SAVE The CHIMPS !!!!!

Save the Chimps is an organization run out of Florida by Dr. Carole Noon, who rescues Chimpanzees from research facilities, the pet trade and entertainment companies. If you and your children need a great New Year's Eve project that will hold the imagination for years to come I recommend you go and adopt a chimp.

These are incredible animals who have all been abandoned by their human counterparts and some have spent decades in windowless cages waiting for their fate to unfold.

Because this is a sanctuary and the goal is to give these animals peace in their golden years it is not open to the public for tours but their website keeps you up to date and even offers a kids section to visit.

Please take a look ....the stories will blow you away. www.savethechimps.org

Retails Sales... What Sales?

I can't tell you how the rest of the retailers in New York City are responding to the after Christmas sales rush, but I can tell you that on the Upper East Side in Yorkville the place is virtually sale free.

In search of post Xmas sales I began by scanning the local drug stores seeking those wonderful bath and body gift sets which I usually get for half price. Unbelievably, I could find none. I also observed that the in store Xmas sections where last year there were deep discounts this year... forget-about-it.

I also visited a collection of shoe stores scattered on 86th street. I was enticed in by the big signs with huge letters screaming 70% off and above in tinny tiny letters.."up too". Ignoring my past experience with such signage I took a walk into these stores. No surprise I couldn't find any of that "specially marked merchandise" that was actually 70% off. Someone must have bought out the entire two pairs of shoes that would legally protect the store from false advertising. I was foiled again.

Sadly, in my humble opinion this was the worst after Xmas shopping that I have ever seen and I'm beginning to think that maybe these retailers and us shoppers are locked in some kind of retail tango. Are we the shoppers holding out for bargains by punishing the retailers? Are the retailers in retaliation punishing us shoppers with crappy sales? Maybe so. Get out there and let me know what you think.

The Birth of Jesus at God's expense

At the Midnight Mass last night the atmosphere was festive and musical. Red and white poinsettias covered the altar, harp and horn players complimented the choir. The priest, Jennifer Linman talked about the purpose of the celebration the birth of Jesus. The man that came to change the world...and did.

Ironically Jennifer was about six months pregnant herself and confessed to a new found affinity for this most precious birth.

As she talked about the love and magic and mystery of giving life as a woman I wondered to myself what did this birth mean to God, the father of Jesus.

The closest thing I have to experiencing the innocence and love of an infant is misplaced in my little Chihuahua Henry. His innocence I want to protect, my heart simply bursts with love when I glance at him and the thought that I would choose to give him away to someone else to be ultimately tortured to death made me shutter. It also helped me understand, finally understand the great sacrifice God made for us. He gave his son. That little son he so loved and wanted to protect and nurture and wanted to be safe and happy. He gave that son knowing what his end would be, the suffering he would experience the pain and horror of mankind in action. Who among us could give our infants over to such a journey willingly, knowingly and with love. Not me.

And I thought to myself. For all the celebration that we have on the day of the birth of Jesus, it must have been a very sad day for God.

When in Doubt get off your A** and Merry Xmas

Whenever I feel like my life is in the dumps, when I bitch and complain about what I should have, where my career should be, the time I've missed , the chances I've lost ,I turn to my church.

Not only do I find God here but I find the best Homeless feeling program in NYC. It takes place at the Church of the Epiphany on 74th and York and is run by Jeanette Gautier- who feeds over a hundred people ever Wednesday of the week, ran or shine, sleet or hail. Hat's off to Jeanette!

This Xmas Eve Peter and I volunteered to help. Not only is the food top quality but we've even got a Zagat's rating. See our very pregnant Priest Jennifer Linman in a group shot to the right and Deacon Horace White below saying the Lord's prayer.

Merry Xmas to all.

Kennedy for Senator?

How to Get your Name in PRINT.

Have you even picked up a video and read the movie review printed on the back and front? Let me do you one better. Have you ever looked at the names of the people doing the review and noticed that they come from some of the most obscure radio stations and newspapers around ?
Well, I have and I have uncovered a very deep and dark writer's secret.

The fastest way for a writer to get their name in print is write a review for a really really bad movie. Call it ,"fantastic"," the best movie ever", " spellbinding" and don't forget "Oscar worthy". This should insure that your name gets published on video covers and distributed throughout the world.

Happy Hanuka to All!!

Happy Hanuka! To all my friends. Please keep in your heart good thoughts for the many Jewish families and charities that have suffered due to the financial tragedy that has occurred in their community.

