So I'm sitting on the train on the way into work minding my business, checking my blackberry and reading my book (more on that later).
The girl behind me is on a cell phone carrying on a civilized conversation -- at least it started that way. All the sudden she starts talking progressively louder, saying "Don't ask me that. I really really really don't like when you ask me that. Don't asking me what I'm wearing, you're not my fucking boyfriend."
Then she hangs up, but evidently the creep on the other end wasn't done because a few minutes later she was screaming again. "You're a psycho. Why would I want to be friends with a psycho? You're too emotional. I think you need a therapist."
Since there were very few of us on the train, and fewer still exiting at Secaucus I ran into our little screamer at the ticket gates. Still rattled by her argument she was yelling for help from a ticket agent (though no one was around). I guided her through the gate by instructing her to place her ticket in the gate with the green arrow, rather than the one with the red X. After saying "I feel like the biggest idiot right now," we both proceeded to the platform to wait for our train -- which as usual was 5 minutes late.
We got on the same car and when we arrived at Penn Station she asked me "is this Penn Station?" I replied that it was then proceeded up the steps. After hearing footsteps behind me I decided she might be in need of further assistance, so I turned around and she said "don't worry, I'm not following you."
I asked her where she was going and she said she'd never come in Penn Station that way before and didn't know how to get out. I pointed her to 7th Ave and she followed me up the escalator, and this is where it got weird.
She said "is that a book on poker you'reading?"
I answered yes, because it was.
She claimed to recognize Gus Hansen whose picture is on the book cover. She said her boyfriend makes her watch poker all the time.
I recommended the book (because I really like it, Paulo's Book Club to follow) and she ended our little conversation with "I heard he's a really good player."
I said good night, walked to the subway and perhaps wished I had been so helpful in the first place.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Song of the Week
"Free Fallin" - John Mayer
This song sounds like they took the molecules of "Free Fallin" and slammed them into the molecules of "Your Body is a Wonderland" at a high rate of speed, and the result is this John Mayer version of "Free Fallin."
This song sounds like they took the molecules of "Free Fallin" and slammed them into the molecules of "Your Body is a Wonderland" at a high rate of speed, and the result is this John Mayer version of "Free Fallin."
Mugshot Madness
Joyce DeWitt better known Janet from "Three's Company" arrested for DUI.
Former US figure skater Nicole Bobek arrested for drug possession, you guessed it, meth.
Former US figure skater Nicole Bobek arrested for drug possession, you guessed it, meth.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Is This Wrong?
I know I'm not the only one who thought this, but a grieving Janet Jackson is a hot Janet Jackson.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
These Days No One Has Patience for the Story of a Young Cheerleader Trying to get to Dallas
The august New York Times (also known as Obama for President Print Edition) ran a nice feature story about the lack of plot in porn movies. I assume the idea came from the real laments of a couple of their editors and writers. I present it here in its entirety because the Times is a subscription website.
The actress known as Savanna Samson once relished preparing for a role. “I couldn’t wait to get my next script,” she said.
There’s no reason to look at them anymore, she said, because her movies now call almost exclusively for action. Specifically, sex.
The pornographic movie industry has long had only a casual interest in plot and dialogue. But moviemakers are focusing even less on narrative arcs these days. Instead, they are filming more short scenes that can be easily uploaded to Web sites and sold in several-minute chunks.
“On the Internet, the average attention span is three to five minutes,” said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment. “We have to cater to that.”
Vivid, one of the most prominent pornography studios, makes 60 films a year. Three years ago, almost all of them were feature-length films with story lines. Today, more than half are a series of sex scenes, loosely connected by some thread — “vignettes” in the industry vernacular — that can be presented separately online. Other major studios are making similar shifts.
The industry’s interest in scripted scenes has waxed and waned in recent decades because of changes in technology. In the early 1970s, movies with loose story lines, like “Deep Throat” and “Behind the Green Door,” won a mainstream audience, and others tried to copy their success, selling plot-centric movies to couples watching at home with the VCR technology introduced in 1975.
