This summer we received a gift certificate to a restaurant in the city. Actually, the gift certificate was good at one of three restaurants in the city, all of them pricey. Two of them we had already been to, so we took the opportunity to try the new place, since it was a freebie. If we hated it, well, we didn't pay, and if we loved it, we had a new place we had just tried out for with no cost to us (except the bridge. Unbelievably, with all that snow and immobile cars we found a spot on the street...right across from a parking garage!).
The place was really nice, the ambiance cool and sleek, but warm. We were seated upstairs, the cocktail was delicious, so I definitely had a little buzz going as we ordered. Wanting to learn from my mistakes, I decided, when in a Japanese restaurant, order something Japanese. Well, now there is a corollary to that. When in an EXPENSIVE Japanese restaurant/steakhouse order a steak, and order the most expensive one if you're going with a gift certificate!. You're not likely to be disappointed. What we ordered was good, just not super flavorful or filling. It was definitely traditional, and an experience. Thin pieces of meat in sweet broth with vegetables was the Sukiyaki, and the other dish, Shabu,Shabu came as a broth and vegetables in a tureen suspended over a butane fire accompanied by a plate of paper thin pieces of raw meat that you swish around in the broth to cook it.
They put the swishy soup in front of me, and gave MBB the other one. I cook every night....we switched after about two minutes! The desserts were excellent , amazing, really, the service a little too on top of things, they cleared really quickly,( but we did not feel rushed at all). When we were finished, we took a look downstairs before we left....
There are a few things in this world that tell you you're old. Being put upstairs in this particular establishment seems to be one of them. I guess they leave that area for the cool people, cuz it was hopping and big and fun looking. The bar and the sushi bar were down there.
We're going to have to go back (maybe just dessert and drinks), just so we can sit in the A list section...we will dress accordingly.
Oh, and guy with the sweater and bow-tie with jeans? There's a reason they stuck a twenty-something like you upstairs with us old folks.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who Has The Highest Tax Rate of Them All?
In 2011, new corporate tax rates will take effect in Japan, lowering the corporate tax rate from 40.69% to 35.64%.
By virtue of this fact, the developed nation with the highest corporate tax rate will be...
The United States of America.
Feel free to read that last line again if you will, but I can assure you that you read it correctly.
Corporations in the U.S. are taxed at both the federal and state level. Considering the 35% federal tax rate, and using an average 4.2% state tax rate, corporations in the U.S. are subject to a total tax rate of 39.2%, the highest in the developed world.
As a means of comparison, here are the top 10 countries, in terms of combined corporate tax rates, according to CNBC:
Canada: 29.52%
New Zealand: 30.00%
Spain: 30.00%
Australia: 30.00%
Mexico: 30.00%
Germany: 30.18%
Belgium: 33.99%
France: 34.43%
Japan (beginning in 2011): 35.64%
United States: 39.21%
I've long felt that we needed to reduce the corporate tax rate, in order to stimulate our economy (and to anger liberals, which is an important end unto itself), and our nation's dubious status as the developed nation with the highest combined corporate tax rate does nothing to squelch that opinion.
Beyond that, however, it's simply embarrassing.
On a serious note, Japan's relinquishing to the U.S. of the hardly-coveted #1 corporate tax rate status could very well be a blessing in disguise to U.S. companies, and by extension, our economy as a whole.
The situation has gotten a reasonable amount of press, and I can imagine a lower corporate tax rate becoming a significant plank in the Republican legislative platform over the next two years.
For now, at least, we can hang our heads in shame, as our nation continues to build up its socialist credentials.
By virtue of this fact, the developed nation with the highest corporate tax rate will be...
The United States of America.
Feel free to read that last line again if you will, but I can assure you that you read it correctly.
Corporations in the U.S. are taxed at both the federal and state level. Considering the 35% federal tax rate, and using an average 4.2% state tax rate, corporations in the U.S. are subject to a total tax rate of 39.2%, the highest in the developed world.
As a means of comparison, here are the top 10 countries, in terms of combined corporate tax rates, according to CNBC:
Canada: 29.52%
New Zealand: 30.00%
Spain: 30.00%
Australia: 30.00%
Mexico: 30.00%
Germany: 30.18%
Belgium: 33.99%
France: 34.43%
Japan (beginning in 2011): 35.64%
United States: 39.21%
I've long felt that we needed to reduce the corporate tax rate, in order to stimulate our economy (and to anger liberals, which is an important end unto itself), and our nation's dubious status as the developed nation with the highest combined corporate tax rate does nothing to squelch that opinion.
Beyond that, however, it's simply embarrassing.
On a serious note, Japan's relinquishing to the U.S. of the hardly-coveted #1 corporate tax rate status could very well be a blessing in disguise to U.S. companies, and by extension, our economy as a whole.
The situation has gotten a reasonable amount of press, and I can imagine a lower corporate tax rate becoming a significant plank in the Republican legislative platform over the next two years.
For now, at least, we can hang our heads in shame, as our nation continues to build up its socialist credentials.
Dash for the Cash
One of the bigger business stories of 2010 was the fact that throughout the year, corporations large and small were hoarding their cash.
I'm referring specifically to non-financial companies, whose balance sheets were generally in decent shape entering the year.
As 2010 progressed, many companies recorded strong profits, driven mostly by cost savings (read: reduced headcount), generating healthy operating cash flow in the process.
However, given the lingering uncertainty in the economy, including the perceived threat of a double-dip recession, most companies held on to their cash, eschewing such cash-utilizing activities as dividend payouts, stock repurchases and capital investments. Companies aren't simply deleveraging either; aided by historically low interest rates and more favorable yield spreads, large, credit-worthy corporations stocked up on inexpensive debt in 2010 as well.
This resulted in some extremely cash-rich balance sheets. According to the Wall Street Journal, the aggregate amount of cash on corporate balance sheets amounted to approximately $1.93 trillion as of September 30, 2010, up about 6% from June 30, 2010, and substantially higher than one year earlier. According to the Federal Reserve, cash and equivalents amounted to 20% of total assets on the aggregate corporate balance sheet, the highest level since 1959. While there are several factors which play into that last statistic, it became quite clear throughout the year that companies in the U.S. are holding on to their cash.
Looking ahead, I think that this situation will give rise to what I expect to be one of the major U.S. business trends of 2011, the hostile takeover.
