As found in an online article, written by Julie Hirschfeld Davis of the Associate Press. Published Monday September 15, 2:47 PM ET, regarding Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin:
"She's a down-to-earth mom like me," (Jan) Thibault, a customer service representative from St. Augustine, Fla., said of Palin. "She has a basic knowledge of what it means to be middle class."
My response...
I have a basic knowledge of how to fly an airplane, of how to deliver a baby, and of how to disarm a nuclear bomb. But that does not mean that I am qualified to do any of the afore mentioned. In fact, after her interview with ABC's Charles Gibson, I doubt that Sarah Palin has a basic knowledge of how the government works or the current political issues of the day.
As found in an New York Times article about Palin's governing style by Jo Becker, et al, published September 13, 2008:
"Interviews show that Ms. Palin runs an administration that puts a premium on loyalty and secrecy."
My response...
So does the mafia. Gov. Palin's consistently reported style of using fear tactics (as there is no line between personal and business with her), and using extreme measures to remove those who oppose her, shows that there is little difference between her camp and the mafia. DISCLAIMER: I am in no way saying that Gov. Palin has ever attempted to put a hit on anyone (as least the evidence that is reported doesn't support that). I'm just criticizing her behavior and procedures. It's my first amendment right to do so.
I guess you'll know the punchline to this joke. What's the difference between Sarah Palin and mafia godfather? Middle-class hockey mom, my ass.
9.15.2008
9.12.2008
I'm it
Gad-zooks. Tagged again. Okay, how does this work?
1. Turn your iPod (or whatever thing houses your music collection) on shuffle
2. See how long it takes you to get to a song that'll disqualify you from the Presidency.
Here we go...
1. "[Untitled Track]" from the album (What's the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis. It's 44 seconds of electric guitar music played to the sound of moving water. I couldn't imagine what that may signify, except that I'm possibly speechless and without words for this task.
2. "Hallelujah" John Cale. Lyrics are obviously religious in reference (good) but since I'm not versed in Christian references without the help of Wikipedia (bad) I'm going to have to take a crack and say that the lyrics, "She tied you to a kitchen chair / She broke your throne, she cut your hair / And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah," foretell the wrath of Sarah Palin as a Delilah figure? Yikes!
3. "Too Little Too Late" Barenaked Ladies. Having a physically close proximity to Canada does count as foreign policy, after all.
4. "Perfect World" Huey Lewis & the News. This song talks about the inability to imagine a future and trust disintegrating over time. I have no hope of winning anyone over on the campaign trail with this song.
5. "Changes" David Bowie. The lyrics, "And these children that you spit on / As they try to change their worlds / Are immune to your consultations / They're quite aware of what they're going through, " should be a warning to the right wing.
6. "Goodbye Earl" Dixie Chicks. Pop-country (republican), female empowerment (democratic). It's a story about a small town girl marrying the first guy that comes along (localized issues) and a small town girl who goes out into the world to find her way (global perspective). At the end of the song, the girls take matters into their own hands against a law breaker (vigilante activity) and eventually become small business owners (participation in a free market society). The song's propensity for being all over the politicized spectrum with no focus could make me a front runner on the Republican ticket.
I tag MNS and laurenj.
1. Turn your iPod (or whatever thing houses your music collection) on shuffle
2. See how long it takes you to get to a song that'll disqualify you from the Presidency.
Here we go...
1. "[Untitled Track]" from the album (What's the Story) Morning Glory by Oasis. It's 44 seconds of electric guitar music played to the sound of moving water. I couldn't imagine what that may signify, except that I'm possibly speechless and without words for this task.
2. "Hallelujah" John Cale. Lyrics are obviously religious in reference (good) but since I'm not versed in Christian references without the help of Wikipedia (bad) I'm going to have to take a crack and say that the lyrics, "She tied you to a kitchen chair / She broke your throne, she cut your hair / And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah," foretell the wrath of Sarah Palin as a Delilah figure? Yikes!
3. "Too Little Too Late" Barenaked Ladies. Having a physically close proximity to Canada does count as foreign policy, after all.
4. "Perfect World" Huey Lewis & the News. This song talks about the inability to imagine a future and trust disintegrating over time. I have no hope of winning anyone over on the campaign trail with this song.
5. "Changes" David Bowie. The lyrics, "And these children that you spit on / As they try to change their worlds / Are immune to your consultations / They're quite aware of what they're going through, " should be a warning to the right wing.
