or
25,475th floor
The Ronald Reagan Space Station
At first when I saw the headline for this article at The Drudge Report, I thought for sure it was an article about scientist Bradley C. Edwards having gone mad. But then I started reading the article and learned there are those that believe a space elevator could be ready and operating in 15 years to the tune of $10 billion. Still, I couldn't believe what I was reading was true. How could a space elevator even be remotely possible? Perhaps the Drudge Report was posting satirical articles like those written on the pages of the The Onion.
So then I linked to one of the supporting links listed at the bottom of the article. This link is for the Third International Conference for the Space Elevator. If you go here, you can see notes from the conference and different articles on the different technologies that would make a space elevator possible.
It's true. It is possible to build a space elevator. Even if you don't believe it can be done in 15 years, I should be able to see it's launch before I die.
That's amazing.
June 25, 2004
Schwarzenegger May Be Barking Up Wrong Tree
In an effort to save his constituents money, Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing to repeal a state law that requires animal shelters to hold stray dogs and cats for up to six days before killing them according to this article at SeattlePI.com. He suggests animals should be euthenized after three days of capitvity.
Governor Schwarzenegger says that this measure would help to save local governments operating animal shelters up to $14 million.
I think this is a great idea but I have a feelign that his constituents, in spite of all of California's financial problems, will not stand behind the Governor on this decision.
Governor Schwarzenegger says that this measure would help to save local governments operating animal shelters up to $14 million.
I think this is a great idea but I have a feelign that his constituents, in spite of all of California's financial problems, will not stand behind the Governor on this decision.
June 24, 2004
Weighing in on Mary Kate
For those of you who dislike breaking up a set, you may want to stop reading now. The news in entertainment this week is the Mary Kate half of the Olsen Twins has signed herself into a facility for treatment for an eating disorder.
What I understand about the ailment is little. Experts say it's not about being thin, yet every one seems to become anorexic trying to get or maintain thin. Experts say it's about control. Well, Mary Kate and Ashley have a lot of control or so I've heard.
My feeling is the disease is about escape.
There's probably a lot of pressure on the Olsen Twins to keep succeeding and moving forward. The only way out really, without people barking at you is to get very sick. That's the only excuse some people will accept for not being busy all the time. These girls have been busy since they were 9 months old. I hope that Mary Kate is checked into a good facility, that she's getting rest and taking it easy and giving herself a break.
You don't have to be on the move all the time to be succeeding. It's okay to rest. Unless you know you're checking out tomorrow, you've got years to get done what you're trying to get done. My advice to the Olsen Twins is to check out for a while. Enroll in college, go to classes, hang out with your friends. But stop working on your careers and work on protecting your sanity. This may sound condescending but I'm proud of Mary Kate for taking the time to take care of herself.
What I understand about the ailment is little. Experts say it's not about being thin, yet every one seems to become anorexic trying to get or maintain thin. Experts say it's about control. Well, Mary Kate and Ashley have a lot of control or so I've heard.
My feeling is the disease is about escape.
There's probably a lot of pressure on the Olsen Twins to keep succeeding and moving forward. The only way out really, without people barking at you is to get very sick. That's the only excuse some people will accept for not being busy all the time. These girls have been busy since they were 9 months old. I hope that Mary Kate is checked into a good facility, that she's getting rest and taking it easy and giving herself a break.
You don't have to be on the move all the time to be succeeding. It's okay to rest. Unless you know you're checking out tomorrow, you've got years to get done what you're trying to get done. My advice to the Olsen Twins is to check out for a while. Enroll in college, go to classes, hang out with your friends. But stop working on your careers and work on protecting your sanity. This may sound condescending but I'm proud of Mary Kate for taking the time to take care of herself.
Ki-lin
A mythical being of Chinese mythology, comparable
with the western unicorn. Ki-lin personifies
all that is good, pure, and peaceful. It lives
in paradise and only visits the world at the
birth of a wise philosopher. The Ki-Lin is
said to walk on earth and on water. It never
drinks or eats dirty food or water. The Chinese
unicorn never treads on smaller animals below
its feet nor does it ever harm another living
creature. The Ki-Lin is the emblem for
exquisite goodness, longevity, grandeur,
endless compassion and great wisdom. According
to Chinese mythology, at the birth of Confucius
a Ki-Lin appeared and Confucius died soon after
a Ki-Lin was killed, he believed that his
writings would not proceed from the omen of the
death of the Unicorn.
Which Chinese Mythological Being Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Welcome Back
Chico, the mastermind behind Nervous Nero, The Evil Twin Theory, and Area 52 is back from his writing hiatus.
Welcome back, Chico.
We've missed you.
Welcome back, Chico.
We've missed you.
June 23, 2004
Subway Tales
Tonight, when I got out of work, I stopped by Jon's office to bring him a cup of coffee. He works nights as a copy editor for the New York Post.
It was five minutes well spent. I handed him his coffee and he gave me a hug.
Then I went back to the subway.
And I waited and I waited and I waited.
Then my train pulled up but there were so many people waiting the train was too crowded before I even got to the door, so I didn't get on and I waited some more.
Another crowd started to gather.
We were all getting a little impatient when an announcement came over the loudspeaker.
"Due to delays, there is an R train approaching 42nd Street."
I was at 49th street so this was a good announcement. Although the R train isn't my train, this meant that a good part of the crowd would get on and there would be room for me on my own.
Well, the R train came and went, right through the station without stopping.
An N train came by and stopped, took in most of the crowd but even though that train was going to Astoria I decided to wait a few more minutes to see what came next.
Two minutes later, a W train pulled into the station and I got on. Most of the crowd had boarded the previous train so this train was relatively empty.
I sat with my eyes closed until my stop in Astoria.
The end.
It was five minutes well spent. I handed him his coffee and he gave me a hug.
Then I went back to the subway.
And I waited and I waited and I waited.
Then my train pulled up but there were so many people waiting the train was too crowded before I even got to the door, so I didn't get on and I waited some more.
Another crowd started to gather.
We were all getting a little impatient when an announcement came over the loudspeaker.
"Due to delays, there is an R train approaching 42nd Street."
I was at 49th street so this was a good announcement. Although the R train isn't my train, this meant that a good part of the crowd would get on and there would be room for me on my own.