As in the 1980's when hostile takeovers were very popular, companies sitting on lots of cash will be targeted by other companies, many of whom boast relatively high stock prices. The stock market is up nearly 40% since the end of 2008, giving many companies richly valued currency with which to do deals. Buying a company with a large cash balance introduces a risk-free return element to any deal, lowering the effective cost of the transaction, thereby improving the effective return on investment (ROI). Add to that the fact that benchmark interest rates are still extremely low, reducing a company's cost of capital (and in return, its "hurdle rate"), and the idea of doing acquisitions, friendly or otherwise, becomes even more attractive. In other words, with a dearth of high-return options available (consider what you are getting on your money market accounts in the bank), buying another company becomes that much more viable an option.
All in all, it would make for a very interesting merger-and-acquisition landscape in 2011. I'm not sure if the purchasers will be strategic (a company in the same or a related industry) or financial (a private equity or buyout firm), but companies who refrain from investing their cash today might find those investment decisions in someone else's hands tomorrow.
I'm referring specifically to non-financial companies, whose balance sheets were generally in decent shape entering the year.
As 2010 progressed, many companies recorded strong profits, driven mostly by cost savings (read: reduced headcount), generating healthy operating cash flow in the process.
However, given the lingering uncertainty in the economy, including the perceived threat of a double-dip recession, most companies held on to their cash, eschewing such cash-utilizing activities as dividend payouts, stock repurchases and capital investments. Companies aren't simply deleveraging either; aided by historically low interest rates and more favorable yield spreads, large, credit-worthy corporations stocked up on inexpensive debt in 2010 as well.
This resulted in some extremely cash-rich balance sheets. According to the Wall Street Journal, the aggregate amount of cash on corporate balance sheets amounted to approximately $1.93 trillion as of September 30, 2010, up about 6% from June 30, 2010, and substantially higher than one year earlier. According to the Federal Reserve, cash and equivalents amounted to 20% of total assets on the aggregate corporate balance sheet, the highest level since 1959. While there are several factors which play into that last statistic, it became quite clear throughout the year that companies in the U.S. are holding on to their cash.
Looking ahead, I think that this situation will give rise to what I expect to be one of the major U.S. business trends of 2011, the hostile takeover.
As in the 1980's when hostile takeovers were very popular, companies sitting on lots of cash will be targeted by other companies, many of whom boast relatively high stock prices. The stock market is up nearly 40% since the end of 2008, giving many companies richly valued currency with which to do deals. Buying a company with a large cash balance introduces a risk-free return element to any deal, lowering the effective cost of the transaction, thereby improving the effective return on investment (ROI). Add to that the fact that benchmark interest rates are still extremely low, reducing a company's cost of capital (and in return, its "hurdle rate"), and the idea of doing acquisitions, friendly or otherwise, becomes even more attractive. In other words, with a dearth of high-return options available (consider what you are getting on your money market accounts in the bank), buying another company becomes that much more viable an option.
All in all, it would make for a very interesting merger-and-acquisition landscape in 2011. I'm not sure if the purchasers will be strategic (a company in the same or a related industry) or financial (a private equity or buyout firm), but companies who refrain from investing their cash today might find those investment decisions in someone else's hands tomorrow.
Welcome (Once Again) to the Soothsayer's Ball
It’s that time of year again.
Actually, it’s a bit past that time of year again.
We’re getting a late start, but with only three trading days left in the year, there’s still time for…
The 3rd Annual Iceberg Carwash Stock Market Contest.
The rules are simple, and unchanged from previous years.
Using the comments section, tell us where you think the S&P 500 Index will be at the end of 2011.
To qualify for entry into the contest, your forecast must be received by no later than the market’s open on the first trading day of next year, 9:30 AM EST on Monday, January 3, 2011.
The contestant whose prediction comes closest to the actual closing level of the Index at year-end wins the contest.
Perhaps we’ll give out a prize, although I tend to feel that the prestige of winning such a contest should be reward enough for any right-minded individual.
For reference, the S&P 500 closed yesterday at 1258.51, up 12.9% so far in 2010.
My prediction for the S&P 500 Index’s level at the end of 2011 is 1,130.00. I’m fairly certain that we’ll get a correction in the stock market during the first quarter of the year, and then trade mostly sideways after that.
We’ll announce the winner of the 2010 contest sometime over this coming weekend.
One thing that is already pretty certain is that for the second year running I will not win the contest.
Perhaps I need to go back to the drawing board, and tweak my stock-picking algorithm.
Or, deliver a sharply-worded pep talk to my dart-throwing monkey.
Actually, it’s a bit past that time of year again.
We’re getting a late start, but with only three trading days left in the year, there’s still time for…
The 3rd Annual Iceberg Carwash Stock Market Contest.
The rules are simple, and unchanged from previous years.
Using the comments section, tell us where you think the S&P 500 Index will be at the end of 2011.
To qualify for entry into the contest, your forecast must be received by no later than the market’s open on the first trading day of next year, 9:30 AM EST on Monday, January 3, 2011.
The contestant whose prediction comes closest to the actual closing level of the Index at year-end wins the contest.
Perhaps we’ll give out a prize, although I tend to feel that the prestige of winning such a contest should be reward enough for any right-minded individual.
For reference, the S&P 500 closed yesterday at 1258.51, up 12.9% so far in 2010.
My prediction for the S&P 500 Index’s level at the end of 2011 is 1,130.00. I’m fairly certain that we’ll get a correction in the stock market during the first quarter of the year, and then trade mostly sideways after that.
We’ll announce the winner of the 2010 contest sometime over this coming weekend.
One thing that is already pretty certain is that for the second year running I will not win the contest.
Perhaps I need to go back to the drawing board, and tweak my stock-picking algorithm.
Or, deliver a sharply-worded pep talk to my dart-throwing monkey.
Learn from Others
There are many things we can learn from sports. Teamwork, commitment, stick -to -it-iveness, and the harder you practice the better you become. There are other lessons as well, and there's the entertainment factor, but as lessons go, this football season has taught some big ones.
The older people get the more their flaws become noticeable. As we age our facial features continue to grow, so too with our character traits. Unless we work hard to overcome things we do regularly, and our nature, we will continue to do these things, but as we age the qualities and abilities that accompanied lousy character traits and helped mask them, diminish. So all you are left with are the flaws. They were always there, but the triumphs helped to hide them.
Also, know your place. Know when your time is up. Know that you cannot recapture the past, and as much as you want something you cannot alter the laws of science, physiology, gravity and probability.
These lesson can be extrapolated for most situations, but in a nut shell:
Go away, Brett Favre.
The older people get the more their flaws become noticeable. As we age our facial features continue to grow, so too with our character traits. Unless we work hard to overcome things we do regularly, and our nature, we will continue to do these things, but as we age the qualities and abilities that accompanied lousy character traits and helped mask them, diminish. So all you are left with are the flaws. They were always there, but the triumphs helped to hide them.