6. "Goodbye Earl" Dixie Chicks. Pop-country (republican), female empowerment (democratic). It's a story about a small town girl marrying the first guy that comes along (localized issues) and a small town girl who goes out into the world to find her way (global perspective). At the end of the song, the girls take matters into their own hands against a law breaker (vigilante activity) and eventually become small business owners (participation in a free market society). The song's propensity for being all over the politicized spectrum with no focus could make me a front runner on the Republican ticket.
I tag MNS and laurenj.
9.11.2008
incomprehensible
Me sleepy. So tired. I'm an old lady. I can't stay at the theatre until 11pm and expect that I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed at my desk at 9:30 the next morning. I feel. Like. I'm going to. Fall. Over my keyboard. Can't stay up. Sleep good. Nap good. Me like Hulk. Only limited words. Want sleep. Need rem cycle right now. Nite, nite.
9.07.2008
RIP IPJ : 2004-2008
I regret to inform the world that I have lost a co-worker. He was a very dear person. I will remember the times he made me laugh and the times he made me roll my eyes. But mostly, when I stroll along the street, and I feel the warm sun kissing my face, I will always think of him like this:
All the best, my friend. I'll miss you.
9.03.2008
attack of the cutey-patooty
Kansas's new cat Murphy (who for some reason... and I don't know why... I want to call Harley) is the cutest kitten I have seen in ages. I finally got off my keester and went over for a visit this evening. The kitten was so cute, and I mean soooooooooooooooooooooooo cute, that I could barely watch the season premier of ANTM that was on the tv when I was there. That's how cute.
Murphy cuddled in my arms, she cuddled in Kansas's arms, played attack-cat with one of her toys, assumed the part of feline sentinel on the window sill, all before she proceeded to take her cat nap. I was so sad to leave. I did tell Kansas that when she wasn't looking I would stuff Murphy in my shirt to take her home. "Oh well, I guess if your cat doesn't want to say bye. What's that bulge in my shirt, you ask? Oh, you know. It's that time of the month. Really bloated."
Murphy cuddled in my arms, she cuddled in Kansas's arms, played attack-cat with one of her toys, assumed the part of feline sentinel on the window sill, all before she proceeded to take her cat nap. I was so sad to leave. I did tell Kansas that when she wasn't looking I would stuff Murphy in my shirt to take her home. "Oh well, I guess if your cat doesn't want to say bye. What's that bulge in my shirt, you ask? Oh, you know. It's that time of the month. Really bloated."
9.02.2008
summer in review
I may have to update this later with pictures, but I though it would be nice to summarize the summer of '08.
1. Toronto/Megabus/We Will Rock You:
My friend Jessica and I took a veeeeeeeerrrrrryyyyyyy long bus ride from NYC to Toronto just to see a musical. It was really exciting on a couple of levels; because I can't remember the last time I had a trip to anywhere that didn't involve family and because I finally got my passport. The city was beautiful, the food was wonderful, the sites were amazing, and the show was a bunch of fun with a really cute leading French-Canadian man. Mon dieu! Il était très beau.
2. Coney Island/Brooklyn Cyclones/Wonder Wheel:
I finally got of my butt and arraigned to have a group of current and ex-pat Vic'ers go to a ball game. A really decent sized group of us sat in the outfield bleachers on a gorgeous Friday night eating Nathans, trying to catch freebie shirts, and cheering for the home team. We ended our night with fireworks, fried dough and cotton candy, and a group ride in the Wonder Wheel (a stationary car, not the very scary swing car). A couple of us even rode the water flume that evening. From Coney Island to Astoria on the local N in sopping wet clothes in an air conditioned subway car. Fun.
3. Six Flags/Morality Police/That Sick-to-Your-Stomach Feeling by Noon:
On the last unofficial weekend of summer, me and part of my crew bused it out to,... well, we weren't quite sure, other than we knew we were in Jersey, to go to Six Flags. I haven't rode a roller coaster in like 8 years. I discovered that day that the amusement park is striving to become more wholesome and family friendly (ie: the little rule card you received prior to your park entry. No cursing, no midriffs, no smoking outside of the predesignated roped off 4x4 areas, etc... and it was enforced before our eyes!) and that I'm officially an old lady. I made it through 5 coasters and the air tram prior to lunchtime before I had to admit to myself that I'm not a teenager and can't take this tasting-my-stomach feeling.
I also learned that day that woman can not survive on chicken and potatoes alone. Where were the vitamins?!
