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.

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.
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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!

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.

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.

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.

Wednesday Warriors

Today is Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday
It will be a so so day, so so day
All day long.

Welcome weary Wednesday Warriors!!

It's the middle of the standard work week. Are you ready for some more fun at the office? I know I am.
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Glacial Grafiti

A few days ago, AOL posted a story about an artist who painted a glacier red with lots and lots of red meat dye.

I've been trying in vain to find a photo of this that I can post or link to.

Here is why. I wanted you to see it so I can talk about the unusual choice of the artist. I do think it is strange that someone would take a piece of nature and try to improve upon it.

But that's not what I found weird about the story.

1) someone painted a glacier
2) he/she painted it with meat dye

Were you aware that there is such a thing as meat dye? Is the meat I'm buying in the supermarket dyed red to look fresher?

If I can find this image you will be the first to know.
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American Idol

My guilty pleasure. My reason to blow off a social activity I've been attending weekly for some time now.

I watched it last night. The guest judges were Ashford and Simpson. The theme was Motown. The teenager didn't fare too well. He sang MY GIRL entirely off key. I fear he will be voted off tonight. But the show was pretty great all around.

They have some good singers on the show this year.

Tuesday Troopers

For everyone who is sitting at a desk somewhere, sneaking a peak at the internet, to clear your minds for the next pile of shit to pass across your desk. . . I salute you.

For everyone who is working from home, taking a break from the mundanity of it all by perusing through your friends' blog entries. . . I salute you.

For anyone who doesn't have to work either at home or in some artificially lit soul sucking corporate office, I salute you too and congratulate you on being so lucky that you have the luxury to spend your time without the worry of earning money, raising kids or keeping house.

This Weekend

Well, I didn't quite make it into work on Saturday as planned. The life of Saturday took over. After having a nice morning with Jon, food shopping and then relaxing a little before making a nice dinner, I actually ran out of time to go into Manhattan to work.

Then on Sunday, I helped a friend move in next door which took the day and the evening was spent at a friend's birthday party. The time in between was spent getting ready.

This weekend took on a life of it's own that was almost spontaneous and unplanned.

That's the way weekends should be.

It was nice.

How was your weekend?

Okay. Just One More and Then I'll Move On.

Vidiot linked to a great article on The Nation website written by someone who attended the Radio and Television thing and here it is:

Capital Games by David Corn

I'm Not Alone

Apparently I'm not alone in feeling disappointed with Pres. Bush's seemingly "humorous" comments about the WMDs.

Not surprisingly Democrats are coming down hard on him, equally non-amused at the President making jokes about sending our troops to war under seemingly false pretenses.
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Democrats Call Bush's Comedy Skit Tasteless

Washington Post
Published on: 03/26/04
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's joking references to a search for weapons of mass destruction in the White House drew criticism from Democrats, who said the after-dinner remarks were tasteless and insensitive.

At the annual Radio and Television Correspondents Association event in Washington on Wednesday, Bush playfully provided mock captions to a series of photographs taken in and around the White House. The president's "White House Election Year Album" included pokes at himself, Vice President Dick Cheney and his presumed Democratic opponent, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

Not funny

Remember this article the next time someone comments about how harmless Pres Bush's jokes were about not being able to find the Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Report Details Low US Army Morale, Suicide In Iraq

Presidential Humor

I was listening to the radio last night, to help quiet down my brain, so I could sleep. And before I nodded off, I heard a news commentator (not sure of his name on WOR am radio around 11) go off on President Bush's speech to the Radio and Television Correspondents Assocation Dinner.

The commentator was particularly non-impressed with Bush's jokes about finding weapons of mass destruction.

I have to agree that making jokes about sending people to war because you received faulty information is in truly bad taste. People are dying over there, at least 500 have died. People are getting wounded over there, at least 3000 or so. Getting wounded means anything from permanent paralysis, loss of limbs, getting hit my shrapnel, friendly fire or just plain old shell shock, the kind of injury that can't be seen but is just as permanent. I don't see any humor in that.

Here is the transcript of the President's speech which I found at the Town Hall News website. Tell me what you think.