Also, know your place. Know when your time is up. Know that you cannot recapture the past, and as much as you want something you cannot alter the laws of science, physiology, gravity and probability.
These lesson can be extrapolated for most situations, but in a nut shell:
Go away, Brett Favre.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The World We Live In
Today, I found myself at the local Michael's arts and crafts store. I needed frames for some stunning photos my aunt gave me. After a long while (waaaay longer than I expected) I was finished and checked out.
I had the baby with me and three 16 x 20 wood frames perched on a cart that does not leave the store. To ensure that it doesn't leave the store there's a long pole attached to the side which won't fit through the door. I guess technically you could tilt the cart ALLLLL the way backwards and walk through the door, but if you can do that and keep your stuff intact, chances are you didn't need the cart in the first place.
Well, I wasn't tilting the baby or the frames, but the cashier told me I could leave the cart at the exit door, and pull up in the car. I pushed the cart over to the door, took off the infant car seat with my cutie snoozing cozily, and went to the car. I pulled up to the front of the store, and entered the vestibule. The doors that take you from inside the store back out to the vestibule were right next to me on my right. My cart, through the glass door, was inches from me , and by extension, only a few feet from my car and baby.
The doors to enter the store were in front of me, and had I gone inside I would then have to walk around a display area and the returns desk to get back to the exit door and my stuff, thus putting me many tens of feet from my baby, losing visible contact with the vehicle,while illegally parked in a fire lane. The automatic doors did not look to be my friend this day, as the exit door only opened from inside the store, not from the vestibule, and there did not appear to be anyone online to pay (and subsequently exit the store giving quick access to my purchases.).
As one very large man hurried past me , a woman entered right in front of me, and I saw my chance to ask a stranger to walk by the electric eye on the inside of the store to let me in "the out".
"Excuse me, can you help me please?"
"I'm really in a rush," she said very brusquely as her body visibly tensed up.
I very quickly blurted out, as she was walking into the store, that I just needed my wagon, but didn't want to walk all the way into the store with my baby in the car at the curb. She seemed to soften, but I wasn't sure she heard me.
As she entered the store, the burly fellow who had past me mere moments before, probably figured he walked into the wrong place (but still left smelling of potpourri, it's unavoidable!!),and made his way to the exit, opening the doors to my purchases.
Lo and behold, the woman I had asked for help, was just coming around the service desk to activate the doors for me, and I said
"Thank you anyway for trying to help me."
To which she replied:
"I'm sorry I was so suspicious."
I had the baby with me and three 16 x 20 wood frames perched on a cart that does not leave the store. To ensure that it doesn't leave the store there's a long pole attached to the side which won't fit through the door. I guess technically you could tilt the cart ALLLLL the way backwards and walk through the door, but if you can do that and keep your stuff intact, chances are you didn't need the cart in the first place.
Well, I wasn't tilting the baby or the frames, but the cashier told me I could leave the cart at the exit door, and pull up in the car. I pushed the cart over to the door, took off the infant car seat with my cutie snoozing cozily, and went to the car. I pulled up to the front of the store, and entered the vestibule. The doors that take you from inside the store back out to the vestibule were right next to me on my right. My cart, through the glass door, was inches from me , and by extension, only a few feet from my car and baby.
The doors to enter the store were in front of me, and had I gone inside I would then have to walk around a display area and the returns desk to get back to the exit door and my stuff, thus putting me many tens of feet from my baby, losing visible contact with the vehicle,while illegally parked in a fire lane. The automatic doors did not look to be my friend this day, as the exit door only opened from inside the store, not from the vestibule, and there did not appear to be anyone online to pay (and subsequently exit the store giving quick access to my purchases.).
As one very large man hurried past me , a woman entered right in front of me, and I saw my chance to ask a stranger to walk by the electric eye on the inside of the store to let me in "the out".
"Excuse me, can you help me please?"
"I'm really in a rush," she said very brusquely as her body visibly tensed up.
I very quickly blurted out, as she was walking into the store, that I just needed my wagon, but didn't want to walk all the way into the store with my baby in the car at the curb. She seemed to soften, but I wasn't sure she heard me.
As she entered the store, the burly fellow who had past me mere moments before, probably figured he walked into the wrong place (but still left smelling of potpourri, it's unavoidable!!),and made his way to the exit, opening the doors to my purchases.
Lo and behold, the woman I had asked for help, was just coming around the service desk to activate the doors for me, and I said
"Thank you anyway for trying to help me."
To which she replied:
"I'm sorry I was so suspicious."
Monday, December 27, 2010
WE HAVE A WINNER!!!
As many of you are aware, we were walloped with quite a storm yesterday. More than "two inches" was far exceeded by an estimated 14-20 inches. With all the blowing and drifting snow it was hard to get an accurate reading, and the National Weather Service gave that range for this area.
Although a few of you entered, only one has been victorious. Remember we we gave a two day window on each side of the pick...the winner and the first to enter...with a guess of December 28... is:
DOOBIE
Congratulations....your prize will be forthcoming....stay tuned!
Although a few of you entered, only one has been victorious. Remember we we gave a two day window on each side of the pick...the winner and the first to enter...with a guess of December 28... is:
DOOBIE
Congratulations....your prize will be forthcoming....stay tuned!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Here It Comes...
The snow has started!! Though I've already experienced snow this season on my trip to Michigan, it's not the same as getting ready for a good old fashion Nature Whoopin' when you're home.
Provisions are in ample supply, the sleds are waiting in the garage, the snowpants are found, boots are being wrangled, and little girls are giving me updates on the percip!
"It's doing well!" was the latest update I received, considering that there is currently about 1/4 of an inch on the ground, she's being kind of optimistic.
"There's not enough for slushes yet," chimed one. "Ugh, there's so little you'll get bugs," responded another..(yes, I know snow adheres to dirt particles, yadda yadda, it still is fun to eat with soda poured on a cupful of fresh snow)
Ahhh, I hear the rumble of the salt trucks. It's real and it's here and it's happening...
Yaaaaaaaay!
Provisions are in ample supply, the sleds are waiting in the garage, the snowpants are found, boots are being wrangled, and little girls are giving me updates on the percip!
"It's doing well!" was the latest update I received, considering that there is currently about 1/4 of an inch on the ground, she's being kind of optimistic.
"There's not enough for slushes yet," chimed one. "Ugh, there's so little you'll get bugs," responded another..(yes, I know snow adheres to dirt particles, yadda yadda, it still is fun to eat with soda poured on a cupful of fresh snow)
Ahhh, I hear the rumble of the salt trucks. It's real and it's here and it's happening...
