whimper and whine

How I Spent Superbowl Sunday

2007-02-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

In addition to watching the first half and eating some of the best superbowl party food ever, I came home Sunday night and turned on what may be the most entertaining Superbowl take-off ever. PuppyBowl III. More Specifically, the Kitty Half-Time Show during Puppy Bowl III. I can't believed I missed PuppyBowl I and II. Next year, I'm setting my tivo. So cute!

Best Pre-Birthday Present Ever

2006-11-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

The pre-birthday festivities have begun. My girlfriend has given me what I think may be the best pre-birthday present ever. This flying Monkey can slingshot across the room and yell on the way. It is a great stress reliever, and I plan to use it soon to fly over the cubicle walls and relieve stess at work.

Yeah for flying monkeys!

Heidi Klum-German/British Double Agent

2006-11-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

The following 3 photos are: 1) Santino's german/elk-inspired design for the lingerie challenge in Project Runway's Second Season 2) Somone dressed up for halloween as Santino's design and 3) An actual outfit from Victoria's Secret Lingerie Fashion Show. They are uncomfortable familiar (and ugly!). Heidi Klum is involved in both shows. Also, if they are going to use Project Runway designs, at least choose the winners!

I always knew AARP was the most powerful lobby

2006-11-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

Recenlty, I went to a panel with the folks from BeyondMarriage, a really amzing coaltion talking about the importance of validating all kinds of families, partnerships, and living situations rather than focussing all efforts on marriage. (they also have a lot of other interesting points, so check out their statement). At the panel, it was mentioned that organizers in Arizona were actually using this approach to gather support in fighting an anti-domestic partnership ballot intitiative.

Well, it worked! Arizona was the only state so far to defeat such a ballot measure (out of 28 attempts). And Even this article from Texas discusses the role of unexpected allies-the elderly. Who knew?

Who knew nursery rhymes would get so political?

2006-11-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

This article from the UK calls for a new version of a classic nursery rhyme:

Three Blind Mice
Three Blind Mice

See how they run
See how they run

They could not see, and they often fell
The Doctor said they should try to use stem cells
It was controversial, but what the hell?

Three sighted mice.

Endorsements to Report

2006-10-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend featured a trip to the Hudson Valley, complete with apple picking, a short hike, and peak foliage galore. In the end, I also walked away with two businesses I'd like to endorse.

First-Zipcar. The base cost for renting a car is similar to any other company but 1)you pick the car up right in your neigborhood, 2)the cars are cute-we had a Volkswagon Rabbit, 3)you don't have to pay for gas-which is huge these days, 3)it comes with EZ pass and XM radio. It was really easy to reserve, pick up and return the car. Unless you like trekking to the airport, I hightly reccomend Zipcar for your next out of town trip, or your next trip to Ikea.

Next-Ali's Roti Shop. On Flatbush Avenue near the Prospect Park stop, this small shop provided the best post-roadtrip meal I could imagine. Tasty, big portion, and unique to the city, it made me feel full, satisfied and "at home" all at once. The Roti are dishes that come from Trinidad via India and involve a delicious bread filled with curried vegggies, potatoes, chick peas, and chutney along with some hot sauce. I also hear that one should try the "doubles" if you go there.

Suburbs that don't make me gag

2006-10-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

Where are these houses? BROOKLYN. That's right, they are right here in the borough of Kings. And they are not even that far out into the borough. I went this weekend on a tour of Victorian Flatbush and saw these and other houses in Ditmas Park and the surrounding area. We took the Q train to Newkirk to get there, only 5 stops past park slope. The white house with the blue trim is a 4 bedroom home with garage and is for sale for only 600,000. For NYC it's a steal. Lets just say, if I'm going to move to any suburbs, these could be an option.

2006-10-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

New Celebs in the Slope

2006-10-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

I know, I know-readers are tired fo the baby picture thing. I'll try to hold off and post some celebrity gossip instead. It has been reported in the Brooklyn Papers that our newests Park Slope residents are Peter Saarsgard and Maggie Gyllenhal. Very exciting. I can't wait for the sightings, and family visits from Uncle Jake? I hope the paparazzi don't monopolize the line at Uncle Louie G's.

Jennifer Grey-Eat Your Heart Out

2006-09-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Plan B is Approved!