Well, the R train came and went, right through the station without stopping.
An N train came by and stopped, took in most of the crowd but even though that train was going to Astoria I decided to wait a few more minutes to see what came next.
Two minutes later, a W train pulled into the station and I got on. Most of the crowd had boarded the previous train so this train was relatively empty.
I sat with my eyes closed until my stop in Astoria.
The end.
June 22, 2004
June 21, 2004
Weekend Bullets
1. Sat. day - slept late, played video game
2. Sat. night - roasted stuffed chicken and corn for dinner, made salad
3. Sun. afternoon - Long Beach - went to beach with Jon
4. Sun. night - Long Beach - BBQ at parents house. Parents, brother and wife, brother's inlaws, nephew
5. Good times.
2. Sat. night - roasted stuffed chicken and corn for dinner, made salad
3. Sun. afternoon - Long Beach - went to beach with Jon
4. Sun. night - Long Beach - BBQ at parents house. Parents, brother and wife, brother's inlaws, nephew
5. Good times.
June 18, 2004
American Hostage Beheaded in Saudi Arabia
Those Al Qaeda bastards beheaded Paul Johnson.
Here is Paul Johnson's yearbook photo.
I'm going to leave this one to the professionals to discuss.
Here is the latest.
Here is Paul Johnson's yearbook photo.
I'm going to leave this one to the professionals to discuss.
Here is the latest.
Saudis Say Qaeda Chief Killed After U.S. Man Beheaded
Saudi authorities said on Saturday they had killed al Qaeda leader Abdulaziz al-Muqrin and three other prominent militants after they beheaded U.S. hostage Paul Johnson.
Saudi Arabia confirms death of al-Qaida leaderRIYADH, June 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia said Saturday that the leader of the al-Qaida terror network in the kingdom, Abdulaziz al-Muqrin, had been killed. The ministry published photos on state television to support its claim.
U.S. hostage beheaded; leader dead
An Islamic extremist group in Saudi Arabia Friday beheaded Paul Johnson, the American electronics engineer whom they had kidnapped six days before. Within hours, Saudi Arabia announced that its forces had killed three of the extremists, including their leader, in a gun battle. The group, called al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, posted gory photos of Johnson's body on the Internet after the expiration of its ultimatum that the Saudi government free al-Qaida prisoners it holds.
They're At It Again
The Anonymous Blogger and Anonymous Bloggette are at it again.
Anonymous Bloggette, yesterday, made the point that if women have it so much easier than men when it comes to dating there wouldn't be so many reality based TV shows where 50 women are competing for one man, that the show Average Joe and Average Joe 2 would never feature an Average Jane. Anonymous Blogger, today, makes the point that TV Producers are mostly male and suggested that programming is sex related for the benefit of making money. He challenges women to produce their own reality shows. He said that a program like the Swan is awful because it emphasizes outer beauty.
Well, T.A.Blogger may not be aware of this, but I think he helped the Bloggette make some kind of point, but on an even bigger scale than either of them realize. Men just have it easier in this world. Period.
Granted nothing is easy and 99% of us work hard for what we have as a whole but men still have it easier.
Anonymous Bloggette, yesterday, made the point that if women have it so much easier than men when it comes to dating there wouldn't be so many reality based TV shows where 50 women are competing for one man, that the show Average Joe and Average Joe 2 would never feature an Average Jane. Anonymous Blogger, today, makes the point that TV Producers are mostly male and suggested that programming is sex related for the benefit of making money. He challenges women to produce their own reality shows. He said that a program like the Swan is awful because it emphasizes outer beauty.
I thought it was great!! It was honest. Ugly or average looking women do not fare as well in American Society as their better than average and great looking sisters. The Swan offered people a chance to succeed in a society where looks matter.
Well, T.A.Blogger may not be aware of this, but I think he helped the Bloggette make some kind of point, but on an even bigger scale than either of them realize. Men just have it easier in this world. Period.
Granted nothing is easy and 99% of us work hard for what we have as a whole but men still have it easier.
June 17, 2004
Outside
I was just outside.
It's hot out there.
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
or even better
How much wood would a wood chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
I can't let the Anonymous Blogger have all the fun, now can I?
It's hot out there.
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
or even better
How much wood would a wood chuck, if a wood chuck could chuck wood?
I can't let the Anonymous Blogger have all the fun, now can I?
The Baked Apple
Hot and humid; that's our forecast for today. I walked out of my stifling Queens apartment with the hopes of feeling a cool breeze as my feet hit the sidewalk.
Nope. It was just as hot and stifling outside as it was inside.
I chose to open my windows today to air out my apartment. I've been running the A/C for a couple of days and the air is getting a little stale. Truth be told, if it weren't for the humidity, I wouldn't ever run the AC. Fresh air is preferred.
So, as a result, it was hot while I was getting ready for work. I ran the AC until about 4 this morning. It's just too loud and drives me a little nuts. I can't sleep the night through while it's roaring cold air into my small space.
My apartment is a studio with four windows facing the same direction. I get no cross ventilation so it gets hot pretty fast in there when the weather warms up. Some might even compare being inside my studio in the summer to being cooked alive.
Anyway, it's a hot and humid day in the Big Apple.
Nope. It was just as hot and stifling outside as it was inside.
I chose to open my windows today to air out my apartment. I've been running the A/C for a couple of days and the air is getting a little stale. Truth be told, if it weren't for the humidity, I wouldn't ever run the AC. Fresh air is preferred.
So, as a result, it was hot while I was getting ready for work. I ran the AC until about 4 this morning. It's just too loud and drives me a little nuts. I can't sleep the night through while it's roaring cold air into my small space.
My apartment is a studio with four windows facing the same direction. I get no cross ventilation so it gets hot pretty fast in there when the weather warms up. Some might even compare being inside my studio in the summer to being cooked alive.
Anyway, it's a hot and humid day in the Big Apple.
June 16, 2004
June 14, 2004
Retro Russell
Jon just watched "Used Cars" the other day and pointed out to me that Kurt Russell (in his first non-Disney, raunchy role) plays a sleazebag in cynical malaise-era America in 1980.
In his most recent role in "Miracle" he plays a hero who helps "lead" America out of its cynical malaise in 1980.