The falling cost of hand-held video cameras gave birth to a generation of pornographers with little interest in drama beyond a clichéd plot involving a pizza delivery boy, said Paul Fishbein, president of the AVN Media Network, an industry trade publication.
Mr. Fishbein said plot came into vogue again in the late ’90s with the boom of the DVD. Big studios, he said, figured plots would make their films more appealing to women and encourage couples to bring them into their homes — whether on disc or pay-per-view.
Plot-centrism was in full bloom in 2005 with the release of “Pirates,” about a ragtag group of sailors who go after a band of evil pirates.
That movie, with a budget of more than $1 million, had special effects (pirates materializing from the mist), and, yes, lots of sex. Two years later, the movie’s studio, Digital Playground, spent $8 million on a sequel — a remarkable sum in an industry where the average movie costs $25,000, according to the director of the two movies, Ali Joone.
But interest in DVDs has fallen sharply, Mr. Fishbein said, because the Internet has made it easy to watch snippets of video.
Mr. Fishbein estimated that pornographic DVD sales and rentals in the United States generated $3.62 billion in 2006 but had fallen as much as 50 percent since then. He says the slump has made some companies reluctant to share sales figures, so his estimates are getting rougher.
The big studios, like Vivid and Digital Playground, have turned to a subscription model, charging monthly fees for access to their Web sites and advertising the frequency with which they add new clips.
Mr. Joone said that of Digital Playground’s 60 productions this year, roughly 30 had little or no plot, up from about 10 two years ago. At Wicked Pictures, which averages one production a week, one-third are essentially just sex, twice as many as a few years ago, said the company’s president, Steve Orenstein.
“The feature is not as big a part of the industry today,” Mr. Orenstein said. But he says he still plans two to three bigger-budget releases each year, including the recently shot “2040,” which is about the pornography business of the future. Mr. Orenstein described the movie as “an almost Romeo-and-Juliet story between an aging porn star and a cyborg.”
In lieu of plot, there are themes. Among the new releases from New Sensations, a studio that makes 24 movies a month, is “Girls ’n Glasses,” made up of scenes of women having sex while wearing glasses.
“It’s almost like we’re back to the late ’70s or early ’80s when the average movie was eight minutes and just a sex scene,” Mr. Hirsch said, sounding wistful.
Some in the industry would prefer their sex with a little more character development.
Ms. Samson, for example, said she took her acting seriously and used to prepare studiously for her roles, like the character she played in the 2006 movie “Flasher.”
She said she played a psychotic who, because of the way her mother treated her, “had an obsession with flashing and doing things in public.”
“I used to have dialogue,” said Ms. Samson, whose given name is Natalie Oliveros, and who is one of the industry’s biggest stars.
“Getting it on in one hardcore scene after another just isn’t as much fun,” she added.
The actress known as Savanna Samson once relished preparing for a role. “I couldn’t wait to get my next script,” she said.
There’s no reason to look at them anymore, she said, because her movies now call almost exclusively for action. Specifically, sex.
The pornographic movie industry has long had only a casual interest in plot and dialogue. But moviemakers are focusing even less on narrative arcs these days. Instead, they are filming more short scenes that can be easily uploaded to Web sites and sold in several-minute chunks.
“On the Internet, the average attention span is three to five minutes,” said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment. “We have to cater to that.”
Vivid, one of the most prominent pornography studios, makes 60 films a year. Three years ago, almost all of them were feature-length films with story lines. Today, more than half are a series of sex scenes, loosely connected by some thread — “vignettes” in the industry vernacular — that can be presented separately online. Other major studios are making similar shifts.
The industry’s interest in scripted scenes has waxed and waned in recent decades because of changes in technology. In the early 1970s, movies with loose story lines, like “Deep Throat” and “Behind the Green Door,” won a mainstream audience, and others tried to copy their success, selling plot-centric movies to couples watching at home with the VCR technology introduced in 1975.
The falling cost of hand-held video cameras gave birth to a generation of pornographers with little interest in drama beyond a clichéd plot involving a pizza delivery boy, said Paul Fishbein, president of the AVN Media Network, an industry trade publication.
