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?

BEWARE OF TROLL at the Carl Schutz Park

This is the little dog run at the Carl Schurz on the upper east side of Manhattan. It starts at 85th and York and moves along the river. This is a shot of the little dog run. To the left is the boardwalk and then the river. Here are where the smaller pups of the upper east side frolic and play.


Can you see the dog's frolicking and playing?


I too have a small dog. his name is Henry Hall. My dog is not in the picture because my dog refuses to socialize with the other pups. The small dog run is a great place to meet neighbours and other dog lovers, but I cannot get Henry near the place. When Henry approaches another dog he doesn't sniff, his tail doesn't wag he turns into a loco Tasmanian devil. Henry doesn't care how big the other dog is, in fact the bigger the better. He jumps into the air banishing vicious teeth snarling and growling, his leash held by me is the only thing that keeps him from ripping the innocent Doberman , Pit bull or Great Dane apart.





The big dogs are always started by this whirlwind of the ferocious storm coming at them. Is this a dog? Some crazy little creature? A four legged kibble bomb? No, it's Henry, Henry Hall my dog who I have nicknamed Chucky assaulter of innocent canines.





And what does my dog Henry do when at the park. Well, Henry can be spotted sitting on top of the chess tables like a little troll waiting for big dogs to pass so he can pull a Chucky.
See Henry Hall to the right.

Signing off...Ms. Obs HER Vation

NO Movie Night at the Carl Schurz Park

Sadly, there was NO movie night at the Carl Schurz Park (my favorite park in the universe).


We enjoyed an entire August of watching movies like 'Ghostbusters", "It could happen to you? and another really old film I saw with Tony Curtis about a publicity hound in NYC with a sister fetish. The powers of the Park rented a huge screen, put out seats with free fresh hot popcorn and suddenly what was an ordinary basket-ball court was transformed into an old fashioned drive in- minus the cars. It was one of the most romantic nights Peter (husband)and I spent together this summer. But, tonight, because of the rain there was no movie.

Instead, I headed over to Logos Bookstore on York between 83rd street and 84th street. Logos, is one of the last independent bookstores left on the continent. It's woody, and warm full of great books carefully selected with love. And everywhere you look there's a delight for the eye. From unique gift cards, to indi music, imported Japanese incense, Children's books to Torah's- Logos has things that matter. I love here because it's manageable not like those mega stores where I tend to get lost.

At Logos, I can sit, I can read, I can escape and Logos offers a unique surprise. Hidden in the back far from the view from street is a garden full of all kinds of floras and faunas that make me feel like I'm in a jungle. Who needs the Botanical Gardens? Logos, a literary oasis smack down in New York City. What more could I want? On a rainy day it doesn't get better than this after the rainy day sex, of course.

Ms. Obs HER Vation.....signing off.

THESE DO-HICKIES DRIVE ME NUTS

Ms. Obs HER Vation ...Makes Observations.



I want to know who created the great idea of giving people these annoying little plastic key chain holders? Every store I go into I hear, "Do you have a Duane Reed Card? Do you have a C.V.S. card? Do you have a PetCo card? Do you have a Key Food Card? And every time I have to go in my purse and fish out my key chain and present this card. And for what? I present the card they scan it. Big bloody deal! The store has effectively not only taken my money but taken my time.

Slyly, they cloak this little exercise in the guise of saving me money. One might ask , "How do I actually save money?" Well, I physically have to run around the store and waste my time to look for stickers pasted over specific merchandise for savings that only apply if I can produce the said card.

And should I actually have the gaul get to the counter and not have a card I am bombarded by the clerks rush about, shoving papers in my face that -I MUST fill out!

This process is an information gatherers dream come true. In order to get a card I have to give them my name, address, email even my telephone number. Did you know that if I sadly forget to bring your card they can look me up on the computer using your phone number? That's right all my bare-assed information is out there. Where I was, what time, what I purchased, How I paid, how much I spent! I wonder what they do with all this information? Is it for sale?

But this is what I've been relegated to -a card carrying walking key chain. There was a time when I resisted but sooner of later the store I frequent has really great item on sale. For example, my favorite shampoo ( VO5 Herbal essence "free me freesia- with aloe extract Herbal Shampoo), but with a twist. Buy one "Herbal essence free me freesia shampoo" and get the other "Herbal essense free me freesia moisturizing conditioner for free". It was a sale I couldn't possibly resist and I was caught with my pants down... and with no card to boot. I was a bad person I did not have a card. How long could I have lasted?

In my life as a former resister I once decided to have the nerve to approach the counter without a card. I got the bright idea to ask someone in line to borrow their card so that I could get the coveted discount. I figured it wouldn't be a big deal? But I was wrong. In Manhattan where I live I've actually been told "I don't have a card" when I could see a card in the persons' hand. I've witnessed people slipping their card in their pockets... when I've asked and the clerks have glared at me for holding up the line. It was such instances that finally broke me. I felt I had no choice. I had to get a card but then I thought who says I HAVE to give the correct information.

I decided to make the decision to give a false name, address, phone number and email and what happened? I ended up feeling like a fraud. I was perpetrating some kind of social deviant crime . I was the shit disturber in this information gathering exercise. And in the end what did I have to show for all this aggrevation? One bottle of VO5 Herbal Essense free me frezia shampoo, one corresponding conditioner...and the illusion that I actually got a really great deal!

Ms. Obs Her Vation......signing off