Just an interesting thought.
In his most recent role in "Miracle" he plays a hero who helps "lead" America out of its cynical malaise in 1980.
Just an interesting thought.
Pat the Bunny
In the pet store, I told Jon to touch the bunny because it was so soft and cute. 15 minutes later, checking out antiques, Jon's eye started to bother him. We decided to get outdoors figuring the dust was causing an allergic reaction. 1/2 an hour later sitting in the coffee shop, Jon's eye started to swell shut.
It was the bunny.
It was the bunny.
June 12, 2004
Aaron Carter
Caren, Sarah and I went to Staten Island to see Aaron Carter perform.
Before we boarded the Staten Island Ferry we met for a late lunch or early dinner at FunAyama, a favorite spot of mine, introduced to me by Caren. Funayama is a sushi place like no other. Before even going, I liked the place because it has the word "fun" in its name. Sarah and I orderd the Sushi specials, Caren got the eel and we all shared a plate of edimame. If you are entertaining a friend, that you want to impress take that friend to Funayama. Last night, our portions were obscenely enormous but they always are, no matter the Sushi chef, no matter the day of the week or the time of day. It's on Greenwich Avenue between W. 10th and Charles Street.
After a leisurely meal, we gathered our things and headed out on our musical mystery tour.
1. The Staten Island Ferry is free - I haven't been on the Staten Island Ferry in years and couldn't ask for better weather. In the early evening, the sky was still blue and the views were tremendous. Behind us, was a gorgeous view of downtown. If you head over to "Sarah's site, she posted a shot. On our left was Brooklyn and I think Governor's Island but I'm not entirely sure. I'll do some research and get back to you. A view of the Statue of Liberty passed us on our right. We laughed and joked around as Sarah hummed the theme song to "Working Girl" and fantasized about Harrison Ford being her lover. The ride was short but then again it was a free.
2. Staten Island Yankee Stadium is a good venue for a show.
Mostly because it's not too big and all around you see nothing but sky. Audience members are treated to a view of Manhattan. It's very clean. It's right on the water.
3. The concert was a blast. Most of the audience members were 10 years old or under. What a happy place - not an ounce of cynisism to be found (outside of my body) which was quite refreshing for this New Yorker. Four acts were up before Aaron. Two solo acts, a thirteen year old boy and 14 or 15 year old blong girl, and two girl groups. All very pop, all very innocent all very Disney, actually.
Aaron Carter was introduced by Hulk Hogan and his daughter - I think her name was Generic Blond - who Aaron Carter is seeing. Hulk Hogan - gosh he still looks hot. His body - yeowza! - he's been working out 24/7 since he fell out of the lime light.
When Aaron came out every little girl (and at least three big [adult] ones) in that place lost their minds (again, see Sarah's blog)
I can't say I found the music terribly good, but Aaron Carter worked his ass off entertaining the 5ifth grade and under crowd. The three of us were standing on our chairs for most of his performance. When he came out and started singing, I turned to Sarah and Caren and said, "Who is that girl?" It wasn't a girl. It was Aaron Carter. Honestly, this kid looks like he could use some time at a spa in New Mexico to regain his strength. By the end of the show, he was spent. I'll bet he loses 10 pounds every time he puts on a show. He can't weigh more than 120 pounds.
Afterwards, as the crowd was breaking up, we spotted Lou Perlman, the one time despotic manager of the Backstreet Boys, N 'Sync, O Town and I'm guessing the two girl groups that warmed up the crowd. Their names were Huggy Poo and Play. (I'm not too sure about the name Huggy Pop but it was something like that). Sarah got a great picture of Mr. Perlman who was meeting and greeting the talent and their stage moms after the show. He was kind enough to stand still for her for the time it took take the photo.
I guess the only thing I found disturbing was the sexiness of the choreography danced by the two girl groups. The audience was really young, I mean really, really young. It was like attending a Rafi concert. All around us were 4th and 5th graders having the times of their lives. I think their too young to see overtly sexy dancing.
Last night was probably the first time I've really relaxed all week, truly relaxed.
All in all, I had a great time and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
I recommend this experience to every cynical, pissed off, sick of life in New York City, New Yorker. Children have a way of making everything seem okay.
Before we boarded the Staten Island Ferry we met for a late lunch or early dinner at FunAyama, a favorite spot of mine, introduced to me by Caren. Funayama is a sushi place like no other. Before even going, I liked the place because it has the word "fun" in its name. Sarah and I orderd the Sushi specials, Caren got the eel and we all shared a plate of edimame. If you are entertaining a friend, that you want to impress take that friend to Funayama. Last night, our portions were obscenely enormous but they always are, no matter the Sushi chef, no matter the day of the week or the time of day. It's on Greenwich Avenue between W. 10th and Charles Street.
I'm ready start delivering food walking tours of New York. If I organized something like that - a day of eating at different restaurants over 6 or 7 hours in different parts of town - would you pay me and what would you pay?
After a leisurely meal, we gathered our things and headed out on our musical mystery tour.
1. The Staten Island Ferry is free - I haven't been on the Staten Island Ferry in years and couldn't ask for better weather. In the early evening, the sky was still blue and the views were tremendous. Behind us, was a gorgeous view of downtown. If you head over to "Sarah's site, she posted a shot. On our left was Brooklyn and I think Governor's Island but I'm not entirely sure. I'll do some research and get back to you. A view of the Statue of Liberty passed us on our right. We laughed and joked around as Sarah hummed the theme song to "Working Girl" and fantasized about Harrison Ford being her lover. The ride was short but then again it was a free.
This is another cheap thing you can do in New York, to entertain a friend or to entertain yourself. Staten Island is pretty interesting itself. We did only go as far as the Stadium but I've been there before. I've heard many New Yorkers refer to it as the armpit of New York but it isn't really. Link to Forgotten New York for some cool Staten Island places to visit.
2. Staten Island Yankee Stadium is a good venue for a show.
Mostly because it's not too big and all around you see nothing but sky. Audience members are treated to a view of Manhattan. It's very clean. It's right on the water.