Mr. Fishbein said plot came into vogue again in the late ’90s with the boom of the DVD. Big studios, he said, figured plots would make their films more appealing to women and encourage couples to bring them into their homes — whether on disc or pay-per-view.
Plot-centrism was in full bloom in 2005 with the release of “Pirates,” about a ragtag group of sailors who go after a band of evil pirates.
That movie, with a budget of more than $1 million, had special effects (pirates materializing from the mist), and, yes, lots of sex. Two years later, the movie’s studio, Digital Playground, spent $8 million on a sequel — a remarkable sum in an industry where the average movie costs $25,000, according to the director of the two movies, Ali Joone.
But interest in DVDs has fallen sharply, Mr. Fishbein said, because the Internet has made it easy to watch snippets of video.
Mr. Fishbein estimated that pornographic DVD sales and rentals in the United States generated $3.62 billion in 2006 but had fallen as much as 50 percent since then. He says the slump has made some companies reluctant to share sales figures, so his estimates are getting rougher.
The big studios, like Vivid and Digital Playground, have turned to a subscription model, charging monthly fees for access to their Web sites and advertising the frequency with which they add new clips.
Mr. Joone said that of Digital Playground’s 60 productions this year, roughly 30 had little or no plot, up from about 10 two years ago. At Wicked Pictures, which averages one production a week, one-third are essentially just sex, twice as many as a few years ago, said the company’s president, Steve Orenstein.
“The feature is not as big a part of the industry today,” Mr. Orenstein said. But he says he still plans two to three bigger-budget releases each year, including the recently shot “2040,” which is about the pornography business of the future. Mr. Orenstein described the movie as “an almost Romeo-and-Juliet story between an aging porn star and a cyborg.”
In lieu of plot, there are themes. Among the new releases from New Sensations, a studio that makes 24 movies a month, is “Girls ’n Glasses,” made up of scenes of women having sex while wearing glasses.
“It’s almost like we’re back to the late ’70s or early ’80s when the average movie was eight minutes and just a sex scene,” Mr. Hirsch said, sounding wistful.
Some in the industry would prefer their sex with a little more character development.
Ms. Samson, for example, said she took her acting seriously and used to prepare studiously for her roles, like the character she played in the 2006 movie “Flasher.”
She said she played a psychotic who, because of the way her mother treated her, “had an obsession with flashing and doing things in public.”
“I used to have dialogue,” said Ms. Samson, whose given name is Natalie Oliveros, and who is one of the industry’s biggest stars.
“Getting it on in one hardcore scene after another just isn’t as much fun,” she added.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Rampage is Slowly Becoming the Mike Tyson of MMA
Mike Tyson normally doesn't do interviews with women unless he fornicates with them first, and Rampage Jackson seems to be going the same route. First he gave it doggy style to a Japanese reporter, now he gives it standing up to some chick.
Rampage Dry Humps Cagepotato Reporter - Watch more Funny Videos
Was that chick just being polite to get the interview or did she like getting dry humped by Rampage.
Rampage Dry Humps Cagepotato Reporter - Watch more Funny Videos
Was that chick just being polite to get the interview or did she like getting dry humped by Rampage.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Omar Makes a Smart Move
He unloads worthless Ryan Church for Jeff Francoeur, a guy who once had great potential (I even compared him to David Wright) but went wrong somewhere. Hopefully he can figure it out with the Mets. If not, maybe he can at least make a couple strong throws from the outfield.
You Win Some, You Lose Some
The Washington Nationals and Houston Astros completed a game they started in May.
The game was tied 10-10 in the bottom of the 11th inning, with a runner on first.
The Nationals ended up scoring a run to win the game.
The winning pitcher was the guy who finished the top of the 11th, Joel Hanrahan.
Here's where things get curious. Hanrahan was traded last week and is now on the Pirates.
Now here's where my mind goes into hypothetical overdrive:
Let's say for instance, Hanrahan had been traded to the Astros, and just for shits and giggles his new manager put him into this game.
