dye.
I've been trying in vain to find a photo of this that I can post or link to.
Here is why. I wanted you to see it so I can talk about the unusual choice of the artist. I do think it is strange that someone would take a piece of nature and try to improve upon it.
But that's not what I found weird about the story.
1) someone painted a glacier
2) he/she painted it with meat dye
Were you aware that there is such a thing as meat dye? Is the meat I'm buying in the supermarket dyed red to look fresher?
If I can find this image you will be the first to know.
==========================================
American Idol
My guilty pleasure. My reason to blow off a social activity I've been attending weekly for some time now.
I watched it last night. The guest judges were Ashford and Simpson. The theme was Motown. The teenager didn't fare too well. He sang MY GIRL entirely off key. I fear he will be voted off tonight. But the show was pretty great all around.
They have some good singers on the show this year.
March 30, 2004
Tuesday Troopers
For everyone who is sitting at a desk somewhere, sneaking a peak at the internet, to clear your minds for the next pile of shit to pass across your desk. . . I salute you.
For everyone who is working from home, taking a break from the mundanity of it all by perusing through your friends' blog entries. . . I salute you.
For anyone who doesn't have to work either at home or in some artificially lit soul sucking corporate office, I salute you too and congratulate you on being so lucky that you have the luxury to spend your time without the worry of earning money, raising kids or keeping house.
For everyone who is working from home, taking a break from the mundanity of it all by perusing through your friends' blog entries. . . I salute you.
For anyone who doesn't have to work either at home or in some artificially lit soul sucking corporate office, I salute you too and congratulate you on being so lucky that you have the luxury to spend your time without the worry of earning money, raising kids or keeping house.
March 29, 2004
This Weekend
Well, I didn't quite make it into work on Saturday as planned. The life of Saturday took over. After having a nice morning with Jon, food shopping and then relaxing a little before making a nice dinner, I actually ran out of time to go into Manhattan to work.
Then on Sunday, I helped a friend move in next door which took the day and the evening was spent at a friend's birthday party. The time in between was spent getting ready.
This weekend took on a life of it's own that was almost spontaneous and unplanned.
That's the way weekends should be.
It was nice.
How was your weekend?
Then on Sunday, I helped a friend move in next door which took the day and the evening was spent at a friend's birthday party. The time in between was spent getting ready.
This weekend took on a life of it's own that was almost spontaneous and unplanned.
That's the way weekends should be.
It was nice.
How was your weekend?
March 27, 2004
Okay. Just One More and Then I'll Move On.
Vidiot linked to a great article on The Nation website written by someone who attended the Radio and Television thing and here it is:
Capital Games by David Corn
Capital Games by David Corn
March 26, 2004
I'm Not Alone
Apparently I'm not alone in feeling disappointed with Pres. Bush's seemingly "humorous" comments about the WMDs.
Not surprisingly Democrats are coming down hard on him, equally non-amused at the President making jokes about sending our troops to war under seemingly false pretenses.
=================================================
Democrats Call Bush's Comedy Skit Tasteless
Washington Post
Published on: 03/26/04
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's joking references to a search for weapons of mass destruction in the White House drew criticism from Democrats, who said the after-dinner remarks were tasteless and insensitive.
At the annual Radio and Television Correspondents Association event in Washington on Wednesday, Bush playfully provided mock captions to a series of photographs taken in and around the White House. The president's "White House Election Year Album" included pokes at himself, Vice President Dick Cheney and his presumed Democratic opponent, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.
Not surprisingly Democrats are coming down hard on him, equally non-amused at the President making jokes about sending our troops to war under seemingly false pretenses.
=================================================
Democrats Call Bush's Comedy Skit Tasteless
Washington Post
Published on: 03/26/04
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's joking references to a search for weapons of mass destruction in the White House drew criticism from Democrats, who said the after-dinner remarks were tasteless and insensitive.
At the annual Radio and Television Correspondents Association event in Washington on Wednesday, Bush playfully provided mock captions to a series of photographs taken in and around the White House. The president's "White House Election Year Album" included pokes at himself, Vice President Dick Cheney and his presumed Democratic opponent, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.
Not funny
Remember this article the next time someone comments about how harmless Pres Bush's jokes were about not being able to find the Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Report Details Low US Army Morale, Suicide In Iraq
Report Details Low US Army Morale, Suicide In Iraq
Presidential Humor
I was listening to the radio last night, to help quiet down my brain, so I could sleep. And before I nodded off, I heard a news commentator (not sure of his name on WOR am radio around 11) go off on President Bush's speech to the Radio and Television Correspondents Assocation Dinner.
The commentator was particularly non-impressed with Bush's jokes about finding weapons of mass destruction.
I have to agree that making jokes about sending people to war because you received faulty information is in truly bad taste. People are dying over there, at least 500 have died. People are getting wounded over there, at least 3000 or so. Getting wounded means anything from permanent paralysis, loss of limbs, getting hit my shrapnel, friendly fire or just plain old shell shock, the kind of injury that can't be seen but is just as permanent. I don't see any humor in that.
Here is the transcript of the President's speech which I found at the Town Hall News website. Tell me what you think.
================================================
President's Remarks at Correspondents' Dinner(Editor's note: What follows is a transcript of remarks by President Bush at the Radio and Television Correspondents Association dinner in Washington on March 24, 2004, provided by the White House Press Office.)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thank you. Thanks for inviting me -- finally. (Laughter.) And thank you for honoring David Bloom. It was a fantastic speech you gave for a man you loved.
I am sorry Laura couldn't be here. And I'm sorry Secretary Rumsfeld is not here, either. The guy constantly surprises me. Do you know what Rummy's favorite TV show is? "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." (Laughter.) My Cabinet could take some pointers from watching that show. In fact, I'm going to have the Fab Five do a make over on Ashcroft. (Laughter.)
Anyway, it's nice to be with you. A couple of years ago when I was here, I read from my book of "Misarticalations." (Laughter.) Fortunately, my verbal phonation and electricution -- (laughter) -- have improved. So tonight I'm going to do one of my slide shows. These are actual, unstaged photos pulled from the files of the White House Photo Office. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present a White House Election-Year Album. (Applause.)
As you know, the contest with my opponent is going to be a slugfest. I'm feeling good. (Laughter.) I'm feeling ready. (Laughter.) I'm psyching myself up for the fight. (Laughter.) I knew it was going to be a tough campaign when Karl Rove started dressing like this. (Laughter.) And this is Condi Rice, of course. Here I am trying to explain John Kerry's foreign policy. (Laughter.)
I have to admit it really ticked me off when Democrats questioned my National Guard service in Alabama. Here's a photo proving that I was in Alabama fulfilling my duties. (Laughter.) Political campaigns always have their unexpected moments. This next photo is when I heard that Senator McCain said he was considering being Kerry's running mate. (Laughter.) The next one was taken a couple of months ago. I had just gotten word that Howard Dean had lost Iowa. (Laughter and applause.)