Yaaaaaaaay!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Blog is About You
I've never been a big fan of vanity license plates.
For one thing, they make you instantly recognizable. People know where you are and where you've been, all the time. Unless you actually enjoy being approached by people with whom you're only mildly acquainted, who will say things like, "I see that you were at the pizza shop three times yesterday. You must really like that stuff, don't you fatboy," I would strongly recommend avoiding vanity license plates.
Another problem with vanity license plates is that they might seem clever at the time, but eventually, they might just become annoying, obsolete and stupid, leaving you to wonder why you thought it was a good idea in the first place. I guess it's sort of like getting a tattoo.
Finally, I seem to have a mental block of sorts when it comes to these things. In other words, I see these plates, and I completely miss the point.
Something like that happened to me yesterday. I saw a car with a New Jersey plate, which read "STK WIZ."
Immediately, my mind was flooded with questions:
Is this person a whiz at preparing steak, or eating it?
Or, perhaps he/she is a beef jobber, who is particularly skilled at selecting only the choicest cuts of steak for his/her wholesale clients.
Eventually, I realized that this had nothing to do with steak expertise. Rather, the owner of this license plate was proclaiming himself/herself to be a stock market whiz of some sort. This really bothered me. Even if someone had a decent run in the stock market, would it make sense to get a license plate which arrogantly declares him/her to be a "stock whiz?"
Even worse, the stock market has a way of humbling even its most arrogant practitioners. Perhaps the owner of this plate generated some solid returns in 2006 and 2007, when everyone was making money in the market. Then, like everyone else, he got creamed in 2008 and early 2009. At that point, such a license plate would only add insult to injury. Imagine leaving the office on a particularly brutal trading day, where the market exacted a terrible toll on the trader's P&L (and ego). Making his way to the parking lot, he sees his car, with the vanity license plate, "STK WIZ" mocking him, torturing him. "Stock whiz my foot," he mutters, as he climbs behind the wheel.
A sad scenario indeed. But he's got no one to blame but himself.
As far as my issue with properly interpreting vanity license plates is concerned, this is not a new issue. A couple of years ago, while driving around my town, I spied a license plate which read "ILVJRSLM."
Two questions formed in my mind:
(1) Who is Junior Slim?
(2) What makes him so beloved?
I'm still searching for the answers to those questions.
For one thing, they make you instantly recognizable. People know where you are and where you've been, all the time. Unless you actually enjoy being approached by people with whom you're only mildly acquainted, who will say things like, "I see that you were at the pizza shop three times yesterday. You must really like that stuff, don't you fatboy," I would strongly recommend avoiding vanity license plates.
Another problem with vanity license plates is that they might seem clever at the time, but eventually, they might just become annoying, obsolete and stupid, leaving you to wonder why you thought it was a good idea in the first place. I guess it's sort of like getting a tattoo.
Finally, I seem to have a mental block of sorts when it comes to these things. In other words, I see these plates, and I completely miss the point.
Something like that happened to me yesterday. I saw a car with a New Jersey plate, which read "STK WIZ."
Immediately, my mind was flooded with questions:
Is this person a whiz at preparing steak, or eating it?
Or, perhaps he/she is a beef jobber, who is particularly skilled at selecting only the choicest cuts of steak for his/her wholesale clients.
Eventually, I realized that this had nothing to do with steak expertise. Rather, the owner of this license plate was proclaiming himself/herself to be a stock market whiz of some sort. This really bothered me. Even if someone had a decent run in the stock market, would it make sense to get a license plate which arrogantly declares him/her to be a "stock whiz?"
Even worse, the stock market has a way of humbling even its most arrogant practitioners. Perhaps the owner of this plate generated some solid returns in 2006 and 2007, when everyone was making money in the market. Then, like everyone else, he got creamed in 2008 and early 2009. At that point, such a license plate would only add insult to injury. Imagine leaving the office on a particularly brutal trading day, where the market exacted a terrible toll on the trader's P&L (and ego). Making his way to the parking lot, he sees his car, with the vanity license plate, "STK WIZ" mocking him, torturing him. "Stock whiz my foot," he mutters, as he climbs behind the wheel.
A sad scenario indeed. But he's got no one to blame but himself.
As far as my issue with properly interpreting vanity license plates is concerned, this is not a new issue. A couple of years ago, while driving around my town, I spied a license plate which read "ILVJRSLM."
Two questions formed in my mind:
(1) Who is Junior Slim?
(2) What makes him so beloved?
I'm still searching for the answers to those questions.
Why Do I Bother?
When I returned home from my trip last week, the seven year old informed me:
"You should not leave us with Daddy; he SHOWERS US with treats!!!"
This was followed on Sunday morning by the four year old informing me: "I want Daddy to watch us, you go."
SHE WASN'T EVEN HOME WHEN I WENT AWAY!!! My dear friend took her for a few days, to help things go easier in my house. So where did she get this? Is there a vibe in the house that:
"Daddy means fun?" Apparently. Apparently so.
How did this happen? I plan all the fun activities around here, I take them on trips when they are off from school, I play games with them in the evenings, I get the new toys and gadgets in the house, but Daddy...Daddy, I'll tell you what Daddy does.
He buys cupcakes and "good" nosh. And gets takeout for dinner.
I think this all makes sense now. When the seven year old was almost four she went to day camp. On Safety Day the camp brought in an Ambulance with volunteer paramedics, a fire truck with the volunteer firefighters, and police officers. The cops were talking to the kids about "Stranger Danger," and the newsletter that was sent home reflected some of the information they were given.
In order to help re-enforce those lessons we asked about them.
"So if you're playing outside, and a stranger comes by in a car and says-Little girl, do you want to come in my car with me, I have candy-do you go with him?"
"Oh, yes! I LOVE CANDY!"
So the way to the kids' hearts is through rotting teeth and expanding waistlines.
I don't stand a chance.
"You should not leave us with Daddy; he SHOWERS US with treats!!!"
This was followed on Sunday morning by the four year old informing me: "I want Daddy to watch us, you go."
SHE WASN'T EVEN HOME WHEN I WENT AWAY!!! My dear friend took her for a few days, to help things go easier in my house. So where did she get this? Is there a vibe in the house that:
"Daddy means fun?" Apparently. Apparently so.
How did this happen? I plan all the fun activities around here, I take them on trips when they are off from school, I play games with them in the evenings, I get the new toys and gadgets in the house, but Daddy...Daddy, I'll tell you what Daddy does.