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President's Remarks at Correspondents' Dinner(Editor's note: What follows is a transcript of remarks by President Bush at the Radio and Television Correspondents Association dinner in Washington on March 24, 2004, provided by the White House Press Office.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thank you. Thanks for inviting me -- finally. (Laughter.) And thank you for honoring David Bloom. It was a fantastic speech you gave for a man you loved.

I am sorry Laura couldn't be here. And I'm sorry Secretary Rumsfeld is not here, either. The guy constantly surprises me. Do you know what Rummy's favorite TV show is? "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." (Laughter.) My Cabinet could take some pointers from watching that show. In fact, I'm going to have the Fab Five do a make over on Ashcroft. (Laughter.)

Anyway, it's nice to be with you. A couple of years ago when I was here, I read from my book of "Misarticalations." (Laughter.) Fortunately, my verbal phonation and electricution -- (laughter) -- have improved. So tonight I'm going to do one of my slide shows. These are actual, unstaged photos pulled from the files of the White House Photo Office. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present a White House Election-Year Album. (Applause.)

As you know, the contest with my opponent is going to be a slugfest. I'm feeling good. (Laughter.) I'm feeling ready. (Laughter.) I'm psyching myself up for the fight. (Laughter.) I knew it was going to be a tough campaign when Karl Rove started dressing like this. (Laughter.) And this is Condi Rice, of course. Here I am trying to explain John Kerry's foreign policy. (Laughter.)

I have to admit it really ticked me off when Democrats questioned my National Guard service in Alabama. Here's a photo proving that I was in Alabama fulfilling my duties. (Laughter.) Political campaigns always have their unexpected moments. This next photo is when I heard that Senator McCain said he was considering being Kerry's running mate. (Laughter.) The next one was taken a couple of months ago. I had just gotten word that Howard Dean had lost Iowa. (Laughter and applause.)

In addition to campaign calls, I also spend a lot of time on the phone listening to our European allies. (Laughter.) The conversation went like this: "Hey, John, Kim Jung-il here." (Laughter.) "Just wanted to call and let you know you're my guy." (Laughter.)

Those weapons of mass destruction have got to be somewhere. (Laughter and applause.)

As you can tell from the look on Andy Card's face, we've become a little concerned about the Vice President lately. (Laughter.) Whenever you ask him a question, he replies, "Let's see what my little friend says." (Laughter.) But we get along well. Here I am saying, "Dick, if the Hunan Palace doesn't get lunch here in four minutes, we're going out." (Laughter.)

Nope, no weapons over there. (Laughter and applause.) Maybe under here. (Laughter.) Oops, this photo wasn't supposed to be in here. This is the Skull and Bones secret signal. (Laughter.)

I'm not paranoid. (Laughter.) But it was at this point in my presidency that I had a strange feeling somebody was following me. (Laughter.)

One thing about being President is you get lots of advice. Yes, Mother. (Laughter.) Yes, Mother. (Laughter.) Mother, would you just listen to us for once. (Laughter.)

I like this next picture a lot. It's hard to get Rumsfeld to laugh, but when he does, boy, it is worth it. (Laughter.) This photo was taken down at the ranch, and as you can tell, Barney is not very happy with me. This is the day I told him he'd been neutered. (Laughter.) And this is the day that Barney got his revenge. (Laughter.)

Now, on long flights, the staff and I often play cards. The key to playing Poker is keeping a straight face and never letting your opponent know what you're thinking. (Laughter.) Actually, this is on the way to the G8 summit. Once I got these trading cards, it's easy to remember the names of the foreign leaders. (Laughter and applause.)

All Presidents have dreams and aspirations of what their legacy will be. Here they are measuring me for Mt. Rushmore. (Laughter.)

But I do have a few serious photos to show you, in closing. It's photos like these that mean the most to me. Some of our Special Forces sent me this last picture. The faces are blurred in the slide because they remain in harm's way. The photo hangs in my private study next to the Oval Office.