In addition to campaign calls, I also spend a lot of time on the phone listening to our European allies. (Laughter.) The conversation went like this: "Hey, John, Kim Jung-il here." (Laughter.) "Just wanted to call and let you know you're my guy." (Laughter.)
Those weapons of mass destruction have got to be somewhere. (Laughter and applause.)
As you can tell from the look on Andy Card's face, we've become a little concerned about the Vice President lately. (Laughter.) Whenever you ask him a question, he replies, "Let's see what my little friend says." (Laughter.) But we get along well. Here I am saying, "Dick, if the Hunan Palace doesn't get lunch here in four minutes, we're going out." (Laughter.)
Nope, no weapons over there. (Laughter and applause.) Maybe under here. (Laughter.) Oops, this photo wasn't supposed to be in here. This is the Skull and Bones secret signal. (Laughter.)
I'm not paranoid. (Laughter.) But it was at this point in my presidency that I had a strange feeling somebody was following me. (Laughter.)
One thing about being President is you get lots of advice. Yes, Mother. (Laughter.) Yes, Mother. (Laughter.) Mother, would you just listen to us for once. (Laughter.)
I like this next picture a lot. It's hard to get Rumsfeld to laugh, but when he does, boy, it is worth it. (Laughter.) This photo was taken down at the ranch, and as you can tell, Barney is not very happy with me. This is the day I told him he'd been neutered. (Laughter.) And this is the day that Barney got his revenge. (Laughter.)
Now, on long flights, the staff and I often play cards. The key to playing Poker is keeping a straight face and never letting your opponent know what you're thinking. (Laughter.) Actually, this is on the way to the G8 summit. Once I got these trading cards, it's easy to remember the names of the foreign leaders. (Laughter and applause.)
All Presidents have dreams and aspirations of what their legacy will be. Here they are measuring me for Mt. Rushmore. (Laughter.)
But I do have a few serious photos to show you, in closing. It's photos like these that mean the most to me. Some of our Special Forces sent me this last picture. The faces are blurred in the slide because they remain in harm's way. The photo hangs in my private study next to the Oval Office.
To honor those who died on September the 11th, and to make a statement of their own commitment to this country's security, these Americans buried a piece of the World Trade Center in a place in Afghanistan where the al Qaeda once ran free. They wrote that they held a ceremony, which was far more emotional than they had expected. The team leader wrote a prayer and a dedication. Let me read you one sentence from that dedication.
"We consecrate this spot as an everlasting memorial to the brave Americans who died on September the 11th, so that all who would seek to do her harm will know that America will not stand by and watch terror prevail."
We will not stand by. The greatest honor being President is leading such men and women. We have the freedom we enjoy tonight because they protect that freedom. And may God protect them.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
The commentator was particularly non-impressed with Bush's jokes about finding weapons of mass destruction.
I have to agree that making jokes about sending people to war because you received faulty information is in truly bad taste. People are dying over there, at least 500 have died. People are getting wounded over there, at least 3000 or so. Getting wounded means anything from permanent paralysis, loss of limbs, getting hit my shrapnel, friendly fire or just plain old shell shock, the kind of injury that can't be seen but is just as permanent. I don't see any humor in that.
Here is the transcript of the President's speech which I found at the Town Hall News website. Tell me what you think.
================================================
President's Remarks at Correspondents' Dinner(Editor's note: What follows is a transcript of remarks by President Bush at the Radio and Television Correspondents Association dinner in Washington on March 24, 2004, provided by the White House Press Office.)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thank you. Thanks for inviting me -- finally. (Laughter.) And thank you for honoring David Bloom. It was a fantastic speech you gave for a man you loved.
I am sorry Laura couldn't be here. And I'm sorry Secretary Rumsfeld is not here, either. The guy constantly surprises me. Do you know what Rummy's favorite TV show is? "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." (Laughter.) My Cabinet could take some pointers from watching that show. In fact, I'm going to have the Fab Five do a make over on Ashcroft. (Laughter.)
Anyway, it's nice to be with you. A couple of years ago when I was here, I read from my book of "Misarticalations." (Laughter.) Fortunately, my verbal phonation and electricution -- (laughter) -- have improved. So tonight I'm going to do one of my slide shows. These are actual, unstaged photos pulled from the files of the White House Photo Office. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present a White House Election-Year Album. (Applause.)
As you know, the contest with my opponent is going to be a slugfest. I'm feeling good. (Laughter.) I'm feeling ready. (Laughter.) I'm psyching myself up for the fight. (Laughter.) I knew it was going to be a tough campaign when Karl Rove started dressing like this. (Laughter.) And this is Condi Rice, of course. Here I am trying to explain John Kerry's foreign policy. (Laughter.)
I have to admit it really ticked me off when Democrats questioned my National Guard service in Alabama. Here's a photo proving that I was in Alabama fulfilling my duties. (Laughter.) Political campaigns always have their unexpected moments. This next photo is when I heard that Senator McCain said he was considering being Kerry's running mate. (Laughter.) The next one was taken a couple of months ago. I had just gotten word that Howard Dean had lost Iowa. (Laughter and applause.)
In addition to campaign calls, I also spend a lot of time on the phone listening to our European allies. (Laughter.) The conversation went like this: "Hey, John, Kim Jung-il here." (Laughter.) "Just wanted to call and let you know you're my guy." (Laughter.)
Those weapons of mass destruction have got to be somewhere. (Laughter and applause.)
As you can tell from the look on Andy Card's face, we've become a little concerned about the Vice President lately. (Laughter.) Whenever you ask him a question, he replies, "Let's see what my little friend says." (Laughter.) But we get along well. Here I am saying, "Dick, if the Hunan Palace doesn't get lunch here in four minutes, we're going out." (Laughter.)
Nope, no weapons over there. (Laughter and applause.) Maybe under here. (Laughter.) Oops, this photo wasn't supposed to be in here. This is the Skull and Bones secret signal. (Laughter.)
I'm not paranoid. (Laughter.) But it was at this point in my presidency that I had a strange feeling somebody was following me. (Laughter.)
One thing about being President is you get lots of advice. Yes, Mother. (Laughter.) Yes, Mother. (Laughter.) Mother, would you just listen to us for once. (Laughter.)
I like this next picture a lot. It's hard to get Rumsfeld to laugh, but when he does, boy, it is worth it. (Laughter.) This photo was taken down at the ranch, and as you can tell, Barney is not very happy with me. This is the day I told him he'd been neutered. (Laughter.) And this is the day that Barney got his revenge. (Laughter.)