He buys cupcakes and "good" nosh. And gets takeout for dinner.
I think this all makes sense now. When the seven year old was almost four she went to day camp. On Safety Day the camp brought in an Ambulance with volunteer paramedics, a fire truck with the volunteer firefighters, and police officers. The cops were talking to the kids about "Stranger Danger," and the newsletter that was sent home reflected some of the information they were given.
In order to help re-enforce those lessons we asked about them.
"So if you're playing outside, and a stranger comes by in a car and says-Little girl, do you want to come in my car with me, I have candy-do you go with him?"
"Oh, yes! I LOVE CANDY!"
So the way to the kids' hearts is through rotting teeth and expanding waistlines.
I don't stand a chance.
Green Greetings
A few years ago, I read a book about management, which pointed out that in business, it's necessary to be skeptical, but very dangerous to be cynical.
That made a great deal of sense to me, so I've attempted to draw the line between skepticism and cynicism, in both my business and personal lives.
Unfortunately, every so often, something comes along which pulls my inner cynic out of hibernation.
Such an event occurred this week.
Typically, at this time of year, I will receive holiday cards or e-mail messages from co-workers, colleagues, former colleagues, and a variety of people with whom I've done business in the past, like lawyers, bankers and brokers.
This week, I received an e-mail from someone, which stated "Due to our concern for the environment, we are sending out these e-mail messages, in lieu of the holiday cards we've mailed in the past."
Sure, it's the environment. Clearly, that's the only possible motivating factor here. It couldn't possibly have something to do with saving all that money on designing, printing and mailing holiday cards, could it?
Nah. Only the most cynical person would even allow such a thought to enter his/her mind.
Look. I'm all for saving corporate funds. But don't insult my intelligence by trying to wrap your company in a righteous, green cloak. I'm not buying it.
Perhaps there will be consequences to my cynicism. Maybe I'll find a proverbial lump of coal in my stocking.
Interestingly, shortly after receiving the cheapskate holiday greeting, I looked into my laptop bag, and saw a small, black, round, hard object. Could it be?
Turns out that it was just a prune.
It was also quite tasty.
That made a great deal of sense to me, so I've attempted to draw the line between skepticism and cynicism, in both my business and personal lives.
Unfortunately, every so often, something comes along which pulls my inner cynic out of hibernation.
Such an event occurred this week.
Typically, at this time of year, I will receive holiday cards or e-mail messages from co-workers, colleagues, former colleagues, and a variety of people with whom I've done business in the past, like lawyers, bankers and brokers.
This week, I received an e-mail from someone, which stated "Due to our concern for the environment, we are sending out these e-mail messages, in lieu of the holiday cards we've mailed in the past."
Sure, it's the environment. Clearly, that's the only possible motivating factor here. It couldn't possibly have something to do with saving all that money on designing, printing and mailing holiday cards, could it?
Nah. Only the most cynical person would even allow such a thought to enter his/her mind.
Look. I'm all for saving corporate funds. But don't insult my intelligence by trying to wrap your company in a righteous, green cloak. I'm not buying it.
Perhaps there will be consequences to my cynicism. Maybe I'll find a proverbial lump of coal in my stocking.
Interestingly, shortly after receiving the cheapskate holiday greeting, I looked into my laptop bag, and saw a small, black, round, hard object. Could it be?
Turns out that it was just a prune.
It was also quite tasty.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Tax on the Stupid
Earlier today, I found myself at the QuickCheck convenience store near my office, purchasing a beverage.
Chronically short on time, I was looking to execute a quick transaction. I wanted to get in, get out, and get hydrated and caffeinated.
Upon entering the store, I quickly headed to the store's fountainous region, where I prepared my drink, and walked towards the counter.
So far, so good.
Unfortunately, upon approaching the counter, I witnessed the following scene.
A shabbily-dressed woman (I'm being very charitable here, trust me) of at least 70 years of age, was standing at the counter, between me and Joy, the ironically-named QuickCheck cashier.
Over the next five minutes, I watched with mounting dismay while this woman proceeded to purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets, requesting specific numbers for each one.
My dreams of a quick transaction hopelessly dashed, I turned my thoughts to the unfortunate soul in front of me in the line, who was counting out 12 one-dollar bills to pay for her ridiculous lottery tickets.
Twelve dollars for lottery tickets? Is there really any point to that? One dollar isn't enough? Did it make her feel better to have a 12 in 50,000,000 chance at winning, as opposed to a 1 in 50,000,000 chance?
The worst thing about it is that she looked like a homeless woman. Was this really the wisest use of her funds?
On second thought, I realized that she appeared to be one step up from a homeless person. Perhaps I had misjudged her. I decided that she had probably escaped from a mental institution.
This led to some further thinking on my part. (In scientific terms, this is known as the "slippery mental slope."). If I ever escaped from a mental institution, would I go to a convenience store and purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets?
I decided that I would not do so, for several reasons:
(1) I am fundamentally opposed to buying lottery tickets. On a weighted-average probability, after-tax present value basis, a $1 lottery ticket is not worth $1. Even if I felt like doing something irresponsibly impulsive, like buying a lottery ticket, I wouldn't buy 12 of them, even on my way out of the loony bin. I might be clinically insane, but I'm no idiot.
(2) At the risk of sounding anti-social, if I ever did escape from a mental institution, I would probably embark on a killing spree. I'm not talking about running down squirrels in my car, either (I do that every other Wednesday). I mean people. Again, it wouldn't be anything personal. Rather, it's the kind of thing one is expected to do after escaping from a mental institution. You don't escape and then simply return to normal life. It's just not done, and completely inappropriate.
(3) For some reason, I am under the impression that mental institutions serve jello. Some of them even serve it at every meal. If my assumption is correct, I can't imagine ever wanting to leave a mental institution upon being given the option, let alone escaping.
Fortunately for me (and perhaps for society at large), the $12 lottery transaction wrapped up at this point, forcing me to abandon that particular train of thought. I paid for my soda and left the store, nearly bumping into the lottery-playing, escapee woman, who was now feeding all of her spare change into the lottery scratch-off ticket vending machine located right next to the front door.
Chronically short on time, I was looking to execute a quick transaction. I wanted to get in, get out, and get hydrated and caffeinated.
Upon entering the store, I quickly headed to the store's fountainous region, where I prepared my drink, and walked towards the counter.
So far, so good.
Unfortunately, upon approaching the counter, I witnessed the following scene.
A shabbily-dressed woman (I'm being very charitable here, trust me) of at least 70 years of age, was standing at the counter, between me and Joy, the ironically-named QuickCheck cashier.