(By the time I'm done writing this post, I'll be living in Staten Island)
3. The concert was a blast. Most of the audience members were 10 years old or under. What a happy place - not an ounce of cynisism to be found (outside of my body) which was quite refreshing for this New Yorker. Four acts were up before Aaron. Two solo acts, a thirteen year old boy and 14 or 15 year old blong girl, and two girl groups. All very pop, all very innocent all very Disney, actually.
Aaron Carter was introduced by Hulk Hogan and his daughter - I think her name was Generic Blond - who Aaron Carter is seeing. Hulk Hogan - gosh he still looks hot. His body - yeowza! - he's been working out 24/7 since he fell out of the lime light.
I feel bad for him because I'm sure he thought he would be retired by now, but no, Disney had to trounce him out on stage to introduce the 16 year old with the failed career who was performing to 3 - 10 year olds at some venue in Staten Island which wasn't even one-third full
When Aaron came out every little girl (and at least three big [adult] ones) in that place lost their minds (again, see Sarah's blog)
I can't say I found the music terribly good, but Aaron Carter worked his ass off entertaining the 5ifth grade and under crowd. The three of us were standing on our chairs for most of his performance. When he came out and started singing, I turned to Sarah and Caren and said, "Who is that girl?" It wasn't a girl. It was Aaron Carter. Honestly, this kid looks like he could use some time at a spa in New Mexico to regain his strength. By the end of the show, he was spent. I'll bet he loses 10 pounds every time he puts on a show. He can't weigh more than 120 pounds.
Afterwards, as the crowd was breaking up, we spotted Lou Perlman, the one time despotic manager of the Backstreet Boys, N 'Sync, O Town and I'm guessing the two girl groups that warmed up the crowd. Their names were Huggy Poo and Play. (I'm not too sure about the name Huggy Pop but it was something like that). Sarah got a great picture of Mr. Perlman who was meeting and greeting the talent and their stage moms after the show. He was kind enough to stand still for her for the time it took take the photo.
I guess the only thing I found disturbing was the sexiness of the choreography danced by the two girl groups. The audience was really young, I mean really, really young. It was like attending a Rafi concert. All around us were 4th and 5th graders having the times of their lives. I think their too young to see overtly sexy dancing.
Last night was probably the first time I've really relaxed all week, truly relaxed.
All in all, I had a great time and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
I recommend this experience to every cynical, pissed off, sick of life in New York City, New Yorker. Children have a way of making everything seem okay.
June 11, 2004
Bread Dress
I shit you not. I found this article on CBSnews.com
Haute Croissant Couture
French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier has created an entire collection of clothes made of fresh bread.
Croissants and baguettes were turned into haute couture shoes, bras and even the perfect Oscar-night dresses.
The Atkins-unfriendly threads are not for sale, but rather, are on display at the edgy Fondation Cartier in Paris until October.
This video has no sound.
June 10, 2004
Caren Lissner
My friend Caren Lissner, author of Carrie Pilby and *Starting from Square Two* will be hosting a reading on June 15th at Barbes, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Stem Cell Research
I find it interesting that the Reagans were unable to succeed in getting the Federal Government to relax regulations on stem cell research, firmly supported by Laura Bush, considering the amount of AIDS research not done during the Reagan's reign. Perhaps, if they had encouraged and funded AIDS research and education programs during their time in office, a cure for Alzheimers could have been found as a side effect.
I don't wish illness on anyone. My heart goes out to the the Reagan family. I may not have liked Mr. Reagan as a politician but I didn't know him as a private person. He was probably a lovely man. Look at the turnout for his various wakes and the outpouring of sympathy for Mrs. Reagan.
It's sad that so late in the 20th century and early into the 21st, people are still suffering from diseases that have afflicted humans for as long as medical professionals have been keeping records. Restrictions on stem cell research are so strong. With the politics of the Right to Life movement standing in they way who knows if American scientists will ever be able to follow their research to its end.
Why must people suffer when cures are so close? There are several people in my life afflicted with ailments whose cure could potentially be found in the petry dish where the work will be done.
That's where politics come in.
That's why I dislike so many politicians.
That's why it's so interesting that stem cell research toward finding a cure for Alzheimers was not available to the man who put the kibash on AIDS research during his run as President.
I don't wish illness on anyone. My heart goes out to the the Reagan family. I may not have liked Mr. Reagan as a politician but I didn't know him as a private person. He was probably a lovely man. Look at the turnout for his various wakes and the outpouring of sympathy for Mrs. Reagan.
It's sad that so late in the 20th century and early into the 21st, people are still suffering from diseases that have afflicted humans for as long as medical professionals have been keeping records. Restrictions on stem cell research are so strong. With the politics of the Right to Life movement standing in they way who knows if American scientists will ever be able to follow their research to its end.
Why must people suffer when cures are so close? There are several people in my life afflicted with ailments whose cure could potentially be found in the petry dish where the work will be done.
That's where politics come in.
That's why I dislike so many politicians.
That's why it's so interesting that stem cell research toward finding a cure for Alzheimers was not available to the man who put the kibash on AIDS research during his run as President.
June 09, 2004
Ahem.
I received this from one of my co-workers this morning, via email.
What do you think?
========================================
How do you tell the difference between Liberals, Conservatives, and Southerners?
Scenario:
You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges.
You are carrying a loaded Glock 40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?
Liberal response:
Well, that's not enough information to answer the question! Does the man look poor or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think?
What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What doe s the law say about this situation?
Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it? Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to societyand to my children? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?
Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? Should I call 9-1-1? Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.
This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.
Conservative response:
BANG!
Southerner response:
BANG! BANG! BANG! B ANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
click....Reload...BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click.
What do you think?
========================================
How do you tell the difference between Liberals, Conservatives, and Southerners?
Scenario:
You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, raises the knife, and charges.
You are carrying a loaded Glock 40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?
Liberal response:
Well, that's not enough information to answer the question! Does the man look poor or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think?
What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What doe s the law say about this situation?
Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it? Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to societyand to my children? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?
Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? Should I call 9-1-1? Why is this street so deserted? We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.
This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for a few days and try to come to a consensus.
Conservative response:
BANG!
Southerner response:
BANG! BANG! BANG! B ANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
click....Reload...BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click.
June 08, 2004
Brain Spotting
Jon and I hosted trivia and it went well. There were 8 teams, about 30 people, not the biggest draw but they bought lots of drinks so it was good for the bar.