If Hanrahan picked off the runner on first, then gave up a home run, would he rightfully be the winning and losing pitcher in the same game?
One other odd note: this game started in Washington but finished in Houston, since the Astros don't make another trip there and evidently resumption of a suspended game isn't cause to burn an off day.
The game was tied 10-10 in the bottom of the 11th inning, with a runner on first.
The Nationals ended up scoring a run to win the game.
The winning pitcher was the guy who finished the top of the 11th, Joel Hanrahan.
Here's where things get curious. Hanrahan was traded last week and is now on the Pirates.
Now here's where my mind goes into hypothetical overdrive:
Let's say for instance, Hanrahan had been traded to the Astros, and just for shits and giggles his new manager put him into this game.
If Hanrahan picked off the runner on first, then gave up a home run, would he rightfully be the winning and losing pitcher in the same game?
One other odd note: this game started in Washington but finished in Houston, since the Astros don't make another trip there and evidently resumption of a suspended game isn't cause to burn an off day.
I Knew Obama Was an Assman
Married to a woman with a nice big booty you knew the President can appreciate a nice ass. So it was no surprise to see him checking out a honey at the G-8 summit. The best part is the look on Sarkozy's face.
![President Obama sneaks a peek [corrected] at a girl's ass](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUzqS4uP9CpBDxsWyog37N5ZDv5FFpCoIY2WZMhrD5qii-u0kfB2_FbZmuMMEfaeqP3CIe1TnFHlXcGSbSgv4iLDBDtFpVrGYfoGaTpMWLa6KWwQ3wQe6Rl6UjgZIRPkMRBh18w/s320/obamapeak.bmp)
![President Obama sneaks a peek [corrected] at a girl's ass](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUzqS4uP9CpBDxsWyog37N5ZDv5FFpCoIY2WZMhrD5qii-u0kfB2_FbZmuMMEfaeqP3CIe1TnFHlXcGSbSgv4iLDBDtFpVrGYfoGaTpMWLa6KWwQ3wQe6Rl6UjgZIRPkMRBh18w/s1600-h/obamapeak.bmp)
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Let Them Eat Timbits
Tim Hortons will open its first 13 locations in New York City on Monday.
All sites will be former Dunkin Donuts locations, they will close as Dunkin' Donuts on Friday and reopen as Tim Hortons locations on Monday.
To celebrate the opening, Tim Hortons will give away free coffee at its new Penn Station location starting at 6 a.m.
All sites will be former Dunkin Donuts locations, they will close as Dunkin' Donuts on Friday and reopen as Tim Hortons locations on Monday.
To celebrate the opening, Tim Hortons will give away free coffee at its new Penn Station location starting at 6 a.m.
The Mets Actually Use the Hit and Run Play
My number one complaint about Willie Randolph was that his only solution to a problem was to “keep battling.”
Much to my dismay, as this season was falling apart due to injuries; Jerry Manuel seemed to be clinging to the same do-nothing philosophy.
But I did notice a minor, but potentially impactful, change to Manuel’s strategy last night.
The Mets don’t hit home runs. They aren’t fast enough to take the extra base, so they need to bring back this arcane play called the hit and run.
In the 4th inning with David Wright on first and Ryan Church up they tried it, the shortstop covered second and Church hit it right in the hole. They ended up getting one more run in that inning, thanks to avoiding a likely double play.
In the 8th inning with the human double play Fernando Tatis up and a runner on first, Manuel sent the runner and Tatis hit what would have been a sure double play.
Needless to say this season is over. But instead of making a panic trade, I’d rather see the Mets adopt a style more conducive to the team they have, rather than the one they hoped they would have had.
Much to my dismay, as this season was falling apart due to injuries; Jerry Manuel seemed to be clinging to the same do-nothing philosophy.
But I did notice a minor, but potentially impactful, change to Manuel’s strategy last night.
The Mets don’t hit home runs. They aren’t fast enough to take the extra base, so they need to bring back this arcane play called the hit and run.
In the 4th inning with David Wright on first and Ryan Church up they tried it, the shortstop covered second and Church hit it right in the hole. They ended up getting one more run in that inning, thanks to avoiding a likely double play.