SHOES Galore

For all you cozy upper east siders who don't like to travel on the subway (like myself)this trip is a no brain-er, and well worth the bother. There is a store called Shoe Mania on 14th street which is having and unbelievable sale. When I say unbelievable I mean unbelievable. Every shoe in the place is 50% off- no exceptions. They have every brand that you can imagine from Rockport, to Mephisto, Reebok and Nike. It's all there!


I walked up from York to 86th and Lex., jumped on the four, and expressed it down to 14th street. In all, it took me twenty-minutes. My husband and I scored two pairs of Doctor Martins for eighty bucks. I felt like I was stealing them. Finally I was able to relate to the woman in the Ikea commercial that looks at her bill, sees it is so low, and madly runs out of the store in case they catch the non error.


I like the Docs because you can't wear em out. They are a sturdy shoe that can take the city potholes and the ice without breaking my neck. ( I'm sure you all know how I feel about heels!).

I suggest that you pick up a pair of shoes or two and then head across the street to a winter wonderland shoppers delight. You'll feel like you're in Santa's Village with cute little shops offering unique gift ideas for all budgets.

SAVE THIS DATE.. Sun Dec 7th at 5:00

The tree lighting at the Carl Schurz Park is here. Come neighbours and friends bring babies and doggies too.

The festivities start at 5:00 sharp and there will be caroling, hot apple cider, cookies , music and singers.

I've been going to this for years and it keeps getting bigger and bigger so I suggest you dress warm and come a bit early.

This is a great way to meet your neighbours and start the Xmas season off right!!!! SEE YOU THERE.

I saw The Amazing Journey Again. It WAS AMAZING

PART ONE OF MY JOURNEY

Remember when I told you about the show I saw at the Logos bookstore over the summer called The Amazing Journey of Juan Diego by Luce Amen? Well, I went to see her perform again tonight at Studios 535 in something called the Square One Series.

Peter and I took the 1 train on the west side and got off at 42nd street. And were we glad we did.

The bright lights of the city couldn't be brighter and the energy buzzed like a hornets nest. That's Peter to your right in Times Square.

The show was a series of experts from different shows from opera to Broadway and theatre works in progress.

Luce began the show and I really urge you to get her C. D. Her songs will move you because not only are they good but they are truly inspired. As if that wasn't enough the quality and sincere commitment of the other performers was top notch! This is not something you can see every day. It was a wonderful evening and I look forward to attending other events at the Square One Series
That's Peter and Luce to your right!

http://www.amazingjjd.com/

What I learned from the Financial Crises

1. I will take some responsibility for this situation.

2. I will not give my money to strangers to manage.

3. I will control my own money

4. Money managers are not smarter than me.

5. People with money are not better than me.

6. I will not donate to charities unless they give back.

7. I do not need a new car every two years.

8. A bigger house will not make my family love me.

9. A home is not an investment. It is a home.

10. I will pay off my home before I buy anything.

11. I will tend my own garden.

Happy THANKSGIVING

Happy thanksgiving to all my readers and friends. I have a lot to be thankful this year and although I cooked my turkey last week I got caught up in the buzz around town and had to buy another.

The Shady Brooke Turkey's at the Morton Williams on 84th and first were on my mind and I headed there around 7:00 tonight. Unfortunately where I got there the unthinkable happened. There were no Shady Brooke Turkey's left only the really expensive ones and since I'm on a budget I wasn't about to pop for a sixty- dollar turkey.

As I wheeled my red cart up the turkey isle, I noticed that a woman was hugging a Shady Brooke in hand. She had stopped her race to the counter and was asking someone how these turkey's were.

I said nothing. I wanted that last bird and I wasn't about to blow it for myself. Shady Brooke was good... damn good I tested them last week. I watched her as she discussed the differences with a guy who had a Butterball in his cart. I tried to appear uninterested as I perused the steak my back turned but my Spock ears focused like radar to the conversation.

Finally the lady looked at the Butterball and put the Shady Brooke back in the meat department. Finally, the bird was mine. all mine. and I grabbed that twenty-five pounder and pitched it into my cart. I had landed the last Shady Brooke in the store! God was good.
By the time I checked out there were about five turkey's left. Had Manhattan gone turkey loco? Was everyone on the island cooking a bird? How could a store run out of turkeys? Yet this had come to pass.

P.S. For those of you who are last minute shoppers, it's going to be hard to find a bird tomorrow so be forewarned.

Happy TURKEY DAY!

I just want to wish all my friends a Happy Thanksgiving. I've got a lot to be thankful for this year. I will be publishing my first book and I'm much loved by my mom and dad. (see dad in pic)

Although I've never met a Turkey my mom bought a Shady Brooke Turkey from the Morton Williams on 84th and first. Last week she cooked one just to taste test and it was delicious. Turkey day is one of my favorites. I get all kinds of tasty turkey snacks and my little belly goes YUM, YUM..........It's doggy heaven on Turkey day.