Our questions and categories were fun for the most part. However, my audio round - 10 arias, name the composer and the opera - didn't seem to go over very well. People didn't do as well as I thought they would but better, I'm sure, than they thought they would. Most people were able to get at least one opera or one composer. There was a tie for funniest team name. We awarded dirtiest team name to "George Bush - porn star or rock queen? We report, you decide." We gave the straight funniest team award name to "Permanent Bedtime for Bonzo."
Caren walked with Jon and I a bit afterwards. . .and while we were walking up Sixth Avenue around 9th Street, Caren said "Hey, that was Elliott Gould." We couldn't tell because we'd already walked past him (he was walking towards us) and by the time she'd mentioned it all we could see was the back of his head. It could very well have been him, but unfortunately I wasn't as quick as Caren in spotting him.
However, about 3 seconds later, ahead of us I spotted Jude Law. He looked good. Blonde, tan and I think he was with his wife, who was also blonde and tan and good looking.
Caren was turning to go to her train but I stopped her and said, "look over my shoulder, behind me, is Jude Law." She looked up and confirmed that it was.
Jon wasn't as sure. Not as familiar with Jude Law as Caren and myself, he actually went up to Jude Law and asked him, "Are you Jude Law?" to which Jude Law muttered, but not in an irritated way, "Yeah, yeah."
Caren and I teased him a little bit because neither one of us would have gone up to him. Maybe it's a little bit of a New Yorker thing.
I see celebrities in NYC all the time and I haven't gone up to one except the time I was walking with a friend and we saw Gordon Parks and he stopped to talk to him. It's either because I don't want to give them the satisfaction of being recognized or because I just don't want to seem uncool by thinking seeing them is a big deal or it's because I don't want to bug the celebrity, figuring they get bugged all the time.
Earlier in the evening, on the way to the bar, Jon and I walked right past Jill Hennessy, formerly of Law and Order and now of Crossing Jordan. For me it's enough to recognize them.
What do you think? If you saw a celebrity in your neck of the woods would you go up to them and talk to them or respect their privacy and leave them alone? Do you think it's cool or uncool to approach a celebrity in a non-entertainment related situation?
Our questions and categories were fun for the most part. However, my audio round - 10 arias, name the composer and the opera - didn't seem to go over very well. People didn't do as well as I thought they would but better, I'm sure, than they thought they would. Most people were able to get at least one opera or one composer. There was a tie for funniest team name. We awarded dirtiest team name to "George Bush - porn star or rock queen? We report, you decide." We gave the straight funniest team award name to "Permanent Bedtime for Bonzo."
Caren walked with Jon and I a bit afterwards. . .and while we were walking up Sixth Avenue around 9th Street, Caren said "Hey, that was Elliott Gould." We couldn't tell because we'd already walked past him (he was walking towards us) and by the time she'd mentioned it all we could see was the back of his head. It could very well have been him, but unfortunately I wasn't as quick as Caren in spotting him.
However, about 3 seconds later, ahead of us I spotted Jude Law. He looked good. Blonde, tan and I think he was with his wife, who was also blonde and tan and good looking.
Caren was turning to go to her train but I stopped her and said, "look over my shoulder, behind me, is Jude Law." She looked up and confirmed that it was.
Jon wasn't as sure. Not as familiar with Jude Law as Caren and myself, he actually went up to Jude Law and asked him, "Are you Jude Law?" to which Jude Law muttered, but not in an irritated way, "Yeah, yeah."
Caren and I teased him a little bit because neither one of us would have gone up to him. Maybe it's a little bit of a New Yorker thing.
I see celebrities in NYC all the time and I haven't gone up to one except the time I was walking with a friend and we saw Gordon Parks and he stopped to talk to him. It's either because I don't want to give them the satisfaction of being recognized or because I just don't want to seem uncool by thinking seeing them is a big deal or it's because I don't want to bug the celebrity, figuring they get bugged all the time.
Earlier in the evening, on the way to the bar, Jon and I walked right past Jill Hennessy, formerly of Law and Order and now of Crossing Jordan. For me it's enough to recognize them.
What do you think? If you saw a celebrity in your neck of the woods would you go up to them and talk to them or respect their privacy and leave them alone? Do you think it's cool or uncool to approach a celebrity in a non-entertainment related situation?
Assault with a Deadly Chalupa
Revisiting the department of weirdly appropriate names, I offer up Christopher Lame, who attacked a Taco Bell employee with a Chalupa because it wasn't what he ordered.
You get it? That's pretty lame.
You get it? That's pretty lame.
June 05, 2004
Ronald Reagan Died
Ronald Reagan died today.
The above article speaks well of the two term president.
Unlike these Nevada officials, I was never fond of Ronald Reagan as president.
One of my earlier memories of becoming politically aware had to do with the Carter/Reagan election. As a child I was fond of President Carter. Not understanding the greater issues of the world, I felt bad that he was unable to free the Iranian hostages. I felt bad that he was blamed for the energy crisis of the 70's and I remember really liking his smile.
I was disappointed when he lost to Reagan. As a teenager, I was only vaguely aware of the AIDS crisis that was growing during the 80's. As an adult I learned that Reagan and his administration are in large part to blame for the lack of funding for research into finding the cause for AIDS and preventing it's terrible spread.
As a teenager I was aware as most of us were of the growing nuclear threat in the USSR and I remember the press conferences where President Reagan outlined his great plan for keeping the wolves at bay which was basically to bankrupt the USSR by forcing them to keep up with us in the arms race. We found out later that our own economy was also at risk as the dollar sank in value all over the world after his two terms were up
I also remember the enormous coincidence of the Iranian hostages being released after Reagan took office. This is the time in my life when I started to become skeptical of politicians and learned that our government didn't always have the best interest of the American people at heart. They were more interested in personal gain.
Do you remember the whole Iran Contra scandal when Ollie North fell on his sword?
I do.
My disappointment wasn't that great because I never trusted President Reagan. This is all based on my childish preference for Jimmy Carter's true warm smile over the false warmth of an actor turned politician.
