Cute as a button!

Fun with Button Bob!

Email I received today

It's difficult to be a Republican in 2004, because you have to simultaneously believe that:

1. Jesus loves you, but shares your deep hatred of homosexuals.

2. The United States should get out of the United Nations, but our /highest national priority is to enforce UN resolutions against Iraq.

3. Standing Tall for America means firing your workers and moving their jobs to India.

4. A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multinational corporations can make decisions affecting all humankind without regulation.

5. Being a drug addict is a moral failing and a crime, unless you're a conservative radio host. Then it's an illness and you need our prayers for your recovery.

6. The best way to improve military morale is to praise the troops in speeches, while slashing combat pay and veterans benefits.

7. Group sex and drug use are degenerate sins, unless you someday run for governor of California as a Republican.

8. If condoms are kept out of schools, adolescents won't have sex.

9. A good way to fight terrorism is to belittle and alienate our long-time allies, then demand their cooperation and money.

10. HMOs and insurance companies can make huge profits while having the interest of the public at heart.

11. Providing health care to all Iraqis is sound policy. Providing health care to all Americans is socialism.

12. Global warming and tobacco's link to cancer are junk science, but creationism should be taught in schools.

13. It's okay that the Bush family's Carlisle Group has done millions of dollars worth of business with the Bin Laden family.

14. Saddam was a good guy when Reagan armed him and Rumsfeld reassured him he was our buddy; a bad guy when Bush's daddy made war on him; a good guy when Cheney did business with him; but then a bad guy again when Bush junior needed a prop for his re-election campaign as the War President.

15. A president lying about an extramarital affair is an impeachable offense. A president lying about the existence of WMDs to enlist support for an unprovoked, undeclared war and occupation, in which thousands of soldiers and civilians die, is solid defense policy in a War against Terrorism.

16. Government should limit itself to the powers named in the Constitution, which apparently include banning gay marriages and censoring the Internet.

17. The public has a right to know about Hillary's cattle trades, but George Bush's Harken Oil stock trade and his conviction for drunk driving should be sealed in his Daddy's library, and is none of our business.

18. What Bill Clinton or John Kerry did in the 1960s was of vital national interest but what Bush did in the 80's is irrelevant.

19. Trade with Cuba is wrong because the country is communist, but trade with China and Vietnam is vital to a spirit of international harmony.

20. Affirmative Action is wrong, but it's OK for your Daddy and his friends to help you graduate from Yale without studying very much, to dodge the draft in the Texas Air National Guard, to bail out your poorly run companies (Harken Oil and the Texas Rangers), to get you the governorship of Texas and to have the Supreme Court appoint you President of the USA.

21. You're a conservative, but it's OK to spend like there's no tomorrow and run up deficits that your grandchildren will have to pay, while at the same time, refunding as much tax money as possible to the richest 5% of Americans.

22. Call Senator Edwards a "rookie" that doesn't have the experience necessary to run the country, when our current President was a one term
governor and had never traveled outside the US. Contemplating these
illogical paradoxes can take a toll on a healthy mind. So if a friend
of yours has been acting a bit dazed and confused lately, be nice. He or she may be a Republican.

Ok, still pissed...

I'm still watching the RNC and cannot believe how they are using 9/11 for their cause. What has Iraq done to us? Are they soley responsible for 9/11?

It just makes me sick to my stomach. Fuck those Republican bastards.

Lesson learned

I am watching the RNC because I feel I should. But it makes me sick, angry and unbelievably upset. So I am blogging...

I learned some lessons tonight while running in Central Park:

*Rats come out the second it gets dark. Lots of them. And they're not scared of me.

*Runners disappear the second it gets dark. I don't know where they all went but all of a sudden I was running with far fewer people than when I had begun.

*There are way too many lights out in Central Park around the reservoir.

*I am scared silly the second it gets dark and will now have to find somewhere/sometime else to run after works.

*There are no more fireflies.

*Summer has ended.

This sucks.

Jones Beach is awesome!

Went to Jones Beach Saturday afternoon with David & Matthew. Omigod-Jones Beach rocks! We usually go to Robert Moses as its quieter and less crowded. But since we were running late we decided to take the shorter trip to Jones. Note-when going get off at West Beach, NOT center beach. That is where all the crowds were. West Beach was perfect. Not too crowded. Although the families that were there were quite entertaining. Seems like every family had 5 kids, and no daddy. Kids were running wild around the beach. One woman had 5 boys, the youngest twins who were maybe 3 or 4 years old. These kids were constantly running off by themselves and then 10 minutes later the mother would realize one was missing and then run all over the beach to find him. Then when she'd return the other one would be missing. Such entertaiment!