Where to buy your Turkey Pan

The overly priced days of the Turkey Pan on the Upper East Side are over. It kills me to spend five bucks on a pan I know is only worth a dollar and I have found a solution.

On 84th and York Avenue there is a fruit and vegetable stand at "U Don't Know Nothing Produce". Walk to the back of the store, look up and you will see sturdy Turkey Pans available at a great price.

I bought the round one and cooked my turkey a couple of days ago. I just can't take the pressure to cook one on Thanksgiving. Now I'm free to spend the day giving thanks not cooking like a madwoman.

I can't tell you where but......

I can tell you that when you're in the know in the artistic community in NYC you get invited to very private parties at lofts in the city. What takes place?

Well, if you've ever been to a club like the Blue Note then you know the quality of musicians that exist. These musicians need an audience to test new material, hear personal composition and share a chat, cheese and wine and good cheer. That's where I come in. I can't tell where but I can tell you who.

The musician I was privileged to listen to was the bassoonist Michael Rabinowitz, with Nikki Denner on piano and Denner's husband who played an awesome flute. From Mozart, to Monk to private compositions and good old fashioned improv, I couldn't have been in better company. If you get a chance to see them play I advise you do so.

How to get RID of a Bill Collector

The rope around our necks these days are credit reports, and scores. This is simply a set of numbers that label us worthy of buying stuff we can't afford. I have found that collection companies use this power to scare, intimidate and threaten us lowly consumers.

How do you get around this? Well, I have been an artist for many years so getting credit, securing credit or even wanting credit has never factored in my mindset.

The trick here is NOT to get intimated. A credit score cannot define you as a human being, so DON'T let it. I'll give you an example of a phone call I got from a collection agency the other day...it went like this.

MR .B: Ms. Hall, this is Mr. Branson with blah blah,blah.. and you owe us twelve hundred dollars, how would you like to settle that? I can take your checking account right over the phone.
ME: Well, Mr. Branson, I'm not paying for something I didn't receive.

MR. B: Ms. Hall the good news is that your credit score hasn't been affected.

ME: Really Mr. Branson, that's the best news I heard all day.

MR. B: Ms. Hall we can take your checking account over the phone.

ME: I don't have one. (NEVER GIVE YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT OVER THE PHONE)

MR. B: Ms. Hall the good news is that your credit score hasn't been affected.

ME: Well, Mr. Branson, you better get started my credit score needs to be affected.

ME: Hello? Mr. Branson? Hello?

This is the first time a bill collector ever hung up on me. The key? Don't let them get to you with this credit report thing. Chances are the worse the economy gets the government will decide to give us all a second chance and clear our credit scores down to ZERO. Then we can all start again.

"

RUN Don't WALK!!!! to Gristedes on 86th and FIRST

Run, don't walk to the Gristedes on 86th and first avenue and pick up the best coffee cake you'll ever have- for the holiday season only!!!

The most wonderful delicious, homemade, no preservatives, no artificial flavors MY GRANDMA'S of New England Coffee Cake has arrived. Not only with it blow your mind but it's a perfect gift, in a sturdy box, and comes in its' own freezer bag. With flavours, like Granny Smith Apple, Cinnamon Walnut, Cape Cod Cranberry , Chocolate Chip Walnut, and Golden Raspberry you can't go wrong for yourself or your friends on this holiday season.

This cake was served as a favorite at NYC's Tea Room at the Plaza, the Ryder cup and the U.S Tennis Open. Known as the "rage of the east coast" I promise this cake will live up to all the buzz. Thank me later.

If there is none left... call to order 1-800-847 2636 or visit www.mygrandma.com

The MOST Beautiful Tree

The most beautiful tree stands in front of me

On 83rd and York on an unassuming street,

Where I buried one fish and a bird.

This tree, this beautiful tree, did God make this?

Did God make this just for me?

To see?

I'm Ranting about Heels Again.

When I was in college I took a class on semiology. Semiology is the study of signs and symbols in society and culture. For example when a writer writes. "A woman in a red dress stood on the sidewalk". The study of signs and symbols isolates the image of the red dress and asks what does a red dress mean to the culture in which it exists? In this case in our culture red dresses are associated with women of the evening, they infer sexy and sex and a woman who is looking for the same.

Recently, I asked myself what is the semiology of high heels? Well, besides shrinking the Achilles tendon, pushing the hips forward so the back is forced to arch unnaturally, and cause excruciating pain when worn at work, what do high heels mean?

According to "Sex in the City" high heels are sexy which was celebrated by the photographer Helmut Newton in the seventies. So assuming that high heels are a sign to men that the woman wearing them wants sex what else do they inter.