Now, on long flights, the staff and I often play cards. The key to playing Poker is keeping a straight face and never letting your opponent know what you're thinking. (Laughter.) Actually, this is on the way to the G8 summit. Once I got these trading cards, it's easy to remember the names of the foreign leaders. (Laughter and applause.)
All Presidents have dreams and aspirations of what their legacy will be. Here they are measuring me for Mt. Rushmore. (Laughter.)
But I do have a few serious photos to show you, in closing. It's photos like these that mean the most to me. Some of our Special Forces sent me this last picture. The faces are blurred in the slide because they remain in harm's way. The photo hangs in my private study next to the Oval Office.
To honor those who died on September the 11th, and to make a statement of their own commitment to this country's security, these Americans buried a piece of the World Trade Center in a place in Afghanistan where the al Qaeda once ran free. They wrote that they held a ceremony, which was far more emotional than they had expected. The team leader wrote a prayer and a dedication. Let me read you one sentence from that dedication.
"We consecrate this spot as an everlasting memorial to the brave Americans who died on September the 11th, so that all who would seek to do her harm will know that America will not stand by and watch terror prevail."
We will not stand by. The greatest honor being President is leading such men and women. We have the freedom we enjoy tonight because they protect that freedom. And may God protect them.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Friday
Today is Friday, Friday, Friday
It will be a fun day, fun day all day long.
Welcome to Friday!!!
I am so happy it's Friday.
Hopefully, today won't feel too long. I'll just make myself really, really, busy so it goes by faster.
Do you think that will work?
It will be a fun day, fun day all day long.
Welcome to Friday!!!
I am so happy it's Friday.
Hopefully, today won't feel too long. I'll just make myself really, really, busy so it goes by faster.
Do you think that will work?
March 24, 2004
How Did it Go?
How did trivia go last night? I know that's what you've been thinking about since you read that I was hosting last night.
Well. Not badly.
Something you should know about me. I used to have a fear of public speaking. I've done a little work to get over it. Supervising people and leading project meetings, acting classes and hosting trivia. Last night was one of those nights where I recognized how difficult it really is for me to speak to large groups. At other times I've enjoyed it. Last night, not so much. I had a hard time guaging whether or not people were enjoying themselves. There was never any moment of silence. I couldn't get the group engaged enough that they were hanging on my every word.
I realize that this is not a realistic expectation. I also realize that if people were talking a lot, it's most likely because they were conferring with their teams for answers.
The turnout was pretty good. 14 teams, at least 60 people although I didn't take a head count. Admittedly, some of my questions were pretty hard. I asked when the Hundred Years' War ended and where Princess Juliana was Queen. My co-host rounded out the difficulty of my questions with three rounds about TV. While his questions weren't exactly always easy, they were fun. But some people were clapping at the end so I guess we didn't do too badly. I just wish I could come away with that good feeling after a public speaking engagement. Then I will have truly overcome my fear.
I led the General Knowlege and Current Events rounds and Kory, my very able co-host led the Top Ten list, and the Audio and Visual Rounds.
Just so you know, we come up with the questions are selves. It is both challenging and fun.
Well. Not badly.
Something you should know about me. I used to have a fear of public speaking. I've done a little work to get over it. Supervising people and leading project meetings, acting classes and hosting trivia. Last night was one of those nights where I recognized how difficult it really is for me to speak to large groups. At other times I've enjoyed it. Last night, not so much. I had a hard time guaging whether or not people were enjoying themselves. There was never any moment of silence. I couldn't get the group engaged enough that they were hanging on my every word.
I realize that this is not a realistic expectation. I also realize that if people were talking a lot, it's most likely because they were conferring with their teams for answers.
The turnout was pretty good. 14 teams, at least 60 people although I didn't take a head count. Admittedly, some of my questions were pretty hard. I asked when the Hundred Years' War ended and where Princess Juliana was Queen. My co-host rounded out the difficulty of my questions with three rounds about TV. While his questions weren't exactly always easy, they were fun. But some people were clapping at the end so I guess we didn't do too badly. I just wish I could come away with that good feeling after a public speaking engagement. Then I will have truly overcome my fear.
I led the General Knowlege and Current Events rounds and Kory, my very able co-host led the Top Ten list, and the Audio and Visual Rounds.
Just so you know, we come up with the questions are selves. It is both challenging and fun.
March 23, 2004
Tuesday
I'm reporting live from Madison Square Park or there abouts.
How is everybody doin' today?
Ca va? Ca va.
So. . . .listen. . . tonight, I'm like hosting this like great trivia event with like my friend Kory and I'm like hoping you all can like make it.
It's like at the Baggott Inn and it starts at like, 7:30, you know?.
Click on the Baggott link to get more information.
How is everybody doin' today?
Ca va? Ca va.
So. . . .listen. . . tonight, I'm like hosting this like great trivia event with like my friend Kory and I'm like hoping you all can like make it.
It's like at the Baggott Inn and it starts at like, 7:30, you know?.
Click on the Baggott link to get more information.
March 20, 2004
It Wouldn't Be A Campaign Without Hypocrisy
(Via Vidiot - for complete article, click on the article title below.)
Bush Campaign Gear Made in Burma
His campaign store sells a pullover from nation whose products he has banned from being sold in the U.S.
BY LAUREN WEBER
STAFF WRITER
March 18, 2004, 9:49 PM EST
The official merchandise Web site for President George W. Bush's re-election campaign has sold clothing made in Burma, whose goods were banned by Bush from the U.S. last year to punish its military dictatorship. The merchandise sold on www.georgewbushstore.com includes a $49.95 fleece pullover, embroidered with the Bush-Cheney '04 logo and bearing a label stating it was made in Burma, now Myanmar. The jacket was sent to Newsday as part of an order that included a shirt made in Mexico and a hat not bearing a country-of-origin label. The Bush merchandise is handled by Spalding Group, a 20-year-old supplier of campaign products and services in Louisville, Ky., that says it worked for the last five Republican presidential nominees. Ted Jackson, Spalding's president, said, "We have found only one other in our inventory that was made in Burma. The others were made in the U.S.A." He said the company had about 60 of thefleece pullovers in its warehouse, and that a supplier included the Burma product by mistake.
Bush Campaign Gear Made in Burma
His campaign store sells a pullover from nation whose products he has banned from being sold in the U.S.
BY LAUREN WEBER
STAFF WRITER
March 18, 2004, 9:49 PM EST
The official merchandise Web site for President George W. Bush's re-election campaign has sold clothing made in Burma, whose goods were banned by Bush from the U.S. last year to punish its military dictatorship. The merchandise sold on www.georgewbushstore.com includes a $49.95 fleece pullover, embroidered with the Bush-Cheney '04 logo and bearing a label stating it was made in Burma, now Myanmar. The jacket was sent to Newsday as part of an order that included a shirt made in Mexico and a hat not bearing a country-of-origin label. The Bush merchandise is handled by Spalding Group, a 20-year-old supplier of campaign products and services in Louisville, Ky., that says it worked for the last five Republican presidential nominees. Ted Jackson, Spalding's president, said, "We have found only one other in our inventory that was made in Burma. The others were made in the U.S.A." He said the company had about 60 of thefleece pullovers in its warehouse, and that a supplier included the Burma product by mistake.