Our deficit increased, white collar criminals were practicing business crimes as if it was standard operating proceedure, the groundwork was laid for future savings and loans scandals, and thousands and thousands of people died afflicted with a disease that could have been prevented had the Reagan administration devoted any funding to research or education.
These are my memories of Ronald Reagan.
I don't think he was the great man many obituaries will say he was, although I do believe he was a pretty good actor.
The above article speaks well of the two term president.
Unlike these Nevada officials, I was never fond of Ronald Reagan as president.
One of my earlier memories of becoming politically aware had to do with the Carter/Reagan election. As a child I was fond of President Carter. Not understanding the greater issues of the world, I felt bad that he was unable to free the Iranian hostages. I felt bad that he was blamed for the energy crisis of the 70's and I remember really liking his smile.
I was disappointed when he lost to Reagan. As a teenager, I was only vaguely aware of the AIDS crisis that was growing during the 80's. As an adult I learned that Reagan and his administration are in large part to blame for the lack of funding for research into finding the cause for AIDS and preventing it's terrible spread.
As a teenager I was aware as most of us were of the growing nuclear threat in the USSR and I remember the press conferences where President Reagan outlined his great plan for keeping the wolves at bay which was basically to bankrupt the USSR by forcing them to keep up with us in the arms race. We found out later that our own economy was also at risk as the dollar sank in value all over the world after his two terms were up
I also remember the enormous coincidence of the Iranian hostages being released after Reagan took office. This is the time in my life when I started to become skeptical of politicians and learned that our government didn't always have the best interest of the American people at heart. They were more interested in personal gain.
Do you remember the whole Iran Contra scandal when Ollie North fell on his sword?
I do.
My disappointment wasn't that great because I never trusted President Reagan. This is all based on my childish preference for Jimmy Carter's true warm smile over the false warmth of an actor turned politician.
Our deficit increased, white collar criminals were practicing business crimes as if it was standard operating proceedure, the groundwork was laid for future savings and loans scandals, and thousands and thousands of people died afflicted with a disease that could have been prevented had the Reagan administration devoted any funding to research or education.
These are my memories of Ronald Reagan.
I don't think he was the great man many obituaries will say he was, although I do believe he was a pretty good actor.
Chopped Meat For Breakfast?
Yes.
I made hamburgers for breakfast and served them with Mary Janes. Mary Janes pieces of bread with the middles torn out, and eggs cooked inside sunny side up.
Hamburgers for breakfast? I got no complaints.
I wasn't able to make the meat loaf last night, so that's what I ended up doing.
Very exciting no? Today, I'll make banana cake.
I made hamburgers for breakfast and served them with Mary Janes. Mary Janes pieces of bread with the middles torn out, and eggs cooked inside sunny side up.
Hamburgers for breakfast? I got no complaints.
I wasn't able to make the meat loaf last night, so that's what I ended up doing.
Very exciting no? Today, I'll make banana cake.
June 04, 2004
The Anonymous Blogger
The Anonymous Blogger has done it again. Fanning the flames of our burning insecurities as men and women, he has made bold statements in order to spur on discussion.
Well, it works with me every time.
Bob stated that "women are crazy" that "women drive the dating process". CL responded by giving him what not about men having the upper hand when it comes to dating and marriage. Now, if Bob is speaking for all men that what he said about men being stupid is completely accurate. If men don't see that they have the upper hand when it comes to dating and marriage then they are truly blind.
If it were up to most women, weddings would take place within in a year of meeting Mr. Right and falling in love. Women know almost right away whether or not they want to marry someone. They then have to play this game where they have to pretend like they aren't interested in marriage while Mr. Right slowly comes to the realization that he's not a kid anymore and he wants to get married. While this process happens at a rather rapid pace for women, men take quite a while longer to catch up.
I can only imagine the thought process. "What if I meet someone younger?" or "What if she wants to stop working?" or "How do I know she's the one?"
Well....we don't really know if you're the one either. Women decide they want to marry someone. They make a choice. Do we know if you guys are absolutely the one? Of course not, but we are willing to take a chance. How many years can we go on dating? How many men do we have to plod through before we have a pretty good idea of what we are looking for?
Now if any of you single men in your 30's are surprised to hear that many single women in their 30's want to be married, you're truly unaware. Of course we want to be married. DUH!!!!!!
There are some of us who have dated enough, had enough boyfriends, enough sex to know that it's time to settle down and pop out a few babies. We are on a clock guys. We have a finite amount of time that we can reproduce. So don't be surprised when the woman you are dating starts talking about a more serious relationship.
AND THAT IS WHY YOU MEN HAVE THE F-ING UPPER HAND!!!!!
Well, it works with me every time.
Bob stated that "women are crazy" that "women drive the dating process". CL responded by giving him what not about men having the upper hand when it comes to dating and marriage. Now, if Bob is speaking for all men that what he said about men being stupid is completely accurate. If men don't see that they have the upper hand when it comes to dating and marriage then they are truly blind.
NOTE: I DO NOT SPEAK FOR ALL WOMEN. I SPEAK FOR HETEROSEXUAL WOMEN WHO WANT TO BE MARRIED OR IN A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP.
If it were up to most women, weddings would take place within in a year of meeting Mr. Right and falling in love. Women know almost right away whether or not they want to marry someone. They then have to play this game where they have to pretend like they aren't interested in marriage while Mr. Right slowly comes to the realization that he's not a kid anymore and he wants to get married. While this process happens at a rather rapid pace for women, men take quite a while longer to catch up.
I can only imagine the thought process. "What if I meet someone younger?" or "What if she wants to stop working?" or "How do I know she's the one?"
Well....we don't really know if you're the one either. Women decide they want to marry someone. They make a choice. Do we know if you guys are absolutely the one? Of course not, but we are willing to take a chance. How many years can we go on dating? How many men do we have to plod through before we have a pretty good idea of what we are looking for?
Now if any of you single men in your 30's are surprised to hear that many single women in their 30's want to be married, you're truly unaware. Of course we want to be married. DUH!!!!!!
There are some of us who have dated enough, had enough boyfriends, enough sex to know that it's time to settle down and pop out a few babies. We are on a clock guys. We have a finite amount of time that we can reproduce. So don't be surprised when the woman you are dating starts talking about a more serious relationship.