Over the next five minutes, I watched with mounting dismay while this woman proceeded to purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets, requesting specific numbers for each one.
My dreams of a quick transaction hopelessly dashed, I turned my thoughts to the unfortunate soul in front of me in the line, who was counting out 12 one-dollar bills to pay for her ridiculous lottery tickets.
Twelve dollars for lottery tickets? Is there really any point to that? One dollar isn't enough? Did it make her feel better to have a 12 in 50,000,000 chance at winning, as opposed to a 1 in 50,000,000 chance?
The worst thing about it is that she looked like a homeless woman. Was this really the wisest use of her funds?
On second thought, I realized that she appeared to be one step up from a homeless person. Perhaps I had misjudged her. I decided that she had probably escaped from a mental institution.
This led to some further thinking on my part. (In scientific terms, this is known as the "slippery mental slope."). If I ever escaped from a mental institution, would I go to a convenience store and purchase $12 worth of lottery tickets?
I decided that I would not do so, for several reasons:
(1) I am fundamentally opposed to buying lottery tickets. On a weighted-average probability, after-tax present value basis, a $1 lottery ticket is not worth $1. Even if I felt like doing something irresponsibly impulsive, like buying a lottery ticket, I wouldn't buy 12 of them, even on my way out of the loony bin. I might be clinically insane, but I'm no idiot.
(2) At the risk of sounding anti-social, if I ever did escape from a mental institution, I would probably embark on a killing spree. I'm not talking about running down squirrels in my car, either (I do that every other Wednesday). I mean people. Again, it wouldn't be anything personal. Rather, it's the kind of thing one is expected to do after escaping from a mental institution. You don't escape and then simply return to normal life. It's just not done, and completely inappropriate.
(3) For some reason, I am under the impression that mental institutions serve jello. Some of them even serve it at every meal. If my assumption is correct, I can't imagine ever wanting to leave a mental institution upon being given the option, let alone escaping.
Fortunately for me (and perhaps for society at large), the $12 lottery transaction wrapped up at this point, forcing me to abandon that particular train of thought. I paid for my soda and left the store, nearly bumping into the lottery-playing, escapee woman, who was now feeding all of her spare change into the lottery scratch-off ticket vending machine located right next to the front door.
Drowning My Calories
Over at the Good Doctor, he is chronicling his efforts to create a waffle that tastes good on its own. On its own, as in unencumbered by syrup or ice cream or chocolate chips or blueberries.
This got me thinking about the various foods that we eat, that are essentially conduits for the toppings or sauces we put on them. There are times, as I watch my children consume some delectable treat completely smothered in ketchup, that I wonder why they don't just get a spoon, open the ketchup bottle, and have at it? Why waste the time and calories on whatever that day's delivery system is? (To be fair, my kids are not big "ketchupers," though a point of contention when we first got married was ketchup on mashed potatoes, I mean who DOES that? Well, we know who, but what is the point of making mashed potatoes if they are just going to be smothered in ketchup? Just bake a potato- or boil it- smash it and add ketchup. Why bother with the spices and the fat? MBB still looks at me and says "you mind if I put ketchup on these?")
Salsa and chips is an example of this. Yes, the chips are crunchy and salty, but I think those of us who have dieted are well aware that when you dip baby carrots or other crunchy veggies into salsa there's a similar effect...you're eating salsa!
Anything with marzipan or chocolate could fall into this category for me. Because you could put those two items on pretty much anything, and if they retained their taste, I WOULD EAT IT!
There are also plenty of lousy French fries out there that are really just a means to deliver the ketchup, Now, don't get me wrong, I am not averse to condiments. When used properly they certainly go a long way to enhancing the flavor of what ever particular item is being consumed, but when it drowns out the flavor, if it IS flavorless to begin with (see:waffles and the like)then really what are we trying to taste?
So the next time you set yourself up with a nice plate of something, before you gob on the accouterments, think if what you want is the base, or just the topping. If it's the latter? Then just have that!
Oh, and Doc? Forget the waffles, just get some cinnamon buns, you NEVER go wrong with those.
This got me thinking about the various foods that we eat, that are essentially conduits for the toppings or sauces we put on them. There are times, as I watch my children consume some delectable treat completely smothered in ketchup, that I wonder why they don't just get a spoon, open the ketchup bottle, and have at it? Why waste the time and calories on whatever that day's delivery system is? (To be fair, my kids are not big "ketchupers," though a point of contention when we first got married was ketchup on mashed potatoes, I mean who DOES that? Well, we know who, but what is the point of making mashed potatoes if they are just going to be smothered in ketchup? Just bake a potato- or boil it- smash it and add ketchup. Why bother with the spices and the fat? MBB still looks at me and says "you mind if I put ketchup on these?")
Salsa and chips is an example of this. Yes, the chips are crunchy and salty, but I think those of us who have dieted are well aware that when you dip baby carrots or other crunchy veggies into salsa there's a similar effect...you're eating salsa!
Anything with marzipan or chocolate could fall into this category for me. Because you could put those two items on pretty much anything, and if they retained their taste, I WOULD EAT IT!
There are also plenty of lousy French fries out there that are really just a means to deliver the ketchup, Now, don't get me wrong, I am not averse to condiments. When used properly they certainly go a long way to enhancing the flavor of what ever particular item is being consumed, but when it drowns out the flavor, if it IS flavorless to begin with (see:waffles and the like)then really what are we trying to taste?
So the next time you set yourself up with a nice plate of something, before you gob on the accouterments, think if what you want is the base, or just the topping. If it's the latter? Then just have that!
Oh, and Doc? Forget the waffles, just get some cinnamon buns, you NEVER go wrong with those.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Back Home
It's amazing how quickly you fall back into routine after being away. I did keep the house neat for a couple of days, but beyond that it all feels the same.
I think it has to do with the temperature. When you go to a more tropical climate and then return to New York you notice two things: 1) IT'S FREEZING!!! 2) It's so grey, everything is grey and dirty looking.
Apparently most cold weather climes are the same, except, as noted, the Midwest has more snow. Since there was no great shift in climate other than a few degrees warmer, here in New York, the re-acclimation was seamless. I'm still freezing, and everything looks grey.
But the memories are toasty warm.
I think it has to do with the temperature. When you go to a more tropical climate and then return to New York you notice two things: 1) IT'S FREEZING!!! 2) It's so grey, everything is grey and dirty looking.
Apparently most cold weather climes are the same, except, as noted, the Midwest has more snow. Since there was no great shift in climate other than a few degrees warmer, here in New York, the re-acclimation was seamless. I'm still freezing, and everything looks grey.