The Friday Five
Here are the answers to the Friday Five, one day late.
If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
If I was interested in making money, I would serve the food that I think would sell the best - good ole fashioned comfort food. If I was interested in feeding people to make them healthy, I wouldn't own a restaurant, because less people want to pay for a bowl of lettuce than they do a big, sloppy slice of meatloaf or bowl of mac and cheese.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell?
If I owned a restaurant whose primary focus was comfort food, I would also try to own a sporting goods store where people could buy the means to work off the food they ate at my restaurant. If I was interested in owning a store that didn't make any money I would sell parapsychology paraphernalia eg tarot cards and readings, candles, books of spells, spiritual readings and cleansings. I would also have a room in the back where instructors could teach lessons on how to read tarot cards.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be?
TWO WORDS
1. Vengeance
2. Fiction
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach?
If I ran a school . . . . . I would teach . . . . . .manners and self-confidence, but I would never run a school.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it?
If I had the ability to compose music and then lay it down I would compose classical music, counterpoint style for 20 flutes, 10 each devoted to either of the two points of view.
If you...
1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
If I was interested in making money, I would serve the food that I think would sell the best - good ole fashioned comfort food. If I was interested in feeding people to make them healthy, I wouldn't own a restaurant, because less people want to pay for a bowl of lettuce than they do a big, sloppy slice of meatloaf or bowl of mac and cheese.
2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell?
If I owned a restaurant whose primary focus was comfort food, I would also try to own a sporting goods store where people could buy the means to work off the food they ate at my restaurant. If I was interested in owning a store that didn't make any money I would sell parapsychology paraphernalia eg tarot cards and readings, candles, books of spells, spiritual readings and cleansings. I would also have a room in the back where instructors could teach lessons on how to read tarot cards.
3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be?
1. Vengeance
2. Fiction
4. ...ran a school, what would you teach?
If I ran a school . . . . . I would teach . . . . . .manners and self-confidence, but I would never run a school.
5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it?
If I had the ability to compose music and then lay it down I would compose classical music, counterpoint style for 20 flutes, 10 each devoted to either of the two points of view.
Saturday Morning
Just woke up in my brother's fantastic apartment. It was like waking up in a house. My brother and his wife, have a huge apartment in an undisclosed section of Queens- two bedrooms, huge living room, dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms and a balcony. My studio apartment could fit in this one 2 and a half times.
Aside from enjoying the comfort of resting in this beautiful space, I am very proud of the two of them for how hard they work, for knowing how to live, and for being great parents.
It's weird when your younger sibling moves ahead of you. He is so far ahead of me right now, I don't know if I'll ever catch up. Am I jealous? Well, I used to be but that was a long time ago. I just love him too much to really be jealous anymore. As a couple, my brother and sister-in-law work well together and they work hard. They just seem to know how to figure things out better than I can. They work hard and move forward. I work hard and stay in place or move laterally in circles (literally). Well, hopefully one day I'll figure it out. I guess it doesn't hurt that they have each other to move each other forward. Yeah. They are really good together.
Aside from enjoying the comfort of resting in this beautiful space, I am very proud of the two of them for how hard they work, for knowing how to live, and for being great parents.
It's weird when your younger sibling moves ahead of you. He is so far ahead of me right now, I don't know if I'll ever catch up. Am I jealous? Well, I used to be but that was a long time ago. I just love him too much to really be jealous anymore. As a couple, my brother and sister-in-law work well together and they work hard. They just seem to know how to figure things out better than I can. They work hard and move forward. I work hard and stay in place or move laterally in circles (literally). Well, hopefully one day I'll figure it out. I guess it doesn't hurt that they have each other to move each other forward. Yeah. They are really good together.
March 19, 2004
Snowy
It was a snowy week. Those of us in the know, were expecting one last blast of winter after our premature spring. I called in sick twice this week. Well, actually, Wednesday, I called in sick. Today, I left after a couple of hours. Just had to get something done so I went in, I did it and then I went home. I should have stuck it out though. We were probably going to get paid today. I think we were supposed to get paid yesterday but it's hard to tell. We usually get paid the Thursday, a week after the 15th and then after the end of the month. But this week, the 15th started the week...so, I'm not even sure we were getting paid this week anyway.
I'm feeling better, I guess. I worked pretty hard yesterday, pushing myself just a little too much, so I was feeling a little blah today.
===================================================================
I'm at my brother's, cat sitting. Tried to meet a friend nearby to pickup something I need for Tuesday Night Trivia but alas, my friend was a no show. Too bad.
===================================================================
I'm feeling better, I guess. I worked pretty hard yesterday, pushing myself just a little too much, so I was feeling a little blah today.
===================================================================
I'm at my brother's, cat sitting. Tried to meet a friend nearby to pickup something I need for Tuesday Night Trivia but alas, my friend was a no show. Too bad.
===================================================================
March 12, 2004
The Friday Five
The Friday Five
1. What was the last song you heard?
The last song I heard was the one in my head this morning on the Subway. It is one of those songs I used to sing playing one of those clapping hands games you play with other little girls. I used to sing it when I was eight on the playground in elementary school.
It goes a like this. (if you remember this one, join in at anytime):
UNA Dociana. HIT IT!
My momma told me six years ago
It wasn't too let me to let me go
She said
"Eeny meeny, disalini,
ooh ah thumbalini
Achi kachi Liberaci
I love you.
Take a peach, take a plumb take a stick of bubble gum
Not a peach, nor a plumb, nor a stikc of bubble bum.
I like coffee, I like tea
I like a little boy and he likes me
so step right up boy
you don't shine
I'll get another boy to beat your behind
Last night and the night before
My boyfriend took me to the candy store
He bought I ice cream, he bought me cake,
he bought me home with tummy I ache
I said momma, momma I feel sick
Call the doctor. QUICK QUICK QUICK.
Doctor doctor Will I die?
No my dear
Just close your eyes
and count to ten. . . .
2. What were the last two movies you saw?
Singin' in the Rain, Revenge of the Nerds
3. What were the last three things you purchased?
A pack of cigarettes, a grilled muenster cheese sandwich with bacon, a cup of coffee
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?
Send my taxes to my accountant, my laundry, rest, and master the game ROLLER COASTER TYCOON
5. Who are the last five people you talked to?
Our sign vendor, my manager, our company's designer, a nice lady on the phone who had some information for my company, the teller at the bank.