4. Indiana/High School Graduation/Endless Pontoon Rides:
In as few words as possible...lots of corn fields; the step-kid didn't graduate; I didn't fish, but I got at least 3 books read.
5. Pool Parties/Psychiatrist/Other:
Other events of the summer include...
*graduating college
*swimming in a private pool (it's good to have friends who have things you can take advantage of)
*staring therapy with my other (and it's going... and going... and going...)
*attending summer concerts (Billy Idol and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
*going to the library for fun and not for assignments
*having every weekend off during the summer (I have not had Saturday AND Sunday off since I was unemployed)
*seeing lots of theatre (few good, most horrendous)
*and my never-before-seen Donna Reed impersonation (I cooked and cleaned house like a good little house wife-bleach!).
In summation:
This was certainly the best summer I've had since I moved to NY 8 years ago. It's great to know that I have lots of good friends to spend my time with and who all still know how to have a good time. It's one of those times in my life I'll be able to look back on fondly when I'm a senior citizen waiting in line for the early bird at the IHOP and I tell my friends from the rest home, "back in my day...". Good times.
1. Toronto/Megabus/We Will Rock You:
My friend Jessica and I took a veeeeeeeerrrrrryyyyyyy long bus ride from NYC to Toronto just to see a musical. It was really exciting on a couple of levels; because I can't remember the last time I had a trip to anywhere that didn't involve family and because I finally got my passport. The city was beautiful, the food was wonderful, the sites were amazing, and the show was a bunch of fun with a really cute leading French-Canadian man. Mon dieu! Il était très beau.
2. Coney Island/Brooklyn Cyclones/Wonder Wheel:
I finally got of my butt and arraigned to have a group of current and ex-pat Vic'ers go to a ball game. A really decent sized group of us sat in the outfield bleachers on a gorgeous Friday night eating Nathans, trying to catch freebie shirts, and cheering for the home team. We ended our night with fireworks, fried dough and cotton candy, and a group ride in the Wonder Wheel (a stationary car, not the very scary swing car). A couple of us even rode the water flume that evening. From Coney Island to Astoria on the local N in sopping wet clothes in an air conditioned subway car. Fun.
3. Six Flags/Morality Police/That Sick-to-Your-Stomach Feeling by Noon:
On the last unofficial weekend of summer, me and part of my crew bused it out to,... well, we weren't quite sure, other than we knew we were in Jersey, to go to Six Flags. I haven't rode a roller coaster in like 8 years. I discovered that day that the amusement park is striving to become more wholesome and family friendly (ie: the little rule card you received prior to your park entry. No cursing, no midriffs, no smoking outside of the predesignated roped off 4x4 areas, etc... and it was enforced before our eyes!) and that I'm officially an old lady. I made it through 5 coasters and the air tram prior to lunchtime before I had to admit to myself that I'm not a teenager and can't take this tasting-my-stomach feeling.
I also learned that day that woman can not survive on chicken and potatoes alone. Where were the vitamins?!
4. Indiana/High School Graduation/Endless Pontoon Rides:
In as few words as possible...lots of corn fields; the step-kid didn't graduate; I didn't fish, but I got at least 3 books read.
5. Pool Parties/Psychiatrist/Other:
Other events of the summer include...
*graduating college
*swimming in a private pool (it's good to have friends who have things you can take advantage of)
*staring therapy with my other (and it's going... and going... and going...)
*attending summer concerts (Billy Idol and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
*going to the library for fun and not for assignments
*having every weekend off during the summer (I have not had Saturday AND Sunday off since I was unemployed)
*seeing lots of theatre (few good, most horrendous)
*and my never-before-seen Donna Reed impersonation (I cooked and cleaned house like a good little house wife-bleach!).
In summation:
This was certainly the best summer I've had since I moved to NY 8 years ago. It's great to know that I have lots of good friends to spend my time with and who all still know how to have a good time. It's one of those times in my life I'll be able to look back on fondly when I'm a senior citizen waiting in line for the early bird at the IHOP and I tell my friends from the rest home, "back in my day...". Good times.
8.29.2008
I regret to report the following information
I received a one-two punch this afternoon while reading one of my favorite local news sources, Gothamist. At your own caution, please read this article.
Now, I loves me the grits. When I see grits offered on a New York City restaurant menu my inner child jumps up an down with joy, and, of course, I order them. And when I have the time, I will make grits at home (to be more exact, cheese grits, yum!). I never knew that you weren't supposed to inspect your grains (ie, grits, rice, quinoa, etc) before you cooked them. I just thought was something everyone did, you know, to check for pebbles and bugs. Oops. My bad for assuming. Apparently, basic food preparation, and basic respect for grits, is not something this restaurant is concerned with.