But the memories are toasty warm.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Winter Games
When we got home from the game last night, my sister was all smiles, and excited about her attendance at her first NFL game. We then both mentioned which professional sports we had each been to, and I was coming up short. She was up one sport on me. I had never been to a professional basketball game.
My brother in law has a good friend with Season Tickets to the Detroit Pistons, at the Palace of Auburn Hills. She has a suite (we visted at half time-good refreshments), and floor seats right behind the basket(we did not want their sweat on us!), and regular seats(we took those). Regular, if you are used to sitting five row up from the floor seats (about eight rows off the court). So close you could hear the trash talk. So close you could hear the rustle of the cheerleaders' pom-poms. You could almost hear the swish of the basket.
The Palace itself is gorgeous, the name quite fitting. But this is Detroit. And like many things Detroit it has been abandoned. The place looks great, the service is nice, but no one was there.Mostly because the team has gotten off to a slow start. Being from New York, I was making fun of my hosts as they decried the "traffic" getting to the game. The traffic was an extra four minutes on the exit ramp to get to the arena. The empty arena. The arena that holds 22,000 people, the arena that was MAYBE one quarter full. These games are more fun in an energized crowd, and it can be hard to get that when it's so sparse, but as all things basketball the tempo picked up in the last few minutes.
It was a lot of fun,the Pistons won by a nice margin,and we got our picture taken with the 2004 Championship Trophy.
How odd is it that I went to visit the sister least interested in sports, both individually and as a family,and we went to two games!
So: Baseball-Check. Hockey-Check. Football-Check. Basketball-Check.
Tennis, anyone?
My brother in law has a good friend with Season Tickets to the Detroit Pistons, at the Palace of Auburn Hills. She has a suite (we visted at half time-good refreshments), and floor seats right behind the basket(we did not want their sweat on us!), and regular seats(we took those). Regular, if you are used to sitting five row up from the floor seats (about eight rows off the court). So close you could hear the trash talk. So close you could hear the rustle of the cheerleaders' pom-poms. You could almost hear the swish of the basket.
The Palace itself is gorgeous, the name quite fitting. But this is Detroit. And like many things Detroit it has been abandoned. The place looks great, the service is nice, but no one was there.Mostly because the team has gotten off to a slow start. Being from New York, I was making fun of my hosts as they decried the "traffic" getting to the game. The traffic was an extra four minutes on the exit ramp to get to the arena. The empty arena. The arena that holds 22,000 people, the arena that was MAYBE one quarter full. These games are more fun in an energized crowd, and it can be hard to get that when it's so sparse, but as all things basketball the tempo picked up in the last few minutes.
It was a lot of fun,the Pistons won by a nice margin,and we got our picture taken with the 2004 Championship Trophy.
How odd is it that I went to visit the sister least interested in sports, both individually and as a family,and we went to two games!
So: Baseball-Check. Hockey-Check. Football-Check. Basketball-Check.
Tennis, anyone?
Enjoy the View...
In case the description did not do it justice, here is the picture I took with my phone (no zoom) during the stupid Giants warm ups, when we got to our seats....
Serendipity
When I got off the plane with the boy in a stroller on Sunday, I walked to baggage claim (ignoring the woman I asked for directions to the elevator to get to the baggage claim. She insisted I needed to go up a long flight of stairs to get the elevator to go down to baggage claim. I don't know if it's my skeptical nature, or my knowledge of the Americans with Disabilty Act, or just my general knowledge of the world, that you don't put an elevator UP A FLIGHT OF ABOUT THIRTY STAIRS!!!!). I took the opportunity to call MBB and tell him about the flight with the boy, and to see how things were going at home.
It was then that he informed me that the Minnesota Vikings would be playing in Detroit after the collapse of the roof of their stadium. "I so want to go to that game." That's what I said. First to him, and then to my sister, who doesn't really watch football, but is pretty open to new experiences. Really, how could I not go? A home game of the Vikings falls into my geographic area, where tickets will be really cheap? I HAVE TO GO.... Little did I know.
The tickets were free! The Lions (who play in Ford Field, but were lending it to the Vikings)were giving 30,000 tickets away, were accepting tickets from Sunday's Packers-Lions game, and were giving preferential seating to Vikings tickets holders.
We had none of those. The free tickets were gone in about an hour and a half, no one we knew was giving up their used Sunday tickets. And Minnesota was too far away to try to get tickets. Until the first two options were totally off the table. Then I made a phone call.
I don't really know why, but my cousin in Minneapolis decided it was his mission to get us to the game. He actually HAD tickets to the game, and had been planning to go on Sunday, until it was postponed until Monday. He still would have gone, but then they move it to Detroit. Lousy for him, lucky for us. Except he was in Minneapolis, and I was in Detroit, and the game was in seven hours. He tried numerous things, none of which were working out. Finally, he realized, he knew a guy who knew a guy. That guy worked for the Vikings. So he called the guy who called the guy and two tickets ended up at the Vikings will call window down at Ford Field.
Due to the nature of this oddity, changed venue, short notice, no "fans," there was open seating in all sections. We had gotten to the game about an hour early, and based on reports on the radio, even that would possibly leave us, literally,out in the cold (really cold, it's 10 degrees here, and the wind was blowing like crazy). So we picked up the tickets at Will Call, got a special bracelet indicating our seating in the "preferred section," and walked into the stadium.
The place is really nice, and it was really crowded. We were still a little apprehensive about it working out well, since no one was given a seat assignment. Potentially 60,000 people were going to show up at the venue and "work out seating?" I make seating when I have a few extra people at my house for dinner!
We walked to one of the three sections we were told our little plastic bracelets would give us access to. I'm not sure how we ended picking the right one, but when we got the nod of approval, and were allowed into the preffered section, and we walked down the steps, there was the fifty yard line. We found an empty row, and sat directly on the fifty yard line. 30 rows back. That may sound far, but you may recall that MBB and I took a trip to Minneapolis last year, and sat at the fifty yard line, in the front row. That seat was great for seeing the players on the sidelines, but it made it harder to see the game. This was the opposite. The players on the sidelines were further away (but I learned last time they completely ignore the fans, completely, they don't even look in that direction), but the action was so easy to follow.
Of course most of the action on the Vikings side was disappointing and flat, and after a great start and two interceptions we were feeling good. That didn't last, as the game ended with a loss, 21-3.
But we had such an awesome time, and it was so much fun, it didn't really matter!
I still can't believe it really happened.