After beaching we walked along the boardwalk and then noticed all the shuffleboard courts. Wow-shuffleboard is awesome. For $1 we played for about 2 hours. Now I know why all those old people dig it so much. Loads of fun with low energy output. Who could ask for more?

We played until dark. Returned from the beach around 10pm. Finished up with some Benny's Buritos. Perfect day indeed.


PHOTOS BY DAVID ROTSTEIN

More Vancouver pics

Pretty boat and mountains along Pacific Coast Railroad


Tales from the Darkside


Lynn Canyon Park Scary as Hell Suspension Bridge

RNC

I'm getting a little nervous about all this RNC activity this weekend. How can I not when its all NY1 talks about, all I read about, and all I see online. The protests do look exciting though. All sorts of nifty anti-Bush signs. Who wouldn't love that?It looks so cool that I'm actually considering marching in something. Just for the hell and excitement of it.

I just hope the next week is safe and sound and secure. There are cops everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. Saw them snooping around in Chinatown Wednesday night. Just this morning in my neighborhood they set up a surprise checkpoint for people going uptown on Amsterdam.

But it does make for a hilarious Time Out New York cover!

Banks=no new clothes

Why is it everytime a store closes down, a bank takes it place?
WHY WHY WHY?

Take my neighborhood for example:

Latin Quarters spanish danceclub-been on Broadway & 96th St for over 20 years. Very popular spot. Now Chase Manhattan Bank.

Fowad discount designer clothing store on opposite corner-now a Washington Mutual.

Across the street from that-Citibank.

Now it's happening around my work neighbohood.

My friendly neighborhood Gap-Washington Mutual.

Express-Wachovia.

Benetton-soon to be a Wachovia.

Eddie Bauer-soon to be a Wachovia.

All my fav shopping places have been replaced by banks. Am I now to dress myself in blank checks and dollar bills? Deposit envelopes perhaps? I don't get what's going on here. Is it really that profitable for banks to have so many branches? What gives?

I think we should all march on Sunday with everyone else to protest the ridiculous amount of banks that are springing up in the city. Who's in?

Vancouver is for lovers

Well, kinda.

Hm, Vancouver. What to say.

There are good things. And so-so things. More of the latter actually.

Good things:

*Taking the Sea to Sky Highway through the mountains and the most gorgeous views I've ever seen (in North America)

*Taking the coolest old mine tour. We rode an actual train through the mountain and saw what the miners did back in the day. The mine opened in 1904 and closed down in the 70s. Really, really cool but kinda spooky too. Also saw all the drills they had used and then panned for gold! All I got was rocks.

*Stanley Park-massive, beautiful park full of old oak trees and a sea wall that stretches around 75% of the park. Much hiking and biking fun could be had there had it not rained the entire time we were there.

*A cute little aquarium that lies in the park which included one really lonely porpoise and 4 beluga whales. Not much else though.

*Great dim sum. Better than NYC, no. But different and very tasty. Especially the tapioca pudding that was still warm and baked on top. No Mexican buns though. But thats ok.

*The Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel had beautiful views of the city and water/mountains. We had an awesome room on the 25th floor. Staff sucks though as they forgot to reserve us a table for our anniversary dinner and left us waiting for our car for about a half hour.

*Hiking in North Vancouver-we went hiking which was stunningly beautiful. I didn't much care for the suspension bridge though as I saw my life flash before my eyes. VERY scary!!


So-so things:

*A lot of homeless people. A lot. Really. I wonder what their unemployment rate is? And young homeless too. And agressive homeless who comes running up to you to ask for change.

*The whole city was made up of 20 and 30-somethings. Which is fine but as far as service goes we can't think of one time when service wasn't screwed up in one way or another. It seems they have a lot to learn.

*Rain. 4 days of rain.

*We ate all our meals in Vancouver city and chose what the guide books said was the best. Only 1 meal was very good. All the others were just average. I don't know if its because we are spoiled New Yorkers or what. But nothing really stood out except for a tapas place that was amazing.

