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/