It was then that he informed me that the Minnesota Vikings would be playing in Detroit after the collapse of the roof of their stadium. "I so want to go to that game." That's what I said. First to him, and then to my sister, who doesn't really watch football, but is pretty open to new experiences. Really, how could I not go? A home game of the Vikings falls into my geographic area, where tickets will be really cheap? I HAVE TO GO.... Little did I know.
The tickets were free! The Lions (who play in Ford Field, but were lending it to the Vikings)were giving 30,000 tickets away, were accepting tickets from Sunday's Packers-Lions game, and were giving preferential seating to Vikings tickets holders.
We had none of those. The free tickets were gone in about an hour and a half, no one we knew was giving up their used Sunday tickets. And Minnesota was too far away to try to get tickets. Until the first two options were totally off the table. Then I made a phone call.
I don't really know why, but my cousin in Minneapolis decided it was his mission to get us to the game. He actually HAD tickets to the game, and had been planning to go on Sunday, until it was postponed until Monday. He still would have gone, but then they move it to Detroit. Lousy for him, lucky for us. Except he was in Minneapolis, and I was in Detroit, and the game was in seven hours. He tried numerous things, none of which were working out. Finally, he realized, he knew a guy who knew a guy. That guy worked for the Vikings. So he called the guy who called the guy and two tickets ended up at the Vikings will call window down at Ford Field.
Due to the nature of this oddity, changed venue, short notice, no "fans," there was open seating in all sections. We had gotten to the game about an hour early, and based on reports on the radio, even that would possibly leave us, literally,out in the cold (really cold, it's 10 degrees here, and the wind was blowing like crazy). So we picked up the tickets at Will Call, got a special bracelet indicating our seating in the "preferred section," and walked into the stadium.
The place is really nice, and it was really crowded. We were still a little apprehensive about it working out well, since no one was given a seat assignment. Potentially 60,000 people were going to show up at the venue and "work out seating?" I make seating when I have a few extra people at my house for dinner!
We walked to one of the three sections we were told our little plastic bracelets would give us access to. I'm not sure how we ended picking the right one, but when we got the nod of approval, and were allowed into the preffered section, and we walked down the steps, there was the fifty yard line. We found an empty row, and sat directly on the fifty yard line. 30 rows back. That may sound far, but you may recall that MBB and I took a trip to Minneapolis last year, and sat at the fifty yard line, in the front row. That seat was great for seeing the players on the sidelines, but it made it harder to see the game. This was the opposite. The players on the sidelines were further away (but I learned last time they completely ignore the fans, completely, they don't even look in that direction), but the action was so easy to follow.
Of course most of the action on the Vikings side was disappointing and flat, and after a great start and two interceptions we were feeling good. That didn't last, as the game ended with a loss, 21-3.
But we had such an awesome time, and it was so much fun, it didn't really matter!
I still can't believe it really happened.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
First Snow!!
Ok, not really. Certainly not "officially" for the contest But for the next few days icebergcarwash is coming to you from the snowy midwest. No, not two feet of snow snowy as in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, or Illinois. One half of icebergcarwash is in five-inch Afghaned (too little to be blanketed) South-Eastern Michigan.
Lucky for me, I'm not in Minnesota, that's a whole lotta snow, dontcha know. Plus I wouldn't have the option of going to a Vikings game...since they are playing the New York Giants in DETROIT. The Vikings play in a stadium in Minneapolis with a roof that is kinda like a big balloon held up by air. Apparently, two feet of snow is too much for it, and the whole thing collapsed on Sunday morning. It's a good thing they had already postponed the game to Monday night.
Hopefully we will get to the game tomorrow night, and will report back.
And no, for those of you keeping track, I haven't been to Dunkin Donuts yet.
Lucky for me, I'm not in Minnesota, that's a whole lotta snow, dontcha know. Plus I wouldn't have the option of going to a Vikings game...since they are playing the New York Giants in DETROIT. The Vikings play in a stadium in Minneapolis with a roof that is kinda like a big balloon held up by air. Apparently, two feet of snow is too much for it, and the whole thing collapsed on Sunday morning. It's a good thing they had already postponed the game to Monday night.
Hopefully we will get to the game tomorrow night, and will report back.
And no, for those of you keeping track, I haven't been to Dunkin Donuts yet.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
What I Learned Last Night
1) I love to drive
2) If you go to a chuppa and there is a gorgeous rendition of "Me Bontziach," (written by the kallah's father and performed by him and his sons)DO NOT REPLAY YOUR VIDEO OF IT DURING THE REST OF THE CHUPPAH!!!
3)It felt like bizzaro world...the women were all totally quiet, and the men were YAPPING away...really loudly too. (I guess that partially explains how #2 happened).
4)There is nothing like family, and I am so fortunate to have been able to participate in this simcha, I hope it never feels rote.
2) If you go to a chuppa and there is a gorgeous rendition of "Me Bontziach," (written by the kallah's father and performed by him and his sons)DO NOT REPLAY YOUR VIDEO OF IT DURING THE REST OF THE CHUPPAH!!!
3)It felt like bizzaro world...the women were all totally quiet, and the men were YAPPING away...really loudly too. (I guess that partially explains how #2 happened).
4)There is nothing like family, and I am so fortunate to have been able to participate in this simcha, I hope it never feels rote.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Is It Wrong To Laugh At Your Children?
Last night I took two of the girls out to take care of something. We were gone for all of two hours, and for some reason, towards the end of the trip, 13 year old started talking like a 60 year old woman who has been smoking for the past forty years.
I know she has a cold, but this sudden onset and escalation of what we often call "Camp voice," was a bit jarring. Partially for the reasons above (sudden onset-like really sudden-one minute to the next), and partially because she is in a choir on Thursday. a choir in which she has a solo and does harmonies on a few songs. Yikes!
I suggested, on the drive home, that perhaps she refrain from speaking for the evening, and when we arrive home she have some tea. She thought this a good idea, and all was quiet in the backseat...for seven minutes. After seven minutes she SHOUTED:
"I CAN'T STAND IT! HOW DO SHY PEOPLE DO THIS?!?!?!"
I know she has a cold, but this sudden onset and escalation of what we often call "Camp voice," was a bit jarring. Partially for the reasons above (sudden onset-like really sudden-one minute to the next), and partially because she is in a choir on Thursday. a choir in which she has a solo and does harmonies on a few songs. Yikes!
I suggested, on the drive home, that perhaps she refrain from speaking for the evening, and when we arrive home she have some tea. She thought this a good idea, and all was quiet in the backseat...for seven minutes. After seven minutes she SHOUTED:
"I CAN'T STAND IT! HOW DO SHY PEOPLE DO THIS?!?!?!"
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