1. What was the last song you heard?
The last song I heard was the one in my head this morning on the Subway. It is one of those songs I used to sing playing one of those clapping hands games you play with other little girls. I used to sing it when I was eight on the playground in elementary school.
It goes a like this. (if you remember this one, join in at anytime):
UNA Dociana. HIT IT!
My momma told me six years ago
It wasn't too let me to let me go
She said
"Eeny meeny, disalini,
ooh ah thumbalini
Achi kachi Liberaci
I love you.
Take a peach, take a plumb take a stick of bubble gum
Not a peach, nor a plumb, nor a stikc of bubble bum.
I like coffee, I like tea
I like a little boy and he likes me
so step right up boy
you don't shine
I'll get another boy to beat your behind
Last night and the night before
My boyfriend took me to the candy store
He bought I ice cream, he bought me cake,
he bought me home with tummy I ache
I said momma, momma I feel sick
Call the doctor. QUICK QUICK QUICK.
Doctor doctor Will I die?
No my dear
Just close your eyes
and count to ten. . . .
2. What were the last two movies you saw?
Singin' in the Rain, Revenge of the Nerds
3. What were the last three things you purchased?
A pack of cigarettes, a grilled muenster cheese sandwich with bacon, a cup of coffee
4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?
Send my taxes to my accountant, my laundry, rest, and master the game ROLLER COASTER TYCOON
5. Who are the last five people you talked to?
Our sign vendor, my manager, our company's designer, a nice lady on the phone who had some information for my company, the teller at the bank.
It's Been a Few Days Since . . . .
Some of my friends have noticed that I haven't been blogging too much lately. I guess I've been kind of busy with other things and I'm a little bit overwhelmed with what's happening in this country. I've started providing some links to articles written by more eloquent writers that touch on what others and I see as happening in this country.
Since, the bearing of Janet Jackson's breast, I've noticed that I am living in an extremely conservative country, well hypocritically conservative anyway. I still can't wrap my words around what I see is going on but here are is a small list of items I feel are related and bothersome.
- the backlash AGAINST gay marriage.
Honestly, folks, why this is an issue? It's not like people are going to stop fucking and having kids. Leave these people alone!!!
- Janet Jackson's boob was accidentally exposed during the superbowl and caused serious backlash.
This was probalby due to the unexpected sex during expected and brutal violence. Is it really okay for people's children to watch a game as violent and bloody and full of war metaphors as football but really not okay for them to see a little nipple? Does anyone else find that hypocritical or contradictory?)
- high unemployment rates and a jobless economic recovery.
Does this need an explanation?
- FCC's attack against radio stations.
I smell censorship in the air.
- the ecstatic reaction of some who have seen THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST and believe it is GOSPEL
Some of the same people who are violently opposed to violence in movies and on television because it is bad for kids seem to be some of the same people who are making their kids watch an extremely violent movie about the death of their Saviour.
- the MARS expedition
- the lies about the war in IRAQ (still working on that one)
- our once again increasing national deficit
MARS plus IRAQ equals deficit
What do you think America? What's going on?
Since, the bearing of Janet Jackson's breast, I've noticed that I am living in an extremely conservative country, well hypocritically conservative anyway. I still can't wrap my words around what I see is going on but here are is a small list of items I feel are related and bothersome.
- the backlash AGAINST gay marriage.
Honestly, folks, why this is an issue? It's not like people are going to stop fucking and having kids. Leave these people alone!!!
- Janet Jackson's boob was accidentally exposed during the superbowl and caused serious backlash.
This was probalby due to the unexpected sex during expected and brutal violence. Is it really okay for people's children to watch a game as violent and bloody and full of war metaphors as football but really not okay for them to see a little nipple? Does anyone else find that hypocritical or contradictory?)
- high unemployment rates and a jobless economic recovery.
Does this need an explanation?
- FCC's attack against radio stations.
I smell censorship in the air.
- the ecstatic reaction of some who have seen THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST and believe it is GOSPEL
Some of the same people who are violently opposed to violence in movies and on television because it is bad for kids seem to be some of the same people who are making their kids watch an extremely violent movie about the death of their Saviour.
- the MARS expedition
- the lies about the war in IRAQ (still working on that one)
- our once again increasing national deficit
MARS plus IRAQ equals deficit
What do you think America? What's going on?
Conspiracy Theory My Ass
This is a very special story about religion and
politics blending in a most unnatural way.
=======================================================
Fellowship finances townhouse where 6 congressmen live
By LARA JAKES JORDAN
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Six members of Congress live in a million-dollar Capitol Hill townhouse that is subsidized by a secretive religious organization, tax records show. The lawmakers, all of whom are Christian, pay low rent to live in the stately red brick, three-story house on C Street, two blocks from the Capitol. It is maintained by a group, alternately known as the ''Fellowship'' and the ''Foundation,'' that brings together world leaders and elected officials through religion.
Click on any of the underlined above, for the whole article.
politics blending in a most unnatural way.
=======================================================
Fellowship finances townhouse where 6 congressmen live
By LARA JAKES JORDAN
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Six members of Congress live in a million-dollar Capitol Hill townhouse that is subsidized by a secretive religious organization, tax records show. The lawmakers, all of whom are Christian, pay low rent to live in the stately red brick, three-story house on C Street, two blocks from the Capitol. It is maintained by a group, alternately known as the ''Fellowship'' and the ''Foundation,'' that brings together world leaders and elected officials through religion.
Click on any of the underlined above, for the whole article.
How The Sunshine State Was Won
Do you remember that Presidential election a few years back when the media announced the voting results from Florida too early, thereby misrepresenting the winner of that state and then erroneously predicting that Al Gore was President?
Well so do I. For the record, Florida, nobody really believed that the media was to blame for the wrong candidate being announced winner. And we also didn't believe that after years of voting in a certain style, that all of a sudden your residents didn't remember how to handle their ballots.
Grand Theft America
Well so do I. For the record, Florida, nobody really believed that the media was to blame for the wrong candidate being announced winner. And we also didn't believe that after years of voting in a certain style, that all of a sudden your residents didn't remember how to handle their ballots.
Grand Theft America
March 09, 2004
Right Wing
If a bird only uses his right wing to fly, the bird is going to fly in circles and eventually the bird will spiral down and crash.
It feels like our country is turning right wing Christian right under our noses. I have no problem with Christians and no problem with right wing hardliners but the combination is no good and goes against that belief that we shouldn't mix religion with politics. If we're not careful, we're all going to be transported back in time when women and minorities had little to no rights and gays and lesbians weren't even visible in our society.
Talk amongst yourselves.
It feels like our country is turning right wing Christian right under our noses. I have no problem with Christians and no problem with right wing hardliners but the combination is no good and goes against that belief that we shouldn't mix religion with politics. If we're not careful, we're all going to be transported back in time when women and minorities had little to no rights and gays and lesbians weren't even visible in our society.