*Where are all the people? Chinatown-deserted. Gastown-deserted except for homeless. Stanley Park-which we had read is always bustling on the weekends-deserted. Very strange.


In all we had a great time as our favorite thing in the world to do is travel together. And the West coast is beautiful and so different. Vancouver can be a great jumping off point but if you just stay in the city- it aint all that. Our best times were had in North Vancouver hiking & driving up the Sea to Sky Highway on the way to Whistler.

Next trip-hopefully Spain. 2005.

Pics from Vancouver

along the 'Sea to Sky' Highway




Hiking in North Vancouver

We're off for the anniversary!

We're off to Vancouver. Its 10pm now and I still gotta pack and stuff. Getting up at 4am will be fun for sure!

So happy to be celebrating our one year anniversary.

Here's to many more wonderful years to come.

YEY-vacation

^ look up there, no more ugly google advertising! ^


In 2 days we will be on a flight to lovely Vancouver. We can't wait. Found our passports last night so we're all set. There's no stopping us now. Although I wonder if it'll be easy to catch a cab at 5am?

I called the Sea Breeze Inn on BI and the owner was able to rebook Room #10. Better yet, its going to a couple who's male half is having his 40th birthday. That makes me happy. I feel good now about leaving Room #10. It will give him happy 40th birthday memories for years to come.

I will be de-linking Henry Hot 'Canonball' Monkey and Celvyn's 'I don't have internet, oh wait, yes I do' Blogs by tomorrow night if they do not update. I mean, August 3rd Henry? COME ON!

I must say Rachel is always consistent with her updates and I vote her the best blog ever! You go Y girl!

My back has been killing me all week. Seems those slipped disc's have not healed and the sciatica is unbelievably painful. I cannot find a comfortable position. This plane ride is sure to be a treat!

And can I just say that I love love love the little pictures they put up on Google? They always make me :)

I'm a star! (kinda)

In preparation for our trip next week David and I walked over to Barnes & Noble to get some travel guides. As we were leaving I noticed something very familiar on display in the windows. My wedding dress. Not just my brand of dress. MY actual dress, hanging in my actual room on my wedding day. Apparently this is a St Martins book that Anne had done a little while back. David had recommended our photographer Daisy to the photo researchers and Anne ended up choosing this picture for the cover. How exciting. I'm a star. Or, well, my dress is!

Room #10

Next weekend is our anniversary. The 23rd to be exact. Since the day after our wedding last year I have had Room #10 at the Sea Breeze Inn on Block Island booked. Everyone loves Room #10. Its a private cottage overlooking the ocean. Lounge chairs out front. Breakfast delivered to your door every morning with fresh coffee, fruit and a basket of baked goods. Its a perfect place. And I've always wanted Room #10. But we've changed our minds...

After much discussion we've agreed we should go somewhere else. Somewhere new. Somewhere completely different. So tomorrow morning I am cancelling the beloved and coveted Room #10 for...Vancouver, British Columbia.

Yes, Vancouver.

Soon we will be strolling through Stanely Park, killer whale watching on a boat off of Victoria, eating dim sum in the 'other' Chinatown, crossing over Capilano Suspension Bridge high above kayakers and leaping salmon, and taking a sky tram to Grouse Mountain. Plus, David said yes to staying at the fancy Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel. The views are amazing. I can't wait. But I can't help but feel a little sad at what I am leaving behind.

Anyone want Room #10?




Our hotel!!!

Nephews in New York

Highlights of our time with Conrad, 14, Brandon 12, and Ben ?...

-Arrived Thursday afternoon. Henry and Emily came over to do a photo shoot of Ben and Conrad for a book they're doing. Only needed to shoot their arms. But for some reason it took 2 hours. And lots of polaroids. But I'm sure the finished product will be great.

While they were shooting I snuck out to get my brother a Carvel ice cream cake for his birthday the following day. I went over to the Gristede's on 100th & Broadway. I entered the store and noticed out of the corner of my eye a little guy, maybe 18-19ish pretending to shop but really watching me. Didn't think much of it. Until I went over to get the candles and cake decorations. As I reached up for 3 and the 9 candle I stepped back and oops, bumped into the guy. Accident? Maybe, but more likely not.