AND THAT IS WHY YOU MEN HAVE THE F-ING UPPER HAND!!!!!
The Pope Sees Bush
You know it's bad when the Pope asks to see you about America's foreign policy in a nation America is currently occupying under your command.
I'm assuming that the Pope invited President Bush to see what he could to end the war.
As you know, I continue to have mixed feelings about the Iraq situation. Let's say, that the popular anti-war theory is correct and that this war is being conducted for the sole purpose of regulating the oil industry. Is that really so bad? The whole world depends on these lunatic OPEC nations for their fuel supplies. Shouldn't somebody be watching their shit? Part of me also believes that almost every country in that part of the world is out to rid the region of the Jewish scourge by slowly chipping away at Israel. So, if there is a strong military presence stationed there doesn't that kind of help Israel in a way, as a sort of a positive secondary effect?
But then, there is that whole AMERICA is the watchdog of the world kind of vanity that seems to be wholly on display. There is something kind of despicable about taking over a country because you want to control it's resources. And then what happens when we leave. Everything is probably going to get worse.
By the way, if anyone actually believes this war is about liberating the Iraqi people you are truly dillusional.
I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
Pope John Paul II reminded President Bush on Friday of the Vatican's opposition to the war in Iraq and said the world has been troubled by recent "deplorable events," an apparent reference to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. troops
I'm assuming that the Pope invited President Bush to see what he could to end the war.
As you know, I continue to have mixed feelings about the Iraq situation. Let's say, that the popular anti-war theory is correct and that this war is being conducted for the sole purpose of regulating the oil industry. Is that really so bad? The whole world depends on these lunatic OPEC nations for their fuel supplies. Shouldn't somebody be watching their shit? Part of me also believes that almost every country in that part of the world is out to rid the region of the Jewish scourge by slowly chipping away at Israel. So, if there is a strong military presence stationed there doesn't that kind of help Israel in a way, as a sort of a positive secondary effect?
But then, there is that whole AMERICA is the watchdog of the world kind of vanity that seems to be wholly on display. There is something kind of despicable about taking over a country because you want to control it's resources. And then what happens when we leave. Everything is probably going to get worse.
By the way, if anyone actually believes this war is about liberating the Iraqi people you are truly dillusional.
I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
Friday
Today is Friday, Friday, Friday.
It will be fun day, fun day
All day long
So. Today is Friday - long awaited and finally here.
That means that tomorrow is Saturday and most of us can sleep late.
Tonight, after work here is what I would like to do.
1. Cook meatloaf (with a hard boiled egg in the middle of course) with homemade tomato sauce. I'll also be preparing a salad with a blackberry vinaigrette made famous by last Sunday's dinner chez Val.
2. Clean my home. After four days of work and ordering takeout, my house is a disaster; clothes every where, take out bags and containers every where, dirt every where.
3. Write trivia questions. This coming Tuesday night, Jon and I are hosting Tuesday Night Trivia at the Baggott Inn. I'm looking forward to this. As most of you should know by now, Jon and I met through trivia.
4. Relax and admire my French manicure/pedicure. Last night, I closed out Eve's nails. While my nails were drying the ladies were sweeping up and closing down. I was the last customer to leave last night but it was well worth it. The poor woman who worked on my feet sank in despair as I explained to her that I wanted a French pedicure. She was so sweet. I could tell she was tired and the last thing she wanted to do at the end of the day was yet another designer foot job. She was doing great up until the white line. She started to mess up and had to redo a couple of toes. She passed me off to another woman who did a much better job and finished off by doing a great job on my nails. That was a real moral booster.
At some point tonight, I'm also supposed to write notes on my friend Dave's book. Poor guy. He gave his book to me over a month ago to read over and I haven't even finished it yet. We're getting together tomorrow to discuss and probably watch movies all day. He's my "movies all day on DVD" friend.
It will be fun day, fun day
All day long
So. Today is Friday - long awaited and finally here.
That means that tomorrow is Saturday and most of us can sleep late.
Tonight, after work here is what I would like to do.
1. Cook meatloaf (with a hard boiled egg in the middle of course) with homemade tomato sauce. I'll also be preparing a salad with a blackberry vinaigrette made famous by last Sunday's dinner chez Val.
2. Clean my home. After four days of work and ordering takeout, my house is a disaster; clothes every where, take out bags and containers every where, dirt every where.
3. Write trivia questions. This coming Tuesday night, Jon and I are hosting Tuesday Night Trivia at the Baggott Inn. I'm looking forward to this. As most of you should know by now, Jon and I met through trivia.
4. Relax and admire my French manicure/pedicure. Last night, I closed out Eve's nails. While my nails were drying the ladies were sweeping up and closing down. I was the last customer to leave last night but it was well worth it. The poor woman who worked on my feet sank in despair as I explained to her that I wanted a French pedicure. She was so sweet. I could tell she was tired and the last thing she wanted to do at the end of the day was yet another designer foot job. She was doing great up until the white line. She started to mess up and had to redo a couple of toes. She passed me off to another woman who did a much better job and finished off by doing a great job on my nails. That was a real moral booster.
At some point tonight, I'm also supposed to write notes on my friend Dave's book. Poor guy. He gave his book to me over a month ago to read over and I haven't even finished it yet. We're getting together tomorrow to discuss and probably watch movies all day. He's my "movies all day on DVD" friend.
June 03, 2004
$55 Million Wedding
This is going to be a wedding to remember. This steel magnate is renting out the Palace of Versailles for his daughter's wedding banquet, and if I read this article correctly, he has rented out this 17th century home of Nicholas Fouquet, the financial minister of Louis XIV. They are expecting 10,000 guests.
The daughter's name is Vanisha. This makes me laugh. It's as if Lakshmi Mittal knew that his daughter's wedding was going to make his money "VANISH" when he first laid eyes on her.
I hope someone posts pictures of Vanisha in her wedding dress.
The daughter's name is Vanisha. This makes me laugh. It's as if Lakshmi Mittal knew that his daughter's wedding was going to make his money "VANISH" when he first laid eyes on her.
I hope someone posts pictures of Vanisha in her wedding dress.