In the 8th inning with the human double play Fernando Tatis up and a runner on first, Manuel sent the runner and Tatis hit what would have been a sure double play.
Needless to say this season is over. But instead of making a panic trade, I’d rather see the Mets adopt a style more conducive to the team they have, rather than the one they hoped they would have had.
Actually, I Was Looking At Your Ass
Serena Williams wears an hysterical shirt ("Are You Looking At My Titles?") during her post-Wimbledon press conference.
I don't care what anyone says I love Serena Williams and her huge ass.
Picture found by Billy
I don't care what anyone says I love Serena Williams and her huge ass.
Picture found by Billy
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Song of the Week
"Waking Up in Vegas" - Katy Perry
I hate Katy Perry even though this is the second time she's been featured in Song of the Week.
But I defy anyone to listen to this song then try to go 24 hours without singing it to yourself at least once.
Btw, Jems is furious I did a Would You Bang? Katy Perry, calling her a "sexy little tigress."
Yes, that's a quote.
I hate Katy Perry even though this is the second time she's been featured in Song of the Week.
But I defy anyone to listen to this song then try to go 24 hours without singing it to yourself at least once.
Btw, Jems is furious I did a Would You Bang? Katy Perry, calling her a "sexy little tigress."
Yes, that's a quote.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Baseball is Poop - Whoa Oh We're Halfway There Edition
Most teams have played 81 games (some 83) so we'll review some stats and double them and see what happens the rest of the year.
The Magnificent Pooh Holes
Albert Pooh Holes has 31 homers and 82 RBI putting him on pace for roughly 61 homers and 160 RBI (the Cardinals have played 84 games). Amazing considering his already remarkable career but those numbers would blow away his previous career highs of 49 and 137. Other career highs in jeopardy: walks (101), stolen bases (16) and OPS (1.115). He has 66, 10 and 1.199, for the record.
Singles and Strikeouts: The David Wright Story
With 164 strikeouts, 10 HR and a .329 batting average, David Wright would surely have one of the most unusual seasons in major league baseball history. There have been 76 seasons in which a player has struck out 160 times or more, 13 homers in the lowest total for those players and the only total below 15, it was Jose Hernandez in 2003. And only a few players have ever hit above .300 in such a season, none as high as Wright's .329. Quite reasonably, Wright could have baseball's best average, worst power, 160 strikeout season.
Feast or Famine
The Texas Rangers demoted first baseman Chris Davis despite his 15 homers (30 HR pace). Because if Davis continued this way for a full season he would be expected to strike out 228 times, walk 34 times and drive in only 66 runs.
Speaking of Home Runs and Strikeouts
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds is on pace for 48 homers, 124 RBI and 222 strikeouts. That would top his own major league record of 204 set last year.
This Year's Brady Anderson Award Goes To...
Aaron Hill, second baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays. Hill has 20 homers so far, putting him on pace for 40. His previous career high is 17 (in 608 at bats). His other 3 pro seasons he hit roughly 1 home run per 100 at bats.
Stop, Thief
Carl Crawford's 41 stolen bases put him on pace for the best stolen base season in over 20 years. But, any slowdown in the second half and he won't pass Jose Reyes's 78 in 2007.
We Need Another Jewish Cy Young Winner
It's been 29 years since Steve Stone won the AL Cy Young and now Jason Marquis may be on the verge of bringing the trophy back to the tribe. With 11 wins (through 82 Rockies games), Marquis leads the majors in wins, and seems most likely to win 20. His 3.61 ERA puts him way behind Giants 1-2 punch of Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, but if you adjust for ballpark effect Marquis would warrant more serious consideration.
The Magnificent Pooh Holes
Albert Pooh Holes has 31 homers and 82 RBI putting him on pace for roughly 61 homers and 160 RBI (the Cardinals have played 84 games). Amazing considering his already remarkable career but those numbers would blow away his previous career highs of 49 and 137. Other career highs in jeopardy: walks (101), stolen bases (16) and OPS (1.115). He has 66, 10 and 1.199, for the record.