Then I went over to the soda aisle. Stepped back and oops, there he was again. I realized now that he was following me. But why me? There were plenty other women walking around the store by themselves. I thought about it some more as I walked over to the checkout counter. Then it hit me. Only I was wearing a skirt. And he was carrying a camera phone around. Bastard! He was trying to take pictures up my skirt!! As I waited in line I looked back and yep, you guessed it, he was there behind me again. No groceries mind you, just standing there. Other people asked him if he was in line and he said no. Finally I left the line and went to get some other stuff, keeping a close eye out for him. He dissapeared. Got back in line, paid for my good and did one final glance around for him. He was not in the store. Oh no, he was waiting outside for me!! Walked out, gave him a dirty look, and walked home, continually looking behind me. I think he figured out I was on to him and didn't end up following me. I wish he had though. I would've called Ben, Henry and Dave to come over and kick his ass!

-Friday went to Great Adventure with everyone. Got off to a late start as we had to do some last minute birthday gift shopping. The place was PACKED. I could'nt believe it was so busy on a weekday. But I guess everyone had the same idea as we did. Lines were 2 hours for all the good rides. We got the Fast Lane pass which is a beeper of sorts that allows you VIP entrance into a ride and lets you know when to enter so you don't have to wait in line. But it didn't help much. It was still a 2 hr wait for each ride so we filled our time eating and chilling. In all we only got to do about 5 rides but we still had an amazing time. The Nitro blew everyone away. Everyone but Conrad, who was too scared to go on it. But seeing our reaction as we exited the ride he says he will go on it next time around.

-Saturday we spent most of the day in Chinatown. Ben gave the kids $50 each and they went to town. As you know $50 in Chinatown can go a long way. Shopped for hours. Took the kids by the Trinity Chuch to see the memorial set up for 9/11. I think they really enjoyed learning about the history of the church. They both signed a scroll in the back where you can leave your sentiments for the victims of 9/11. Very moving to watch them sign it. Then went back to Chinatown for yes, more shopping. Ate really tasty food at a place on Mott which I forget the name of. They're known for their spare ribs and roast pork. The most tasty amazing pork I've ever had. Huge lines, but it was dirt cheap and really hit the spot. The kids bought bootleg DVDs so we went home and watched Soul Plane which is freakin' hilarious. Even if we did have to fast forward through the dirty scenes.

-Sunday we went to see our cousins in Long Island. Spent the first half of the day on my cousin Cindy's boat. Well, kinda. We got on the boat, loaded with snacks, sandwiches and Corona's and set out for a good time on the bay. But as we were leaving we heard a loud THUMP. Uh oh. Something's wrong. Turns out we could'nt turn right, only left. So we had to go back in. Ended up just chilling on the docked boat which was still relaxing. Kids swam. We ate. And ate. And ate. Nice time.

Then headed over to my other cousin Dagmar's house for a BBQ and swimming. Had a great time and laughed until my sides ached. They are the funniest people I know and we always have a great time. Jokes are usually at my Uncle's expense but its all in good fun.

-Monday was time to say goodbye as Dave & I had to work. Said a sad but tired goodbye in the morning. I was so depressed all day knowing I would come home to an empty house. I wish I could see them more often. We had such a great time together.It really felt like we were all on vacation. Time goes by so quickly and they grow up before you know it. We have to try and do this more often.

Nephews in New York-The Photos

Here are some pics for now. I will update about our wonderful time together later today hopefully.


My brother & I



Nitro @ Great Adventure. Pure Roller Coaster perfection.



Brandon eating the 'Ice Cream of the Future" Dippin' Dots



Arrival at Great Adventure-before all the lines and junk food.



Shopping in Chinatown.



Brandon signing the scroll at Trinity Church



Beautiful baby Sophia





Big smiles!



Conrad & Sophia. Steady!



Lulled to sleep by the iPod.

family visit

My brother and two nephews arrive in a couple of hours for a Summer Big Apple visit. I can't wait to see them. For a while I was only seeing my nephews maybe once a year and it made me very sad. This year this will be the third time I see them. Its amazing how time flies and how quickly kids grow up.

When I told my younger nephew Brandon that I got a new iPod his response was "can I have your old one?". I knew he'd ask. I really want to give it to him, but the problem is 1 iPod-2 nephews. Shortly after I received a call from nephew #2 Conrad. I answered and heard this deep voice saying they will share it and could they pleeeease have it. Last time I saw Conrad his voice was squeaking a little but now its full on mature. Damn, time really is flying. He's already a man.