Well a woman who is wearing high heels cannot run from a pursuing male. And even if she does run she is likely to trip and fall or hurt herself. Therefore a woman is high heels immobilizes herself and becomes easy prey for a male pursuer. She cannot run from a man. She has rendered herself helpless of her own free will. She is powerless, she has become an easy target to be victimized.

Ladies... I ask you, "Is this image what you want your husbands and sons find sexy?"

Lost My Friend Sally

Yesterday I woke up and discovered that my friend Sally had had a stroke. Her eyes were moving from right to left erratically and her back legs were useless. Sally, was thirteen years old. I got her from the Animal Control center on 110th and first avenue in Manhattan when she was around eight years old. She'd been abandoned by a family due to "allergies" (yeah right)! and during her stay at the pound had starved herself into a bag of bones. I remember that I could count every vertebrae on her back. She was starved and depressed and her eyes had a blank look. Sally had lost her will to live.

Over a couple of months my husband and I nursed her back to health only to find she was a wild untrained child that we had to train to walk on a leash. Slowly, Sally worked her way into our hearts, she got along with her little brother Henry and the three cats like she'd always been part of the family.

She also had a talent for opening the refrigerator and helping herself. I often came home to an open fridge and no food. There was Sally squiggling on her back, "I know I did wrong, don't punish me", and I never could. I learned not to leave cold cuts on the lower shelves and to hide the cheese. I didn't care about that... Sally was the first creature that made me feel safe. Sally was a guard dog with a big heart.

The morning Sally had her stroke I called a local vet to ask what it would cost me to put my best friend down. They said they'd call me back and did so after and hour. Can you imagine they made me wait for an hour?

The girl on the phone told me it would be three hundred and fifty five dollars. I knew these NYC vets were extreme but this was ridiculous. She then called me back a half hour later and announced that she got the price wrong it was five-hundred and fifty five dollars due to Sally's size. I hung up the phone, satisfied that all the vet nightmare stories I'd heard from friend were true. They were going to hit me while I was down but I had other plans. I called the ASPCA and for a third the price I was able to take Sally by pet taxi over to the facility. It was a wonderful experience, the nurses patted and talked to Sally and she wagged her tail. Sally. was ready to go and I got the sense that she understood. Her body hadn't been cooperating for a while and although she 'd hang on to the death if I asked her too... I didn't have the heart to ask.

I love you Sally , my guardian friend. May god bless you may your spirit burn bright. Thank you my dog dog thank you.

My first Time at the Christian Science Church

Last night I attended a meeting at the Christian Science Church on 77th and Park Avenue, actually called the Eighth Church of Christ, Scientist, NYC

I was wary, suspicious. Who were these people? What were they about? But, since I was invited by a woman who I trusted I took the plunge. The building was incredibly done in a simple art deco narrative. Well, lit, welcoming and modern it was a a big difference from the style of my church the Church of the Epiphany on 74th and York avenue.

The altar was not an altar at all but the most beautiful organ I'd even seen. I must admit that the decor matched the quality of the speech which was given by a man named Michael Pabst. He explained that God made us all as originals and made no mistakes so we had to find ways celebrate our own individual and unique state of being. I'm giving you only a sample of what was said but this "truth" struck me and made me feel less like an oddball and more like a gift from god.

It was a good night for me.

Marathon Sunday in NYC

No only was the weather awesome for a run today but my husband and I decided to go to China Town to our favorite restaurant, pick up some shrimp from the seafood market on Canal street, and some of the mushroom soy sauce which I have come to love. It was not until I shopped at a grocery store in Chinatown that I realized that there were hundreds of kinds of soy sauces all different flavours. On the upper east side the grocery stores only carry Kikoman and La Choy. A world of soy sauces has opened up to me and I'm having a ball exploring this.


I am also intending to hit the Old Navy store, having seen their T.V. commercials that stated they had turtlenecks at a price of two for ten dollars just for the weekend. I desperately needed some turtle necks and I love a bargain so I made the plunge.

The plan was to walk to the subway of 86th and Lex, take the six down to Spring street walk down Broadway, hit Old Navy, and then walk up Canal to Chinatown.

As soon as we got to first avenue however the streets were closed and the runners were running.
Congratulations to all who ran this great race, I wish I had the guts but I'm getting older and I scared to hurt my knees. So we stood and cheered them on.
This was about 26 miles along on the race and I actually saw a girl who was a spectator take off her jacket revealing full runners gear, jump over the barries and join the race. Running with her arms up like she'd been running all along.
Big fat cheater, whoever you are!!!!!! I saw you!!!!