2006-08-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

As a feminist, I am pretty pleased that Plan B emergency contraceptives, also known as the morning-after-pill, will now be available over the counter. The battle to bring these pills to the public has been going on for over 3 years, and the FDA has delayed and delayed their decision. Their own science has said the pills are safe and effective, but partisan politics would not allow them to make a decision until now. Senators Clinton and Murray held up the confirmation of the new FDA head until a decision was made, and now it has actually happened. On the not so great note, the pill will only be available to women over 18 (young women can still get it with a prescription) and it will be "behind the counter," so pharmacists can check IDs. No doublt this will lead to lots of embarassing impusle purchase while working up the courage to ask for it(at best) and pharmacists lecturing thier patients and judging them all over the place or refusing to give it out (at worst).

One funny note-in reading the Times piece on this, I followed a line to a group at Princeton University doing EC Advocacy. They have a list of emergency contraceptives and the brand names they are sold/prescribed under in other contries. While most were standard pharma-type names, I did find it interesting that in Thailand, EC is called "Madonna." I wonder if it works best when taken with Kaballah water.

2006-08-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

I Heart (Free) Cheese

2006-08-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to the weekly free beer & cheese tasting at Bierkraft on 5th Avenue in Park Slope. Usually I walk by the store and cannot go in because, despite knowing it's full of delicious beer, cheese and chocolate, I cannot take the pungent cheese smell upon entering. However, knowing the tasting would be in the back, outdoor (ie-less pungent) area, I ventured in. I tried 5 delicious cheeses from spain. Well, one was kind of like feet. The other four were great though. I especially enjoyed the zamorano, a sheepsmilk cheese very similar to manchego.Also worth a try was the mahon, a cow's milk cheese that was very salty and had a suprisingly pleasing crunch. The beers were pretty good too. Tastings are Tuesdays at 7pm, but get there early. I almost didn't get in.

To Pick or Not to Pick?

2006-08-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

Apparently the answer is-pick. For scabs, that is. The NY Times has come out with an article declaring that it is not only ok to pick a scab, but it is preferable and will lead to less scaring. Yeah for mild self-mutilators everywhere.

Baby Charley: Inside the Actor's Studio

2006-08-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

What kind of geek are you?

2006-08-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

No, this post is not another blog quiz. It's about an article about two camps of geek fighting it out-the crossword-ers and the sudoku-ites. Apparently, it's quite the bone of contention that while crossword may require more "art," sudoku pulls in so much cash that even Will Shortz, crossword editor for the Times has jumped on the bandwagon of publishing these puzzles. I like both. Crosswords are a fun challenge, but sudoku makes me feel smart.

More Fun With Muppets

2006-07-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

I just read about the latest version of law & order. It's on PBS, and it's called "Law & Order: Missing Letters Edition." Now even 4 year olds will know the meaning of that special two beat sound that indicates this show is taking over the world one channel at a time.

Yeah, I'm Scooter

2006-07-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

You Are Scooter

Brainy and knowledgable, you are the perfect sidekick.
You're always willing to lend a helping hand.
In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going.
"15 seconds to showtime!"

The Muppet Personality Test

When the lights go out in the city...

2006-07-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Last night I thought I was re-living the summer blackout of a few years ago. The lights were out on our block and all was quiet. That is except for the huge fireballs coming out of 5th avenue manholes. I came to work this morning expecting everyone to be talking about it. However, no one had heard a thing. None of the brooklyn blogs were reporting it. Was your power out? Was this just on Union St?

Great Study, Guys. Just Brilliant.

2006-07-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

(From Seed Magazine-an awesome magazine on science and culture)

"Israeli researchers studied how the brain processes sarcasm by performing an experiment on healthy subjects, subjects with damage to the prefrontal cortex and subjects with damage to the posterior lobe of the brain. The experimenters told the subjects stories where a character spoke either sarcastically or literally; the subjects were asked to determine which was the case based on the context. Those with damage to the frontal lobe—especially those with damage to the right rear part of the prefrontal cortex—had trouble determining when the speaker was being sarcastic."

I always knew the people who didn't get my jokes were just brain damaged.

Shout out to that special someone

2006-07-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

To those that know and love our special friend who has abandoned NYC for Austin, this book will be a nice reminder that there is really only one person we know who can wear a t-shirt as a skirt. The rest of us need to do some sewing first. Even if you don't know our brave shirt-as-skirt wearing friend, this book looks like its full of cute summer projects for those old t-shirts. The book's website even has a free project of the month.

2006-07-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Is that Earl Grey? No it's Captain Teao!

It's a bird..It's a plane..It's a....TEABAG?