June 02, 2004
BABY HUEY
This little Georgian baby (Georgia in Europe not down South)is not so little. At 15 months, he already weighs 55 pounds. He's been gaining weight rapidly since his birth according to this article. Also, according to this article, his doctor told his mother that he should shed his weight by the time he's six or so.
Hmmmmmmm.
Hmmmmmmm.
June 01, 2004
I am this kind of pie.
Take the quiz: "Which type of pie are you?"
Lobster, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Pie
Oy! You are LOBSTER, SPINACH, AND CREAM CHEESE PIE! My, my, my, are you a uniques one! I don't know anyone in their right mind that has the intellectual potential to order up something so creative and intuitive! Your true potential is hidden in your thirty-three letter name. Get out there and be heard!!!
Lobster, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Pie
Oy! You are LOBSTER, SPINACH, AND CREAM CHEESE PIE! My, my, my, are you a uniques one! I don't know anyone in their right mind that has the intellectual potential to order up something so creative and intuitive! Your true potential is hidden in your thirty-three letter name. Get out there and be heard!!!
Unsolicited Dating Advice
I read some good news on the website of a friend of mine. After a wave of bad luck with the opposite sex, it seems that things are starting to go his way.
In our little community, we've been kicking around some dating philosophiese that we all think will help all of us in the long run.
But I thought I'd add a few more things here.
1) Be positive. It's okay to be sad or talk about bad things that have happened to you in a day. But don't dwell on anything negative for too long. Talk about what made you sad and then move on.
2)Return phone calls in a timely fashion. If you wait too long to call her, she'll think you're blowing her off. If you haven't heard from your girl in a while, don't get all male on her and decide that calling her is a sign of weakness. Just call and see what's up. And don't call with an accusatory voice and say "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Just call to say hi and see how's she's doing.
3) Respect the space issue. If you are feeling crowded say so. For example, "I was hoping to do something on my own tonight, but I WOULD LOVE to hang out tomorrow."
or if she needs to do something without you one night, you can say, "Okay. I'll miss you tonight but perhaps we can get together later this week."
4) If you see something that you think she'll like, pick it up for her. You know you think about her and there' no harm in letting her know.
I have more advice, but this could be considered condescending so I'll stop.
In our little community, we've been kicking around some dating philosophiese that we all think will help all of us in the long run.
But I thought I'd add a few more things here.
1) Be positive. It's okay to be sad or talk about bad things that have happened to you in a day. But don't dwell on anything negative for too long. Talk about what made you sad and then move on.
2)Return phone calls in a timely fashion. If you wait too long to call her, she'll think you're blowing her off. If you haven't heard from your girl in a while, don't get all male on her and decide that calling her is a sign of weakness. Just call and see what's up. And don't call with an accusatory voice and say "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Just call to say hi and see how's she's doing.
3) Respect the space issue. If you are feeling crowded say so. For example, "I was hoping to do something on my own tonight, but I WOULD LOVE to hang out tomorrow."
or if she needs to do something without you one night, you can say, "Okay. I'll miss you tonight but perhaps we can get together later this week."
4) If you see something that you think she'll like, pick it up for her. You know you think about her and there' no harm in letting her know.
I have more advice, but this could be considered condescending so I'll stop.
Swedish "safe sex" Message
This news of the condom ambulance comes out of Sweden. The Swedish Organization for Sex Education is stepping up their education efforts by offering an emergency condom service. People on the verge of intercourse can call the phone number 696969 and an ambulance with a red condom on top and wings will deliver packets of 10 condoms at a price of about seven dollars, which apparently is less than in the stores.
The service is going to run through June and it's aimed at young people.
You gotta' love the Swedes.
The service is going to run through June and it's aimed at young people.
You gotta' love the Swedes.
May 31, 2004
Zoo Day & A Visit to Byzantium
Sunday, Jon and I went to the Bronx Zoo. I haven't been there in years and he's never been. We were there from noon to closing time at 5:30. We saw tigers and bears, no lions. We saw puffins and elephants and flamingos and babboons and snow leapords and lots and lots of screaming children. Every exhibit, every five minutes, a child screamed. No matter. The zoo was still fun and we rode the Skyfari, a tram that brings you from one side of the zoo to the other.
Monday, today, we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They are showing a special exhibit on Byzantium art. I saw pieces from as early as the early 13th century. I love Byzantium art. The exhibit was exquisite. It took at least three hours to walk through.
For lunch, afterwards, Jon took me to Tang Tang, an inexpensive and fabulous Chinese restaurant on the Upper East Side, 76th St and Third Avenue to be exact.
And of course on Saturday night, as promised I prepared blue fish for dinner.
My order came in from Fresh Direct in 8 huge boxes. The food is beautiful. The produce, fresh. The meat, gorgeous. The blue fish is perfect.
I made peppers stuffed with rice, string beans sauteed in onions and tomatoes and the blue fish...ah the blue fish. Did I mention blue fish is my favorite? It was fresh, fresh, fresh. I wrapped each filet in tin foil with a blended mixture of ginger, rice wine vinegar, fresh oregano, parsley, butter and slices of lemon and let it bake for about 1/2 an hour. It came out as I intended.
I love Fresh Direct. I love living in New York and I love cooking for my boyfriend.
Monday, today, we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They are showing a special exhibit on Byzantium art. I saw pieces from as early as the early 13th century. I love Byzantium art. The exhibit was exquisite. It took at least three hours to walk through.
For lunch, afterwards, Jon took me to Tang Tang, an inexpensive and fabulous Chinese restaurant on the Upper East Side, 76th St and Third Avenue to be exact.
And of course on Saturday night, as promised I prepared blue fish for dinner.
My order came in from Fresh Direct in 8 huge boxes. The food is beautiful. The produce, fresh. The meat, gorgeous. The blue fish is perfect.
I made peppers stuffed with rice, string beans sauteed in onions and tomatoes and the blue fish...ah the blue fish. Did I mention blue fish is my favorite? It was fresh, fresh, fresh. I wrapped each filet in tin foil with a blended mixture of ginger, rice wine vinegar, fresh oregano, parsley, butter and slices of lemon and let it bake for about 1/2 an hour. It came out as I intended.
I love Fresh Direct. I love living in New York and I love cooking for my boyfriend.
May 28, 2004
Kerry is so Very
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.
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.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------
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.......
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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!
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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.
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