Talk amongst yourselves.
Today is Tuesday. . .
. . . Tuesday, Tuesday.
It will be a fun day, fun day all day long.
Tuesday
n : the third day of the week; the second working day [syn: Tuesday, Tues]
That's a definition I can get behind.
It will be a fun day, fun day all day long.
Tuesday
n : the third day of the week; the second working day [syn: Tuesday, Tues]
That's a definition I can get behind.
March 08, 2004
Gotta' call from an old friend, we use to be real close.......
I received a phone call from a friend last night that I haven't spoken to in a long time. It was my turn to respond and I didn't. She took responsibility for the last correspondence by sending me photos from our last get together with a little note.
I haven't yet replied. She called me last night to scold me and rightfully so. I hope she is reading this because I am really, really sorry. And I am sorry I didn't feel like talking last night. Sometimes, it's just like that.
I am not so good at staying in touch with people.
I received a phone call from a friend last night that I haven't spoken to in a long time. It was my turn to respond and I didn't. She took responsibility for the last correspondence by sending me photos from our last get together with a little note.
I haven't yet replied. She called me last night to scold me and rightfully so. I hope she is reading this because I am really, really sorry. And I am sorry I didn't feel like talking last night. Sometimes, it's just like that.
I am not so good at staying in touch with people.
Like White Out for Chocolate
While using White Out on some documents today, I managed to dribble some all over my clothes. I have worn the evidence of this clumsiness all day. I hope it comes out with water. Got a good laugh out of it........
March 06, 2004
The Friday Five
What was...
1. ...your first grade teacher's name?
I don't remember
2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon?
anything Bugs Bunny, the Justice League, Shazam, Bullwinkle, Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse, Underdog, Tennessee Tuxedo, The World of Commander McBragg
3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Carmen
4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? Life, Cinnamon Chex
5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? eat a swiss cheese sandwich with a lot of mayonaisse
1. ...your first grade teacher's name?
I don't remember
2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon?
anything Bugs Bunny, the Justice League, Shazam, Bullwinkle, Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse, Underdog, Tennessee Tuxedo, The World of Commander McBragg
3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Carmen
4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? Life, Cinnamon Chex
5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? eat a swiss cheese sandwich with a lot of mayonaisse
March 05, 2004
Friday Delight
Today is Friday which means I survived my life another remarkably long week. The highlight of today has already been chosen. It will be later this evening when Jon gets off the plane and into a train back to the city. I'm looking forward to every warm snuggle.
Above I linked to the Encyclopedia Britannica's definition of Friday as the sixth day of the week. If Friday is the sixth day of the week how do both Saturday and Sunday become the week's end. If it is indeed the sixth day of the week then Sunday is the first day of the week. If it's the first day how does it become part of the weekend. We should probably have Friday's off from work and show up at the office on Sunday, since according to the Encyclopedia it's the first day of the week.
I think Monday should be considered the first day of the week which means most calendars should be reprinted. (it's less religious that way, shhhhh)
Talk amongst yourselves.
Above I linked to the Encyclopedia Britannica's definition of Friday as the sixth day of the week. If Friday is the sixth day of the week how do both Saturday and Sunday become the week's end. If it is indeed the sixth day of the week then Sunday is the first day of the week. If it's the first day how does it become part of the weekend. We should probably have Friday's off from work and show up at the office on Sunday, since according to the Encyclopedia it's the first day of the week.
I think Monday should be considered the first day of the week which means most calendars should be reprinted. (it's less religious that way, shhhhh)
Talk amongst yourselves.
March 03, 2004
Sting was Playing the Hurdy Gurdy
Since my Oscar posting where I asked the question, "What instrument was Sting playing at the Academy Awards?", many people have been directed to my site as a result of doing an internet query worded similarly.
Amanda and Adam were kind enough to answer the question for me in my comments section. Adam supplied an answer and Amanda supplied a link to a picture.
Since so many people have been coming here looking for answers I am posting a picture of a Hurdy Gurdy and some descriptive copy. Link on the picture below for some more interesting pictures and to see from where I got the copy.
==========================================
The hurdy-gurdy is the first stringed instrument to which the keyboard principle was applied. The French name, Viella a Roue (wheel fiddle), describes the method by which sound is produced. The bowing action of the fiddle is replaced by a wheel cranked by a handle. The outer rim of the wooden wheel is coated with resin. When the crank is spun, the wheel turns and the gut strings vibrate.
Just as the bag of the bagpipe acts as a reservoir of air for continuous sound, so too the wheel makes possible continuous sound by avoiding changes of bowing. Both bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy use drones, provided in the former by reed pipes, and in the latter by strings which sound fixed pitches. Other strings tuned in unison provide notes of the scale. Tangents activated by keys press these strings at the appropriate points to produce different pitches.
There is evidence of the hurdy-gurdy in Europe in the twelfth century. By the end of this century, the instruments was highly regarded. Before 1300 the instrument was often long enough to require two performers, one to crank, and one to push the keys. Single player instruments developed in the thirteenth century when the hurdy-gurdy became the ideal instrument for dance music.
Musica Antiqua's hurdy-gurdy, really a four string symphonie or organistrum by Ellis, is based on a late fourteenth century Florentine marble fingure in the Vienna Leichtenstein Gallery. It has two unison chanterelles, two drones, and an interior pegbox. It is oblong in shape and has tuneable tangents and a range of two diatonic octaves with drones on g and d1. The gut strings are difficult to keep in tune when there are changes in temperature or humidity. Notice the cotton wrapped around the strings to keep the circular bow from wearing through the strings.
Amanda and Adam were kind enough to answer the question for me in my comments section. Adam supplied an answer and Amanda supplied a link to a picture.
Since so many people have been coming here looking for answers I am posting a picture of a Hurdy Gurdy and some descriptive copy. Link on the picture below for some more interesting pictures and to see from where I got the copy.
==========================================
The hurdy-gurdy is the first stringed instrument to which the keyboard principle was applied. The French name, Viella a Roue (wheel fiddle), describes the method by which sound is produced. The bowing action of the fiddle is replaced by a wheel cranked by a handle. The outer rim of the wooden wheel is coated with resin. When the crank is spun, the wheel turns and the gut strings vibrate.
Just as the bag of the bagpipe acts as a reservoir of air for continuous sound, so too the wheel makes possible continuous sound by avoiding changes of bowing. Both bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy use drones, provided in the former by reed pipes, and in the latter by strings which sound fixed pitches. Other strings tuned in unison provide notes of the scale. Tangents activated by keys press these strings at the appropriate points to produce different pitches.
There is evidence of the hurdy-gurdy in Europe in the twelfth century. By the end of this century, the instruments was highly regarded. Before 1300 the instrument was often long enough to require two performers, one to crank, and one to push the keys. Single player instruments developed in the thirteenth century when the hurdy-gurdy became the ideal instrument for dance music.