2006-07-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Looking over the events going on in the city this weekend, I was pleased to find the coffee and tea festival. If it's rainy, this $10 event looks fun. Their site has typical info about location, cost, who will be there, and all sorts of enticements to attend. They even suggest bringing the kids to see "Captain Teao."

First of all, since when does tea need a superhero tie-in? And is that the best name they could come up with? And what superpowers would Captain Teao hold? And where did he achieve his rank as Captain? The list of questions is endless.

Gnomes are real!

2006-07-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

A quick tribute to my girlfriend, and the Waldorf Schools. These are schools which provide a great amount of European History, teach the value of the arts as well as sciences, and provide an excellent education overall. However, they are also responsible for said girlfriend 1)believing in gnomes until about age 12 and 2)crying over the stiff, blue "dead gnome" found in her yard which was actually a plastic smurf. This is what happens when you don't allow your kids to watch TV folks.

More pics of the child. I'm obsessed-deal with it.

2006-07-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

More photos of my adorable niece. What can I say?

2006-06-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Mochi Ice Cream is the Best!

This sushi looks ok, but ours rocked. Photos soon!

Sushi Adventure

2006-06-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Last night, two pals (hi chris & fred) came over to make sushi. I have to admit, I was somewhat skeptical. I figured it would probably look terrible, but how bad could it taste? Well I was wrong-but in a good way. It looked awesome and tasted even better. Plus, what a fun evening to get to gether with a project you can eat! I promise to post pictures when I get them developed (yes I am still in the non-digital camera age). I highly reccommend this to do with friends. We all felt so accomplished, and full. We bought yellowtail, tuna and salmon from Sun Grocery in Soho, and some veggies. You have to make the rice in advance so it gets sticky, but it is yummy and much cheaper than going out to a nice sushi dinner. Also, we discovered Mochi ice cream. Its like a tiny read bean cake (those yummy doughy Japanese snacks), but instead of beans, they are filled with ice cream-awesome.

Student Loans-Something to WhimperandWhine About

2006-06-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

If you have student loans, take a look at this Op-Ed in today's Newsday, by a personal friend and former colleage of yours truly. I mean, everyone whines about their student loans and how hard it is to pay for college, but this girl knows how to really rile you up. I say, this month we all stop paying and move to a 3rd world country. Who's with me?

9 Letter Word for Enigmatologist

2006-06-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Pop Culture Update

2006-06-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

The number 1 movie in the box office this weekend was Cars, an animated pic about...well...I haven't seen it but I'm guessing its about cars. While I have no interest in cars, I do have a huge interest in words. Friday afternoon, therefore, I took a friend who I know to be semi-obsessed with crossword puzzles to see Wordplay. It's a documentary about crossword puzzles, those that complete them and create them, specifically for the NY Times, about the life of Times crossword editor Will Shortz, and the annual Crossword tournament held each winter in the Stamford, CT Marriot. It featured famous crossword fanatics such as Jon Stewart, The Indigo Girls, Bill Clinton, Ken Burns and (not to be completely liberal) Bob Dole. The real stars, though, were those that compete in the annual tournament.

In the tradition of Spellbound, this was a thriller made for nerds everywhere. I even completed the NY Times puzzle this morning, although they say Monday is the easy one. I guess I will be trying my hand, and my pencil (I can not yet risk trying it in ink) at crosswords.

The only disappointment was that in the panel after the film (yes Will was there!), I raised my hand the whole time for a question. When the moderator said "just one more" and looked my way I was so excited. Unfortunatley, someone in front of me yelled out a question instead. You'd think a bunch of crossword enthusiasts would be more likely to follow the rules of Q & A. Oh well, it was pretty fun when my entire row turned as I whisper/yelled "Bitch!" as soon as she interrupted my chance.

I was going to ask the panel, as fans of crosswords, what do they think of Sudoku? I found some answers online here.

National Do-Not-Date-Abase

2006-06-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

I posted a few weeks ago about a great site, hollabacknyc, that allows people to post stories and pictures of men who harrass women on the street (or train, or grocery store, or restaurant. you get the idea).

While talking with some friends about bad breakups, we came up with a similar idea. There should be a database full of pictures and stories of men and women who cheat, break up for no reason, are incapable of commitment, are liers or a slew of other reasons for which future girlfriends or boyfriends should be warned. It could be the Do-Not-Date-Abase. People already google prospective dates and look for them on sites like Friendster or MySpace. This would be one more place to check before getting involved with a potential heartbreaker, love-taker, arm-breaker, well you get the idea.