After about an hour the runners thinned out and we crossed the street to make our way up to the six train and took it down to Spring Street.

We got off we headed toward Broadway and to the Old Navy, I was terribly jazzed about those turtle necks. They looked warm and modern on the commercials and who could say no to such a deal. Two for ten dollars. Right up my alley.

As I entered the enormous store I looked right and left- no turtle necks. I made my way down the aisle to the back dragging my husband in tow. My eyes scanned the heaps of clothes...no turtle necks. Finally I found a supervisor. I explained that I was looking for the turtle necks that were on sale, two for ten dollars and advertised on the T.V. commercial. She looked at me thoughtfully. "No", she said. "Nothing like that here".

"But", I began. "Did you see the commercials?"
"Yes, I did", she admitted, "but here not here".

"Thanks" I said and walked away. I was sideswiped. I was fooled, I was a victim of false advertising. And I was hungry, really hungry. Too hungry to fight. Old Navy was lucky this time.

We walked up Canal to our favorite Chinese restaurant.
If you like dim sum this is the place and if you like football, they have a flat screen TV, so ladies it's easy to get your man to take you there on a Sunday afternoon. It's called Mandarin Court on 61 Mott street.

That's my husband watching football after eating a roast duck and sharing a little dim sum with me. He cooks the best shrimp so were going to pick up some at the local fish market where you will find the best seafood at the best priced in Manhattan.

After that I'm going to get my mushroom soy sauce, some hot chili pepper and some sesame oil.

Then were headed home to feed the dogs and cats and settle in for the night.

Am I blessed or what?

STRANGE SIGHTINGS on the Upper East Side

Welcome to the world of the senior citizens of the Upper East Side. On this rainy day the woman to your right decided that her umbrella had to remain open at the Morton Williams grocery store on 82nd and first. The manager approached her after she knocked several people in the head and pointed out the problem. In response she hit him with a handbag and continued to shop much to the dismayed public.

MY SECRET To PASTA SUCCESS

I've often been asked," how the hell do you make such great pasta?" And here it is my secret finally revealed.
Bertolli Vodka Sauce. This stuff is great. It's the only sauce that I dare pour directly from the jar onto the pasta.
And for a great Chicken Cacciatori, fry chicken, drain it pour over a can of crushed tomatoes, let it stew and when almost ready crack out the Bertoilli Vodka sauce and pour it over the chicken. I promise that it will the best Chicken Cacciatori ever.
.....And modelling the jar is my husband Peter and his cat Luke.

A beauty day at the Carl Schurz Park

There was not a bench to be had in the Carl Schurz Park this weekend. This is the beauty that I wake up to every day. Talk about blessed!

On Sunday the sun was out, the sky blue and the water even bluer. I love the fact that I can sit by the water on any given day and watch the boats chug their way into the NYC harbour. For some reason I need to be around water and in a big city you'd think that would be impossible but somehow, someway I ended up in the best place in the world and I thank god for that everyday.

But in New York there are always "strange sightings. First I saw a lady with at parrot which was really cool. But then it happened as it often does in this city of strangers.

As I sat on the bench with my husband and dogs I spotted a
flash of red out of the corner of my eye. As I focused on red to my horror I saw a middle aged man dressed in red pants, but not red shorts red puffy pants he was in petty coat shorts jogging in between the benches and the guard rails- shirtless and sweaty.

I thought to myself this is why man needs a mate. This man would have never gotten out of the house dressed like that if he had a partner. But there he was running loose in all his glory proudly shaking his junk for all to see.
There is never a dull day in NYC.

Atlanta Housewives Kim Grow UP

On Atlanta Housewives this week Kim the sweet blond to the left has decided to be a Country Music Star. Forget she's never performed or for that matter sung in public. But she actually believes that she can buy herself a place with country greats the like of Dolly Parton.

Yes Kim has money in fact she has a sugar daddy who'll buy her anything or anyone. Lost in this fantasy she has spent thousands of dollars to take a photo shoot for her album and hired some big wig producer....but to produce what? No one knows. Apparently the singing factor had alluded this pretty blond. Baby your sugar daddy can't help. In fact all the money or the tantrums in the world can't help LOL.

But guess what Kim? No one can buy talent and you have none so grow up or get your ass in a booked in a couple of clubs do a cross country tour and then we'll talk.

On the flip side Nene has captured my heart and respect. I met her husband for the first time and the man is all class. He's keeper and if anything the other girls are jealous of the love he has for you so... note to Nene: Don't blow it!

Nene wears her heart on her sleeve and she seems out of place she doesn't have the hard edge and cold heart that some of the other's cultivate. And that came clear when Kim turned on her BFF Nene because Nene can actually sing. I hope Nene gets the knife out of her back and keeps a look out for Kim because she's twisting it.