Singles and Strikeouts: The David Wright Story
With 164 strikeouts, 10 HR and a .329 batting average, David Wright would surely have one of the most unusual seasons in major league baseball history. There have been 76 seasons in which a player has struck out 160 times or more, 13 homers in the lowest total for those players and the only total below 15, it was Jose Hernandez in 2003. And only a few players have ever hit above .300 in such a season, none as high as Wright's .329. Quite reasonably, Wright could have baseball's best average, worst power, 160 strikeout season.
Feast or Famine
The Texas Rangers demoted first baseman Chris Davis despite his 15 homers (30 HR pace). Because if Davis continued this way for a full season he would be expected to strike out 228 times, walk 34 times and drive in only 66 runs.
Speaking of Home Runs and Strikeouts
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Mark Reynolds is on pace for 48 homers, 124 RBI and 222 strikeouts. That would top his own major league record of 204 set last year.
This Year's Brady Anderson Award Goes To...
Aaron Hill, second baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays. Hill has 20 homers so far, putting him on pace for 40. His previous career high is 17 (in 608 at bats). His other 3 pro seasons he hit roughly 1 home run per 100 at bats.
Stop, Thief
Carl Crawford's 41 stolen bases put him on pace for the best stolen base season in over 20 years. But, any slowdown in the second half and he won't pass Jose Reyes's 78 in 2007.
We Need Another Jewish Cy Young Winner
It's been 29 years since Steve Stone won the AL Cy Young and now Jason Marquis may be on the verge of bringing the trophy back to the tribe. With 11 wins (through 82 Rockies games), Marquis leads the majors in wins, and seems most likely to win 20. His 3.61 ERA puts him way behind Giants 1-2 punch of Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum, but if you adjust for ballpark effect Marquis would warrant more serious consideration.
Monday, July 06, 2009
I'm So Stupid, Ask my Tattooist
Turns out the idiot girl who got 56 face stars tattooed on her face lied to her dad.
Fearing her father would be mad, the idiot made up a story about being drugged during the procedure and waking up to find 53 extra stars on her pretty little face. Her tattooist claimed she wanted all 56 stars, and looking at his face you just have to believe him.
Fearing her father would be mad, the idiot made up a story about being drugged during the procedure and waking up to find 53 extra stars on her pretty little face. Her tattooist claimed she wanted all 56 stars, and looking at his face you just have to believe him.
Friday, July 03, 2009
America Gets the Runs on Dunkin
Dunkin' Donuts has temporarily stopped selling hot chocolate and Dunkaccino brand beverages after learning equipment used at a supplier's facility might have been contaminated with salmonella.
Dunkin says none of its products was contaminated and the withdrawal of the beverages from its stores was a precaution to ensure customer safety.
Its supplier Plainview Milk Products Cooperative announced it had voluntarily recalled its instant nonfat dried milk and whey protein because of potential salmonella bacteria contamination. It says there were no reported illnesses.
Dunkin' Donuts says it expects to resume hot chocolate and Dunkaccino sales shortly.
Truth is, I'm only posting this story because I came up with a creative headline. And it fits, because according to the Mayo Clinic salmonella can result in "severe diarrhea."
But even if it weren't a symptom I probably would have posted this anyway.
Dunkin says none of its products was contaminated and the withdrawal of the beverages from its stores was a precaution to ensure customer safety.
Its supplier Plainview Milk Products Cooperative announced it had voluntarily recalled its instant nonfat dried milk and whey protein because of potential salmonella bacteria contamination. It says there were no reported illnesses.
Dunkin' Donuts says it expects to resume hot chocolate and Dunkaccino sales shortly.
Truth is, I'm only posting this story because I came up with a creative headline. And it fits, because according to the Mayo Clinic salmonella can result in "severe diarrhea."
But even if it weren't a symptom I probably would have posted this anyway.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Nice Day for a Swine Wedding
The bride wore white -- and a face mask.
Ilana Jackson and Jeremy Fierstien of Chicago wore surgical masks and latex gloves to their wedding after finding out less than 48 hours before that they had swine flu.