Captain Anne Flint

2006-06-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

This post goes out to my friend Mo-

This site is a quiz that will give you your "pirate name." I've heard of the soap star name (Joan Clifton Park for me) and the porn star name (Fanny Carlow) formulas. I found a linke to the "pirate name" formula and I think it's fun. I would be Captain Anne Flint. The site describes me as : "Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!"

Home Improvement Trends

2006-06-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

One of the first jobs I ever had was in a hardware store, the now de-funct Rickels Home Center. It certainly wasn't the best job I've had, but it was interesting. I learned about washers and PVC piping and what's a good price for 2 by 4s. I met some interesting characters, especially the contractors who would always tell me I looked too young to work. I learned about how money is physically dirty,and by the end of the day my hands would be black-yuck!

Alas, I haven't kept up with trends in home improvement. For example, I was surpised to know that Lowe's Home Improvement is open in Brooklyn from 5am-Midnight. When I needed some propane for my bbq, I went to check it out. Unfortunately, I had tickets to a play (actually it wasn't that unfortunate-Bridge & Tunnel is awesome) so I had to go at around 11pm.

So who are the majority of customers in Lowe's at 11pm on a weeknight? Contractors-nope. Cops getting off the late shift-nope. The answer is....Orthodox Jews.

There were old men with beards, women with wigs and long skirts, little boys in yarmulkes with fringes on their pants. Who knew? Anyone have an idea why the Orthodox Jewish population is so supportive of Loews? Do they just like hardware?

2006-06-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

In exchange for my sleeping through the night, I request "one miiilllion dollars."-(Austin Powers' Dr. Evil as a baby)

Hip Hopy Baby!

Allright, bear-this pack 'n' play isn't big enough for the both of us.

If you like beauty products...you may also have an eating disorder!

2006-05-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

I like to shop online. It's easy, quick, and you don't have to carry stuff home. Today as I was checking out drugstore.com, I happened upon this page. I was looking for my favorite Dove Cucumber Body Lotion, and accidentally landed on their "firming lotion" page instead. Interested to read exactly what this lotion claimed to 'firm,' I scrolled down the page. Here I saw the "if you like this product, you might also like..." Suggestions. Now what do the drugstore.com folks think of those that purchase Dove firming lotion? Apparently, we also need to purchase diuretics (yuck!) and/or chafing relief cream. I'm surprised they didn't also include links to girdles or ipecac. And isn't Dove the company who has been running those ads with the women who love their curves? I guess they don't love chafing.

Cologne for Your every Mood

2006-05-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Scent-o-Matic

2006-05-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

I am from New Jersey, and I consider myself somewhat of a veteran when it comes to diners. I have been to big diners, small diners, fancy diners, cruddy diners, diners of every sort. And in every one you can order breakfast all day, usually a dinner with so many courses and portions you could never eat it (unless you are my parents who intentionally go and order 1 to share), a variety of burgers and my favorite, fries with cheese & brown gravy.

You can imagine that I was taken aback last week when I went to a diner in Saratoga, NY and was surprised. It was not the menu, but the bathroom that was the highlight of the experience. On my way out of the restroom I noticed the "scent-o-matic," a vending machine for perfume. It seems so old-school, yet the scents provided were J.Lo's "glow", Tommy Girl and Eternity. For only 25 cents, you can spritz yourself to smell like a 14 year old. Who knew?

Your Daily Dosage (of feminism, that is)

2006-05-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

For those days when my blog is not updated, here are a few sites I've been turned on to recently.

First, Erin (aka best-girlfriend-ever) sent me this site. I'm sure you are familiar with the whole "abstinence-only" movement, which I like to think of as the "religious freaks are bribing our school stystem to brainwash our children" program. Well, I can't tell if this site is real or a satire, but it really brings a new perpective to the whole issue. Enjoy!

The other site is here. Finally, a site encouraging cell phone use that I can support! They ask that when you experience street harassment, you use your camera phone to take a picture for posting. Take that construction workers! Sock it to that guy who hangs out near the subway entranace and can not keep his trap shut! Make sure everyone knows that street harassment is not OK!

2006-05-08T11:18:00.001-07:00

too cute not to post

2006-05-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

For all you lawyers, this is some kind of baby-as-legal-pun.

2006-05-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Charley finds a toy! Next stop-nuclear physics.

More Pics

2006-05-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I haven't been blogging. Here are some pictures of my adorable niece to try to make up for it. More funny content soon.