High Heel Nighmares on Fox Red Eye

Enough already with these crippling contraptions. On Fox Red Eye last night it was brought to my attention that women are electing for toe surgery. That's right toe surgery?

Apparently, the surgeon peels off the skin surrounding your toe, pulls back the sinew and muscle till your toe bone is reveled.

After that the surgeon saws off the bone until your toe reaches the preferred size.

And what's all this for. So women can have pretty toes while wearing heels high heels. That way when they bread their ankle or suffer from back pain they will look pretty. And the best part is that a ten inch heel is being released for the latest summer looks.

Is this sick or what?

And how come we have no equivalent contraption that we strap to our sons feet. Yet our daughters are vulnerable. Come on mom's get this fetish off the streets.

A Halloween Party at the Carl Schurz Park

Every year there is a very special Halloween Party in the Carl Schurz Park called the Halloween Howl. This is a time of years where dogs and their owners dress up in costumes and prance around for prizes, cookies and treats. It has become a neighbourhood tradition in this part of the world.

Upper east side dogs are very savvy and they know their in costume and get into it with their owners ..big time! This event tons of fun, and very kid friendly so bring a camera. And if there is such a thing as reincarnation I'm hoping to reserve a place as an Upper East side dog in Manhattan.

This is a pic of my dog Henry and myself . Henry is in costume as a chicken which he has worn every year for the past ten years.

So you don't miss any more events at the park.

The annual Caroling and Tree Lighting Celebration is coming up on Sunday December 7th between East End and 86th from 5:30 to 6:30.

Their website is http://www.carlschurzpark.org/.

My Investing Tip of the Week

Something to recommend to clients…especially since the market is down!!!


Retirement Planning
If you had purchased $1000.00 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be worth $49.00.

With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1000.00. With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left.

If you had purchased $1000 of Delta Air Lines stock you would have $49.00 left.

But, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer/wine one year ago, drank all the beer/wine, then turned in the cans/bottles for the recycling REFUND, you would have had $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to Drink heavily and recycle.

The Housewives of Atlanta: You go girls!

Who says money changes people. These housewives are keeping it real. I watched and laughed, I fell in love. These girls own who they are. Money yeah, they have a lot, I mean a lot of money but their fun and wonderful and I love them.

Don't miss this show on Bravo.

Weekend Overtime in Yorkville

This weekend is particularly busy in the hood. It's street fair bonanza. On 84th street between York and First Avenue ( one block from my house ) is a combination Farmer's Market and Church Fair. The Farmer's market brings in the freshest produce from local farms in the area. You can get anything from fresh garden green beans, to apple pies, and local seafood. It feels like you're at a real country fair smack dab in the middle of the city. Not only that when is the last time you've seen someone selling Tupperware? I was surprised to find out it still existed.

I also ran into a very strange man selling his used C.D. collection. He pointed out where the sale bin was and announced the sale price was $4.00. I took a look and finding it mostly classical. I stopped on a C.D. of Evita.

"Good pick!", he announced. He proceeded to tell me that it would cost $6.00 because it contained two C.D.'s. Then he picked up the C.D. and informed me that it would be $8.00 because it had a scratch on it.

I thought to myself , "a scratch? was this guy nuts? Was he really selling C.D.'s or was this a cover for something else?"

Before my writers imagination could get the better of me I cautiously put the C.D. down , very slowly, turned, and walked away.

Piggy- backing on the Farmer's Market this weekend celebrates St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, so the Hungarian Catholic church , Saint Stevens (located on the same block). has included a food court . Is is complete with homemade sauerkraut, cabbage rolls and fresh kobassa and indifferent Hungarian hospitality. They also have lots of donated second hand stuff. The kind of stuff you look at and then decide you don't really want.

By the time I got there I was crudely told there was NO FOOD. So, I proceeded next door to the hamburger and hot dog grills and boy was I glad I did. Never in my life, my whole life have I had a burger that was so amazing. Grilled, crispy on the outside Angus beef.....the BEST.

I recommend you get down there just to try a burger and tell me what you think.

My Bibles and Brewskies Class

Yes, I believe in God and even if I didn't this is a great event to attend if you live on the Upper East Side, or wherever for that matter.
We read passages from the bible and we discuss like rational human beings. We talk, we debate, we throw out ideas and we bond.

You don't even have to worry about religion. This is about discussing a really big book that had influenced our culture for many, many years. Religion is not a requirement and we'd love to hear from anyone who can offer some input.

I suggest that you take the first Wednesday of every month and put it on your calender. That's 7:00 o'clock at the church of the Epiphany on 74th and York.