To honor those who died on September the 11th, and to make a statement of their own commitment to this country's security, these Americans buried a piece of the World Trade Center in a place in Afghanistan where the al Qaeda once ran free. They wrote that they held a ceremony, which was far more emotional than they had expected. The team leader wrote a prayer and a dedication. Let me read you one sentence from that dedication.

"We consecrate this spot as an everlasting memorial to the brave Americans who died on September the 11th, so that all who would seek to do her harm will know that America will not stand by and watch terror prevail."

We will not stand by. The greatest honor being President is leading such men and women. We have the freedom we enjoy tonight because they protect that freedom. And may God protect them.

Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Friday

Today is Friday, Friday, Friday
It will be a fun day, fun day all day long.

Welcome to Friday!!!

I am so happy it's Friday.

Hopefully, today won't feel too long. I'll just make myself really, really, busy so it goes by faster.

Do you think that will work?

How Did it Go?

How did trivia go last night? I know that's what you've been thinking about since you read that I was hosting last night.

Well. Not badly.

Something you should know about me. I used to have a fear of public speaking. I've done a little work to get over it. Supervising people and leading project meetings, acting classes and hosting trivia. Last night was one of those nights where I recognized how difficult it really is for me to speak to large groups. At other times I've enjoyed it. Last night, not so much. I had a hard time guaging whether or not people were enjoying themselves. There was never any moment of silence. I couldn't get the group engaged enough that they were hanging on my every word.

I realize that this is not a realistic expectation. I also realize that if people were talking a lot, it's most likely because they were conferring with their teams for answers.

The turnout was pretty good. 14 teams, at least 60 people although I didn't take a head count. Admittedly, some of my questions were pretty hard. I asked when the Hundred Years' War ended and where Princess Juliana was Queen. My co-host rounded out the difficulty of my questions with three rounds about TV. While his questions weren't exactly always easy, they were fun. But some people were clapping at the end so I guess we didn't do too badly. I just wish I could come away with that good feeling after a public speaking engagement. Then I will have truly overcome my fear.

I led the General Knowlege and Current Events rounds and Kory, my very able co-host led the Top Ten list, and the Audio and Visual Rounds.

Just so you know, we come up with the questions are selves. It is both challenging and fun.

Tuesday

I'm reporting live from Madison Square Park or there abouts.

How is everybody doin' today?

Ca va? Ca va.

So. . . .listen. . . tonight, I'm like hosting this like great trivia event with like my friend Kory and I'm like hoping you all can like make it.

It's like at the Baggott Inn and it starts at like, 7:30, you know?.
Click on the Baggott link to get more information.

It Wouldn't Be A Campaign Without Hypocrisy

(Via Vidiot - for complete article, click on the article title below.)

Bush Campaign Gear Made in Burma
His campaign store sells a pullover from nation whose products he has banned from being sold in the U.S.

BY LAUREN WEBER
STAFF WRITER

March 18, 2004, 9:49 PM EST

The official merchandise Web site for President George W. Bush's re-election campaign has sold clothing made in Burma, whose goods were banned by Bush from the U.S. last year to punish its military dictatorship. The merchandise sold on www.georgewbushstore.com includes a $49.95 fleece pullover, embroidered with the Bush-Cheney '04 logo and bearing a label stating it was made in Burma, now Myanmar. The jacket was sent to Newsday as part of an order that included a shirt made in Mexico and a hat not bearing a country-of-origin label. The Bush merchandise is handled by Spalding Group, a 20-year-old supplier of campaign products and services in Louisville, Ky., that says it worked for the last five Republican presidential nominees. Ted Jackson, Spalding's president, said, "We have found only one other in our inventory that was made in Burma. The others were made in the U.S.A." He said the company had about 60 of thefleece pullovers in its warehouse, and that a supplier included the Burma product by mistake.

The Friday Five

Here are the answers to the Friday Five, one day late.

If you...

1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
If I was interested in making money, I would serve the food that I think would sell the best - good ole fashioned comfort food. If I was interested in feeding people to make them healthy, I wouldn't own a restaurant, because less people want to pay for a bowl of lettuce than they do a big, sloppy slice of meatloaf or bowl of mac and cheese.