Coulda Been Hanita

2006-04-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

One of my high school friends recenlty told us that she is having a baby (congrats!). To this end, our friends have been discussing a lot of names and the process of naming. The question came up, "what was your parents second choice for a name?" For me, the answer to this is "Hanita." First of all, I don't really think this is a name, despite my mom's refusal to admit it. Thinking about my life as Hanita makes me think of constantly repeating myself, constantly worrying that I will have bad breath and the need to overpronounce the "H" in my name will make everyone aware of this flaw, among other issues. I decided to google Hanita to see if there were other famous Hanita's that I could find. Maybe, there are plenty of Hanita's out there living productive, happy lives. Well, this is what I found.

It's a kibbutz. A collective farm/community in, of all places, Israel.

All I can say is, once again, Dad-thanks for stepping in. I may be Jewish, but not a Zionist. I'm not that kind of Jew. And, I may be a lesbian, but I do not believe in communes. I'm not that kind of lesbian. I guess I was just never meant to be Hanita.

I think it might rain

2006-04-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

I usually check the weather online in the morning before I go out, and sometimes during the day as well. I expected it to rain today, but when I had only seen a few sprinkles by 2pm, I thought it might clear up. Looking at the National Weather Service, I guess not. I mean, could they at least leave us a drop of hope? (pun intended) Their report follows.

Tonight: Rain likely, then periods of rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 42. East wind 9 to 14 mph becoming south. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

The Electronic Kiss Off

2006-03-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

My brother in law Jeff (who gives me tons of great material for this site) told me yesterday about this article in the Wall Street Journal on how difficult it is to completely sever ties these day (especially of the romantic sort) in the age of technology. Whether it's a 5 year relationship or just a few awkward dates from an online site, one has to remove the ex from cell phones, instant messanger buddy lists, friendster (not to mention changing status back to 'single' from 'in a relationship) among other things. And this is also true of former friends, and even the occaisional overbearing acquatinance. I recently blocked an old friend who I no longer see or talk to on the phone from my email. She was sending me forwards, which is annoying, plus they were religious. So, she's blocked.

This gave us the idea for the auto-reply. You know when you are out of work and you can set your email to tell people you are away? Or have you ever received a spam-filter reply saying your message can't go through because the recipient doesn't have you in their secure list? Well, maybe these ideas could somehow combine. Wouldn't it be great if you could set your email and other electronics so that your bad date, crazy ex, or annoying cousing or not-so-friendly friend could receive an automatic "out of my life" reply? Maybe one of these would work:

Re: Automated "Out of My Life" Reply

Hello. Thanks for your message. Sorry, but we are no longer friends/lovers/dates/co-workers/relatives or in some other way bonded. I appreciate your persistence, but can no longer help you with any inquiries. If you need immediate help, please contact a more current friend/lover/date/co-worker or relative.

Re:Relationship Spam Filter

The message you are sending has been blocked due to the fact that the recipient wishes to sever your relationship. Should you wish to change this status...well, sorry, you cant.

Any techies have advice on setting this up?

2006-03-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

A true member of our family knows how to sleep, and make it look good

2006-03-20T07:58:00.002-08:00

Words cannot describe

2006-03-20T07:58:00.001-08:00

Ready for her close up

2006-03-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

She's so tiny!

By Request

2006-03-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

I was trying to hold off on inundating everyone with pictures of my niece (aka: cutest baby alive). However, you asked for it, so here they are. More non-baby related blog content soon.
Enjoy!

2006-03-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome Charley!

Charley is here!

2006-03-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

For the past nine months, I have been eagerly awaiting my new role as an aunt. Yesterday, it happened. My niece was born, and I am officially convinced that she is the best baby ever born. Cute, sweet, tiny and a 9 on the apgar scale. She weighs 7 lbs, 3 oz and is 20.5 inches long (pretty tall for a member of our family). Mom and baby are doing great. Holding her was the most amazing experience I have ever felt. Who knew you could instantly love someone? Happy Birthday Charley!

2006-03-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Brokebat Mountain.

Late Night Snack

2006-03-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard that joke where someone says they dreamt of eating a huge marshmallow and when they woke up their pillow was gone? Allow me to tell an embarrassing, yet entertaining story of this nature.

First, I must mention that I sometimes sleep with wax earplugs. They drown out background noise, snoring and generally help me sleep soundly. Monday night I put my earplugs in my hand as my girlfriend and I were going to sleep. We talked for a while, and I fell asleep without putting in the earplugs.

Then, in the middle of the night I woke up. I was still half asleep and I noticed I could hear some snoring. So I thought to myself I should put in my earplugs. Turning my attention to my hand, I realized they were missing. Where could they be?