But the way that's the priest, Jennifer in the middle. You can't get cooler. So do yourself a favour and drop by, bring a beer or some wine, chill, talk, meet someone other then your immediate "group" and enjoy!

By the way... What do you think about the Bible?

Don't Pass this Bill

I really feel that a one family house should not be more that fifty-thousand dollars. We've got to get out heads out of the sand and realize that real estate is NOT a way to make money. Your HOME is a place where you choose to grow yourself and your family. Is should NOT be a place you sell to make money. If your house was only $50,000. you could pay this off and with all that extra money you'd buy stuff, right? You'd buy stuff that gets the economy going. We have been in the noose of paying for where we live paying WAY too much. And we have bought into the idea that where we live is somehow a means to increase our income.

Are you behind in you payments? Maybe one payment from foreclosure? I say RELAX. Let the bank take that house. Just move out for a couple of months. When the bank puts it on the auction block take our your saving in cash, buy it back at a discount rate from the bank free and clear and move into YOUR house.

And don't think for a moment you'll sell it for a profit. This is your HOME. This is where you and your family creates memories, this is a sacred place and that can never be for sale.

Take control. If you've survived and built a family and home you're the smart one. It's time Wall Street figured that one out.

My Two CENTS !!!

I'm finally breaking my silence on this financial crises. They're already starting infomercials on how to cash in and get rich quick. Last year these commercial were all about how to make money in real estate how to leverage and get yourself in a pit of debt. I think these financial advisers to the masses with their seminars all over the country had a lot to do with this and they should accept some responsibility for leading the public down this path of get rich quick schemes. They created this climate.

And oh yeah, the guys on Wall Street? I had a financial crises of my own five years ago and no one came to my door with a check. I was in court trying to hold on to my apartment. I had no where to go no one to call, no one watch my back. I'm not saying nothing should be done, but let me put it to you this way. The wallstreeters are supposedly packed full of whiz kids. They have painted themselved as smart, dynamic and rich. Because of this propaganda people gave their money to them because we were snowed to believe that somehow we can't manage our own money.

I say...if you have so much money that you need to give it to someone else to manage you have too much money.

If these guys got us into this mess because their so smart then let them use their smarts to get out of it. I can however understand their first strategy was to ask Daddy government for a loan. Now let them use all those smarts. LOL

Did this Woman Collapse WAMU?

My BFF Tara called me yesterday to announced her decision to take some serious and swift financial action. Convinced that "the cards were stacked against her", and that the financial crises was a purposeful plot on the part of the Wall Street Elite. As she saw it the bailout was a way for the government especially "those republicans" to get their hands on her money Tara decided to make her move.


At about 3:30 on September 25th 2008, Sara had a light lunch (see pic) picked out a navy blue V-neck dress, complimented it with a pearl necklace and twirled another necklace around her right arm. She then added a touch of make-up , her favorite wig and headed out the door. Bystanders observed by her gate that this woman was on a mission. Being a devout walker Tara passed on the cabs that screeched their brakes to stop for her. One man named Jason Jones remarked " I have never seen a woman that determined it was like.... she was on a mission or something".

Tara made a beeline across the street and entered the bank former known as WAMU. As she entered Ramond Kanoo, the security guard woke from his slumber. Later he commented, "I asked if I could help her and she just glared at me. She got in line and started shaking the pearls on her arm impatiently".

Lisa Wainner a teller and a new temp noticed her right away. "I just got this job....I was on probation....I've got anger issues. I smash art. Before I knew it this woman was standing in front of me that's when the manager stepped in"

"Tara did not look like the kind of client Lisa could handle so I stepped in" reported Kelly Lynn.
"She opened her bag and presented me with her saving account book."

Mary, a woman in line remembered Tara shrieking, "She said something like she wanted all of her money and wanted it now.

I asked her to fill out a withdrawl slip Kelly the manager recalled.

The cameras that recorded this incident clearly shows Tara furiously writing out her slip and handing to the manager.

"I took the slip", said the manager. "Yes there were rumours... we were all nervous that day but she didn't have to do what she did- if she'd only trusted us things might have turned out differently. I had no choice I counted out the money and gave it to her."

Satisfied Tara put the money in her purse. "That I'll feed me for two weeks!" she said.

"Forty- dollars might not be a lot of money for you but it's all I got."

With that Tara turned, exited the bank, crossed the street and retreated into her lair.

The last words that an innocent bystander heard as she entered the apartment were.."That it'll fix em!"

Exactly twenty-four hours on September 26, 2008 the bank formerly known as WAMU folded.
I asked myself, "Was it possible that this woman was the stick that broke the camels back?"