2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell?
If I owned a restaurant whose primary focus was comfort food, I would also try to own a sporting goods store where people could buy the means to work off the food they ate at my restaurant. If I was interested in owning a store that didn't make any money I would sell parapsychology paraphernalia eg tarot cards and readings, candles, books of spells, spiritual readings and cleansings. I would also have a room in the back where instructors could teach lessons on how to read tarot cards.


3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be?
TWO WORDS
1. Vengeance
2. Fiction

4. ...ran a school, what would you teach?
If I ran a school . . . . . I would teach . . . . . .manners and self-confidence, but I would never run a school.


5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it?
If I had the ability to compose music and then lay it down I would compose classical music, counterpoint style for 20 flutes, 10 each devoted to either of the two points of view.

Saturday Morning

Just woke up in my brother's fantastic apartment. It was like waking up in a house. My brother and his wife, have a huge apartment in an undisclosed section of Queens- two bedrooms, huge living room, dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms and a balcony. My studio apartment could fit in this one 2 and a half times.
Aside from enjoying the comfort of resting in this beautiful space, I am very proud of the two of them for how hard they work, for knowing how to live, and for being great parents.

It's weird when your younger sibling moves ahead of you. He is so far ahead of me right now, I don't know if I'll ever catch up. Am I jealous? Well, I used to be but that was a long time ago. I just love him too much to really be jealous anymore. As a couple, my brother and sister-in-law work well together and they work hard. They just seem to know how to figure things out better than I can. They work hard and move forward. I work hard and stay in place or move laterally in circles (literally). Well, hopefully one day I'll figure it out. I guess it doesn't hurt that they have each other to move each other forward. Yeah. They are really good together.

Snowy

It was a snowy week. Those of us in the know, were expecting one last blast of winter after our premature spring. I called in sick twice this week. Well, actually, Wednesday, I called in sick. Today, I left after a couple of hours. Just had to get something done so I went in, I did it and then I went home. I should have stuck it out though. We were probably going to get paid today. I think we were supposed to get paid yesterday but it's hard to tell. We usually get paid the Thursday, a week after the 15th and then after the end of the month. But this week, the 15th started the week...so, I'm not even sure we were getting paid this week anyway.

I'm feeling better, I guess. I worked pretty hard yesterday, pushing myself just a little too much, so I was feeling a little blah today.

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I'm at my brother's, cat sitting. Tried to meet a friend nearby to pickup something I need for Tuesday Night Trivia but alas, my friend was a no show. Too bad.

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The Friday Five

The Friday Five

1. What was the last song you heard?
The last song I heard was the one in my head this morning on the Subway. It is one of those songs I used to sing playing one of those clapping hands games you play with other little girls. I used to sing it when I was eight on the playground in elementary school.

It goes a like this. (if you remember this one, join in at anytime):

UNA Dociana. HIT IT!
My momma told me six years ago
It wasn't too let me to let me go
She said
"Eeny meeny, disalini,
ooh ah thumbalini
Achi kachi Liberaci
I love you.

Take a peach, take a plumb take a stick of bubble gum
Not a peach, nor a plumb, nor a stikc of bubble bum.

I like coffee, I like tea
I like a little boy and he likes me
so step right up boy
you don't shine
I'll get another boy to beat your behind

Last night and the night before
My boyfriend took me to the candy store
He bought I ice cream, he bought me cake,
he bought me home with tummy I ache
I said momma, momma I feel sick
Call the doctor. QUICK QUICK QUICK.

Doctor doctor Will I die?
No my dear
Just close your eyes
and count to ten. . . .

2. What were the last two movies you saw?
Singin' in the Rain, Revenge of the Nerds

3. What were the last three things you purchased?
A pack of cigarettes, a grilled muenster cheese sandwich with bacon, a cup of coffee

4. What four things do you need to do this weekend?
Send my taxes to my accountant, my laundry, rest, and master the game ROLLER COASTER TYCOON

5. Who are the last five people you talked to?
Our sign vendor, my manager, our company's designer, a nice lady on the phone who had some information for my company, the teller at the bank.