It was then that I reached another level of being awake and I suddenly realized I was CHEWING on something.

Yes, I ate my wax earplugs in my sleep. I immediately shot out of bed and ran to the bathroom to spit the remaining wax out.

What would make me do this? Why would I put them in my mouth, never mind chew and swallow some? From now on, no foreign objects smaller than a breadbox in the bed.

Have you ever eaten something unintentional in your sleep? Gum in your hair is one thing, but this is a bit out of hand.

Snow is everywhere (even underground)!

2006-02-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

In addition to the beautiful, sunny weather we are experiencing, it has come to my attention that the city puts a lot of effort into 'alternative' methods of snow melting. Last night, as I waited for the subway, I heard the train coming through the tunnel. While usually a good sign, the accompanying horn-honking told me that this was the train I dread: the garbage train. My girlfriend has also deemed it the "N" as in "never-getting-home" train. I hate this train because not only is it a tease, but it smells up the station (yuck!). However, yesterday's train was not full of trash. It was full, instead, of SNOW! I guess they were moving it to one of the official snow piles in order to start the melting process with the municipal industrial snow melters.

2006-02-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Insert crass halfpipe joke here.

I Heart the Olympics

2006-02-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Winter Olympics are back, and I have been appropriately anchored to the couch through snowboarding, speedskating, curling, hockey, pairs figure skating and downhill skiing so far. Appearing again (after its debut in the summer Olympics of 2004) is Hot Olympians. Today's feature is snowboarder and medal winner (not just a kournikova beauty without the skills) Gretchen Bleiler. Check her out above or on the official olympics website for video of her awesome halfpipe run yesterday.

2006-02-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

This is one sexy burger!

Superbowl Highlight

2006-02-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I didn't watch the entire Superbowl. I watched a little less than one quarter. I was feeling under the weather, and let's face it..I really only went to that Superbowl party to see my friends, not the game. I also usually like the commercials. The best of the bunch that I saw had to be what I'd like to call the "dance of the whopperettes," featuring five leggy beauties dressed up as burger ingredients in order to sell Whoppers. The crowd at our party went from being confused (is that woman dressed as a tomato slice?), to grossed out (is that woman dressed as a processed burger patty?eww!), to slightly aroused as we saw woman after woman pile atop one another, finally "topped" by the sesame seed bun. Actually, it seemed like the ingredients were doing all the work. Maybe she's more of a "bottom" bun.

Baby Shower Covered by National Press

2006-02-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I helped throw a baby shower for my sister. A good time was had by all, and no one had to wear a ribbon hat or use the words "poopy diaper." For a full recount of the events, you can go to the Chicago-Sun Times. How's that for coverage? I like how I am now officially the "lesbian sister." I'm off to get that printed on t-shirts now.

2006-01-31T13:12:00.000-08:00

Will you be mine?

2006-01-31T13:10:00.000-08:00

Oh Valentine!

A Great Combination

2006-01-31T13:09:00.000-08:00

Finally, I can combine my disdain for valentine with my absolute love of all things SVU. Thank you internet!

January 24 really sucks (and it's not just me!)

2006-01-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

See, it's not just that you hate your job/friends/house/lunch/fill in the blank...today is the Most Depressive Day of the Year, according to UK researchers. So forget getting therapy or taking medicine, just get through today and tomorrow can't feel this bad.
Thanks to my friend Alyssa for sending me this info.

Saved at the Sprint Store

2006-01-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share an interesting/outrageous experience I recently had with my cell phone company. Over the years, I am sure many people have had bad cell phone experiences....bad reception, hidden fees, the scam where they don't tell you that your battery will die if you charge it for more than 2 hours at a time..yeah I've been there.

On Monday I went to the Brooklyn Heights Sprint Store to get an additional charger to leave at my girlfriend's house. I have enough to schlep back and forth without having to worry about my phone dying every 2 days because the charger is at the wrong house. When asked why I needed a charger, I explained the girlfriend/schlepping dilemma. Here is what followed:

Crazy Sprint Lady (CSL): Oh I totally understand about the charger. Can I ask, do you belong to a church?

Me (taken aback): Um, I'm Jewish.

CSL: I would love to invite you to my church sometime; I'm sure we could give you a lot to think about.

Me:No thanks, just the charger please.

CSL: That is so sad. When you change your mind, you can always find me here at the Sprint store.