The couple decided to go ahead with the ceremony after doctors assured them guests wouldn't be put at serious risk.
To be sure, they also stayed 10 feet away from guests at all times, even walking around the gathering instead of down the aisle at a Highland Park synagogue.
Jackson says they'd joked about swine flu after both experienced vomiting, achy limbs and fever. But they never thought they really had it.
She says the circumstances were unfortunate but they have a good attitude about it.
Ilana Jackson and Jeremy Fierstien of Chicago wore surgical masks and latex gloves to their wedding after finding out less than 48 hours before that they had swine flu.
The couple decided to go ahead with the ceremony after doctors assured them guests wouldn't be put at serious risk.
To be sure, they also stayed 10 feet away from guests at all times, even walking around the gathering instead of down the aisle at a Highland Park synagogue.
Jackson says they'd joked about swine flu after both experienced vomiting, achy limbs and fever. But they never thought they really had it.
She says the circumstances were unfortunate but they have a good attitude about it.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Bye Grandma
My grandmother Ethel passed away this week at the age of 88. Five years ago she got sick and we rushed Canada to perhaps say our good-byes. But Grandma survived that incident and lived five more years in which time she welcomed four great-grandchildren into the world.
Despite the loss of her leg Grandma walked down the aisle last year at my cousin's wedding.
Goodbye Grandma, we'll miss your "HEH-lows" and your chicken soup.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Like a Good Neighbor
Through a strange confluence of events I was able to help a neighbor in distress, here is that story.
The other day the sun actually came up for a few minutes so despite having been up all night at work Mrs. Poop agreed to stay up for an extra half an hour so I could mow the lawn which had reached jungle-like proportions because all the rain promoted growth and made it impossible for me to find time to mow it.
While I was out there mowing I saw our friendly neighbor (50ish single woman) walking her dog. She looked at me and said "Paul, I have a problem."
About ten feet behind her was a man yelling at her. When I stepped between them the guy (reeking of alcohol) explained his side of the story. He lives up the block and says when his dog (a schnauzer) saw her dog, his dog took off, broke the leash and took off for her dog. Her fearful reaction was to cross the street. The man was angry because he says his dog could have been hit by a car.
When I asked why he was following her he said "I want to find out where she lives."
I finally got him to go away and my neighbor explained that the guy had been yelling at her, calling her all sorts of names and threatening her and saying he was going to shoot her dog.
I thought I had calmed the situation but about 15 minutes later the drunk guy came back asking me my name and waving to Chase in the window (damn kid loves to watch "mowing.") That freaked us out a little.
But our neighbor later told me she called the cops who went to the guy's apartment, and scared him a little and didn't think he would bother us any further.
He hasn't so I am glad I was able to help my neighbor in a potentially dangerous situation.
The other day the sun actually came up for a few minutes so despite having been up all night at work Mrs. Poop agreed to stay up for an extra half an hour so I could mow the lawn which had reached jungle-like proportions because all the rain promoted growth and made it impossible for me to find time to mow it.
While I was out there mowing I saw our friendly neighbor (50ish single woman) walking her dog. She looked at me and said "Paul, I have a problem."
About ten feet behind her was a man yelling at her. When I stepped between them the guy (reeking of alcohol) explained his side of the story. He lives up the block and says when his dog (a schnauzer) saw her dog, his dog took off, broke the leash and took off for her dog. Her fearful reaction was to cross the street. The man was angry because he says his dog could have been hit by a car.
When I asked why he was following her he said "I want to find out where she lives."
I finally got him to go away and my neighbor explained that the guy had been yelling at her, calling her all sorts of names and threatening her and saying he was going to shoot her dog.
I thought I had calmed the situation but about 15 minutes later the drunk guy came back asking me my name and waving to Chase in the window (damn kid loves to watch "mowing.") That freaked us out a little.
But our neighbor later told me she called the cops who went to the guy's apartment, and scared him a little and didn't think he would bother us any further.
He hasn't so I am glad I was able to help my neighbor in a potentially dangerous situation.
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