Too bad, because secondly, this restaurant was on the cupcake challenge list of places to purchase from in the future. It looks like we'll have to strike it off of the official roster. Can't you see the comments now? Cake: 6. Crunchy and full of protein. Dee-lish.
Now, I loves me the grits. When I see grits offered on a New York City restaurant menu my inner child jumps up an down with joy, and, of course, I order them. And when I have the time, I will make grits at home (to be more exact, cheese grits, yum!). I never knew that you weren't supposed to inspect your grains (ie, grits, rice, quinoa, etc) before you cooked them. I just thought was something everyone did, you know, to check for pebbles and bugs. Oops. My bad for assuming. Apparently, basic food preparation, and basic respect for grits, is not something this restaurant is concerned with.
Too bad, because secondly, this restaurant was on the cupcake challenge list of places to purchase from in the future. It looks like we'll have to strike it off of the official roster. Can't you see the comments now? Cake: 6. Crunchy and full of protein. Dee-lish.
8.20.2008
response to Isaac
If you haven't had the chance to read Isaac's post from yesterday regarding the interviews he's been conducting, please take the time to click here and read it before you continue with my post.
You're done? Ok.
The following one-sided conversation took place today between 11:00am and 11:05am.
Isaac's voicemail message: Hi, you've reached Isaac, [job title and job location withheld]. Please leave a message.
Me (in a blase sounding voice): Um, hi. I'm returning a call from this number (munching on corn chips). I'm waiting for a call for a job I applied for (crunch, smack). Oh, wait a sec. I've gotta turn down my Law and Order. I love that Stabler. He's so cute. Anyway, this is Tara [last name withheld] and I'm looking to relocate from Chicago. I think I want to do that. I'm not sure (crunch, chip bag rustling). So, I guess... yeah. I think that's it. Ok. Bye.
You're done? Ok.
The following one-sided conversation took place today between 11:00am and 11:05am.
Isaac's voicemail message: Hi, you've reached Isaac, [job title and job location withheld]. Please leave a message.
Me (in a blase sounding voice): Um, hi. I'm returning a call from this number (munching on corn chips). I'm waiting for a call for a job I applied for (crunch, smack). Oh, wait a sec. I've gotta turn down my Law and Order. I love that Stabler. He's so cute. Anyway, this is Tara [last name withheld] and I'm looking to relocate from Chicago. I think I want to do that. I'm not sure (crunch, chip bag rustling). So, I guess... yeah. I think that's it. Ok. Bye.
8.18.2008
as if I needed another reason
We, the people of the box office, in order to form a more perfect day, hate, hate, hate, HATE going to the Duane Reade on Broadway between 42nd and 43rd Streets, and try to find reason beyond reason to avoid it. Not only do they have about 2/3 less snack food inventory than the Readage on 42nd and 8th has, not only are the people who work there less caring and less on top of their jobs than their counterparts on the west side are, but now it is more dangerous to walk to that particular location.
As found in my favorite local news source, Gothamist, glass fell from one of the upper floors of 1 Times Square yesterday. As construction continues on the desperately awaited Walgreens that will soon grace our neighborhood in said building, material from a level that is not being worked on crashed onto a car below. Thankfully, nobody was hurt.
It's not the flying debris from one of the superfluous construction projects in the Times Square area that concerns me. It's the inconvenience of having a drugstore, in possibly one of the best locations ever imagined because it is so close to my office, having one more strike against it. If only I didn't have to walk a half of block further so I can get staples such as baked cheesy puffs and lime corn chips. What a life I could have had.
As found in my favorite local news source, Gothamist, glass fell from one of the upper floors of 1 Times Square yesterday. As construction continues on the desperately awaited Walgreens that will soon grace our neighborhood in said building, material from a level that is not being worked on crashed onto a car below. Thankfully, nobody was hurt.
It's not the flying debris from one of the superfluous construction projects in the Times Square area that concerns me. It's the inconvenience of having a drugstore, in possibly one of the best locations ever imagined because it is so close to my office, having one more strike against it. If only I didn't have to walk a half of block further so I can get staples such as baked cheesy puffs and lime corn chips. What a life I could have had.