It's like they are running a front for some born again religion or x-gay church out of the Montague Street cellphone store! In the end, I wrote a letter to the company and they responded by giving me 5% off my bill every month from now on. I would say the response does not quite fit the problem, but you know I like to save money. After all, I already mentioned I'm Jewish.

2006-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

The tragic story of two puppets in love..

You can't always get what you want.....but if you try sometimes, you get what you need

2006-01-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, that picture of the cat is cute, but I guess it's time to post something new. Last night, the powers-that-be were conspiring against me in a way that I can only guess was intented to give me some news to report. Last night I decided to revisit and old habit of going to $5 Gulash night at Cafe Steinhof. I used to go there a couple times a month and was always satisfied with my cheap-yet delicious meal. Last night, arriving around 8:45 I found the place packed. I could not deal with the wait or the noice, so I remembered Bar Toto on 11th and 6th avenue, which has served me well in the past. As I approached 11th st, however, I saw firetrucks. Joking to my companion, I suggested the trucks were probably there just to make sure I still had no place to go for dinner. Sadly, I was right. I didn't see any damage. But Bar Toto was most definitely closed down, strewn with yellow caution tape and the site of some kind of fire damage. Argh.

Eventually, Rice Thai on 7th provided a warm meal in a quiet and non-fire-damaged environment. Thank you rice thai.

2005-12-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

Awwwwww.......

May cause giggling

2005-12-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not on strike, just a bit lazy and out of inspiration lately. Thanks to a good friend (hi Mo!), though I have found something I think everyone will enjoy. This site is full of cute pics, but even more full of funny photoshop experiments and captions. I especially reccomend the link to "kitten wars" and the feature, "cute or sad?"

2005-12-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

Changing of the (breakfast) Guards

2005-12-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

In the last few months, I have developed a habit. No, not that kind of habit. I have been buying a banana every morning from a vendor on the corner on the way to work. It costs just 25 cents, and goes very well with my morning cereal at work. Also, if laundry looms on the horizon, I can just pay for the banana with a dollar a few times and get all the quarters I need in just a few days.

Well, I have noticed this week that my morning vendor is gone, replaced with one of those coffee/doughnut guys in a metal box. I thought this might be just one corner, but today I took a different train to work and my secondary banana guy was now replaced with a doughnut box as well. Looks like it is just too freakin' cold for fresh fruit (or fresh fruit vendors) to stay outside. Nothing in that doughnut box is a quarter. I hope my laundry can wait till spring.

2005-12-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

Jdate is so gay!

Oy Gay!

2005-12-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe you didn't hear this first, but I think I have mentioned to enough people my disdain for the fact that Jewish internet dating service, JDate, does not do same-sex matching. Well, now they do. Now Jewish mothers of gays and lesbians can go back to harping on that same point...but is s/he Jewish?

Of course I'll still be railing against the fact that they charge $35/mo to join. I highly recommend free(or pay per email) internet dating as a fun way to meet people, go on dates, compile some funny cocktail party stories, and maybe meet someone great. I did.

2005-11-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

Kazakhstan...world leader and plaintiff against fictional charactors.

Fictional Character Offends Eastern Nation

2005-11-28T13:38:00.001-08:00

Did anyone else notice the huge travel advertisement section in the Weekend Times about Kazakhstan? Apparently, the goverment of this nation is offended by its portrayal by the FICTIONAL character Borat on "Da Ali G" show, and this ad in theTimes is their way of showing the world the "true" character of their homeland. They are also suing the actor who plays Borat! Even reading this article on the whole saga only makes it seem more ridiculous. Borat's response can be found on his website.

2005-11-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

2005-11-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Sam!

Morning Celebirty Encounter

2005-11-23T07:31:00.000-08:00

As I braved the insane cold this morning, I could hardly keep my eyes open. As I approached my office, I opened up in a sigh of relief when who do I see? Sam Waterson. Yeah celebrity sightings! Maybe it's an omen. But for what? The Law & Order Marathon over Thanksgiving, maybe? Oh well, happy turkey day everyone. Whimper and Whine to your families and friends, just like the pilgrims did with the Native Americans.

You've Been Warned

2005-11-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

My birthday is November 28th. That is next Monday, the day after you get back from whatever Thanksgiving fun you are having in or out of town. I turn 28 which, I hear from my midwestern friends, means it is my golden birthday. Gifts of gold, chocolate covered with gold paper, gold stars for good behavior, books on the gold rush, trips to the gold coast, shopping sprees with your gold card or anything else gold (well almost anything) will be accepted.

Alternately, I will accept hugs and well wishes in lieu of gold.

2005-11-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

Forget the Registry. This is the wedding gift you need.