Musica Antiqua's hurdy-gurdy, really a four string symphonie or organistrum by Ellis, is based on a late fourteenth century Florentine marble fingure in the Vienna Leichtenstein Gallery. It has two unison chanterelles, two drones, and an interior pegbox. It is oblong in shape and has tuneable tangents and a range of two diatonic octaves with drones on g and d1. The gut strings are difficult to keep in tune when there are changes in temperature or humidity. Notice the cotton wrapped around the strings to keep the circular bow from wearing through the strings.
'cause he Rocks so Well
Did I mention my celebrity spotting last night on my way to trivia?
Last night, around 6:40, I was walking across West 3rd Street at Thompson, when who should I see but the amazing Sam Rockwell.
He is such a good actor and such a nice looking man.
Reason number 257 why I love New York - random celebrity spottings.
Last night, around 6:40, I was walking across West 3rd Street at Thompson, when who should I see but the amazing Sam Rockwell.
He is such a good actor and such a nice looking man.
Reason number 257 why I love New York - random celebrity spottings.
Familiar Faces
I watched Law & Order tonight and got excited because I recognized one of the actors in the show from my day to day life. The grocer who was in the first ten minutes of the show was played by an actor I've worked with at the Helen Hayes theater. He is a character actor who has been acting for years but also runs the bar with his wife at the Helen Hayes. Their son is the head usher. That was pretty exciting. Good people.
But even more exciting was the last actress that I recognized. Toward the end of the show, McCoy called a rebuttal witness, a hotel employee from New Mexico. That witness was played by the actress who plays Maria on Sesame Street. I actually thought I was watching someone I knew from day to day life. It was so amazing to see her acting.
I love Law & Order. It continues to be one of my favorite shows, definitely my favorite show on network television because you get to see people on TV that you know in NYC and that's usually where they show up. Law & Order is famous for hiring tons of working and not working so much actors from the town where it's shot. However, let me clarify thatit's my favorite n0n-reality TV show on network television. Other favorites include South Park, The Dave Chappel show, The Sopranos (back on HBO this Sunday night) Six Feet Under and basically anything on The Science Channel. Of course, The Apprentice and American Idol are up high on the list too.
Well, I guess the truth is out now. I'm a big geek.
But even more exciting was the last actress that I recognized. Toward the end of the show, McCoy called a rebuttal witness, a hotel employee from New Mexico. That witness was played by the actress who plays Maria on Sesame Street. I actually thought I was watching someone I knew from day to day life. It was so amazing to see her acting.
I love Law & Order. It continues to be one of my favorite shows, definitely my favorite show on network television because you get to see people on TV that you know in NYC and that's usually where they show up. Law & Order is famous for hiring tons of working and not working so much actors from the town where it's shot. However, let me clarify thatit's my favorite n0n-reality TV show on network television. Other favorites include South Park, The Dave Chappel show, The Sopranos (back on HBO this Sunday night) Six Feet Under and basically anything on The Science Channel. Of course, The Apprentice and American Idol are up high on the list too.
Well, I guess the truth is out now. I'm a big geek.
Tuesday Night
Awesome.
Fun.
Amazing.
My favorite part was the Top Ten. We had to list the 10 states with the most crop land. So much discussion. As soon as Caren announced the room was buzzing with talk and arguments and laughs. When Caren announed the answers, people talked more. Even though my team didn't exactly win that particular round, we had so much fun listing the states we thought were right and then ordering them I couldn't even be upset.
The co-host was Michael Malice. For his first round, he chose the Devil as his theme? Did you know that the antiquated name for the molusk known as the Octopus is Devil Fish? Did you know that the name of the demon that possessed Regan in the Exorcist was Bazuzu? Did you know that before their executions during the Salem Witch Trials, "witches" used to confess that the Devil's semen was ice cold? Or that the Hebrew word Satan means adversary?
Very cool. Michael's visual round was identifying pictures of wives of political candidates that have lost major elections. That was challenging and fun.
The audio round, that was tough. I had two people on my team that were exceptionally good at music. We had name song artists and titles of songs from 5 second snippets. Very challenging.
Getting home, was the toughest part of the evening. I didn't get home until 11 even though trivia ended at 9:30. Why did it take me so long? Because the W train which is now local instead of express like it had been, was not running. Because there was no announcement I waited 45 minutes before finally getting on an R train and then meeting my N train at Lexington Avenue.
Boy was I mad. At one point I even went and yelled at the toll booth clerk that the W train wasn't running. He kept arguing with me that it was. I'll never know because I got on the R train as soon as it came.
I owe the MTA one angry letter.
Fun.
Amazing.
My favorite part was the Top Ten. We had to list the 10 states with the most crop land. So much discussion. As soon as Caren announced the room was buzzing with talk and arguments and laughs. When Caren announed the answers, people talked more. Even though my team didn't exactly win that particular round, we had so much fun listing the states we thought were right and then ordering them I couldn't even be upset.
The co-host was Michael Malice. For his first round, he chose the Devil as his theme? Did you know that the antiquated name for the molusk known as the Octopus is Devil Fish? Did you know that the name of the demon that possessed Regan in the Exorcist was Bazuzu? Did you know that before their executions during the Salem Witch Trials, "witches" used to confess that the Devil's semen was ice cold? Or that the Hebrew word Satan means adversary?
Very cool. Michael's visual round was identifying pictures of wives of political candidates that have lost major elections. That was challenging and fun.
The audio round, that was tough. I had two people on my team that were exceptionally good at music. We had name song artists and titles of songs from 5 second snippets. Very challenging.
Getting home, was the toughest part of the evening. I didn't get home until 11 even though trivia ended at 9:30. Why did it take me so long? Because the W train which is now local instead of express like it had been, was not running. Because there was no announcement I waited 45 minutes before finally getting on an R train and then meeting my N train at Lexington Avenue.
Boy was I mad. At one point I even went and yelled at the toll booth clerk that the W train wasn't running. He kept arguing with me that it was. I'll never know because I got on the R train as soon as it came.
I owe the MTA one angry letter.
March 02, 2004
There is no Race on the Internet
Due to some recent postings about skin color and humanity I thought I would share with you my favorite part about the interent and blogging. Appearance is not an issue. Fashions, looks, weight, shoes, skin color. . . not an issue. Religion, popular culture and politics are always an issue as that's generally what people write about but looks are not an issue unless someone writes about them. I never think about what somebody looks like when I'm reading what they write. I might think about what the people they write about look like but the author's. That's never a thought.
That's what I like best about the internet. Readers don't care if I lose or gain weight because they can't see me and unless I tell you I'm a big fat pig or I look thin and sickly they have no way of knowing.
In a way, the Internet is the great equalizer education is supposed to be in a way.