I think I will give it to them to share. I really want them to have one each but can't afford it at this time. But they're such good kids they deserve it.

Let the fights begin!

freak! 

Just Like Heaven (but hot like hell)

Yesterday was yet another monumental concert moment in my life. That's right, I saw The Cure. Again (and again and again and again and again...).

Went with David, Matthew, Rachel and Celvyn to see the Curiosa festival yesterday at Randall's Island. Now Randalls Island was a bit of a curiosity for all of us as we had no clue how to get there or what it even was really. Ended up taking a bus there which was pretty painless. We arrived about 4pm, checked the band list, and saw Interpol was at 7:15, Cure 8:45. Then Celvyn and began walking ahead of the group. Then we broke into a run. But as we got closer we realized that 1) We were going to be pretty damn close and 2) There was a baricade in front of the stage so any dreams I had of touching Robert again were out the window.

Put down the ever-handy Neat Sheet and sat. And sweat. And played poker, but couldn't think. Because it was hot. And we were hot. At one point none of use could divide 3 into 54. Too hard to think. It was that hot. But people started arriving around us and they stood so we were shaded.

Mogwai came on. They were alright, but I like lyrics. A little while later The Rapture came on and they were awesome. So much fun to watch and such a nice mixed up style of music. They attract some crazy ass fans though. Fan boys with big puffy hair and funky little pipes. And tattoos of strange things on their backs. Strange things like the map of Long Island. Yes, Long Island. Who in HELL would ever get LI on them? Who the HELL is even that proud of LI?? I'm going to hope he is like Robert Moses' great great grandson or something because I racked my brain and can find no other meaning for it. Good god child, GET A LIFE!

Interpol came on on time. In fact everyone was very punctual. They look darling in their black outfits, especially guitar man on the right who resembled Noah Wylie but with a really nice, perfect fitting black suit and tie. Just dashing. They were awesome. Sounded exactly like the album. I was afraid they'd suck live. But I can only take Interpol in short bursts so I was glad they ended their set in 40 minutes. It was just enough. Unlike other bands, bands who no matter how long they play, it's NEVER enough...

The Cure came on promptly at 8:45. By that time we were just drenched with sweat and needed someone to take away the misery. And no one can do that better than Robert Smith. They all came out in their gloomy glory, Robert looking especially happy to be there smiling coyishly. For my full review you can check here. I will say that although they played too many shitty songs from the new album, they never cease to amaze me. No music fills my heart, soul and mind like theirs (his). And while hearing songs from Disintegration does bring me back to high school, all their music is always beautiful, ethereal and timeless-and a huge part of who I am.

Thirty-Three

Hm, where to begin...

Friday was my birthday. I am now officially old(er) clocking in at a nice and even 33. Not too bad. Not too good. Just right.

David and I took the day off of work to enjoy my day. I awoke to gifts and cards lying on the coffee table. One gift was a rectangular box and one a square one. Now the two gifts I wanted most of all (next to a happy happy life, great friends & family and wonderful husband) were the Canon Digital Elph S410 and maybe, just maybe a new iPod. Well I got both. BOTH! I could not believe my eyes. I couldn't ask for more. And not just any new iPod. Oh no (Henry), I gots me a 40 giger! Yeah baby, yeah! Thats an awful lotta space but I like an awful lotta Cure so it will be just perfect.

Had lunch at one of my fav spots Sarabeth's. Then chilled at home loading up the iPod and learning how to use the new camera. Both so simple and beautifully made pieces of art. Went downtown to the East Village to meet up with my friends for the birthday dinner. I swear the East Village is like another world. Started out at a great bar with a huge beer selection and nice outdoor seating but the name escapes me. Afterward David chose a great place for dinner called Lavagna. Italian/Mediterranean I believe. Fantastic food. Really really fantastic. David and I shared the flaming red snapper entree. My appetizer was heirloom tomatoes, goat cheese and croutons drizzled with great balsamic vinegar. Just absolutely perfect. And best of all our waiter looked like a young Robert Smith sans makeup.

Afterwards we tried to get into Chickalicious but it was packed and more were waiting outside. Ended up eating gelato and going to some local bars. Selected some Interpol & Cure on the jukebox which never came on. Oh well.

The birthday was absolutely perfect. Life is good.