The Magic of Logos

I told you before that this bookstore was a magical place. Tonight it lived up to my expectations. Located on York Avenue between 83rd and 84th street and hidden beyond the books at the back is the "Magical Garden" of Logos. Events take place here all kinds of esoteric and interesting events all complimented by wine and cheese while the dim of Xmas lights soften the night as the sunset crawls out. Tonight I had the privilege of experiencing a special event without even expecting it. I dropped in to visit my husband and found a gathering of folk, a great spread with a Mexican theme, and the promise of live music. Since I rarely experience live music anymore let along someone who plays any kind of instrument I settled in for a listen.

This blond women gets up with her guitar and begins telling a story about a kid in Mexico who sees the Virgin Mary who tells him to go to Mexico city and tell the bishop that she wants a church.

Then the performer breaks in to a really great song. She stops continues her story and sings again. I find myself tapping my foot, engaging with the story, and generally having a good time.

By the end I decided that this was going to be a Broadway musical someday and here I was at the grassroots level experiencing something that I could tell my grand kids about. I suggest you check this out, you and your kids will love it but remember this is not in its final form this is still finding its way. That's what make Logos a "Magical Place" you can witness a journey of something not just some final jazzed-up, sleek- produced product.

If your interested in this the website is http://www.amazingjjd.com/

STRANGE sightings on the Upper East Side

Every once in a while I encounter "strange sightings" in my neighbourhood. The other morning when I was walking my dogs a "strange sighting" walked right by me. There they were these two well built men in matching denim overalls hauling black wheeled

carry-ons behind them. (Please see pic). There they were, but what were they doing? Where were they going? Why were they dressed like farmers?

It was obvious that they didn't belong and it was obvious they were going somewhere. I've seen matching guys like that before but usually they are from the Mormon church up the street and they are dressed in matching white shirts and black dress pants? What church were they from the farmers almanac?

My mind whirled as I fantasized and snapped this picture and then I thought... I need my readers' help. Any theories out there?

IT IS WHAT IS IT IS or THIS SUCKS

I was at a nightclub the other night and got info a conversation with a man in his late twenties on the terrible thing that the Hurricane was. His comment to me was, "well, it is what it is?"

I realized that it was no coincidence when later that evening I got into another conversation with a girl in her twenties about my foster child in Haiti and my difficulty trying to reach her to find out if she was ok. The answer I got? "It is what it is".

Apparently, this is the new lingo of the twenty-ish something crowd. And it really pissed me off. What is that supposed to mean- "It is what it is". Deal with it? Don't bother examining the situation don't bother making suggestions. This attitude sucks. It's the idea nothing can change, nothing can be discussed- it is what it is. Not only does the comment stick but there's an attutide I observed that goes with it. You have to shrug, one shoulder, turn your head-specifically be apathetic and rude. I wondered .... is there a song out there I havent' heared yet. "It is what it is?"

Then I started thinking. This comment wasn't just a comment it was an attitude it was an entire mentality. It goes something like this: So someone murdered your family? No biggy, it is what it is. Your child has cancer? Don't worry, it is what it is? You lost someone in 911? Big deal is it what it is? You lost your eyesight? No worries it is what it is? Hitler murdered millions of Jews? It is what it is. Children and being sold as sex slaves? It is what it is.

And what do you say to someone who has the ignorance to make such a comment? I was taken aback I didn't know what to say. A comment like that stops all dialogue shot. It ends discussion, it's a modern attempt at existential philosophy. In my opinion, for what it's worth, I'd like to officially say that this comment attitude blend sucks it really really sucks. And that my friends is really what it is.
Mrs. Obs. HER Vation....signing off

Hurricane a Coming

As the Hurricane approaches and I watch the Weather Channel, C-Span and the Fox News station. I can hardly believe my eyes and my thoughts and prayers are with the people who will affected by this.
Imagine having to leave your home and when you return all your stuff is ruined, your memories, the heirlooms the little collection of ceramic frogs you might of collected. All GONE! I know we're not supposed to get too attached to stuff, but it's one thing to decide what stays and what goes and then to have everything randomly ripped from you. This is what many people are facing right now and all I can do little by write this blog. Am I really this powerless is the face of mother nature? Sadly, yes I am.. yes we all are, but hopefully thorough prevention and evacuations and the brave spirit of those rescuers we can get through this and minimize the pain.

Blessings Texas

Signing off.....Ms. Obs HER Vation
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Ground Zero. Where is Michelle Obama?

This is a picture of Barack Obama, John McCain, John's wife Cindy and the mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg.

They have come to NYC to visit ground zero.

I wonder however ...Where is Michelle Obama?