8.12.2008
alla rip van winkle
If it wasn't for the comment of concern from laurenj, it probably would have been another week or so until my next post. I feel like I fell asleep from my blog and woke up 100 years later. But since there is a demand for my writing, I am willing to oblige.
Where-o-where has tarak been over the last couple of weeks? Well, last week I spent a few days in Toronto. My friend Jessica really wanted to see the musical We Will Rock You (the Queen jukebox musical for those of you not in the know about those sort of things) and invited me along. Toronto is a beautiful city. Really walkable. Surprisingly clean. Tons of green space. If you smooshed Park Slope with Prospect Park, the Financial District, and downtown Tampa together, you would get a close approximation of what Toronto is like. I could easily come back to visit.
There is also a big arts and entertainment community there. Jessica and I got caught in the rain on Tuesday walking to our hotel and we happened to run into a film shot. Anyone want to be an extra? Unfortunately, they weren't hiring that day.
The show was good. That's all I say about that. We ate very well, shopped a lot, and I felt so relaxed the entire trip (minus the bus trip there and back).
I came back on Thursday, went to work on Friday, and got on a bus again on Saturday morning to go to the German Alps Festival in the Catskills at Hunter Mountain. My goodness, talk about one of the most beautiful views I've seen in a long time. I went with my other and we listened to German rock bands, ate extremely good German food, and rode the ski lift to the top of Hunter Mountain. In a little co-inky-dink related to my title, we saw two stone carvers sculpting a Rip Van Winkle statue at the top of the mountain. The carvers only work on the statue during the summer months on the weekends (so people can see the carving process) and they estimated that the statue will be completed in 2010. I may have to go back in a year or two to see how they're coming along.
And then rest day on Sunday. I didn't do a damn thing. Screw the laundry. Not gonna make anything harder than leftovers. It was really nice to just veg.
As to what I was doing the two weeks before my international trip, I've been focusing on being more sensitive and open with my other since we started going to counseling. He's admitted to me that he's never really took to heart much of what I said when it came to our disagreements and now what I've been saying is starting to sink in. As much as it hurt to hear him say that he wasn't listening to me, I'm glad he admitted it.
Well, I guess that's it. Really looking forward to going to see the Cyclones with all of my favorite peeps and also looking forward to today's half day at work. I feel sooooo exhausted and need a nap. But I want an iced coffee. I'm so conflicted, can I have it all?
Where-o-where has tarak been over the last couple of weeks? Well, last week I spent a few days in Toronto. My friend Jessica really wanted to see the musical We Will Rock You (the Queen jukebox musical for those of you not in the know about those sort of things) and invited me along. Toronto is a beautiful city. Really walkable. Surprisingly clean. Tons of green space. If you smooshed Park Slope with Prospect Park, the Financial District, and downtown Tampa together, you would get a close approximation of what Toronto is like. I could easily come back to visit.
There is also a big arts and entertainment community there. Jessica and I got caught in the rain on Tuesday walking to our hotel and we happened to run into a film shot. Anyone want to be an extra? Unfortunately, they weren't hiring that day.
The show was good. That's all I say about that. We ate very well, shopped a lot, and I felt so relaxed the entire trip (minus the bus trip there and back).
I came back on Thursday, went to work on Friday, and got on a bus again on Saturday morning to go to the German Alps Festival in the Catskills at Hunter Mountain. My goodness, talk about one of the most beautiful views I've seen in a long time. I went with my other and we listened to German rock bands, ate extremely good German food, and rode the ski lift to the top of Hunter Mountain. In a little co-inky-dink related to my title, we saw two stone carvers sculpting a Rip Van Winkle statue at the top of the mountain. The carvers only work on the statue during the summer months on the weekends (so people can see the carving process) and they estimated that the statue will be completed in 2010. I may have to go back in a year or two to see how they're coming along.
And then rest day on Sunday. I didn't do a damn thing. Screw the laundry. Not gonna make anything harder than leftovers. It was really nice to just veg.
As to what I was doing the two weeks before my international trip, I've been focusing on being more sensitive and open with my other since we started going to counseling. He's admitted to me that he's never really took to heart much of what I said when it came to our disagreements and now what I've been saying is starting to sink in. As much as it hurt to hear him say that he wasn't listening to me, I'm glad he admitted it.
Well, I guess that's it. Really looking forward to going to see the Cyclones with all of my favorite peeps and also looking forward to today's half day at work. I feel sooooo exhausted and need a nap. But I want an iced coffee. I'm so conflicted, can I have it all?
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