More later. Gotta' go to Trivia!!!
That's what I like best about the internet. Readers don't care if I lose or gain weight because they can't see me and unless I tell you I'm a big fat pig or I look thin and sickly they have no way of knowing.
In a way, the Internet is the great equalizer education is supposed to be in a way.
More later. Gotta' go to Trivia!!!
March 01, 2004
Montserrat and Modernist Barcelona
Jon is still in Barcelona and my wanderlust is growing. Here is tour I would very much like to go on when I have a chance to go to Barcelona.
Visit one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain in its spectacular mountain setting, and then Gaudi and Picasso's Barcelona. Driving through picturesque little villages of the province, you come to the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat, rising majestically to 1235 meters. You visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 'Black Virgin', the Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. Attend a religious-singing performance by the "Escolania" children's chorus and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping.
At 3.30pm return to Barcelona where your Modernist tour begins, with a bus tour to admire world renown architect Antonio Gaudi's works such as Morera, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and his Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Cathedral. You'll also make a stop to visit whimsical Guell Park and then enjoy the Picasso Museum which exhibits works from the "blue" and "pink" periods of this world-famous painter
Visit one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain in its spectacular mountain setting, and then Gaudi and Picasso's Barcelona. Driving through picturesque little villages of the province, you come to the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat, rising majestically to 1235 meters. You visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 'Black Virgin', the Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. Attend a religious-singing performance by the "Escolania" children's chorus and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping.
At 3.30pm return to Barcelona where your Modernist tour begins, with a bus tour to admire world renown architect Antonio Gaudi's works such as Morera, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and his Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Cathedral. You'll also make a stop to visit whimsical Guell Park and then enjoy the Picasso Museum which exhibits works from the "blue" and "pink" periods of this world-famous painter
Basic information
Location: Plaça de la Sagrada Família, s/n. Barcelona
History: The Sagrada Família is the best known work of Gaudí, this huge project in which he worked all his life -in fact he lives inside until his dead- was started in 1882 by the architect F. Villar i Lozano with a
project in neo gothic style. Gaudí undertook the work direction in 1883 changing not only the aesthetic of work, but giving to it a gigantic dimension with eighteen bell towers representing the Apostles, four towers Representing the Evangelists, one representing the Virgin Mary, and the biggest one with 170 meters high, crowned with the cross of four branches typical of Gaudí, symbolizing Jesus Christ. Every window, column, element and shape referrers to saints, institutions or mysteries of catholic faith. Today surpassing 100 years from it's start, the works follow with the timing of a medieval cathedral, not really too quick !!, nevertheless the optimistic think in a end of works into the first quarter of XXI century (??).
Description: At the present stage, only eight of the twelve bell towers for the Apostles are completely finished, and Gaudí only built before his dead -at the age of 74, trampled by a tram in 1926- four of the apostles towers , the apse, and the Nativity façade. The gothic plant of the church is a Latin cross with five longitudinal aisles and a large apse with six chapels. An external cloister enclose the ensemble. Three façades, (two of them finished and explained below -the Birth and the Passion ones-) have the mission to illustrate in an understandable way the mystery of the birth, passion and resurrection -glory- of Jesus Christ. The polemic on the works continuation from 1952, was due to lack of original drawings, mainly destroyed during the Spanish civil war (1936-1939).
Location: Plaça de la Sagrada Família, s/n. Barcelona
History: The Sagrada Família is the best known work of Gaudí, this huge project in which he worked all his life -in fact he lives inside until his dead- was started in 1882 by the architect F. Villar i Lozano with a
project in neo gothic style. Gaudí undertook the work direction in 1883 changing not only the aesthetic of work, but giving to it a gigantic dimension with eighteen bell towers representing the Apostles, four towers Representing the Evangelists, one representing the Virgin Mary, and the biggest one with 170 meters high, crowned with the cross of four branches typical of Gaudí, symbolizing Jesus Christ. Every window, column, element and shape referrers to saints, institutions or mysteries of catholic faith. Today surpassing 100 years from it's start, the works follow with the timing of a medieval cathedral, not really too quick !!, nevertheless the optimistic think in a end of works into the first quarter of XXI century (??).
Description: At the present stage, only eight of the twelve bell towers for the Apostles are completely finished, and Gaudí only built before his dead -at the age of 74, trampled by a tram in 1926- four of the apostles towers , the apse, and the Nativity façade. The gothic plant of the church is a Latin cross with five longitudinal aisles and a large apse with six chapels. An external cloister enclose the ensemble. Three façades, (two of them finished and explained below -the Birth and the Passion ones-) have the mission to illustrate in an understandable way the mystery of the birth, passion and resurrection -glory- of Jesus Christ. The polemic on the works continuation from 1952, was due to lack of original drawings, mainly destroyed during the Spanish civil war (1936-1939).
The Oscars
I watched the Oscars alone. I was invited to an Oscars party, but I decided it would be better to view them alone so I could flip through the stations when the Academy Awards inevitably bored me to tears. Another benefit to watching alone is being able to fall asleep when the program invevitbably runs long.
Other than some spectucular dresses, the Oscars didn't provide too many surprises. I did the like the woman who went on stage with her producer unannounced and then insisted on making a speech. I thought that was very special. Did you ever notice that the people who are awarded for shorts always have the longest f-ing speeches? (snore)
What instrument was Sting playing? I've never seen that. He was winding one end while molesting the other but it didn't look like he was really playing anything. WHAT WAS THAT INSTRUMENT?
Also, if the producers of the show know the program is going to run long, why don't they cut the introductions. I, for one could have gone without looking at almost naked Billy Crystal. I threw up a little during the film montage/parody thing. The tributes to actors who have passed, they are nice but if I were producing a time sensitive show I would produce them right out of there.
By cutting the film montage introduction, that stupid song, and the nice but time consuming tributes to dead actors, I've already saved us an hour that could be spent letting people say thank you for receiving their well earned Oscars.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Other than some spectucular dresses, the Oscars didn't provide too many surprises. I did the like the woman who went on stage with her producer unannounced and then insisted on making a speech. I thought that was very special. Did you ever notice that the people who are awarded for shorts always have the longest f-ing speeches? (snore)
What instrument was Sting playing? I've never seen that. He was winding one end while molesting the other but it didn't look like he was really playing anything. WHAT WAS THAT INSTRUMENT?
Also, if the producers of the show know the program is going to run long, why don't they cut the introductions. I, for one could have gone without looking at almost naked Billy Crystal. I threw up a little during the film montage/parody thing. The tributes to actors who have passed, they are nice but if I were producing a time sensitive show I would produce them right out of there.
By cutting the film montage introduction, that stupid song, and the nice but time consuming tributes to dead actors, I've already saved us an hour that could be spent letting people say thank you for receiving their well earned Oscars.
And that's all I have to say about that.
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