More On Marriage/Moron Marriage

2005-11-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about marriage a lot lately. First, the pandas (see below). Then I became slightly obsesesed with the tear-jerking wedding show First Comes Love on Logo. Now I have come across this helpful book . I guess I'll put it in my hope chest.

2005-11-11T09:43:00.000-08:00

I now pronounce you....pandas.

Panda Marriage Hurts us all.

2005-11-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Pandas need health insurance and tax breaks too. As long as their not gay pandas.

2005-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Baruch Ata Spaghetti Monster

Flying Spaghetti Monster...Now in Beany Form

2005-11-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

When the emails about the Flying Spaghetti Monster went around, I was completely enamored. I almost considered joining this religion dedicated to a flying spaghetti monster in the sky. (If you are looking for guidance in your religious or spiritual path, check it out here.) Now I see that you can have your very own spaghetti monster, in squeezable, pet-able, lovable (with no possibility of sauce stains) form. Shouldn't every deity be available as a stuffed animal?

2005-10-31T08:16:00.000-08:00

She's pretty. Who's that?

2005-10-31T08:15:00.001-08:00

She looks familiar.

2005-10-31T08:15:00.000-08:00

Oh, that's Michelle Trachtenberg.

The Buffy Sightings Continue

2005-10-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

Friday night at Vynl I saw Michelle Trachtenberg. Who's that you say? Why, she was Dawn on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She was the little sister who suddenly appeared in season 5 as a teenager and turned out to be the key to the whole universe staying together. How could you not remember?

She was also Macauly Culkin's girl/friend in My Girl, Harriet the Spy, Penny in Inspector Gadget, Celeste in Six Feet Under, and of course she was the lead in Disney's Ice Princess. And yes, you can read the details of her career here.

I think she is really beautiful in person. Huge smile, long wavy dark hair, very elegant for a teen.

So now that I have seen both Willow and Dawn, can Buffy be far away? Stay tuned for pics of me and Sarah Michelle soon.

2005-10-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, great.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

2005-10-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

That's how I feel about Fridays sometimes. Of course they are the best because the weekend is just hours away, and by the time you read your emails and take your lunchbreak, you only have a few measly hours to waste before you are free until Monday.

Unfortunately, sometimes those measly hours are worse than the actual hours you spent in bed as a child with measles. Yes, I know everyone gets vaccinated now, and I never had measles either, but you get the idea. The waiting sucks.

It doesn't help when the morning commute is like today. How can a fire in the West Village make the F train turn into a G and go to Queens? You think you are going to Manhattan and then all of a sudden you are in Queens, that is just unfair. As if the G isn't enough of a joke when you are actually intending to ride it, an F turning into a G during the morning commute is like a VCR (something I never use but still keep around for the occasional return to VHS) turning into a betamax (something i never use and never want to use-what is beta anyway?).

Autumn Fun

2005-10-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

Now that the rain that has saturated the city, and my life, for the over a week is over, I finally was able to have some autumn fun this weekend. I went apple picking up in the Hudson Valley, and it was just as fun as always. Apples, cider, doughnuts, and they even had a few farm animals to visit. Who knew my day would be brightened by a pig and a goat?

We went to Wilklow Orchards in New Paltz, which I highly recommend, but they're only open till Halloween so get pickin'! We picked Macoun, Cortland, Janagold, Rome and Golden Delicious. Macoun was the favorite as it was surprisingly tart, but it sure is fun to say Janagold.

I hope autumn in the city was fun this weekend too. Here's to a rain-free week.

Guess Who's Reading WhimperandWhine?

2005-10-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

Imagine my suprise while ready my daily blogs, only to find reference to whimperandwhine. Thanks Daily Slope!

2005-10-03T13:38:00.001-07:00

Wave Riders!

2005-10-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

You know a hotel's classy when.......

2005-10-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Check me out!

Remember Summer?

2005-10-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

I guess it's not hard to remember summer when its still in the 70s on October 3rd (yeah!). But I just got my photos developed from my summer vacation in North Carolina where I conquered my fear and actually swam in the ocean. Check me out! And check out Erin and Shawn demonstrating how to ride a wave. Maybe next year that will be me.
What should be the next fear I conquer?

2005-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

My Rock and My Redeemer

Redeem Me.

2005-09-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so lucky! Right on the corner near my girlfriend's apt is this convenient Redemption Center. Now I can make up for all my sins right on the way to and from the subway! And just in time for Yom Kippur.

2005-09-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

geek power!